bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Designed and Optimized Liposomal Curcumin-Embedded Bifunctional Cross-Linked Hydrogels for Wound Healing
Authors: Pornpitchanarong Chaiyakarn , Aye Khin Cho , Arunprasert Kwanputtha , Opanasopit Praneet , Patrojanasophon Prasopchai
Published: September 2024

Curcumin (CUR) bifunctional cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels are presented as an efficient method for CUR delivery in wound healing. CUR-loaded liposomes (CUR-Ls) were optimized using the Box–Behnken design to augment particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, and CUR concentration. The antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of CUR-Ls were assessed. Hyaluronic acid (HA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were optimized with a central composite design; then, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-itaconic acid) (PNVP-ITA) was synthesized to enrich the properties of the hydrogels. The drug release kinetics of the CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels were studied. Skin recovery was investigated in vivo on rat dorsal skin. The optimized CUR-Ls were constructed from 2.7% Tween® 20, 0.04% oleic acid, and 8.1% CUR, yielding nano-CUR-L with a narrow size distribution, negative surface charge, and CUR content of 19.92 ± 0.54 µg/mg. CUR-Ls improved the antioxidant effects of CUR. The optimized hydrogel contained 5% HA and 10% PVA. PNVP-ITA improved the properties of the hydrogels via enhanced cross-linking. CUR-Ls exhibited a more rapid release than CUR, whereas the hydrogels enhanced CUR release via a diffusion-controlled mechanism. CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels improved the skin recovery rate compared to the commercial patch after 5 days. Therefore, the optimized CUR-L@HA/PVA/PNVP-ITA hydrogels facilitated skin recovery and could be a promising nanocomposite for wound dressings.
Development of an AI-Based Predictive Algorithm for Early Diagnosis of High-Risk Dementia Groups among the Elderly: Utilizing Health Lifelog Data
Authors: Lee Ji-Yong , Lee So Yoon
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop a predictive algorithm for the early diagnosis of dementia in the high-risk group of older adults using artificial intelligence technologies. The objective is to create an accessible diagnostic method that does not rely on traditional medical equipment, thereby improving the early detection and management of dementia. Methods: Lifelog data from wearable devices targeting this high-risk group were collected from the AI Hub platform. Various indicators from these data were analyzed to develop a dementia diagnostic model. Machine learning techniques such as Logistic Regression, Random Forest, LightGBM, and Support Vector Machine were employed. Data augmentation techniques were applied to address data imbalance, thereby enhancing the model performance. Results: Data augmentation significantly improved the model’s accuracy in classifying dementia cases. Specifically, in gait data, the SVM model performed with an accuracy of 0.879. In sleep data, a Logistic Regression was performed, yielding an accuracy of 0.818. This indicates that the lifelog data can effectively contribute to the early diagnosis of dementia, providing a practical solution that can be easily integrated into healthcare systems. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lifelog data, which are easily collected in daily life, can significantly enhance the accessibility and efficiency of dementia diagnosis, aiding in the effective use of medical resources and potentially delaying disease progression.
Analysis of ABA and Fructan Contents during Onion (Allium cepa L.) Storage in the Search for Internal Sprouting Indicators
Authors: Crucitti Antonino , Kohlen Wouter , Dechesne Annemarie , van Seters Amber , Bachem Christian W. B. , Immink Richard G. H. , Scholten Olga E.
Published: September 2024

Early sprouting is a main cause of onion spoilage during storage. However, limited knowledge is available on which factors trigger sprouting. Here, this was studied in the Hyfive and Exhibition cultivars, which largely differ in sprouting time. Sprouting progress was compared to the fructan and abscisic acid (ABA) profiles in the bulb scales and basal plates. Fructan concentrations decreased in the scales from harvest time onwards in the late-sprouting cultivar Hyfive, while remaining constant in the cultivar Exhibition until internal sprouting. In the basal plates, fructan concentrations increased in both cultivars from approximately one month after harvest, but reached maximum concentrations at moments that could not be related to the difference in internal sprouting. ABA levels generally decreased in the scales of both cultivars, while increasing in their basal plates. Nevertheless, for fructans, the measured variation in ABA concentrations was not consistently associated with differences in internal sprouting. A subsequent perturbation of internal sprouting by Maleic Hydrazide treatment in the cultivar Hyfive confirmed a lack of correlation. Altogether, this indicates that fructan and ABA levels in the scales and basal plate tissue change independent of internal sprouting and cannot be regarded as predictive markers for sprouting and storability.
Uncertainty of Wave Spectral Shape and Parameters Associated with the Spectral Estimation
Authors: Clarindo Guilherme , Campos Ricardo M. , Guedes Soares Carlos
Published: September 2024

