bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Long-Term Transitional Impact and Mental Health Consequences of the Southern Alberta Flood of 2013
Authors: Heanoy Eamin Z. , Svob Connie , Brown Norman R.
Published: August 2023

Natural disasters pose an increasing threat to individuals and their well-being. Although much is known about the short-term effects of a disaster, there has been much less work on how disasters affect individuals over long periods. Additionally, disaster research has traditionally focused either on the mental outcome or economic impacts, limiting the understanding of the link between disaster-induced changes (i.e., transition) and mental health. Thus, this exploratory study aimed to measure the long-term transitional impacts of the Southern Alberta flood of 2013 and the relationship between this disaster-specific transition and well-being. In this follow-up, conducted six years after the flood, 65 participants were re-assessed on the 12-item Transitional Impact Scale (TIS-12) and their ratings were compared across two-time points (2013 vs. 2019). Additionally, the 21-item DASS and the 8-item PCL-5 were introduced in the follow-up to assess these participants’ mental health states. Paired T-tests of the material and psychological subscale of the TIS demonstrated significantly lower ratings in 2019 than in 2013. After six years, PTSD had a high correlation with the material and psychological subscale of the TIS and DASS. However, depression and anxiety were reliably related to psychological TIS only. Overall, the findings suggest that individuals’ well-being is largely determined by the level of disaster-related material and psychological life changes experienced over time. These findings might be useful to take note of the short-term and long-term impact of disaster-specific transitions while assisting professionals and policymakers in formulating interventions to preserve people’s well-being during the disaster and promote resilience following it.
Rethinking Agricultural Policy in Ecuador (1960–2020): Analysis Based on the Water–Energy–Food Security Nexus
Authors: Toledo Lucía , Salmoral Gloria , Viteri-Salazar Oswaldo
Published: August 2023

Agriculture is the principal source for satisfying the growing global demand for food. However, current production patterns and socioeconomic and demographic pressures could lead to an unsustainable, inequitable food supply. Government interventions support technical advances designed to meet future needs following international trends while overcoming biophysical constraints. Those most often used are focused on augmenting land productivity through mechanisation and increased dependence on external inputs. To that end, public policies have emerged as engines of development in agriculture and the agri-food system. This article provides a chronological analysis of the relevant milestones in the agri-food sector in Ecuador (1960–2020). At first, agrarian reform focused on land distribution and tenure. Subsequently, the focus moved to the implementation of research, technological innovation and technology transfer programmes promoted by the state with support and financing from international organisations. For this article, we chose for our approach the water–energy–food nexus. Until now, insufficient study based on this approach regarding agricultural programmes has been conducted in Ecuador. It is essential to concentrate on this sector because it represents about 10% of the gross domestic product and is a principal source of employment for more than two-thirds of the economically active population in rural areas. However, land fractioning, the lack of project continuity and the focus on the application of technological packages identified in this analysis suggest the need to rethink public policies for a sustainable agri-food system.
Study on the Impact of Different Parameters on Prediction of Crown Deformations in Underground Caverns
Authors: Sudhakar Kadiyala , Sinha Rabindra Kumar , Naik Sripad Ramachandra
Published: August 2023

Crown deformation is a major concern in the design and construction of underground caverns. It can lead to damage to the cavern structure and surrounding infrastructure and can also pose a safety hazard to workers. This paper studies the factors affecting crown deformation in underground caverns. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of seven parameters on crown deformation: rock mass rating (RMR), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Young’s modulus of intact rock (Ei), Poisson’s ratio (υ), tensile strength (σt), angle of internal friction (φ), and cohesion (C). The results of the parametric study showed that the following parameters significantly affected crown deformation: RMR, UCS, Ei, and Φ. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to develop a regression equation to predict crown deformation. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the regression equation is 92.92%, which indicates that the equation is a good predictor of crown deformation. The parametric study results and the regression analysis can be used to improve the design and construction of underground caverns. By considering the factors that affect crown deformation, engineers can design more stable caverns that are less likely to experience deformations. The results of the study can be used to improve the design and construction of caverns, making them safer and more sustainable.
Unveiling the Dynamics of Organizational Characteristics in Disaster Management: Insights from Kuwait
Authors: Al-Husain Raed
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the influence of specific organizational characteristics—type, location, sector, and size—on perceived disaster management competence within the unique context of Kuwait. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online and distributed via various social media platforms, resulting in the participation of 438 individuals from diverse institutions and job positions. These participants offered their perceptions of their respective organizations’ operational and supply chain practices in disaster management. This study encompasses the key phases of the disaster management cycle: mitigation; preparedness; response; and recovery. Inferential analysis, employing chi-square and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests, was used to explore the relationship between these organizational characteristics and perceived operational and supply chain competence in disaster management. The findings reveal significant correlations between organizational characteristics and disaster management practices, yielding valuable insights. Notably, organization type, location, and sector significantly impacted preparedness, response, and recovery, while no significant relationships were found for mitigation. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and offer practical guidance for policymakers and organizational leaders in developing disaster management strategies that account for the unique attributes of their organizations. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored disaster management strategies in Kuwait’s distinct context to enhance overall effectiveness and resilience, as perceived by organizations in Kuwait and potentially similar contexts.
The Perils of Asymmetrical Technological Changes in a Knowledge Economy with Complete Markets
Authors: Morganti Paolo , Valdes Rosa Carolina
Published: August 2023

