bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation of environments contaminated with mercury. Present and perspectives
Authors: González-Reguero Daniel , Robas-Mora Marina , Probanza Lobo Agustín , Jiménez Gómez Pedro Antonio 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMercury is a highly toxic heavy metal whose emission sources can be both natural and the result of anthropic activity. Its polluting action on soils, and its ability to spread through the atmosphere and aquatic environments, constitutes a threat to human and environmental health; both for its bioaccumulation capacity and for biomagnification through the trophic chain. For this reason, there is a growing scientific and social interest in the reduction of this heavy metal in ecosystems. Bioremediation based on the use of microorganisms and/or plants is postulated as a sustainable alternative to traditional physicochemical methods. The main strategies used for this purpose (individually or in combination) are the volatilization of the contaminant, biosorption, phytoextraction and phytoremediation. All these tools are based on taking advantage of the natural and evolutionary capacity that different organisms have developed to adapt to the presence of various pollutants in the environment. Based on the consulted bibliography, these bioremediation methodologies focus on the use of microorganisms (freely or associated with plants) have been successfully applied in different ecosystems, postulating themselves as a respectful alternative for the future for the recovery of degraded environments. For these reasons there is a growing interest in the scientific community to design and use new techniques in a “One Health” context, which allow interpreting the positive impact of bioremediation. In this sense, the universalization of Omics techniques has allowed to abound in the knowledge of new bacterial taxa, and their biotechnological application. This study pretends to cover the present knowledge about mercury bioremediation techniques. In the same way, some new techniques and perspectives are presented in order to expand the frontiers of future research.
Bee venom (Apis mellifera L.) rescues zinc oxide nanoparticles induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impact via controlling neurofilament and GAP-43 in rat brain
Authors: Eleiwa Naglaa Z. H. , Ali Mahmoud Abo-Alkasem , Said Enas N. , Metwally Mohamed M. M. , Abd-ElHakim Yasmina M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the possible beneficial role of the bee venom (BV, Apis mellifera L.) against zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs)-induced neurobehavioral and neurotoxic impacts in rats. Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were alienated into five groups. Three groups were intraperitoneally injected distilled water (C 28D group), ZNPs (100 mg/kg b.wt) (ZNPs group), or ZNPs (100 mg/kg.wt) and BV (1 mg/ kg.bwt) (ZNPs + BV group) for 28 days. One group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of distilled water for 56 days (C 56D group). The last group was intraperitoneally injected with ZNPs for 28 days, then BV for another 28 days at the same earlier doses and duration (ZNPs/BV group). Depression, anxiety, locomotor activity, spatial learning, and memory were evaluated using the forced swimming test, elevated plus maze, open field test, and Morris water maze test, respectively. The brain contents of dopamine, serotonin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Zn were estimated. The histopathological changes and immunoexpressions of neurofilament and GAP-43 protein in the brain tissues were followed. The results displayed that BV significantly decreased the ZNPs-induced depression, anxiety, memory impairment, and spatial learning disorders. Moreover, the ZNPs-induced increment in serotonin and dopamine levels and Zn content was significantly suppressed by BV. Besides, BV significantly restored the depleted TAC but minimized the augmented MDA brain content associated with ZNPs exposure. Likewise, the neurodegenerative changes induced by ZNPs were significantly abolished by BV. Also, the increased neurofilament and GAP-43 immunoexpression due to ZNPs exposure were alleviated with BV. Of note, BV achieved better results in the ZNPs + BV group than in the ZNPs/BV group. Conclusively, these results demonstrated that BV could be employed as a biologically effective therapy to mitigate the neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects of ZNPs, particularly when used during ZNPs exposure.
Quantitative and physiological behavior techniques to investigate the evolution of monospecies biofilm of pathogenic bacteria on material surfaces
Authors: Hemdan Bahaa A. , El-Liethy Mohamed Azab , El-Taweel Gamila E. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In most natural habitats, microbes are not discovered in the planktonic phase but in multispecies biofilm communities. Bacteria in diverse microbial biofilm may interact or conflict relying on the varieties and features of solid surfaces. Hence, mono-species biofilm formed some potentially Gram-negative pathogenic species, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, on two different materials: stainless steel (SS) and polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The developed biofilm was comprehensively studied using different approaches. Results displayed that the biofilm developed upon SS was more intensive than on PP. Statistically, a compelling correlation with significance was recorded between the biofilm age and increasing bacterial biofilm populations formed upon PP and SS materials. Likewise, the excellent levels of produced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the biofilm formed upon both PP and SS were reached after 80 days. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs exhibited the surface structure of biofilm for E. coli, S. enterica, and P. aeruginosa developed upon two materials (PP and SS). The results show that, the formed biofilm cells for all tested bacterial strains grown upon PP material were more minor than SS. In conclusion, the existing investigation delivers better knowledge about the approaches that could be applied to investigate biofilm formation on various surface materials. Likewise, biopolymers such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play a critical role in establishing clusters and microcolonies.
