bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Festlarm og Stilhed
Authors: Sørensen Jørgen Podemann
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY: In Vilhelm Grønbech’s The Culture of the Teutons (1931), there was a chapter on ‘The Creative Festival’, originally the final chapter in the first Danish edition and entitled ‘Festal silence and festal noise’. To the English edition was finally added an ‘Essay on ritual drama,’ often considered the very foundation of the traditionally strong interest in the myth-ritual relationship among Danish historians of religions. Grønbech did not pretend to have discovered the myth-ritual relationship but admitted inspiration primarily from American ethnography. This paper explores the role of the myth-ritual theme at the International Congress of Anthropology in Chicago on the occasion of the World’s Columbian Exhibition in 1893, especially a methodologically remarkable paper by W.W. Newell, “Ritual regarded as the dramatization of myths,” containing in nuce many of the most important insights in ritual drama, that later acquired more substance through the studies of Vilh. Grønbech and others.
RESUMÉ: Vilh. Grønbechs Vor Folkeæt I Oldtiden I-IV (1909-12) mundede ud i kapitlet “Feststilhed og Festlarm.” I den engelske udgave (1931) blev det lidt forøget og fik titlen “The Creative Festival”, og der tilføjedes det berømte “Essay on Ritual Drama”, der for mange stod som selve grundlæggelsen af den stærke danske religionshistoriske interesse for kult-myte-forholdet. Grønbech foregav ikke at være den, der havde opdaget dette forhold, men vedgik en inspiration især fra amerikansk etnografi. Denne artikel undersøger temaet myte-ritual, og den rolle det spillede ved den internationale antropologiske kongres i forbindelse med den store verdensudstilling i Chicago i 1893, navnlig W.W. Newells metodologisk bemærkelsesværdige bidrag “Ritual regarded as the dramatization of myths”, der in nuce allerede rummer mange af de vigtigste af de indsigter i kultdramaet, der sidenhen fik tilført mere substans ved Vilh. Grønbechs og andres studier.
Reconfiguring just transitions: a multi-dimensional approach
Authors:   , García Álvaro Castaño
Published: May 2024

The focus of this research is on social justice issues in the transition to a low carbon future. Our relationship with the environment, but also the relationships within our own species and across species need to change to increase justice and sustainability via more even distributions of power and resources. These relationships include, but are not limited to, relations between global north and south, between rich and poor and between the human and non-human world. These are issues of moral concern, as well as practical priorities for individuals, all levels of government and organisations all over the world, either because they are already suffering the effects of environmental problems, discrimination and disadvantage, or because they need to reduce the negative impacts these issues could have both now and in the future. By focusing on just transition (both as a concept and a process), and linked to this, high consumption, this research critically explores the social justice implications of low carbon transitions at primarily the conceptual, but also the empirical level. It proposes generosity as a guiding principle for low carbon transitions, as an alternative or complement to justice, in order to overcome some of the limitations of justice when radical changes are necessary, and to emphasise the need for more equitable resource distribution. This PhD operated across multiple research projects and therefore required methodological flexibility. As such, a range of complementary methodological tools were employed, including literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, Q methodology and secondary data analysis. There are three primary contributions to knowledge associated with this programme of research. Firstly, a conceptual contribution: by questioning the use of justice as the virtue behind low carbon transitions and positioning generosity as an alternative guiding principle, which, it is argued, can operate as a catalyst for justice. Secondly, a methodological contribution, through a novel application of Q methodology to explore policy makers’ perspectives about the operationalisation of a just transition in South Yorkshire. And finally empirical contributions, by exploring just transition through a detailed case study in South Yorkshire, contributing new insights into how just transitions are interpreted within a particular place and the attendant implications for social justice; and by investigating high consumption as a key, but overlooked social justice issue associated with the transition to a low carbon future.
Memes in the Literature Studies Classroom
Authors: Yazell Bryan , Wohlmann Anita
Published: May 2024

This paper considers memes through the lens of riddles and discusses the generative or creative aspect of the meme format as applied in the classroom. In a literary studies course on cultural narratives, ranging from canonical to bestselling fiction, we critically discussed the genre-specific potential of memes, which students were encouraged to explore both intellectually and experientially. In addition, we asked students to create memes in their assessment of the course. The results were highly ambivalent, ranging from humor to seriousness, self-critique to critique of the course, panic (regarding the final exam) to playful exaggeration of said panic. This ambivalence, often accentuated by irony and excess, challenges any definitive understanding of the memes’ content and meaning. Rather than dismissing memes as a flawed, imprecise tool, this article examines them as riddled forms and hypothesizes that, due to their ambivalence, they may actually be closer to a student’s “truth.” The connection between memes and meaning-making is especially relevant to courses that, like the one in this article, foreground semantic ambiguity and an explorative habitus.
The influence of humus extract on the quality of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)
Authors: Ičanović Mirsad , Handanović Sabira , Marković Mihajlo
Published: May 2024

