bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from Fermented Milk Leftover for Wastewater Treatment of Soybean-Based Industries
Authors: Trimulyono Guntur , Isnawati  , Asri Mahanani Tri , Khaleyla Firas
Published: October 2024

Tempeh and tofu are widely consumed by Indonesians and easily made using simple tools and method, thus numerous home industries producing are emerging. However, soybean processing in these industries produces high volume of wastewater. This study provides a simple wastewater treatment instrument design that could be used by soybean-based home industries by applying a series of physical, chemical, and biological treatment. Physical treatment was performed by filtration, chemical by addition of alum salts, while biological treatment was done by supplementing with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from leftover container of fermented milk. Wastewater was recorded by its parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen/DO, biological oxygen demand/BOD, turbidity) at every phase of treatment after incubation for two various of periods; 1 hour and 5 days. Results showed that wastewater treated using instrument design had changes in all of its parameters observed during the course of treatment. Wastewater treated in all phase of instrument incubated for 1 hour showed parameters approaching wastewater quality standards, thus it was safer to be disposed to environment compared to wastewater incubated for 5 days. Wastewater treatment as designed in the current study can be applied by soybean-based home industries with short incubation time to remediate wastewater produced during soybean processing before disposal.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19: A Guide to Post-Recovery Symptoms in Diyala Governorate, Eastern Iraq
Authors: Mohammad Sarmad
Published: October 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a massive global event with significant health, psychological and social consequences, appeared for the first time in December 2019, it was officially called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-Cov-2), it causes important diseases in humans ranging from common cold to deadly respiratory infections, most infected people recovering within a few weeks, except some of them, have symptoms for a long time and it is called a post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Objectives: This study was conducted in Diyala Governorate, north of Baghdad, from October 2022 to March 2023, to investigate the most important symptoms that people are still suffering from them after recovering from COVID-19.
Materials and methods: The study was carried out by cross-sectional analysis of a sample of people who had previously been infected with COVID-19, using a questionnaire that was divided into several sections including demographic details for the participants in this study, duration of hospitalization, and the symptoms that still accompany them after gaining full recovery from infection with the virus. The sample size was 300 individuals.
Results: The current study concluded that many of the symptoms are still associated with people who recovered after infection with Covid-19. The following symptoms were most common, fatigue after any slight exertion, headache, Dizziness when standing, coughing, and difficulty breathing with proportions of 70.0%, 69.0%, 64.0%, 60.7%, and 55.7%, respectively. there were highly significant differences in the age of the sample, with the highest age group (10-40) accounting for 85%, while the lowest age group (60) also there was statistically significant differences between age and rate of symptoms appearing, as the symptoms are more common in male from the female. no significant differences between the samples on the rural versus urban housing variable and oxygen demand during the hospital stay.
Conclusion: After full recovery, COVID-19 continues to produce major complications, with males being more affected than females.
Bioactive Compounds in Nest-Associated Bacteria Termites and Their Bioactivity as Antivibrio in Aquaculture Industry
Authors: Dwinhoven Ifhan , Amalia Tiara , Haerunnisa Siska , Nurhatijah  , Abu Bakar Khalil , Rani
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Vibriosis is a major problem in aquaculture that causes large numbers and rapid mortality of fish. Vibriosis treatment is still limited to the same antibiotics in humans and animals. This study aims to obtain bacterial isolates from termite nests that are antivibrio and determine the profile of the antivibrio bioactive compounds. Bacterial isolates were obtained from three types of termite nests. All isolates were cultured on ISP media and then characterized and conducted bioassay tests against Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi. Secondary metabolite fermentation products from selected bacterial isolates were extracted using ethyl acetate and detection of bioactive compounds by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) method. The isolation results obtained 15 isolates, 10 Gram-positive bacteria namely isolates SR1, SR2, SR8, SR9, RE2, RE3, RE5, SE1, SE4, SE6 while the other 5 isolates are Gram-negative bacteria. Antivibrio screening obtained 7 isolates that have antivibrio activity. The strongest antivibrio activity is SE1, which was able to inhibit the growth of V. alginolyticus bacteria with an inhibition zone of 3.5 cm and V. harveyi with an inhibition zone value of 4 cm and was also positive for catalase. TLC showed that SE1 contained peptide compounds with purple color changes after dyeing using ninhydrin.
Optimization and Characterization of Exo-β-Glucanase Produced by Aspergillus flavus on Rice Bran and Oil Palm Fibre
Authors: Doughari James Hamuel , Onuoha Chikezie Chukwunonye
Published: October 2024