Complexity-driven product design: part 1—methodological framework and geometrical complexity index
Authors: Greco Alessandro , Manco Pasquale , Russo Mario Brandon , Gerbino Salvatore 
Published: July 2023

AbstractModern industries are experiencing radical changes due to the introduction of high technological innovations. In this context, even more highly complex and customized products are required, increasing the need of tending towards the concept of complexity for free. In addition, new products are conceived with the circular economy in mind, considering possible multi life-cycle at the early design stage to reduce time and costs while ensuring high quality standards. To evaluate the overall product complexity, this research combines geometrical, manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly complexity features, typically treated separately in the literature. The research is divided into two parts and proposes a novel methodological framework for assessing product complexity with an overall view, integrating many aspects of product life cycle. The framework aims to create a rank of product configurations, on the base of complexity. Making complexity assessment procedures objective is essential to effectively support decision-making processes, especially when introducing advanced manufacturing technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (AM). Additionally, it is necessary to know the complexity of the individual components before the overall assembly. This paper deals with the first part of the research, proposing the aforementioned novel methodological framework, with a great focus on geometrical complexity. A geometrical complexity index is defined through experimental and numerical surveys, involving CAD modeling experts and considering numerous metrics found in the technical literature. The proposed methodological framework and the geometrical complexity metric can provide useful tools for businesses looking to evaluate their product complexity and identify areas for improvement.
Opioid mortality in the US: quantifying the direct and indirect impact of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Gopal Sucharita , Fischer Manfred M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper employs a spatial Durbin panel data model, an extension of the cross-sectional spatial Durbin model to a panel data framework, to quantify the impact of a set of sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors that influence opioid-related mortality in the US. The empirical model uses a pool of 49 US states over six years from 2014 to 2019, and a nearest-neighbor matrix that represents the topological structure between the states. Calculation of direct (own-state) and indirect (cross-state spillover) effects estimates is based on Bayesian estimation and inference reflecting a proper interpretation of the marginal effects for the model that involves spatial lags of the dependent and independent variables. The study provides evidence that opioid mortality depends not only on the characteristics of the state itself (direct effects), but also on those of nearby states (indirect effects). Direct effects are important, but externalities (spatial spillovers) are more important. The sociodemographic structure (age and race) of a state is important whereas economic distress of a state is less so, as indicated by the total impact estimates. The methodology and the research findings provide a useful template for future empirical work using other geographic locations or shifting interest to other epidemics.
Systemic Complications Secondary to Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Mannion Rory , Fitzpatrick Emer 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe systemic sequelae of chronic liver disease (CLD) may be due to portal hypertension and shunting, malnutrition, and/or a low grade inflammatory state. This article will focus on the consequences of chronic liver disease affecting extrahepatic organs. Portal hypertension underlies many systemic complications of CLD. Aside from varices and ascites, portal hypertension may cause both hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension leading to respiratory compromise. Cardiomyopathy may also occur secondary to end stage liver disease. Hepatorenal syndrome is also well recognised and hepatic encephalopathy is a consequence of the effect of liver dysfunction on the brain. Compromise of the immune system is well described in end-stage liver disease leading to sepsis and its consequences. Bony disease including osteoporosis and hepatic arthropathy may both be seen in children with CLD. CLD may be asymptomatic initially but then complications may present as the disease progresses. Furthermore, systemic effects of end stage liver disease may complicate liver transplant. These complications often present insidiously or at the time of acute decompensation. Thus, it is important that healthcare providers are vigilant when caring for children with CLD. This article outlines the secondary complications of CLD with an overview of the definition and diagnosis, pathophysiology, management and prognosis of each.
