bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current insights into the interplay between gut microbiota-derived metabolites and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Dongoran Rachmad Anres , Tu Fang-Cen , Liu Chin-Hung
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent and challenging disease associated with a significant health and economic burden. MAFLD has been subjected to and widely investigated in many studies; however, the underlying pathogenesis and its progression have yet to understand fully. Furthermore, precise biomarkers for diagnosing and specific drugs for treatment are yet to be discovered. Increasing evidence has proven gut microbiota as the neglected endocrine organ that regulates homeostasis and immune response. Targeting gut microbiota is an essential strategy for metabolic diseases, including MAFLD. Gut microbiota in the gut-liver axis is connected through tight bidirectional links through the biliary tract, portal vein, and systemic circulation, producing gut microbiota metabolites. This review focuses on the specific correlation between gut microbiota metabolites and MAFLD. Gut microbiota metabolites are biologically active in the host and, through subsequent changes and biological activities, provide implications for MAFLD. Based on the review studies, gut-liver axis related-metabolites including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids (BAs), lipopolysaccharide, choline and its metabolites, indole and its derivates, branched-chain amino acids, and methionine cycle derivates was associated with MAFLD and could be promising MAFLD diagnosis biomarkers, as well as the targets for MAFLD new drug discovery.
Bananas and Their Wild Relatives in Pandeglang, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Susilawati , Ahmad Fajarudin , Oktorida Khastini Rida , Mukti Leksono Suroso , Maryani Nani
Published: September 2023

Pandeglang is one of the banana producer regencies of Banten, Indonesia, that produce 924 tons per year. However, information regarding the diversity of banana germplasm in this region is unavailable. This study explored districts Cadasari, Banjar, Jiput, Labuan, and Menes. Morphological characters were noted and used to identify the cultivars, subspecies, or varieties. In total, 22 accessions were collected from 22 collection sites. Based on morphological characters, we described 14 banana accessions of 10 cultivars, three accessions of wild Musa acuminata and one of Musa balbisiana. Considering its genome composition, five genome types we described among these banana cultivars, i.e., AA (divided into AA and AA wild), BB, AAA, AAB, and ABB. In this study, we did a principal component analysis and saw that AA wild and AAB were clearly separated, but the other genome types were clustered partially or included in one cluster. Our study expands the information on banana diversity in Indonesia. Further study on the potential of this banana germplasm to be used as a genetic resource to find resistance to banana diseases is needed.
Numerical solution of non-linear advection-dispersion equation in a finite porous domain
Authors: Yadav R. R. , Kumar Lav Kush , Kushwaha Sujata
Published: September 2023

This study presents a numerical simulation of the one-dimensional concentration-dependent convection-dispersion equation in a finite heterogeneous porous formation. The solution of the convection-diffusion equation with variable coefficients is obtained with the help of MATLAB pdepe solver. The groundwater flow velocity depends on the pollutant concentration, and the dispersion coefficient is proportional to the groundwater flow velocity. The effects of the zero-order production term and the first-order decay are also considered. The aquifer is assumed to be heterogeneous and finite, with sources concentrated in the flow direction. It is assumed that the porous media and the pollutant are chemically non-reactive. Initially porous domain is considered not solute free. The model assumes a uniform continuous input point source and a variable input point source released from the left end of the aquifer domain. The obtained results graphically describe the importance of the dispersion coefficient and other relevant parameters for solute transport in porous media. The developed numerical solution is verified with an analytical solution, and it is found that they are in good agreement.
Nutrients composition and functional properties of oil palm syrup, aqueous extract of kola nut and their mixtures
Authors: Komolafe V.T. , Oboh F.O.J.
Published: September 2023

In this study, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) syrup, aqueous extracts of kola nut (Cola acuminata) and their mixtures (decoction of C. acuminata in 20 % oil palm syrup solution) were investigated using suitable biochemical procedures. The proximate analysis of oil palm syrup and C. acuminata revealed the values of moisture, crude protein, fat, ash, fibre and nitrogen free extract of oil palm syrup were 29.55 %, 0.50 %, 2.34 %, 2.32 %, 0.00 % and 65.29 % while values for the C. acuminata were 44.70 %, 17.50 %, 2.45 %, 1.91 %, 8.86 % and 24.58 %. Also, the total carbohydrate constituted 66.29 % when determined by anthrone method. The pH and titratable acidity values were within the acidic range. The syrup, C. acuminata and its mixture extracts recorded high reducing power, total phenolic and vitamin C contents. The IC50 values of α-amylase inhibitory activity for aqueous solutions of palm syrup, aqueous extracts of C. acuminata and its mixture extract were 0.51, 4.50 and 12.10 % respectively. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of aqueous solutions of oil palm syrup, aqueous extracts of C. acuminata and its mixture extracts revealed IC50 values of 8.44, 3.29 and 6.60 %. The results of this study suggest that the decoction of C. acuminata in 20 % syrup solution had synergistic effects with respect to in vitro antioxidant properties and alpha amylase inhibitory potential, and further indicates that the studied extracts could elicit potential nutritional and health benefits.
Financial performance of soybean farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbanje E. C.
Published: September 2023

