bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of a Solid-Contact Ion-Selective Electrode for Determination of Silver Sulfadiazine in Combination with Sodium Hyaluronate: Assessment of Whiteness and Greenness Profile
Authors: Ibrahim Manal , Ramadan Nesrin K. , Ibrahim Magda M. , Boltia Shereen A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Potentiometric sensors were designed with a focus on rapid, environmentally friendly, cost-efficient, and highly specific detection. These sensors were specifically tailored for the analysis of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) when combined with sodium hyaluronate (SH) in their combined dosage form. The manufacturing process involved a two-step optimization procedure. Initially, different ionophores were evaluated to enhance the selectivity of the sensors, with Calix-4 demonstrating the highest specificity for SSD. The subsequent phase involved incorporating a layer of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) between the calix-4 polymeric membrane and the solid-contact screen-printed electrode (SPE). This MWCNT layer served as an ion-to-electron transducer, improving electrode potential constancy by mitigating drift, likely attributed to its hydrophobic nature, preventing a water layer to be formed at the interface between the screen-printed electrode (SPE) and the polymeric ion-sensing membrane. The characterized SSD sensor, developed following IUPAC recommendations with high selectivity for SSD determination in combination with SH in their dosage form. The MWCNT sensor exhibited high accuracy 99.94% ± 0.413 in linear range from 1.0 × 10− 5 to 1.0 × 10− 2 M with LOD of 2.0 × 10− 5 M. The slope was calculated from the linear part of the graph and was found to be 61.029 mV/decade. To scrutinize the health and environmental ramifications of the developed technique in comparison with a documented approach, diverse assessment techniques such as Eco-scale points, GAPI, AGREE, and RGB12 were employed for greenness and whiteness evaluation.
Secure Multigroup Multicast Cell-Free Massive MIMO Transmission in the Presence of Phase Noise
Authors: zhang xianyu , Luo Yingguang , Zou Zili , An Kang , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Hua , Wang Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the secrecy analysis and power resource allocation in multigroup multicast cell-free massive MIMO system with multi-antenna users in the presence of phase noise. Considering the presence of an active multiple-antenna eavesdropper, minimum mean squared error (MMSE) and distributed conjugate beamforming are exploited for channel estimation and downlink multicast transmission. Leveraging on random matrix theory, the analytical closed-form expression of the achievable secrecy rate is provided. The derived results enable to evaluate the effects of various parameters, which reveals the secrecy performance is degraded by phase noise and enhanced by adopting multi-antenna configuration. Analytical results illustrate that phase noise at users imposes more severe influence than that on access points (APs). In addition, it reveals that security of the concerned network is also restricted by the transmit power of the eavesdropper. Specifically, this work formulates the power allocation as a nonconvex optimization problem which enables to maximize the minimum achievable rate. Then, one iterative optimization algorithm is adopted to solve this problem based on continuous convex approximation. Finally, numerical results corroborate the derived expression and findings, and also verify the effectiveness of the proposed power control algorithm.
