bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ATP6V1B2 DDOD/DOORS-Associated p.Arg506* Variant Causes Hyperactivity and Seizures in Mice
Authors: Rousseau Justine , Tene Tadoum Samuel Boris , Lavertu Jolin Marisol , Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai , Ajeawumg Norbert Fonya , Flenniken Ann M , Nutter Laury , Vukobradovic Igor , Rossignol Elsa , Campeau Philippe M
Published: June 2023

The vacuolar H+-ATPase is a multisubunit enzyme which plays an essential role in the acidification and functions of lysosomes, endosomes, and synaptic vesicles. Many genes encoding subunits of V-ATPases, namely ATP6V0C, ATP6V1A, ATP6V0A1 and ATP6V1B2, have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. The autosomal dominant ATP6V1B2 p.Arg506* variant can cause both deafness, congenital, with onychodystrophy, autosomal dominant (DDOD) and deafness, onychodystrophy, osteodystrophy, mental retardation, and seizures syndromes (DOORS). Some but not all individuals with this truncating variant have intellectual disability and/or epilepsy, suggesting incomplete penetrance and/or variable expressivity. To further explore the impact of the p.Arg506* variant in neurodevelopment and epilepsy, we generated Atp6v1b2emR506* mutant mice and performed standardized phenotyping using the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) pipeline. In addition, we assessed the EEG profile and seizure susceptibility of Atp6v1b2emR506* mice. Behavioral tests revealed that the mice present locomotor hyperactivity and show less anxiety-associated behaviors. Moreover, EEG analyses indicate that Atp6v1b2emR506* mutant mice have interictal epileptic activity and that both heterozygous (like patients) and homozygous mice have reduced seizure thresholds to pentylenetetrazol. Our results confirm that variants in ATP6V1B2 can cause seizures and that the Atp6v1b2emR506* heterozygous mouse model is a valuable tool to further explore the pathophysiology and potential treatments for vacuolar ATPases-associated epilepsy and disorders.
Designing Effective Instructional Feedback Using Diagnostic and Visualization System: Evidence from a High School Biology Class
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhang Xuedi , Wang Zhifeng , Luo Heng
Published: June 2023

Although instructional feedback plays an essential role in regulating learning and improving performance, few studies have systematically investigated the needs of teachers and students for instructional feedback system or developed designs and experiments, especially at the high school level. To address this research need, the present study investigated the needs of selected students and teachers in a high school in Hubei Province, China, and designed and developed a diagnostic visual feedback system for an experimental study with 125 students from a 10th-grade biology class in the same high school. The results showed that this diagnostic visual feedback report improved student performance (ES=0.37) and that functions such as misconception location, knowledge diagnosis, and knowledge alert were well received by students. These findings have multiple implications for facilitating the design and development of diagnostic visual feedback system.
Native Bioagents Influence the Soil Properties-Correlation of the Effect of Native Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and Bacillus on Soil Properties and the Resulting Reduction in Stem Rot Disease of Rice
Authors: V Sowmya , P Maruthi , R Gobinath , G Uma Devi , Rathod Santhosha , P Rajanikant , CH Srivalli , Chinnaswami Kannan , Kumar Sumit , Minkina Tatiana , Sansinenea Estibaliz , Keswani Chetan
Published: June 2023

Soil is a crucial component for plant growth, as it provides water, nutrients, and mechanical support. Various factors, such as crop cultivation, microflora, nutrient addition, and water availability, significantly affect soil properties. Maintaining soil health is important, and one approach is the introduction of native organisms with multifaceted activities. In this study, the effects of four native microbes (Trichoderma asperellum strain TAIK 1, Bacillus cabrialesii strain BIK3, Pseudomonas putida strain PIK1, and Pseudomonas otitidis strain POPS1) and their consortia on soil health, plant growth, and the incidence of stem rot disease caused by Sclerotium oryzae in rice are evaluated. Upon bioagent treatment of soil through seed treatment or soil application, variations in chemical properties of the soil were observed, viz., pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC), available Soil Nitrogen (SN), Soil Phosphorus (SP), Soil Potassium (SK), and soil enzymes (urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase), compared to untreated soils. The treated seeds with the consortia of four native bioagents resulted in a significant increase in plant height (39.16%), number of panicles (30.29%), and average grain yield (41.36%) over control plants. Under controlled conditions, the bioagents-treated plants showed a 69.37% reduction in stem rot disease. The findings of this study indicate a positive correlation between soil properties and plant growth as well as a highly negative association with stem rot disease severity. The results suggest that using native bioagents as a management strategy can control stem rot disease and enhance crop productivity while reducing reliance on chemical interventions. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of sustainable agricultural practices that promote soil health, plant growth, and disease management.
Life Cycle Plasticity in Typhula and Pistillaria in the Arctic and the Temperate Zone
Authors: Hoshino Tamotsu , Yajima Yuka , Degawa Yosuke , Kume Atsushi , Tkachenko Oleg B. , Matsumoto Naoyuki
Published: June 2023

