bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and application of a mathematical model for calculating the discharge of non-standard thin-plate weirs in urban combined sewer overflow systems: a case study
Authors: Tang Ming , Wu Yuze , Xie Qianchen , Chen Hui , Xu Wenbin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to address the issue of difficulty in evaluating the combined sewer overflow (CSO) pollution effectively, especially for the monitoring of overflow from non-standard thin-plate weirs (NTPWs). In order to construct a discharge calculation mathematical model (DCMM) of NTPWs in an urban combined sewer overflow system (UCSOS), which can be used to construct a real-time monitoring and early warning system, a physical model constructed firstly for obtaining hydraulic characteristic sets under three flow conditions (free, submerged, pressurized flow). Then, the coefficient function expressions are obtained under three flow conditions through genetic algorithm (GA) fitting, and a DCMM of UCSOS is established subsequently. The results indicate that DCMM exhibits high accuracy, with mean relative error (MRE) at 0.0326, root mean square error (RMSE) at 1.569, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) coefficient at 0.9387. The DCMM can not only evaluate the discharge capacity under different flow conditions, but also be used to realize reliable and convenient discharge monitoring. Although the DCMM constructed in this case is not universal, the modeling method of combining physical models with GA is an effective new approach to evaluate the discharge capacity of NTPW, which also holds value for application in other cities.
Chemical recovery of magnesium from the Dead Sea and its use in wastewater treatment
Authors: Almousa Mousa , Olusegun Tomomewo , Lim Yeo , Al-Zboon Kamel , Khraisat Islam , Alshami Ali , Ammary Bashaar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish a suitable chemical process to recover magnesium compounds from Dead Sea water using a selective precipitation process. The recovered magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) are applicable for wastewater treatment processes since they can effectively remove total suspended solids (TSS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Magnesium salts recovered from Dead Sea water were compared with cationic polyacrylamide (PAM) and inorganic salts, including aluminum sulfate Al2(SO4)3, ferric chloride (FeCl3), and ferrous sulfate (Fe2SO4) to investigate the removal efficiency of TSS and COD from wastewater using a chemical precipitation method by using coagulation and flocculation process. Results show that Mg(OH)2 yielded the highest TSS and COD removal efficiencies of 59 and 57%, respectively, with a wastewater pH of 11.5. MgCl2 yielded lower removal efficiencies of 46 and 44%, respectively; at pH 10.5, lower magnesium concentration doses were needed. The most effective chemical precipitation method for removal involved cationic PAM coagulants, resulting in an 86% reduction in TSS and a 65% reduction in COD. Combining commercial Fe2SO4 and MgCL2 recovered from Dead Sea water reduced up to 90 and 73% of TSS and COD, respectively.
Preparation of an activated adsorbent from water treatment plant sludge for phosphate removal from wastewater: optimization, characterization, isotherm, and kinetics studies
Authors: Shumiye Eyoel , Nadew Talbachew Tadesse , Tedla Tsegaye Sissay , Getiye Belay , Mengie Destaw Agumass , Ayalew Abraham Getahun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purifying water for diverse uses is vital, but concerns lie with the sustainability and accessibility of purification materials. As such, this study converted readily available water treatment plant sludge (WTPS) into activated adsorbent for phosphate removal in wastewater. WTPS was activated via thermal activation at 300 °C temperature and chemical activation processes of 3 M acid concentration, 4 h activation time, and 75 °C activation temperature, and then characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared, elemental analyzer, and differential scanning calorimetry. SEM and BET analyses revealed a highly porous adsorbent (279.2 m2/g) for efficient adsorption. On top of the activation process, preliminary experiments and numerical optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) were designed and conducted. Through optimizing conditions, it was found that 70 min of contact time, pH 3, 3 g/L adsorbent dose, and 30 mg/L initial phosphate concentration as optimal, yielding 83% removal efficiency. Furthermore, adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were examined and the second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models indicated best fit. Notably, the activated sludge could be regenerated for three cycles before efficiency dropped below 70%. Thus, activated WTPS presents a promising, sustainable, and readily available adsorbent for phosphate removal in wastewater treatment.
Characterization of Heat-labile Uracil-DNA Glycosylase from
Oncorhynchus mykiss and its Application for Carry-over Contamination
Control in RT-qPCR
Authors: Huang Qingyuan , Zhang Yaqi , Hu Wenhao , Chen Keqi , Zhang Jian , Luo Zhidan , Lu Chen 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Heat-labile uracil-DNA glycosylase (HL-UDG) is commonly employed
to eliminate carry-over contamination in DNA amplifications. However, the prevailing HL-UDG
is markedly inactivated at 50°C, rendering it unsuitable for specific one-step RT-qPCR protocols
utilizing reverse transcriptase at an optimal temperature of 42°C.

