bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditioning of the Cortisol Awakening Response in Healthy Men: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wolters Fabian , van Middendorp Henriët , Van den Bergh Omer , Biermasz Nienke R , Meijer Onno C , Evers Andrea WM
Published: March 2023

Background

The hormone cortisol plays important roles in human circadian and stress physiology and is an interesting target for interventions. Cortisol varies not only in response to stress but also as part of a diurnal rhythm. It shows a particularly sharp increase immediately after awakening, the cortisol awakening response (CAR). Cortisol can be affected by medication, but it is less clear whether it can also be affected by learning. Animal studies have consistently shown that cortisol can be affected by pharmacological conditioning, but the results in humans have been mixed. Other studies have suggested that conditioning is also possible during sleep and that the diurnal rhythm can be conditioned, but these findings have not yet been applied to cortisol conditioning.

Objective

The objective of our study was to introduce a novel avenue for conditioning cortisol: by using the CAR as an unconditioned response and using scent conditioning while the participant is asleep. This study investigates an innovative way to study the effects of conditioning on cortisol and the diurnal rhythm, using a variety of devices and measures to make measurement possible at a distance and at unusual moments.

Methods

The study protocol takes 2 weeks and is performed from the participant’s home. Measures in week 1 are taken to reflect the CAR and waking under baseline conditions. For the first 3 nights of week 2, participants are exposed to a scent from 30 minutes before awakening until their normal time of awakening to allow the scent to become associated with the CAR. On the final night, participants are forced to wake 4 hours earlier, when cortisol levels are normally low, and either the same (conditioned group) or a different (control group) scent is presented half an hour before this new time. This allows us to test whether cortisol levels are higher after the same scent is presented. The primary outcome is the CAR, assessed by saliva cortisol levels, 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes after awakening. The secondary outcomes are heart rate variability, actigraphy measures taken during sleep, and self-reported mood after awakening. To perform manipulations and measurements, this study uses wearable devices, 2 smartphone apps, web-based questionnaires, and a programmed scent device.

Results

We completed data collection as of December 24, 2021.

Conclusions

This study can provide new insights into learning effects on cortisol and the diurnal rhythm. If the procedure does affect the CAR and associated measures, it also has potential clinical implications in the treatment of sleep and stress disorders.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Register NL58792.058.16; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL7791

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/38087
Medicinal Plants Diversity Used by Balinese in Buleleng Regency, Bali
Authors: Andila Putri Sri , Tirta I Gede , Warseno Tri , Sutomo Sutomo
Published: March 2023

The Lontar Usada Bali is a collection of the science of traditional medicine recorded in the lontar leaves. It contains information about the diversity of medicinal plants and treatment procedures used by Balinese for generations. However, most of the information stored in the lontars is only known by the Balians (Traditional Healers). The aim of the study was to investigate and document the diversity of medicinal plants known by Balians in Buleleng Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. Direct interview with Balians, combined with purposive sampling (for the usada plants), was used in this study and conducted in August-September 2022. The data obtained comprised plant species, habitat, habitus, local names, plant parts used, and how they were used. The data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using diagrams, graphs, and tables and measured by the use-value index. Sixty-five species and 37 families of plants were recorded as a medicinal plant. The most widely used plant families by Balians were Zingiberaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, and Malvaceae. In most cases, leaves were used, followed by tubers, fruits, and other parts. Maceration and powder or mushy were the primary modes of making herbal medicine, and external application was the most common method of drug administration. Most medicinal plants were obtained from the home garden, taken from nature, or bought in the market. Several diseases often treated by Balians were convulsions, itching, cramps, headache, black magic, stroke, herpes and tumor/cancer. This research is important to complete the ethnobotanical data on the diversity of medicinal plants in Bali. This data is important information for the development of new drugs and must be maintained for sustainability.
An Update on the Habitat Suitability Model of Dacrycarpus imbricatus (Blume) de Laub. and Its Conservation Status in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Sutomo Sutomo , Atmaja Muhammad Bima , Darma I Dewa Putu , Iryadi Rajif , Hani Aditya , Wijaya I Made Saka , Widyartha Made Maha , Van Etten Eddie
Published: March 2023

Dacrycarpus imbricatus provides essential ecosystem functions and various potential uses. Therefore, studying this distribution and conservation status in Bali Islands is crucial. The Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) and Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCAT) were used to predict this distribution and conservation status. The results showed changes in the predicted habitat suitability in 2050. Climate change conditions will impact the preferential habitat of the current location. The analysis classifies D. imbricatus as an endangered (EN) species in Bali. The model does not consider anthropogenic factors which change the land use/land cover. Therefore, more severe conservation efforts in Bali are needed for this species.
The Diversity and Uniqueness of Avifauna in Erek-Erek Geoforest at Ijen Geopark, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Siddiq Arif Mohammad , Sulistiyowati Hari , Kurnianto Agung Sih , Aninnas Afina , Samsuri Samsuri
Published: March 2023