Soybeans is versatile in usage but the yield is low. To sustain and improve its production, its financial performance, given the resource-poor status of rural farmers, is greatly important. Credit access is sine qua non in this direction. Hence, the study assessed credit access and financial performance of soybeans farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 119 farmers who either had or did not have credit access. This reflects a quasi-experimental design where the treatment and control groups comprised farmers with and without credit access, respectively. Primary data were obtained with structured questionnaire and analysed with frequency distribution and financial ratios such as gross margin, operating ratio and return on investment. Independent samples ttest was used to ensure that any observed difference was due to error of randomization. Findings show that majority of the farmers lacked credit access (60.50%). The mean gross margin per hectare was significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (N264,753.90 ± 12,597.15) than the control group (N152,412.60 ± 4,773.53). The mean return on investment per hectare was also significantly (p < 0.01) higher for the treatment group (3.06 ± 0.29) than the control group (2.13 ± 0.10). Therefore, soybean production was adjudged to be profitable and significantly influenced by credit access. It was recommended that financial institutions and the export promotion council should make credit available to soybeans farmers.
Occurrence of dermatophytosis among sheep and goats in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Dalis JS , Kazeem HM , Chah KF
Published: September 2023

Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi in the genera Tricophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Infection with any member of these genera results in dermatophytosis, an economically important skin disease of man and animals. The aim of this work was to determine the occurrence of dermatophytosis among sheep and goats in Zaria. Ninety-four goats and 63 sheep skin scrapings were aseptically collected. Each specimen was divided into two parts for direct microscopy and culture respectively. The portion for direct microscopic examination was cleared in 10% potassium hydroxide and examined microscopically. The presence of hyaline septate hyphae in skin scales or spores inside or outside the hair shafts was presumptively considered positive for dermatophytes. The part for culture was inoculated onto Sabouraud’s dextrose agar incorporated with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol and incubated for 2 to 3 weeks. The isolates were stained in lactophenol cotton blue and identified microscopically based on the size, shape and attachment of their macoconidia and microconidia. Twenty-four (25.5%) and 15 (23.8%) of goat and sheep samples respectively were positive for dermatophytes by direct microscopy. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum were the two dermatophytes isolated from both sheep and goats. The isolation rates were 22.3% (21/94) and 20.0% (13/63) in goats and sheep respectively. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was more frequently (66.7%) isolated than T. verrucosum (33.3%) from goats. Similarly, T. mentagrophytes was more frequently (69.2%) isolated than T. verrucosum (30.8%) from sheep. Dermatophytosis is a health problem among sheep and goats in Zaria with T. mentagrophytes being more commonly isolated than T. verrucosum in both species of animals. In view of the high zoonotic potential of the disease, we recommend the use of protective equipment when handling infected animals.
Effect of co-administration of pranoprofen/emedastine difumarate eye drops on efficacy, inflammatory factors, tear film stability and immune function in children with allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Su Leiyan , Kang Zefeng , Zhang Shoukang , Wang Jing
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of pranoprofen eye drops when combined with emedastinedifumarate eye drops for the treatment of children with allergic conjunctivitis.Methods: A total of 96 children with allergic conjunctivitis admitted to Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2020 to 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were divided into study group (treated with both pranoprofen eye drops and emedastine difumarate eye drops), and control group (treated with emedastine difumarate eye drops alone), with 48 children in each group. The control group was given emedastine fumarate eye drops 1 drop twice a day. The study group was given pranoprofen eye drops 2 drops 4 times a day in addition to the treatment administered to control group. Patients in both groups were observed and compared after one week of treatment. Efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, symptom scores, inflammatory factors, tear film stability indicators and immune function indicators were assessed and recorded.Results: Prior to treatment, there was no significant difference in symptom score, inflammatory factors, tear film stability indicators and immune function indicators between study and control groups. Although the above indicators improved in both groups after treatment, the study group showed significantly greater improvement than control group (p < 0.05). Overall clinical response rate in the study group (95.83 %) was higher than in the control group (77.08 %), while the incidence of adverse reaction in the study group (6.25 %) was lower than that of control group (27.08 %, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Pranoprofen eye drops, when combined with emedastine difumarate eye drops for treatment of children with allergic conjunctivitis, is more effective than the use of emedastine difumarate eye drops alone. However, further clinical trials are required to validate the findings of this study prior to adoption of the combination treatment in clinical practice.
Total flavonoids of Rhizoma drynariae influence ferroptosis in osteoblasts via miR-205-5p/GPX4 axis
Authors: Kong Enjun , Xu Yan , Yang Haichen
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This research investigated the biological effects of total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae (TFRD) on osteoporosis in mice.Methods: Mice were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) to generate the osteoporosis model used, which was then intragastrically administered TFRD daily at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Bone loss was examined histologically using H&E staining. Moreover, erastin-treated primary osteoblasts were used to further analyze the effect of TFRD on ferroptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), ferrous iron level, and CCK-8 method were employed to determine the protective influence of TFRD against ferroptosis in erastin-treated osteoblasts. The relationship between microRNA-205-5p (miR-205-5p) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was determined using luciferase assay.Results: TFRD treatment inhibited OVX-induced bone mass loss, downregulated ferrous ion content, and increased the level of GPX4 in vivo (p < 0.01). Besides, TFRD treatment inhibited erastin-induced increases in ROS level and ferrous iron level, and promoted cell viability in vitro (p < 0.01). Moreover, TFRD increased GPX4 protein expression level (p < 0.01). Results from gain and loss experiments showed that GPX4 increased cell viability, and reduced ferrous ion and ROS levels in erastin-induced osteoblasts (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, miR-205-5p directly targeted GPX4 and negatively regulated GPX4 expression (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). Upregulation of GPX4 reversed the effect of miR-205-5p overexpression on cell viability, and reduced ferrous iron level and ROS levels in osteoblasts significantly.Conclusion: TFRD may serve as an inhibitor of osteoblast ferroptosis during osteoporosis formation by down-regulating the expression of miR-205-5p which directly targets GPX4 in mouse osteoblasts. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism of action of TFRD.
A Study on Assessment of Carbon Absorption Footprint (CAF) and Forestation in Local Governments
Authors: Kwon Soon Gil , Kim Junbeum , Jeon Seungjun
Published: September 2023

