bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AUTHORSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Authors: МЭГГС Питер Б.
Published: August 2023

The appearance of the extremely powerful artificial intelligence chatbot “ChatGPT” in late 2022 has made urgent the finding of solutions to the questions of the authorship and protectability of works created with the aid of artificial intelligence. These questions are particularly acute in the areas of copyright and patent law where human creativity traditionally has been a requirement for protection. The present article discusses these issues in the light of experiments with ChatGPT.
Detection of electricity theft in developing countries-A machine learning approach
Authors: Leonardo Grant , Haniph Latchman , Kolapo Alli
Published: August 2023

In developing countries, energy theft negatively affects the growth of utilities through loss of revenue and damage to the grid. The size and variety of the utility data set require extracting meaningful features to counter theft, which is difficult and computationally expensive. Recent developments have made machine learning more accessible to researchers, enabling its application in big data analysis for power utilities. Through greater access to training resources, as well as commercial and open-source machine learning tools, it has become easier to test large sets of data against various algorithms and automate many of the processes such as data cleaning and feature extraction, a procedure known as Automated Machine Learning (AutoML). These tools, along with frequent data collection by utilities, lend themselves to the use of machine learning to solve power grid issues such as anomaly detection. This paper focuses on feature extraction from monthly consumption records, previous investigations, and other customer information to detect power anomalies critical in the detection of theft. Using AutoML, features were extracted, and models were then trained and tested on data gathered from investigations. The results show that by using machine-learning algorithms, anomaly detection can be 4 times more effective than present manual detection techniques, increasing from 10% to 40% while reducing the number of unnecessary audit investigations by 61%.
Emotions and Sentiments: Two Distinct Forms of Affective Intentionality
Authors: Vendrell Ferran Íngrid
Published: August 2023

How to distinguish emotions such as envy, disgust, and shame from sentiments such as love, hate, and adoration? While the standard approach argues that emotions and sentiments differ in terms of their temporal structures (e.g., Ben-ze’ev, 2000; Deonna & Teroni, 2012), this paper sketches an alternative approach according to which each of these states exhibits a distinctive intentional structure. More precisely, this paper argues that emotions and sentiments exhibit distinct forms of affective intentionality. The paper begins by examining the temporal criteria of duration, etiology, and phenomenology widely employed to distinguish between both states. It demonstrates that none of them provides a clear-cut distinction between emotions and sentiments. Next, it presents the intentional approach as an alternative. To this end, it discusses what I call the axiological account (De Monticelli’s 2006; 2020), before introducing my version of the intentional approach according to which emotions and sentiments exhibit different forms of affective intentionality. The main findings are summarized in the conclusion.
Things, Goods, and Values: The Operative Function of Husserl’s Unitary Foundation in Scheler’s Axiology
Authors: Caminada Emanuele
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I contend that the core intuition that resides at the basis of Scheler’s metaethics is expressed through the formal axiological distinction between things, goods, and values. I pursue a twofold aim: 1) to show that Scheler implicitly operates within Husserl’s concept of ‘unitary foundation’ when describing how values inhere within goods; 2) to compare Scheler’s metaethical argument concerning the independence of a world of goods with Hare’s ‘indiscernibility argument’. Scheler’s reversal of Hare’s argument confronts us with the formal-ontological difference between the analytic account of supervenience and the phenomenological account of unitary foundation. My argument is based on the formalization of the second type of unitary foundation that Husserl outlines in his Third Logical Investigation. The second type of unitary foundation is usually conflated with the first type of unitary foundation, as a result of the gross mistakes found in Findlay’s English
AISI 1050 ÇELİĞİ ÜZERİNE INCONEL 718 LAZER DOLGU KAYNAĞININ MORFOLOJİSİ, MİKROYAPISI VE MEKANİK KARAKTERİZASYONU
Authors: ARI Ali , KARAGÖZ Taner , ARSLAN Orhun , BAYRAM Ali
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışma kapsamında, Inconel 718 tozunun AISI 1050 imalat çeliği üzerine lazerle dolgu kaynağı işlemi uygulandı. Bu işlem sırasında, dispersiyonun mekanik özellikler üzerindeki etkisini analiz etmek için, ilgili parametrelerde üretilen numuneler üzerinde ampirik bir çalışma gerçekleştirildi. Sonuçlar, kopma gerilmesi ve süneklik için yüksek sapmalar olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu dağılım, biriken malzemede gözenekliliğin varlığından kaynaklanmaktadır. Ayrıca, en iyi sonuçlar merkez bölgedeki numunelerden alınırken, dış bölgelerden alınan numuneler üzerinde yapılan testler kopma gerilmesi ve süneklik için daha düşük değerler göstermiştir. Bunun yanında sertlik değerleri incelendiğinde ısıdan etkilenen bölgenin ana malzemeden daha sert olduğu ve bu da ısıdan etkilenen bölgenin soğuma hızından kaynaklandığı görülmüştür. Buna ilaveten de Laves fazı, zamanla kırılmaya yol açan mikro boşlukların üretilmesinin ana nedeni olduğu anlaşılmıştır.
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) v1
Authors: Wang Xinbo
Published: August 2023