Objective:
This study aimed to explore novel HL-UDG with lower inactivation temperature and
for recombinant expression.

Methods:
The gene encoding an HL-UDG was cloned from the cold-water fish rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss) and expressed in Escherichia coli with high yield. The thermostability of this
enzyme and other enzymatic characteristics were thoroughly examined. The novel HL-UDG was
then applied for controlling carry-over contamination in one-step RT-qPCR.

Results:
This recombinantly expressed truncated HL-UDG of rainbow trout (OmUDG) exhibited
high amino acids similarity (84.1% identity) to recombinant Atlantic cod UDG (rcUDG) and was
easily denatured at 40°C. The optimal pH of OmUDG was 8.0, and the optimal concentrations of
both Na+ and K+ were 10 mM. Since its inactivation temperature was lower than that of rcUDG,
the OmUDG could be used to eliminate carry-over contamination in one-step RT-qPCR with moderate
reverse transcription temperature.

Conclusion:
We successfully identified and recombinantly expressed a novel HL-UDG with an inactivation
temperature of 40°C. It is suitable for eliminating carry-over contamination in one-step
RT-qPCR.
Silencing FUT4 Inhibits the Progression of Osteosarcoma through Activation of
FOXO1
Authors: Yang Yang , Yan Xiaodi , Chen YueYuan , Liu Jiajia , Xue Jianhua , Sheng Xiaoming , Qin Jun , Xue Qiang , Liu Xianchen 
Published: February 2024

Background:
It has been reported that inhibition of Fucosyltransferase4 (FUT4) to activate Forkhead
box O1 (FOXO1) can lead to apoptosis of cancer cells, however, the mechanism in osteosarcoma is still
unclear.

Objective:
To explore the biological significance of the connection between FUT4 and FOXO1 in osteosarcoma
growth.

Methods:
In vitro tests were conducted using the human osteoblast cell line and the osteosarcoma cell lines.
QRT-PCR assay as well as western blot assay were used to ascertain the relative expression levels of FUT4
and FOXO1 in the cells. By using the CCK-8 assay, colony assay, EDU assay, wound healing assay and Transwell
assay, osteosarcoma cells' ability to proliferate, migrate and invade were examined in relation to si-
FUT4. TUNEL test was used to evaluate Si-impact FUT4's on KHOS and U2OS apoptosis in osteosarcoma
cells. Western blot assay was used to identify the expression of proliferative, migrating and apoptosis-related
protein markers in osteosarcoma cells KHOS and U2OS and the expression of important proteins in the Wnt/
β-catenin signaling pathway.

Results:
In comparison with osteoblasts, osteosarcoma cells expressed more FUT4. The osteosarcoma cells' capacities
to proliferate, invade, and migrate were markedly inhibited by the inhibition of FUT4 expression,
which also increased osteosarcoma cell apoptosis. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was blocked by upregulating
FOXO1 expression, which was in turn inhibited by inhibiting FUT4 expression.

