bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seleção de isolados microbianos para degradação de oxyfluorfen no solo
Authors:   , Reginaldo Laís Tereza Rêgo Torquato
Published: February 2025

A extensão do residual de herbicidas no solo é fator importante para o controle de plantas daninhas em áreas agrícolas, uma vez que possibilita a redução na dinâmica de emergência destas espécies. Por outro lado, o longo período residual pode causar prejuízos em cultivos sucessivos com espécies sensíveis e aumentar o risco de contaminação ambiental. A biodegradação de herbicidas por microrganismos ocorre naturalmente nos solos e a seleção das espécies com melhor potencial pode ser uma estratégia promissora para reduzir os efeitos negativos do uso destes produtos com elevada persistência no ambiente edáfico. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: i) selecionar isolados microbianos obtidos de área agrícolas com histórico de aplicação de oxyfluorfen capazes de sobreviver em meio contendo esse herbicida; ii) avaliar a habilidade dos isolados sobreviventes para degradação do oxyfluorfen in vitro; iii) identificar possíveis marcadores bioquímicos para selecionar isolados microbianos com alta capacidade de degradação do oxyfluorfen; e iv) avaliar os melhores isolados obtidos no teste in vitro para a degradação do oxyfluorfen aplicado ao solo pelo processo de bioaumentação. No total, 35 microrganismos do solo foram isolados de um solo com histórico de uso do oxyfluorfen, mas apenas 20 deles foram capazes de crescer na presença do herbicida. Dos 20 isolados, 65% foram identificados como Bacillus, Gram-positivos, com 50% formando endósporos. Os outros 35% foram caracterizados como Coccus e leveduras, sendo dois Coccus Gram-positivos e cinco leveduras. A análise de correspondência múltipla (MCA) aplicada aos resultados bioquímicos não conseguiu separar claramente os isolados com alta e baixa capacidade de degradação do herbicida. Os resultados mostraram que a presença de isolados microbianos aumentou significativamente a taxa de degradação do oxyfluorfen no solo, e que a fotodegradação também pode ter contribuído para a rápida dissipação do herbicida. Diferentes vias metabólicas entre os grupos de microrganismos podem explicar a diversidade funcional na degradação do herbicida. Os resultados permitem concluir que a identificação de isolados microbianos com alta eficiência de degradação, pertencentes a diferentes gêneros, pode ser útil em projetos de biorremediação para o herbicida oxyfluorfen
Armazenamento e viabilidade de sementes de catanduva (Piptadenia moniliformis Benth)
Authors:   , Benedito Clarisse Pereira
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade das sementes de catanduva armazenadas por 210 dias, em ambiente controlado e condição ambiental não controlada (sala de laboratório), acondicionadas em saco plástico, saco de papel e frasco de vidro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcela sub-subdividida, onde a parcela principal foram os ambientes (laboratório e ambiente controlado) e as sub-parcelas constituídas das embalagens (saco plástico, saco de papel e vidro) e as sub-subparcelas constituída dos tempos de armazenamento (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 e 210 dias). Os ensaios foram realizados em laboratório e em casa de vegetação. Em laboratório foi avaliado a cada 10 dias a porcentagem de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação. Na casa de vegetação a cada 30 dias foi avaliada emergência de plântulas, altura de plântulas, comprimento de raiz e peso seco de plântulas. A viabilidade das sementes de catanduva decresceu em função do tempo de armazenamento durante 210 dias. As sementes de catanduva (Piptadenia moniliformis Benth) podem ser acondicionadas tanto em embalagem de vidro quanto em sacos plásticos sem perda do seu potencial fisiológico, sendo o ambiente controlado o mais adequado.
Exploring the Potential of H2 Therapy in Reducing Surgical Complications: A Review on Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-fibrotic Mechanisms
Authors: Neykhonji Marzieh , Al-Asady Abdulridha Mohammed , Avan Amir , Khazaei Majid , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This review demonstrates the potential role of hydrogen in post-surgical adhesion prevention
and calls for further investigation of its molecular pathways, as well as clinical studies to assess its efficacy
and safety in a therapeutic setting.

Methods:

PubMed and Google Scholar were extensively queried to investigate the potential role of hydrogen
in preventing post-surgical adhesions and its underlying mechanisms.

Results:

Molecular hydrogen exhibits selective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties,
holding potential for the treatment and prevention of various disorders, including acute pancreatitis, respiratory
diseases, and ischemia-reperfusion damage conditions, among others. Postoperative adhesion is associated
with chronic pain, organ dysfunction, and acute complications, fundamentally rooted in inflammation, oxidative
stress, and fibrosis. The surgical injury initiates an inflammatory response characterized by immune cell
mobilization and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, thereby promoting adhesion formation.