Erek-Erek Geoforest (EEG) is one of the Biosites of Ijen Geopark located at the eastern slope of Mount Ijen. This location has unique topography of highland forests restricted by mountain ridges. This topography creates dense vegetation and humid ecosystem supporting microhabitats for endemic birds. This study aims to investigate the diversity and uniqueness of avifauna in EEG based on the existing value of birds. The method used is a point count at three potential station for the presence of birds. The data collected are the bird species, individual number of species, and species existence based on conservation status, distribution, and protection status. Data analysis includes the Shannon Wiener diversity index (H’), Evenness index (E), and existence factor (Ef) of bird community. The results show there are 57 species of birds belonging to 46 genera and 31 families. The diversity of birds in EEG Biosite has a high value (H'=3.40) and also a high evenness value (E=0.84). The Ef value of birds in this area is 51.35, which means the uniqueness value is a medium category. There are three bird species that have the highest Ef value, i.e Arborophila orientalis (Ef=80.00), Pycnonotus bimaculatus (Ef=73.33) and Locustella montis (Ef=73.33). The three species are endemic to Indonesia, especially A. orientalis whose distribution is limited to the highlands of East Java. Based on the composition, diversity, and uniqueness of avifauna in the EEG, it becomes valuable information for the government, Ijen Geopark Manager, and local communities to manage EEG Biosite conservatively by maintaining the existence of avifauna and their habitats.
Shared Prosperity and the Quintile Income in Sudan: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Omer Omer Eltayeb
Published: March 2023

This paper attempted to tackle tow issues: the first issue is the income distribution top income quintiles (including some parcels) with bottom 20% and 40% ones. Secondly whether economic growth alone, could reduce extreme poverty and mitigate income inequality in Sudan? Different prosperity shared indicators applied to data obtained from two Labor Force Migration households’ Surveys collected by Ministry of Manpower for years 1996 and 2011. The findings of this study indicated that the income share of bottom 40% failed to catch up with shares of top 10%.and overall per capita .Accordingly, all the shared prosperity indicators results were associated with idea of polarization in the Sudan society, and more importantly CAGR (as one of indicators) empathized that the bottom 20% income have to grow by more than 60% annually in order to catch up with overall per capita growth during the period of the study. To improve the picture of the income distribution and to reverse the situation of poverty in Sudan, the pattern of economic growth has to be restructured and to be associated with high economic participation. The paper recommended a deliberate government intervention to improve income distribution.
A Comparative Study of Move Analysis in Chinese and International Research Article Abstracts
Authors: Li Haixu , Wang Mei , Zhang Lehua
Published: March 2023

To raise the authors’ awareness of using the moves and move models in abstract writing, this study compares the frequency, type, and significant difference of moves and move models in 100 abstracts written in English by Chinese scholars and 100 abstracts written by international scholars in 10 prestigious international journals in the field of linguistics. The adapted Hyland’s five-move model was used as research framework, Corpus and statistic software SPSS were used as research instruments. The comparisons report that Chinese scholars tend to use introduction, result, and conclusion moves. International scholars are inclined to use purpose, method, result, and conclusion moves. The results also indicate that the four-move model is the most prevalent in the two groups. Chinese scholars used the two-move model more than the English authors whereas used the five-move model less than the international authors. The findings are intended to provide referential value for the writing and teaching of English for academic purposes.
Analysing Symbiosis between Advertising and Discursive Practices through Celebrity Endorsement in Selected Indian Gaming Apps
Authors: Chaudhary Shivani
Published: March 2023

Popularity of gaming apps is gaining momentum across the globe. The locale of this paper is Indian scenario wherein the symbiosis of advertising and discursive practices has been gauged. The aim of this paper was to fathom the nuances of advertising praxis having celebrity endorsement as its locus. The paper uses Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as research methodology to analyse the linguistic (verbal and non-verbal) and ideological aspects of the selected eSports and Gaming advertising campaigns. A field survey was conducted on 500 college going students to study the impact of sample advertisements on the target audience. It was found that celebrity endorsers influenced lifestyle and buying behaviour of the target audience. The trends in brand endorsement are changing due to two reasons; first being the rising popularity of YouTubers over Bollywood stars and other sportspersons over cricketers and second being the guidelines issued by ASCI.
A GESTÃO, O PROCESSO DE INCLUSÃO E AS POLÍTICAS EDUCACIONAIS: possibilidades e inviabilidades no cenário brasileiro
Authors: Ziesmann Cleusa Inês , Lepke Sonize , Johann Magali Maria
Published: March 2023