The uncertainty in estimating the wave spectrum from the records of wave elevation by heave–pitch–roll buoys is studied, considering the effects of the estimation method and the spectral resolution adopted in the process. This investigation utilizes measurements from a wave buoy moored in deep water in the South Atlantic Ocean. First, the spectra are computed using the autocorrelation function and the direct Fourier method. Second, the spectral resolution is tested in terms of degrees of freedom. The degrees of freedom are varied, and the resulting spectra and integrated parameters are computed, showing significant variability. A simple and robust methodology for determining the wave spectrum is suggested, which involves calculating the average energy density in each frequency band. The results of this methodology reduce the variability of the estimated parameters, improving overall accuracy while preserving frequency resolution, which is crucial in complex sea states. Additionally, to demonstrate the feasibility of the implemented approach, the final spectrum is fitted using an empirical model ideal for that type of spectrum. Finally, the performance and the goodness of the fit process for the final averaged curve are checked by widely used statistical metrics, such as R2 = 0.97 and root mean square error = 0.49.
Performance of a Cable-Driven Robot Used for Cyber–Physical Testing of Floating Wind Turbines
Authors: Jenssen Yngve , Sauder Thomas , Thys Maxime
Published: September 2024

Cyber–physical testing has been applied for a decade in hydrodynamic laboratories to assess the dynamic performance of floating wind turbines (FWTs) in realistic wind and wave conditions. Aerodynamic loads, computed by a numerical simulator fed with model test measurements, are applied in real time on the physical model using actuators. The present paper proposes a set of short and targeted benchmark tests that aim to quantify the performance of actuators used in cyber–physical FWT testing. They aim at ensuring good load tracking over all frequencies of interest and satisfactory disturbance rejection for large motions to provide a realistic test setup. These benchmark tests are exemplified on two radically different 15 MW FWT models tested at SINTEF Ocean using a cable-driven robot.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in the Era of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Modulators
Authors: Chatterjee Paulami , Moss Carson Tyler , Omar Sarah , Dhillon Ekroop , Hernandez Borges Carlos Daniel , Tang Alan C. , Stevens David A. , Hsu Joe L.
Published: September 2024

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity disease caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (Af), prevalent in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) or asthma. In ABPA, Af proteases drive a T-helper cell-2 (Th2)-mediated allergic immune response leading to inflammation that contributes to permanent lung damage. Corticosteroids and antifungals are the mainstays of therapies for ABPA. However, their long-term use has negative sequelae. The treatment of patients with CF (pwCF) has been revolutionized by the efficacy of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. Pharmacological improvement in CFTR function with highly effective elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) provides unprecedented improvements in lung function and other clinical outcomes of pwCF. The mechanism behind the improvement in patient outcomes is a continued topic of investigation as our understanding of the role of CFTR function evolves. As ETI therapy gains traction in CF management, understanding its potential impact on ABPA, especially on the allergic immune response pathways and Af infection becomes increasingly crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. This literature review aims to examine the extent of these findings and expand our understanding of the already published research focusing on the intersection between ABPA therapeutic approaches in CF and the rapid impact of the evolving CFTR modulator landscape. While our literature search yielded limited reports specifically focusing on the role of CFTR modulator therapy on CF-ABPA, findings from epidemiologic and retrospective studies suggest the potential for CFTR modulator therapies to positively influence pulmonary outcomes by addressing the underlying pathophysiology of CF-ABPA, especially by decreasing inflammatory response and Af colonization. Thus, this review highlights the promising scope of CFTR modulator therapy in decreasing the overall prevalence and incidence of CF-ABPA.
Correction: Seo et al. A Timeline of Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Discovery in Aspergillus fumigatus: From Characterization to Future Perspectives. J. Fungi 2024, 10, 266
Authors: Seo Hye-Won , Wassano Natalia S. , Amir Rawa Mira Syahfriena , Nickles Grant R. , Damasio André , Keller Nancy P.
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions
Authors: Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Florence Masaisa , Mukagatare Isabelle , Twagirumukiza Marc , Ahmed Ayman , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar
Published: September 2024

Fungal infections (FIs) are spreading globally, raising a significant public health concern. However, its documentation remains sparse in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This report provides a comprehensive review of FIs in Rwanda based on a systematic review of reports published between 1972 and 2022. The findings reveal a rich diversity of fungal pathogens, including Blastomyces, Candida, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Pneumocystis, Rhinosporidium, and Trichophyton caused human infections. Candida infections predominantly affect the vagina mucosa, while Histoplasma duboisi was linked to disseminated infections. Other pathogens, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis and Rhinosporidium seeberi, were associated with cerebellar and nasal mucosa infections, respectively. The widespread observation of soilborne fungi affecting bean crops highlights the pathogens’ threat to agricultural productivity, food security, and socioeconomic stability, as well as potential health impacts on humans, animals, and the environment. Of particular importance is that there is no information about FIs among animals in the country. Moreover, the analysis underscores significant limitations in the detection, reporting, and healthcare services related to FIs in the country, indicating gaps in diagnostic capacity and surveillance systems. This is underscored by the predominant use of traditional diagnostic techniques, including culture, cytology, and histopathology in the absence of integrating more sensitive and specific molecular tools in investigating FIs. Developing the diagnostic capacities and national surveillance systems are urgently needed to improve the health of crops, animals, and humans, as well as food security and socioeconomic stability in Rwanda. Also, it is important to indicate severe gaps in the evidence to inform policymaking, guide strategic planning, and improve healthcare and public health services, underscoring the urgent need to build national capacity in fungal diagnosis, surveillance, and research. Raising awareness among the public, scientific community, healthcare providers, and policymakers remains crucial. Furthermore, this report reveals the threats of FIs on public health and food insecurity in Rwanda. A multisectoral one health strategy is essential in research and intervention to determine and reduce the health and safety impacts of fungal pathogens on humans, animals, and the environment.
Changes in Revealed Comparative Advantage in Machinery and Equipment: Evidence for Emerging Markets
Authors: Boltho Andrea
Published: September 2024

