bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding the Atomic Structure of Ga2Te5 PLD Films for Memory Applications using Diffraction and First-Principles Simulations
Authors: Tverjanovich Andrey , Benmore Chris J , Khomenko Maxim , Sokolov Anton , Fontanari Daniele , Bereznev Sergei , Bokova Maria , Kassem Mohammad , Bychkov Eugene
Published: June 2023

Neuromorphic computing, reconfigurable optical metamaterials operational over a wide spectral range, holographic and nonvolatile displays of extremely high resolution, integrated smart photonics and many other applications need phase-change materials (PCMs) of the next generation with better energy efficiency, wider temperature and spectral range for reliable operation compared to current flagship PCMs as Ge2Sb2Te5 or doped Sb2Te. Gallium tellurides are promising candidates to achieve the necessary requirements because of higher melting and crystallization temperatures, combined with a low switching power and fast switching rate. At the same time, Ga2Te3 and non-stoichiometric alloys appear to be atypical PCMs, characterized by regular tetrahedral structure and the absence of metavalent bonding. The sp3 gallium hybridization in cubic and amorphous Ga2Te3 is also different from conventional p-bonding in flagship PCMs, raising a question of the phase-change mechanism. Besides, gallium tellurides exhibit a number of unexpected and highly unusual phenomena as nanotectonic compression or viscosity anomaly just above melting. Using high-energy X-ray diffraction, supported by first-principles simulations, we will unravel the atomic structure of amorphous Ga2Te5 PLD films, compare it with the crystal structure of tetragonal gallium pentatelluride, and investigate electrical, optical and thermal properties of these two materials to estimate their potential for memory applications as well as for other fields.
Neurobiology of Egg-laying Behavior in Drosophila: Neural Control of the Female Reproductive System
Authors: Afkhami Mehrnaz
Published: June 2023

Egg-laying is one of the key aspects of female reproductive behavior in insects. Egg-laying has been studied since the dawn of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The female’s internal state, hormones, and external factors, including nutrition, light, and social environment, affect egg-laying output. However, only recently has light been shed on certain neurobiological features of egg-laying behavior in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system regulates egg-laying behavior and decision-making, and many studies use fruitless and doublesex, two genes in the sex determination pathway, to identify reproductively important neurons. Neuronal groups like aDNs and pC1clusters modulate egg-laying behavior in the brain, and other neurons like oviINs and oviDNs affect oviposition specifically. In the ventral nerve cord, the abdominal neuromere houses neurons that send information to and from the reproductive tract, including sex peptide abdominal ganglion neurons (SAG) and octopaminergic motor neurons. The reproductive tract itself houses sensory neurons that respond to different aspects of egg maturation and mating, including the male accessory gland products and mechanical stimuli. I conclude this review by summarizing the importance of egg-laying neuronal control in various evolutionary phenomena like cryptic female choice and highlight two Drosophila species and provide intriguing avenues for the future of the field.
Research on Multi-Sensor SLAM Technology for Complex Environment of Construction Machinery
Authors: Ren Haoling , Zhao Yaping , Lin Tianliang , Wu Jiangdong
Published: June 2023

Unmanned construction machinery vehicles mostly carry work in bridges, tunnels, and outdoor open spaces. Obtaining accurate pose estimation of the entire vehicle and establishing a map of the surrounding environment is of great significance for path planning and control in the later stage. Traditional simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) schemes, which mostly use a single sensor, but there are problems with localization drift and mapping failure in scenarios where there are few geometric features and the environment is prone to degradation. Currently, the multi-sensor fusion strategy has been proven to be an effective solution and widely used in the field of unmanned vehicle localization and mapping. This paper proposes a SLAM framework that tightly couples a LiDAR, IMU and camera to achieve accurate and reliable pose estimation. The framework is based on LiDAR-inertial system(LIS) and factor graph optimization theory. Texture information provided by vision is integrated into the LiDAR-inertial odometry to generate a new visual-inertial subsystem(VIS).The two subsystems, VIS and LIS, can assist each other and work jointly. Through real vehicle tests, the system can perform incremental, real-time state estimation, reconstruct dense 3D point cloud maps,and effectively solve the problems of localization drift and mapping failure in the lack of geometric features or challenging construction environments. Meanwhile, the system has a safety redundancy mechanism. When any subsystem fails, the system can also operate normally, to ensure the reliability and robustness of vehicle positioning.
Elicitors Mediated Response of Growth, Yield and Quality of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Wall. ex Nees)
Authors: M PAVANGOWDA , Sharangi Amit Baran , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Saeed Mohd
Published: June 2023