This paper analyzes the influence of foliar fertilizer based on humus extract on some of the elements central to the quality of the Polka raspberry variety in the area of the city of Bihać. The research was conducted in 2015 according to the control and treatment system. A foliar fertilizer based on humus extract was used for the treatment. A total of 12 quantitative and qualitative properties were analyzed: content of total sugars, reducing sugars, invert sugars, sucrose, water content, dry matter, total acidity, vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and fruit mass. After the analyses were completed, it can be concluded that fruits of raspberry plants treated with humus extract have an almost identical value of total acidity (1.65%) as found in control. However, treatment with a humus extract slightly lowered the content of total phenols and vitamin C. Based on the results obtained, it was shown that the foliar fertilizer based on the humus extract did not have a positive effect on certain chemical and antioxidant properties of the raspberry fruit.
Trgovci dobrotvori srpskog školstva u Bosni i Hercegovini u XIX vijeku
Authors: Milošević Borivoje
Published: May 2024

Srpska prosvjeta u Bosanskom pašaluku razvijala se tokom XIX vijeka u složenim političkim okolnostima. Mali broj škola pratio je nizak kvalitet nastave, koja je uglavnom imala vjersku dimenziju. Sredinom istog vijeka bogata i uticajna srpska trgovačka elita počela se više uključivati u rad srpskih škola. Dotadašnji školski programi nisu odgovarali potrebama trgovačkog staleža, koji je zahtjevao modernije modele obrazovanje. Mnogi srpski trgovci iz Bosanskog pašaluka finansirali su rad srpskih škola, crkava, časopisa i raznih kulturnih društava i pokreta. Ovi srpski rodoljubi i dobrotvori razumijevali su istorijski trenutak u kome su živjeli i činjenicu da je snažno srpsko obrazovanje činilo osnovu očuvanja identiteta i sveukupnog nacionalnog napretka.
Самопроцјене креативности студената у зависности од њиховог пола и нивоа образовања њихових родитеља
Authors: Цвјетиновић Весна , Павловић Златко , Каурин Соња
Published: May 2024

Због динамичности и промјенљивости савременог свијета, све више је на цијени креативност људи, а у том контексту је све значајније и то како они виде и процјењују сопствену креативност. У раду су приказани резултати истраживања на узорку од 370 студената код којих смо мјерили њихове процјене о сопственој креативности у пет области њеног испољавања (Кауфманова K-DOCS скала). Добијене резултате довели смо у везу са полом испитаника и образовним нивоом њихових родитеља. Резултати указују да испитаници мушког пола позитивније процјењују своју креативност у техничко-научној области, а испитаници женског пола у умјетничкој области. У осталим областима разлике нису регистроване. Утицај образовања мајки ни у једном случају се није показао значајним, док образовање очева јесте. Испитаници чији очеви имају виши ниво образовања показали су позитивније процјене своје креативности у академској, изведбеној, техничко-научној и умјетничкој области. Интеракција између пола испитаника и образовног нивоа мајки и очева није регистрована ни у једном случају, осим кад је ријеч о интеракцији између пола испитаника и образовања мајки код самопроцјена креативности у техничко-научној области. Као основни закључак нашег истраживања можемо навести да је образовање очева (као један од основних индикатора породичног социоекономског статуса) значајно повезано са самопроцјенама креативности код студената, да се те самопроцјене разликују у зависности од пола испитаника и да у већини случајева не показују зависност од интеракције између пола испитаника и образовног нивоа родитеља.
The architecture of railway stations in Shenyang in the first half of the 20th century
Authors: Pugacheva Ekaterina Alekseevna , Kim Anton Andreevich , Pakulova Ekaterina Pavlovna , Chernyshova Anastasiya Vital'evna
Published: May 2024

The work is dedicated to identifying and defining the figurative and spatial characteristics of railway stations constructed in Shenyang during the first half of the 20th century. In the course of the study, the main architectural and compositional techniques employed by architects for the construction of railway stations in Russia, the South, the North, and the East are examined in detail. The stylistic traits that are associated with Western European, Chinese, and Japanese architectural traditions are identified. The brief history of the construction of these stations is reviewed, as well as the objects that served as models for the planned structures. The author examines how each station influenced the formation of the urban composition and development. As part of the research, three approaches to station design were identified based on national characteristics. Russian designers considered these stations to be secondary, which is reflected in the use of standardized design techniques and lack of elaboration in urban planning. Japanese architects designed the station based on the typology of similar facilities in the city. An integrated approach was taken, with the station originally planned as the center of a residential development project. Chinese builders sought to demonstrate the independence of their national architecture from foreign influences, resulting in the creation of a creative solution that is typical of Sino-Western architecture during this period, characterized by the breakdown of proportions and tectonic elements from European architecture. Additionally, the stations designed by Chinese architects were characterized by a lack of integration with the existing urban planning, which was partly addressed during the Manchukuo period.
mTORC1/S6K1 signaling promotes sustained oncogenic translation through modulating CRL3IBTK-mediated ubiquitination of eIF4A1 in cancer cells
Authors: Jiao Dongyue , Sun Huiru , Zhao Xiaying , Chen Yingji , Lv Zeheng , Shi Qing , Li Yao , Wang Chenji , Gao Kun
Published: May 2024

