Common Elements Research Articles

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lambert) Hooker: A Promising Candidate for Phytoremediation of Cd-Contaminated Soils

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most common toxic heavy metal elements in soil pollution, which can be continuously enriched in the food chain and eventually threaten human health. Phytoremediation, which is using plants to transfer heavy metal elements from soils, is a promising solution for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. In this study, we evaluated whether Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lambert) Hooker (Chinese fir), a widely planted timber tree worldwide, had the potential to remediate Cd-contaminated soils through 90 days pot of experiments with different Cd concentration soils (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mg kg−1). C. lanceolata did not show obvious toxic symptoms in Cd-contaminated soils, although Cd inhibited plant growth and decreased net photosynthetic rate slightly. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly under Cd stress, indicating that C. lanceolata had a strong self-regulation ability and can tolerate Cd stress. The Cd bioconcentration factor (Cd concentration in plant divided by Cd concentration in soil) of C. lanceolata were greater than 1 at all Cd concentrations, indicating that C. lanceolata had a strong ability to absorb Cd, although Cd was mainly accumulated in roots. Our results indicated that C. lanceolata had a strong tolerance and phytostabilization ability of Cd. Considering the wide distribution worldwide, large biomass, and rapid growth of C. lanceolata, it could be a promising candidate for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Exploring the Cyclic Behaviour of URM Walls with and without Damp-Proof Course (DPC) Membranes through Discrete Element Method

Unreinforced masonry (URM) walls are common load-bearing structural elements in most existing buildings, consisting of masonry units (bricks) and mortar joints. They indicate a highly nonlinear and complex behaviour when subjected to combined compression–shear loading influenced by different factors, such as pre-compression load and boundary conditions, among many others, which makes predicting their structural response challenging. To this end, the present study offers a discontinuum-based modelling strategy based on the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the in-plane cyclic response of URM panels under different vertical pressures with and without a damp-proof course (DPC) membrane. The adopted modelling strategy represents URM walls as a group of discrete rigid block systems interacting along their boundaries through the contact points. A novel contact constitutive model addressing the elasto-softening stress–displacement behaviour of unit–mortar interfaces and the associated stiffness degradation in tension–compression regimes is adopted within the implemented discontinuum-based modelling framework. The proposed modelling strategy is validated by comparing a recent experimental campaign where the essential data regarding geometrical features, material properties and loading histories are obtained. The results show that while the proposed computational modelling strategy can accurately capture the hysteric response of URM walls without a DPC membrane, it may underestimate the load-carrying capacity of URM walls with a DPC membrane.

Mergem: merging, comparing, and translating genome-scale metabolic models using universal identifiers.

Numerous methods exist to produce and refine genome-scale metabolic models. However, due to the use of incompatible identifier systems for metabolites and reactions, computing and visualizing the metabolic differences and similarities of such models is a current challenge. Furthermore, there is a lack of automated tools that can combine the strengths of multiple reconstruction pipelines into a curated single comprehensive model by merging different drafts, which possibly use incompatible namespaces. Here we present mergem, a novel method to compare, merge, and translate two or more metabolic models. Using a universal metabolic identifier mapping system constructed from multiple metabolic databases, mergem robustly can compare models from different pipelines, merge their common elements, and translate their identifiers to other database systems. mergem is implemented as a command line tool, a Python package, and on the web-application Fluxer, which allows simulating and visually comparing multiple models with different interactive flux graphs. The ability to merge, compare, and translate diverse genome scale metabolic models can facilitate the curation of comprehensive reconstructions and the discovery of unique and common metabolic features among different organisms.

Landscape Analysis of Neurodevelopmental Comorbidities in Newborn Screening Conditions: Challenges and Opportunities.

Newborn screening (NBS) is a large-scale public health program in the US that screens 3.8 million newborns for up to 81 genetic conditions each year. Many of these conditions have comorbidities, including neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These comorbidities can have a significant impact on health outcomes across the lifespan. Most screened conditions are inborn errors of metabolism. PKU, the first condition identified by NBS, is an inherited metabolic disorder that can cause developmental delays and intellectual/developmental disabilities if not treated. The Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN) is a program that has been funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development since 2008. NBSTRN is charged with developing, maintaining, and enhancing tools, resources, and expertise supporting NBS research. One of the tasks led by NBSTRN is to provide direction for developing question/answer sets used in the Longitudinal Pediatric Data Resource (LPDR) to create consensus-based and standardized common data elements (CDEs) for NBS conditions. There is growing interest in the NBS community in assessing neurodevelopmental trajectories through long-term follow-up studies. This could be streamlined by employing uniform CDEs. To address this unmet need, we conducted a landscape analysis to (1) explore the co-occurrence of NDD-related comorbidities and NBS conditions using text mining in MedGen, (2) compile a list of NDD-related CDEs from existing repositories as well as LPDR data dictionaries, and (3) identify challenges and knowledge gaps hindering the early identification of risks for NDDs in NBS conditions. Our findings can inform future efforts toward advancing the research infrastructure for this established public health program. The renewed awareness of the risk of NDDs after a positive NBS and diagnosis could lead to improved treatment guidelines for mental health conditions.