Glucanases are important industrial enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glucan into oligosaccharides. Commercial β-glucanases are produced from microorganisms such as Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, Pseudomonas fluorescens etc. The increasing application of glucanases in various industries has called for continuous search for a cheaper means of glucanase production. In this study, β-Glucanases were produced from Aspergillus flavus isolated from rice and oil mill refuse dump sites using rice bran and oil palm fibre as substrates. Production was carried out in a submerge fermentation. Optimum activities of crude Aspergillus flavus exo-β-glucanases were 2.36 and 2.34 µmol/ml/min at incubation period of 96 hours (rice bran) and 120 hours (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.42 and 2.54 µmol/ml/min at pH 6.5 (rice bran) and 5.0 (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.61 and 2.55 µmol/ml/min at temperature of 35 °C (rice bran) and 40 °C (oil palm fibre) respectively. Yeast extract gave the highest enzyme activity of 2.31 µmol/ml/min. The enzymes were precipitated with 80% ammonium sulphate resulting in 1.18 (rice bran) and 1.15 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. With dialysis tubing, results showed 1.50 (rice bran), 2.50 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. The addition of chloride salts and inhibitors influenced the enzyme activities by either increasing or decreasing the activity values. Results obtained from this work indicate that rice bran and oil palm fibre can be used effectively in the production of exo-β-glucanase under submerged fermentation system using Aspergillus flavus.
The Role of Religious Moderation in Improving the Morale of the Millennial Generation: A Study of Hijra Youth in Semarang
Authors: Multazam Multazam , Mubarok Zaim El , Qutni Darul , Shofwan Imam
Published: October 2024

This article aims to examine the role of religious moderation to improving the morale of the millennial generation and helping them become better people. This study used a descriptive-qualitative research methodology. Research data were collected through interviews with questionnaires, non-participant observations, and documentation. The study informants numbered 10 participants (7 men and 3 women) aged 24 to 30 years. Research findings show that diversity can lead to various conflicts if society cannot find a middle ground for everything. These problems can be solved with religious tolerance and moderation to create peace and harmony in society. People who do not have knowledge of religious moderation and good religious foundations will have morals that are not in accordance with religious values, for example, drug addiction and bullying. Both actions are basically driven by environmental factors. In Islam, drugs and bullying are things that have a lot of mudharat, so it is forbidden to do so. However, those who are willing to leave both should not be excluded so that they feel that their change has the support of their surroundings. A society that has a strong knowledge base of religious moderation and faith will always embrace it so that a life of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect can be created.
The Concept of Aswaja in the Thought of K. Abul Fadlol As-Senori (1916-1991 AD) and its Relationship with Aswaja in the Thought of KH. Hashim Ash`ari
Authors: Faizin Nur , Basid Abdul , Ramadhan Mochammad Rizal , Aliyyah Dza Himmatin , Nasih Ahmad Munjin , Marjuni Kamaluddin Nurdin
Published: October 2024

The concept of Ahlu sunnah wal jamaah (Aswaja) remains a subject of frequent debate. This article endeavors to provide a comprehensive exploration of the Aswaja concept through the perspective of the archipelago scholar, K. Abu Fadlol As-Senori, a disciple of KH. Hashim Ash`ari, the founder of the Nahdlatul Ulama. This article also strives to establish a connection between the concept of Aswaja as it is found and the Aswaja concept of KH. Hashim Ash`ari. This research is a descriptive-qualitative study. This study revealed that Aswaja, as defined by K. Abul Fadlol, encompasses four distinct groups: (1) the Muhadditsin, (2) the Sufiyyah (3) the Ash'ariyah and (4) Maturidiyah. As a student of KH. Hashim Ash`ari, the Aswaja concept of K. Abul Fadlol has a very big aspect of similarity. The concept of Aswaja from both becomes the foundation for building moderation in religion. Both also reject hardline Islamists who claim to be Aswaja
Employer Demand and Desired Skills for Public Health Graduates: Evidence From Job Postings
Authors: Krasna Heather
Published: October 2024

Objectives. To determine whether job postings from employers seeking master of public health (MPH) graduates require skills aligning with Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH) competencies.

Methods. I analyzed a data set of 70 343 job postings in the United States for MPH graduates from Lightcast, a data vendor that collects, cleans, and analyzes millions of job postings per year. I contrasted skills from the postings with CEPH competencies.

Results. Most postings were from for-profit industry, academia and research, or hospitals and health care, with only 12% from government. The skills from job postings aligned well with CEPH competencies, but some CEPH competencies did not appear in the top skills in job postings.

