bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quels enjeux à relever pour accroître l’utilisation du génie végétal en territoire urbain ?
Authors: MOREAU Clémence , EVETTE André , COTTET Marylise , FRANÇOIS Adeline , RIVIÈRE-HONEGGER Anne , VUKELIC Stéphanie , LECAUDÉ Crescience
Published: October 2023

Le génie végétal est une technique qui se base sur l’utilisation de végétaux vivants et de leurs propriétés mécaniques ou biologiques pour assurer certaines fonctionnalités. En ville, il peut être utilisé comme une alternative au génie civil pour la stabilisation des berges, la protection contre les inondations et le contrôle de l'érosion. Bien que fournissant de nombreux bénéfices écologiques et sociaux, son utilisation reste encore marginale dans l’aménagement des berges, de surcroît en zone urbaine. Dans cet article, nous questionnons les freins et les leviers pour une utilisation plus large du génie végétal en ville, en nous focalisant sur les perceptions qu’en ont les praticiens (recueillies à travers des entretiens semi-directifs), et les usagers (recueillies à travers une enquête par photo-questionnaire), en relation avec les services écosystémiques rendus par le génie végétal. Nos résultats montrent que selon les praticiens, plus qu’un changement technique, le recours au génie végétal nécessite un changement de paradigme de gestion, à travers une redéfinition de la performance, une meilleure acceptation et partage du risque et un changement de posture professionnelle. Les usagers, quant à eux, accueillent plutôt positivement ces techniques, notamment du fait de leur valeur esthétique, mais expriment tout de même certaines réticences liées à la valeur récréative des berges et au sentiment de vulnérabilité en cas de crue. Le premier type de réticence peut être en partie levé en ménageant, au moment de l’installation des ouvrages, des accès physiques et visuels au cours d’eau ainsi qu’en instaurant un entretien régulier de la végétation. Le second suppose de poursuivre les travaux sur les risques liés à la déstabilisation de ces ouvrages, tant sur le plan physique que sur le plan de son acceptation sociale.
Physiological Correlates of Hypnotizability: Neural Mechanisms of Hypnosis and Prognostic Role in Medicine
Authors: Malloggi Eleonora , Santarcangelo1 Enrica L.
Published: October 2023

Studies in the field of experimental hypnosis highlighted the role of hypnotizability in the physiological variability of the general population. It is associated, in fact, with a few differences which are observable in the ordinary state of consciousness and in the absence of suggestions. The aim of the present scoping review is summarizing them, and indicate their relevance to the neural mechanisms of hypnosis and to the prognosis and treatment of a few medical conditions. Individuals with high, medium and low hypnotizability scores display different cerebral functional differences – i.e., functional equivalence between imagery and perception/action, excitability of the motor cortex, interoceptive accuracy - possibly related to brain structural and functional characteristics -, and different control of blood supply at peripheral and cerebral level, likely due to different availability of endothelial nitric oxide. These differences are reviewed to support the idea of their participation in hypnotic behaviour and to indicate their prognostic and therapeutic usefulness in a few medical conditions.
Major Recurrent Depression in Middle-Aged Adults: Symptoms and Life Themes in a Latent Semantic Indexing Approach
Authors: Sumedrea Alin Gilbert , Sumedrea Cristian Mihai , Minescu Irina
Published: October 2023

The work analyses the way in which symptoms and life themes manifest in middle-aged adults diagnosed with major recurrent depression. Specifically, the relationships between symptoms, life themes, and life themes - symptoms have been analyzed. For this purpose, Spearman correlation, and the methods of Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) were used. Seven symptoms and twenty-six life themes were identified in the patients analyzed as well as similarities of symptoms/life themes (at patient level), the ranking of the importance of symptoms on each life theme (at the level of the group of patients), the rankings of the similarities of life themes in relation to different symptoms or various groups of symptoms (at the level of the group of patients), and dysfunctional cycles of symptoms and life themes (at patient level). The findings only refer to the patients analyzed. Although our findings cannot be generalized, there is a possibility that some of them may also be encountered in other patients. However, the design of the work can be used to initiate other similar studies.
Piloting Bioethanol Production from Source-Separated Food Waste Boosts TRL
Authors: Chatzimaliakas Fotis , Christianides Diogenis , Malamis Dimitris , Mai Sofia , Barampouti Elli Maria P.
Published: October 2023

By the end of 2023, biowaste must be completely separated or recycled at source based on the EU legislation. Separate biowaste collection and valorisation towards biofuels could play an essential role in the biobased circular economy. In this context, the principal goal of this paper was to demonstrate in pilot scale the technological solution of bioethanol production via the utilisation of urban source-separated biowaste within the city context of Athens, Greece. More specifically, the main aim was the demonstration of a pilot system in continuous operation (over 10 operating cycles) with real feedstock – wet separately collected biowaste. From the 11 pilot trials performed with wet feedstock, the mean starch and cellulose degradation of the pilot trials amounted up to 80.69±16.27% and 79.41±10.37% respectively, while the bioethanol yield was 74.05±6.82%. The latter was comparable to that of more intensive pretreatment methods. Homogenization and shredding that was applied in this study, stand as promising and cost-effective pretreatment methods for bioethanol production from wet feedstock. Further research is needed to optimize conditions and evaluate scalability. Nevertheless, pilot scale testing is a crucial step in the development and deployment of this technology since it serves as a bridge between laboratory research and full-scale implementation, offering a practical and controlled environment to validate and optimize the technology while minimizing risks and uncertainties.
Coastal Monitoring and Coastal Erosion: Engineering Interventions for Coastal Protection and Considerations on the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Focardi Silvano , Pepi Milva
Published: October 2023