Conclusion:

Hydrogen is demonstrated to attenuate the early inflammatory response by down-regulating proinflammatory
cytokines alongside its anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic effects. As a potential therapeutic agent
for post-surgical adhesions, hydrogen warrants additional investigation to elucidate the exact molecular pathways
responsible for its observed efficacy and safety.
A Robust Approach to Early Glaucoma Identification from Retinal Fundus
Images using Dirichlet-based Weighted Average Ensemble and Bayesian
Optimization
Authors: Mouhafid Mohamed , Zhou Yatong , Shan Chunyan , Xiao Zhitao
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment and blindness worldwide, primarily linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
Early detection is essential to prevent further visual impairment, yet the manual diagnosis of retinal fundus images (RFIs) is both time-consuming
and inefficient. Although automated methods for glaucoma detection (GD) exist, they often rely on individual models with manually optimized
hyperparameters. This study aims to address these limitations by proposing an ensemble-based approach that integrates multiple deep learning
(DL) models with automated hyperparameter optimization, with the goal of improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing model generalization for
practical clinical applications.

Materials and Methods:

The RFIs used in this study were sourced from two publicly available datasets (ACRIMA and ORIGA), consisting of a total of 1,355 images for
GD. Our method combines a custom Multi-branch convolutional neural network (CNN), pretrained MobileNet, and DenseNet201 to extract
complementary features from RFIs. Moreover, to optimize model performance, we apply Bayesian Optimization (BO) for automated
hyperparameter tuning, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. The predictions from these models are then combined using a Dirichlet-based
Weighted Average Ensemble (Dirichlet-WAE), which adaptively adjusts the weight of each model based on its performance.

Results:

The proposed ensemble model demonstrated state-of-the-art performance, achieving an accuracy (ACC) of 95.09%, precision (PREC) of 95.51%,
sensitivity (SEN) of 94.55%, an F1-score (F1) of 94.94%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9854. The innovative Dirichlet-based WAE
substantially reduced the false positive rate, enhancing diagnostic reliability for GD. When compared to individual models, the ensemble method
consistently outperformed across all evaluation metrics, underscoring its robustness and potential scalability for clinical applications.

Conclusion:

The integration of ensemble learning (EL) and advanced optimization techniques significantly improved the ACC of GD in RFIs. The enhanced
WAE method proved to be a critical factor in achieving well-balanced and highly accurate diagnostic performance, underscoring the importance of
EL in medical diagnosis.
A Step Towards Development and Bio-evaluation of a Novel Radio-ligand
99mTc-CYX-DTPA Targeting Sigma 2 Receptors
Authors: Chaudhary Ritika , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Gautam Divya , Chaudhary Vishakha , Sharma Deepika , Presenjit  , Garg Aastha , Chopra Madhu , Mishra Anil Kumar
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Development of theranostics agents targeted towards particular receptors
can effectively help in the management of cancer. The overexpression of the sigma-2 receptor
(S2R) in tumors establishes it as a prominent biomarker for cancer cells.

Methods:

Radiotheranostics rely on the design of specific molecules having versatility in applications
of diagnosis and therapy by merely changing the radioisotope. We have designed a novel
radiotheranostic S2R-targeted ligand using cyclohexylpiperazine and performed docking studies to
narrow down the potential efficacious ligand. The potential molecule with G-score = -7.0 kcal/mol,
was then synthesized using a three steps reaction including conjugation of 2-(4-
cyclohexylpiperazine-1-yl)ethyl(CYX) with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelator.
Subsequently, the molecule has been radiolabelled with 99mTc using stannous chloride as a reducing
agent, and a radiolabellieng efficiency of 95.0 ± 0.59% for 99mTc-CYX-DTPA. As proof of concept,
the molecule has been evaluated for its binding affinity and specificity using sigma receptors isolated
from the liver membrane homogenates of mice. The binding affinity was found to be Kd =
12.84±0.395nM; Bmax = 0.5258±0.001 fmol/mg, indicating a high affinity for the receptors.

Results:

In addition, the molecule was also assessed for biocompatibility using haemolysis analysis
and cytotoxicity on HEK cells and MDA-MB-23, wherein the molecule showed no significant cytotoxicity
up to 72 h on HEK cells and 32.42% cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusion:

The future work will concentrate on the demonstration of in vivo targeting and sitespecific
accumulation of the molecule along with its suitability for theranostics applications.
Potential of Purified Flavonoid from Citrus limon L. Seeds to Inhibit the Urease Activity and Restrict the Formation of Struvite Stone: In vitro Study
Authors: Juli John , Sathishkumar Thiyagarajan , Kumaresan Kuppamuthu , Rapheal Vinohar Stephen , Muthukumaran Velayutham , Thirugnanam Natarajan , Balamurugan Rajamanickam , Ram Kothandam
Published: February 2025

Background:

Effective inhibition of pathogenic bacterial urease activity aligned with satisfied
dissolution of struvite stone by purified flavonoid moieties can overcome several lifethreatening
renal disorders.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro inhibition of urease enzyme and
an effective control over the formation of infectious renal stone (Struvite stone) by the extract and
purified flavonoid of Citrus limon seeds.

Methods:

Standard spectrophotometry analysis to determine urease activity, Gel diffusion method
for in vitro antibacterial activity, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to validate the urease inhibitory
activity, and LC-MS-PDA analysis to predict the structures of polyphenols were employed.