Conclusions. Although accredited public health degree programs provide key competencies demanded by employers, they can improve graduate employability by ensuring that their graduates also obtain specific technical skills listed in job postings. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(12):1388–1393. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307834 )
Influence of magnesium oxide expander on mechanical and shrinkage properties of UHPC incorporating recycled sand
Authors: Cheng Shukai , Liang Qianyong - , Liu Qiwen , Chen Kang , Wang Hongtao
Published: October 2024

The incorporation of MgO expansive agents and internal curing mechanisms has individually exhibited positive effects on mitigating shrinkage in Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), yet studies on their synergistic performance remain scarce. This paper explores the utilization of recycled sand as a substitute for quartz sand in UHPC production, incorporating various reactive (Type R and Type S) MgO expansive agents at concentrations of 4%, 6%, and 8% (by mass) into the recycled sand UHPC. The primary objective is to investigate the impacts of these MgO agents on the fluidity, mechanical properties, shrinkage behavior, chloride ion permeability, and the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the recycled sand UHPC. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), we analyze the phase transformations, microscopic morphology, and pore structures of the recycled sand UHPC with different MgO expansive agents. Furthermore, we delve into the underlying mechanisms governing the effects of these MgO agents on the performance of recycled sand UHPC. The results reveal that both Type R and Type S MgO expansive agents reduce the fluidity, compressive strength, and chloride ion permeability of recycled sand UHPC, while significantly mitigating autogenous and drying shrinkages. Notably, Type R MgO demonstrates superior performance, reducing autogenous shrinkage by 26.4% after 7 days and drying shrinkage by 76.9% after 150 days. Microstructural analyses indicate that the highly reactive Type R MgO hydrates to form a greater amount of Mg(OH)2 crystals, which contributes to a decrease in porosity, particularly in pores smaller than 50nm, thereby enhancing the compactness of the UHPC matrix. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of workability, mechanical properties, and shrinkage behavior, the incorporation of Type R MgO expansive agent at an optimal dosage of 6% is recommended for recycled UHPC.
X-ray Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2: A Safe, Cost-effective Approach for Pandemic Testing Workflows.
Authors: Campbell Elle , Afrough Babak , Bonney Laura , Curran-French Mollie , Chamberlain John , Daddiego Jake , Fotheringham Verity , Stanley Megan , Drinkwater Ellie , Ferreira Pedro , Tolley Howard , Dugg Sahil , Burton Jane , Easterbrook Linda , Hewson Roger
Published: October 2024

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study introduces a novel application of X-ray irradiation to rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 variants, enabling safe and efficient virus handling outside high-containment facilities. Unlike traditional methods, X-ray irradiation preserves both the structural and genomic integrity of the virus, allowing for accurate detection through molecular and antigen-based diagnostics. Our findings not only demonstrate the method's superiority over gamma irradiation in terms of safety and cost but also its effectiveness in maintaining antigenic fidelity, critical for diagnostic reliability. Importantly, the scalability and accessibility of X-ray technology provide a transformative approach for managing future pandemic outbreaks, offering a robust tool for rapid viral inactivation that can significantly enhance global testing and research capabilities without the logistical and safety constraints of high-containment processing.
Newly synthesized 1,2,3-triazoles based on [1,4]-benzoxazin- 3-one: In silico evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties, along with molecular dynamics simulation and ADME analysis
Authors: Addichi Darifa , Farihi Ayoub , Hachimi Noufel , Loughmari Saliha , Alqahtani Ali S. , Ihammi Aziz , Noman Omar M. , Bouhrim Mohamed , Ed-Dra Abdelaziz , Eto Bruno , Ellouz Mohamed , Chigr Fatiha , Chigr Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Based on the significant biological activity of benzoxazines and 1,2,3-triazoles, we aim to combine these active moieties to design and synthesize new compounds and evaluate their biological activity. In this context, we present the synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazoles, specifically 1,4-disubstituted, in combination with [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one. To synthesize the target compounds, the 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition is used as a central step. This reaction occurs between ethyl azidoacetate and the terminal alkyne of [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one under catalytic conditions using Cu(I) (CuAAC). Followed by the condensation of hydrazine on the ester function and then a reaction with various aromatic aldehydes to form the corresponding hydrazones (4a–4j). Molecular docking revealed that the synthesis molecules exhibited potential antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Among them, 4a showed the highest affinity for these activities and 4b showed the highest affinity for antioxidant activity. To further evaluate its potential, 4a and 4b underwent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over a 5 ns period. The stability and flexibility of the 4a-3W2S and 4b-3DK9 complex were evaluated using RMSF, RMSD, H-Bond, and Rg analyses, revealing notable interaction stability and flexibility. In addition, ADME analysis demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and oral absorption of the synthetic molecules, meeting the Lipinski and Veber criteria and suggesting their potential as oral drug candidates. This comprehensive assessment highlights the value of these novels [1,4]-benzoxazin-3-one derivatives and supports further research exploring their therapeutic potential.
Establishment of recommendation domains for the fertilization of Arabica coffee plantations in the province of Manabí, Ecuador
Authors: Reyes-Pilay Carlos Javier , Duicela-Guambi Luis Alberto , Fosado-Téllez Osvaldo Alberto , Hector-Ardisana Eduardo Fidel
Published: October 2024