How does the asymmetrical adoption of advanced communication technology affect economic and social sustainability? We examined the impact of Industry 4.0 on these two pillars of sustainability, focusing on the productivity divide arising from the asymmetric adoption of advanced technologies. We used a theoretical, general equilibrium model to describe a population within a knowledge economy with complete markets who gets exposed to a generally available advanced technology. Our main assumption was that only the more-knowledgeable individuals are able to adopt or fully benefit from the technology, leaving the unskilled ones behind. We demonstrate that this asymmetry prevents the property of positive sorting to apply, leading to a failure to sustain an equilibrium. The divide between knowledgeable and less-skilled individuals poses challenges for workers situated around the boundary, who face penalties in terms of employability and cost-effectiveness. Bridging this skill gap is crucial for inclusive growth. Policy recommendations include retraining programs, accessible education, and targeted policies promoting technology diffusion. As a possible extension, the model could be adapted to analyze collective bargaining agreements.
Machine-Learning-Based Spectroscopic Technique for Non-Destructive Estimation of Shelf Life and Quality of Fresh Fruits Packaged under Modified Atmospheres
Authors: Mohammed Maged , Srinivasagan Ramasamy , Alzahrani Ali , Alqahtani Nashi K.
Published: August 2023

The safety and quality of fresh fruits deserve the greatest attention, and are a priority for producers and consumers alike. Modern technologies are crucial to accurately estimating and predicting fresh fruits’ quality and shelf life, to optimize supply chain management. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an essential method that maintains quality parameters and increases the shelf life of fresh fruits by reducing their ripening rates. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective, non-destructive technique using tiny machine learning (TinyML) and a multispectral sensor to predict/estimate the quality parameters and shelf life of packaged fresh dates under the natural atmosphere (Control), vacuum-sealed bags (VSBs), and MAP with different gas combinations: 20% CO2 + N balance (MAP1), and 20% CO2 + 10% O2 + N balance (MAP2). The shelf life and quality parameters of the packaged fresh dates (pH, total soluble solids (TSSs), sugar content (SC), moisture content (MC), and tannin content (TC)) were evaluated under different storage temperatures and times. A multispectral sensor (AS7265x) was utilized to correlate the fruit quality parameters with spectrum analysis under the same storage conditions, to prepare the dataset to train the prediction models. The prediction models were trained in the Edge Impulse Platform, and deployed to an Arduino Nano 33 BLE sense microcontroller unit (MCU) for inference. The findings indicated that the vacuum and MAP1 efficiently increased the shelf life and maintained the quality parameters of the packaged fresh fruit to 43 ± 2.39 and 39 ± 3.34 days, respectively, at 5 °C. The optimal neural network consisted of the input layer with 20 nodes (the packaging type, storage temperature, and 18 channels of the spectral sensor data at 410 to 940 nm wavelengths), two hidden layers with 20 and 12 nodes, and an output layer with one node for the target quality parameter or shelf life. These optimal prediction models efficiently predicted the shelf life with R2 = 0.951, pH with R2 = 0.854, TSSs with R2 = 0.893, SC with R2 = 0.881, MC with R2 = 0.941, and TC with R2 = 0.909. The evaluation of the developed prediction models under each packaging condition indicated that these models serve as powerful tools for accurately predicting fruit quality parameters, and estimating the shelf life of fresh dates.
Recovery for Resilience: The Mediating Role of Work–Life Balance on the Quality of Life of Women Employees
Authors: Anastasopoulou Anna , Vraimaki Eftichia , Trivellas Panagiotis
Published: August 2023

Employees often have to cope with unprecedented challenges in their working and living conditions—caused by organizational and socioeconomic changes and/or crises—by showing resourcefulness and adaptability. Especially working women who bear a heavier burden strive harder to achieve balance between their work and family lives, and build resilience to maintain their quality of life. It is, therefore, important to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms women employ to strengthen their resilience by combining different roles without compromising their quality of life. This survey research examines which coping strategies and after-work experiences contribute to women’s quality of life by improving their sense of work–life balance (WLB). Data collected from 654 women employees in Greece confirmed the positive effect of WLB on quality of life. Furthermore, being able to choose among after-work experiences, learning or doing challenging things, work disengagement, and problem solving positively influence WLB. In contrast, continuing work at home, relaxation, and avoidance coping negatively affect WLB. It appears that taking time to relax and avoidance coping come into conflict with women’s socially acceptable behavior at home. The importance of social relationships is also highlighted by the positive influence that support seeking, as a coping mechanism, has on women’s quality of life.
The SDGs and Non-Financial Disclosures of Energy Companies: The Italian Experience
Authors: Scandurra Giuseppe , Thomas Antonio
Published: August 2023