The paper computes Balassa’s index of revealed comparative advantage for machinery and equipment (a rough proxy for high-tech goods) for a number of emerging areas (East Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East) and for selected individual countries over some 50 years, from the early 1970s to the early 2020s. The focus is on why some economies were successful in promoting high-tech sectors. As could be expected, experience differs hugely. In some countries, interventionist trade or industrial policies were crucial in fostering comparative advantage. In others, however, the role of policies appears to have been minor and successes were achieved thanks to the free play of market forces (including an important contribution, at least in some countries, coming from foreign direct investment).
Maximizing Profitability and Occupancy: An Optimal Pricing Strategy for Airbnb Hosts Using Regression Techniques and Natural Language Processing
Authors: Di Persio Luca , Lalmi Enis
Published: September 2024

In the competitive landscape of Airbnb hosting, optimizing pricing strategies for properties is a complex challenge that requires revenue maximization with high occupancy rates. This research aimed to introduce a solution that leverages big data and machine learning techniques to help hosts improve their property’s market performance. Our primary goal was to introduce a solution that can augment property owners’ understanding of their property’s market value within their urban context, thereby optimizing both the utilization and profitability of their listings. We employed a multi-faceted approach with diverse models, including support vector regression, XGBoost, and neural networks, to analyze the influence of factors such as location, host attributes, and guest reviews on a listing’s financial performance. To further refine our predictive models, we integrated natural language processing techniques for in-depth listing review analysis, focusing on term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF), bag-of-words, and aspect-based sentiment analysis. Integrating such techniques allowed for in-depth listing review analysis, providing nuanced insights into guest preferences and satisfaction. Our findings demonstrated that AirBnB hosts can effectively utilize both state-of-the-art and traditional machine learning algorithms to better understand customer needs and preferences, more accurately assess their listings’ market value, and focus on the importance of dynamic pricing strategies. By adopting this data-driven approach, hosts can achieve a balance between maintaining competitive pricing and ensuring high occupancy rates. This method not only enhances revenue potential but also contributes to improved guest satisfaction and the growing field of data-driven decisions in the sharing economy, specially tailored to the challenges of short-term rentals.
The Response of Insects and Weeds within the Crop to Variation in Sowing Density of Canola
Authors: Vykydalová Lucie , Martínez Barroso Petra , Děkanovský Igor , Hrudová Eva , Lumbantobing Yentriani Rumeta , Michutová Markéta , Winkler Jan
Published: September 2024

The relationships between weeds and insects in canola stands with different seeding rates are not fully understood. Varying seeding rates in canola crops can create different conditions that affect both weed and insect populations and their interactions. The aim of this work was to determine the response of weeds and insects of selected taxa to different densities of canola stand densities and to clarify the interactions between weeds and insects in canola stands. The field experiment was conducted on a plot located in the cadastral area of the municipality of Pěnčín (Moravia, Czech Republic). The results show that a reduced canola sowing rate of oilseed rape leads to increased weed infestation, which is dominated by one taxon (Papaver rhoeas L.). The increase in weed infestation of canola stands is not reflected in an increase in the diversity of captured insects. Increased canola seeding rate improves weed suppression but increases the number of canola pest insects. A higher number of plants and more canola biomass increase the food supply and, thus, make the stand more attractive to canola pests. The taxon Brassicogethes aeneus dominated the pests species spectrum. Changing the seeding rate of canola results in a response in weed and insect populations. The standard recommended seeding rate is optimal in terms of competitive suppression of weeds and the occurrence of pests and trapped insects. Increasing or decreasing the seeding rate of rapeseed does not bring any benefits in terms of pest regulation or biodiversity. However, the results obtained indicate an interesting weed–insect interaction in the conditions of canola stands.
Impact of Typical Land Use Expansion Induced by Ecological Restoration and Protection Projects on Landscape Patterns
Authors: Kou Xuyang , Zhao Jinqi , Sang Weiguo
Published: September 2024