Coasts are characterized by high biological and ecological productivities, and are theatre of strategic economic activities, including tourism, fishing and aquaculture. Both anthropic and natural hazards can thus affect coasts, causing their deterioration. The monitoring of coasts in terms of evolution, adaptation, contamination and resilience, is a pivotal point composed of both classic measurement approaches, and innovative approaches as remote sensing and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. In the last years, climate change is increasing its effects all over the world and coasts are a delicate system suffering these effects particularly. Climate change has important impacts on coasts, with a serious consequence represented by sea level rise. The latter causes coastal erosion, leading to ecological and economic issues and with consequences for human health. The Mediterranean Basin, which has always represented an important crossroads of different civilizations and economic and cultural exchanges, is now threatened by the consequences of climate change. This area is decribed as an example of coastal system of strategic importance and subjected to serious challenges. Engineering interventions are countermeasures to cope with coastal erosion and coastal degradation. These countermeasures are aimed at protecting the coasts and the populations living on the coasts. The types of intervention can be defined of hard engineering, as in the case of fixed structures in concrete, and of soft engineering, with structures of protection builted according to the principles of nature. Engineering procedures provide coastal benefits, although they can cause further coastal damage. It is thus necessary to protect the coasts and the same time actions aimed at mitigating climate change must be implemented, according to the rules of sustainability.
Do ESG Ratings Really Affect Firms’ Market Value? The Results of an Empirical Analysis
Authors: Maccarrone Paolo , Illuzzi Alessandro , Inguanta Simone
Published: October 2023

The recent years have been marked by rapid growth in the field of "ESG finance," leading to the emergence and expansion of ESG ratings and rating agencies. This study seeks to examine how financial investors respond to updates in ESG ratings provided by two prominent ESG rating agencies: MSCI and Refinitiv. Specifically, the goal is to determine whether any potential positive or negative alterations in a company's sustainability ratings directly affect its market value. The chosen methodology for this investigation is the Event Study, a model employed to assess the influence of economic events on corporate valuations by analyzing their Cumulated Average Abnormal Returns (CAARs). Over 840 instances of rating updates (events) were analyzed using a sample of 75 companies across various industries, all listed on major stock exchanges. The findings indicate that shifts in sustainability ratings, as evaluated by the two rating agencies, do not have a significant impact on companies' market capitalization. Moreover, these outcomes remain consistent over time, suggesting that financial markets are not assigning increasing significance to ESG ratings. Potential explanations are offered and discussed in relation to existing literature on the subject.
PLGA Encapsulated Antigen ES-15 of Haemonchus contortus Improves the Immune Responses in Murine Model
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Waqqas , Ehsan Muhammad , Wang Qiangqiang , Haseeb Muhammad , Lakho Shakeel Ahmed , Haider Ali , Lu Mingmin , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Yan Ruofeng , Li Xiangrui
Published: October 2023

Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a gastrointestinal parasite affecting small ruminants, leading to a significant decline in animal productivity. In this study, we developed a nanovaccine by encapsulating the recombinant protein rHcES-15, derived from the excretory/secretory products of H. contortus, within biodegradable poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). To construct the nanovaccine, PLGA NPs were prepared using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated successful encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs, with a size ranging between 350-400 nm. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antigen in the nanovaccine was determined to be 72%. A total of forty experimental mice were divided into five groups, receiving the nanovaccine on day 0 and being humanely sacrificed at the end of the 14-day trial. The stimulation index (SI) from mice vaccinated with the nanovaccine indicated an amplified lymphocyte proliferation and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17). Furthermore, the percentages of T-cells (CD4+, CD8+) and dendritic cell phenotypes (CD83+, CD86+) were substantially upregulated in mice immunized with the nanovaccine compared to control groups and the rHcES-15 group. Similarly, higher levels of antigen-specific serum immunoglobulins (IgG1, IgG2a, IgM) were observed in response to the nanovaccine compared to both the antigenic (rHcES-15) and control groups. In conclusion, the data strongly supports the notion that encapsulation of rHcES-15 within PLGA NPs effectively stimulates immune cells in vivo, ultimately augmenting antigen-specific adaptive immune responses against H. contortus. This discovery highlights the promising potential of the nanovaccine, justifying additional investigations to ascertain its efficacy finally.
Compression Behavior and Textures of Ti57-Nb43 Alloy at High Temperatures
Authors: Máté Szűcs , Viktor Kárpáti , Mikó Tamás , TOTH Laszlo S
Published: October 2023