Este diálogo constitui-se no recorte de uma pesquisa de doutorado, que analisou a forma como as políticas educacionais, na perspectiva da inclusão, orientam o gestor de escola pública da região Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul e são por ele interpretadas. O estudo constitui-se numa pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa. Foram selecionadas duas escolas estaduais do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, pertencentes à 17ª Coordenadoria Regional de Educação (CRE), localizadas na sede onde está lotada a CRE. Participaram da pesquisa cinco gestores de cada escola, sendo as entrevistas uma importante fonte de evidência, assim como o diário de campo e os documentos das escolas (especificamente, o Projeto Político-Pedagógico). Cada uma das fontes permitiu a coleta dos dados necessários para realizar o procedimento de análise. Quanto aos procedimentos de análise, foram utilizados como referência a Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD), de Moraes e Galiazzi (2007). A pesquisa evidenciou que os alunos passaram a ser computados e analisados a partir da demanda dos profissionais necessários e dos recursos que podem advir de cada matrícula. Percebe-se, contudo, que sem questionar, sem reconhecer a luta histórica pelos processos inclusivos, os gestores atendem ao ideário neoliberal que transforma as escolas em pequenas empresas que visam a sobrevivência, seja mediante a seleção velada daqueles que exigem menos recursos humanos e permitem uma “educação de qualidade”, seja pela não oferta de suporte por meio de monitores ou de atendimentos na sala de recursos multifuncional.
Russian lexical and syntactic hedges in dissertation reviews
Authors: Boginskaya Olga A.
Published: March 2023

The author analyzes Russian lexical and syntactic hedges as a rhetorical strategy for mitigating the negative evaluation of the reviewed research. The relevance of the study is due to the ongoing attempts to reconceptualize the nature of academic discourse, which is increasingly viewed both as an interactive space and an information environment. This approach determines the need to study metadiscourse as an effective strategy for constructing a harmonious dialogue between the reviewer and the author of the dissertation under review. The purpose of the study is to identify lexical and grammatical categories of hedges and their rhetorical functions in the thesis reviews. A corpus of 90 dissertation reviews published on the websites of Russian dissertation councils in 2019-2022 was used as research materials. The object of the study was the genre of a dissertation review, where for the first time the linguistic means of mitigating negative evaluation on two linguistic levels were identified. This determines the scientific novelty of this study. To analyze the lexical and syntactic realizations of the hedging strategy, the methods of quantitative and interpretive analysis were used. The quantitative analysis revealed that the hedging strategy is mainly verbalized with the help of verbs, adverbs and introductory constructions. The interpretive analysis showed that hedges perform a wide range of communicative functions: shifting the communicative focus; modal mitigation of criticism; deintensification. The research contributes to linguistics disciplines such as pragmalinguistics, text theory and discourse analysis. The prospects of the research are an analysis of lexical and grammatical categories of other metadiscursive strategies.
The paradigmatics of a compound abbreviation as a means of predicting equivalence relations
Authors: Terkulov Vyacheslav I.
Published: March 2023

The author describes the methods of finding and predicting compound word correlates in its equivalence nest on the basis of paradigmatic relations between the abbreviation and its decoding stimuli. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that it established the principles of dictionary entries formation for the Exploratory Dictionary of Russian Word Abbreviations compiled by Exploratory Laboratory of Abbreviation Trends Research at the Russian Language Department of Donetsk National University. The paper gives general idea of the multiple motivation possibilities of abbreviated words in the modern language. The aim of the study is to generally represent the dictionary methods of finding and predicting the content of compound abbreviation equivalence nests. The author considered pure search models in existing dictionaries of abbreviations and texts, where abbreviations and their equivalents are presented as absolute synonyms, as well as extrapolation prediction methods by decoding matrices models of word equivalence nests, connected with the described abbreviations and their decoding stimuli through their paradigmatic relations. The latter led to forming compound abbreviations paradigmatic associations typology, including an abbreviation nest, an abbreviation-onomasiologic field, an abbreviation group and an abbreviation paradigm. The novelty of the study has been determined by the fact that for the first it provides a set of methods for finding and predicting the equivalence nest of abbreviated words; the methodology of the obtained results verification is also described. The results have provided the possibility of a full-fledged comprehensive dictionary description of compound abbreviated appellatives. In the future, the author is planning to develop methods of searching for equivalents of other formal onomasicologic abbreviation types - initial abbreviations and onym compound abbreviations.
Government's legal policy on the protection of women and children pre- and post-illegal marriages
Authors: Rahmatillah Syarifah , Bustamam Amrullah
Published: March 2023

