bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powdered green tea improved particulate matter (PM)2.5 exposure-induced cardiac cytotoxicity via TLR pathway in BALB/c mice
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Lee Hyo Lim , Go Min Ji , Kim Tae Yoon , Joo Seung Gyum , Kim Ju Hui , Lee Han Su , Heo Ho Jin
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to assess the protective effects of the aqueous green tea extract (GTE) against particulate matter (PM)2.5-induced cardiac dysfunction in BALB/c mice. The administration of GTE increased the body weight change and reduced the heart index. GTE suppressed the increase in creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) contents in mice serum. GTE protected the antioxidant system damage by regulating the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) contents, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in heart tissues. In addition, GTE down regulated the inflammatory reaction by inhibiting the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, phosphoylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor alpha (p-IκB-α), caspase-1 (Cas-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), and internluekin-1beta (IL-1β). The consumption of GTE suppressed the cardiac cytotoxicity by regulating the protein expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2), and BCl-2 associated X (BAX). This study suggests that GTE might be a potential material to protect PM2.5-induced cardiac damage and inflammation via the TLR pathway.
Foliar application of Silicon and Salicylic acid improves growth, leaf pigments and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under nutrient deficient sandy soil
Authors: V Pruthvi Krishna , Kumar Vinai , Bisarya Dipti
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The individual benefits of Salicylic acid (SA) and Silicon (Si) on plant growth have been studied independently but there is limited research exploring the interactive effects of SA and Si on plant growth. Therefore, the objective of this current study is to evaluate the combined impact of SA and Si on the growth, chlorophyll content, and yield of maize.
Method
The effect of foliar application of Si and SA was estimated in maize in the year 2021–2022. Treatments were of two levels of varieties i.e., V1:PMH13 and V2:TA5084 and four levels of foliar application of Si and SA along with RDF i.e., T1:RDF (Control), T2:RDF + Salicylic acid (150ppm), T3:RDF + Silicon (40ppm) and T4:RDF + Salicylic acid (150ppm) + Silicon (40ppm) replicated thrice laying out in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement (FRBD).
Results
T4recorded higher chlorophyll content (15.64 mg g− 1 FW) and growth in seedling tray experiment. It also had the highest plant height, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and SPAD values in field trial. This resulted in a significant increase in grain yield (39.97%) compared to T1. Additionally, T3 and T4, which received silicon foliar application, had the least insect infestation during early crop stages compared to T1.
Conclusion
The results showed that application of Si would have increased synthesis of structural components in plant cells and enhanced resistance to environmental stresses and SA induced System Acquired Resistance (SAR) and promoted nutrient uptake. The results were further verified by principal component analysis (PCA).
Introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) in orchid pollination: surrogate pollinators or pollen wasters?
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Guzzetti Lorenzo , Pioltelli Emiliano , Brundrett Mark , Aromatisi Andrea , Polverino Giovanni , Vallejo-Marin Mario , Cozzolino Salvatore , Ren Zong-Xin
Published: July 2023

Biological invasion is one of the leading threats to global biodiversity. Invasive species can change the structure and dynamics of landscapes, communities, and ecosystems, and even alter mutualistic relationships across species such as pollination. Orchids are one of the most threatened plant families globally and known to have established specialised pollination mechanism to reproduce, yet the impact of invasive bees on orchid reproduction has not been comprehensively assessed. We conduct a literature survey to document global patterns of the impact of invasive honeybees on orchids’ pollination. We then present a study case from Australian orchids, testing the extent to which introduced honeybees can successfully pollinate orchids across different degrees of habitat alteration, using Diuris brumalis and D. magnifica (Orchidaceae). Globally, Apis mellifera is the principal alien bee potentially involved in orchid pollination. We show that pollinator efficiency and fruit set in D. brumalis is higher in wild habitats in which both native bees and invasive honeybees are present, relative to altered habitat with introduced honeybees only. Pollen removal and fruit set of D. magnifica rise with native bees’ abundance whilst pollinator efficiency decreases with honeybee abundance and increases with habitat size. Complementarily to our findings, our literature survey suggests that the presence of introduced honeybees adversely impacts orchid pollination, likely via inefficient pollen transfer. Given the worldwide occurrence of introduced honeybees, we warn that some orchids may be negatively impacted by these alien pollinators, especially in altered and highly fragmented habitats where natural pollination networks are compromised.
Risk factors and clinical course of hydronephrosis after flexible ureteroscopy
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Koterazawa Shigeki , Soumiya Shinya , Haitani Takao , Ito Katsuhiro , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi , Kanno Toru
Published: July 2023