The mechanical behavior, microstructures as well as the crystallographic textures of the Ti57-Nb43 alloy were investigated on cylindrical specimens compressed at high temperatures, in the range of 700-1000 °C, and strain rates between 0.001 and 1.0 s-1. Hardening, followed by softening behaviours were observed as a function of strain, due to the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization/recovery in hot deformation. The modified five-parameter Voce type equation described well the stress-strain curves, but for the present alloy, it was also possible with only four parameters. A new two-variables polynomial function was employed on the four parameters that described well the flow curves as a direct function of temperature and strain rate. It permitted to reduce the number of parameters and had the predictive capacity for the flow stress at any temperature, strain, and strain rate in the investigated range. The crystallographic textures were similar at all temperatures with an increase of intensity from 900 °C. The textures could be characterized by a double <100> and <111> fiber and a unique component of (001)<110>, the latter inherited from the initial hot rolling texture. Viscoplastic polycrystal self-consistent deformation modeling reproduced the measured textures showing that dynamic recrystallization did not alter the development of the deformation texture, only increased it intensity.
A Bibliometric Study of Biofilm Matrix
Authors: Ding Yuanzhao
Published: October 2023

Biofilm matrix is akin to bacterial abodes, primarily composed of proteins, polysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and lipids, providing essential structural support to bacteria. While some biofilm matrix offers significant benefits, such as engineered biofilm reactors that assist in water pollutant removal, others pose risks to human health, potentially leading to conditions like lung infections. Realizing the potential of advantageous biofilm matrix and mitigating the harmful effects of detrimental ones necessitates a comprehensive and systematic exploration of this intricate domain. To facilitate this examination, our study leveraged a dataset of the 1000 most pivotal papers in the field and conducted an exhaustive bibliographic review. This paper serves as a valuable resource for understanding the current progress in biofilm matrix research and delving into vital avenues for future exploration in this dynamic field.
Microwaves and Ultrasounds as Emerging Techniques for Lignocellulosic Materials
Authors: Fernandes Ana , Cruz-Lopes Luísa , Esteves Bruno , Evtyugin Dmitry
Published: October 2023

Currently, in a context of biorefinery and bioeconomy, lignocellulosic biomass is increasingly used to produce biofuels, biochemicals and value-added products. Microwaves and ultrasounds are emerging techniques that enable efficient and environmentally more sustainable routes in the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass. This review is divided into four parts. In Part I, the theoretical foundations of microwaves and ultrasounds are revisited. Dielectric constants for biomass, factors that influence pre-treatment, are some of the subjects addressed. In Part II, the effects that these technologies have on lignocellulosic biomass (on the size and surface area of the particle; on the content of lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose; on the crystallinity index of cellulose; on the effect of solubilization of organic matter; on hydrolysis and reduction of sugars) are analyzed. In Part III, emphasis is given on how microwaves and ultrasounds can contribute to the achievement of value-added products. In this context, several examples of liquefactions and extractions are presented. Part IV describes examples of sonocatalysis of lignocellulosic biomass to obtain value-added products such as for instancethe production of furfural, which is significantly reduced by ultrasound.
Drynaria fortunei-Derived Polysaccharides Attenuated RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation by Modulating NFATc1
Authors: Ryuk Jin Ah , Lee Ami , Kim Taesoo , Hwang Youn-Hwan , Ha Hyunil
Published: October 2023

The rhizome of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze ex Mett.) J. Sm., which is known as “Golsebo” in Korea, has been traditionally used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including bone metabolism disorders. It relieves blood extravasation, stops bleeding, repairs broken bone tissue, treats bone fractures, and kills bacteria. Recently, D. fortunei-derived polysaccharides (DFP) have been identified as bioactive compounds that act against numerous human diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the bone metabolism-improving effect of DFP has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the modulatory effects of DFP on the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages into osteoclasts. We performed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase assays using DFP (different concentrations and molecular weights) to evaluate the degree of bone resorption in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow-derived macrophages. DFP significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and suppressed RANKL-mediated overexpression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, thereby downregulating osteoclast-specific gene (Atp6v0d2, DC-STAMP, and cathepsin K) expression. DFP has potential as a nutraceutical candidate for treating bone loss diseases, including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
HSF1 Inhibition: A Novel Anti-Cancer Strategy with Promise for Precision Oncology
Authors: Gumilar Khanisyah Erza , Chin Yeh , Ibrahim Ibrahim H. , Tjokroprawiro Brahmana A. , Yang Jer-Yen , Zhou Ming , Gassman Natalie R. , Tan Ming
Published: October 2023

