bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pedestrian Stress Level Using GSR Sensor in Virtual Immersive Reality
Authors: Mudassar Mahwish
Published: August 2024

Level of emotional arousal of one's body changes in response to external stimuli in an environment. Given the risks involved while crossing streets, particularly at unsignalized mid-block crosswalks, one can expect a change in the stress level of pedestrians. In this study, we investigate the levels and changes in pedestrian stress, under different road crossing scenarios in immersive virtual reality. To measure stress level of pedestrians, we used Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) sensors. To collect the required data for the model, Virtual Immersive Reality Environment (VIRE) tool is used, which enables us to measure participants' stress levels in a controlled environment. The results suggested that the density of vehicles has a positive effect, meaning as the density of vehicles increases, so does the stress level for pedestrians. It was noted that younger pedestrians have a lower amount of stress when crossing as compared to older pedestrians which have higher amounts of stress. Geometric variables have an impact on the stress level of pedestrians. The greater the number of lanes the greater the observed stress, which is due to the crossing distance increasing, while the walking speed remains the same.
Using Analytics on Social Media Posts to Gauge the Impact on User Engagement: A Case Study Analysis on #FoundItOnAmazon
Authors: Arif Kashaf
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this research is to use analytics on social media content to study consumer engagement. Companies and brands may benefit indirectly when trends on social media take on positive hashtags. The hashtags provide exposure to the brand as they are shared and, in some cases, generate engagement as consumers join the trend and/or respond to posts relating to the trend. Certain factors may improve engagement, which in effect extends the trend and leads to more brand exposure. These may include # of followers, time of posting, and post format. While our data do not speak directly to sponsoring social influencers, it can be informational in terms of guiding companies to work with such influencers or content creators to increase or extend engagement. More specifically, we analyze the effect of creator, content, and context-related factors affecting user engagement. The dataset has a total of 1,000 social media posts and 273,586 likes and 6,306 likes and comments on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Of the 1,000 posts, we ran a regression on 295 Instagram posts. The results reveal that the # of followers dominated the "overall engagement". Hence, a second regression using "user engagement rate" as the dependent variable was run. The rationale behind using user engagement rate in the second regression is to understand the relative impact of other factors and eliminate the dominance of followers from the equation. The results for the final regression revealed that posted format and time of posting have a significant impact on user engagement rate.
Documenting the Restoration Process: The Documentaries of Sara Gómez at the Vulnerable Media Lab
Authors: Gordon Rebecca
Published: August 2024

This thesis is an applied case study wherein provisional restoration documentation tools were developed for the Vulnerable Media Lab at Queen's University. These tools were developed to support the ethical digital restoration of documentaries made by Afro-Cuban revolutionary filmmaker Sara Gómez, whose original film negatives and some prints were lent to the VML by the Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográficos (ICAIC). FIAF's Code of Ethics calls for archivists engaged in restoration to "faithfully and fully" document any technical and aesthetic choices which have been made for future archivists and researchers, and in order to guarantee reversibility. The Gómez films are the VML's first restoration project, thus this thesis suggests practices that can be added to the VML's established workflows as necessary, and help ensure accurate restoration records. Besides the ethics and practices of digital film restoration, this thesis examines Sara Gómez's complicated place in Cuban film history.
Experiments to Determine the Most Effective Way to Map BIM Information Into Athena Software for Embodied Carbon Calculations
Authors: Gules Hakan
Published: August 2024

We are in a climate emergency, and urgently need to reduce carbon emissions. Buildings are currently responsible for 39% of these emissions globally and it is critical that these be mitigated to restrict the impact of global warming. Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials and is a priority for reductions in the immediate term. This research calculates embodied carbon through Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings software using two methods. The first creates quantity takeoff for the building assemblies by using Revit software and imports them as modified Excel Bill of Materials (BOM) into the Athena software. The second creates building assemblies in Athena software using BIM assembly types and quantity takeoffs. The Smart Campus Integration and Testing Hub (SCITHub) project was used as a case study. It was observed that Revit software does not have the ability to create building assemblies in extensive details as the Athena software has. Revit software can be further developed to produce detailed assemblies as per the Athena software properties. Besides, the Athena software can also be developed to contribute to add further details into the Revit imported BOMs.
Ripple: A Wearable Environment : Exploring Subspace Through an Experimental, Large Scale Textile Installation
Authors: Armenti Deanna
Published: August 2024

Ripple: A Wearable Environment is an experimental large-scale textile installation that explores subspace. Within the kink community, subspace has been explained as a meditative, dream-like state that feels like floating in water which is experienced when engaging in BDSM scenes. However, since most submissives experience subspace in a multitude of ways, the liminal temporality of subspace has remained a vague and generalized phenomenon. Experimental practice-based research techniques are utilized to dive deeper into subspace by exploring the flow of subspace and fetish items as talismanic sacred objects through an embodied lens. 

