bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cultivar, harvesting time and isolation techniques on the essential oil compositions of some lemon cultivars
Authors: Gölükcü Muharrem , Bozova Burcu , Tokgöz Haluk , Turgut Demet Yıldız , Çınar Orçun , Turgutoglu Ertuğrul , Giuffrè Angelo Maria
Published: September 2024

In this study, Batem Pınarı, Interdonato, Meyer, and Ak Limon lemon cultivars were studied. Lemon peel's essential oils were obtained by two different methods (hydrodistillation and cold pressing) during four different harvest periods for each cultivar. Essential oil content, density, refractive index, optical activity, and composition were evaluated. The highest essential oil amount was found in the Interdonato cultivar (2.54%) and the lowest in Ak Limon (1.37%). The highest density value was 0.8471 g/mL (Ak Limon) and the lowest was 0.8423 g/mL (Meyer). Essential oil densities obtained by cold pressing were higher than those obtained by hydrodistillation. The highest refractive index values were determined for Batem Pınarı and Meyer (1.4747), and the lowest were determined for Ak Limon (1.4740). The refractive index values obtained by cold pressing were higher than those obtained by hydrodistillation. Optical activity values were found to be highest in Ak Limon and lowest in Batem Pınarı, and higher following hydrodistillation than cold pressing. The essential oil compositions of the samples showed significant differences depending on the cultivar and isolation method. Limonene, the highest component proportionally, composed 76.0%–89.0% of samples. The highest limonene content was determined for Ak Limon (88.7%), and the lowest for Batem Pınarı (76.7%). Limonene content did not change significantly between hydrodistillation (82.2%) and cold press (82.2%) isolation methods. Findings show that there is significant variation in quality parameters of lemon peel essential oils.
Closer is more important: The impact of Chinese and global macro-level determinants on Shanghai crude oil futures volatility
Authors: Yu Xiaoling , Xiao Kaitian , Cifuentes-Faura Javier
Published: September 2024

Using the GARCH-MIDAS model, we investigated the impact of Chinese and global macro-level determinants on the return volatility of Shanghai crude oil futures, covering Chinese and global economic policy uncertainty, Chinese and global crude oil demand as well as production, Chinese crude oil import, and global crude oil speculation. The in-sample empirical results showed that Chinese crude oil demand, Chinese crude oil production, Chinese economic policy uncertainty, and global crude oil speculation have significant impact on the long-term volatility component of Shanghai crude oil futures. The out-of-sample prediction results show that Chinese current crude oil production and previous crude oil import have the relatively best predictive power for the return volatility of Shanghai crude oil futures. As a whole, Chinese domestic macro-factors have a stronger impact and higher predictive power on the return volatility of Shanghai crude oil futures compared with corresponding global macro-factors. Besides, the global crude oil speculation is the global macro-level determinant, which deserves most attention.
Microplastics and Climate Change
Authors: Bhasin Nazuk , Kumar Sudhanshu , Barla Anil , Tiwari Amit Kumar , Singh Gopal Shankar
Published: September 2024

Plastics—macro, micro, or nano—have become persistent, pervasive, and potentially hazardous pollutants infiltrating the global environment. Microplastics (<5 mm) owing to their increased surface area as compared to their mass and small size are considered more harmful than larger plastics. The issue of their environmental presence has gained momentum due to their ability to act as sources and sinks for toxic substances, and also due to the intensification of climate change. Climate change stimulates their deterioration, dispersal, and the interaction with the environmental compartments. In turn the plastic debris contributes directly or indirectly to greenhouse gas emissions during its life cycle. Plastics account for 3.3% of the global GHG emissions. Thus, microplastics and climate change share a mutually reinforcing relationship. For effective management of both these issues, it is imperative to understand the nature and dynamics of this complex relationship. This chapter aims to discuss the long-term ecological impacts of microplastics and climate change on each other.
Detection, Monitoring, and Absorption of Micro/Nano-Plastics in Soil System
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Chawla Jyoti , Syal Jyoti
Published: September 2024

Micro/nano plastics (MNPs) pollution in soil system is a big threat to all living organisms. Plastic may alter the physiochemical and biological properties of soil and also has long term effects on biodiversity. Plastic on land is disintegrated into smaller particles having size less than 5 milimeters (micro) or 0.1 micrometer (nano). The interaction between MNPs present in soil and plants affects physiology and morphology of plants. Thus, regular monitoring, detection, and their removal from the soil system are important during plant growth. MNPs have been typically monitored and detected by different analytical methods. FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis coupled with GCMS, UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy have been widely applied detection and monitoring techniques for MNPs. MNPs have the capability to adsorb various types of contaminants from environment due to hydrophobicity and high surface area to volume ratio. In this chapter, various techniques for monitoring, detection, and adsorption behavior of MNPs have been discussed.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Alterations in Plants in Response to Micro/Nano-Plastics
Authors: Pandey Ridhi , Pandey Aaradhya , Kaushik Nishtha , Gaur Nisha , Sharma Eti , Naziri Andrea
Published: September 2024