Purpose : At the national level, carbon absorption during the carbon neutrality goal plays an important role, and related forestry projects are continuously increasing. Until now, forest carbon absorption has been measured and managed in various ways at the national level, but specific carbon absorption indicators for each local government have not been approached in various ways. Accordingly, the carbon absorption footprint (CAF) was defined, and the carbon absorption amount and carbon absorption rate were calculated and analyzed to compare and analyze the current situation for each region.Method : As for the research method in this study, standard carbon absorption by tree species was matched on the basis of age level per forest area nationwide as of 2020, and the carbon absorption amount of metropolitan governments, the carbon absorption amount of 250 basic local governments, the carbon absorption amount per national land area, And the carbon absorption footprint per forest area was calculated. Afterward, the carbon absorption rate for the national land area and the carbon absorption rate for the forest area of the basic local governments were calculated.Results and Discussions : As a result of the study, the region with the highest amount of carbon absorption was in the order of Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jeollanam-do, and the lowest carbon absorption was in the order of Gwangju Metropolitan City, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, and Daejeon Metropolitan City. Hongcheon-gun, Inje-gun, and Pyeongchang-gun in Gangwon-do had the highest absorption among basic local governments, followed by Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul, Dong-gu in Incheon, and Jung-gu in Busan in order of lowest. Seongbuk-gu, Gwangju-si, and Dong-gu, Daejeon were the basic local governments with a high absorption rate compared to the national land area, followed by Yeongdeungpo-gu, Dong-gu, Incheon, and Seongdong-gu, Seoul, respectively. Lastly, basic local governments with a high carbon absorption rate compared to forest areas were in the order of Seongbuk-gu in Seoul, Ulju-gun in Ulsan, and Hongcheon-gun in Gangwon-do, and Seongdong-gu, Gangdong-gu, and Dongjak-gu in Seoul were in the order of low rates. Overall, a lot of carbon was absorbed in Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, but when approaching the absorption ratio to the national area, on the contrary, Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon showed high absorption rates. The ratio of carbon absorption to forest area was uniform across the country.Results : Based on this study, continuous research is needed to develop a forest creation scenario and achieve more carbon absorption. Since carbon absorption fluctuates greatly depending on forest management, it is considered that it will be an important indicator in terms of strategy presentation in afforestation or sink planning in the future for metropolitan or basic local governments.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions of an Urban Water System in Korea: A case study of Paju city
Authors: Hong Yiseul , Park Jooyoung
Published: September 2023