Ripple pushes against the misconceptions of the queer, kink experience through redefining not only fetish fashion, but also what sexy is and can be. Throughout the project the use of unconventional colour palettes, loose knit and free form crochet creates an "anti-aesthetic" to the well-known styles found in fetish fashion. The intention is not to make queer kink and fetish fashion more palatable to the masses, but rather to create an embodied wearable that speaks more genuinely to the emotional and internal experience of submissive kinksters.
Pentingnya Literasi Keuangan bagi Mahasiswa dalam Pengelolaan Keuangan
Authors: Anggita Irva , Destiana Yolanda , Sundari Sundari
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Financial literacy is a basic need for everyone to minimize financial problems. The rapid development of the world economy, if not balanced with a good understanding of finance, will certainly have a big impact. Especially students as the main pillar for building a better economy in the future. This research uses qualitative research methods. The data in this study were obtained from literature in the form of journals, books, and others. The data analysis used in this research is descriptive qualitative analysis, which is a method that describes, explains and describes in detail the problems being studied by collecting information with trigulation (combined) techniques. Research results generally show that the literacy level of developing countries, including Indonesia, is still low. This condition is a serious problem considering that financial literacy has a positive effect on financial inclusion and behavior.
Las propiedades únicas del 73
Authors: Podestá Ricardo A.
Published: August 2024

Primero mostramos un gran número de propiedades del número 73 y su reverso el 37. Luego contamos la Conjetura de Sheldon que dice que el 73 es el único primo que satisface dos propiedades concretas y damos una idea de la demostración de Spicer y Pomerance. Finalmente, consideramos números de Sheldon en sucesiones enteras.
The Impact of Social Media Advertising on Online Shopping Preferences in Nilai City, Malaysia
Authors: Zulkifli Fatimah Az Zahra , Ismail Shahrina , Syed Mohamad Sharifah Fairuz
Published: August 2024

Social media advertisements can influence consumers' purchasing preferences by impacting their awareness, attitude, trust, and intention towards the advertised products, services, or brands. This study aims to achieve two objectives: firstly, to determine the correlation between independent variables (security, privacy, product features, social influence, and promotion) and secondly, to examine the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables (online shopping purchasing preference among shoppers in Nilai). Convenience sampling was used to collect survey data, with questionnaires distributed through various online platforms to respondents residing in Nilai. A total of 272 responses were collected. The study utilized a Pearson correlation model and multiple linear regression to achieve the objectives. The R-squared value of 0.564 indicates that the model can explain almost half of the variability in the dependent variables. The results reveal no negative correlations among the independent variables. The weakest correlation observed is between promotion and product features at 0.392. Conversely, the strongest correlation is between security and privacy, with a coefficient of 0.703, indicating a significant influence of security on privacy. In the multiple linear regression model, four independent variables—security, product features, social influence, and promotion—significantly impact the dependent variable.
EFEKTIVITAS PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI ZOOM SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF PADA MAHASISWA ILMU KOMUNIKASI UMI MAKASSAR
Authors: Awlia Abdul Hamid NurSa’adah , Amaluddin Amaluddin , Majid Abd
Published: August 2024

Due to the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia, all students in Indonesia are required to study online at home. Faculty of Letters, Communication Studies Study Program UMI Makassar is one of the campuses that implements online learning using the Zoom application. Zoom Cloud meeting is one of the online learning media that is often used at the Faculty of Letters, Communication Studies Study Program, UMI Makassar. The effectiveness of online learning really needs to be considered so that students understand when learning takes place. The purpose of this study is to find out and understand how effective online learning is using the Zoom application as an interactive learning medium at UMI Makassar Communication Science. This research uses descriptive qualitative research. The primary and secondary data sources where primary data is a source of data obtained directly using the method of observation and interviews, polls from individuals or groups, while secondary is a source of data obtained through media intermediaries or indirectly in the form of books. the method used is the method of observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the effectiveness of using the Zoom application as an interactive learning medium for Communication Science students at UMI Makassar, the presence of the covid-19 virus could be said to be ineffective in terms of interactive learning, but in terms of using the Zoom video conference application, of course, it really supports the distance learning process due to restrictions on activities that are carried out. issued by the government during a pandemic. The obstacles during the learning process using the Zoom application are minimal internet quota and an unstable network.
Lead Oxide Modified Graphite Electrodes for Electrochemical Degradation of Congo Red Dye in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ohanele Emmanuela , Oguzie Kanayo , Ezema Fabian , Oguzie Emeka
Published: August 2024

