bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Shale Oil and Gas Refracturing: Techniques and Field Applications
Authors: Xu Liru , Wang Dajiang , Liu Lizhi , Wang Chen , Zhu Haiyan , Tang Xuanhe
Published: May 2024

Shale oil and gas wells usually experience a rapid decline in production due to their extremely low permeability and strong heterogeneity. As a crucial technique to harness potential and elevate extraction rates in aged wells (formations), refracturing is increasingly employed within oil and gas reservoirs globally. At present, the selection processes for refracturing, both of wells and layers, are somewhat subjective and necessitate considerable field data. However, the status of fracturing technology is difficult to control precisely, and the difference in construction effects is large. In this paper, well selection, formation selection, and the fracturing technology of shale oil and gas refracturing are deeply analyzed, and the technological status and main technical direction of refracturing technology at home and abroad are analyzed and summarized. The applicability, application potential, and main technical challenges of existing technology for different wells are discussed, combined with the field production dynamics. The results show that well and layer selection is the key to the successful application of refracturing technology, and the geological engineering parameters closely related to the remaining reservoir reserves and formation energy should be considered as the screening parameters. General temporary plugging refracturing technology has a low cost and a simple process, but it is difficult to accurately control the location of temporary plugging, and the construction effect is very different. Mechanical isolation refracturing technology permits the exact refurbishment of regions untouched by the initial fracturing. However, it is costly and complex in terms of construction. Consequently, cutting the costs of mechanical isolation refracturing technology stands as a pivotal research direction.
Effect of Fiber and Insect Powder Addition on Selected Organoleptic and Nutritional Characteristics of Gluten-Free Bread
Authors: Tauferová Alexandra , Pečová Martina , Czerniková Aneta , Dordević Dani , Tremlová Bohuslava
Published: May 2024

A wide range of gluten-free bakery products are already available on the market. However, they often have a low proportion of fiber and inferior sensory properties when compared to classic baked goods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of different types of fiber and insect powder on selected organoleptic and nutritional properties of gluten-free bread and to reformulate a recipe for gluten-free bread. Twenty-four experimental samples were prepared with different types and percentages of fiber, either alone or in combination. Sensory analysis, instrumental texture analysis, and chemical analyses, including predicted glycemic index, were carried out. A total of 16 of the 24 fiber-enriched samples received an average or slightly above-average rating. The samples containing the fiber mixture without insect powder and the sample containing 9% flaxseed performed best in the overall evaluation. The combination of different types of plant fibers simultaneously with the incorporation of insect powder in a low concentration appears to be advantageous, both from the viewpoint of sensory acceptability and also from the viewpoint of the potential for increasing the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. This study lists the sensorially acceptable range of fiber concentrations, which can be a guide for the bakery industry.
A Trinitarian Ascent: How Augustine’s Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent Transform the Ascent Tradition
Authors: Boone Mark J.
Published: May 2024

Augustine’s sermons on the Psalms of Ascent, part of the Enarrationes in Psalmos, are a unique entry in the venerable tradition of those writings that aim to help us ascend to a higher reality. These sermons transform the ascent genre by giving, in the place of the Platonic account of ascent, a Christian ascent narrative with a Trinitarian structure. Not just the individual ascends, but the community that is the church, the body of Christ, also ascends. The ascent is up to God, the Idipsum or the Selfsame, the ultimate reality, confessed by the church as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of the Incarnation, God the Son enables us to ascend, making himself the way of ascent from the humility we must imitate at the beginning of the ascent all the way up to Heaven, where he retains his identity as Idipsum. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit works in the ascending church to convert our hearts to the love of God and neighbor. I review the Platonic ascent tradition in Plato’s Republic and Plotinus’ Enneads; overview ascent in some of Augustine’s earlier writings; introduce the narrative setting of the sermons on the Psalms of Ascent; and analyze the Trinitarian structure of their ascent narrative. I close with some reflections on the difference between a preached Trinitarianism that encourages ascent and a more academic effort to understand God such as we find in Augustine’s de Trinitate.
“We Became Religious to Protect Our Children”: Diasporic Religiosity among Moroccan Jewish Families in France and Israel
Authors: Abeddour Yona Elfassi
Published: May 2024

