bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prominence of Rhetoric in Japanese University English Oral Communication Courses
Authors: Miles Richard
Published: October 2023

Due to a rapidly globalizing world, there has been a recent resurgence in the demand for university graduates entering the workforce who understand and utilize spoken English rhetorical strategies and techniques. These rhetorical skills are necessary in a wide range of fields (e.g., advertising, communication, international relations, politics, psychology, etc.), yet rhetoric rarely features in EFL or ESL curriculums. With the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan emphasizing the need for English education to specifically foster the development of oral communication skills through the Global Human Resources (GHR) project (2018), there is a definite need for integrating instruction on English rhetorical strategies and techniques into the curricula of higher education. However, explicit rhetorical instruction in EFL and ESL curriculums in Japan almost exclusively focuses on written genres, such as essay writing. The core research question framing this exploratory study is: How prominent is instruction on rhetoric in Japanese university English oral communication courses? This qualitative study firstly examines if rhetoric-based instruction is addressed in a sample of English language oral communication textbooks, before documenting the language learning experiences of ten Japanese university students. An amalgamation of the data reveals a dearth of explicit rhetoric-based instruction in Japanese university English language oral communication courses. The implications of this finding are discussed, and suggestions are then proffered on how to better equip Japanese university graduates with practical English language rhetorical tools so that they may play a more active role in the globalizing world.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GENETIC CASEIN POLYMORPHISM IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Authors:   Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Chatterjee Prabrisha , Chatterjee Sanat ,   The Neotia University
Published: October 2023