For some years, energy companies (ECs) have been increasingly pressured to address a broader set of social and environmental responsibilities that respond adequately to citizens’ expectations, local and international regulatory frameworks, and transnational initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, ECs have invested considerable resources to reduce the environmental and social impact in their activities. This study aims to verify the measures that ECs have actually adopted by analyzing their social and sustainability reports. These reports constitute an official tool, and they are also supported by specific mandatory regulations such as EU Directive 2014/95, in which companies provide a non-financial disclosure aimed at demonstrating how their pursuit of the conditions of economic and financial equilibrium is increasingly and closely linked with the ability to assure sustainable development. This study considers eight major ECs operating in the Italian market. It compares the findings with two important foreign ECs that draw up a very structured and innovative report: the integrated report. The outcomes confirm that these ECs are making significant progress in the environmental and social spheres, although the path to full sustainable development is still unreached. The policy implications emerging from this study can contribute to this direction.
A Cuckoo Search-Based Trained Artificial Neural Network for Symmetric Flow Problems
Authors: Ullah Asad , Alballa Tmader , Waseem  , Khalifa Hamiden Abd El-Wahed , Alqahtani Haifa
Published: August 2023

In this work, an artificial neural network based on the Cuckoo search algorithm (CS-ANN) is implemented for squeezing flow problems. Three problems are considered: the squeezing flow, the MHD squeezing flow, and the flow of the third-grade fluid past a moving belt. First, the approximation for the said nonlinear differential equations is explained and the proposed problems are transformed into the L2 norms of minimization problems. Then, a well-known Cuckoo search algorithm is used to minimize the norms of each problem to get the best set of weights for artificial neural networks. The outcome of the proposed method is displayed through graphs. Two cases for each problem are discussed consisting of the solution, error, weights, and fitness function, respectively. The numerical results for the state variables are displayed in Tables. The error analysis in each case proves the accuracy of our implemented technique. The results are validated through graphs by comparing CS-ANN results with the gradient descent method.
Estimation of the Bounds of Some Classes of Harmonic Functions with Symmetric Conjugate Points
Authors: Ma Lina , Li Shuhai , Tang Huo
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we introduce some classes of univalent harmonic functions with respect to the symmetric conjugate points by means of subordination, the analytic parts of which are reciprocal starlike (or convex) functions. Further, by combining with the graph of the function, we discuss the bound of the Bloch constant and the norm of the pre-Schwarzian derivative for the classes.
A Literature Review of Human–AI Synergy in Decision Making: From the Perspective of Affordance Actualization Theory
Authors: Bao Ying , Gong Wankun , Yang Kaiwen
Published: August 2023

The emergence of artificial-intelligence (AI)-powered information technology, such as deep learning and natural language processing, enables human to shift their behaving or working diagram from human-only to human–AI synergy, especially in the decision-making process. Since AI is multidisciplinary by nature and our understanding of human–AI synergy in decision-making is fragmented, we conducted a literature review to systematically characterize the phenomenon. Adopting the affordance actualization theory, we developed a framework to organize and understand the relationship between AI affordances, the human–AI synergy process, and the outcomes of human–AI synergy. Three themes emerged from the review: the identification of AI affordances in decision-making, human–AI synergy patterns regarding different decision tasks, and outcomes of human–AI synergy in decision-making. For each theme, we provided evidence on the existing research gaps and proposed future research directions. Our findings provide a holistic framework for understanding human–AI synergy phenomenon in decision-making. This work also offers theoretical contributions and research directions for researchers studying human–AI synergy in decision-making.
Short-Term Exposure to PM2.5 and O3 Impairs Liver Function in HIV/AIDS Patients: Evidence from a Repeated Measurements Study
Authors: Ma Hongfei , Zhang Qian , Liang Wei , Han Aojing , Xie Nianhua , Xiang Hao , Wang Xia
Published: August 2023

Studies investigating the relationship between ambient air pollutants and liver function are scarce. Our objective was to examine the associations of acute exposure to PM2.5 and O3 with levels of hepatic enzymes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). Our study involved 163 PWHA, who were evaluated for serum hepatic enzymes up to four times within a year. We extracted daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM2.5 components, and O3 for each participant, based on their residential address, using the Tracking of Air Pollution in China database. Linear mixed-effect models were utilized to assess the associations of acute exposure to PM2.5 and O3 with hepatic enzymes. Weighted quantile sum regression models were employed to identify the major constituents of PM2.5 that affect hepatic enzymes. The percent change of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration was positively correlated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, ranging from 1.92 (95% CI: 3.13 to 4.38) to 6.09 (95% CI: 9.25 to 12.38), with the largest effect observed at lag06. Additionally, acute O3 exposure was related to increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. Co-exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and O3 had an antagonistic effect on the elevation of AST. Further analysis revealed that SO42− and BC were major contributors to elevated AST concentration due to PM2.5 constituents. A stronger association was found between O3 exposure and ALT concentration in female PWHA. Our study found that short-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with increased levels of hepatic enzymes, indicating that PM2.5 and O3 exposure may contribute to hepatocellular injury in PWHA. Our study also found that PWHA may be more vulnerable to air pollution than the general population. These findings highlight the relationship between air pollutants and liver function in PWHA, providing a scientific basis for the implementation of measures to protect susceptible populations from the adverse effects of air pollution. A reduction in the burning of fossil fuels and reduced exposure to air pollutants may be effective hazard reduction approaches.
Influence of Microplastics on Morphological Manifestations of Experimental Acute Colitis
Authors: Zolotova Natalia , Dzhalilova Dzhuliia , Tsvetkov Ivan , Makarova Olga
Published: August 2023