Novel sources of resistance/tolerance to orthotospoviruses in Lactuca germplasm identified via field exposure to viruliferous vectors and in greenhouse mechanical transmission assays
Authors: Jorge Tiago Silva , Lima Mirtes Freitas , Cabral Cleia Santos , Fontes Maria Geane , Tavares Águeda Gonçalves , Vivas Marcelo , Fonseca Maria Esther de Noronha , Boiteux Leonardo Silva 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The ‘spotted wilt’ disease (induced by a complex of orthotospoviruses) is one of the main biotic constraints of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production in South America. Genetic resistance to orthotospoviruses is the most practical and sustainable management strategy due to the low efficiency of chemical control of their thrips vectors. Thus far, conventional breeding sources of resistance have been detected in the genus Lactuca only to tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) and Impatiens necrotic spot orthotospovirus (INSV). However, the major sources of TSWV and INSV resistance proved to be highly susceptible to Brazilian isolates of groundnut ringspot orthotospovirus (GRSV), which is the main orthotospovirus under Neotropical conditions. Herein, we evaluated the reaction to GRSV and TSWV isolates of a diverse germplasm collection (comprising 65 Lactuca accessions) under open-field conditions with natural GRSV inoculum. Nine accessions with superior levels of performance under field conditions (incidence below 20%) were subsequently selected for a set of experiments using controlled mechanical inoculation with three GRSV and two TSWV isolates. Sources of immune-like resistance were detected only for TSWV isolates but not for GRSV in greenhouse assays. However, three accessions displayed significantly lower GRSV incidence even under high temperature regimens. Additional experiments are necessary to verify the presence of vector-interfering traits in the accessions that displayed exclusively field-resistance/tolerance. This is the first study reporting the detection of novel sources of simultaneous field resistance/tolerance against GRSV and TSWV isolates, thus representing potential donors of genes for incorporation into elite inbred lines and cultivars of lettuce.
Development of a visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification method to detect environmental DNA of the giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli in the field
Authors: Takahashi Jun-ichi , Ohba Shin-ya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is an important tool for assessing the population status and distribution of the threatened species, whose habitats have been declining or becoming fragmented. In this study, we developed a visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the on-site detection of the eDNA of the giant water bug Kirkaldyia deyrolli in freshwater habitats. Species-specific primers were designed based on the mitochondrial DNA sequence of K. deyrolli, specifically targeting the cytochrome C oxidation enzyme subunit II (COII) gene. The effectiveness of these primers was confirmed using turbidity and visual LAMP tests, which demonstrated their high specificity and sensitivity. Field tests were conducted using commercial portable equipment, allowing eDNA extraction and visual LAMP reactions to be performed directly at various pond sites. The results revealed rapid and accurate detection within 30 min, demonstrating the potential of this method for the quick assessment of the presence of K. deyrolli in natural habitats. This technique offers a cost-effective and rapid alternative to real-time PCR, thereby directly enabling effective conservation efforts in the field.
Modeling the Impacts of Coastal Land Use Scenarios on Ecosystem Services Restoration in Southwest Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Kankam Stephen , Koo HongMi , Inkoom Justice Nana , Fürst Christine 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Urbanization is a key driver of coastal habitats degradation in West Africa. Habitat restoration is strongly advocated to mitigate urbanization impacts in West African coastal areas. However, knowledge on the application of scenarios to envision land use patterns and ecosystem services (ES) supply in this region is still lacking in scientific literature. In this study, we applied land use scenario modelling to provide recommendations for habitat restoration planning and associated ES supply in coastal socio-ecological systems. Specifically, four land use scenarios (Urbanization Scenario (UBS), Urban Greening Scenario (UGS), Plantation Agriculture Scenario (PLAS) and Landscape Restoration (LRS)) were developed for the coastal zone of Southwest Ghana. Their impacts on land use patterns and ES (food, fuelwood, carbon sequestration and recreation benefit) were assessed and visualized by integrating benefits transfer and experts’ knowledge into a spatially explicit modelling platform. The simulated results showed that UBS would decrease the supply of food, fuelwood, carbon sequestration and recreation benefits in the region. LRS would create negative synergies between food and carbon sequestration but this relationship reversed to positive synergies with future intensification of restoration. Our findings also showed that LRS could lead to expansion of mixed swamp forests, no change in the spatial extent of palm swamp forests and decline of mangrove swamps. On this basis, we recommend planning regulations which target swamp forests in the region for enhanced protection and restoration in order to safeguard these critical coastal habitats and avert their future degradation due to urbanization.