: Milk proteins are a rich source of peptides which are bioactive. Beta-casomorphin-7 ( BCM-7) is produced by successive proteolytic ingestion of beta- casein variants A1 and B, while not observed in A2 variant. The large amount of proteins in bovine’s milk are caseins, which consist of four categories ( αs1, αs2, β, and κ) encrypted by corresponding genes ( CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2, and CSN3, respectively). Ingestion of A1 beta-casein showed the way for the emergence of beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), a peptide that has been proposed to be a major cause of various human hazards.The relative profuseness of proline, methionine, and α-lactose were the highest in A2 variant of β-casein, while glycine, citric acid, choline, and cAMP (cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) exhibited the highest abundance in A1 variant. These results thus come up with novel insights into the effect of casein variants, further expediting research into the biogenesis of milk ingredients and the prospective physiological activity of milk correlated with variants of β-casein.
Penerapan Balanced Scorecard untuk Pengukuran Kinerja Perguruan Tinggi Islam
Authors: Maryani Ay , Nur Wachidah Yulianti
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Application of the Balanced Scorecard for the Performace Measurement of Islamic Higher Education
Purpose : This study aims to analyze the application of the Balanced Scorecard in measuring the performance of Islamic higher education.
Methode : Qualitative method was employed, with a case study approach.
Results : The results showed that the balanced scorecard was able to measure the performance of Islamic higher education from financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business process perspective, and learning and growth perspective.
Novelty: Implementation of the Balanced Scorecard with the aspect of educational fees for the single tuition scheme.
Contribution: This article provides alternative solution for Islamic higher education in evaluating the determination of education fees and their services, to ensure that students may obtain justice in education.
Abstrak: Penerapan Balanced Scorecard untuk Pengukuran Kinerja Perguruan Tinggi Islam
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan Balanced Scorecard dalam mengukur kinerja perguruan tinggi Islam.
Metode: Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif, dengan pendekatan studi kasus.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Balanced Scorecard mampu mengukur kinerja perguruan tinggi Islam dari perspektif keuangan, perspektif pelanggan, perspektif proses bisnis internal, dan perspektif pembelajaran dan pertumbuhan.
Kebaruan: Implementasi Balanced Scorecard dengan aspek biaya pendidikan untuk skema biaya kuliah tunggal.
Kontribusi: Artikel ini memberikan solusi alternatif bagi perguruan tinggi Islam dalam mengevaluasi penetapan biaya pendidikan dan layanannya, sehingga mahasiswa dapat memperoleh keadilan dalam pendidikan.
Peran Budaya Jawa dalam Implementasi Pengendalian Internal: Sebuah Studi Kasus
Authors: Sutanto Ivan Tanujaya , Sugiarti Yenny
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The Role of Javanese Culture in Implementing Internal Control: a Case Study
Purpose: To explore the role of Javanese culture in the implementation of internal control at CV BBI in East Java.
Method: The paradigm of this research is interpretive. Information was obtained through semi-structured interviews, observations of operational activities in the company, and collection of company documents and then analyzed using qualitative methods.
Results: Javanese culture which emphasizes respect and “sungkan”, “kekeluargaan”, “guyub’, “musyawarah” and “gotong royong” plays a role in the implementation of the five components of internal control
Novelty: This study explains the role of Javanese culture in the implementation of COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organization) version of internal control.
Contribution: Business people can identify positive values from local culture and use them to support the implementation of internal control.
Abstrak: Peran Budaya Jawa dalam Penerapan Pengendalian Internal: Studi Kasus
Tujuan: Mengeksplorasi peran budaya Jawa dalam implementasi pengendalian internal pada CV BBI
Metode: Paradigma penelitian ini adalah intepretif. Informasi diperoleh melalui semi-structured interview, observasi serta dokumen perusahaan dan dianalisis dengan metode kualitatif.
Hasil: Budaya Jawa yang memberikan penekanan pada rasa hormat dan sungkan, keluargaan, guyub, musyawarah dan gotong royong berperan dalam implementasi lima komponen pengendalian internal
Kebaruan: Penelitian ini menjelaskan peran budaya Jawa terhadap implementasi pengendalian internal versi COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organization).
Kontribusi: Pelaku bisnis dapat mengidentifikasi nilai positif dari budaya lokal setempat yang dianut dan  memanfaatkannya untuk mendukung implementasi pengendalian internal.
Meretas Praktik Pendidikan Akuntansi yang Bela Negara
Authors: Septyan Krisno , Mintoyuwono Danang
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Initiating Accounting Education Practices that Defend the Nation
Purpose: This study aims to show the efforts of liberating accounting education in order to show accounting attitudes that defend the country.
Method: Ki Hadjar Dewantara's thinking is revealed to be a research method in an ontologically synchronic way between the researcher and the thinker.
Result: Accounting for defending the state must understand its nature, which means that local culture should become the accounting standard. National hero figures can become inspirations in accounting education. Accounting education does not only meet market needs but must have wider benefits for the Indonesian people as well as evoke love for the motherland and continue the struggle of national heroes.
Novelty: This research departs from the self-consciousness of researchers about state defense that exists under an institution that labels itself as a state defense institution.
Contribution: The values of the Nusantara archipelago need to be part of every major course in the accounting department on stand as a separate course.
Abstrak: Meretas Praktik Pendidikan Akuntansi yang Bela Negara
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan menunjukkan usaha memerdekakan pendidikan akuntansi agar menunjukan sikap akuntansi yang bela negara.
Metode: Pemikiran Ki Hadjar Dewantara diturunkan menjadi metode penelitian dengan cara sinkronis ontologis antara peneliti dan pemikir.
Hasil: Akuntansi bela negara harus memahami di mana kodrat dirinya yang berarti budaya setempat seharusnya menjadi standar akuntansi. Tokoh pahlawan nasional juga bisa menjadi inspirasi dalam pendidikan akuntansi. Pendidikan akuntansi bukan sekadar memenuhi kebutuhan pasar tapi harus memiliki manfaat lebih luas untuk bangsa Indonesia sekaligus mengevokasi cinta tanah air serta meneruskan perjuangan para pahlawan nasional.
Kebaruan: Penelitian ini berangkat dari kesadaran diri peneliti tentang bela negara yang bernaung di bawah institusi yang melabeli dirinya sebagai instusi bela negara.
Kontribusi: Nilai-nilai Nusantara perlu menjadi bagian pada setiap mata kuliah utama di jurusan akuntansi tidak berdiri sebagai mata kuliah sendiri.
Makna Uang dan Pilihan Investasi Berdasarkan Mental Accounting pada Gen Z
Authors: Putra Hery Astika , Halpiah Halpiah
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The Meaning Money and Investment Options Based on the Mental Accounting on Gen Z
Purpose: The article seeks the meaning of money and investment choices, based on mental accounting  of Gen Z
Method: This article employed phenomenology as a method.
Results:  For Gen Z, the meaning of money is as a medium of exchange with investment choices based on risk preferences, with mental accounting depending on the source of the money earned.
Novelty: The article classify types of investors on Gen Z
Contribution:  The paper helps to give insight as to how to make Gen Z financially intelligent and avoid illegal investments
Abstrak: Makna Uang dan Pilihan Investasi Berdasarkan Mental Accounting pada Gen Z
Tujuan: Artikel ini mencari makna uang dan pilihan investasi, berdasarkan mental accounting Gen Z
Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan fenomologi sebagai metode.
Hasil: Bagi Gen Z makna uang adalah sebagai alat tukar dengan pilihan investasi berdasarkan preferensi resiko dengan mental accounting bergantung pada sumber uang yang diperoleh.
Kebaruan: Artikel ini menggolongan tipe investor pada Gen Z
Kontribusi: Artikel ini membantu memberikan pemahaman agar Gen Z cerdas secara keuangan dan terhindar dari investasi ilegal.
Efektifkah Sosialisasi, Tarif dan Sanksi Diterapkan untuk Kepatuhan Pelaporan Pajak?
Authors: Parwati Ni Made Suwitri , Jurana Jurana , Aprilia Kadek Ayu Rita
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Are Socialization, Tariffs and Sanctions Effective to be Applied For Tax Reporting Compliance?
Purpose: to test and analyze the effectiveness of implementation  socialization, tariffs and sanctions on individual regional taxpayer compliance.
Method: survey method using census multiple regression analysis on swallow enterpreneur in Palu city.
Results: Tarrifs and sanctions has an effect on taxpayer compliance, while socialization has no effect taxpayer compliance
Novelty: the study proves that socialization cannot provide an awareness effect on tax reporting compliance when compared to the provision of tax sanctions
Contribution: this study serves as a basis for consideration in making  tax regulations by the government, especially the Palu city regional government .
Abstrak: Efektifkah Sosialisasi, Tarif dan Sanksi Diterapkan untuk Kepatuhan Pelaporan Pajak? 
Tujuan: untuk menguji dan menganalisis keefektifan penerapan  sosialisasi, tarif dan sanksi pada kepatuhan pelaporan pajak daerah oleh wajib pajak.
Metode: metode survey menggunakan analisis regresi berganda secara sensus pada pengusaha walet di kota Palu
Hasil: tarif dan Sanksi memengaruhi kepatuhan perpajakan, sementara itu sosialisasi tidak dapat memengaruhi kepatuhan pelaporan perpajakan.
Kebaruan: membuktikan jika sosialisasi tidak dapat memberikan efek kesadaran pada kepatuhan pelaporan pajak jika dibandingkan dengan pemberian sanksi pajak
Kontribusi: sebagai dasar pertimbangan dalam pembuatan regulasi perpajakan oleh pemerintah khususnya pemerintah daerah kota Palu.
Torque Increase Strategy for Induction Motor in the Field-Weakening Region Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Huang Jingtao , Liu Shuai , Zhang Peng , Wang Yanan
Published: October 2023

