bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2.1 µm multi-quantum well laser epitaxially grown on on-axis (001) InP/SiO2/Si substrate fabricated by ion-slicing
Authors: Lin Jiajie , Sun Jialiang , wang Shujie , Chi Chaodan , Zhou Min , You Tiangui , Gu Yi , Sun Niefeng , Ou Xin
Published: April 2024

A cost-effective method to achieve a 2-3 µm wavelength light source on silicon represents a major challenge. In this study, we have developed a novel approach that combines an epitaxial growth and the ion-slicing technique. A 2.1 µm wavelength laser on a wafer-scale heterogeneous integrated InP/SiO2/Si (InPOI) substrate fabricated by ion-slicing technique was achieved by epitaxial growth. The performance of the lasers on the InPOI are comparable with the InP, where the threshold current density (Jth) was 1.3 kA/cm2 at 283 K when operated under continuous wave (CW) mode. The high thermal conductivity of Si resulted in improved high-temperature laser performance on the InPOI. The proposed method offers a novel means of integrating an on-chip light source.
Tunable metasurfaces for implementing terahertz controllable NOT logic gate functions
Authors: Tan Qi , Li Hui , Zhao Zhengyi , Li Jie , Ding Guanchu , Xu Wenhui , Xu Hang , Zhang Yating , Wu Liang , Yang Yiguang , Yao Jianquan
Published: April 2024

Compared with traditional electrical logic gates, optical or terahertz (THz) computing logic gates have faster computing speeds and lower power consumption, and can better meet the huge data computing needs. However, there are limitations inherent in existing optical logic gates, such as single input/output channels and susceptibility to interference. Here, we proposed a new approach utilizing polarization-sensitive graphene-vanadium dioxide metasurface THz logic gates. Benefitting from two actively tunable materials, the proposed controlled-NOT logic gate(CNOT LG) enables versatile functionality through a dual-parameter control system. This system allows for the realization of multiple output states under diverse polarized illuminating conditions, aligning with the expected input-output logic relationship of the CNOT LG. Furthermore, to demonstrate the robustness of the designed THz CNOT LG metasurface, we designed an imaging array harnessing the dynamic control capabilities of tunable meta-atoms, facilitating clear near-field imaging. This research is promising for advancing CNOT LG applications in the THz spectrum. It has potential applications in telecommunications, sensing, and imaging.
Sliced chaotic encrypted transmission scheme based on key masked distribution in a W-band millimeter-wave system
Authors: Guo Zhiruo , Ren Jianxin , Liu Bo , Zhong Qing , Li Yongxin , Mao Yaya , Wu Xiangyu , Xia Wenchao , Song Xiumin , Chen Shuaidong , Tu Bing , Wu Yongfeng
Published: April 2024

In order to guarantee the information of the W-band wireless communication system from the physical layer, this paper proposes the sliced chaotic encrypted (SCE) transmission scheme based on key masked distribution (KMD). The scheme improves the security of free space communication in the W-band millimeter-wave wireless data transmission system. In this scheme, the key information is embedded into the random position of the ciphertext information, and then the ciphertext carrying the key information is encrypted by multi-dimensional chaos. Chaotic system 1 constructs a three-dimensional discrete chaotic map for implementing KMD. Chaotic system 2 constructs complex nonlinear dynamic behavior through the coupling of two neurons, and the masking factor generated is used to realize SCE. In this paper, the transmission of 16QAM signals in a 4.5 m W-band millimeter-wave wireless communication system with a rate of 40 Gb/s is proved by experiments, and the performance of the system is analyzed. When the input optical power is 5 dBm, the bit error rate (BER) of the legitimate encrypted receiver is 1.23 × 10−3. When the offset of chaotic sequence x and chaotic sequence y is 100, their BERs are more than 0.21. The key space of the chaotic system reaches 10192, which can effectively prevent illegal attacks and improve the security performance of the system. The experimental results show that the scheme can effectively distribute the keys and improve the security of the system. It has great application potential in the future of W-band millimeter-wave wireless secure communication.
Identification of core genes involved in the response of Apocynum venetum to salt stress based on transcriptome sequencing and WGCNA
Authors: Zhen Xi , Liu Xuyang , Zhang Xiaoming , Luo Shujie , Wang Wencheng , Wan Tao
Published: April 2024

Apocynum venetum L. belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is a plant that is highly resistant to stress. It is important in the fields of ecology, feeding, industry and medicine. The molecular mechanism underlying salt tolerance has not been elucidated. In this study, RNA-seq based transcriptome sequencing of A. venetum leaves after 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of treatment with 300 mM NaCl was performed. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome expression profiles of A. venetum under salt stress using the WGCNA method and identified red, black, and brown as the core modules regulating the salt tolerance of A. venetum. A co-expression regulatory network was constructed to identify the core genes in the module according to the correlations between genes. The genes TRINITY_DN102_c0_g1 (serine carboxypeptidase), TRINITY_DN3073_c0_g1 (SOS signaling pathway) and TRINITY_DN6732_c0_g1 (heat shock transcription factor) in the red module were determined to be the core genes. Two core genes in the black module, TRINITY_DN9926_c0_g1 and TRINITY_DN7962_c0_g1, are pioneer candidate salt tolerance-associated genes in A. venetum. The genes in the brown module were mainly enriched in two pathways, namely photosynthesis and osmotic balance. Among them, the TRINITY_DN6321_c0_g2 and TRINITY_DN244_c0_g1 genes encode aquaporin, which is helpful for maintaining the cell water balance and plays a protective role in defending A. venetum under abiotic stress. Our findings contribute to the identification of core genes involved in the response of A. venetum to salt stress.
The synergistic evolution of supply-demand composite system for airport green development: A case study in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China
Authors: Wan Lili , Lv Yangyang , Wang Zhan , Tian Yong
Published: April 2024

