bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin B12 Ameliorates Pesticide-Induced Sociability Impairment in Zebrafish (Danio rerio): A Prospective Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Robea Madalina Andreea , Ilie Ovidiu Dumitru , Nicoara Mircea Nicusor , Solcan Gheorghe , Romila Laura Ecaterina , Ureche Dorel , Ciobica Alin
Published: December 2023

Constant exposure to a variety of environmental factors has become increasingly problematic. A variety of illnesses are initiated or aided by the presence of certain perturbing factors. In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the environmental component begins to play an important part in de-termining the overall picture. Moreover, the lack of therapies to relieve existing symptoms com-plicates the fight against this condition. As a result, the use of animal models has made biomedical research easier and more suited for disease investigations. The current study used zebrafish as an animal model to mimic a real-life scenario: acute exposure to an increased dose of pesticides, fol-lowed by prospective intervention-based therapy with vitamin B12 (vit. B12). It is known that vit. B12 is involved in brain function, nerve tissue and red blood cell formation. Aside from this, the role of vit. B12 in the redox processes was recognized for its help against free radicals. To investigate the vit. B12 effect, fish were divided in four different groups and exposed to a pesticide mixture (600 μg L-1 fipronil + 600 μg L-1 pyriproxyfen) and 0.24 μg L-1 vit. B12 for 14 days. The impact of the compound was assessed daily by EthoVision software for behavioral observations, especially for sociability, quantified by the social interaction test. In addition, at the end of the study, the activities of su-peroxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results showed significant improvements for locomotor activity parameters and a pos-itive influence of vitamin on sociability. Regarding the state of oxidative stress, a high activity was found for SOD and GPx in the case of vit. B12, while the mixture of pesticides and vitamin had a lower level of MDA. In conclusion, the study brings new data about the effect of vit. B12 in zebrafish, highlighting the potential use of vitamin supplementation to maintain and help the organism function.
Bull Breeding Soundness Assessment using Artificial Neural Network-Based Predictive Model
Authors: Marín-Urías Luis Felipe , García-Ramírez Pedro Javier , Domínguez-Mancera Belisario , Hernández-Beltrán Antonio , Vásquez-Santacruz José Alejandro , Cervantes-Acosta Patricia , Barrientos-Morales Manuel , Portillo-Vélez Rogelio de Jesús
Published: December 2023

For years, effort has been devoted to establishing an effective bull breeding soundness evaluation procedure; usual research on the subject is based on BBSE (Bull Breeding Soundness Examination) methodologies, which have significant limitations in terms of their evaluation procedure, such as high cost, time-consuming and administratively difficult. This research focuses on the creation of a prediction model to supplement and/or improve the BBSE approach, through the study of two algorithms, Clustering and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), to find the optimum Machine Learning (ML) approach for our application, with an emphasis on data categorization accuracy. The tool is designed to assist veterinary medicine and farmers in identifying key factors and increasing certainty in their decision-making during the selection of bulls for breeding purposes, providing data from a limited number of factors generated from a deep pairing study of bulls. Zebu Bulls, European Bulls, and Crossbred Bulls were the general groupings. The data utilized in the model's creation (N =359) considers five variables that influence improvement decisions. This approach enhances decision-making by 12%. ANN obtained an accuracy of 90%; Precision was 97% for satisfying, 92% for unsatisfying, and 85% for Bad.
Flexible and Stretchable MXene/Waterborne Polyurethane Composite-Coated Fiber Strain Sensor for Wearable Motion and Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Cao Junming , Jiang Yuanqing , Li Xiaoming , Yuan Xueguang , Zhang Jinnan , He Qi , Ye Fei , Luo Geng , Guo Shaohua , Zhang Yangan , Wang Qi
Published: December 2023

Fiber-based flexible sensors have promising applications potential in human motion and healthcare monitoring, owing to their merits of lightweight, flexibility, and easy processing. Now, high-performance elastic fiber-based strain sensors with high sensitivity, large working range and excellent durability are in great demand. Herein, we have easily and quickly prepared a highly-sensitive, durable fiber-based strain sensor by dip-coating of highly-stretchable polyurethane (PU) elastic fiber in MXene/ waterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersion solution. Benefiting from the electrostatic repulsion force between the negatively charged WPU and MXene sheets in the mixed solution, very homogeneous and stable MXene/WPU dispersion was successfully obtained and the interconnected conducting networks were correspondingly formed in coated MXene/WPU shell layer, which makes as-prepared strain sensor exhibit a gauge factor of over 960, a large sensing range of over 90% and detection limit as low as 0.5% strain. As elastic fiber and mixed solution have the same polymer constitute, tight bonding of MXene/WPU conductive composite on PU fibers was achieved, enabling the as-prepared strain sensor endure over 2500 stretching-releasing cycles and thus show good durability. Full-scale human motion detection was also performed by the strain sensor, and a body posture monitoring, analysis, and correction prototype system was developed via embedding the fiber-based strain sensors into sweater, strongly indicating the great application prospect in exercise, sports and healthcare.
Serious and Progressive Neuropathy Presumably Post Shingrix Vaccination
Authors: Wons Michael James , Vaghela Avani , Khalid Amna , Brooks Benjamin D.
Published: December 2023