This study focuses on efforts made by the Aceh government to protect women and children before and after illegal marriages. The author uses a victimology theory approach to see the efforts made by the government in these cases. The author examines two problems; how the modus operandi of illegal marriage under state law occurs in Aceh and what countermeasures the Aceh Government has taken to protect women and children of Pre and Post-Illegal Marriage in Aceh. This research is a combination of Normative and Empirical research. The results indicate that the modus operandi of illegal marriage under state law occurs in Aceh includes siri marriage (unofficial, unregistered marriage) and its legal consequences, illegal polygamy by civil servants, early marriage, polyandrous marriage, Cina Buta marriage (muhallil or a proponent to reconcile a couple (wife and husband) who had divorced by triple divorce).The countermeasures implemented by the Aceh Government to protect women and children Pre and Post Illegal Marriage in Aceh include: conducting socialization to secondary schools about marriage following state law, issuing Aceh Governor Regulation no.25 of 2017 concerning the implementation of one-day service marriage validation (isbath nikah -marriage legalization- program during the conflict and tsunami), isbath nikah as a benchmark for data on the number of siri marriages, marriage dispensation for early marriage by teenagers, qanun policy on legalizing polygamy through qanun family law in Aceh illegal polygamy, and implementation of The Constitutional Court decisions on civil recognition of the status of children out of wedlock with biological fathers.
Rights and obligations of husband and wife when having sexual relations in the book of Fathul Izaar and Qurrotul 'Uyuun
Authors: Aminulloh Izuddin Nur , Nisak Khoirun , Budianto Budianto
Published: March 2023

Sexual violence still occurs these days in the context of the household circumstances. Having viewed from the perspective of gender, Islamic law, as well as K.H Husein Muhammad's thoughts, it turns out that in sexual relations there are not only the husband's rights and the wife's obligations, but the wife also has rights and obligations that must be fulfilled by the husband. Fathul Izaar and Qurrotul 'Uyuun as books of sexology in Islamic boarding schools can actually lead to the achievement of rights & obligations for both husbands and wives in sexual relations. This research seeks to answer how the ethics of sexual relations in the book Fathul Izaar and Qurrotul 'Uyuun can lead to the fulfillment of rights & obligations when having sexual intercourse, both for husbands and wives. The research used a qualitative method, which was carried out using a library research approach. The primary sources in this study are the books of Fathul Izaar and Qurrotul 'Uyuun, while the secondary ones are documents that are compatible with the study that the researchers did. Data analysis in this study used qualitative content analysis techniques. The results indicate that: The ethics of sexual relations that researchers found in the books of Fathul Izaar and Qurrotul 'Uyuun can lead to the fulfillment of rights & obligations for both husbands and wives when having sexual intercourse, with the various ethics listed in the two books
Socially-Legal Conditionality of Criminal Law Prohibitions in the Field of State Registration of Civil Rights
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Grigorev Pavel A.
Published: March 2023

The article contains the research on social and legal foundations of criminal law prohibitions related to the ﬁeld of state registration of corporate rights and real estate rights. A public wrongfulness of falsiﬁcation of public registry is evaluated through analyzing blanket norms of criminal law and norms of sector-speciﬁc laws. The conclusion is made that nowadays a protection of order in the ﬁeld of state registration of rights is provided by criminal law in conjunction with administrative and civil law.
“Que digan dónde están”: una historia de los derechos humanos en Argentina
Authors: Zubillaga Paula
Published: March 2023

El presente texto reseña el libro “Que digan dónde están” Una historia de los derechos humanos en Argentina, del historiador Luciano Alonso. La obra, dividida en nueve capítulos, ofrece una mirada compleja y abarcadora de la emergencia, consolidación y dispersión del movimiento de derechos humanos.
A MISSÃO ABBINK NA BAHIA: EXPECTATIVA DE INTELECTUAIS BAIANOS SOBRE O CAPITAL NORTE-AMERICANO (1948-1950)
Authors: PACHECO LARISSA PENELU
Published: March 2023

Após a Segunda Guerra Mundial, o interesse dos Estados Unidos na América Latina envolveu ações de pesquisa, que visavam, entre algumas expectativas acadêmicas, compreender quais seriam as áreas com potencial para investimento do capital na região. As pesquisas foram vistas com desconfiança por empresários e intelectuais brasileiros e, na Bahia, não foi diferente. Discuto, nesse artigo, a Missão Abbink (1948) e sua repercussão intelectual entre pessoas como Inácio Tosta Filho, Thales de Azevedo e outros, como Carlos Mariguella. Tais personagens produziram opiniões em periódicos para mostrar maneiras de compreender como o capital norte-americano trataria com setores mais “tradicionais” da economia baiana, ou o refutaram completamente. Os textos aqui utilizados são extraídos do Jornal A Tarde, O Jornal e Correio da manhã, O Momento e Revista Problemas. A análise desses textos é feita a partir das metodologias da História Intelectual e da História Política, mediada pelas propostas de observação do Estado Ampliado e da ação dos intelectuais, circunscritas na obra de Antônio Gramsci. As mobilizações dos agentes de governo e da diplomacia de Estado expressou projetos que entraram em conflito com as oposições e planos erguidos no âmbito da sociedade civil – Estado – em aparelhos privados de hegemonia, vistos aqui em instrumentos de produção de saber e de ciência, que indicaram ou colaboraram com outros projetos de defesa de interesses de classes.
Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on reducing the income of workers
Authors: Do Thi Tuoi , Pham Van Hieu
Published: March 2023