We wanted to assess the frequency of hydronephrosis after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS), its risk factors, and long-term outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 865 patients who underwent fURS for renal or ureteral stones from October 2011 to December 2019 and were evaluated for hydronephrosis 3 months after surgery by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Patient demographics, preoperative ureteral stents, location and diameter of stones, operative times, use of ballistic or laser devices, intraoperative ureteral injuries, and duration of the postoperative ureteral stents were evaluated. The clinical outcome was further followed for patients identified with an abnormal 3-month follow-up. At 3 months postoperatively, 48 patients developed hydronephrosis. The median stone length was 11.6 mm in all patients, and preoperative ureteral stenting was performed in most (93.5%) patients. The operation time (77 vs. 60 minutes, p < .05) was significantly longer in the group with postoperative hydronephrosis. There was no significant difference with ureteral injury. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the operation time significantly increased the risk for postoperative hydronephrosis. Almost all patients with mild postoperative hydronephrosis had resolution or no worsening of hydronephrosis. Only one of the three patients with moderate hydronephrosis improved, but the others did not. Only the operation time was significant as a risk factor for postoperative hydronephrosis, whereas ureteral injury and the ureteral access sheath diameter were not. Mild hydronephrosis resolved spontaneously in most patients, but those with more severe hydronephrosis might require follow-up or treatment for ureteral stricture.
Spatial-Temporal Evaluation of Satellite-Derived Rainfall Estimations for Water Resources Applications in the Upper Congo River Basin
Authors: Boluwade Alaba
Published: July 2023

Satellite rainfall estimates are robust alternatives to gauge precipitation, especially in Africa, where several watersheds and regional water basins are poorly gauged or ungauged. In this study, six satellite precipitation products: the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS); Tropical Applications of Meteorology Using Satellite and Ground-based Observations (TAMSAT); Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM); and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s new Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) early run (IMERG-ER), late run (IMERG-LR) and final run (IMERG-FR) are used to force a gauge-calibrated Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for the Congo River Basin, Central Africa. In this study, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) calibrated version of the SWAT was used as the benchmark/reference while scenario versions will be created as configurations using each satellite product identified above. CFSR was used as an independent sample, to prevent bias towards any of the satellite products. The calibrated CFSR model captured and reproduced the hydrology (timing, peak flow & seasonality) of this basin using the average monthly discharge from Jan,1984- Dec,1991. Furthermore, the results show that TRMM, IMERG-FR, and CHIRPS captured the peak flows and correctly reproduced the seasonality and timing of the monthly discharges (Jan 2007- Dec 2010). In contrast, TAMSAT, IMERG-ER, and IMERG-LR overestimated the peak flows. These results show that some of these precipitation products must be bias corrected before being used for practical applications. The results of this study will be significant in integrated water resources management in the Congo River Basin and other regional river basins in Africa. Most important, the results obtained from this study has been hosted in a repository for free access to all interested in hydrology and water resources management in Africa
Recognize and classify illnesses on tomato leaves using EfficientNet's Transfer Learning Approach with different size dataset
Authors: Buchke Pratik , Mayuri V R
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the remarkable progress made by the agricultural sector in utilizing image processing techniques for early detection and classification of leaf plant diseases. Timely identification of diseases is crucial, but it often poses a challenge for the human eye to discern subtle differences. To address this issue, the researchers propose a novel approach that employs EfficientNet, a deep learning model, to accurately recognize various diseases affecting tomato plant leaves. Transfer learning is applied to three different datasets comprising 3000, 8000, and 10,000 images of diseased tomato leaves. The experimental results demonstrate impressive overall accuracies of 97.3%, 99.2%, and 99.5% when using 3000, 8000, and 10,000 images, respectively, for the detection of common tomato plant diseases. This research underscores the effectiveness of image processing and deep learning techniques in achieving precise and efficient detection of tomato leaf diseases. It significantly contributes to the advancement of precision agriculture and enhanced crop management practices.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress–activated unfolding response induced by SVCV infection in epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells
Authors: Jiao Xue , Lu Yu ting , Liu Jia , Sun Jia , Wan Ji wu , Guo Zheng yao , Yang Yuan ru , Qian Ai dong , Li Yue hong
Published: July 2023

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is an efficient pathogen that causes high mortality in the common carp. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) play important roles in viral infection, replication, and in triggering host pathogenesis. However, the relationship between ERS and SVCV infection is unknown. Here, we reported that the SVCV is phosphorylated by cellular XBP1, in which specific splicing occurs and activates the IRE1-XBP1, PERK-eIF2α, and ATF6 signaling pathways. First, western blotting showed that the protein expression of GRP78 increased with the duration of infection, and eIF2ɑ protein expression also increased. Moreover, fluorescence-based quantitative PCR results showed that ERS marker GRP78 mRNA increased with time, and IRE1, XBP1, PERK, ATF4, and ATF6 mRNA levels also increased. Additionally, using tunicamycin (TM) as an ERS activator, the results showed that its optimal use concentration was 2.0 μg/mL, and the optimal use concentration of Tauroursodesoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) as an ERS inhibitor was 400 μM. In summary, SVCV virus replication could be promoted or inhibited using activation and inhibitors, and SVCV infection of EPC cells activated the IRE1-XBP1, PERK-eIF2ɑ, and ATF6 signaling pathways.
Analysis of N6-methyladenosine modification and immune infiltration characterization in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Yang Nan , Zhu Hui , Ma Junxin , Shao Qing
Published: July 2023

