bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Contemporary Technologies in Education: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Future through New Literacies
Authors: Zemljak Dejan , Hari Daniel , Bratina Matevž , Flogie Andrej , Aberšek Boris , Kerneža Maja
Published: March 2024

The quasi-experimental study examines the role of contemporary technologies, such as artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, in enhancing sustainability education for future teachers, emphasizing their impact on shaping sustainable beliefs in future generations. Involving 112 pre-service teachers, the research compares various contemporary and traditional learning methods. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted to assess changes in participants’ understanding of sustainability concepts and the variability of their responses. Results reveal significant improvements in sustainability awareness, with methods involving humanoid robots showing higher response variability. The study also identifies the development of new literacies crucial for effectively utilizing advanced technologies in promoting environmental sustainability. While artificial intelligence and humanoid robots match the efficacy of traditional methods, they notably engage young educators more effectively in sustainability topics. These findings highlight the need to integrate such technologies into educational framework to deepen the understanding of environmental issues and prepare youth for future challenges. However, further research is required to explore long-term effects and broader demographics. The research contributes significantly to educational technology and sustainability in education, showcasing the transformative potential of incorporating contemporary technologies in educational settings.
Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Exploration of Clinical Implications and Diagnostic Strategies
Authors: Kopač Matjaž
Published: March 2024

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is clinically important because it may cause urinary tract infections, mainly due to accumulation of residual urine, and adversely affect renal function. In addition, it may cause urinary incontinence, strongly affecting the child’s quality of life. The function of the lower urinary tract is closely associated with function of the bowel because constipation is commonly present with bladder dysfunction. The interplay between the lower urinary tract and bowel function, coupled with common conditions such as detrusor overactivity and voiding dysfunction, requires a nuanced diagnostic approach. Detrusor overactivity, a benign but socially harmful condition, is the principal cause of daytime urinary incontinence in childhood. It needs to be differentiated from more serious conditions such as neurogenic bladder dysfunction or urethral obstruction. Voiding dysfunction, a habitual sphincter contraction during voiding, is common in children with detrusor overactivity, may be selflimiting but may also result in residual urine and urinary tract infections. It may resemble, in severe cases, the neurogenic bladder dysfunction, most often caused by spinal dysraphism which very often leads to recurrent urinary tract infections and high intravesical pressures, jeopardizing renal function. Voiding diary is crucial in the initial evaluation of lower urinary tract function in children.
Trypsin and Trypsinogen Activation Peptide in the Prediction of Severity of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Allemann Andreas , Staubli Sebastian Manuel , Nebiker Christian Andreas
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: To assess the predictive value of serum trypsin and Trypsinogen Activation Peptide (TAP) for the severity of AP by means of a single center cohort study as well as a systematic review of the current literature. METHODS: The literature search was conducted using Medline (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register. A total of 142 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) were included in the cohort study and parameters of the revised Atlanta criteria of 2012 and the APACHE II were assessed. RESULTS: The review showed promising results for the predictive value of serum trypsinogen-2, but conflicting results for serum TAP and trypsin. In the cohort study, patients were observed for 4 days after diagnosis of AP: 9 patients had severe AP, 35 patients had moderate AP and 81 patients had mild AP. The ratio of the geometric mean of severe vs mild AP for trypsin was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.51-1.00), p=0.053 and for TAP 0.74 (95% CI: 0.54-1.01), p=0.055 respectively. CONCLUSION: The cohort study showed an inverse correlation of serum levels of TAP and trypsin with severity of AP. Serum TAP and trypsin have an inferior predictive value of severity of AP compared to the clinical APACHE II score.
Influence of New Parameterization Schemes on Arctic Sea Ice Simulation
Authors: LU Yang , WANG Xiaochun , He Yijun , Liu Jiping , Jin Jiangbo , Cao Jian , He Juanxiong , Yu Yongqiang , Gao Xin , Song Mirong , Zhang Yiming
Published: March 2024

Two coupled climate models which participated the CMIP6 project (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6), the Earth System Model of Chinese Academy of Sciences version 2 (CAS-ESM2-0) and the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology Earth System Model version 3 (NESM3), were assessed in terms of the impact of four new sea ice parameterization schemes. These four new schemes are related to air-sea heat flux, radiation penetration and absorption, melt ponds, ice-ocean flux, respectively. To evaluate the effectiveness of these schemes, key sea ice variables with and without these new schemes, such as sea ice concentration (SIC) and sea ice thickness (SIT), were compared against observation and reanalysis product from 1980 to 2014. The simulations followed the design of historical experiments within the CMIP6 framework. The results revealed that both models demonstrated improvements in simulating Arctic SIC and SIT when the new parameterization schemes were implemented. The model bias of SIC in some marginal sea ice zones of Arctic was reduced, especially during March. The SIT was increased and the transpolar gradient of SIT was reproduced. The changes of spatial pattern of SIC and SIT after adding new schemes bear similarities between the two coupled models. This suggests that the new schemes have potential for broad application in climate models, especially for those with underestimated SIT.
Optimizing Well Placement in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A Bayesian Optimization Framework under Permutation Invariance
Authors: Fotias Sofianos Panagiotis , Ismail Ismail , Gaganis Vassilis
Published: March 2024

