bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the energy efficiency of fossil fuel in ASEAN
Authors: Syed Ali Sharifah Aishah , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Shafiq , Mohamad Muhamad Fathul Naim , Supian Latifah Sarah , Mohd Zahari Haliza , Razali Mohd Norsyarizad
Published: September 2023

The world's industries, transportation systems, and households rely heavily on fossil fuels despite their limited availability and high carbon content. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to improve fossil fuel energy efficiency in order to facilitate the shift towards a sustainable energy system with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This paper employs a slacks-based measure network data envelopment analysis model with undesirable outputs to assess the efficiencies of fossil fuel energy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries during a span of seven years, specifically from 2015 to 2021. The inclusion of undesirable outputs in this study is important because it allows for a more realistic assessment of efficiency by considering factors like CO2 emissions, which are undesirable outcomes associated with fossil fuel use. The datasets utilised in this study are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the open data website of Our World in Data. Based on the findings, it can be observed that Singapore and the Philippines have demonstrated outstanding performance in maximising the utilisation of fossil fuels. In contrast, Myanmar exhibits the lowest level of efficiency in this analysis. By identifying top-performing countries in terms of fossil fuel efficiency, it is possible to implement measures to boost efficiency in under-performing countries. This can be achieved through the promotion and adoption of cleaner energy alternatives, specifically renewable energy sources that exhibit a low or negligible carbon footprint. These findings offer significant contributions to policymakers exploring sustainable energy usage, environmental stewardship, and the formulation and execution of comprehensive strategies that aim to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions arising from the consumption of fossil fuels in the ASEAN region.
The Spiritual Motherhood in the Light of the Writings of Saint Urszula Ledóchowska
Authors: Pagacz Małgorzata
Published: September 2023

Ursula Ledóchowska addresses the issue of the Christian vocation and tasks of women on many occasions and in various aspects, pointing to Mary as a model to follow. St Ursula’s writings contain a broad vision of the spiritual motherhood, encompassing mothers in the family, all lay women and religious sisters completely dedicated to God. Every Christian woman is called to spiritual motherhood, to guide and support people in their path to God; her mission is the apostolate of quiet, serene love, the apostolate of prayer and the apostolate of sacrifice in the image of Christ. A special task of the mother in the family is to care for the development of the faith of her children. The essence of a nun’s spiritual motherhood is to lead others to Christ by His bride totally devoted to the Holy Trinity.
Jesus and the dignity of women. Biblical premises of Jadwiga Zamoyska’s activity
Authors: Nawrot Janusz
Published: September 2023

The proposed article, which deals with the issue of Jesus’ attitude towards women, i.e. significant people in His life and activity, is primarily a part of a broad discussion about the dignity of a woman and her relationship to a man. However, it may be an important biblical background to the achievements of Mrs General Jadwiga Zamoyska. She was definitely ahead of her time not only as a great social activist, but also a faithful follower of the Church, far from militant feminism, ideological emancipation or suffragism. She emphasized doing real good in the spheres of public life, which were socially, culturally and religiously neglected. Today it is difficult to determine to what extent Mrs General Zamoyska was directly inspired by the Gospel. However, it can be assumed that reading the message contained therein, she meditated both on the value of the woman herself and on various forms of her social activity. In this way, she gave a testimony of faith in her own dignity and in the possibilities of female nature: sensitive, compassionate and at the same time strong and decisive. For such was Jesus in His action and teaching.
Ovid, ‘Metamorphoses’ 5,254–6,2, and the Terms for the Muses in Greek and Roman Culture
Authors: Mojsik Tomasz
Published: September 2023

Epithets used to describe the Muses are an essential component of metapoetic language, starting as early as the time of Homer and Hesiod. However, it has never been a static phenomenon, as the cultural transformations entailed the changes in the language describing the Muses. Its scope included physical appearance, ancestry, voice/sound, relations with the poet/musician and – a rather important aspect – geographical associations. Revealing traces of this imagery is not an easy task: we lack cult hymns, and in most literary works, we encounter merely 2–3 epithets at the most. In this respect, Ovid is exceptional. In his Metamorphoses (5,254–6,2), in the story of the contest between the Muses of Helicon and the false Pierides, the poet deploys a uniquely rich descriptive terminology concerning the Muses (Mnemonides, Thespiades, Aonides, Emathides, [Pierides], doctae sorores, etc.). In this article, I look at the poet’s choices in this story and analyze the origins, functions and connotations of the epithets and terms he uses.
O Metamorfozach Owidiusza z Haarlemu
Authors: Rybowska Joanna
Published: September 2023