With the objective of studying the influence of elicitors on growth, yield and quality of kalmegh we carried out an investigation for two consecutive years. Nine treatments with three replications were laid out in CRD design. Chitosan, Yeast extract, Jasmonic acid and Salicylic acid were evaluated at different concentrations. CHT 1000 ppm exhibited highest plant height (73.91 cm) and secondary branches (29.07) at the time of harvest. Primary branches and number of leaves per plant were highest in CHT 1000 ppm (26.36; 88.32) which were on par with SA 200 ppm (26.28; 81.51). Plant spread was highest in SA 200 ppm (35.46 cm2) which was on par with CHT 1000 ppm (35.11 cm2). CHT and SA sprays were recorded with on par results for yield parameters but highest fresh (42.34 g) and dry (18.30) herbage yield per plant were exhibited with SA 200 ppm. Highest total chlorophyll (4.459 mg g-1) and total andrographolides (3.494%) content were recorded in SA 200 ppm spray. Significant and positive improvement in growth, yield and quality of kalmegh was noticed with Salicylic acid spray @ 200 ppm at 30 and 60 DAS signifying its use in cultivation of kalmegh for high productivity, quality and better returns for farmers.
Determining the Provenance of Traded Wildlife in the Philippines
Authors: Brandis Kate J. , Meagher Phoebe , Schoppe Sabine , Zawada Kyle , Widmann Indira , Widmann Peter , Dolorosa Roger , Francis Roxane
Published: June 2023

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant threat to global biodiversity, often targeting already threatened species. In combating the trade, it is critical to know the provenance of the traded animal or part, to facilitate targeted conservation actions, such as education and enforcement. Here we present and compare two methods, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and stable isotope analysis (SIA), to determine both the geographic and source provenance (captive or wild) of traded animals and their parts. Using three critically endangered, frequently illegally traded Philippine species, the Palawan forest turtle (Siebenrockiella leytensis), the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), and the Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensisis) we demonstrate that using these methods we can more accurately assign provenance using pXRF data (x ̅ = 83%), than SIA data (x ̅ = 47%). Our results indicate that these methods provide a valuable forensic tool that can be used in combating the illegal wildlife trade.
Brain Injury: Response to Injury Wound Healing Mechanisms and Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hayden Melvin R.
Published: June 2023

Embryonic genetic mechanisms are present in the brain and ready to be placed into action upon cellular injury termed the response to injury wound healing (RTIWH) mechanism. When injured, regional brain endothelial cells initially undergo activation and dysfunction with initiation of hemostasis, inflammation (peripheral leukocytes and innate microglia and perivascular macrophage cells), proliferation (astrogliosis), remodeling, repair, and resolution phases if the injurious stimuli are removed. In conditions wherein the injurious stimuli are chronic as occurs in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus this process does not undergo resolution and there is persistent RTIWH with remodeling. Indeed, the brain is unique, in that it utilizes its neuroglia: the microglia cell along with peripheral inflammatory cells and its astroglia instead of peripheral scar-forming fibrocytes/fibroblasts. The brain undergoes astrogliosis to form a gliosis scar instead of a fibrosis scar to protect the surrounding neuropil from regional parenchymal injury. One of the unique and evolving remodeling changes in the brain is the development of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), which is the focus of this brief review. EPVS are important since they serve as a biomarker for cerebral small vessel disease and also represent an impairment of the effluxing glymphatic system that is important for the clearance of metabolic waste from the interstitial fluid to the cerebrospinal fluid and disposal. Therefore, it is important to better understand how the RTIWH mechanism is involved in the development of EPVS that are closely associated with and important to the development of premature and age-related cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases with impaired cognition.
Role of Polyphenols From the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Cadenillas Laura F , Hernandez Christopher , Bailly Sylviane , Billerach Guillaume , Durrieu Vanessa , Bailly Jean-Denis
Published: June 2023

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered as a potent carcinogenic for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feeds. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteoline 7- diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity.
Whispers of the Woodlands: Unveiling the Interplay of Forest Conservation and Livelihood through Community Narratives
Authors: Eslit Edgar R.
Published: June 2023

Amidst nature's enchanting embrace, forests stand as revered guardians, safeguarding biodiversity and nurturing rural livelihoods. In this journey, a qualitative study takes flight, exploring the cherished perspectives of the community within Iligan City's rustic expanse in Iligan City, Philippines. Its purpose? To unveil the intricate dance between forest conservation efforts and local livelihood strategies, weaving a tapestry of understanding. Through heartfelt conversations and keen observations, a diverse ensemble of 30 participants shares their wisdom, as thematic analysis reveals its breathtaking hues. In this symphony of voices, the community's resounding admiration for forest conservation emerges, painting a vivid portrait of its ecological significance and cultural splendor. As the canvas unfolds, the participants unfurl the whispered secrets of forest benefits—the gentle preservation of water resources and the enchanting pathways to ecotourism. Yet, amidst this beauty, they tenderly acknowledge the delicate trade-offs, where access to resources finds limitations. And so, the forest emerges as a steadfast companion in their livelihood odyssey, bestowing subsistence resources, opportunities for fruitful endeavors, and a profound sense of cultural heritage. These heartfelt discoveries beckon us to embrace the wisdom of the community, intertwining local perspectives into the fabric of forest conservation strategies, and championing participatory approaches that resonate with shared hopes and dreams. This study bestows upon us precious insights, illuminating the path towards sustainable forest management—a harmonious union where conservation goals and the vibrant tapestry of local livelihood needs dance hand in hand. Overall, locals must heed the profound symphony woven by forests and livelihood, as policymakers and practitioners craft a future where nature's melodies echo in the hearts of all who call the forest their home.
Heterogeneous Copper Catalysts in the Aqueous Phase Hydrogenation of Maltose to Sorbitol
Authors: Pappalardo Valeria , Zaccheria Federica , Scotti Nicola , Ravasio Nicoletta
Published: June 2023

