bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Paradox: The Least Responsible for It Encounters the Most of Its Implications
Authors: Allafta Hadi , Opp Christian
Published: March 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major cause of climate change. However, CO2 emissions data for 178 countries from 1960 to 2018 revealed inequality in global CO2 emissions. For example, we found that 50% of the world’s population (ca. 3.75 billion people) was responsible for just 8.9% of the global cumulative carbon emissions. These people are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. Conversely, 10% of the world’s population (ca. 757 million people), concentrated in high-income countries, were responsible for 46.8% of the global emissions. Furthermore, the literature review disclosed evolution of CO2 emission inequalities within countries. A significant (p < 0.001) negative (r2 = −0.52) correlation was detected between carbon emissions and climate change impacts on national incomes. Such correlation indicated that countries most likely to experience the greatest effects of climate change are also those who make the smallest contributions to its underlying causes. Similar disparities were observed within countries where low-income groups who make the smallest contributions to climate change are subjected to its worst implications. Evaluations of the data from the literature showed that migration could be the result of climate change, though such migration does not happen in isolation. In other words, this kind of migration is frequently linked to other issues such as the fragility and lack of adaptability of the communities. Furthermore, reviews showed that climate change catalyzes instability and conflict. On the other hand, conflict damages the environment and climate in multiple ways. Therefore, it is necessary to collaborate to resolve these two issues concurrently.
Integrated Demand Response for Micro-Energy Grid Accounting for Dispatchable Loads
Authors: Zhang Xianglong , Wu Hanxin , Zhu Mengting , Dong Mengwei , Dong Shufeng
Published: March 2024

Micro-energy networks are the smallest element of integrated energy systems, and tapping into the integrated demand response potential of micro-energy networks is conducive to improving energy use efficiency and promoting the development of new energy sources on a large scale. This paper proposes a day-ahead integrated demand response strategy for micro-energy grid that takes into account the dispatchable loads. Considering the gradient use of thermal energy, a typical micro-energy grid structure including electricity, gas, medium-grade heat, low-grade heat, and cold energy is constructed, a comprehensive energy equipment model is established, and the refined scheduling models of the dispatchable loads are given. On this basis, with the operating economy of the micro-energy grid as the optimization objective, the integrated demand response strategies of tariff-type and incentive-type are proposed. Through case study analysis, it is verified that the proposed strategy can optimize the energy consumption structure of the micro-energy grid under the guidance of time-of-use tariffs, reducing the operating costs. The proposed strategy fully exploits the demand response potential of the micro-energy grid through the dispatchable loads and the multi-energy complementarity of electricity, heat, and cold, realizes the comprehensive coordination and optimization of source-network-load-storage, provides a larger peak-regulating capacity, and exhibits practical applicability in engineering.
Informing Dementia Support Programs That Serve Low-Income, Multilingual Communities in a Safety Net Health System: Use of Focus Groups to Identify Specific Needs
Authors: Pak Andrew , Demanes Abriella , Wu Shirley , Ward Katherine , Hess Mailee
Published: March 2024

The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced a new voluntary nationwide model. This model aims to provide comprehensive, standard care for people living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers and to enhance health equity in dementia care. However, little is known about the needs of older adults with dementia and their caregivers in a multiethnic and multicultural patient population of a safety net health system. The aim of this study is to include their voices. We conducted four focus groups in English and Spanish to investigate the common needs and barriers unique to the care of patients within the Los Angeles County healthcare system. Using qualitative, iterative analyses of the transcripts, we identified four domains of concern from the dyads (persons with dementia and their caregivers): need for education for dyad-centered care, barriers to resources, dyad safety, and caregiver burden and insight. These domains are interconnected, and the way this patient population experiences these domains may differ compared to those in well-resourced or predominantly English-speaking healthcare settings. Therefore, the identified domains serve as potential building blocks for dementia support programs inclusive of underserved, multicultural populations.
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials 4.0
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana M.
Published: March 2024

Research on carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene and its derivatives, has experienced exponential development in recent years [...]
RAR Inhibitors Display Photo-Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in A2E Stimulated RPE Cells In Vitro through Non-Specific Modulation of PPAR or RXR Transactivation
Authors: Fontaine Valérie , Boumedine Thinhinane , Monteiro Elodie , Fournié Mylène , Gersende Gendre , Sahel José-Alain , Picaud Serge , Veillet Stanislas , Lafont René , Latil Mathilde , Dilda Pierre J. , Camelo Serge
Published: March 2024