Microplastic pollution poses a threat to human health. It is possible that the increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is associated with exposure to microplastics. We investigated the effect of the consumption of polystyrene microparticles with a diameter of 5 μm at a dose of 2.3 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks on morphological changes in the colons of healthy male C57BL/6 mice and of mice with acute colitis induced by a 1% dextran sulfate sodium solution (DSS). In healthy mice, microplastics caused an increase in the number of endocrine cells, an increase in the content of highly sulfated mucins in goblet cells, an increase in the number of cells in the lamina propria, and a decrease in the volume fraction of macrophages. Microplastic consumption caused more severe acute colitis, which is characterized by a greater prevalence of ulcers and inflammation and a decrease in the content of neutral mucins in goblet cells.
Internal Defense System of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819): Ecological Role of Hemocytes as Biomarkers for Thiacloprid and Benzo[a]Pyrene Pollution
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Di Paola Davide , Fumia Angelo , Marino Sebastian , D’Iglio Claudio , Famulari Sergio , Albano Marco , Spanò Nunziacarla , Lauriano Eugenia Rita
Published: August 2023

The introduction of pollutants, such as thiacloprid and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), into the waters of urbanized coastal and estuarine areas through fossil fuel spills, domestic and industrial waste discharges, atmospheric inputs, and continental runoff poses a major threat to the fauna and flora of the aquatic environment and can have a significant impact on the internal defense system of invertebrates such as mussels. Using monoclonal and polyclonal anti-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and anti-inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) antibodies for the first time, this work aims to examine hemocytes in the mantle and gills of M. galloprovincialis as biomarkers of thiacloprid and B[a]P pollution and analyze their potential synergistic effect. To pursue this objective, samples were exposed to the pollutants, both individually and simultaneously. Subsequently, oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated by enzymatic analysis, while tissue changes and the number of hemocytes in the different contaminated groups were assessed via histomorphological and immunohistochemical analyses. Our findings revealed that in comparison to a single exposure, the two pollutants together significantly elevated oxidative stress. Moreover, our data may potentially enhance knowledge on how TLR2 and iNOS work as part of the internal defense system of bivalves. This would help in creating new technologies and strategies, such as biosensors, that are more suitable for managing water pollution, and garnering new details on the condition of the marine ecosystem.
Sérgio Ferreira and Bothrops jararaca at the Royal College of Surgeons, London
Authors: Bakhle Y. S. , Ferreira B. R.
Published: August 2023

In 1965, Sérgio Ferreira had completed his PhD programme under the supervision of Prof Rocha e Silva, his thesis had been accepted, and he was preparing to go to England for his first post-doctoral fellowship at the Pharmacology Department at Oxford University [...]
Role of Quark Matter and Color Superconductivity in the Structure and Tidal Deformability of Strange Dwarfs
Authors: Perot Loïc , Chamel Nicolas
Published: August 2023

In 1995, Glendenning, Kettner and Weber postulated the existence of a new class of compact stars resembling white dwarfs but containing a small strange quark-matter core surrounded by hadronic layers attaining much higher densities than those found in white dwarfs. In our previous study, we have shown that it could be possible to unmask these so-called strange dwarfs through gravitational-wave observations with future space-based detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna. We calculated more realistic equations of state for the hadronic envelope, but the quark core was treated using the simplest MIT bag model. In this paper, we investigate more closely the role of the possibly solid core in the structure and the tidal deformability of strange dwarfs in the full general relativistic framework by considering different models of strange quark matter in the crystalline color -superconducting phase. We find that the effect of the extreme rigidity of the elastic core on the tidal deformability is almost completely canceled by the surrounding hadronic layers. However, in all cases, the tidal deformability of strange dwarfs remains sufficiently lower than that of white dwarfs, to be potentially observable with gravitational waves despite the uncertainties in the strange quark-matter equation of state.
Mouse Models of Mayaro Virus
Authors: Rosa Rafael Borges , de Castro Emilene Ferreira , de Oliveira Santos Débora , da Silva Murilo Vieira , Pena Lindomar José
Published: August 2023