We present a case of serious and progressive neuropathy shortly following administration of the herpes zoster subunit (HZ/su) vaccine. The progressive neuropathy occurred a week following the vaccination and progressed until discharge 16 days post admittance. Mild patient’s symptoms persist. The development of neuropathy following HZ/su is exceedingly rare, with an attributable risk of 3 cases per million vaccines administered. A black box warning was issued for this indication, although diagnosis and treatment were not confirmed for this patient. Reporting cases like this is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of vaccine risks and to characterize the underlying etiology of these serious adverse events.
Numerical Analysis of TRC Shells – Force Interaction and Failure Types
Authors: Vakaliuk Iurii , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred
Published: December 2023

In the case of solid slabs made of reinforced concrete that are usually subjected to bending, large areas of the structure are stressed well below their load-bearing capacity. Contrary to this are shell structures, which can bridge large spans with little material if designed according to the force flow. To improve the efficiency of ceiling slabs, we want to utilize the shell load-bearing behavior on a smaller scale by resolving the solid interior accordingly. In order to be able to study a wide range of such constructions virtually, a parametric multiobjective simulation environment is being developed in an ongoing research project. The basic analysis approaches which were implemented are presented in this paper. The basic workflow, the used programs and material models and their calibration on the tests on textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) samples are described.
Optimization of Rebar Usage and Sustainability Based on Special-Length Priority: A Case Study on Mechanical Couplers in Diaphragm Wall
Authors: Widjaja Daniel Darma , Khant Lwun Poe , Kim Sunkuk , Kim Kil Yong
Published: December 2023

The construction industry generates significant CO2 emissions, and rebar is a major contributor to this environmental impact. Extensive research has been conducted to address this issue. Recent advancements have introduced algorithms to reduce rebar waste and consumption, demonstrating the feasibility of achieving near-zero rebar cutting waste (N0RCW) by considering special-length rebars. However, conventional lap splices, the most common rebar joint method, consistently consume excessive rebar quantities despite extending beyond their mandated zones. Conversely, couplers eliminate rebar lengths required for lapping splices, reducing the usage of rebar. Applying special lengths and couplers in heavily loaded structures like diaphragm walls can significantly reduce rebar usage and cutting waste, consequently reducing CO2 emissions and associated costs. This study aims to optimize rebar consumption and sustainability in diaphragm wall structures by integrating mechanical couplers with a special-length rebar approach. A case study confirmed a substantial reduction in purchased rebar usage (17.95% and 5.38%) and carbon emissions (15.24% and 2.25%) compared to the original design and previous study, respectively. Broadly implementing the proposed method across various buildings and infrastructure projects could further multiply these benefits, fostering the achievement of SDGs adopted by the United Nations for sustainable construction.
IoT Water Quality Monitoring and Control System in Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor to Reduce Total Ammonia Nitrogen
Authors: Suriasni Putu A. , Faizal Ferry , Hermawan Wawan , Subhan Ujang , Panatarani Camellia , Joni I Made
Published: December 2023

Traditional aquaculture systems appear to be confronted with the high total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) produced during production, which can be harmful to aquatic life. As the demand for global fish production continues to increase, farmers should adopt Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to improve production. The biofilter plays a vital role in ammonia removal. However, the drawback of the biofilter operation is needed an automatic and controlled system with a water quality monitoring system to guarantee optimal performance. RAS utilize a monitoring and control system to maintain the water quality and control the biofilm growth in the biofilter to reduce the ammonia. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a water quality monitoring and control system to achieve optimum biofilm performance. From 35 days of the experiment, the water quality was controlled at a level save for the aquatic environment, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and TDS. Thus, the highest TAN removal efficiency is 50% when biofilm thickness reaches 119.88 µm.
Human Tooth Developmental Anomaly: Odontoblastic Differentiation in Hamartomatous Calcifying Hyperplastic Dental Follicles Presenting DSP, Nestin, and HES1
Authors: Hasegawa Hiromasa , Shimada Katsumitsu , Ochiai Takanaga , Okada Yasuo
Published: December 2023

