bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinus roxburghii and Nauplius graveolens Extracts Elevate Apoptotic Gene Markers in C26 Colon Carcinoma Cells Induced in a BALB/c Mouse Model
Authors: Gad Mosab , Hassouna Hassan Z. , Mahmoud Khaled , Abd-Rabou Ahmed A. , Abdel-Azeem Amal S. , Hegazy Amany M. , Abdel-Lattife Mohamed S. , Ahmed Fouad A. , Oz Fatih , Proestos Charalampos , Zaky Ahmed A.
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of Pinus roxburghii branch (P. roxburghii) and Nauplius graveolens (N. graveolens) extracts against human colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by C26 murine cells in a BALB/c mouse model. Real-time qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the apoptotic pathway by measuring the relative mRNA expression levels of the Bcl-2, Bax, Cas3, NF-κB, and PI3k genes. At the termination of the 30-day period, blood samples were collected to assay the biomarkers. The results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of TGF-β, CEA, CA19-9, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, ALP, urea, and creatinine in the positive control compared to the negative control group. In addition, the glutathione reductase activity and total antioxidant activity were reduced in the positive control compared to the negative control. The biomarkers mentioned above were restored to almost normal levels after administering a safe dose (1/10) of a lethal dose of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts. Administration of one-tenth of the LD50 of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts caused a significant upregulation of the expression of Bax and Cas-3 and downregulation of the Bcl-2, NF-ĸB, and PI3k genes vs. the GAPDH gene as a housekeeping gene compared to the control group. Furthermore, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased upon treatment. After administration of P. roxburghii and N. graveolens at a safe dose (1/10) of a lethal dose, the results showed improvement in both body weight gain and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in tumor volume. Histopathological changes supported these improvements. Conclusively, the research outputs show that P. roxburghii and N. graveolens extracts can be utilized as potential chemopreventive agents for CRC treatment by stimulating cancer cell apoptosis and suppressing CRC survival and proliferation.
Anti-Allergic and Antioxidant Potential of Polyphenol-Enriched Fractions from Cyclopia subternata (Honeybush) Produced by a Scalable Process
Authors: Dippenaar Carla , Shimbo Hitoshi , Okon Kazunobu , Miller Neil , Joubert Elizabeth , Yoshida Tadashi , de Beer Dalene
Published: October 2022

Anti-allergic activity was previously demonstrated for extracts of Cyclopia subternata Vogel plant material, containing substantial amounts of xanthones, benzophenones, dihydrochalcones, flavanones and flavones. Fractionation of a hot water extract on macroporous resin was performed aiming to increase its potency. Operating conditions for scaled-up fractionation of the extract were determined, using small-scale static and dynamic sorption/desorption experiments. The anti-allergic potential of the fractions was assessed based on inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release from IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Given the role of oxidative stress in allergic reactions, the extract and fractions were also tested for their ability to scavenge the superoxide anion radical and inhibit xanthine oxidase (XO), an enzyme involved in its generation. The routine DPPH and ORAC assays were used for determination of the antioxidant capacity of the fractions. 3-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyliriflophenone (IDG) had the lowest affinity for the resin, dictating selection of the optimal separation conditions. The extract was separated into four fractions on XAD1180N, using step-wise gradient elution with EtOH-water solutions. The major phenolic compounds present in the fractions were IDG and 3-β-D-glucopyranosyliriflophenone (fraction 1), mangiferin, isomangiferin, 3′,5′-di-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3-hydroxyphloretin and vicenin-2 (fraction 2), 3′,5′-di-β-D-glucopyranosylphloretin, eriocitrin and scolymoside (fraction 3) and hesperidin and p-coumaric acid (fraction 4). Fractionation was only partially effective in increasing activity compared to the extract, i.e., fractions 2, 3 and 4 in the DPPH• and XO assays, fractions 1 and 2 in the ORAC assay and fraction 1 in the β-hexosaminidase release assay. In vivo testing will be required to determine whether the increased activity of fractions is worth the effort and expense of fractionation.
Effects of Ecological Restoration on the Distribution of Soil Particles and Organic Carbon in Alpine Regions
Authors: Han Guangzhao , Cao Guangchao , Cao Shengkui , Ye Wenqian , Cheng Guo
Published: October 2022