Congo red (CR) dye in aqueous solution was decolorized by an electrolysis process using graphite (G) and lead dioxide modified graphite (G/PbO2) as anode materials in a two-electrode batch reactor. The electrodeposited lead dioxide film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Comparative performance assessment of the anode materials under different process parameters reveals that the lead dioxide film improved the electrocatalytic effect of the modified electrode. The adjustment of the deposition bath pH from 1.5 to 3 resulted in the formation of uniform agglomeration and disappearance of particulates, while addition of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) gave better adhesion of film to substrate. The degradation rate (DR) observed for the G/PbO2 (1.0 × 10−2 cm2) was higher than that of the unmodified electrode (0.87 × 10−2 cm2). Increase in applied voltage from 25 to 30 V at 23 mA/mm2 improved the degradation efficiency (DE) from 84.7% to 91.32% for graphite and from 96.09% to 99.98% for G/PbO2, with 0.5 M KCl. The prime degradation time of 45 min was recorded for graphite anode which reduced to 30 min for G/PbO2 anode. CR degraded to compounds with smaller molecular weight and better stability as observed from GC-MS analysis and computational total energy study, respectively. The modification of the graphite electrode surface by electrodepositing PbO2 film improved the DE and the prime reaction time. These findings present significant suggestions for the design of advanced electrodeposition and electrocatalytic systems for wastewater treatment applications.
التمويل الذاتي وعلاقته بالميزة التنافسية لدى فرق الاندية الرياضية المشاركة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم
Authors: Wadah Muhammad Fathi  , Asst. Prof. Dr. Alaa Hassan Ali
Published: August 2024

عدت هذه الدراسة لتعرف على العلاقة الارتباطية ما بين التمويل الذاتي والميزة التنافسية لدى فرق الاندية الرياضية المشاركة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم. كما سنحاول الاجابة من خلال هذه الدراسة على التساؤلات التالية (هل يساهم التمويل الذاتي بتحقيق الميزة التنافسية لدى فرق الاندية الرياضية المشاركة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم وما مقدار هذه المساهمة؟), و (هل هناك علاقة بين التمويل الذاتي والميزة التنافسية لدى فرق الاندية الرياضية المشاركة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم في العراق؟ ) ,واستخدم الباحثان المنهج الوصفيّ بالأسلوب المسحي والدراسات الارتباطية لملائمته لطبيعة ومشكلة البحث تكونت عينة البحث من رؤساء واعضاء الهيئة الادارية للأندية الرياضية المشاركة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم والبالغ عدادهم (169) ، وهدفت الدراسة الحالية الى بناء مقياسي (التمويل الذاتي ، الميزة التنافسية) لدى الفرق الاندية الرياضية المشارطة بدوري نجوم العراق بكرة القدم ، ومن خلال تصميم استبيان من اجل التحقق من المقاربات في الاطار النظرية للمتغير المستقل وعلاقته بالمتغير التابع وهو الميزة التنافسية ، وقد تم اختبار الفرضيات بالاعتماد على برنامج التحليل الاحصائي spss
Sistem Persebaran Homestay Berbasis Web Untuk Pengembangan Ekowisata Destinasi Super Prioritas, Likupang Minahasa Utara
Authors: Lapu Kalua Aditya , Massie Hihola Maharani Margareth , Turnip Rama Ijon , Agung Taroreh Gabriell Cristiano , Henry Tampi Christian Ronaldo , Daniel Wolayan Delon , Soleman Kurniawan , Sintaro Sanriomi
Published: August 2024

Likupang, Kabupaten Minahasa Utara, Sulawesi Utara, telah menjadi salah satu destinasi super prioritas yang ditetapkan oleh Presiden Joko Widodo. Desa Marinsow, sebagai bagian dari Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus (KEK) Likupang, menawarkan keindahan alam dan kekayaan tanaman herbal yang dimanfaatkan oleh penduduk setempat. Masalah yang ditemui dalam pengabdian ini adalah tantangan seperti aksesibilitas dan pengelolaan akomodasi perlu diatasi secepat mungkin karena KEK Likupang memiliki potensi pariwisata yang besar. Untuk menyelesaikan masalah tersebut Tim Pelaksana PKM mengembangkan sistem persebaran homestay berbasis web untuk meningkatkan aksesibilitas, kesadaran lingkungan, dan pemanfaatan produk herbal lokal yang kemudian diberi nama "EcoStayLikupang”. Sistem ini dirancang untuk meningkatkan aksesibilitas, kesadaran lingkungan, dan pemanfaatan produk herbal lokal, sekaligus mendukung pengembangan ekowisata (Green & Blue Tourism) di daerah tersebut.
FORECASTING SALES USING SARIMA MODELS AT THE SINAR PAGI BUILDING MATERIALS STORE
Authors: Aminullah Ahmad Adiib , Idhom Mohammad , Saputra Wahyu Syaifullah Jauharis
Published: August 2024

Sinar Pagi Building Materials Store faces the challenge of maintaining optimal stock levels of goods to avoid excess and understock, which affects customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This study applies the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) method to forecast sales in the store. Leveraging its ability to model seasonal patterns on historical sales data, various SARIMA models were analyzed and compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The dataset is divided by a 95:5 ratio into training and testing sets for robust evaluation. The results show that the SARIMA model with SARIMA notation (p,d,q)(P,D,Q  has the best model value of (1,0,0) . This model is the most suitable model based on the lowest AIC value of 1245 and the lowest RMSE of 7,95 compared to other SARIMA models after model identification using the model looping test. For other models such as model (1,0,1)  and (0,0,1) , the AIC and RMSE values are greater, namely model (1,0,1)  with AIC 1246 and RMSE of 8,05, while model (0,0,1)  gets an AIC of 1252 and an AIC of 8,15 .The lower the AIC value, the better the model and the lower the RMSE value, the better the model. This shows a superior balance between model complexity and prediction accuracy. The model manages to capture seasonal patterns in sales data, providing a pretty good prediction framework. This study shows that the SARIMA (1,0,0)  model is effective in the accuracy of the sales forecasting process so that Sinar Pagi Building Materials Store can make more reliable sales predictions, which can help in inventory planning and marketing strategies
Propagación de tacaco (Sechium tacaco) mediante esquejes: efecto del ácido indol butírico
Authors: Muñoz-López Karen M. , Monge-Pérez José E.
Published: August 2024