Conclusion:
Osteosarcoma cells express more FUT4. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has a significant
effect on osteosarcoma cell death, and inhibition of FUT4 expression may target FOXO1 activation to decrease
osteosarcoma cells' ability to proliferate, invade, and migrate.
Underlying Mechanism of Traditional Herbal Formula Chuang-Ling-Ye in
the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer through Network Pharmacology and
Molecular Docking
Authors: Geng Jinyuan , Zhou Guowei , Guo Song , Ma Chaoqun , Ma Jiangfeng 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Chuang-Ling-Ye (CLY) has been clinically proven to be an effective Chinese
medicine for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism of CLY in relation to DFU using network
pharmacology and molecular docking.

Materials and Methods:
Firstly, relevant targets of CLY against DFU were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target
Prediction database and GEO database. Then, topological analysis was employed by Cytoscape to screen
the top 6 core active ingredients and the top 8 hub targets. Furthermore, the OmicShare Tools were applied for
gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)
signaling pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, the results of network pharmacology were verified by molecular
docking method.

Results:
CLY has 61 active compounds and 361 targets after de-duplication, and the top 8 hub targets were
EGFR, TP53, CCND1, IL-1B, CREBBP, AR, PTGS2 and PGR. GO enrichment analysis is mainly related to
signal transducer activity, receptor activity, and molecular transducer activity. KEGG pathway analysis indicated
that these shared targets were primarily focused on AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,
HIF-1 signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Molecular docking
results showed that physciondiglucoside, 2-cinnamoyl-glucose and kinobeon A were well bound with
EGFR, IL-1B, AR and PTGS2.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that CLY has anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects in the
treatment of DFU through various constituents, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, which provides a valuable
point of reference for future investigations on CLY.
2,5-Diketopiperazines (DKPs): Promising Scaffolds for Anticancer Agents
Authors: Goher Shaimaa S. , Abdrabo Wessam S. , Veerakanellore Giri Babu , Elgendy Bahaa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
2,5-Diketopiperazine (2,5-DKP) derivatives represent a family of secondary metabolites widely
produced by bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, and marine organisms. Many natural products with DKP scaffolds exhibited various pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor.
2,5-DKPs are recognized as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, and compounds that incorporate the
2,5-DKP scaffold have been extensively investigated for their anticancer properties. This review is a thorough
update on the anti-cancer activity of natural and synthesized 2,5-DKPs from 1997 to 2022. We have explored
various aspects of 2,5-DKPs modifications and summarized their structure-activity relationships (SARs) to
gain insight into their anticancer activities. We have also highlighted the novel approaches to enhance the
specificity and pharmacokinetics of 2,5-DKP-based anticancer agents.
The Recommendation of the Mediterranean-styled Japanese Diet for Healthy Longevity
Authors: Santa Kazuki , Kumazawa Yoshio , Watanabe Kenji , Nagaoka Isao 
Published: February 2024