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcription factor crucial for regulating heat shock response (HSR), one of the significant cellular protective mechanisms. When cells are exposed to proteotoxic stress, HSF1 induces the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) to act as chaperones, correcting the protein-folding process and maintaining proteostasis. In addition to its role in HSR, HSF1 is overexpressed in multiple cancer cells, where its activation promotes malignancy and leads to poor prognosis. The mechanisms of HSF1-induced tumorigenesis are complex and involve diverse signaling pathways, dependent on cancer type. With its important roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, targeting HSF1 offers a novel cancer treatment strategy. In this article, we examine the basic function of HSF1 and its regulatory mechanisms, focus on the mechanisms involved in HSF1’s roles in different cancer types, and examine current HSF1 inhibitors as novel therapeutics to treat cancers.
Balancing Cost, Sustainability, and Performance: The Future of Solid-State Electrolytes in Automotive Batteries
Authors: Delgado Aguilar Dario Alejandro , Delgado Suarez Eden Dario , Delgado Gomez Dario Jose
Published: October 2023

This article presents a review of resources for batteries with a specific focus on sustainability aspects related to raw materials, electrode and electrolyte chemistries suitable for the automobile industry. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainability in battery technology evolution, which is expected to shift towards earth-abundant materials. One notable advancement in this direction is the utilization of glass solid-state electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity, low electronic conductivity, and high dielectric constant. However, our review suggests that further research should explore synthesis methods to modify anisotropic properties, enhancing the performance of solid-state electrolytes, particularly in facilitating the flow of ions.
Seasonal and Inter-Annual Variability in Extreme Temperature and Rainfall Indices in the Semi-Arid Areas of Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Berhane Abadi , Tesfay Teklay
Published: October 2023

Ethiopia has been known for its recurrent droughts and poverty due to extreme climate change and variability affecting agricultural production. This study was, therefore, conducted to analyze the seasonal and inter-annual variability in rainfall and temperature v over the past three decades in western Tigray. The study consisted of 34 years of temperature and rainfall data from nine stations in two administrative zones in the western part of Tigray. The climate data was obtained from the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) from 1983 to 2016. Total rainfall, simple daily intensity index, Rx1day and Rx5day, and maximum and minimum temperature, tropical nights, diurnal temperature range, cold spell and warm spell duration indicator values, cold days and cold nights, warm days, and warm nights were analyzed. RClimDex software was employed to analyze the trends and quality control of the extreme rainfall and temperature indices; in addition, the Mann-Kendall test was also used to detect the changes and variability of the variables. The trend analysis showed that there was significant (p<0.05) variability in extreme temperatures, with maximum and minimum temperatures varying from 0.04 to 0.051 0C, and 0.022 to 0.031 0C, respectively. The results also revealed that there was a negative trend in extreme rainfall, with no uniform pattern. The highest and smallest reduction in the annual rainfall was 14.6 mm and 8.4 mm, which were observed at Maygaba and Adigoshu, respectively. More than 60% of the total rainfall was received in July and August throughout the study areas, with the maximum monthly rainfall of 294.2 mm observed at Adiremets. Finally, this study demonstrated that areas in the northwestern and western zones of Tigray were significantly affected by extreme rainfall and temperature variability, which subsequently affected crop yield, natural resources, food security, and the livelihood of the community during the last three decades.
Effects of Graphene Oxide on Tribological Properties of Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Hu Qingyuan , Li Xingming , Zhao Gai , Ruan Yuling , Wang Guoqing , Ding Qingjun
Published: October 2023

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) is an emerging technology employed to produce high hardness or anti-corrosion ceramic coatings on lightweight metals such Al, Ti, Mg and their respective alloys. However, under non-lubrication conditions, such coatings exhibit relatively high friction coeffi-cients. To enhance the friction reduction properties of the MAO coatings, we employed a one-step MAO process with varying concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) in an aluminate sys-tem electrolyte to create composite coatings on the surfaces of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The effect of concentrations of GO particles on microstructure, composition, and wear behavior of the result-ing composite coatings was investigated. Measurements of the coating's thickness, hardness, and roughness have also been conducted. Ball-on-disk friction test under dry condition were carried out to reveal tribological behavior of the MAO coating. The addition of graphene oxide in the electrolyte reduces the friction coefficient, with the composite coating containing 5 g/L of GO particles displaying the most effective friction reduction. Moreover, coating thickness increases with higher GO concentration. This friction reduction can be attributed to the particles in the coating acting as lubricants during friction, while GO also reduces adhesive damage, shifting the wear mechanism from adhesive to abrasive.
Understanding the Interactions between Soft Segments in Polyurethanes: Structural Synergies in Blends of Polyester and Polycarbonate Diol Polyols
Authors: Paez-Amieva Yuliet , Martín-Martínez José Miguel
Published: October 2023

