bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROBLEMS OF ADOPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND ACT 1914 (THIRD HOME RULE)
Authors: Шишкина И.Б.
Published: June 2024

Статья посвящена рассмотрению проблем, возникающих при принятии третьего гомруля Парламентом Соединенного Королевства. С одной стороны, анализируются условия, сложившиеся в Парламенте, с выделением важности «Акта о Парламенте 1911 года», который сделал возможным обойти право вето Палаты Лордов, настроенной против законопроекта. Отмечается сложное отношение к ирландскому вопросу в британских политических кругах, что вызывало в ряде случаев смягченную реакцию на действия ольстерских юнионистов. Рассмотрена проблема оппозиции ольстерских юнионистов, намеренных не допустить реализации гомруля в случае его принятия. Обращается внимание, что итогом стал Ольстерский кризис, включающий в себя как юнионистскую оппозиционную активность в информационном и правовом поле, так и подготовку к силовому противостоянию, что отчасти использовалось как элемент давления на Лондон. Отмечено формирование военизированных организаций юнионистов и националистов. Рассматриваются непосредственный процесс принятия гомруля и его контуры, а также компромиссные условия его реализации.

The article is devoted to the consideration of problems arising when the Third Home Rule was adopting by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. On the one hand, the conditions prevailing in Parliament are analyzed, highlighting the importance of the “Parliament Act 1911”, which made it possible to bypass the veto power of the House of Lords, which was opposed to the bill. There is a complex attitude towards the Irish question in British political circles, which in some cases caused a softened reaction to the actions of the Ulster Unionists. The problem of the opposition of Ulster Unionists, who intend to prevent the implementation of Home Rule if it is adopted, is considered. It is noted that the result was the Ulster crisis, which included both unionist opposition activity in the information and legal field, and preparation for a military confrontation, which was partly used as an element of pressure on London. The formation of paramilitary organizations of unionists and nationalists was noted. The direct process of adopting Home Rule and its contours, as well as compromise conditions for its implementation, are considered.
Effects of Promalin on Fruit Growth and Cuticle Properties of ‘Pinova’ Apple
Authors: Khanal Bishnu P. , Dahal Prabin , Si Yiru , Knoche Moritz , Schlüter Oliver K.
Published: June 2024

Promalin (Valent BioSciences, Libertyville, IL, USA) is a proprietary mixture of gibberellin A4 + 7 and 6-benzyladenine that is widely used in apple production to improve the fruit shape, size, and skin quality. Promalin typically increases fruit size and length. However, the increased growth likely increases the strain in the fruit skin, which may exacerbate microcracking of the cuticle and, consequently, russeting. This study aimed to monitor the growth-stimulating effect of Promalin in three different regions of fruits and investigate whether Promalin affects cuticular microcracking via effects on the deposition of cuticular components or via the accumulation of strain in the cuticle. Four Promalin sprays (20 mg⋅L−1) were applied to runoff; the first was applied at full bloom, and the remaining sprays were applied at approximately weekly intervals thereafter. Fruit surface areas and fruit surface area growth rates of the Promalin-treated fruits were higher than those of the untreated control fruits. Promalin increased the fruit length, but it had no effect on the fruit equatorial diameter. In Promalin-treated fruits, the base of each sepal extended, thickened, and became fleshy as early as 15 days after full bloom (DAFB). Allometric growth analyses revealed higher constant differential growth ratios of the pedicel and calyx length (before 36 DAFB) in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. After 36 DAFB, the difference in constant differential growth ratios between Promalin-treated fruits and control fruits decreased. Cuticle mass per unit area increased with time in all regions of the fruit surface and was slightly (+3.3%) but significantly higher in fruits treated with Promalin than in control fruits. Additionally, the biaxial strain release was slightly and significantly lower in Promalin-treated fruits than in control fruits. When the isolated, cuticle was ablated from the inner surface and dewaxed, strain relaxation in the control fruits was higher than that in the Promalin-treated fruits. It was concluded that Promalin treatment increases the length of the fruit by increasing the lengths of the pedicel and calyx regions early during fruit development. Promalin only slightly increased cuticle deposition and fixation of cuticular strain. Promalin had no effects on microcracking or russeting.
Crude Palm Oil Price Prediction Using Simulated Annealing-based Support Vector Regression (SA-SVR)
Authors: Chai Wen Goh  , Jack Chai  , Amirah Rahman  , Wen Eng Ong
Published: June 2024