Background
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a potentially sight-threatening ocular disease that affects 50% of patients with Graves’ disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is post-transcriptional RNA modification in mammalian mRNA. Exploring the role of m6A regulators and the immune infiltration characterization in TAO is essential to understand its pathogenesis.
Methods
We excavated differentially expressed m6A regulators from the TAO microarray data set (GSE58331) in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Based on R software (v4.2.2), we performed bioinformatics analyses including differential expression analysis, training models construction such as support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and nomogram models for the evaluation of TAO occurrence, consensus clustering algorithm for the evaluation of clusters quantity, principal component analysis (PCA) for quantification of m6A modification level in individual patients, Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) for functional enrichment analysis, etc.
Results
Four significant m6A regulators (IGFBP2, IGFBP3, RBM15B, and FTO) were screened by differential expression analysis between the TAO group and the healthy group. RM identified that the four m6A regulators above were associated with the risk of TAO. Furthermore, a nomogram was conducted to provide benefits to patients. Based on filtered m6A regulators, we divided the TAO group into two m6A subtypes (cluster A/B) by consensus clustering. The PCA algorithm calculated the m6A score of each sample to quantify m6A patterns. GO functional annotation proved that m6A-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in biological processes (BP), cellular components (CC), and molecular functions (MF). KEGG enrichment analysis showed m6A-related DEGs were particularly abundant in the endocytosis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and protein export. ssGSEA presented the difference in immune infiltration between m6Acluster A/B and gene cluster A/B. In addition, we also analyzed the relationship between m6Aclusters or gene clusters and cytokines.
Conclusions
This article analyzed the effect of m6A modification in the pathogenesis of TAO, focusing on immune infiltration. These findings may be able to guide the future strategy of immunotherapy.
“Assessing ChatGPT's Performance in Answering Cervical Cancer Screening Questions to ChatGPT-generated Clinical Vignettes: A Pilot Study”
Authors: Ghafoor Saadia , Yahya Abid
Published: July 2023

Objective
This research aims to determine the impact of ChatGPT-generated information on the clinical practice of preventive gynecology pertinent to cervical cancer screening in a primary care setting. Using prompt, ChatGPT (GPT-3.5 model) was explored for its ability to construct five different clinical vignettes on cervical cancer screening, each with a single relevant query and subsequent answer based on the current standard of care. All clinical responses were compared with the current standard of care to assess the accuracy.
Design
This was a qualitative research-based pilot study.
Setting
Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) model-3.5 was explored to achieve the objective of this study.
Participants
ChatGPT (model-3.5) was prompted to generate five different clinical vignettes about cervical cancer screening, each followed by a query and subsequent response to the respective query.
Results
ChatGPT (GPT-3.5 model) was able to provide five clinical vignettes on cervical cancer screening with relevant queries but with answers of variable accuracy. The answer was found to be unsatisfactory for one vignette, acceptable for two, and satisfactory for two when compared with the current standard of care. The model's ability to provide in-depth answers to cervical cancer screening queries in a primary care setting was found to be limited. When asked about citations to information sources, the model could not provide accurate citations initially and provided URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the fifth attempt but most of them failed to open the relevant pages on their respective websites.
Conclusions
This study found ChatGPT’s answers with variable accuracy concerning clinical queries related to cervical cancer screening, thus depicting limited ChatGPT performance in this context. There are concerns about the lack of in-depth answers to various questions and accurate citations. ChatGPT can be a valuable tool to augment a physician's clinical judgment if it could provide information from updated evidence-based guidelines. Further research is required to explore its prospects in conjunction with medical informatics while taking measures for safeguarding health data.
Impact of historical and future Land Use Land Cover Changes on the hydrological response of the Fincha watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Regasa Motuma Shiferaw , Nones Michael
Published: July 2023

Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) is generally considered the main factor influencing the hydrological processes and sediment output of Ethiopian semi-arid watersheds. Focusing on the Fincha watershed, the current study applies the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to evaluate how LULC changes affect the watershed hydrological dynamics. Utilizing stream flow time series data acquired from 1986 to 2008, the model was calibrated and validated. Standard statistics such as coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe simulation effectiveness, and per cent bias were used to assess the model's performance. To investigate the effect of LULC changes on watershed hydrology, six LULC scenarios have been produced, representing three past (1989, 2004, 2019) and three future (2030, 2040, 2050) reference conditions. The results show an increase in surface runoff in the past, and a similar tendency is expected for the next three decades. On the contrary, lateral flow and groundwater flow are occasionally decreasing. At the sub-watershed scale, areas where surface runoff has dropped significantly point to an increase in groundwater, indicating an inverse relationship between surface runoff and groundwater. The present analysis shows that the ongoing expansion of agricultural land, urban areas, and intermittent logging of forest cover may be the reason for the rise in surface runoff, and the decline in groundwater and lateral flow.
Reinforcement of Natural Rubber/Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (NR/EPDM) by Silane Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: M.S Ravi Theja , P Ganeshan , P Ramshankar , K Raja
Published: July 2023