Aims
To determine the nutrient contents, organic matter, and acidity levels in soil samples from various coffee-growing localities in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, and to identify the critical chemical elements that allow for the differentiation of Arabica coffee soils to determine recommendation domains according to similarities of these soils.
Methods
A total of 251 soil samples were analyzed, taken from producing coffee plantations in seven cantons and 16 parishes of the province. The factors studied were: acidity level (pH), organic matter (%), and nutrient contents. The chemical variables were: pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B. Using acidity level as the primary classification criterion and multivariate statistical methods, the coffee plantations were grouped.
Results
Deficiencies in nitrogen, sulfur, zinc, and boron prevail in most of the farms studied, and farms were grouped on these bases and the acidity of soils, according with the recommended for coffee plantations. From these groupings, seven recommendation domains were established for the fertilization of coffee plantations.
Conclusions
These criteria can be applied to the implementation of orderly and fair fertilization plans, which would help achieve more efficient fertilizer management based on the actual needs of the plantations, causing less harm to the environment.
Strategic Cooperation in Ride-Hailing: Analyzing Operational Efficiency in San Francisco
Authors: Liu Ke , Jiang Gaozhe , Cheng Xi , Hu Xin , Che Chang
Published: October 2024

Ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become integral to urban transportation systems, offering convenience and flexibility to local residents. However, the expansion of these services can contribute to congestion and efficiency problems, particularly in densely populated cities like San Francisco. This study investigates the potential of information sharing between ride-hailing service providers to mitigate congestion and enhance operational efficiency. By leveraging the BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Autonomy, and Mobility) simulation platform, we model various scenarios in which Uber and Lyft either cooperate by sharing operational data or operate independently. The simulation examines key metrics such as passenger waiting time, vehicle repositioning, and the impact of surge pricing on user welfare and supplier profit. Our findings suggest that strategic cooperation between service providers can reduce passenger waiting times and improve resource allocation, though it may also lead to a reduction in supplier profits due to the decreased effectiveness of surge pricing. The results have significant implications for urban transportation policy and the optimization of ride-hailing operations, highlighting the trade-offs between user benefits and supplier profitability in a collaborative framework. Future research should explore the long-term societal impacts of such cooperation, including its effects on traffic congestion and overall social welfare.
Use of shear nails connector to improve UHPC-NC interface bonding performance of functional graded concrete components in offshore structure
Authors: HE Jianmin , WEN Xiaodong , GONG Wenbo
Published: October 2024

This paper designed functional graded concrete components to meet the bearing and durability improvement subjected to marine environment, where the normal concrete (NC) core was used to bear loads and was protected by the ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) permanent formwork from chloride ion permeability. By inspiring of transfer printing technology and controlled permeability formwork, a new simple shear nails construction treatment on UHPC formwork was proposed for establishing a connection between UHPC formwork and NC core. In order to study shear nails construction measures on the interface bonding performance between UHPC and NC, UHPC-NC bonding specimens were subjected to double-sided shear tests using the density and distribution spacing of shear nails on the surface of UHPC formwork as experimental parameters. The results showed when the shear nail density ρ ≥ 6.4, the specimen failure transformed into axial compression failure of NC core. The shear stress on the bonding surface increases approximately parabolic with the density of shear nails. Under the same density, the shear stress on the bonding surface of specimens with larger nail spacing was enhanced by 19.04%-41.74% compared to specimens with smaller spacing. The results show that the density and the distribution spacing of shear nails have a significant impact on the shear strength of the UHPC-NC surface. The influence of shear nail density on the shear strength of UHPC-NC interface is greater than that of the distribution spacing of shear nails. Based on comparing and analyzing the existing shear strength models of UHPC-NC bonding surfaces, fully considering the failure mode of bonding surfaces, a calculation formula for the shear strength of prefabricated UHPC-NC bonding surfaces was established. The calculation results have a high degree of agreement with experimental values, which can provide reference for the interface design of UHPC-NC composite specimens.
Application of FCEEMD-TSMFDE and Adaptive CatBoost in Fault Diagnosis of Complex Variable Condition Bearings
Authors: Mao Min , Xu Bingwei , Sun Yuhuan , Tan Kairong , Wang Yuran , Zhou Chao , Zhou Chengjiang , Yang Jingzong
Published: October 2024

A fault diagnosis method based on Fast Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (FCEEMD)-Time Shift Multiscale Fuzzy Dispersion Entropy (TSMFDE) feature extraction and adaptive Optuna-CatBoost is proposed to accurately and efficiently diagnose complex variable condition bearings. Firstly, using FCEEMD, the bearing vibration signal doped with noise is decomposed into several Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) components. Then, based on the Maximal Information Coefficient / Gini Index(CMIC/Gini), each IMF component is quantified and filtered to achieve denoising and reconstruction. Next, TSMFDE is used to extract features from the reconstructed signal and construct bearing fault feature sets for different health states. Finally, use Optuna to achieve adaptive key parameters of Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) classifier. By utilizing the variable speed-bearing datasets of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) and the University of Ottawa (UO), complex variable working condition fault diagnosis experiments were conducted. The results indicate that FCEEMD can effectively decompose IMF components in the high-frequency to low-frequency range and successfully suppress the mode aliasing phenomenon. The Signal denoising method based on evaluation indicators can effectively screen IMF components and filter out false components (or noise components). TSMFDE can effectively mine the fault characteristics of complex variable working conditions. The Optuna-CatBoost model can identify faults with an average accuracy of 99.76% and 99.33%, respectively, and is a good method for diagnosing faults under variable operating conditions.
Attention-driven Representation Enhancement and Uncertainty Refinement for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Feng Guangming , Li Huiqian , Yao Jieru , Jia Yiwen , Han Longfei
Published: October 2024

