bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Suppressor Candidate 2 (TUSC2): Discovery, Functions, and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Arrigo Austin , Regua Angelina T. , Najjar Mariana K. , Lo Hui-Wen
Published: April 2023

Tumor Suppressor Candidate 2 (TUSC2) was first discovered as a potential tumor suppressor gene residing in the frequently deleted 3p21.3 chromosomal region. Since its discovery, TUSC2 has been found to play vital roles in normal immune function, and TUSC2 loss is associated with the development of autoimmune diseases as well as impaired responses within the innate immune system. TUSC2 also plays a vital role in regulating normal cellular mitochondrial calcium movement and homeostasis. Moreover, TUSC2 serves as an important factor in premature aging. In addition to TUSC2′s normal cellular functions, TUSC2 has been studied as a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently deleted or lost in a multitude of cancers, including glioma, sarcoma, and cancers of the lung, breast, ovaries, and thyroid. TUSC2 is frequently lost in cancer due to somatic deletion within the 3p21.3 region, transcriptional inactivation via TUSC2 promoter methylation, post-transcriptional regulation via microRNAs, and post-translational regulation via polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Additionally, restoration of TUSC2 expression promotes tumor suppression, eventuating in decreased cell proliferation, stemness, and tumor growth, as well as increased apoptosis. Consequently, TUSC2 gene therapy has been tested in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. This review will focus on the current understanding of TUSC2 functions in both normal and cancerous tissues, mechanisms of TUSC2 loss, TUSC2 cancer therapeutics, open questions, and future directions.
Versatile Platinum(IV) Prodrugs of Naproxen and Acemetacin as Chemo-Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Aputen Angelico D. , Elias Maria George , Gilbert Jayne , Sakoff Jennette A. , Gordon Christopher P. , Scott Kieran F. , Aldrich-Wright Janice R.
Published: April 2023

Developing new and versatile platinum(IV) complexes that incorporate bioactive moieties is a rapidly evolving research strategy for cancer drug discovery. In this study, six platinum(IV) complexes (1–6) that are mono-substituted in the axial position with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory molecule, naproxen or acemetacin, were synthesised. A combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques confirmed the composition and homogeneity of 1–6. The antitumour potential of the resultant complexes was assessed on multiple cell lines and proved to be significantly improved compared with cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin. The platinum(IV) derivatives conjugated with acemetacin (5 and 6) were determined to be the most biologically potent, demonstrating GI50 values ranging between 0.22 and 250 nM. Remarkably, in the Du145 prostate cell line, 6 elicited a GI50 value of 0.22 nM, which is 5450-fold more potent than cisplatin. A progressive decrease in reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial activity was observed for 1–6 in the HT29 colon cell line, up to 72 h. The inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme was also demonstrated by the complexes, confirming that these platinum(IV) complexes may reduce COX-2-dependent inflammation and cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy.
Favorable Effect of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol on Gastric Cancer Mortality by Sex and Treatment Modality
Authors: Nam Su Youn , Jeon Seong Woo , Jo Junwoo , Kwon Oh Kyoung
Published: April 2023

Studies on the effects of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on gastric cancer mortality are few, and the results are inconsistent. In this study, we investigated the effects of HDL-C on gastric cancer mortality and conducted sub-group analysis by sex and treatment modality. Newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer (n = 22,468) who underwent gastric cancer screening between January 2011 and December 2013 were included and followed up until 2018. A validation cohort (n = 3379) that had newly diagnosed gastric cancer from 2005 to 2013 at a university hospital, was followed up until 2017. HDL-C was inversely related with mortality; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.98) for HDL-C of 40–49 mg/dL, 0.86 (0.79–0.93) for HDL-C of 50–59 mg/dL, 0.82 (0.74–0.90) for HDL-C of 60–69 mg/dL, and 0.78 (0.69–0.87) for HDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL compared to HDL-C < 40 mg/dL. In the validation cohort, HDL-C was also inversely associated with mortality; aHR 0.81 (0.65–0.99) for HDL-C of 40–49 mg/dL, 0.64 (0.50–0.82) for HDL-C of 50–59 mg/dL, and 0.46 (0.34–0.62) for HDL-C ≥ 60 mg/dL compared to HDL-C < 40 mg/dL. The two cohorts demonstrated that higher HDL-C was associated with a low risk of mortality in both sexes. In validation cohort, this association was observed in both gastrectomy and endoscopic resection (p for trend < 0.001) as more remarkable in endoscopic resection group. In this study, we explored that an increased HDL-C reduced mortality in both sexes and curative resection group.
Metronomic Chemotherapy: Anti-Tumor Pathways and Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Muraro Elena , Vinante Lorenzo , Fratta Elisabetta , Bearz Alessandra , Höfler Daniela , Steffan Agostino , Baboci Lorena
Published: April 2023