In Vietnam, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy is also huge, the economy was severely affected with the gross domestic product (GDP) growth at the lowest level in a decade, and most important industries saw a decline in growth, employment, and growing income is seriously affected (Dat, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting many aspects of the economy and society; many enterprises, business households, and cooperatives had to suspend operations, reduce production scale or rotate production, directly affecting the income of employees. This article uses the employment survey data of the General Statistics Office in 2021 and uses labor law (National Assembly, 2019) to analyze the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on reducing the income of workers in Vietnam. The model estimation results show that the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on income reduction does not differ between male and female workers, and has a strong influence on the group without professional and technical qualifications. Based on the findings, several suggestions are proposed to improve workers’ income in the context of COVID-19.
The effect of risk management committee characteristics on a company’s performance in an emerging country
Authors: Alduneibat Khalid Ali
Published: March 2023

This paper aimed at providing evidence regarding risk management committee (RMC) characteristics’ effect on a company’s performance in an emerging country, specifically Jordan. This is done using a sample of 190 non-financial companies (NFCs) that were listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2018 and 2021. This study used descriptive statistics, regression, and correlation models to perform the data analysis and test hypotheses. Precisely, this study examines the association between business performance presented by return on assets (ROA) and the following RMC traits: size, competence, independence, non-executive, and frequency of meetings, controlled by firm size, and leverage (Shatnawi et al., 2020; Jia & Bradbury, 2021). Data required to test hypotheses are available on the website of the Securities Depository Center (SDC). The findings of this study show that all the above traits are positively associated with ROA except for the frequency of meetings which has a negative but not significant relationship. Furthermore, the regression findings indicated a negative relationship between leverage and performance. No evidence of any association between RMC and the company size. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the first studies that present and sheds more light on the concept of RMC in Jordan. This study provides important policy implications and recommendations for regulators authorities, boards, and policymakers in Jordan regarding these attributes to design a risk governance structure of the NFCs.
Entry and leaving arcs of turnpikes: their exact computation in the calculus of variations
Authors: Ayuso Pedro Fortuny , Bayon Luis , Grau José María , Ruiz Maria del Mar
Published: March 2023

We settle the question of how to compute the entry and leaving arcs for
turnpikes in autonomous variational problems, in the one-dimensional
case using the phase space of the vector field associated to the Euler
equation, and the initial/final and/or the transversality condition. The
results hinge on the realization that extremals are the contours of a
well-known function and that that the transversality condition is
(generically) a curve. An approximation algorithm is presented and an
example included for completeness.
Effect of rheumatoid arthritis on primary total knee arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty
Authors: Jeong Wooseong , Kwon Oh-Sung , Song Sung Wook
Published: March 2023

The demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rapidly increasing worldwide. The most common indication for TKA is osteoarthritis (OA); however, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also undergo TKA. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RA on TKA. Our findings revealed that patients with RA underwent TKA at a younger age than did patients with OA. However, contrary to the findings of pre-21st century studies, the average age of TKA among patients with RA was not significantly different from that of patients with OA. Additionally, patients with RA had a 1.5-fold higher risk of undergoing TKA. Although not statistically significant, patients with RA had a higher revision TKA rate, a shorter time until revision TKA, and underwent more revision TKAs due to infections than did patients with OA. An analysis of factors that affect revision TKA revealed that the risk of revision increased if the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were increased at the time of TKA. This study showed that patients with RA have a slightly higher risk of undergoing TKA than did patients with OA. Furthermore, the presence of inflammation at the time of TKA increases the risk of revision; therefore, inflammation should be adequately controlled before performing TKA.
Dracocephalum moldavica L. Extract ameliorates intestinal inflammation by regulating gut microbiota and repairing the intestinal barrier in 2k1c rats
Authors: Yu Hui , Chen Zhangjun , Chen Huixia , Wang Zhanli
Published: March 2023