N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) has been associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) physiopathology by inducing cell death, angiogenesis and inflammation in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. It was previously thought that the A2E effects were solely mediated via the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-α activation. However, this conclusion was based on experiments using the RAR “specific” antagonist RO-41-5253, which was found to also be a ligand and partial agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ. Moreover, we previously reported that inhibiting PPAR and retinoid X receptor (RXR) transactivation with norbixin also modulated inflammation and angiogenesis in RPE cells challenged in the presence of A2E. Here, using several RAR inhibitors, we deciphered the respective roles of RAR, PPAR and RXR transactivations in an in vitro model of AMD. We showed that BMS 195614 (a selective RAR-α antagonist) displayed photoprotective properties against toxic blue light exposure in the presence of A2E. BMS 195614 also significantly reduced the AP-1 transactivation and mRNA expression of the inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced by A2E in RPE cells in vitro, suggesting a major role of RAR in these processes. Surprisingly, however, we showed that (1) Norbixin increased the RAR transactivation and (2) AGN 193109 (a high affinity pan-RAR antagonist) and BMS 493 (a pan-RAR inverse agonist), which are photoprotective against toxic blue light exposure in the presence of A2E, also inhibited PPARs transactivation and RXR transactivation, respectively. Therefore, in our in vitro model of AMD, several commercialized RAR inhibitors appear to be non-specific, and we propose that the phototoxicity and expression of IL-6 and VEGF induced by A2E in RPE cells operates through the activation of PPAR or RXR rather than by RAR transactivation.
New Biocides Based on N4-Alkylcytidines: Effects on Microorganisms and Application for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Objects of Painting
Authors: Alexandrova Liudmila A. , Oskolsky Ivan A. , Makarov Dmitry A. , Jasko Maxim V. , Karpenko Inna L. , Efremenkova Olga V. , Vasilyeva Byazilya F. , Avdanina Darya A. , Ermolyuk Anna A. , Benko Elizaveta E. , Kalinin Stanislav G. , Kolganova Tat’yana V. , Berzina Maria Ya. , Konstantinova Irina D. , Chizhov Alexander O. , Kochetkov Sergey N. , Zhgun Alexander A.
Published: March 2024

The rapid increase in the antibiotic resistance of microorganisms, capable of causing diseases in humans as destroying cultural heritage sites, is a great challenge for modern science. In this regard, it is necessary to develop fundamentally novel and highly active compounds. In this study, a series of N4-alkylcytidines, including 5- and 6-methylcytidine derivatives, with extended alkyl substituents, were obtained in order to develop a new generation of antibacterial and antifungal biocides based on nucleoside derivatives. It has been shown that N4-alkyl 5- or 6-methylcytidines effectively inhibit the growth of molds, isolated from the paintings in the halls of the Ancient Russian Paintings of the State Tretyakov Gallery, Russia, Moscow. The novel compounds showed activity similar to antiseptics commonly used to protect works of art, such as benzalkonium chloride, to which a number of microorganisms have acquired resistance. It was also shown that the activity of N4-alkylcytidines is comparable to that of some antibiotics used in medicine to fight Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium smegmatis. N4-dodecyl-5- and 6-methylcytidines turned out to be the best. This compound seems promising for expanding the palette of antiseptics used in painting, since quite often the destruction of painting materials is caused by joint fungi and bacteria infection.
See It Best: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided versus Blind Femoral Artery Puncture in Balloon-Expandable TAVI
Authors: Gennari Marco , Maccarana Agnese , Severgnini Gaia , Iennaco Vittoria , Bonomi Alice , Capra Nicolò , De Marco Federico , Muratori Manuela , Fusini Laura , Polvani Gianluca , Agrifoglio Marco
Published: March 2024

Background: Currently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard procedure recommended for patients over 75 years of age with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. Percutaneous transfemoral (TF) access is the main route used to perform the procedure. Among periprocedural complications, access-related ones are the most frequent, potentially leading to prolonged in-hospital stays and transfusions. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVI with the latest generation balloon-expandable transcatheter valve between 2013 and 2022. Results: A total of 600 patients were analyzed, differentiating the population between ultrasound-guided and blind common femoral artery puncture. Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3)criteria were used to report at 30 days and follow-up. In our propensity-matched comparison of the two groups, we found a strong reduction in access-related complications in the echo-guided group, particularly in terms of reduction of major and minor bleedings. We also found a significant trend in reduction of local complications, such as pseudoaneurysms, hematomas, arterio-venous fistulas, dissection of the femoral or iliac arteries, and stenosis. Conclusions: Although there is a lack of consensus on the role of ultrasound-guided puncture, we found better outcomes for patients having an echo-guided puncture of the main access, particularly with regard to access-related complications, early mobilization, and early discharge home.
Can Agricultural Industry Integration Reduce the Rural–Urban Income Gap? Evidence from County-Level Data in China
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Huang Zhefeng , Luo Chaoguang , Hu Zhineng
Published: March 2024