Objectives : This study assessed the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the urban water system from a life cycle perspective in the city of Paju. It serves as a case study to provide a quantitative basis for the net-zero water management.Methods : The scope of the study included the centralized local water supply and inter-basin water import system (water abstraction facilities, water treatment plants, pump stations, and water pipelines), wastewater system (wastewater pipelines, pump stations, and wastewater treatment plants, public industrial wastewater treatment plants, on-site wastewater treatment facilities), and circular water use (rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and wastewater recycling). This study considered scope 1 emissions, specifically CH4 and N2O emissions generated from wastewater treatment plants, scope 2 emissions from the electricity use during the operation of water infrastructure, and scope 3 emissions associated with the production of water and wastewater pipelines and chemicals. Scope 1 emissions were quantified using both the national guidelines and the 2019 IPCC guideline, and the estimates based on the two methods were compared. Scope 2 and scope 3 emissions were evaluated using life cycle assessment. To quantify GHG emissions for the year 2018, data were collected or estimated from various sources, including public statistics, field interviews, and the literature.Results and Discussion : In 2018, the total GHG emissions from Paju’s water system were 197.4 thousand tons of CO2 eq. Among these emissions, the scope 2 emissions accounted for the largest share, comprising 66.3% of the total. Notably, circular water use, which included wastewater recycling for high-quality industrial uses, accounted for 41.0% of the scope 2 emissions. Scope 1 emissions accounted for 25.5% and scope 3 emissions accounted for 8.2% of the total emissions. However, in the case of scope 1 emissions, the estimates varied significantly by 2.9 to 6.5 times, depending on the calculation methods and emission factors provided by two different guidelines.Conclusion : To achieve carbon neutrality in the water sector of the city of Paju, two approaches are required: enhancing energy efficiency to reduce scope 2 emissions and implementing measures to reduce scope 1 emissions. However, to obtain accurate and reliable estimates of the GHG emissions, it is crucial to develop applicable scope 1 emission factors based on field data. Furthermore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of GHG emissions in the water sector, further studies are necessary to analyze embodied GHG emissions in water infrastructure and GHG emissions associated with the end use of water.
The Control Method for Wavelength-Based CCT of Natural Light Using Warm/Cool White LED
Authors: Yang-Soo Kim  , Seung-Taek Oh  , Jae-Hyun Lim
Published: September 2023

Reproducing circadian patterns of natural light through lighting requires technology that can control correlated color temperature (CCT) and short wavelength ratio (SWR) simultaneously. This study proposes a method for controlling wavelength-based CCT of natural light using LED light sources. First, the spectral power distribution (SPD) of each channel of the test lighting (two-channel LED lighting with warm white and cool white) is identified through actual measurement. Next, CCT and SWR are calculated based on the additive mixing of SPD using the mixing ratio from the measured SPD. Finally, the regression equations for mixing ratio-CCT and mixing ratio-SWR are derived through regression analysis. These equations are then utilized to implement a wavelength-based CCT control algorithm. For performance and evaluation purposes, natural light reproduction experiments were conducted, achieving a mean error of 94.5K for CCT and 1.5% for SWR.
Elements for the First Global Stocktake Outcome
Authors: Srouji Jamal , Cogswell Nathan , Borja Díaz Felipe
Published: September 2023

This expert note presents suggestions for how the Global Stocktake at COP28 can deliver transformational action to keep the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C alive and address the impacts of climate change.
Pengaruh Parent Management Training terhadap Pengetahuan Ibu dalam Menghadapi Perilaku Tantrum pada Anak Usia Prasekolah
Authors: Izzah Lailatul
Published: September 2023

Tantrums are excessive emotional outbursts by a person when his desires are not fulfilled, especially in preschool children. This can happen because of the immediate environment and the parenting style. This study aims to figure out the effect of Parent Management Training (PMT) on increasing maternal knowledge of dealing with tantrums in preschool children. This study was conducted on parents aged 25–40 who had children aged 3-5 years. This is experimental research with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The training instruments used were the PMT module and worksheet. Meanwhile, the data were collected using tests, observations, interviews, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) which refers to the tantrum behavior scale. The data was then analyzed using two related sample tests with Wilcoxon tests assisted by SPSS 22 software. The results showed that the value of Z was -2.803 with a significant test value (p) (Asymp. Sig. 2 tailed) of 0.00, which was less than 0.05 (p<0.05). Accordingly, the research hypothesis is accepted. Thus, PMT has a significant influence on reducing tantrum behavior in preschool children.
Valoración de las competencias profesionales en gestores deportivos municipales de Chile (Valuations of professional competencies in municipal sports managers in Chile)
Authors: Duclos Bastías Daniel , Matus-Castillo Carlos , Flández-Valderrama Jorge , Cornejo-Améstica Miguel , Giakoni-Ramírez Frano
Published: September 2023