This article explores the formation and preservation of a distinctive “Moroccan Judaism” ethos, rooted in a connection to the homeland and an idealized Moroccan past. Through an examination of secularism, traditionalism, and modernity in Israel and France, alongside the resurgence of religiosity in secular societies, it assesses the impact of diasporic experiences on the religious practices of Moroccan-origin families in these countries. The argument posits that diasporic sentiments and the allure of Moroccan heritage significantly influence the negotiation and affirmation of religious identities within these families. Rituals and religious practices serve as expressions of this identity, undergoing adaptation and transformation both in Morocco and abroad. Consequently, “Israeli” and “French” approaches to Moroccan Jewish observance reflect distinct socio-political and historical contexts. The analysis draws from five family cases, illustrating a range of experiences within national and transnational frameworks, enriching our understanding of the dynamic interplay between personal narratives and broader social and historical landscapes.
Modeling and Optimization of an Enhanced Soft Sensor for the Fermentation Process of Pichia pastoris
Authors: Wang Bo , Yu Ameng , Wang Haibo , Liu Jun
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a novel soft sensor modeling approach, MIC-TCA-INGO-LSSVM, to address the decline in performance of soft sensor models during the fermentation process of Pichia pastoris, caused by changes in working conditions. Initially, the transfer component analysis (TCA) method is utilized to minimize the differences in data distribution across various working conditions. Subsequently, a least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model is constructed using the dataset adapted by TCA, and strategies for improving the northern goshawk optimization (INGO) algorithm are proposed to optimize the parameters of the LSSVM model. Finally, to further enhance the model’s generalization ability and prediction accuracy, considering the transfer of knowledge from multiple-source working conditions, a sub-model weighted ensemble scheme is proposed based on the maximum information coefficient (MIC) algorithm. The proposed soft sensor model is employed to predict cell and product concentrations during the fermentation process of Pichia pastoris. Simulation results indicate that the RMSE of the INGO-LSSVM model in predicting cell and product concentrations is reduced by 47.3% and 42.1%, respectively, compared to the NGO-LSSVM model. Additionally, TCA significantly enhances the model’s adaptability when working conditions change. Moreover, the soft sensor model based on TCA and the MIC-weighted ensemble method achieves a reduction of 41.6% and 31.3% in the RMSE for predicting cell and product concentrations, respectively, compared to the single-source condition transfer model TCA-INGO-LSSVM. These results demonstrate the high reliability and predictive performance of the proposed soft sensor method under varying working conditions.
Adapting the Intensity Gradient for Use with Count-Based Accelerometry Data in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Alexander Christina J. , Manske Sarah L. , Edwards W. Brent , Gabel Leigh
Published: May 2024

The intensity gradient is a new cutpoint-free metric that was developed to quantify physical activity (PA) measured using accelerometers. This metric was developed for use with the ENMO (Euclidean norm minus one) metric, derived from raw acceleration data, and has not been validated for use with count-based accelerometer data. In this study, we determined whether the intensity gradient could be reproduced using count-based accelerometer data. Twenty participants (aged 7–22 years) wore a GT1M, an ActiGraph (count-based), and a GT9X, ActiGraph (raw accelerations) accelerometer during both in-lab and at-home protocols. We found strong agreement between GT1M and GT9X counts during the combined in-lab activities (mean bias = 2 counts) and between minutes per day with different intensities of activity (e.g., sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous) classified using cutpoints (mean bias < 5 min/d at all intensities). We generated bin sizes that could be used to generate IGs from the count data (mean bias = −0.15; 95% LOA [−0.65, 0.34]) compared with the original IG. Therefore, the intensity gradient could be used to analyze count data. The count-based intensity gradient metric will be valuable for re-analyzing historical datasets collected using older accelerometer models, such as the GT1M.
Recent Developments to the SimSphere Land Surface Modelling Tool for the Study of Land–Atmosphere Interactions
Authors: Petropoulos George P. , Lekka Christina
Published: May 2024

Soil–Vegetation–Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) models are a promising avenue towards gaining a better insight into land surface interactions and Earth’s system dynamics. One such model developed for the academic and research community is the SimSphere SVAT model, a popular software toolkit employed for simulating interactions among the layers of vegetation, soil, and atmosphere on the land surface. The aim of the present review is two-fold: (1) to deliver a critical assessment of the model’s usage by the scientific and wider community over the last 15 years, and (2) to provide information on current software developments implemented in the model. From the review conducted herein, it is clearly evident that from the models’ inception to current day, SimSphere has received notable interest worldwide, and the dissemination of the model has continuously grown over the years. SimSphere has been used so far in several applications to study land surface interactions. The validation of the model performed worldwide has shown that it is able to produce realistic estimates of land surface parameters that have been validated, whereas detailed sensitivity analysis experiments conducted with the model have further confirmed its structure and architectural coherence. Furthermore, the recent inclusion of novel functionalities in the model, as outlined in the present review, has clearly resulted in improving its capabilities and in opening up new opportunities for its use by the wider community. SimSphere developments are also ongoing in different aspects, and its use as a toolkit towards advancing our understanding of land surface interactions from both educational and research points of view is anticipated to grow in the coming years.
A Study of the Relationship between Human Behavior and Urban Design during the Winter in a High-Snowfall Urban Area
Authors: Watanabe Norihiro , Setoguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on the relationship between the outdoor environment and usage behavior of open spaces in cities with snowy and cold climates (winter cities), using an outdoor survey conducted at AKAPURA Plaza in Sapporo, Japan. This study seeks to understand walking and staying behaviors and analyzes their relationships to snowy outdoor environments. An analysis of the survey data shows that while the number of pedestrians using AKAPLA Plaza decreased as temperatures dropped, the ratio of staying behavior to the number of pedestrians did not decrease despite dropping temperatures. This study identified the following three design principles that can be applied to encourage the usage of open urban spaces during the winter. In winter, the number of pedestrians decreases in correlation with decreases in temperature; however, during the snowy season, walking can be encouraged by providing areas with less snow (PATH). Partially snow-covered areas can encourage photography and snow play behavior (STORAGE). Finally, providing walking routes to snow-covered areas can encourage staying behavior (APPROACH). These design principles were established based on the study in Sapporo and have the potential to be widely applied in other winter cities across the world through future research and analysis.
Psychological Trust Dynamics in Climate Change Adaptation Decision-Making Processes: A Literature Review
Authors: Bonfanti Rubinia Celeste , Ruggieri Stefano , Schimmenti Adriano
Published: May 2024