Palm oil is one of the major export products of Malaysia. Predicting the price of crude palm oil futures (FCPO) traded on BURSA Malaysia Derivative is essential as agricultural markets have an inherent tendency towards instability, and thus are more vulnerable to price shocks than other industrial sectors. Hence, if the price of the futures contract on crude palm oil can be forecasted accurately, many parties such as farmers, refiners and distributors can manage the risk of price fluctuations through FCPO. This study proposes the metaheuristic and machine learning hybridised model of simulated annealing-based support vector regression (SA-SVR). The SVR in this model produces close price predictions of the FCPO with minimum deviation from the actual value with the help of SA, which first determines the best hyperparameter set to be utilised in the SVR. Although the proposed Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernelised SA-SVR model inputs only 10% of training data due to memory overload issues, it has produced a satisfying prediction result with an average execution time of 2 minutes and 34 seconds. The model performance was analysed further by using different ratios in data splitting, varying temperature combinations for the SA algorithm and initiating the parameter search based on the previous best hyperparameter set. Results show that keeping the test size constant and extracting more historical data on FCPO price for model training is better than varying train-test split ratios. The temperature schedule strategy showed that different initial and minimum SA temperature combinations affects the overall optimisation results. The best combination was the initial temperature of 100 and minimum of 40. In addition, the number of temperature reductions and average execution time to reach the best state decreases when the starting point of the parameter search space is close to the best values.
Volatility Spillovers Effects between Energy Commodities and Islamic Stock Markets
Authors: Mehmet Hüseyin Bilgin  , Gülin Vardar  , Berna Aydoğan  , Evan Lau
Published: June 2024

Empirical research exploring the relationship between capital markets and energy prices plays a crucial role in shaping policies for the growth of the Islamic financial system. This study aims to investigate potential shock transmission and volatility spillover effects among Islamic stock indices from selected Middle East and Northern Africa countries as well as crude oil prices and natural gas, over the period from August 2007 to September 2020. Applying VAR-BEKK-GARCH representation, the results reveal the evidence of bidirectional cross-market shock and volatility spillover effects between Kuwait and Qatar Islamic stock indexes, crude oil prices, and natural gas. Moreover, the results indicate the existence of bidirectional/unidirectional shock and volatility spillovers between Islamic indexes and all other variables, meaning there are information flows between these variables in all four countries except Turkey. Regarding the results of volatility spillovers, there is no spillover effect between Turkey’s MSCI Islamic index and Brent crude oil. These findings bear significant implications for portfolio management, offering valuable insights to financial market participants for making improved portfolio allocation decisions. Also, comprehending the volatility transmission mechanism across these markets is vital to provide policymakers and regulatory authorities with insight into the impact of energy prices on Islamic stock markets.
Al3+ and H+ substitutions in TiO2 polymorphs: Structural and vibrational investigations
Authors: Wang Sha , Wang Qingbo , Ye Yu , Liu Dan , Zhu Xi , Hu Yancheng , Miao Yunfan , Wu Zhen , Pan Yanming
Published: June 2024

Rutile is the most common TiO2 mineral on Earth’s surface and transforms to CaCl2- and α-PbO2-type structures at elevated pressures in subducted basaltic crusts. In this study, we synthesized hydrous CaCl2- and α-PbO2-type TiO2 crystals with various Al3+ concentrations using a multi-anvil press. Al3+ is incorporated into the CaCl2- and rutile-type phases mainly in the form of 3Ti4+ = 4Al3+, while the coupled substitution of Ti4+ = Al3+ + H+ is dominant in the α-PbO2-type structure, forming Ti1−x(AlH)xO2 solid solutions. Consequently, the water solubility in Al-bearing α-PbO2-type TiO2 is at least one order of magnitude greater than those in rutile- and CaCl2-type TiO2 phases, making TiO2 a significant water carrier at the pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions in the mantle transition zone (410 to 660 km depth in deep Earth’s interior), when coexisting with Al3+ and Fe3+. High-P and high-T Raman spectra were collected for these synthetic samples. The CaCl2- and α-PbO2-type phases irreversibly transform to a rutile-type structure at 950 K and ambient pressure. A reversible α-PbO2 → baddeleyite phase transition in TiO2 is detected at approximately P = 10 GPa and T = 300 K, and incorporating smaller amounts of Al3+ cations increases the phase transition pressure. The lattice vibrational modes typically shift to lower frequencies at elevated temperature and higher frequencies with increasing pressure due to variations in Ti(Al)-O bond length with temperature or pressure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic measurements were conducted on the samples under high-T or high-P conditions. Both T- and P-dependences are negative for the OH stretching vibrations in these TiO2 polymorphs, except that the OH bands in the α-PbO2-type samples exhibit a blueshift at elevated temperature. A negative linear correlation can be drawn between the measured OH stretching frequencies and the incorporated M3+O6 quadratic elongation, which were computed based on first-principles calculations. The local octahedral distortion can provide useful insights for understanding the M3+ and H+ incorporation mechanisms in TiO2 and SiO2 structures.
A critical analysis of the factors influencing knowledge sharing in Indian family owned businesses in South Africa
Authors:   , Sha Shafeek
Published: June 2024