The article considers a series of relief prints by Hendrik Goltzius. The artist intended for these prints to become an ‘illustrated companion’ to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, or, alternatively, a sort of mirror image that reflects the poetic world of Metamorphoses in another creative medium. The first part of this analysis surveys Goltzius’ creative career and examines which life events might have encouraged the artist to start working on his adaptation of Metamorphoses. In the second part of the article, we discuss the creation of Goltzius’ drawings and copperplate engravings, explaining why the work of this Haarlem artist represents a historic breakthrough in the illustrative tradition of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Finally, the third part of the article assesses whether Goltzius’ Metamorphoses prints adhere to established conventions of the emblematic art (ars emblematica).
‘Etsi peccaui, sum tamen ipse tuus’. O elegii pokutnej Drakoncjusza (i słówko o pojęciu: barokowa ‘elegia’ pokutna)
Authors: Wasyl Anna Maria
Published: September 2023

Dracontius’s Satisfactio, though undoubtedly a prime example of a very complex literary work, is not really a work that cannot be properly described in generic terms. Upon consideration, the label ‘penitential elegy’ appears to be the most appropriate one, as it clearly indicates the major theme of the poem (the contrition of the sinner who acknowledges his sin above all before the God and, in the second place, before the Vandal king Gunthamund, to whom he pleads guilty to some not fully specified misdeed) as well as its metrical form. As for the latter, what is of particular relevance is not merely the fact that the piece is composed in elegiac couplets, but also that it is clearly written with an eye on Ovid the elegist. It is above all Ovid’s exilic motifs that Dracontius reuses throughout his poem, with special focus on Tristia II, imitated not so much through explicit verbal echoes, but rather through the general analogy of poetic situations in which the punished poet openly addresses his punisher, the princeps (Dracontius ostentatiously cites this ‘Ovidian’ word). At times, Dracontius happens to be no less provocative than Ovid was in apostrophizing his powerful addressee, although adopting a protreptic tone (which naturally implies some sort of superiority to the literary ‘you’), he does not pose as an expert in poetry with blemish life, despite his musa iococa (as Ovid did), but as a ‘fellow-Christian’ (suppressing all doctrinal discrepancies between his own Catholicism and Gunthamund’s Arianism) and indeed: a ‘fellow-sinner’ who forgives his (royal) ‘brother’ and asks for forgiveness in return. Moreover, the penitential tone of the poem is also stressed by several references to the Psalms and in particular to the figure of King David doing penance, exactly as in the Polish Baroque penitential elegy. The generic label I have advocated throughout my article is, in fact, ‘borrowed from’ the students of Old-Polish poetry, who are virtually unanimous in recognizing Baroque penitential elegy as a separate literary subgenre. It is not my intention to argue against such conclusions, as the generic features indicated by those specialist are quite convincing (I myself have found them very helpful for my own research), yet what I do emphasize is the very fact that the term ‘elegy’ when referred to vernacular poetry is applied not strictly (it is not related to any specific meter) but rather metaphorically, as if merely pointing to a general ‘mood’ of a poem. In Latin poetry, however, ‘elegy’, meaning ‘automatically’ the elegiac distich, means also concrete intertextual associations, primarily with Ovid (precisely like in Dracontius’s Satisfactio). Hence, when used to describe Dracontius’s text, the label ‘penitential elegy’ reveals its full hermeneutic potential.
Is There an Acrostic in Balbilla, Epigr. 31 Bernand?
Authors: Danielewicz Jerzy
Published: September 2023