Results:

Complete urease inhibition was noticed in hot water extract (HWE) and 50% ethanolic extract,
and an appreciable inhibition was recorded by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC)
purified polyphenols (78.3±2.6%). A satisfactory struvite stone dissolution of about 49.6±3.2% and
40.9±2.1%, was recorded by HWE and PTLC eluate, respectively. ANN-based training model
proved a significant correlation (r2 = 0.987) between the predicted and conducted experimental results
of urease inhibitory activity. Two new novel polyphenols were identified (luteolin-7-0-
rutinoside glycoside derivative [m/z 786] and an unknown compound [m/z 651]) through LC-MSPDA
analysis. Likewise, simulated bioimplant coated with purified polyphenols recorded a satisfactory
urease inhibitory activity.

Conclusion:

A correlated result of urease inhibition, growth inhibition against clinically significant
bacterial pathogens, and in vitro struvite stone dissolution strongly support the efficacy of renoprotective
effect of C. limon seeds.
Synthetic Overview of FDA-Approved Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors (DPP-4I)
Authors: Gori Chandani S. , Naliapara Yogesh T.
Published: February 2025

Diabetes mellitus continues to be a major health concern worldwide, contributing significantly
to annual mortality and morbidity. Among all types of diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus
is a pervasive health condition that affects people worldwide. Recently, various classes of drugs
have been proposed for the management of T2DM. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors or gliptins are a
class of oral medications for T2DM that target the incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP. By increasing
insulin production and decreasing glucagon release, DPP-4 inhibitors maintain glucose homeostasis.
DPP-4 inhibitors provide a number of advantages over conventional antidiabetic medications, including
a reduced risk of hypoglycaemic episodes, an extensive safety profile, and no weight gain. Consequently,
gliptins have been a focus of study. This paper provides an overview of diabetes mellitus,
focusing on its types, prevalence, and therapeutic approaches, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM). The synthesis of key DPP-4 inhibitors, including sitagliptin, vildagliptin,
saxagliptin, linagliptin, and alogliptin is discussed, showcasing various synthetic strategies employed
by different researchers to produce these drugs.
Emerging Trends in Hydrogels for the Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rajgopal B. , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Deshmukh Reena , Gupta Akash , Patel Anjali , Sakure Kalyani , Jaiswal Manisha
Published: February 2025

This review discusses the use of hydrogel systems for intravaginal drug
delivery, specifically antibacterial, anti-trichomonas, and anti-fungal regimens for
managing and treating gynecological infections, particularly vaginal candidiasis. About
80% of females worldwide have encountered candida albicans, the root cause of vaginal
candidiasis [VC]. This infection is manifested by inflammation, itching, erythema,
dyspareunia, and pain in the infected vaginal mucosal area. Long-term use of antibiotics,
immunosuppressants, contraceptive pills, use of intra-uterine devices, vaginal douching,
unprotected sexual intercourse, pregnancy, and hyperglycemic condition are the major
factors that affect vaginal flora and may cause VC. Conventional dosage forms, such as
creams, ointment, powder, pessaries, etc., are used in VC treatment; however, they have
some serious limitations, such as short mucosal contact, rapid vaginal flush or discharge, or
poor mucosal absorption. Researchers have developed several novel hydrogel preparations,
such as mucoadhesive, pH or temperature-sensitive, or other polymeric hydrogels, to
overcome these limitations. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide information on
the pathophysiology and diagnosis of VC, and recently developed hydrogels for its
treatment, which utilize a sol-gel system where gel formation takes place in vaginal
conditions. Drug-exempted systems exhibiting antifungal discomfort are overcome by
hydrogel, which also facilitates their wardship and proper distribution in the vaginal
mucosa.
Rethinking Lasem: Some Notes and Challenges on Heritage Conservation
Authors:   School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Martokusumo Widjaja , Astuti Erika Yuni ,   School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Suryaningsih Febriyanti ,   Pusat Dokumentasi Arsitektur, Jakarta, Purwestri Nadia ,   Pusat Dokumentasi Arsitektur, Jakarta, Malagina Agni ,   Lasem Heritage, Lasem, Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The discussion on cultural heritage has evolved to integrate both tangible and intangible aspects in urban heritage management. Heritage conservation now faces challenges related to resources and the condition of urban elements. When assessing cultural significance, it's important to look beyond physical objects and consider social and cultural factors. The Lasem revitalization project has focused on improving public spaces and street corridors, but the protection of historical urban features is often overlooked, causing new problems. This research used surveys, interviews, and participation mapping to gather data. The analysis framework is based on understanding historical urban features, cultural significance, and people-centered conservation. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to both tangible and intangible heritage in Lasem’s historic areas and finds that people-centered conservation views heritage as a socio-cultural construct.
The Role of Landscape Architecture in Sustainable Urban Development: Implementation of Universal Design
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kendari and Magister Arsitektur, Fakultas Teknik Sipil dan Perencanaan, UII,, Nahdatunnisa Nahdatunnisa , Fajar Fajar ,   Magister Arsitektur, Fakultas Teknik Sipil dan Perencanaan, UII, Tahir M. Arzal ,   Department of Architecture, Halu Oleo University Kendari, Setiadi Ahsan Hidayat ,   Department of Architecture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kendari,
Published: February 2025