:
The Mediterranean diet, listed as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by
UNESCO, is known as healthy and consumed worldwide. The Japanese diet is also listed and
considered healthy. This narrative review compares the Mediterranean diet with its Japanese
counterpart. Research has reported that people in Mediterranean regions, such as Italy and
Greece, have one-third of the mortality ratio from cardiovascular diseases compared to people
in the United States and Northern Europe because of the difference in eating habits. Therefore,
Mediterranean diets are considered as healthy. A typical Western diet containing high amounts
of fat, sugar, and calories is responsible for several diseases like metabolic syndrome and obesity,
which are induced by chronic inflammation. In contrast, Mediterranean and Japanese diets
contain them only less. The similarity between Mediterranean and Japanese diets is the substantial
intake of vegetables, beans, and fish. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet consumes
large amounts of olive oil, especially polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil and dairy products,
but meat consumption is relatively small. In contrast, the Japanese diet does not use oil and fat,
contains abundant fermented foods, and consumes seaweed. Japan is known for its longevity,
and people think that a well-balanced diet daily is good for preventing and curing illness. In this
regard, finding non-disease conditions, so-called “ME-BYO,” and curing them before the manifestation
of diseases is becoming more common. In this review, we discuss the healthy eating
habit, “The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet,” which prevents ME-BYO condition and reduces
the risk of various diseases. The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet, a hybrid of Mediterranean
and Japanese diets, reduces the risk of various diseases by suppressing chronic inflammation.
This nutritional intervention prevents ME-BYO and is beneficial for healthy longevity.
Hence, a Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet might be helpful for healthy longevity in Japan and
around the world.
The Mismatch between Adult Smokers’ Abstinence Expectancies and Experiences at Outpatient Facilities: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Romaniello Caterina , Abrams Kenneth , Cardellicchio Salvatore , Pezzuto Aldo , Zvolensky Michael , Cosci Fiammetta 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Smokers’ expectancies about abstinence, that is the effects that
smokers anticipate when they attempt to quit smoking, remain understudied. The aim of
the present study was to examine the relation between smoking abstinence expectations
and subjective experience over time among individuals in smoking cessation treatment.

Methods:
A total of 215 adult smokers seeking treatment at two Italian third-level outpatient
facilities were assessed at baseline and three-time points after the quit day (QD): 7
days, and 1 and 3 months. The following self-report instruments were administered: the
Smoking Abstinence Expectancies Questionnaire (SAEQ), as a baseline measure of expectancies
before quitting; the SAEQ-past, for assessing the actual occurrence of symptoms
that were expected; the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale, as a measure of withdrawal
symptoms post-quitting.

Results:
One and 3 months after the QD, participants reported fewer negative abstinence
symptoms than expected, except for somatic symptoms, and fewer positive consequences
than expected. A mismatch between smoking abstinence expectations and actual postquitting
experiences was found, thus expectancies were violated.

Conclusion:
The present findings confirm the need to assess both abstinence expectancies
and actual post-quitting experiences. Future studies should examine tailored interventions
aimed at educating smokers about expectancies and post-quitting experiences.
Virtual Reality Therapy for the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Li Xin , Zhou Xuan , Zhan Lixia , Wu Fan , Huang Zefan , Sun Yuxun , Feng Yufei , Du Qing 
Published: February 2024

Background
The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in adults with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is unclear.

Objective
This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of VR therapy and other therapies in adults with CSP, especially patients with inflammation-related pain.

Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to November 11, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adults with CSP receiving VR therapy with those receiving other therapies were included. The trial registration platform as well as the reference lists of included studies and previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses were manually searched. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and evaluation of the quality of the evidence. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect size used to synthesize the outcome measure.

Results
In total, 16 RCTs involving 800 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data from 15 (94%) RCTs including 776 (97%) participants showed that VR therapy was superior in improving pain intensity (WMD=–1.63, 95% CI –2.11 to –1.16, P<.001, I2=90%) and reducing inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (WMD=–0.89, 95% CI –1.07 to –0.70, P<.001, I2=0%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD=–6.60, 95% CI –8.56 to –4.64, P<.001, I2=98%), and interleukin-6 (WMD=–2.76, 95% CI –2.98 to –2.53, P<.001, I2=0%). However, no significant differences were found in terms of the spinal range of motion (ROM), disability level, or fear of movement. In addition, 10 (63%) of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias.

