bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in activity of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in rat liver in experimental model of cholestasis taking into account its duration and assessment of selected features
Authors: Suszyński Krzysztof , Białoń Natalia , Górka Dariusz , Dolińska Anna , Górka Mikołaj
Published: July 2023

Wstęp

Cholestaza, inaczej zastój żółci, pojawia się wówczas, gdy dochodzi do zablokowania przepływu żółci. Obecnie wyróżnia się dwa rodzaje cholestazy: zewnątrzwątrobową i wewnątrzwątrobową. Do czynników wywołujących cholestazę zalicza się m.in.: alkoholowe i niealkoholowe stłuszczenia wątroby, infekcje, choroby dróg żółciowych, nowotwory dróg żółciowych czy choroby trzustki. Celem przeprowadzonych badań była ocena cech cholestazy i zmian w aktywności metaloproteinaz 2 i 9.

Materiał i metody

Materiał badawczy stanowiło 36 szczurów samców szczepu Sprague-Dawley o masie ciała 350–420 g. Zwierzęta podzielono na 3 grupy badane i 3 grupy kontrolne, po 6 zwierząt w każdej. W grupach badanych wywołano model cholestazy zewnątrzwątrobowej. Zwierzęta z grup badanych i kontrolnych reoperowano kolejno po upływie 3, 7 i 14 dni. Aktywność wybranych metaloproteinaz określono metodą zymograficzną. Następnie ocenie mikroskopowej poddano preparaty histopatologiczne, oceniając charakterystyczne dla wątroby szczura cechy cholestazy.

Wyniki

Wszystkie grupy poddano analizie statystycznej z użyciem testu Kruskala i Wallisa dla wartości nieparametrycznych. Komputerowa analiza densytometryczna wyników zymografii uzyskanych z pobranego materiału wykazała aktywność MMP-2 i MMP-9. Znamienne statystycznie różnice oznaczono w przypadku MMP-2, stwierdzając jej podwyższoną aktywność w grupach I C, III C (*p < 0,05) w porównaniu z grupami kontrolnymi. Zaobserwowano tendencję wzrostową.

Wnioski

Wraz z upływem czasu trwania cholestazy wzrasta aktywność MMP-2. Wyniki analizy histopatologicznej wybranych cech cholestazy wykazały, iż znamiennie wyższe oceny uzyskiwały zwierzęta w doświadczalnym modelu cholestazy.
Predicting the future trends for circular economy
Authors: Rana Daksh , Mir Nuaim Bashir , Dwivedi Aditya , Nagpal Renuka , Mehrotra Deepti
Published: July 2023

Considering sustainability and resource efficiency goals, the circular economy has gained significant attention as a promising economic model. To achieve this the countries worldwide are putting their attention on total municipal waste generation and its disposal methods with focus on recycling. For sustainable development of the country, policy makers need to design a new economic framework that should target reduction in the waste generation and enhancement in its reusage. Keeping in view this need the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) explored twelve key factors associated with the circular economy for European countries. For better understanding Heat map analysis is done on total municipal waste generation and recycling for ten countries. The trend analysis is also performed to get insight into how countries should plan their future policy designs keeping sustainability in the limelight. The study employs an ARIMA model to predict trends in two crucial components of the circular economy: municipal waste generation and recycling rates. The predicting modelling approach will provide a targeted measures to policy makers to handle the waste efficiently.
Newborn care practices at home and health facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia: a qualitative assessment
Authors: Abay Tedros Hailu , Hadush Marta Yemane , Berhe Amanuel Hadgu , Gebremariam Dawit Seyoum , Zelelew Yibrah Berhe , Beyene Selemawit Asfaw , Medhanyie Araya Abraha , Gebregziabher Fisseha Ashebir , Berhe Tirhas Asmelash
Published: July 2023