Landscape architecture significantly contributes to sustainable development by incorporating universal design principles in the design of public open spaces. The design of urban parks, green corridors, and public squares prioritizes ecological sustainability and accessibility. Universal design incorporates accessibility features like ramps, tactile paths, and safe materials, while also promoting ecological sustainability through the use of green infrastructure like catchment parks and bioswales. This case study takes place in a public area in Kendari. We gathered the data through observational and interview techniques. We utilize analytical and synthetic methods to understand requirements, capabilities, and obstacles while integrating ecological, social, and technical components into a cohesive design. The research findings consist of practical principles and recommendations for the implementation of universal design in landscape architecture, encompassing layouts that facilitate social interaction, the utilization of sustainable materials, and solutions for water management. This research demonstrates that universal design enhances inclusivity while offering ecological, social, and cultural advantages; therefore, it aids in the development of public places that are adaptable, inclusive, and promote urban sustainability.
Geoinformation Analysis of Regional Climatic Changes in the Central and Western Russian Arctic for Railway Development
Authors: Kostianoy Andrey , Gvishiani Alexei , Rozenberg Igor' , Krasnoperov Roman , Gvozdik Sofia , Lebedev Sergey , Nikitina Isabella , Dubchak Irina , Shevaldysheva Olga , Sergeev Vladimir , Gvozdik Georgy
Published: February 2025

The Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation is characterized by the rapid growth of the mining industry, aimed at the extraction of oil, gas, coal, and ores, including rare earth metals. Railways are essential in the transportation of these resources to different regions of Russia for processing and export. Part of the cargo delivery is performed via the Arctic ports connected to the railway network. Rapid climate change, including regional climate warming, is among the compromising factors for the operation of the Arctic transport infrastructure. System analysis of climatic processes and assessment of potential hazards that they may induce requires adequate geoinformation support. This paper presents the results of spatio-temporal variability analysis of various hydrometeorological parameters for selected railway mainlines within the Arctic region. For this purpose, a new geoinformation method based on the Hovmöller diagrams was elaborated. This tool is useful for representing climate dynamics along the specified railway mainlines over several decades. It allows us to determine railway sections affected by anomalous climatic conditions on the variable time scale. The presented Hovmöller diagrams proved to be an efficient instrument for the regional climate change representation. It might be quite useful for railway infrastructure maintenance, planning, operation, and adaptation.
A Study on the Role of Office Advanced Application Courses in the Cultivation of College Students' Vocational Skills
Authors: Kang Wenqing
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of information technology, Office has become an indispensable tool in the modern workplace. As the main force in the future workplace, it is crucial for college students to master Office advanced application skills for their career development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of Office advanced application courses in the vocational skills training of college students, by analyzing the importance of Office advanced application skills, curriculum and teaching methods, as well as the specific impact on the cultivation of students' vocational ability, and put forward suggestions for improvement, with a view to providing reference for the teaching of Office in colleges and universities.
Analysis of Shenzhen’s Tourism Strategy under the Coupling of Big Data and GIS
Authors: Li Lepei , Wang Ruei-Yuan
Published: February 2025

The booming development of big data has brought unprecedented opportunities and broad perspectives to the study of tourism resources. By mining and deeply analyzing various data, potentially valuable information can be discovered, providing accurate cognition and clear direction for the development of the tourism industry. Combining geographic information system (GIS) technology can effectively conduct spatial analysis and visual display of tourism resources, which not only helps with destination planning and resource optimization but also provides strong support for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This article is based on a literature review method, a GIS spatial analysis method, and a SWOT-AHP analysis method and combines multi-source big data (such as Gaode-Map POI data, OSM transportation road network data, etc.) with geographic spatial big data to analyze the current situation and strategies of tourism development in Shenzhen. Finally, based on the analysis results of the spatial distribution of tourism resources, transportation accessibility, SWOT analysis, and strategic quadrilateral, corresponding suggestions are proposed for the high-quality development strategy of tourism in Shenzhen.
Enhancing Power Grid Resilience Through Energy Storage And Demand Response
Authors: Ojo Oluwafemi Tayo , Salman Muhammad Bolakale , Agbanusi Ijeoma Lilian , Azubuike Chinedu Hilary , Olaleye Tosin Gideo , Oyesanya Ayodele , Ajiboye Joshua Adenrele
Published: February 2025