Polyp segmentation is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. However, the accurate segmentation of polyps remains challenging due to the morphological and textural similarities between the lesions and surrounding tissues. In this paper, we propose an attention-based polyp segmentation method and target learning the visual patterns of lesion regions from the perspectives of representation enhancement and uncertain region refinement. To achieve this, we design Co-attentive Representation Learning (CaRL), which integrates spatial and channel attention mechanisms to effectively enhance the representation by emphasizing critical regions and features. We also propose the Attention-based Uncertainty Refinement (AUR) module, which utilizes attention mechanisms to gradually eliminate false negatives and false positives by refining uncertain regions. Deep networks implemented with CaRL and AUR enhance and refine discrepant yet discriminative features for polyp segmentation in an end-to-end manner. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method significantly improves the performance of polyp segmentation in both white light and narrow-band imaging (NBI) modalities while achieving state-of-the-art performance.
Investigating the quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seed under the influence of different levels of irrigation and vermicompost
Authors: Sanandaji Diba Sheykhi , Heidari Gholamreza , Fathi Parviz , Khodaverdiloo Habib , Sharifi Zahed
Published: October 2024

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), a globally sought-after crop for its nutritional value and adaptability, faces increasing demands for sustainable cultivation practices. This two-year study, conducted at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan, Iran (2021–2022), investigated the impact of varying irrigation levels and vermicompost application on quinoa yield and seed quality, aiming to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency. The experiment utilized a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design. Four irrigation levels (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of quinoa's water requirement) constituted the main factor, while four vermicompost application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare) formed the sub-factor. The results showed that the 125% water requirement treatment achieved the highest seed yield (2131.51 kg ha− 1) and biological yield (4975.10 kg ha− 1), while the 15 tons per hectare vermicompost application resulted in significant yield improvements, reaching 1784.01 kg ha− 1 for seed yield and 4100.25 kg ha-1 for biological yield. Notably, the highest nitrogen concentration (2.54%) in quinoa seed was observed in the second year with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost and 50% of the water requirement. Furthermore, the application of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost led to a 54% increase in phosphorus, 51% increase in potassium, and a 23.79% increase in seed calcium compared to the control treatment. This study highlights the potential of vermicompost and optimized irrigation levels to significantly enhance quinoa yield and improve the nutritional profile of quinoa seeds. These findings promote sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing reliance on chemical fertilizers while optimizing resource utilization.
Research on Traditional Village Clustered Protection and Utilization Methods Based on Network Science -113 Traditional Villages in Eastern Hubei Province as an Example
Authors: Yuan Lei , xu liquan , zhang zhentian , Xu Yan
Published: October 2024

For a long time, China's traditional villages, as a form of heritage, have emphasized the conservation of historical “authenticity”, with limitations imposed on commercial development and capital investment. Most of China's traditional villages are in mountainous, with limited transportation and an underdeveloped economy. With the impact of industrialization and urbanization, many traditional villages face problems such as depopulation and severe labor loss. Economic restructuring and commercial development of these villages are urgently needed. Based on this, China has proposed a demonstration work, “Traditional Village Clustered Protection and Utilization”. This work has changed traditional villages' previous single protection model to a clustered model for heritage preservation and economic development. With 113 state-level traditional villages in the eastern region of Hubei Province as the research object, this study adopts the multi-layer network method to construct a Multiplex Relationship Network of traditional villages based on the Economic Development Network and Cultural Preservation Network. Our research results showed that (1) 7 subgroups were identified using a community detection algorithm that detects the community structure of the Multiplex Relationship Network. Most communities span administrative boundaries and are classified into three categories: within a single county, subgrouped across counties, and dispersed across counties. (2) Core nodes were extracted using three network centrality indicators (average degree, betweenness centrality, and community structure). The core notes include ten of the strongest power nodes, three of the strongest connectivity nodes, and ten "bridge" nodes. The strongest power and connectivity nodes impact the development within their communities, while “bridge” nodes play an essential role in inter-community associations. (3) The correlation results show that the economic development and cultural preservation networks interact with each other. Therefore, the average degree of the multiplex relationship network is significantly influenced by economic factors. The study innovatively uses a multi-layer network to guide the planning and implementation of Traditional Village Protection and Utilization in a Subgroup Planning Mode. It provides disciplinary inspiration and practical guidance for revitalizing and utilizing traditional villages.
Genome-wide KAS-Seq mapping of leukocytes in ischemia-reperfusion model reveals IL7R as a potential therapeutic target for ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Lei , Duolikun Maimaitiyasen , Chen Hangyu , Wang Zihao , Li Xuehui , Xiao Hong , Dong Yuchao , Chen Haoyu , Liu Fengyong , Fan Shiyong , Lin Jian , Chen Long
Published: October 2024