The improvement in urban production efficiency has led to income distribution being skewed towards urban labor, thereby widening the urban–rural income gap. However, integration of the agricultural industry at the county level can accelerate the flow of production factors between industries. Therefore, this study evaluates the degree of agricultural industry integration at the county level using the entropy weight method and explores its impact on the urban–rural income gap, based on sample data from 1122 counties in China spanning from 2014 to 2021. The research findings reveal the following: (1) The fixed model demonstrates that enhancing agricultural industry integration can significantly narrow the urban–rural income gap; (2) The mediating model indicates that this narrowing effect can be achieved by improving the green total factor productivity of agriculture; (3) Regional heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of agricultural industry integration is more pronounced in the central region and main crop production areas; (4) The results of the spatial Durbin model demonstrate that agricultural industry integration also exhibits a significant positive spatial spillover effect on neighboring areas. The outcomes of this study contribute to enriching the research on agricultural industry integration for green and low-carbon agricultural development, further promoting the development of county-level agricultural industry integration, and providing valuable insights for other similar countries.
The Oasisization Process Promotes the Transformation of Soil Organic Carbon into Soil Inorganic Carbon
Authors: Tang Junhu , Gong Lu , Ma Xinyu , Zhu Haiqiang , Ding Zhaolong , Luo Yan , Zhang Han
Published: March 2024

The dynamic fluctuations in the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, a fundamental part of the terrestrial ecosystem’s carbon stock, are critical to preserving the global carbon balance. Oases in arid areas serve as critical interfaces between oasis ecosystems and deserts, with land use changes within these oases being key factors affecting soil organic carbon turnover. However, the response of the soil SOC-CO2-SIC (soil inorganic carbon) micro-carbon cycle to oasis processes and their underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Five land-use types in the Alar reclamation area—cotton field (CF), orchard (OR), forest land (FL), waste land (WL), and sandy land (SL)—were chosen as this study’s research subjects. Using stable carbon isotope technology, the transformation process of SOC in the varieties of land-use types from 0 to 100 cm was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) The SOC of diverse land-use types decreased with the increase in soil depth. There were also significant differences in SIC-δ13C values among the different land-use types. The PC(%) (0.73 g kg−1) of waste land was greatly higher than that of other land-use types (p < 0.05) (factor analysis of variance). (2) The CO2 fixation in cotton fields, orchards, forest lands, and waste land primarily originates from soil respiration, whereas, in sandy lands, it predominantly derives from atmospheric sources. (3) The redundancy analysis (RDA) results display that the primary influencing factors in the transfer of SOC to SIC are soil water content, pH, and microbial biomass carbon. Our research demonstrates that changes in land use patterns, as influenced by oasis processes, exert a significant impact on the conversion from SOC to SIC. This finding holds substantial significance for ecological land use management practices and carbon sequestration predictions in arid regions, particularly in the context of climate change.
A New Plasticity Index including Size-Effects in the Contact of Rough Surfaces
Authors: Ciavarella M.
Published: March 2024

It is known that contact of rough surfaces occurs over an area much smaller than the nominal contact area, and at asperity scale, increased hardness results in experimentally observed asperity “persistence”, namely that it is hard to flatten asperities. Here, we consider Persson’s elasto-plastic solution for rough contact together with an hardness equation proposed by Swadener, George and Pharr for spherical indentation, including size effects depending on sphere radius, in particular to define a new plasticity index that defines the tendency to plastic deformation. While the classical plasticity index shows that at sufficiently small scales, there will be plastic deformations unless surfaces are extremely smooth, and with size effects, the small roughness scales the content of spectrum matter in defining the real state of asperities. In particular, what may appear as plastic at a bulk scale returns to an elastic behaviour at a small scale, as suggested by the “asperity persistence” experimental observation. Some illustrative examples are shown, but clearly, our index and elasto-plastic solution are mainly qualitative, as a realistic investigation is much more complex and still computationally too demanding.
Impact of Formalin- and Cryofixation on Raman Spectra of Human Tissues and Strategies for Tumor Bank Inclusion
Authors: Mirizzi Giulia , Jelke Finn , Pilot Michel , Klein Karoline , Klamminger Gilbert Georg , Gérardy Jean-Jacques , Theodoropoulou Marily , Mombaerts Laurent , Husch Andreas , Mittelbronn Michel , Hertel Frank , Kleine Borgmann Felix Bruno
Published: March 2024