Background: The Most Vulnerable age group for child survival is neonatal period. In 2019, Newborn deaths accounted to nearly half of under-5mortality with 2.4 million deaths Worldwide. (1) The estimated neonatal mortality rate of Ethiopia is 30 deaths per 1000 live births. (3). The aim of this study is to assess the Newborn care practices at home and public health care system in Tigray.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with two techniques: focused group discussions and in depth interviews. Five zones from Tigray region were included in the study. A total of 16 focused group discussions and 46 in depth interviews were conducted among community representatives and health workers. Collected data was discussed, recorded data was transcribed ATLAS ti software was used for coding themes and experiences. The transcribed data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Before coding, the themes were identified and thoroughly discussed.
Results: Community perspective: Despite satisfactory knowledge of the community on basic new born care and harmful traditional practices, there is still significant and unresolved problem with the practices. Financial and social factors were found to affect the active participation of parents especially the mother in care of the baby in the facility. Health care professionals perspective: Unlike Facility births, weight measurement practice for home births is variable with most being not weighed. There are missed home births despite presence of home birth notification framework. HEWs do postnatal care using scheduled home visit care package. Up-referral continuum of care and referral feedback from hospitals is poor. Widespread shortages of electric power, phototherapy machine, and lack of awareness on the community side on care of preterm and LBW babies are among the findings. Economic insecurity and social factors were critical factors affecting parents experience.
Conclusion: As the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health focuses on decreasing the huge Neonatal mortality rate, improving the newborn care practices both at home and in health facilities would be important. It is necessary to invest on strengthening the HEP and Health education programs and have an actionable strategy with dedicated resources to provide effective services at facility level.
Evaluation of the causal effect of maternal education on the utilisation of maternal health services in Bangladesh using an observational study - a comparison of different propensity score methods and covariate adjustment
Authors: Akter Ema , Hossain Aniqa Tasnim , Siddique Abu Bakkar , Rahman M. Shafiqur , Arifeen Shams El , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Ahmed Anisuddin
Published: July 2023

Background Assessing maternal health care utilisation is imperative for the health of both mother and her child. Maternal education is an important determinant in subsequent maternal health care usage, according to research. There is a dearth of research on the causal relationship between maternal education and maternal health services as well as examining the performance of different propensity score methods for estimating absolute effects. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the effect of maternal education on usage of maternal health services minimising the confounding effect and to examine the ability of different propensity score approaches to estimate absolute effects of maternal education on usage of maternal health services. Methods We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted by icddr,b in Bangladesh. A total of 1300 recently delivered mothers were included in this study. We used four propensity score methods to estimate the causal effect of maternal education on receiving maternal health services, including propensity score (PS) matching, PS weighting (average treatment effect and average treatment effect among the treated), covariate adjustment using PS, as well as used multiple logistic regression. Results The study revealed highly imbalanced possible confounding factors for mothers' educational level, which might lead to erroneous estimates. All methods indicate a significant effect of maternal education on maternal health services where mothers exposed to secondary or higher levels of education were more likely to have four or more ANC, delivered at facility, PNC within 42 days as well as receiving all maternal health services compared to the mothers who have below secondary level of education. The PS weighting provides better estimates with a low range of confidence interval. Conclusions The results provided important insights on how well these techniques worked to reduce confounding variables and achieve precise estimates. All methods indicated a significant causal effect of maternal education on the usage of maternal health services. However, propensity score weighting method performed better in terms of providing more precise estimates with a narrower range of confidence intervals, indicating that this method may be a reliable approach for estimating the causal effect of maternal education on maternal health service utilisation.
An assessment of Spatio-temporal Forest covers Changes Impacts on Land Degradation and Its Consequences in Gida Ayana District, Ethiopia Using Geoinformatics Techniques
Authors: Mondal¹ Md Surabuddin , Warku² Fikadu , Kappas³ Martin , Nagasa² Milkessa Dangia
Published: July 2023

The study have been examined the impact of spatio-temporal forest cover change on land degradation and its consequences using geospatial technology. The multi-temporal satellite images of Landsat TM of 1985, Landsat ETM + of 2000, and Landsat OLI/TIR of 2020 with spatial resolution of 30 meters have been used to map potential and actual land degradation. Major biophysical factors (vegetation condition, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope factor, and population density) for land degradation were compiled and analyzed for final modeling. Vegetation condition have been computed from Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and NDVI. LULC have been classified into five LULC classes i.e., grassland, farmland, forest, wetland and settlement, while NDVI classes were very low, low, medium, high, very high vegetation cover. Probability rank weighted approaches have been applied in this study during the overlay analysis in ArcGIS environment. The results have shown that there was major expansion of farmland areas in the last 35 years of analysis period i.e., from 52.10% in 1985 to 53.87% in 2000 and 61.47% in 2020, while there was a high degradation in the area of forest land in 35 years of analysis period i.e., from 34.36% in 1985 to 32% in 2000 and 21.68% in 2020. The actual and potential land degradation values in each year shows that there was significant increment in area of degradation (very high degradation was 74,827 ha in 1985, 80,956 ha in 2000, 91,483 ha in 2020 for actual one, two, and three respectively and very high degradation 79,376 ha in 1985, 82,320 ha in 2000 and 83,431 ha in 2020 for potential one, two and three respectively. The above time series land degradation increment trend in the study area for actual and potential was due to high deforestation, intensive agricultural expansion, and increment of the human and livestock population in the study period. Direct beneficiaries of this study will include recourses manager, regional planner as well as scientific community.
Night-Time Light-Traps and Push-Pull Integrated System Enhanced the Control of Different Life Stages of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Gebreziher Haftay Gebreyesus , Gebreazgaabher Fissiha Gebreyesus
Published: July 2023