The resilience of power grids is increasingly essential in the face of climate change, extreme weather events, and the growing complexity of energy systems. To ensure continuous electricity supply during outages and stress events, utilities and grid operators are exploring innovative solutions. This paper examines two key strategies — energy storage systems (ESS) and demand response (DR) — for enhancing grid resilience. Energy storage technologies allow grid operators to store excess electricity during periods of low demand and release it during peak usage or disturbances.Meanwhile, demand response programs encourage consumers to adjust their energy consumption patterns in response to grid needs, improving operational flexibility and reducing stress on the infrastructure. This paper examines the combined potential of ESS and DR in improving grid stability, mitigating the effects of system failures, and optimising energy usage. We present a framework for integrating both technologies into grid operations and evaluate case studies of successful deployments. Results indicate that combining ESS with DR programs supports immediate grid reliability and contributes to long-term sustainability by reducing operational costs and enhancing system flexibility.
Desiccation-assisted Fabrication: A Novel Method for Developing Antimicrobial Textiles in Clinical Settings Using Montmorillonite
Authors: Nabi Mansoor , ul Hussain Mohd Isfaq , Qureshi Sabia , Shanaz Syed , Hussain Syed Akram , Hussain Ishraq , Bhat Mohd. Altaf , Yatoo Mohd. Iqbal , Kashoo Zahid Amin , Hassan Mir Nadeem , Badroo Gulzar Ahmad , ul Tarfain Najeeb , Udin Faheem , Nabi Nahida
Published: February 2025

This study introduces a novel technique called Desiccation-Assisted Fabrication for fabricating antimicrobial cotton fabrics at the point of care. This method offers a simple, rapid, and cost-effective approach to impart antimicrobial properties to cotton fabrics, enabling their use in critical healthcare settings where infection control is paramount. Different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (2%, 2.5%, and 3% w/v) in alkaline water (pH 8.5) were prepared, drawn into a syringe, agitated for uniform dispersion, and precisely deposited onto cotton fabric. The fabric was placed on a natural desiccant powder (montmorillonite) to remove moisture, facilitating nanoparticle adhesion through physical adsorption. Subsequent heating thermofixed the nanoparticles onto the fabric. Characterization methods such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirm the consistent dispersion of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles across the coated fabric. Antimicrobial activity testing against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated the effectiveness of the fabric in inhibiting bacterial growth. The ability to precisely control the amount of nanoparticle deposition ensures consistent and reproducible results. This novel coating technique offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective approach for applying metal oxide nanoparticles to textiles, particularly for small-scale or prototyping applications. However, it also holds the potential for automation, paving the way for large-scale production.
Isolation, Characterization and Identification of Bioluminescent Bacteria from Indian Squid (Uroteuthis duvaucelii)
Authors: Mahadik Sonal , Kshirsagar Neha , Tokshiya Siddharth , Agnihotri Snehal , Pathade Girish
Published: February 2025

Bioluminescence, the capacity of living creatures to produce light through chemical processes, has been a topic of scientific fascination for many years. Bioluminescence is of great importance in the marine environment, since it facilitates diverse ecological interactions. Bioluminescent bacteria establish symbiotic partnerships with marine creatures, such as squids, octopus, dinoflagellets, various fishes like anglerfishes, etc. In order to use bioluminescent bacteria as a biosensor, the samples of Indian Squid were gathered from local fish market located in Ganesh Peth and Camp area of Pune district, Maharashtra. This study was performed to isolate and characterize potential bioluminescent bacteria which can be used as biosensors in food and brewing industry for food analysis. In this study, 608 colonies with blue color and 873 colonies with green color bioluminescence were isolated from Indian squid using sea water agar. The bacterial strains AB28 and ABG67 were selected for further analysis, which required comparing them with the information provided in Bergerys handbook for their characterization. Additionally, their identification was carried out using 16S rRNA. The bioluminescent strains that were isolated and identified were Shewanella seohaensis and Shewanella hafniensis, respectively.
Fluoride Resistant Bacillus paralicheniformis (MSO5) Isolated from Halophytic Zone of Coringa Mangrove Wildlife Sanctuary
Authors: Chaitanya Kovvali Sri Krishna , Rajeswari Jinka , Raju D.V.V. Satyanarayana , Allada Viswanadham
Published: February 2025

Fluoride contamination in water sources represents a persistent and grave global issue with severe health implications. Microorganisms are known to demonstrate tolerance to various pollutants, enabling their survival in diverse and adverse environments. In this study, we aimed to identify potential bacterial isolates capable of resisting and removing fluoride from contaminated water, and can be used for bioremediation of fluoride contaminated water The unique Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, a mangrove forest, served as a collection site for soil, sludge and water samples due to its distinctive ability to host halotolerant and halophilic bacteria, setting it apart from other plant species in naturally saline conditions. This exceptional microbial community within mangroves established them as a valuable source of fluoride resistant bacteria. A total of 46 bacterial isolated from sludge, soil, and water samples within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary belonged to the families Bacillaceae, Vibrionaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. Predominantly, sludge samples yielded the highest number of isolates (41%), followed by soil (33%) and water (26%). All isolates demonstrated varying degrees of fluoride resistance, with 57% tolerating concentrations up to 2000 mg/L. Further screening showed that 22% of isolates tolerated 10,000 mg/L fluoride, while none survived at 20,000 mg/L. Notably, strain MSO5 exhibited growth on 12,500 mg/L fluoride containing medium within 24 hours. Based on 16S rRNA molecular studies identified the fluoride-resistant isolate MSO5 as Bacillus paralicheniformis. This study marks the first report of strain MSO5 belonging to the Bacillus sp. exhibiting tolerance to 10% salt concentration, temperature 55 °C and resistance to fluoride upto 12,500 mg/L concentration. This research lays the foundation for isolating fluoride resistant bacteria capable of removing fluoride, providing valuable prospects for microbial remediation of contaminated water sources.
Removal of Dye using Novel Nanoparticles with Performance, Characterization, Kinetic & Isotherm Study from Waste Water
Authors: Patel Dharmendra
Published: February 2025