There has been a growth in interest among academics and professionals in psychological trust dynamics during climate change adaptation. This literature review aimed to examine the research concerning trust dynamics in climate change adaptation from different levels of analysis, encompassing the different phases of adaptation and considering the importance of trust in climate change decision-making. The method consisted of systematically reviewing researches on this topic published in scientific articles, by using appropriate and relevant search keywords (e.g., trust, community, natural hazard, climate change adaptation, decision-making) in academic databases. A total of 25 studies met inclusion criteria. All the articles focused on the latter phases of the climate change adaptation cycle, specifically implementation and monitoring/evaluation, with limited attention devoted to decision-making related to earlier phases of preparation, assessment of risks, and identification and selection of adaptation options. The reviews also indicates that psychological trust is related to different adaptive actions (e.g., adoption of renewable energy technologies), and low- and high-impact mitigation behaviors (e.g., acceptance of paying taxes for actions that mitigate climate change). Therefore, this review underscores the significant role of psychological trust dynamics in shaping individuals’ decision-making processes concerning climate change adaptation, thereby yielding immediate and direct implications for climate systems. Therefore, it is essential to actively promote the culture of trust within the context of climate change adaptation.
The Impacts of the Poverty Alleviation Relocation Program (PARP) on Households’ Education Investment: Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment in Rural China
Authors: Wang Sangui , Zheng Lijuan
Published: May 2024

Families’ education investment in their children is crucial for fostering and accumulating human capital among rural children in China. This study examines the impact of the Poverty Alleviation Relocation Program (PARP) on household education investment using panel data from a large-scale survey conducted in 16 counties across 8 provinces over three waves. Employing a staggered difference-in-differences (DID) method, we find a significant increase in average education investment per student in households following the PARP’s implementation, supported by multiple robustness tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that the increase is primarily driven by a higher household income and lower medical expenses among relocated families. Heterogeneity analysis shows notable variations based on relocation attributes and household characteristics, with stronger effects particularly observed for dispersed relocation, scattered resettlement, and household heads with over 6 years of education or in good health. The impact is sustained and strengthens with longer durations of relocation. Our findings offer valuable insights for enhancing rural household education investment.
Carsharing Worldwide: Case Studies on Carsharing Development in China, Europe, Japan, and the United States
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhu Yuanfang , Wei Chunyi , Jiang Meilan , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: May 2024

Carsharing has received considerable attention as a sustainable mobility paradigm. Various service designs and dynamic business environments have increased the decision complexity for the carsharing business. Therefore, carsharing operators require a tool for assessing business development from holistic perspectives. This research provides a framework for outlining the requirements of the carsharing system with holistic perspectives of stakeholders being considered, as well as to derive assessment metrics for examining carsharing development. To create the framework, the system modeling tool, context diagram, was adopted to map out the interactions of externalities with the system and the requirements of the system. Eight assessment metrics: the market condition, business advantage, parking condition, electric vehicle deployment, self-serving configuration, vehicle reservation, vehicle maintenance, and pricing scheme, were eventually identified from the system modeling. From these dimensions, we review 24 carsharing cases from China, Europe, Japan, and the United States, and we summarize discrepancies among different marketplaces and some managerial insights on carsharing development, such as carsharing motivators and inhibitors, innovations in respect of different business backgrounds, approaches of increasing parking privileges, approaches of increasing electrifications, essential digital features, reservation regimes, methods of vehicle maintenances, and service pricing regimes.
Investigating the Impact of Various Vegetation Scenarios on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Low-Density Residential Areas of Hot Arid Regions
Authors: Gomaa Mohammed M. , El Menshawy Adel , Nabil Jackline , Ragab Ayman
Published: May 2024

