bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison between biochar, activated biochar, activated carbon, and carbon black embedded onto polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes for Natural Organic Matter (NOM) removal
Authors: Fionah Abelline , Daugherty Kayla , Kiprotich Nerissa , Escobar Isabel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed via the interaction between Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and disinfectants, such as chlorine, and have been linked to many health issues such as liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems, reproductive effects, as well as some forms of cancer. One method to address the DBP issue is to remove NOM, so that precursors are not available at the time of chlorination to form DBPs. Two common treatment options for NOM removal include adsorption using activated carbon and membrane separations. Here, biochar’s ability to adsorb NOMs from water when incorporated into polysulfone (PSf)-based membranes was investigated in order to develop multifunctional adsorbing membranes. This was carried out by comparing PSf ultrafiltration membranes immobilized with biochar, lab-activated biochar, carbon black, and activated carbon. For biochar activation, parameters such as activating agent, activation time, and activation agent exposure time were investigated. The results showed that the addition of biochar into the PSf membrane matrix not only improved the permeability of the membranes but also showed improved rejection of humic acid from water. Furthermore, membranes with biochar activated with 1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exhibited the highest humic acid rejection of 92.4% +/-0.5%. This showed both that biochar could act as an alternative to activated carbon and black carbon for the removal of humic acid, and that membranes made with biochar rejected humic acid via both sieving and adsorption mechanisms.
,,What is the impact of obesity-related comorbidities on the risk of premature ageing:cross-sectional study”
Authors: Dudek Alicja , Zapała Barbara , Gorostowicz Aleksandra , Kawa Ilona , Ciszek Karol , Tylec Piotr , Cyranka Katarzyna , Wysocki Michał , Major Piotr 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The relationships among aging, chronic diseases, and obesity remain complex and poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of comorbidities on premature aging in individuals with severe obesity.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 99 patients with severe obesity (SG) and 30 healthy volunteers (HC). SG was further divided into subgroups based on comorbidity status. Various markers of biological aging, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), telomere length (TL), attention speed, executive functions and metabolic age, were evaluated.
Results
Both subgroups of patients with obesity presented elevated levels of IL-6 and CRP, shorter TLs, lower outcomes in executive functioning tests and greater metabolic age than healthy subjects. However, no significant differences were observed between patients with obesity with and without comorbidities. This study highlighted the impact of BMI on increased inflammation and revealed that hypertension and inflammation are associated with cognitive decline.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that obesity, regardless of comorbidities, contributes to premature aging. The presence of hypertension was linked to cognitive function decline, emphasizing the multifaceted implications of obesity for the aging process.
Level of Evidence: Level III, well-designed cross-sectional study.
Effects of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide on oxidative stress and glycemic variability in patients with type 2 diabetes: an open-label, prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group comparison study
Authors: Ohara Makoto , Yokoyama Hiroki , Seino Hiroaki , Fujikawa Tomoki , Kohata Yo , Takahashi Noriyuki , Irie Shunichiro , Terasaki Michishige , Mori Yusaku , Fukui Tomoyasu , Yamagishi Sho-ichi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: To compare the effects of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors to oral semaglutide on oxidative stress and glucose variability assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: This was an open-label, prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group comparison study conducted over 24 weeks. Patients with T2DM who had been taking regular doses of DPP-4 inhibitors for at least 12 weeks were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to either continue on DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitor group) or switch to oral semaglutide at 3 mg/day, with a dose increase to 7 mg/day after 4 weeks (semaglutide group). The primary endpoint was the change in the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites test, an oxidative stress marker. Secondary endpoints included changes in glucose variability assessed using continuous glucose monitoring, metabolic indices, physical assessments, and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores.