Background
Maize, Zea mays L (Cyperales: Poaceae), is one of the major cereal crops grown in Ethiopia for its food and feed values. Recently, the fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) has become a major challenge to maize production threatening smallholder farmers in the country. Developing effective and smallholder farmers-friendly integrated pest management of FAW is vital. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of night-time light-traps and push-pull integrated system on controlling different life stages (adult, larvae and eggs) of FAW.
Results
A significantly greater number of FAW moths were captured on traps placed outside maize field plots treated with a light-trap and push-pull integrated system than on traps placed outside maize monocrop, light-trap and push-pull treated plots during the 2018 and 2019 experiment seasons. As a result, a significantly lower number of moths were found inside maize field plots treated with light-trap and a push-pull integrated system than the other treatments. The levels of FAW eggs and larvae infestation were significantly lower in maize plots treated with a light-trap and push-pull integrated system than in maize monocrops, push-pull, and light-trap treated plots. The proportion of plants damaged by FAW larvae was significantly lower in maize plots treated with a light-trap and push-pull integrated system relative to maize plots treated with the other treatments.
Conclusion
This study proved that a system integrating night-time light-traps and push-pull system results in a better and more effective control of different stages of FAW than push-pull system and night-time light-traps alone.
Global overview of modern financing typologies to mitigate financial risks in developed countries
Authors: Patel Sina , Kasztelnik Karina , Zelihic Maja
Published: July 2023

In this study, we reviewed the laws and legal regulations that mandate banks and financial services organizations to implement anti-money laundering efforts which are responsible to detect and mitigate the risks of money laundering and modern financing. We examined the topics of money laundering and modern financing in greater depth to understand the risk factors related to each financial crime. Understanding the aspects of each financial crime is necessary to comprehend predicate offense typologies. We continued with a review and synthesis of the literature on money laundering and modern financing typologies. We concluded the review with an analysis of Gary Becker’s economic theory of criminal behavior and the neoclassical approach to criminal behavior. As suggested by the key concepts reviewed in this literature review, predicate offenses are evolving as prevailing conditions of society change. A major global challenge in recent times is the Covid-19 pandemic crisis which has increased financial risks worldwide (Klimczak et al., 2021). Understanding the different types of predicate offenses and typologies portrays a holistic process of how criminals launder money or finance modern acts. A review of the existing literature demonstrated intensive research on the topic of financial crime but there is a gap in the current legislative and financial risk management framework. The legislative and financial risk management framework detects economic uncertainties and risk factors requiring a reevaluation of financial risk measurement methodologies to mitigate the risk consequences of money laundering and modern financing activities. A best practice to provide a sound framework to manage financial risks is for U.S. banking and financial service company compliance managers to identify predicate offense typologies. American society could benefit from the results of the study (Klimczak et al., 2021). The banking and financial industries ought to be prepared for the future and continue to adapt to new emerging threats, varying consumer classification, and changing environment. It is essential for compliance leaders to implement public education initiatives and help their customers recognize their role in combating money laundering and modern financing activities. Overall, the study has contributed to positive social change by identifying predicate offense typologies that can help U.S. banking and financial services company compliance managers reduce the risks of money laundering and modern financing activities (Klimczak et al., 2021).
Płynność finansowa w sektorze gospodarstw rolnych w Polsce na tle Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Ryś-Jurek Roma
Published: July 2023

Celem badania było przedstawienie płynności finansowej w sektorze gospodarstw rolnych w Polsce na tle gospodarstw w Unii Europejskiej. Wykorzystano w nim głównie dane statystyczne z bazy FADN, które umożliwiły analizę zjawiska według krajów Unii Europejskiej w latach 2004-2009 oraz w układach według: wielkości ekonomicznej, typu rolniczego i warunków produkcji. Wykonano również badanie dla polskich regionów FADN.
Statistical analysis of three new measures of relevance redundancy and complementarity
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Fundamental and Applied Mathematics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco, Chamlal H. , El Mourtji B. ,   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Fundamental and Applied Mathematics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco, Ouaderhman T. ,   Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Fundamental and Applied Mathematics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
Published: July 2023

Discriminant analysis is part of statistical learning; its goal is to separate classes defined a priori on a population and involves predicting the class of given data points. Discriminant analysis is applied in various fields such as pattern recognition, DNA microarray etc. In recent years, the discrimination problem remains a challenging task that has received increasing attention, especially for high-dimensional data sets. Indeed, in such a case, the feature selection is necessary, which implies the use of criteria of relevance, redundancy and complementarity of explanatory variables. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of three new criteria proposed in this sense, more precisely based on the Principal Component Analysis we have been able to achieve a double objective: that of studying the harmony of these three criteria and also visualizing the class of candidate variables for a more in-depth selection in addition to eliminating the noise variables in a discriminant model.
Non-Destructive Measurement of Optically Scattering Polymer Films Using Image Processing
Authors: McAllister Noah , Green-Warren Robert , Arkhipov Maxim , Lee Jae-Hwang , Pelegri Assimina , Singer Jonathan
Published: July 2023