This protocol details methods of the FRAP analysis of LRRK2-induced liposome tubules in vitro
[RETRACTED] Can light be used to treat obesity and diabetes? v5
Authors: Daoudi Rédoane
Published: August 2023

[RETRACTED]

This document is highly theoretical lab method paper. It may be used to perform thermogenesis from several cells in a living organism instead of only brown adipocytes. We perform thermogenesis from white adipocytes. The purpose is to uptake the blood glucose and lipids to produce heat and subsequent weight loss and to diminish blood glucose levels for people who suffering from diabetes and obesity. In fact thermogenesis consumes energy (i.e blood glucose and blood lipids). So we now describe a novel and original lab method based on thermogenin (called thermogenin-like system, UCP1-like system or TLS) that is involved in heat production and glucose/lipids capture by white adipocytes.
Generation of membrane tubules pulled from giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) v1
Authors: Espadas Javier
Published: August 2023

This protocol explains the methodology to generate lipid nanotubes pulled from giant unilamellar vesicles for fluorescence microscopy experiments.
Analysis of Helical Coil Heat Exchanger Using CFD
Authors: Mahesh P. Kumbhare, Ganesh. E. Kondhalkar Vikaskumar K. Mehtre, Aditya R. Wankhade,
Published: August 2023

Helical coil has better heat transfer rate as compared to shell and tube heat exchanger, Because of development of secondary flow. There are so many applications where the helical coil is used such as heating ventilation and air conditioning applications, steam generators used in steam power plants, in condenser’s, the reason behind using helical tube is it provides large surface area per unit volume. In the presented work the heat transfer coefficient (hi) for inside and heat transfer coefficient (ho) for outside from the different research paper were studied and compared. For the calculation of heat transfer coefficient MATLAB code is developed for the same. The values of heat transfer coefficient for inner side has agreement between each other, however outside heat transfer coefficient has no agreement is found. Computational fluid dynamics is used for the simulation and results were compared with experimental and they found in close agreement.
Experimental Investigation and Analysis on Composite Brake Lining for Heavy Loading Crane
Authors: Ashish R. Pawar, Vikaskumar K. Mehtre Ganesh E. Kondhalkar, Mahesh P. Kumbhare,
Published: August 2023

An ideal brake lining, which provides uniform and stable friction under all the operating conditions without any fade. The significance of friction material in material handling and earth moving machinery, commonly used friction material earlier contained asbestos as the base material mainly because of its property to resist deformation under action of heat generated due to friction. This review focuses on analysis of the brake friction lining material and other materials for band brake application. The measurement of friction force and the calculation of the coefficient of friction, coefficient of friction COF are critical for many industrial applications, e.g. Brakes, valves, clutches, similarly  power and motion control mechanisms. High friction during machine operation not only generates heating that might cause failure of a machine part, but also consume a large amount of energy. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of the world’s energy production is wasted through friction.
Niñez migrante y trata de personas en Colombia: situación de los niños, niñas y adolescentes provenientes de Venezuela
Authors: Luna-de-Aliaga Beatriz , Palacios-Sanabria María
Published: August 2023

The objective of this article is to propose recommendations to strengthen the protection of children and adolescents in Colombia coming from Venezuela, especially in the face of the risk of human trafficking. We start with a description and analysis of the situation, as well as with a reflection on some legal instruments and their developments. For this purpose, we employed a qualitative documentary method of compilation, selection, and analysis of international and national sources. The numbers found indicate that migrant children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the unfulfillment of their human rights, particularly to human trafficking, which consists of capturing, transporting, transferring, accommodating, or receiving human beings intending to exploit them for sexual purposes, for servitude or forced labor, among others. We also identified the legal instruments, authorities, and international, national, and regional institutions, in addition to the standards of the universal and inter-American human rights systems, which determine the procedures for the protection of human beings, especially the migrant childhood. In the conclusion, we present four recommendations for the comprehensive and effective protection of the children and adolescents coming from Venezuela in Colombia regarding the problem described: i) the creation and improvement of information spaces about the fundamental rights of the children and adolescents, above all considering the responsibility of the Colombian State, the family, and society; ii) the strengthening of the Inter-agency Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, as well as the committees in departments, districts, and municipalities; iii) the strengthening of the joint work between the Colombian State and others as to the creation of spaces for the dissemination, action, appropriation, projection and incidence, and iv) the reinforcement of the educational and health systems.
An unusual radiological manifestation of a mandibular central giant cell granuloma
Authors: Admani Bushra Ali , Siddiqui Fatima , Ahmed Huda , Hameed Marya
Published: August 2023