The article presents a critical discussion of the interpretation of one of Balbilla’s epigrams carved on the foot of Memnon’s colossus at Egyptian Thebes (Bernand no. 31) proposed by Marialuigia Di Marzio in her article published in QUCC 2019. According to this interpretation, it contained the acrostic ΕΦΗΩΚΑΕ, which Di Marzio resolves as ΕΦΗ Ω ΚΑΕ(ΣΑΡ), suggesting a direct apostrophe to the emperor Hadrian on the part of the statue. However, there are compelling reasons to reject this intriguing proposal.
Doses de nitrogênio e potássio para fertirrigação do morangueiro e sua influência em características químicas do solo
Authors: Guarçoni André , Esposti Marlon Dutra Degli , Caetano Luiz Carlos Santos
Published: September 2023

Os nutrientes N e K são fundamentais para aumentar a produtividade e melhorar a qualidade dos frutos do morangueiro. Contudo, as doses desses nutrientes aplicadas via fertirrigação são definidas majoritariamente pela experiência de cultivo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a combinação de doses de N e K2O, aplicadas via fertirrigação na cultura do morangueiro cv. Camarosa, que proporcione maior produtividade e melhor qualidade de frutos, além de estabelecer seu efeito sobre características ligadas à nutrição das plantas e à fertilidade do solo. Para tanto, foi realizado um experimento de campo combinando doses de N e K2O aplicadas via fertirrigação no morangueiro cv. Camarosa. Foram avaliadas características de produtividade e qualidade dos frutos, bem como de nutrição das plantas e da fertilidade do solo. Foi possível concluir que: os nutrientes N e K, aplicados via fertirrigação na forma de adubos minerais, promovem incremento na produtividade do morangueiro, mas sua combinação deve ser equilibrada, visando garantir uma melhor qualidade dos frutos; a fertirrigação é uma prática efetiva para a nutrição das plantas de morango, devendo-se efetuar o monitoramento periódico do pH e da condutividade elétrica do solo, para que seja mantido ambiente edáfico adequado ao desenvolvimento da cultura.
Análise comparativa dos compostos bioativos do rizoma de açafrão in natura (Curcuma longa L.) e seu condimento comercial em pó
Authors: Valente de Freitas Rafaela , Carvalho Jade Vitória Duarte de , Silveira Luana Karoline Furtado , Nascimento Francisco das Chagas Alves do , Silva-Júnior José Otávio Carreira , Ribeiro-Costa Roseane Maria , Vasconcelos dos Santos Orquidea
Published: September 2023

O açafrão é um rizoma de alto consumo na forma de condimento em pó. No entanto, suas etapas de processamento podem levar a perdas de compostos bioativos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi comparar o teor de compostos bioativos do açafrão in natura e seco (condimento em pó comercial) Curcuma Longa L. A metodologia foi baseada nas Normas Analíticas do Instituto Adolfo Lutz e em referências analíticas publicadas internacionalmente na área de ciência e tecnologia de alimentos. Os resultados mostraram que o açafrão in natura sofre perdas consideráveis durante o processamento para sua conversão em pó comercial. As perdas de 20% na quantidade de compostos fenólicos no pó comercial (de 485,34 ± 43,08 GAE g-1 no açafrão in natura para uma média de 375,72 ± 25,77 GAE g-1 no pó comercial), seguindo comportamento semelhante nos teores de carotenoides (média de 574,41 ± 42,81 g-1 para o açafrão in natura e média de 557 0,27 ± 41,34 g-1 para pó). Diferindo nos valores bioativos para teores de flavonoides com teores maiores para o pó comercial (média de 179,33 e 165,56), maiores em antocianinas 165,56 ± 0,82 e 130,31±0,13 g CE 100 g-1. Medidas de infravermelho mostraram que o processamento não altera os compostos químicos mais termorresistentes, ao contrário dos bioativos. Na análise morfológica, observa-se a presença de amiloplastos e feixes fibrosos, com grânulos de amido aderidos. Esses dados mostram o efeito do processamento desse rizoma e o potencial do açafrão como coadjuvante à saúde humana.
Stimulation of fat oxidation in rat muscle by unacylated ghrelin persists for 2–3 hours, but is independent of fatty acid transporter translocation
Authors: Hoecht Evan M. , Budd Joshua M. , Notaro Nicole M. , Holloway Graham P. , Dyck David J.
Published: September 2023