We establish a sample- and data-processing pipeline that allows for high-throughput measurement optical microscope measurement of porous films, provided that the film is sufficiently optically scattering. Here, self-limiting electrospray deposition (SLED) is used to manufacture scattering films of different morphologies. This technique compensates for the scattering of the films through background subtraction of the reflection image with the transmission image. This process is implemented through a combination ImageJ-MATLAB data pipeline; the Canny edge-detector is used as the image-processing algorithm to identify boundaries of the film. We verify this process against manually measured images; a comparative study between cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (where scattering effects are diminished) and optical microscopy also verifies that our optical microscopy technique can be used to consistently, non-destructively measure film thickness regardless of film morphology. In addition, this technique can be used in combination with dense film measurements to measure film porosity.
Microporous Polymers as Light Absorbers for Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Wang Yuxing , Rochat Sebastien
Published: July 2023

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) hold the promise to make solar electricity more affordable by reducing the need for expensive photovoltaic cells and enabling less conventional forms of photovoltaics such as solar windows or roofs, and other architectural elements. Here we demonstrate the use of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) as an efficient light absorber in an LSC, combined with a red-emitting dye. The prepared prototype LSC displays a good photoluminescence quantum yield (65.3 %) and performance metrics that show promise for the use of microporous polymers as light harvesters. This work significantly broadens the potential applications of PIMs beyond their traditional functions in molecular separations and other adsorption-based processes.
Mobile fNIRS for exploring inter-brain synchrony across generations and time
Authors: Moffat Ryssa , Casale Courtney , Cross Emily S.
Published: July 2023

While still relatively rare, longitudinal hyperscanning studies are exceptionally valuable for documenting changes in inter-brain synchrony, which may in turn underpin how behaviors develop and evolve in social settings. The generalizability and ecological validity of this experimental approach hinges on the selected imaging technique being mobile–a requirement met by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). fNIRS has most frequently been used to examine the development of inter-brain synchrony and behavior in child-parent dyads. We propose that dedicating attention to longitudinal and intergenerational hyperscanning stands to benefit the fields of social and cognitive neuroscience more broadly. This is particularly relevant for understanding the neural mechanisms underpinning intergenerational social dynamics, and potentially for benchmarking progress in psychological and social interventions, many of which are situated in intergenerational contexts. In this position paper, we highlight areas of intergenerational research that stand to be enhanced by longitudinal hyperscanning with mobile devices, describe challenges that may arise from measuring across generations in the real world, and offer potential solutions.
Extalgia: Transcending the Legible Frames of Diaspora
Authors: Olaoluwa Senayon
Published: July 2023

Since Johannes Hofer's coinage of the term nostalgia in the seventeenth century, which he used to describe the pathological suffering of Swiss soldiers serving abroad, various disciplines engaging with migration and the broad-based discourse of diaspora have focused on this experience to the extent of “theoretical closure.” I argue that this discursive strand has prevented a systematic consideration of the simultaneous suffering and creativity that are provoked in stay-at-homes when their loved ones are dispersed to other lands. This article draws upon insights from the Ogu cultural practice of effigy carving in the representation of departed twin children to underscore how dispersal from the homeland provokes suffering and creativity in the left-behind, and is generative of what I have termed extalgia. Further, I illustrate the networks of suffering and creativity that are implicated in extalgia through an exploration of theoretical and empirical possibilities within the broader discourse of diaspora that mobilizes African and African diaspora textuality and culture to animate the complex spatiotemporal trajectory of the term. While premised on the fundamental discourse of diaspora, the article draws substantially from the iterations of exile as a strand of diaspora in its illustration. The article concludes that extalgia facilitates new understandings of how the absence of the dispersed is commemorated and curated in homeland memory through the expression of suffering and creativity by stay-at-homes, and challenges us to transcend the legible frames of diaspora to a holistic rendition of the experience as a spectrum. Ultimately, the article invites scholars to consider the various ways in which the concept of extalgia is dramatized in other disciplinary contexts across the globe, particularly concerning the ideational and practical borders and networks between extalgia and the time-honored notion of nostalgia.
La décolonisation et l’autochtonisation au Musée McCord (1992–2019): les rapports de collaboration avec les Premiers Peuples et de l’inclusion de l’art contemporain des Premières Nations dans les expositions
Authors: Franco Marie-Charlotte
Published: July 2023