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) stands as a pivotal technological stride toward a sustainable future, with the practice of injecting supercritical CO2 into subsurface formations having already been an established practice for enhanced oil recovery operations. The overarching objective of CCS is to protract the operational viability and sustainability of platforms and oilfields, thereby facilitating a seamless transition towards sustainable practices. This study introduces a comprehensive framework for optimizing well placements in CCS operations, employing a derivative-free method known as Bayesian optimization. The development plan is tailored for scenarios featuring aquifers devoid of flow boundaries, incorporating production wells tasked with controlling pressure buildup and injection wells dedicated to CO2 sequestration. Notably, the wells operate under group control, signifying predefined injection and production targets and constraints that must be adhered to throughout the project’s lifespan. As a result, the objective function remains invariant under specific permutations of the well locations. Our investigation delves into the efficacy of Bayesian optimization under the introduced permutation invariance. The results reveal that it demonstrates critical efficiency in handling the optimization task extremely fast. In essence, this study advocates for the efficacy of Bayesian optimization in the context of optimizing well placements for CCS operations, emphasizing its potential as a preferred methodology for enhancing sustainability in the energy sector.
Assessment of the State of the Landscaping System in the City of Aktobe, the Republic of Kazakhstan under Conditions of Man-Made Load Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Khamit Altynbek , Utarbayeva Nurlygul , Shumakova Gulnur , Makhambetov Murat , Abdullina Akzhunus , Sergeyeva Aigul
Published: March 2024

Keywords: green spaces, NDVI, level of greenness, urban environment, Aktobe
Cardio-Oncology: Cardiac Toxicity, Cardiovascular Hypersensitivity and Kounis Syndrome
Authors: Kounis Nicholas G. , Hung Ming-Yow , De Gregorio Cesare , Mplani Virginia , Gogos Christos , Assimakopoulos Stelios F. , Plotas Panagiotis , Dousdampanis Periklis , Kouni Sophia N. , Maria Anastasopoulou , Tsigkas Grigorios , Koniari Ioanna
Published: March 2024

The most frequent cause of cardiac failure globally is ischemic heart disease, with chemothera-py-related cardiovascular side effects emerging as the second most frequent cause. Cancer therapy can result in acute cardiac events, such as coronary artery spasm, acute myocardial infarction, thromboembolism, myocarditis, bradycardia, tachyarrhythmias, atrio-ventricular blocks, QT pro-longation, torsades de pointes, pericardial effusion and hypotension, as well as chronic conditions, such as hypertension, systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction presenting clinically as heart failure or cardiomyopathy. In cardio-oncology, when referring to cardiac toxicity and cardiovas-cular hypersensitivity, there is a great deal of misunderstanding. When a dose-related cardiovas-cular side effect continues even after the causative medication is stopped, it is referred to as cardi-otoxicity. A fibrotic response is the ultimate outcome of cardiac toxicity, which is defined as a dose-related cardiovascular adverse impact that lasts even after the causative treatment is stopped. Cardiotoxicity can occur after a single or brief exposure. On the other hand, the term cardiac or cardiovascular hypersensitivity describes an inflammatory reaction that is not dose-dependent, can occur at any point during therapy, even with very low medication dosages, and can show up as Kounis syndrome. It may also be accompanied by anti-drug antibodies and tryptase levels. In this comprehensive review, we present the current views on cardiac toxicity and cardiovascular hypersensitivity, together with the reviewed cardiac literature on the chemotherapeutic agents inducing hypersensitivity reactions. Cardiac hypersensitivity seems to be the pathophysiologic basis of coronary artery spasm, acute coronary syndromes such as Kounis syndrome and myocardi-tis caused by cancer therapy.
Exploring the Evolution of Auditing and Digital Accounting Research within the Digital Business Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Abu Huson Yazan
Published: March 2024

This study aims to explore significant present and future trends in accounting and corporate sustainability by examining publications from the Web of Science database spanning from 2010 to 2023. With a particular focus on research related to the digital business environment, the study employs bibliometric analysis grounded in the resource-based view theory to investigate the evolution of auditing and digital accounting research. Utilizing the VOSviewer tool, the study analyzes keyword relationships and their geographical distribution based on a comprehensive examination of 700 publications from the Web of Science. The findings highlight the transformative impact of auditing and digital accounting on business operations in response to rapid digitization. Key clusters identified shed light on digital transformation and the intersection between information technology and corporate management, revealing the evolving research landscape. The study discusses both practical and theoretical implications arising from these findings.
Ultrasound Guided Hip Injections with High Density Hyaluronic Acid: Outcome at One Year Follow Up
Authors: Battaglia Antonino Giulio , D'Apolito Rocco , Labionda Fabio , Ramazzotti Joil , Zagra Luigi
Published: March 2024