The ubiquitous presence of MPs/NPs has led to multifarious changes which have become a serious concern due to their persistence and existence in the environment. This chapter investigates the complex interactions between the plants and micro/nano-plastics. The primary focus of the chapter is the impact on morphology as well as the molecular framework of the plant as the consequence attributed by MPs/NPs. The origins, fate, absorption, translocation, and physiological impacts of MPs and NPs in plants are highlighted in this review. Furthermore, the idea shifts towards the genotypic landscape wherein the plant gene expression patterns are studied due to the stress level caused by plastics. With the benefit of uncapping technology, many signaling pathways associated with the coping mechanism can be comprehended and the migration of MPs/NPs to the plant tissues and their presence in the seeds are also clarified. Therefore, the phenotypic and genotypic findings are concluded, along with a discussion of the wider implications for ecosystem health.
Micro/Nano-Plastic Pollution in Aquarium Systems
Authors: Nzeyimana Bahati Shabani , Chakraborty Swagata , Priyadharshini R. , Mary Mariaselvam Sheela , Govindaraju M.
Published: September 2024

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPN) pose a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems, including closed systems like aquariums. This chapter delves into the various sources of MNPs in aquariums ranging from synthetic decorations and fish food to dustfall and tap water. It explores the fate and transport of these particles, including settling, interaction with the substrate, and potential ingestion by aquatic organisms. The chapter then dissects the hazards MNP poses to captive animals, encompassing physical harm, chemical toxicity, and disruptions in vital biological functions. The chapter proposes mitigation strategies such as MNP-free aquarium equipment, high-quality fish food, and efficient filtration systems. It emphasizes education and awareness among hobbyists alongside standardized protocols for MNP detection and monitoring recognizing the need for further research. The chapter calls for investigations into long-term effects and mitigation strategies.
Policy and Regulatory Approaches to Mitigating Micro- and Nano Plastic Pollution
Authors: Yadav Mohit , Pandey Ashutosh , Nghiem Xuan-Hoa
Published: September 2024

Microplastic and nano-plastic pollution poses a significant global challenge. This chapter examines the sources, pathways, and impacts of these contaminants. It explores existing policies, regulations, and treatment technologies while highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach. Prevention strategies, including design modifications, consumer education, and waste management improvements, are emphasized. Building trust and cooperation among stakeholders is crucial for effective governance and implementation. Continued research, focusing on nano-plastics, human health, and environmental impacts, is essential. By combining policy, technology, and stakeholder engagement, it is possible to mitigate microplastic and nano-plastic pollution and protect ecosystems.
Egg Quality Traits of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens Reared Under Scavenging and Improved Feeding Condition in Relation to Exotic Chickens Eggs
Authors: Sani Umar Mohammed , Samuel Timothy , Ahmed Nidhal Khaleefa , Baba Tirmidhi Aliyu , Saeed Osama Anwar , Khalifa Duha Hassan , Mahmood Elham Khalifa
Published: September 2024

This study was aimed at assessing the egg quality traits of Nigerian indigenous chickens raised under scavenging and improved feeding conditions in relation to exotic chicken’s eggs. The study was conducted in Sam Tee farm Nukai Jalingo, Nigeria. The indigenous breed pullets were sourced from villages in Ardo Kola, Lau and Zing L.G.A. The birds were grouped into three treatments Viz: indigenous breed under improved feeding and scavenging conditions and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed pullets under improved feeding condition were placed on grower’s diet and gradually replaced with a commercially prepared layers’ mash. A total of 336 eggs from the three groups were examined. Eggs weight, length, width, shell thickness and yolk width were measured. Shell ratio, surface area and Haugh unit were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and correlation analysis. There were significant variations in egg weight, egg length and shell thickness between the indigenous and the exotic breed. The indigenous breed reared under improved feeding condition had the longest egg, largest surface area, thicker and heavier shell. Egg weight and surface area have significant positive correlations. In conclusion, Indigenous chickens' performance on some egg quality traits can be enhanced with judicious feeding and management.
Heterosis and reciprocal effects on productive and reproductive performance in F1 generations of Frosis and reciprocal effects on Productive and Reproductive Performance in F1 generations of Fayoumi x White Leghorn and Koekoek x White Leghorn chickens
Authors: Balcha Kasaye Assefa , Senbeta Ewonetu Kebede , Megersa Ashenafi Getachew
Published: September 2024