Reliable training of Raman spectra-based tumor classifiers relies on a substantial sample pool. This study explores the impact of cryofixation (CF) and formalin fixation (FF) on Raman spectra using samples from surgery sites and a tumor bank. A robotic Raman spectrometer scans samples prior to the neuropathological analysis. CF samples showed no significant spectral deviations, appearance, or disappearance of peaks, but an intensity reduction during freezing and subsequent recovery during the thawing process. In contrast, FF induces sustained spectral alterations depending on molecular composition, albeit with good signal-to-noise ratio preservation. These observations are also reflected in the varying dual-class classifier performance, initially trained on native, unfixed samples: The Matthews correlation coefficient is 81.0% for CF and 58.6% for FF meningioma and dura mater. Training on spectral differences between original FF and pure formalin spectra substantially improves FF samples’ classifier performance (74.2%). CF is suitable for training global multiclass classifiers due to its consistent spectrum shape despite intensity reduction. FF introduces changes in peak relationships while preserving the signal-to-noise ratio, making it more suitable for dual-class classification, such as distinguishing between healthy and malignant tissues. Pure formalin spectrum subtraction represents a possible method for mathematical elimination of the FF influence. These findings enable retrospective analysis of processed samples, enhancing pathological work and expanding machine learning techniques.
Recent Advances in Fluorescent Probes for Cancer Biomarker Detection
Authors: Tian Mingce , Wu Riliga , Xiang Caihong , Niu Guangle , Guan Weijiang
Published: March 2024

Many important biological species have been identified as cancer biomarkers and are gradually becoming reliable targets for early diagnosis and late therapeutic evaluation of cancer. However, accurate quantitative detection of cancer biomarkers remains challenging due to the complexity of biological systems and the diversity of cancer development. Fluorescent probes have been extensively utilized for identifying biological substances due to their notable benefits of being non-invasive, quickly responsive, highly sensitive and selective, allowing real-time visualization, and easily modifiable. This review critiques fluorescent probes used for detecting and imaging cancer biomarkers over the last five years. Focuses are made on the design strategies of small-molecule and nano-sized fluorescent probes, the construction methods of fluorescence sensing and imaging platforms, and their further applications in detection of multiple biomarkers, including enzymes, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, and microenvironments. This review aims to guide the design and development of excellent cancer diagnostic fluorescent probes, and promote the broad application of fluorescence analysis in early cancer diagnosis.
Research Progress of Ozone/Peroxymonosulfate Advanced Oxidation Technology for Degrading Antibiotics in Drinking Water and Wastewater Effluent: A Review
Authors: Lu Hai , Chen Xinglin , Cong Qiao , Li Qingpo , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhong Shuang , Deng Huan , Yan Bojiao
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, antibiotics are widely used, increasing the risk of contamination of the water body and further threatening human health. The traditional water treatment process is less efficient in degrading antibiotics, and the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) is cleaner and more efficient than the traditional biochemical degradation process. The combined ozone/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) advanced oxidation process (O3/PMS) based on sulfate radical (SO4•−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) has developed rapidly in recent years. The O3/PMS process has become one of the most effective ways to treat antibiotic wastewater. The reaction mechanism of O3/PMS was reviewed in this paper, and the research and application progress of the O3/PMS process in the degradation of antibiotics in drinking water and wastewater effluent were evaluated. The operation characteristics and current application range of the process were summarized, which has a certain reference value for further research on O3/PMS process.
Recent Advances in Antibacterial Coatings to Combat Orthopedic Implant-Associated Infections
Authors: Akay Seref , Yaghmur Anan
Published: March 2024

Implant-associated infections (IAIs) represent a major health burden due to the complex structural features of biofilms and their inherent tolerance to antimicrobial agents and the immune system. Thus, the viable options to eradicate biofilms embedded on medical implants are surgical operations and long-term and repeated antibiotic courses. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the development of robust and reliable strategies for prevention and treatment of IAIs. In particular, it seems promising to develop materials with anti-biofouling and antibacterial properties for combating IAIs on implants. In this contribution, we exclusively focus on recent advances in the development of modified and functionalized implant surfaces for inhibiting bacterial attachment and eventually biofilm formation on orthopedic implants. Further, we highlight recent progress in the development of antibacterial coatings (including self-assembled nanocoatings) for preventing biofilm formation on orthopedic implants. Among the recently introduced approaches for development of efficient and durable antibacterial coatings, we focus on the use of safe and biocompatible materials with excellent antibacterial activities for local delivery of combinatorial antimicrobial agents for preventing and treating IAIs and overcoming antimicrobial resistance.
Investigation of Flame Structures of Double-Base Propellant and Modified Double-Base Propellant Containing Nitramine Using OH-PLIF and Kinetic Simulation
Authors: Wang Yiping , Zhang Yan , Li Heng , Yao Ergang , Yu Jin , Zhao Fengqi , Xu Siyu
Published: March 2024