In hot, arid regions, outdoor spaces suffer from intense heat. This study explores how vegetation can improve outdoor thermal performance for pedestrians in low-density residential areas. Specifically, it seeks to identify the best combination of grass and trees for optimal comfort. Four scenarios were simulated using ENVI-met software, varying the proportions of grass and three tree types: 50% grass, 50% grass with 25% trees, 50% grass with 50% trees, and 50% grass with 75% trees. A reference scenario with no vegetation was also investigated. The simulated outputs encompassed air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), relative humidity (RH), and physiologically equivalent temperature (PET). The findings show that scenarios with a higher percentage of trees exhibited the best reduction in air temperature, ranging from 0.2 k to 0.92 k. Additionally, the inclusion of trees and grass in the scenarios resulted in a substantial improvement in thermal performance, with an average reduction of 7.5 degrees in PET. Among the evaluated scenarios, the one comprising 75% trees and 50% grass exhibits the most noteworthy enhancement. This study underscores the significance of strategically positioning vegetation to coincide with prevailing wind patterns, thereby enhancing convective cooling mechanisms and improving overall thermal comfort levels. These insights offer valuable implications for urban planning and the development of sustainable design strategies.
Evaluation of the Feasibility of the Prediction of the Surface Morphologiesof AWJ-Milled Pockets by Statistical Methods Based on Multiple Roughness Indicators
Authors: Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Thangaraj Muthuramalingam , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

Improvement of the surface quality of machined parts is essential in order to avoid excessive and costly post-processing. Although non-conventional processes can efficiently carry out the machining of difficult-to-cut materials with high productivity, they may also, for various reasons, be related to increased surface roughness. In order to optimize the surface quality of generated surfaces in a reliable way, surface profiles obtained during these processes must be adequately modeled. However, given that most studies have focused on Ra or Rz indicators or are based on the assumption of a normal distribution for the profile heights, relevant models cannot accurately represent the surface characteristics that exist in a real machined surface with a high degree of accuracy. Thus, in the present study, a new modeling approach based on the use of a statistical probability distribution for the surface profile height is proposed. After six different distributions were evaluated on the basis of a three-stage procedure involving different roughness indicators pertaining to the abrasive waterjet (AWJ) milling of pockets, it was found that, although it is not possible to model the nominal values of every roughness parameter simultaneously, in several cases, it is possible to approximate the values of critical indicators such as Ra, Rz, Rsk, Rku and Rp/Rv ratio by Weibull distribution with a sufficient degree of accuracy.
Nonstandard Nearly Exact Analysis of the FitzHugh–Nagumo Model
Authors: Shahid  , Abbas Mujahid , Kwessi Eddy
Published: May 2024

The FitzHugh–Nagumo model has been used empirically to model certain types of neuronal activities. It is also a non-linear dynamical system applicable to chemical kinetics, population dynamics, epidemiology and pattern formation. In the literature, many approaches have been proposed to study its dynamics. In this paper, initially, we have employed cutting-edge tools from discrete dynamics for discretization and fixed points. It has been proven that an exact discrete scheme exists for this paradigm. This project also considers the phase space and integral surfaces of these evolutionary equations. In addition, it carries out a thorough symmetry analysis of this reaction diffusion system to find equivalent systems. Moreover, steady-state solutions are obtained using ansatzes for traveling wave solutions. The existence of infinite traveling wave solutions has also been proven. Yet again, this investigation establishes the potential of symmetry methods to unravel non-linearity. Finally, singular perturbation theory has been employed to obtain analytical approximations and to study stability in different parameter regimes.
The Attention-Based Autoencoder for Network Traffic Classification with Interpretable Feature Representation
Authors: Cui Jun , Bai Longkun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lin Zhigui , Liu Qi
Published: May 2024

Network traffic classification is crucial for identifying network applications and defending against network threats. Traditional traffic classification approaches struggle to extract structural features and suffer from poor interpretability of feature representations. The high symmetry between network traffic classification and its interpretable feature representation is vital for network traffic analysis. To address these issues, this paper proposes a traffic classification and feature representation model named the attention mechanism autoencoder (AMAE). The AMAE model extracts the global spatial structural features of network traffic through attention mechanisms and employs an autoencoder to extract local structural features and perform dimensionality reduction. This process maps different network traffic features into one-dimensional coordinate systems in the form of spectra, termed FlowSpectrum. The spectra of different network traffic represent different intervals in the coordinate system. This paper tests the interpretability and classification performance of network traffic features of the AMAE model using the ISCX-VPN2016 dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that by analyzing the overall distribution of attention weights and local weight values of network traffic, the model effectively explains the differences in the spectral representation intervals of different types of network traffic. Furthermore, our approach achieves the highest classification accuracy of up to 100% for non-VPN-encrypted traffic and 99.69% for VPN-encrypted traffic, surpassing existing traffic classification schemes.
A Review on Risk Factors, Diagnostic Innovations, and Plant Based Therapies for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Alrumaihi Faris , Raut Ravindra , Yahia Ehsan Ahmed , Kumar Vikalp , Anwar Shehwaz
Published: May 2024