Increasing evidence pinpoints metronomic chemotherapy, a frequent and low dose drug administration with no prolonged drug-free intervals, as a potential tool to fight certain types of cancers. The primary identified targets of metronomic chemotherapy were the tumor endothelial cells involved in angiogenesis. After this, metronomic chemotherapy has been shown to efficiently target the heterogeneous population of tumor cells and, more importantly, elicit the innate and adaptive immune system reverting the “cold” to ”hot” tumor immunologic phenotype. Although metronomic chemotherapy is primarily used in the context of a palliative setting, with the development of new immunotherapeutic drugs, a synergistic therapeutic role of the combined metronomic chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors has emerged at both the preclinical and clinical levels. However, some aspects, such as the dose and the most effective scheduling, still remain unknown and need further investigation. Here, we summarize what is currently known of the underlying anti-tumor effects of the metronomic chemotherapy, the importance of the optimal therapeutic dose and time-exposure, and the potential therapeutic effect of the combined administration of metronomic chemotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical and clinical settings.
Does Increased Femoral Anteversion Can Cause Hip Abductor Muscle Weakness?
Authors: Apti Adnan , Akalan Nazif Ekin
Published: April 2023

Background: Increased femoral anteversion (IFA) causes functional problems (i.e., tripping, frequently falling, and fatigue) by affecting the pelvis and lower extremity biomechanics. In the frontal plane, increased contralateral pelvic drop and ipsilateral hip adduction, which are mainly considered deteriorated hip abductor muscle mechanisms, are associated with hip and knee injuries. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of femoral anteversion on hip abductor weakness and frontal plane pelvis–hip biomechanics during walking. Methods: The study included nine subjects with increased femoral anteversion and a control group of eleven subjects. Maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) values of the hip abductor muscles were measured with a handheld dynamometer. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed for kinetic, kinematic, and temporo-spatial gait parameters. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference found between the MIVC values of the IFA and control groups (p = 0.14). Moreover, no significant difference was determined between the ipsilateral peak hip adduction (p = 0.088) and contralateral pelvic drop (p = 0.149) in the stance phase. Additionally, there was no correlation between the peak hip adduction angle in the stance phase and normalized MIVC values in the IFA group (r = −0.198, p = 0.44), or in the control group (r = −0.174, p = 0.55). The deviations of pelvic rotation (p = 0.022), hip internal rotation (p = 0.003), and internal foot progression (p = 0.022), were found to be higher in the IFA group than in the controls. Conclusions: IFA may not be associated with hip abductor muscle weakness, and it may not lead to the hip adduction and pelvic depression that can be seen in hip abductor weakness. Increased pelvic rotation and internal hip rotation during walking might be considered as a compensation for the femoral head–acetabulum alignment mechanism in the frontal plane.
A Transparent, and Self-Healable Strain-Sensor E-Skin Based on Polyurethane Membrane with Silver Nanowires
Authors: Wang Rundong , Feng Shuangjiang , Wang Yanyun , Li Chengqian , Bu Xiaohai , Huang Yuzhong , He Man , Zhou Yuming
Published: April 2023

Electronic skin (E-skin) is increasingly utilized in modern society, yet current E-skin technology suffers from issues, such as opacity, hardness, and fragility. To address these challenges, a novel E-skin was developed using polyurethane (PU) as the matrix material and silver nanowires (AgNWs) as the sensing material. By leveraging the small degree of microphase separation and lack of crystallization in the PU, combined with the appropriate length–diameter ratio of the AgNWs, the resulting E-skin exhibited a visible light transmittance of 75%. The E-skin also showed excellent self-healing properties (83.63% efficiency in the third repair) and mechanical properties (with almost no degradation after 60 tensile cycles) due to the reversible dynamic cross-linking network within the PU. The synergistic effect of PU and AgNWs resulted in exceptional sensing performance for the E-skin, with a gauge factor of 46 (when ε = 10%). Moreover, the E-skin demonstrated signal stability during human joint motion monitoring and successfully identified different movement states, highlighting its potential for diverse applications. This research presents a simple yet effective approach for producing transparent, durable, and stable E-skin.
Beyond Protected Areas: Assessing Management Effectiveness of a Ramsar Site in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Kamal , Lindner André
Published: April 2023

Ramsar Sites, wetlands of international importance, are an international category of protected wetland areas recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Protected areas around the world are not achieving the conservation objectives for which they were established, often due to a lack in effective management practices. Hence, protected area management effectiveness and its assessments are crucial elements of achieving responsive and pro-active management. Ramsar Sites that are not recognized as a protected area under the national park and wildlife conservation act in Nepal are often ignored for such assessments and receive little attention in terms of conservation and management. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing Jagadishpur Reservoir Ramsar Site, which falls into the above category. The Ramsar Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool was used to assess the management effectiveness. Transformed into the global standard reporting format, the overall management effectiveness was 0.27 on a 0 to 1 scale. This score is considered to be in an inadequate range, requiring significant conservation intervention from government with support from conservation partners. This first assessment of Ramsar Site outside of protected area in Nepal and its comparison to global and European regional-level assessments provides the benchmark for future evaluation to track progress in management effectiveness. In conclusion, Ramsar Sites outside formally protected areas are often neglected and intermittent projects, and ad hoc implementation of small-scale activities seems inadequate to improve management effectiveness.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Airway Evaluation and Management: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Lin Judy , Bellinger Ryan , Shedd Andrew , Wolfshohl Jon , Walker Jennifer , Healy Jack , Taylor Jimmy , Chao Kevin , Yen Yi-Hsuan , Tzeng Ching-Fang Tiffany , Chou Eric H.
Published: April 2023