This research note summarizes my doctoral dissertation in museology entitle “Decolonization and Indigenization at the McCord Museum (1992–2019): Collaborative Relationships With First Peoples and the Inclusion of the Contemporary Art of First Nations in Exhibitions.” For this work, I received the Brian Long Award for the best doctoral dissertation from the International Council for Canadian Studies (2022) and the Best PhD Dissertation in Canadian Studies from the Canadian Studies Network (CSN/RÉC) (2021).
Research Notes: Animal Colonialism in North America: Decolonial Animal Ethic and Indigenous Veganism in Canada and Mexico and Ecofeminist Analysis of Eden Robinson’s The Trickster Trilogy and Guadalupe Nettle’s Natural Histories
Authors: Krásná Denisa
Published: July 2023

This article treats colonization as an interspecies issue and explores the intersection of animal colonialism and gender violence in North America and their representation in recent writings by two prominent writers from Canada and Mexico, namely, in Eden Robinson’s The Trickster Trilogy and Guadalupe Nettle’s Natural Histories. It employs the so-called decolonial animal ethic proposed by the scholar and writer Billy-Ray Belcourt (Driftpile Cree) as both a theoretical and a practical framework through which non-human animals are seen as “colonial subjects” and partners in decolonization alongside Indigenous peoples.
Trafik Kazalarının Zamansal ve Mekânsal İncelenmesi: Konya Şehri Örneği
Authors: DİLER Zühal , HAYBAT Himmet , ÖZLÜ Tamer
Published: July 2023

Şehirlerde nüfusun artması ile birlikte kullanılan araç sayısı artmakta ve artan araç sayısı ile birlikte problemler yaşanmaktadır. Ulaşım konusunda insanların yaşadığı problemlerden bir tanesi de trafik kazalarıdır. Çalışmada Konya ilinin merkez ilçeleri olan Karatay, Selçuklu ve Meram’da meydana gelen trafik kazaları ele alınmıştır. Trafik kazaları, zaman, mekân ve zamansal-mekânsal olarak üç kategoride araştırılmıştır. Araştırmada 2015-2021 trafik kazası verileri kullanılmıştır. Veriler trafik şube müdürlüğünden ve trafik kaza tutanaklarından elde edilen metinsel verilerdir. Zaman analizlerinde trafik kazaları; saat, gün, ay, mevsim ve yıl bilgilerine yer verilmiştir. Mekân açısından kazalarının analizi için nokta yoğunluk, Anselin Local Moran I ve vaka toplam araçları kullanılmıştır. Zaman-mekân açısından trafik kazalarının analiz edilmesi için Sıcak Nokta Analizi ve Uzay Zaman Küpü araçları kullanılmıştır. Analiz ve bulgular için ArcGIS Pro yazılımının 2.5 sürümü ve ArcGIS yazılımının 10.8 sürümlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Gerçekleşen trafik kazalarının çoğunun, yerleşim yerlerinin yoğun olduğu alanlarda ve sanayi bölgesinde dağılım gösterdiği gözlemlenmiştir.
Challenges and opportunities for improving nitrogen utilization efficiency for more sustainable pork production
Authors: Shurson Gerald C. , Kerr Brian J.
Published: July 2023

Pork is one of the most consumed animal-derived protein sources around the world, but less than 45% of dietary nitrogen (N) is converted into edible lean meat. This inefficiency contributes to the 80% of human-induced N emissions that have resulted in exceeding the planetary boundaries for N. Reducing this inefficiency requires using a multifaceted approach. Swine genetic selection programs have improved the rate of lean growth in recent decades, but further improvements may be difficult because of lack of genetic variation within the global pig population. Breeding programs to increase litter size have led to intrauterine growth restriction and an increased proportion of low-birth-weight piglets which do not utilize dietary protein as efficiently as normal birth weight pigs. Intact males have greater lean growth rate and N efficiency than castrates and gilts, and the use of immunocastration technology has been implemented in some countries to capture this benefit while minimizing boar taint in pig meat. Use of other metabolic modifiers including porcine somatotropin and ractopamine, alone or in combination with immunocastration, can further enhance lean growth and dietary N efficiency, but a general lack of consumer acceptance and potential food safety concerns have led to regulatory restrictions in many countries. Because feed production contributes about 70% of N emissions in pig production systems, use of precision feed formulation and feeding practices, selected dietary feed additives, feed processing, and minimizing feed wastage appear to offer the greatest opportunity to reduce N waste and environmental footprint to improve the sustainability of pork production.
Analysis of inhomogeneous magnetization using a spinner magnetometer
Authors: Kodama Kazuto
Published: July 2023