Hyperplastic dental follicles (HDFs) represent odontogenic hamartomatous lesions originating from pericoronal tissues and are often associated with impacted or embedded teeth. These lesions may occasionally feature unique calcifying bodies, known as calcifying whorled nodules (CWN), characterized by stromal cells arranged in a whorled or spiral fashion. CWNs are typically observed in multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles or regional odontodysplasia. In our study, we examined 40 cases of HDFs, including nine instances with characteristics of CWNs, which were infrequently accompanied by odontodysplasia. Histological examination was conducted on all 40 cases, with immunohistochemical analysis performed on 21 of them. Among the cases with CWN, nine affected a single embedded tooth, with one exception. CWNs exhibited diverse calcifications featuring sparse or entirely deposited psammoma bodies, and some displayed dentinoid formation. Immunohistochemically, stromal cells of HDFs were frequently positive for CD56 and nestin. In contrast, CWNs were negative for CD56 but positive for nestin and HES1, with a few DSP-positive calcified bodies. Our results revealed that hamartomatous calcifying HFDs can impact multiple and single-embedded teeth. CWNs composed of nestin and HES1-positive ectomesenchymal cells demonstrated the potential to differentiate into odontoblasts and contribute to dentin matrix formation under the influence of HES1. This study is the first report documenting odontoblastic differentiation in HDFs.
Developing an Internal Preference Map for Assessing Cow's and Camel's Milk Enriched with Date Syrup
Authors: Elamshity Mahmoud G. , Alhamdan Abdullah M.
Published: December 2023

There is a need to develop enriched milk drinks with healthy and natural additives. A consumer test was conducted to compare milk (cow and camel) flavored with date syrup (Khlass and Sukkary varieties) at different percentage. The objective of the present work was to study consumers liking patterns for flavored milk drinks from dates syrup (from Khlass and Sukkary dates), at different percentages, added to milk (cow and camel) utilizing preference mapping analysis. A total of sixteen trained panelists took part in the test. The obtained data were used to develop an internal preference map for these samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) algorithms were used to construct the preference map. The first component signifies overall acceptance of taste and color, while the second focuses on texture and flavor. Consumers were grouped into five clusters based on preferences. Cluster two favored both components positively, while cluster four leaned negatively on both. A factorial ANOVA was performed and the results showed a significant effect of the main factors as well as the interactions. Panelists preferred cow's milk over Camel’s milk in all aspects. For taste, cow’s milk with 20% Khlass syrup or 10% Sukkary syrup was favored, while in flavor, it was cow’s milk with 5% Khlass syrup and Camel’s milk with 10% Sukkary syrup. Texture-wise, Camel’s milk with 5% Khlass syrup and 15% Sukkary syrup, along with cow’s milk with 10% Khlass syrup, received top marks. In color evaluation, cow’s milk with 15% Sukkary syrup was the preferred choice. Finally, for overall color score, cow’s milk with 10% Sukkary syrup led, followed by cow’s milk with 5% Sukkary syrup. This research suggests that dairy companies may have more impact if they use date syrup as a natural and healthy flavor. The preference map includes two main dimensions; the first represents overall acceptance, taste, and color while the second is related to flavor and texture attributes. The preference map can be used in product optimization and development.
Genetic characterization and lineage analysis of Pasundan (Rancah) cattle in West Java, Indonesia: Insights from ZFY gene sequencing
Authors: Arifin Johar , Bayu Putra Widya Pintaka , Said Syahruddin , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study was carried out to characterize Pasundan (Rancah) cattle from West Java of Indonesia based on a partial Zinc Finger Y-linked (ZFY) gene sequence.

Methods: Total of fourteen (14) DNA samples of unrelated Pasundan bulls at the breeding station (BPPIBT-SP Ciamis, West Java) were used for sequencing analysis. The blood samples were collected from jugular vein of each bull for the DNA extraction analysis. Along 979 bp of ZFY gene was amplified using primer pairs of forward: 5’- GGT GAG GGC ACA TGA GTT C -3’and reverse:  5’- CTC TGC AGG TGG TTG TGT AA -3’. Therefore, a forward sequencing method was performed in the present study to obtain the ZFY gene sequences. Along 714 bp of bovine ZFY gene sequences were used for determining the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree for Pasundan bulls with 1000 × bootstrap replications using a MEGA computer program. The genetic diversity parameters of haplotype diversity (Hd), nucleotide diversity (pi), Tajima’s D test and Fu’s Fs statistics were calculated using a DNAsp computer program.

Results: Total of fourteen (14) haplotypes of ZFY gene and seventy (70) mutation sites were detected in the Pasundan bulls. The haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (pi) in Pasundan’s ZFY gene diversity were 1.00 (high) and 0.01 (low), respectively. The neutrality test of Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs statistic values were -1.42 and -6.47, respectively. Bovine ZFY gene can be classified into two clades of ZFY-1 and ZFY-2. Therefore, the Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree (1000×bootstrap) revealed that the Pasundan cattle are classified into clade ZFY-1 together with Bos taurus (AF241273, AF465179). Meanwhile, a clade ZFY-2 consisted of Bos taurus (AF465181, DQ336536), Bos indicus (DQ336537), and Bos javanicus (DQ336578).