Airway management is a common and critical procedure in acute settings, such as the Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals. Many of the traditional physical examination methods have limitations in airway assessment. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a promising tool for airway management due to its familiarity, accessibility, safety, and non-invasive nature. It can assist physicians in identifying relevant anatomy of the upper airway with objective measurements of airway parameters, and it can guide airway interventions with dynamic real-time images. To date, ultrasound has been considered highly accurate for assessment of the difficult airway, confirmation of proper endotracheal intubation, prediction of post-extubation laryngeal edema, and preparation for cricothyrotomy by identifying the cricothyroid membrane. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key evidence on the use of ultrasound in airway management. Databases including PubMed and Embase were systematically searched. A search strategy using a combination of the term “ultrasound” combined with several search terms, i.e., “probe”, “anatomy”, “difficult airway”, “endotracheal intubation”, “laryngeal edema”, and “cricothyrotomy” was performed. In conclusion, POCUS is a valuable tool with multiple applications ranging from pre- and post-intubation management. Clinicians should consider using POCUS in conjunction with traditional exam techniques to manage the airway more efficiently in the acute setting.
Review on the Advancements of Stethoscope Types in Chest Auscultation
Authors: Seah Jun Jie , Zhao Jiale , Wang De Yun , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: April 2023

Stethoscopes were originally designed for the auscultation of a patient’s chest for the purpose of listening to lung and heart sounds. These aid medical professionals in their evaluation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as in other applications, such as listening to bowel sounds in the gastrointestinal system or assessing for vascular bruits. Listening to internal sounds during chest auscultation aids healthcare professionals in their diagnosis of a patient’s illness. We performed an extensive literature review on the currently available stethoscopes specifically for use in chest auscultation. By understanding the specificities of the different stethoscopes available, healthcare professionals can capitalize on their beneficial features, to serve both clinical and educational purposes. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the unique application of digital stethoscopes for telemedicine. Thus, the advantages and limitations of digital stethoscopes are reviewed. Lastly, to determine the best available stethoscopes in the healthcare industry, this literature review explored various benchmarking methods that can be used to identify areas of improvement for existing stethoscopes, as well as to serve as a standard for the general comparison of stethoscope quality. The potential use of digital stethoscopes for telemedicine amidst ongoing technological advancements in wearable sensors and modern communication facilities such as 5G are also discussed. Based on the ongoing trend in advancements in wearable technology, telemedicine, and smart hospitals, understanding the benefits and limitations of the digital stethoscope is an essential consideration for potential equipment deployment, especially during the height of the current COVID-19 pandemic and, more importantly, for future healthcare crises when human and resource mobility is restricted.
Bilateral Serous Retinal Detachment as a Complication of HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Teodoru Cosmin Adrian , Tudor Corina , Cerghedean-Florea Maria-Emilia , Dura Horațiu , Tănăsescu Ciprian , Roman Mihai Dan , Hașegan Adrian , Munteanu Mihnea , Popa Carmen , Vică Mihaela Laura , Matei Horea Vladi , Stanca Horia
Published: April 2023

HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication, putting at risk the life of mother and child, characterized by high blood pressure, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Serous retinal detachment is a rare complication of pregnancy and may be associated with HELLP syndrome. One of the most common symptoms is a decrease in visual acuity. A rare case of bilateral exudative retinal detachment associated with HELLP syndrome is described in a 38-year-old woman a few hours after delivery. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed an amount of subretinal fluid and macular edema. Use of systemic corticosteroids and careful management of blood pressure led to early resolution of subretinal fluid and a good recovery of vision. Her final best corrected visual acuity was 1 (decimal notation) in both eyes at 2 weeks after delivery. These types of cases are rarely reported and highlight the importance of increasing awareness of this pathology among ophthalmologists.
Supporting First Nations Family Caregivers and Providers: Family Caregivers’, Health and Community Providers’, and Leaders’ Recommendations
Authors: Ward Amber , Buffalo Laurie , McDonald Colleen , L’Heureux Tanya , Charles Lesley , Pollard Cheryl , Tian Peter G. , Anderson Sharon , Parmar Jasneet
Published: April 2023