Typhulaceae Jülich is one of the cold-adapted fungal families in basidiomycetes. Typhula (Pers.) Fr. and Pistillaria Fr. representing the family are distinguished from the morphology of a stipe to a hymenium (Fries 1821). The hymenium of Typhula is distinguishable from the stipe, but indistinguishable and consecutive in the genus Pistillaria. This taxonomic criterion is ambiguous, and consequently the opinion of Karsten (1882) has been widely accepted; I the genus Typhula, basidiomata develop from sclerotia, while basidiomata develop directly from substrata in the genus Pistillaris. But, Corner (1970) observed basidiomata of Pistillaria petasitis S. Imai in Hokkaido, Japan, from sclerotia. We collected irregular sclerotia of Typhula hyperborea H. Ekstr. from Upernavik, West Greenland. This specimen had a stipe-like structure on a Poaceae plant, and sclerotia developed on its tip. In August, P. petasitis in Hokkaido, Japan, formed basidiomata directly from substrates on the ground. Similar phenomena were found from other Typhula spp. in Japan. All of these fungi had the potential to produce sclerotia in culture, and as well as the capacity of mycelial growth at ambient air temperatures in each locality when samples were collected. These findings suggest that Typhula spp. developed basidiomata not only from the sclerotia dispersed by the basidiospores but also mycelia generated by the spore germination formed basidiomata multiple times depending on their growth environments.
The Influence of Fatigue Levels on the Performance of Flight Cadets at Vocational Education Institutions
Authors: Wibowo Untung Lestari Nur , Rumani Daniel Dewantoro , Prayitno Hadi , Setiawan Ariyono , Efendi Efendi , Kurniawan Iwan Engkus
Published: June 2023

This research aims to explore the influence of fatigue levels on the performance of flight cadets in Vocational Education Institutions. Through the analysis of Model Summary, ANOVA, and Coefficients, this study identifies the relationship between independent variables (exercise, activity preparation, rest time, workload, and schedule) and the performance of flight cadets. The results of the analysis indicate that Model H1 can account for approximately 32.8 percent of the variation in the performance of flight cadets, with activity preparation and workload variables significantly influencing the performance. However, exercise, rest time, and schedule variables do not have a significant impact. These findings provide valuable insights for educational institutions and trainers to consider factors that can enhance the performance of flight cadets, such as optimizing activity preparation and managing workload. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of other factors that affect the performance of flight cadets, including psychological factors, physical conditions, and the environment, in order to improve the quality of vocational education in the aviation field.
Diversity in Fruit Phytochemical Composition among Lagenaria siceraria Landraces
Authors: Buthelezi Lungelo Given , Mavengahama Sydney , Sibiya Julia , Mchunu Charmaine Nontokozo , Ntuli Nontuthuko Rosemary
Published: June 2023

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley is a food and medicinal plant with a wide range of applica-tions including anti-proliferative, anti-fertility, anti-HIV and anti-cancerous. The current study investigated the phytochemical constituents of L. siceraria fruits using gas chromatog-raphy/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis of L. siceraria n-hexane fruits revealed five isoprenoids which were present in all investigated landraces, 1-Dodecene, 2,3-Dimethyldodecane, E-15-Heptadecenal, Eicosane and Tridecane, 6-propyl. Bioactive molecules with a lower carbon number on their chemical structure such as 1-Dodecene and 2,3-Dimethyldodecane with 12 and 14 carbon structures were recorded at a shorter retention rate range of 9.08-16.29 min over a lower relative peak area ranging from 1.09-6.97 %. While com-pounds with longer carbon chains ranging from 16-20 carbons (E-15-Heptadecenal, Eicosane and Tridecane, 6-propyl) had longer retention rate range of 13.42-18.00 mins over a higher relative peak area range of 2.25-11.41%. An agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis grouped landrac-es into 5 clusters (I -V). Landraces were clustered according to their fruit and seed attributes, and isoprenoid units significant to each cluster. The majority of phytochemicals revealed were terpenoids, these are responsible for attracting pollinators, fruit growth, palatability and attrac-tive aromatic scents. This is the most comprehensive study on the n-hexane fruit phytochemical constituents of different L. siceraria landraces to date.
Investigating The Locus of Control and Epistemological Beliefs of Social Studies Teacher Candidates in Turkey
Authors: AKKUŞ Zekerya , KÜÇÜK TURGUT Birgül , CEVGER Figen
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to examine the locus of control and epistemological beliefs of social 12 studies teacher candidates. The research, which adopted a survey model, was conducted with 550 13 social studies teacher candidates studying at 7 state universities in Turkey. The Locus of Control 14 Scale and the Epistemological Belief Scale were used to collect research data. Descriptive statistics, 15 independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe test, and correlation 16 analysis were employed in the data analysis process. When evaluating the research results, it was 17 determined that the teacher candidates generally responded to the locus of control scale at an “ap-18 propriate” level and to the epistemological belief scale at an “agree" level.” While no significant 19 difference was observed in the locus of control beliefs of social studies teacher candidates based on 20 gender, a significant difference was found in the sub-scale of belief in an unjust world. It has been 21 determined that female teacher candidates have a higher external locus of control belief. No signif-22 icant difference was observed in social studies teacher candidates’ locus of control beliefs regarding 23 their parents’ educational levels and grade level. However, there was a significant difference in the 24 sub-scale of belief in an unjust world regarding grade level. It was observed that there was a signif-25 icant difference in the epistemological beliefs of social studies teacher candidates regarding gender. 26 It was revealed that female teacher candidates had underdeveloped /immature epistemological be-27 liefs. No significant difference was found in the epistemological beliefs of teacher candidates based 28 on their parents’ educational levels or grade level. It has been observed that there is a weak but 29 positive significant relationship between the social studies teacher candidates’ locus of control and 30 epistemological beliefs and their sub-scales.
A Novel Swept-Back Fishnet-Embedded Microchannel Topology
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Xiaoyue , Yang Xing , Wang Zhiji , Yan Yuefei , Du Biao , Zhang Jiliang , Wang Congsi
Published: June 2023