Conclusion: The ZFY gene of Pasundan bulls were polymorphic with seventy mutation sites. Therefore, Pasundan bulls were characterized into ZFY-1 clade or Taurine lineage based on ZFY gene sequence variaton. The crossbreeding program with Bos taurus straw to increase meat production of cattle may affecting the genetic structure of Pasundan bulls since this program is widely applied in West Java through many years ago.
Building Legal Foundation for a Prosperous Indonesia: Insights from MPR-RI Four Pillars
Authors: Soesatyo Bambang , Rajagukguk Kadir Johnson , Wahyudi Heri
Published: December 2023

Indonesia is a state that openly engages with the opportunities and challenges of global economic liberalization. Several issues arise when international legal interventions clash with the identity, values, and interests of indonesian nation. Therefore, this study aimed to strengthen the national foundation in facing globalization and and ushering in a prosperous era for Indonesia. This doctrinal study was conducted using a conceptual approach, with the perspective regarding the role of law in economic development. It also examined the importance of robust legal foundation to maintain national stability in the midst of global economic changes. The results showed that national legal development was crucial to realizing aspirations for unity, sovereignty, justice, and prosperity. Four pillars of MPR-RI could serve as a guide for every citizen to foster nationalism in the midst of rapid globalization. Furthermore, the spirit of legal foundation in four pillars could guide the formulation of national policies that accommodated global interests without forsaking the identity, values, and interests of indonesian nation. The idea of four pillars was also developed as the basis for the philosophy of national economic legal development. The results were expected to guide all stakeholders in constructing economic law in Indonesia, thereby achieving prosperity for the entire population.
“Nosotros en la tierrita tenemos esperanza”: defensa del territorio contra la minería en Ixtacamaxtitlán, PueblaV
Authors: Vázquez Verónica , Martínez Esteban
Published: December 2023

Mexico occupies first place in mining exploration in Latin America, a situation that has caused alarm among native peoples because the implementation of extractive projects threatens their vital space. The objective of this paper is to analyze the actions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the Ixtaca Project in Ixtacamaxtitlán, Puebla, as well as the strategies of territorial defense undertaken by the communities to stop its expansion. Data was gathered through one survey, one workshop and various interviews conducted in three communities affected by the project. Results discuss three actions of CSR: 1) job offers; 2) investment in community infrastructure; 3) support for social events. Three main defense strategies were identified: 1) collective agreements refusing to sell water to the company; 2) legal litigations in favor of the right to be consulted as native peoples; 3) the strengthening of peasant agriculture thanks to the defense of the ejido, the conservation of irrigation water and the support received from the federal program Sembrando Vida. The paper concludes that, despite the negative impacts of RCS actions, these strategies have proven effective because mining concessions have been cancelled and some families have returned to agriculture.
"Será obra pía cualquier socorro de que vuestra Majestad les haga merced". Procedimiento de concesión y perfiles de acceso a las regidurías de las órdenes militares en el Reinado de Felipe III, 1598-1621
Authors: Linares González Héctor
Published: December 2023

En este artículo hemos analizado las fases de procedimiento administrativo en la concesión de mercedes de oficios de regidor en las villas de tierra de Órdenes. El objeto ha sido el de ofrecer una panorámica general sobre este objeto en la primera fase. Es decir, en la etapa de la gestión de la merced propiamente dicha, aquella que comenzaba desde la petición formal del suplicante a través de la elevación del memorial de súplica y la hoja de servicios, hasta su resolución y concesión última por parte del soberano. En definitiva, nos encargaremos de la cadena institucional, con el fin de desengranar los aparatos administrativos, los actores implicados, las fases de instrucción, los instrumentos de gestión y gobierno, y la última decisión del monarca a través de las consultas con el secretario del consejo. En este sentido, el estudio también incluirá una aproximación a los perfiles socio-profesionales de aquellos beneficiarios de las regidurías de las órdenes, sus narrativas personales y las argumentaciones con el fin de alcanzar la suspirada merced, y el sentido que la monarquía otorgó a las mismas. Los resultados aportan datos de interés en el conocimiento no solo del funcionamiento interno de esta institución, sino también de las propias dinámicas político-institucionales en tiempos de Felipe III.
La financiación de las compras de bienes del patrimonio regio: las adquisiciones de los Marqueses de Priego
Authors: Ruiz Gálvez Ángel Mª
Published: December 2023

En las últimas décadas, nuestro conocimiento sobre las ventas de bienes del patrimonio regio ha avanzado de manera sustancial. Sin embargo, aún encontramos aspectos bastante poco conocidos tales como los medios empleados por los compradores para costear los bienes adquiridos, cuestión fundamental para interpretar el fenómeno en toda su dimensión. En este trabajo abordamos el análisis de la financiación de las referidas operaciones, a partir del estudio de las adquisiciones llevadas a cabo por los sucesivos marqueses de Priego, unos de los principales compradores de bienes enajenados de la corona en el reino de Córdoba. En el mismo mostramos como éstos sufragaron sus compras mediante la imposición de numerosos censos sobre sus mayorazgos, hecho que les condujo hacia un endeudamiento crónico que lastraría profundamente su economía durante buena parte de la modernidad.
"Dineros son calidad": los Aguayo, el condado de Villaverde la Alta y la compra de títulos por vía eclesiástica
Authors: Rivas de la Torre José A.
Published: December 2023