The effluent containing dye is one of the major health concerns for humans and the environment. Iron oxide
nanoparticle (Fe NPs) has properties like size, large surface area, and magnetic nature that were more impressive for removing
dye from the aqueous solution. Batch adsorption tests for the removal of dye from synthetic dye water were done in the current
work, and the modified iron oxide nanoparticle with rice husk ash (RH+Fe) was confirmed by characterization techniques like
XRD, FTIR, SEM, and particle size analysis. Using 2.6 g/L, 50 °C, and 10 ppm of adsorbent dosage, starting concentration, and
temperature of RH+Fe, 96 % of the dye was removed. The RH+Fe adsorbent data were best fitted for Langmuir isotherm and
had an adsorption capacity of 98 mg g-1
. In the kinetic investigation, the regression coefficient of pseudo-second order was
determined to be 0.96. The results of the current investigation offer a promising dye elimination adsorbent.
Effects of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on FGF2 and PDGF Expression in Deep Dermal Burn Wounds: A Comparative Study with Conventional Treatments
Authors: Anshor Tajul , Yonda Rina Meylia , Adhityo Pramana , Seswandhana Muhammad Rosadi , Purnomo Eko , Anwar Sumadi Lukman
Published: February 2025

Background: Burn injuries are a major global health issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a common treatment that aids fluid drainage and enhances blood flow, thereby promoting wound healing. However, its effects on wound healing parameters like fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in deep dermal burns are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to compare NPWT with conventional treatments, namely 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) and silver sulfadiazine (SSD), in terms of their effects on FGF2 and PDGF levels in burn wounds.Methods: Seventy-two fresh tissue samples from Yorkshire pig deep dermal burn models were divided into three treatment groups: NPWT, NaCl, and SSD. Wounds were photographed and observed macroscopically. Tissue samples were collected on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for further statistical analysis.Results: Macroscopic observation indicated better epithelialization and granulation in the NPWT group, with minimal wound contraction. Although differences across the treatment groups were insignificant, NPWT maintained higher and more stable FGF2 levels, peaking on days 7 and 21 (780.62±353.88 ng/mL and 504.31±254.25 ng/mL), with significant delta (Δ) value increases in the later stages (P=0.042), which were not observed in the NaCl and SSD groups. PDGF concentrations showed insignificant differences across all treatment groups, with notable delta changes in the SSD group (P=0.018).Conclusion: NPWT demonstrated superior wound healing performance compared to conventional treatments. In addition to favorable macroscopic findings, NPWT potentially maintained FGF2 levels throughout the wound healing process.
Current State and Future Trends of Research on Pressure Injuries in Nursing Homes: Network Analysis and Topic Modeling
Authors: Chang Sung Ok , Lee Ye-Na
Published: February 2025

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) are a significant issue in nursing homes (NHs) that affect residents’ physical, psychological, and financial well-being. Despite advancements in prevention and management, PIs remain a critical challenge requiring a comprehensive analysis of research trends to guide future efforts.Methods: We analyzed 1,857 research abstracts published up to December 2023 using text network analysis and topic modeling. Keyword frequency, co-occurrence patterns, and centrality metrics were examined to identify the key terms. Latent Dirichlet allocation was employed for topic modeling, and trends were analyzed over decades to explore the evolution of research priorities.Results: The most frequent keywords were “patient,” “care,” and “wound,” emphasizing the central themes of patient care and wound management. Four main topics were identified: Managing PI Complications, Preventing PIs and Maintaining Skin Integrity, Improving Organizational Strategies for PI Care, and Managing Systemic Conditions in PI Care. Trends revealed a decline in studies on post-injury management, while prevention and organizational strategies have gained prominence. Patient-specific risk factors have consistently attracted attention over the decades, highlighting the importance of individualized care.Conclusion: This study underscores the shift from reactive post-injury management to proactive prevention and organizational strategies in PI research. These findings emphasize the need for integrated approaches that combine patient-centered care with systemic and preventive measures to improve outcomes in NHs.
Socially responsible investing and the performance of climate-smart agricultural projects
Authors: Ruheni George Gatere , Rambo Charles Mallans , Wafula Charles Misiko , Mwenda Mary Nyawira
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to establish how socially responsible investing promotes the performance of climate-smart agricultural projects. Wani et al. (2024), investigating the Middle East and North Africa, found environmental quality depends on economic growth. However, to realize economic development in a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, stakeholders need to promote the value of the agricultural products and reduce post-harvest loss through value addition. This study anchors on game theory, which opines that the economy is not fixed. Hence, agricultural stakeholders need to be innovative and progressive. A descriptive research design was employed to study two climate-smart agriculture projects, with a population of 516 small-scale farmers. The study found a relationship between socially responsible investing and the performance of climate-smart agricultural projects. However, the interaction between value addition and socially responsible investing had minimal influence. The hurdle was underlying factors such as poverty and insecurity. Consequently, it is imperative to have policies and stakeholders prioritize and promote provision of the scarce public and private goods to enhance small-scale farmers’ resilience and propel them from subsistence to commercial production for value addition of surplus food.
ANÁLISES AVANÇADAS DE INTEGRIDADE NAS CONTRATAÇÕES PÚBLICAS DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO: APLICAÇÃO DO ÍNDICE HERFINDAHL-HIRSCHMAN E O COEFICIENTE DE GINI COMO FERRAMENTA DE GOVERNANÇA
Authors: Cocchiarelli Rafael Silva , Pessanha José Francisco
Published: February 2025