Gravity corrections for the updated italian levelling network
Authors: Barzaghi Riccardo , Carrion Daniela , Carroccio Marianna , Maseroli Renzo , Stefanelli Giacomo , Venuti Giovanna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Italian official height system is defined through a high precision levelling network established and maintained by the Istituto Geografico Militare - IGM. During the last 20 years, IGM has performed levelling campaigns on almost the whole peninsular area of Italy with the aim of both densifying the existing network and updating the reference heights. This paper reports about the procedure applied to correct the levelling observations for the gravity effects and the assessment on the results. The needed gravity values were predicted from the Italian gravity dataset (IGD), and both from EGM2008 and XGM2019e high resolution global gravity models. A new formulation of the normal correction as well as the standard orthometric correction were applied. The IGD derived corrections proved to be effective by reducing the misclosure error of critical loops below the tolerance level. Gravity data derived from EGM2008 and XGM2019e proved to be too poor for the correction purposes, as it was also confirmed by a comparison against available observed data, with RMS of the differences, in Alpine ares, ranging between 50 and 100 mGal.
In search of ancient pre-Roman imperial roads: state of research and some methodological recommendations
Authors: Marciak Michał , Szypuła Bartłomiej , Sobczyński Daniel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn recent decades, there has been a considerable growth of scientific interest in the question of travel and mobility in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. As far as the southern Levant is concerned, this interest has yielded much research about travel and mobility in Late Antique Palestine (including the Roman imperial road network), leaving the question of pre-Roman travel and mobility a much-understudied field of study. However, recent archaeological discoveries have revolutionized our state of knowledge about material remains of pre-Roman roads, which were once believed to not have been preserved. Namely, remains of several pre-Roman roads have been discovered on the ground in modern Jordan and Israel: the Aroer Ascent, “Glueck’s Road,” Naqeb Dahal, the Wadi Zarqa-Main road, the Callirrhoe–Machaerus road, and the Masada–Hebron road. In this context, the aim of this paper was, first, to study the spatial and archaeological features of the archaeologically attested ancient pre-Roman roads, and second, to evaluate all of the available types of remote data as tools serving in the detection of artifacts (especially archival cartographic, aerial, and satellite data; archaeological data; and least-cost simulations of Geographic Information Systems [GIS]). As a result, several conclusions are suggested. First, old topographic maps are a very promising source of data for potential new discoveries since they contain both explicit and implicit hints at the existence of ancient roads. Second, information about archaeological data and the Roman imperial road network may also offer important reference points if the quality of databases is improved in the future. Third, the use of GIS simulations based on 30 m digital elevation models has very substantial limitations. In particular, the use of least cost paths and corridors for simulating short-distance travel has turned out to be fruitless. At the same time, the use of least cost corridors for predicting long-distance travel offers some promising results.
Developing an innovative and high-performance method for recovering reusable launcher stages: the in-air capturing method
Authors: Stappert S. , Singh S. , Funke A. , Sippel M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the research within the Horizon 2020-funded project FALCon on the innovative “In-Air Capturing” (IAC) method is presented. This recovery method for reusable rocket stages involves capture of a winged launcher stage with an aircraft in a gliding flight at subsonic velocity. Hence, the IAC procedure involves multiple vehicles interacting in a highly dynamic and complex environment, which requires detailed investigation before being used in a future full-scale setup. First, this paper gives an overview of the implications of using the IAC method on launcher system design. Second, the subscale flight testing with unmanned aerial systems (UASs) is explained. An analysis of all full-scale systems involved is also conducted, including the towing aircraft, an aerodynamically controlled capturing device that is connected via a rope to the aircraft, and the RLV stage. CFD simulations are conducted to understand the implications of the flow field around the vehicles and their impact on the IAC maneuver. Next, some full-scale trajectory simulations for different maneuvers involved in IAC are produced. The trajectory is also evaluated for subscale flight simulations, wherein the data acquired during flight tests is used. Finally, the progress and potential future outlook for this recovery method are described.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Sensing Characteristics of Multi-Peak Terahertz Metamaterials Sensor in Polarization Mode
Authors: Wang Yuee , Li Dongxia , Luo Huiwen , Li Zhi , Hu Fangrong , Zhang Huo , Yu Lingyao 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, the multi-peak terahertz metamaterials sensors are designed and fabricated, whose structures are the asymmetrical single split ring (SSR) and three split rings (TSR). The resonant formation and sensing mechanism of the two structures are investigated by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Vitamin B6 (VB6) and its reactants with bovine serum protein (BSA) are tested as the medium, and the sensing experiments of the SSR and TSR are carried out. The experimental and simulation results indicate the consistent law, which is the sensitivity of the resonance in the transverse magnetic (TM) mode is much greater than that in the transverse electric (TE) mode. According to the weighted average method and the law for unequal precision measuring, the quality factor of the resonance is used as the weighting coefficient to calculate the comprehensive evaluation parameter (CEP) of the multi-peak metamaterials sensors in the TE and TM modes based on the experimental data. When the CEP and frequency shifts are as the evaluation parameter in experiments, the law’s variation of the CEP is consistent with that of the frequency shift, indicating that it is feasible to characterize the sensing characteristics of metamaterials with the CEP, which presents simplified characteristics of multi-peak metamaterials at different polarization modes. The method implies that the different influencing factors may be integrated into the CEP with the idea of weight, which promotes the practical application of the metamaterials sensor. The revelation of the sensing law also provides a method for the design of the terahertz metamaterials sensor with the high sensitivity.
