bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological risk assessment of sewage sludge as soil amendment: lethal and sub-lethal effects in Eisenia fetida
Authors: Vannuccini Maria Luisa , Assenza Ramona , Sturba Lucrezia , Faleri Claudia , Corsi Ilaria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Sewage sludge applications as soil amendment calls for a proper ecological risk assessment due to unexpected delivery of toxic chemicals and materials. Standardized acute toxicity assays have proven to provide limited information in terms of potential hazard for soil organisms. Here sub-lethal endpoints as physiological and tissue alterations were proposed as suitable tools for sewage sludge ecological risk assessment. Acute toxicity assay using earthworm Eisenia fetida (OECD n.207) was performed on sewage sludge samples from two wastewater treatment plants (A and B) and mortality, body weight, body morphology and histology of intestinal cavity were evaluated at the end of the exposure period. Sewage sludge dilutions (1:50 and 1:100) from plant B caused a low percentage of mortality (5%) while none was observed in worms exposed to plant A. However, all specimens showed external body alterations as vesicles, swellings, constrictions, and discoloration. Histological sections highlight damages to epidermis, circular and longitudinal muscles and chloragogenic tissue regardless of sewage sludge origin. Our findings confirm that standardized end points of acute toxicity are not sensitive enough in worms exposed to sewage sludges while sub-lethal endpoints as body morphology and tissue histology are thus more suitable and appropriate endpoints for assessing potential detrimental outcomes and ecological risk for soil biota.
Experiences of Women Relocated due to the February 2023 Earthquake in Turkey: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Özer Esra , Şen Yeşim Çetinkaya , Güvenç Gülten , GÜLER Döndü SEVİMLİ 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Women are disproportionately affected by disasters due to their vulnerability and limited access to resources. The purpose of this study is to investigate the health concerns and experiences of women who relocated to a different city following the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey.
Methods
Data was collected using a constructivist qualitative research design. Between May and June 2023, interviews were conducted with female participants who relocated to a different city after the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey. The collected data underwent qualitative content analysis, adhering to the Standards for Qualitative Research Reporting (SRQR). The study utilized Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method to analyze the interview data. Interviews were transcribed. The transcripts were analyzed in the qualitative research software package ATLAS.ti 9.
Results
In the study, 32 women aged 19–43 years were interviewed. The results revealed four distinct categories and 17 sub-categories derived from the interviewees' narratives. These four categories were physiological needs, safety concerns, need for love and belonging, and self-actualization.
Conclusions
It was concluded that individuals who experience disasters face multiple hardships, especially related to these categories. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the issues and requirements of survivors, particularly women belonging to vulnerable groups. One should not overlook the fundamental needs of women in service delivery.
The damaging 1932 Uden Earthquake in The Netherlands – revision of cross- border macroseismic data and its impact on source parameters
Authors: Dost Bernard , Neefs Ben , Noten Koen Van , Ruigrok Elmer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A re-assessment of the macroseismic intensity data was carried out for the second largest instrumentally recorded event in the Netherlands, i.e. the 1932-11-20 Uden earthquake. This event was widely felt in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The original information (reports/enquiries/letters) for the Netherlands and Belgium have been used to either manually or automatically attribute intensity values according to the EMS98 scale. Existing intensity data from Germany were added to complete the dataset. Macroseismic source parameters for this event (location, magnitude) were calculated from the updated database by applying the Bakun and Wentworth (1997, 1999) algorithm. To capture epistemic uncertainty, four intensity attenuation relations were selected, newly calibrated and their results averaged. Results for only intensity data from the Netherlands show stable solutions within the region of maximum observed intensity. However, when adding Belgian and German data, the source location falls outside the region of maximum observed intensity and becomes less reliable. This is attributed to differences in data gathering in the different countries but is also influenced by regional site effects. Comparison of the confidence levels assigned in the BW method to the outcome of jackknife modelling shows that all jackknife results fall within the 50% confidence region. A more realistic estimate for the location uncertainty was estimated from the jackknife results. The revised source parameters are 51.63°N and 5.61°E ± 2.3 km for the 1932 Uden source location and ML 5.1 ± 0.3 (MS 4.9 ± 0.3) for its magnitude.
Filling a Critical Gap: A Qualitative Study of HIV Prevention and Vulnerability Among Older Sexual Minority Men in Ghana
Authors: Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Agyarko-Poku Thomas , Beard Jennifer , Asafo Mabel Kissiwah , Sabin Lora L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Ghana’s HIV prevalence in the general population is relatively low at 1.7%, but concentrated at much higher levels among key populations, particularly sexual minority men. Vulnerability will likely increase if a popular bill discriminating against sexual minorities is signed into law. Men over age 30 are at greater risk for HIV compared to their younger counterparts, yet little is known about their prevention needs. We describe a qualitative study that explored protective behaviors and vulnerabilities among older sexual minority men in Kumasi.