It is commonly believed that family businesses have formed the backbone of many economies around the globe and that they have been the predominant form of enterprise that has given rise to some of the most famous multinational enterprises. Family businesses contribute to the wealth creation in most economies and conservative estimates suggest that 65% to 80% of all businesses worldwide are owned and managed by families. In South Africa, Indian family owned businesses contribute more to employment than any other family business. There is a general perception amongst South Africans that Indian family owned businesses are more successful and that this success is continued from one generation to the next. Intrigued by this “phenomenon” for many years, the researcher decided to investigate it. The perspective adopted for this research was to look at the research problem from a knowledge management discipline viewpoint, in general, with a specific focus on knowledge sharing and Indian family owned businesses. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge sharing in Indian family owned businesses. So the research answered the question: How do Indian family owned businesses in South Africa share their knowledge to ensure the continued success of their businesses through succeeding generations? A positivist research paradigm and philosophy was adopted for this research together with a quantitative research approach using survey research as the research strategy of choice. After conducting an extensive literature review, the next step was to develop and formulate a theoretical model, and flowing from the model and prior research, a research instrument was developed and administered to a qualifying sample of Indian family owned businesses in South Africa. Structural equation modelling was used as the principal mode of statistical analysis to measure the relationships amongst the variables in the model proposed in this study. After analysing the empirical data, the following key factors were identified as statistically significant in being determinants of knowledge sharing in Indian family owned businesses in South Africa: organisational culture, learning organisation, and leadership. These findings serve to contribute to the existing literature within the fields of knowledge management and family business. This study will richly contribute to research-based evidence of the factors that influence knowledge sharing in Indian family owned businesses. The outcomes will allow existing and emerging family businesses to ensure the future success of their enterprises from one generation to the next by embracing the empirical findings of this research and thus ultimately contribute to the future success of the family business as a whole.
Macroeconomic factors and government bond yield in Indonesia
Authors: Fatmawatie Naning , Endri Endri , Husein Destyanah
Published: June 2024

The issuance of bonds by the government attracts the interest of many investors, including foreigners. The government must understand the factors determining bond yields for managing government debt. This study aims to investigate the effect of domestic and global macroeconomic variables on government bond yields in Indonesia. The paper uses monthly data from November 2014 to December 2022. The research sample comprises government bonds with 5, 10, and 15-year tenor bonds. The GARCH (1,1) and GARCH-M (1,1) models are applied to estimate and analyze the determinants of government bond yields. Research findings reveal that Indonesian interest rates significantly affect the yield of 10- and 15-year tenor bonds. Inflation has no impact on bond yields across all tenors. The increase in foreign exchange reserves reduces bond yields in all tenors. The Indonesian stock exchange index is detrimental to long-term bond yields. The exchange rate has a positive impact on bond yields in all tenors. World oil prices significantly impact yields on 5- and 10-year tenor bonds. The Fed’s interest rate positively affects the yield on the 15-year tenor bond. The implication of these findings for the Indonesian government is the implementation of several aspects of economic and financial policies that can improve state debt management and financial market stability.
COMPOSITION, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS OF Protium ovatum Eng. FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS IN BRAZILIAN SAVANNAH
Authors: de Sousa Wendel , Oliveira Filho Josemar , Pereira Alana , da Silva Samara , Kassab Giulia , Christofoli Marcela , Alves Cassia , Matos Andreia , Forim Moacir , Cazal Cristiane
Published: June 2024

Protium ovatum Eng. Burseraceae is an endemic species in Brazil used in traditional medicine. This study investigated the chemical variation and the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of dichloromethane soluble fraction of hydrolate (DSFH) from leaves of P. ovatum collected from five different vegetation physiognomies within the Cerrado Goiano. The region was characterized based on the DSFH chemical composition by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were performed to compare the different DSFHs from five Savannah regions in Brazil. The DSFHs from the Cerrado stricto sensu (CSS), Mata de Galeria (MG) and Cerradão (C) regions were grouped in the negative part of PC1, showing high similarity. Samples from the C and MG regions showed antioxidant activity of IC50 = 0.98 and 0.78 mg mL-1, respectively, and 0.250 mg mL-1 of butylated hydroxytoluene (positive control). DSFH from different regions exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The results show that the chemical composition and the biological activity of DSFHs can be affected according to the area of collection.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Quizizz Mobile App in Improving Grammar Competence among EFL Students
Authors:   Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages – Information Technology, Vu Nguyen Ngoc , Nhi Kwok Thoai , Ha Tran Ngoc , Tien Bui Duc
Published: June 2024