This study discusses the impact of two different ecological restoration approaches on the distribution of soil particle size and organic carbon, expecting to provide references for research on the effects of ecological restoration on the soil carbon pool in alpine regions. By replacing the method of time sampling with spatial sampling, grasslands enclosed only in the growing season and woodlands enclosed all year round were respectively selected as the research objects. Through centrifugation, the soil samples were classified by grain size into sand (50–2000 μm), silt (2–50 μm), and clay (<2 μm) to analyze the distribution of organic carbon in soil particles of different sizes. The major findings were as follows. First, sand accounted for the largest proportion of all the soil components in the grasslands and woodlands that had been restored for different years, followed by silt and clay. Second, most of the organic carbon in the grasslands and woodlands was from sand and silt. As the restoration years increased, the proportion of organic carbon in clay grew in fluctuation. In short, both ecological restoration approaches have improved the soil structure and raised the content of soil organic carbon (SOC). Specifically, the restoration scheme of the woodlands exerted a more significant influence on the soil components and the distribution of organic carbon than that of the grasslands.
The Essential Oil Composition of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don: Influence of Steam, Hydro and Microwave-Assisted Distillation
Authors: Jažo Zvonimir , Glumac Mateo , Drventić Ivana , Žilić Ljilja , Dujmović Tea , Bajić Danica , Vučemilo Marko , Ivić Ena , Bektić Sanida , Anačkov Goran T. , Radan Mila
Published: October 2022

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don (Asteraceae), also known as immortelle, usually grows in the Mediterranean area. The composition of the essential oil (EO) of immortelle is a mixture of various aromatic substances, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Distillation is the most widely used method for extraction of EO immortelle, although the yield is very low (<1%). In this work, we aim to investigate how the use of different distillation methods affects the yield and chemical composition of immortelle EO. For this purpose, we applied two conventional methods: steam distillation (SD) and hydrodistillation (HD), and a modern (environmentally friendly) technique—microwave-assisted distillation (MAD). Wild immortelles from four different locations in Croatia were collected and carefully prepared for extraction. Each sample was then analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GraphPad Prisma statistical software was used to study the statistics between different groups of connections and analyze the data on the number of connections. The results show that HD gives a significantly higher yield (0.31 ± 0.09%) compared to MAD (0.15 ± 0.03%) and SD (0.12 ± 0.04%). On the other hand, the highest number of chemical compounds was identified with MAD (95.75 ± 15.31%), and most of them are subordinate compounds with complex structures. SD isolated EOs are rich in derived acyclic compounds with the highest percentage of ketones. The results show that the application of different distillation methods significantly affects the composition of the obtained immortelle EO, considering the yield of EO, the number of isolated, derived and non-derived compounds, chemotypes and compounds with simple (acyclic) and complex structures.
Increasing the Accuracy and Optimizing the Structure of the Scale Thickness Detection System by Extracting the Optimal Characteristics Using Wavelet Transform
Authors: Mayet Abdulilah Mohammad , Chen Tzu-Chia , Alizadeh Seyed Mehdi , Al-Qahtani Ali Awadh , Qaisi Ramy Mohammed Aiesh , Alhashim Hala H. , Eftekhari-Zadeh Ehsan
Published: October 2022

Loss of energy, decrement of efficiency, and decrement of the effective diameter of the oil pipe are among the consequences of scale inside oil condensate transfer pipes. To prevent these incidents and their consequences and take timely action, it is important to detect the amount of scale. One of the accurate diagnosis methods is the use of non-invasive systems based on gamma-ray attenuation. The detection method proposed in this research consists of a detector that receives the radiation sent by the gamma source with dual energy (radioisotopes 241Am and 133Ba) after passing through the test pipe with inner scale (in different thicknesses). This structure was simulated by Monte Carlo N Particle code. The simulation performed in the test pipe included a three-phase flow consisting of water, gas, and oil in a stratified flow regime in different volume percentages. The signals received by the detector were processed by wavelet transform, which provided sufficient inputs to design the radial basis function (RBF) neural network. The scale thickness value deposited in the pipe can be predicted with an MSE of 0.02. The use of a detector optimizes the structure, and its high accuracy guarantees the usefulness of its use in practical situations.
Identification of Photodegradation Products of Escitalopram in Surface Water by HPLC-MS/MS and Preliminary Characterization of Their Potential Impact on the Environment
Authors: Termopoli Veronica , Consonni Viviana , Ballabio Davide , Todeschini Roberto , Orlandi Marco , Gosetti Fabio
Published: October 2022

The study concerns the photodegradation of the antidepressant escitalopram (ESC), the S-enantiomer of the citalopram raceme, both in ultrapure and surface water, considering the contribution of indirect photolysis through the presence of nitrate and bicarbonate. The effect of nitrate and bicarbonate concentrations was investigated by full factorial design, and only the nitrate concentration resulted in having a significant effect on the degradation. The kinetics of ESC photodegradation is the pseudo-first-order (half-life = 62.4 h in ultrapure water and 48.4 h in lake water). The generation of transformation products (TPs) was monitored through a developed and validated HPLC-MS/MS method. Fourteen TPs were identified in ultrapure water (one of them, at m/z 261, for the first time) and other two TPs at m/z 327 (found for the first time in this study) were identified only in presence of a nitrate. Several TPs were the same as those formed during the photodegradation of citalopram. The photodegradation pathway of ESC and its mechanism of degradation in water is proposed. The method was applied successfully to the analyses of surface water samples, in which a few dozen of ng L−1 of ESC was determined together with the presence of TP2, TP5 and TP12. Finally, a preliminary in silico evaluation of the toxicological profile and environmental behavior of TPs by computational models was carried out; two TPs (TP4 and TP10) were identified as of potential concern, as they were predicted mutagenic by Ames test model.
Disposable Pipette Extraction (DPX) Coupled to HPLC-DAD as an Alternative for the Determination of Phthalic Monoesters in Urine Samples
Authors: Comelli Heloisa , Will Camila , Morés Lucas , Bernardi Gabrieli , Carasek Eduardo
Published: October 2022