We describe a nanocomposite made of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs, a naturally occurring tube-like nanoparticle), natural rubber (NR), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer grafted with maleic anhydride (EPDM-g-MA). Diethoxydimethyl silane (DMS), a silane coupling agent, was used to modify highly hydrophilic HNT nanotubes to ensure proper dispersion of these nanoparticles in the hydrophobic NR/EPDM rubber matrix. After the silane modification, the functional groups on the surface of the HNTs were characterised and the degree of modification was determined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The maximal tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation (M100), and elongation at break are reached at 8 phr after the addition of DMS modified HNTs to NR/EPDM. Any additional growth causes the tensile strength, M100, and elongation at break to gradually decline.
Saccharides alleviate the heat aggregation behavior of egg yolk: Characterization of heat stability, rheological and structure changes
Authors: Yu Qian , Chi Yujie , Chi Yuan
Published: July 2023

To alleviate the quality deterioration of liquid egg yolk caused by increased sterilization temperature. This study investigated the effects of sucrose, glucose, trehalose, and arabinose on the heat aggregation behavior of egg yolk. The results showed that saccharides significantly increased the thermal denaturation temperature, effectively inhibited the heat-induced thickening effect, and slowed the decrease in the soluble protein content and emulsifying activity of liquid egg yolk after heat treatment. At the same time, the FT-IR and surface group indicated that saccharide could alleviate the change degree of structuration and the exposure of hydrophobic residues of protein molecules egg yolk protein. It was also found that the aggregation degree of egg yolk is relatively low by observing the microstructure. In summary, sucrose, glucose, trehalose, and arabinose could alleviate the heat aggregation behavior of egg yolk, which could be applied to produce liquid egg yolk with enhanced heat stability.
Evaluation of Insecticidal activity and Genetic Expressions of some Essential Oil and Methomyl Lannate 90% against Spodoptera frugiperda [J.E. Smith]; (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Sadek Hanaa , Elbehery Huda , Mohamed Shereen , El-wahab Tarek Abd
Published: July 2023

Fall Armyworm (FAW)Spodoptera frugiperda[J.E. Smith] (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is regarded as a major pest of various economic crops, their caterpillars are a highly destructive and have a wide host range. This study's goal was to assess the insecticide potency of essential oils [rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalisL.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)] and Methomyl Lannate 90% commerial Insecticide to control FAW and their effected on Expression of caspase-8 and Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (IAP) genes and Expression ofAcetylcholinesterase(AChE) gene in FAW. The insecticidal activity against 2nd larval instar was evaluated with five concentrations (2.5%, 2%, 1.0%, 0.5% and 0.25%) for essential oil and four concentrations 0.4%, 0.2%,0.15% and 0.05% for Methomyl Lannate 90%. The findings indicated that raising both essential oil concentrations and Methomyl Lannate 90%, resulted in increased the larval mortality at high concentration. Lemongrass and Cinnamon oil produced about to the same estimated LC50, whereas Methomyl Lannate 90% was (0.3%).Cymbopogon citratus(1.68%) had higher Caspase-8 gene expression levels compared to the control, but at a lower level than Rosmarinus officinalis L. (2.59%) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (1.67%). The expression levels of Ache gene in the treated by low concentration of Methomyl Lannate were increased (by 313%) significant compared with the control but without significant differences. FAW death as a result of treatment with the tested oils having an effect on the genes that the pest uses to express critical processes. As a result, using the tested essential oils as a substitute for conventional management of FAW is a brilliance option.
Effect of micro-viscosity on the rotational diffusion: pulsed laser based time resolved single molecule study
Authors: Atta Diaa
Published: July 2023