Family caregivers and care providers are increasingly becoming more distressed and reaching a breaking point within current systems of care. First Nations family caregivers and the health and community providers employed in First Nations communities have to cope with colonial, discriminatory practices that have caused intergenerational trauma and a myriad of siloed, disconnected, and difficult-to-navigate federal-, provincial/territorial-, and community-level policies and programs. Indigenous participants in Alberta’s Health Advisory Councils described Indigenous family caregivers as having more difficulty accessing support than other Alberta caregivers. In this article, we report on family caregivers’, providers’, and leaders’ recommendations to support First Nations family caregivers and the health and community providers employed in First Nations. We used participatory action research methods in which we drew on Etuaptmumk (the understanding that being in the world is the gift of multiple perspectives) and that Indigenous and non-Indigenous views are complementary. Participants were from two First Nation communities in Alberta and included family caregivers (n = 6), health and community providers (n = 14), and healthcare and community leaders (n = 6). Participants advised that family caregivers needed four types of support: (1) recognize the family caregivers’ role and work; (2) enhance navigation and timely access to services, (3) improve home care support and respite, and (4) provide culturally safe care. Participants had four recommendations to support providers: (1) support community providers’ health and wellbeing; (2) recruit and retain health and community providers; (3) improve orientation for new providers; and (4) offer providers a comprehensive grounding in cultural awareness. While creating a program or department for family caregivers may be tempting to address caregivers’ immediate needs, improving the health of First Nations family caregivers requires a population-based public health approach that focuses on meaningful holistic system change to support family caregivers.
Drugs Prescribed for Asthma and Their Adverse Effects on Dental Health
Authors: Pacheco-Quito Edisson-Mauricio , Jaramillo Jessica , Sarmiento-Ordoñez Jéssica , Cuenca-León Katherine
Published: April 2023

Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous respiratory pathology characterized by reversible airway inflammation. Therapeutics focus on symptom reduction and control, aimed at preserving normal pulmonary function and inducing bronchodilatation. The objective of this review is to describe the adverse effects produced by anti-asthmatic drugs on dental health, according to the reported scientific evidence. A bibliographic review was carried out on databases, such as Web of science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Most anti-asthmatic medications are administered using inhalers or nebulizers, making it impossible to avoid contact of the drug with hard dental tissues and oral mucosa, and thus promoting a greater risk of oral alterations, mainly due to decreases in the salivary flow and pH. Such changes can cause diseases, such as dental caries, dental erosion, tooth loss, periodontal disease, bone resorption, as well as fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis.
Toward Smart Air Mobility: Control System Design and Experimental Validation for an Unmanned Light Helicopter
Authors: de Angelis Emanuele Luigi , Giulietti Fabrizio , Rossetti Gianluca , Turci Matteo , Albertazzi Chiara
Published: April 2023

Light helicopters are used for a variety of applications, attracting users from private and public market segments because of their agility and convenient storage capabilities. However, most light helicopters on the market today are designed and manufactured with technologies dating back to the 1980s, with safety issues to be addressed by advanced design methods, more powerful engines, and innovative solutions. In this regard, the DISRUPT (Development of an innovative and safe ultralight, two-seater turbine helicopter) project, led by Curti Aerospace Division (Italy) and co-funded by the EU H2020 program, is a state-of-the-art concept for a novel ultralight helicopter equipped with a ballistic parachute. In order to validate the first parachute ejection in a safe scenario, a dronization process was selected as a viable solution to be performed in collaboration with the University of Bologna. In the present paper, the steps followed to transform the helicopter into an unmanned vehicle are detailed according to the model-based design approach, with particular focus on mathematical modeling, control system design, and experimental validation. Obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of using a civil helicopter first as a remotely-piloted vehicle and then as a highly-automated personal transportation system in the framework of smart and sustainable air mobility.
A Study of the Data Security Attack and Defense Pattern in a Centralized UAV–Cloud Architecture
Authors: Airlangga Gregorius , Liu Alan
Published: April 2023

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an autonomous flying robot that has attracted the interest of several communities because of its capacity to increase the safety and productivity of labor. In terms of software engineering, UAV system development is extremely difficult because the focus is not only on functional requirement fulfillment, but also on nonfunctional requirements such as security and safety, which play a crucial role in mission success. Consequently, architecture robustness is very important, and one of the most common architectures developed is based on a centralized pattern in which all UAVs are controlled from a central location. Even though this is a very important problem, many developers must expend a great deal of effort to adapt and improve security. This is because there are few practical perspectives of security development in the context of UAV system development; therefore, the study of attack and defense patterns in centralized architecture is required to fill this knowledge gap. This paper concentrates on enhancing the security aspect of UAV system development by examining attack and defense patterns in centralized architectures. We contribute to the field by identifying 26 attack variations, presenting corresponding countermeasures from a software analyst’s standpoint, and supplying a node.js code template for developers to strengthen their systems’ security. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates the proposed defense strategies in terms of time and space complexity, ensuring their effectiveness. By providing a focused and in-depth perspective on security patterns, our research offers crucial guidance for communities and developers working on UAV-based systems, facilitating the development of more secure and robust solutions.
High-Precision Mapping of Soil Organic Matter Based on UAV Imagery Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhou Jingping , Xu Yaping , Gu Xiaohe , Chen Tianen , Sun Qian , Zhang Sen , Pan Yuchun
Published: April 2023