When used in ethnomedicine, Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DML) and its bioactive extract protect against several diseases caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the effect of DML on intestinal inflammation in hypertension has not been thoroughly investigated. This study focused on the effects of DML extract on intestinal inflammation in two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups with daily intragastric administration of either saline (control group and model group) or DML extract (treatment group, 50 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. In the model and treatment groups, 2K1C hypertension was induced by clipping the left renal artery. The profiles of stool microbiota, the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the integrity of the gut barrier, oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory factors were analyzed in rats supplemented with or without DML extract. This study revealed the alleviation of high blood pressure in 2K1C rats treated with DML extract. The DML extract attenuated gut microbiota dysbiosis in the 2K1C rats by increasing the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and by decreasing the abundance of Papillibacter, Desulfovibrio and Anaerobiospirillum genera. Treatment with the DML extract increased the levels of SCFAs and repaired the intestinal barrier, it reduced the release of oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory factors and suppressed the expression of TLR4 and NF-?B mRNAs. We conclude that the DML extract may alleviate intestinal inflammation by adjusting the profile of gut microbiota and enhancing the intestinal barrier.
An update on renal fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies with a focus on extracellular vesicles
Authors: Wang Cui , Li Shang-Wei , Zhong Xin , Liu Bi-Cheng , Lv Lin-Li
Published: March 2023

The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health concern. Despite the complicated pathogenesis of CKD, renal fibrosis represents the most common pathological condition, comprised of progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the diseased kidney. Over the last several decades, tremendous progress in understanding the mechanism of renal fibrosis has been achieved, and corresponding potential therapeutic strategies targeting fibrosis-related signaling pathways are emerging. Importantly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute significantly to renal inflammation and fibrosis by mediating cellular communication. Increasing evidence suggests the potential of EV-based therapy in renal inflammation and fibrosis, which may represent a future direction for CKD therapy.
In Silico Prediction of Small Open Reading Frames from Intergenic Regions of Cucumis sativus L. Var. Hardwickii
Authors: CH Teo
Published: March 2023

Small open reading frames play important roles in growth and development regulation in plant species. However, their sequences and functions remain poorly understood in many plant species including Cucumis sativus which is Asia's fourth most important vegetable. The breeding of climate-resilient cucumbers is of great importance to ensure their sustainability under extreme climate conditions. In this study, we aim to predict the intergenic sORFs from C. sativus var. hardwickii and determine their expression profiles in transcriptome datasets. We identified a total of 50,191 coding sORFs from var. hardwickii genome. In addition, 1,311 transcribed sORFs were detected in RNA-seq datasets of var. hardwickii and shared homology to sequences deposited in the cucumber EST database, and among these, 91 transcribed sORFs with translation potential were detected. The findings of this study provide insight into sequence diversity and expression patterns of sORFs in C. sativus, which could help in developing climate-resilient cucumbers.
Importance of Microbial Exo-Metabolites as Postbiotics for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: F Luziatelli , A Nobili , F Nardilli , M Ruzzi
Published: March 2023

Plant growth-promoting (PGP) microorganisms are bacteria and fungi associated with the plant holobiont that can positively affect the health and growth of plants. Their beneficial activity is associated with a mixture of organic compounds produced and released outside the cell, including phytohormones such as auxins and auxin-related compounds. This mini-review describes the importance of using microbial exo-metabolites as postbiotics for developing innovative second-generation plant biostimulants for sustainable agriculture.
Student Worksheets of Angle Relationships Based on Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education
Authors: Hidayati Alip , Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Mathematics learning will get optimal results if the process is supported by the right facilities, one of which is student worksheets. This study aims to develop student worksheets based on Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education on the material of angle relationships that are considered valid. This research is development research with a 4D model covering Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The instrument used is a material and media expert validation sheet. The data obtained in this study are classified into quantitative data and qualitative data. Quantitative data in the form of an assessment scale for the validity of student worksheets were analyzed by converting them into qualitative data using an analytical technique formulated by Aiken and known as Aiken's V formula. The results showed that the student worksheets based on Indonesian Realistic Mathematics Education on the relationship between angles produced were considered valid by material experts with an average value of 0.88 and were considered valid by media experts with an average value of 0.94. The developed student worksheets have been assessed as valid by material experts and media experts. The student worksheets were revised based on input from experts until they were finally judged to be valid and feasible to be tested.
STEAM Learning Assessment in the Growth and Development of Early Childhood Literacy
Authors: Karta I Wayan , Rasmini Ni Wayan
Published: March 2023