Men of all ages frequently experience erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence, and it is a difficult health issue that adversely affects the quality of life of those who experience it. There are multiple types of treatment strategies for ED available, depending on the origin and severity of ED, as well as any underlying medical issues. However, these therapeutics are known to have a number of negative health effects. In contrast, plant-based treatments are more effective for managing diseases due to their ability to modulate biological processes like inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell signaling molecules. Many medicinal plants have been reported to be quite helpful in the improvement of ED. In this review, ED and its causes, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and some of the most potent plant-based interventions against ED are discussed in greater detail, along with a description of their mechanisms of action and a brief discussion of approaches to increase their efficacy, with a focus on the management of ED using herbal interventions as complementary and alternative medicines. While there is hope that medicinal plants could provide lead substances for erectile dysfunction medications, additional investigation is necessary to ascertain the efficacy and security of these prospective treatments.
Porcine Circovirus Type 3 (PCV3) in Poland: Prevalence in Wild Boar Population in Connection with African Swine Fever (ASF)
Authors: Frant Maciej Piotr , Mazur-Panasiuk Natalia , Gal-Cisoń Anna , Bocian Łukasz , Łyjak Magdalena , Szczotka-Bochniarz Anna
Published: May 2024

Human health is dependent on food safety and, therefore, on the health of farm animals. One of the most significant threats in regard to swine diseases is African swine fever (ASF). Infections caused by porcine circoviruses (PCVs) represent another important swine disease. Due to the ubiquitous nature of PCV2, it is not surprising that this virus has been detected in ASFV-affected pigs. However, recent data indicate that coinfection of PCV3 and ASFV also occurs. It is still unclear whether PCV infection plays a role in ASFV infection, and that subject requires further analysis. The aim of this study was to assess whether PCV3 and PCV4 are present in the wild boar population in Poland (real-time PCR). The analysis was performed on wild boar samples collected for routine ASF surveillance in Poland, between 2018 and 2021. By extension, the obtained data were compared in regard to ASFV presence in these samples, thus investigating the odds of ASFV infection on the grounds of the PCV carrier state in free-ranging Suidae in Poland. In addition, sequencing of PCV3 and phylogenetic analysis were performed, based on a full genome and a capsid gene. In the current study, we demonstrated the high prevalence of PCV3 in the wild boar population in Poland; meanwhile, PCV4 was not detected. The odds of ASFV infection on the grounds of the PCV3 carrier state in free-ranging Suidae in Poland was more than twice as high. Ten full genome sequences of PCV3 were obtained, all of them belonging to clade 3a. The similarity between them was in the range of 98.78–99.80%.
Remission of HPV-Related Diseases by Antivirals for Herpesvirus: Clinical Cases and a Literature Review
Authors: Balestrieri Maria , Chiantore Maria Vincenza , Garbuglia Anna Rosa , Carnovale-Scalzo Caterina , Falcucci Susanna , Di Bonito Paola
Published: May 2024

Epidemiological studies have shown that HPV-related diseases are the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections. In this context, this report will present various clinical cases demonstrating the effectiveness of Acyclovir (ACV) or its prodrug Valaciclovir (VCV), both acyclic guanosine analogs commonly used for the treatment of HHV-1 and HHV-2, for the treatment of HPV-related diseases. The report shows the remission of five cases of penile condyloma and a case of remission in a woman affected by cervical and vaginal condylomas and a vulvar giant condyloma acuminate of Buschke and Lowenstein. The literature review shows that ACV is effective in treating skin warts when administered orally, topically, and intralesionally, suggesting its therapeutic potential in other diseases associated with HPV. ACV was also used successfully as an adjuvant therapy for juvenile and adult forms of laryngeal papillomatosis, also known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, prolonging the patient’s symptom-free periods. Although the prevention of HPV infections is certainly achieved with the HPV vaccine, ACV and VCV have shown to be effective even against genotypes not included in the current vaccine and can be helpful for those problematic clinical cases involving unvaccinated individuals, immunocompromised patients, people who live with HIV, or non-responders to the vaccine. We and others concluded that randomized clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy of ACV and VCV for HPV-related diseases.
Exosome-like Systems: From Therapies to Vaccination for Cancer Treatment and Prevention—Exploring the State of the Art
Authors: Sheikhhossein Hamid Heydari , Iommelli Francesca , Di Pietro Natalia , Curia Maria Cristina , Piattelli Adriano , Palumbo Rosanna , Roviello Giovanni N. , De Rosa Viviana
Published: May 2024