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign osseous lesion of the jaw. We present the case of an aggressive CGCG in a 16-year-old boy with a 5-month history of facial swelling and nasal obstruction. He was referred for a radiology consult for multiple expanding swellings on the right hemi-face. The swellings were reported to have an insidious onset, slow progression and no association with paresthesia, nasal discharge, or systemic symptoms. Extra oral examination revealed a diffuse swelling on the right side of the face which obliterated the nasolabial fold causing facial asymmetry. A face and neck computed tomography (CT) showed expansile multi loculated lytic lesions of the right mandibular ramus which involved the condyle and hard palate. Similar lesions were also found in the skull base. Scans showed fine internal septations and internal ground glass haze. It also revealed involvement of several teeth roots and surrounding soft tissues. A pre-operative intra-oral biopsy of the lesion revealed multinucleated giant cells, comprising of both spindle-shaped and round cells. Differential diagnosis helped determine the lesions as CGCG. This case helps to demonstrate the wide variation in the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of CGCG and the importance of thorough investigation for timely diagnosis.
Cochlear implant: factors that impact hearing outcomes
Authors: Casanova Maria J. , Castro Afonso , Lino João V. , Bernardes Cátia , Magalhães António , Meireles Luís
Published: August 2023

Background: Cochlear implant has been providing hearing rehabilitation to patients with severe hearing loss. However, not all patients achieve optimal results, and the goal of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence hearing outcomes in cochlear implantation.
Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent cochlear implantation in our institution between 2018 and 2021. Review of clinical files and complementary tests, and analysis of hearing outcomes and complications were performed.   
Results: Sixty-nine cochlear implants were placed in 64 patients, with an average age of 49.3 years. In initial evaluation post activation and 1 year after implantation, the average pure tone average (PTA) was 37 dB, with a vocal discrimination of 48.7% at 50 dB, and 28, 6 dB, with a discrimination of 73.8% at 50 dB, respectively. Patients with postlingual deafness had better hearing outcomes at 1 year post surgery, in both PTA (27.9 compared to 33 dB) and discrimination at 50 dB (76.5 compared to 56.1%). Only one case had a major complication.
Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that increased implant use by the patient, postlingual deafness, and in-creased surgeon experience, were factors that improved hearing outcomes in patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
Combined sound conditioning therapy and counseling for tinnitus treatment: proof-of-concept study in Colombia
Authors: Suarez Ángela M. R. , Casas Dominique D. G. , García Alejandro , Barón Clemencia , García Juan M.
Published: August 2023

Demonstrate the efficacy and applicability of sound conditioning therapy (SCT) with counseling for tinnitus treatment in subjects with normal hearing and mild-moderate hearing loss using therapeutic frequency modulated noise in a developing country. Retrospective cohort study evaluating 18 patients treated with SCT between 2018 and 2020 in a tertiary-care hospital outpatient tinnitus clinic in Bogotá, Colombia. Tinnitus intensity was quantified in decibels (dB) sound pressure level (SPL) and measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after treatment with SCT. Quality of life change after the intervention was evaluated with the tinnitus handicap index (THI) and the tinnitus reaction questionnaire (TRQ). Subjects received SCT for 2 to 7 months with two daily customized sound sessions and periodic counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. After treatment there was a significant decrease (p<0.01) for all outcomes measured including a mean difference in tinnitus intensity of 7.6 dB (95% CI, 4.5-10.7), VAS score of 4.5 (95% CI, 3.5-5.5), TRQ score of 36.4 (95% CI, 29.8-43) and THI score of 33.1 (95% CI, 25.6-40.5) compared to baseline. SCT and CBT-based counseling should be available as an alternative in patients with tinnitus treated with a multidisciplinary team. This study shows the improvement in symptoms and quality of life after treatment. Future research is warranted with a larger sample size and longer follow-up periods to show the overall effect of SCT and CBT-based counseling.
Life cycle assessment of Bitcoin mining in the top ten miner countries
Authors: Zahedi Rahim , Aslani Alireza , Seraji Mohammad Ali Nasle
Published: August 2023

An unprecedented emergence has occurred for the cryptocurrencies among enterprises, customers, and investors as a result of the growing number of internet connections worldwide. The most popular cryptocurrency is Bitcoin representing the rise of digital payment systems. Though, harsh criticism has been also created for cryptocurrencies about their environmental sustainability and power consumption, decelerating the acceptance of bitcoin by consumer as a means of payment. The ecological impact or footprint of a process is determined mainly through life-cycle-assessment (LCA) quantifying all material flows’ inputs and outputs for a process or product and their effect on the environment. This study provides LCA-based framework to show the environmental impacts of Bitcoin mining from top ten miner countries (China, USA, Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Norway). The results show that with the share of 53.3% of the world’s mining, China has the most negative environmental impact specially in marine ecotoxicity with 26.8 kg 1,4-DCB and human health with 0.0043 DALY but with the equal mining ratio Germany and Kazakhstan have the most negative environmental impacts.
A survey on electrical cars advantages
Authors: Molavi Ali , Taghipour Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The production of electric cars dates back to 1900 AD, at that time, on the one hand, due to the problems that electric motors had. And on the other hand, the discovery of oil and its abundant production were not taken into account in the remarkable development of internal combustion engines for the construction of these cars. But with the emergence of world wars and conflicts over oil, this material gained more value and more attention was attracted to electric cars, and that was that since 1990, the production of electric cars was taken more seriously, as well. In electric cars, the power supply system includes an electric motor, controller, batteries, and its charger. The electric drive system of the electric car has the task of converting the direct current produced by the battery into mechanical energy, which means the drive assembly of all parts, which convert the direct current of the batteries into the traction force and torque necessary for the movement of the wheels. One of the most important features of an electric car is the range and power of movement (acceleration, speed, incline, loading and flexibility), charging time and the high price of batteries in most existing electric cars. In this research, after the introduction and definition of the electric car and a description of the history of the electric car, the advantages of this type of car have been examined.
La traduction en français d’un message audiovisuel, le sous- titrage et la médiation interculturelle autour de la Fête de la moisson en Pologne – aspects théoriques et pratiques
Authors: Krupa Renata
Published: August 2023