The one pot hydrogenolysis/hydrogenation reaction of maltose to 2 moles of sorbitol has been carried out over different supported Cu catalysts in water at 180°C and 40 bar of H2. Only the catalysts supported on silicas were found to be effective in this reaction giving up to 86% yield in the desired product while the bare supports and the catalysts supported on alumina or silica alumina gave messy reactions. The peculiar activity of the two Cu/Silica systems tested was ascribed to high metal dispersion and suitable polarity of the catalyst surface. The reduced catalyst, exposing metallic Cu particles on the surface, showed unusual stability in the presence of water as a solvent and could be reused several times without any treatment.
Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Combination with Curcumin against PTZ Induced Kindled Epilepsy in rats; In Vivo and In Silico Study
Authors: Alam* Md. Niyaz , Singh Lubhan , Khan Najam Ali , Asiri Yahya I. , Hassan Mohd. Zaheen , Afzal Obaid , Altamimi Abdulmalik Saleh Alfawaz , Hussain Md. Sarfaraj
Published: June 2023

The ameliorative effect ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (MO) leaves in combination of curcumin against seizures, cognitive impairment & oxidative stress PTZ-induced kindled rats. Molecular docking was performed to predict the potential phytochemical of MO and curcumin against Epilepsy. The effect of pretreatment with leaves of M. oleifera ethanolic extracts (MOEE) (250, 500mg/kg, orally), curcumin (200 and 300 mg/kg, orally), valproic acid used as standards (100mg/kg) and combined effect of MOEE (250mg/kg) and curcumin (200mg/kg) at low dose, on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling. For the development of kindling the individual Wistar rats (Male) were injected pentyletetrazole (40 mg/kg, i.p.) on every alternate day. Molecular Docking has been done by AutoDock4.2 tool to merge the ligand orientations in the binding cavity. From the RCSB website, the crystal structure of Human Glutathione reductase (PDB ID: 3DK9) was obtained. Curcumin and MOEE showed dose-dependent effect. The combined effects of leaves of MOEE & curcumin significantly improved the seizure score and decreased the number of myo-clonic jerks in compare with standard dose of valproic acid. PTZ kindling induced a significant oxidative stress and cognitive impairment which was reversed by pretreatment with MOEE & curcumin. Glutathione reductase (GR) is an enzyme, which plays key role in the cellular control of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, activating GR can uplift the antioxidant property, which leads to the inhibition of ROS induced cell death in brain. The combination of ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (MOEE) leaves and curcumin have shown better result than any other combination for antiepileptic effect by virtue of antioxidant effects. As per docking study showed that the chloro-genic acid and quercetin is treated with the combination of curcumin can be much more potential.
Management of Operational Risk in the Context of Financial Performance Of SMEs
Authors: Hudáková Mária , Kardoš Peter , Dvorský Ján , Afful Charles Randy , Kloudova Jitka
Published: June 2023

Owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have changed their perspective on risk management due to the current global negative threats in the business environment. If they want to be successful and ensure the financial performance of their business, they must accept a proactive approach to reducing strategic risks in connection with operational risks. The aim of the article is to identify and quantify the differences in operational risk management and its effect on the financial management of SMEs between four Central European countries. The statistical sample of SMEs consisted of 1,090 owners and top managers. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire in the period December 2022-January 2023. Statistical hypotheses were evaluated with the application of correlation analysis and linear regression modelling. Empirical findings have confirmed that operational risk management has a significant positive impact on improving the profitability of the enterprise; on reducing the enterprise's indebtedness as well as in the context of reducing the enterprise's inability to pay its obligations. However, there are disparities in the perception of this influence between owners/managers with regard to the country in which they carry out their business activities. The findings are important for both national and multinational organizations and entities dealing with risk management in the business environment of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Revealing the Genetic Code Symmetries through Computations Involving Fibonacci-like Sequences and Their Properties
Authors: Négadi Tidjani
Published: June 2023