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes driven by ecological restoration and protection projects play a pivotal role in reshaping landscape patterns. However, the specific impacts of these projects on landscape structure remain understudied. In this research, we applied geographically weighted regression (GWR) to analyze the spatial relationships between typical land use expansion and landscape pattern characteristics in the Lesser Khingan Mountains–Sanjiang Plain region between 2017 and 2022. Our results indicate three key findings: (1) Significant spatial heterogeneity exists in the relationship between landscape patterns and land use expansion, which varies across geographic locations; (2) Ecological restoration projects generally reduce fragmentation, dominance, and heterogeneity while enhancing connectivity, particularly in forest and farmland regions. However, excessive land use expansion in certain areas may reverse these positive effects; (3) Landscape complexity increases in high-altitude mountainous regions due to land use expansion but decreases in plains, particularly in forest-to-farmland conversions. These findings provide new insights into how landscape patterns respond to ecological restoration efforts and offer actionable guidance for improving future land use planning and policy decisions. Our study highlights the need to consider local geomorphological factors when designing ecological projects, ensuring that restoration efforts align with regional landscape dynamics to maintain landscape integrity.
AssocKD: An Association-Aware Knowledge Distillation Method for Document-Level Event Argument Extraction
Authors: Tan Lijun , Hu Yanli , Cao Jianwei , Tan Zhen
Published: September 2024

Event argument extraction is a crucial subtask of event extraction, which aims at extracting arguments that correspond to argument roles when given event types. The majority of current document-level event argument extraction works focus on extracting information for only one event at a time without considering the association among events; this is known as document-level single-event extraction. However, the interrelationship among arguments can yield mutual gains in their extraction. Therefore, in this paper, we propose AssocKD, an Association-aware Knowledge Distillation Method for Document-level Event Argument Extraction, which enables the enhancement of document-level multi-event extraction with event association knowledge. Firstly, we introduce an association-aware training task to extract unknown arguments with the given privileged knowledge of relevant arguments, obtaining an association-aware model that can construct both intra-event and inter-event relationships. Secondly, we adopt multi-teacher knowledge distillation to transfer such event association knowledge from the association-aware teacher models to the event argument extraction student model. Our proposed method, AssocKD, is capable of explicitly modeling and efficiently leveraging event association to enhance the extraction of multi-event arguments at the document level. We conduct experiments on RAMS and WIKIEVENTS datasets and observe a significant improvement, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of our method.
Electrospun Nanofiber-Based Biosensors for Foodborne Bacteria Detection
Authors: Yang Haoming , Yan Song , Yang Tianxi
Published: September 2024

Food contamination has emerged as a significant global health concern, posing substantial challenges to the food industry. Bacteria are the primary cause of foodborne diseases. Consequently, it is crucial to develop accurate and efficient sensing platforms to detect foodborne bacteria in food products. Among various detection methods, biosensors have emerged as a promising solution due to their portability, affordability, simplicity, selectivity, sensitivity, and rapidity. Electrospun nanofibers have gained increasing popularity in enhancing biosensor performance. These nanofibers possess a distinctive three-dimensional structure, providing a large surface area and ease of preparation. This review provides an overview of the electrospinning technique, nanofibers and nanofiber-based biosensors. It also explores their mechanisms and applications in the detection of foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas putida (P. putida).
Synergistic Antifungal Effect and In Vivo Toxicity of a Monoterpene Isoespintanol Obtained from Oxandra xylopioides Diels
Authors: Contreras-Martínez Orfa Inés , Angulo-Ortíz Alberto , Santafé Patiño Gilmar , Sierra Martinez Jesus , Berrio Soto Ricardo , de Almeida Rodolpho Joice Margareth , de Godoy Krissia Franco , de Freitas Aníbal Fernanda , de Lima Fragelli Bruna Dias
Published: September 2024

Candida sp. infections are a threat to global health, with high morbidity and mortality rates due to drug resistance, especially in immunocompromised people. For this reason, the search for new alternatives is urgent, and in recent years, a combined therapy with natural compounds has been proposed. Considering the biological potential of isoespintanol (ISO) and continuing its study, the objective of this research was to assess the effect of ISO in combination with the antifungals fluconazole (FLZ), amphotericin B (AFB) and caspofungin (CASP) against clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of this compound in the acute phase (days 0 and 14) and chronic phase (days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84) in female mice (Mus musculus) of the Balb/c lineage. The results show that ISO can potentiate the effect of FLZ, AFB and CASP, showing synergism with these antifungals. An evaluation of the mice via direct observation showed no behavioral changes or variations in weight during treatment; furthermore, an analysis of the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF in plasma, peritoneal cavity lavage (PCL) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) indicated that there was no inflammation process. In addition, histopathological studies of the lungs, liver and kidneys showed no signs of toxicity caused by ISO. This was consistent with an analysis of oxaloacetic transaminases (GOT) and pyruvic transaminases (GPT), which remained in the standard range. These findings indicate that ISO does not have a cytotoxic effect at the doses evaluated, placing it as a monoterpene of interest in the search for compounds with pharmacological potential.
2-Bromopyridines as Versatile Synthons for Heteroarylated 2-Pyridones via Ru(II)-Mediated Domino C–O/C–N/C–C Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Drev Miha , Brodnik Helena , Grošelj Uroš , Perdih Franc , Svete Jurij , Štefane Bogdan , Požgan Franc
Published: September 2024