L’article aborde la problématique liée à la traduction d’un message audiovisuel polonais en français dans une classe de langue à l’université. L’objet du travail est de sensibiliser les étudiants aux aspects complexes de la traduction, compte tenu de la spécificité de la traduction audiovisuelle, plus précisément du sous-titrage, ainsi que de son adaptation technique à l’écran. Cet exercice a permis d’améliorer les compétences des apprenants en matière de techniques de traduction, de transfert culturel ainsi qu’en communication et médiation interculturelles.

Nous pouvons dire que la traduction audiovisuelle est une sorte de manipulation du texte source dont les contraintes techniques de présentation sont à prendre en compte.
Le thème du pain dans les albums de jeunesse documentaires : termes, contextes et défis pour la traduction
Authors: Grycan Magdalena
Published: August 2023

Le thème du pain dans des albums documentaires pour la jeunesse choisis : termes, contextes et défis pour la traduction

Notre article a pour but de présenter le thème du pain tel qu’il est abordé dans des albums documentaires pour la jeunesse choisis. La présentation du lexique sur la fabrication du pain et sur la culture des céréales qui y est utilisé est complétée par l’analyse critique de la traduction polonaise de l’un des albums choisis Wiem co jem ! Chlebek i bułeczki (Je sais ce que je mange : Le pain). L’objectif de cette étude est de montrer les difficultés de nature terminologique, stylistique, culturelle et idéologique de ce type de traduction ainsi que de présenter comment et avec quel résultat elles ont été affrontées.

Mots clés : le pain, livre documentaire, album de jeunesse, traduction de la littérature de jeunesse, CLTS (Children Literature Translation Studies), adaptation, domestication
« Pain azyme » – c’est-a-dire ? Comment comprendre la caracteristique essentielle du pain eucharistique
Authors: Słowikowska Anna , Wojciechowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2023

Dans le Droit Canon de 1983, le législateur définit des exigences canoniques par rapport à la validité de la matière eucharistique. Dans le can. 924 § 2 on trouve une disposition concernant le pain, qui doit être purement constitué de blé et bien frais. Alors que dans l’Introduction générale du Missel romain ces exigences ont été complétées par une indication des caractéristiques du pain eucharistique selon lesquelles il devrait être sans levain (n° 320).

Le but de cet article est de montrer cette dernière caractéristique comme essentielle et symbolique mais pas absolument nécessaire dans le contexte de la validité de la matière eucharistique dans l’Église catholique, car dans la liturgie latine, pour célébrer l’Eucharistie on utilise justement du pain azyme (sans levain), tandis que dans certaines Églises catholiques de rite oriental, on célèbre la Divine Liturgie avec du pain au levain.

Des réponses au problème de recherche ainsi posé seront précédées d’une analyse linguistique dans laquelle l’origine de l’adjectif polonais przaśny (‘sans levain’) sera expliqué avec des références à la source grecque ἄζυμος d’où vient le mot latin azymus et son équivalent français azyme (‘sans levain’).
SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE ANOMALIES FORMATION IN THE GULF OF MEXICO UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HURRICANE SULLY ON SEPTEMBER11–17, 2020
Authors: El Hadri Y. , Berlinsky N. A. , Slizhe M. О. , Deryk O. V.
Published: August 2023

Problem Statement and Purpose. Tropical cyclones are one of the most destructive natural phenomena on Earth, causing great social and economic losses. Given the destructive impact of tropical cyclones, the question of their study and the impact of climate change on their behavior is considerable scientific interest. Tropical cyclones "draw" energy from the surface of the ocean. Tropical cyclones arise and develop over the water surface, the temperature of which is not lower than 26 °C. In the case when a well-developed tropical cyclone hits the colder surface of the ocean, it begins to fill up quickly. Thus, a change in the SST on the path of the tropical cyclone may affect the further development and intensity of the storm, and as a result, its destructive power. The purpose of the work is to determine the deviations of the ocean surface temperature in the Gulf of Mexico under the influence of the passage of Hurricane Sally on September 11–17, 2020.
Data & Methods. The analysis of sea surface temperature anomalies was performed on the basis of data from the NOAA OI SST V2 High Resolution Dataset Optimum Daily Interpolation of Sea Surface Temperature product, which is long-term climate data (period 1971–2000) and allows determination of daily of sea surface temperature anomalies with a step of 1/4°.
Results. Against the background of positive Sea Surface Temperature anomalies associated with the tendency to increase Sea Surface Temperature in the Gulf of Mexico, which has been observed in recent decades, in the places where the trajectory of Hurricane Sally passed during the next day, the appearance of negative Sea Surface Temperature anomalies was noted, which had a focal character and were comparable in area to horizontal dimensions of the hurricane. Over time, cells of negative Sea Surface Temperature anomalies increased in area and temperature deviation. The highest Sea Surface Temperature anomalies values were observed on September 15–16, 2020 and were –1 °C. Negative anomalies persisted after the passage of Sally for a month, after which a positive Sea Surface Temperature anomalies formed on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, occupying the entire water area of the Gulf. This duration of preservation of anomalies may be related to the circulation of the waters.
BRIGHT MEMORY OF HALYNA SERНIIVNA SUKHURUKOVA
Authors: Tsurkan O. I. , Buyanovskiy A. О.
Published: August 2023