Understanding Industrial Waste Disposal Tax and Factors that Halted its Expansion from the Perspective of Interregional Waste Transfer and Strategic Interdependence among Local Governments
Authors: Tamura Natsumi , Fukasawa Eiji 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study clarifies the mechanism of the expansion of the introduction of the industrial waste disposal tax as a non-statutory earmarked tax by prefectures in Japan since FY2002. It further clarifies the reasons for the subsequent suspension of this expansion. First, we confirm strategic interdependence by estimating reaction functions based on panel data of 47 prefectures. Second, we employ established methodology to explain the impact of taxes on the amount of industrial waste transferred among prefectures. Evidently, the expansion by FY2007 was likely due to yardstick competition among prefectures than a spillover effect caused by interregional transfer of industrial waste owing to taxation. When considering the results of estimation based on the Probit model, we find that prefectures halted tax introduction after FY2008 following Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture’s refusal to do the same, and also because of the industrial structure of each prefecture, among other factors.
JEL codes: H23, H71, H77
Assessment of water needs in the lower Dnipro sub-basin following the destruction of the Kakhovka Reservoir
Authors: Khoriev Mykhailo , Karamushka Viktor , Huliaieva Oksana , Kuns Brian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The paper describes the purposes of the Kakhovka reservoir, which was the final in a series of large reservoirs created out of the Dnipro River in Ukraine. Importantly the paper presents the water consumption balances of the reservoir prior to its destruction on June 6, 2023. This consumption is divided up by economic sector – energy, agriculture, fishing, industry, transport, and household use and also with details on inter- and intra-annual water demand trends and variations (prior to destruction). The water needed to maintain important ecosystems in the reservoir and south of the now destroyed dam is also accounted for. This overview of water consumption is then used as input in an analysis of how prospective water-uses of the Dnipro River, including water needed to maintain important ecosystems, can be met given the situation now where the Dnipro River still exists, but the reservoir and dam, which were important for regulating and maintaining flow-rates and water-levels at different times of the year, do not exist at the moment.
A novel method for predicting local plastic mechanical properties of metal structures by integrating microstructure and instrumented indentation technique
Authors: Zhang Yubiao , Xue He 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Most important mechanical structures produce complex variations in local material mechanical properties during molding and in-service processes. Accurate testing of material mechanical properties is fundamental to structural integrity assessment. Instrumented indentation technique (IIT) plays a critical role in on-site testing of local structural mechanical properties. However, establishing a precise correlation between the indentation response and uniaxial stress-strain remains challenging in IIT. In this study, we utilized finite element inversion method to explore the quantitative relationship between the indentation response and plastic mechanical properties. Considering that the plastic deformation stages of these metals may exhibit either linear hardening or power-law hardening behavior, a single constitutive model cannot meet the accuracy requirements of IIT. Hence, methods for acquiring mechanical properties suitable for power-law hardening and linear hardening were established respectively based on the analysis of the microstructures of materials exhibiting different hardening behaviors. An integrated IIT approach, considering both microstructure and corresponding material constitutive models, was proposed.Moreover, the influence of elemental composition on microstructure and hardening behavior was investigated. The accuracy of the method was validated with various materials, including austenitic stainless steel, structural steel, and low-alloy steel. Given the universality and reliability of this approach, it is expected to provide theoretical and technical references for the advancement of IIT and structural integrity assessment in important mechanical structures.
Finance, Economic Growth, ICT, Renewable Energy, and Environmental Quality in BRICS and Non-BRICS Emerging Markets
Authors: Nnaji Kennady Kelechi , Ogboghro Vincent Ikumariegbe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study employs several panel estimation methods to examine the dynamic relationship between financial development, economic growth, renewable energy consumption, and environmental quality in emerging markets of Africa, and Asia, and South America, comparing BRICS and non-BRICS countries. The study also considers the moderating role of ICT on the relationship between financial development, economic growth and carbon emissions. Our dataset comprises 1612 country-year panel observations on 52 emerging economies from 1991 to 2021. We find that CO2 emission is persistent in emerging markets and unobserved country specifics are relevant in the relationship between CO2 emission and its determinants. Further, our evidence confirms the existence of finance neutrality theory in emerging markets and shows that financial development is not a significant determinant of CO2 emission in both BRICS and non-BRICS countries. However, this theory appears to be operational only in the short run. Also, in the short run, only renewable energy is found to be significant determining CO2 emissions. In the long run, financial development, economic growth, and industrialization all increase CO2 emission while ICT, renewable energy consumption, and urbanization are significant in reducing CO2 emissions. However, the negative effect of renewable energy consumption is more pronounced in non-BRICS countries. Further, our empirical evidence confirms the moderating role of ICT in the relationship between CO2 emission and its determinants in emerging markets. However, it suggests that BRICS countries are more successful in using ICT as an instrument to combat climate change and CO2 emissions in BRICS compared to non-BRICS countries.