High in reliability, multi in function, strong in tracking and detecting, active phased array antennas have been widely applied in radar system. Heat dissipation is a major technological barrier preventing the realization of next-generation high-performance phased array antennas. As a result of the advancement of miniaturization and the in-tegration of microelectronics technology, the study and development of embedded di-rect cooling or heat dissipation has significantly enhanced the heat dissipation effect. In this paper, a novel swept-back fishnet embedded microchannel topology (SBFEMCT) is designed, and various microchannel models with different fishnet runner mesh den-sity ratios and different fishnet runner layers are established to characterize the chip Tmax, runner Pmax, and Tmax and analyze the thermal effect of SBFEMCT under these two operating conditions. The Pmax is reduced to 72.37% and 57.12% of the original at mesh density ratios of 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125, respectively. The maximum temperature reduction figures are average with little change in maximum velocity and a small increase in maximum pressure drop for the number of fishing mesh runner layers of 0-4. This paper provides a study of the latest embedded thermal dissipation from the dimension of a single chip to provide a certain degree of new ideas and ref-erences for solving the thermal technology bottleneck of next-generation high-performance phased array antennas.
The Spatiotemporal Links between Towns and Countryside through the Sale and Consumption of Rural Products: The Case of Oporto and Lisbon Cities
Authors: Ribeiro Carlos , Viana Cláudia M. , Girão Inês , Figueiredo Elisabete , Rocha Jorge
Published: June 2023

The links between rural and urban have often been the subject of study in Portugal. Nevertheless, the asymmetries between rural and urban have not ceased to increase over the last decades, contributing to an imbalance of economic, social, and territorial dimensions between regions. In order to counter this trend, policies to attract the population and tourism have been endorsed but have not been sufficient to promote territorial cohesion. This makes it necessary to rethink the capacity and the potential of rural territories in terms of mobilising their resources and, through them, promoting new and/or renewed relations with urban territories. This article aims to explore and map the links between urban and rural areas by analysing the routes taken by agri-food products, from production to marketing, with the support of a spatial analysis, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For that, we analysed a set of specialised and/or gourmet shops in Oorto and Lisbon, and their relations with the territories from which the commercialized agri-food products come. Most of these products originate in the inland rural regions of the country, and there is a clear geographical connection between the shops analysed and specific territories. Thus, it was possible to verify the increase in interest and consumption of agri-food products of rural origin and the spontaneous increase of this type of shop in the cities analysed, as well as identify the target audience of the shops and the spatial influence they have in the respective cities. These shops, in addition to selling agro-food products, are also promoters of rural territories in an urban environment.
Excessive Gestational Weight Gain Alters the DNA Methylation and Influences Foetal and Neonatal Body Composition
Authors: Argentato Perla Pizzi , Guerra João Victor da Silva , Luzia Liania Alves Alves , Ramos Ester Silveira , Maschietto Mariana , Rondó Patricia Helen Carvalho
Published: June 2023