Background
Ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Owing to its complex pathogenesis, there is still a lack of effective therapeutic targets in clinical practice, and exploring the mechanism and targets of IRI is still a major clinical challenge.
Objective(s):
The goal of this study was to explore the genetic alterations that cause leukocytes in peripheral blood after ischemia‒reperfusion to discover new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Study Design:
KAS-Seq (Kethoxal-assisted single-strand DNA sequencing) was used to obtain gene expression profiles of circulating leukocytes in a porcine ischemia‒reperfusion model at 24, 48, and 72 hours after ischemia‒reperfusion, which integrated genes that exhibited regular changes over time.
Results
In this study, we thoroughly analyzed the dynamic changes in gene expression post-IRI, revealing changes that were significantly enriched in key signaling pathways regulating immune responses and T-cell activation over time. Particularly striking was our identification of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL7R), which plays a crucial molecular role in IRI. Additionally, via database mining technology, we confirmed the close relationship between IL7R and IRI, explored the interaction between interferon-γ (IFNG) and IL7R in T-cell activation, and clarified their joint influence on ischemia‒reperfusion injury.
Conclusions
Utilizing KAS-Seq analysis of leukocytes from peripheral blood, we successfully delineated the temporal patterns of gene expression and alterations in signal transduction pathways in porcine models of ischemia‒reperfusion. Subsequent in-depth analysis identified IL7R as a potential novel therapeutic target for IRI. The pivotal role of this gene in modulating immune responses offers innovative avenues for the development of IRI treatments.
A cotton swab platform for fluorescent detection of aluminum ion in food samples based on aggregation-induced emission of carbon dots
Authors: Shao Tong , Yang Dou , Wang Xiaoshuang , Wang Ruirui , Yue Qiaoli
Published: October 2024

A novel portable cotton swab based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) for Al3+ detection was constructed for the first time. NCDs with bright green fluorescence were prepared by hydrothermal method with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydrazide as precursors. The surface of NCDs was exposed to abundant functional groups (such as amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, etc.), which was helpful for the formation of complexes between NCDs and Al3+.In the presence of Al3+, the aggregation of NCDs obviously induced their fluorescence enhancement. Furthermore, the fluorescence quantum yield of NCDs was increased by 12 times with Al3+, and the fluorescence lifetime was increased by 7.54 ns. For the detection of Al3+, the fluorescence intensity was linearly correlated with the concentration of Al3+ (2.5-300 μM), and the concentration of Al3+ with the limit of detection at 0.16 μM. Moreover, for the portable way, cotton swabs were successfully employed to construct the sensors for the detection of Al3+ in food samples. This proposal was potential for the application of analytes in food analysis.
Relationship between plasma proteome and hydrocephalus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Du Senlin , Tao Jiarong , Deng Yi , Wu Miaojing , Fang Hua
Published: October 2024