A lo largo de la Edad Moderna se produce un complejo proceso de renovación de las élites nobiliarias, en el que numerosas familias de advenedizos enriquecidos van a lograr ascender socialmente e incorporarse a este estamento privilegiado. Dentro de estos procesos de ascenso, juega un importante papel la obtención de un título nobiliario, que suponía para muchos la culminación de sus esfuerzos. Para logar tan importante paso, los linajes en ascenso van a contar con numerosas vías, una de las cuales fue la venta de títulos por parte de instituciones eclesiásticas. En el presente artículo trataremos de analizar esta vía mediante el estudio de uno de sus casos, la compra del título de condesa de Villaverde la Alta por parte de Dª Mariana de Castillo Escalera y su esposo. En este atenderemos a las circunstancias de esta compra y a las estrategias puestas en práctica por esta familia, tratando de situarlas en su contexto socioeconómico.
La salud de Isabel la Católica y sus hijos: reflexiones desde un punto de vista médico
Authors: Villero Anuarbe José , Girón Pascual Rafael M.
Published: December 2023

Las muertes y enfermedades de los reyes, reinas y príncipes han llenado miles de páginas de artículos y libros de Historia, no siempre con la rigurosidad necesaria para ello. En el presente trabajo, se hace una contribución actualizada y novedosa realizada por un ginecólogo especialista en base a la interpretación desde el punto de vista médico de los datos aportados por los cronistas de la época como claves diagnósticas. A partir de dicho análisis se concluye que el hijo de los Reyes Católicos, el príncipe Juan, murió de un Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Primaria (SIP) y la reina Isabel, su madre, de un cáncer de ovario.
De mercaderes mallorquines a ciudadanos de Valencia: los Planes, 1550-1700
Authors: De Ascoz y Planes Oscar
Published: December 2023

El presente trabajo de investigación se enfoca en el análisis de tres generaciones de la familia Planes de Mallorca, específicamente Gaspar Planes, su sobrino Bartomeu Planes, ambos mercaderes, y el hijo de Bartomeu, Vicent Planes, quien también siguió la profesión de mercader y ciudadano. Se examinan las estrategias de ascenso social que esta familia empleó para consolidarse como parte de la élite y alcanzar el estatus de ciudadanos en la sociedad de la Edad Moderna. Este estudio pretende contribuir al entendimiento de la movilidad social que caracterizó a las sociedades occidentales desde los inicios de dicha época. Su ejemplo nos ofrece una visión panorámica de cómo las distintas facetas de la vida, desde la educación hasta la interacción política y la gestión de recursos, se entrelazaron para forjar una posición de poder y prestigio dentro de la comunidad.
La nobleza en el proceso de definición de la tauromaquia. El caso de Córdoba
Authors: Pérez Algaba Carlos
Published: December 2023

El papel que desarrolla la nobleza en los juegos populares ha sido puesto en relieve por numerosos investigadores. La fiesta será una de las manifestaciones más representativas del poder. El ceremonial de su desarrollo mostrará la estratificación de la sociedad de cada época. Así pues, la tauromaquia se establecerá como un medio indicativo de la relación entre autoridad y jerarquía social. Analizar el papel que el estamento nobiliario ha tenido en la definición del toreo a lo largo de su historia, así como las razones que le han llevado a querer participar en este proceso, puede esclarecer hasta qué punto esta clase social ha intervenido en la definición del toreo moderno, para lo cual abordaremos el caso de Córdoba.
Experimental Study of Vibrations of Agrodrone Propeller-Motor Group
Authors: Gu Penghao , Rilkov V. N. , Lobaty A. A.
Published: December 2023

The problem of experimental research of the parameters of the propeller-motor group of an unmanned aerial vehicle (agrodrone) is considered. An analysis of the work performed by agrodrones in agriculture, as well as popular serial models of agrodrones produced by well-known global companies, including in the Republic of Belarus, has been carried out. A description of the design of the experimental stand, specially designed for testing the operation of the agrodrone power plant under conditions as close as possible to the real operating conditions in which the agrodrone has to operate, is given. The main structural elements of the test bench and measuring instruments that are used to conduct experimental studies of the operation of the propeller and its electric drive are described. The results of the research are presented in the form of quantitative values of the vibration parameters of the propeller-motor group of the agrodrone at given values of the input parameters of the electric drive control system, taking into account the influence of external factors. It is shown that the values of the parameters characterizing the vibrations of the propeller-motor group of the agrodrone can be different depending on the operating modes of the engines and changes in external conditions. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that when formulating  the mathematical formulation of the modeling problem, it is necessary to take into account the influence of random factors  on the control system of the agrodrone, including vibrations caused by the operation of the agrodrone engines.
On the Feasibility of Building Mini-Thermal Power Plant Using Local Fuels in the Conditions of the Republic of Belarus. Part 2. Role of Mini-Thermal Power Plant in Heat Supply Systems of Cities and Settlements in Belarus
Authors: Sednin V. A. , Ignatovich R. S , Iokova I. L.
Published: December 2023