Results: Fifty-eight patients with T2DM were randomized to the semaglutide group (n = 30) and the DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 28). Six patients in the semaglutide group and one patient in the DPP-4 inhibitor group dropped out during the study. Ultimately, data from 24 patients in the semaglutide group and 27 patients in the DPP-4 inhibitor group were included for analysis. Switching to oral semaglutide therapy for 24 weeks significantly reduced oxidative stress, glucose variability, and hemoglobin A1c levels compared to continuous treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors. However, there was no significant difference in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores between the two groups.
Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that switching to oral semaglutide therapy from DPP-4 inhibitors significantly improved oxidative stress and glycemic parameters, including glucose variability, in patients with T2DM.
Trial registration: jRCT1031210620.
Saltmarsh plants respond to various hydrodynamic and sedimentary disturbances by modifying their morphological strategies in both aboveground and belowground parts
Authors: Hu Yang , Jiang Can , Li Xiuzhen , Xue Liming , Li Maotian , Fang Shubo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To ensure the long-term stability of the valuable saltmarsh ecosystem, a comprehensive understanding of saltmarsh plant responses to strong tidal stress is essential. We investigated the effects of sedimentation dynamics and hydrodynamics on saltmarsh morphological traits and biomass allocation during growing seasons in the Yangtze Estuary. Our results showed that: (1) Individuals colonized at the seaward edge of saltmarsh were subjected to stronger hydrodynamic and sediment dynamic disturbance than those at the inner saltmarsh. Specifically, the average water depth, effective wave height, current velocity, bed shear stress and suspended sediment concentration at the low saltmarsh were 4.8, 9, 5.8, 4, 1.78 times higher than that at the inner saltmarsh, respectively. Thus, individuals at the seaward edge of saltmarsh were more resilient. (2) At early and middle growth stages, both aboveground and belowground plant traits showed significantly different growth patterns. (3) Lastly, the shoot/root rate differs significantly between seaward and landward edges, indicating that the optimal allocation of Scirpus mariqueter biomass was approached to cope with external stresses from waves and sediments. We concluded that this phenotypic plasticity of plant traits was a response to the heterogeneity of tidal flat sedimentation processes and increased plants tolerance to the changing environment. These findings may help in developing an appropriate saltmarsh rehabilitation strategy to address the stressors such as hydrodynamics and sedimentation dynamics.
Evaluate the Efficiency of Utilizing Alternative Nitrogen Sources in Sweet Potato-Based Medium on the Growth of Lactobacillus sp
Authors: Eddin Abdulhakim Sharaf , Zimmerman Tahl , Krastanov Albert , Aljaloud Sulaiman O. , Ibrahim Salam A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of alternative nitrogen sources in sweet potato-based medium for supporting the growth of Lactobacillus sp. Sweet potato is an intriguing candidate as a component of a growth medium for Lactobacillus sp. The sweet potato medium was supplemented with 2, 8, or 14 g/L of X-Seed Nucleo Max, X-Seed KAT, and NuCel 780 MG as nitrogen sources. Seven Lactobacillus sp strains were used in this study. At least two of the sweet potato medium compositions SPM2 which contain 2 g/L X-Seed Nucleo Max, 3 g/L X-Seed KAT, and 3 g/L NuCel 780 MG and SPM3 which contain 2 g/L X-Seed Nucleo Max, 6 g/L X-Seed KAT, and 6 g/L NuCel 780 MG were sufficient to grow Lactobacillus sp strains in a manner sufficiently similar or superior to that of MRS. At 12 hours of incubation, the population of Lactobacillus sp strains reached an average of 7.94 ± 0.11, 8.38 ± 0.11, and 8.57 ± 0.12 log CFU/mL for MRS, SPM2, and SPM3, respectively. Moreover, the buffering capacity of SPM2 and SPM3 was significantly higher than that in MRS (p ≤ 0.05). These findings thus demonstrate that the sweet potato based medium, SPM2, is suitable for the growth of Lactobacillus sp strains and can be used as an alternative to the standard media.