Mayaro virus (MAYV), the etiologic agent of Mayaro fever, leads patients to severe myalgia and arthralgia, which can have a major impact on public health in all the countries where the virus circulates. The emergence and dissemination of new viruses have led the scientific community to develop new in vivo models that can help in the fight against new diseases. So far, mice have been the most used animal model in studies with MAYV and have proved to be an adequate model for recapitulating several aspects of the disease observed in humans. Mice are widely used in in vivo research and, therefore, are well known in the scientific community, which has allowed for different strains to be investigated in the study of MAYV. In this review, we summarize the main studies with MAYV using mice as an experimental model and discuss how they can contribute to the advancement of the understanding of its pathogenesis and the development of new drugs and vaccines.
Nucleocapsid Protein (N) of Peste des petits ruminants Virus (PPRV) Interacts with Cellular Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase (PI3K) Complex-I and Induces Autophagy
Authors: Chaudhary Yash , Jain Juhi , Gaur Sharad Kumar , Tembhurne Prabhakar , Chandrasekar Shanmugam , Dhanavelu Muthuchelvan , Sehrawat Sharvan , Kaul Rajeev
Published: August 2023

Autophagy is an essential and highly conserved catabolic process in cells, which is important in the battle against intracellular pathogens. Viruses have evolved several ways to alter the host defense mechanisms. PPRV infection is known to modulate the components of a host cell’s defense system, resulting in enhanced autophagy. In this study, we demonstrate that the N protein of PPRV interacts with the core components of the class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) complex-I and results in the induction of autophagy in the host cell over, thereby expressing this viral protein. Our data shows the interaction between PPRV-N protein and different core components of the autophagy pathway, i.e., VPS34, VPS15, BECN1 and ATG14L. The PPRV-N protein can specifically interact with VPS34 of the PI3K complex-I and colocalize with the proteins of PI3K complex-I in the same sub-cellular compartment, that is, in the cytoplasm. These interactions do not affect the intracellular localization of the different host proteins. The autophagy-related genes were transcriptionally modulated in PPRV-N-expressing cells. The expression of LC3B and SQSTM1/p62 was also modulated in PPRV-N-expressing cells, indicating the induction of autophagic activity. The formation of typical autophagosomes with double membranes was visualized by transmission electron microscopy in PPRV-N-expressing cells. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the critical role of the N protein of the PPR virus in the induction of autophagy, which is likely to be mediated by PI3K complex-I of the host.
Modeling the Immune Response for Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Orthohantavirus Infections in Human Lung Microvasculature Endothelial Cells
Authors: Williams Evan P. , Nandi Aadrita , Nam Victoria , Allen Linda J. S. , Trindade A. Alexandre , Kosiewicz Michele M. , Jonsson Colleen B.
Published: August 2023

Hantaviruses, genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales, are negative-sense, single-stranded, tri-segmented RNA viruses that persistently infect rodents, shrews, and moles. Of these, only certain virus species harbored by rodents are pathogenic to humans. Infection begins with inhalation of virus particles into the lung and trafficking to the lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMVEC). The reason why certain rodent-borne hantavirus species are pathogenic has long been hypothesized to be related to their ability to downregulate and dysregulate the immune response as well as increase vascular permeability of infected endothelial cells. We set out to study the temporal dynamics of host immune response modulation in primary human LMVECs following infection by Prospect Hill (nonpathogenic), Andes (pathogenic), and Hantaan (pathogenic) viruses. We measured the level of RNA transcripts for genes representing antiviral, proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic pathways from 12 to 72 h with time points every 12 h. Gene expression analysis in conjunction with mathematical modeling revealed a similar profile for all three viruses in terms of upregulated genes that partake in interferon signaling (TLR3, IRF7, IFNB1), host immune cell recruitment (CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5), and host immune response modulation (IDO1). We examined secreted protein levels of IFN-β, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL5, and IDO in two male and two female primary HLMVEC donors at 48 and 60 h post infection. All three viruses induced similar levels of CCL5, CXCL10, and CXCL11 within a particular donor, and the levels were similar in three of the four donors. All three viruses induced different protein secretion levels for both IFN-β and IDO and secretion levels differed between donors. In conclusion, we show that there was no difference in the transcriptional profiles of key genes in primary HLMVECs following infection by pathogenic and nonpathogenic hantaviruses, with protein secretion levels being more donor-specific than virus-specific.
EBV and 1q Gains Affect Gene and miRNA Expression in Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Akyüz Nuray , Janjetovic Snjezana , Ghandili Susanne , Bokemeyer Carsten , Dierlamm Judith
Published: August 2023

Abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 1 (1q) represent the most frequent secondary chromosomal aberrations in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and are observed almost exclusively in EBV-negative BL cell lines (BL-CLs). To verify chromosomal abnormalities, we cytogenetically investigated EBV-negative BL patient material, and to elucidate the 1q gain impact on gene expression, we performed qPCR with six 1q-resident genes and analyzed miRNA expression in BL-CLs. We observed 1q aberrations in the form of duplications, inverted duplications, isodicentric chromosome idic(1)(q10), and the accumulation of 1q12 breakpoints, and we assigned 1q21.2–q32 as a commonly gained region in EBV-negative BL patients. We detected MCL1, ARNT, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and FCRL5, and 64 miRNAs, showing EBV- and 1q-gain-dependent dysregulation in BL-CLs. We observed MCL1, MLLT11, PDBXIP1, and 1q-resident miRNAs, hsa-miR-9, hsa-miR-9*, hsa-miR-92b, hsa-miR-181a, and hsa-miR-181b, showing copy-number-dependent upregulation in BL-CLs with 1q gains. MLLT11, hsa-miR-181a, hsa-miR-181b, and hsa-miR-183 showed exclusive 1q-gains-dependent and FCRL5, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-155*, hsa-miR-221, and hsa-miR-222 showed exclusive EBV-dependent upregulation. We confirmed previous data, e.g., regarding the EBV dependence of hsa-miR-17-92 cluster members, and obtained detailed information considering 1q gains in EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL-CLs. Altogether, our data provide evidence for a non-random involvement of 1q gains in BL and contribute to enlightening and understanding the EBV-negative and EBV-positive BL pathogenesis.
Sensitive HIV-1 DNA Pol Next-Generation Sequencing for the Characterisation of Archived Antiretroviral Drug Resistance
Authors: Botha Johannes C. , Byott Matthew , Spyer Moira J. , Grant Paul R. , Gärtner Kathleen , Chen Wilson X. , Burton James , Bamford Alasdair , Waters Laura J. , Giaquinto Carlo , Turkova Anna , Vavro Cindy L. , Nastouli Eleni
Published: August 2023

Modern HIV-1 treatment effectively suppresses viral amplification in people living with HIV. However, the persistence of HIV-1 DNA as proviruses integrated into the human genome remains the main barrier to achieving a cure. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers increased sensitivity for characterising archived drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in HIV-1 DNA for improved treatment options. In this study, we present an ultra-sensitive targeted PCR assay coupled with NGS and a robust pipeline to characterise HIV-1 DNA DRMs from buffy coat samples. Our evaluation supports the use of this assay for Pan-HIV-1 analyses with reliable detection of DRMs across the HIV-1 Pol region. We propose this assay as a new valuable tool for monitoring archived HIV-1 drug resistance in virologically suppressed individuals, especially in clinical trials investigating novel therapeutic approaches.
Scoping Review on Barriers and Challenges to Pediatric Immunization Uptake among Migrants: Health Inequalities in Italy, 2003 to Mid-2023
Authors: Sana Samina , Fabbro Elisa , Zovi Andrea , Vitiello Antonio , Ola-Ajayi Toluwani , Zahoui Ziad , Salami Bukola , Sabbatucci Michela
Published: August 2023

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-born migrants are more likely to suffer from physical, mental, and socioeconomic consequences owing to their existing vulnerabilities and worsening conditions in refugee camps around the world. In this scenario, the education of migrants and newcomers about immunization is critical to achieving health equity worldwide. Globally, it is unclear whether government vaccination policies are prioritizing the health information needs of migrants. We searched for studies investigating the vaccination uptake of migrant children settled in Italy that were published between January 2003 and 25 June 2023. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage method for scoping reviews, all potentially relevant literature published in English was retrieved from SciSearch, Medline, and Embase. This search resulted in 88 research articles, 25 of which met our inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate unequal access to vaccination due to a lack of available information in the native language of the immigrants’ country of origin, vaccine safety concerns or lack of awareness, logistical difficulties, and fear of legal consequences. The findings strongly encourage further government and political discourse to ensure migrants have fair, equitable, ethical, and timely access to essential medicines.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Driver’s Lumped Parameter Model in the Evaluation of Ride Comfort
Authors: Koulocheris Dimitrios , Vossou Clio
Published: August 2023

The ride comfort provided by a vehicle to the driver and the passengers is an important feature, directly correlated to the technical characteristics of the suspension system of the vehicle. In the literature, several lumped-parameter models simulating the vehicle and the driver are proposed for the computational evaluation of ride comfort. In order to quantify ride comfort, other than the values of acceleration, metrics such as seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT) and seat-to-head transmissibility (STHT) are utilized. In this paper, a quarter car model is coupled with a six-degree-of-freedom lumped-parameter model, consisting of the driver’s seat and the driver. A sensitivity analysis is performed on the values of the lumped parameters of the seated human body with regard to ride comfort in order to evaluate the effect of their accuracy relative to the ride comfort evaluation. The results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that the values of the mass, the stiffness and the damping parameters of the seated human model influence the ride-comfort metrics to a different extent. Furthermore, it was depicted that ride-comfort metrics were affected in different manners depending on the characteristics of the excitation of the vehicle, yet less than 10% Finally, the importance of the consideration of single-disturbance excitations in such sensitivity studies emerged.
Geological Significance of the Perrot Spring in Mont Avic Natural Park (NW Alps)
Authors: Forno Maria Gabriella , Gattiglio Marco , Ghignone Stefano , De Luca Domenico Antonio , Santillan Quiroga Luis Miguel
Published: August 2023