A novel methodology for the synthesis of 2-pyridones bearing a 2-pyridyl group on nitrogen and carbon atoms, starting from 2-bromopyridines, was developed employing a simple Ru(II)–KOPiv–Na2CO3 catalytic system. Unsubstituted 2-bromopyridine was successfully converted to the penta-heteroarylated 2-pyridone product using this method. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed a possible synthetic pathway leading to the multi-heteroarylated 2-pyridone products, involving consecutive oxygen incorporation, a Buchwald–Hartwig-type reaction, and C–H bond activation.
Advances in Photoacoustic Endoscopic Imaging Technology for Prostate Cancer Detection
Authors: Wei Ningning , Chen Huiting , Li Bin , Dong Xiaojun , Wang Bo
Published: September 2024

The rapid progress in biomedical imaging technology has generated considerable interest in new non-invasive photoacoustic endoscopy imaging techniques. This emerging technology offers significant benefits, including high spectral specificity, strong tissue penetration, and real-time multidimensional high-resolution imaging capabilities, which enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This paper delivers a thorough review of current prostate cancer screening techniques, the core principles of photoacoustic endoscopy imaging, and the latest research on its use in detecting prostate cancer. Additionally, the limitations of this technology in prostate cancer detection are discussed, and future development trends are anticipated.
Accurate Inspection and Super-Resolution Reconstruction for Additive Manufactured Defects Based on Stokes Vector Method and Deep Learning
Authors: Sun Shangrongxi , Peng Xing , Cao Hongbing
Published: September 2024

Defects in additive manufacturing processes are closely related to the mechanical and physical properties of the components. However, the extreme conditions of high temperatures, intense light, and powder during the manufacturing process present significant challenges for defect detection. Additionally, the high reflectivity of metallic components can cause pixels in image sensors to become overexposed, resulting in the loss of many defect signals. Thus, this paper mainly focuses on proposing an accurate inspection and super-resolution reconstruction method for additive manufactured defects based on Stokes vector and deep learning, where the Stokes vectors, polarization degree, and polarization angles of the inspected defects are effectively utilized to suppress the high reflectivity of metallic surfaces, enhance the contrast of defect regions, and highlight the boundaries of defects. Furthermore, a modified SRGAN model designated SRGAN-H is presented by employing an additional convolutional layer and activation functions, including Harswish and Tanh, to accelerate the convergence of the SRGAN-H network and improve the reconstruction of the additive manufactured defect region. The experiment results demonstrated that the SRGAN-H model outperformed SRGAN and traditional SR reconstruction algorithms in terms of the images of Stokes vectors, polarization degree, and polarization angles. For the scratch and hole test sets, the PSNR values were 33.405 and 31.159, respectively, and the SSIM values were 0.890 and 0.896, respectively. These results reflect the effectiveness of the SRGAN-H model in super-resolution reconstruction of scratch and hole images. For the scratch and hole images chosen in this study, the PSNR values of SRGAN-H for single image super-resolution reconstruction ranged from 31.86786 to 43.82374, higher than the results obtained by the pre-improvement SRGAN algorithm.
Box-Behnken Design for DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity Optimization from Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenolic Compounds from Agave lechuguilla Torr. Residues
Authors: Cervantes-Güicho Vianey de J. , Reyes Ana G. , Nuncio Alberto , Sepúlveda-Torre Leonardo , Landa-Cansigno Cristina , Rodríguez-De la Garza José A. , Medina-Morales Miguel A. , Ríos-González Leopoldo J. , Morales-Martínez Thelma K.
Published: September 2024

The guishe is a by-product of the fiber extraction from Agave lechuguilla. This material has no commercial value, although it contains metabolites that could be used as a resource for producing high-value products. This study optimized the DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of polyphenolic compounds from Agave lechuguilla residues. The MAE process was optimized using a Box-Behnken design, with extraction time (5–15 min), temperature (40–50 °C), and solvent: sample ratio (1:20–1:30 m/v) as independent variables. In contrast, the dependent variable was DPPH• free radical scavenging activity. As a result, the highest antioxidant activity was at 8 min of irradiation, extraction temperature of 45 °C, and solvent: sample ratio 1:30 w/v, obtaining a total flavonoid content of 19.25 ± 0.60 mg QE/g DW, a total polyphenol content of 6.59 ± 0.31 mg GAE/g DW, a DPPH• free radical scavenging activity of 73.35 ± 1.90%, and an ABTS+• ([2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)]) free radical scavenging activity of 91.93 ± 0.68%.
Studying the Characteristics of Tank Oil Sludge
Authors: Tanirbergenova Sandugash , Tagayeva Aisulu , Rossi Cesare Oliviero , Porto Michele , Caputo Paolino , Kanzharkan Ernar , Tugelbayeva Dildara , Zhylybayeva Nurzhamal , Tazhu Kairat , Tileuberdi Yerbol
Published: September 2024