Impact of Hybrid Ventilation on Fire Plume Mitigation in a Compartment with Dual Horizontal Vents
Authors: Nandini Dandugula , Rajan Harish , Arul John 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The article explores a fire plume mitigation strategy within a horizontally vented enclosure, potentially applicable in nuclear plants, ship cabins, and building ventilation systems. The investigation consists of a compartment with dual horizontal ceiling vents operating under both forced and natural ventilation conditions, featuring a centrally located fire source. The study models the turbulent three-dimensional flow and heat transfer characteristics using a Large Eddy Simulation model. Parametric investigations vary the fire size, location, and forced ventilation velocity through the horizontal vent. The findings reveal various flow regimes, from pure natural convection to a mixed convection regime of bidirectional flow phenomena. Results show that temperature reduction of 83% in the overall ceiling gas temperature for the case of 3 m/s ventilation velocity. It is also observed that with rise in the ventilation velocity, the Froude number increases and for higher heat release rates, the plume temperature increases and hence the Froude number is decreased by 42%. The fire sources mounted adjacent to the wall and beneath the naturally vented horizontal vent demonstrate the maximum fire plume velocity of 2 m/s. The heat transfer analysis suggests that the average temperature ratio for the fire source of 0.1 m diameter case is dropped by 30% in the case of maximum ventilation velocity of 3 m/s and whereas for the case of 0.141 m diameter fire source, the 40% drop in the average temperature ratio is observed in this study. The proposed correlation, which links the dimensionless mass flow rate through the vent with the Froude number, provides insights into hybrid ventilation phenomena. This study enhances the understanding of airflow and safety design in buildings, particularly concerning smoke control.
Quercetin ameliorates lupus symptoms by promoting the apoptosis of senescent Tfh cells via the Bcl-2 pathway
Authors: Xiong Feng , Shen Kai , Long Di , Zhou Suqing , Ruan Pinglang , Xin Yue , Peng Weijun , Yang Ming , Wu Haijing , Lu Qianjin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that commonly affects the skin, kidneys, joints, and various other systemic tissues, with its development intricately linked to the process of immunosenescence. Quercetin (QC), a phytochemical that occurs naturally, demonstrates many different biological capabilities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Our investigation found that QC effectively reduced kidney damage and relieved lymph node swelling (mLNs) in MRL/lpr lupus mice. Moreover, QC has been found to decrease the number of senescent follicular helper T (Tfh) cells, a pivotal kind of T cells that contribute to the progression of SLE. In vitro, QC exhibited the capacity to modulate mRNA expression levels, with the downregulation of IL-6, IL21-AS1, IL-27, BCL6, and BCL2L12, and the upregulation of FOXP1 and BIM. This modulation resulted in the suppression of Tfh cells differentiation and the enhancement of apoptosis in senescent CD4+ T cells. In addition, the HuProtTM Human Proteome Microarray reverled that QC can directly bind to BCL-2 protein and therefore promote the apoptosis of senescent CD4+ T cell. As a result, our investigative elucidate the potent inhibitory action of QC on the ontogeny of Tfh cells, along with its capacity to abrogate the immunosenescent phenotype. This positions QC as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating SLE
A Generative Approach to Generalize Deep Learning Models for Pavement Distress Segmentation
Authors: Prajapati Abhishek Kumar , Guler Ilgin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Maintaining safe and reliable roadway infrastructure is a critical challenge that demands constant monitoring and analysis of surface level pavement distresses. Typically, this maintenance involves identifying and quantifying various forms of road damage, such as cracks and potholes, which are indicative of the pavement's overall health and safety. Recently, deep learning (DL) based automated methods have been recognized as the state-of-art for pavement distress analysis. These methods streamline the maintenance process through a two-step procedure: initially localizing areas of distress on the pavement (i.e., through object detection models) and subsequently performing pixel-level segmentation to quantify the severity of the damage (i.e., through an image segmentation model). However, the effectiveness of DL models is significantly hampered by feature-level distribution shift, a common problem where there is significant difference between training data and real-world data in terms of features like brightness, contrast, texture among other statistical features. This issue affects DL model's generalization ability, limiting its accuracy on new or unseen data. This paper introduces an innovative and cost-effective approach to enhance model generalization in the context of pavement distress segmentation. The proposed solution centers around an unsupervised generative data augmentation strategy that transforms features of new or unseen data to align closely with the training dataset before performing distress segmentation. The framework's effectiveness in improving pavement distress segmentation ability, is demonstrated through comparative analysis against traditional methods under varying distribution shift scenarios. Results indicate a significant improvement in segmentation accuracy, highlighting the potential of generative data augmentation strategy to address distribution shift challenges. This paves the way for future advancements in pavement distress analysis and model generalization.