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a critical indicator of soil nutrient levels, and the precise mapping of its spatial distribution through remote sensing is essential for soil regulation, precise fertilization, and scientific management and protection. This information can offer decision support to agricultural management departments and various agricultural producers. In this paper, two new soil indices, NLIrededge2 and GDVIrededge2, were proposed based on the sensitive spectral response characteristics of SOM in Northeast China. Nine parameters suitable for SOM mapping and modeling were determined using the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) method, combined with spectrum reflectance, mathematical transformations of reflectance, vegetation indices, and so on. Then, utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based multispectral images with centimeter-level resolution, a random forest machine learning algorithm was used to construct the inversion model of SOM and mapping SOM in the study area. The results showed that the random forest algorithm performed best for estimating SOM (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 0.95, MBE = 0.49, and RPIQ = 3.25) when compared with other machine learning algorithms such as support vector regression (SVR), elastic net, Bayesian ridge, and linear regression. The findings indicated a negative correlation between SOM content and altitude. The study concluded that the SOM modeling and mapping results could meet the needs of farmers to obtain basic information and provide a reference for UAVs to monitor SOM.
Design and Experiment of Ecological Plant Protection UAV Based on Ozonated Water Spraying
Authors: Xu Hang , Yi Lili , Li Chuanyong , Sun Yuemei , Hou Liangchen , Bai Jingbo , Kong Fanxia , Han Xin , Lan Yubin
Published: April 2023

With the development of pesticide substitution technology, ozonated water has been gradually applied in agricultural plant protection. This paper describes our development of an ecological plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can produce and spray ozonated water while flying. Firstly, this paper carries out the design of the ozonated water system, including the selection of the ozone generator and the gas-liquid mixing method. Secondly, the conceptual design method of the ecological plant protection UAV is introduced, including total weight estimation, propulsion system selection, layout and structure design, battery modeling, center of gravity evaluation, and control system. Then, static analysis was computed in ANSYS Workbench on the UAV fuselage. Finally, the field test verified that the hovering time of the UAV could reach the design requirement of 10 min when it was fully loaded. The effective spraying width (with a height of 2 m and a speed of 3 m/s) is 5.25 m. The UAV was used to spray ozonated water with a concentration of 17 ppm continuously once a day; on day 7, the control effect could reach 76.4% and the reduction rate of the larvae population was 59.3%. Therefore, spraying ozonated water with a concentration of 17 ppm every day by using the ecological plant protection UAV can effectively control broccoli diamondback moth larvae and achieve the control effect of traditional pesticides (Chlorantraniliprole SC).
An Understanding of How GDP, Unemployment and Inflation Interact and Change across Time and Frequency
Authors: Shiferaw Yegnanew A.
Published: April 2023

The main aim of this paper is to examine the dynamic relationship between the three pillars of the economy: unemployment, inflation, and GDP in Ethiopia using the cross-wavelet transform (XWT) analysis, the multivariate Student-t generalized autoregressive score (GAS) model, and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The dynamics between the three indicators were also investigated using the Toda–Yamamoto (TY) causality test. The empirical findings from the XWT method suggest a relationship between unemployment, inflation, and GDP, though the relationship varies over time and frequency. The estimation results from the multivariate Student-t GAS model show that the correlation between unemployment (overall, male, female, and youth) and inflation is highly significant, indicating that the correlation is dynamic. A dynamic relationship exists between GDP and unemployment, except for females and young people. The ARDL approach’s findings showed that unemployment significantly negatively impacted GDP. However, it was found that inflation significantly increased GDP. The general conclusion drawn from this study’s findings is that unemployment significantly affects GDP and inflation. Therefore, the government should aggressively implement policies to reduce unemployment, especially youth unemployment. Additionally, the administration must rehabilitate the country’s badly damaged economy and formalize a lasting cessation of hostilities between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Seismoelectric Coupling Equations of Oil-Wetted Porous Medium Containing Oil and Water
Authors: Zhao Yongpeng , Sun Xiangyang , Nie Zaiping
Published: April 2023

For porous medium containing multiphase fluid, such as oil-wetted porous medium with oil–water dual phase fluid, its fluid interface will also produce electric double layer (EDL), which will play a role in the seismoelectric effects. At this time, the principle of seismoelectric effects is more complex. The existing theory for the seismoelectric effects is the Pride theory used in the water-saturated porous formation, which cannot meet the actual needs of the theoretical research of seismoelectric exploration in the porous formation with multiphase fluid. Carbonate porous formations are often oil-wetted; therefore, it is necessary to study the electrokinetic effects of oil-wetted porous medium containing multiphase fluid. In this paper, we treated the oil–water mixture as an effective fluid, and solved the effective elastic parameters and extended the Biot equations to the case of oil-wetted porous medium with oil–water dual phase fluid. We calculated the effective electromagnetic parameters and derived the macroscopic coupling equations of seismoelectric effects and electroseismic effects, and proposed the new electrokinetic coupling coefficients of the oil-wetted porous medium with dual phase fluid. We also deduced the coupling functions of electric and magnetic fields relative to the solid displacement in the homogeneous porous medium, and studied the polarization characteristics of the electric field. We use the derived coupling equations to simulate the seismoelectric logging while drilling in the model of oil-wetted porous formation with dual phase fluid under the excitation of multipole sources. The influence of drill collar wave on the acoustic field and electric field under the excitation of different sources was investigated, which has a certain guiding role in the selection of electrokinetic logging tools.
E-Technology Enabled Sourcing of Alternative Fuels to Create a Fair-Trade Circular Economy for Sustainable Energy in Togo
Authors: Beguedou Essossinam , Narra Satyanarayana , Afrakoma Armoo Ekua , Agboka Komi , Kongnine Damgou Mani
Published: April 2023