Oil sludge is one of the main pollutants generated by the oil industry. Due to serious pollution and increasing oil production, problems arise every year in the effective treatment of oil sludge. The current study examines the composition and physicochemical characteristics of oil sludge, as well as traditional and new methods for processing oil sludge. With the tightening of environmental protection requirements, oil sludge quality reduction, recycling, and harmless treatment technologies will become necessary in the future. The primary task was to determine the composition of tank oil sludge, separate it from mechanical impurities, and study the influence of ultrasonic treatment and subsequent atmospheric distillation on the extract. The separation of the concentrate and the composition of the tank oil sludge, using an extracted mixture of hexane and benzene, are considered. The use of modern SEM methods, elemental analysis, NMR analysis, IR, ultrasound, and GC–mass spectrometry made it possible to characterize the organic part of reservoir oil sludge and its distillation products. First, 300 g of tank oil sludge was preheated and mixed with 300 mL of solvent (hexane:benzene = 1:1). After mixing with the solvent, the result mixture was filtered. Then, it was placed in an ultrasonic bath and exposed to ultrasound at a frequency of 100 kHz for 30 min. After processing, it was extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus at a temperature of 65 °C to isolate the extract. The resulting extract was analyzed on a gas chromatograph with mass detection. The composition of the extract was as follows (in %): hexane—83.99; total hydrocarbon isomers—7.12; n-hydrocarbons—2.52; benzene—6.37%. At a temperature of 85 °C, the benzene yield was 65.85%. It has been established that the fractions obtained through the distillation of oil sludge at temperatures of 65–85 °C have improved dissolving capacity. It has also been shown that the use of these fractions promotes an increase in the content of hydrocarbon isomers by 12–13% in the extract composition.
Funding Illiquidity Implied by S&P 500 Derivatives
Authors: Golez Benjamin , Jackwerth Jens , Slavutskaya Anna
Published: September 2024

Based on the typical positions of S&P 500 option market makers, we derive a funding illiquidity measure from quoted prices of S&P 500 derivatives. Our measure significantly affects the returns of leveraged managed portfolios; hedge funds with negative exposure to changes in funding illiquidity earn high returns in normal times and low returns in crisis periods when funding liquidity deteriorates. The results are not driven by existing measures of funding illiquidity, market illiquidity, and proxies for tail risk. Our funding illiquidity measure also affects leveraged closed-end mutual funds and, to an extent, asset classes where leveraged investors are marginal investors.
“Humanly Possible”: Geographies, Metrics and Methods to Address Immunization Inequalities
Authors: Nambiar Devaki , Hosseinpoor Ahmad Reza , Bergen Nicole , Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Sugerman Ciara E. , Johnson Hope L.
Published: September 2024

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) [...]
Development of a Two-Component Nanoparticle Vaccine Displaying an HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein that Elicits Tier 2 Neutralising Antibodies
Authors: Malebo Kegomoditswe , Woodward Jeremy , Ximba Phindile , Mkhize Qiniso , Cingo Sanele , Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Moore Penny L. , Williamson Anna-Lise , Chapman Rosamund
Published: September 2024

Despite treatment and other interventions, an effective prophylactic HIV vaccine is still an essential goal in the control of HIV. Inducing robust and long-lasting antibody responses is one of the main targets of an HIV vaccine. The delivery of HIV envelope glycoproteins (Env) using nanoparticle (NP) platforms has been shown to elicit better immunogenicity than soluble HIV Env. In this paper, we describe the development of a nanoparticle-based vaccine decorated with HIV Env using the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system. The Env utilised in this study, CAP255, was derived from a transmitted founder virus isolated from a patient who developed broadly neutralising antibodies. Negative stain and cryo-electron microscopy analyses confirmed the assembly and stability of the mi3 into uniform icosahedral NPs surrounded by regularly spaced CAP255 gp140 Env trimers. A three-dimensional reconstruction of CAP255 gp140 SpyTag–SpyCatcher mi3 clearly showed Env trimers projecting from the centre of each of the pentagonal dodecahedral faces of the NP. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the formation of SpyCatcher pentamers on the dodecahedral faces of mi3 NPs. To investigate the immunogenicity, rabbits were primed with two doses of DNA vaccines expressing the CAP255 gp150 and a mosaic subtype C Gag and boosted with three doses of the NP-developed autologous Tier 2 CAP255 neutralising antibodies (Nabs) and low levels of heterologous CAP256SU NAbs.
Messaging to Reduce Booster Hesitancy among the Fully Vaccinated
Authors: Qin Chao , Joslyn Susan , Han Jee Hoon , Savelli Sonia , Agrawal Nidhi
Published: September 2024