Enhanced protein synthesis is a crucial molecular mechanism that allows cancer cells to survive, proliferate, metastasize, and develop resistance to anti-cancer treatments, and often arises as a consequence of increased signaling flux channeled to mRNA-bearing eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F). However, the post-translational regulation of eIF4A1, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and subunit of the eIF4F complex, is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that IBTK, a substrate-binding adaptor of the Cullin 3-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL3) complex, interacts with eIF4A1. The non-degradative ubiquitination of eIF4A1 catalyzed by the CRL3IBTK complex promotes cap-dependent translational initiation, nascent protein synthesis, oncogene expression, and cervical tumor cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we show that mTORC1 and S6K1, two key regulators of protein synthesis, directly phosphorylate IBTK to augment eIF4A1 ubiquitination and sustained oncogenic translation. This link between the CRL3IBTK complex and the mTORC1/S6K1 signaling pathway, which is frequently dysregulated in cancer, represents a promising target for anti-cancer therapies.
Replication of null results: Absence of evidence or evidence of absence?
Authors: Pawel Samuel , Heyard Rachel , Micheloud Charlotte , Held Leonhard
Published: May 2024

In several large-scale replication projects, statistically non-significant results in both the original and the replication study have been interpreted as a ‘replication success.’ Here, we discuss the logical problems with this approach: Non-significance in both studies does not ensure that the studies provide evidence for the absence of an effect and ‘replication success’ can virtually always be achieved if the sample sizes are small enough. In addition, the relevant error rates are not controlled. We show how methods, such as equivalence testing and Bayes factors, can be used to adequately quantify the evidence for the absence of an effect and how they can be applied in the replication setting. Using data from the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, the Experimental Philosophy Replicability Project, and the Reproducibility Project: Psychology we illustrate that many original and replication studies with ‘null results’ are in fact inconclusive. We conclude that it is important to also replicate studies with statistically non-significant results, but that they should be designed, analyzed, and interpreted appropriately.
PODE: privacy-enhanced distributed federated learning approach for origin-destination estimation
Authors: Abbas Sidra , Sampedro Gabriel Avelino , Almadhor Ahmad , Abisado Mideth , Marzougui Mehrez , Kim Tai-hoon , Alasiry Areej
Published: May 2024

The statewide consumer transportation demand model analyzes consumers’ transportation needs and preferences within a particular state. It involves collecting and analyzing data on travel behavior, such as trip purpose, mode choice, and travel patterns, and using this information to create models that predict future travel demand. Naturalistic research, crash databases, and driving simulations have all contributed to our knowledge of how modifications to vehicle design affect road safety. This study proposes an approach named PODE that utilizes federated learning (FL) to train the deep neural network to predict the truck destination state, and in the context of origin-destination (OD) estimation, sensitive individual location information is preserved as the model is trained locally on each device. FL allows the training of our DL model across decentralized devices or servers without exchanging raw data. The primary components of this study are a customized deep neural network based on federated learning, with two clients and a server, and the key preprocessing procedures. We reduce the number of target labels from 51 to 11 for efficient learning. The proposed methodology employs two clients and one-server architecture, where the two clients train their local models using their respective data and send the model updates to the server. The server aggregates the updates and returns the global model to the clients. This architecture helps reduce the server’s computational burden and allows for distributed training. Results reveal that the PODE achieves an accuracy of 93.20% on the server side.
Desarrollo del pensamiento crítico: compromiso y creatividad en estudiantes universitarios de bajo rendimiento académico
Authors:   , Piña Wietstruck Victoria Andrea
Published: May 2024