Objetivos:  evaluar el efecto de varias dosis de ácido indol butírico sobre el enraizamiento y crecimiento de esquejes de tacaco (Sechium tacaco), en la fase de establecimiento en invernadero.  Metodología:  se utilizaron esquejes de brote secundario con al menos tres nudos, procedentes de fincas de productores de los cantones de Alvarado y Paraíso, Cartago, Costa Rica.  Cuatro dosis de ácido indol butírico fueron evaluadas:  0; 0.15; 0.30; y 0.60mg/esqueje.  Los esquejes fueron sembrados en macetas, con turba como sustrato, y se mantuvieron en invernadero por 22 días.  Resultados:  Diferencias significativas fueron halladas para las variables peso seco de raíz, porcentaje de enraizamiento, y porcentaje de supervivencia. No hubo diferencias significativas para el cambio de altura de la planta. Los tratamientos 0.30 y 0.60mg/esqueje de ácido indol butírico lograron valores de enraizamiento (51-63%) y peso seco de raíz (27.94-39.51mg/planta) significativamente superiores, con respecto al tratamiento sin ácido indol butírico (5% y 0.20mg/planta, respectivamente).  Por otra parte, el tratamiento 0.60mg/esqueje de ácido indol butírico mostró un porcentaje de supervivencia (58%) significativamente inferior, con respecto a los demás tratamientos (84-90%).  Conclusiones:  El mejor tratamiento para la propagación de tacaco mediante esquejes fue 0.30mg/esqueje de ácido indol butírico, correspondiente a 10,000ppm.  La información generada en este estudio contribuye de manera significativa en la elaboración de un protocolo de propagación asexual de tacaco mediante esquejes, a partir de brotes secundarios de plantas madre.  Este trabajo constituye el primer informe publicado sobre el efecto de ácido indol butírico sobre esquejes de Sechium tacaco.
Adolescent’ Nutritional Status About Parental Feeding Practice And Macronutrient Intake
Authors: Pasaribu Aisyah Pertiwi , Lestari Anik , Priyatama Aditya Nanda
Published: August 2024

The nutritional status of adolescents remains a surpassing challenge for parents, society, and the healthcare sector. Adolescents' nutritional status can be affected by a variety of comprehensive factors, such as parental feeding practice and the daily intake of macro-nutrients. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between parental feeding practice and the daily intake of macro-nutrients among adolescents. This study is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sample was collected from about 120 respondents using the stratified random sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements were collected using digital weight scales and microtoise. Parental feeding practice was assessed using the Adolescent Perceptions of Parents' Feeding Practice questionnaire, characteristic data and pocket money and the daily intake of macro-nutrients used the Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). The data were collected and analyzed using the Chi-Square (p-value <0.05), followed by a multivariate logistic regression test (p-value <0.05). Around 51.7% of adolescents with malnutrition. The factors associated with the nutritional status of adolescents are parental feeding practice (p-value=0.017; OR=2.98), pocket money (p-value=0.118; OR=1.96), energy intake (p-value=0.246; OR=1.41), protein intake (p-value=0.087; OR=1.79), fat intake (0.975; OR=1.01), and carbohydrate intake (1.003; OR=0.41). Parental feeding practice, intake of energy and macronutrients, especially carbohydrates is related to the nutritional status of adolescents. There is no relationship between pocket money, protein intake and fat intake with nutritional status of adolescents. Based on multivariate analysis, it is reported that parental feeding practice and carbohydrates intake has a strong relationship with nutritional status of adolescents.
CLOSER LOOK AT THE ELT REAL PRACTICE UTILIZING E-MAGAZINE IN AN INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Cahyani Anisa Putri
Published: August 2024

Authentic material could be promising in providing real use of language materials, one of them is e-magazines. English e-magazines are the teaching media utilized by the teacher (as the subject of this research) in their ELT class that become the focus of this study. Aiming at describing the real practice done by the teacher in order to look closer on how e-magazine presence in class can help ELT teaching learning process, this article presents a case study of an ELT class of 30 students in an Indonesian art university, involving a teacher and several students in the process of data collection through observation, interview, and document study and analyzed by having critical look on the process of real teaching practice. The result shows there are gained benefits related to studentsâ€™ learning autonomy, with some potentials and challenges related to teaching practices, hoping that ELT teachers could develop their teaching ideas and might consider using e-magazine in their next class meetings.
Implementasi Tradisi Islam Nusantara di Pondok Pesantren Studi Kasus di Pondok Pesantren Putra Miftahul Mubtadiin Ar Ridlo Krempyang Tanjunganom Nganjuk
Authors: Ibad Irsyadul , Arifin Imron
Published: August 2024