This study evaluated heterosis and reciprocal effects in across of White Leghorn with Fayoumi, White Leghorn with Koekoek in comparison to their pure line breeds for the productive and reproductive traits. Data were purposively collected from 357 layers based on their genetic groups and each genotype was reared in three replicates on a deep litter system from 20-72 weeks. Results showed that genotype groups were found to have no significant differences (p > 0.05) for age at first egg (AFE) and hen- housed egg production (HHEP). Purebred Koekoek and crossbred of male White Leghorn and female Koekoek were superior for body weight at first egg (BWAFE). Purebred Fayoumi has exhibited the least values for egg number. Purebred White Leghorn was the best by their feed conversion ratio. Effects of heterosis were non-significant (p > 0.05) for AFE and BWAFE, and hen-housed egg production. A negative heterosis percentage was noted for AFE in all crossbred genotypes. Crossing between male Koekoek and female White Leghorn gave the highest heterosis effect for feed intake while crossing between male White Leghorn and female Fayoumi gave the highest estimates of heterosis for total egg number per hen. The main crossbred between male White Leghorn and female Fayoumi hybrids outperformed in AFE and HHEP while the main crossbred between male White Leghorn and female Koekoek outperformed in BWAFE and HHEP. On the contrary, reciprocal crossbreds between male Fayoumi and female White Leghorn and male Koekoek and female White Leghorn had higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio.
Soy deactivated in semi feedlot diets for heifers 1/2 angus-Nellore
Authors: Marques Orlando Filipe Costa , Oliveira Euclides Reuter  de , Gandra Jefferson Rodrigues , Fernandes Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes , Gabriel Andréa Maria de Araújo , Silva Janaina Tayna , Neves Nathálie Ferreira , Valentim Jean Kaique
Published: September 2024

This research evaluated the effects of diets containing or not containing deactivated soybean sums on productive performance, carcass attributes, carcass ultrasound, and feed cost in confined heifers with 1/2 Nellore-Angus blood. We used blood from 60 1/2 Nellore-Angus heifers aged 2 or 25 years with a body weight of 404.62 kg. A completely randomized design was used, in which the animals were divided into 2 experimental groups: Cont (concentrated for semi feedlot without added deactivated soybean) and Bocchi (concentrated for semi feedlot with the addition of deactivated soybeans). There was no significant difference in the final weight between the experimental groups or for the consumption of concentrate in the evaluation periods. However, heifers supplemented with deactivated soybean in the diet showed greater daily weight gain than did those in the Cont group, as well as greater carcass weight, arrobas gain, and carcass yield. Bocchi concentrate was less expensive than Cont (U$ 7.26 ton-1). The addition of deactivated soybean for finishing cattle is indicated because it provided the animals with higher energy intake and positively influenced the productive performance as a final weight gain greater than that of the feed without adding the deactivated soybean in addition to lower production cost.
Evaluation of some hormones in patients with major β-Thalassemia in the Nineveh Governorate - Iraq
Authors: Al-Azzawi Zeena Zuhair Ibrahim , Jankeer Muna Hussein
Published: September 2024

Thalassemia is one of the most important genetic haemolytic diseases that cause the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs) in patients with β-Thalassemia major. The body does not produce enough haemoglobin, which is an important part of RBCs. When there is not enough haemoglobin, RBCs do not function properly in the body, so the condition continues for short periods of time. The current studies aimed to determine the extent of the impact of β-Thalassemia major on some hormonal variables in the serum of 80 patients (40 males and 40 females) aged between (1-15) years, in addition to 20 healthy children of the same age range and of both sexes, who were considered as a control group. The results of this study showed a significant increase in the concentration of erythropoietin (EPO) by 187% in the serum of patients with β-Thalassemia major compared to healthy of both sexes, with an increase of 188 in males and 183% in females. The highest significant increase was in the age group of (11-15) years in males and females compared to healthy control. The results also showed a significant decrease in the concentration of hepcidin and growth hormones in the serum of patients with a decrease of 55 and 56% respectively compared to healthy individuals of both sexes, with a highest significant decrease of 56 and 59% in males, and 55 and 52% in females respectively. The highest significant decrease was in the age group of (11-15) years for both hormones in males and females compared to healthy control based on age groups and sex.
Biological activities of Stryphnodendron adstringens bark decoction
Authors: Xavier-Silva Kássia Roberta , Bailão Elisa Flávia Luiz Cardoso , Camilo-Cotrim Carlos Filipe , Leonardo-Silva Lucas , Caldeira Andréia Juliana Rodrigues , Almeida Luciane Madureira Almeida , Paula Joelma Abadia Marciano de , Borges Leonardo Luiz , Ayres Flávio Monteiro
Published: September 2024

Stryphnodendron adstringens, called ‘barbatimão’, is used in Brazilian folk medicine given its healing, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, data on its safe use remain inconclusive due to controversy about the risk posed by its ethnopharmacological intake to human health. Thus, the present study aims to quantify the main classes of compounds found in S. adstringens bark powder and investigate the biological activity of ‘barbatimão’ bark decoction against pathogenic bacterial strains. We also investigated its toxic activity using the Artemia salina test and its cytogenotoxicity using the Allium cepa test. Phenols (24.5 ± 1.5 mg mL-1), tannins (15.08 ± 0.02 mg mL-1), and flavonoids (1.33 ± 0.02 mg mL-1) were quantified in the S. adstringens decoction. This decoction exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains and toxicity against A. salina. It was not possible to observe the S. adstringens bark decoction genotoxicity in the A. cepa roots because the cell cycle stopped at the prophase, indicating the decoction’s anti-proliferation effect. S. adstringens is a plant with great herbal potential; therefore, other study models must be used to investigate its potential antibacterial and anti-proliferation applications
Aspects of the ecology of Leporinus striatus Kner 1858 as a support for its conservation in a Federal Conservation Unit
Authors: Lima Talita Rolim de Freitas , Smith Welber Senteio
Published: September 2024