The effect of the changing in the buffer concentrations or any additives like surfactants to the protein samples during the analysis on the single bio molecule diffusion is one of the hidden points in the single molecule time resolved measurements. In the current work, PGK labeled with Atto 647 has been investigated on the single molecule level while it diffuses in Na2CO3 buffer at concentrations that vary from 10 mg/l up to 50 mg/l. The fluorescence lifetime of PGK labeled with Atto 647 in 50 mg/ml Na2CO3 has been measured, and it was found to be 2.7 ns. The Fluorescence cross correlation (FCS) of the diffused protein has also been measured and it confirms that the used samples are at a single molecule level. Time decay fluorescence anisotropy has been performed for PGK labeled with Atto 647 in different concentrations of Na2CO3, and the results confirmed that there is a clear impact on the molecular translational and rotational diffusion even with slight changes in the buffer concentration.
Risk factors for death among children with severe malaria, Namutumba District, Eastern Uganda, September 2021 - February 2022
Authors: Zalwango Marie Gorreti , Simbwa Brenda Nakafeero , Kabami Zainah , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Wanyana Mercy Wendy , Akunzirwe Rebecca , Zalwango Jane Frances , Kizito Saudah Namubiru , Naiga Hellen Nelly , Ninsiima Mackline , Agaba Brian , Zavuga Robert , King Patrick , Kiggundu Thomas , Kiirya James , Gambaniro Jeremiah , Migisha Richard , Opigo Jimmy , Bulage Lilian , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Ario Alex Riolexus
Published: July 2023

Background: In February 2022, a high number of deaths among children was reported to the Ministry of Health from Namutumba District. The cause was later confirmed as severe malaria. We investigated the scope of severe malaria deaths, identified associated factors, and recommended evidence-based control measures to inform malaria-prevention programming in Namutumba District.
Methods: We conducted an unmatched case-control study in March 2022 in the most affected subcounty (Ivukula Subcounty). We defined a case as death with a history of fever and any of the following: convulsions, difficulty breathing, yellow eyes, tea-colored urine, anemia, loss of consciousness, or reduced urine output in a child ≤12 years from September 2021 to February 2022 in Ivukula Subcounty, Namutumba District. Controls were survivors with the same signs and symptoms, recruited in a 2:1 ratio with cases. We actively searched for cases and controls door-to-door with the help of community health workers. We interviewed caretakers for cases and controls to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data, including health-seeking behavior and health systems risk factors. Drugs and bloodstock status information was obtained from health workers using an interview guide. We identified factors associated with death using multivariate logistic regression and thematic analysis for qualitative data.
Results: Among 46 cases, 29 (63%) were <5 years, and 23 (50%) were female. Death among children with severe malaria was significantly associated with treatment non-completion (aOR=9.7, 95%CI: 1.8–53) and failure to receive blood transfusion for anemic patients (aOR=7.1, (95%CI: 1.4–36). Healthcare workers reported that failure to reach intended referral sites due to transport costs, stockouts of antimalarials and blood products at health facilities, and absence of integrated community case management of childhood illnesses (iCCM) were likely contributors to deaths among children with severe malaria.
Conclusion:
Incomplete or insufficient treatment due to lack of patient resources and drug stockouts contributed to malaria mortality among children ≤12 years in Ivukula Subcounty in Uganda. We recommend accurate quantification of antimalarials for health facilities, offering transport support to severe patients referred to higher-level facilities, and increasing access to blood products. Activation of iCCM could facilitate public health efforts against severe malaria in the district.
The contribution of local shrubs to the carbon footprint reduction of traditional dairy systems in Cundinamarca, Colombia
Authors: González-Quintero Ricardo , Sierra-Alarcón Andrea Milena , Benavides-Cruz Juan Carlos , Mayorga-Mogollón Olga Lucía
Published: July 2023

Cattle farming is responsible for about 15% of Colombian greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). In Cundinamarca Department, specialized dairy farms located in the high tropics contribute to 14% of national milk production, and 94% correspond to small-scale producers. Therefore, mitigation strategies for dairy farms are needed to achieve the national GHGE reduction targets. This study aims to quantify the carbon footprint (CF), through of a Life Cycle Assessment methodology, of 82 specialized dairy farms at the farm gate in 3 regions of Cundinamarca: Center Savanna, West Savanna, and Ubate Valley; and identify the contribution of Acacia decurrens, Sambucus peruviana, and Baccharis latifolia on milk production increases and GHGE mitigation potential. The GHGE were calculated with the 2019 Refinement to 2006 IPCC guidelines and impact factors from databases. The functional units corresponded to one kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) and one kg live weight gain, in a cradle-to-farm-gate approach. For the 3 regions, the enteric fermentation and manure left in pastures corresponded to the primary sources of on-farm GHGE, and the manufacturing of feed was the main off-farm source. Milk CFs ranged between 1.5 and 2.2 kgCO2-eq kgFPCM− 1. Incorporating Acacia decurrens, Sambucus peruviana, and Baccharis latifolia in cattle diets resulted in a reduction of CF by 13–26% and increased milk yields by 19–37% across the three regions. These findings provide evidence of GHGE mitigation and increased milk productivity through the inclusion of locally available feedstuffs in specialized dairy systems in the high tropics of Cundinamarca.
Skin Type Diversity: a Case Study in Skin Lesion Datasets
Authors: Alipour Neda , Burke Ted , Courtney Jane
Published: July 2023