The extent of micro-phase separation in polyurethanes (PUs) depended on the molecular weight, the chemical nature and the structure of the polyol/soft segments. Balanced properties in PUs were obtained by using blends of polyols during synthesis. No previous studies have been devoted to understand the interactions between the soft segments that affect the properties of the PUs. In this study, different blends of two polyols of different nature (polyester – PE - and polycarbonate diol - CD) and similar molecular weight were prepared and their structural, thermal, surface, viscoelastic and self-adhesion properties were assessed. PE showed larger number of structural repeating units and higher number of polar groups than CD, but the carbonate-carbonate interactions in CD were stronger than the ester-ester interactions in PE. The blending of CD and PE imparted synergic structural properties, particularly in the ones containing less than 50 % PE, they were associated to the disrupt of carbonate-carbonate interactions in CD and the formation of new ester-carbonate and hydroxyl-carbonate interactions. Therefore, higher glass transition temperatures, a new diffraction peak at 2θ = 24°, one additional thermal degradation at 426-436 °C, and less steeper decline of the storage moduli to lower temperature were found in CD+PE blends with less than 50 wt.% PE. Furthermore, the different interactions between the polyol chains in the blends were also evidenced on their surface properties, and all CD+PE blends showed self-adhesion property which seemed related to the existence of ester-carbonate and carbonate-carbonate interactions.
The Use of Herbicides to Early Spring Broadleaved Weed Control during Seedling Dormancy in the Regenerated Pedunculate Oak Forests
Authors: Vasic Verica , Djilas Milutin , Kovacevic Branislav , Vasic Sreten , Poljaković-Pajnik Leopold , Pap Predrag , Orlovic Sasa
Published: October 2023

In regenerated oak forests, weeds are present throughout the year, the ones appearing in early spring representing a major problem. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine herbicides for early spring broadleaved weed control in the regenerated oak forests while the seedlings are in a dormant stage. During 2019 and 2020 two experiments were set up in regenerated pedunculate oak forests with 2-yar and 3-year-old seedlings and two herbicides were applied in two doses: fluroxypyr at dose 360 g a.i. ha-1 and 540 g a.i. ha-1 and clopyralid at dose 100 g a.i. ha-1 and 120 g a.i. ha-1. The results from the two-year investigations showed that fluroxypyr and clopyralid significantly reduced early spring broadleaved weeds in the regenerated pedunculate oak forests but both doses of fluroxypyr provided greater control of presented weeds than the applied doses of clopyralid. The manual weeding reduced broadleaved weeds in experiments, but that method did not have a long-term effect on the reduction of weeds. Applied doses of herbicides fluroxypyr and clopyralid did not cause phytotoxicity symptoms in dormant oak seedlings. All investigated treatments significantly reduced fresh broadleaved weed biomass compared to the control. Generally, it can be concluded that fluroxypyr and clopyralid can be successfully used for control of many early spring broadleaved weeds in the regenerated pedunculate oak forests, but oak seedlings must be in the dormant stage.
Evaluating the Economic Sustainability of Two Selected Urban Centers – A Focus on Amherst and Braintree, MA, USA
Authors: Alov Ivan N. , Petrović Marko D. , Belyaeva Alisa M.
Published: October 2023

The study is devoted to analyzing the economic sustainability of the town of Amherst, MA. The city's top employer and core enterprise is the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with over 32,000 students and almost 2,000 staff members. Based on a literature review, a hypothesis was put forward that a university city should have a high level of economic sustainability. To assess economic sustainability, the USCESI Index was developed. It evaluates sustainability in three groups of parameters: society, economy, and ecology. The first group includes the level of racial diversity, the level of education of the population, and the access to medical services. The second group consists of the Gini coefficient by income level, the median cost of housing, and the unemployment rate. The environmental situation is assessed according to the Air Quality Index developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. For comparison, the town of Braintree, MA, was taken. The USCESI was calculated for both locations. The analysis showed that both Amherst and Braintree have a high degree of economic sustainability. However, it was revealed that proximity to a significant economic center has a more powerful positive impact on economic sustainability than the location of a large university.
Patient Dose Estimation in Computed Tomography Guided Biopsy Procedures
Authors: Siomou Evagellia , Filippiadis Dimitrios , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P. , Antonakos John , Panayiotakis Georgios S.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Objectives: Typical Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) in terms of Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) and patient dose in terms of Effective Dose (ED ) and Size Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE) were estimated in Computed Tomography (CT) guided biopsy procedures.
Materials and Methods: A total of 226 CT biopsy procedures - Iliac bone, liver, lung, mediastinum and para-aortic tissue - were retrospectively analyzed and Typical DRL extracted based on ICRP 135 instructions.
Results: For helical mode acquisitions, DRLs in terms of CTDIvol were 9.7 mGy for Iliac bone, 8.9 mGy for liver, 8.8 mGy for lung, 7.9 mGy for mediastinal mass and 9 mGy for para-aortic lymph nodes biopsy procedures. For biopsy acquisitions, DRL values were 7.3 mGy, 7.7 mGy, 5.6 mGy, 5.6 mGy and 7.4 mGy respectively. Also, SSDE median values ranged from 7.6 mGy to 10 mGy for biopsy acquisitions and 11,3 mGy to 12,6 mGy for helical acquisitions, as well as the median values for effective dose ranged from 1.6 mSv to 5,7 mSv for biopsy scans and 3.9 to 9.3 mSv for helical scans.
Conclusions: The use of DLR as an optimization tool for CT-guided biopsy procedures revealed that helical scans across the entire anatomical region greatly affect radiation dose compared to biopsy acquisitions.
Carotenoid Derived from Microalgae Tetraselmis sp. Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation through MAPKs/I-kB/NF-kB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheon Jayeon , Kim Eun-A , Kim Kyumin , Priyadarshana D.G.C.E. , Kang Nalae , Kim Taeho , Heo Soo-Jin , Cha Seon-Heui
Published: October 2023

