bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing thickness of long-distance aerial display system in AIRR using Fresnel lens
Authors: Sakane Shinya , Suyama Shiro , Yamamoto Hirotsugu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAerial displays for providing road information require long-distance image formation and a compact installation space. This paper proposes a compact optical system for forming long-distance floating images by introducing a Fresnel lens in an aerial imaging by retro-reflection (AIRR) optical system. In the conventional AIRR optics, since the aerial image position is the plane-symmetrical position of the light source with respect to the beam splitter, the installation space for forming a long-distance aerial image becomes huge. Our proposed method uses the virtual image formed by a Fresnel lens as the light source in an AIRR optical system. This leads to a much longer distance from the beam splitter to the aerial image than the distance from the beam splitter to the light source. We developed a prototype long-distance floating aerial display system using a large-scale Fresnel lens. As a result, the distance from the LED panel to the beam splitter was halved. Furthermore, we used two beam splitters to form two aerial images by using a single LED panel. Long-distance floating images could be formed 3.4 m and 4.6 m away from the beam splitters and could be seen with the naked eye.
Use case modeling in a research setting of developing an innovative pilgrimage support system
Authors: Vranić Valentino , Lang Ján , Nores Martín López , Arias José Juan Pazos , Solano Jaime , Laseca Guillermo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith so much confusion around use case modeling, software developers may be reluctant to apply it. However, use cases are easy to apply and have great benefits even in research settings with nonprofessional software developers involved. We report on our experience on this within an innovative tourist information system developed in a research setting of an ongoing Horizon 2020 project named Promotion of Rural Museums and Heritage Sites in the Vicinity of European Pilgrimage Routes (rurAllure). The resulting use case model comprises forty use cases supported by class diagrams, use case diagrams, sequence diagrams, as well as by the domain model and dictionary. Three quarters of use cases have been implemented at least to some extent. Writing use cases provoked intense communication, which helped consolidate the system architecture. The use cases helped validate and better understand the GUI form wireframes designed beforehand and get quickly to a consistent implementation of the system that can be experimented with further in different ways. Finally, the forthcoming extensive system and user experience testing will be guided by the use case model. The paper also exposes the domain model and dictionary along with selected use cases and the hierarchy of user and system actors, which may be useful as such or as a stimulus for the development of other innovative tourist information systems.
Financial development and environmental quality in developed countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Wijethunga Ambepitiya Wijethunga Gamage Champa , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Sarker Tapan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStudying the effect of financial development on environmental quality has become imperative in the modern world due to the climate change challenges. Hence, this systematic literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing body of knowledge on the nexus of financial development and environmental quality in developed countries. Three databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to search the relevant articles in this domain. Finally, 20 journal articles qualified for the systematic literature review based on the pre-defined article inclusion criteria as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. We found that a range of econometric approaches were used in all examined papers, employing a diverse range of proxy variables to model the relationship between financial development and environmental quality. Overall, the findings of the examined papers imply mixed evidence of this nexus in developed countries. We highlight the knowledge gap in this research domain examining the financial development and environmental quality link from different proxies.
Metal and metalloid concentrations in wild mammals from SW Europe: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and badger (Meles meles)
Authors: García-Muñoz Javier , Cacciola Nunzio Antonio , Plazzi Federico , Prado Míguez-Santiyán María , Rodríguez Francisco Soler , López-Beceiro Ana , Fidalgo Luis Eusebio , Martínez-Morcillo Salomé , Pérez-López Marcos 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent years, there have been increasing ecological and global concerns associated to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). Thus, the relevance of wild mammals as biomonitors has been globally recognised. In the present study, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and As concentrations were quantified in European hedgehog and badger inhabiting SW Europe, and cumulative trends in relation to age and sex were evaluated. Liver and kidney samples were collected, mineralised and PTE content was determined by ICP-MS. Zn was the most abundant element quantified in both organs (239 and 89.8 mg kg-1 for hedgehogs and 179 and 164 mg kg-1 dw for badgers). In hedgehogs, very high Hg concentration were quantified (4.35 and 15.5 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney), and Cd was the most abundant for badgers (4.70 and 7.61 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney). Positive correlations were observed for the concentrations of PTE in the organs of both species. Age-dependence increased only Cd concentration, with levels in adult kidneys being significantly higher. In this study, European hedgehog and badger were used as biomonitors for the determination of PTEs to provide current reference values in relatively non-polluted areas of SW Europe, and to enhance the use of these species for future ecotoxicological studies.