The ultrasound guided viscosupplementation of the hip joint with hyaluronic acid(HA)is considered a standard procedure among the conservative treatments for hip arthritis.The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical benefit and the incidence of adverse events of the technique in a obseravtional study at one year follow up.
We evaluated a consecutive series of 85 patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic arthritis that performed intra-articular ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections. The scales used for evaluation were modified Harris Hip Score(mHHS),WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University),Hip Outcome Score (HOOS) with subscale Sport (HOOSs), for pain the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS).The patients were classified according to Tonnis’ radiological classification of arthrosis (range 0-3):20 patients(grade 0),32(grade 1),18(grade 2),15(grade 3).At last follow up all the scales increased:mHHS from 59.35 to 82.1,HOOS from 69.45 to 78.53,HOS Sport from 47.4 to 58.11,VAS from 6.09 to 3.97,WOMAC from 33.2 to 31.5 (p<0.05 for all the parameters);13/85 requested arthroplasty.
Based on our findings, indication for use of hyaluronic acid is limited to patients with mild to moderate arthritis.Patients in advanced arthritis refusing replacement surgery and asking for this treatment should be informed about the poor results of the technique even in the short term follow up.
Literacy in Artificial Intelligence as a Challenge for Teaching in Higher Education: A Case Study at Portalegre Polytechnic University
Authors: Lérias Eduardo , Guerra Cristina , Ferreira Paulo
Published: March 2024

The growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Humanity is unavoidable, and therefore, “AI literacy” is extremely important. In the field of education – AI in education (AIED) – this technology is having a huge impact on the educational community and on the education system itself. The present study seeks to assess the level of AI literacy of teachers at Portalegre Polytechnic University (PPU), aiming to identify gaps, find the main opportunities for innovation and development and seek the degree of relationship between the dimensions of AI literacy, as well as identifying the predictive variables in this matter. As a measuring instrument, a validated questionnaire based on three dimensions (AI Literacy, AI Self-Efficacy and AI Self-Management) was applied to a sample of 75 teachers in the various schools of PPU. This revealed an average level of AI literacy (3.28), highlighting that 62.4% of responses are at levels 3 and 4 (based on a Likert scale from 1 to 5). The results also demonstrate that the first dimension is highly significant for the total dimensions, i.e., for AI Literacy, and no factor characterizing the sample is a predictor, but finding a below-average result in the Learning factor indicates a pressing need to focus on developing these skills.
Preferences of Adults for Synanthropic Flora in the Sustainable Development of Polish Cities’ Green Areas
Authors: Fornal-Pieniak Beata , Stangierska-Mazurkiewicz Dagmara , Kamionowski Filip , Widera Katarzyna , Żarska Barbara , Latocha Piotr
Published: March 2024

Synanthropic flora (weeds, spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. The study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. The article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora, that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in multiple regression allow for the statement that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase of acceptance of synanthropic plants occurrence in surroundings. Respondents’ opinions on the subject of the presence of synanthropic plants were studied using such variables concerning: synanthropic vegetation found in turfgrasses has a positive impact on the visual attractiveness of a site (X1), synanthropic plant communities present themselves better than others (X2), presence of synanthropic vegetation in an estate improves the quality of life in that location (X3), introduction of synanthropic flora into estate arrangements is a positive (X4), support for the use of synanthropic flora for educational purposes - as elements of playgrounds or in the form of environmental workshops (X5). Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.
Continuous Wave Measurements Collected in Intermediate Depth throughout the North Sea Storm Season during the RealDune/REFLEX Experiments
Authors: Rutten Jantien , Tissier Marion , van Wiechen Paul , Zhang Xinyi , de Vries Sierd , Reniers Ad , Mol Jan-Willem
Published: March 2024

High-resolution wave measurements at intermediate water depth are required to improve coastal impact modeling. Specifically, such data sets are desired to calibrate and validate models, and broaden the insight on the boundary conditions that force models. Here, we present a wave data set collected in the North Sea at three stations in intermediate water depth (6-14~m) during the 2021/2022 storm season as part of the RealDune/REFLEX experiments. Continuous measurements of synchronized surface elevation, velocity and pressure were recorded at 2-4~Hz by Acoustic Doppler Profilers and an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter for a 5~month duration. Time series were quality-controlled, directional-frequency energy spectra were calculated, and common bulk parameters were derived. Measured wave conditions vary from calm to energetic with 0.1-5.0~m sea-swell wave height, 5-16~s mean wave period and W-NNW direction. Nine storms, i.e. wave height beyond 2.5~m for at least six hours, were recorded including the triple storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. This unique data set can be used to investigate wave transformation, wave nonlinearity and wave directionality for higher and lower frequencies (e.g. sea-swell and infragravity waves) to compare with theoretical and empirical descriptions. Furthermore, the data can serve to force, calibrate and validate models during storm conditions.
Classifying Objects in 3D Point Clouds Using Recurrent Neural Network: A GRU LSTM Hybrid Approach
Authors: Mousa Ramin , Khezli Mitra , Hesaraki Saba
Published: March 2024