Computational Strategies in Drug Discovery: Leveraging Subtractive Genomic Analysis for Target Identification
Authors: Patil Vivek , Desai Sharav , Patel Vipul , Somase Vrushali 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
The utilization of In-silico subtractive genomic analysis has emerged as an important
and essential method in modern drug discovery and development since it significantly improves
the process of identifying and validating potential targets for discovering novel therapeutic
compounds to treat severe infections caused by Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) - pathogenic
species. This review provides a complete overview of the methodology, advantages, disadvantages,
and prospects, associated with subtractive genomic research in the context of drug
discovery and development. The initial phase of analysis encompasses the retrieval of data,
which serves as a foundation for the subsequent data mining process in Phase 1. After data mining,
Phase 2 utilizes subtractive channels for the target's non-homology and essentiality analysis.
Phase 3 of the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of prospective targets
by their qualitative characterization. Further, Phase 4 of the study emphasizes on conducting
structure-based analyses, which involves the determination, refinement, evaluation, and validation
of three-dimensional structures of the target proteins, along with their active site prediction
and selection of the novel therapeutic compounds against that active site on the obtained targets
through virtual screening and docking studies by utilizing various databases and servers. The
therapeutic compounds obtained can be then validated by in vitro and in vivo testing, thereby
establishing a connection between the computational predictions and real applications.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritis Activity of Quercetin: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chaudhary Shikha , Sharma Shaweta , Fuloria Shivkanya , Sharma Pramod Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
This comprehensive exploration delves into the multifaceted attributes of quercetin, a
flavonoid with extensive health-promoting potential. The review navigates through its fundamental
properties, encompassing its chemical structure, classification as a flavonoid, and its natural
prevalence in various sources. Addressing solubility, stability, and bioavailability challenges, the
investigation delves into innovative isolation techniques, including solvent extraction, solid-phase
extraction, natural deep eutectic solvents, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction,
column chromatography, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Transitioning into
pharmacological implications, the study unveils quercetin's roles in anti-inflammatory pathways,
antioxidant effects, and immune modulation, reflecting its versatile significance in health
management. The review highlights its impact on wound healing processes and its potential to
mitigate arthritis, elucidating its holistic contributions. Culminating in an exploration of recent
studies, the analysis underscores quercetin's remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis activities,
reflecting its substantial potential across various ailments. The review concludes by projecting
future trajectories, emphasizing prospects for an advanced understanding of quercetin's mechanisms,
sustainable extraction techniques, clinical integration, and exploration of synergistic combinations.
Collectively, this review investigation underscores quercetin's dynamic role at the intersection
of natural compounds and medicinal applications, offering profound implications for well-
being and health enhancement.
Construction and Identification of a Human Colorectal Adenoma Epithelial Cell Line by SV40 Large T-Antigen Transfection
Authors: Meng Xiangxue , Han Xinyue , Lin Xiangying , Li Guanhong , Wang Jingnan , Sun Ao , Fu Xiaochen , Xu Bowen , Yang Donghua , Wu Yanping , Zhang Min , Fu Xiaoling 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Colorectal adenoma represents the critical step in the development of colorectal
cancer. The establishment of an immortalized epithelial cell line of colorectal adenoma of
human origin would provide a tool for studying the mechanism of precancerous lesions, screening
the efficacy of novel drugs, and constructing in vivo disease models. Currently, there is no commercially
available stable supply of epithelial cells from precancerous lesions.