While a definitive mechanism‐of‐action remains to be identified, recent findings indicate that ghrelin, particularly the unacylated form (UnAG), stimulates skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation. The biological importance of UnAG‐mediated increases in fat oxidation remains unclear, as UnAG peaks in the circulation before mealtimes, and decreases rapidly during the postprandial situation before increases in postabsorptive circulating lipids. Therefore, we aimed to determine if the UnAG‐mediated stimulation of fat oxidation would persist long enough to affect the oxidation of meal‐derived fatty acids, and if UnAG stimulated the translocation of fatty acid transporters to the sarcolemma as a mechanism‐of‐action. In isolated soleus muscle strips from male rats, short‐term pre‐treatment with UnAG elicited a persisting stimulus on fatty acid oxidation 2 h after the removal of UnAG. UnAG also caused an immediate phosphorylation of AMPK, but not an increase in plasma membrane FAT/CD36 or FABPpm. There was also no increase in AMPK signaling or increased FAT/CD36 or FABPpm content at the plasma membrane at 2 h which might explain the sustained increase in fatty acid oxidation. These findings confirm UnAG as a stimulator of fatty acid oxidation and provide evidence that UnAG may influence the handling of postprandial lipids. The underlying mechanisms are not known.
Acyl‐CoA synthetase expression in human skeletal muscle is reduced in obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Poppelreuther Margarete , Lundsgaard Anne‐Marie , Mensberg Pernille , Sjøberg Kim , Vilsbøll Tina , Kiens Bente , Füllekrug Joachim
Published: September 2023

Upon intramuscular entry, fatty acids are converted to amphiphatic fatty acyl‐CoAs by action of the acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS) enzymes. While it has been reported that insulin resistant skeletal muscle shows an accumulation of fatty acyl‐CoAs, the role of the enzymes which catalyze their synthesis is still sparsely studied in human muscle, in particular the influence of obesity, and insulin resistance. We analyzed muscle biopsies obtained from normal weight controls (n = 7, average BMI 24), males/females with obesity (n = 7, average BMI 31), and males/females with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 7, average BMI 34), for relevant ACS (long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), −3 (ACSL3) and − 4 (ACSL4), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and − 4 (FATP4)). The mRNA expression was determined by real‐time PCR, and total oleoyl‐CoA synthetase activity was measured. In the males/females with obesity and T2D, the response to 16 weeks of exercise training with minor weight loss was evaluated. ACSL1 is the dominantly expressed ACS isoform in human skeletal muscle. The content of total ACS mRNA, as well as ACSL1 mRNA, were lower in muscle of males/females with obesity and T2D. Exercise training in the males/females with obesity and T2D increased the total ACS enzyme activity, along with a lowering of the HOMA‐IR index. The capacity for synthesis of fatty acyl‐CoAs is lower in skeletal muscle of obese males/females with T2D. This suggests a decreased ability to convert fatty acids to fatty acyl‐CoAs, which in turn may affect their entry into storage or metabolic pathways in muscle. Thus, the accumulation of fatty acyl‐CoAs in the obese or insulin resistant state that has been shown in previous reports is not likely to result from increased fatty acid acylation. The upregulation of ACS activity by exercise training appears beneficial and occurred concomitantly with increased insulin sensitivity.
ABO blood group-related mechanism of infection of SARS-CoV-2: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Maggi Fabrizio , Focosi Daniele
Published: September 2023

Among the host genetic factors playing a role in the susceptibility to infectious diseases, the ABO blood group system is of utmost importance. Following the first reports in early 2020, the association between ABO blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 severity has been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of systematic reviews regarding the link between ABO blood groups and such risks. The possible molecular mechanisms underlying these associations will also be discussed. ABO blood group has a robust association with susceptibility to infection but not with disease severity, and studies on long COVID anre still missing.Prov.
Cold-acclimation effect on cadmium absorption and biosynthesis of polyphenolics, and free proline and photosynthetic pigments in Spirogyra aequinoctialis
Authors: Bibi Chand , Hadi Fazal , Ali Nasir , Zahoor Muhammad , Zeb Alam , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A. , Shah Abdul Bari
Published: September 2023