Mouse Gene-Targeting Strategies for Maximum Ease and Versatility.

Well-planned strategies are an essential prerequisite for any mutational analysis involving gene targeting. Consideration of the advantages or disadvantages of different methods will aid in the production of a final product that is both technically feasible and versatile. Strategies for gene-targeting experiments in the mouse are discussed, including the rationale behind some of the common elements of gene-targeting vectors, such as homologous DNA and the use of different site-specific recombinases. We detail positive and negative selection as well as screening strategies for homologous recombination events in embryonic stem (ES) cells. For the planning stages of making different types of alleles, we first consider general strategies and then provide details specific to either homologous recombination in ES cells or making alleles by gene editing with CRISPR-Cas in preimplantation embryos. The types of alleles considered are null or knockout alleles, reporter gene knock-in alleles, point mutations, and conditional null alleles.

Korean language attitude in the Altai language system

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing interest of the scientific community in constructing typologies of linguistic features of the Korean language in its relation to the Altai language system. A review of research shows that to date, discussions regarding the place of the Korean language in the Altai language system continue, since there are no uniform criteria by which to describe the relationship of these two languages. The purpose of the article is to systematize the features that allow us to determine the place of the Korean language in the Altai language system. Objectives: provide an overview of studies of the Altai language system; consider arguments about the relationship between the Korean and Altai languages; consider criticism of the theory of kinship between the Korean and Altaic languages. Research methods: systematization, generalization, description, comparison, critical analysis. It has been established that even if we completely deny the family connection between the theory of the Altaic language family and the Korean language, it is still possible to establish a friendly connection between them, which can be taken as a research hypothesis. This is made possible by the fact that the common elements that have been clearly outlined so far exist, albeit in meager quantities. If these elements were not borrowed, it would be difficult to conclude that this is a coincidence. However, it does not seem convincing that the scant data is sufficient to prove the kinship of Koreans and Altai. In this situation, just as it is impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion that the Korean language has a related relationship with the Altai language or the Altai language family, it is also impossible to conclude that there are no such relationships at all. It is true that the origins of the Korean language are still unclear. Since the existing theory of the Altaic language family and the theory of kinship with Korean were accepted almost without criticism, the counter-arguments against them can be equally strong. However, there are significant differences between these views. Some say this completely refutes conventional wisdom, while others say it is a hypothesis that has not yet been proven. The prospects for the study are seen in the systematization of linguistic typological features of the Korean language in its relation to the Altai language system.

High-loading As single-atom catalysts harvested from wastewater towards efficient and sustainable oxygen reduction

We first report universal strategies to synthesize high-loading (up to 13.78 wt%) non-metal monoatoms on carbon. Re-calcination is further proposed to overcome the poor oxidation resistance of catalysts with abundant carbon defects.

Ambulatory Care Coordination Data Gathering and Use.

Care coordination is a crucial component of healthcare systems. However, little is known about data needs and uses in ambulatory care coordination practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify information gathered and used to support care coordination in ambulatory settings. Survey respondents (33) provided their demographics and practice patterns, including use of electronic health records, as well as data gathered and used. Most of the respondents were nurses, and they described varying practice settings and patterns. Although most described at least partial use of electronic health records, two respondents described paper documentation systems. More than 25% of respondents gathered and used most of the 72 data elements, with collection and use often occurring in multiple locations and contexts. This early study demonstrates significant heterogeneity in ambulatory care coordination data usage. Additional research is necessary to identify common data elements to support knowledge development in the context of a learning health system.