Alpine areas shaped in a normally fissured bedrock do not typically contain important groundwater aquifers. In contrast, a wide Quaternary cover in mountainous areas, especially of landslide deposits, can make large aquifers promising for water withdrawals. A geological study of the central sector of the Chalamy Valley, a right tributary of the main Dora Baltea River (Aosta Valley) in which the Perrot Spring is located, was carried out, with the aim of providing a preliminary assessment of hydrogeological significance. The main interest of this investigation is, in addition to the high discharge of the Perrot Spring, its location within Mont Avic Natural Park, which is a very busy area with walkers, cyclists, visitors, and scholars. The geological survey shows a thick body of sandy silty glaciolacustrine sediments, consequent to the barrage of the Chalamy Valley from the glacier hosted in the main Aosta Valley. These sediments, outcropping in the north-facing slope of the Chalamy Valley, are involved in significant gullies and covered by a thick landslide accumulation located in the northern slope of the Bec de Nona, formed by very heterometric sediments. A wide detachment scarp is shaped in serpentinite characterized by evident fracture systems. The preliminary hydrogeological significance for the Perrot Spring, located at the boundary between glaciolacustrine and landslide sediments, was proposed. In detail, the thick landslide cover, characterized by high permeability, represents an important aquifer with a relatively fast groundwater flow to the spring. The underlying glaciolacustrine sediments of the low band of the slope, typically with very low permeability, favor the concentration of groundwater near the boundary with landslide sediments and the spring supply.
Projections of Mean and Extreme Precipitation Using the CMIP6 Model: A Study of the Yangtze River Basin in China
Authors: Zhu Changrui , Yue Qun , Huang Jiaqi
Published: August 2023

In this study, we conducted an analysis of the CN05.1 daily precipitation observation dataset spanning from 1985 to 2014. Subsequently, we ranked the 30 global climate model datasets within the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 dataset using the RS rank score method. Multi-model weighted-ensemble averaging was then performed based on these RS scores, followed by a revision of the multi-model weighted-ensemble averaging (rs-MME) using the quantile mapping method. The revised rs-MME model data were utilized for simulating precipitation variations within the Yangtze River Basin. We specifically selected 11 extreme-precipitation indices to comprehensively evaluate the capability of the revised rs-MME model data in simulating extreme-precipitation occurrences in the region. Our investigation culminated in predicting the characteristics of precipitation and the potential shifts in extreme-precipitation patterns across the region under three distinct shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) for three temporal segments: the Near 21C (2021–2040), Mid 21C (2041–2070), and Late 21C (2071–2100). Our findings reveal that the revised rs-MME model data effectively resolve the issues of the overestimation and underestimation of precipitation data present in the previous model. This leads to an enhanced simulation of mean annual precipitation, the 95th percentile of precipitation, and the extreme-precipitation index for the historical period. However, there are shortcomings in the simulation of linear trends in mean annual precipitation, alongside a significant overestimation of the CWD and CDD indices. Furthermore, our analysis forecasts a noteworthy increase in future mean annual precipitation within the Yangtze River Basin region, with a proportional rise in forced radiation across varying scenarios. Notably, an ascending trend of precipitation is detected at the headwaters of the Yangtze River Basin, specifically under the Late 21C SSP5-8.5 scenario, while a descending trend is observed in other scenarios. Conversely, there is an escalating pattern of precipitation within the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, with most higher-rate changes situated in the middle reaches. Regarding extreme-precipitation indices, similar to the annual average precipitation, a remarkable upsurge is evident in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, whereas a relatively modest increasing trend prevails at the headwaters of the Yangtze River Basin. Notably, the SSP5-8.5 scenario portrays a substantial increase in extreme-precipitation indices.
Research on Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development of the Lower Yellow River Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Wang Aili , Wang Shunsheng , Liang Shuaitao , Yang Ruijie , Yang Mingwei , Yang Jinyue
Published: August 2023

The harmonious development between water resources, the economy, and the environment is the foundation of regional high-quality development, and the three are closely related. Based on a full analysis of the current situation of the lower Yellow River, this paper combines domestic and foreign studies, compares the framework of the relationship between water resources, the economy, and environment systems, selects 30 indicators such as average rainfall, natural population growth rate, PM2.5, etc., and establishes an evaluation model of the coupled coordination of the water resources–economy–environment system of the lower Yellow River, and then uses system dynamics to simulate and predict the degree of coupled coordination in the sub-scenarios. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The level of coordinated development in the water resources–environment system outperforms that of the water resources–economy and economy–environment systems in the cities along the lower Yellow River. (2) The coupling coordination degree of the lower reaches of the Yellow River increases from 0.5849 to 0.8209 during the period of 2006–2020, with an average annual increase of 2.62%. (3) A sub-scenario simulation for the 2006–2020 period indicated that the coordination development of the WEE system is optimal under the scenario 4 model, with the coupling coordination degree expected to reach 0.8928 in 2035, marking the advent of high-quality coordinated development. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin.
Low Concentrations of Antibiotics Alter Microbial Communities and Induce High Abundances of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes in Ornamental Water
Authors: Tian Lingyun , Fang Hao , Mao Qianbo , Bai Yi , Ye Zirui , Hu Dingjun , Wang Xiaoheng , Hou Yiyu , Ye Nan , Zhang Shuai , Ma Yan
Published: August 2023