Phthalates are widely used in industry, but adverse effects on human health have been reported due to exposure to these chemicals. In the human body, they are metabolized into phthalic monoesters, which are used to monitor human exposure and assess risk. Urine is one of the main biological samples used, due to its easy access and collection, and also being the main elimination pathway for phthalates. Urine samples are complex; therefore, sample preparation is a critical step. Disposable pipette extraction (DPX) has not previously been reported for quantifying phthalates in urine and is here presented as a fast and low sample consumption method. A fully optimized RP-DPX method was developed for determination of free monomethyl phthalate, monobutyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, and monoethylhexyl phthalate from urine samples. Analytical parameters of merit were obtained. The values of R2 were ≥0.9832, and the LOD and LOQ varied from 3.0 to 7.6 μg L−1 and 10 to 25 μg L−1, respectively. Intraday (n = 3) and interday (n = 9) precision were ≤13.6 and 15.6%. The accuracy, as relative recovery, presented a range from 83 to 120%. The method was robust after performing the Youden test. Compared to other methods, this work stands out due to its short extraction time and sample consumption.
Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Dill Seed Essential Oil on Neofusicoccum parvum in Chinese Chestnut
Authors: Liu Tian-Tian , Gou Lin-Jing , Zeng Hong , Zhou Gao , Dong Wan-Rong , Cui Yu , Cai Qiang , Chen Yu-Xin
Published: October 2022

The chestnut postharvest pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum (N. parvum) is an important postharvest pathogen that causes chestnut rot. Chestnut rot in postharvest reduces food quality and causes huge economic losses. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of dill seed essential oil (DSEO) on N. parvum and its mechanism of action. The chemical characterization of DSEO by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) showed that the main components of DSEO were apiole, carvone, dihydrocarvone, and limonene. DSEO inhibited the growth of mycelium in a dose-dependent manner. The antifungal effects are associated with destroying the fungal cell wall (cytoskeleton) and cell membrane. In addition, DSEO can induce oxidative damage and intracellular redox imbalance to damage cell function. Transcriptomics analysis showed DSEO treatment induced differently expressed genes most related to replication, transcription, translation, and lipid, DNA metabolic process. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that DSEO and DSEO emulsion can inhibit the growth of fungi and prolong the storage period of chestnuts. These results suggest that DSEO can be used as a potential antifungal preservative in food storage.
Characterization of Chemical Constituents of Oxytropis microphylla (Pall.) DC. by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole-Time-of Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xia Mengqi , Yao Min , Li Junmao , Zhang Jianjian , Yu Yayun , Yang Shilin , Zhong Guoyue , Pei Na , Ouyang Hui , Feng Yulin
Published: October 2022

Oxytropis microphylla (Pall.) DC. is a traditional Tibetan medicine used as an external preparation for clearing heat and detoxification, healing sore muscles, astringent vein hemostasis, defecation, and treating plague, constipation, anthrax, and swollen and painful furuncles. It remains a challenge to comprehensively analyze and identify the chemical constituents of Oxytropis microphylla (Pall.) DC. In this study, a new analytical method using a combination of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and effective data mining techniques was established to identify the chemical constituents of Oxytropis microphylla. A total of 127 compounds were identified in O. microphylla extract, including 92 flavonoids, 15 indole alkaloids, and 20 others. After the oral administration of the extract to rats, 22 metabolites were identified in the plasma. The primary in vivo metabolic reactions that occurred after the administration of O. microphylla extract were glucuronidation and sulfation. Therefore, we successfully devised a high-efficiency method to distinguish compounds and used it as a source of post-study to identify the active biological components of O. microphylla extract.
Research on Hydrometallurgical Separation Technology
Authors: Ohto Keisuke
Published: October 2022

The reservation of metallic resources has been an urgent global issue with increased demand in an advanced industry [...]
Comparison of Validation Parameters for the Determination of Vitamin D3 in Commercial Pharmaceutical Products Using Traditional and Greener HPTLC Methods
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed H. , Shakeel Faiyaz , Foudah Ahmed I. , Aljarba Tariq M. , Alam Aftab , Alshehri Sultan , Alam Prawez
Published: October 2022