In the field-weakening region, the traditional field-weakening method for induction motor drives based on model predictive control (MPC) is to take a no-load operation as the premise and adjust the flux reference in the cost function proportional to the inverse of the rotor speed, which leads to poor torque output. This paper presents a novel field-weakening method for IM drives based on MPC. Considering the induction motor field-weakening limiting conditions and according to the speed adaptive field-weakening strategy with a voltage closed-loop, the speed adaptive field-weakening controllers were designed to optimize the references of the excitation current and torque current. In the rotor field-orientation d–q coordinate system, the stator flux amplitude and torque reference values were optimized by the optimal distribution current. Then, according to the dead-beat control principle, they were converted into an equivalent stator flux vector reference. Moreover, the stator voltage vector reference can be obtained. For an induction motor fed by a three-level neutral point clamped (3L-NPC) inverter, the cost function was constructed by combining all the constraints, including the voltage vector, the neutral potential balance, and the switching frequency. In this way, the high-performance field-weakening operation for the induction motor based on a model predictive control can be realized. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed method can increase the torque output by 22% in the field-weakening region; at the same time, the steady characteristics and the dynamic response performance can be maintained well.
Liberalization for Sale: Corporate Demands and Lobbying over FTAs
Authors: Plouffe Michael
Published: October 2023

Firm-based approaches to international trade have revolutionized the study of trade politics. Corporate participation in political processes is costly, limiting access to large, productive, well-resourced, and often internationally engaged firms. This implies a pro-trade bias in corporate lobbying demands over trade policy. I examine this relationship in the case of three free trade agreements passed by the United States Congress in 2011. I combine public statements from firms on the FTAs with corporate lobbying activities and find that both lobbying firms and those that lobbied and publicly disclosed their policy positions were more productive than the typical publicly traded firm. Likewise, firms with income from foreign affiliates were more likely to be politically active than others. These results contribute to a vibrant body of research into the complex relationships firms hold with policies governing access to international markets.
Diversity, Genetic Structure and Relationship with Chilling Requirements of Local Varieties of Apple (Malus spp.) in the Centre for the Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)
Authors: Velázquez-Barrera María Encarnación , Ramos-Cabrer Ana María , Pereira-Lorenzo Santiago , Ríos-Mesa Domingo José
Published: October 2023

Sixty-seven apple tree accessions from the Centre for the Conservation of Agricultural Biodiversity of Tenerife (CCBAT) were molecularly characterised for the first time with 13 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Additionally, previously studied genotypes from the Canary Islands (Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria), Galicia, Asturias and commercial reference varieties were studied to identify possible synonymies and genetic structures, in order to improve the conservation of this genus in the germplasm bank. Thirty-three different genotypes were found in the new accessions analysed (51% clonality): sixteen of them (48%) exclusive to Tenerife, with no genetic coincidence with previous studies, making a total of thirty-three genotypes unique to Tenerife and sixty-five in the whole of the Canary Islands. The analysis of the population structure grouped the apple genotypes into two reconstructed panmictic populations (RPPs), one formed by local varieties or traditional ones (‘Peros’), RPP1, from all the regions studied, and the other formed by local and commercial varieties, RPP2. The RPP1 genotypes identified in Tenerife seem to show better adaptation to low chill, with a positive and significant correlation (0.388, p < 0.01), highlighting the importance of local varieties and the need for their conservation. This is the first study reporting significant correlation between genetic structure and chilling requirements.
Enhancing Fertilizer Effect of Bioprocessed Brewers’ Spent Grain by Microbial Consortium Addition
Authors: Assandri Davide , Bianco Angela , Pampuro Niccolò , Cavallo Eugenio , Zara Giacomo , Bardi Laura , Coronas Roberta , Budroni Marilena
Published: October 2023