This work describes aspects of the ecology and feeding of Leporinus striatus to fill the gap in information about the species in Brazilian rivers. The study area is in the Ipanema National Forest, Iperó/São Paulo, with the Ipanema River as the place where the specimens were collected in its middle and lower reaches. The size ranged from class 9.0 - 9.5 cm to class 11.5 - 12.0 cm, with females being found in all classes. Class 10 - 10.5 was the one with the highest relative frequency, with males being most abundant in the 9.5-10.0 cm length class and females in the 10-10.5 cm length class. The species' diet was composed of autochthonous species, with the most frequent items being insect fragments and plant material. Based on this information, the species was classified as omnivorous. Underwater observations made it possible to verify that the species is gregarious, inhabiting the water column between midwater and the bottom, preferring stretches with currents and rocky substrate. It performs foraging by leaning its body close to the substrate and biting food on solid surfaces. Small groups made up of at least six individuals shared the areas between rocks and branches. We conclude that, to guarantee the preservation of the species, it is crucial to recognize the significant role played by Conservation Units. However, given the aquatic nature of the species studied, its life cycle is intrinsically linked to stretches that extend beyond the limits of the UC. Additionally, the ecological analyses presented in this study reveal that the species relies on the preservation of a healthy river environment that transcends the boundaries of the conversational unit.
Morphological and morphometric sperm analysis of dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima)
Authors: Garcia Giovana Alcantara , Angrimani Daniel de Souza Ramos , Parente Jociery Einhardt Vergara , Guimarães Juliana Plácido
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, an increase in the number of marine species at risk of extinction has been observed. Therefore, studies on the reproductive characteristics of these animals are essential. This animal is considered relatively rare, and there is scarce information regarding its reproductive biology and physiology. Thus, this study aims to describe the morphology and morphometry of sperm obtained from dwarf sperm whale. The material used in this work was collected during the necropsy of a dwarf sperm whale specimen. Thus, seminal samples were fixed and stained with panoptic stain. In morphometric analysis, the results obtained were: acrosome length of 0.83±0.01 μm, head length of 1.5±0.02 μm, intermediate part of 0.4±0.00 μm and total length of 27.3±0.51 μm. In terms of morphology, the defects observed were double head, heavily curled tail, abnormal small head, simply bent tail, piriform head, heavily bent tail and specimens within the normal range. In this context, the morphometric and morphological sperm analysis of Kogia sima described in this study can assist future studies regarding the reproductive physiology of these animals.
A natureza empírico-transcendental da teoria geral dos aspectos modais de Herman Dooyeweerd
Authors: Murta Yuri Tiradentes , Abrahão Luiz Henrique de Lacerda
Published: September 2024

Observa-se uma tendência contemporânea de aplicar a Teoria Geral dos Aspectos Modais elaborada por Herman Dooyeweerd a diversas áreas do conhecimento. Entretanto, nem sempre tais usos se atentam às complexidades da teoria, em especial à sua natureza empírico-transcendental e seu enquadramento maior na Filosofia da Ideia Cosmonômica. Através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica qualitativa de natureza básica, descritiva e explanatória, que adota o levantamento de dados bibliográficos como seu instrumento de coleta de dados, este artigo busca demonstrar que as aplicações estritamente metodológicas da Teoria Geral dos Aspectos Modais são limitadas pelas seguintes razões: (1) termos como ‘ontologia’, ‘transcendental’ e ‘lei’ são empregados sem maiores esclarecimentos; (2) a natureza ôntica dos aspectos modais, de serem significado, perpassa as formas tradicionais de dividir a filosofia em subdisciplinas; (3) as ideias de Dooyeweerd resguardam um grau de complexidade por si só elevado; e (4) a ideia de totalidade possui uma dupla conotação: uma temporal (como coerência cósmica), outra como supratemporalidade. Para tanto, organizamos o artigo em quatro secções. Na secção 1 apresentamos suscintamente as aplicações da Teoria Geral dos Aspectos Modais, em específico os trabalhos desenvolvidos no Brasil nos campos da Educação e da Filosofia da Ciência. Na secção 2 apresentamos alguns traços e pressupostos do pensamento de Dooyeweerd, bem como situamos sua Teoria Geral dos Aspectos Modais no interior da Filosofia da Ideia Cosmonômica. Na secção 3 discutimos a ideia de realidade ordenada por leis. Na última secção sinalizamos as fronteiras do recorte metodológico deste artigo em relação ao horizonte religioso maior de pensamento do autor. Concluímos mostrando que a obra do Dooyeweerd encerra uma dimensão empírico-transcendental, a qual diz respeito a totalidades como a priori que estruturam a realidade, porém a priori que só podem ser conhecidos e afirmados a partir da experiência.
Relação humano-animal e saúde mental na pandemia de Covid-19: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Sumiya Alberto
Published: September 2024