Background: Changes in body weight are associated with the regulation of DNA methylation (DNAm). In this study, we investigated the associations between maternal gestational weight gain-related DNAm and foetal and neonatal body composition. Methods: Brazilian pregnant women from the Araraquara Cohort Study were followed up during pregnancy, delivery, and after hospital discharge. Women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI were allocated to two groups: adequate gestational weight gain (AGWG, n=45) and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG, n=30). Foetal and neonatal body composition was evaluated by ultrasound and plethysmography, respectively. DNAm was assessed in maternal blood using Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays. Linear regression models were used to explore the associations between DNAm and foetal and neonatal body composition. Results: Maternal weight, GWG, neonatal weight, and fat mass were higher in the EGWG group. Analysis of DNAm identified 46 differentially methyl-ated positions and 11 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the EGWG and AGWG groups. Nine human phenotypes were enriched for these 11 DMRs located in 13 genes (EMILIN1, HOXA5, CPT1B, CLDN9, ZFP57, BRCA1, POU5F1, ANKRD33, HLA-B, RANBP17, ZMYND11, DIP2C, TMEM232), highlighting the terms insulin resistance, and hyperglycaemia. Maternal DNAm was associated with foetal total thigh and arm tissues and subcutaneous thigh and arm fat, as well as with neonatal fat mass percentage and fat mass. Conclusion: The methylation pat-tern in the EGWG group indicated a risk for developing chronic diseases and involvement of ma-ternal DNAm in foetal lean and fat mass and in neonatal fat mass.
Comparison of Different Rabbit Anti-thymocyte Globulin Formulations in the Prophylaxis of Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dybko Jarosław , Giordano Ugo , Pilch Justyna , Mizera Jakub , Borkowski Artur , Mordak-Domagała Monika
Published: June 2023

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative treatment modality, frequently applied in patients suffering from haematological malignancies. In the last two decades, there have been multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs), review articles, and meta-analyses addressing the efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) as a graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Nevertheless, only a few aimed to compare the effectiveness of different r-ATG formulations. We performed a systematic literature review of articles published since 2017 to this day utilising PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and MEDLINE, with the main endpoints being prophylaxis of acute GvHD (aGvHD) and chronic GvHD (cGvHD). We subjected to scrutiny a total of 5 studies, of which 4 compared the differences between Thymoglobulin (ATG-T) and Grafalon (ATG-G), and 1 discussed the impact of ATG-T dose. Overall cGvHD, aGvHD grades II-IV, TRM, OS, NRM, LFS, relapse, overall infections, and EBV reactivation do not seem to be affected by the type of utilised rATG. However, data on aGvHD grades III-IV, GRFS, moderate-severe cGvHD, and CMV reactivation is conflicting. Through our research, we sought to summarise the most recent findings concerning r-ATGs in allo-HCT, and provide insight into the differences between the targets and origin of various ATG formulations.
Covid-19: From Limit Cycle to Stable Focus
Authors: Sokolov Alexander V. , Voloshinov Vladimir V.
Published: June 2023

We investigate a new fundamental property of infectious diseases with natural adaptive immunity that weakens over time. Numerical experiments with a model of the Covid-19 epidemic in Moscow have demonstrated that when the reproduction number R0 is about 4, a qualitative change (bifurcation) occurs in the behavior of the virus-human system. Below this value, the long-term forecast tends to undamped oscillations; above it, the forecast shows damped oscillations: the amplitudes of epidemic waves decrease gradually, with a constant, very high background level of morbidity that keeps the natural immunity near 100%. To confirm this result analytically, we use an original modification of the Euler-Lotka renewal equation, which describes the dynamics of infected patients distributed by disease duration (time since infection) and accounts for immunity. To construct a bifurcation diagram, which illustrates the dependence of the equilibrium stability on the parameter R0, we linearize the equation in the vicinity of the equilibrium point and examine its numerical approximation (discrete form). This approximation can be interpreted as a Leslie model, with the matrix elements dependent on the parameter R0. By examining the roots of the corresponding Lotka polynomial, we can assess the stability of the equilibrium point. For the bifurcation diagram, we use the functions obtained from the simulation of the Covid-19 epidemic in Moscow. However, observations of the epidemic in other cities and countries support the primary finding of our study regarding the attenuation of epidemic waves.
Preparation and Application of Active Bionanocomposite Films Based on Sago Starch Reinforced with a Combination of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Penganum Harmala Extract for Preserving Chicken Fillets
Authors: Bagher Abiri Alireza , Baghaei Homa , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to develop sago starch-based bionanocomposite films containing TiO2 nanoparticles and Penganum harmala extract (PE) to increase the shelf life of chicken fillets. First, sago starch films containing different levels of TiO2 nanoparticles (1, 3 and 5%) and PE (5, 10 and 15%) were prepared, and the thickness, barrier properties, and antibacterial activity of the films. Then, the produced films were used for the chicken fillets packaging and the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of samples were examined during 12-day storage at 4°C. The results showed that the addition of the combination of nanoparticles and extract and increasing their levels in the films increased the antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results also demonstrated that during the storage period, the pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, coliforms, molds and yeasts in fillets increased (p<0.05). However, coating the fillets with bionanocomposites can significantly reduce the rate of change in chemical properties and microbial growth of the samples. This sample increased the shelf life of the fillets by at least 8 days compared to the control sample.
Cultivating the Acceptance of Assistance Dogs in Aged Care Through Deliberative Democracy
Authors: Salmon Amanda Jane , Pachana Nancy Ann
Published: June 2023