Given the pressing requirements for sustainable development in civil aviation, conducting a synergistic evolution analysis of the supply and demand aspects in the airport green development holds great significance. This analysis helps achieve sustainable airport development and facilitates the green transformation of civil aviation development. Taking a collaborative learning approach and utilizing historical data from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport spanning 2008 to 2019, the supply-demand composite system for airport green development was deconstructed into two subsystems—demand and supply—and relevant evaluation index systems were established in this paper. A screening and optimization model of supply and demand synergy indicators for airport green development was constructed, and it was solved using a simulated annealing genetic algorithm. The Haken model was constructed to analyze the synergistic evolutionary relationship of the composite system of supply and demand for green airport development in two stages. The results indicate a shift in the order parameter of the co-evolution of the supply-demand composite system at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, moving from the demand subsystem in the first stage (2008–2015) to the supply subsystem in the second stage (2016–2019). The co-evolution of the airport supply-demand composite system has entered a new stage, but has not reached a high level of synergy. The study not only contributes theoretically by explaining the interaction mechanism between supply and demand for airport green development, but also offers targeted suggestions for achieving high-quality synergistic evolution of supply and demand for airport green development.
Prevalence and associated factors of congenital anomalies in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mogess Wubshet Nebiyu , Mihretie Tefera Belsty
Published: April 2024

Background

Congenital anomalies represent a significant contributor to infant mortality, morbidity, and enduring disability. With this in mind, the present investigation endeavour to ascertain the pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies and associated determinants among neonates in Ethiopia.

Method

PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHAL, Hinari, and Global Health databases were systematically searched. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment checklist was used to assess quality of included studies. Data were extracted from database and exported to stataMP-17 for analysis. Pooled prevalence was determined using DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. The degree of heterogeneity and Publication bias were assessed using I2 statistics and Eggers test, respectively. Study protocol was registered under PROSPERO ID CRD42021229140.

Result

A total of 18 studies with 519,327 participants were included in the study. Pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies in Ethiopia was 2% (95% CI: 0.02, 0.03%). Among affected newborns neural tube defect (48%) was the most common congenital anomaly in Ethiopia, followed by orofacial cleft (19%). Risk factors such as alcohol consumption (pooled OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.38), lack of folic acid supplement (pooled OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.09–7.36), medication during pregnancy (pooled OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.03–6.47), khat (Catha edulis) chewing (pooled OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.61–3.71), exposure to pesticides (pooled OR: 4.45, 95% CI: 2.44–8.09) and maternal illness (pooled OR:1.79, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.10) had statistically significant association with congenital anomalies in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

In this review, prevalence of congenital anomalies in Ethiopia was high with considerable regional variation. The most common type of congenital anomaly in Ethiopia was neural tube defects, followed by oro-facial cleft. Alcohol consumption, inadequate intake of folic acid, khat chewing, maternal diseases, exposure to pesticides, and use of medication during pregnancy were identified as potential contributors to congenital abnormalities in Ethiopia.
Clusters from chronic conditions in the Danish adult population
Authors: Stockmarr Anders , Frølich Anne
Published: April 2024

Multimorbidity, the presence of 2 or more chronic conditions in a person at the same time, is an increasing public health concern, which affects individuals through reduced health related quality of life, and society through increased need for healthcare services. Yet the structure of chronic conditions in individuals with multimorbidity, viewed as a population, is largely unmapped. We use algorithmic diagnoses and the K-means algorithm to cluster the entire 2015 Danish multimorbidity population into 5 clusters. The study introduces the concept of rim data as an additional tool for determining the number of clusters. We label the 5 clusters the Allergies, Chronic Heart Conditions, Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, and Musculoskeletal and Psychiatric Conditions clusters, and demonstrate that for 99.32% of the population, the cluster allocation can be determined from the diagnoses of 4–5 conditions. Clusters are characterized through most prevalent conditions, absent conditions, over- or under-represented conditions, and co-occurrence of conditions. Clusters are further characterized through socioeconomic variables and healthcare service utilizations. Additionally, geographical variations throughout Denmark are studied at the regional and municipality level. We find that subdivision into municipality levels suggests that the Allergies cluster frequency is positively associated with socioeconomic status, while the subdivision suggests that frequencies for clusters Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia are negatively correlated with socioeconomic status. We detect no indication of association to socioeconomic status for the Chronic Heart Conditions cluster and the Musculoskeletal and Psychiatric Conditions cluster. Additional spatial variation is revealed, some of which may be related to urban/rural populations. Our work constitutes a step in the process of characterizing multimorbidity populations, leading to increased comprehension of the nature of multimorbidity, and towards potential applications to individual-based care, prevention, the development of clinical guidelines, and population management.
Gobierno borbónico, influencia francesa y comercio indiano durante la guerra de sucesión. La flota de Nueva España que arribó en Guipúzcoa en 1708
Authors: Guerrero Elecalde Rafael
Published: April 2024