The combustion behavior of various propellant samples, including double-base propellants, pressed nitramine powders, and modified double-base propellants containing nitramine, was examined using OH-PLIF technology. The combustion process took place within a combustion chamber, and images capturing the flame at the moment of stable combustion were selected for further analysis. The distribution and production rate of OH radicals in both the double-base propellant and the nitramine-modified double-base propellant were simulated using Chemkin-17.0 software. The outcomes from both the experimental and simulation studies revealed that the concentration of OH radicals increased with a higher content of NG in the double-base propellant. In the modified double-base propellant containing RDX, the OH radical concentration decreased as the RDX content increased, with these tendencies of change aligning closely with the simulation results.
Therapeutic Potential of Fungal Terpenes and Terpenoids: Application in Skin Diseases
Authors: Trepa Monika , Sułkowska-Ziaja Katarzyna , Kała Katarzyna , Muszyńska Bożena
Published: March 2024

Terpenes and their derivatives comprise a diverse group of natural compounds with versatile medicinal properties. This article elucidates the general characteristics of fungal terpenes and terpenoids, encompassing their structure and biogenesis. The focal point of this work involves a comprehensive overview of these compounds, highlighting their therapeutic properties, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in treating specific skin conditions. Numerous isolated terpenes and terpenoids have demonstrated noteworthy anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, rivalling or surpassing the efficacy of currently employed treatments for inflammation or skin infections. Due to their well-documented antioxidant and anti-cancer attributes, these compounds exhibit promise in both preventing and treating skin cancer. Terpenes and terpenoids sourced from fungi display the capability to inhibit tyrosinase, suggesting potential applications in addressing skin pigmentation disorders and cancers linked to melanogenesis dysfunctions. This paper further disseminates the findings of clinical and in vivo research on fungal terpenes and terpenoids conducted thus far.
Serosurvey of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infection in Romania
Authors: Panciu Andreea Mădălina , Cheran Cristina Alexandra , Militaru Eliza Daniela , Rîciu Claudia Doina , Hristea Adriana
Published: March 2024

Background: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease with mandatory declaration in the EU since 2012. Information regarding the seroprevalence of the disease across Romania is limited, and only sporadic cases are rarely reported. We aimed to identify new areas of TBEV infection in different counties of Romania. Methods: We conducted a serosurvey assessing the immune response to TBEV infection in adult populations from rural areas in different counties of the country. Seropositivity was defined by a positive TBEV IgM/IgG ELISA test and confirmed by serum neutralization. Results: We collected 1116 samples from 15 different localities in 10 counties (divided into endemic/border/non-endemic counties) across Romania. Overall, 26 (2.3%) of the samples were tested positive using the TBEV ELISA assay in six counties. In those counties, 3.7% of sera were positive, varying from 1.4% to 6.9% per county. After performing the neutralization assay, seven (0.6%) samples were confirmed positive, interestingly all from one site in Sibiu County, where the seroprevalence was 9.7%. Conclusions: The identification of positive serum samples in serosurveys appears to rely on the discovery of TBEV microfoci. Further serological surveys should be conducted in Romania, especially after the identification of positive TBEV patients presenting for medical care.
Ethylene Action Inhibition Improves Adventitious Root Induction in Adult Chestnut Tissues
Authors: Castro-Camba Ricardo , Neves Mariana , Correia Sandra , Canhoto Jorge , Vielba Jesús M. , Sánchez Conchi
Published: March 2024

Phase change refers to the process of maturation and transition from the juvenile to the adult stage. In response to this shift, certain species like chestnut lose the ability to form adventitious roots, thereby hindering the successful micropropagation of adult plants. While auxin is the main hormone involved in adventitious root formation, other hormones, such as ethylene, are also thought to play a role in its induction and development. In this study, experiments were carried out to determine the effects of ethylene on the induction and growth of adventitious roots. The analysis was performed in two types of chestnut microshoots derived from the same tree, a juvenile-like line with a high rooting ability derived from basal shoots (P2BS) and a line derived from crown branches (P2CR) with low rooting responses. By means of the application of compounds to modify ethylene content or inhibit its signalling, the potential involvement of this hormone in the induction of adventitious roots was analysed. Our results show that ethylene can modify the rooting competence of mature shoots, while the response in juvenile material was barely affected. To further characterise the molecular reasons underlying this maturation-derived shift in behaviour, specific gene expression analyses were developed. The findings suggest that several mechanisms, including ethylene signalling, auxin transport and epigenetic modifications, relate to the modulation of the rooting ability of mature chestnut microshoots and their recalcitrant behaviour.
A Novel Allele in the Promoter of Wx Decreases Gene Expression and Confers Lower Apparent Amylose Contents in Japonica Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tang Weijie , Chen Haiyuan , Zhang Suobing , Tang Jun , Lin Jing , Fang Xianwen , Chen Gaoming , Zhang Yunhui
Published: March 2024