A relação humano-animal é histórica e contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de sociedades. Com a domesticação os animais tornaram-se companhias (pets) integrando famílias. Sua função avançou para as questões terapêuticas e na pandemia de Covid-19 desempenharam papeis de regulação socioemocional. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar uma revisão integrativa sobre a relação humano-animal e a saúde mental na pandemia de Covid-19. Para isso, buscaram-se artigos científicos em cinco bases de dados, utilizando palavras-chaves que foram combinadas com o operador booleano ‘and’. A seleção seguiu as recomendações PRISMA e a análise foi qualitativa e descritiva. Encontraram-se um total de 2310 estudos e foram incluídos 11 na análise integrativa. A maioria das pesquisas eram transversais com aplicação de instrumentos variados, predominando o método misto de coleta de dados (quali-quantitativo) e com amostras relativamente grandes. Os Estados Unidos tiveram maior representação em termos de produção, sendo o tema mais recorrente o impacto da pandemia em idosos e a solidão. Concluiu-se que existe potencial para sugerir que a relação humano-animal foi benéfica para a saúde mental de pessoas durante a pandemia de Covid-19. O tema é de relevância clínica e sociocultural, porém não é possível ainda se estabelecer evidência científica.
Quantos ‘cenos’ forem necessários: múltiplas faces conceituais ante ao Antropoceno
Authors: Souza Júnior Carlos Roberto Bernardes de
Published: September 2024

As discussões acerca do Antropoceno têm ultrapassado as fronteiras das geociências e se transmutaram em temáticas fundamentais ao campo das humanidades ambientais. Em razão disso, o presente estudo almeja avaliar as contradições do conceito de Antropoceno e explicitar outras possíveis nomenclaturas. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão narrativa das produções teóricas e metodológicas que almejaram discutir ou propor alternativas ao léxico predominante. Ante à universalidade antropocêntrica do termo dominante, demonstra-se como outras conceituações propõem situar formas de mobilização que enfrentam a crise ambiental global. Essas ideias convergem na necessidade de ultrapassar a utilização exclusiva do Antropoceno para se referir a presente época de desarranjos eco/geossistêmicos ocasionados pelas atividades produtivas geofágicas. Nesse sentido, discute-se as contribuições de variados outros exemplos de ‘cenos’, indicando quais são as críticas específicas de suas teorizações em acordo a uma classificação em meta-propostas, propostas diagnósticas, propostas espacializadas e propostas propositivas. Considera-se que os variados ‘cenos’ apresentam contra-narrativas ou narrativas complementares que convergem em formas de entender e situar soluções possíveis para a pluralização de mundos, lugares, territórios e ativismos que enfrentem a crise ambiental. Cada qual a seu modo, eles conformam maneiras de cultivar imaginários irreverentes que desafiam a cisão cultura-natureza difundida pela modernidade ocidental. Desse modo, a articulação entre os múltiplos ‘cenos’ é um caminho para criar novos horizontes coabitacionais de (sobre)vivência terrestre.
Reflexiones sobre medio ambiente y los territórios urbanos desde la perspectiva del cuidado
Authors: Santos Otávio Augusto Alves dos
Published: September 2024

Este articulo intenta presentar algunas reflexiones sobre el cuidado desde una perspectiva más amplia, demostrando su centralidad a la comprensión crítica de la actual crisis ecológica y civilizacional, así como en la formulación de alternativas a la superación de los problemas socioambientales urbanos. Se parte de la perspectiva cuyo el cuidado no es solo un conjunto de acciones circunscritas a la matricialidad sociofamiliar, sino también al nivel de las relaciones sociales y de la humanidad con la naturaleza. Se defiende la idea que la superación de la actual crisis requiere la consideración del cuidado como valor central. Se concluye que es necesario poner el cuidado, el medio ambiente y los territorios periféricos en el centro de las preocupaciones en el proceso de formulación de acciones e implementación de políticas públicas.
Effect of Land Use/Land Cover Maps on CN Method: Case Study over Kahramanmaras
Authors: Oz Arif , Dis Muhammet Omer
Published: September 2024

The impact of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) data obtained from various spatial resolution satellites on the distribution of the Curve Number (CN) across Kahramanmaras using the Soil Conservation Service (SCS)-CN technique was investigated in this research. This study aimed to examine the effect of LULC on runoff due to increasing urbanization in the last century and the conversion of forest areas to agricultural lands. CORINE data with a spatial resolution of 100 m, and Sentinel-2A data with spatial resolutions of 10, 20, and 60 m were utilized in the analysis.  The results reveal that only the average CNs of the products are in close proximity, while there are significant discrepancies in the CN variation over the maps as the spatial resolution increases. The Sentinel-2A satellite findings revealed higher CN values compared to the CORINE dataset over the study area where three geographical regions, namely the Mediterranean, Eastern Anatolia, and Southeastern Anatolia. Additionally, the results show that an increase in urbanization triggers surface runoff potential and reduces it in agricultural and forest areas in the city. Thus, the updated and higher spatial resolution of LULC promises accurate flood forecasting and/or more scientific potential drought estimation as well as other hydrological applications.
Evaluation of different hydration techniques on the viability of commercial dry brewing yeast
Authors: Silva Tallis Vinícius Araújo da , Hornink Gabriel Gerber
Published: September 2024