La Guerra de Sucesión española se convirtió en un conflicto de carácter europeo, donde las Coronas más poderosas encontraron una posibilidad para acceder legalmente, y con privilegios, a los valiosos bienes comerciales de las Indias. Este trabajo indaga sobre estas cuestiones a través de la consulta de las cartas, y otra documentación, conservada en el Archivo Histórico Nacional, en Madrid, sobre el arribo en 1708 de la flota de Nueva España a Guipúzcoa. Más concretamente, se trata de diferentes cartas y papeles que intercambiaron Pedro de Navarrete, capitán general de esta provincia, y José Grimaldo, recientemente designado secretario del Despacho de Guerra y Hacienda. Desde un enfoque de microanálisis, se parte del estudio de la acción de los protagonistas como un excelente complemento para aprehender la Historia en su integridad y, de este modo, alcanzar los diversos matices de una realidad muy compleja y poliédrica. A través de este trabajo, se contempla el poder que ejerció la corte de Versalles en el gobierno de la Monarquía española, cómo se marginó al Consulado de Sevilla y la Casa de Contratación, tradicionales órganos de control del comercio y transporte indianos, a favor de otros agentes reales, elegidos entre los colaboradores afines, que fueron de gran valor para hacer efectivos los deseos de Felipe V.
Combination of curcuminoid and collagen marine peptides for healing diabetic wounds infected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Mustofa Dwi Ardyan Syah , Sahari Farhan Dio , Pramudani Syifa Aulia , Hidayah Alifia Brilliani , Tsany Shabrina Farras , Salasia Siti Isrina Oktavia
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: The high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Indonesia indirectly reflects the high risk of developing chronic wounds that are susceptible to infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an infectious pathogen that is resistant to various antibiotics. Therefore, antibiotic therapy is ineffective enough to treat chronic hyperglycemic wounds caused by MRSA infection. Curcuminoids have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects by inhibiting the enzymatic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation. Collagen is a tissue regeneration inducer. The combination of these two ingredients is expected to be an alternative therapy for MRSA-infected hyperglycemic chronic wounds without the risk of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of hydrolacin-gel in wound healing and inhibiting the growth of MRSA bacteria, as well as to determine the optimal concentration of curcuminoids combined with collagen marine peptides (CMPs).

Materials and Methods: Hydrolacin-gels were prepared by homogenizing curcuminoid nanoemulsions and CMPs. The evaluation of preparation includes stability tests and antibacterial activity tests. Wound diabetic mice were treated with various combinations of curcuminoid and CMPs. Wound healing was observed based on malondialdehyde levels as a marker of oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the skin wound.

Results: Hydrolacin-gel was formulated by combining curcuminoid nanoemulsion (more water soluble) and CMPs, with the ratio of formula 1 (1:2, curcuminoid 43.3 mg and CMPs 5.58 mg), formula 2 (1:1, curcuminoid 86.8 mg and CMPs 3.72), and formula 3 (2:1, curcuminoid 130.2 mg and CMPs 1.87 mg) calculated based on the effective dose of curcuminoid 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) and CAMPs 0.9 g/kg BW. Hydrolacin-gel had a potential antibacterial activity against MRSA. Hydrolacin-gel induced wound tissue repair and reduced oxidative stress caused by inflammation in diabetic-infected MRSA. Hydrolacin-gel could be used for healing MRSA-infected diabetic wounds, especially formula 3 with the ratio of curcuminoid: CMPs = 2:1.

Conclusion: Hydrolacin-gel combining curcuminoid nanoemulsion and CMPs effectively inhibited the inflammatory process and increased re-epithelialization in MRSA-infected diabetic wound healing. Hydrolacin-gel with curcuminoid (130.2 mg) and CMPs (1.87 mg) at a concentration ratio of 2:1 appeared to be the best formula against MRSA infection in diabetic wounds.

Keywords: collagen marine peptides, curcuminoids, diabetic, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, wound.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Studies of Composite Nanofluids and their Comparison with Hybrid Nanofluids
Authors: Veeraraghavan Ganesh , Rajesh Mathur
Published: April 2024

Ternary nanofluids can either be an admixture of three distinct nanoparticles or the dispersion of a ternary nanocomposite in a base fluid. This work focuses on the synthesis, morphological characterization, stability analysis, estimation and optimization of thermophysical parameters of ternary nanofluids consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide and silver (CNT-GO-Ag). Two cases are considered and compared viz. (i) hybrid nanofluids (HNF) prepared from monofluids and (ii) composite nanofluids (CNF) prepared by the dispersion of ternary nanocomposites. The CNF was found to have an enhanced thermal conductivity ratio (knf/kb) of 40% as compared to 30% for HNF at 30 ºC. This enhancement for the CNF and HNF were found to be 45% and 32%, respectively at the electronic cooling exposure temperature of ~40 to 50 ºC. The zeta potential analysis also proved that CNF had superior suspension stability than HNF. The viscosity of CNF was found to be 8% (at 20 ºC) to 20% (at 80 ºC) lower than HNF, much desired for fluid flow characteristics. Overall, the results show that CNF as compared to HNF possesses superior thermophysical properties with good potential for application in electronic cooling studies.
Essential Oil of Glycosmis stenocarpa (Drake) Leaves Grown in Hai Duong Province, Vietnam
Authors: Le Xuan Duy , Phuong Phuong Thao Lai , Tran Quoc Toan , Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh , Nguyen Manh Cuong , Tran Thi Kim Ngan , Tran Thien Hien
Published: April 2024