In this work, we present a new way to study the genetic code mathematical and chemical structure, based on the use of mathematical computations involving some few recently designed Fibonacci-like sequences, the “seeds” (“initial conditions”) of which are chosen according to the chemical and physical data of the three amino acids serine, arginine and leucine, playing a prominent role in a recent symmetry classification scheme of the genetic code. It appears that these mathematical sequences, of the same kind as the famous Fibonacci series, apart from their usual recurrence relations, are highly interwinned by many useful linear relationships. Using these sequences and also various sums or linear combinations of them, we derive several physical and chemical quantities of interest, as the number of total coding codons, 61, obeying various degeneracy patterns, the detailed number of hydrogen atoms, the detailed number of atoms (H/CNOS) and the integer molecular mass (or nucleon number), in the side chains of the 61 “amino acids”, also in various degeneracy patterns, in agreement with those described in the literature. Also, unexpectedly but interestingly, we find, as a by-product, an accurate description of the very chemical structure of the four ribonucleotides uridine monophosphate (UMP), cytidine monophosphate (CMP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and guanosine monophosphate (GMP), the building blocks of RNA whose groupings, in three units, constitutes the triplet codons. In summary, we find a full mathematical and chemical connection with the “ideal sextet’s classification scheme” mentioned above as well as with several others, notably, the Findley-Findley-McGlynn symmetrical classification. We organize the content of the text in such a way that, besides the presentation of several new research results, it has also an educational dimension. The paper could therefore be read and the computations easily worked out, also by non-experts with mathematical background.
Effect of High and Low Aerotechnogenic Emissions of Heavy Metals on Wild Plants
Authors: Lyanguzova Irina , Katjutin Paul
Published: June 2023

This article presents the results of research on the influence of polymetallic dust aerial emissions on the pollution levels in the soil and plants by heavy metals which have been under impact of the “Severonickel” smelter complex on the Kola peninsula (Russia) for many years. Research using soil- and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 1980-1999 (high aerotechnogenic emissions) and 2000-2019 (low aerotechnogenic emissions). The organic horizon (forest litter) of the Al-Fe-humus podzol, leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus L., V. vitis-idaea L., V. uliginosum L., Empetrum hermaphroditum Hagerup and one-year old Scots pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. as well as tree rings of Pinus sylvestris L. were used for bioindication research. The content of heavy metals was determined by the AAS method. During these time periods, the volume of atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide decreased 5 fold, polymetallic dust by 3.5 times, while the level of forest litter pollution by heavy metals in the buffer zone increased by 2 times, and did not change significantly in the impact zone. The decrease in atmospheric emissions of pollutants led to a 1.5- fold increase in the width of the annual rings of pine trunks in the impact zone, while in the buffer zone the differences were insignificant. At present, the content of Ni and Cu in the leaves of the wild dwarf-shrubs and pine needles in the impact zone has decreased by 5 times compared with 1980-1999 due to a decrease in polymetallic dust on the leaf surface.
Sequential and Combined Efficacious Management of Auricular keloid: A Novel Treatment Protocol Employing Ablative CO2 and Dye Laser Therapy – An Advanced Single-Center Clinical Investigation
Authors: Amato Simone , Nisticò Steven Paul , Pellacani Giovanni , Guida Stefania , Rossi Anthony , Longo Caterina , Berardesca Enzo , Cannarozzo Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Auricular keloids pose significant aesthetic and functional challenges, and traditional treatments often fall short in ad-dressing these. Our study presents an innovative combined approach of ablative CO2 and dye laser therapy for improved keloid management. This treatment protocol was applied to 15 patients with auricular keloids after an initial multispec-tral analysis to assess keloid composition. The laser sequence was tailored per patient based on this analysis. Evalua-tions using the Vancouver Scar Scale and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale were carried out at baseline and at 3-week intervals post-treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in these scores at the final follow-up (p<0.05), suggesting improvements in keloid color, texture, and pliability, with minimal adverse events. Additionally, no recur-rence of keloids was observed. Our findings indicate that this novel methodology of multispectral analysis followed by tailored laser therapy may offer a safe and effective solution for auricular keloids, promising enhanced keloid treatment and prevention of recurrence. However, further investigations, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm and optimize this treatment protocol.
Regeneration and calorific potential of Uapaca togoensis Pax, (Euphorbiaceae) in Togo
Authors: Kperkouma Wala , Liyabin Noundja , Folega Fousseni , Yendoubé Lare , Dabitora Koumantiga , Hodabalo Pereki , Dimobe Kangbeni , Komina Batawila , Koffi Akpagana
Published: June 2023