Wx is the key gene that controls amylose content (AC), and various alleles have been found in rice populations. Wxb is the major allele in japonica and produces moderate AC (15~18%). It was recently found that editing the promoter of Wx could produce a series of alleles that have different Wx activities. Although some studies have edited the promoter, few studies have focused on the natural variations in Wx. Here, we used the Rice3K database to investigate variations in the Wx promoter and found that the allele Wx1764178 (A/G) has a higher LD (linkage disequilibrium) with the two key SNPs (1765751, T/G; 1768006, A/C), which could produce different Wx alleles and influence AC, as reported previously. Further study showed that the Wx1764178 allele (A/G) is functional and influences the expression of Wx positively. Editing the A allele using CRISPR‒Cas9 produced 36 and 3 bp deletions and caused a decrease in the expression of Wx. The apparent amylose content (AAC) in the edited lines was decreased by 7.09% and 11.50% compared with that of the wild type, which was the japonica variety Nipponbare with Wxb and the A allele at 1764178, while a complementary line with the G allele showed a lower AAC than the A allele with no effect on other agronomic traits. The AAC of the edited lines showed a higher increase than that of the wild type (Nipponbare, Wxb) in low-nitrogen conditions relative to high-nitrogen conditions. We also developed a dCAPS marker to identify the allele and found that the G allele has widely been used (82.95%) in japonica-bred varieties from Jiangsu Province, China. Overall, we found a functional allele (Wx1764178, A/G) in the Wx promoter that could affect AAC in japonica cultivars and be developed as markers for quality improvement in rice breeding programs.
Overview of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Their Applications, Sources, and Potential Impacts on Human Health
Authors: Habib Zunaira , Song Minkyung , Ikram Sadaf , Zahra Zahra
Published: March 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to a group of synthetic compounds that have recently raised concerns about human health and environmental quality due to their great prevalence, degradation resistance, and potential toxicity. This review focuses on the applications of PFAS and their effects on human health. Specific emphasis has been laid on (i) the application/use of PFAS, (ii) sources and distribution of PFAS in diverse environmental compartments, and (iii) the impact of PFAS on human health. Significant health effects on humans are associated with exposure to PFAS, i.e., immunotoxicity, thyroid and kidney disorders, cancer, etc. Conclusions obtained from PFAS studies demonstrate that inadequate evidence should not be used to justify delaying risk reduction steps for PFAS alternatives. PFAS can be determined in different environmental matrices using both traditional analytical approaches, i.e., liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and semi-quantitative and passive sampling, and advanced analytical methods with colorimetric, spectrofluorimetric, and electrochemical detection. Traditional methods are costly and not broadly available, while the emerging, cost-effective methods are less sensitive and unable to meet regulatory exposure limits. There is still a significant number of studies to be performed to fully comprehend the real contamination by PFAS.
Design of Mantis-Shrimp-Inspired Multifunctional Imaging Sensors with Simultaneous Spectrum and Polarization Detection Capability at a Wide Waveband
Authors: Wang Tianxin , Wang Shuai , Gao Bo , Li Chenxi , Yu Weixing
Published: March 2024

The remarkable light perception abilities of the mantis shrimp, which span a broad spectrum ranging from 300 nm to 720 nm and include the detection of polarized light, serve as the inspiration for our exploration. Drawing insights from the mantis shrimp’s unique visual system, we propose the design of a multifunctional imaging sensor capable of concurrently detecting spectrum and polarization across a wide waveband. This sensor is able to show spectral imaging capability through the utilization of a 16-channel multi-waveband Fabry–Pérot (FP) resonator filter array. The design incorporates a composite thin film structure comprising metal and dielectric layers as the reflector of the resonant cavity. The resulting metal–dielectric composite film FP resonator extends the operating bandwidth to cover both visible and infrared regions, specifically spanning a broader range from 450 nm to 900 nm. Furthermore, within this operational bandwidth, the metal–dielectric composite film FP resonator demonstrates an average peak transmittance exceeding 60%, representing a notable improvement over the metallic resonator. Additionally, aluminum-based metallic grating arrays are incorporated beneath the FP filter array to capture polarization information. This innovative approach enables the simultaneous acquisition of spectrum and polarization information using a single sensor device. The outcomes of this research hold promise for advancing the development of high-performance, multifunctional optical sensors, thereby unlocking new possibilities in the field of optical information acquisition.
Research on SPAD Estimation Model for Spring Wheat Booting Stage Based on Hyperspectral Analysis
Authors: Cui Hongwei , Zhang Haolei , Ma Hao , Ji Jiangtao
Published: March 2024