In this study, the extraction of essential oil of Vietnamese Glycosmis stenocarpa leaves was conducted using two different methods such as conventional microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and hydrodistillation (HD). The obtained products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The essential oil quality was attained in a comparable manner in both samples respectively. In addition, the GC-MS analysis showed that the hydrodistillation essential oil contains a total of 29 chemical compounds, whereas the MAHD essential oil contained 28 constituents. Moreover, the chemical constitutes of the two essential oils were similar, with the major components being citronellal, neryl acetate, citronellyl acetate and geranyl acetate.
Exploring Swelling Behaviour of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels in Diverse Environmental Conditions
Authors: Safaraliyeva S. , Taghiyev D. , Zeynalov N.
Published: April 2024

Hydrogels, versatile materials with diverse applications in biomedicine and beyond, have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties. Among these, chitosan-based hydrogels have emerged as promising candidates owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties. The hydrogels were synthesized through cross-linking of chitosan graft copolymers with N-vinylpyrrolidone and other vinyl monomers, as well as through thermal methods in situ. The impact of cross-linking agent concentration on gel fraction yield and cross-linking efficiency was examined. The results indicate that higher cross-linking densities lead to reduced swelling capacity as a result of a denser network structure. The swelling behaviour of chitosan-based hydrogels under various environmental conditions, including pH, temperature and ionic strength were also investigated. It is found that swelling behaviour varied among different hydrogel formulations, with natural and vinyl graft copolymers exhibiting increased swelling in acidic environments. Semi-synthetic copolymers containing hydrophobic groups showed relatively lower swelling across pH ranges. Additionally, swelling kinetics were studied, revealing equilibrium reached at different time intervals depending on temperature and hydrogel composition. Furthermore, the effect of glucose concentration on swelling behaviour was explored, demonstrating decreased swelling with increasing glucose concentration. Overall, this comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the swelling behaviour of chitosan-based hydrogels, essential for optimizing their performance in biomedical applications.
Photoresponsive Smart Hydrogels and Their Versatile Applications: A Review
Authors: Shome Anshupriya
Published: April 2024

Stimuli responsive hydrogels are emerging as smart materials due to their tunable chemical and physical properties in response to various stimuli like pH, temperature, chemicals, pressure, electrical or light. Photoresponsive hydrogels are more attractive for versatile applications as their properties can be manipulated via contact free fine tuning of wavelength and intensity of light. If designed properly photoresponsive hydrogels could also have inherent biocompatibility. Their smart responsiveness along with biocompatibility have made them suitable for applications in versatile fields starting from drug delivery, cell-culture to surface modification and soft-robotics. In this review article, basic mechanisms responsible for photo-responsiveness in hydrogels along with their potential applications are discussed.
Népesedési fordulat Magyarországon? – A fertilitási ráták és a termékenységet meghatározó tényezők elemzése
Authors:   , Drabancz Áron István
Published: April 2024

Egy ország hosszú távú gazdasági kilátásait nagymértékben befolyásolja népességének nagysága, összetétele és annak várható jövőbeli változása. Mára számtalan fejlett országban is egyre markánsabb népességcsökkenés figyelhető meg, mely jelentős társadalmi és gazdasági feszültségeket teremt. Magyarországon a kérdéskör kifejezetten fontos gazdasági, politikai és társadalmi kérdéssé vált az elmúlt évtizedben. Disszertációmban a magyarországi népesedési fordulat eléréséhez szükséges lehetőségeket elemzem, elsősorban a teljes termékenységi arányszám irányából. Rámutatok, hogy a 2,1-es értékkel jellemzett reprodukciós szinthez tartozó fertilitás egyes esetekben akár ennél az értéknél jelentősen alacsonyabb lehet. Másrészt elemzem, hogy a magyar teljes termékenységi arányszám elmúlt években látott emelkedése mögött milyen tényezők állnak, hosszú távon hol stabilizálódhat a mutató értéke. Munkámban bemutatom, hogy milyen főbb gazdasági és politikai vetületei vannak a demográfiai folyamatoknak (1. fejezet), majd ismertetem a fontosabb népesedési elméleteket (2. fejezet). A következő fejezetekben a népesség fenntartásához szükséges fertilitási ráták jellemzőit (3. fejezet), illetve a teljes termékenységi arányszám múltbeli alakulását és a fertilitást befolyásoló tényezőket (4. fejezet) veszem sorba. Az elemzés során rámutatok, hogy 1) A fejlett országokban és Magyarországon a reprodukciós szinthez tartozó fertilitási ráta érdemi csökkentésére már nincs rendelkezésre álló tér, a mutató várható jövőbeli változása így érdemben nem befolyásolja ezen társadalmak népesedési viszonyait; 2) A reprodukciós szinthez tartozó fertilitási ráta (2,1) elérése rövid- és középtávon sem reális Magyarországon; 3) A jelenlegi migrációs, mortalitási és fertilitási tendenciák folytatódása esetén népesedési fordulat nem érhető el Magyarországon. Ellenben az eddigieknél magasabb, akár reálisan el is érhető fertilitási érték (1,8) nagyobb pozitív évi nettó migrációs egyenleggel és kedvezőbb mortalitási értékekkel kiegészülve középtávon népesedési fordulathoz vezetne hazánkban; 4) A jövőben Magyarország elöregedési kihívásai még pozitív népesedési fordulat esetén se lenne érdemben kisebb.
Clerodendron splendens leaf extract supplementation in weaner rabbits: impact on growth performance, haematology and intestinal microbial population
Authors: Alagbe John Olujimi
Published: April 2024