Sustainable energy projects in Africa are particularly vulnerable in terms of sourcing vital alternative fuels due to the complexity of sourcing processes, contract agreements and relationships between society managers or directors and supplier chain entities. These challenges can affect any phase of a sustainable project, and the losses can be as high as 3.2 EURO/GJ. In addition, there is reduced competition and fair trade, low profits and poor quality of the fuel purchased. Technology (mobile application) is one powerful tool that can solve the above challenges by controlling or managing the supply and demand of biomass-based fuels, agriculture residue, industrial waste and many more. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a developed digital platform to remove barriers in the trade of alternative fuels. Data collection began with the identification of the key production areas (sources) and quantities of three selected AFs. Secondly, data on the seasonal variations in alternative fuel (AF) quantities were obtained from the identified locations. Thirdly, the acquisition costs were calculated based on the quality and characteristics of the AFs. Results were then transferred into a mobile application where industries could assess, compare, and bargain for AF based on quality and price. Due to the introduction of competitive pricing, overall, the mobile application improved the savings on sourcing for AFs by industries by 2.89 EURO/GJ. In terms of profit optimization, the farmers have value for money and fair bargaining for their products, thus increasing their revenues for the planting season. It was also observed that the cost of the fuel was based on the proximity of the source to the demand industry. In conclusion, the mobile application facilitates a circular economy between the farmers, suppliers and industries where industries receive fair and competitive prices for their fuel whiles farmers receive extra income for farming businesses and agricultural waste is sustainably managed through a circular economy.
Green Buildings: Human-Centered and Energy Efficiency Optimization Strategies
Authors: Karimi Hirou , Adibhesami Mohammad Anvar , Bazazzadeh Hassan , Movafagh Sahar
Published: April 2023

The rapid growth of the global population and urbanization has led to environmental degradation, resulting in a worldwide energy crisis. In response, the quality of architecture has evolved to prioritize energy efficiency, impacting indoor human health in the process. Green buildings have emerged as a solution to this problem, aiming to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human well-being while minimizing negative environmental impacts. This comprehensive review focuses on the role of green buildings in enhancing indoor human health and energy efficiency. It examines the published research on the effects of green buildings on IEQ and occupant health, highlighting sustainable architectural practices that promote good health. The study concludes that green buildings provide healthier environments for their occupants by creating healthy indoor environments, and minimizing negative environmental impacts. The study also explores the link between sustainable architecture and health promotion, with a focus on IEQ. It presents evidence-based and biophilic design strategies that can impact treatments and health promotion in the built environment. Overall, this review emphasizes the critical role that green buildings can play in addressing the global energy crisis while promoting the health and well-being of building occupants.
Optimal Dispatching of Smart Hybrid Energy Systems for Addressing a Low-Carbon Community
Authors: Wu Wei , Chou Shih-Chieh , Viswanathan Karthickeyan
Published: April 2023

A smart hybrid energy system (SHES) is presented using a combination of battery, PV systems, and gas/diesel engines. The economic/environmental dispatch optimization algorithm (EEDOA) is employed to minimize the total operating cost or total CO2 emission. In the face of the uncertainty of renewable power generation, the constraints for loss-of-load probability (LOLP) and the operating reserve for the rechargeable battery are taken into account for compensating the imbalance between load demand and power supplies. The grid-connected and islanded modes of SHES are demonstrated to address a low-carbon community. For forecasting load demand, PV power, and locational-based marginal pricing (LBMP), the proper forecast model, such as long short-term memory (LSTM) or extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), is implemented to improve the EEDOA. A few comparisons show that (i) the grid-connected mode of SHES is superior to the islanded-connected mode of SHES due to lower total operating cost and less total CO2-eq emissions, and (ii) the forecast-assisted EEDOA could effectively reduce total operating cost and total CO2-eq emissions of both modes of SHES as compared to no forecast-assisted EEDOA.
The Potential of Waste Phloem Fraction of Quercus cerris Bark in Biochar Production
Authors: Sen Umut , Longo Andrei , Gonçalves Margarida , Miranda Isabel , Pereira Helena
Published: April 2023