Cancer remains one of the main causes of death in the world due to its increasing incidence and treatment difficulties. Although significant progress has been made in this field, innovative approaches are needed to reduce tumor incidence, progression, and spread. In particular, the development of cancer vaccines is currently ongoing as both a preventive and therapeutic strategy. This concept is not new, but few vaccines have been approved in oncology. Antigen-based vaccination emerges as a promising strategy, leveraging specific tumor antigens to activate the immune system response. However, challenges persist in finding suitable delivery systems and antigen preparation methods. Exosomes (EXs) are highly heterogeneous bilayer vesicles that carry several molecule types in the extracellular space. The peculiarity is that they may be released from different cells and may be able to induce direct or indirect stimulation of the immune system. In particular, EX-based vaccines may cause an anti-tumor immune attack or produce memory cells recognizing cancer antigens and inhibiting disease development. This review delves into EX composition, biogenesis, and immune-modulating properties, exploring their role as a tool for prevention and therapy in solid tumors. Finally, we describe future research directions to optimize vaccine efficacy and realize the full potential of EX-based cancer immunotherapy.
Optimization of Culture Media and Feeding Strategy for High Titer Production of an Adenoviral Vector in HEK 293 Fed-Batch Culture
Authors: Shen Chun Fang , Rodenbrock Anja , Lanthier Stephane , Burney Elodie , Loignon Martin
Published: May 2024

Adenoviruses are efficient and safe vectors for delivering target antigens and adenovirus-based vaccines have been used against a wide variety of pathogens, including tuberculosis and COVID-19. Cost-effective and scalable biomanufacturing processes are critical for the commercialization of adenovirus-vectored vaccines. Adenoviral vectors are commonly produced through the infection of batch cultures at low cell density cultures, mostly because infections at high cell densities result in reduced cell-specific virus productivity and does not improve volumetric productivity. In this study, we have investigated the feasibility of improving the volumetric productivity by infecting fed-batch cultures at high cell densities. Four commercial and one in-house developed serum-free media were first tested for supporting growth of HEK 293 cells and production of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) in batch culture. Two best media were then selected for development of fed-batch culture to improve cell growth and virus productivity. A maximum viable cell density up to 16 × 106 cells/mL was achieved in shake flask fed-batch cultures using the selected media and commercial or in-house developed feeds. The volumetric virus productivity was improved by up to six folds, reaching 3.0 × 1010 total viral particles/mL in the fed-batch culture cultivated with the media and feeds developed in house and infected at a cell density of 5 × 106 cells/mL. Additional rounds of optimization of media and feed were required to maintain the improved titer when the fed-batch culture was scaled up in a bench scale (3 L) bioreactor. Overall, the results suggested that fed-batch culture is a simple and feasible process to significantly improve the volumetric productivity of Ad5 through optimization and balance of nutrients in culture media and feeds.
Evaluating the Influence of Reverse Osmosis on Lakes Using Water Quality Indices: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljassim Mohammed T. , AlMulla Abdulaziz A. , Berekaa Mahmoud M. , Alsaif Abdulmalik S.
Published: May 2024

A drastic level of resource degradation was revealed through a preliminary evaluation (completed in 2016) of water quality in a recreational lake in the second industrial city in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The primary signs were a foul smell, algal bloom, high turbidity, and lack of aquatic life. This study aims to evaluate the influence of reverse osmosis (RO) on lake water quality. The recreational lake consists of two connected lakes (Lakes 1 and 2), which receive treated effluent from an industrial wastewater treatment plant. Composite samples were collected from the lakes to analyze their physiochemical parameters. Descriptive analyses were performed, and two water quality indices were developed to observe the variations in water quality conditions between the two periods (2016 and 2021). The results indicated that the water parameters of total dissolved solids (TDS), sulphate (SO42−), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and dissolved oxygen (DO) in 2016 (3356, 4100, 516, and 1.32 mg/L, respectively) were significantly improved in 2021 (2502, 1.28, 9.39, and 7.79 mg/L, respectively). The results of the water quality index (WQI) and comprehensive pollution index (CPI) indicated that the water quality in Lake 1 was significantly enhanced in 2021 (WQI = 85, CPI = 1) in comparison with assessment data from 2016 (WQI = 962, CPI = 8). However, the data from Lake 2 revealed higher pollution levels in 2021 (WQI = 1722, CPI = 18) than those recorded in 2016 (WQI = 1508, CPI = 13). As indicated by the absence of bad smells, algal blooms, and restoration of aquatic life, the RO intervention successfully improved the water quality in Lake 1. The WQI and CPI were helpful tools for evaluating lake water quality.
Projected Changes in Extreme Precipitation Patterns across Algerian Sub-Regions
Authors: Hamitouche Yasmine , Zeroual Ayoub , Meddi Mohamed , Assani Ali A. , Alkama Ramdane , Şen Zekâi , Zhang Xinhua
Published: May 2024