Graphical Abstract
Soft Drinks as a Dietary Source of Fluoride Exposure
Authors: Alejandro-Vega Samuel , Hardisson Arturo , Rubio Carmen , Gutiérrez Ángel J. , Jaudenes-Marrero Juan R. , Paz-Montelongo Soraya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHigh fluoride exposures can lead to adverse effects such as dental and bone fluorosis, as well as endocrine and cognitive developmental problems. Water is the main dietary source of this ion, although significant concentrations have also been detected in other beverages widely consumed by the population such as soft drinks. A total of 200 soft drink samples (60 flavoured, 70 extracts, 60 fruit juice and 10 soft drinks) were analysed by fluoride ion selective potentiometry. A consumption of 330 mL was estimated for exposure assessment and subsequent F-risk assessment by soft drink consumption. The highest average concentration was found in extract soft drinks (2.45 ± 1.15 mg/L), followed by flavoured (1.71 ± 2.29 mg/L) and carbonated soft drinks (1.38 ± 0.40 mg/L), while the lowest was found in fruit juice soft drinks (1.09 ± 0.62 mg/L). The flavours with the highest concentration were tea-melon and tea-passion fruit with 3.66 ± 0.40 and 3.17 ± 0.56 mg/L respectively and the lowest was lemon flavour with 0.69 mg/L. The contribution of these beverages, considering the UL (Upper level) reference values set by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) are between 3.28–41.78%, depending on age group and sex.
Molecular Characterization of Neurogranin (NRGN) Gene from Red‑Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus)
Authors: Rueda-García Valentina , Rondón-Barragán Iang Schroniltgen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeurogranin (NRGN) is a small brain protein expressed in various telencephalic areas and plays an essential role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the availability of calmodulin (CaM). The study aims to characterize the neurogranin gene in Colombian native fish, red-bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus, its basal tissue expression and differential expression in brain injury and sublethal toxicity by organophosphates. NRGN gene contains an open reading frame of 183 nucleotides encoding for 60 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis showed an IQ motif necessary in the interaction with CaM. NRGN mRNA was detected in tissues with higher expression in brain, gills, and head kidney. In brain regions, NRGN showed high expression in the telencephalon (TE) and olfactory bulb (OB). In the sublethal toxicity experiment, NRGN mRNA was upregulated in individuals under organophosphate exposure in the OB and optic chiasm (OC). In brain injury experiment, NRGN showed upregulation at 14 days in OC and at 24 h and 7 days in TE. These findings demonstrate the differential expression of NRGN under different experimental conditions which make it a candidate for a biomarker in the brain of P. brachypomus.
Sigma-1 Receptor Inhibition Reduces Mechanical Allodynia and Modulate Neuroinflammation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Denaro Simona , Pasquinucci Lorella , Turnaturi Rita , Alberghina Cristiana , Longhitano Lucia , Giallongo Sebastiano , Costanzo Giuliana , Spoto Salvatore , Grasso Margherita , Zappalà Agata , Li Volti Giovanni , Tibullo Daniele , Vicario Nunzio , Parenti Rosalba , Parenti Carmela 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeuropathic pain is one of the most debilitating forms of chronic pain, resulting from an injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, which induces abnormal painful sensations including allodynia and hyperalgesia. Available treatments are limited by severe side-effects and reduced efficacy in the chronic phase of the disease. Sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) has been identified as a chaperone protein, which modulate opioid receptors activities and the functioning of several ion channels, exerting a role in pain transmission. As such, it represents a druggable target to treat neuropathic pain. This study aims at investigating the therapeutic potential of the novel compound (+)-2R/S-LP2, a σ1R antagonist, in reducing painful behaviour and modulating the neuroinflammatory environment. We showed that repeated administration of the compound significantly inhibited mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats, increasing the withdrawal threshold as compared to CCI-vehicle rats. Moreover, we found that (+)-2R/S-LP2-mediated effects resolve the neuroinflammatory microenvironment by reducing central gliosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression levels. This effect was coupled with a significant reduction of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression levels and gap junctions/hemichannels mediated microglia-to-astrocyte communication. These results suggest that inhibition of σ1R significantly attenuates neuropathic pain chronicization, thus representing a viable effective strategy.
