bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative energy demand and carbon footprint analysis of textile waste management systems in Australia
Authors: Khan Mahbuba Imroz , Islam Md Tasbirul , Wang Lijing , Padhye Rajiv 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Textile waste management has become a pressing problem for developed nations due to over consumption and throw-away culture. Production-related CO2 emission in textile sector is well investigated to some extent but little has been done identifying the best practice of downstream processing, such as incineration, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling. This study aims to develop energy demand and carbon footprint analysis model in CCalC2 software to identify the best solution for Australia, which is one of the highest consumers of textile products and second largest generator of textile waste per capita. A model was developed according to the lifecycle assessment standards of ISO 14044 and PAS2050 embedded in the software along with the Ecoinvent database. Secondary data sources were used for the modelling. Four distinct scenarios have been developed, 100% landfilling (as the baseline), 100% incineration, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling of cotton portion of the textile waste. Results of the study showed that chemical recycling is the best option in terms of energy and recycled pulp material saving, while it was the most carbon intensive process (6,401 kg CO2eq/1000 kg). It is estimated that mechanical recycling process would emit around 5,368 kg CO2eq/1000 kg – the least CO2 emitting process. Surprisingly, incineration showed a similar trend of CO2 emission (e.g., 5,897 kg CO2eq)/1000 kg of mechanical recycling and such option could only be pursued if thermal energy recovery and electricity production are considered. Several limitations and future directions have been mentioned in the study which should be conducted in the future.
Measuring the paraspinal muscles as an important tool for predicting the overall survival period after spine surgery in lung cancer patients with spine metastasis
Authors: Cho Sung Tan , Cho Jae Hwan , Kim Jin Hwan , Lee Dong-Ho , Hwang Chang Ju , Park Sehan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Study design: Retrospective cohort study
Objectives: Metastatic lung cancer in the spine is difficult to determine whether to perform an additional surgical intervention, as patients at the end stage of lung cancer often have low performance status with significant muscle atrophy. This study aimed to demonstrate whether sarcopenia affects the prognosis after spine surgery in lung cancer patients by measuring the paraspinal muscles.
Methods: A total of 65 lung cancer patients who underwent spine surgery were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the survival period after surgery (≤6 months; n=33 and >6 months; n=32). Based on magnetic resonance imaging, the quantity and quality of the paraspinal muscles (psoas major, quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, and multifidus) were analyzed by an Image J program. Patient- and surgery-related factors were compared between the two groups.
Results: The quantity of the erector spinae muscle was higher in the >6 months group (11.5±2.8 cm2/m2) than in the ≤6 months group (10.0±2.3 cm2/m2, p=0.013). The logistic regression analysis showed that the muscle quantity of the erector spinae (p=0.026, odds ratio 1.343) and the number of vertebrae involved in metastasis (p=0.016, odds ratio 0.199) were the main prognostic factors for the survival period after spine surgery.
Conclusions: Lung cancer patients with a low quantity of the erector spinae muscles are at a high risk of poor prognosis after spine surgery. Therefore, measuring the erector spinae muscle could be an important tool for distinguishing patients appropriate for palliative treatments and surgical interventions.
Improved Nutritional Value of Surplus Bread and Perennial Ryegrass Extracts Via Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) with Rhizopus oligosporus
Authors: Bryant David , Sandoval Juan , Gallagher Joe , Rodriguez-Garcia Julia , Whiteside Kerry 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a sustainable method to convert food waste and plant biomass into novel foods for human consumption. Surplus bread crusts (BC) have the structural capacity to serve as SSF scaffold, and their nutritional value could be increased in combination with perennial ryegrass (PRG), a biorefining feedstock with high-quality protein but an unpleasant sensory profile. SSF with Rhizopus oligosporus was investigated with these substrates to determine if the overall nutritional value could be increased. The BC-PRG SSFs were conducted for up to 72 h, over which time the starch content had decreased by up to 89.6%, the crude protein content increased by up to 113.1%, and the essential amino acid content increased by up to 54.5%. The BC-PRG SSF demonstrated that this process could potentially valorise BC and PRG, both widely available but underexplored substrates, offering feedstock for alternative protein sources.