Several analytical methods are documented for the estimation of vitamin D3 (VD3) in pharmaceuticals, food supplements, nutritional supplements, and biological samples. However, greener analytical methods for VD3 analysis are scarce in the literature. As a consequence, attempts were made to design and validate a greener “high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)” method for VD3 estimation in commercial pharmaceutical products, as compared to the traditional HPTLC method. The greenness indices of both approaches were predicted by utilizing the “Analytical GREENness (AGREE)” method. Both traditional and greener analytical methods were linear for VD3 estimation in the 50–600 ng band−1 and 25–1200 ng band−1 ranges, respectively. The greener HPTLC strategy outperformed the traditional HPTLC strategy for VD3 estimation in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. For VD3 estimation in commercial tablets A–D, the greener analytical strategy was better in terms of VD3 assay over the traditional analytical strategy. The AGREE index of the traditional and greener analytical strategies was estimated to be 0.47 and 0.87, respectively. The AGREE analytical outcomes suggested that the greener analytical strategy had a superior greener profile to the traditional analytical strategy. The greener HPTLC strategy was regarded as superior to the traditional HPTLC methodology based on a variety of validation factors and pharmaceutical assays.
WISCANet: A Rapid Development Platform for Beyond 5G and 6G Radio System Prototyping
Authors: Holtom Jacob , Herschfelt Andrew , Lenz Isabella , Ma Owen , Yu Hanguang , Bliss Daniel W.
Published: October 2022

Validating RF applications is traditionally time consuming, even for relatively simple systems. We developed the WISCA Software-Defined Radio Network (WISCANet) to accelerate the implementation and validation of radio applications over-the-air (OTA). WISCANet is a hardwareagnostic control software that automatically configures and controls a software-defined radio (SDR) network. By abstracting the hardware controls away from the user, WISCANet allows a non-expert user to deploy an OTA application by simply defining a baseband processing chain in a high level language. This technology reduces transition time between system design and OTA deployment, accelerates debugging and validation processes, and makes OTA experimentation more accessible to users that are not radio hardware experts. WISCANet emulates real-time RF operations, enabling users to perform real-time experiments without the typical restrictions on processing speed and hardware capabilities. WISCANet also supports multiple RF front-ends (RFFEs) per compute node, allowing sub-6 and mmWave systems to coexist on the same node. This coexistence enables simultaneous baseband processing that simplifies and enhances advanced algorithms and beyond-5G applications. In this study, we highlight the capabilities of WISCANet in several sub-6 and mmWave over-the-air demonstrations. The open source release of this software may be found on the WISCA GitHub page.
Conceptual Cartography for the Systematic Study of Music Education Based on ICT or EdTech
Authors: León-Garrido Antonio , Barroso-Osuna Julio Manuel , Llorente-Cejudo Carmen
Published: October 2022

Music and its study have always been present among people. Its learning is significant, as it provides benefits and helps in the acquisition of many abilities and skills. However, didactic, methodological, and pedagogical changes have begun to appear that nurture and provide new challenges to their learning. Fully adapting to the 21st century and abiding by the great demand for technologies, we have seen the rise of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), which have also been conceived as educational technology (EdTech), when applied to education. Due to these reasons, the need to conduct a systematic literature review in four databases has arisen to find out whether the use of technology in music education helps to facilitate the teaching-learning process of students. Evidence from this research has been collected using concept mapping to organize the training process. Finally, it is relevant to comment that evidence has been found and verified that the use of Edtech helps in the learning of Music Education; given that, in various documents, it is observed that they increase motivation, musical-technological thinking, critical thinking, creativity, musical practice, and musical improvisation and that they give rise to fun, playful, enjoyable, and stimulating learning.
Design-Driven Conflicts: Exploring the Contribution of Design for Constructing Social Controversies from a Theoretical Standpoint
Authors: Nedaei Moein , Jacoby Alexis , Bois Els Du
Published: October 2022

Controversies are an inseparable part of social systems which, if constructed properly, can create a unique condition for higher-order learning. In addition, design inquiry, as a process of thought and planning, is also a constructive process. This provokes the question of how to construct controversies from a designerly perspective in order to steer higher-order learning. This paper presents a theoretical contribution to the field of social system design by providing the first insights into design intervention to facilitate a network of allied construction. Through a systematic review of the concept of conflict and disagreement, the link between controversies and knowledge transmission is examined in order to highlight the benefit of controversies in a constructive way. Next to that, the essential steps for constructing a network of allies are proposed. These steps are compared with specific aspects of design in order to unfold the advantages of design for network construction. Finally, the paper wraps up with concluding remarks about the necessity of having a bridging step from theory to action in order to facilitate the construction of controversies in a real-life context.
The Construction of Identities in the Pre-Service Training of Social Sciences Teachers
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Noelia , Santisteban Antoni , De-Alba-Fernández Nicolás , Navarro-Medina Elisa
Published: October 2022