Quercus cerris phloem is a lignocellulosic waste fraction obtained from bark fractionation. Biochars are technologically interesting functional materials that may be produced from lignocellulosic solid materials. This study explores the solid material properties of Quercus cerris phloem, evaluates biochar production from it, and explores its application as an adsorbent. In the first part of the study, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM microscopy observations, FT-IR spectroscopy, and ICP-AES analyses were performed on raw Quercus cerris phloem. In the second part of the study, biochars and activated carbons were produced and their structure, surface functional groups, methylene blue adsorption properties, and specific surface areas were determined. The results showed that Quercus cerris phloem is a lignocellulosic solid material that decomposes in a wide temperature range between 265 and 765 °C. The activation energy of phloem pyrolysis ranged between 82 and 172 kJ mol−1 in pyrolysis. The mineral composition is mainly calcium (88%) and potassium (4%). The biochar yield of Quercus cerris phloem ranged between 28% and 42% at different moderate temperature–time combinations. Raw phloem, phloem biochars, and phloem-activated carbons show high methylene blue removal efficiencies. Methylene blue adsorption follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The BET surface areas of Quercus cerris phloem-activated carbons varied between 262.1 m2 g−1 and 317.5 m2 g−1.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Culture’s Dose–Response Effects on Ruminal Nutrient Digestibility and Microbial Community: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Dai Dongwen , Liu Yanfang , Kong Fanlin , Guo Cheng , Dong Chunxiao , Xu Xiaofeng , Li Shengli , Wang Wei
Published: April 2023

Supplementation with saccharomyces cerevisiae culture products (SCs) has shown effectiveness in alleviating or improving the health and productivity of ruminants at a high risk of digestive and metabolic problems as a consequence of their physiological state and feeding system (i.e., Holstein cows during peak lactation). However, the effects of SC supplementation on ruminal digestion and microbial population are not yet well-understood. Hence, this study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the effects of in vitro SC supplementation on ruminal nutrient digestibility and microbial community. This study included three treatment groups: a control group (CON, 0% SC proportion of substrate DM), a low-dose SC group (LSC, 0.10% SC proportion of substrate DM), and a high-dose SC group (HSC, 0.30% SC proportion of substrate DM). The SC product contained 7.0 × 109 CFU/g. After 48 h of fermentation at 39 °C, the incubation fluid and residue were collected to measure the ruminal nutrient digestibility and microbial community. The results showed that supplemental SC tended (p = 0.096) to increase DM digestibility due to an increase (9.6%, p = 0.03) in CP digestibility and via a tendency (0.05 < p < 0.08) to increase the fiber fraction. Additionally, the 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing results revealed that the richness and diversity of the microbiota were unchanged by SC supplementation, while the abundances of Spirochaetes, Tenericutes, and Spirochaetaceae were lower in the SC groups than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundances of Selenomonas and Succinivibrio were increased by SC supplementation (p < 0.05), while SC supplementation decreased the abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and Treponema_2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted function of the microbiota showed that carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism were enriched in the SC groups compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). Except for the increases in ADF digestibility (p = 0.032) and pH (p = 0.076) at 0.30%, the supplemental level did not result in additional effects. In summary, our results demonstrate that SC supplementation could improve ruminal nutrient degradation digestibility and alter microbiota composition.
Production of the Cellulase Enzyme System by Locally Isolated Trichoderma and Aspergillus Species Cultivated on Banana Pseudostem during Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Legodi Lesetja Moraba , La Grange Danie C. , van Rensburg Elbert L. Jansen
Published: April 2023

The production cost of cellulases is regarded as a limiting factor in the cellulosic ethanol production chain. Trichoderma and Aspergillus species were used to produce cellulases through solid-state fermentation (SSF) utilizing banana pseudostem (BPS) as a carbon source. The production of cellulases was investigated at various substrate moisture contents (65–80%), incubation temperatures (30–40 °C), substrate pre-treatment methods (3% w/v NaOH, 5% v/v H2SO4, and water), and with different co-culturing of microorganisms. Trichoderma longibrachiatum LMLSAUL 14-1 produced the maximum total cellulase (75 FPU/g d.s), endoglucanase (11.35 U/g d.s), and β-glucosidase (235.83 U/g d.s) activities at a 75% moisture content of the untreated BPS at 30 °C in static culture. Pre-treatment of BPS improved the production of specific enzymes. Aspergillus fumigatus LMLPS 13-4 produced more β-glucosidase (259.8 U/g d.s) when grown on acid-pre-treated BPS, whereas T. harzianum LMLBP07 13-5 produced the highest β-glucosidase activity (319.5 U/g d.s) on alkali-pre-treated BPS. Co-culturing of T. harzianum LMLBP07 13-5 and A. fumigatus LMLPS 13-4 improved the production of endoglucanase. These results suggest that banana pseudostem, a waste product of the banana industry, could be a potentially cheaper and abundant substrate for the production of the cellulase enzymes.
Mitochondrial Genome Uncovered Hidden Genetic Diversity in Microdous chalmersi (Teleostei: Odontobutidae)
Authors: Jiang Lei , Zhou Mingwei , Sarker Kishor Kumar , Huang Junman , Chen Wenjun , Li Chenhong
Published: April 2023