Herein, a link has been established between cold acclimation and Cd uptake in Spirogyra aequinoctialis. The water samples supplemented with cadmium (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/L) were used for plant growth at two different temperatures. Cold-acclimated plants accumulated high concentrations (0.40 ± 0.02 µg/dry biomass) of Cd as compared to non-acclimated plants (0.30 ± 0.08 µg/dry biomass). The negative effects of Cd on the biomass, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents in non-acclimated plants were more pronounced in non-acclimated plants as compared to the cold-acclimated plants. High concentrations of free proline and total phenolics in cold-acclimated plants were observed as compared to the non-acclimated plants. About 13 different phenolic compounds were identified using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Cold acclimation as well as the presence of Cd in water highly increased the concentrations of polyphenolics, while synergistic increase was recorded with the combination of cold acclimation and Cd treatments. The highest increase in the concentration of polyphenolics was recorded for syringic acid. Significant positive correlations of total phenolics were noted with dry biomass (R
2 = 0.51) and Cd accumulation (R
2 = 0.59) in plant tissues. Free proline concentration also showed positive correlations with dry biomass, Cd accumulation, and chlorophyll contents (R
2 = 0.80).
Simultaneous inversion for a fractional order and a time source term in a time-fractional diffusion-wave equation
Authors: Liao Kaifang , Zhang Lei , Wei Ting
Published: September 2023

In this article, we consider an inverse problem for determining simultaneously a fractional order and a time-dependent source term in a multi-dimensional time-fractional diffusion-wave equation by a nonlocal condition.
Based on a uniformly bounded estimate of the Mittag-Leffler function given in this paper, we prove the uniqueness of the inverse problem and the Lipschitz continuity properties for the direct problem.
Then we employ the Levenberg–Marquardt method to recover simultaneously the fractional order and the time source term, and establish a finite-dimensional approximation algorithm to find a regularized numerical solution.
Moreover, a fast tensor method for solving the direct problem in the three-dimensional case is provided.
Some numerical results in one and multidimensional spaces are presented for showing the robustness of the proposed algorithm.
A first step towards a national realisation of the international height reference system in Sweden with a comparison to RH 2000
Authors: Alfredsson Anders , Ågren Jonas
Published: September 2023

The International Height Reference System (IHRS) was defined by the International Association of Geodesy in 2015. Since then, the international geodetic community has been working on the specification and establishment of its realisation, the International Height Reference Frame (IHRF). This frame will primarily be realised by geopotential numbers (or physical heights) in a sparse global reference network. In Sweden, only one such global station is planned. Regional and national realisations (or densifications) computed in accordance with the IHRS definition are needed to enable the best possible unification of height datums. The main purpose of this article is to make a case study for Sweden regarding the national realisation of IHRS and to investigate in what way preliminary IHRF differs from the current Swedish levelling-based realisation of the European Vertical Reference System, RH 2000. The two different quasigeoid models that we consider best over Sweden at the present time are used to compute the preliminary IHRS realisations in the study. The realisations are compared to each other and to RH 2000. It is shown that a very significant part of the difference to RH 2000 is due to the different postglacial land uplift epochs, permanent tide concepts, and zero levels. The standard deviation for the difference between one of the preliminary national IHRS realisations and RH 2000 is reduced from 75.5 to 19.2 mm after correction of the postglacial land uplift and permanent tide effects. The corresponding mean differences are –208.5 and –454.7 mm, respectively. The magnitude of the mean difference thus increases when the corrections in question are applied.
Genotyping in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia by sequencing of newborn bloodspot samples
Authors: Ludwig Karissa , Lai Fei , Wiley Veronica , Ravine Anja , Srinivasan Shubha
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Genotype–phenotype correlation in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency ranges from 45 to 97 %. We performed massively parallel sequencing of CYP21A2 on stored newborn bloodspot samples to catalogue the genotypes present in our patients with CAH and enable genotype–phenotype comparison.

Methods

Participants ≤15 years old with clinically diagnosed CAH were recruited from The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. Phenotype was classified from clinical and biochemical details in the medical record as salt wasting (SW), simple virilising (SV), non-classic (NC) or an intermediate phenotype (SW/SV; SV/NC). Amplicon-based sequencing for CYP21A2 was performed on stored newborn bloodspot samples by the New South Wales Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory on MiSeq™Dx (Illumina, California). Available genetic test results were also obtained from the medical records.