Togo is one of the countries characterized by the highest deforestation rate in the world, caused mainly by the overexploitation of domestic biomass energy. Uapaca togoensis being one of the species appreciated for its strong calorific power, is increasingly overexploited, and its rarefaction in the Togolese forest landscapes becomes worrying hence the need to conduct this study to evaluate the possibilities of its vegetative reproduction. This study contributes to the sustainable development of natural resources by determining the optimal conditions for assisted regeneration of Uapaca togoensis. The approach consisted in conducting a series of nursery trials to determine the impact of the substrate, size of cuttings, sunlight, and apical tip coverage of the plastic film on its germination and budburst capacity. The lower calorific value is determined from samples in dry wood slices of 350g to 500g in five diameter classes. After 33 days, only one unscarred seed germinated in the compost. Substrate type, diameter of cuttings, sunlight, and plastic film significantly influenced the budburst rate and delay. More than 70% of the medium-diameter segments budded compared to 60% and 50% for small and large-diameter segments. More than 80% of the segments exposed to sunlight budded compared to 60% for the shaded segments. The average lower calorific value of dry wood of Uapaca togoensis varies between 7.35 Mj/Kg and 12.12 Mj/Kg depending on the humidity rate and the diameter.
Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan Combined with a Paper-Based Analytical Device for the Smartphone Discrimination of Tryptophan Enantiomers
Authors: Karrat Abdelhafid , García-Guzmán Juan José , Palacios Santander José María , Amine Aziz , Cubillana-Aguilera Laura
Published: June 2023

The chiral recognition of enantiomers is a topic of great importance. In this study, a straightforward and effective chiral detection strategy was developed for distinguishing between tryptophan (TRP) enantiomers. The approach involved the preparation of a magnetic molecularly imprinted chitosan (MMIC) for the sample preparation, which was combined with a nitrocellulose membrane (paper-based analytical device, PAD) integrated with D-TRP covalently-grafted polymethacrylic acid (PAD_PMA_D-TRP). The discrimination between TRP enantiomers was achieved using AuNPs as a colorimetric probe. Indeed, the presence of D-TRP rapidly induced the aggregation of AuNPs due to its strong affinity to PAD-PMA_D-TRP, resulting in a noticeable color change of the AuNPs from red to purple. On the other hand, L-TRP did not induce any color change. The chiral analysis could be easily performed with the naked eye and/or a smartphone. The developed method exhibited a detection limit of 3.3 µM and it was successfully applied to detect D-TRP in serum samples, demonstrating good recovery rates. The proposed procedure is characterized by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, rapidity, and ease of operation.
Pain Reduction and Tolerance of Type II Undenatured Collagen (UC-II) Collagen in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fernández-Jaén Tomás Fernando , García de Vega Carlos , Sáiz Paula , Björk Per , Rodríguez-Iñigo Elena , López-Alcorocho Juan Manuel , Drobnic Franchek , Guillén-García Pedro
Published: June 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain and disability in adults. Dietary supplements such as undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) have shown to have some benefits in OA treatment. This study aimed to assess changes in pain levels among knee OA patients treated with UC-II for 6 months. Patients with knee OA of any grade were given a daily 40 mg dose of UC-II (CondroArtil®) as a dietary supplement for 6 months. Pain levels were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) before starting UC-II 6 months thereafter. A total of 100 patients (62/38: male/female) with a mean age of 46.3 ± 13.8 years participated in the study. Most patients (60%) had mild to moderate OA (grade I or II). The UC-II supplementation was shown to significantly reduce pain levels (p<0.001) with a negative correlation between pain reduction and age (p=0.006) and BMI (p=0.049). The OA severity also affected pain reduction (p=0.011), with grade II OA experiencing higher pain levels. Previous physical therapy and food supplements had a significant impact on pain reduction (p=0.017 and p=0.012, respectively). The study suggests that UC-II is an effective treatment for reducing pain in patients with knee OA.
Combined Effect of Citric Acid and Polyphenol-Rich Grape Seed Extract towards Bioactive Smart Food Packaging Systems
Authors: Pažarauskaitė Akvilė , Noriega Fernandez Estefania , Sone Izumi , Sivertsvik Morten , Sharmin Nusrat
Published: June 2023