Abstract— Traditions in Indonesia are not immune to these changes. The wealth of traditions in the pesantren world can serve as a capital for achieving new glory. The education system greatly influences the formation of traditions. Amid the challenges of modernization, pesantren must strengthen their educational methodology to ensure the sustainability of these educational values. This study focuses on the practice of Nusantara Islamic traditions as well as the factors that facilitate and constrain the implementation of Nusantara Islamic traditions in Pondok Pesantren Miftahul Mubtadiin Ar Ridlo Putra Krempyang Tanjunganom Nganjuk.
The results of the study reveal that the Implementation of Nusantara Islamic Traditions at Pondok Pesantren Putra Miftahul Mubtadiin Ar Ridlo Krempyang Tanjunganom Nganjuk is observed through an approach that integrates socio-religious and socio-cultural aspects from both internal and external perspectives, such as congregational prayers, grave pilgrimages, communal feasts, regular religious studies, and others. The supporting factors come from the enthusiasm of the caregivers, administrators, and teachers who have the responsibility to nurture and guide.
Keyword: Implementation of Traditions, Nusantara Islam
Pengamanan Data E-Mail Menggunakan Enkripsi Partially Homomorphic Encryption (PHE)
Authors: Witanti Wina , Ghozali Mohamad Aditya Muttaqin , Abdillah Gunawan
Published: August 2024

Pengamanan data merupakan aspek penting dalam era digital untuk melindungi informasi sensitif dari akses tidak sah dan ancaman keamanan. Terutama pada email sebagai media komunikasi jarak jauh, pengamanan data sangat penting karena email rentan terhadap serangan yang dapat mencuri atau memanipulasi data. Salah satu teknik yang telah berkembang pesat untuk menghadapi tantangan keamanan yang kompleks adalah kriptografi, termasuk Homomorphic Encryption Partially. Homomorphic Encryption Partially dapat mengamankan data email dengan mengubah informasi menjadi ciphertext yang hanya dapat diakses oleh pemilik kunci. Teknik ini membuat pihak luar yang tidak memiliki izin sulit membaca data asli. Selain itu, teknik ini menunjukkan penggunaan memori yang efisien tanpa mengorbankan keamanan. Penelitian ini membandingkan Homomorphic Encryption Partially yang menggunakan algoritma RSA Homomorfik dengan algoritma AES dalam perbandingan penggunaan memori. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Homomorphic Encryption Partially menggunakan 10.42% dalam pengunaan memori dibandingkan dengan AES yang menggunakan 102.69% dalam penggunaan memorinya, sehingga menghasilkan penggunaan memori yang besar. Selain itu, penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa waktu untuk memecahkan pasangan kunci bisa mencapai beberapa bulan hingga tahun. Sebagai kesimpulan, Homomorphic Encryption Partially efektif dalam penggunaan memori, menghasilkan ukuran yang lebih kecil setelah enkripsi dibandingkan dengan AES yang menghasilkan ukuran lebih besar.
Low-carbon urban development hot topics and frontier evolution: a bibliometric study from a global perspective
Authors: Cai Rongjiang , Wang Xi , Cheng Vong Chon , Zhao Shufang , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2024

The escalating challenges of global climate change have made the development of low-carbon cities—urban areas committed to reducing carbon emissions through sustainable energy use, enhanced building efficiency, and low-carbon transport solutions—a critical area of study. However, there remains a significant gap in the systematic review of the thematic evolution and emerging frontiers within this field. This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from the Web of Science database, initially retrieving 1,743 articles and review articles. Following the PRISMA systematic review guidelines, we refined this selection to 1,648 high-quality publications. Using tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we conducted an in-depth analysis to identify core authors, prolific countries/regions, leading institutions, and key journals. Our thematic analysis revealed three evolutionary stages in the research on international low-carbon city development. Additionally, we identified seven predominant topics in recent studies: land use, carbon emissions, ecological environment quality, ecosystem services, human health, energy consumption, and economic costs. These findings contribute to a clearer and more comprehensive framework for the development of low-carbon cities, serving as a valuable reference for scholars and practitioners involved in both theoretical and practical aspects of this field.
Design and synthesis of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole/quinazoline-4-one hybrids with antiproliferative activity as multitargeted inhibitors
Authors: Mohamed Amira M. , Abou-Ghadir Ola M. F. , Mostafa Yaser A. , Dahlous Kholood A. , Bräse Stefan , Youssif Bahaa G. M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The combination of BRAF and tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors has been demonstrated to be highly effective in inhibiting tumor development and is an approach for overcoming resistance in clinical trials. Accordingly, a novel series of 1,2,4-oxadiazole/quinazoline-4-one hybrids was developed as antiproliferative multitargeted inhibitors.