Extreme precipitation events play a crucial role in shaping the vulnerability of regions like Algeria to the impacts of climate change. To delve deeper into this critical aspect, this study investigates the changing patterns of extreme precipitation across five sub-regions of Algeria using data from 33 model simulations provided by the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Climate Projections (NEX-GDDP-CMIP6). Our analysis reveals a projected decline in annual precipitation for four of these regions, contrasting with an expected increase in desert areas where annual precipitation levels remain low, typically not exceeding 120 mm. Furthermore, key precipitation indices such as maximum 1-day precipitation (Rx1day) and extremely wet-day precipitation (R99p) consistently show upward trends across all zones, under both SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. However, the number of heavy precipitation days (R20mm) demonstrates varied trends among zones, exhibiting stable fluctuations. These findings provide valuable foresight into future precipitation patterns, offering essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders. By anticipating these changes, adaptive strategies can be devised to mitigate potential climate change impacts on crucial sectors such as agriculture, flooding, water resources, and drought.
The Elimination of Levofloxacin from High-Salinity Wastewater via the Electrochlorination Process
Authors: Wei Mingfei , Li Jingyu , Jing Bingqing , Li Xuankun , Li Guanghui
Published: May 2024

The electrochlorination (E-Cl) process has attracted much attention as it is a highly efficient method for treating organic compounds in hypersaline wastewater. In this study, the E-Cl process was utilized for the removal of antibiotics. The optimal experimental conditions were determined to be a NaCl concentration of 100 mM, a current density of 1.5 mA/cm2, a pH of 7.0, and a plate spacing of 1 cm, with a levofloxacin (LEV) degradation efficiency reaching as high as 99% using this setup. The effects of the presence of other ions and humic acid on the E-Cl process were investigated, and it was found that the degradation of LEV was not significantly affected by the presence of coexisting substances. In addition, free chlorine was identified as the primary active species for the degradation of LEV by means of a quenching experiment. It was demonstrated by 3D EEM and TOC that LEV was not completely mineralized and that intermediate products may be present. In order to reveal the degradation pathways of LEV, its degradation products were also analyzed via LC-MS, and some possible pathways of LEV degradation in this system were proposed. The successful degradation of LEV demonstrated that the E-Cl process is an efficient and promising technique for the treatment of organic pollutants in high-salinity wastewater.
Monitoring and evaluation system for revitalization programmes in Germany
Authors: Dziarmakowska Natalia
Published: May 2024

Monitoring and evaluation should form the foundation of revitalisation programme management. The literature on the subject points to a general reluctance of municipalities to assess the effects of implemented revitalisation programmes, as well as the difficulties that municipalities encounter during this process. In Germany, in 2013, the federal and state governments, along with municipal associations, adopted an inter-programme concept for the evaluation of revitalisation programmes. This concept represents the first systematic structure for monitoring and evaluation of revitalisation programmes. The aim of the article is to present the assumptions of this concept and provide an overview of the experiences gained so far in its implementation. The study was based on desk research, an in-depth individual interview, the case study method, and an email interview.
Customer loyalty and retention. A marketing strategy based on the creation of
promotional content and its effect on the consumer through the relationship with
influencers
Authors: Ruíz-Valdés Susana , Ruíz-Tapia Juan Alberto , Cruz-Solís Ivette del Rosario
Published: May 2024

Objetive.-This study analyzes the fundamental role that influencers play and their relationship between a brand and its target audience.

Methodology.- Marketing has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of influencers as key tools in brand promotion strategies. It examines how influencers build authentic relationships with their followers and how this authenticity influences the credibility and influence of the brand's message.