The assumption for measuring a discrete sample by spinner magnetometer in paleomagnetism is that the sample under study is a magnetic dipole so that the magnetization vector can be calculated by successive measurements of components along three orthogonal axes. This assumption may not hold for samples with inhomogeneous magnetization, irregular shape, or both, where non-dipole components are no longer ignorable. This study draws attention to their effect on the measurement of remanent magnetization based on an offset dipole model using multipole expansion of magnetic potential. Results from this model are compared with the experimental data measured by a new type of spinner magnetometer featured by high spatial resolution and the capability of measuring the fundamental wave component as well as the harmonic wave components. By using the relative amplitude of the harmonic waves to the fundamental wave, the contribution of non-dipole components can be quantified, leading to assessing how dipolar a sample is. The new analyses and instrumentation will be useful as a new diagnostic tool to obtain more reliable data from the samples collected from tectonically active regions with complicated geological histories.
Colorectal cancer and therapy response: a focus on the main mechanisms involved
Authors: Tirendi Sara , Marengo Barbara , Domenicotti Cinzia , Bassi Anna M. , Almonti Vanessa , Vernazza Stefania
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The latest GLOBOCAN 2021 reports that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most CRC cases are sporadic and associated with several risk factors, including lifestyle habits, gut dysbiosis, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Aim

To summarize the biology of CRC and discuss current therapeutic interventions designed to counteract CRC development and to overcome chemoresistance.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and focusing the attention on the keywords such as “Current treatment of CRC” or “chemoresistance and CRC” or “oxidative stress and CRC” or “novel drug delivery approaches in cancer” or “immunotherapy in CRC” or “gut microbiota in CRC” or “systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” or “CSCs and CRC”. The citations included in the search ranged from September 1988 to December 2022. An additional search was carried out using the clinical trial database.

Results

Rounds of adjuvant therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are commonly planned to reduce cancer recurrence after surgery (stage II and stage III CRC patients) and to improve overall survival (stage IV). 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in combination with other cytotoxic drugs, is the mainstay to treat CRC. However, the onset of the inherent or acquired resistance and the presence of chemoresistant cancer stem cells drastically reduce the efficacy. On the other hand, the genetic-molecular heterogeneity of CRC often precludes also the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches such as immunotherapies. Therefore, the CRC complexity made of natural or acquired multidrug resistance has made it necessary the search for new druggable targets and new delivery systems.

Conclusion

Further knowledge of the underlying CRC mechanisms and a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic opportunities can provide the basis for identifying pharmacological and biological barriers that render therapies ineffective and for identifying new potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for advanced and aggressive CRC.
Maize kernel metabolome involved in resistance to fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination
Authors: Cao Ana , Gesteiro Noemi , Santiago Rogelio , Malvar Rosa Ana , Butrón Ana
Published: July 2023

Fusarium verticillioides poses a threat to worldwide maize production due to its ability to infect maize kernel and synthesize fumonisins that can be accumulated above safety levels for humans and animals. Maize breeding has been proposed as key tool to decrease kernel contamination with fumonisins, but metabolic studies complementary to genomic approaches are necessary to disclose the complexity of maize resistance. An untargeted metabolomic study was proposed using inbreds genetically related but with contrasting levels of resistance in order to uncover pathways implicated in resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER) and fumonisin contamination in the maize kernel and to look for possible biomarkers. Metabolite determinations were performed in kernels collected at 3 and 10 days after inoculation with F. verticillioides (dat). Discriminant metabolites between resistant and susceptible RILs were rather found at 10 than 3 dat, although metabolite differences at later stages of colonization could be driven by subtle variations at earlier stages of infection. Within this context, differences for membrane lipid homeostasis, methionine metabolism, and indolacetic acid conjugation seemed highly relevant to distinguish between resistant and susceptible inbreds, confirming the polygenic nature of resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination in the maize kernels. Nevertheless, some specific metabolites such as the polyamine spermidine and/or the alkaloid isoquinoline seemed to be promising indirect selection traits to improve resistance to FER and reduce fumonisin accumulation. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo experiments will be necessary to validate the inhibitory effects of these compounds on fumonisins biosynthesis.
Changes in Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Communities of Tropical Soil in China under Different Soil Utilization Types
Authors: He Chen , Li Kaikai , Wen Changli , Li Jinku , Fan Pingshan , Ruan Yunze , Meng Lei , Jia Zhongjun
Published: July 2023