Emotional Self-Regulation and Sociodemographic Factors on Subjective Well- being of Chilean adolescents
Authors: Fuentealba-Urra Sergio , Céspedes-Carreno Cristian , Rubio Andrés , Oyanedel Juan Carlos , Martínez-Líbano Jonathan , Leigh-González Camila , Arellano-Correa Sandra , Urrutia-Díaz Víctor , Val-Martín Pablo , Fuentealba-Martín Cristian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The relationship between emotional regulation and the perception of well-being is now well recognized. However, the influence of short-term emotional regulation strategies, together with sociodemographic factors, on subjective well-being has been partially examined, especially in adolescents with socioeconomic vulnerability conditions. The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of emotional regulation and sociodemographic factors on subjective well-being in adolescent students.
This cross-sectional study considered a sample of 917 adolescents from 10 to 19 years of age, students of primary and secondary Publics Schools in the eighth regions of Chile. Emotional regulation and subjective well-being were measured using self-report questionnaires. Socioeconomic vulnerability was established from the school vulnerability index (SVI) of each student's school.
Multiple regression analysis showed that the level of emotional regulation present in the young people together with gender, age and level of vulnerability were significantly associated with the adolescents' perception of well-being. In this sense, a high level of emotional regulation together with male gender predicted higher well-being scores. On the other hand, female gender and a "high" level of school vulnerability were associated with lower levels of perceived well-being in adolescents.
This study highlights the importance of considering emotional regulation as a relevant factor on subjective well-being in adolescents, particularly in adolescents with conditions of school vulnerability. This aspect together with factors such as gender and age should be considered in the generation of programs and public policies to improve well-being in adolescents.
Effect of social support on the subjective well-being among Chinese college athletes: a chain mediation model
Authors: Tan Shilin , Yao Jiawen , Hu Wenyan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

College athletes in higher education experience unique challenges due to dual pressures from their academic and athletic commitments, which may negatively affect their mental well-being. Social support is acknowledged as a protective factor that contributes to the mental well-being of college athletes. However, the mechanisms mediating this relationship remain largely unexplored. The Person-Environment (P-E) Fit Theory and Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) provide theoretical insights into the mediating mechanisms that explain how contextual factors influence individual well-being. This study examines the independent and sequential mediating roles of P-E fit and basic needs satisfaction in the relationship between social support and subjective well-being among college athletes. Data were collected through cluster random sampling from 822 college athletes across Jiangsu and Yunnan Provinces, China, averaging 20.33 years of age, with 70.44% being male. Structural equation modeling was adopted to examine the hypothetical model. The results indicate that social support directly enhances subjective well-being. Both P-E fit and needs satisfaction partially mediate this relationship, with adjustments for demographic and sports-related variables. The results showed that college athletes’ subjective well-being was interpreted as 47.2% by the overall mode. This study advances the understanding of how social support impacts college athletes’ well-being through specific mechanisms and suggests methods to strengthen support systems in higher education.