. Within the framework of ensuring the country's energy security and pursuing a policy of decarbonization of the economy in the Republic of Belarus, it is assumed to maximize the use of its own fuel and energy resources (TER). However, the question of choosing the type of heat source in centralized heat supply  systems when using local fuels (LF) remains open.  The commissioning of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant and the relatively high unit cost of power generation capacities running on LF inclines the scales to use boiler houses as heat sources. Based on the world experience in the development and application of heating as the most energy-efficient solution in the field of heat supply, this problem has been studied in the conditions of Belarus. It is shown that the electric capacity of mini-thermal power plants using traditional LF connected to the unified system of the country is less than 100 MW, and the main technologies implemented at mini-thermal power plants using LF in the Republic of Belarus are traditional steam power plants with water steam as the working fluid (11 power plants) and steam power plant with organic Rankine cycle (ORC) (3 power plants). Geographically, mini- thermal power plants operating on LF are located evenly throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Belarus. The number of hours of use of the installed capacity of renewable energy sources (RES) of the Republic of Belarus has been determined. Energy sources based on organic waste and biomass (over 4,000 hours per year) and on hydro resources (about 3,500 hours per year) have a clear advantage, for which indicator of the number of hours of installed capacity use is much higher than for solar and wind power installations. In addition, biomass generating capacities have the lowest coefficient of electricity supply to the combined  energy system. Based on the analysis of modern trends in the development of energy, technical and economic “attractiveness factors” for the construction of heating systems for heat supply on LF in the conditions of Belarus have been formulated, which, in addition to traditional factors (substitution of imported fuel – natural gas and oil), include improvement of the quality and reliability of energy supply to consumers in remote locations, development of polygeneration, reduction of losses  of electric energy for its transport, participation in covering the electric load schedule of the unified power system, and also indicated the possibility of creating an energy hub on the basis of a mini-thermal power plant, structured for the integration  of energy sub-sectors, distributed generation sources and the option of generating “green” energy carriers.
Algorithm for Calculating Reliability of Single Linear Section of Steel Underground Pipeline
Authors: Strutsky N. V. , Romaniuk V. N.
Published: December 2023

One of the most widespread technical systems in the world is underground steel pipeline communications (heat pipelines, main and distribution oil and gas pipelines, etc.). Accordingly, reliability assessment of such technical systems and their components is of great theoretical and practical interest. At the modern level of development, reliability calculation has become a mandatory stage in the design and diagnostics (during operation) of any technical systems in ge-neral, and in particular pipeline systems. A reliable calculation, either explicitly or implicitly,  is always based on the model of the object being calculated. It is the adequacy of the model to the real physical relations and processes inside the technical object that determines the accuracy and practical value of calculation methods. It is proposed to consider a single linear section of an underground steel pipeline as a complex technical system of unequal elements from the point of view of reliability – the main element (steel pipe) and auxiliary  protective elements combined into subsystems (blocks). The algorithm for calculating  the reliability of the object is based on the method of  block diagrams, taking into account the influence of the aftereffect  of the failure of an auxiliary element (elements) on the reliability parameters of the main element, which more adequately reflects the specific features of the design and operation of steel pipelines compared with the applied static models. The variants of structural design of a steel underground gas pipeline with a protective insulation coating and with complex corrosion protection (insulation and electrochemical protection) are considered, for which refined formulas are obtained for calculating the main reliability (failure-free) indicators.
A comprehensive study on soil parameters influencing collapsibility of loess through data analysis
Authors: Motameni Sahand , Rostami Fateme , Soroush Abbas
Published: December 2023

Loessial soils may settle and collapse under significant loading or water inundation. Therefore, their mechanical behavior and collapse potential must be assessed before undertaking any construction work. However, conducting a thorough empirical assessment of soil collapsibility would be both costly and time-consuming. Therefore, in this study, a dataset, including the results of 756 oedometer test records on loessial soils, as well as the physical properties of the samples, has been gathered from 27 published papers. Subsequently, a grey relational analysis (GRA) was used to identify the most influential factors among the thirteen most significant factors. The results showed that the most influential factors on the collapsibility of loess are the plasticity index, dry unit weight, initial void ratio, and degree of saturation. Finally, using the multivariate non-linear regression (MNLR) technique, a prediction equation has been derived to predict the collapse potential of loess with an acceptable level of accuracy.
RETRACTED: Study to design and implement new haptic training and teaching concepts in microsurgery for incremental skill enhancement using 3D printing and digital microscopy. 3D-printable microsurgical trainings parkour – protocol for a randomized study
Authors: Grochau Christian Alexander , Mannil Lijo , Datta Rabi Raj , Bußhoff Jana , Bruns Christiane
Published: December 2023

6 March, 2024 An author has requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square due to incorrect data in addition to author disagreements.
Determining the Effects of Targeted High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reducing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Motor Impairments – a Randomized Cross-over Study.
Authors: Peng Rita Huan-Ting , He Dorothy , James Shirley A. , Williamson Jordan , Skadden Carly , Jain Sanjiv , Hassaneen Wael , Miranpuri Amrendra , Kaur Amandeep , Sarol Jesus N , Yang Yuan
Published: December 2023