Combining Milpa and Push-Pull Technology for sustainable food production in smallholder agriculture. A review
Authors: Librán-Embid Felipe , Olagoke Adewole , Martin Emily A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAchieving food security remains a pressing challenge for small-scale farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Ongoing climate change, invasive noxious weeds, and crop pests further exacerbate the situation. Optimizing traditional cropping systems for sustainable yields and climate-resilient production is imperative in order to address this challenge. The pre-Columbian milpa system of intercropping maize with companion crops such as beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and squash (Cucurbita spp.) is one effective system that has been shown to produce outstanding yields per unit area compared to monoculture systems. The Push-Pull Technology developed in East Africa, based on the use of repellent and trap companion plants intercropped with maize (and to a lesser extent sorghum), is seen to be similarly effective in minimizing the impact of major pests on yields, including striga weed (Striga spp.), maize stemborers, and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Although both systems have the potential to compensate for each other’s limitations, there has been no cross-system learning between the Mesoamerican milpa and the East African Push-Pull Technology. Here, we review both systems and present the advantages likely to be obtained by combining these technologies in small-scale farming. The proposed milpa push-pull system could adapt to different gradients of altitude, rainfall, and soil nutrient levels, in addition to controlling pests, and therefore has the potential to become a fundamental cropping technique in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Proposal and extensive test of a calibration protocol for crop phenology models
Authors: Wallach Daniel , Palosuo Taru , Thorburn Peter , Mielenz Henrike , Buis Samuel , Hochman Zvi , Gourdain Emmanuelle , Andrianasolo Fety , Dumont Benjamin , Ferrise Roberto , Gaiser Thomas , Garcia Cecile , Gayler Sebastian , Harrison Matthew , Hiremath Santosh , Horan Heidi , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Jansson Per-Erik , Jing Qi , Justes Eric , Kersebaum Kurt-Christian , Launay Marie , Lewan Elisabet , Liu Ke , Mequanint Fasil , Moriondo Marco , Nendel Claas , Padovan Gloria , Qian Budong , Schütze Niels , Seserman Diana-Maria , Shelia Vakhtang , Souissi Amir , Specka Xenia , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Trombi Giacomo , Weber Tobias K. D. , Weihermüller Lutz , Wöhling Thomas , Seidel Sabine J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA major effect of environment on crops is through crop phenology, and therefore, the capacity to predict phenology for new environments is important. Mechanistic crop models are a major tool for such predictions, but calibration of crop phenology models is difficult and there is no consensus on the best approach. We propose an original, detailed approach for calibration of such models, which we refer to as a calibration protocol. The protocol covers all the steps in the calibration workflow, namely choice of default parameter values, choice of objective function, choice of parameters to estimate from the data, calculation of optimal parameter values, and diagnostics. The major innovation is in the choice of which parameters to estimate from the data, which combines expert knowledge and data-based model selection. First, almost additive parameters are identified and estimated. This should make bias (average difference between observed and simulated values) nearly zero. These are “obligatory” parameters, that will definitely be estimated. Then candidate parameters are identified, which are parameters likely to explain the remaining discrepancies between simulated and observed values. A candidate is only added to the list of parameters to estimate if it leads to a reduction in BIC (Bayesian Information Criterion), which is a model selection criterion. A second original aspect of the protocol is the specification of documentation for each stage of the protocol. The protocol was applied by 19 modeling teams to three data sets for wheat phenology. All teams first calibrated their model using their “usual” calibration approach, so it was possible to compare usual and protocol calibration. Evaluation of prediction error was based on data from sites and years not represented in the training data. Compared to usual calibration, calibration following the new protocol reduced the variability between modeling teams by 22% and reduced prediction error by 11%.