This experiment was carried out at Sumitra Research Institute, Gujarat, India to investigate the effect of supplementing Clerodendron splendens leaf extract on the growth performance, intestinal microbial population and some heamatological parameters. A total of fifty cross breed male rabbits (New Zealand white × Chinchilla) with initial body weight of 502 ± 0.80 g and weaned at five weeks of age was used for the experiment. On arrival, animals were quarantined for 14 days, stratified based on their body weight and randomly distributed into five groups consisting of 10 rabbits each in a completely randomized design. Experimental diet (basal) which was adequate in all nutrients; rabbits in group 1(G1) was fed basal diet only while G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed basal diet with Clerodendron splendens leaf extract at 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL and 0.8 mL/day respectively. Average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake of rabbits fed 0 mL (control; group 1), 0.2 mL (group 2) were similar to those given 0.4 mL (group 3) and 0.6 mL (group 4) (P > 0.05) but significantly lower than those in group 5 (0.8 mL). Average daily feed intake also increased in rabbits fed 0.8 mL (91.11 g) in group 5 followed by 0.6 mL (89.26 g), 0.4 mL (89.26 g), 0.2 mL (89.17 g) and 0 mL (89.12 g) in group 4, 3, 2 and 1 respectively. Higher mortality of 2 % was recorded in group 1 while none was recorded in the other treatment (P < 0.05). Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus sp., count were significantly (P < 0.05) different among the group. Pack cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocytes and neutrophil count were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by the treatment. However, values were within the established range for healthy rabbits. It was concluded that supplementation of Clerodendron splendens leaf extract up to 0.8 mL/day had no negative effect on the performance and health status of rabbits.
Proximate, vitamin and GC-MS profiling of Kigelia africana fruit powder
Authors: Ojediran Taiwo Kayode , Emiola I. A. , Durojave V. , Alagbe John Olujimi
Published: April 2024

Phytochemicals come from plants and are generally recognized as safe which make them good candidates to be used as feed additives in livestock production. These compounds are non-toxic, effective, environmentally friendly and it performs several biological activities viz: antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, immune-stimulatory, hepato-protective, antiviral amongst others. This study was carried out to examine the proximate, vitamin and bioactive profiling of Kigelia africana fruit powder. Results on proximate of the sample revealed the presence of moisture 10.33%, dry matter 89.67%, crude protein 7.98%, crude fibre 2.71%, ether extract 2.10%, ash 5.49% and carbohydrate 72.06%. Vitamin composition of Kigelia africana fruit powder showed that it contained vitamin A 4.24 iu/100 g, vitamin B1 82.9 mg100 g, vitamin B2 25.1 µg/100 g, vitamin B3 49.6 µg/100 g, vitamin B6 143.1 µg/100 g, vitamin B9 6.70 µg/100 g, vitamin B12 3.90 µg/100 g, vitamin C 5.86 µg/100 g, vitamin D 124.4 iu/100 g, vitamin E 44.2 mg/100 g and vitamin K 39.2 iu/100 g. Bioactive profiling by GC/MS revealed the presence of 19 compounds. These compounds have different therapeutic properties with 2-Dimethylsilyloxytetradecane 27.42% as a major compound followed by 3,7-dimethyl- Pentaerythritol 22.08%, 9-Octadecenoic acid 14.84%, Cyclopropaneoctanal 12.60%, Allyl fluoride 4.50%, 2-hydroxy- Propanenitrile 3.80%, 9-Octadecenoic acid 3.60%, 2-octyl- 6-Octadecenoic acid 2.48%, 2- Chloropropionic acid 2.42%, 1-Tricosene 2.19%, 13-Octadecenal 1.28%, Dimethyl Urethane 1.19%, 2,2-dimethyl-Cyclohexanol 0.57%, 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate 0.40%, Hexanoic acid 0.30%, 2-Chloroethyl 1-propynyl sulfoxide 0.12%, 10-Azido-1-decanethiol Cyclopentaneundecanoic acid 0.10%, Isopropylcyclobutane 0.10% and Cyclopentaneundecanoic acid 0.01%. It was concluded that Kigelia africana fruit powder is loaded with several nutrient and could be used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in animal production.
Solidarity in Sweatshops and Sex Work
Authors: Earnshaw Sarah
Published: April 2024