A governança pública enfrenta desafios contínuos para garantir transparência, eficiência e integridade nas contratações. Este estudo analisa dados públicos de contratações diretas no estado do Rio de Janeiro entre 2020 e 2024, utilizando a Lei de Newcomb-Benford, o Índice de Gini e o Índice de Herfindahl-Hirschman (HHI) para avaliar padrões de anomalias, concentração de mercado e desigualdade na distribuição de contratos. Os resultados indicam elevada concentração em setores estratégicos, como fornecimento de refeições e serviços hospitalares, com HHI acima dos limites considerados competitivos e altos valores de Gini, sugerindo baixa concorrência e possível risco de favorecimento. Além disso, a aplicação da Lei de Benford revela desvios estatísticos em determinados processos, apontando para possíveis irregularidades. Como contribuição, o estudo reforça a importância de métodos estatísticos e analíticos na governança das compras públicas, fornecendo subsídios para aprimorar a fiscalização e fortalecer políticas que promovam maior competitividade e transparência.
Development of a Calculation Method for a Combined Filter
Authors: Ksenofontov B. S. , Shirniekh A. A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction. If wastewater treatment becomes less effective, the intensity of treatment facilities should be increased. Several approaches to solving this issue have been described in the literature. For example, to intensify the coagulation process, researchers have used controlled mechanical mixing of coagulants with effluents, mixing with air, and injecting the coagulant using jet or chamber mixers. The authors of this paper propose integrating a vertical clarifying filter (VCF) and a mixing chamber into one housing. This is a novel approach that eliminates the disadvantages of operating separate devices, such as the need for additional space, the possibility of forming aggregates close to the area where they are removed on filters, and avoiding breakage of flakes in connecting pipelines. Experimental evidence has previously demonstrated the effectiveness of this installation. The aim of this study is to develop a scientific methodology for calculating the combined filter, which is essential for widespread adoption.

Materials and Methods. The mixing efficiency of the fluidized bed was determined using the Camp criterion, which characterized the energy spent on mixing. Relevant publications on the subject were also taken into account. Special attention was paid to the description of coagulation. Before developing the calculation method, the authors conducted experiments and created a mathematical model of the installation. The operation of a combined filter with a mixing chamber consisting of a rapid mixing tank with a floating load and a settling tank was considered. The main initial data for the calculation method included: maximum wastewater flow rate, water viscosity, filter diameter, distance from load to housing, backwash intensity, and the volume of expansion of load during backwashing.

Results. The paper shows that the Camp criterion depends on various factors, including mass, area, contact time, and viscosity of particles in a fluidized bed. The calculation of the mixing chamber of the filter was based on this dependence. The regeneration of filters related to the efficiency of backwashing was taken into account. The method for calculating the mixing chamber was presented, and factors that could reduce the effectiveness of backwashing were discussed. As compensation, it was proposed to increase the intensity of backwashing or reduce the height of the filter layer. It was shown how to calculate the dimensions of the mixing chamber elements — the diameter and height of the tanks. A self-check was included in the calculation to avoid errors.

Discussion and Conclusion. For the first time, an improved combined filter design and a method for calculating it are described. The proposed approach makes it possible to determine the dimensions of the mixing chamber and ensure the necessary backwash efficiency. The new solution is of practical interest for enterprises that operate wastewater treatment plants with VCF.
Appropriate Methods of ELT in the Current Indo-Bangla Context
Authors: Biva Tahenaz Parvin
Published: February 2025

his paper claims that for any ELT methodology to be effective, the social context in which it is utilised must be taken into account since they represent the ideology and politics of the West, which rules the world by upholding Anglo-Saxon standards, establishing norms, and imposing its ideologies on non-Western nations. The classroom techniques and activities or tasks used in ELT methodology are primarily Western in origin and orientation; they promote the Western learning group ideals, learner autonomy, learner centeredness, group work, pair work, role play, simulation, and drama techniques – all of which are foreign to teaching-learning cultures in the periphery. However, this paper chooses to liberate ELT from methodological imperialism and promote critical, non-prescriptive, locally generated, bottom-up methods suitable for the present setting of India and Bangladesh to make ELT methods appropriate to the socio-cultural requirements of learners and teachers.
Representaciones sobre clases sociales y desigualdad social. Un estudio cualitativo en asalariados de posiciones medias de la estructura de clases del AMBA (2018-2019)
Authors: Leiva María Manuela
Published: February 2025