Role of abscisic acid‐mediated stomatal closure in responses to pathogens in plants

AbstractIn terrestrial plants, stomata in the leaf epidermis formed by guard cells are the major pathways for gas exchange. However, opened stomata also provide a major channel for pathogen entry. At the pre‐invasive stage, plants actively close stomata to prevent pathogen attack, which is termed stomatal immunity, and plant hormones are involved in this process. Here, we summarize recent advances in the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in promoting stomatal immunity to prevent pathogen entry. Additionally, salicylic acid shares common downstream elements with ABA to promote stomatal immunity, whereas reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ act as critical signals to cross‐talk with ABA signalling to regulate stomatal movement, and they also enhance the effect of ABA in stomatal immunity. On the other hand, at the post‐invasive stage, closed stomata create a water‐soaked environment that allows pathogen multiplication, and ABA signalling is hijacked by pathogens to reduce stomatal aperture. Here, we propose a model of dual roles of ABA‐mediated stomatal closure during plant‐pathogen interaction and offer emerging consequences and questions for ABA‐mediated stomatal immunity.

Efficacy of Platinum-based Chemotherapy in Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma With Variant Histology.

Variant urothelial carcinoma (VUC, defined herein as urothelial carcinoma with any histological variant) is frequently observed at an advanced stage. However, the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy against VUC in metastatic disease has rarely been reported. This study assessed the therapeutic response and survival outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic VUC. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with metastatic bladder and upper urinary tract cancer who received gemcitabine plus cisplatin (or carboplatin) at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health Hospital between November 2008 and November 2022. Progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. Out of 131 patients recorded, 86 (65.6%) had pure urothelial carcinoma (PUC) and 45 (34.4%) had VUC. The most common variant element was squamous differentiation (44.4%). Compared to those with PUC, patients with VUC showed a comparable objective response rate (33.3% vs. 41.9%, p=0.451) and disease control rate (64.5% vs. 75.6%, p=0.221). They also had poorer progression-free survival (median=4.9 months vs. 7.9 months, p=0.014) and overall survival (median=10.9 months vs. 18.2 months, p=0.037) than those with PUC. On multivariate analysis, VUC was an independent predictor of progression (hazard ratio=1.79; 95% confidence interval=1.19-2.69; p=0.005) and mortality (hazard ratio=1.64; 95% confidence interval=1.08-2.48; p=0.020). Although the response of metastatic VUC to platinum-based chemotherapy was not inferior to that of PUC, VUC had progressed faster than PUC. VUC was significantly associated with a poor prognosis after platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment.

In Different Languages 2.0.

In recent years, the EU has been integrating the categories of ‘sovereignty’ and ‘geopolitical’ into its discourse. This article aims to identify whether the use of the same terms signifies that Moscow and Brussels are about to find a “common language.” Theoretically, the article is based on critical geopolitics, which helps to disclose common elements in the interpretations of sovereignty and geopolitics, as well as fundamental distinctions in the way these categories are integrated in the discourses of the European Union and Russia. The study shows that the EU’s adaptation of the language of realism further complicates communication between Moscow and Brussels.

‘용(龍)’ 소재 웹툰에 나타난 용의 문화원형 계승·변주 양상과 스토리텔링의 의미

In this study, we tried to examine the aspects and characteristics of dragon character storytelling, focusing on the webtoon <The Dragon Lives>, which expresses the cultural archetype of 'dragon' among k-webtoons.
 As a result of the study, first, we looked at how the traditional perception and imagination of dragons, which have been handed down through literature and previous research, are described or represented. Through this, Korea's unique perception and imagination of dragons existed, and it was possible to confirm the common point of China's perception of dragons and related cultures and the independent point of Korea's unique imagination of dragons.
 Second, through the analysis of the dragon character storytelling in <The Dragon Lives>, various dragon characters appear in <The Dragon Lives>, each with different characteristics and personalities, but there are also common elements. In addition, the webtoon <The Dragon Lives> partially inherits the image of the dragon, a cultural archetype of Korea and other countries, but also combines the storytelling elements that can be found in modern cultural contents such as movies and animations as well as the artist's new creation and Western dragon image. We could see that it was being used. Third, We tried to explore the development aspect of the central narrative, which is a theme that runs through the seasons in webtoons, and the meaning of the orientation of this narrative. Establishing a relationship between dragons and human can be a prospect for a dystopian future prediction of symbiosis and growth through the pursuit of coexistence between humans and non-humans, and it is meaningful in that it is a perspective and recognition that can solve various current problems.

ESG 경영 강화 수단으로서 디자인의 잠재성 고찰

In recent years, as interest in ESG has increased, companies have been expanding their investments and efforts to strengthen their ESG management. This study aimed to explore the possibilities and benefits of utilizing the design field as a practice methodology to strengthen ESG management. To this end, this study theoretically examined the connection between ESG and design through a literature review and also investigated and analyzed the use of design for ESG practices through a case study. The results showed that design and ESG management have common core elements of environment (E) and society (S), and they work in a way that considers environmental and social impacts or implements environmental and social responsibility to achieve the purpose of pursuing sustainability and social value. This study showed that design is a powerful practice that can enhance ESG management and provide new perspectives and approaches for companies to contribute to society through environmental and social problem solving. In particular, sustainable design and social problem-solving design are clear practices in the environmental (E) and social (S) dimensions of ESG that can be expected to produce tangible results.