We live in a global society in which conflicts arise from the non-acceptance of existing diversity. To achieve more inclusive and fair societies, it is necessary that education and, specifically, Social Sciences, attend to the development of identities from the school itself. We present a qualitative case study with Primary Education teachers in initial training at two Spanish universities: the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Seville. By means of a questionnaire with open and closed questions, we explored the representations of future teachers on the construction of their identity, as well as their practical perspectives on the approach to identities in the primary classroom. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used for data analysis. The most relevant results of the study indicate that in the two cases analyzed the students have a mixed perspective on the construction of their identities, in which the elements linked to local, social, and linguistic contexts are more important. In relation to the approach to identities in the classroom, there are some differences and similarities between the groups that make us reflect on the need to promote a model of initial training that links the teaching of identities not only with knowledge of our present and past, but also with social transformation and the future.
The World of Reciprocity: Forms of Social Capital among the Indigenous Totonacs of the Sierra Norte de Puebla
Authors: Lugo-Morin Diosey Ramon , Deance Bravo y Troncoso Ivan Gerardo , Canto Valdez Luis Roberto , Mendoza Valladares Jorge Luis , Santiago Francisco Jose
Published: October 2022

The aim was to explore social capital in the Totonac ethnic group with the idea of identifying its sources and proposing how social capital is perceived and understood from a different centre of knowledge than the Western one. Methodologically, the study was based on a qualitative approach using the following research techniques: semi-structured interview and ethnographic work from a participant observation perspective. The results allowed us to observe, at least in the Totonac culture, changes in the way of understanding and practicing some relationships, including reciprocity, which in the study were approached from two analytical axes, namely, from the interpersonal relationships of the Totonacs and from the relationships with nature. We can conclude that from the Totonac culture, the perception and operation of social capital responds to a different logic. We can confirm this from the experiences narrated by the Totonac group of the Sierra Norte de Puebla, who from their cosmovision possess a social dynamic where reciprocity unfolds in their different social practices and acquires meaning from their roots, nuanced through their own cultural expressions and manifestations. Finally, a research agenda is proposed to explore social capital in the rest of the native cultures.
Does the Number of Publications Matter for Academic Promotion in Higher Education? Evidence from Lebanon
Authors: Boutros Pierre , Fakih Ali , Kassab Sara , Lizzaik Zeina
Published: October 2022

This paper uses unique data from Lebanon to explore the factors affecting promotion in academia. We use the Ordered Probit model to answer the research question empirically. The results indicate that the number of publications is an essential factor affecting promotion decisions. Moreover, our findings indicate a quadratic relationship between age and promotion, reaching a peak at 62 years. After this turning point, age and promotion become negatively correlated. When dividing our sample by academic generations, we find that the number of publications is an important determinant for promotion only for the cohort who graduated after the year 2000. Finally, after dividing by gender, the results suggest that males and females who publish more have equal chances of earning a promotion.
Spatial Bodies: Vulnerable Inclusiveness within Gyms and Fitness Venues in Sweden
Authors: Bladh Greta Helen
Published: October 2022

Today, gyms and fitness venues set out, on a superficial level at least, to cater to the individual, no matter what their gender and are therefore often seen as inclusive spaces for physical activity and its concomitant health benefits. However, previous research has shown that gyms as such, as well as certain areas within gyms, are perceived as specifically masculine spaces, often referring to a contextually contingent hegemonic masculinity, thereby deterring those who do not align with this image, especially women, but also certain men. Even when these dividing lines are crossed, a gendered movement schema remains, because there are different social expectations of what, how, and where men and women should exercise. As we will see in this paper, these movement schemas are produced and reproduced through discursive spatial linkages within the gym and fitness culture. In addition to investigating in what ways gendered norms are implicated within the very architecture of gyms in general, one gym, in particular, is used as an example since it is written into its statutes that it should work in a norm-critical way, providing a case study that shows an attempt to disrupt this inhibiting gendered spatial discourse and, thereby, possibly creating a more inclusive gym space.
Metamodernism and Social Sciences: Scoping the Future
Authors: Pipere Anita , Mārtinsone Kristīne
Published: October 2022

At this moment, humanity is confronting several global metacrises that demand a new image of science to deal with the complex problems associated with these crises. In addition to natural sciences and humanities, social sciences can become an equally efficient resource for use in this transformation if they succeed in constructing new frameworks congruent with the new reality. The purpose of this theoretical paper in the discourse of philosophy of science is to discern the features of the social sciences within a new paradigm of metamodernism. For the first time, the authors elaborate on the new principles of metamodernist philosophy and apply them to the ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology of the social sciences. The set of six transversal principles comprises the ontological principle of paradoxical simultaneity, caused by oscillation, epistemological principles of paradoxical understanding of truth and grand narratives, as well as metaxis-based thinking and dia/polylogue, axiological negotiation between rhizomatic and hierarchical social relations and values, and methodological pluralism. The last principle showcases the coexistence and interlinkage of previous stages of metamodernism. The application of these principles to the social sciences was designed from the perspectives of a specific discipline, inter/transdisciplinarity, and instrumental level of social practice. The paper concludes with a discussion of additional avenues for the development of metamodernism in the social sciences.
Who Believes in Fake News? Identification of Political (A)Symmetries
Authors: Baptista João Pedro , Gradim Anabela
Published: October 2022