With the increasing popularity of mobile technology, there is growing interest in exploring its potential for enhancing learning outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of using Quizizz, a mobile application, on high school students’ grammar competence and their perceptions of the app for grammar learning. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a quasi-experimental design, involving 92 11th-grade students at a high school in Vietnam. The experimental group received 17 weeks of grammar instruction using Quizizz, while the control group received traditional instruction. The results revealed that students in the experimental group significantly outperformed their peers in the control group, highlighting the positive impact of Quizizz on high school students’ grammar competence. Additionally, students’ perceptions of Quizizz for grammar practice were generally positive, as indicated by the questionnaire and interviews. The findings suggest that Quizizz can be an effective tool for enhancing grammar learning in high school students, and teachers should consider incorporating more mobile learning tasks into their instruction. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of the results to a larger population of EFL learners.
Chathi Mai in Popular Imagination: Exploring Narratives, Worship, and Rituals in North India
Authors:   Department of Humanistic Studies, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, Yadav Akanksha , Chandra Vinita
Published: June 2024

This paper explores the varied narratives surrounding Chathi Mai, which do not find a mention in the normative texts. These narratives showcase the blending of religious beliefs with regional traditions in the imagination of her worshippers. Focusing on Kartika Chatha specifically, the study delves into the narratives that depict the Goddess as a healer, protector, and feminine energy tied to the Sun. Our fieldwork in Varanasi, Patna, Munger, and Sahibganj reveals diverse origin stories, showcasing the cultural mosaic of regions venerating her. The research comprehensively examines the evolutionary trajectory of Chathi Mai’s worship, emphasizing the synthesis of mythological elements and local folklore. Three key facets—the manifestation of feminine energy, the significance of the title “Mai,” and the complementary relationship between male and female principles—are explored to provide a nuanced understanding of the Goddess’s multifaceted identity in North India. The absence of normative texts enhances grassroots adaptability, allowing for localized interpretations in the popular imagination of the Goddess. Associations with the Sun god Surya and the continuity of divine male-female dynamics provide varied entry points for believers, enabling emotional connections and familial devotion. The duality of malevolence and benevolence adds complexity, making worship dynamic and responsive to challenges. Linking Chatthi Mai to Bihar’s regional identity integrates the tradition into daily life, promoting a sense of belonging. The evolving narratives contribute to the deity’s adaptability, relevance, and popularity, with potential for further research exploring folk religions’ adaptation to societal changes and the impact of evolving narratives on community dynamics.
Folklore of the Himalayan Foothills: Weaving Traditions in Bodo Folklore
Authors:   Department of Anthropology, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, Basumatary Rishma , L Khawzawl Teresa
Published: June 2024

The Bodos, inhabiting the foothills of the Himalayas in northeastern India, are considered the indigenous population of the region. They possess a unique cultural identity characterised by their language, beliefs, rituals, and traditions. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the complex interrelationship between Bodo folklore and the practice of weaving, with the intention of providing insight into the culturally significant fabric that has been influenced by women’s expertise. The dynamic relationship between women’s folklore and the weaving traditions of the Bodo serves as evidence of the inherent interconnectivity of art, culture, and the human experience. By acknowledging and examining this dynamic relationship, we not only commemorate the ingenuity and perseverance of women but also get a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the Bodo society. Similar to the way in which every intricately crafted textile conveys a distinct narrative, the interconnectedness between folklore and weaving traditions serves as a collective account of resilience, cultural heritage, and timeless wisdom.
Health risk assessment of arsenic and lead contamination in drinking water: A study of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Tauseef Azam Muhammad , Ahmad Asif , Ahmed Anwaar , Khalid Azeem , Saleem Samreen
Published: June 2024

The present research study explores the drinking water quality of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to identify the potent dissolved contaminants and carry out a health risk assessment as the study area houses more than 3 million people. A total of 95 drinking water samples were collected from the union councils of the selected study area and analyzed for 12 physicochemical water quality indicators. The collected datasets were interpreted using general statistics, principal component analysis and spatial analysis for knowing the variations among the collected samples. The results revealed that overall 51.57% of the drinking water samples were unsatisfactory for human consumption. The rate of physicochemical contamination was 87.27% in the rural and unauthorized housing societies. Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) were the potent contaminants in the drinking water samples. The health risk assessment uncovered that 31.57 and 10.45% of samples had a hazard quotient (HQ) >1 for arsenic and lead, respectively. Collectively, 41 drinking water sources were identified as potential health risk sources for the residents.
Developments of Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines with Pharmaceutical Potential
Authors: Rashad Aymn E. , El Malah Tamer , Shamroukh Ahmed H.
Published: June 2024

:

In terms of fused heterocyclic compounds, pyrrolopyrimidines, and their substituted
analogs are among the most extensively explored scaffolds. Based on the location of
the nitrogen atom in the pyrrole ring, pyrrolopyrimidines have different isomers. This
study deals only with the pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine isomer. Several techniques are represented
and discussed in this review for producing pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives.
The first one is the cyclization of the pyrimidine ring on the pyrrole ring through the reaction
of β-enaminonitrile, β-enaminoester or β-enaminoamide of the pyrrole ring with different
bifunctional reagents such as formic acid, acetic acid, acetic anhydride, formamide,
isothiocyanate, urea, thiourea, and carbon disulfide. The second technique includes cyclization
of the pyrrole ring on the pyrimidine ring via the treatment of pyrimidine, aminopyrimidine,
diamino-pyrimidine, or triamino-pyrimidine with different reagents such as nitroalkenes, alkynes,
aldehydes, and acid chlorides. In addition, different reaction methodologies like one pot, two-step, and threestep
synthetic methodologies were reported. The last technique for producing pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives
is through miscellaneous reactions. This review also includes the interactions of pyrrolo[2,3-
d]pyrimidines at different active centers of the pyrrole ring with different reagents to form N-alkylated, Nglycosylated,
C-5, and C-6 adducts. Besides, the interactions on the pyrimidine ring to form chloro, hydrazino,
and amino-imino derivatives were also discussed. The amino-imino derivatives are key intermediates for the
preparation of tricyclic pyrrolotriazolopyrimidines. Finally, the pharmaceutical and biological properties of
some pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives have also been mentioned. This information can be utilized to design
novel diverse pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives for recent challenges in pharmaceutical and medical studies
to develop the already existing drugs or discover new ones.
CEP55: Implications for Immunotherapy and Survival in Hepatocellular
Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Zhang Long , Tian Jianhui , Luo Bin , Yao Jialiang , Yang Yun
Published: June 2024

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm that
usually originates from liver cells and is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. To
improve the survival rate of HCC patients, specific prognostic markers are essential to guide
HCC therapy. CEP55 is a microtubule-bundling protein involved in critical cell functions, including cell growth, transformation, and cytokinesis

Aims:

This study examined gene alterations in HCC tumor tissues through comprehensive analysis, aiming to elucidate their contribution to disease development.

Methods:

Bioinformatics tools were employed to investigate the expression, genetic variations,
prognostic significance, and clinicopathological relevance of CEP55 across GEO and TCGA datasets. We further explored gene alterations, DNA methylation levels, and immune infiltration of
CEP55. To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved, GO and KEGG analysis was
performed. Finally, RT-qPCR was also performed on a number of normal and tumoral cell lines
in vitro, which demonstrated that the expression of the CEP55 was significantly higher in the
tumor cell lines.

Results:

We observed that CEP55 was upregulated in 16 cancers compared to corresponding
normal tissues. CEP55 was found to be related to T stages, pathologic stages, histologic grade,
and levels of AFP. K-M analysis demonstrated that CEP55 expression was associated with a
worse outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that CEP55 expression accurately distinguished
HCC from normal tissue (AUC = 0.954). The area under 1-,3- and 5-year survival ROCs were
above 0.6. The HSPA4 genetic alterations in HCC were 0.8%. Among the 15 DNA methylation
CpG sites, 6 were related to the prognosis of HCC. HSPA4 was positively related to immune
cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in HCC. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that
CEP55 was associated with the cell cycle and presented together with CDK1. HCC cell lines
were demonstrated to express high levels of CEP55 compared to normal cells.

Conclusion:

As a result of bioinformatic analyses and RT-qPCR validation in HCC, CEP55 increased in HCC tissues and was associated with the stage of the disease and survival rate.
Genome Editing Approaches Using Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) for the
Treatment of Motor Neuron Diseases
Authors: Manikishore Medisetti , Maurya Sandeep Kumar , Rathee Sunny , Patil Umesh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Motor neuron disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions that can be inherited or
arise from spontaneous gene mutations. These disorders disrupt the crucial connection between
motor neurons and muscles, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and abnormal movements. Unfortunately, despite the significant impact on
individuals' quality of life, there is currently no definitive cure for these disorders.
In response to this pressing medical need, extensive research efforts are underway globally to
develop effective treatments for motor neuron disorders. Among the emerging therapeutic strategies, gene therapy has shown considerable promise. By targeting the underlying genetic abnormalities responsible for these disorders, gene therapy aims to correct or mitigate the dysfunctional molecular pathways, offering hope for improved outcomes and potentially even disease reversal. Various approaches are being explored within the realm of gene therapy, with genetic modification techniques taking center stage. These techniques enable precise manipulation of the
genetic material, facilitating the replacement of mutated genes with functional ones. One such
technique that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic efficacy is Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs). ZFNs are molecular tools designed to target specific DNA sequences with high
precision, enabling targeted gene editing. Their ability to induce targeted modifications in the
genome holds significant promise for treating motor neuron disorders by correcting diseasecausing mutations. Moreover, ZFNs offer advantages such as accuracy and desirable therapeutic
effects, making them an attractive option for gene therapy applications. Despite their potential, it
is essential to acknowledge the limitations and challenges associated with ZFN-based gene therapy. These include off-target effects, delivery methods, and immune responses. Understanding
and addressing these challenges are critical steps toward realizing the full therapeutic potential of
ZFNs in treating motor neuron disorders. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricacies of ZFNs, exploring their mechanisms of action, current applications, limitations, and future prospects in gene therapy for motor neuron disorders. Additionally, we provide insights into
other nucleases-mediated gene therapy approaches, highlighting their comparative advantages
and challenges. Furthermore, we discuss factors influencing the efficacy and safety of gene therapy treatments, including delivery methods, immune responses, and ethical considerations. By
examining these factors in detail, we aim to provide a holistic understanding of the complex
landscape of gene therapy for motor neuron disorders and pave the way for future advancements
in the field.
Design, Synthesis, In vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Evaluation of
Novel Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Arora Kaushal , Kumar Verma Prabhakar
Published: June 2024