Results

Samples from 67 participants (43 % female, age 0.3–15 years) were sequenced, including 9 sibships. SW phenotype was present in 33/67 participants (49 %), SV in 9 (13 %) and NC in 16 (24 %). Intermediate phenotypes included SW/SV in seven participants (10 %) and SV/NC in two (3 %). Variants were identified in 90/116 alleles (78 %). A complete genotype was available in 47/67 participants (70 %). The most common genotype was homozygous c.293-13A/C>G (I2G) in 7/47 participants (15 %). Genotype correlated with the most commonly reported phenotype in 36/44 cases (82 %). Correlation was higher in SW and NC phenotypes.

Conclusions

This study uses genetic testing of newborn bloodspots to identify and characterise the genotypes present in an ethnically diverse Australian population with CAH. It further strengthens our knowledge of genotype–phenotype correlations in CAH.
Hygrothermal bending analysis of sandwich nanoplates with FG porous core and piezomagnetic faces via nonlocal strain gradient theory
Authors: Alghanmi Rabab A.
Published: September 2023

The bending of sandwich nanoplates made of functionally graded (FG) porous core and electromagnetic layers is explored for the first time through a nonlocal strain gradient theory and a four-unknown shear deformation theory. The proposed model can account for both nonlocal and strain gradient impacts. Therefore, the stiffness enhancement and stiffness reduction processes of sandwich nanoplates are observed. The porosities in the nanoplate are modeled with even and uneven distribution patterns. Six equations of equilibrium are constructed by using virtual work principle. The effects of the porosity factor, externally applied electric and magnetic fields, nonlocal parameter, strain gradient parameter, temperature and moisture parameters, aspect ratio, and side-to-thickness ratio on the static behaviors of FG sandwich nanoplates for simply supported boundary conditions are demonstrated using a parametric study. This article offers comparison treatments for the bending investigation of smart sandwich nanoplates, which can be used in a variety of computational methods. According to the results, deflections induced by negative electric and magnetic potentials behave differently than those brought on by positive electric and magnetic potentials. Other important findings are reached that should aid in the development and implementation of electromagnetic sandwich nanoplate structures.
UV aging behavior evolution characterization of HALS-modified asphalt based on micro-morphological features
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Zhu Yunchu , Mao Jie , Qin Xiao , Li Lijuan , Jin Jiao , Yu Huayang
Published: September 2023

To clarify the effect of Hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) on ultraviolet (UV) aging behavior of asphalt binder, the evolution history and characteristics of the UV induced micro-structure of modified asphalt were characterized. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) were used to analyze the microscopic morphology evolution of light stabilizer-modified asphalt during UV aging. By defining the micro-structure of asphalt in aging joints induced by UV, the identification and classification of typical micro-structure are proposed. On this basis, an evaluation method based on the morphology evolution process of modified asphalt aging was proposed to quantitatively analyze the effect of HALS on the UV aging of asphalt binder. The results show that the control effect of HALS on the UV aging behavior of asphalt can be verified by SEM and AFM detection methods. At the same time, the aging interval of the asphalt modified by hindered amine was divided by the method, and it was verified that the HALS could significantly prolong the service life of the asphalt binder. The micro-morphology of asphalt binder undergoes the process of crack generation and propagation during UV aging. The micro-morphological changes of UV aged asphalt were interfered effectively by HALS, which could alleviate and control the development of UV induced micro-cracks, and promote the fusion of micro-cracks. This study provides an effective evaluation method for detecting UV aging microscopic evolution of HALS.
Porous materials: Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) as game-changers in practical applications, a review
Authors: Shahbaz Amsal , Ahmad Khalil , Qureshi Khizar , Majeed Hammad , Arshad Ifzan , Tabinda Tabinda , Iftikhar Tehreema , Kashaf-ul Khair  , Ashfaq Muhammad , Rehman Shah Habib Ur , Ahmad Muhammad Zubair , Lee Shern-long
Published: September 2023