On January 17, 2023, the life of a well-known scientist-practitioner, a scientist in the field of soil science, agronomy, irrigated agriculture, an educator and organizer, a person with a great soul, and a long-time head of the Problem Research Laboratory of Soil Geography and Soil Cover Protection of the Сhernozem Zone (PSCL‑4) was interrupted, employee of the Department of Soil Science and Geography of Odesa University Halyna Serhiivna Sukhorukova. Нalуna Serhiivna spent her entire career within the walls of our university in the soil science expedition and PSCL‑4 from the time of their foundation until her retirement. Her death is an irreparable loss for scientists, colleagues, students and family. However, her students and colleagues will leave only the best memories, instructions and memories of this wise person, tireless worker and wonderful teacher.
Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Peri-Facet Joint Blocks: A Therapuetuic Approach to Chronic Lower Back and Referred Leg Pain Management
Authors: Inklebarger James , KZ Syed
Published: August 2023

Intra-articular fluoroscopically-guided facet joint (FJ) blocks are performed with diagnostic-therapeutic aims, whereas the main focus of ultrasound guided peri-facet joint blocks (USG-PFJB) is pain relief. USG-PFJB will therefore typically utilize higher injection volumes to potentially offer injection spread to other pain-generating structures. This study explores the potential role of USG-PFJBs in the outpatient management of chronic low back pain with our without leg symptoms in patients with MRI-confirmed mild to severe lower lumbar FJ arthrosis. USG-PFJBs were performed on 19 patients, (4 male and 15 females, mean age 55) at the L4/5 and/or L5/S1 segments at paraspinal points of palpable focal pain. All procedures were performed by the same clinician. One patient was lost to follow up and telephone reviews at 2-6 months on the remaining 18 patients, noted that 59.73% experienced significant & sustained pain relief.  In conclusion, lower lumbar segment USG-PFJBs appear to be effective treatment option in patients with mild to severe MRI-confirmed FJ degeneration and palpable paraspinal lower back pain and with or without lower limb pain.
Sleeve Gastrectomy Decrease Body Weight, Fasting Blood Glucose, and Gene Expression of TNF-α and IL-1 in The Abdominal Aorta of Rats with Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Saputro Addy , Prasetyo Sigit Adi , Sobirin Mochamad Ali , Mughni Abdul , Prajoko Yan Wisnu
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one option to significantly reduce body weight while also protect the cardiovascular system by controlling hyperglycemia and inflammatory markers. Secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1 could induce obesity- and diabetes mellitus (DM)-related inflammation, however its association with SG procedure has not been elucidated well. Therefore, TNF-α and IL-1 gene expression on the abdominal aorta of obese and DM rats that went through SG procedure were evaluated.METHODS: Fifteen rats were divided into 3 groups: lean-non-DM rats model (C1 group), obese-DM rats model (C2 group), and obese-DM rats model underwent SG (T group). Before and 10 days after the SG procedure, rats’ body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Ten days after the procedure, TNF-α and IL-1 gene expression were also evaluated by PCR.RESULTS: In the end of study, mean body weight and FBG levels in C1 group (231.80±4.32 gram; 68.60±2.07 mg/dL) and T group (232.00±5.33 gram; 114.40±3.20 mg/dL) were significantly lower than in C2 group (264.60± 3.28 gram; 271.00±6.89 mg/dL). TNF-α and IL-1 gene expressions were also found to be significantly lower in the C1 group (1.01±0.01 rfu; 1.01±0.01 rfu) and T group (1.97±0.57 rfu; 1.21±0.78 rfu) compared to the C2 group (224.12±47.59 rfu; 1.85±0.73 rfu).CONCLUSION: SG could decrease body weight and FBG, as well as TNF-α and IL-1 gene expression in the abdominal aorta of rats with obesity and DM, hence SG could be a useful method in reducing body weight and controlling hyperglycemia and inflammatory markers.KEYWORDS: sleeve gastrectomy, TNF-α, interleukin-1, obesity, diabetes mellitus
Electric Field Stimulation of Stem Cell Culture Media Increases Oxygen Radical Uptake Capacity
Authors: Yoshikawa Maki , Oshita Masatoshi , Gotoh Tomomi , Tawa Yukina , Dan Katsuaki
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Stem cell culture medium is garnering attention because it comprises growth factors and exosomes secreted by stem cells. In this study, stem cell culture medium was subjected to electric field stimulation using the cells alive system (CAS) to determine the antiaging effects of this medium on dermal fibroblasts.METHODS: The medium was added to the monolayer cultures of human fibroblasts with or without 100 μg/mL advanced glycation end products (AGE), and the cells were incubated for 4 hours. Total RNA was extracted, and mRNA levels of several AGE receptors and heat shock proteins were measured using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain rection (qRT-PCR).RESULTS: Similar amounts of exosomes were extracted from the supernatants of stem cells cultured with (CAS+) and without (CAS−) electric field stimulation. The results demonstrated that CAS+ had a higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity than CAS−, indicating its high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the expression of domain-containing link scavenger receptor-1 mRNA, which is involved in the degradation of cell surface receptors for AGE under glycation stress, significantly increased. The electric field stimulation also increased the expression of several heat shock proteins, which play important roles in cellular responses generated against glycation stress. The electric field stimulation of the stem cell culture medium effectively promoted the endocytosis and degradation of AGE, thereby exerting antioxidant effects and inducing glycation stress.CONCLUSION: Electric field stimulation of stem cell culture medium enhanced the expression of Hsp and its antioxidant activity in fibroblasts.KEYWORDS: AGE, electric field stimulation, exosome, fibroblast, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, stem cell
Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil Increases Hair Length and Follicle Diameter of Ultraviolet B-exposed Mice Through VEGF