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the US and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. This randomized crossover study examines the effect of targeted high-definition transcranial direct current transcranial brain stimulation (tDCS) on upper extremity motor recovery in patients in the sub-acute phase of stroke recovery.
Methods: This randomized double blinded cross-over study includes four intervention arms: anodal, cathodal, and bilateral brain stimulation, as well as a placebo stimulation. Participants receive each intervention in a randomized order, with a two-week washout period between each intervention. The primary outcome measure is change in Motor Evoked Potential. Secondary outcome measures include the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) score, a subset of FM-UE (A), related to the muscle synergies, and the Modified Ashworth Scale.
Discussion: We hypothesize that anodal stimulation to the ipsilesional primary motor cortex will increase the excitability of the damaged cortico-spinal tract, reducing the UE flexion synergy and enhancing UE motor function. We further hypothesize that targeted cathodal stimulation to the contralesional premotor cortex will decrease activation of the cortico-reticulospinal tract (CRST) and the expression of the upper extremity (UE) flexion synergy and spasticity. Finally, we hypothesize bilateral stimulation will achieve both results simultaneously. Results from this study could improve understanding of the mechanism behind motor impairment and recovery in stroke and perfect the targeting of tDCS as a potential stroke intervention. With the use of appropriate screening, we anticipate no ethical or safety concerns. We plan to disseminate these research results to journals related to stroke recovery, engineering, and medicine.
Trial registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration number: NCT05479006, Registered 26 July, 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05479006
Diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency diseases by flow cytometry in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Avizit , Islam Mohammad Imnul , Nigar Ismet , Juyee Nusrat Akhter , Ahmed S. M. Ali , Chakrobortty Tripty , Soma Susmita Karmakar , Ali Eunus , Roy Chandan Kumar
Published: December 2023

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDDs) are clinically and immunologically diverse and require a wide array of clinical and laboratory modalities to make specific diagnosis. Serum immunoglobulin levels and T-B-NK cell immunophenotyping are routine laboratory investigations advised to diagnose the PIDD cases in Bangladesh. Along with T-B-NK markers, use of Naïve (CD45RA+) and memory T cell (CD45RO+), switched memory B cell (CD27 + IgD-) markers, detection of intracellular BTK, LRBA, DOCK8 protein expression and DHR123 (Dihydro-rhodamine 123) assay of neutrophil can increase the PIDD cases detection in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the time period of August, 2021 to July, 2022. Seventy clinically suspected PIDD cases were enrolled in this study on the basis of clinical findings and peripheral venous blood was collected from all patients to perform immunophenotyping. Routine T-B-NK cell, naïve and memory T cell with switched memory B cell markers were detected by flow-cytometry. Serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA & IgE) were estimated by Nephelometry and by Chemiluminescence. Intracellular BTK, LRBA and DOCK8 protein expression was detected by flow-cytometry in suspected X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), LRBA and DOCK8 deficiency patients respectively. DHR123 assay was performed in suspected Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients. Among the 70 clinically suspected PIDD cases, 9 (12.9%) were diagnosed as patients of PIDDs on the basis of laboratory evidence. Five (55.55%) cases were diagnosed as predominantly antibody deficiency disorders (PADs), 3 (33.33%) were patients of combined immunodeficiency (CID) and 1 (11.11%) was CGD patient. Among the diagnosed PIDD cases, 2 (22.22%) were diagnosed by T-B-NK cell immunophenotyping with serum immunoglobulin levels and 7 (77.77%) cases were diagnosed by additional CD45RA, CD45RO, CD27 + and IgD- markers, BTK protein expression detection and DHR123 assay. LRBA and DOCK8 deficiency cases could not found in this study. The use of additional markers (CD45RA, CD45RO, CD27 and IgD) with BTK, LRBA, DOCK8 intracellular protein expression evaluation and DHR123 assay by flow-cytometry can increase rate of specific diagnosis of the PIDD cases in Bangladeshi paediatric population.
LSR is a cell-intrinsic defence factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection in small intestine
Authors: Gong Yongfeng , An Yanan , Wang Chao , Wang Ziqi , Kong Feng , Jiang Min , Liu Ti , Zhang Shu , Du Kaige , Yin Liang , Jiao Peng , Li Ying , Fan Baozhen , Zhou Chengjun , Wang Mingxia , Sun Hui , Lei Jie , Zhao Shengtian
Published: December 2023