Accurate classification of objects in 3D point clouds is a significant problem in several applications, such as autonomous navigation and augmented/virtual reality scenarios, which has become a research hot spot. In this paper, we presented a deep learning strategy for 3D object classification in augmented reality. The proposed approach is a combination of the GRU and LSTM. LSTM networks learn longer dependencies well, but due to the number of gates, it takes longer to train; on the other hand, GRU networks have a weaker performance than LSTM, but their training speed is much higher than GRU, which is The speed is due to its fewer gates. The proposed approach used the combination of speed and accuracy of these two networks. The proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 0.99 in the 4,499,0641 points dataset, which includes eight classes (unlabeled, man-made terrain, natural terrain, high vegetation, low vegetation, buildings, hardscape, scanning artifacts, cars). Meanwhile, the traditional machine learning approaches could achieve a maximum accuracy of 0.9489 in the best case.
Comparison of the Efficiency of Deep Eutectic and Organic Solvents on the Extraction of Phytochemicals from Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Kanyairita Getrude G , Mortley Desmond G , Boersma Melissa , Collier Willard E
Published: March 2024

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an attractive candidate for sustainable pest management due to its abundance of bioactive compounds with potential pesticidal properties. Solvent choice has a significant impact on the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are gaining popularity in extraction because they are safe and environmentally friendly, making them viable alternatives to organic solvents (OSs). This research first compared the extraction efficiency of OSs on the extraction of phytochemicals from the infloresences of two hemp varieties, Citrus and Cherry Dwarf. Inflorescences were extracted using three OSs, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. The highest level of cannabidiol (CBD; 0.69%) was extracted from Cherry Dwarf using ethanol while the level of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol THC (0.19%) was essentially the same in both. Therefore, Cherry Dwarf was selected to compare the extraction efficiency of DESs to the OSs. The DESs were choline chloride/ethylene glycol, citric acid/ethylene glycol, menthol/lauric acid, choline chloride/urea and choline chloride/glycerol. In the targeted analysis, choline chloride/ethylene glycol extracted the highest amount of CBD (0.87%) followed by choline chloride/urea (0.78%). As some DESs outperformed ethanol, the popular solvent for extracting cannabinoids, DESs are viable candidates to replace organic solvents.
Hydrocarbons Are the Backbone of Sustainable Civilization
Authors: Binhazzaa Zaid
Published: March 2024

This article illustrates a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of hydrocarbons in the field of material science, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical applications, also providing acumens into future perceptions. Hydrocarbons, which consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms, play a critical role in numerous sectors due to their extensive presence in both natural and synthetic environments. The study categorizes hydrocarbons into diverse categories such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, each owning unique features that influence their physical properties and applications. This inclusive review comprehends the fundamental aspects of hydrocarbons, their indispensable compounds and elements, and their substantial contributions to material science, including their utilization in coatings, composites, and polymers. Besides, the article investigates into case studies that demonstrate the theoretical advancements and practical applications of hydrocarbons, as well as their latent in addressing future energy and environmental encounters. By investigative the role of hydrocarbons in the expansion of innovative materials and their implications for sustainability and technological progress, the article accentuates the significance of hydrocarbons in evolving the field of material science and technology.
Lipid Oxidation Products and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: Role of Lipoprotein Transport
Authors: Ahotupa Markku
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cholesterol has ruled the history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVD) for decades, and the transport of cholesterol by lipoproteins has become a cornerstone of our view of etiology of the disease. Discovery of the lipoprotein-specific transport of lipid oxidation products (LOP) has opened a new and exciting area in research of CVD by revealing strong connections between atherogenic LOP, lipoprotein transport functions and CVD. This review goes through the evidence in support of the lipoprotein-specific LOP transport and speculates of possible consequences of the proposed role of lipoprotein LOP transport as a risk factor. Association of lipoprotein LOP with known risk factors of CVD are largely parallel with those of cholesterol, and due to the common transport and cellular intake mechanisms the elucidation of independent effects of either cholesterol or LOP is difficult. Yet, unlike cholesterol, LOP can directly initiate and boost atherogenic processes. It therefore appears inevitable that increasing knowledge of the lipoprotein-specific LOP transport will affect the present view of the role of cholesterol in aetiology and as a risk factor of CVD.
Comparison of Survival Outcomes between Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreato-Splenectomy and Conventional Distal Pancreato-Splenectomy for Pancreatic Body and Tail Cancer: Korean Multicenter Propensity Score Match Analysis
Authors: Kim Hee Joon , Shin Sang Hyun , Kwon Jaewoo , Lee Huisong , Kim Hongbeom , Kim Sung Hyun , Yang Jae Do , Lee Woohyung , Lee Jun Suh
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to compare the survival benefit of radical ante-grade-modular pancreato-splenectomy (RAMPS) with conventional distal pancreato-splenectomy (cDPS) in left-sided pancreatic cancer. (2) Methods: A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted on 333 patients who underwent RAMPS or cDPS for left-sided pancreatic cancer at four tertiary cancer centers. The study assessed prognostic factors and com-pared survival and operative outcomes. (3) Results: After PSM, 99 patients were matched in each group. RAMPS resulted in a higher retrieved lymph node count than cDPS (15.0 vs. 10.0, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of R0 resection rate, blood loss, hospital stay, or morbidity. The 5-year overall survival rate was similar in both groups (cDPS vs. RAMPS, 44.4% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.853), and disease-free survival was also comparable. Multivariate analysis revealed that ASA score, preoperative CA19-9, histologic differentiation, R1 resection, adjuvant treatment, and lymphovascular invasion were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Preoperative CA19-9, histologic differentiation, T-stage, adjuvant treatment, and lymphovascular invasion were independent significant prognostic factors for disease-free survival. (4) Conclusions: Although RAMPS resulted in a higher retrieved lymph node count, survival outcomes were not different between two groups. RAMPS was a surgical option to achieve R0 resection rather than a standard procedure. Adjuvant treatment was an independent prognostic factor for both overall and disease-free survival.
One-step Purification and Immobilization of Nucleoside Deoxyribosyltransferase for Continuous-flow Biosynthesis of 2'-deoxyadenosine.
Authors: Li Menglei , Fan Tiantian , Hou Xuewen , Ding Chenghui , Qiu Min , Lv Yaoyao , Liang Rui , Xia Yu , Zhang Kunxiao
Published: March 2024