Vaccine hesitancy was a serious problem in the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, due in part to the reduction in public trust in science that accompanied the pandemic. Now we are facing a new, similar but more extensive problem: booster hesitancy. Even fewer Americans are current on the mRNA booster. We present the results of an experiment with residents of the US who received all initial doses of the mRNA vaccine but who were not up to date on the booster. Participants read a scientific explanation describing either the safety or the effectiveness of the boosters or nothing in the control group. The explanations significantly increased (compared to the control) participants’ perceptions of the safety and effectiveness of the mRNA booster, as well as their willingness to get boosted. Explanations also improved emotions and attitudes toward the booster. Furthermore, although liberals were significantly more willing to get boosted than were conservatives, improvement due to the explanations was similar across political ideology groups. However, when interactions were observed, conservatives increased to a greater degree. Importantly, the explanations increased participants’ perception of scientists’ expertise and knowledge, as well as participants’ trust in scientists and the vaccine technology.
Análisis de las iniciativas estatales y su impacto en la educación de estudiantes con discapacidad en Santa Elena
Authors: Santos Sánchez William Jamil , Badaraco Bennett Sandra Gabriela , Soto Valenzuela Javier , Tomalá Tomalá Karina Elizabeth , Tomalá Tomalá Adriana Vanessa
Published: September 2024

La atención a estudiantes con discapacidad en el ámbito educativo enfrenta desafíos significativos, como la falta de formación adecuada para los docentes. El objetivo es analizar las percepciones de los docentes de Santa Elena sobre la implementación de la educación inclusiva. Se orientó en el enfoque mixto, paradigma positivista e interpretativo, el tipo de investigación es analítica y el método fenomenológico, el diseño fue no experimental, transaccional y flexible. La población fue de cincuenta (50) docentes. La técnica de recolección de dato fue la encuesta y la entrevista no estructurada. El procesamiento de los datos se realizó mediante Excel y el ATLAS. Ti. Los resultados fueron carencia significativa de capacitación en educación inclusiva entre los docentes encuestados, ya que solo el 28% ha recibido alguna formación en los últimos dos años. Se concluye que, la educación inclusiva requiere un enfoque especializado que va más allá de la buena voluntad de los docentes.
NEW APPROACHES TO ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES TO PROVIDE SOCIAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES TO DISABLED ELDERLY PEOPLE AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Authors:   FSBSI “Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of Reanimatology and Rehabilitation” of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, Puzin S.S. , Khrapylina L.P. ,   FSBEI “Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration”, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2024

The subject of the study is new approaches to organizing activities to maintain health and provide social services to disabled elderly people and technologies for their implementation at the regional level. The purpose of the paper is to analyze activities to maintain health and provide social services to disabled elderly people and to develop new regional management approaches. The relevance of the study is determined by modern trends in state social policy aimed at significantly increasing support for citizens with particular social vulnerabilities, which include elderly people with disabilities. The prerogative of responsibility for the provision of medical and social services to these categories of the population belongs to the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The scientific novelty lies in substantiating the priority importance of integrated social and medical services based on interdepartmental interaction and taking into account regional characteristics. One of the research results is an original innovative model of the mechanism for applying new management technologies for organizing integrated social and medical services to disabled elderly people at the regional level, developed by the authors. The conclusion is made about the need to streamline the activities and their control in terms of providing guaranteed and paid medical care and medical and social services to disabled elderly people by amending the current legislation (drafts of relevant amendments have been developed), as well as introducing new organizational and management tools proposed by the authors.
CHANGING THE PARADIGM OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIALIZATION OF YOUTH IN THE CONTEXT OF ADAPTATION TO LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS
Authors:   T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University (KuzSTU), Kemerovo, Russia, Chupryakova A.G.
Published: September 2024

The article examines the professional socialization process of the individual and the adaptation of young people to the impact of conjuncture-forming factors of the labor market from the perspective of the subject-subject approach. The object of the study is young people looking for a job after graduating from a university or recently involved in professional activity. The subject of the study is professional socialization and adaptation of young people to the conditions of the modern labor market. The purpose of the paper is to identify the factors that determine the choice of profession, as well as value orientations for the future professional activity of young people, with the help of which the author attempted to justify a change in the paradigm of professional socialization. The main research methods are analysis and synthesis, systematization and modeling, surveys, questionnaires, and personal individual interviews. Based on the results and conclusions of the study, the author attempted to substantiate the need to shift the vector of narrow professional education towards algorithmic variable-differentiated university education. The hypothesis was confirmed that the development of personal qualities implies the possibility of setting priorities in the ratio of Hard skills and Soft skills by each person independently, depending on value orientations, goals of professional socialization, and specific conditions of the labor market.
ADAPTATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGIES OF UKRAINIAN BUSINESS IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Authors:   Chernivtsi Institute of Trade and Economic of SUTE, Kruhlyanko Andriy
Published: September 2024