Harmony in Halal: Understanding Stakeholder Views Analyzing Products and Evaluating Policies in Malaysia

This study examines Malaysia's crucial role in the global Halal market, focusing on stakeholder perspectives, product analyses, and policy evaluations. Interviews with key industry players and coupled with a phone interview reveal diverse insights. Stakeholders emphasize the industry's commitment to producing lawful consumer goods and highlight challenges in community understanding. The analysis of products sold in the Muslim market, excluding meat, unveils common non-Halal elements, underscoring the intricate balance required for Shariah law compliance. A detailed examination of Malaysia's Halal industry policies, covering certification procedures, auditing, and monitoring, highlights the nation's proactive approach. The study concludes that Malaysia's commitment, invigorated by the Halal Industry Development Corporation, significantly contributes to setting high global standards. By harmonizing stakeholder views, dissecting product realities, and evaluating policy effectiveness, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of Malaysia's Halal industry dynamics. The insights gleaned are valuable for academics, industry practitioners, policymakers, and consumers navigating the dynamic landscape of the Halal market.

Peningkatan Target Produksi Pengupasan Tanah Penutup Pada Penambangan Bijih Nikel CV. Sentosa Abadi Desa Bahomakmur, Kecamatan Bahodopi, Kabupaten Morowali, Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah

Nickel is the fifth most common chemical element on Earth. Several regions in Indonesia with large nickel content are East Luwu, South Sulawesi, Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Morowali, Central Sulawesi, East Halmahera, North Maluku. Most nickel mines use a mining method with an open mining system (Surface Mining) using a method (Open Cut Mining), namely cutting from the ridge downwards. The mining stages are carried out by clearing land, stripping overburden, dredging ore, loading and hauling for purification and processing. CV. Sentosa Abadi is a Mining Contractor based in Palu City, Central Sulawesi and also has a site camp in Bahomakmur Village, Bahodopi District. The company uses an open cut process along with open-pit mining technology. Land clearing, removal of top soil and cover soil. The aim of this research is to determine the overburden production target in July at CV. Sentosa Abadi and to evaluate production increases which are influenced by waiting times. Calculating production targets is one way to plan and control production, apart from that, production targets can also be defined as a tool to carry out effective and efficient planning. From research This is the volume of overburden produced during one month with total production of 296,927.7 bcm.

Scanning Electron Microscope Analysis of Polypropylene Filter Cartridges Used in Drinking Water Purification Systems

In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on the use of home filtration systems as a coarse pre-filtration step. The PP (polypropylene) filter cartridge is one of the most common of these systems, with the role of retaining solid suspensions from drinking water. However, few studies have focused on the fouling analysis of PP cartridges using EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) analysis methods. Through this study, a clear and in-depth view of the structures and morphology of PP filter cartridges as well as their impurity retention capacities and their impact is provided with the help of an SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analyzer. To achieve these goals, it was necessary to establish a specialized preparation methodology for this type of material in order to analyze it using the SEM and, at the same time, determine the optimal setting of the SEM parameters (improved resolution, reduced acceleration voltage, reduced data acquisition time, etc.) depending on the analysis performed for the visualization and detailed characterization of surfaces. Based on the SEM-EDS analysis and characterization, an uneven distribution of impurities on the surface of the PP fibers was identified. The number of impurities varied according to the depth of the cartridge due to the sieving effect that occurred owing to the varied sizes and shapes of the impurities, but also the structural differences and pore sizes of the filter material. So, the most common chemical elements identified were Al, Si, Na, Cl, Ca, Fe, and S, having a predominantly higher intensity from the inside to the outside of the PP filter cartridge due to pressure forces and the uneven flow of filtered water.