Nucleoside analogs are commonly used drugs for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Nucleoside deoxyribosyltransferase (NDT) is one of the key enzymes required for the biosynthesis of deoxynucleotides. The feasibility of biochemical transformation processes is usually greatly dependent on the cost of biocatalysts. Therefore, immobilizing and reusing biocatalysts is an approach to be considered to bring biotransformations closer to industrial feasibility, since it not only allows enzymes to be reused but can also improve their stability under several reaction conditions. In this work, histidine tags have been successfully fused to a Nucleoside deoxyribosyltransferase from Lactobacillus reuteri (LrDNT), which has been produced in a bench-scale reactor using a facile araBAD promoter-based protein expression system in an industrial microorganism, the E. coli BL21(DE3) strain. The overexpressed LrNDT was bound to a nickel-chelating agarose affinity chromatography medium via a one-step purification and immobilization process with a 99% yield, retaining about 97% of its initial activity. The optimal conditions for the immobilized LrNDT maintain high enzyme activity within the range of 20-45°C and pH 6.0-7.5. Finally, the immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) of LrNDT was applied for the continuous-flow biosynthesis of 2'-deoxyadenosine and retained 90% of its activity after 16 hours, providing a theoretical basis for the industrial production of nucleoside analogs.
Kamchatka Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) Pomace Bioferment as an Innovative Cosmetic Raw Material
Authors: Majchrzak Weronika , Śmigielski Krzysztof , Motyl Ilona , Oracz Joanna , Skura Karina , Motyl Sara
Published: March 2024

Kamchatka berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are known for their high content of phenolic compounds or vitamins, which is reflected in their antibacterial, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used in the production of jams, juices, wines and as natural dye. A bioferment was prepared from the pomace of the Kamchatka berry varieties Aurora and Indigo Gem and the strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, which was used to prepare a cosmetic preparation with a concentration of 5% in accordance with the guidelines of the COSMOS certification body. Conducted physico-chemical and organoleptic analyses and bioactive profile characterisation (UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The results showed that the presence of caffeic acid 4.47 ± 0.07 mg/100g was detected after fermentation of Kamchatka berry pomace. Vitamin C content increased by 141% after fermentation of Kamchatka berry pomace. The results of stability tests showed that in the process of physicochemical analysis of cosmetic preparation with bioferment of Kamchatka berry pomace the pH should oscillate in the range of 4.38-4.76 ± 0.01. Stability tests showed that the cosmetic should be protected from high temperatures and UV radiation and proved that the product is stable under changing conditions, resulting in lower transport and storage costs.
Yellow fever outbreak temporarily changes dispersal patterns in an endangered primate
Authors: Ponchon Aurore , Choquet Rémi , Martins Andreai , Ruiz-Miranda Carlos , Albert Cécile , Romano Valeria
Published: March 2024