Background: Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that affects individuals across all age groups, arising from various etiologies. The substantial efficacy of plasma proteome in numerous diseases has been substantiated by multiple studies. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the potential association between plasma proteome and hydrocephalus.
Methods: By conducting a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified 98 plasma proteins that either increased or decreased the risk of communicating hydrocephalus out of a total of 4,907 proteins. The inverse-variance weighted method for causal effect estimation, as well as the weighted median, maximum likelihood, and MR Egger regression methods, were further employed for sensitivity analyses after selecting the top 20 proteins. Additionally, gene enrichment analysis was performed to uncover relevant functional pathways.
Results: Elevated levels of ADGRF1 (OR=2.728, 95% CI [1.266-5.879], P=0.010), APP (OR=2.923, 95% CI [1.328-6.431], P=0.008), DUSP13 (OR=3.201, 95% CI [1.062-9.647], P=0.039), EPHA3 (OR=4.341, 95% CI [1.031-18.288], P=0.045), HSPA1B (OR=4.578, 95% CI [1.431-14.643], P=0.010), HYAL1 (OR=3.075, 95% CI [1.375-6.881], P=0.006), KIRREL3 (OR=6.067, 95% CI [1.278-28.806], P=0.023), RAD23B (OR=6.825, 95% CI [1.245-37.415], P=0.027), SERPINE1 (OR=3.768, 95% CI [1.452-9.777], P=0.006), SNPH (OR=4.019, 95% CI [1.059-15.252], P=0.041), SRP14 (OR=6.292, 95% CI [1.193-33.189], P=0.030), and TMEFF1 (OR=2.830, 95% CI [1.097-7.300], P=0.031) were associated with an increased risk of hydrocephalus. Additionally, these relevant proteins primarily participate in biological processes associated with axon development, axonogenesis, axon guidance, and neuron projection guidance.
Conclusion: Higher genetically predicted levels of protein ADGRF1, APP, DUSP13, EPHA3, HSPA1B, HYAL1, KIRREL3, RAD23B, SERPINE1, SNPH, SRP14 and TMEFF1 are associated with an increased risk of hydrocephalus. The findings provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets, protective mechanisms, and underlying biological processes, ultimately leading to the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with hydrocephalus.
Hazardous Effects of Heavy Metal Pollution on Nile Tilapia in the aquatic ecosystem of the Eastern Delta in Egypt
Authors: Shaalan Walaa M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Heavy metal pollution threatens the biodiversity and ecological equilibrium of the Nile River. This study investigates the impact of heavy metal pollution on aquatic animal as Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Damietta branch of the River Nile and El-Rayah El-Tawfeeky in Benha city in Egypt.
Methods:Fish and water samples were subsequently analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) revealing significantly higher concentrations of Mg, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in fish muscle tissues collected from Damietta branch compared to El-Rayah El-Tawfeeky samples.
Results: Histopathological examinations revealed noteworthy alterations in tilapia gill, liver, spleen, and muscle tissues, suggesting potential health risks. Gene expression analysis using Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR indicated) significant changes in genes related to muscle growth (MyoD, IGF-1) and immune response (TNFa, IL6) in fish from Damietta branch relative to fish of El-Rayah El-Tawfeeky.
Conclusion: The findings raise concerns about heavy metals bioaccumulation and potential health implications for consumers. The study underscores the significance of continuous monitoring, utilizing chemical, histopathological, and molecular tools as bioindicators for environmental protection measures against aquatic pollution.
Development of nectar from snap melon, gac fruit and steviol glycosides: changes in physico-chemical properties, antioxidant potential, sensory and microbial qualities during storage
Authors: Raj Anupam , Gomez Saji , Jacob Sharon , Kuruvila Bintu
Published: October 2024

The aim of the current study was to develop low-calorie nectar from snap melon and gac fruit and assess the changes in physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic characteristics during storage at ambient (34 ± 2°C) and refrigerated conditions (5 ± 2°C) for a duration of three months. Storage of the samples in ambient and refrigerated conditions appeared to be safe from a microbiology perspective. The physico-chemical parameters of the nectar, such as pH, TSS, viscosity, and colour values, decreased, while the titratable acidity increased in the nectar during the course of storage. Moreover, ascorbic acid, phenols, β carotene, lycopene, antioxidant activity, and energy values decreased in the nectar during the storage period. In addition, the reduction in bioactive constituents was more rapid under ambient storage than in refrigerated storage conditions.
The role of soil chemical properties and microbial communities on Dendrocalamus brandisii bamboo shoot quality, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Cao Jianjie , Chen Qian , Zhang Manyun , Guo Lei , Omidvar Negar , Xu Zhihong , Hui Chaomao , Liu Weiyi
Published: October 2024

The relationship between soil and plants is close and complex, playing a key role in plant growth and quality. However, the intrinsic relationship between soil microorganisms, soil properties and bamboo shoot quality under different geographic seed sources has not been clearly demonstrated. By using 16srRNA and ITS techniques, seven main production areas of Dendrocalamus brandisii in Yunnan province were studied. The results showed that soil chemical properties and microbial communities have a direct positive impact on bamboo shoot quality. Among the bacterial communities, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Patescibacteria, GAL15, and Cyanobacteria have the most significant influence, with an impact coefficient of 0.865. These bacteria affect the nutritional value of bamboo shoots, including water content, soluble sugar, ash content, protein, and lignin. Regarding soil chemical properties, SOM, pH, AP, and TN values impact the bamboo shoot quality, particularly in terms of water content, soluble sugar, and crude fat. Additionally, among the fungal communities, Basidiomycota, Kickxellomycota, Mucoromycota, unclassified-k-Fungi, and Glomeromycota primarily affect the texture of bamboo shoots, specifically water content and tannin. In summary, soil properties and soil microorganisms are interconnected and work together to bamboo shoot quality, and the bamboo shoot quality could be enhanced by increasing microbial activity through the regulation of soil environmental factors in the efficient cultivation of D.brandisii.
Uncovering the role of c-Fos in the bidirectional relationship between depression/anxiety behaviors and α-synuclein propagation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kim Soo-Jeong , Kim Jae-Bong , Ham Seonghui , Park Sang Myun
Published: October 2024

Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms and significant non-motor symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, which often precede motor manifestations. This study investigates the bidirectional relationship between depression/anxiety behaviors and α-synuclein (α-syn) propagation in PD.
Methods
We used A53T α-syn transgenic mice, combining chronic restraint stress (CRS) and α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF) injection to explore the relationship. Behavioral assessments and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of CRS and PFF on α-syn propagation and depression/anxiety-like behaviors. Additionally, c-Fos and mGluR5 were examined as potential mediators.
Results
Our findings reveal that depression/anxiety behaviors and α-syn propagation exacerbate each other, creating a vicious cycle that may accelerate PD progression. This interaction is mediated by the neuronal activity marker c-Fos. The c-Fos inhibitor T5224 ameliorated these effects, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Additionally, mGluR5 activation partly contributes to this process.
Conclusions
The critical role of neuronal activity in the interplay between non-motor symptoms and neuropathology in PD suggests that early intervention strategies targeting both aspects may slow disease progression and improve quality of life.
Tap, Pay, and Worry: Users' Perceptions of Contactless Payment Attacks versus Technical Feasibility
Authors: Nezhad Mahshid Mehr , Mehrnezhad Maryam , Yunusov Timur , Hao Feng
Published: October 2024

Contactless payment remains one of the most popular payment methods in the UK, accessible through contactless cards, mobile phones, and wearable devices. However, there are several vulnerabilities associated with this payment method, leading to various attacks. While the technical aspects of these attacks have been extensively studied in the literature, the user perspective remains relatively under-explored.In this paper, we study users' perceptions about contactless payment attacks and vulnerabilities. Initially, we assess the technical feasibility of the existing attacks on contactless payment systems. Subsequently, we present a user survey involving 150 participants from the UK, examining their perceptions of contactless payment systems and attacks. We explore their familiarity with the system, their concerns and understanding of the attack categories, and the protective steps they take. Finally, we compare users' perceptions with our evaluation of the technical feasibility of contactless payment attacks. We find that while users accurately interpret some attacks, they tend to overestimate certain attacks while underestimating others. In addition, in terms of protective actions, we find that despite the availability of effective protective measures, users tend to employ only basic steps to protect against attacks. These findings highlight a gap between the user's perception of contactless payment attacks and their technical feasibility. We offer a set of recommendations, including enhancements to the security of contactless payment systems as well as targeted education for users.
A method of identifying false positives in the variety-specific variant calling of rice
Authors: Kim Sunhee , Chu Sang-Ho , Park Yong-Jin , Lee Chang-Yong
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the effect of variety (or subspecies) specificity on genetic variant calling using next-generation sequencing data from rice. Specifically, we used two major rice genome varieties, Indica and Japonica, to construct different variant calling models with varying compositions of samples from these two varieties. Our investigation revealed that divergence of samples from the reference sequence corresponded to increased variant prediction. Specifically, including samples that differed in variety from the reference sequence significantly increased the number of variants predicted. We used machine learning techniques to understand this phenomenon and evaluated the performance of different variant calling models based on the predicted variants. Our results indicated that a significant proportion of the additional predicted variants represented potential false positives, which was particularly accentuated when phylogenetically distinct accessions from the reference were included in the samples. To improve the accuracy of the predicted variants, we proposed a method to identify false positives and allow their exclusion if necessary. This proposed approach involved calling true variants from purebred (or typical) samples. We validated the effectiveness of this method across different variant calling models and demonstrated a significant reduction in false-positive predicted variants. As a practical application, we implemented the method on dbSNP of rice, a database of known rice variants, and demonstrated a means to identify false positives within dbSNP. Our study provides general recommendations for best practices in variety-specific variants calling for rice.
Impact of biomass components on their co-gasification performances with coal in a downdraft fixed-bed reactor
Authors: Li Wangliang , Fang Yi , Chang Shengqiang , Mi Shuzhen , Zhao Shengyong
Published: October 2024

Co-gasification of biomass and coal offers a strategic approach to enhance the sustainability of energy resources by exploiting the inherent synergies between various biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and coal. This study investigates the co-gasification in a downdraft fixed-bed reactor, focusing on the impacts on gas yield, calorific value, and carbon structure transformations. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the thermal decomposition kinetics of the biomass components differ significantly, with cellulose and hemicellulose enhancing gas yield and calorific value, while lignin shows an inhibitory effect on these parameters. Cellulose improves the gasification process, particularly at a 50.00wt.% blending ratio, optimizing both the calorific value and CO production by 20.32% and 45.75%, respectively, over theoretical values. In contrast, lignin inclusion at a 70.00wt.% ratio decreases the calorific value and CO production by 6.44% and 11.21%, respectively. Additionally, hemicellulose is found to catalytically enhance CO2 conversion, with a maximum increase of 45.99% at a 70.00wt.% ratio. The study elucidates the differential impacts of each biomass component on the co-gasification process and underscores the potential of optimizing biomass blends to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of energy production.