Alginate films (2% w·v-1) were prepared with varying concentrations (5-20% w/w) of citric acid and aqueous grape seed extract (GSE) filtrate (11.66 ± 1.32 g GAE/L) by the solvent-evaporation method. Crosslinking alginate via ester bonds (FTIR analysis) with citric acid up to 10% (w/w) led to a 33% increase in tensile strength, a 34% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and had no impact on elongation at break. Crosslinking alginate with citric acid in presence of GSE increased the tensile strength by 17%, decreased WVTR by 21%, and significantly improved DPPH scavenging activity. Moreover, after incubation for 24 h at 37°C, the film-forming solutions exhibited increased antimicrobial activity, resulting in 0.5 and 2.5-log reductions for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, compared to the values obtained without the addition of GSE. The stronger inhibitory effect observed against Gram-positive bacteria can be attributed to the unique composition and structure of their cell walls, which create a barrier that restricts the penetration of polyphenols into the cells. pH adjustment of the GSE film-forming solution from 2.0 to 10.0 shifted the UV/VIS absorption spectra, resulting in a colour change from yellow to red. The findings of this study have showcased the potential of combining GSE and citric acid to enhance the functionality and bioactivity of alginate films for applications in smart food packaging.
Parkinson's Disease and the Heart: Studying Cardiac Metabolism in the 6-Hydroxydopamine model
Authors: Silva da Fonsêca Victor , Gonçalves Valeria de Cassia , Augusto Izidoro Mario , G. de Almeida Antônio-Carlos , Luiz Affonso Fonseca Fernando , Alexandre Scorza Fulvio , Finsterer Josef , Scorza Carla Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Parkinson’s-disease (PD) is an incurable age-related neurodegenerative disease and its global prevalence of disability and death has increased exponentially. Although motor symptoms are the characteristic manifestations of PD, the clinical spectrum also contains a wide variety of non-motor symptoms, which are the main cause of disability and determinants of the decrease in a patient's quality of life. Noteworthy in this regard is the stress on the cardiac system that is often observed in the course of PD, however its effects have not yet been adequately researched. Here, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to assess changes in cardiac metabolism in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cholesterol, monoacylglycerol, α-tocopherol, stearic acid, beta-glycerophosphoric acid, o-phosphoethanolamine, myo-inositol-1-phosphate, alanine, valine and allothreonine, are the metabolites that significantly discriminate Parkinsonian rats from sham counterparts. Upon analysis of the metabolic pathways with the aim of uncovering the main biological pathways involved in concentration patterns of cardiac metabolites, biosynthesis of both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, glucose-alanine cycle, the glutathione metabolism and plasmalogen synthesis most adequately differentiated sham and Parkinsonian rats. Our results reveal that both lipid and energy metabolism are particularly involved in changes in cardiac metabolism in PD. These results provide insight into cardiac metabolic signatures in PD and indicate potential targets for further investigation.
Why All Healthy Laboratory Animals Should Be Rehomed, No Matter How Small
Authors: Van Loo Pascalle L.P. , Janssens Monique R. E.
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the ethical imperative of rehoming all healthy animals of sentient species after experiments have finished or when they have become otherwise redundant. We take into account disparate perspectives in animal ethics and see how they point in the same direction. We illustrate our case with our own rehoming experience from the joint Animal Welfare Body of Utrecht University and the University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands. The primary pilot proved successful, after which the principle of rehoming became standing policy and common practice. We discuss several challenges and our responses to those through continuous evaluation of the adoption program.
Assessment of Selenium, Iodine and Supplementary Blue Light Effects on the Growth Characteristics, Pigments, Trigonelline and Seed Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum L.)
Authors: Ramezani Sadrollah , Yousefshahi Behnaz , Farrokhzad Yusuf , Ramazan Dariush , Zargar Meisam , Pakina Elena
Published: June 2023

Simultaneous biofortification of vegetable crops with selenium and iodine is necessary in areas where there is a lack of these two elements. The main reason for lack of selenium and iodine in humans is inadequate intake of these two elements from vegetable crops. Biofortification through various agricultural methods including artificial lighting is a pragmatic way of increasing the concentration of these elements in plants. This research was conducted as a three-factor factorial experiment arranged as completely randomized pots replicated thrice in the greenhouse during year 2022. Three levels of sodium selenate fertilizer (S1: 0, S2: 2, S3: 4 mg/l), three levels of potassium iodate (I1: 0, I2: 2, I3: 4 mg/L) and two additional blue light radiation levels (L1: radiation and L2: no blue light radiation) were applied and data was measured at two growth stages namely 40 and 80-days. The results showed that the highest (11.44 g) and the lowest (9.55 g) shoot dry weight values at the 40-day-stage were observed in the supplementary blue light and sunlight (control), respectively. Moreover,, under complementary blue light conditions, the highest and the lowest (5.85 and 3.38 mg/g leaf fresh weight) of leaf chlorophyll value at the 40-day-stage were recorded at sodium selenate 4 and 0 mg/l, respectively. The highest and the lowest (5.24 and 4.76 mg/g) fresh weight of leaf anthocyanin at the 40-day-growth stage were related to supplementary blue light and sunlight treatment (control), respectively. Under the supplementary blue light and 0 mg/l of selenium , the highest and the lowest value of shoot trigonelline (102.56 and 72.14 mg/100 g fresh weight) were obtained at 4 and 2 mg/L of iodine, respectively. Furthermore, in the same treatment, the highest and the lowest of seed trigonelline amounts (0.99 and 0.74 mg/g dry weight) corresponded with 4 and 0 mg/l of iodine, respectively.
Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B Dye Using CuS/ZnS P-N Heterojunction Nanocomposite under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Mugumo Rachel , Ichipi Emmanuel , Tichapondwa Shepherd M. , Chirwa Evans M. Nkhalambayausi
Published: June 2023