Background::

In this study, a new series of 2-amino-6-(substituted)pyrimidin-4-yl-2Hchromen-
2-one analogues (S1-S15) was prepared by using the Knovengeal condensation method
and evaluated for antimicrobial as well as antioxidant activity.

Methods::

To ensure the progress and confirmation of the reactions, TLC was employed. The melting
points (MP) were ascertained utilising a Sunbim-made sonar melting point device produced in India.
To confirm the chemical structures of these compounds, we employed a range of techniques, including
FT-IR, MS, 1H-NMR, and Elemental analysis. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity was
evaluated using the tube dilution method, and a DPPH assay was used to assess antioxidant activity.

Result and Discussion::

Within the series, S1 demonstrated strong antibacterial efficacy against S. Aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 16.26μg/ml, while compound S7 displayed significant potential against B. subtilis and E. coli, with a MIC value of 17.34μg/ml. For antifungal activity, compounds S7 and S11 are the most potent against A. niger, showing a minimum inhibitory concentration of 17.34μg/ml. In the evaluation of antioxidant activity, it was observed that compounds S2 and S4 displayed outstanding antioxidant properties, with IC50 values of 13.33μg/ml and 43.13μg/ml.

Conclusion::

The newly created derivatives exhibited robust antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics
upon assessment through designated methodologies, surpassing the efficacy of conventional
drugs in the comparative analysis. Notably, compounds S1, S2, S7, S4, and S11 exhibited even
greater activity than the reference drugs. Their structure-activity relationship was also discussed.
UO2 2+ Ion Capture Enhanced with SiO2-based Compound: Insights into
Kinetic, Thermodynamics, and Transport Analysis
Authors: Al-Anber Mohammed A. , Al-Adaileh Neda’a , Zaitoun Mohammed A. , Al-Momani Idrees F. , Sobola Dinara , Hijazi Ahmed K. , Sagadevan Suresh
Published: June 2024

aims:

A fabricated silica gel, SiO2-(1-(bis(2-aminoethyl)amino)-3-(silyl)propane-2-ol), SiO2-BAEASP, has successfully enhanced the capture of UO22+ ions from water in an unprecedented study.

background:

The reported studies examine the removal of uranyl ions, specifically focusing on the efficiency, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness of traditional removal methods including various adsorbents, nanomaterials, and functionalized surfaces.

objective:

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the capturing capabilities of SiO2-BAEASP for aqueous uranium (VI) ions through batch sorption techniques.

method:

Several key parameters affecting sorption, including pH, initial concentration, temperature, and dosage, were meticulously controlled to gain insights into the capturing process's thermodynamic and kinetic aspects and determine the mechanisms involved.

result:

The equilibrium of the capturing process was observed to occur within just 5 to 10 minutes under a variety of conditions. The maximum capturing capacity of uranium (VI) ions into SiO2-BAEASP is found to be ca. 99% under the experimental conditions of pH = 5 - 7, Ci = 50 mg L-1, T = 55 °C, dosage = 2 g L-1, and 80 rpm. The sorption behavior of U(VI) ions on SiO2-BAEASP followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 ≈ 1), indicating favorable (Rl < 0.02) and spontaneous sorption of ΔG =  39.874 to 49.079 kJ mol-1. The motivation for the sorption process was attributed to the chemisorption of U(IV) ions via amino active sites, forming an inner complex sphere of the general form SiO2-BAEASP-U(VI). This finding was supported by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 ≈ 1), which provided insights into the rate constant and sorption capacities.

conclusion:

The obtained information could potentially be utilized to develop a technology utilizing new materials of SiO2-BAEASP for catching uranium ions from water or for peaceful reuse applications.

other:

Overall, this study adds to the existing body of knowledge on water treatment, filling a notable gap in the literature and paving the way for further research and development of innovative materials for the removal of uranyl ions and other heavy metal contaminants from water sources.
The Application of Photobiomodulation on Mesenchymal Stem Cells and
its Potential Use for Tenocyte Differentiation
Authors: Roets Brendon , Abrahamse Heidi , Crous Anine
Published: June 2024