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to the public health domain. A favorable platform for generating and disseminating antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is provided by landscaped fish ponds created by urbanization. This research delved into the effects exerted by different concentrations of specific antibiotics, namely tetracycline and ciprofloxacin, on the microbial community composition present in water samples obtained from a landscape pond. Additionally, we analyzed the abundance of ARGs and the class 1 integron-integrase gene (intI1), and identified potential hosts of ARGs. The results indicated that the consistent administration of antibiotics significantly influenced the microbial community structure, resulting in variations within both bacterial communities and functionalities. Furthermore, the absolute quantities of ARGs, including tetA, tetC, qnrA, and qnrS, as well as the integrase gene intI1, exhibited augmentation in response to varying types and concentrations of antibiotics. Notably, the regular input of low concentrations of antibiotics produced higher levels of abundance of ARGs than the regular input of higher concentrations of antibiotics. The use of different types of antibiotics led to diverse host bacteria structures.
Results of surgical treatment of patients with hemangiomas of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
Authors:   National Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics of the Disabled, Republic of Uzbekistan, Baratov A. A. , Ruzibaev D. R. ,   National Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics of the Disabled, Republic of Uzbekistan
Published: August 2023

The main goal of the study was to determine the effectiveness of surgical treatment of solitary and multiple hemangiomas within the vertebral body of the thoracic and lumbar spine.
PENGARUH CASH HOLDING DAN FINANCIAL LEVERAGE TERHADAP INCOME SMOOTHING DENGAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING
Authors: Pamungkas Imang Dapit , Arya Zidane Bertand
Published: August 2023

Pada perusahaan, laporan keuangan adalah suatu hal yang vital karena memiliki peran sebagai hasil dari aktivitas operasional pada suatu perusahaan dalam suatu periode. Laporan keuangan juga mempunyai fungsi sebagai gambaran suatu perusahaan mengenai baik atau kurang baiknya kemampuan pada perusahaan. Salah satu akun yang krusial dalam menilai kinerja perusahaan adalah laba. Pada kenyataannya pengerjaan Income Smoothing menimbulkan beberapa spekulasi, ada yang beranggapan bahwa Income Smoothing merupakan hal yang merugikan bagi pengguna laporan keuangan karena tidak menjelaskan isi laporan yang wajar pada posisi keuangan perusahaan. Sedangkan pihak lain beranggapan bahwa Income Smoothing adalah suatu yang wajar karena tidak melanggar standar akuntansi. Tujuan dilakukannya observasi ini guna mengetahui apakah cash holding dan financial leverage mampu mempengaruhi income smoothing, serta untuk mengetahui apakah variabel corporate governance mampu memoderasi cash holding dan financial leverage terhadap income smoothing. Populasi penelitian ini ialah perusahaan BUMN tahun 2016-2021 sejumlah 48 perusahaan x 6 tahun, pemilihan sampelnya dengan metode purposive sampling dan mendapatkan sampel dengan total 108. Penelitian ini mendapatkan hasil bahwa variabel cash holding mampu mempengaruhi income smoothing, financial leverage tidak mampu mempengaruhi income smoothing, corporate governance mampu memoderasi atau mengurangi pengaruh antara cash holding dan income smoothing, corporate governance tidak mampu memoderasi atau mengurangi pengaruh antara financial leverage dan income smoothing. Untuk software yang dipergunakan untuk pengolahan data ialah SPSS Statistic 20.
KARAKTERISTIK PERKEMBANGAN PERI-URBAN DI KOTA KECIL
Authors: Membala Sarah , Wibisono Bambang Hari , Hidayati Isti
Published: August 2023

Previous research often perceived peri-urbanization as a spatial phenomenon that occurs in big cities, which creates problems for suburban areas. This article present empirical evidence of peri-urbanization in small city using the case of Tallunglipu District as a peri-urban area of Rantepao, North Toraja. Comparing the physical, social, and economic data ini 2010 and 2020 using a descriptive statistical analysis, this article found that the higher the physical, social, and economic change, the higher tendency of having a strong urban character, which indicates urbanization, and vice versa. The peri-urban development in Tallunglipu Distric can categorized into five typologies: (1) areas that have high changes in physical, social, and aspects, (2) area with high changes in physical and social aspects but low in economic aspects, (3) area with high changes in social aspect but low  on physical  and economic aspects, (4) area with high changes on physical aspect but low on social and economic aspects, (5) areas with low changes on physical, social, and economic aspects. Peri-urban typology based on the characteristics of level of changes can provide information for the government in formulating patterns of urban land use in peri-urban areas.