Inflammation is natural protective response of the body tissue caused by various stimuli. Macrophages start and control the inflammatory response. Microalgae have high value of ingredients including carotenoids which are well known for anti-inflammatory properties and used for various products in functional food industries. A green microalgal, Tetraselmis species contains a various type of carotenoids such as lutein, violaxanthin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, α-carotene and β-carotene. Therefore, we studied whether carotenoids isolated from Tetraselmis sp. with different culture conditions in Raw 264.7 cells and zebrafish (Danio rerio) have an anti -inflammatory effect. Carotenoid extracts of natural seawater (NS) and magma seawater (MS) showed inhibitory activity of nitric oxide (NO) overproduction without toxicity. In addition, carotenoid extracts of NS and MS inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)- 1β and IL-6. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which are inflammatory mediators also decreased by pretreatment of NS and MS. Carotenoid extracts of NS and MS pretreatment also reduced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). In conclusion, the carotenoid extract of Tetraselmis sp. has an anti -inflammatory effect and can be potential industrial ingredient.
Dampak Kebijakan Uang Muka pada Pertumbuhan Kredit Kendaraan Bermotor Perbankan
Authors:   Program Studi Magister Perencanaan Ekonomi dan Kebijakan Pembangunan, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia, Ardini Dita , Soesilo Nining I ,   Departemen Ilmu Ekonomi, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Kebijakan makroprudensial semakin aktif digunakan di berbagai negara pasca krisis keuangan global tahun 2008. Salah satu kebijakan makroprudensial di Indonesia adalah kebijakan uang muka kredit kendaraan bermotor. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk melihat dampak kebijakan uang muka terhadap pertumbuhan kredit kendaraan bermotor perbankan pada triwulan I/2011 s.d. triwulan IV/2019. Menggunakan metode fixed effect model, penelitian dilakukan terhadap seluruh bank yang menyalurkan kredit kendaraan bermotor pada periode penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kebijakan uang muka signifikan mempengaruhi pertumbuhan kredit kendaraan bermotor perbankan. Pertumbuhan kredit kendaraan bermotor menurun pada saat diterapkan pengetatan kebijakan uang muka dan meningkat pada saat kebijakan uang muka dilonggarkan.
Perbandingan Penggunaan Blush on Liquid dan Powder Terhadap Hasil Rias Wajah Panggung Pada Kulit Berminyak
Authors: Fani Yonita Fani , Dinda Erinta Sari  , Siska Miga Dewi
Published: October 2023

Blush on has a function to give blush to the cheeks. The proper use of blush on affects the makeup results. The research aims to analyze the differences in makeup results using liquid blush and powder blush on oily skin. It was a pre-experimental research with one shot case study. The population was female students majoring in cosmetology and beauty aged 19-25 years. The sample was 2 female students who had oily skin types selected using purposive sampling. Data collection techniques using observations, documentation and questionnaires. After the data obtained, normality and homogeneity test were carried out, and a hypothesis test using T test. The results showed that there was a difference in the subtleties of the use of blush liquid and powder on makeup of oily skin. This was evidenced by the analysis of the value of p = 0.003 (p < 0.05). In the flatness indicator, a p value = 0.029 (p < 0.05) is obtained, meaning that there was a difference in the flatness of the use of blush liquid and powder to the makeup on oily skin. In the resistance indicator, a value of p = 0.014 (p < 0.05) is obtained, meaning that there was a difference in the resistance of the use of blush liquid and powder to the makeup on oily skin.
Pembbuatan Hair Tonic Dengan Memanfaatkan Air Limbah Cucian Beras Putih
Authors: Fang Pangastuti  , Asi Tritanti
Published: October 2023

Abstract Making hair tonic products aims to process white rice washing waste water into a hair tonic product, get the right formula for making hair tonic products by utilizing white rice washing waste water, and find out people's interest in the product. The method used is the 4D development method, namely define (definition) including analysis of utilization and needs as well as literature studies related to rice washing waste water and hair tonic then determine the reference product, design (planning) including making 3 formulas into hair tonic products along with packaging, develop (development) includes product validation tests, dissemination (distribution) includes liking tests and pH tests. The results obtained were the processing of white rice washing wastewater into hair tonic products by sterilizing at a temperature of 121℃ for 17 minutes, obtaining the right formula, and liking test results with a percentage value of 88.75%. Based on the assessment scale for Akdon modification products, it shows that the products are well received by the public.
Understanding the experiences of small-scale commercial afforestation farmers and governance conflicts in Manguzi, South Africa: Political Ecology Perspective
Authors: SIBIYA LINDOKUHLE DENIS , Moyo Inocent
Published: October 2023