The utilization of dry yeast is increasingly becoming established in the brewing context, owing to the ease of storage and handling, the long shelf life and the convenience of dispensing a delicate and costly propagation process for fresh liquid cultures, which would need specialized labor and equipment. Dried yeasts undergo a procedure that removes nearly all liquid contents from the cell, and rehydration is then recommended prior to inoculation into the wort. Hydration is a nuanced procedure that allows yeasts to regain their vitality and viability, however, if carried out improperly, it can adversely affect fermentation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of four hydration techniques on the viability and vitality of dry commercial yeast cells, preliminarily evaluating the influence of hydration using distilled and filtered water. Two different methodologies were employed, including the assessment of viability, by counting live and dead cells in the Neubauer chamber and the evaluation of vitality, by measuring the CO₂ released after inoculation. The hydration techniques tested included hydration in water without stirring, hydration in water with stirring, and these two techniques replicated in dry malt extract (DME) wort with Specific Gravity (SG) 1040. Firstly, it was found that rehydrating the yeast in distilled water has a negative impact on cell viability. Also, the results indicated that initial agitation has a negative effect on yeast viability and vitality, while hydration in water without agitation produced the best results. Correct hydration of dry yeast is crucial for avoiding off-flavors due to accelerated or delayed fermentation.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES TEÓRICO-METODOLÓGICAS PARA A GEOGRAFIA EM PAUL VIDAL DE LA BLACHE
Authors: Moura Francisco Aracildo de , Souza Geralda Juliet Tavares de , Silva Diêgo Rodrigues da , Bayer Hiram de Aquino , Figueiredo Suzete Câmara da Silva
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar as contribuições teórico-metodológicas desenvolvidas pelo autor francês Paul Vidal de La Blache, para a afirmação da Geografia como ciência. Nesse contexto, a obra de Vidal de La Blache se apresenta bastante diversificada e com grande significado para a ciência, destacando-se estudos relacionados à Geografia Humana, Geografia Política e Geografia Regional. Assim, o estudo, de caráter qualitativo, partiu de uma revisão da literatura do autor em conformidade com o desenvolvimento do pensamento científico da época, buscando identificar ideias que assinalaram contribuições relevantes para a Ciência Geográfica. Ademais, também se tomou como referência, análises realizadas por geógrafos importantes que se debruçaram sobre a obra do autor, sem descuidar do contexto histórico e político vivenciado por ele no amadurecimento de suas ideias. O estudo mostrou que a riqueza encontrada na obra de La Blache, reflete o momento de efervescência das ciências no final do século XIX, bem como as transformações políticas e econômicas que marcaram o desenvolvimento da França e da Europa como um todo no referido período. É a partir da obra lablacheana que a Geografia ganha identidade própria e se estabelece como campo autônomo do conhecimento, ganhando importância e visibilidade no conjunto das ciências.
Palavras-chave: Vidal de La Blache. Contribuições teórico-metodológicas. Geografia Humana. Região. Política.
The Influence of Energy-Force Parameters on the Condition of Surface Structure and Properties of Steel during Frictional Thermomechanical Processing
Authors: Volkov Oleg , Kraevska Zhanna , Kulyk Hennadii , Vasilchenko Alexey
Published: September 2024

The work investigated the nature and features of surface strengthening of steel products during friction thermomechanical processing (FTMP) of the surface. For this purpose, changes in the structure and properties occurring under the influence of FTMP in test samples were studied, and the influence of energy parameters during FTMP on the amount of surface strengthening of the samples was also evaluated. As a result of the research work, the factors affecting the preliminary thermal strengthening and additional strengthening of 65G steel samples using FTMP were identified, which allowed to increase the microhardness of the steel in the processing zone by more than 2 times. At the same time, the microhardness was increased thermally to the level of about 580 kgf/mm2, which is equivalent to 5800 MPa, and after FTMP, the microhardness increased to 1300 kgf/mm2, which corresponds to 13000 MPa. It is also shown that the strengthened "white" layer formed during FTMP and located along their entire processing length is continuous, which characterizes the homogeneity and uniformity of the strengthening of the surface of the samples. The load distribution at FTMP was determined using a dynamometer and the circumferential force of friction processing was calculated, which made it possible to establish dependencies that show the strengthening characteristics taking into account the thickness of the friction disc. Taking these data into account, recommendations are offered regarding the optimal thickness of the reinforcing disc.
Low-Cost Fabrication of Visible-Light Sensitive PAN/Cu2O QDs Nanofibers
Authors: Hutomo Farhan Aryo , Pratama Paundra Rizky , Hamidah Nur Laila , Pramata Azzah Dyah
Published: September 2024