Inadequate skin type diversity, leading to racial bias, is a widespread problem in datasets involving human skin. For example, skin lesion datasets used for training deep learning-based models can lead to low accuracy for darker skin types, which are typically under-represented in these datasets. This issue has been discussed in previous works; however,skin type diversity of datasets and reporting of skin types have not been fully assessed. Frequently, ethnicity is used instead of skin type, but ethnicity and skin type are not the same, as many ethnicities can have diverse skin types. Some works define skin types, but do not attempt to assess skin type diversity in datasets. Others, focusing on skin lesions, identify the issue, but also do not measure skin type diversity in the datasets examined. Building on previous works in the area of skin lesion datasets, this review explores the general issue of skin type diversity in datasets by investigating and evaluating skin lesion datasets specifically. The main contributions of this work are: an evaluation of all publicly available skin lesion datasets and their metadata to assess frequency and completeness of reporting of skin type and an investigation into the diversity and representation of specific skin types within these datasets.
A General Approach to Modeling Covid-19
Authors: Isea Raul
Published: July 2023

The present work shows that it is possible to analytically solve a general model to explain the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. First, the within-host model is described, and later a between-host model, where the coupling between them is the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. The within-host model describes the equations involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, and also the immune response; while that the between-Host model analyzes the dynamics of virus spread from the original source of contagion associated with bats, subsequently transmitted to a host, and then reaching the reservoir (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan ), until finally infecting the human population.
Developing Investigative Skills in Astronomy: A Double Star Observation and Analysis Project for Students
Authors: Neagu Gabriel Cristian , Tercu Jan Ovidiu
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the impact of double star analysis and observation on middle and high school students' spatial reasoning and data analysis skills. Thirty students from a middle school in Romania participated in double star analysis and observation activities using a 0.4 m f/8 Ritchey Chretien telescope with an SBIG STL-6303E CCD camera mounted on a DDM85 mount. Before and after the activities, students completed questionnaires to assess their interest in astronomy, knowledge of double stars, confidence in analyzing scientific data, and spatial reasoning. These findings suggest that engaging in hands-on activities focused on double star analysis and observation can be an effective way to improve middle and high school students' abilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Life and maladies in the grey area between the up & down regulation of GATA6: Uncharted spots of beta-pancreatic islet cells.
Authors: Waili Amani Hamed Al , Shuhoumi Mohammed Abdullah Al , Turner Mark D
Published: July 2023

Death and dysfunctionality of pancreatic islet beta-cells are a centric key element in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Saturated fatty acids are commonly circulated in diabetic and obese individuals. Elevated and chronic exposure to fatty acids has a pernicious influence on islet cells’ functionality and survival due to its capability to induce apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, T2DM is a heterogeneous disorder that includes genetic and environmental factors in conjunction with dyslipidaemia with a considerably high rate of morbidity and mortality. There are many genes involved in the pathogenesis that remain to be charted. Here, we show a comprehensive interrogation of GATA6 based on previously published gene expression data on the basis of stating its validity via bioinformatics analysis and reaching a new understanding. Various datasets with different patient cohorts were compared and contrasted. Gene ontology and predictive pathway analysis (e.g., Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway; KEGG) were used to explore interactions of numerous differentially expressed genes. Protein-protein interactions network through the STRING database has appreciated a list of key genes. GATA6 interacted with genes from pathways that were significantly enriched (FDR < 0.05) in the analysis of the KEGG pathway suggesting its close involvement, for example, 'maturity-onset diabetes of the young pathway’ and ‘pathways in cancer’. The most obvious finding to emerge from this study is that GATA6 plays an intrinsic role in islet beta cell differentiation and survival, and bioinformatics analysis allows the introduction of potentially reliable biomarkers that interact with GATA6, which required further validation studies.
New approach for determining the optimal point of injection of PV energy into the East interconnected electrical grid Cameroon using the Bald Eagle Search algorithm.
Authors: Steve Perabi Ngoffe , amigue FISSOU filbert , Salomé NDJAKOMO ESSIANE
Published: July 2023

In this work, we searched for the optimal node in East interconnected electrical grid Cameroon. By injecting electrical energy from photovoltaics. This makes it possible to meet the demand for electrical energy using renewable energies and to reach the maximum population. We first used the IEEE 33-node network to validate our algorithm, then we used a real electrical grid from EAST Cameroon. The main criterion is the minimization of active energy losses during injection. The algorithm used is the white-necked eagle algorithm was used. The method was implemented in MATLAB to find the optimal node in the radial network of 33 nodes. The results compared to the other methods show a reduced percentage of the total active losses in the network.
Rising global economic power by China to challenge new global order
Authors: Yoshimori Masaaki
Published: July 2023