ISOLATED IN THE BIG CITY: (RE)FORMING THE IDENTITY OF THE PROTAGONIST-FLÂNEUR IN TEJU COLE’S OPEN CITY AND SRĐAN VALJAREVIĆ’S PEOPLE AT THE TABLE

The goal of this paper is to establish a connection between the ways identity is formed in the novels Open City by Nigerian-American author Teju Cole and People at the Table by Serbian author Srđan Valjarević. The protagonists of the aforementioned novels are immigrants who have found themselves in the isolated and urban space of the metropolis and are now trying to establish their place within it. We shall explore Charles Baudelaire’s notion of the flȃneur in an urban environment that greatly differs from the narrators’ previous homes. A reconfiguration of identity is necessary and this is accomplished through walking – an unconscious search for identity and its roots. We may ask ourselves: Is the city a constitutive element of the subject, or is the subject a social product of the city? The streets of New York and Amsterdam present the protagonists with opportunities to think about not only their current positions but their pasts. Confused and dissatisfied, they move within the big city searching for ways to accept their fates. A common element of both novels is the continual reflection of the past and social positions. The city forms the protagonists’ identities to the point that it creates a sense of disorientation and helplessness, thus destroying them. Walking is the most significant aspect of both novels, as only in movement can the identity of these flȃneurs come to light.

Comparative analysis of the constitutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan and developed countries of the world

This article provides an actual comparative analysis of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan with those of several developed countries, including the United States, Italy, sort of Great Britain, France, Japan, China, Canada, Austria, Germany, and South Korea, which essentially is quite significant. The article examines the similarities and differences in the design and structure of these constitutions, focusing on aspects fairly such as the separation of powers, kind of human rights protections, and the role of the executive branch, which is quite significant. The article concludes that while there essentially are really common elements that can generally be identified across constitutions, such as the establishment of checks and balances and the protection of fundamental kinds of human rights, the specific arrangements may vary depending on historical, cultural, and political factors, which actually is fairly significant. The analysis highlights the importance of ensuring that constitutional arrangements strike a balance between the concentration and distribution of power and specifically safeguard fundamental human rights and freedoms. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any constitutional system depends on its ability to literally adapt to changing circumstances and kind of meet the real needs and expectations of its citizens in a major way. This article provides a useful resource for scholars and policymakers for all intents and purposes interested in basically comparative constitutional law and provides insights into the factors that shape constitutional design and structure in a basically major way. Furthermore, the article specifically sheds light on the definitely unique features and context of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, which provides for a strong parlament with extensive executive powers, in contrast to the presidential and federal systems of government actually found in basically many particularly other countries, which really is quite significant.

Nursing students’ awareness of health-promoting lifestyle profile and sustainable development goals – a quasi-experimental study

Introduction and aim. Health promotion is one of the common elements of sustainable development goals. The aim of this study was to identify the impact of “Healthy Life and Environment” course on nursing student’s awareness of sustainable development and healthy life, and health-promoting lifestyle behaviours. Material and methods. A pre-, and post-test control group quasi-experimental research design was used. One nursing department located in Nortwest Blacksea region, Turkey. A total of 160 nursing students pursuing bachelor nursing programs. Students from first and second years who enrolled in the “Healthy Life and Environment” course assigned to intervention group, those who did not attend the course assigned to control group. Results. Female students had higher level of HPLP II and SDA than male. SDA had a weak correlation with HLA and a very week correlation with HPLP II at baseline. Intervention group had an improvement of .03 points in HPLP II, no change in HLA, and a slight improvement of .01 points in SDA, however these differences were not statistically important. Conclusion. The results of our study highlighted that nursing curricula need to be modified to incorporate sustainable development methodology using student-centered learning.

Microstructural Characterization of Hot Shortness in Steels

Hot shortness in steels is a macro crack on the steel surface especially on the slab edges of hot rolled steels produced by recycling. Hot shortness in steels is characterized by intergranular cracking of steel on the surface during hot rolling process. The hot shortness damage can be seen by naked eye due to macro cracks on steel surface, after the hot rolling of slab. Although macro cracks can occur due to various parameters such as excessive force or deformed rolls, hot shortness is directly linked to residual elements in the steel composition. Most common and effective residual element for hot shortness is copper. Copper in steel originates from the used scrap in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking. Decreased primary sources and environmental concerns with increased scrap output in the world make the recycling of steel inevitable. Copper segregates in the austenite grain boundaries during the annealing of steel prior to hot rolling. Liquified copper film decreases the grain cohesion between austenite grains and results in intergranular cracking by the force applied during the rolling. Detection of copper in microstructure is vital to understand mechanism of hot shortness. Common knowledge in the literature of hot shortness suggests that hot shortness mechanism consists of oxidation-segregation-decreased grain cohesion-crack route. In this study, detailed microstructure images of steel surfaces are discussed with optical and scanning electron microscopy examinations. Examined samples of hot shortness are collected from scientific experiments and industrial practice examples. Helpful techniques and etching agents for copper revelation in microstructure are evaluated and explained in this paper.