El presente artículo propone conocer las representaciones sociales de profesionales asalariados y gerentes del AMBA acerca de las clases sociales y la desigualdad social. El trabajo es parte de una investigación cualitativa en la que se indagan orientaciones políticas e identidad de clase. El estudio se desarrolla a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas en 2018 y 2019 a personas seleccionadas de una base de datos con información proveniente del AMBA. La muestra cualitativa quedó conformada por 20 casos, segmentada por posición (gerencial y profesional asalariada) y por género. El artículo parte de un elemento emergente de la investigación mencionada: los entrevistados se perciben a sí mismos como parte de la clase media, lo que lleva a indagar en sus implicancias. El análisis permite sostener que autopercibirse de “clase media” responde a un sistema más abarcador que incluye otras clases “por arriba” y “por debajo” de ellas. En este sentido, se presentan elementos hallados que permiten un acercamiento a la concepción que tienen los entrevistados sobre la sociedad de clases en la actualidad. Asimismo, el análisis permite focalizar en la polarización entre los extremos que existen entre los “más ricos” y “los más pobres” de la población.
El problema público de la pandemia en las provincias. Estructuración de la agenda mediática de diarios y radios en Santiago del Estero en torno a la COVID-19
Authors: Llanos Paz Ramiro
Published: February 2025

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los resultados de un trabajo que abordó el estudio de medios de comunicación en contextos de pandemia (y que se enmarca dentro de un proyecto más amplio que tuvo como sede al INDES1). En él se planteó el análisis de la agenda mediática de uno de los diarios más importantes de Santiago del Estero –El Liberal–, para ello se trabajó con un corpus de noticias extraídas en un período de 12 meses (marzo/2020 – febrero/2021). Además, se analizaron los casos de dos radios locales indagando en sus recursos y estrategias en la producción de noticias. Con ello buscamos poner en discusión la función social de los medios, sus luchas por la definición de problemas públicos, y especialmente qué y cómo priorizaron los temas durante la covid-19, entendiendo que cumplen un rol central en la formación de opinión pública y la construcción de ciudadanía. Los datos y las reflexiones teórico-empíricas que se presentan aquí tuvieron como base más de 3000 noticias y entrevistas a los actores involucrados.
Toward a rapid, sensitive, user-friendly, field-deployable artificial intelligence tool for enhancing African swine fever diagnosis and reporting
Authors: Bakshi Aliva , Stetson Jake , Caragea Doina , Wang Lihua , Shi Jishu , Miller Laura C.
Published: February 2025

Objective

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal and highly contagious transboundary animal disease with the potential for rapid international spread. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are sometimes hard to read by the inexperienced user, mainly due to the LFA sensitivity and reading ambiguities. Our objective was to develop and implement an AI-powered tool to enhance the accuracy of LFA reading, thereby improving rapid and early detection for ASF diagnosis and reporting.

Methods

Here, we focus on the development of a deep learning–assisted, smartphone-based AI diagnostic tool to provide accurate decisions with higher sensitivity. The tool employs state-of-the-art You Only Look Once (YOLO) models for image classification. The YOLO models were trained and evaluated using a dataset consisting of images where the lateral flow assays are manually labeled as positives or negatives. A prototype JavaScript website application for ASF reporting and visualization was created in Azure. The application maintains the distribution of the positive predictions on a map as the positive cases are submitted by users.

Results

The performance of the models is evaluated using standard evaluation metrics for classification tasks, specifically accuracy, precision, recall, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 measure. We acquired 86.3 ± 7.9% average accuracy, 96.3 ± 2.04% average precision, 79 ± 13.20% average recall, and an average F1 score of 0.87 ± 0.088 across 3 different train/development/test splits of the datasets. Submitting a positive result of the deep learning model updates a map with a location marker for positive results.

Conclusions

Combining clinical data learning and 2-step algorithms enables a point-of-need assay with higher accuracy.

Clinical Relevance

A rapid, sensitive, user-friendly, and deployable deep learning tool was developed for classifying LFA test images to enhance diagnosis and reporting, particularly in settings with limited laboratory resources.
Determinants of Sustainable Food Purchasing Behaviour in the Context of the Aging Population in Poland
Authors: Podgórniak-Krzykacz Aldona , Przywojska Justyna
Published: February 2025

Many countries are currently facing the challenges of demographic aging and the transition to sustainable development. Under these conditions, promoting a sustainable model of food consumption among the elderly appears to be a desirable direction for policy intervention. The aim of the study is to measure sustainable food purchasing behaviour among consumers 55+ and to identify its determinants. Our study revealed, based on the results of a survey carried out among 401 Poles aged 55+, that the food purchasing behaviour of silver consumers is sustainable. It manifests in the strongest way in buying food in appropriate quantities and packing food in its own packaging. We used correlation and regression analyses to examine the presence of relationships between food purchasing behaviour and its predictors. Factors influencing the choices of consumers aged 55+ include personal and social norms, as well as perceived environmental awareness. Research results have enabled us to propose a conceptual framework for enhancing sustainable food consumption among silver customers.