Conclusions
VR therapy may be an effective and safe intervention for reducing symptoms in patients with CSP, as it is shown to exert significant analgesic effects and beneficial improvements in inflammatory factor levels. However, this approach may not have significant effects on the spinal ROM, disability level, or fear of movement. Notably, the quality of the evidence from the RCTs included in this study ranged from moderate to low. Therefore, we recommend that readers interpret the results of this study with caution.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42022382331; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=382331
Do Cash-Flow Performance Metrics in CEOs’ Compensation Contracts Enhance Firm Innovation?
Authors: Dong Qi , Cao Yiting , Dickinson Victoria , Feng Hongrui 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Building on prior research showing a positive link between internally generated cash flows and innovation output, we hypothesize and find that the inclusion of cash-flow performance metrics in CEOs’ compensation contracts positively impacts firm innovation. Our findings are consistent with the theory that cash-flow metrics incentivize CEOs to make prudent investment decisions, thereby addressing both the overinvestment and the underinvestment challenges for firm innovation. As a result, firms utilizing cash-flow metrics exhibit lower innovation input and higher innovation output compared to firms not employing such metrics. Furthermore, our research indicates that the incentive effect of cash-flow metrics on firm innovation is more pronounced when cash flows convey unique information not reflected in earnings and when CEOs have longer expected employment horizons. This study underscores the effectiveness of cash-flow metrics in motivating management to promote firm innovation.
Data Availability: Subscription-based data are obtained from Wharton Research Data Services; public data are obtained from public sources specified in the paper.
JEL Classifications: D81, G30, J33, M52.
MENGUNGKAP SANKSI ADAT KEJONGKOKANG DALAM MENEKAN NON PERFORMING LOAN (NPL) PADA LPD DESA ADAT BEBETIN
Authors: Sudiati Luh Ning Dana , Yasa I Nyoman Putra 
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif yang dilaksanakan di LPD Desa Bebetin. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengungkap bagaimana sanksi adat kejongkokang yang diterapkan oleh manajemen LPD Desa Adat Bebetin dalam menekan NPL (Non Performing Loan). Sumber data yang digunakan adalah data kualitatif yang berasal dari informan yang di wawancarai. Data terkumpul melalui observasi, wawancara dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini, yaitu LPD desa Bebetin masih menerapkan sanksi kejongkokang dalam upaya mencegah terjadinya Non Performing Loan. Sanksi kejogngkokang yang diberikan berupa tidak mendapatkan layanan adat seperti tidak mendapat pemangku saat akan mengadakan upacara seperti saat mau mepiuning di pura desa dan juga pura dalem, tidak mendapat layanan berupa gong dan saksi dari adat saat krama desa mengadakan upacara tiga bulanan, tidak mendapat saksi dari adat saat melaksanakan upacara pernikahan.
Kearifan Lokal Mecula Haroano Laa dan Mewuhia Limano Bhisa sebagai Perwujudan Kohesi Sosial
Authors: Syahrun Syahrun , Umanailo Muhamad Chairul Basrun , Halim Halim , Alias Alias 
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran kearifan lokal mecula haroa ano laa dan mewuhia limano bhisa sebagai perwujudan sosial kohesi komunitas petani jambu mete untuk mengembangkan pertanian berkelanjutan di Kabupaten Buton Utara. Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Penentuan informan dilakukan dengan teknik purposive sampling, di mana peneliti melakukan pemilihan secara sengaja berdasarkan kriteria yang telah ditentukan dan ditetapkan berdasarkan tujuan penelitian. Informan berjumlah 36 orang yang tersebar pada 10 Desa Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah wawancara mendalam dan pengamatan partisipatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan mecula haroa ano laa dan mewuhia limano bhisa telah menjadi praktik tradisi pertanian serta memiliki daya dukung yang kuat untuk memperkokoh kohesi sosial antar sesama anggota komunitas petani jambu mete. Praktek ini mencerminkan semangat solidaritas, gotong royong, dan saling menghormati lingkungan. Komunitas petani jambu mete terlibat aktif dalam pelaksanaan mecula haroa ano laa dan mewuhia limano bhisa sebagai bentuk partisipasi dalam mengembangkan pertanian berkelanjutan. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi untuk pemahaman pentingnya kearifan lokal dalam membangun kohesi sosial dan jaringan sosial dalam masyarakat. Implikasi penelitian meliputi perencanaan berkelanjutan dan upaya pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam mengembangkan pertanian di Kabupaten Buton Utara.