En el ámbito de la gestión deportiva, resulta fundamental evaluar y comprender las competencias profesionales de gestionan en servicios municipales. Estas competencias desempeñan un papel crucial en la eficiencia y calidad de los servicios deportivos ofrecidos a la comunidad. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las valoraciones sobre las competencias profesionales de gestoras y gestores deportivos que se desempeñan en servicios deportivos municipales chilenos a partir de la escala de Competencias de Gestores Deportivos. Para lo anterior, se aplicó el instrumento a una muestra de 417 sujetos de 164 municipalidades (de un total de 346) pertenecientes a las 16 regiones de Chile. El análisis estadístico de tipo descriptivo e inferencial permitió concluir que los gestores deportivos municipales atribuyen una alta importancia a las competencias profesionales presentadas en el instrumento, como por ejemplo “Promover la armonía entre el personal” y “Motivar al personal o voluntarios”. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres. En relación con la caracterización de los gestores deportivos municipales se puede señalar que la mayoría son hombres (76.7%) y con edades entre los 30 y 59 años, y que 3 de 4 cuentan con formación universitaria.
Palabras clave: Competencias Profesionales, Gestor Deportivo, Municipalidad, Deporte
Abstract. The objective of this study is to analyze the assessments of the professional competencies of sports managers working in Chilean municipalities based on the Toh and Jamieson (2000) Sports Managers Competencies Scale, adapted and validated to the Chilean context by Duclos-Bastías et al. (2021), and to characterize the professionals working in the local public sphere. For this purpose, the instrument was applied to a sample of 417 subjects (76.7% men and 23.3% women) from 164 municipalities belonging to the 16 regions of Chile. Once the results were analyzed, it was possible to conclude that municipal sports managers attribute high importance to the professional competencies presented in the instrument. No statistically significant differences were found between the group of men and women. In relation to the characterization of the municipal sports managers who participated in the research, it could be concluded that the majority are men (76.7%) and adults between 30 and 59 years of age, and that 3 out of 4 have university education.
Key words: Professional Competences, Sport Manager, Municipality, Sport
Perfil comportamental de jovens praticantes de futebol em projetos sociais
Authors: Pelicer Flávio Roberto , Lopes  José Carlos , De Oliveira Santos Miyazaki  Maria Cristina , Lopes Verardi  Carlos Eduardo , Kawano Nagamine  Kazuo
Published: September 2023

Estudos relatam resultados positivos em atividades esportivas para jovens, tanto no nível físico quanto psicológico, além de tirar as crianças das ruas ou como ferramenta educacional. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o comportamento de jovens jogadores de futebol em projetos sociais. Participaram 127 jovens futebolistas do sexo masculino participantes de projetos sociais em duas cidades do interior do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, com média de idade de 12,93 (±1,46). Para analisar o perfil comportamental foi utilizado o Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) para idades 6-18 anos e Youth Self-Report (YSR) para idades 11-18 anos, e as pontuações dos participantes foram analisadas, comparadas e classificadas em clínicas e não clínicas. Na análise dos escores, os limítrofes foram incluídos na faixa clínica (escore t ≥ 65 para faixa clínica). Dentre as variáveis comportamentais observadas nos inventários, os resultados indicam que mais de 91% dos participantes foram classificados como "Não Clínicos". Os dados sugerem que a prática do futebol em projetos sociais oferece um mecanismo de proteção para o funcionamento psicológico geral dos participantes nas escalas avaliadas. Além disso, corroboram dados da literatura, que relatam benefícios na saúde mental e no comportamento de jovens envolvidos em atividades esportivas.
Palavra-chave: Saúde Mental; Comportamento do Adolescente; Futebol; Saúde Pública; Psicologia do Esporte
Avaliação da ansiedade-estado em jovens basquetebolistas em competições escolares
Authors: Assis Lauria André , Bastos Lôbo Ingrid Ludmila , Mendes Pires Melo Leonardo Augusto , Magalhães Pereira Beatriz , Fonseca Bicalho Camila Cristina
Published: September 2023