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is primarily recycled as livestock feed due to its high fiber content, undegradable protein, and water-soluble vitamins. However, BSG composting represents a possible alternative to organic waste management. Adding a microbial consortium further enhances the agronomical properties of the compost intended for fertilizing applications. Microbial-based fertilizers (plant growth-promoting microorganisms, PGPM) are a means to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of excessive or improper chemical fertilizer use, enhance the direct or indirect uptake of nutrients by plants, and add value to food waste. In a short-term pot experiment on iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), this study assessed the effects of compost and pelletized compost from brewers’ spent grain, both enriched with a microbial consortium. In a randomized block experiment, this study compared four organic BSG fertilizers to chemical fertilizer (NPK) and an unfertilized control treatment. The investigation indicates that BSG compost and BSG pelleted compost, with and without bio-inoculum, in general, are comparable to mineral fertilizer treatment; lettuce fresh weight was higher in pots amended with bioprocessed BSG, associated with more significant growth of soil LAB, fungi, and actinomycetes. The investigation outcomes support composting as an alternative recycling process for producing PGM for agricultural applications.
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Growth Response to Nitrogen in a Sandy Soil Amended with Acidified Manure and Municipal Sludge after “Quick Wash” Treatment
Authors: Paye Wooiklee S. , Szogi Ariel A. , Shumaker Paul D. , Billman Eric D.
Published: October 2023

The Quick Wash (QW) treatment extracts phosphorus (P) from manure and municipal sludge (MS), producing an organic acidified by-product with adequate nitrogen (N):P ratio to meet crop N requirements. Yet, data on crop response to N using QW by-products are lacking. We evaluated the response of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and potential N leaching in sandy soil to N applications using raw wastes, their corresponding QW by-products, and ammonium sulfate (AMS) fertilizer. Treatments included a control (no amendment added), raw and acid-washed chicken litter, dairy and swine manure, MS, and AMS at 100, 200, and 400 kg N ha−1. We found no significant differences in annual ryegrass yield and N uptake between the raw and acidified organic QW by-products. However, ryegrass produced 4–30% more biomass with AMS than organic amendments. The total residual soil inorganic N under AMS treatments ranged between 6.3 and 67.9 mg pot−1 and accounted for 5–17% of the total N applied, but it was <1% for all the organic amendments. We found no differences in soil N leaching between raw and acid-washed forms of each organic soil amendment. Our results indicated that acidified organic QW by-products can improve environmental quality by substantially reducing the amount of applied P with no penalties for crop yield losses compared to raw manure and MS.
Response of Diverse Peanut Cultivars to Calcium Fertilization under Clay Soil Conditions
Authors: Hamza Mohamed , Abbas Mohamed , Sharaf Shimaa , Galal Fatma H.
Published: October 2023

The absence of calcium decreases the production of peanuts compared to any other element. To investigate the influence of calcium (Ca) applications on the production and seed quality of four diverse peanut cultivars from different regions—USA (NC-7), Egypt (Giza-6) and Nigeria (Samnut-23 and Samnut-24)—under clay soil conditions, two experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Experimental and Research Station, Cairo University, Egypt, during the two seasons of 2016 and 2017. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a spilt-plot arrangement with three replications. The main plots were allocated to four peanut cultivars (Giza-6, Samnut-23, Samnut-24 and NC-7), and the sub-plots were devoted to calcium applications (soil application in the form of calcium sulfate dihydrate, foliar application in the form of calcium oxide and the control treatment of distilled water). Results indicated that all four peanut cultivars responded differently to the application of calcium fertilizers. The calcium application significantly enhanced peanut growth, yield components, biological, pod, seed, oil yields, seed oil, free fatty acids and seed calcium percentages in different cultivars. Soil calcium application significantly improved peanut production compared to foliar calcium application. NC-7 cultivar treated with the soil Ca application resulted in the maximum values of biological yield (92.9-ton ha−1), pod yield (6.8-ton ha−1), seed yield (4.4-ton ha−1), oil yield (2247.0 kg ha−1), pod index (203.2 g) and seed index (84.1 g). The interaction between the NC-7 cultivar and soil calcium applications is recommended to attain the best combination, leading to the highest yield and seed quality of peanuts.
The Well-Being of Companion Animal Caregivers and Their Companion Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review
Authors: Brooks Samantha K. , Greenberg Neil
Published: October 2023

It is important to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal caregivers and their companion animals in order to inform responses to future crises. Prior research is inconsistent, with the benefits of animal companionship believed to be overstated. In this scoping review, we searched four electronic databases and hand-searched reference lists of included studies. Over 4000 citations were found, and 122 were included in the review. Reflecting on the pre-COVID literature, quantitative evidence of the association between psychological well-being and animal companionship during the pandemic was mixed, with numerous positive, negative, and null findings reported. Studies highlighted the benefits of animal companionship during the pandemic, with animals reported to provide their caregivers with a routine, a sense of greater purpose, a positive distraction from COVID-19, companionship, and emotional support. However, participants also reported concerns about meeting animals’ needs, fears of animals catching or spreading the virus, and financial worries. Concerns about what would happen to animals if caregivers were hospitalized led some to delay COVID-19 testing or treatment. Animals also experienced benefits (such as increased companionship and calmer mood) and negative impacts (such as increased clinginess and separation anxiety). Companion animals should be a key consideration in emergency preparedness plans.
Development and Validation of a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Method for the Analysis of the Novel Plant-Based Substance with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Filatov Viktor A. , Ilin Egor A. , Kulyak Olesya Yu. , Kalenikova Elena I.
Published: October 2023