Assistance dogs provide significant benefits to older adult owners. However, despite protective legislation, aged care facilities continue to not allow owners to retain their dog on relocation. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether older adults should be allowed to retain their dog on relocation to an aged care facility, and what factors should impact this decision. Further, if allowed to retain their dog, what would be the best practice to allow for this. A deliberative democracy methodology was used, with a range of key stakeholders recruited. Focus groups were held, with follow up questionnaire to establish deliberation for all questions. Results indicated that with sufficient objective measurement, fair decisions can be made to ensure the welfare and wellbeing for owner and dog. Key policy and procedure changes would also be necessary to ensure ongoing support, such as training, care plans, and emergency directives. By ensuring sufficient policies and procedures are in place, training and support could lead to an ideal outcome where facilities could be at the forefront of a better future for aged care.
Inflammatory Cytokines in Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding Pathogenesis and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Lee Bong-Woo , Moon Su-Jin
Published: June 2023

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a persistent, inflammatory disease that affects individuals with psoriasis, arthritis, and enthesitis. Research has demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) play a pivotal role in both the onset and progression of PsA. These cytokines are generated by activated immune cells and stimulate the attraction of inflammatory cells to the synovium and joint tissues, resulting in the deterioration of cartilage and bone. The blocking of these cytokines has become a successful treatment strategy for PsA, as biological drugs that inhibit TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17 have demonstrated notable clinical benefits. The association between PsA and other types of inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, excluding TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17, has been extensively investigated in numerous studies. These findings may provide a chance for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents targeting other molecules, distinct from the currently approved biologics and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of inflammatory cytokines in PsA pathogenesis and clinical implications of targeting these cytokines for PsA treatment.
Individual Differences in Signal Perception for the Take-over Request in Autonomous Driving
Authors: Lee Okkeun , Kang Hyunmin
Published: June 2023

In the context of partial autonomy, where autonomous vehicles and humans share control of the vehicle, bringing out-of-the-loop drivers back into the loop is a significant challenge. While warning signal design guidelines are commonly used to provide alerts, few studies have examined each signal in depth with an emphasis on the autonomous environment. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli and modifying their sub-attributes to explore variations related to age, gender, and other individual backgrounds. A driving simulator was utilized to create a realistic driving environment and measure participants' reaction times in takeover request situations. Analysis of the data revealed correlations between age and reaction times for auditory and tactile signals, with interaction effects observed between age and sub-attribute intensity. Additionally, participants exhibited varying reaction time patterns in response to different sub-attribute intensities. By evaluating individual differences in perception based on modality characteristics, often overlooked in prior research, this study serves as a foundational contribution to future research in the field.
Historical Trends and Characteristics of Meteorological Drought Based on SPI and SPEI Over the Past 70 years in China (1951–2020)
Authors: Sun Jiwei , Bi Shuoben , Bashir Bashar , Ge Zhangxi , Wu Kexin , Alsalman Abdullah , Ayugi Brian Odhiambo , Alsafadi Karam
Published: June 2023