Political fake news continues to be a threat to contemporary societies, negatively affecting public and democratic institutions. The literature has identified political bias as one of the main predictors of belief and spread of fake news. However, the academic debate has not been consensual regarding the effect of political identity on the discernment of fake news. This systematic literature review (2017–2021) seeks to understand whether there is consistent evidence that one political identity may be more vulnerable to fake news than others. Focusing the analysis on European and North American (United States) studies, we used Scopus and Web of Science databases to examine the literature. Our findings revealed that most studies are consistent in identifying the conservative or right-wing audience as more vulnerable to fake news. Although there seems to be a motivated political reasoning for both sides, left-wing people or liberals were not, in any analyzed study, associated with a greater propensity to believe in political fake news. Motivated reasoning seems stronger and more active among conservatives, both in the United States and Europe. Our study reinforces the need to intensify the fight against the proliferation of fake news among the most conservative, populist, and radical right audience.
Impact of Aboveground Vegetation on Abundance, Diversity, and Biomass of Earthworms in Selected Land Use Systems as a Model of Synchrony between Aboveground and Belowground Habitats in Mid-Himalaya, India
Authors: Gudeta Kasahun , Bhagat Ankeet , Julka Jatinder Mohan , Bhat Sartaj Ahmad , Sharma Gopal Krishan , Bantihun Getachew , Amarowicz Ryszard , Belina Merga
Published: October 2022

The population status and biomass of earthworms were studied in three different land use systems of pasture (Pa), silvopasture (SP), and mixed evergreen forest (MEF) from 2019–2020 in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The aim of this study was to assess the population status of earthworms and investigate how different land use systems influence their abundance, diversity, and biomass. Earthworms and soil were sampled using the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) method in all seasons (winter, spring, summer, monsoon, and autumn). The physicochemical properties of the soil were analyzed to evaluate their effects on the diversity, biomass, and density of animals. The diversity status parameters, such as the Shannon diversity index (H′), Margalef richness index (R), evenness (J′), and dominance index (D), were computed. A total of seven earthworm species, belonging to four families, namely, Amynthas corticis, Aporrectodea rosea, Drawida japonica, Eisenia fetida, Metaphire birmanica, Metaphire houlleti, and Lennogaster pusillus, were identified from all three land use systems. The lowest Shannon diversity index (H′), Margalef index (R), and evenness (J′) index values were registered in MEF (H′ = 0.661, R = 0.762, J′ = 0.369) compared to those in Pa (H′ = 1.25, R = 1.165, J′ = 0.696) and SP (H′ = 0.99, R = 0.883, J′ = 0.552), implying that MEF is the least diversified land system. In contrast, the highest dominance index (D) value was registered in MEF (Pa = 0.39, SP = 0.53, MEF = 0.67), which again showed that MEF is the least diversified land system. The highest values of abundance and biomass were recorded in MEF (754.15 individuals m−2 and 156.02 g m−2), followed by SP (306.13 individuals m−2 and 124.84 g m−2) and Pa (77.87 individuals m−2 and 31.82 g m−2). Both the density and biomass of earthworms increased from Pa to MEF (Pa < SP < MEF). This study is novel because it revealed that the diversity and productivity (biomass and abundance) values of earthworms were negatively correlated (as diversity increased, productivity decreased; as diversity decreased, productivity increased). The total values of abundance and biomass of earthworms in the three land use systems indicated perfect synchrony between aboveground and belowground habitats, whereas the diversity values revealed that MEF was dominated by one or two species and the least diversified. Therefore, for sustainable belowground productivity, aboveground conservation is recommended, and vice versa, regardless of diversity.
Phytoremediating a Wastewater-Irrigated Soil Contaminated with Toxic Metals: Comparing the Efficacies of Different Crops
Authors: Ahmad Iftikhar , Malik Saeed Ahmad , Saeed Shafqat , Rehman Atta-ur , Munir Tariq Muhammad
Published: October 2022