The research into new pharmaceutical substances based on essential oils, individual biologically active phytochemicals, and plant extracts is a priority in field of pharmaceutical sciences. A novel multicomponent substance based on Melaleuca alternifolia (M. alternifolia) leaf oil (TTO), 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), and (-)-α-bisabolol with potent synergetic antimicrobial activity was investigated and suggested for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and dandruff. The objective of this research was to establish and validate a specific, accurate, and precise gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method for further quantitative and qualitative analysis in order to ensure quality control. The main parameters of validation were suitability, specificity, linearity, accuracy, and intermediate precision according to the European Pharmacopoeia (XI edition), Russian Pharmacopoeia (XIV edition), and some parameters of ICH requirements. The peaks of fifteen chemical phytoconstituents were identified in the test sample solution with the prevalence of (−)-α-bisabolol (27.67%), 1,8-cineole (25.63%), and terpinen-4-ol (16.98%). These phytochemicals in the novel substance were chosen for standardization and validation of the GC–MS method. The chosen chromatographic conditions were confirmed for testing of the plant-based substance in a suitability test. It was established that the GC–MS method provides a significant separation, symmetry of peaks and resolution between phytochemicals. The calibration curves of each phytochemical had good linearity (R2 > 0.999) in five concentrations. In the same concertation range, the accuracy of terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineol, and (−)-α-bisabolol determination using the method of additives was 98.3–101.60%; the relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 0.89% to 1.51% and corresponded to requirements. The intraday and interday precision was ≤2.56%. Thus, the GC–MS method was validated to be specific, sensitive, linear, accurate, and precise. This GC–MS method could be recommended as a routine analytic technique for multicomponent plant-based substances-enriched terpenes.
Ratcheting Simulation of Additively Manufactured Aluminum 4043 Samples through Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Servatan M. , Hashemi S. M. , Varvani-Farahani A.
Published: October 2023

This study presents a finite element-based ratcheting assessment of additively manufactured aluminum 4043 samples undergoing asymmetric loading cycles. The Chaboche material model in ANSYS was utilized and the effects of mesh and element type were examined. Different element numbers were used in a thorough convergence study to obtain independent meshing structures. The coefficients of this model were defined through stress–strain hysteresis loops determined from the strain-controlled tests. The backstress evolution and the corresponding yield surface translation in the deviatoric stress space were discussed as three different mesh elements of linear brick, quadratic tetrahedron, and quadratic brick were adopted. The magnitude of backstress was affected as different element types were employed. The first-order brick elements resulted in the highest backstress increments, while the lowest backstresses were determined when quadratic brick elements were taken. Backstress increments are positioned in an intermediate level with the use of quadratic tetrahedron elements. The choice of the element type, shape, and number influenced material ratcheting response over the loading process. The use of quadratic brick elements elevated the simulated ratcheting curves. The quadratic tetrahedron and linear brick elements, however, suppressed ratcheting level as compared with those of experimental data. The closeness of the simulated ratcheting results to those of the measured values was found to be highly dependent on these finite element variables.
Landscape Analysis of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Spain): Cartography of Quality and Fragility
Authors: Merchán Leticia , Martínez-Graña Antonio Miguel , Nieto Carlos E. , Criado Marco
Published: October 2023

The landscape is a resource to be considered in the planning and sustainable management of the territory of natural spaces, such as the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. It is conditioned by environmental factors. They are highly influential on the quality of life of the people who live there. A historical analysis of the landscape was carried out with a qualitative and partially subjective character. In this work, we took advantage of current technologies, such as GIS techniques, to objectively and quantitatively calculate the variables. Firstly, it was necessary to draw up a map of landscape units, which is derived from the union of the abiotic (geomorphology and lithology) and biotic (vegetation) components in the background. Twelve homogeneous landscape units were identified by analyzing the quality and perceptual fragility of each one and considering intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The results obtained showed that the landscape quality presents areas with very high values in the fluvial canyon of the Duero river. The lowest values were found in very degraded and vegetated polygenic areas. On the other hand, the most fragile areas were those with some vulnerable character that prevents the development of human activities, such as areas with steep slopes. The procedure and results obtained constitute a useful tool for public administrations to carry out sustainable management of natural areas.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Ozone Pollution and Resultant Increased Human Health Risks in Central China
Authors: Tian Yuren , Wang Yun , Han Yan , Che Hanxiong , Qi Xin , Xu Yuanqian , Chen Yang , Long Xin , Wei Chong
Published: October 2023