The primary purpose of our study is to clarify the differences in physicochemical properties and microbial community composition with the continuous evolution of soil utilization types. Here, we used natural forest soil (NS), healthy banana garden soil (HS), diseased banana garden soil (DS), and paddy soil (PS) in tropical areas of Hainan Province to conduct this study. According to our research, the abundance and diversity of soil bacteria (HS/DS and PS) decrease significantly as soil utilization types evolve. In healthy banana soil, the amount of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes at the bacterial phylum level is more significant than in other soil utilization types. It was observed that the bacterial community structure in NS was notably distinct from that in HS and PS. Apart from paddy soil, the bacterial makeup of the other two soil utilization types mainly remained consistent. Pathogenic soil (DS) undergoes significant changes in its chemical properties. These changes are primarily seen as decreased pH and organic carbon content and increased C/N and inorganic nitrogen content (NH4+, NO3−). This suggests that a specific type of microorganism (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) can cause a significant shift in the soil environment, leading to an unexpected change in soil type. Therefore, to ensure that the soil is healthy, we must balance the soil microbial community composition, promote the increase of the beneficial microbial species and quantity, and create an environment suitable for microbial growth.
Perspectives and Advances in Organic Formulations for Agriculture: Encapsulation of Herbicides for Weed Control
Authors: Rodríguez-Mejías Francisco J. , Scavo Aurelio , Chinchilla Nuria , Molinillo José M. G. , Schwaiger Stefan , Mauromicale Giovanni , Macías Francisco A.
Published: July 2023

This article offers a critical analysis of the evolution of encapsulation methods for herbicides and natural products, with a main focus on organic formulations. It extols the possibilities presented by these micro- and nanomaterials, such as their slow release, stability, bioavailability, water solubility, and stability for classical and natural herbicides from their origins to the present.
Natural Compounds and Glutathione: Beyond Mere Antioxidants
Authors: Di Giacomo Claudia , Malfa Giuseppe Antonio , Tomasello Barbara , Bianchi Simone , Acquaviva Rosaria
Published: July 2023

The tripeptide glutathione plays important roles in many cell processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis; in fact, disorders in glutathione homeostasis are involved both in the etiology and in the progression of several human diseases, including cancer. Natural compounds have been found to modulate glutathione levels and function beyond their role as mere antioxidants. For example, certain compounds can upregulate the expression of glutathione-related enzymes, increase the availability of cysteine, the limiting amino acid for glutathione synthesis, or directly interact with glutathione and modulate its function. These compounds may have therapeutic potential in a variety of disease states where glutathione dysregulation is a contributing factor. On the other hand, flavonoids’ potential to deplete glutathione levels could be significant for cancer treatment. Overall, while natural compounds may have potential therapeutic and/or preventive properties and may be able to increase glutathione levels, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and their potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. In this review, particular emphasis will be placed on phytochemical compounds belonging to the class of polyphenols, terpenoids, and glucosinolates that have an impact on glutathione-related processes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. These classes of secondary metabolites represent the most food-derived bioactive compounds that have been intensively explored and studied in the last few decades.
Exploring the Use of Invalid Action Masking in Reinforcement Learning: A Comparative Study of On-Policy and Off-Policy Algorithms in Real-Time Strategy Games
Authors: Hou Yueqi , Liang Xiaolong , Zhang Jiaqiang , Yang Qisong , Yang Aiwu , Wang Ning
Published: July 2023

Invalid action masking is a practical technique in deep reinforcement learning to prevent agents from taking invalid actions. Existing approaches rely on action masking during policy training and utilization. This study focuses on developing reinforcement learning algorithms that incorporate action masking during training but can be used without action masking during policy execution. The study begins by conducting a theoretical analysis to elucidate the distinction between naive policy gradient and invalid action policy gradient. Based on this analysis, we demonstrate that the naive policy gradient is a valid gradient and is equivalent to the proposed composite objective algorithm, which optimizes both the masked policy and the original policy in parallel. Moreover, we propose an off-policy algorithm for invalid action masking that employs the masked policy for sampling while optimizing the original policy. To compare the effectiveness of these algorithms, experiments are conducted using a simplified real-time strategy (RTS) game simulator called Gym-μRTS. Based on empirical findings, we recommend utilizing the off-policy algorithm for addressing most tasks while employing the composite objective algorithm for handling more complex tasks.
Comparison between Machine Learning and Physical Models Applied to the Evaluation of Co-Seismic Landslide Hazard
Authors: Román-Herrera José Carlos , Rodríguez-Peces Martín Jesús , Garzón-Roca Julio
Published: July 2023

A comparative methodology between advanced statistical tools and physical-based methods is carried out to ensure their reliability and objectivity for the evaluation of co-seismic landslide hazard maps. To do this, an inventory of landslides induced by the 2011 Lorca earthquake is used to highlight the usefulness of these methods to improve earthquake-induced landslide hazard analyses. Various statistical models, such as logistic regression, random forest, artificial neural network, and support vector machine, have been employed for co-seismic landslide susceptibility mapping. The results demonstrate that machine learning techniques using principal components (especially, artificial neural network and support vector machine) yield better results compared to other models. In particular, random forest shows poor results. Artificial neural network and support vector machine approaches are compared to the results of physical-based methods in the same area, suggesting that machine learning methods can provide better results for developing co-seismic landslide susceptibility maps. The application of different advanced statistical models shows the need for validation with an actual inventory of co-seismic landslides to ensure reliability and objectivity. In addition, statistical methods require a great amount of data. The results establish effective land planning and hazard management strategies in seismic areas to minimize the damage of future co-seismic landslides.
Mechanism and Effect Factor of Toughening of High-Speed Train Wheels
Authors: Jia Tuosheng , Liu Cuirong , Shen Zhigang , Wu Zhisheng
Published: July 2023