Subsidy Entrepreneurship and a Culture of Rent-Seeking in Singapore’s Developmental State
Authors: Cheang Bryan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDevelopmental state scholars argue that through “embedded autonomy”, state activism can steer society towards positive outcomes without capture by private interests. This paper questions this claim through a case study of such activism in Singapore. It argues that not only may rent-seeking have been encouraged by Singapore’s use of industrial policy but that such a policy goes hand in hand with attempts by state actors to create an economic culture that legitimises such behaviour. The wider implication drawn is that mission-oriented state activism may require extensive cultural engineering to foster consensus over the relevant “missions”, but this level of social penetration also increases the risk of private interests capturing the state in less visible ways.
Enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption via optical fiber-like PMMA@Ti3C2Tx@SiO2 composites with improved impedance matching
Authors: Niu Huanhuan , Jiang Xuewen , Li Wei , Min Zhiyu , Putra Budi Riza , Wahyuni Wulan Tri , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Fan Bingbing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTi3C2Tx nanosheets have attracted significant attention for their potential in electromagnetic wave absorption (EWA). However, their inherent self-stacking and exorbitant electrical conductivity inevitably lead to serious impedance mismatch, restricting their EWA application. Therefore, the optimization of impedance matching becomes crucial. In this work, we developed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)@Ti3C2Tx@SiO2 composites with a sandwich-like core-shell structure by coating SiO2 on PMMA@Ti3C2Tx. The results demonstrate that the superiority of the SiO2 layer in combination with PMMA@Ti3C2Tx, outperforming other relative graded distribution structures and meeting the requirements of EWA equipment. The resulting PMMA@Ti3C2Tx@SiO2 composites achieved a minimum reflection loss of −58.08 dB with a thickness of 1.9 mm, and an effective absorption bandwidth of 2.88 GHz. Mechanism analysis revealed that the structural design of SiO2 layer not only optimized impedance matching, but also synergistically enhanced multiple loss mechanisms such as interfacial polarization and dipolar polarization. Therefore, this work provides valuable insights for the future preparation of high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing Ti3C2Tx-based composites.
A sustainable nanotechnology producing high-quality remediated sewage wastewater used for microalgal protein-rich biomass and biodiesel production
Authors: Morgan Sherif H. , Mahmoud M. A. W. , Mottaleb Shady Abdel , El-Bahbohy Reham M. , Mahmoud-Aly Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWater scarcity is a crucial environmental challenge. Wastewater remediation is an important way to tackle the challenge. Using nanoparticles of natural and agricultural wastes is considered a low-cost sustainable remediation technology. This study develops an effective prototype of a sustainable sewage wastewater (SWW) remediation process using zeolite and bagasse nanoparticles. All studied physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals of the SWW were reduced over the course of treatment with nanobagasse (NB), nanozeolite (NZ), and nanobagasse-nanozeolite double treatments (DT). After only 2 weeks of remediation, the chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solid (TSS), and total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations were decreased (in NB 38, 33, 58, and 30%; in NZ 40, 30, 63, and 58%; and in DT 47, 38, 75, and 62%), respectively, compared to raw SWW. The DT for 4 and 6 weeks (DT4W and DT6W) show 0.94 and 0.67 Kelly ratios, respectively, which are suitable for irrigation. According to the water pollution index (WPI), all types of DT treatments produce excellent-quality water. DT6W recorded the highest significant rank of removal efficiency of COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, PO4, NO3, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Cd, Fe, and Ni (72.7, 59.6, 88.6, 74, 56.7, 88.2, 72.7, 58.7, 80.7, 94.6, 91.1, 65.3, and 84.4%). This remediated water may be used directly for irrigation or other purposes. Also, this study proves that DT4W and DT6W are suitable for Chlorella sorokiniana growth and production of safe protein-rich biomass, 26 and 31.8% protein, respectively. DT for 2, 4, and 6 weeks are suitable growth media for C. sorokiniana to produce diesel engines’ compatible biodiesel. Finally, this recent study presents an interpretation of the physiological status of C. sorokiniana cells grown in the raw SWW and DT media.