The identification of host factors with antiviral potential is important for developing effective prevention as well as therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we have identified the lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) as a crucial host-defense factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection in small intestine using immortalized cell lines, intestinal organoids, ex vivo intestinal tissues, and humanized ACE2 mouse model as proof-of-principle systems. Loss of endogenous LSR enhances ACE2-dependent infection by pseudotyped virus and authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus, and exogenous administration of LSR protect against viral infection. Mechanistically, LSR interacts with ACE2 both in cis and in trans, preventing its binding to Spike protein, and thus blocking viral entry and restricting Spike-mediated cell-cell fusion. These results identify both a previously unknown function for LSR and an associated antiviral host defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2. The capacity of a small LSR-derived peptide to block Spike binding to the ACE2 receptor holds promise for pan-variant therapeutic interventions.
Management of dredged marine sediments in southern France: main keys to large-scale beneficial re-use
Authors: DORLEON Garry , Rigaud Sylvain , Techer Isabelle
Published: December 2023

Each year fifty million cubic meters of marine sediments are dredged in France to maintain and develop harbor activities and sustain the economy of littoral territories. Because of anthropogenic activities in and around harbours, bottom sediments can contain more or less significant amounts of chemical and organic pollutants whose behavior during dredging must be addressed in order to avoid releasing and risks for human and environment. French regulations come to govern the management of dredged marine sediments, considering them ‘safe’ and possibly to be dumped at sea or ‘contaminated’ and needed to be treated on land as waste. These last years, new constraints are pushing towards a management on land. This management is however challenging as few channels are proposed to promote or reuse marine sediments, and elimination appears to be economically and environmentally unsustainable. This study provides an overview of the technical and regulatory aspects related to dredged marine sediment management in France and aims to identify and discuss the limits or barriers of their valorization. Dredged sediments are mainly composed of particles with heterogeneous grain size, some being known for many applications such as building materials and growing media. However, several reasons have been put forward to explain why these particles are not reused when extracted from dredged sediments. Several technical, socio-economic and regulatory obstacles explain the low demand for dredged sediments. This demand can be stimulated by government incentives and a good regulatory framework. National regulations could help streamline the reuse of dredged sediments by standardizing sediment composition tests, removing the "waste" status attributed to dredged sediments and creating a regulated market for dredged sediment-based products, thus creating a promising economic sector.
Steel and aluminium moulds: comparative analysis of optimal parameters to inject amorphous and semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Marconi Pedro , Amarante Evandro Menezes de Souza , Fialho Rosana Lopes Lima , Ferreira Cristiano Vasconcellos , Beal Valter Estevão , Junior Armando Sá Ribeiro
Published: December 2023

The thermoplastic injection moulding process is very important in the plastics industry, as it enables automated production, supports high productivity and allows the production of plastic parts with complex geometries. It is possible to split in two large groups of polymers: amorphous and semicrystalline. Cooling rate and other injection moulding parameters have great influence over the final properties of the plastic part. Regarding the use of aluminium as cavity material in injection moulds, new variables must be included in the analysis, since its thermal properties are significantly different from those presented by steels, which are traditionally used. In this way, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aluminium and steel cavities on different types of thermoplastics belonging to the two classes of polymers by assessing the injection parameters of a high-production part (automotive cup holder). In terms of productivity factors, moulds made of aluminium using semicrystalline polymers showed more significant reductions in cycle time compared to amorphous materials. Specifically, polypropylene exhibited a cycle time reduction between 40.6% and 52.5% when compared to steel moulds, while polyamide showed an even more substantial reduction, ranging between 56% and 63.5%. As for warpage, the amorphous materials displayed the lowest values for both types of moulds, but they also exhibited greater variations in isothermal simulations compared to semicrystalline materials. In relation to the mould materials, aluminium mould exhibited the lowest warping results and smaller variations compared to the isothermal analyses for all polymers.
Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(Ⅱ) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment
Authors: Hu Chun , Xiao Yaodong , Jiang Qingrong , Wang Mengyao , Xue Tingdan
Published: December 2023

Microplastics (MPs) bind to heavy metals in the aquatic environment and move into groups as carriers. They are prone to aging due to UV irradiation, which affects their adsorbability and mechanisms. The physicochemical properties Polyamide ( PA ) and polylactic acid ( PLA ) MPs were characterized. The impact and mechanism of UV aging on the adsorption of typical Cu(II) contaminants by MPs were investigated. The findings demonstrated that UV aging increased the specific surface area (SBET) and amount of oxygen-functional groups, decreased crystallinity, and generated pits on superficies of the MPs. Before and after aging, the adsorption behavior of the MPs on Cu(II) complied with the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models. The primary adsorption processes, which were predominantly single-layer chemical reactions, were liquid-film and intra-particle diffusion. Compared to virgin MPs, the aged MPs had a higher adsorbability, which was primarily explained by the electrostatic attraction and complexation of the oxygen-functional groups with Cu(II). Cu(Ⅱ) adsorption by MPs was significantly affected by pH and salinity. At pH 5, the maximum adsorbability was noted, and increasing salinity reduced the MPs' ability to bind Cu(II). The equilibrium Cu(Ⅱ) adsorbability and MPs dosage were negatively correlated. These findings provide a scientific foundation for ecological environment risk assessment when MPs coexist with heavy metals.