Authors: Luziani Stefani , Darwinata Agus Eka , Praharsini I Gusti Ayu Agung , Wijaya Vincent Ongko
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UVB) radiation induces hair photoaging by triggering oxidative stress, causing alterations in hair diameter and length, which contribute to the development of senile alopecia. Development of alternative anti-photoaging agents to prevent hair loss from various materials, including natural products, is currently being explored. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (ROEO) has been known to have antioxidant and vasodilation properties. However, the effect and mechanism of ROEO on UVB-exposed hair are still unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ROEO on the hair length and follicle diameter in UVB-exposed mice as well as the skin vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level.METHODS: Thirty male Swiss mice were treated topically with/without paraffin oil, 2% minoxidil, or various concentrations of ROEO, every day for 21 days. Meanwhile, UVB exposure was performed 3×/week. On day 21, the hair length was measured, the skin tissue was collected for hair follicle diameter and VEGF measurements.RESULTS: ROEO contained phenolic, including flavonoids and tannins, as well as non-phenolic antioxidants, including 1.8-cineole, α-pinene, and camphor. The IC50 value of ROEO was 15.977 ppm. Significant higher hair length, follicle diameter, and VEGF level of 10% ROEO+UVB-treated mice were observed, compared with the ones of mice exposed with UVB merely (LSD test, p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Since 10% ROEO could significantly increase hair length, follicle diameter and VEGF level, and contained antioxidant compounds, it can be suggested that ROEO might increase hair length, follicle diameter, and VEGF level through its antioxidant component.KEYWORDS: Rosmarinus officinalis, hair follicle diameter, hair length, VEGF, ultraviolet B, antioxidant
Polyscias scutellaria Aqueous Leaves Extract Increases Insulin Levels and Improves Mammary Gland Histology in Lactating Rats
Authors: Budiono Budiono , Pertami Sumirah Budi , Kasiati Kasiati , Herawati Tutik , Pujiastuti Nurul , Arifah Siti Nur , Atho'illah Mochammad Fitri
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding could be a protective step to avoid infant stunting. During lactation, several hormones are involved in milk secretion, including insulin. Polyscias scutellaria is a perennial plant which has traditionally been used to increase breast milk production. This study was conducted to examine the impact of P. scutellaria leaf extract on the mammary gland histology, expression of insulin in the mammary gland, as well as plasma insulin and the insulin receptor levels.METHODS: Five female unmated rats (UR) and twenty female lactating rats were divided into five groups, namely UR, lactating rats only (LRO), lactating rats treated with Asifit (LRA), lactating rats treated with PSAE at a dosage of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (BW) (LRPSAE 250 and 500). Treatments were given orally for 14 days. The dams were sacrificed after the weaning stage (third week after parturition), and the serum, mammary gland, liver, and muscle were collected for further analysis.RESULTS: The histoarchitecture of mammary gland between the LRA and LRPSAE groups were similar. The LRPSAE 250 group had higher plasma level and immunofluorescent expression of insulin than the LRA group. PSAE did not affect insulin receptor beta subunit (INSR-β) levels in both liver and muscle of lactating rats.CONCLUSION: PSAE could be used as an herbal treatment to increase breast milk production by improving mammary gland histology and maintaining the mother's insulin levels.KEYWORDS: Polyscias scutellaria, lactating rats, insulin, INSR-β
2-(3-(chloromethyl)benzoyloxy)benzoic Acid Increases CD4+ Regulatory T-Cell Population and FoxP3 Expression in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Mice
Authors: Tjahjono Yudy , Caroline Caroline , Nugraha Jusak , Foe Kuncoro , Karnati Srikanth , Ergün Süleyman , Jafet Nico , Chrisantia Oryza , Kusuma I Made Andika Bara , Wijaya Hendy , Hadinugroho Wuryanto , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Kusindarta Dwi Liliek , Wilianto Yufita Ratnasari , Esar Senny Yesery , Wihadmadyatami Hevi
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been reported to increase CD4+ regulatory T-cell (CD4+ Treg) populations. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been reported to have immunomodulatory activity, but it may induce chronic gastric ulceration. Another salicylic acid-bearing compound, 2-(3-(chloromethyl)benzoyloxy)benzoic acid (3-CH2Cl), has been reported to have less gastric mucosal damage. However, the effect of 3-CH2Cl on CD4+ Tregs in LPS-induced mice is still unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of 3-CH2Cl on CD4+ T-cell and CD4+ Treg populations as well as FoxP3 expression in LPS-induced mice.METHODS: Synthesis of 3-CH2Cl was performed by mixing salicylic acid and chloromethylbenzoylchloride with the catalyzation of pyridine, acetone and heat. The 3-CH2Cl tablets were prepared using direct compression method. After intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg BW LPS to mice, 60 mg/kg BW ASA or 60 mg/kg BW 3-CH2Cl was given orally for 3 days. The splenocyte was obtained through splenectomy and collagenase digestion. The population of CD4+ T-cells and CD4+ Tregs, as well as the splenic FoxP3 expression were determined using flow cytometry technique.RESULTS: CD4+ T-cell populations in mice treated with LPS and 3-CH2Cl or ASA were lower than those treated with LPS merely. Meanwhile, CD4+ Treg populations and FoxP3 expression levels in mice treated with LPS and 3-CH2Cl or ASA were higher than those treated with LPS merely.CONCLUSION: Since 3-CH2Cl could decrease CD4+ T-cell population and increase CD4+ Treg population mediated by the increase of FoxP3 expression in LPS-induced inflammation, it may act as a potential therapeutic drug to reduce inflammatory conditions.KEYWORDS: 2-(3-(chloromethyl)benzoyloxy)benzoic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, CD4, T-regulatory cells, FoxP3, LPS
Funkcja mitu politycznego w koncepcjach Alfreda Rosenberga
Authors: Wielomski Adam
Published: August 2023