The aim of this work was to investigate a new, simple one-pot combustion synthesis technique for creating sulphur-based CuS/ZnS p-n heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalysts. The study examined the photocatalytic activity and reusability of these nanocomposites in removing rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation. Various methods of characterisation were employed to determine the properties of the materials, including particle morphology, crystalline phases and bandgap energy. The intrinsic reaction parameters, such as catalyst loading, pH level of the solution, and initial pollutant concentration, were varied to establish the optimal photo-degradation conditions. The results showed that a binary CuS/ZnS catalyst with a 10 gL-1 loading, at pH 5, degraded 97% of 5 ppm RhB dye after 270 minutes of visible light irradiation. Addition-ally, this composite catalyst exhibited excellent chemical stability and reusability, achieving 83% RhB dye removal after five recycling runs. Scavenger tests identified the photogenerated holes (h+) and superoxide free radicals (•O2) as the primary reactive species responsible for degradation. This study provides valuable insight into the design of highly efficient nanomaterials for removing organopollutants in wastewater, and a possible reaction mechanism is proposed.
Time To Move From Accounting to Decision Support? Considerations for Improved Emission Disclosure Before the CSRD
Authors: Stridsland Thomas , Løkke Søren , Sanderson Hans
Published: June 2023

As a part of the European Green Deal, the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive will apply to over 50,000 companies in Europe, meant to advance the quality of sustainability reporting in the EU, and reduce global emissions and emission distribution inequality. Part of the requirements centre around organisational emission quantification, which will bring much attention to the methodological aspects and resulting decision support capability, which calls for synthesis and argues for clarity. Currently, quantifying the emissions embedded in global transactions mostly focus on direct value-chain attributes, and do not consider unintended consequences beyond the scope of assessment. To achieve genuine reductions, estimated emissions must be considered from a systems perspective to accurately reflect their true impact. While emission inventories serve several purposes, incorrect application limits their potential. The CSRD aligns itself with the GHG Protocol, which does not explicitly facilitate this distinction, although new Land Sector and Removals Guidance draft does, in part. With first CSRD reports expected in 2025, and the GHG protocol entering a revisions period, it presents an opportunity to marry systems thinking with carbon literacy, thereby equipping the expected surge of activity with the sufficient tools for an accelerated transition.
Interventional Radiology for High-Flow Aneurysm of the Pancreaticoduodenal Arcades with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Review of 14 Patients
Authors: Siauve Valentin , Chevallier Olivier , Mazit Amin , Falvo Nicolas , Comby Pierre-Olivier , Loffroy Romaric
Published: June 2023

Transarterial embolization (TAE) for high-flow pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysms in patients with celiac-trunk stenosis by the median arcuate ligament (MAL) has been found effective both after rupturing and to prevent rupture. The objective was to describe the TAE techniques used and their effectiveness in excluding PDA aneurysms due to MAL syndrome. This single-center retrospective study done at the Dijon-Bourgogne University Hospital included all patients treated by TAE in 2010–2022 for ruptured or unruptured high-flow PDA aneurysms caused by MAL syndrome. We identified 14 patients (7 women and 7 men; mean age, 64 years). Packing and trapping techniques were used alone or together. Occlusion was with microcoils, co-polymer, or cyanoacrylate glue, used separately or combined. Technical success was achieved in 13 (93%) patients. Clinical success was achieved in 12 (86%) patients. One major and two minor complications were recorded within the first 30 days. No complications occurred after 30 days. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 84 months. No cases of aneurysm recanalization were recorded to date. TAE had high technical and clinical success rates in our patients with unruptured or ruptured PDA aneurysms due to MAL syndrome.
Special Issue on Humancentric Robotic Technology and its Applications for Coexistence with Humans
Authors: Fujisawa Shoichiro , Tanaka Takayuki , Takaiwa Masahiro , Yamamoto Toru , Tanaka Kanya , Tanikawa Tamio
Published: June 2023

In today’s super-aging society, it is essential to maintain and improve the quality of life of the elderly and to counter the shortage of young workers. Such problems are becoming evident in several areas, not just in the manufacturing sector but also in the fields of transport/mobility and healthcare/welfare. In these fields, there is an abundance of situations that cannot be solved simply by replacing human workers with robots. In the manufacturing sector, for instance, the transmission of skills and knowledge is threatened as the members of the baby boomer generation, who have both knowledge and experience, have reached retirement age at a time when the younger population is declining. Another example is the provision of care with human warmth at nursing sites. As we evolve toward Society 5.0, which is represented by a digital transformation and which encompasses elements such as digital twins, it will be critical to pioneer robotic technologies that allow robots to work with humans to achieve a prosperous coexistence and create an affluent society. For this special issue, which features humancentric robotic systems coexisting and working together with humans, we invited researchers to submit papers covering a wide range of topics, including element technologies as well as operating and evaluation methods.

This special issue on Humancentric Robotic Technology and its Applications for Coexistence with Humans includes two review papers, 29 regular papers, and two development reports that cover the following topics.