A pesar de los esfuerzos de las universidades por cultivar habilidades del Siglo XXI en sus estudiantes, estas iniciativas a menudo resultan insuficientes cuando se trata de aquellos con un rendimiento educativo bajo. En esta línea, el propósito central de esta investigación es desentrañar cómo es posible potenciar las habilidades de pensamiento crítico, compromiso y creatividad en estudiantes universitarios con bajo rendimiento académico.Para abordar esta pregunta, se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo enfocado en estudiantes de primer año de ingeniería con desempeño educativo bajo. El objetivo era evaluar y medir su nivel de desarrollo en pensamiento crítico, compromiso y creatividad.La intervención se centró en una asignatura introductoria de la carrera de Ingeniería Civil Industrial, aplicando el Modelo de Transferencia por Analogía y el Modelo de Aprendizaje basado en Proyectos (PJBL). Las clases fueron modificadas mediante estrategias de resolución de problemas y trabajo en equipo, promoviendo la metacognición a través de preguntas desafiantes y motivadoras. Las mediciones realizadas revelaron un efecto significativo de la intervención en las habilidades de pensamiento crítico y creatividad.Este trabajo aporta significativamente al campo al abordar un problema de escasa evidencia. Proporciona conocimientos cruciales para validar y formular nuevos modelos que puedan mejorar la educación superior y las habilidades de los estudiantes de manera institucionalizada. La investigación destaca la importancia de adaptar las estrategias pedagógicas para satisfacer las necesidades específicas de estudiantes con bajo rendimiento académico, contribuyendo así a cerrar brechas educativas.
Estimation of Cost and Income of Onion Production: A Case Study of Ballia District of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Tirath Ram , Panday Annapurna , Pal Munendra , Kumar Hraday
Published: May 2024

The system of India’s economy predominantly depends on agriculture. It is contains attractive good qualities of calories. The present research study on entitled “Estimation of Cost and Income of Onion Production: A Case Study of Ballia District of Eastern Uttar Pradesh This research article focused on the following specific objectives are (1) To work out the cropping intensity, costs-return and input-output relationship of onion cultivation in the district and second objectives (2) To find out the constraints in production of onion confronted by Farmers. Multistage stages sampling technique were used for selection of respondent. Primary data was collected by personal interview methods with the use of pre structured and pre listed schedule questionnaire. Finally 100 farmers were selected randomly from four selected villages. The data were related to the Rabi season in the agriculture cropping year 2021-22. Overall average costs of cultivation of respondent were found per hectare to be Rs. 111493.95. The higher costs of cultivation were observed on medium farms to Rs.118430.40 fallowed by small farms and marginal as Rs.109070.72 and Rs.106980.72 per hectare respectively. Per quintal cost of production and ratio of cost of Input –output analysis were calculated cost A1 toC1, C2 and C3 basis.
Unveiling the Shifting Dietary Landscape: Plant-Based Foods Amidst the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Ali Usman , Hafeez Farooq , Khan Ameer , Farooq Shahzad
Published: May 2024

Manuscript addresses the present era COVID-19 pandemic as one of the global challenges. Still in 2024, the health professionals and scientists are searching and trying to figure out the complete answers about the origin of these zoonoses.In past years of pandemic, plant origin foods have become the preferred food choice for many people globally. In this article, we've discussed trends in plant-based foods around the world and some of the reasons for this change. It was found that there has been a notable shift in the sale of plant origin foods and a decrease in the sale of animal-based meat at the same time. Selling meat and seafood fell due to many factors, including lack of confidence due to the fear of viruses, rising prices and ethical standards. The marketing strategy of the meat substitute companies used may also be a factor. Although plant-based diets have continued to be adopted in these years, this trend seems to be accelerating in the Post pandemic. Another fact that post pandemic shifting towards the consumption of plant origin foods is reliance on a healthy diet which will not only boost the immunity but will also come up with other health-linked benefits. Plant origin foods are also more nutritious and health promoting than foods consisting of dairy, fish and meat. Via this study, we have analyzed that there needs to be a major change in the use of wild animals and domestic animals to prevent any risk of future zoonoses. As the global population increases, zoonosis may occur more frequently. Promoting the adoption of healthy plant-based foods worldwide and a contemporaneous decline in the animals used as sources of food is important and necessary to prevent future epidemics due to disease.
Teachers’ Language Use in EFL Classroom Interaction: A Qualitative Study Analysis in Indonesia Settings
Authors: Riwayatiningsih Rika
Published: May 2024

This research aims to analyze the classroom language used by a teacher of English department during the learning process. Mastery of a foreign language requires persistent practice and patience among students and teachers. Therefore, languages used in the classroom have a potential to help students produced good communication in the target language. This qualitative study was conducted with 1 male teacher and 22 second grade English major students who were learning writing. Data collection was carried out by observation and interviews both the teacher and 5 sample students and it was analysed with descriptive qualitative techniques. The results showed that the classroom language generally used by the EFL teacher were categorized into several types: instructions, questions, feedback and correction, clasroom management, building rapport, explanations, transitions, and encouragement. While for students, they used language revolved around their interactions within the classroom, both with their peers and teachers. It included phrases and questions that helped them manage their learning experiences, clarify instructions, and participate actively in classroom activities. The results of the analysis are supported by the observation checklists regarding how situations require certain types of language goals. The use of classroom language has different objectives according to the current situation within the scope of learning. The study offers practical recommendations for EFL teachers on how to effectively use different types of language to enhance learning outcomes, such as the strategic use of questions, feedback, and encouragement.
Interrelationships of Quality of Parental Relationship, Self-esteem, and Relational Skills among 4Ps Teenage Beneficiaries in Iligan City, Philippines
Authors: Sudaria Rogel Equirne D. , Napiere Miguela B.
Published: May 2024