The Hainan small-toothed sleeper, Microdous chalmersi, is an endemic species disjunctly distributed in Hainan and Guangxi provinces of China. Morphological differences have been previously observed between these populations. We sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of M. chalmersi from Hainan and Guangxi in order to test whether there is a cryptic species. We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree of samples collected from the two populations along with eight representative species of other odontobutids using thirteen mitochondrial coding genes and two rRNA genes. The results showed that five individuals of M. chalmersi from each population clustered into reciprocal monophyletic clades. Furthermore, genetic distance between individuals of the two populations was much larger than that between individuals from the same population. The genetic distance between the two Microdous populations was comparable to interspecific genetic distance of a closely related genus, Odontobutis. We propose that M. chalmersi from Guangxi and Hainan could belong to two different species, but detailed morphological and genetic studies should be carried out to test this hypothesis.
Aerobic Cultivation of Mucor Species Enables the Deacidification of Yogurt Acid Whey and the Production of Fungal Oil
Authors: Fan Xingrui , Rivera Flores Viviana K. , DeMarsh Timothy A. , deRiancho Dana L. , Alcaine Samuel D.
Published: April 2023

As the Greek-style yogurt market continues to experience prosperous growth, finding the most appropriate destination for yogurt acid whey (YAW) is still a challenge for Greek yogurt manufacturers. This study provides a direct alternative treatment of YAW by leveraging the abilities of Mucor circinelloides and Mucor genevensis to raise the pH of YAW and to produce fungal biomass with a high lipid content. Aerobic cultivations of these species were conducted in YAW, both with and without the addition of lactase, at 30 °C, and 200 rpm agitation. The density, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), biomass production, lipid content, fatty acid profile, and sugar and lactic acid concentrations were regularly measured throughout the 14-day cultivations. The data showed that M. genevensis was superior at deacidifying YAW to a pH above 6.0—the legal limit for disposing of cultured dairy waste. On the other hand, M. circinelloides generated more fungal biomass, containing up to 30% w/w of lipid with high proportions of oleic acid and γ-linolenic acid. Additionally, the treatments with lactase addition showed a significant decrease in the BOD. In conclusion, our results present a viable treatment to increase the pH of YAW and decrease its BOD, meanwhile generating fungal oils that can be further transformed into biodiesel or processed into functional foods or dietary supplements.
Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise and the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Ruhao , Li Lu
Published: April 2023

Long-term, high-intensity exercise can trigger stress response pathways in multiple organs, including the heart and lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, and neuroendocrine system, thus affecting their material and energy metabolism, immunity, oxidative stress, and endocrine function, and reducing exercise function. As a natural, safe, and convenient nutritional supplement, probiotics have been a hot research topic in the field of biomedical health in recent years. Numerous studies have shown that probiotic supplementation improves the health of the body through the gut–brain axis and the gut–muscle axis, and probiotic supplementation may also improve the stress response and motor function of the body. This paper reviews the progress of research on the role of probiotic supplementation in material and energy metabolism, intestinal barrier function, immunity, oxidative stress, neuroendocrine function, and the health status of the body, as well as the underlying mechanisms.
Design and Characterization of an Ethosomal Gel Encapsulating Rosehip Extract
Authors: Sallustio Valentina , Farruggia Giovanna , di Cagno Massimiliano Pio , Tzanova Martina M. , Marto Joana , Ribeiro Helena , Goncalves Lidia Maria , Mandrone Manuela , Chiocchio Ilaria , Cerchiara Teresa , Abruzzo Angela , Bigucci Federica , Luppi Barbara
Published: April 2023

Rising environmental awareness drives green consumers to purchase sustainable cosmetics based on natural bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to deliver Rosa canina L. extract as a botanical ingredient in an anti-aging gel using an eco-friendly approach. Rosehip extract was first characterized in terms of its antioxidant activity through a DPPH assay and ROS reduction test and then encapsulated in ethosomal vesicles with different percentages of ethanol. All formulations were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. Release and skin penetration/permeation data were obtained through in vitro studies, and cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay on WS1 fibroblasts. Finally, ethosomes were incorporated in hyaluronic gels (1% or 2% w/v) to facilitate skin application, and rheological properties were studied. Rosehip extract (1 mg/mL) revealed a high antioxidant activity and was successfully encapsulated in ethosomes containing 30% ethanol, having small sizes (225.4 ± 7.0 nm), low polydispersity (0.26 ± 0.02), and good entrapment efficiency (93.41 ± 5.30%). This formulation incorporated in a hyaluronic gel 1% w/v showed an optimal pH for skin application (5.6 ± 0.2), good spreadability, and stability over 60 days at 4 °C. Considering sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly manufacturing technology, the ethosomal gel of rosehip extract could be an innovative and green anti-aging skincare product.