This work reported the successful fabrication of a low-cost electrospun PAN nanofiber coated with Cu2O QDs. Our works reveal that the spray coating method was effective in applying a homogenous distribution of Cu2O QDs on the surface of PAN nanofiber. The as-synthesized Cu2O QDs have an absorption edge at 510 nm and band gap energy of 2.5 eV indicating a light-sensitive photocatalyst. The SEM image showed an even distribution of Cu2O QDs on the top of PAN nanofibers with an average diameter of 454.45 ± 124.732 nm. The wettability of the as-made nanofibers was determined using the contact angle method. Our PAN/Cu2O QDs nanofibers showed hydrophilic behavior. The reactive oxygen species generation study also indicated the ability of our PAN/Cu2O to generate singlet oxygen. Our results indicate the promising potential of PAN/Cu2O as wound healing fabric due to the advantageous natural properties of copper and hydrophilic fabric.
The importance of psychological intervention in emergencies for patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Fiacco Giacomo , Catone Gennaro
Published: September 2024

Dear Editor,
We consider it appropriate to highlight the importance of early psychological intervention in emergencies for patients with eating disorders. In the contemporary age, characterized by incessant socio-cultural pressures and aesthetic ideals, eating disorders emerge as a complex and critical challenge to mental and physical health in individuals during developmental age. This psychiatric condition can have fatal outcomes. Approximately one-fifth to one-third of adolescent patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) require intensive care during the course of the illness. Access to critical care areas in healthcare facilities due to significant emaciation-related organic decompensation is increasing significantly, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. [...]
Promoting leadership and communication skills in emergency medicine residents: the role of High-Fidelity Simulation
Authors: Maiorano Lorenzo , Capretti Elisa , De Paris Anna , Prota Alessio , Paolucci Elisa , Marchetti Rudy , Coppa Alessandro , Savinelli Caterina , Pini Riccardo , Innocenti Francesca
Published: September 2024

The residency program in Emergency Medicine should include formal training in Non-Technical Skills (NTS). We evaluated the effectiveness of a program based on High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) to improve the leadership and communication skills of residents in Emergency Medicine. In this prospective observational study, we performed 6 simulation sessions, each with 3 scenarios about the management of the critically ill. In the second to the fifth session, participants received specific training about: the ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach, leadership, communication, and situation awareness, one topic per session. Technical Skills (TS) were measured as the percentage of critical actions correctly performed by participants during the primary examination. NTS were rated by the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ), Communication Competence Questionnaire (CCP), and Clinical Teamwork Scale (CTS). The trend over the following sessions was evaluated. We examined 90 scenarios, 15 scenarios per session (three scenarios repeated 5 times). The LBDQ score reached in the fifth and sixth sessions (fifth: 25 [20-30]; sixth: 25 [22-29]), was significantly higher than that obtained in the first, second, and third ones (first: 23 [18-24]; second: 22 [16-26]; third: 20 [14-26], all p<0.05). The percentage of correctly performed actions during ABCDE assessment (10 [7-14] vs. 17 [15-19]), as well as CCQ scores (46 [42-48] vs. 51 [47-52]) and CTS scores (82 [64-88] vs. 94 [91-101], all p<0.01), increased significantly between the first and the last session. HFS confirmed to be an effective instrument to allow Emergency Medicine residents to acquire NTS skills in a safe environment.
Cryptogenic stroke and seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome: a case series of patients with positivity for “non-criteria” antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Mancuso S. , De Michele M. , Truglia S. , Capozzi A. , Rapino L. , Berto I. , Alessandri C. , Toni D. , Manganelli V. , Sorice M. , Conti F.
Published: September 2024

Cerebrovascular events (CE) are one of the most common and severe events in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a condition characterized by thrombosis and circulating anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Seronegative APS (SN-APS) refers to a group of patients with clinical features of APS but persistently negative tests for “criteria aPL”: anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and anti-β2glycoprotein I antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the lupus anticoagulant detected by clotting assays. We report a series of five cases of SN-APS in young or middle-aged patients who tested positive for “non-criteria” aPL. We retrospectively collected cases of SN-APS patients who experienced CE without an identified cause despite an extensive diagnostic work-up and tested negative for criteria aPL. All the patient sera were tested for aCL by immunostaining on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and anti-vimentin/cardiolipin (aCL/Vim) by ELISA. We identified five cases of female patients aged 21 to 58 years, evaluated at the Rheumatology Unit and/or Stroke Unit/Emergency Department of the Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, “Policlinico Umberto I”. All patients presented a clinical history suggestive of APS. All the patients tested positive for aCL by TLC-immunostaining, and one patient was positive for aCL/Vim. In young or middle-aged patients with cryptogenic CE and a clinical history suggestive of APS, the use of new diagnostic tools for identifying aPL, if validated in future studies, could represent an important step in the prompt diagnosis of APS.
Viral load non-suppression among adolescents and youth living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Molopa Lesiba O. , Ginyana Thembelihle P. , Vondo Noloyiso , Magobo Rindidzani , Maseko Goitseone , Zungu Nompumelelo , Zuma Khangelani , Simbayi Leickness , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Moyo Sizulu
Published: September 2024