This article is a reflection on the function of myth in the political theory of Nazism. Principal Nazi ideologue Alfred Rosenberg is the author of famous book The Myth of the Twentieth Century (1930). What is the role of myth in his concept? Why wasn’t it titled The Ideology of Twentieth Century? In my opinion, myth has two main roles in Rosenberg’s theory. Firstly, it’s great proposition of meaning of history and its enemies counters the Marxist ideology of history as a grand process of emancipation concluding with the proletarian revolution. As Marx and Marxists speak about history from the point of view of class struggles, Rosenberg speaks from the point of racial struggles. The second aim stems from what Rosenberg perceived as a absence of an idea of nation-state in Germany. For Rosenberg, the Germans from many countries and states do not have the common consciousness inherent in (and imperative for) a national community. In such circumstances the Nazis must themselves create a myth of a common German race as an objective and scientific “fact.” In the political ideas of Rosenberg, the Nordic race is the substitute of a normal nation and the idea of a nation-state.
Rural Tourism Households Adapting to Seasonality: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Su Zhen , Xian Kun , Lu Dandan , Wang Wenhui , Zheng Yinghong , Khotphat Tanaporn
Published: August 2023

Although tourism seasonality significantly influences the livelihood activities of rural tourism households, limited research has explored how they adapt their livelihood strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design that combines thematic analysis and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), we investigated the relationship between the livelihood strategies and outcomes of rural tourism households under the influence of tourism seasonality at the Guilin Karst World Heritage Site. The results indicate that livelihood strategies adopted by rural tourism households include "Tourism Persistence,” "Seasonal Employment,” and “Seasonal Farming” during the off-season, and “Extending Working Hours,” “Increasing Staffing Input,” and “Increasing Capital Input” during the peak season. Furthermore, these strategies form flexible combinations to realize livelihood outcomes, with “Extending Working Hours” being a necessary condition. The findings also revealed that the four configurations of seasonal livelihood strategies in the two patterns significantly contributed to high livelihood outcomes. One is named “Peak-Season Driven Pattern,” where “Extending Working Hours” and “Increasing Staffing Input” are the core conditions; the other is named “Peak-Off Blend-Driven Pattern,” where “Extending Working Hours,” “Increasing Capital Input,” and the absence of “Tourism Persistence” are the core conditions. These findings provide theoretical and practical insights for sustainable livelihood research.
Colorimetric Quantification for Residual Poly- DADMAC in Water Treatment
Authors: Levakov Ilil , Maor Ido , Barak Chen , Kirshenbaum Yael , Rytwo Giora
Published: August 2023