Genome-resolved metagenomics of Venice Lagoon surface sediment bacteria reveals high biosynthetic potential and metabolic plasticity as successful strategies in an impacted environment
Authors: Banchi Elisa , Corre Erwan , Del Negro Paola , Celussi Mauro , Malfatti Francesca 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBacteria living in sediments play essential roles in marine ecosystems and deeper insights into the ecology and biogeochemistry of these largely unexplored organisms can be obtained from ‘omics’ approaches. Here, we characterized metagenome-assembled-genomes (MAGs) from the surface sediment microbes of the Venice Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea) in distinct sub-basins exposed to various natural and anthropogenic pressures. MAGs were explored for biodiversity, major marine metabolic processes, anthropogenic activity-related functions, adaptations at the microscale, and biosynthetic gene clusters. Starting from 126 MAGs, a non-redundant dataset of 58 was compiled, the majority of which (35) belonged to (Alpha- and Gamma-) Proteobacteria. Within the broad microbial metabolic repertoire (including C, N, and S metabolisms) the potential to live without oxygen emerged as one of the most important features. Mixotrophy was also found as a successful lifestyle. Cluster analysis showed that different MAGs encoded the same metabolic patterns (e.g., C fixation, sulfate oxidation) thus suggesting metabolic redundancy. Antibiotic and toxic compounds resistance genes were coupled, a condition that could promote the spreading of these genetic traits. MAGs showed a high biosynthetic potential related to antimicrobial and biotechnological classes and to organism defense and interactions as well as adaptive strategies for micronutrient uptake and cellular detoxification. Our results highlighted that bacteria living in an impacted environment, such as the surface sediments of the Venice Lagoon, may benefit from metabolic plasticity as well as from the synthesis of a wide array of secondary metabolites, promoting ecosystem resilience and stability toward environmental pressures.
Actors, resources, and activities in Digital Servitization: a business network perspective
Authors: Carloni Elisa , Galvani Serena 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDigital Servitization (DS), that is the development of new services through the use of digital technologies, is an emerging research stream characterized by an inherent complexity that requires understanding changes occurring over time and impacting relationships and network dynamics. Scholars have argued for the need to move towards an analysis of the micro-interaction processes and the adoption of a networking perspective. In this direction, this study aims to explore the contribution of the business network approach, compared to other existing frameworks, in the analysis of complex digital phenomena. To reach this aim, the study undertakes a single case study of an Italian manufacturer which is undertaking a DS process. The empirical analysis is guided by the three dimensions of the interpretative Actors-Resources-Activities (ARA) framework, developed within the Industrial Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) approach. The analysis has provided insights into each of the three layers of the ARA framework and has pointed to a continuous interrelation between the internal and external context and interdependence among the three layers. The study provides a theoretical contribution to the stream of literature dealing with the DS phenomenon by providing a unified theoretical approach - i.e., the business network approach - characterized by analytical completeness. Also, the research paves the way for the business network approach and for the ARA framework to be adopted in the investigation of complex business phenomena, such as DS.