Contributions.- In addition, effective collaboration strategies between brands and influencers are explored; Likewise, future trends in influencer marketing are discussed and the continued.
Poly Canon Accessory
Authors:   James Madison University, Krueger Dylan
Published: May 2024

You might know of California’s Central Valley because you passed through it on your way to Yosemite National Park.Perhaps it is because of the famed Sun Maid California Raisins television commercials and subsequent Emmy-winning bluesgroup – or maybe you just eat a lot of almonds.You might not know the area’s architecture. In addition to the physical artifacts of agricultural production, the Central ValleyAccessories (Accessories for short) within these agricultural areas have shown their immense presence within the locale.In an otherwise dense array of crop and orchard contours, Accessories are the only semblances of built landmarks in California’s Central Valley.
Spendid Vacancies
Authors:   Syracuse University School of Architecture, Parga Marcos
Published: May 2024

In recent years, soaring real estate markets have created a worldwide housing crisis.The current boom was predictable: high demand, low supply and a dysfunctional economy in which wages are stagnant, added to restrictive zoning and poor public policy, have turned housing into an artificially scarce commodity. SPLENDID VACANCIES stresses the critical role of public vacant and under-utilized urban land in countering real estate speculation by exploiting the potential of small-scale infill residential buildings to contribute to urban centers’ affordable housing needs.
The Calgary Japanese Community Centre Project: A Case Study for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility in Design
Authors:   Athabasca University, Klumper Ben , Couzens Dustin ,   University of Calgary, Tsang Henry ,   University of Calgary
Published: May 2024

The newly redesigned 15,000 sqf Calgary Japanese Community Centre is a cultural and community hub located in the inner-city community of Killarney in Calgary, Canada. The project replaces their existing building that has been deemed unfit for retrofit due to numerous issues with deterioration, performance and costs of repairs. In addition, due to the aging membership, the Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA) has witnessed a steady decline in members which has dire implications for the CJCA’s social and cultural sustainability, not to mention its longevity and economic viability. The building is 2.5 stories in height and constructed from renewable heavy timber framing. Taking all this into account, the new Centre’s design aims for the highest green, accessible and inclusive design standards, while catering to the broad demographic spectrum of Calgary’s ethnic Japanese community (Nikkei) and the broader community of Killarney, serving as a unique backdrop for a case study for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEA) in design.
Housing Affordability Under the Microscope: Measuring Heat Transfer to Quantify Cost Versus Performance
Authors:   Auburn University Rural Studio, Garcia Elizabeth Farrell , Stagg Mackenzie ,   Auburn University Rural Studio, Hinson David ,   Auburn University
Published: May 2024

Residential energy consumption comprises the largest market sector in the US, totaling almost 40% of US energy sales1. Increasingly-advanced design tools for modeling assemblies, energy consumption, and embodied carbon have vastly changed the design and construction of high-performance housing and present a rich opportunity to reduce energy consumption through incorporation of energy efficiency measures in residential buildings. However, in the market sector of affordable, single-family housing, the value of implementing high-performance measures can be more difficult to assess. Frequently, housing “affordability” is addressed by simply reducing up-front construction costs. Consequently, one of the primary barriers to delivering high-performance homes in the affordable market is the additional up-front cost that these performance “upgrades” necessitate. This research theorizes that targeted increases in construction costs can enhance affordability when they are considered as a variable in the total cost of homeownership. As part of an in-depth study and cost-benefit analysis of constructing homes to multiple beyond-code standards, this line of research studies heat transfer across key assemblies in a pair of houses built to two different beyond-code energy standards. The research team evaluated the cost to construct key envelope elements directly related to beyond-code performance improvements and considered the correlation between the cost to construct key details and impact on energy consumption. The team identified areas where significant heat loss could occur within the building envelope and selected locations where investments in beyond-code performance was greatest. Using remote sensors to monitor wall and floor surface temperatures and ambient interior and exterior temperatures, the team measured heat transfer through the assemblies relative to the energy required to condition the space. Implementation of energy efficiency measures in affordable housing requires consideration of multiple factors beyond initial construction cost. This study analyzes key details and assemblies to gain a clearer understanding of thermal transfer through these assemblies to determine if reductions in construction cost and simplifying constructability can yield similar performance results.
In-situ Robotic Construction: A Technological Approach to Housing Affordability
Authors:   Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture, McDonald Ethan , Arsenault Marc ,   Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture, Beites Steven ,   Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture
Published: May 2024

Housing supply challenges are looming large, with estimates suggesting a need for 2 billion new homes over the next 80 years to accommodate a growing global population. Governments, including Canada, are striving to address this issue through ambitious housing development initiatives, but the complexity of the problem calls for more than just policy strategies. To meet such targets, radical and fundamental shifts are required across all stages of design and construction. This paper introduces a technological approach to housing through the development of a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) as an innovative and alternative method for in-situ construction. CDPRs have the potential to transform current methods of construction, by eliminating the requirement for highly skilled labor, minimizing waste, and significantly reducing costs and construction timelines. Through a cross- disciplinary collaboration between engineering science and architecture, this paper presents the research conducted towards the development of a functional prototype, one that is highly flexible, portable and modular ensuring the provision of a physical platform for construction. As architecture continues to be bound by outdated methods and high costs of construction, bold technological explorations are required to unlock new territories in delivering affordable and accessible housing, representing a significant step toward a future where housing supply can keep pace with the ever-growing population.