With the rapid progression of agricultural informatization technology, the methodologies of crop monitoring based on spectral technology are constantly upgraded. In order to carry out the efficient, precise and nondestructive detection of relative chlorophyll (SPAD) during the booting stage, we acquired hyperspectral reflectance data about spring wheat vertical distribution and adopted the fractional-order differential to transform the raw spectral data. After that, based on correlation analysis, fractional differential spectra and fractional differential spectral indices with strong correlation with SPAD were screened and fused. Then, the least-squares support vector machine (LSSSVM) and the least-squares support vector machine (SMA-LSSSVM) optimized on the slime mold algorithm were applied to construct the estimation models of SPAD, and the model accuracy was assessed to screen the optimal estimation models. The results showed that the 0.4 order fractional-order differential spectra had the highest correlation with SPAD, which was 9.3% higher than the maximum correlation coefficient of the original spectra; the constructed two-band differential spectral indices were more sensitive to SPAD than the single differential spectra, in which the correlation reached the highest level of 0.724. The SMA-LSSSVM model constructed based on the two-band fractional-order differential spectral indices was better than the single differential spectra and the integration of both, which realized the assessment of wheat SPAD.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Algorithm of Multi-Point Relay Based on Link-State Awareness for UANETs
Authors: Jin Rencheng , Zhang Xinyuan , Liu Jiajun , Wang Guangxu , Zhang Di
Published: March 2024

The Multi-Point Relay (MPR) is one of the core technologies for Optimizing Link State Routing (OLSR) protocols, offering significant advantages in reducing network overhead, enhancing throughput, maintaining network scalability, and adaptability. However, due to the restriction that only MPR nodes can forward control messages in the network, the current evaluation criteria for selecting MPR nodes are relatively limited, making it challenging to flexibly choose MPR nodes based on current link states in dynamic networks. Therefore, the selection of MPR nodes is crucial in dynamic networks. To address issues such as unstable links, poor transmission accuracy, and lack of real-time performance caused by mobility in dynamic networks, we propose a comprehensive evaluation algorithm of MPR based on link-state awareness. This algorithm defines five state evaluation parameters from the perspectives of node mobility and load. Subsequently, we use the entropy weight method to determine weight coefficients and employing the method of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for comprehensive evaluation to select MPR nodes. Finally, the Comprehensive Evaluation based on Link-state awareness of OLSR (CEL-OLSR) protocol is proposed, and simulated experiments are conducted using NS-3. The results indicate that, compared to PM-OLSR, ML-OLSR, LD-OLSR, and OLSR, CEL-OLSR significantly improves network performance in terms of packet delivery rate, average end-to-end delay, network throughput, and control overhead.
Pilot Study of a Resiliency Based and Trauma Informed Intervention for Veterans
Authors: Baek Kelly , Freeman Kimberly R. , Truong Sophia , Bell Christi , Montgomery Susanne B.
Published: March 2024

Over 50% of the 21 million veterans in the U.S. with behavioral health challenges are not having their needs met due to stigma and other barriers to care. Resiliency-based models focused on strengthening protective factors to help individuals adapt to adversity in community-based settings, that can be delivered by trained lay persons, are emerging approaches to help address this issue. This longitudinal pilot study evaluated the impact of one such evidenced-based intervention, the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), on veterans’ behavioral health and daily functioning. A sample of 46 English-speaking, ethnically diverse veterans were recruited for this study. Repeated measure analyses showed that CRM skills significantly decreased distress and increased well-being. We also found strong short-term results for measures of daily functioning with a significant longer-term impact on participants’ ability to control their feelings of being ‘amped up’. Most (82%) participants maintained and continued to use the CRM skills daily to weekly and had very positive reactions to the program. Across our analyses, the results of this pilot study suggest that providing CRM trainings to veterans is a feasible, efficacious, and well-received approach to help address much-needed veteran behavioral health.
Assessing the impact of complex rehabilitation on peripheral polyneuropathy incidence and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors:   FSAEI HE I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Koneva E. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Mochalova A. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region; aras Shevchenko Transnistria State University, Tiraspol, Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, Alieskerov M. V. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Kashanova A. E. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Ogorodnikov V. A. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Suetina M. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Zhumanova E. N. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, MEDSI Clinical Hospital in Otradnoe, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

The article examines the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation on the degree of polyneuropathy and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. It has been shown that the use of complex rehabilitation can improve physical functioning and general well-being and prevent the development of grade 3/4 polyneuropathy according to CTCAE 5.0. The results obtained prove the effectiveness of complex medical rehabilitation, including the use of nutritional support, physical therapy, magnetic therapy, exposure to alternating electric current, and psychotherapy.
ANALISA PROSES PENJUALAN DAN PENGIRIMAN BARANG DI PT. FENSEM TOMODACHI INDONESIA
Authors: Winarto Tri , Rabbani Muammar Zaenuddin
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the sales and delivery process of goods at PT Fensem Tomodachi Indonesia. The technique of collecting data through literature studies, field studies and observation is to directly observe the object being examined. The obstacles that occur in the analysis of the sales dan delivery process at PT Fensem Tomodachi Indonesia, the absence of a warehouse to accommodate product,there are often delays in sending goods, as a result the sales and delivery process is not optimal. The temporary solution is to submit a request for cooperation with the delivery service to create a display rack to store product samples that are in high demand,implementinga 14 day payment system after the goods are received.