Eventos esportivos competitivos têm impulsionado o interesse de profissionais da Psicologia do Esporte no processo de avaliação de atletas de basquetebol. Conhecer as variáveis que exercem influência na Ansiedade-Estado competitiva pode ser relevante para o planejamento de tratamentos e programas de intervenção específicos, possibilitando o desenvolvimento do atleta além da preparação técnica e física. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o nível de ansiedade-estado em jovens basquetebolistas escolares, comparar o nível de ansiedade com o tempo de experiência na competição e comparar os níveis de ansiedade-estado entre os sexos. Participaram 85 basquetebolistas (idade=15,3±1,5 anos) de nível escolar dos sexos de feminino e masculino. Previamente ao primeiro jogo da competição de nível escolar, a Escala de Ansiedade-estado – IDATE foi aplicada aos atletas. Foram adotados como procedimentos estatísticos o teste de Kruskal Wallis e o teste Mann-Whitney com significância de p≤0,05. O escore médio de Ansiedade-Estado identificado antes do primeiro jogo da competição foi de 44,9 ± 7,85 pontos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os níveis de experiência dos atletas na competição (H(5)=3,948, p=0,577) e nem entre sexos (45,97±7,73 vs. 43,86±7,91, W=730,00, p=0,128). Conclui-se que a ansiedade-estado é relativamente similar entre grupos de jovens atletas em uma competição escolar e independentemente do seu nível de experiência ou sexo.
Palavras-chave: Ansiedade; Atletas; Basquetebol; Esporte escolar; Psicologia do Esporte.
Impacto de la ejercitación física sistemática en el índice de masa corporal y razón cintura – cadera, de per-sonas con síndrome de Down (Impact of systematic physical exercise on body mass index and waist-hip ratio in people with Down syndrome)
Authors: Lip Licham Cruz Antonio , Rodríguez Velásquez Jaime Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Este artículo es derivado de la tesis de grado “Influencia del entrenamiento deportivo en el somatotipo, distribución de adiposidad, índice de masa corporal y razón cintura – cadera de personas con síndrome de Down”, tuvo como objetivo determinar el impacto de la ejercitación física sistemática en el índice de masa corporal, y la razón cintura – cadera de las personas con síndrome de Down; fue un estudio no experimental, cuantitativo, descriptivo – comparativo, de corte transversal y correlacional causal; con una muestra de 193 sujetos con síndrome de Down, con edades entre 12 y 36 años; clasificándoles de acuerdo a su género y horas semanales dedicadas a la ejercitación motriz. Se encontró que a medida que aumentan las horas de entrenamiento semanal el índice de masa corporal disminuye y, en cuanto a la razón cintura – cadera, no se evidenciaron diferencias significativas. En conclusión, se puede afirmar que la práctica sistematizada de ejercitación motriz puede modificar el índice de masa corporal de las personas con síndrome de Down, favoreciendo la disminución del tejido graso; pero no la relación cintura – cadera de los mismos. El estudio muestra que la ejercitación física puede ser considerada como un factor relevante en la prevención de riesgo de enfermedades asociada a los factores de sobrepeso y obesidad, en esta población.
Palabras claves: Síndrome Down, actividad física, ejercitación física, índice de masa corporal, obesidad, razón cintura – cadera.
Abstract. This article is derived from the thesis “Influence of sports training on somatotype, adiposity distribution, body mass index and waist - hip ratio of people with Down syndrome”, aimed to determine the impact of systematic physical exercise on body mass index and waist - hip ratio of people with Down syndrome; It was a non-experimental, quantitative, descriptive-comparative, cross-sectional and causal correlational study; with a sample of 193 subjects with Down syndrome, aged between 12 and 36 years; classifying them according to their gender and weekly hours dedicated to motor exercise. It was found that as the hours of weekly training increase, the body mass index decreases and, as for the waist - hip ratio, no significant differences were evidenced. In conclusion, it can be affirmed that the systematized practice of motor exercise can modify the body mass index of people with Down syndrome, favouring the decrease of fat tissue, but not their waist - hip ratio. The study shows that physical exercise can be considered as a relevant factor in the prevention of risk of diseases associated to overweight and obesity factors in this population.
Keywords: Down syndrome, physical activity, physical exercise, body mass index, obesity, waist-hip ratio
How to Recognize Arguments? A Study of Human Negotiations
Authors: Koit Mare
Published: September 2023

Different kinds of negotiations and presented arguments are considered in this paper. Discussions in the Parliament of Estonia as well as negotiation in telemarketing calls, travel, and everyday conversations are studied. In the Parliament, negotiation involves many participants while the other conversations take place between two participants. In the analyzed texts, argument components (premises and claims), argument structures (basic, linked, etc.), and relations (support, attack, and rebuttal) are annotated manually. For annotating dialogue acts (DAs), a customized typology and custom-made software is used. This preliminary study aims to find cues for recognizing arguments in Estonian texts automatically. It turns out that some DAs and language features contribute to the recognition of arguments and inter-argument relations.
 
Received: 9 February 2023 | Revised: 15 August 2023 | Accepted: 4 September 2023
 
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares that she has no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
The cycle of disparity: A gap analysis of emergency management and information technology
Authors: Romano Maddalena , Albrecht Jochen
Published: September 2023

Emergency management (EM) requires an appropriate understanding of its situational context in real time. This involves constant communication between emergency operations and administration, so that informed, coordinated decisions can be made in a constantly changing environment using the most critical and updated information. Challenges in EM include adapting to rapidly changing technologies, adoption, and communication. The goal of this needs assessment is to examine how the effective collection and communication of information has been affected by the technology developed to support it, to identify critical disconnects between emergency management professionals and information technology and telecommunications (ITT) professionals, and to identify opportunities for improved application and user interface development. The methods for this qualitative analysis enumerate and categorize some of the communication challenges faced by the EM community as identified by interviews conducted with subject matter experts using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats technique. This study finds that the absence of ITT professionals with experience in emergency response and, conversely, the absence of EM professionals working in EM application development create a “cycle of disparity,” where the key findings of this study both arise from one central input and feed into to each of the other key findings in a continuous cycle, reinforcing what threats and weaknesses already exist.
Stressors and Mental Health Survey of Emergency Management Professionals
Authors: Hollar T. Lucas , Erickson Timothy B. , Patel Sonny S. , Guevara Kim , DeVito, Jr. Richard
Published: September 2023

Emergency Managers (EMs) have a unique set of mental health stressors compared to other professions. Early 2019 anecdotal information from the field combined with data from a Journal of Emergency Management (JEM) Higher Ed Survey conducted in 2017 suggested an accelerating rate of Emergency Managers leaving the field for other professions or leaving the field completely. Additional communication from practitioners in the field, before and during the pandemic, suggested that these unique stressors on EMs were compounding the exodus from the field.