Linc-00475 and p53 co-expression in gastric cancer: a predictor of clinical prognosis and potential effect on glycolysis
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Xin , Chen Xin , Liu Weihong , Zhao Xin , Wang Xudong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clinical expression of glucose metabolism-related genes Linc-00475 and p53 on glycolysis and survival. A key differential gene Linc-00475 was screened using a metabolic database, and its downstream gene, p53, was predicted. A total of 107 gastric cancer tissue samples from patients diagnosed at our center between 2011 and 2013 were selected. The expression levels of Linc-00475 and p53 were detected via in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between Linc-00475 and p53 expression and clinicopathological factors. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to analyze patients’ overall survival. To determine the effect of Linc-00475 on glycolysis, qRT-PCR and western blot were utilized to evaluate the regulatory relationship between Linc-00475 and p53. High expression of Linc-00475 (P < 0.001) and low expression of p53 (P < 0.01) were associated with poor prognosis. There was a negative correlation between the expression of Linc-00475 and p53 in gastric cancer (Pearson's coefficient test, r = -0.405; P < 0.001). The co-expression of high-level Linc-00475 and low-level p53 can thus be used as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.001). Linc-00475 was also shown to regulate aerobic glycolysis. Western blot and qRT-PCR demonstrated that Linc-00475 regulates the expression of p53. The co-expression of Linc-00475 and p53 can be used as a reference index for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer. Linc-00475 regulates p53, thereby affecting glycolysis.
The intersection of sport type and gender in patterns of disordered eating
Authors: Beaulieu Danie A. , Best Lisa A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Although previous research has linked disordered eating to sports involvement, more recent research suggests that athleticism may protective against disordered eating. Due to inconsistent results on how physical activity affects disordered eating and limited research comparing sport types across weight control behaviours, we aimed to validate sport categorization across disordered eating components in men and women. In this online study, 209 men and 539 women completed questionnaires to assess components of disordered eating and overall sports participation. We found different predictive relationships between participation in different types of sports and disordered eating attitudes, behaviours, and cognitions across genders. For women, purging and restricting eating were associated with participation in ball game sports. Further, a focus on muscle building was associated with ball games and weight class sport participation. For men, body dissatisfaction and excessive exercise were associated with weight class sport participation. Cognitive restraint and muscle building were related to aesthetic sport participation. Purging was associated with aesthetic and weight class sports, whereas restricting eating was related to weight class and ball game sports. These inconsistencies suggest the need for further research to fully elucidate the relationship between participation in different types of sports and components of disordered eating.
Improvement of antagonistic activity against Streptococcus agalactiae using recombinant Bacillus subtilis expressing L-gulonolactone oxidase: its effects on growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant activity in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Kaewda Jirawadee , Boonanuntanasarn Surintorn , Manassila Pimpisut , Sangsawad Papungkorn , Nakharuthai Chatsirin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Due to the lack of the L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO) enzyme, Nile tilapia is unable to synthesize vitamin C and thus requires an adequate level of exogenous vitamin C in its diet. In our previous study, we isolated the probiotic Bacillus subtilis from the intestine of Nile tilapia. Our findings revealed its antagonistic activity against major pathogenic bacteria in Nile tilapia, as well as its ability to enhance the immune responses of the fish. In addition, B. subtilis is an ideal bacterial factory to produce heterologous proteins. Therefore, this study aimed to construct a recombinant probiotic B. subtilis expressing GULO and investigated its effects as a dietary supplement in Nile tilapia. The fish were divided into four groups: those fed with a basal diet (CON), a basal diet + vitamin C (VC), a basal diet + wild-type B. subtilis (BS), and a basal diet + recombinant B. subtilis (BS + GULO). At day 90 of the feeding trial, significant enhancements in growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity were observed in fish fed with BS + GULO. The HPLC analysis and qRT-PCR revealed a significant increase in serum ascorbic acid and GULO mRNA levels in the intestine of the BS + GULO group, respectively. In the challenge test, a time-course experiment demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and immune response against S. agalactiae in the BS + GULO group, indicating an improvement in antagonistic activity compared to the wild-type B. subtilis.
Dynamic Fracture Mechanism and Fragment Characteristics of Sandstone Specimens with Asymmetrical Conjugate Fissures under Static Pre-compression
Authors: Feng Peng , Cao Pan , Li Juntao , Tang Ran , Li Huajin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This paper systemically investigates the dynamic mechanical response and fragment characteristics of sandstone with asymmetrical conjugate fissures subjected to preexisting static stress based on the split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. The cross-fissured sandstone with a higher dynamic strain rate is characterized by a greater coupled strength under the same static pre-stress; for a given dynamic load, the highest coupled strength occurs under the static pre-stress of 60% UCS. The failure mode of the cross-fissured sandstone is mainly influenced by the dynamic strain rate, ignoring the static pre-stress in this investigation. Under low dynamic strain rates, mixed tensile-shear failure can be generally observed, and large fragments dominate the broken specimen. However, cross-fissured sandstone features typical shear failure mode under the high dynamic impact, and the specimens are broken into small fragments with homogenous size distribution in this case. Higher dynamic strain rate and static pre-stress can induce smaller mean fragment size, smaller location parameter µ in GEV fitting, and higher fractal dimension of the cross-fissured sandstones corresponding to smaller fragment size and more homogeneous distribution.