The spatiotemporal characteristics of ozone pollution and increased human health risks in Central China were investigated using a long time series of ozone concentrations from 2014 to 2020. We found a gradual increase in ozone pollution, with the highest concentrations observed in the northeastern region. The spatial distribution of population density showed distinct patterns, with the northeastern and east-central regions coinciding with areas of high ozone concentrations. The study found an overall increasing trend in MDA8 ozone concentrations, with a regional average increase of 3.5 (μg m−3) per year, corresponding to a 4.4% annual increase. We observed a significant clustering of areas at a higher risk of premature mortality associated with long-term ozone exposure, particularly in the northeastern region. Estimated premature mortality due to ozone pollution in Central China between 2014 and 2020 shows an increasing trend from 2014 to 2019 and a decreasing trend in 2020 due to the occurrence of extreme ozone pollution and the subsequent recovery of ozone concentrations after the closures due to COVID-19. Premature mortality due to ozone exposure is affected by both ozone levels and the exposed population, with high correlation coefficients exceeding 0.95. The high total population (more than 220 million per year) and increasing ozone levels exacerbate the problem of premature mortality due to ozone pollution. This study improves our understanding of the impact of ozone pollution on human health and emphasizes the dynamic nature of ozone pollution and its impacts on human health over time. It underscores the need for further study and comprehensive action to mitigate these health risks.
Multidrug Resistance in Enterococci Isolated from Cheese and Capable of Producing Benzalkonium Chloride-Resistant Biofilms
Authors: Salamandane Acácio , Cahango Gomes , Muetanene Belo Afonso , Malfeito-Ferreira Manuel , Brito Luísa
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate enterococci recovered from eight Portuguese cheeses made with raw ewe’s milk, regarding antibiotic resistance, virulence genes, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), biofilm formation capacity, and biofilm eradication (MBEC) by BAC. Antimicrobial resistance against seven antibiotics of five groups was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. The presence of the genes that encode resistance to the antibiotics penicillin (blaZ), erythromycin (ermA, ermB, and ermC), vancomycin (vanA and vanB), aminoglycoside (aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia), and β-lactam (pbp5) and the genes that encode virulence factors, frsB, cylA, gelE, esp, and agg, were investigated via multiplex PCR. The susceptibility of planktonic cells to BAC was evaluated by the MIC and MBC values of the isolates, using the broth microdilution method. To assess the biofilm-forming ability and resistance of biofilms to BAC, biofilms were produced on stainless steel coupons, followed by exposure to BAC. The results showed a high resistance to the antibiotics vancomycin (87.5%), erythromycin (75%), tetracycline (50%), and penicillin (37.5%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 68.8% of the isolates. Genes encoding the virulence factors FrsB (frsB) and gelatinase E (gelE) were detected in all isolates. The esp and cylA genes were found in 56.3% and 37.5% of the isolates, respectively. All isolates exhibited a biofilm-forming ability, regardless of incubation time and temperature tested. However, after 72 h at 37 °C, E. faecium and E. faecalis biofilms showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Although most isolates (62.5%) were susceptible to BAC (MIC ≤ 10 mg/L), biofilms of the same isolates were, generally, resistant to the higher concentration of BAC (80 mg/mL) tested. This study using Enterococcus isolates from a ready-to-eat food, such as cheese, reveals the high percentages of vancomycin resistance and multidrug resistance, associated with the presence of virulence genes, in isolates also capable of producing biofilms resistant to BAC, an important active ingredient of many disinfectants. These results emphasize the need for effective control measures to ensure the safety and quality of dairy products.
Role of the Circadian Gas-Responsive Hemeprotein NPAS2 in Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Murgo Emanuele , Colangelo Tommaso , Bellet Maria Marina , Malatesta Francesco , Mazzoccoli Gianluigi
Published: October 2023

Neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is a hemeprotein comprising a basic helix–loop–helix domain (bHLH) and two heme-binding sites, the PAS-A and PAS-B domains. This protein acts as a pyridine nucleotide-dependent and gas-responsive CO-dependent transcription factor and is encoded by a gene whose expression fluctuates with circadian rhythmicity. NPAS2 is a core cog of the molecular clockwork and plays a regulatory role on metabolic pathways, is important for the function of the central nervous system in mammals, and is involved in carcinogenesis as well as in normal biological functions and processes, such as cardiovascular function and wound healing. We reviewed the scientific literature addressing the various facets of NPAS2 and framing this gene/protein in several and very different research and clinical fields.
CETP Expression in Bone-Marrow-Derived Cells Reduces the Inflammatory Features of Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Mice
Authors: Rentz Thiago , Dorighello Gabriel G. , dos Santos Renata R. , Barreto Lohanna M. , Freitas Israelle N. , Lazaro Carolina M. , Razolli Daniela S. , Cazita Patricia M. , Oliveira Helena C. F.
Published: October 2023