Against the backdrop of global climate change, the frequency of drought events is increasing, leading to significant impacts on human society and development. Therefore, it is crucial to study the propagation patterns and trends of drought characteristics over a long-time scale. The main objective of this study is to delineate the dynamics of drought characteristics by examining their propagation patterns in China from 1951 to 2020. In this study, precipitation data from meteorological stations across mainland China were used. A comprehensive dataset consisting of 700 stations over the past 70 years was collected and analyzed. To ensure data accuracy, the GPCC database was employed for data correction and gap filling. Long-term drought evolution was assessed using both the SPI-12 and SPEI-12 indices to detect drought characteristics. Two Moran indices were applied to identify propagation patterns, and the MK analysis method along with the Theil-Sen slope estimator were utilized to track historical trends of these indices. The findings of this study reveal the following key results: (i) Based on the SPI-12, the main areas of China that are prone to drought are mostly concentrated around the Hu Huanyong Line. Indicating a tendency towards drying based on the decadal change analysis. (ii) The distribution of drought-prone areas in China, as indicated by the SPEI-12, is extensive and broadly distributed, with a correlation to urbanization and population density. These drought-prone areas are gradually expanding. (iii) Between 2010 and 2011, China experienced the most severe drought event in nearly 70 years, affecting nearly 50% of the country's area with a high degree of severity. This event may be attributed to atmospheric circulation variability, exacerbated by the impact of urbanization on precipitation and drought. (iv) The frequency of drought occurrence in China gradually decreases from south to north, with the northeast and northern regions being less affected. However, areas with less frequent droughts experience longer and more severe drought durations. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the characteristics and propagation patterns of drought in China, offering essential information for the development of effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of drought events.
Synthetic Biology Toolkit for a New Species of Pseudomonas Promissory for Electricity Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Rabiço Franciene , Pedrino Matheus , Narcizo Julia Pereira , De Andrade Adalgisa Rodrigues , Reginatto Valeria , Guazzaroni María-Eugenia
Published: June 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer sustainable solutions for various biotechnological applications and are a crucial area of research in biotechnology. MFCs can effectively treat wastewater and biodiesel waste by decomposing organic matter and generating electricity. Certain Pseudomonas species possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways, enabling them to transfer electrons from organic compounds to the MFC's anode. Moreover, Pseudomonas species can grow under low oxygen conditions, which is advantageous considering that the electron transfer process in an MFC typically leads to reduced oxygen levels at the anode.
This study focuses on evaluating MFCs inoculated with a new Pseudomonas species, grown with 1 g.L-1 glycerol, a common byproduct of biodiesel production. Pseudomonas sp. BJa5 exhibited a maximum power density of 39 mW.m-2. Also, the observed voltammograms and genome analysis indicate the potential production of novel redox mediators by BJa5. Additionally, we investigated the bacterium's potential as a synthetic biology non model chassis. Through testing various genetic parts, including constitutive promoters, replication origins, and cargos using pSEVA vectors as a scaffold, we assessed the bacterium's suitability. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into utilizing Pseudomonas spp. BJa5 as a novel chassis for MFCs. Synthetic biology approaches can further enhance the performance of this bacterium in MFCs, providing avenues for improvement.
Oxidative Stress: A Suitable Therapeutic Target for Optic Nerve Diseases?
Authors: Buonfiglio Francesco , Böhm Elsa Wilma , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: June 2023

Optic nerve disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and subsequent degeneration of the optic nerve. The etiology of these disorders can vary significantly, but emerging research highlights the crucial role of oxidative stress, an imbalance in the redox status characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in driving cell death through apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. This review provides an overview of ROS-related processes underlying four extensively studied optic nerve diseases: glaucoma, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), and optic neuritis (ON). Furthermore, we present preclinical findings on antioxidants, with the objective of evaluating the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting oxidative stress in the treatment of optic neuropathies.
Numerical-field analysis of active and reactive winding parameters and mechanical characteristics of a squirrel-cage induction motor
Authors: Milykh V. I.
Published: June 2023

Introduction. The active and reactive (inductive) winding resistances of three-phase asynchronous motors (IM) are investigated. These important parameters are determined during design and are the basis for calculating a number of energy parameters and characteristics. Problem. In the classical design of IM, the winding resistances are determined with insufficient accuracy due to a number of assumptions and conventions. Especially it concerns the operation of IM with increased slip and it affects the accuracy of realization of its design data, starting parameters and characteristics. Goal. The paper aims to further develop the IM design system by numerical-field computational analysis of active and reactive resistances of the IM windings in the whole range of changes in its slip and calculation of the mechanical characteristic of IM to confirm the adequacy of the calculations of these resistances. Methodology. Resistances of the IM windings are determined by numerous calculations of the magnetic fields of dispersion with the FEMM program within stator and rotor teeth steps, and with current displacement in a squirrel-cage rotor core. Everything is done in the slip range when operating from start-up to idle with changing currents in the slots and the corresponding magnetic saturation of the core teeth. A Lua script has been created for the calculations, controlling the FEMM program and providing automation of all calculations. Results. The numerical-field method shows that the classical design method gives very large errors in determining the magnetic conductivities of IM slot dispersion, as well as current displacement in the bars of the squirrel-cage rotor winding. This is especially evident with increased slips in the start-up mode. Originality. Numerical estimates of the differences between the classical and numerical-field methods are given and the origin of errors is analyzed: the strong saturation of the teeth of the stator and rotor cores. This leads to a significant decrease in the magnetic conductivities of slot dispersion and the practical absence of current displacement in the rotor bars, on which the main emphasis was previously made. The obtained results made it possible to calculate the mechanical characteristic of the IM according to a transparent formula without the use of correction coefficients and reference graphical functions. Practical value. The provided technique of numerical-field analysis and the obtained results of the calculation of active and reactive winding resistances and mechanical characteristic are recommended as a basis for the improvement of the IM design system.
Investigation of efficient multilevel inverter for photovoltaic energy system and electric vehicle applications
Authors: Parimalasundar E. , Jayanthi R. , Suresh K. , Sindhuja R.
Published: June 2023