Aims:
This study aimed to establish a natural LHPP low-expressing precancerous epithelial cell
line by SV40-LT antigen gene transfection.

Methods:
Simian vacuolating virus 40(SV40), SV40-LT overexpressed lentivirus vector, was
transfected into primary human colorectal adenomatous polyp epithelial cells. The transfected
cells were screened, and the screened cells were amplified to obtain the epithelial cell line: IHCRA-
CELL. The cells were identified by morphological observation, cell proliferation, Quantitative
real-time PCR (qPCR), and Short Tandem Repeats (STR) experiments. Morphologically, the
cells showed epithelial-like characteristics, such as polygon shape, desmosomes mitochondria,
and strong positive keratin staining. There was no significant difference between the transfected
cells and the primary cells. Through the STR identification experiment, no matching cell lines
were found in the cell lines retrieval.

Conclusion:
We successfully established a natural LHPP low-expressing precancerous epithelial
cell line by SV40-LT antigen gene transfection, which has been patented and is now preserved in
the Chinese Typical Culture Preservation Center. It was verified that the transformed cells maintained
the phenotype and biological characteristics of epithelial cells. This cell line can be used to
study the mechanism of precancerous lesions, screen the efficacy of novel drugs, and construct in
vivo disease models.
Transferosomes: Advancing Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems for Dermatological Disorders - A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , kumar Amit , Islam Md Moidul , Gupta G.D. , Kumar Manish 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
The human skin is the largest organ, is a vital interface with the external environment,
and maintains homeostasis through its layered structure of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
The epidermis forms a strong barrier against microorganisms, and the dermis consists of essential
components like collagen and melanin, and the hypodermis aids in insulation and energy storage.
The skin diseases, spanning the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, include psoriasis, dermatitis,
acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging. The nanocarrier-based drug delivery, particularly
transferosomes, shows promise in treating dermatological conditions. Transfersomes are composed
of phospholipids and edge activators, and navigate skin structures with flexibility, enhancing
drug permeation. They offer continuous drug release, accommodating both lipophilic and hydrophilic
drugs, and respond to osmotic gradients, optimizing transdermal delivery. Despite being
non-invasive, formulation challenges and stability issues require attention. Studies demonstrate
transferosomes' efficacy in treating conditions like acne, psoriasis, and melasma, demonstrating
their potential for targeted drug delivery and overcoming conventional limitations in dermatology.
Comparison of the Bioactive Properties of Honey Proteins from Floral Sources in Indonesia
Authors: Jaya Firman , Evanuarini Herly , Susanto Edy , Azkarahman Aldyon Restu 
Published: May 2024

The diversity of plant species in Indonesia has resulted in a wide variety of floral honey. The antioxidant activities of these Indonesian honeys have not been determined. Ten types of honey from indigenous Indonesian sources (9 monofloral; 1 heterofloral) were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The Folin-Ciocalteu test was used to determine the total phenolic content, and an aluminum chloride colorimetric assay was used to determine the total flavonoid content. SDS–PAGE was used to determine the molecular weights of the honey proteins. The mean antioxidant activity of the honey samples, defined as the IC50 of DPPH, ranged from 5.46 to 34.42. The mean total phenol content ranged from 27.57 to 53.85 mg GAE/100 g, and the mean flavonoid content ranged from 3.58–15.67 mg CE/100 g. A protein of ~60 kDa was detected in all honey varieties. A positive correlation was observed between antioxidant activity, total phenols, and total flavonoids, indicating that their phenolic and flavonoid components confer the antioxidant activity of these honey varieties. To the best of our knowledge, indigenous Indonesian honey, especially monofloral Calliandra honey, has shown greater antioxidant activity than other kinds of honey worldwide.