CETP activity reduces plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations, a correlate of an increased risk of atherosclerotic events. However, our recent findings suggest that CETP expression in macrophages promotes an intracellular antioxidant state, reduces free cholesterol accumulation and phagocytosis, and attenuates pro-inflammatory gene expression. To determine whether CETP expression in macrophages affects atherosclerosis development, we transplanted bone marrow from transgenic mice expressing simian CETP or non-expressing littermates into hypercholesterolemic LDL-receptor-deficient mice. The CETP expression did not change the lipid-stained lesion areas but decreased the macrophage content (CD68), neutrophil accumulation (LY6G), and TNF-α aorta content of young male transplanted mice and decreased LY6G, TNF-α, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in aged female transplanted mice. These findings suggest that CETP expression in bone-marrow-derived cells reduces the inflammatory features of atherosclerosis. These novel mechanistic observations may help to explain the failure of CETP inhibitors in reducing atherosclerotic events in humans.
Designing Nanomedicines for Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Abbasi Dezfouli Saba , Rajendran Amarnath P. , Claerhout Jillian , Uludag Hasan
Published: October 2023

In 2020, breast cancer became the most diagnosed cancer worldwide. Conventional chemotherapies have major side effects due to their non-specific activities. Alternatively, short interfering RNA(siRNA)-carrying nanoparticles (NPs) have a high potential to overcome this non-specificity. Lipid-substituted polyethyleneimine (PEI) polymers (lipopolymers) have been reported as efficient non-viral carriers of siRNA. This study aims to engineer novel siRNA/lipopolymer nanocomplexes by incorporating anionic additives to obtain gene silencing through siRNA activity with minimal nonspecific toxicity. We first optimized our polyplexes in GFP+ MDA-MB-231 cells to effectively silence the GFP gene. Inclusion of phosphate buffer with pH 8.0 as complex preparation media and N-Lauroylsarcosine Sodium Salt as additive, achieved ~80% silencing with the least amount of undesired cytotoxicity, which was persistent for at least 6 days. The survivin gene was then selected as a target in MDA-MB-231 cells since there is no strong drug (i.e., small organic molecule) for inhibition of its oncogenic activity. The qRT-PCR, flow cytometry analysis and MTT assay revealed >80% silencing, ~95% cell uptake and >70% cell killing by the same formulation. We conclude that our lipopolymer can be further investigated as a lead non-viral carrier for breast cancer gene therapy.
The Relationship between TNF-a, IL-35, VEGF and Cutaneous Microvascular Dysfunction in Young Patients with Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Neubauer-Geryk Jolanta , Wielicka Melanie , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Zorena Katarzyna , Bieniaszewski Leszek
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between immunological markers and the dysfunction of cutaneous microcirculation in young patients with type 1 diabetes. The study group consisted of 46 young patients with type 1 diabetes and no associated complications. Microvascular function was assessed with the use of nail fold capillaroscopy before and after implementing post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. This evaluation was then repeated after 12 months. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their baseline median coverage (defined as the ratio of capillary surface area to surface area of the image area), which was established during the initial exam (coverageBASE). Additionally, the levels of several serum biomarkers, including VEGF, TNF-a and IL-35, were assessed at the time of the initial examination. HbA1c levels obtained at baseline and after a 12-month interval were also obtained. Mean HbA1c levels obtained during the first two years of the course of the disease were also analyzed. Patients with coverageBASE below 16.85% were found to have higher levels of VEGF and TNF-α, as well as higher levels of HbA1c during the first two years following diabetes diagnosis. Our results support the hypothesis that the development of diabetic complications is strongly influenced by metabolic memory and an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, regardless of achieving adequate glycemic control.
Saikosaponin-b2 Inhibits Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating the STK4/IRAK1/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Lei Chanhao , Gao Zihan , Lv Xingzhi , Zhu Yanxue , Li Ruifang , Li Sanqiang
Published: October 2023

The development of primary liver cancer (PLC) is associated with chronic liver inflammation and the loss of associated tumor suppressor genes, which characterizes inflammation-related tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of saikosaponin-b2 (SS-b2) on the development of PLC and its effect of the STK4 expression and IRAK1/NF-κB signaling axis. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SS-b2 exerted potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. A PLC model was induced in vivo by treating male BALB/c mice with diethylnitrosamine, while an inflammatory model was induced in vitro by exposing RAW 264.7 macrophages to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). After treating cancer mice with SS-b2, the serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly reduced. Ki67 expression also decreased. The carcinomatous lesions of the liver were attenuated. Similar results were observed in liver tissue and RAW 264.7 macrophages, where SS-b2 significantly elevated serine/threonine protein kinase 4 (STK4) expression and decreased the expression of interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), and downstream inflammatory cytokines, thus exerting anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, we employed siRNA to silence the STK4 expression in HepG2 to investigate the anti-tumor effect of SS-b2 in vitro. The STK4 knockdown would upregulate IRAK1 and thus the activation of NF-κB activity revealed by the increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, consequently impairing SS-b2-induced inhibition of liver cancer development. Consequently, SS-b2 effectively inhibited PLC by upregulating STK4 to suppress the IRAK1/NF-κB signaling axis and is a promising agent for treating this disease.
Investigating the Pathogenic Interplay of Alpha-Synuclein, Tau, and Amyloid Beta in Lewy Body Dementia: Insights from Viral-Mediated Overexpression in Transgenic Mouse Models
Authors: Lim Melina J. , Boschen Suelen L. , Kurti Aishe , Castanedes Casey Monica , Phillips Virginia R. , Fryer John D. , Dickson Dennis , Jansen-West Karen R. , Petrucelli Leonard , Delenclos Marion , McLean Pamela J.
Published: October 2023