Sarah Earnshaw directs attention toward cultural production to explore the tensions and transformative relations of solidarity through the documentary films Live Nude Girls Unite! (2000) and Made in L.A. (2007). Documents of mobilisation by women worker organisers in sex and garment work, the films mediate the material and social relations of class across multiple lines of oppression and centre workers often left out of frame in mainstream labour discourse. Exploring the documentary form as suturing class struggle while retaining recognition of differentiation, the chapter discusses screening labour before turning to narrative strategies of storytelling and negotiations of public/private, finally considering the role of place in filmic practices as mapping solidarity from below.
Solidarity in Photography
Authors: Schneider Nicole
Published: April 2024

In this entry, Nicole Schneider is asking which role solidarity plays in possible readings of press photographs connected to the Black Lives Matter Movement. These images are able to engage in and defy assumptions held over others and start to question ostensibly fixed definitions of Blackness and difference. In critically playing with symbolic meanings and different references to Black lives and struggles, they unsettle fixed ideas and offer room for reflection. Thus, they are not per se acts of protest or solidarity but can function as first steps toward recognizing own positions, biases, and involvements that are usually unseen.
Solidarität - eine medizinethische Sicht
Authors: Sarropoulos Andreas
Published: April 2024

Dieser Aufsatz soll die vielfältigen Facetten des Begriffs "Solidarität" aus einer medizinethischen Sicht beispielhaft anhand der Organtransplantation und der Coronapandemiebewältigung beleuchten. Solidarität drückt Zusammengehörigkeit, Gemeinschaftssinn und unbürokratische Hilfe aus. Sie repräsentiert eine tugendhafte Haltung, die über moralische Pflichten hinausgeht. Solidarität erfordert selbstloses Handeln ohne Gegenleistung und das Zurückstellen eigener Interessen. Sie wird jedoch nicht für alle gleich verpflichtend empfunden. Die Akzeptanz unpopulärer Maßnahmen in Pandemiezeiten oder die Herausgabe der eigenen Organe erfordert jedoch ein gesellschaftlich breites, hohes moralisches Pflichtbewusstsein. Während erzwungene Maßnahmen nicht als solidarisch gelten, zeigt sich wirkliche Solidarität im freiwilligen Engagement über das Notwendige hinaus, wobei der Appell an Vernunft und Gemeinwohl entscheidend ist, um ethische Herausforderungen zu bewältigen.
Solidarity and Critical Whiteness in Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Authors: Oldehus Anna-Lena
Published: April 2024

In this contribution Anna-Lena Oldehus brings Junot Díaz's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao into conversation with bell hooks' seminal tenets about solidarity. Picking up on the novel's challenging narrative structure and on hooks' insistence on difference as a necessary means to build cross-racial alliances, this text focuses on the emotional work that white readers have to engage with in order to grasp Oscar Wao's political and solidary potential.
Unconferencing methodology as a cultural disrupter in higher education: Enabling reflections on promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equitable spaces
Authors: Govender Rosaline
Published: April 2024

In applying the collective mind to challenges in higher education, there is hope for innovative solutions. HELTASA’s approach to adapting the unconference methodology during the annual learning and teaching (un)conference in 2021 demonstrated its vision to reflect on a re-imagined inclusive higher education using the questions: Sivela phi? (where do we come from?), Si phi? (where we are?), and Siya phi? (where are we going?). This paper reflects on how the unconferencing methodology was used as a cultural disrupter during the HELTASA’s (un)conference. We identify with ‘culture’ as emphasising active meaning-making instead of unchanging, static ideas by homogenous groups. ‘Culture’ is dynamic, and it changes over time. In the context of unconferencing methodology, cultural disruption refers to a deliberate effort to challenge and disrupt traditional cultural norms and values to promote greater inclusivity, diversity, creativity and problem-solving. The unconference is intended to disrupt current thinking and practices in conferences and open higher education spaces for creative, critical dialogue and innovation. Cultural disruption plays a transformative role in deconstructing established norms of knowledge, identity, and practices within higher education. The unconference seeks to challenge the prevailing power dynamics inherent in higher education and mirrored in traditional conferences by adopting a participant-driven and focused approach. The unconference supports the notion of collective thinking or collaboration, which re-frames knowledge boundaries as dynamic inter-relationships with due weight given to reflective ways of knowing (Brown, 2015). This paper uses the Reflection and Critical Thinking Model by Mugumbate, et al. (2021) as a framework to explore and understand how cultural disruptions were implemented and experienced during the planning and execution of the (un)conference itself. This paper critically reflects on the HELTASA (un)conference Call, cultural representations, presentation types, and structure of the unconference to share possible cultural disruptions. This paper's reflections delve into the effectiveness of unconferencing in higher education as a potent tool for cultural disruption in relation to power dynamics, participation, individual and collective thinking, and the imperative of amplifying diverse voices. Unconferencing, through its disruption of cultural norms and values, can promote greater innovation and creativity by enabling the incorporation of a wider range of perspectives and ideas. Additionally, unconferencing can create more inclusive and equitable spaces where traditionally marginalised voices are provided a platform to be heard and represented.
Shifting mindsets from conference to (un)conference: A collaborative reflective perspective on conceptual disruption
Authors: Pather Subethra , Govender Rosaline , Scholtz Desiree
Published: April 2024