Tendinopathy is a prevalent and debilitating musculoskeletal disorder. Uncertainty remains
regarding its pathophysiology, but it is believed to be a combination of inflammation, damage,
degenerative changes, and unsuccessful repair mechanisms. Cell-based therapy is an emerging
regenerative medicine modality that uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), their progeny or
exosomes to promote tendon healing and regeneration. It is based on the fact that MSCs can be differentiated
into tenocytes, the major cell type within tendons, and facilitate tendon repair. Photobiomodulation
(PBM) is a non-invasive and potentially promising therapeutic technique that utilizes
low-level light to alter intracellular processes and promote tissue healing and regeneration.
Recent studies have examined the potential for PBM to improve MSC therapy use in tendinopathy
by promoting viability, proliferation, and differentiation. As well as enhance tendon regeneration.
This review focuses on Photobiomodulation and MSC therapy applications in regenerative
medicine and their potential for tendon tissue engineering
Self-Esteem and Body Image in Older Women Practicing Taekwondo with Low Bone Density: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Linhares Diego , da Silva Giullio Cesar Pereira Salustiano Mallen , Meireles Alex Santos , Linhares Bruno Gama , dos Santos Luciano Lima , de Souza Cordeiro Lilliany , Borba-Pinheiro Claudio Joaquim , de Souza Vale Rodrigo Gomes
Published: June 2024

Background:

Physical exercise can take on a multivariate form, including combat
sports, specifically Taekwondo, a Korean sport characterized by strikes involving the hands and
feet. This sport has been gaining popularity worldwide in recent years and is being practiced by diverse
populations, including the older women.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Taekwondo training on self-esteem and
body image in older women with low bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods:

This is an experimental research with a two-group design, where assessments were conducted
pre- and post during a 12-week intervention period. The sample consisted of 27 inexperienced
older women in taekwondo practice, aged between 60 and 70 years, randomly distributed into
the experimental group (n=14) and Control Group (n=13). BMD, self-esteem, and body image
were assessed. For the evaluation of self-esteem, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was utilized.
For the evaluation of body images, the body image questionnaire was administered.

Results:

The results showed that the practice of taekwondo improved (p<0.001) body image in
the variables, including physical condition, body skills, and health, while the variable appearance
showed no difference (p=0.581).

Conclusion:

The results of this experimental study indicate an improvement in the self-esteem
and body image of older individuals practicing Taekwondo.
Add-on Therapy with Melatonin in the Acute Bipolar Mania Treatment: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Mehrpooya Maryam , Ghasemian Zahra , Amini Kiumarth , Bakhtiari Kimia , Zamanirafe Maryam , Keshavarzi Amir , Mohammadi Younes , Ahmadimoghaddam Davoud
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective:

Prior research indicates that disruptions in melatonin secretion
levels and timing could be linked to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Our study aimed to assess
the effectiveness of melatonin as an adjunctive therapy to classical mood stabilizers in addressing sleep
impairment and mood symptoms in bipolar patients currently experiencing manic episodes.

Methods:

Fifty-eight hospitalized patients, with a mean age of 38.04 ± 11.03, experiencing an acute
manic episode and receiving valproate sodium treatment for one week were randomly assigned to
either the melatonin group or the placebo group. Both melatonin and a matched placebo were initiated
at a dosage of 3 mg/day at bedtime for the first week and increased to 6 mg/day for the subsequent
three weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint focused on evaluating the severity of manic symptoms
using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) at enrollment and at weeks 1, 2, and 4 postinterventions.
Additionally, as a secondary efficacy endpoint, the change in insomnia severity was
assessed at the end of the study period using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire.

Results:

Analyses were conducted on an Intention-to-Treat (ITT) analysis dataset. Despite a significant
decrease in mean Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores over the four-week study period in
both treatment groups, melatonin exhibited a notably higher improvement in manic symptoms compared
to the placebo (p-value ≤ 0.001). By the end of week 4, patients receiving a placebo demonstrated
a mean ± SD decrease in YMRS scores of -17.3 ± 4.75, while those treated with melatonin
experienced a more substantial reduction, with a mean ± SD of -21.06 ± 5.92 (p-value = 0.012). The
proportion of responders, defined as patients with a ≥ 50% reduction in YMRS total score, and remitters,
defined as those with an endpoint YMRS score ≤12, was also significantly higher in the melatonin-
treated group compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, at the study endpoint, the melatonin
group experienced a greater reduction in the mean ISI score compared to the placebo group (11.51 ±
3.07 versus 8.97 ± 3.56; p-value < 0.001). Importantly, melatonin was well tolerated by the study
patients at this dosage.

Conclusion:

In summary, our study findings provide support for the use of melatonin as an adjunctive
therapy in the treatment of acute bipolar mania. The positive outcomes observed warrant further
investigations to replicate and extend these findings, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding
of melatonin's role in managing bipolar disorder during manic episodes
ROUGE-SS: A New ROUGE Variant for the Evaluation of Text
Summarization
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Solanki Arun , Jhanjhi NZ
Published: June 2024

Background:

Prior research on abstractive text summarization has predominantly
relied on the ROUGE evaluation metric, which, while effective, has limitations in capturing
semantic meaning due to its focus on exact word or phrase matching. This deficiency is particularly pronounced in abstractive summarization approaches, where the goal is to generate novel summaries by rephrasing and paraphrasing the source text, highlighting the need for a more
nuanced evaluation metric capable of capturing semantic similarity.