Trained seasoned EMs do not emerge from higher ed but are the product of years of higher education and experiential knowledge. The current rate of departure portents a shortage of trained EMs in the near future.

The JEM Stressors and Mental Health Survey (SMHS) was designed to quantify the mental health of emergency managers using the validated Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). The Emergency Response Questionnaire (ERQ), a validated survey, is used to confirm personality type of the respondent. Organizational type, education, and many other factors are assessed to determine their effect on the EM’s mental health, their ability to function efficiently and effectively, and their propensity to leave the field.

The data collected will be used to establish baselines and support analysis and research on how we can better lead, support, recruit, retain, and grow as emergency management professionals and organizations capable of meeting the increasing demands of tomorrow.
Making Space for Memory
Authors: Sozzi Paola
Published: September 2023

This essay aims at showing how the concept of enunciation can be used to analyse places, by deploying it in the analysis of a museum in Córdoba, Argentina, located inside a former clandestine centre of detention and torture. The concept of enunciation will prove useful to look at two crucial dimensions of this place of memory: the multiplicity of voices and perspectives that it embodies, together with the display of many different traces of what happened in it. My hypothesis is that both these mechanisms are used to convey a stronger ‘effect of reality’ for the story told, reinforcing each other with mutual connections and shaping a precise narrative of the past.
Ruins of War
Authors: Marrone Gianfranco
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides a semiotic investigation of an emblematic space in Palermo, the Foro Italico. After the Second World War, this space was occupied for many years by the ruins left when the city was bombed. Analysing the diachronic evolution of the Foro Italico, the author examines the semantic categories that have defined the space, exploring how the memory of the war has been concealed and inscribed in the post-war rewritings of the place. The chapter reads this space as ‘a mysterious island’, caught between nature and culture. Referring to different kinds of texts, Marrone illustrates how the practices of various local and migrant communities contribute not only to the resemantisation of space but also to the production of new memories.
ß-catenin expression in myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms in bone marrow, in relation to CD34 and CD117 status
Authors: Barış Işık İkbal , Büyükbayram Hüseyin
Published: September 2023

Aims: The activation of the Wnt/ ß-catenin signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the development of myeloid neoplasms. In addition to CD34, which has been used until now in the diagnosis and staging of clonal hematopoietic diseases, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), CD117, which has found its place in hematopoietic diseases, also provides significant benefits in these respects. In this study, we evaluated the immunohistochemical presence and utility of ß-catenin in blasts relative to other markers, as the inhibition of ß-catenin activity may be an attractive therapeutic approach
Methods: By retrospectively analyzing bone marrow samples with ß-catenin immune marker, we determined the staining
rates, intensities, and patterns of 30 MDS, 29 MPN cases and 30 normal bone marrow controls, in comparison to the efficacy of the the well-known CD34 and CD117. We statistically interpreted the correlation between them.
Results: Based on the findings, ß-catenin, which has recently been used in hematopoietic diseases and is said to have a high
efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, was not immunohistochemically detectable in our study. As expected, CD34
and CD117 immun markers exhibited significant blast staining. MPN cases were more prone to staining with CD117.
Conclusion: CD34 continues to be the most reliable marker for identifying blasts for diagnosing and grading bone marrow
neoplasms while CD117 may have a supportive role in this process. Further investigation is required to ascertain the true
effectiveness of ß-catenin, a molecule that has demonstrated encouraging potential in the context of AML.
O silêncio de quem grita a prisão do corpo e da mente em A Vegetariana, de Han Kang
Authors: Ferreira Suely Matos Andrade
Published: September 2023

This article, that embrace the bibliographic research methodology, deals with the work The vegetarian (Chaesikjuuija), from the South Korean whiter Han Kang and it has as goal analise the relationship between individual’s social conduct, represented by the characters, and the becoming plant, as engendered output by the character Yeonghye, from reflections about power, violence and silenceg. To Undertake this analysis,was taken as a base,the Foucautian conception of power, Jaime Ginzburg’s reflections about Violence in Literature and the studies of the also south korean Byiung Chul Han, complementing the analysis with Roland Barthe’s vision about Dox and Paradox and the concept of becoming, according to Deleuze and Guattari.
Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Islamic Social Reporting pada Bank Umum Syariah di Indonesia Tahun 2014-2019
Authors: Mei Rustiyani
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACK

Sharia banks are expected to not only conduct business activities in accordance with sharia principles, but also be able to systematically disclose social responsibility in their annual reports. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of company size, profitability, sharia compliance, leverage and investment account holder. The population in this study were all sharia commercial banks that have been registered at OJK in Indonesia. The sample tested by 12 sharia commercial banks were selected using a purposive sampling method. The data collected in the form of annual report of sharia commercial banks from 2014 to 2019. The analytical method used in this research was descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression analysis using Eviews 10 software. The result of study showed that size of company, profitability and investment account holder have a significant effect on the level of disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting. Meanwhile, sharia compliance and leverage do not have a significant effect of the level of disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting for sharia banks in Indonesia.