Assessment of children's literacy development needs to be supported by STEAM learning assessments. This study aims to analyze the application of the STEAM learning assessment in the development of early childhood literacy. This study uses an ex-post facto approach with a quantitative descriptive method of implementing STEAM learning with authentic assessment techniques. The data collection instrument was observation with a scale of 4 structured, content valid oriented; anecdote notes to record specific behaviors, and portfolios to obtain data on children's performance, knowledge, and creative skills, with three main aspects: structure, content, and holistic. Observation of learning, anecdotal notes, and analysis of work results was carried out on 20 children in group B. The data obtained was described in 5 aspects of literacy: science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Literacy development is described in ordinal data and analyzed descriptively using percentage techniques. The results showed that all children developed completely regarding technological and mathematical literacy. On average, they developed very well; 90% of children developed completely in the scientific aspect, with an average development according to expectations; 60% of children developed completely in engineering literacy and 50% in artistic literacy, with an average development as expected. This research implies that the STEAM learning assessment can assist in developing early childhood literacy.
The Study of The Attitude to Time of Representatives the Net Generations Y and Z with Different Levels of Leadership Qualities
Authors: Dautov D. F. , Chalkova E. A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Psychological features of generations Y and Z representatives are described. The relation to time is considered both as the basis for the perception of the content of the human activity and as an element dependent on it.

Purpose. The study is aimed to establish the peculiarities of the attitude to time among representatives of generations Y and Z with differences in the severity of leadership qualities.

Materials and Methods. The main methods of empirical research are presented: Temporal Decentrations by Golovakha and Kronik; I Am a Leader by Fedorov and Eremin; Diagnostics of Leadership Abilities by Zharikova and Krushelnitsky; Time Experience Scale by Golovakha and Kronik. The sample description is given: 51 representatives of generations Y and Z, male and female, aged 19‒38 years.

Results. The connections between indicators of leadership qualities expressed by the scale’s high and medium level; between the indicators of temporal decentralization ‘orientation to the past’; between the indicators of leadership abilities shown by the scales ‘low and medium’ and such scales of time experience as ‘empty’, ‘saturated’, ‘flowing slowly’, ‘flowing fast’, ‘unlimited’, ‘limited’, ‘monotonous’ and ‘multifarious’.

Discussion and Сonclusion. The peculiarities of the attitude to time are described in connection with the leadership qualities of the Net Generations Y and Z representatives. A comparative analysis of leadership qualities severity among representatives of different generations is carried out. The presence of higher leadership potential in generation Y is emphasized. The data obtained can be used to establish more productive relationships between teachers and students.
Comparison of Fenton and Intergrowth-21st growth charts: a retrospective study of preterm neonates at ≤34 weeks
Authors: Haridas Kirankumar , Solaiappan Manikumar , Natarajan Muthukumaran
Published: March 2023

Objective: To compare Fenton and Intergrowth-21st growth charts in assessing the growth pattern of preterm infants at birth and at discharge. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 1 year. The study included the neonates born at ≤34 weeks of gestation who are admitted and stayed for ≥14 days in our hospital. The data was collected from discharge sheets and electronic database. The weight of all babies at birth and at discharge was collected. Growth was assessed based on Fenton and Intergrowth-21st growth charts. The small for gestational age (SGA) was defined as birth weight ≤-1.28SD. The extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) status of babies was assessed by a criteria of ≤-1.28SD at discharge. Results: Most common preterm phenotype was spontaneous preterm labor (47.4%), and the rate of singleton birth was 78.9%. The mean gestational age and birth weight of babies were 31.6±1.42 weeks and 1608.06±275 g, respectively. We found the rates of SGA in our group 15.2% and 13.5%, and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) 80.5% and 82.2%, respectively by using Intergrowth and Fenton growth charts. The EUGR rates in our group were 72.8% and 81.3%, respectively, on Intergrowth-21st and Fenton growth charts using a criteria of ≤-1.28SD at discharge. Conclusion: There is no statistical difference between Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in identifying SGA and EUGR. However, the rate of EUGR is higher in Fenton charts than intergrowth-21st charts.
Comparison of the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions during the heel stick procedure on pain level, duration of crying, and voice decibel of newborns: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Duru Pınar , Akkoca Zehra , Örsal Özlem
Published: March 2023