Keywords : Analysist ,Sales, Delivery
Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase Deficiency in Two Unrelated Patients with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Eosinophilia: Two Novel Mutations
Authors: Alizadeh Zahra , Badalzadeh Mohsen , Heydarlou Hanieh , Shakerian Leila , Mahlooji rad Maryam , Zandieh Fariborz , Fazlollahi Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Two Iranian patients with purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency are described in terms of their clinical and molecular evaluations. PNP deficiency is a rare form of combined immunodeficiency with a profound cellular defect. Patients with PNP deficiency suffer from variable recurrent infections, hypouricemia, and neurological manifestations. Furthermore, patient 1 developed mild cortical atrophy, and patient 2 presented developmental delay, general muscular hypotonia, and food allergy. The two unrelated patients with developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia and T cells lymphopenia and eosinophilia were referred to Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI) in 2019. After taking blood and DNA extraction, genetic analysis of patient 1 was performed by PCR and direct sequencing and whole exome sequencing was applied for patient 2 and the result was confirmed by direct sequencing in the patient and his parents. The genetic result showed two novel variants in exon 3 (c.246_285+9del) and exon 5 (c.569G>T) PNP (NM_000270.4) in the patients, respectively. These variants are considered likely pathogenic based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline. PNP deficiency has a poor prognosis; therefore, early diagnosis would be vital to receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a prominent and successful treatment.
The Impact of secondary school teachers' digital literacy competence on their teaching quality and teacher satisfaction
Authors:   Education Research Institute, Park Ji Hyun , Kim Heungjoon
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the present study is to verify the impact of secondary school teachers' digital literacy competence on their teaching quality and teacher satisfaction. The study conducted descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, two- independent samples t tests, and regression analysis were conducted on 387 middle school teachers by using the SPSS 23 statistics program. The analysis results are as follows. First, there was a significantly positive correlation on the relationship between secondary school teachers' digital literacy competence, teaching quality, and teacher satisfaction. Next, there were significant differences in digital literacy competence, teaching quality, and teacher satisfaction depending on gender. There were significant differences in in digital literacy competence and teaching quality depending on age group. Lastly, secondary school teachers' digital literacy campetence had a significant impact on their teaching quality and teacher satisfaction. Based on these research results, theoretical and practical implications were derived regarding the digital literacy competence of secondary school teachers’ to improve their teaching quality and teacher satisfaction.
Effects of Participation in School Sports Club League Competitions on Resilience and School Adjustment of Middle School Student
Authors:   Education Research Institute, Koh Jungkil , moon ho jun
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of participation in a school sports club league competition on middle school students' resilience and adjustment to school. For this study, we surveyed 371 middle school students who were involved in school sports clubs about their resilience and adjustment to school, Frequency analysis, one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression, and correlation analysis were performed on the survey results. The results of the study showed that participation in school sports club league competitions had a significant effect on middle school students' resilience and adjustment to school. In addition, the resilience of middle school students who participated in school sports club league competitions had a significant effect on school adjustment. These results suggest that school sports club league competitions should be utilized to promote school adjustment among middle school students.
Climate Vulnerability, Justice, and Financing Nexus: A Case For Optimizing Climate Interventions
Authors: Sarfo-Adu Gordon Kofi , Kokofu Henry Kwabena
Published: March 2024

This study sought to examine the key constraints that affect climate financing; notions of climate justice and injustice as well as how global climate finance can effectively be deployed to meet the coping requirements of vulnerable spaces and groups. The study sought to design a comprehensive framework that will guide stakeholders in the climate finance and climate justice space to help in their research and practice. The study was framed within the qualitative approach and deploys the critical stage review by synthesizing from secondary sources of data. Key indicators were originally elicited in their unclassified form which was subsequently organized into a three-point framework. In other words, effective climate financing that takes into account climate justice requires ‘’Systems approach’’; ‘’Verification mechanisms; and Equity ‘’philosophy’’ which we have used to design the ‘the SAVE framework’ well discussed in the paper.
Editorial
Authors: De Oliveira Eduardo Jorge
Published: March 2024

O novo número da revista Língua-lugar traz o dossiê temático “Masculinidades em questão”, organizado por Octavio Páes Granados e Pedro Cerdeira. O conjunto de textos abrange uma discussão sobre modelos, perspectivas e formas de violência inerentes ao conceito de masculinidade. Repensar tais modelos tem sido fundamental e necessário no espaço artístico e acadêmico, pois, a partir de contribuições dos estudos feministas e de gênero, tais masculinidades podem assumir dissidências, desvios e reinvenções de padrões.