Russia's war against Ukraine destroyed infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, caused a loss of markets and resources, an outflow of human capital, and more. In such conditions, search for effective business adaptation and survival strategies ЕКОНОМIКА ТА УПРАВЛIННЯ ПЕРСОНАЛОМ 53 becomes critical. Turning to international experience, in particular to business strategies of the companies that faced crises and conflicts, can become a valuable source of knowledge and insights for Ukrainian business. International management operates with different types of business strategies. Among them: global strategy, multinational strategy, transnational strategy and international strategy. During crises and conflicts, companies are often forced to review their strategies and adapt them to new conditions. The ability to review is dictated by the presence of the following traits in the companies: strategic flexibility, dynamic capabilities, organizational stability, leadership and innovation. The key challenges and threats that Ukrainian enterprises face in wartime, and which must be taken into account when adapting business strategies: the reality of war, hostilities, missile attacks; almost complete blockade of key supply chains through sea lanes; inability to fully and quickly replace maritime supply routes with land ones; internal logistical problems associated with the physical destruction of a significant part of the infrastructure. Based on the international experience of business adaptation to crises, it is possible to recommend domestic management to adapt business strategies in the conditions of military challenges, primarily using proven approaches of international management, adapted to local conditions: in terms of optimizing supply chains, it is advisable to pay attention to the search for alternative, reliable suppliers and logistics routes from among the use of local resources to reduce dependence on imports; in terms of reorientation from exports to the countries of the former CIS, to focus on the domestic market and state orders (in particular, the military industry); to increase use of digital technologies to improve primarily internal business efficiency for digital transformation and innovation; to introduce strategic planning flexibility; personnel development; search for strategic partnerships; revision of approaches to finding financing and lending.
ACCOUNTING AND ANALYTICAL ENSURING THE IMPORT OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Authors:   West Ukrainian National University, Haiduk Bohdan
Published: September 2024

The aim of the research was to assess the state of the medical equipment market and its import, construct an algorithm (stages) of this process, and identify components related to accounting organization to enhance the efficiency of such assets in unstable conditions. To achieve this, the positions of modern scholars dedicated to the import of medical equipment and its accounting and analytical support were critically evaluated. The dynamics of the global market for medical technologies and their import into Ukraine were identified. Based on the obtained results, a reasoned scheme of import stages was constructed. The components, sequence of implementation, significance, and content of each stage were justified. The proposed step-by-step logical scheme of medical equipment import includes organizational, methodical-accounting, and analytical components. The main characteristics of each stage were identified, and improvements were proposed for elements belonging to the accounting system, such as the use of accounting records, the ability to simultaneously use various equipment acquisition sources, and the conduct of valuation procedures to justify the optimal selection. The proposed import stages will allow healthcare entities to organize the process of medical equipment procurement efficiently and with maximum benefit. They contribute to improving vital classical management functions, namely accounting and analysis, by enhancing their informativeness and completeness. Adherence to the import stages will not only contribute to the efficiency of representatives responsible for medical equipment supply and quality within our country but also enable consumers to actively participate in improving its utilization through improved accounting and analysis methods.
THE IMPACT OF MILITARY ACTIONS ON THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors:   Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State University, Panchenko Volodymyr , Panchenko Oksana ,   Volodymyr Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State University
Published: September 2024

Russia's full-scale military invasion into Ukraine had a devastating impact on the financial stability of enterprises, threatening their functioning and requiring an urgent response. The purpose of the article is to analyze the consequences of the war for the financial stability of enterprises and develop recommendations for its restoration. The research uses methods of analysis, synthesis, and comparison to study the impact of war and substantiate mechanisms to support financial stability. The multichannel impact of hostilities on the financial performance of enterprises has been analyzed. Specific instruments of state support have been proposed to restore business financial sustainability. It was concluded that the war had a devastating impact on financial stability and the need for comprehensive state support measures for its restoration. The results obtained in the study on the analysis of the impact of war on the financial stability of enterprises can be used by public authorities to develop an integrated program of measures to restore the solvency and liquidity of domestic companies. The proposed mechanisms for debt restructuring, preferential loans, tax benefits, direct budget subsidies and public procurement can serve as tools for such a business support program. In addition, individual enterprises will be able to use the developed recommendations to restore their own financial stability, taking into account industry specifics. Further research may focus on a more detailed development of industry-specific mechanisms for restoring the financial stability of enterprises, taking into account the specifics of their activities and asset structure. The study of the peculiarities of functioning of export-oriented and import-dependent industries in the context of supply chain disruptions due to war requires special attention. It is promising to study the long-term impact of war on the ability to attract investment and lending to domestic businesses in the post-war period.