Methods

The structures of the newly synthesized compounds 9a-o were validated using IR, NMR, MS, and elemental techniques. 9a–o were tested as antiproliferative agents.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the majority of the tested compounds showed significant antiproliferative action with 9b, 9c, 9h, 9k, and 9l being the most potent. Compounds 9b, 9c, 9h, 9k, and 9l were tested as EGFR and BRAFV600E inhibitors. These in vitro tests revealed that compounds 9b, 9c, and 9h are strong antiproliferative agents that may act as dual EGFR/BRAFV600E inhibitors. 9b, 9c, and 9h were further investigated for their inhibitory effect on mutant EGFR (EGFRT790M), and the results showed that the tested compounds had considerable inhibitory action. Cell cycle study and apoptosis detection demonstrated that compound 9b exhibits cell cycle arrest at the G2/M transition. Molecular docking simulations reveal the binding mechanism of the most active antiproliferative agents.
GH receptor polymorphisms guide second-line therapies to prevent acromegaly skeletal fragility: preliminary results of a pilot study
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , Costanza Flavia , Giampietro Antonella , Infante Amato , Mattogno Pier Paolo , Angelini Flavia , Gullì Consolato , Lauretti Liverana , Rigante Mario , Olivi Alessandro , De Marinis Laura , Doglietto Francesco , Bianchi Antonio , Pontecorvi Alfredo
Published: August 2024

Background

Skeletal fragility is characterized by increased frequency of vertebral fractures (VFs) in acromegaly. Several trials were conducted to identify modifiable risk factors and predictors of VFs, with limited data on the prognostic role of GH receptor (GHR) isoforms. In this study, we investigated the potential role of GHR polymorphism on the occurrence of incidental VFs (i-VFs), in patients treated with second-line medical therapies.

Methods

A longitudinal, retrospective, observational study was conducted on a cohort of 45 acromegalic patients not-responsive to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) and treated with GHR antagonist (Pegvisomant) or with the second-generation SRLs (Pasireotide long-acting release).

Results

Second line treatments were Pegvisomant plus fg-SRLs in 26 patients and Pasireotide LAR in 19 patients. From the group treated with fg-SRLs+Peg-V, the fl-GHR isoform was identified in 18 patients (69.2%) and the d3-GHR isoform in 8 patients (30.8%). I-VFs arose exclusively in fl-GHR isoform carriers (p=0.039). From the group treated with Pasireotide LAR, the fl-GHR isoform was identified in 11 patients (57.9%), and the d3-GHR isoform in 8 patients (42.1%). I-VFs arose exclusively in d3-GHR isoform carriers (p=0.018). Patients with fl-GHR isoform had a higher risk for i-VFs if treated with fg-SRL+Peg-V (OR: 1.6 95%IC: 1.1-2.3, p=0.04), and a lower risk if treated with Pasi-LAR (OR: 0.26 IC95%: 0.11-0.66, p=0.038).

Conclusions

Our data support a predictive role of the GHR isoforms for the occurrence of i-VFs in acromegalic patients treated with second-line drugs, tailored to the individual patient. The knowledge of the GHR polymorphism may facilitate the choice of second-line therapies, improving the therapeutic approach, in the context of personalized medicine.
A comprehensive evaluation index system for low-carbon development of power systems in a load-intensive city
Authors: Liang Yi , Dong Hong , Gao Yuqun , Hu Liujun , Gao Yanna , Lin Zihan , Zeng Fanhong , Xu Yunxia
Published: August 2024

There is a relative lack of research aimed at developing a comprehensive index system for low-carbon development of power systems in load-intensive cities in China. First, this paper outlined the main challenges faced in the urban power system development process and determined development goals and key indexes that combined the macro goals and requirements of constructing new power systems with the development characteristics and trends of load-intensive urban power systems. Second, a comprehensive index system and evaluation method for the low-carbon development of power systems was proposed to consider the perspectives of safety, efficiency, clean energy, low carbon, and flexibility. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed index system and evaluation method was verified by taking the development of actual power systems in ultra-large-load-intensive cities as an example, providing support for the development decision making of actual urban power system construction and transformation.
Nest climate and blood quality of two host species of the ectoparasitic Philornis downsi in the Galapagos Islands as factors of larval development
Authors: Pike Courtney L. , Hood-Nowotny Rebecca , Kofler Barbara , Richner Heinz , Tebbich Sabine
Published: August 2024