Poly-DADMAC (PD) is a common organic polymer used as an effective coagulant in water treatment. yet its residue in water raises several concerns regarding membrane fouling and the production of carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, fast and simple quantification is necessary to control and monitor the optimal poly-DADMAC concentration dose with minimal negative effects. This study introduces a new colorimetric quantification method for poly-DADMAC, based on complexation with a cationic dye (fast green- FG). The method was examined through varying conditions that included different analytical and commercial poly-DADMAC formulations and concentrations. The experiments confirm its effectiveness in quantifying poly-DADMAC with a detection limit of 3.22 µg L-1 (0.02 µM based on monomers' molecular weight), which is one order of magnitude lower than regulatory requirements (50 µg L-1). To validate the method, the effect of pH was examined, and implementation demonstrations were conducted on cyanobacteria and cowshed polluted water samples. This research presents a new, fast, easy to apply, and cost-effective method to accurately quantify poly-DADMAC, improving water treatment strategies and allowing high quality purification and water reuse.
An integrative taxonomic analysis of Honduran Central America parasite isolated from non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis points to Leishmania (Leishmania) poncei n. sp. (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae)
Authors: Silveira Fernando Tobias , Vasconcelos dos Santos Thiago , Flores Gabriela Venícia Aruajo , Pacheco Carmen Maria Sandoval , Ochoa Wilfredo H. Sosa , Sousa Edivaldo Costa , Valeriano Concepcion Zuniga , Da Matta Vania Lucia Ribeiro , Gomes Claudia Maria Castro , Ramos Patricia K , Lima Luciana V , Campos Marliane B , Corbett Carlos Eduardo P , Laurenti Márcia Dalastra
Published: August 2023

Non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL) is an atypical and peculiar clinical form of the disease that was first described by Ponce et al. (1988) in Honduras (Central America), where iso-lated or disseminated popular and/or nodular skin lesions are commonly seen in adolescents and young adults. Leishmania (L.) chagasi was then incriminated as the causal agent of the disease, as well as of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), although NUCL has been shown to be more prevalent than AVL in the region. Considering, however, the dubious taxonomic character of the causal agent of NUCL, as there is no evidence of this form of disease associated with L. (L.) cha-gasi in South America, this study aimed to carry out a retrospective taxonomic analysis on a se-ries of studies on the diagnostic approach to the Honduran parasite in loco (El Tigre island, Amapala municipality, west coast of Honduras), where taxonomic characters of a biological (in vitro and in vivo), epidemiological (vector and canine reservoir), clinical-immunological (im-munopathological features of in situ skin lesion and systemic infection) and molecular (ge-nomic/phylogenetic analyses) nature were considered. The findings, particularly those of mo-lecular nature, such as: the Honduran parasite showed to be more ancestral (molecular clock analysis of the DNA polymerase alpha subunit gene) than all viscerotropic ones [L. (L.) chagasi, L. (L.) donovani and L. (L.) infantum], as well as presenting an absolutely unprecedented structural variation on chromosome 17 and the highest frequency of genomic SNPs (more than twice the number seen in the Brazilian parasite), in addition to representing a different phylogenetic lin-eage (mainly in the NJ - RNA Pol II tree) from those viscerotropic ones, have pointed to the characterization of a new leishmanine parasite, Leishmania (Leishmania) poncei n. sp. (Kinetoplas-tea: Trypanosomatidae), in honor of Professor Ponce, who was the first researcher to describe NUCL in Honduras.
Revision of the Genus Sycanus Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from China Based on DNA Barcoding and Morphological Evidence
Authors: Zhao Ping , Chen Suyi , Wang Jianyun , Chen Zhuo , Li Hu , Cai Wanzhi
Published: August 2023

Due to the variation of the body coloration and the similarity of the related species, there are still some unresolved problems and debates in the taxonomic study of the genus Sycanus in China. We conducted the inter-specific phylogenetic analyses and the species delimitation for Sycanus in China based on DNA barcoding dataset of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of 81 samples and partial 28S rDNA sequences of 31 samples. The result showed that all the samples were divided into twelve species by integrating the results of DNA barcoding and morphological comparison. In the present paper, the genus Sycanus in China was reviewed systematically, all species were described or re-described, keyed, illustrated and photographed, among them, Sycanus taiwanensis Zhao & Cai sp. nov., Sycanus hsiaoi Li & Cai sp. nov. and Sycanus hainanensis Wang & Cai sp. nov. were described as new to science. The biological informations of Sycanus falleni Stål, 1863 and Sycanus croceus Hsiao, 1979 were briefly recorded.
Efficient Analysis of Small Molecules via Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LDI–TOF MS) Using Gold Nanoshells with Nanogaps
Authors: Kim Noori , Kim Yoon-Hee , Yoo Jin , Park Seung-min , Jun Bong-Hyun , Yeo Woon-Seok
Published: August 2023

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) is a commonly used technique for analyzing large biomolecules. However, the utilization of organic matrices limits the small-molecule analysis because of the interferences in the low-mass region and reproducibility issues. To overcome these limitations, a surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI), which utilizes nanostructured metallic surfaces, has been developed. Herein, a novel approach for SALDI–MS was proposed using nanoengineered gold shell with nanogaps on the silica core (SiO2@Au NGS), which is an emerging material due to its excellent heat-generating capabilities. The gold shell thickness was controlled by adjusting the concentration of gold precursor for the growth of gold nanoparticles. SALDI-MS measurements were performed on a layer formed by drop-casting a mixture of SiO2@Au NGS and analytes. At the optimized process, the gold shell thickness was observed to be 17.2 nm, which showed the highest absorbance. The ion desorption efficiency was confirmed with a survival yield upon fragmentation. Based on the enhanced SALDI capability, SiO2@Au NGS was utilized to detect various small molecules including amino acids, sugars, and flavonoids. The limits of detection, reproducibility, and salt tolerance of SiO2@Au NGS demonstrate its potential as an effective and reliable SALDI material for small-molecule analyses.