The wheel of high-speed trains requires high strength and hardness while imposing high demands on plasticity and toughness, resulting from the needs of working conditions. The fracture toughness KQ, as an important indicator of dynamics, often varies in the wheel, which affects the overall performance of the wheel. This work performs tests and analyses on typical samples with large fracture differences in fracture toughness at the same position and uniformly distributed on the same wheel. The mechanism of fracture toughness fluctuation is investigated, and the factors affecting fracture toughness are identified. The test mainly focuses on macroperformance, microfracture morphology, inclusion category and shape influence, pearlite lamellar spacing, and pearlite block size. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and quantitative metallographic technology were employed to investigate the mechanism and influence factors on fracture toughness fluctuation. The analysis shows that the width of the ductile laceration zone is directly correlated with the toughness, and the toughness level is influenced by the cleavage size, pearlite lamellar spacing, and pearlite block uniformity.
Comparing Response Behaviors to System-Limit and System-Malfunction Failures with Four Levels of Operational Proficiency
Authors: Du Junmin , Yunusi Padun , He Shuyang , Ke Peng
Published: July 2023

Commercial aircraft are becoming highly automated, but pilots must take control if automation systems fail. Failures can be due to known limitations (system-limit failures) or unforeseen malfunctions (system-malfunction failures). This study quantifies the impact of these failures on response performance and monitoring behavior, considering four levels of operational proficiency. In a flight simulator with pitch, roll, and yaw, 24 participants experienced both types of failures at different proficiency levels. The results showed that system-malfunction failure response times were 3.644, 2.471, 2.604, and 4.545 times longer than system-limit failure response times at proficiency levels 1 to 4. Monitoring behaviors (fixation duration, saccade duration, fixation rate) differed between failure types and proficiency levels. Considering these differences in response performance and monitoring behavior between failure types, it is important to differentiate between system-limit and system-malfunction failures in the literature and not overlook the influence of proficiency. Furthermore, due to the unpredictability of system-malfunctions, it is crucial to develop pilots’ psychological models and training theories regarding the operation of automated systems, fostering their core competency to excel in handling unknown situations.
Automatic Assembly Technology of Dense Small Screws for Flat Panel Parts
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Xiangyu , Li Songmo
Published: July 2023

Screw assemblies of radar are characterized by numerous densely distributed small screws of various types, rendering their manual assembly difficult and inefficient. To improve the assembly quality and efficiency, an automatic assembly system was developed. First, the position and attitude relationships among the workpiece, camera, and base coordinate systems of the manipulator were obtained using three-point location and nine-point calibration methods. Second, a visual servoing strategy is designed for guiding the manipulator such that its position can be adjusted adaptively to achieve the high-precision positioning of threaded holes. Third, a method for evaluating assembly quality is developed. The templates of angle–torque curves of various screws were produced by fitting experimental data. Furthermore, the assembly quality was determined by calculating the similarity between the angle–torque curves and templates based on the Fréchet distance. Finally, the feasibility was verified using a flat plate component with five threaded holes.
Development and Validation of Universal 3D Blast Fragmentation Model
Authors: Lapčević Veljko , Torbica Slavko , Stojanović Miloš , Vojinović Ivica
Published: July 2023

The dominant technology in hard rock mining is drilling and blasting; therefore, the importance of fragment size estimation is an essential problem in the mining industry. By using a theoretical foundation that explains rock-fracturing mechanisms by blasting, a 3D fragmentation model with general applicability was developed. The main capabilities of the model are the ability to consider different and complex blasting patterns, both with parallel and non-parallel boreholes, and different explosive and rock properties. The geological input of the model is defined by generating the primary blocks within rock mass using discrete fracture networks. The model handles different, complex geological setups and blasting scenarios that include bench, ring, and tunneling blasting. Also, it considers borehole deviation, misfires, and the influence of previous blasts. Full-scale ring blasts were carried out to validate the model against real-world data, and the results showed a high level of agreement between model predictions and in situ data. In situ data were collected using image processing methodology and WipFrag v4 software. X50 and X80 size values showed a maximum error in prediction of around 15%, while R2 values between fragmentation curves were approximately 90% without a detailed model calibration to the obtained data.