This paper’s arguments guide Chinese political economy. This analytical idea is based on Rodrik’s political-economy trilemma: global economic integration, democracy, and national sovereignty. Chinese policymakers face a trade-off among three policy goals: (hyper-) globalization, democracy, and national sovereignty. China’s President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have chosen global economic integration and national sovereignty (fewer human rights). To reflect the analytical idea, which can measure the length of a vector, is a mathematics methodology. As a result, Chinese political events such as the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in 1966, the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, and the choice of Chinese President Xi Jinping as General Secretary of the Communist Party in 2012 had an impact on reshaping when the length of vector (the sphere’s radius of 2) was more than 2. The future direction of China will lead to a “Golden Straitjacket.” The “Golden Straitjacket.” makes a country push forward trade liberalization and national sovereignty — i.e., democracy is constrained. Chinese policy has changed to stronger centralization of political power and decision-making for President Xi and the CCP. Also, China expands a global economic integration and national sovereignty. However, China needs to contribute to globalization without causing more conflicts to Western countries. In other words, China should be loath to relinquish the individual and national benefits of integrated international economies. “Fast and furious” is the first step of globalization for a peaceful world.
The impact of gamification intention to use in e-learning through student attitude: evidence from Egyptian Private Higher Education Institutions (HIEs)
Authors: Wael Abbass Hafez Dina , Abd El Salam Mohamed , Farid Shimaa , Farouk Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many universities to move to online learning to sustain students’ education. Today’s Students are digital natives. They grew up with digital technologies and have different learning styles, new attitude to the learning process and higher requirements for teaching and learning. Indeed, there is a need to develop new e-learning models that transform education to sustain goals and achieve education’s objectives. Modern pedagogical paradigms and trends in education, reinforced by the use of ICT, create prerequisites for use of new approaches and techniques in order to implement active learning. Gamification is one of these trends as applying gamification in a non-gaming environment motivates students and also keeps them engaged in learning. The purpose of this research is to empirically investigate gamification intention to use in E-learning through student attitude in the Egyptian Private Higher Education Institutions (HIEs). This study proposes to integrate the personal characteristics including the dimensions (computer anxiety, enjoyment, self-efficacy) which extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) including dimensions (Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use). The objectives of this research are: to examine how gamification affects intention to use in E-learning, to identify how gamification affects student’s attitude, to investigate how student’s attitude affects intention to use gamification. Data in this study came from a survey of 4.3 acceptable responses. the results were analysed employing by Structural Equation Modeling technique (SEM) using Analysis Moment of Structures (AMOS) software. The main conclusions drawn from this study are: the direct effect between gamifications and intention to use gamification in E-learning is statistically significant, the direct effect between gamification and student’s attitude towards gamification is statistically significant, the direct effect between student’s attitude towards gamification and intention to use gamification in E-learning is statistically significant, and finally, student’s attitude mediates the relationship between gamification and intention to use Egyptian higher education institutions.
Assessing the impact of quality of education on the knowledge economy: evidence from Algeria
Authors: Benrouina Mourad , Malki Omar
Published: July 2023

This research was focused on Algeria and looked at how education quality affected the knowledge economy. Two indicators of the knowledge economy—the number of fixed line subscribers and the number of internet subscribers—were examined for their effects on Algeria’s educational system. The theoretical anchor was the endogenous or new growth hypothesis. The study used an ex-post facto research design. Secondary sources were used to get panel-structured data that spanned 48 provinces and 22 years (1999–2020). The equations were estimated using the fixed-random effect model and Hausman test. The Kao (Engle Ganger-based) cointegration test proved that the series did indeed have a long-run connection. The findings indicated that the knowledge economy was boosted by a rise in students’ Baccalaureate and Intermediate test success rates. This is due to the fact that a rise in exam success rates indicates that individuals at various educational levels are now receiving education of a higher caliber, and the economy depends on this caliber of education. The rise in students and professors is a sign that there are more knowledgeable people and specialized educators accessible to fuel the knowledge economy. As more educated citizens pass their exams and graduate from college, they are hired from the labor market into industries as significant production factors whose skills, values, and knowledge acquired through specialized training are expected to promote machine handling and coordination of other human and nonhuman production factors to fuel the knowledge economy. Teachers should be provided with ongoing professional development opportunities to help them provide instruction at all educational levels, according to a recommendation. This would improve their ability to educate and inspire students and help them do better on their intermediate and baccalaureate exams. To make it easy for instructors and academics to participate, the training should be offered as sandwich courses, seminars, conferences, workshops, and even full-time training programs.
A BCAA táplálkozás-élettani hatásai, szerepe a sporttáplálkozásban és a klinikumban
Authors: Maszlag Annamária , Mayer Lívia , Fritz Réka , Fritz Péter
Published: July 2023