Ethanol deprivation and central 5-HT deficiency differentially affect the mRNA editing of the 5-HT2C receptor in the mouse brain
Authors: Zaniewska Magdalena , Alenina Natalia , Fröhler Sebastian , Chen Wei , Bader Michael 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSerotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2Creceptor mRNA editing (at five sites, A–E), implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including clinical depression, remains unexplored during alcohol abstinence—often accompanied by depressive symptoms.MethodsWe used deep sequencing to investigate 5-HT2Creceptor editing in mice during early ethanol deprivation following prolonged alcohol exposure and mice lacking tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)2, a key enzyme in central 5-HT production. We also examinedTph2expression in ethanol-deprived animals using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).ResultsCessation from chronic 10% ethanol exposure in a two-bottle choice paradigm enhanced immobility time and decreased latency in the forced swim test (FST), indicating a depression-like phenotype. In the hippocampus, ethanol-deprived “high ethanol-drinking” mice displayed reducedTph2expression, elevated 5-HT2Creceptor editing efficiency, and decreased frequency of the D mRNA variant, encoding the less-edited INV protein isoform.Tph2–/–mice showed attenuated receptor editing in the hippocampus and elevated frequency of non-edited None and D variants. In the prefrontal cortex,Tph2deficiency increased receptor mRNA editing at site D and reduced the frequency of AB transcript, predicting a reduction in the corresponding partially edited VNI isoform.ConclusionsOur findings reveal differential effects of 5-HT depletion and ethanol cessation on 5-HT2Creceptor editing. Central 5-HT depletion attenuated editing in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, whereas ethanol deprivation, coinciding with reducedTph2expression in the hippocampus, enhanced receptor editing efficiency specifically in this brain region. This study highlights the interplay between 5-HT synthesis, ethanol cessation, and 5-HT2Creceptor editing, providing potential mechanism underlying increased ethanol consumption and deprivation.Graphical abstract
Effects of impurities on the ice microstructure of Monte Perdido Glacier, Central Pyrenees, NE Spain
Authors: González-Santacruz Nicolás , Muñoz-Marzagon Patricia , Bartolomé Miguel , Moreno Ana , Huidobro Jennifer , Faria Sérgio Henrique 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMonte Perdido Glacier, located in the central Pyrenees, is one of the southernmost glaciers in Europe. Due to climate change, this glacier is suffering an accelerated mass loss, especially in the last decades. If the current trends persist, this glacier is expected to disappear in the next 50 years. As part of the efforts of the scientific community to increase the knowledge about this glacier, this research presents the first microstructural characterization of the Monte Perdido Glacier, focused on a high-impurity concentration segment that belongs to an ice core drilled in 2017. The results reveal the ice has a layering defined by air bubbles and non-soluble impurities. The bubble-defined layering exhibits features of both a primary (sedimentary) and a secondary (strain-induced) origin. We found a clear inverse correspondence between the particle concentration and the grains' size and roundness index. A preliminary micro-Raman characterization of the particles shows the occurrence of atacamite, anatase (likely related to ancient mining activities in the vicinity of the glacier) and quartz. The latter could be an indicator of mineral dust, probably suggesting the arrival of dust-laden air masses from the north of the African continent.
An EMS Response to Refugees Arriving at an International Airport: A Report From the Field
Authors: Mechem C. Crawford , Boyle Tabitha L. , Simmons Michael A. , McCall Martin W. , Sammon Maura 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Following Afghanistan’s fall in August 2021, many refugees were settled in the United States as part of Operation Allies Welcome. They were flown from Kabul to the Middle East and Europe before continuing to the U.S. By late September Philadelphia was the sole destination. From there refugees were transported to Safe Haven military bases around the country. Philadelphia International Airport became the site of a months-long operation involving city, state, federal, and private agencies engaged in processing, medical screening, and COVID-testing of arriving refugees. The Philadelphia Fire Department played an integral role. Minor medical conditions were treated onsite. Higher acuity patients were transported to nearby hospitals. The goal was to maintain flow of refugees to their next destination while addressing acute medical issues. Between August 28, 2021, and March 1, 2022, the airport processed 29,713 refugees. Philadelphia’s experience may serve as a guide for planning future such refugee operations.