Objective: To compare the efficacy of different non-pharmacological interventions (kangaroo care, cuddling, playing white noise, ambient sound) applied to newborns during the heel stick procedure on newborns’ pain level, duration of crying, and voice decibel. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial including pre- and post-tests of four groups. The setting is a neonatal intensive care unit in Türkiye. One hundred and thirty-six newborns were recruited. Newborns were randomly assigned to four groups (i) kangaroo care, (ii) cuddling, (iii) white noise, and (iv) ambient sound. Pain measures were recorded 1 minute before, during, and 3 minutes after blood collection based on the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Results: There was a significant difference between the pain levels (χ2=16.910, p=.001) and durations of crying (χ2=13.888, p=.003) during the heel stick procedure of the newborns depending on the non-pharmacological intervention. The pain levels of newborns who received kangaroo care were significantly lower compared to those who were listened to ambient sound during the procedure. The newborns’ durations of crying who received kangaroo care and who were lapped by their mothers during the heel stick procedure were also lower than those who are listened to ambient sound. There was no significant difference between the highest sound decibel levels of newborns after the procedure due to the non-pharmacological intervention applied during the heel stick procedure. Conclusion: Kangaroo care was more effective in reducing pain level and duration of crying. The non-pharmacological interventions had no effects on the highest sound decibel levels of newborns.
Comparison of proteinuria diagnostic methods in pregnant patients
Authors: Özdemir Özge , Bolluk Gökhan , Çoban Ulaş
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study aimed to compare spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and 24-hour urine methods in pregnant patients and to evaluate the accuracy of spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio against the reference standard 24-hour urine method. Methods: This retrospective study included 399 pregnant patients diagnosed with proteinuria, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia. Urinary protein concentrations were measured by spot dipstick urine analysis, spot urinary protein-to-creatinine, and 24-hour total proteinuria via 24-hour urine collection. The 24-hour total proteinuria measurement was accepted as the reference standard for diagnosis of proteinuria, and significant proteinuria was defined ≥300 mg of protein in the 24-hour urine collection. Results: According to the receiver operating characteristics analysis of the spot urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio measurements, the cut-off value of the protein-to-creatinine ratio method was ≥0.443 mg protein/mg creatinine, the area under the curve was 0.887, the sensitivity was 77.14%, the specificity was 87.76%, and the accuracy was 84.96%. According to the receiver operating characteristics analysis of the 24-hour total proteinuria measurements, these values were >0.405 mg/day, 0.874, 82.86%, 84.64%, and 84.17%, respectively. No difference was observed between these two proteinuria methods regarding the receiver operating characteristics analysis (p=0.475). There was a strong and significant correlation between the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and the 24-hour total proteinuria (r=0.842, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that there was a strong and significant correlation between the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and the 24-hour total proteinuria, and it may be used as an alternative to the 24-hour total proteinuria. In addition, the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio is noteworthy, especially in an emergency situation in pregnant women for whom the time is limited to make a rapid clinical decision.
Pragmatics of Impoliteness in Construction Sites: A Case study of Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Washokera Farida J. , Mpobela Lea
Published: March 2023

This article examined Pragmatics of Impoliteness in the construction sites: A case study of Mwanza region. The study based on Jonathan Culpeper’s impoliteness model (1996) and revised by Culpeper in 2005. Moreover, impoliteness strategies, reasons for using impoliteness, as well as responses for impoliteness in construction sites have been researched. The study is of the view that impoliteness strategies are applied in the construction sites so as to achieve certain goals. This is a qualitative study with the data gathered through observation, interview and focus group discussion. The data have been collected from the seven construction sites. The study concluded that all the five impoliteness strategies (Bald on record, positive, negative, mock or sarcasm impoliteness and withhold politeness) listed by Culpeper were used by the construction workers and there were reasons for using impoliteness strategies some of them were; to raise working morale, to entertain the workers and to provide simple and clear information and instruction.
ГЕНЕРУВАННЯ ВОДНЮ ШЛЯХОМ ГІДРОЛІЗУ БОРОГІДРИДІВ
Authors: Іваненко Ірина
Published: March 2023

Пошук чистої енергії для заміни енергії викопного палива є актуальною проблемою сучасності. Водень вважається придатним кандидатом для виробництва чистого та стійкого палива через його доступність, високу щільність енергії та відсутність забруднення. Відносно безпечним і недорогим способом отримання достатньої кількості водню є гідроліз борогідридів. Так, наприклад, борогідрид натрію має високу гравіметричну щільність енергії 9300 Вт·год/кг; містить ~10,6 мас.% водню і його розчин може вивільнити 90 % і більше стехіометричної кількості водню через реакцію гідролізу, яку можна проводити в умовах навколишнього середовища. При використанні відповідного каталізатора можна не тільки прискорити реакцію гідролізу NaBH4, але й регулювати кількість виділеного водню і швидкість його утворення. У статті розглядаються такі важливі аспекти, як перспективність водних лужних розчинів борогідриду натрію для рідиннофазного хімічного зберігання водню, особливо в низькотемпературних паливних елементах, а також його місце в загальному ланцюгу водневої енергетики. Обговорюються методи вимірювання об’єму водню під час гідролізу борогідриду натрію; аналізується рН розчинів борогідриду натрію та його вплив на швидкість гідролізу. Розкриваються чотири найбільш вживані механізми реакції гідролізу борогідриду натрію.