Disease outbreaks can severely affect populations in the wild. However, their ecological consequences are poorly understood. Here, we used a multi-site capture-recapture model to investigate the impacts of a yellow fever outbreak on the endangered golden lion tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia, in the Atlantic forest, Brazil. We show that the annual adult survival rate severely declined in 2017-2018, coinciding with the outbreak period. Simultaneously, dispersal patterns changed temporarily, with a slight reduction of dispersal between groups of the same forest fragment from 3.6 to 2.8%, and a strong increase of dispersal between forest fragments, from 0.4 to 4.3%. Those results suggest that disease transmission potential was low, especially between forest fragments and advocate for a better integration of host movements and landscape configuration when evaluating species response to vector-borne diseases
Compact Viscosity Sensors for Downhole Enhanced Oil Recovery Polymer Fluid Degradation Monitoring
Authors: Gonzalez Miguel , Ayirala Subhash , Maskeen Lyla , AlSofi Abdulkareem
Published: March 2024

There are currently no technologies available to measure polymer solution viscosities at realistic downhole conditions in a well during enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In this paper, custom-made probes using quartz tuning fork (QTF) resonators are demonstrated for measurements of viscosity of polymer fluids in the laboratory. The electromechanical response of the resonators was calibrated in simple Newtonian fluids and in non-Newtonian polymer fluids at different concentrations. The responses were then used to measure field-collected samples of polymer injection fluids. In the polymer fluids, the measured viscosity values by tuning forks were lower than those measured by the conventional rheometer at 6.8 s−1, closer to the solvent viscosity values. However, the predicted rheometer viscosity vs. QTF-measured viscosity showed a distinct exponential correlation (R2=0.9997), allowing for an empirical calibration between the two viscometers for fluids having the same solvent and polymer compositions. The QTF sensors produced acceptable viscosity measurements of polymer fluids within the required polymer concentration ranges used in the field and predicted field sample viscosities with less than 1–2 cp (or 10–20%) error from the rheometer data. Results were validated based on separate independent tests where the devices were used to measure the viscosity of Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian polymer fluids in a series of consecutive dip tests, simulating more realistic usage. These devices can be used to measure either the “relative” viscosity changes from a polymer solution prior and post-injection or to measure a “calibrated” viscosity via empirical exponential correlation. The compact QTF sensors developed in this study can be easily integrated into portable systems for laboratory or wellsite deployment as well as logging tools for downhole deployment. This work also demonstrates the ability of these QTF devices to make sensitive viscosity measurements at high-frequencies, opening opportunities for their use in high-frequency rheology studies of EOR fluids.
Controlling response order without relying on stimulus order – Evidence for flexible representations of task order
Authors: Kürten Jens , Strobach Tilo , Huestegge Lynn
Published: March 2024

In dual-task situations, both component tasks are typically not executed simultaneously but rather one after another. Task order is usually determined based on bottom-up information provided by stimulus presentation order, but also affected by top-down factors such as instructions and/or differentially dominant component tasks (e.g., oculomotor task prioritization). Recent research demonstrated that in the context of a randomly switching stimulus order, task order representations can be integrated with specific component task information rather than being coded in a purely abstract fashion (i.e., by containing only generic order information). This conclusion was derived from observing consistently smaller task-order switch costs for a preferred (e.g., oculomotor-manual) versus a non-preferred (e.g., manual-oculomotor) task order (i.e., order-switch cost asymmetries). Since such a representational format might have been especially promoted by the sequential stimulus presentation employed, we investigated task-order representations in situations without any bottom-up influence of stimulus order. To this end, we presented task stimuli simultaneously and cued the required task-order in advance. Experiment 1 employed abstract order transition cues that only indicated a task-order repetition (vs. switch) relative to the previous trial, while Experiment 2 used explicit cues that unambiguously indicated the task-order. Experiment 1 revealed significant task-order switch costs only for the second task (of either task order) and no order-switch cost asymmetries, indicating a rather generic representation of task order. Experiment 2 revealed task-order switch costs in both component tasks with a trend toward order-switch cost asymmetries, indicating an integration of task order representations with component task information. These findings highlight an astonishing flexibility of mental task-order representations during task-order control.
Brevibacillus choshinensis Restricts Harmful Eurygaster integriceps in Wheat-Sown Fields and Enhances Beneficial Insect Population
Authors: DİLMEN Halil , ÇIĞ Fatih , CERİTOĞLU Mustafa
Published: March 2024