Small-scale commercial afforestation has always played a vital role in stimulating rural livelihoods in South Africa and across the globe. This paper explores the lived experiences of small-scale commercial afforestation farmers in Manguzi, South Africa. This study aimed to investigate and understand the factors that influence these farmers to get involved in this afforestation and explore the impacts on their livelihoods. This paper also investigates the conflict between the farmers and the Department of Water and Sanitation over the policies that control afforestation practices and water use in South Africa. Following a qualitative approach, 26 small-scale farmers were interviewed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that this type of afforestation is the only economic activity that has been able to earn rural dwellers a living for more than 30 years in Manguzi, however, it has succeeded at the expense of water resources which is concerning to the conflicted department. Following political ecology, we argue that environmental issues in Manguzi are the results of socio-economic conditions and that asymmetric power relations exist between the farmers and the conflicted department. The study recommends implementing integrated rural development strategies in Manguzi and providing entrepreneurship training to explore other economic opportunities.
Chalkiness and premature controlled by energy homeostasis in OsNAC02 Ko-mutant during vegetative endosperm development
Authors: yan mei , Jiao Gui ai , shao Gao neng , chen ying , Zhu mao di , Yang Ling wei , Xie Li hong , qing pei song , tang shao qing
Published: October 2023

The Ko-Osnac02mutant demonstrated an obvious early maturation stage compared to the wild type (WT) with 15 days earlier. The result showed that the mature endosperm of Ko-Osnac02 mutant exhibited chalkiness, characterized by white-core and white-belly in mature endosperm. As grain filling rate is a crucial factor in determining the yield and quality of rice (Oryza sativa, ssp. japonica), it's significant that mutant has a lower amylose content (AC) and higher soluble sugar content in the mature endosperm. Interestingly among the top DEGs in the RNA Sequencing of N2 (3DAP) and WT seeds revealed that the OsBAM2 (LOC_Os10g32810) expressed significantly high in N2 mutant, which involved in Maltose up-regulated by the starch degradation. As pro-pro interactions induced the chalky endosperm formation in N2 seeds (3 DAP), seven genes were expressed at a lower-level. this effect could be verified by a heatmap diagrams based on DEGs of N2 versus WT. The Tubulin genes controlling cell cycle are downregulated their expression together with the MCM family genes MCM4 ( ↓ ), MCM7 ( ↑ ), which may cause white-core in the early endosperm development. In conclusion, the developing period drastically decreased in the Ko-Osnac02 mutants, which might cause the chalkiness in seeds during the early endosperm development.
Immunogenic cell death related genes for predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Yujie , Hao Zhibin , Liu Jingyu , Chen Ling , Li Xiaoxiao , Li Jie , Yin Tong , Wu Meihong , Zhang Yingyi , Xu Huawei , Peng Xiaobo , Zhan Xianbao
Published: October 2023

Background: Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a specific type of regulated cell death, can trigger antitumor immune responses by inducing damage-associated molecular patterns. Determining the precise role of ICD in gastric cancer and how it can benefit patients in terms of predicting prognosis and efficacy could be of great value.
Methods: We used the ESTIMATE immune score combined with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis to delineate ICD-associated gene modules and developed a predictive ICD risk model applicable to patients of any age, gender, and stage of gastric cancer. The prognoses and tumor microenvironment between the two groups were then compared. Finally, we assessed the capability of our risk signature to predict responses to immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and commonly used drugs.
Results: In our ICD risk signature, nine ICD-related genes (PTTG1IP, TM2D1, LHX6, GLUD2, TIRAP, LIN7A, CAST, NKAPD1, and SWSAP1) were determined to be predictive markers. The risk score was calculated as follows: Risk score = (0.47124) × PTTG1IP + (-0.917) × TM2D1 + (0.67637) × LHX6 + (0.8493) × GLUD2 + (-1.1537) × TIRAP + (0.51718) × LIN7A + (0.71179) × CAST + (-0.7168) × NKAPD1 + (-0.8875) × SWSAP1.Patients with a low ICD score had longer overall survival, earlier clinical stages, lower immune cell infiltration, and less inhibitory receptor expression. Moreover, these patients responded better to ICBs and conventional chemotherapy.
Conclusions: We established an ICD risk signature that could be used to predict prognosis and treatment efficacy in patients with gastric cancer. Our findings could shed light on fundamental ICD-relevant research and contribute to the development of precision therapies for patients with gastric cancer.
Bronchitis during long-term treatment with rituximab for ANCA-associated vasculitis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zonozi Reza , Jeyabalan Anushya , Efe Orhan , Sauvage Gabriel , Cosgrove Katherine , Laliberte Karen A. , Niles John L.
Published: October 2023