A formidable challenge in suburban agriculture is the sustainability of soil health following the use of wastewater for irrigation. The wastewater irrigation likely toxifies the crop plants making them unconsumable. We used a multivariate, completely randomized design in a greenhouse, comparing the phytoextraction capacities of Brassica juncea, Eruca sativa, Brassica rapa, and Brassica napus—all grown on silt loam soil irrigated with industrial wastewater, canal water, and a 1:1 mixture, during 2018. The studied Brassica plants were generally closely efficient in remediating toxic metals found in wastewater irrigated soil. Substantial differences between Brassica and Eruca plants/parts were recorded. For example, B. napus had significantly higher metal extraction or accumulation compared to E. sativa for Zn (71%), Cu (69%), Fe (78%), Mn (79%), Cd (101%), Cr (57%), Ni (92%). and Pb (49%). While the water and plant were the main predictors of metal extraction or accumulation, an interaction between the main effects substantially contributed to Cu, Mn, and Fe extractions from soil and accumulations in plants. Significant correlations between biological accumulation coefficient and biological transfer coefficient for many metals further supported the metal extraction or accumulation efficiencies as: B. napus > B. juncea > B. rapa > E. sativa. Root-stem mobility index correlation with stem-leaf mobility index indicated the metal translocation along the root-stem-leaf continuum. Therefore, we suggest that these crops may not be used for human or animal consumption when grown with industrial wastewater of toxic metal concentrations ≥ permissible limits. Rather these plants may serve as effective remediators of toxic metal-polluted soil.
The Physical Demands of Match-Play in Academy and Senior Soccer Players from the Scottish Premiership
Authors: Morgans Ryland , Bezuglov Eduard , Orme Patrick , Burns Kyler , Rhodes Dave , Babraj John , Di Michele Rocco , Oliveira Rafael Franco Soares
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to assess the physical match performance among senior and youth soccer players from an elite Scottish Premiership club during the 2021/2022 season. Twenty-two first team (25.9 ± 4.5 years, 78.3 ± 8.2 kg, 1.82 ± 0.07 cm) and 16 youth players (16.8 ± 0.9 years, 70.1 ± 6.8 kg, 177 ± 5.8 cm) were examined. A selection of physical match performance variables were measured using a global positioning system. Linear mixed-effect regressions revealed for all examined variables no significant differences between first team and U-18 players and no significant differences between playing level by position interaction. Across both teams, Centre Backs compared to Wing Backs, showed a 295 m (p < 0.01) lower high-intensity distance, and performed on average 36 fewer very-high intensity decelerations (p = 0.03). Comparing to Wide Midfielders, Centre Backs showed lower total (1297 m, p = 0.01), high-intensity (350 m, p = 0.01), and sprint (167 m, p < 0.01) distances. Sprint distance was also lower in Centre Backs vs. Strikers (118 m, p = 0.03), and in Central Midfielders vs. both Strikers (104 m, p = 0.03) and Wide Midfielders (154 m, p = 0.01). The present findings highlight the physical match performance of elite Scottish players and provide useful information within the context of understanding how methods of physical development of youth soccer are implemented in different countries.
Benford Networks
Authors: de Kok Roeland , Rotundo Giulia
Published: October 2022

The Benford law applied within complex networks is an interesting area of research. This paper proposes a new algorithm for the generation of a Benford network based on priority rank, and further specifies the formal definition. The condition to be taken into account is the probability density of the node degree. In addition to this first algorithm, an iterative algorithm is proposed based on rewiring. Its development requires the introduction of an ad hoc measure for understanding how far an arbitrary network is from a Benford network. The definition is a semi-distance and does not lead to a distance in mathematical terms, instead serving to identify the Benford network as a class. The semi-distance is a function of the network; it is computationally less expensive than the degree of conformity and serves to set a descent condition for the rewiring. The algorithm stops when it meets the condition that either the network is Benford or the maximum number of iterations is reached. The second condition is needed because only a limited set of densities allow for a Benford network. Another important topic is assortativity and the extremes which can be achieved by constraining the network topology; for this reason, we ran simulations on artificial networks and explored further theoretical settings as preliminary work on models of preferential attachment. Based on our extensive analysis, the first proposed algorithm remains the best one from a computational point of view.
Phytochemical and In Vitro Cytotoxic Screening of Chloroform Extract of Ehretia microphylla Lamk
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Shri Richa , Kumar Suresh
Published: October 2022

Ehretia microphylla of the Boraginaceae family has been extensively used as a folklore remedy for the treatment of a wide range of ailments such as cough, cancer, allergies, and gastrointestinal and venereal disorders. Extensive literature review reports have revealed these findings due to the presence of numerous phytomolecules. To validate traditional claims for cytotoxic activity of E. microphylla, the present study was undertaken. Dried leaves of the plant were powdered and defatted with petroleum ether followed by hot continuous extraction with chloroform. The chloroform extract was subjected to in vitro cytotoxic screening against a panel of human cancer cell lines such as HCT-116 (colon), MCF-7 (breast), PC-3 (prostate), A-549 (lung), HL-60 (leukemia) and MiaPaCa-2 (pancreatic) at 50 µM using SRB assay. The extract exhibited noteworthy cytotoxicity activity against breast and lung cancer. It exhibited 85.55% and 77.93% inhibition against MCF-7 and A-549 cancer cell lines, respectively. The mechanism behind cell death was determined using the DAPI staining method, which induces alteration in nuclear morphology in MCF-7 cell lines evidenced through DAPI staining. Phytochemical screening of E. microphylla extract showed the presence of saponins, steroids, lipids, tannins and triterpenoids. The chemoprofile of the chloroform extract of E. microphylla leaves was established using an n-hexane:ethyl acetate solvent system in a ratio of 6:4. The developed chromatogram showed five spots both in visible and UV light at 254 nm. The information provided in the present study will enable further studies on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds/fractions by following bioactivity-guided fractionation, and thus, the plant has the potential to reduce proliferation and may induce cell death via apoptosis in breast cancer cells.
Summary of the Transformational Relationship between Point Load Strength Index and Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Rocks
Authors: Wang Meiqian , Xu Wei , Chen Dakun , Li Jianguo , Mu Hongyuan , Mi Jian , Wu Yonghong
Published: October 2022