This study was carried out to determine the effects of plant growth promoting bacteria (Brevibacillus choshinensis) on Eurygaster integriceps Puton, 1881 (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) and the predators Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at 2022-2023 season. The study was laid out in according to complete randomized design with three replications including areas with and without Brevibacillus choshinensis application. Sampling was carried out every 7 days until the harvest period. Predator insect species E. integriceps, C. carnea and C. septempunctata found in wheat plots were determined by using visual counting method. According to results, an average of 0.53 E. integriceps was found in the control plots, while an average of 0.2 in all B. choshinensis -treated areas. In addition, when the results were examined in terms of beneficial species, an average of 2.0 beneficial species was found in the control plots and an average of 11.4 in the plots where B. choshinensis was applied. The effect on all insect numbers was determined as 6.6 in the control plots, while an average of 13.7 insects was counted in the B. choshinensis applied plots. As a result, it was determined that B. choshinensis applications affected the average number of insects on the cultivated plant and as a result of the analyzes, there was a statistical difference compared to the control. It is thought that B. choshinensis can be an alternative bio-insecticide that can be used to control the harmful insect population and to encourage the beneficial insect population.
Informal recycling sector contribution to plastic pollution mitigation: A systematic scoping review and quantitative analysis of prevalence and productivity
Authors: Cook Ed , Cano Nathalia Silva de Souza Lima , Velis Costas A.
Published: March 2024

Ongoing negotiations for a ‘Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution’ recognise the substantial contribution made by the informal recycling sector (IRS - waste pickers) to plastic pollution mitigation as part of just transition. Negotiating parties will require baseline evidence of the sector’s activities to inform the development of local and national actions plans. To this, we carried out a review of IRS prevalence and productivity following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) method followed by extensive (statistical) data analytics. Waste pickers represent median 0.2% (interquartile range – IQR: 0.1-0.5%) of the urban population worldwide, collecting between 20 kg and 80 kg of engineered materials for recycling each day, of which 30% (mean wt. ar) are plastics. We identify substantial shortcomings in most methodologies used to gather data on the IRS, introducing epistemic uncertainty into some previous estimates of the sector’s activity. We recommend development of a standardised resource-efficient method of sampling and data gathering, suitable for implementation at municipal/local scale. Our work offers verifiable quantitative knowledge on the sector’s activities to date, suitable for use in plastic pollution quantification models and local/national action plans required to baseline and monitor progress towards multilateral targets.
CCT6A promotes cell proliferation in colon cancer by targeting BIRC5 associated with p53 status
Authors: Liu Huawen , Zhang Han , Zheng Taotao , Qin Chuan , Zhang Xinyue , Lin Han , Huang Xiaoping , Liu Qiang , Chang Shichuan , Zhang Li , Guo Jing , Zhang Yao , Bian Chunxiang
Published: March 2024

Chaperonin-containing TCP-1 (CCT) is a complex of proteins essential for cancer progression. CCT6A, the ζ subunit of CCT, contributes to tumorigenesis in various human cancers, but its function remains unclear. CCT6A had significantly higher expression in colon cancer than other CCT subunits, was upregulated in cells and clinical samples, and was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis among colon-cancer patients. GSEA results suggested that CCT6A plays a role in cellular-process signaling pathways, including the cell cycle, p53, and apoptosis. CCT6A effectively suppressed colon-cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo; CCT6A interacted with wild-type p53 (Wtp53) and mutant p53 (Mutp53), but only inhibited Mutp53 degradation. BIRC5 was found to act downstream of CCT6A. In Wtp53 cells, CCT6A inhibition significantly reduced BIRC5 expression independent of Wtp53 levels. Conversely, in Mutp53 cells, CCT6A inhibition of BIRC5 mainly depended on Mutp53 levels; BIRC5 downregulation required Mutp53 disruption through CCT6A inhibition. Additionally, combined CCT6A knockdown and Wtp53 overexpression in Mutp53 cell lines effectively suppressed cell proliferation. It is concluded CCT6A is a potential oncogene that influences BIRC5 through distinct pathways in Wtp53 and Mutp53 cells.
Pollution indices as useful tools for comparative potential health risks of nickel in water-soil-fodder-animals food chain in relation to spatial and temporal fluctuations
Authors: Khan Zafar Iqbal , Raza Hamid , Ahmad Kafeel , Ashfaq Asma , Nadeem Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan , Riaz Naila , Zubair Faiza , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Mehmood Naunain , Batool Aima Iram , Memona Hafsa , Noorka Ijaz Rasool , Ugulu Ilker
Published: March 2024