Az étrend-kiegészítők formájában történő fehérjepótlás szinte nélkülözhetetlen a sportolók körében. A fehérjeporok mellet gyakori a BCAA, azaz elágazó láncú aminosav (leucin, izoleucin, valin) készítmények használata is. Az aminosav kiegészítők szedésének célja, hogy biztosítsák az izmok regenerációját, illetve segítsék az izom épülését a nagy terheléssel járó edzések, versenysorozatok idején (Szabad et al. 2021). Jelen tanulmányban összegezzük a meglévő kutatások eredményeit az elágazó láncú aminosavak felépítéséről, tulajdonságairól, rövid- és hosszú távú hatásairól nemcsak sportolói körökben, hanem a klinikumban is. Képet kapunk arról, hogy méltán preferált és elterjedt-e ezen étrend-kiegészítők használata.
Zene, színház és élmények – avagy zenés színházi leisure
Authors: Magyar Márton , Gősi Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2023

A zenés színház a szellemi rekreáció szórakoztatási funkciót betöltő egyik alterülete. Már a 19. századi Magyarországon is megjelent a műfaj. Jelentős reprezentánsai voltak például a fővárosban az orfeumok (mint a Budapest Operettszínház elődje, a Somossy Orfeum 1894-től). Ezek mellet már 1840-től a Nemzet Színház (1837- 1840 között Pest Magyar Színház), 1875-től a Népszínház, illetve 1884-től a Magyar Állami Operaház is kínált ilyen előadásokat. Az építészetileg is remekül kialakított épületek jelentős része a híres bécsi építészpáros, Fellner és Helmer nevéhez fűződik, ám Ybl Miklós operaház-kialakítása is kimagasló. Épületséták során is megismerhetjük ezeket. A 20-21. századra szélesebb körben megjelent a zenés műfaj a prózai színházak repertoárjában, vidéken is, valamint a szabadtéri létesítményekben. Jelen tanulmány a három, zenével gazdagon átszőtt színházi műfaj sajátosságai mellet törekszik a szellemi/intellektuális/ mentális rekreációs hatásokat is bemutatni, hiszen ezen művek megtekintése is élményt, flow-közeli állapotot hozhat létre.
Erősségeink tudatos használata, avagy önmagunk lelki-mentális erősítése
Authors: Juhász Annamária
Published: July 2023

Jelen cikk bemutat egy jó példát, egy olyan szellemi rekreációs lehetőséget, amely a mai, modern Magyarország zárt társadalmi berendezkedésében kapaszkodó tud lenni azoknak, akik változtatni szeretnének az életükön. A cikk bemutatja az egyetemes emberi értékeket, amelyek az önmenedzselés során erősségként szolgálhatnak, valamint a Rotaryt, mint a legmeghatározóbb civil szervezetet, mint fejlődési és változtatási platformot.
Correction: How chatbot e-services motivate communication credibility and lead to customer satisfaction: The perspective of Thai consumers in the apparel retailing context
Authors: Jansom Akawut , Srisangkhajorn Thaksaorn , Limarunothai Wutticha
Published: July 2023

The Original Article was published on 08 July 2022In the section '1.3. Hypotheses' in this article, in H1a-H4b, the last word has been changed (the words "satisfaction" and "credibility" have changed places). The sentences now read: 'H1a: Chatbot e-services can provide positive interactions that evoke customer satisfaction. H1b: Chatbot e-services can provide positive interactions that evoke communication credibility. H2a: Chatbot e-services can provide positive entertainment that evokes customer satisfaction. H2b: Chatbot e-services can provide positive entertainment that evokes communication credibilityH3a: Chatbot e-services can provide positive trendiness that evokes customer satisfaction. H3b: Chatbot e-services can provide positive trendiness that evokes communication credibility. H4a: Chatbot e-services can provide positive problem-solving that evokes customer satisfaction. H4b: Chatbot e-services can provide positive problem-solving that evokes communication credibility.'
Valkyria Chronicles Game and the “Cute” Memory of War
Authors: Zulkarnain Iskandar , Christiandrew Otniel Joviand
Published: July 2023

In this article we analyzed digital games as a mode of memory production and preservation especially in the genre of World War II games. Using a Japanese-produced PS3 game, Valkyria Chronicles (2008), we demonstrated the ideological aspects of this type of games in (re)shaping the memory of the World War II through what we called “allegorithmic memory” process. Borrowing from Alexander R. Galloway’s conception of “allegorithm,” we argued that the combination of narrative allegory and gameplay algorithm in Valkyria Chronicles has produced a “cute” perspective on the memory of World War II that is closely tied to the historical role of Japan during the War. Set in an alternate 1930s Europe, the game combined the collective memory of Holocaust with an atypical representation of World War II in its allegorithmic structure. We argued that this combination has produced a double screen memory that attempted to invite a shared affection in dealing with Japanese traumatic memory of World War II. In conclusion, our article demonstrated the capacity of digital games as a culturally-specific site of memory production and preservation offering a complex combination of recycled and new perspective of World War II.