Background: Despite the increased initiation and uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, some people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on ART still have non-suppressed viral load (VL).Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VL non-suppression among adolescents and youth (aged 12 years – 24 years) living with HIV and on ART in South Africa, as well as the factors associated with it.Method: Data from the 2017 South African national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour, and communication survey were analysed. The survey used a multistage-stratified cluster sampling design. A backward stepwise multivariable generalised linear model was used to identify factors associated with VL non-suppression.Results: The study included 340 participants aged 12 years – 24 years, with a median age of 21 (interquartile range [IQR]: 18–23). The proportion of adolescents and youth living with HIV and on ART with non-suppressed VL was 19.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.4–25.3). Approximately 60% of the participants were not on ART. The odds of VL non-suppression were significantly higher among youth aged 15 years – 19 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.24–2.13], p = 0.001) and aged 20 years – 24 years (AOR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.06–1.41], p = 0.005) compared to adolescents aged 12 years – 14 years. The odds were significantly lower among individuals of other races (AOR = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.69–0.92], p = 0.003) compared to black African people.Conclusion: Findings suggest a need for ART education and counselling as part of treatment support. In addition, the promotion of HIV awareness as part of strengthening the HIV treatment and prevention cascade.Contribution: The article showed the prevalence of VL non-suppression and associated factors among adolescents and youth.
Improving clinical outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Role of antiviral therapy, conversion therapy, and palliative therapy
Authors: Shelat Vishal G
Published: September 2024

In this editorial, I comment on three articles published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology . Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important public health concern, and there are three articles on the theme of HCC in this issue. I focus on the articles by Mu et al , Chu et al , and Ma et al for this editorial. While these articles may be considered as low-quality evidence, and the results cannot be generalized to non-hepatitis-B or C virus patients, the discussion of the results is important. In addition, though all the articles are from China, the relevance of the results is not minuscule. As resection is the main form of curative treatment modality owing to a donor liver shortage, surgeons need to be aware that preoperative long-course antiviral therapy can improve clinical outcomes by reducing postoperative liver dysfunction and recurrence of HCC following resection. Similarly, patients with super-giant HCC (defined as ≥ 15 cm diameter) should also be carefully considered for liver resection, and if it is unresectable upfront, then a combination of liver-directed therapy and systemic therapy may downstage HCC. If, following downstaging, the patient qualifies for liver resection based on locally prevalent resectability criteria, then such therapy is labelled as conversion (from unresectable to resectable) therapy. In unresectable patients treated by a combination of treatment options, serological markers like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and alpha-fetoprotein are reported to predict treatment responses, thus enabling personalized medicine.
Targeting methyltransferase-like 5-mediated sphingomyelin metabolism: A novel therapeutic approach in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Jin-Juan , Yuan Chang , Dang Sheng-Chun
Published: September 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a global health problem and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with its mortality rate ranking third among all cancers. The etiology and progression of GC are characterized by a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic changes, which present challenges for its early diagnosis and effective treatment. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of GC and identifying novel biomarkers for early detection and prognosis are crucial to improving patient outcomes. This editorial examines the role of methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) in the progression of GC through sphingomyelin metabolism by considering an article published by Zhang et al in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology in 2024, which is entitled “METTL5 promotes GC progression via sphingomyelin metabolism”. These authors investigated the biological behavior of METTL5 in GC by examining its expression patterns, clinical relevance, functional effect, and potential mechanisms, as well as its response to chemotherapy. This editorial provides valuable insights into the role of METTL5 in the progression of GC and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Computed tomography-based radiomic model for the prediction of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy response in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Qi , Guo Tian-Hui , Gao Wen , Yu Yi-Miao , Wang Rui-Feng , Yu Hua-Long , Chen Jing-Jing , Sun Ling-Ling , Zhang Bi-Yuan , Wang Hai-Ji
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) has emerged as a popular treatment approach for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) in clinical practice worldwide. However, the response of AGC patients to nICT displays significant heterogeneity, and no existing radiomic model utilizes baseline computed tomography to predict treatment outcomes.

AIM

To establish a radiomic model to predict the response of AGC patients to nICT.

METHODS

Patients with AGC who received nICT (n = 60) were randomly assigned to a training cohort (n = 42) or a test cohort (n = 18). Various machine learning models were developed using selected radiomic features and clinical risk factors to predict the response of AGC patients to nICT. An individual radiomic nomogram was established based on the chosen radiomic signature and clinical signature. The performance of all the models was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

RESULTS

The radiomic nomogram could accurately predict the response of AGC patients to nICT. In the test cohort, the area under curve was 0.893, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.803-0.991. DCA indicated that the clinical application of the radiomic nomogram yielded greater net benefit than alternative models.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram combining a radiomic signature and a clinical signature was designed to predict the efficacy of nICT in patients with AGC. This tool can assist clinicians in treatment-related decision-making.