The move from the traditional academic conference format to a loosely defined format of unconference can be contentious and spark a robust debate on the conceptual disruption of conferencing. As part of HELTASA’s strategic plan of re-structuring and re-imagining its vision and purpose, it initiated a new way of conferencing; participant-driven and participant-focused. Through self-reflective written narratives, this paper explores three academic development practitioners' experiences in planning and reflecting on the HELTASA’s (un)conference. We share our accounts of (un)conference as a conceptual disruption to the traditional conference format, concepts, and ways of doing and being. Qualitative data were collected from the three written narratives through a collective descriptive autoethnography research design and methodology. The insights collected are applied to the Conceptual Disruption Framework which proposes a tripartite framework for conceptual disruption, which distinguishes conceptual disruptions occurring at three levels (individual concepts, clusters of concepts, conceptual schemes), taking on two forms (conceptual gaps, conceptual conflicts), and leading to three distinct levels of severity (mild, moderate, severe). Using this framework, we describe our personal thoughts and perspectives in engaging with the novel approach of (un)conferencing. We probe into the potential of collaborative reflection to gain deeper insights and understanding of our shift from a traditional academic conference to a HELTASA (un)conference. We explore the discomfort, displacement, and learnings of the intentional disruption of our conceptual understanding of (un)conference practices. This paper highlights our shifting mindsets as we reflect and interrogate our thoughts and perspectives on the conceptual framing of (un)conferencing. The analysis of the data reveals that the engagement in the conceptual disruption of (un)conferencing together with the engagement with the concept planning and event provided the environment and atmosphere where the team appreciated brainstorming conceptual understandings, self-reflecting, and exploring different perspectives. This study provides empirical evidence of strength in collaboration, the building of conceptual disruption as a community of practice and possibility of (un)conferencing being a shape-shifter in higher education. At an interpersonal level, the process allowed us to self-interrogate the conceptual disruption, unpacking our thoughts and shaping our own thinking. The paper asserts that shifting mindsets from conference to (un)conference, involves conceptual disruption which is a messy process and requires a level of trust, openness, adaptability amongst all members of the organising team.
Relationship between menstruation period, nutrients intake and appetite with premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Çengel Nur , Arslan Müge
Published: April 2024

Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate the macronutrient intake and appetite status of women aged 18-40 before, during, and after menstruation and to examine the relationships of those variables with premenstrual syndrome.
Method:   In this observational study, three days nutritional intake record, ‘‘Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ)’’, and ‘‘Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMS)’’ were administered to 410 women who applied to the nutrition and diet polyclinic of Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.
Results:  As the women’s intake of macronutrients such as carbohydrates (g), protein (g), and fat (g), saturated fat (g) increased, scores for the PMS factors of Anxiety, Irritability, Depressive Affect and Thoughts, Pain, Fatigue, Changes in Appetite and Sleep increased as well, as did total scores (p<0.01 for all). As participants’ scores for the SNAQ increased, the Depressive Affect, Fatigue, Changes in Sleep, Bloating, and Changes in Appetite factor scores and the total scores of the PMS Scale increased (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Women’s macronutrient intake varies before, during, and after menstruation and PMS affects macronutrient intake and appetite.
Evaluation of Quiet Quitting: Is the Bell Ringing?
Authors: Özen Hamit , Korkmaz Murat , Konucuk Emre , Çeven Burak , Sayar Nail , Menşan Nur Özge , Chan Tak Cheung
Published: April 2024

This study empirically explores the concept of Quite Quitting (QQ), which is defined as the factors that prevent teachers from feeling a sense of belonging to their profession despite their efforts in school settings. It also identifies the reasons why teachers do not feel engaged in their profession and the types of disengagement behaviors they exhibit. In this research, mixed research methods were employed, among which the exploratory sequential design was utilized. The design comprised two phases, the first being phenomenology with 32, and the second being the quantitative phase with 484 teachers in the Eskişehir region of Turkiye. The results provided evidence that although the QQ phenomenon was a post-pandemic trauma that occurred especially in Generation Z, the findings showed that QQ had very different dimensions in Turkiye and that its origins were deeper. The interpretation followed the four factors of QQ: management factors, social factors, economic factors, and factors that affected teachers' well-being. As aftereffects, teachers showed emotional distance, simurg effect, apathy, and revenge from the student. The conclusions and recommendations were discussed.
Pembuatan Prototype CNC Machine Pengambaran Pola Jalur PCB Berbasis Mikrokontroler untuk Efektifitas Pratikum Perancangan dan Pabrikasi Elektronika
Authors: Efrizon Efrizon , Yultrisna Yultrisna , Fajri Muhammad , Madona Era , Wardhani Aditya
Published: April 2024