Design, Simulation and Fabrication Analysis of Rectangular Patch Antennas for Enhanced Performance
Authors: N Rashmi , S Lakshmisagar H 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This research delves deeply into a comprehensive exploration of the utilization of the finite element method (FEM) for the analysis of microstrip antenna configurations such as rectangular patch. An experimental fabrication of the antenna is carried out to evaluate the efficacy of FEM by examining parameters like gain, bandwidth, VSWR, return loss S11, directivity, and radiation patterns at a frequency of 3GHz. A Performance comparison between the existing and proposed microstrip antennas is presented .Notably, a significant correlation is noted between the recommended antenna characteristics and previous research conducted at the same frequency. Furthermore, our compact antenna design demonstrates its suitability for 5G wireless systems. Regardless of their miniature size, these antennas display exceptional radiation efficiency, with a bandwidth of about 204MHz, and a directivity of around 4.004 dB.
Influence of Pusa Hydrogel and Foliar Nutrient Spray on Rainfed Soybean in Northwest Himalayan Region
Authors: Bhat Shabir Ahmad , Bahar Fayaz Ahmed , Raja Waseem , Chesti Majeed Ul Hassan , Sheikh Tahir Ahmad , Wani Faheem , Rasool Khalid , Habib Raihana , qayoom Sameera , Bhat Tauseef , Jan Bisma , Nazir Bisma , Gulzar Marifa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Soybean is an important oilseed crop, cultivated all over the world. In India, it is cultivated on an area of 12.2 million hectares with a production of 13.5 million tons and productivity of 1.5 tons ha-1 (Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 2022). The national productivity of soybean (1.5 ton ha-1) is quite lower followed the world average (5.56 ton ha-1). (FOASTAT, 2022). One of the reasons for low productivity in soybean cultivation can also be attributed to insufficient soil moisture and erratic distribution of rainfall being experienced on account of global climate change. The other reason for soybean yield losses is an inadequate supply of nutrients . To provide a solution to the problems of the present dryland Agriculture, water-saving materials need to be used besides being the assured supply of nutrients. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate combined effect of Pusa hydrogel (an indigenous product that was created to increase crop productivity per unit of available nutrients and water, especially in agriculture under moisture stress) and foliar nutrient sprays to increase productivity and conserve available soil moisture. Application of Pusa hydrogel level H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F4 Thiourea 500ppm recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, number of leaves , number of branches , leaf area index (LAI) while with respect to yield and yield attributing characters Pusa hydrogel H3 5.0 kg ha-1 and F5 Vermiwash (1:10) ratio resulted significantly higher seed yield of soybean
Hepatitis B Antibody Trajectories in Medical School Students: An Empirical Comparison of Longitudinal Clustering Methods
Authors: Lu Xinyue , Xu Xingyan , Yang Le , Zheng Liuyan , Guo Jianhui , Zhu Li , Zhou Jungu , Zhang Zhiyu , Wu Siying , Li Huangyuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The trajectory of antibody levels following hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) at various dosages has rarely been explored. This study compares three distinct longitudinal clustering methods to analyse the development of antibodies following HepB to evaluate antibody titres before vaccination, after the first dose, and after the second dose to assess the effectiveness of these clustering techniques.
Methods
The hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb) titres of 312 freshmen at Fujian Medical University in China were analysed to identify clusters in which the antibody level changed over time. Antibody levels were measured at three time points: prevaccination, postfirst dose, and postsecond dose. K-means cluster analysis and latent growth mixture modelling (LGMM) methods were conducted via the R packages kml and lcmm, respectively. Additionally, group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) was performed with the Stata plugin traj.
Results
K-means clustering and latent growth mixture modelling (LGMM) classified antibody development trajectories into three distinct clusters: high, medium, and low antibody levels. In contrast, the group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) method identified only two clusters, corresponding to high and low antibody levels. The K-means and LGMM methods demonstrated the highest similarity in cluster shapes and provided a relatively better fit to the data. Conversely, the GBTM method produced more distinct trajectory shapes but did not align as well with the observed data.
Conclusion
After the trajectory analysis packages kml, lcmm, and traj were compared via HBsAb data, it was determined that the kml package offered the most appropriate clustering for antibody data. This finding may help inform strategies to optimize herd immunization.