Introduction. This research presents a simple single-phase pulse-width modulated 7-level inverter topology for renewable system which allows home-grid applications with electric vehicle charging. Although multilevel inverters have appealing qualities, their vast range of application is limited by the use of more switches in the traditional arrangement. As a result, a novel symmetrical 7-level inverter is proposed, which has the fewest number of unidirectional switches with gate circuits, providing the lowest switching losses, conduction losses, total harmonic distortion and higher efficiency than conventional topology. The novelty of the proposed work consists of a novel modular inverter structure for photovoltaic energy system and electric vehicle applications with fewer numbers of switches and compact in size. Purpose. The proposed system aims to reduce switch count, overall harmonic distortions, and power loss. There are no passive filters required, and the constituted optimizes power quality by producing distortion-free sinusoidal output voltage as the level count increases while reducing power losses. Methods. The proposed topology is implemented with MATLAB/Simulink, using gating pulses and various pulse-width modulation methodologies. Moreover, the proposed model also has been validated and compared to the hardware system. Results. Total harmonic distortion, number of power switches, output voltage, current, power losses and number of DC sources are investigated with conventional topology. Practical value. The proposed topology has proven to be extremely beneficial for implementing photovoltaic-based stand-alone multilevel inverter and electric vehicle charging applications.
EFFECT OF LACTATION NUMBER AND AVERAGE DAILY MILK YIELD IN COMPLETE LACTATION ON THE DRY PERIOD LENGTH OF POLISH HOLSTEIN- -FRIESIAN COWS
Authors:   Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Agrobioengineering and Animal Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science and Fisheries, Siedlce, Poland, SALAMOŃCZYK Ewa
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of average daily milk yield in complete lactation and lactation number in cows producing at least 8,500 kg of milk in 305-day lactation on the length of the dry period before the next lactation. A total of 1,965 complete, extended lactations in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows subject to use value assessment were analysed. The average complete-lactation daily milk yield was shown to influence the length of the dry period. The average dry period length was 44 days. Dry period length decreased in successive milk-yield groups, from 50 days (average daily yield up to 25 kg of milk) to 28 days (average daily yield over 35 kg in complete lactation). Thus it was confirmed that as milk yield increased, it was more difficult to end lactation. The shortest dry period (only 25 days) was recorded in the youngest cows (second and third lactation) with the highest average daily milk yield in complete lactation (>35 kg). In the oldest cows, i.e. those in their sixth lactation and higher, no statistically significant differences were shown in the length of the dry period depending on daily yield.
Efficient degradation of phenanthrene by biocharsupported nano zero-valent iron activated persulfate: Performance evaluation and mechanism insights
Authors: ZHOU Lai , Wang Yichen , LI Danqiong , Zhang Jiehui , Zhu Xueqiang
Published: June 2023

Biochar-supported nano zero-valent iron (BC@ nZVI) is a novel and efficient non-homogeneous activation material. This study aimed to identify the primary pathways, the degradation performance and mechanism of phenanthrene (PHE) with persulfate activated by BC@ nZVI (BC@ nZVI/PS). BC@ nZVI as an activation material for PS was prepared by liquid phase reduction method. BC@ nZVI was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometer. The effects of the Fe-to-carbon mass ratio and BC@ nZVI dosage were investigated, and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model was used to evaluate the PHE degradation. The results showed that BC supported nano zero-valent iron and inhibited the agglomeration of nZVI, which improved the activation efficiency for PS. The most suitable ratio of Fe to C (Fe/C = 1:4) and the optimum dosages of BC@ nZVI (0.6 g/L) were determined. It was determined by radical quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) that the oxidative radicals in the BC@ nZVI/PS system were mainly SO4-· and ·OH, where the dominant free radical under acidic and neutral conditions is SO4-·, and under alkaline conditions is ·OH. This study can provide mechanism insights of PHE degradation in water with BC@ nZVI activation of the Na2S2O8 system.
Effect of integrated use of nutrients on foliar nutrient content, fruit nutrient uptake, soil properties, yield and economics of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Coorg Honey Dew
Authors: Sethy Bijaya , Ranjan Ranjan. Kumar Tarai. , Subrat Subrat Kumar Behera , Narayan Narayan Panda , Mishra Prabhanjan Mishra , Sanjay Sanjay Kumar Pradhah
Published: June 2023