Understanding how family dynamics and self-esteem impact the social development of teenagers from low-income backgrounds is crucial for designing effective youth development programs. This study investigates the relationship between parental relationships, self-esteem, and relational skills among senior high school students who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Mindanao, Philippines. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design and simple random sampling, the study surveyed 171 students using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis included mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Participants reported high parental relationship quality, self-esteem, and relational skills components such as bi-directional communication, disclosure and interpersonal closeness, and emotional experience and expression. However, assertion and conflict resolution skills were rated moderately.  Parental relationships significantly correlated with self-esteem, particularly with mothers (p<0.05). Both factors significantly influenced relational skills (p<0.05). These findings suggest that while the 4Ps program may positively impact family relationships and self-esteem, additional support might be beneficial for developing stronger assertion and conflict resolution skills among beneficiaries, potentially leading to improved overall social development.
Reviewing Soil Contaminant Remediation Techniques
Authors: Verma Samriti , Verma Pankaj , Bag Animesh Ghosh , Changade Nitin Madan
Published: May 2024

Harmful contaminants generating from industry, agricultural and human activity are causing the degradation of soil health, along with detrimental effects on human and the environment. It is imperative to safeguard the soil from these dangerous pollutants by using soil remediation techniques that may be effective breakdown these dangerous toxins. A sustainable approach to remediate the soil from different contaminants is bioremediation. Bioremediation is a method where microbes are used to alleviate soil pollution effectively. Natural microorganisms like fungus, bacteria, and algae are employed in the bioremediation process to break down heavy metal (lead, arsenic, chromium etc.) or organic based. chemical contaminants. This study examines the use of microorganisms and various bioremediation methods, including genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and electro bioremediation, for recovering polluted soil. This investigation clarified the challenges associated with applying these bioremediation technologies and microorganisms, as well as their effects on the ecosystem and inherent soil microbial population. The goal of this current study is to illustrate the various technologies which are more effective in this remediation process.
Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Agro-Climatic Condition of Prayagraj
Authors: Yadav Preksha , Singh Devi , Bahadur Vijay
Published: May 2024

The present study assesses the extent of genetic variability and correlation in 12 different genotypes of chillies for various compositional and yield properties for identifying predominant genotypes for involvement in coming breeding programs. One of India's most significant crops for both vegetables and spices is the chilli. In the world, India is the top producer of dried chili. Around the world, people utilize chilli as a spice and to make drinks and medications. Since the beginning of time, curry has been an essential component of Indian cuisine. The field trial was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.), India. There is a great need and opportunity to assess and create location-specific cultivars with increased production potential. Twelve distinct genotypes of chillies were gathered from various regions of India for this inquiry in order to examine how well they performed in the Prayagraj agroclimatic conditions. The genetic data on yield and attributes associated with yield would be useful in developing a productive breeding program to enhance the chilli crop and create genotypes and hybrids that show promise.
A Retrospective Medical Record Review on the Outcome of Enhanced Adherence Counseling among Unsuppressed HIV Clients in Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Dennis Orsar Orhemba-ga , Ukpabi Daniel Eje , Orih Victor , Ayatse Doofan Ortese , Haanongon Stella Ngusuur , Ejimkaraonye Evans , Alobo Gabriel , Anefu Gabriel Okpotu , Zugu Jude , Zua Tule, Terver
Published: May 2024

Background: According to the WHO estimation, up to 70 % of patients with an initial high viral load will achieve viral load suppression following an adherence intervention. In Benue State, very limited studies have been done that show viral load suppression following enhanced adherence counselling (EAC). This study assesses viral suppression after enhanced adherence counselling and its predictors among unsuppressed HIV seropositive people in the State, the time to commence EAC after the unsuppressed VL result, and to estimate the time to repeat the viral load test after EAC.
Methods: This was a retrospective review of electronic medical records of all HIV-infected people with a viral load greater than 1000 copies/ml after six months on HAART as of December 2022, in Benue State. Patients with VL ≥ 1000 copies/ml were expected to receive EAC and have a repeat VL after three months of good adherence. Six months following the documented unsuppressed result, we determined: the viral load suppression rate after EAC, the time to commencement of EAC, the time to repeat the viral load test after EAC, and the predictors of viral load suppression among clients with unsuppressed viral load.
Result: Of the 234,185 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART between December 2022 and July 2023, up to 210, 514 (89.9%) did viral load testing and 9194 (3.9%) had VL >1000 copies/ml. Of these 9,194 unsuppressed PLHIV, EAC uptake was 90.3% (n=8,307), EAC completion rate was 62.5% (n=5,220), and viral suppression rate following EAC was 93.8% (4897/5220). PLHIV who have been on treatment for less than five years were more likely to achieve viral load suppression.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a post-EAC viral load re-suppression rate of 93.8%, indicating significant effectiveness. Nonetheless, notable deficiencies were observed in both EAC enrollment and completion. It is imperative to identify and address the underlying reasons for these gaps to fully optimize the benefits of Enhanced Adherence Counseling (EAC).
Investigating the Role of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Slowing Down the Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Saleem Ayesha , Khan Shahroz M. , Ullah Imdad , Nasim Syed S. , Rahman Sajedur , Tayyab Arslan
Published: May 2024