Contamination of fodder species with elevated levels of metallic compounds holds significant epidemiological relevance, as it serves as the primary gateway for the introduction of these elements into the food chain. This investigation was directed to ascertain the ecological and health hazard of nickel contamination through various indices in food chain resulting from the dietary consumption of commonly ingested fodder crops cultivated on contaminated sites in the proximity of Sahiwal (Sargodha) and Soone Valley (Khushab), Punjab, Pakistan. Samples of water, soil, forages, ruminant’s blood, feces, and milk were collected from two sites; Soone Valley (Site_1) and Sahiwal (Site_2) in summer (Season_1) and winter (Season_2) during 2022-23, and were analyzed for nickel concentrations employing atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentrations of nickel were varied from 0.0125–0.0579 mg L− 1, 0.386–2.123 mg kg− 1, 0.00853–0.5784 mg kg− 1, 0.1085–0.5918 mg L− 1, 0.04664–0.2122 mg kg− 1, and 0.00820–0.2147 mg L− 1 in water, soil, forages, blood, feces, and milk, correspondingly. Highly significantly a negative correlation was observed among the soil vs fodder of Site_1 and Site_2 during both seasons. In animals, the highest nickel concentration was detected in blood of buffaloes at Site_1, while lowest in milk of cows at Site_2. Nickel concentrations were detected under standard permissible limits described by FAO/WHO. Except to BCF and EF, all the computed indices (PLI, Igeo, Eri, DIM, EDI, HRI, THQ, EDD, ECR, and ILTCR) were < 1, indicating low concentrations of nickel in soil and fodder, thus ensuring the safety of local ruminants upon ingestion during both seasons at both sites. Henceforth, strongly advocate the regular surveillance of heavy metal concentrations in the pasture grass surrounding contaminated locations is necessary. Furthermore, we suggest implementing precautionary measures to mitigate unintentional exposures of both livestock and, consequently, human beings to the deleterious effects of metal toxicity.
A Comprehensive Study on Mecanum Wheel-Based Mobility and Suspension Solutions for Intelligent Nursing Wheelchairs
Authors: Zhang Zhewen , Yu Hongliu , Wu Chengjia , Huang Pu , Wu Jiangui
Published: March 2024

Intelligent nursing wheelchairs play a crucial role in providing independence and improving the quality of life for disabled or semi-disabled elderly individuals. However, their maneuverability and positioning capabilities have always been key challenges. Firstly, traditional mobility methods are limited by a large turning radius, restricting the wheelchair's maneuverability in confined spaces. To address this issue, this paper proposes a design for a Mecanum mobility chassis for nursing wheelchairs, utilizing four Mecanum wheels, allowing the wheelchair to move freely in any direction. This significantly enhances maneuverability, enabling the wheelchair to navigate challenges in narrow spaces effortlessly. However, the Mecanum wheel mobility chassis design faces some issues, including variations in Mecanum wheel spacing and tilting of the hub center, which may lead to slipping and inaccurate motion control. To tackle these problems, we have designed an innovative suspension system aimed at balancing the stability of the chassis, reducing the risk of slipping, and improving the accuracy of motion control. Finally, we conducted shock absorption and positioning experiments on the wheelchair body. The experimental results indicate that the novel suspension system markedly improves the control performance and landing capabilities of the nursing wheelchair, providing users with higher precision and stability.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of sugar beet cultivars: Implications for harvest date stability
Authors: Hemayati Saeed Sadeghzadeh , Hamdi Farahnaz , Saremirad Ali , Hamze Hamze
Published: March 2024

This research assessed the quantitative and qualitative reactions of commercially grown sugar beets to four different harvest dates and their yield stability. The study followed a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design over three years. The main plot involved four harvest dates: August 13 (HD1), September 7 (HD2), October 3 (HD3), and November 12 (HD4), while the subplot involved 10 sugar beet cultivars. HD4 resulted in 84.95%, 30.12% and 23.73% higher root yield compared to HD1, HD2 and HD3, respectively. The best sugar content, white sugar content, and extraction coefficient of sugar were observed from HD3 in the third year. Maximum sugar yield, maximum white sugar yield, and minimum molasses sugar percentage were associated with HD4 in the third year. Perfekta displayed the highest root yield, sugar yield, white sugar content, white sugar yield, extraction coefficient of sugar, and minimum molasses sugar percentage in the third year. Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction analysis based on white sugar yield indicated that genotype and environment's additive effects, as well as the genotype- environment interaction, significantly contributed to 3.05%, 32.10%, and 8.31% of the total data variance, respectively. Arta and Arya were identified as stable for white sugar yield based on all additive main effect and multiplicative interaction stability indices and demonstrated high general adaptability in all regions. Additionally, Perfekta exhibited high specific adaptability in eight out of 12 tested environments. According to the multi-trait stability index, Perfekta and Shokoufa were recognized as stable and superior across all measured traits.
The roles of anillin in the Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Huynh Man Anh , Thao Dang Thi Phuong , Yoshida Hideki
Published: March 2024

Anillin (Ani) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with a multi-domain structure that cross-links cytoskeletal proteins and plays an essential role in the formation of the contractile ring during cytokinesis. However, Ani is highly expressed in the human central nervous system (CNS), which does not actively divide. Moreover, it scaffolds myelin in the CNS of mice and modulates neuronal migration and growth in Caenorhabditis elegans. This protein is also highly expressed in the Drosophila CNS. However, its role remains unclear. In the present study, Ani was highly expressed in type I and II neuroblasts, whereas it was poorly expressed in the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), axons, and some neurons in the ventral nerve cord. In addition, neuron-specific ani knockdown flies had a short lifespan and larval locomotor defects, along with an abnormal morphology of the NMJ, learning disability, and a swollen CNS. These results show that Ani plays important roles not only in proliferating cells, but also in the Drosophila nervous system.