Methods:

In this study, the limitations of existing ROUGE metrics are addressed by proposing
a novel variant called ROUGE-SS. Unlike traditional ROUGE metrics, ROUGE-SS extends
beyond exact word matching to consider synonyms and semantic similarity. Leveraging resources such as the WordNet online dictionary, ROUGE-SS identifies matches between source
text and summaries based on both exact word overlaps and semantic context. Experiments are
conducted to evaluate the performance of ROUGE-SS compared to other ROUGE variants,
particularly in assessing abstractive summarization models. The algorithm for the synonym
features (ROUGE-SS) is also proposed.

Results:

The experiments demonstrate the superior performance of ROUGE-SS in evaluating
abstractive text summarization models compared to existing ROUGE variants. ROUGE-SS
yields higher F1 scores and better overall performance, achieving a significant reduction in
training loss and impressive accuracy. The proposed ROUGE-SS evaluation technique is evaluated in different datasets like CNN/Daily Mail, DUC-2004, Gigawords, and Inshorts News
datasets. ROUGE-SS gives better results than other ROUGE variant metrics. The F1-score of
the proposed ROUGE-SS metric is improved by an average of 8.8%. These findings underscore the effectiveness of ROUGE-SS in capturing semantic similarity and providing a more
comprehensive evaluation metric for abstractive summarization.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the introduction of ROUGE-SS represents a significant advancement in the field of abstractive text summarization evaluation. By extending beyond exact
word matching to incorporate synonyms and semantic context, ROUGE-SS offers researchers
a more effective tool for assessing summarization quality. This study highlights the importance
of considering semantic meaning in evaluation metrics and provides a promising direction for
future research on abstractive text summarization.
Sensors and Antennas for Smart Sensor Networks: A Review
Authors: Jain Kusumlata , Mohapatra Smaranika , Yadav Jitendra Singh , Sharma Vivek
Published: June 2024

In the current scenario of automation and digitization, sensors are available
in almost all fields of invention. Sensors are in our phones, workplaces, automobiles,
and the environment. With the increasing growth of sensors, sensor networks are a
significant aspect of the Internet of things (IoT) and the contemporary world. In a
sensor network comprising multiple sensor nodes, each sensor node is small in size,
lightweight, and portable, as are the detection stations that make up the network.
Detecting and processing nodes that have been constructed are used for sensing and
processing the surrounding environment, as well as relaying the detected data to the
other nodes in the network. Almost every sensor node in the network is equipped with
four primary components, i.e., a transducer, a microcontroller, a transmitter, and a
power supply. Sensor nodes in the sensory network must be able to operate on
restricted and tiny sources of energy, which are often available in the form of
operational battery power. These types of networks also incorporate a variety of
antennas, which help to increase the network's capacity while also increasing the
transmission range, improving spatial reuse, and reducing interference. The primary
goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of the sensors and antennas used in
wireless sensor network applications.
Analysis of Defects in Electroluminescent Images of Solar Panel using Image Processing Algorithms
Authors: Nagarajan M. , Kumar S. N. , Kumar H. Ajay , Meena G.
Published: June 2024

Computer-aided algorithms play a vital role in industrial automation; image
processing algorithms have a wide variety of applications in the detection of defects in
real-time studies. This chapter proposes image processing algorithms for the detection
of defects in solar panel electroluminescent images. This research work proposes a
median filter for the filtering of images followed by a region of interest extraction by
fast fuzzy c-means clustering. The outcome of this work paves the way for researchers
working in the processing of solar panel electroluminescent images for defects
classification.
Synthesis of Starch from Carbon Dioxide Leads to Sustainable Bio Based Society
Authors: Rajiv Asha , Ganesan Subbulakshmi
Published: June 2024

Carbon dioxide is one of the unfavorable gases which will be released into
the atmosphere in different ways such as the burning of fossil fuel, factory emissions,
vehicle smoke, etc. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that will lead to global
warming, climatic changes, and acid rain. Photosynthesis is the production of starch
and oxygen with the help of carbon dioxide and water under sunlight in the chloroplast.
It is a natural phenomenon carried out by plants. Moreover, this is one great activity
conducted by plants, because they absorb harmful gases and release oxygen, which is
very helpful for the process of living for all organisms. A team of Chinese scientists
found a way to synthesize starch artificially in 2021, which is a great achievement in
the field of science. Therefore, here they collected carbon dioxide gas from the
atmosphere in order to conduct these reactions. This is a very effective method where
the useless, toxic, and harmful gases like carbon dioxide are converted finally into a
useful product. Therefore, this can promote the formation of a sustainable bio-based
society.