• Research on rehabilitation equipment and training systems

• Research on power assist and support actuators

• Research on human-robot interaction systems

• Research on motor characteristics and the musculoskeletal system

• Research on the utilization and development of vital signs and sensors

• Research on IoT technology and smart technologies

We thank all authors and reviewers of the papers, as well as the Editorial Board of the Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics, for their help with this special issue.
Design of a Database-Driven Assist Control for a Hydraulic Excavator Considering Human Operation
Authors: Hiraoka Kei , Yamamoto Toru , Kozui Masatoshi , Koiwai Kazushige , Yamashita Koji
Published: June 2023

In recent years, there has been strong focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs). In Japan, Society 5.0, which is proposed as a future vision to be achieved towards the realization of SDGs, is being promoted by various organizations. In particular, “i-Construction” is being promoted in the construction industry. As a result, hydraulic excavators are becoming increasingly automated and semi-automated. Furthermore, if operators achieve high productivity, it helps them maintain a sense of accomplishment and motivation to work. In this study, a control system that results in the desired output is proposed for a hydraulic excavator; in this system, the degree of interference depends on the human input and controller input. Attachments on hydraulic excavators cause interference owing to the characteristics of the hydraulic system. Therefore, a control system that can adaptively adjust the controller input to the human operation, considering the interference with information caused by human operation stored in the database, was constructed. The proposed method was implemented on a hydraulic excavator and its effectiveness was verified.
INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMY IN THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Authors: Yurova. N.
Published: June 2023

The article substantiates the need for human dimension of economic processes and innovation activity, defines the role of educational and scientific potentials in the innovative development of countries and the world economy as a whole, identifies the features of the correlation of indicators of educational and scientific potential with the results of innovation activity, offers recommendations for the growth of innovation activity in the Republic of Belarus based on foreign experience and the realization of its human potential.
DIGITIZATION, DIGITALIZATION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE CONTEXT OF INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT INNOVATIONS
Authors: Turkovsky. S.
Published: June 2023

The article analyzes the content of the concepts of digitization, digitalization and digital transformation. The interrelation, distinctions and a parity between the given categories is investigated. It is proposed to consider the category of digitization as a sub-process of digitalization, and the digitalization process as a technological driver of digital transformation. The interdependence of the processes of digitalization and innovative development is substantiated. The role and place of digitalization in the intensification of innovative activity and the conditionality of the effectiveness of digital transformation by the corresponding organizational and managerial innovations are revealed.
Two Millennia of Climate History for the Russian Altai: Integrated Reconstruction from Lake Sediment Data
Authors: Babich V.V. , Daryin A.V. , Rudaya N.A. , Markovich T.I.
Published: June 2023

—A continuous history of annual air temperatures in the Russian Altai for the past 2000 years has been reconstructed for the first time by integrating climate archives stored in the bottom sediments of four lakes in Gorny Altai (Teletskoye, Kucherla, Lower Multa, and Middle Multa). The integrated chronology comprises all known climate events of the two millennia time span: Roman warm epoch (~200 to 500 AD), Dark Age cold epoch (~500 to 750 AD), medieval warming (~750 to 1300 AD), and Little Ice Age (~1300 to 1850 AD). The events distinguished in the integrated climate reconstruction agree perfectly in number and time with the events reconstructed from other climate proxies for the Altai and adjacent areas of West Siberia, Tyva, and West Mongolia. Therefore, the temperature patterns represent a common course of the 2000-year climate evolution over a large part of Central Asia. Similar synchronicity is observed with the available quantitative climate reconstructions for the Northern Hemisphere and its different regions. It means that the climate change in Central Asia over the past two millennia has followed the general global scenario.
Efficacy of Problem Based Learning approach for teaching Evidence Based Practice for midwifery and nursing professionals globally: A systematic review and a meta - analysis protocol.
Authors: Komuhangi Grace , Wacker Juergen , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Neuhann Florian , Ocan Moses , Louis Valérie R.
Published: June 2023

Background: Although different approaches have been utilized for Evidence Based Practice teaching over the years, there’s paucity of literature on the efficacy of Problem Based Learning (PBL) as a teaching strategy for Evidence Based Practice (EBP) for nursing and midwifery professionals. The purpose of this review is to analyze, critically appraise, and synthesize evidence regarding the efficacy of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in training nursing and midwifery professionals on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
Methods: High-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses take great care to find all relevant studies, critically assess each study, synthesize the findings from individual studies in an unbiased manner, and present balanced important summary of findings with due consideration of any flaws in the evidence. The studies will be RCTs and Non RCTs which will be selected from PsychInfo, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC, Cochrane Central. The study will be both narrative and quantitative synthesis. The quality of the included studies will be assessed through risk of bias assessment criteria. The population of this systematic review will consist of nursing and midwifery professionals who have been exposed to bachelor's and master's degree nursing and midwifery training on EBP utilizing the PBL method as opposed to other EBP teaching methods. In a global context, the result will be EBP competencies and the factors associated with application of EBP core competencies in clinical practice by nursing and midwifery professionals trained using PBL. This review will adhere to a priori criterion. The review's title has been registered in PROSPERO (No: CRD42023390989).
Conclusion: To enhance the quality of EBP teaching for nursing and midwifery professionals, an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficiency of problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching method for EBP and its influence on the key competencies of EBP is required.