The point load test is an effective and rapid way to predict rock strength. Regarding the investigation of point load strength and the failure characteristics of rock, the point load test’s advantages and application scopes are introduced in this paper. According to the three main components—the rock itself, the size effect, and the loading cross-sectional area—the point load strength’s influencing factors and mechanisms on rock failure were analyzed, followed by expounding the significant effect of the technology of the point load test on evaluating engineering safety and stability. Based on previous scholars’ research results, there is a strong correlation between the point load strength and the uniaxial compressive strength. The parameters of the rocks from different regions and different sediments were summarized via substantial field and indoor testing. The functional relationship (mainly including the linear function, quadratic function, exponential function, power function, and logarithmic function) between the point load strength and the uniaxial compressive strength was obtained by mathematical statistical analysis. Finally, the challenges regarding the point load test were discussed, and accordingly, suggestions for future research were provided.
Engineering Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Modified Cement Incorporated with Bottle Glass Waste Nanoparticles
Authors: Alharbi Yousef R. , Abadel Aref A.
Published: October 2022

Eco-friendly sustainable construction materials with low carbon dioxide emissions and low energy consumption which utilize agricultural and industrial waste are widely recommended. Utilizing high-volume fly ash waste (FA) as a cement replacement will contribute to a reduction in the environmental problems related to cement production and landfill disposal. It is well known that the inclusion of high amounts of FA (up to 50%) as a cement replacement leads to low strength performance, especially at a concrete’s early age (below 7 days). In this study, a cement mortar with high-volume FA (60%) was developed with strength enhancement. With nanotechnology and nanomaterial benefits, nanoparticles from bottle glass waste (BGWNP) were produced and used to replace 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% of cement–FA binder. The results showed that the compressive strength significantly improved with the inclusion of the BGWNP in a high-volume FA matrix and the strength trend increased from 21.3 to 328 MPa with increasing nanoparticle content from 0 to 6%. However, the results indicated that the inclusion of nanoparticles up to 6% led to a slight reduction in strength value. Similar trends were observed for other engineering and microstructure properties and the matrix containing 6% of BGWNP achieved the highest performance compared to that of the control sample. It is concluded that, with the utilization of BGWNP, there is an ability to produce high-volume FA-based cement with acceptable engineering properties as well as achieve sustainability goals by reducing pollution, recycling waste, and resolving landfill issues.
The Influence of Major Ergonomic Factors on the Demand for Underwear in the Highly Educated Male Group
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Wu Xinzhou , Kuzmichev Victor , Adolphe Dominique
Published: October 2022

At present, it is unclear how ergonomic factors of underwear affect men’s work, lifestyle, physiology and psychology, and whether the demand factors of some special groups will affect the development of underwear. This study analyzed the underwear preferences of male groups working in Chinese and European universities from the perspective of ergonomics. The survey results confirm that ergonomic factors significantly affect men’s preference for underwear, including subjective style preference and objective comfort. These problems come from style structure, materials, functional design and size standards. In general, this typical male group needs underwear with good support in standing posture and good comfort in sitting state. This study also provides important information and evidence for the analysis and prediction of group characteristics and demand-oriented product development. Designing underwear products according to consumer needs and avoiding waste of resources from inefficient development has a positive impact on the green development and recycling of textiles.
An Integrated Decision-Making Model Based on Plithogenic-Neutrosophic Rough Number for Sustainable Financing Enterprise Selection
Authors: Wang Peiwen , Lin Yan , Wang Zhiping
Published: October 2022

Due to the continuous improvement of people’s awareness of sustainable development, sustainable financing enterprise selection (SFES) has gradually become a hotspot in the field of multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM). In the environment of increasing risk factors, how to accurately and objectively select the optimal enterprise for financing is still pending. Thus, this paper proposes an integrated plithogenic-neutrosophic rough number (P-NRN) information aggregation decision model. The model is adapted to group decision-making by taking advantages of plithogenic set operations in handling uncertainty and vagueness and the merit of NRN in eliminating imprecision and subjectivity of decision-makers (DM) in evaluating information boundaries. Then, this paper develops an MCGDM framework based on the weight determination techniques and complex proportional assessment (COPRAS). Moreover, by extending the similarity measure theory and the maximizing deviation method, the weights of DMs and risk criteria are derived, respectively. After obtaining the results of P-NRN information aggregation and weight evaluation, we apply COPRAS to conduct alternative ranking and select the optimal one. The proposed model is successfully implemented in a real case of financing enterprise selection, and comparisons with five representative tools from three decision-making phases are performed to verify the superiority of the model in dealing with uncertainty and subjectivity.