Background: The one of most common and severe complications is diabetic kidney disease, which leads to in the long term. However, there are many recent developments in medical therapy, especially when we use inhibitors SGLT2, which always gives us the best outcome in improving patient compliance and reducing the higher risk of mortality which is associated with the long-run consequences of diabetic metabolic control.
Purpose: This comprehensive systematic review delves into the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors which have capacity to slow down the progression rate of diabetes kidney disorder.
Methods: The eligibility criteria were set up following the PRISMA guidelines' which are recommended 'population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study (PICOS) design ' framework. Various digital databases, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Medline, Embase, and others, were meticulously scanned to pinpoint relevant studies. A search strategy, crafted in line with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was utilized to acquire the most pertinent studies.
Results: For this study, we selected twelve studies. Upon systematic scrutiny, it was revealed that a majority of these studies, precisely eight out of twelve (67%), showcased the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in diminishing kidney indicators like eGFR and UACR among diverse populations. Conversely, a lack of significant impact on primary endpoints was noted in four out of twelve studies (33.3%).
Conclusion: In the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), SGLT2 inhibitors present a hopeful option, showing considerable promise in slowing down the advancement of the illness and improving kidney function.
Principle Component Analysis for Forecasting of Pre-harvest Rapeseed and Mustard Yield Based on Meteorological Parameters
Authors: Kumar Sarvesh , Mourya K.K. , Gupta R.P. , Sisodia B.V.S.
Published: May 2024

The pre-harvest forecast model was developed using time series data on Rapeseed and Mustard yields as well as weekly data on six weather variables from the 40th SMW of one year to the 8th SMW of the next year, which covers the years 1990–1991 to 2014–2015. Multiple regression and principal component analysis are two statistical techniques that have been reported for creating pre-harvest forecast models. The most accurate model found by applying step-by-step regression analysis to weekly weather data was based on adj R2, RMSE, and%SE. One and a half months prior to harvest, these models can be utilised to obtain a trustworthy forecast of the yield of Rapeseed and Mustard.
Survey on Web Blight of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.] Caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn in Major Growing District of Rajasthan
Authors: Yadav Pinki Devi , Sharma R.S. , Bagri R.K. , Mishra Bhavya , Choudhary Sunita
Published: May 2024

Web blight (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) is one of the major diseases of mungbean. The mode of infection is soil-borne, seed borne and air-borne. Random survey was conducted during the kharif season (2022) to study the intensity of web blight in mungbean growing areas of Rajasthan which include Jaipur, Ajmer, Nagaur, Sikar and Tonk. The result showed that the disease intensity ranged from 15.70% to 31.04%. An average disease intensity of 23.57 % was recorded in the surveyed districts. The maximum intensity of web blight disease was recorded in Ajmer District (31.04%).
Phenotypic Assessment and Cluster Analysis for Economic Traits in Advanced Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Breeding Lines
Authors: Sinchana B. V. , Shridevi Amoghappa Jakkaral , B. M. Dushyanthakumar , I. B. Halingali , G.K. Girijesh , H. R. Honnesh , Chavan Anilkumar Lalasingh , S. P. Prem Sagar
Published: May 2024

Diversity for economic traits like yield is crucial in rice breeding programmes. In this context, the experiment aimed to identify genetically divergent rice genotypes for hybridization programs, analysing eleven yield and yield-related traits across 35 advanced breeding lines and four check varieties. Employing Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis, the study identified six clusters indicating significant genetic diversity, with the widest divergence observed between clusters VI and IV (203.42) and the closest proximity between clusters III and I (69.25). Traits such as the grain number per panicle and L/B ratio significantly contributed to genetic divergence. Notably, certain breeding line combinations, including KMLT-4 × KPR-2-4-3-1-1, JGL-1798 × KPR-2-7-2-3-4, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-1-7-1-2, KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-3-1-2-4, and KMLT-4 × KPR-2-2-2-8-2-1-1-2-3, exhibited superior mean yield performance compared to the check varieties under lowland conditions. These promising genotypes offer potential as parental candidates for future hybridization endeavours, aiming to build elite rice cultivars with broader genetic bases, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.
Breeding for Resistance against Pest and Diseases in Tomatoes: A Review
Authors: Ajaharuddin SK MD , Lal Madan , Yadav Ashwani , Kumar Nitin , Dhakad Atul , Sinha Gayatri , Singh Budhesh Pratap , Upadhyay Archana
Published: May 2024