An experiment was conducted during the year 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 at the experimental plot, College of Agriculture, Chiplima, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha to find out the effect of integrated use nutrients (organic, inorganic and biofertilizers ) on foliar nutrient content, fruit nutrient uptake, soil properties and economics of papaya cv. Coorg Honey Dew. The cumulative fruit yield was found highest (55.89 kg/plant) in T7which was closely followed by (53.91 kg/plant) under treatment T8. The nutrient content in leaf ranges from 1.07–2.13% (N), 0.14–0.27% (P) and 1.98–2.98% (K) after final harvest of the fruits. The uptake of nutrients by papaya fruits per hectare was observed to be 340 kg nitrogen, 104 kg phosphorus and 451 kg potassium in 100% RDF + PSB + AZS + AZO and minimum (18,9 and 49 kg) obtained in control. The NPK content in soil was maximum in100% RDF + PSB + AZS + AZO (158 kg, P 28 kg and K 133 kg per ha) and minimum was recorded in control (124,11 and 113 kg). Similarly higher organic carbon (0.58g/kg soil) was obtained in 100% RDF + PSB + AZS + AZO with lower (0.39 g/kg) in control. The soil microbial population was found to be maximum in 100% RDF + PSB + AZS + AZO. Highest B: C ratio (3.30) was noticed in 75% RDF + PSB + AZS + AZO followed by 100% RDF + PSB + AZO (3.25) and 100% RDF + PSB + AZS (3.24).
Intermediate filaments promote glioblastoma cell invasion by controlling cell deformability and mechanosensitive gene expression
Authors: Etienne-Manneville Sandrine
Published: June 2023

Cancer invasion turns a locally growing tumour into a live-threatening disease. Unravelling the molecular signature of invasive cells and their mechanisms of invasion is essential to identify therapeutic targets. While the cytoskeleton is known to support cell mechanical properties required for invasion, the role of intermediate filaments (IFs) is often overlooked. Here we investigated the role of IFs in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, which is characterized by its high invasive capacity, allowing it to evade classical treatments. Following in silico analysis of published single cell RNA sequencing data of GBM samples which shows that high expression of IF genes correlates with pro-migration markers, we generated IF-depleted GBM cells to demonstrate that the cytoplasmic IF network promotes GBM cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanical measurement and biochemical analyses show that IFs influence cell invasion by increasing cell stiffness, limiting nuclear deformations, and controlling mechanosensitive gene expression and matrix degradation. Our results reveal the crucial role of IFs in tumour cell mechanics and invasion and suggest that the IF expression pattern can serve as a molecular marker of cells driving glioblastoma invasion.
Does silicon inEugenia myrcianthes Nied. seedlings under water stress contribute in the tolerance and recovery?
Authors: Foresti Andressa Carolina , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , Santos Cleberton Correia , Reis Lucas Coutinho , Linné Jéssica Aline
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Silicon (Si) could contribute to the stability of photosystem II processes and gas exchange. Moreover, it can increase antioxidant enzyme activity, maintaining the growth of E. myrcianthes under water fluctuation, favoring seedling tolerance and recovery after stress suspension. This study aimed to evaluate the silicon effect on E. myrcianthes subjected to water fluctuation and the potential recovery of photosynthetic and enzymatic metabolism and seedling growth after stress suspension.
Methods: Two water regimes: continuous irrigation (I), with 75% of the water retention capacity of the substrate, and water stress (E), with irrigation suspension followed by flooding. The water regimes were associated with different Si concentrations: 0, 2, and 4 mmol L-1. The seedlings were evaluated in five periods: Time zero (T0), with initial evaluations and irrigation suspension; First photosynthesis close to zero under water deficit - 1st P0; First recovery - 1st REC; Second photosynthesis close to zero under flooding - 2nd P0; Second recovery - 2nd REC.
Results: Water fluctuation negatively affected the photosynthetic and enzymatic metabolism of E. myrcianthes. However, we observed 100% survival of all seedlings, suggesting the physiological plasticity of the species. Applying 2 mmol L-¹ of silicon to the seedlings helped them tolerate the stressful effect of water fluctuation.
Conclusion: Water stress decreased the development of E. myrcianthes seedlings, damaging the photochemical and biochemical metabolism of photosynthesis, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, and reducing root growth and seedling quality. However, Si application at concentrations of 2 mmol L-¹ mitigated water stress effects, favoring seedling development and tolerance to water fluctuation. The species can adjust to stressful conditions and shows potential for survival and tolerance at this developmental stage, recovering its metabolism and growth after stress.
A study of a narrative approach in environmental planning of Amirabad neighborhood in Tehran,Iran
Authors: Allahyari Hadis , Zebardast Lobat
Published: June 2023

One way to study the human mind, including collective memory, is to determine the effects of the environment on humans. One of the ways to identify these effects on humans to some degree is to study the mental narratives of the inhabitants of a place. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the experiences of the residents over time in relation to their role in changing the environment of the neighborhood. Therefore, this research was conducted using the method of cognitive narratology and oral interviews were used in this context. Fourteen residents of the Amirabad neighborhood were selected who had lived in the neighborhood for at least 20 years and were at least 45 years old. The purpose of the narrative and a significant instrument related to the environmental qualities associated with the collective memory of the residents were determined to explain the narratives of the residents by analyzing the items extracted from them. The analysis of the results shows that residents' narratives provide planners with indicators that planners should ultimately evaluate together with the people themselves. This study shows that in Amirabad neighborhood, the factor of needs has been ignored and regardless of this factor, the memorable elements of people are forgotten due to land use changes due to population growth and the increase of special land uses.