Field test study on the dynamic characteristics of sewage collection in circular recirculating water aquaculture tank
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Gui Fukun , Yang Jianxin , Qi Hongfang , Zhang Hong , Wang Yang , Feng Dejun , Zhang Qingjing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To investigate the dynamic characteristics of sewage collection in circular circulating water aquaculture tank, this paper systematically studies the influence of flow rate Q of the jet pipe, the layout distance ratio d/r (d is the distance between the midpoint of the axis and the nearest tank wall, and r is the radius of the circular aquaculture tank), the layout angle θ, the structure of the jet pipe, etc. In the field tests, a high-definition camera was used to record the distribution of sewage in the aquaculture tank, and the distribution of the flow field in the aquaculture tank was measured by an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler, and the distance between the sewage and the center of the tank was quantified. Meanwhile, the sewage collection effect of the aquaculture tank was evaluated by comparing the maximum distance between the sewage and the center of the tank under different working conditions. The evaluation results indicated that the formation of an effective horizontal circulation in the circular aquaculture tank is the primary condition for sewage accumulation to the center of the tank, and different flow rate of the jet pipe, the layout distance ratio d/r, the layout angle θ, and the structure of the jet pipe all affect the sewage collection effect in the tank. In the horizontal single-tube single-hole jet pipe structure mode, the best sewage collection result was obtained at the layout angle θ of 0°, the layout distance ratio of 1/4, and the layout flow rate Q of 7 L/s (hydraulic retention time is 70 minutes); when the layout flow rate Q was less than 7 L/s, the sewage gathered near the wall of the circular aquaculture tank, and the degree of feed dispersion was relatively high. In the vertical single-tube porous jet pipe structure mode, better sewage collection effect was obtained when the layout flow Q was adjusted to 7 ~ 9 L/s, the layout angle θ was set to 45°, and the layout distance ratio d/r was set to 1/4. The sewage collection performance of the aquaculture tank under the vertical single-tube porous jet pipe layout mode was obviously better than that of the horizontal single-tube single-hole jet pipe mode. Without major changes to the original structure, the research results directly and effectively guide the actual production and application to reduce the flow rate and energy consumption and improve the circular circulating water aquaculture tank of the Qinghai Lake Nude Carp Rescue Center.
Novel peptide design and evaluation against actin and α5β1integrin
Authors: Eda Sasidhar Reddy , Pakala Sivaranjani , Ummanni Ramesh , Amineni Umamaheswari , Jinka Rajeswari 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Adhesion-dependent cells rely on actin and α5β1 integrin interactions to establish the cytoskeleton, signaling their survival and growth. We investigated the persistence of the complex in early transformed rat fibroblast cells, which opens the possibility of halting tumor growth by inhibiting the formation of the actin and α5β1 integrin complex. Hence, actin and α5β1 integrin were targeted for developing novel peptides to disrupt their association and inhibit tumor growth. Seventeen heptapeptides were designed based on actin- α5β1 integrin complex by using in silico techniques such as peptide designing, homology modeling, docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vitro methods using a cellular tumor model system to study their viability using MTT assay. Docking was performed for actin, α5β1 integrin with existing peptide inhibitor ATN 161, designed peptides and small molecule inhibitor Cytochalasin D using Schrodinger. Docking revealed that actin and α5β1 integrin had higher affinity for sixteen and five peptides respectively. TRFKKGY, the top ranked peptide of actin and α5β1 integrin was cytotoxic to transformed rat fibroblast cells grown in non-adherent conditions. This data suggests that the peptide designed has a minimal inhibitory effect on cell growth. However, it showed maximum cell death in transformed rat fibroblast F111 cells.
Subretinal injection rate of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) solution and air using a 38-gauge cannula in a retina mimicking model
Authors: Kim Na Hee , Lee Minsub , Chung Hyewon , Kim Hyung Chan , Lee Hyungwoo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

By investigating the correlation between the injection rate and pressure of subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and air using a standard VCS system with a 38-gauge cannula, we aimed to establish guidelines for stable injections. We fabricated a retina mimicking model (RMM) with 1% agarose solution and an aluminum plate, and substituted submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and tPA with blood-mimicking fluid (BMF) and balanced salt solution (BSS), respectively. The diameter of the pre-bleb mimicking SMH in RMM was 2.10 ± 0.32 cm, increasing to 3.11 ± 0.36 cm and 2.93 ± 0.26 cm after bleb propagation with BSS and air, respectively. BSS injection rates were 3.17 ± 0.47 µl/sec, 4.74 ± 0.80 µl/sec and 7.54 ± 0.75 µl/sec at 8, 12, and 16 psi, respectively. Air injection rates were 78.18 ± 2.97 and 123.63 ± 12.46 µl/sec at 3 and 4 psi, respectively. Injection at 2 psi required initiation at 4 psi, resulting in a rate of 52.75 ± 9.87 µl/sec. By experimenting with different pressures in the RMM, we found 12 psi to be the minimum for proper BSS injection and 3 psi for air. These findings provide crucial parameters for safer surgery to prevent irreversible damage.