Diseases and pests have a substantial effect on tomato production, greatly affecting both the quantity and quality of this crucial vegetable crop. Although fungicides and insecticides have been important in controlling plant diseases and pests, their excessive usage raises significant environmental issues. Vegetable breeders are increasingly concentrating on developing cultivars with natural tolerance to biotic stresses to promote sustainability and environmental friendliness. The change in focus is intended to cultivate tomato cultivars with inherent resistance to diseases and pests, hence decreasing the need for chemical treatments. Advancements in creating high-yielding genetically resistant tomato cultivars are a result of detailed study on the genetic basis of pest and disease resistance in tomato crops, as well as the complex interactions between the host plant and pathogens. For effective breeding programs and pre-breeding activities, scientists and breeders must have access to sources of resistance and a thorough grasp of the genetic complexities involved. This requires examining the genetic composition of both the tomato plants and the different infections that are impacting them. Breeders may generate tomato cultivars with strong resistance to common diseases and pests by using the inherent defensive mechanisms found in certain tomato types via selective crossing. Continuing to study how hosts and pathogens interact and the molecular processes involved in resistance is crucial. This information offers vital insights on how to improve and expand resistance, leading to the creation of cultivars with long-lasting and wide-ranging resistance. Currently, the emphasis on breeding is a proactive and sustainable strategy for transfer of resistances in high yielding tomato cultivars. Researchers aim to develop tomato cultivars that provide high yield and demonstrate tolerance to changing disease and pest stresses by integrating genetic knowledge with sophisticated breeding methods. This comprehensive method protects tomato crops and encourages environmental sustainability by decreasing the need on chemical inputs in agriculture.
The Influence of Anti-scatter Grid Usage for Knee Computerized Radiography
Authors: Cassol Luísa Vargas , Favarin Nataly Nogueira , Bail Felipe de , Buss Edméia Lopes Ramai , Nogueira Laura Pizarro Trojahn , Rosa Jéssica Fetzer da Costa , Claus Thiago Victorino
Published: May 2024

Aims: This experimental study investigated the effect of using an anti-scatter grid in computerized knee radiography (CR) on image quality (IQ) and patient surface radiation dose (Equivalent Surface Air Kerma – Ka,e), measured with an ionization chamber.
Place and Duration of Study: The experimental study was conducted between February 2024 and April 2024, in the radiodiagnosis laboratory belonging to the Medical Physics and Radiology Technology courses at the Franciscan University (UFN) in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul.
Methodology: Utilizing a semi-anatomical knee phantom to simulate clinical examination conditions, ten images were acquired, with five obtained using technique 1 (70 kV, 200mA, and 20mAs) and another five with technique 2 (70 kVp, 200mA, and 5 mAs), with and without an anti-scatter grid, respectively. The phantom images were digitized in a CR system and quantified using a publicly available automatic analyzer software based on histograms and regions of interest (ROI), defined by signal and noise. The obtained results were used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and radiographic contrast (RC), considered IQ descriptors.
Results: As a selection criterion, the percentage deviation (D%) was chosen, considering technique 1 as the reference concerning technique 2. It was observed that technique 1 showed an SNR 1.20%, RC 3.86%, and Ka,e 73.68% higher than technique 2; on the other hand, technique 2 indicated a CNR 4.76% higher compared to technique 1.
Conclusion:  It is concluded that technique 2 without an anti-scatter grid may be preferable when considering the principle of optimization, where the dose is significantly reduced without a significant loss in IQ descriptors.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Titania Particles Synthesized with Gelatin as a Template Before and After Regeneration and Their Performance in Photocatalytic Methylene Blue
Authors: Ulfa Maria , Pangestuti Indriyani , Anggreani Cindy Nur
Published: May 2024

TiO2 material has an important position in the processing of methylene blue waste because it is economical, has abundant polymorphs, high sustainability and supports green chemistry applications. Mesoporous TiO2 is a porous material that has higher effectiveness than other TiO2 because the pore structure has a large diameter at the nano scale (2-50 nm) with a regular shape so that the surface area and pore volume are greater than the average for other TiO2. The synthesis of mesopore TiO2 material has so far used the sol-gel route with synthetic pore directing agents such as P123 which can be replaced with gelatin as a cheaper and safer pore directing agent with high sustainability and abundance. Based on the description above, this research aims to photodegrade methylene blue using mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) nanoparticles which were prepared by the sol–gel method using gelatin and P123 as template. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electron dispersive X-Ray (EDX), and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques were used to characterize the samples. Photocatalytic activities of samples for methylene blue degradation were investigated. The catalyst before and after regeneration will be studied so that the effect of regeneration on the results of methylene blue photocatalysis with m-TiO2 can be determined. XRD results confirmed the formation of the anatase and rutile phase for the TiO2 nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes larger after regeneration in the range of 9–21 nm. The large particle size was after regeneration due to the promotion by high temperature treatment. TiO2 nanoparticles showed the best photocatalytic activity on the first use to 91% and remained stable after four cycles with photodegradation efficiency up to 76% based on the measured UV-Vis spectroscopy. TiO2 as synthesis could be the best candidate for catalyst with the high performance after multicycle regeneration. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Temperature‐Resolved Local and Macroscopic Charge Carrier Transport in Thin P3HT Layers
Authors: Pingel Patrick , Zen Achmad , Abellón Ruben D. , Grozema Ferdinand C. , Siebbeles Laurens D.A. , Neher Dieter
Published: June 2010