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is an often misdiagnosed and mistreated neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by the emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms followed by motor impairment. LBD falls within an undefined range between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to the potential pathogenic synergistic effects of tau, beta-amyloid (Aβ), and alpha-synuclein (αsyn). A lack of reliable and relevant animal models hinders the elucidation of the molecular characteristics and phenotypic consequences of these interactions. Here, the goal was to evaluate whether the viral-mediated overexpression of αsyn in adult hTau and APP/PS1 mice or the overexpression of tau in Line 61 hThy1-αsyn mice resulted in pathology and behavior resembling LBD. The transgenes were injected intravenously via the tail vein using AAV-PHP.eB in 3-month-old hThy1-αsyn, hTau, or APP/PS1 mice that were then aged to 6-, 9-, and 12-months-old for subsequent phenotypic and histological characterization. Although we achieved the widespread expression of αsyn in hTau and tau in hThy1-αsyn mice, no αsyn pathology in hTau mice and only mild tau pathology in hThy1-αsyn mice was observed. Additionally, cognitive, motor, and limbic behavior phenotypes were not affected by overexpression of the transgenes. Furthermore, our APP/PS1 mice experienced premature deaths starting at 3 months post-injection (MPI), therefore precluding further analyses at later time points. An evaluation of the remaining 3-MPI indicated no αsyn pathology or cognitive and motor behavioral changes. Taken together, we conclude that the overexpression of αsyn in hTau and APP/PS1 mice and tau in hThy1-αsyn mice does not recapitulate the behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes observed in LBD.
Enhancement of Classifier Performance Using Swarm Intelligence in Detection of Diabetes from Pancreatic Microarray Gene Data
Authors: Chellappan Dinesh , Rajaguru Harikumar
Published: October 2023

In this study, we focused on using microarray gene data from pancreatic sources to detect diabetes mellitus. Dimensionality reduction (DR) techniques were used to reduce the dimensionally high microarray gene data. DR methods like the Bessel function, Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Least Squares Linear Regression (LSLR), and Artificial Algae Algorithm (AAA) are used. Subsequently, we applied meta-heuristic algorithms like the Dragonfly Optimization Algorithm (DOA) and Elephant Herding Optimization Algorithm (EHO) for feature selection. Classifiers such as Nonlinear Regression (NLR), Linear Regression (LR), Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), Expectation Maximum (EM), Bayesian Linear Discriminant Classifier (BLDC), Logistic Regression (LoR), Softmax Discriminant Classifier (SDC), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) with three types of kernels, Linear, Polynomial, and Radial Basis Function (RBF), were utilized to detect diabetes. The classifier’s performance was analyzed based on parameters like accuracy, F1 score, MCC, error rate, FM metric, and Kappa. Without feature selection, the SVM (RBF) classifier achieved a high accuracy of 90% using the AAA DR methods. The SVM (RBF) classifier using the AAA DR method for EHO feature selection outperformed the other classifiers with an accuracy of 95.714%. This improvement in the accuracy of the classifier’s performance emphasizes the role of feature selection methods.
Assessing the Impact of Electrosuit Therapy on Cerebral Palsy: A Study on the Users’ Satisfaction and Potential Efficacy
Authors: Perpetuini David , Russo Emanuele Francesco , Cardone Daniela , Palmieri Roberta , De Giacomo Andrea , Intiso Domenico , Pellicano Federica , Pellegrino Raffaello , Merla Arcangelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Filoni Serena
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of electrosuit therapy in the clinical treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy, focusing on the effect of the therapy on spasticity and trunk control. Moreover, the compliance of caregivers with respect to the use of the tool was investigated. During the period ranging from 2019 to 2022, a total of 26 children (18 M and 8 F), clinically stable and affected by CP and attending the Neurorehabilitation Unit of the “Padre Pio Foundation and Rehabilitation Centers”, were enrolled in this study. A subset of 12 patients bought or rented the device; thus, they received the administration of the EMS-based therapy for one month, whereas the others received only one-hour training to evaluate the feasibility (by the caregivers) and short-term effects. The Gross Motor Function Classification System was utilized to evaluate gross motor functions and to classify the study sample, while the MAS and the LSS were employed to assess the outcomes of the EMS-based therapy. Moreover, between 80% and 90% of the study sample were satisfied with the safety, ease of use, comfort, adjustment, and after-sales service. Following a single session of electrical stimulation with EMS, patients exhibited a statistically significant enhancement in trunk control. For those who continued this study, the subscale of the QUEST with the best score was adaptability (0.74 ± 0.85), followed by competence (0.67 ± 0.70) and self-esteem (0.59 ± 0.60). This study investigates the impact of the employment of the EMS on CP children’s ability to maintain trunk control. Specifically, after undergoing a single EMS session, LSS showed a discernible improvement in children’s trunk control. In addition, the QUEST and the PIADS questionnaires demonstrated a good acceptability and satisfaction of the garment by the patients and the caregivers.