Telah dilakukan pembuatan prototype CNC machine pengambaran pola jalur PCB  terkendali mikrokontroler yang didasarkan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan mahasiswa dalam mendesain rangkaian elektronika. Sasaran penelitian ini, yaitu (a) membuat sebuah prototpe sistem, (b) memrograman sistem berbantuan Arduino IDE, GRBL, dan (c) mengukur kinerja sistem. Metode penelitian dimulai dari pembuatan prototipe, dan pengukuran kinerja sistem. Hasil pengukuran kinerja sistem ditunjukkan tegangan pada motor stepper ketika bergerak menghasilkan 4,94 Vdc untuk sudut X, sedangkan 4,95 untuk sudut Y dan Z. Waktu pencetakan hasil gambar mengikuti masukan gambar dan ukuran gambar yang sudah di setting. Secara keseluruhan alat dapat berfungsi dengan baik. Saran untuk penelitian lanjutan, dapat ditambahkan pengeboran pada jalur PCB.
Identification of potential morpho-biochemical determinants conferring salt tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through seedling- and -reproductive stage phenotyping
Authors: Akter Shahnaj , Islam Shafiul , Chowdhury Noushin , Khatun Sheikh Mahfuja , Rohman Md. Motiar , Hassan Lutful , Hossain Mohammad Anwar
Published: April 2024

To optimize a reproductive-stage-specific phenotyping protocol and isolate potential determinants conferring salinity tolerance in wheat, two consecutive experiments were conducted using salt-tolerant varieties (Binagom-1 and BARI Gom 25) and a sensitive variety (BARI Gom 20). In the first experiment, seedlings were grown hydroponically, and 14-day-old seedlings were subjected to two different levels of salt stress (EC=12 dS/m and 16 dS/m) for 7 days. Based on the results of tolerant and susceptible varieties, parameters such as root and shoot weight, shoot Na+/K+ ratio, chlorophyll content, proline content, methylglyoxal content, H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation content and the activities of enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, and glyoxalase I were considered as potential determinants of salt tolerance. The second experiment employed four leaf cutting treatments under both control and salinity stress conditions. Seedlings were grown in perforated pots filled with field soil, and at the heading stage, plants were subjected to salt stress (12 dS/m) after trimming as indicated. The combined analysis of control and salt stress data obtained from setup B reflected a significant decrease in yield and yield-attributing traits; however, a lesser decrease was observed in tolerant varieties. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield per spike exhibited a significant positive correlation with the number of seeds per spike, spike weight, plant height, and days to first flowering under both stress and control conditions. Additionally, different stress tolerance indices also supported the results of reproductive stage phenotyping. However, further studies will be required to tag the genes/QTLs controlling salinity tolerance in wheat at various growth phases.
Clinical and functional characteristics of patients with bronchial asthma depending on body mass index
Authors: Kachkovska V. V. , Orlovskyi V. F.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and clinical and anamnestic data in patients with bronchial asthma (BA).
Material and methods. 553 patients with BA and 95 apparently healthy individuals without medical or family history of asthma, allergy or atopy symptoms were examined. Patients were divided into three groups depending on BMI: Group I included 152 patients with normal body weight (NBW), II – 206 overweight patients, III – 195 with obesity. BA control was assessed by using the ACQ-5 questionnaire, and the AQLQ was used to assess quality of life. The study was approved by the Bioethics Commission of the Medical Institute of Sumy State University. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out using the SPSS-17 program.
Results. There were no significant sex– and age-related differences (p > 0.05) between clinical groups. Complaints, medical history, clinical and instrumental indicators, disease severity, control, and quality of life of patients were analyzed to identify features of BA associated with obesity. The study has found that BA patients with obesity experienced a higher frequency of positive family history (p = 0.004), exacerbations during the cold season (p = 0.001), sensitivity to weather changes (p = 0.001), acute respiratory diseases (p = 0.001), stress (p = 0.001), and a combination of non-specific triggers (p = 0.001) which could result in exacerbations compared to patients with NBW. Exacerbations caused by flowering plants were more common in BA patients with NBW (55.3 %) compared to those with obesity (43.1 %). When comparing BA in individuals with obesity to those with NBW, there were several distinctive features. These included a higher frequency of symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath at rest or with minor physical exertion, weakness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, heartburn; night and day symptoms when using salbutamol, a severe and uncontrolled course with more pronounced obstructive disorders and lower reversibility, pneumonia, exacerbation episodes, and lower quality of life.
Conclusions. BA with obesity compared to BA with NBW is characterized by a number of differences such as non-allergic factors as triggers, more severe course, lower level of control and quality of life, pain, pronounced bronchial obstruction with lower reversibility.
The role of intestinal microbiota in the development of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Bogoslav T. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study: to summarize the study results on the interaction between intestinal microbiota and the human body in terms of the risk for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular system diseases.
Material and methods. A descriptive and comparative study was conducted based on the analysis of scientific literature focused on the role of intestinal microbiota in the occurrence of dyslipidemia and the development of cardiovascular diseases. The following research methods were used: search, comparative, analysis of scientific literature, generalization, synthesis.
Results. Gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining health, and its pathology contributes to the risk for cardiovascular diseases. In some cases, monitoring the intestinal microbiota and the preventive use of pre- and probiotics can reduce the risk for developing cardiovascular system diseases.
Conclusions. It has been found that trimethylamine-N-oxide, a microbiota-dependent metabolite, is the first of many existing bacterial products with the proven role in the development of cardiovascular system diseases.