Tele-Impedance control of a virtual avatar based on EMG and M-IMU sensors
Authors: Buscaglione Silvia , Noccaro Alessia , Tagliamonte Nevio , Ticchiarelli Giulia , Pino Giovanni Di , Formica Domenico 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The broad spread of cooperative robots into many application domains has resulted in a demand for intuitive and effective solutions for teleoperated control. A relevant role in teleoperation has been assumed by impedance controllers, that allow the increase of stability and accuracy during interaction. This paper aims to test a teleoperation method based on an impedance controller, namely tele-impedance control, that is usable in unstructured environments since it relies only on wearable sensors. The proposed solution maps the joint stiffness and position of the human user, computed through six EMG and two M-IMU sensors, into the remote system to be teleoperated. We developed a 2-DoFs virtual task involving virtual physical interactions to compare the performance of our solution with the one of a traditional position-based controller. The study has been conducted on five healthy participants, who experienced both controllers in two different sessions. The tele-impedance approach has proved to be less physically demanding and more intuitive than the position-based one. Experimental data also allow us to investigate the strategy employed by the volunteers in the case of remote interactions, while using the two controllers. Of note, even though with the position controller the variation of subject impedance has no effect on the virtual arm, participants still tend to regulate both impedance and position of their own arm.
Strength and Durability Characteristics of Concrete Blended with Cow-Bone Ash (CBA) in Sulphate Environments
Authors: Taiwo Esan Martins 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The research investigated the impact of cowbone ash blended cement concrete (CBABC) on compressive strength, considering various mix ratios and curing periods. The study involved several phases: production of cowbone ash (CBA) from waste cowbones, characterization of CBA's physical and chemical properties, and formulation of CBABC mixes with 0%, 5%, and 10% CBA as partial replacements of cement. Concrete samples were prepared at ratios of 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. Cubic CBAC specimens sized 100mm by 100mm by 100mm underwent testing for compressive strength under both aggressive and non-aggressive conditions after 7, 14 and 28-days curing period. Analysis of oxide composition revealed a high calcium oxide content in CBA, constituting 68.34% by weight. With increasing CBA proportion, CBAC mixes showed enhanced workability. Under water curing at 28 days curing conditions, CBAC concrete exhibited average compressive strengths of 12.47 N/mm², 26.34 N/mm² and 20.34 N/mm² for 0%, 5% and 10% CBA content, respectively. Upon exposure to aggressive conditions, both conventional concrete (0% CBA) and CBABC concrete experienced decreased compressive strength. Notably, the CBABC mix with 5% CBA displayed greater resistance to aggressive conditions compared to other mixes. In conclusion, CBABC with 5% CBA replacement demonstrates potential for application in aggressive environments, particularly in Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4), offering a durable alternative to conventional Grade C25 concrete mixes.
Physical and morphometric characteristics of the Angoni cattle in Zambia
Authors: Musimuko Ellison , Nalubamba King Shimumbo , Zulu Victor , Odubote Kolawole , Muleya Walter 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the Angoni breed of cattle sampled from three provinces of Zambia to determine existing genetic variation. Information from cattle owners through group discussions and secondary data from livestock extension officers was used to sample animals for this study, while study sites were selected using livestock population distribution from the Zambia Statistics Agency. Morphometric measurements and phenotypic characteristics were measured and recorded for each animal. The age of each animal was estimated using teeth dentition. Data was analyzed using XLSTAT version 2021 and Stata software. Predominant coat colours observed were blackish, blackish and white, and reddish and white (18%, 17% and 15% respectively. The majority of cattle (87.90%) were pigmented. (71.97%) possessed erect ears with moderate development of dewlap. The average age for females and males was 5.15 ± 2.2 years and 4.9 ± 2.1 years, respectively. The morphometric measurements (cm) for Shoulder height (SH) and topline (TopL) indicated males were slightly higher than females except for horn length (HornL) ( F = 16.2 ± 8.42; M = 13.04 ± 9.43) and horn width (HornW) ( F = 36.9 ± 13.27; M = 34.01 ± 19.50 ) in which females exhibited higher values than males. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that SH and TopL significantly differed (p < 0.05) for female and male cattle. Pearson correlations matrix demonstrated that most phenotypic traits were low to moderate positive correlation significant (p < 0.05), indicating a good association between these traits. Coat colour, ear orientation and dewlap development showed large variations among Angoni populations, indicating a lack of strong selection in these traits. Significant differences were observed for most morphometric traits, suggesting differences in size between the three studied cattle populations. The three cattle populations can best be differentiated by measuring shoulder height and topline. The above could be a valuable tool in developing genetic improvement, conservation and utilization of the breed.