The avian vampire fly is an invasive species on the Galapagos Islands, where its hematophagous larvae utilize nestling birds as hosts. It poses a serious threat to populations and species of Darwin finches and other avian species. Prior studies suggest that the avian vampire fly larvae develop more rapidly in nests of small tree finches compared to sympatric green warbler finch nests. Here we investigate factors that may differentially influence larval growth in the two host species, including nest microclimate and nestling diet. We collected nest base temperature and humidity data as proxies for nest microclimate. As indicators of dietary composition and quality, we measured stable isotope δ13C and δ15N composition of nestling blood, used the C:N ratios as an indicator of relative protein content, and assessed the amino acid composition of the blood. The hematophagous larvae living off nestling blood were analyzed for the same parameters except amino acid composition. The effect of nest base humidity on nest base temperature significantly depended on bird species: at low humidity levels nest base temperature was higher in the small tree finch, and declined in both species as nest base humidity increased, which suggests higher stable heat capacity of small tree finch nests. The effect of age group based on the predicted onset of thermoregulation was marginally significant. Nest base temperatures were significantly higher in small tree finch nests during the predicted female brooding period before fully effective thermoregulation. Stable isotope δ13C levels were significantly higher in the blood of small tree finch nestlings compared to warbler finch nestlings, suggesting a difference in nestling food composition and source, while. δ15N levels were similar. The C:N ratios and amino acid composition of nestling blood were not significantly different between the two species, suggesting similar dietary quality. Thus, the faster development of larvae in small tree finch nests may be due to higher nest base temperatures during the early nestling phase rather than host blood quality parameters.
Rewiring the T cell-suppressive cytokine landscape of the tumor microenvironment: a new frontier for precision anti-cancer therapy
Authors: Lopresti Ludovica , Tatangelo Vanessa , Baldari Cosima T. , Patrussi Laura
Published: August 2024

T lymphocytes that infiltrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) often fail to function as effective anti-cancer agents. Within the TME, cell-to-cell inhibitory interactions play significant roles in dampening their anti-tumor activities. Recent studies have revealed that soluble factors released in the TME by immune and non-immune cells, as well as by tumor cells themselves, contribute to the exacerbation of T cell exhaustion. Our understanding of the cytokine landscape of the TME, their interrelationships, and their impact on cancer development is still at its early stages. In this review, we aim to shed light on Interleukin (IL) -6, IL-9, and IL-10, a small group of JAK/STAT signaling-dependent cytokines harboring T cell-suppressive effects in the TME and summarize their mechanisms of action. Additionally, we will explore how advancements in scientific research can help us overcoming the obstacles posed by cytokines that suppress T cells in tumors, with the ultimate objective of stimulating further investigations for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to counteract their tumor-promoting activities.
Rigid crosslinking of the CD3 complex leads to superior T cell stimulation
Authors: Nelson Alfreda D. , Wang Liangyu , Laffey Kimberly G. , Becher Laura R. E. , Parks Christopher A. , Hoffmann Michele M. , Galeano Belinda K. , Mangalam Ashutosh , Teixeiro Emma , White Tommi A. , Schrum Adam G. , Cannon John F. , Gil Diana
Published: August 2024

Functionally bivalent non-covalent Fab dimers (Bi-Fabs) specific for the TCR/CD3 complex promote CD3 signaling on T cells. While comparing functional responses to stimulation with Bi-Fab, F(ab’)2 or mAb specific for the same CD3 epitope, we observed fratricide requiring anti-CD3 bridging of adjacent T cells. Surprisingly, anti-CD3 Bi-Fab ranked first in fratricide potency, followed by anti-CD3 F(ab’)2 and anti-CD3 mAb. Low resolution structural studies revealed anti-CD3 Bi-Fabs and F(ab’)2 adopt similar global shapes with CD3-binding sites oriented outward. However, under molecular dynamic simulations, anti-CD3 Bi-Fabs crosslinked CD3 more rigidly than F(ab’)2. Furthermore, molecular modelling of Bi-Fab and F(ab’)2 binding to CD3 predicted crosslinking of T cell antigen receptors located in opposing plasma membrane domains, a feature fitting with T cell fratricide observed. Thus, increasing rigidity of Fab-CD3 crosslinking between opposing effector-target pairs may result in stronger T cell effector function. These findings could guide improving clinical performance of bi-specific anti-CD3 drugs.
Immunoproteasome acted as immunotherapy ‘coffee companion’ in advanced carcinoma therapy
Authors: Shi Shaoyan , Ou Xuehai , Liu Chao , Wen Hao , Jiang Ke
Published: August 2024

Immunoproteasome is a specialized form of proteasome which plays a crucial role in antigen processing and presentation, and enhances immune responses against malignant cells. This review explores the role of immunoproteasome in the anti-tumor immune responses, including immune surveillance and modulation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as its potential as a target for cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, we have also discussed the therapeutic potential of immunoproteasome inhibitors, strategies to enhance antigen presentation and combination therapies. The ongoing trials and case studies in urology, melanoma, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers have also been summarized. Finally, the challenges facing clinical translation of immunoproteasome-targeted therapies, such as toxicity and resistance mechanisms, and the future research directions have been addressed. This review underscores the significance of targeting the immunoproteasome in combination with other immunotherapies for solid tumors and its potential broader applications in other diseases.
Epidemiological characteristics of myopia among school-age children before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Mu Jingfeng , Zhong Haoxi , Jiang Mingjie , Yang Weihua
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of myopia among school-aged children before, during, and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

A total of 848,697 students aged 6–15 years from 786 primary and secondary schools in Shenzhen, China, were randomly selected as research subjects. We conducted annual myopia screenings from 2019 to 2022. 2019 was considered before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 as during the pandemic, and 2021 and 2022 as after the pandemic. Demographic characteristics, visual acuity, and spherical equivalent refraction (SE) were collected.