Methods: We used snowball sampling to recruit sexual minority men aged 30 and older for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Semi-structured guides posed questions about HIV knowledge, condom use, alcohol and substance use, transactional sex, and other behaviors.
Results: Forty-four men aged 30 to 48 years participated: 20 in in-depth interviews and 24 in 4 focus group discussions. Most respondents described engaging in protective behaviors, including condom use and HIV testing. Many also revealed vulnerabilities such as HIV knowledge gaps and inconsistent condom use. Stigma and discrimination were persistent challenges.
Conclusion:
This qualitative study helps fill a critical knowledge gap related to the experiences and challenges faced by older sexual minority men. The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill threatens sexual minorities and all health services focused on meeting their needs. If signed into law, it might undo years of HIV prevention and treatment programming. We suggest future avenues for providing health care that meets the specific needs of sexual minority men.
Aquaporin 3 inhibition Attenuates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriatic Symptoms in a Murine Model
Authors: Okubo Ryosuke , Tanaka Manami , Yasui Masato , Hara-Chikuma Mariko 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is highly expressed in both keratinocytes and T cells within psoriatic skin. Previous studies have demonstrated that AQP3 knockout mice show reduced development of psoriatic symptoms in murine models. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AQP3 inhibition on psoriasis progression.
Methods and results:
AQP3 conditional knockout mice were generated to assess the role of AQP3 expression in keratinocytes and T cells in psoriasis pathogenesis. In an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model, psoriatic symptoms were mitigated only in mice with keratinocyte-specific AQP3 deletion. Additionally, treatment with an anti-AQP3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly reduced IMQ-induced psoriasis symptoms in wild-type mice.
Conclusions:
AQP3 inhibition presents a promising approach for the treatment of psoriasis.
Therapeutic Potential of AAV2-shmTOR Gene Therapy in Reducing Retinal Inflammation and Preserving Endothelial Integrity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Kim Jin , Moon Seo Yun , Kang Ho Geun , Kim Hee Jong , Choi Jun Sub , Lee Steven Hyun Seung , Park Keerang , Won So-Yoon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent retinal disorder that leads to central vision loss, mainly due to chronic inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a critical mediator of inflammatory responses within the retinal environment. This study has investigated TNF-α's influence on inflammatory cytokine production and endothelial barrier integrity in human microglial (HMC3) and endothelial (HUVEC) cells. We found that TNF-α significantly elevated the expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in HMC3 cells and disrupted endothelial tight junctions in HUVECs, as evidenced by weakened ZO-1 staining and compromised barrier function. To mitigate these effects and further investigate the in vitro mechanism of actions in CRG-01’s in vivo therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammation, we employed AAV2-shmTOR, CRG-01, as the candidate for therapeutic vector targeting the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. TNF-α-induced IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB signaling in HMC3 cells were significantly reduced by AAV2-shmTOR treatment, which may present a promising avenue for the fight against AMD. It also effectively preserved endothelial tight junction integrity in TNF-α-treated HUVECs, providing reassurance about its effectiveness. Furthermore, the supernatant medium collected from AAV2-shmTOR-treated HMC3 cells decreased oxidative stress, protein oxidation, and cytotoxicity in ARPE retinal pigment epithelial cells. These results strongly suggested that CRG-01, the candidate therapeutic vector of AAV2-shmTOR, may have a therapeutic potential to treat AMD-related retinal inflammation.
Aromatic pi-complexation of 1,5-diisocyanonaphthalene with benzene derivatives
Authors: Kopcsik Erika , Mucsi Zoltán , Schiwert Rajmond , Vanyorek László , Viskolcz Béla , Nagy Miklós 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aromatic π-complexes play a significant role in various chemical and biological systems, significantly influencing their physico-chemical and spectroscopic properties. The identification of new compounds capable of π-complex formation is therefore of great interest. The paper investigates the fluorescent properties of 1,5-diisocyanonaphthalene (1,5-DIN) in different aromatic solvents, demonstrating its potential for distinguishing between aromatics based on emission spectra. The resulting spectra can be classified as benzene-, toluene-, and xylene-like types and may be used for the fingerprint identification of benzenes with different electron donating/withdrawing substituents. Comparative studies with related compounds revealed that lower electron density in the naphthalene core favors π-complex formation. The study also found that electron-donating groups in solvents caused more significant redshifts, while electron-withdrawing groups had minimal impact. High-level DFT calculations supported these observations, showing that stronger π-π interactions lead to greater redshifts, particularly in solvents, such as toluene and xylenes. The research suggests that 1,5-DIN's distinct emission behaviors can be leveraged for compositional analysis of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) mixtures, with specific emphasis on the influence of electron density and solvent interactions on the emission properties.