Background
Pulmonary complications from B cell depletion with rituximab remain with limited description in the literature. Our objective is to describe the frequency and risk factors for development of bronchitis in patients receiving prolonged rituximab.
Methods
We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 113 consecutive adult patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) who had continuous B cell depletion with rituximab for greater than 24 months. The primary outcome was an episode of cough measured with an ordinal scale as follows: 0 = no cough; 1 = daily cough, non-productive; 2 = cough with sputum production once daily; 3 = cough with sputum production twice or more daily. Secondary outcome measures included serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, sputum culture, and antibiotic use. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the odds ratio of developing cough with smoking status, nadir IgG level, length of time on continuous B cell depletion, and lung involvement of AAV as independent variables.
Results
The median (IQR) follow-up (i.e., duration of continuous B cell depletion) was 3.4 years (IQR, 2.7–5.2). Five patients (4.5%) and 43 patients (38.4%) were current and former smokers, respectively. A non-productive cough was identified in 4.2% of patients (n = 5). Throughout follow-up, a daily cough with sputum production once daily was identified in 6.2% of patients (n = 7), and a daily cough with sputum production twice or more daily was identified in 11.5% of patients (n = 13). A specimen for sputum culture was obtained in 25 patients, 12 (48%) of which were positive for a bacterial organism. The most common was Haemophilus influenzae (n = 2). Antibiotics for suspected bacterial bronchitis were used in 19.5% of patients (n = 22). The median (IQR) nadir IgG level was 675 mg/dL (521–798). No patient received intravenous IgG supplementation. In univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, the smoking status, nadir IgG level, length of time on continuous B cell depletion, and lung involvement of AAV were not associated with an increased odds of developing a cough.
Conclusions
Bronchitis was seen in approximately one-fifth of patients with AAV on prolonged B cell depletion with rituximab.
The Multistep Process for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Study in the Province of Palermo, Northern Sicily
Authors: D'Amico Anna , Bella Vincenzo La , Spataro Rossella
Published: October 2023

Objective: Recent studies have suggested that the clinical onset of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the final expression of a multistep process. We evaluated the conformity of the hypothesis in a relatively small yet well-defined ALS population in the Province of Palermo, Sicily Island, almost entirely followed by the local tertiary ALS Clinical Center.
Methods: Incident data were extracted from the patients’ database of the ALS Center (years 2014-2020). We examined both sporadic and familial forms of the disease. To evaluate the multistep process in our population, we regressed the natural log of age-specific incidence against the natural log of age of the patients.
Results: We identified 175 ALS patients. We obtained a slope of 4.69 (r2 = 0.986); the CI95% stands at 3.86-5.53 values, remaining relatively large due to the small sample share and with a p-value=0.00038. The slope estimate was consistent with a 6-step process.
Conclusions. In the ALS population of the Province of Palermo, Sicily, the multistep analysis confirms a process consistent with a 6-step model. This data, obtained in a relatively homogeneous population, further highlights the probability of strict interaction between environmental and genetic variables in the disease. Our data offer insights into the complexity of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, particularly during its asymptomatic phase. This study supports the hypothesis that a single therapeutic silver bullet would probably be insufficient to arrest or slow the disease’s progression.
Pretrained transformers applied to clinical studies improve predictions of treatment efficacy and associated biomarkers
Authors: Jacob Etai , Arango Gustavo , Kipkogei Elly , Stewart Ross , Patra Arijit , Kagiampakis Ioannis
Published: October 2023

Cancer treatment has made significant advancements in recent decades, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for many patients. Despite the array of available therapies, including targeted, hormone, and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, many patients experience treatment failure or eventual resistance. Attempts to predict the efficacy of therapies, particularly immuno-oncology therapies, have suffered from limited accuracy and difficulties in identifying molecular and other determinants of response. Improving treatment prediction alone is insufficient to create clinically meaningful research tools; additional prerequisites for this goal involve accommodating small data sets, effectively handling sparse features, integrating diverse clinical data, addressing missing measurements, ensuring interpretability, and extracting valuable biological insights for both clinical context and further research. Multimodal deep-learning models offer a promising avenue to surmount these challenges by leveraging their capacity and flexibility to learn from expansive and varied clinical and molecular data sets. Similar to their application in natural language and other domains, deep-learning models can uncover complex relationships within data that are pertinent to survival and treatment response. In this study, we introduce an explainable transformer-based deep-learning framework that addresses these challenges. This framework yields predictions of survival outcomes, as quantified by concordance index, that surpass the performance of state-of-the-art methods such as Cox proportional hazards, survival random forest, and tumor mutation burden, across diverse independent data sets. We developed the clinical transformer, a deep neural-network survival prediction framework that capitalizes on the flexibility of the deep-learning model, including training strategies like gradual and transfer learning, to maximize the use of available data to enhance survival predictions and generate actionable biological insights. Finally, we illustrate the future potential of the clinical transformer’s generative capability in early-stage clinical studies. By perturbing molecular features associated with immune checkpoint inhibition treatment in immunotherapy-naive patient profiles, we identified a subset of patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. These findings were subsequently validated across three independent immunotherapy treatment cohorts. We anticipate that this research will empower the scientific community to further harness data for the benefit of patients.