Results

During the 4-year follow-up period, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of the study subjects progressed following a trend of −0.18 ± 0.30D (−0.17 ± 0.29D for boys, −0.21 ± 0.32Dfor girls) (p < 0.001). Those students who were in grade 4 aged 9–10 years at the baseline examination showed the greatest decline in visual acuity (0.23). The SE of the study subjects progressed following a trend of −1.00 ± 1.27D (−0.96 ± 1.25D for boys, −1.05 ± 1.31D for girls) (p < 0.001). The students who were in grade 5 aged 10–11 years at the baseline examination showed the greatest decline in SE (1.15D ± 1.22, p < 0.001). The prevalence of myopia (UCVA<5.0 and SE < –0.50D of any eye) increased by 28.2% (27.0% for boys and 29.8% for girls). Those students who were in grade 2 aged 7–8 years at the baseline examination showed the greatest increase in myopia prevalence (37.6%, p < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the subjects’ visual acuity and SE measurements decreased by −0.05 ± 0.19 (p < 0.001) and − 0.36 ± 0.89D (p < 0.001) respectively, and the prevalence of myopia increased by 11.3% (10.6% for boys and 12.2% for girls) (p < 0.001). The 3-year cumulative incidence of myopia for non-myopic grade 1 aged 6–7 years students with baseline SE of ≥1.00D, ≥ 0.50D and < 1.00D, ≥0D and < 0.50D, and ≥ −0.50D and < 0D were 6.8, 24.8, 39.0, and 48.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SE of school-aged children showed myopic drift and decreased visual acuity. Myopia progressed faster among girls than among boys in the same grades. The risk of myopia among school-aged children persisted even after the home quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted.
Application of Bacillus tequilensis for the control of gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea in blueberry and mechanisms of action: inducing phenylpropanoid pathway metabolism
Authors: Du Qianjie , Li Raoyong , Liu Li , Chen Lin , Tang Junrong , Deng Jia , Wang Fang
Published: August 2024

Background

Botrytis cinerea a blueberry gray mold, is one of the main diseases affecting postharvest storage, causing significant losses. Several studies have shown that Bacillus tequilensis can prevent the growth of plant pathogens by producing various antibacterial substances, and can induce plant resistance. However, research on the biological management of post-harvest gray mold in blueberries using B. tequilensis remains unclear.

Methods

To better control the postharvest gray mold of blueberry, the effects of B. tequilensis KXF6501 fermentation solution (YY) and KXF6501 cell-free supernatant (SQ) on the induction of disease resistance in blueberry fruits were studied using biochemical and transcriptomic analyses.

Results

We found that YY controlled the conidial germination and mycelial growth of B. cinerea in vitro, followed by SQ. After 3 d of culture, the lesion diameter and incidence of gray mold in blueberry fruits inoculated with YY and SQ were smaller than those in the control group. Therefore, gray mold in blueberries was effectively controlled during the prevention period, and the control effect of YY was better than that of SQ. Transcription spectrum analysis of blueberry peel tissue showed that the YY- and SQ-induced phenylpropane metabolic pathways had more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than other biological pathways. In addition, biochemical analyses showed that YY treatment effectively enhanced the activity of enzymes related to the phenylpropane pathway (phenylalanine ammonialyase [PAL], cinnamate 4-hydroxylase [C4H], 4-coumarate CoA ligase [4CL], and polyphenol oxidase [PPO]) and stimulated the synthesis of lignin, total phenols, and flavonoids, followed by SQ. Compared with the control, the YY and SQ treatments reduced the weight loss rate and better maintained the appearance and nutritional quality of the blueberry fruits.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that B. tequilensis KXF6501 is potentially useful as a suitable bio-control agent in harvested blueberries.
Progresses and challenges of engineering thermophilic acetogenic cell factories
Authors: Bourgade Barbara , Islam M. Ahsanul
Published: August 2024

Thermophilic acetogens are gaining recognition as potent microbial cell factories, leveraging their unique metabolic capabilities to drive the development of sustainable biotechnological processes. These microorganisms, thriving at elevated temperatures, exhibit robust carbon fixation abilities via the linear Wood-Ljungdahl pathway to efficiently convert C1 substrates, including syngas (CO, CO2 and H2) from industrial waste gasses, into acetate and biomass via the central metabolite acetyl-CoA. This review summarizes recent advancements in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology efforts that have expanded the range of products derived from thermophilic acetogens after briefly discussing their autotrophic metabolic diversity. These discussions highlight their potential in the sustainable bioproduction of industrially relevant compounds. We further review the remaining challenges for implementing efficient and complex strain engineering strategies in thermophilic acetogens, significantly limiting their use in an industrial context.