Study on material removal of double abrasive grains in ultrasonic-assisted abrasive cloth wheel of GH4169 alloy blade
Authors: Liu De , Li Jiaming , Xian Chao , Wang Chenghu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

As a critical component of aero-engines, the processing quality of the blade has a significant impact on the engine's overall performance and service life. First, from the perspective of double abrasive grains, two finite element models—simultaneous and sequential scratches—are established. The interaction between the two abrasive grains affects not only the polishing force and chip formation but also the surface morphology of the processed workpiece. Second, the effects of abrasive grain rake angle, grain spacing, and ultrasonic amplitude on polishing force, chip formation, and surface morphology are analyzed using a single-factor method. Finally, conventional polishing and ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing experiments using an abrasive cloth wheel are conducted. The results show that varying the transverse spacing between the abrasive grains reduces the polishing force on the second abrasive grain and leads to the formation of broken chips. Compared to conventional polishing, ultrasonic vibration-assisted polishing reduces the polishing forces by 9% and 8% in the tangential and normal directions, respectively, while also improving surface morphology and producing crushed chips.
Burnt Sawdust Ash from Timber Species as Partial Cement Replacements on the durability properties for Sustainable Interlocking Blocks
Authors: Sampson Assiamah , Kankam Charles K. , Adinkrah-Appiah Kwadwo , Afrifa Russell Owusu , Banahehe Osei Jack , Agyeman Stephen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of wood ash (BSDA) from seven timber species as a partial cement replacement in laterite interlocking blocks (LIBs). Using a replacement level of 0–30 BSDA wt% and mix proportion of 1:6 (cement + BSDA: laterite) with a 0.60 water-to-cement ratio, 396 specimens of size 185 mm x 220 mm x 120 mm were produced and cured 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Soil characterization test, particle size distribution, bulk density, water absorption, and erosion resistance were tested. While replacing cement with BSDA generally increased erosion rates, Wawa and Mahogany ashes exhibited superior resistance across all replacement levels. Wood type influenced both properties, with Odum, Ceiba and Mansonia offering better erosion resistance and desirable water absorption at higher sawdust compositions. A positive finding was the decrease in bulk density with increasing BSDA, making blocks lighter and easier to transport. The research findings have some impacts on environmental sustainability, speed construction, and construction cost reduction.
Fluorescence analysis of antibacterial activity of ZnO/TiO 2 electrospun nanofibers: A molecular approach to reveals the insights of physiochemical interactions of materials with bacteria
Authors: Hassan Ali , Anwar Shahzad , Rashid Rashad , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Ibrahim Saba , Khanam Bisma , Shah Attaullah , Raffi Muhammad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fluorescence spectroscopy employed to compute the antibacterial potential of pure ZnO and Titania (TiO2) loaded ZnO (TiO2: 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) electrospun nanofibers. The study of electrospun nanofibers followed by their structural, morphological and antibacterial properties has been revealed through fluorescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of nanofibers calcinated at 600°C revealed the presence of polycrystalline wurtzite hexagonal crystallographic planes of ZnO with preferred orientation along (101) direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that calcination of electrospun nanofibers resulted in smooth and pure ZnO nanofibers due to ethanol evaporation and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) decomposition. Two bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used for fluorescence spectroscopy-based evaluation of antibacterial activity of ZnO and TiO2-ZnO nanofibers. Agar well technique was employed to investigate the antibacterial activity and functioning mechanism of nanofibers against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The consistent zones of inhibition have been observed for pure ZnO and Titania loaded ZnO nanofibers. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the insights of bacterial killing with nanofibers. The mechanistic study of interaction between nanofibers and bacterial cells leads to cell membrane breakdown and confirmed with SEM imaged micrographs. Furthermore, the nanofibers calcinated at 600°C efficiently ruptured the bacteria resulting in higher antibacterial phenomenon as compare to the other nanofiber structures.
Hand grip strength and quality of life in adult Polish population in 50-90 age of life
Authors: Kaczorowska Antonina , Kozieł Sławomir , Ignasiak Zofia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

With advancing age, progressive loss of muscle strength as assessed by hand grip strength may also result in poorer health-related quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyse and evaluate the associations of hand grip strength with quality of life in people aged 50–90 years from south-western Poland. The study group comprised 1 446 people, including 351 men and 1 095 women, aged between 50 and 90 years. The WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Hand grip strength of the dominant hand was measured. The general assessment of quality of life shows a significant relationship with hand grip strength. Two domains of quality of life: social and environmental also significantly differentiate hand grip strength. As the number of points in given domains increases, the hand grip strength increases. In men, the relationship between the environmental domain and hand grip strength is significantly stronger than in women (r = 0.12; p < 0.05 and r = 0.06; p < 0.05 for males and females, respectively). Hand grip strength is related to the quality of life of older adults, especially in the social and environmental domains. Actions are necessary to improve the strength of skeletal muscles in adults, and thus their quality of life.