Previous investigations of the field‐effect mobility in poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) layers revealed a strong dependence on molecular weight (MW), which was shown to be closely related to layer morphology. Here, charge carrier mobilities of two P3HT MW fractions (medium‐MW:Mn = 7 200 g mol−1; high‐MW:Mn = 27 000 g mol−1) are probed as a function of temperature at a local and a macroscopic length scale, using pulse‐radiolysis time‐resolved microwave conductivity (PR‐TRMC) and organic field‐effect transistor measurements, respectively. In contrast to the macroscopic transport properties, the local intra‐grain mobility depends only weakly on MW (being in the order of 10−2cm2V−1s−1) and being thermally activated below the melting temperature for both fractions. The striking differences of charge transport at both length scales are related to the heterogeneity of the layer morphology. The quantitative analysis of temperature‐dependent UV/Vis absorption spectra according to a model of F. C. Spano reveals that a substantial amount of disordered material is present in these P3HT layers. Moreover, the analysis predicts that aggregates in medium‐MW P3HT undergo a “pre‐melting” significantly below the actual melting temperature. The results suggest that macroscopic charge transport in samples of short‐chain P3HT is strongly inhibited by the presence of disordered domains, while in high‐MW P3HT the low‐mobility disordered zones are bridged via inter‐crystalline molecular connections.
Magnetically Controllable Silver Nanocomposite with Multifunctional Phosphotriazine Matrix and High Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Dallas Panagiotis , Tucek Jiri , Jancik Dalibor , Kolar Milan , Panacek Ales , Zboril Radek
Published: June 2010

A recently developed multi‐functional phosphotriazine‐based polymer is used as a matrix for embedding γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles as well as a suitable chemical template for surface modification with silver nanoparticles. For the primary magnetic modification, maghemite nanoparticles are surface modified with oleic acid in order to render them organophilic and to prevent the aggregation of the nanoparticles. This aggregation could occur as the polymer synthesis, based on reaction of phosphonitrilic chlorine and 1,4‐phenylenediamine, takes place in toluene. The surface active amine units of the polymer structure enable the reduction of silver cations to silver nanoparticles, which are well attached and finely dispersed on its surface. The developed nanocomposite represents one of the few magnetically controllable antibacterial agents based on silver nanoparticles. Magnetic measurements reveal the completely suppressed interactions among maghemite nanoparticles because of their perfect surface coating with an organic surfactant and fine dispersion inside the polymer matrix. This magnetic nanocomposite exhibits a high antibacterial and antifungal activity as proven by tests with nine bacterial strains and four candida (yeast genus) species. For the majority of the tested species, the minimum‐inhibition concentrations are below 100 mg L−1, which is comparable to their equivalent minimum‐inhibition concentrations in colloidal silver systems.
Patterned Hydrogels for Controlled Platelet Adhesion from Whole Blood and Plasma
Authors: Ekblad Tobias , Faxälv Lars , Andersson Olof , Wallmark Nanny , Larsson Andréas , Lindahl Tomas L. , Liedberg Bo
Published: June 2010

This work describes the preparation and properties of hydrogel surface chemistries enabling controlled and well‐defined cell adhesion. The hydrogels may be prepared directly on plastic substrates, such as polystyrene slides or dishes, using a quick and experimentally simple photopolymerization process, compatible with photolithographic and microfluidic patterning methods. The intended application for these materials is as substrates for diagnostic cell adhesion assays, particularly for the analysis of human platelet function. The non‐specific adsorption of fibrinogen, a platelet adhesion promoting protein, is shown to be completely inhibited by the hydrogel, provided that the film thickness is sufficient (>5 nm). This allows the hydrogel to be used as a matrix for presenting selected bioactive ligands without risking interference from non‐specifically adsorbed platelet adhesion factors, even in undiluted whole blood and blood plasma. This concept is demonstrated by preparing patterns of proteins on hydrogel surfaces, resulting in highly controlled platelet adhesion. Further insights into the protein immobilization and platelet adhesion processes are provided by studies using imaging surface plasmon resonance. The hydrogel surfaces used in this work appear to provide an ideal platform for cell adhesion studies of platelets, and potentially also for other cell types.