Keywords: sharia banks, Islamic Social Reporting, Indonesia
U.S. and Chinese Military AI Purchases
Authors: Konaev Margarita , Fedasiuk Ryan , Corrigan Jack , Lu Ellen , Stephenson Alex , Toner Helen , Gelles Rebecca
Published: September 2023

This data brief uses procurement records published by the U.S. Department of Defense and China’s People’s Liberation Army between April and November of 2020 to assess, and, where appropriate, compare what each military is buying when it comes to artificial intelligence. We find that the two militaries are prioritizing similar application areas, especially intelligent and autonomous vehicles and AI applications for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Adding Structure to AI Harm
Authors: Hoffmann Mia , Frase Heather
Published: September 2023

Real-world harms caused by the use of AI technologies are widespread. Tracking and analyzing them improves our understanding of the variety of harms and the circumstances that lead to their occurrence once AI systems are deployed. This report presents a standardized conceptual framework for defining, tracking, classifying, and understanding harms caused by AI. It lays out the key elements required for the identification of AI harm, their basic relational structure, and definitions without imposing a single interpretation of AI harm. The brief concludes with an example of how to apply and customize the framework while keeping its modular structure.
SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES IN PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF ESG PRINCIPLES ADOPTION IN THE U.S. AND NIGERIA
Authors: Uneku Ikwue  , Awele Vivian Ekwezia  , Bisola Beatrice Oguejiofor  , Mercy Odochi Agho  , Chibuike Daraojimba
Published: September 2023

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into pension fund management has garnered significant attention in the global financial sector. This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of ESG adoption in pension fund management between the U.S. and Nigeria. Through an in-depth exploration, the research unveils the current state, challenges, and implications of ESG integration in these distinct financial landscapes. The U.S., with its advanced financial markets, has demonstrated a systematic and mature approach to ESG adoption, driven by technological advancements, robust regulatory frameworks, and a shift towards sustainable investment. In contrast, Nigeria, an emerging market, is in the early stages of ESG integration, grappling with challenges such as limited data availability, regulatory intricacies, and the pressing need for ESG education. A pivotal finding of this research is the positive correlation between ESG integration and enhanced financial performance. Pension funds that prioritize ESG principles have showcased resilience in volatile markets, often outpacing their non-ESG counterparts. This underscores ESG's dual role as both a moral and financial imperative. The study further delves into the future outlook of ESG adoption in both nations. While the U.S. is poised for deeper ESG integration, leveraging technological innovations and refined regulations, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with its trajectory dependent on addressing current challenges and fostering a culture of sustainable investment. In conclusion, the research emphasizes that ESG integration in pension fund management is a profound shift in the financial paradigm, promising a secure, sustainable, and ethically grounded financial future for beneficiaries. The comparative journey of the U.S. and Nigeria offers invaluable insights, setting a benchmark for pension funds globally as they navigate the complexities of sustainable investment in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Keywords: ESG Integration, Pension Fund Management, Sustainable Investment, Comparative Analysis.
Modeling the effects of tropospheric ozone on the growth and yield of global staple crops with DSSAT v4.8.0
Authors: Guarin Jose Rafael , Jägermeyr Jonas , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Oliveira Fabio A. A. , Asseng Senthold , Boote Kenneth , Elliott Joshua , Emberson Lisa , Foster Ian , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Kelly David , Ruane Alex C. , Sharps Katrina
Published: September 2023

Abstract. Elevated surface ozone (O3) concentrations can negatively impact growth and development of crop production by reducing photosynthesis and accelerating leaf senescence. Under unabated climate change, future global O3 concentrations are expected to increase in many regions, adding additional challenges to global agricultural production. Presently, few global process-based crop models consider the effects of O3 stress on crop growth. Here, we incorporated the effects of O3 stress on photosynthesis and leaf senescence into the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) crop models for maize, rice, soybean, and wheat. The advanced models reproduced the reported yield declines from observed O3-dose field experiments and O3 exposure responses reported in the literature (O3 relative yield loss RMSE < 10 % across all calibrated models). Simulated crop yields decreased as daily O3 concentrations increased above 25 ppb, with average yield losses of 0.16 % to 0.82 % (maize), 0.05 % to 0.63 % (rice), 0.36 % to 0.96 % (soybean), and 0.26 % to 1.23 % (wheat) per ppb O3 increase, depending on the cultivar O3 sensitivity. Increased water deficit stress and elevated CO2 lessen the negative impact of elevated O3 on crop yield, but potential yield gains from CO2 concentration increases may be counteracted by higher O3 concentrations in the future, a potentially important constraint to global change projections for the latest process-based crop models. The improved DSSAT models with O3 representation simulate the effects of O3 stress on crop growth and yield in interaction with other growth factors and can be run in the pDSSAT global gridded modeling framework for future studies on O3 impacts under climate change and air pollution scenarios across agroecosystems globally.