Development of a Radioactivity Estimation Algorithm for an Arbitrary Geometry Radiation Source in Nuclear Power Plant Workspace
Authors: Kim Ji Woo , Kim Ju Young , Kim Min Seong , Lee Dae Ho , Kim Kwang Pyo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Nuclear power plant workers can be exposed to radiation under various working conditions such as during normal operation, maintenance period, or emergency. To establish an optimal work plan, radiation dose prediction and assessment must be conducted in advance. Radioactivity data are essential to assess radiation dose. However, in some situations, these data may not be available, and analyzing precise activity of radiation source in all nuclear power plant work environments may require significant time and financial resource. Therefore, an algorithm is needed that can swiftly estimate the radioactivity of the radiation sources by utilizing the radiation dose rate which are readily available data. The objective of this study is to develop an algorithm for estimating the radioactivity of arbitrary geometry radiation sources within the nuclear power plant workspaces. To achieve this, an algorithm was initially developed to estimate the radioactivity of point sources and arbitrary geometry radiation sources. Subsequently, scenarios for the point sources and cylindrical volume sources were established, and the effectiveness of the algorithm was validated with applying these scenarios. In the radioactivity estimation algorithm for the point sources, the radioactivity was estimated by reverse-calculating the external exposure dose assessment equation from the radiation dose rate data. However, various uncertainties may exist in the radiation dose rate data. Because limitations exist in deriving an exact activity value, a numerical analysis method was employed to obtain an optimal solution. The estimation procedure was divided into five steps: 1) obtaining input parameters, 2) establishing the simultaneous equation, 3) deriving an initial solution set, 4) deriving the approximate solution set, and 5) calculating uncertainty and determining the optimal solution. Additionally, a radioactivity estimation algorithm for arbitrary geometry radiation sources was developed integrating the point source radioactivity estimation algorithm and the point-kernel method. The estimation procedure was divided into two steps: 1) point segmentation of the arbitrary geometry radiation source and 2) estimation of radioactivity for the segmented point source. In the validation results of each algorithm, the error rate between the actual and estimated values ranged from approximately 1.19%–11.2%. The results of this study are expected to be utilized in the future for optimizing work plans in nuclear power plant workspaces where radioactivity information is unavailable.
Shift Work Schedules Alter Immune Cell Regulation and Accelerate Cognitive Impairment during Aging
Authors: de Souza Karienn , Jackson Morgan , Chen Justin , Reyes Jocelin , Muayad Judy , Tran Emma , Jackson William , Newell-Rogers Karen , Earnest David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms typically precede the age-related deficits in learning and memory, suggesting that these alterations in circadian timekeeping may contribute to the progressive cognitive decline during aging. The present study examined the role of immune cell activation and inflammation in the link between circadian rhythm dysregulation and cognitive impairment in aging.Methods: C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to shifted light-dark (LD) cycles (12hr advance/5d) during early adulthood (from ≈ 4-6mo) or continuously to a “fixed” LD12:12 schedule. At middle age (13-14mo), the long-term effects of circadian rhythm dysregulation on cognitive performance, immune cell regulation and hippocampal microglia were analyzed using behavioral, flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assays.Results: Entrainment of the activity rhythm was stable in all mice on a fixed LD 12:12 cycle but was fully compromised during exposure to shifted LD cycles. Even during “post-treatment” exposure to standard LD 12:12 conditions, re-entrainment in shifted LD mice was marked by altered patterns of entrainment and increased day-to-day variability in activity onset times that persisted into middle-age. These alterations in light-dark entrainment were closely associated with dramatic impairment in the Barnes maze test for the entire group of shifted LD mice at middle age, well before cognitive decline was first observed in aged (18-22mo) animals maintained on fixed LD cycles. In conjunction with the effects of circadian dysregulation on cognition, shifted LD mice at middle age were distinguished by significant expansion of splenic B cells and B cell subtypes expressing the activation marker CD69 or inflammatory marker MHC Class II Invariant peptide (CLIP), differential increases in CLIP+, 41BB-Ligand+, and CD74 + B cells in the meningeal lymphatics, alterations in splenic T cell subtypes, and increased number and altered functional state of microglia in the dentate gyrus. In shifted LD mice, the expansion in splenic B cells was negatively correlated with cognitive performance; when B cell numbers were higher, performance was worse in the Barnes maze. These results indicate that disordered circadian timekeeping associated with early exposure to shift work-like schedules alone accelerates cognitive decline during aging in conjunction with altered regulation of immune cells and microglia in the brain.