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) represents a class of remarkable porous materials composed of organic building blocks that are covalently linked in a periodic manner to form crystalline structures. High surface area, high porosity, tunable pore size, and high stability are their exceptional properties, which make them attractive candidates for various applications in the fields of catalysis, energy storage devices, biomedical applications, gas separation and storage applications. In fact, the great interest shown in COFs gave us a stimulus to review the output of the recent substantial efforts in this area. Meanwhile, the development of portable and sophisticated systems based on these particles is believed to create deeper insights for the scientists to embark on new investigations to pave the way for discovering new fundamental characteristics of COFs, modifications. Furthermore, the effect of modifications/fractionalizations on the performance of COFs will be thoroughly explained and challenging problems are mentioned. Moreover, the paper covers an inclusive collection of referenced recent research articles, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and an extensive bibliography for further exploration. Through this comprehensive overview, the paper alleviates the noteworthy contributions of COFs in driving innovation and progress in a range of key scientific disciplines.
Exploring the anticancer potential of sulfate-hydroxy-butanone derivatives: insights from experimental and quantum chemical investigations
Authors: Owen Aniekan E. , Ime Emmah I. , Mbim Elizabeth N. , Edet Henry O. , Benjamin Innocent , Iniama Grace I. , Edet Uwem O. , Manicum Amanda-Lee E. , Louis Hitler
Published: September 2023

Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction represent enduring adverse outcomes resulting from prostate cancer, a leading cause of global mortality. Given this critical context, there exists an imperative to explore efficacious therapeutic interventions. In this context, a comprehensive investigation of the potential roles of 4-(3ʹ-O-sulfate-4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (CDR1), 4-(3ʹ-O-sulfate-4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-2(R)-butanol (CDR2), and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-sulfate (CDR3) as agents for prostate cancer is of paramount importance. These compounds, extracted from the mangrove plant Acrostichum aureum, have been meticulously characterized through GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR analyses. Detailed insights into the molecular structures, reactivity, bonding nature, and vibrational behaviors of these studied compounds were gleaned via rigorous examination at the DFT/B3LYP-GD3BJ/6-311+G (d,p) level of theory. Moreover, in-depth in-silico molecular docking investigations were conducted, delineating their potential as agents against castration-resistant prostate cancer. Electronic assessments underscored the reactivity of the studied compounds, while analysis of natural bond orbitals affirmed their stability, thus signifying their prospective utility as potent anticancer agents. The bioactivity and compatibility profiles of the investigated compounds in relation to cancer proteins were meticulously evaluated through molecular docking analyses, and the results were meticulously benchmarked against recommended drugs. Among the discernible outcomes, compound CDR3 emerged as a standout candidate, boasting binding affinities of −6.7, −8.6, and −6.4 kcal/mol, predicated on pivotal hydrogen bonding interactions, which inherently dictate the potency of a potential therapeutic agent. Importantly, CDR3 exhibits promising characteristics as an anticancer agent, surpassing its counterparts, and even the recommended drug dorlutamide, thus positioning it favorably for further consideration in prostate cancer treatment modalities.
Rapid Weight Loss Practices Within Olympic Weightlifters
Authors: Gee Thomas I. , Campbell Paul , Bargh Melissa J. , Martin Daniel
Published: September 2023

Gee, TI, Campbell, P, Bargh, MJ, and Martin, D. Rapid weight loss practices within Olympic weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2046–2051, 2023—Rapid weight loss (RWL) practices are common among athletes to “make weight” for a chosen bodyweight class. This study's purpose was to investigate RWL prevalence, magnitude, and methods within Olympic weightlifters from Great Britain. Subjects (n = 39, male = 22, female = 17) were recruited from International Weightlifting Federation lifting populations (mandatory two-hour competition weigh-in). Subjects were categorized into competitive groups based on Sinclair coefficient total (high, mid, low) and also gender (male, female). The validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire was used to establish RWL magnitude and practices. Of respondents, 33 of 39 (84.6%) had purposely acutely reduced body mass to compete, a higher proportion present within females (94.1%) than males (77.3%). The cohort's mean habitual precompetition acute body mass loss was 3.8 ± 1.7% and the “rapid weight loss score” (RWLS) was 23.6 ± 9.5. Across competitive groups there were no significant differences in habitual or highest precompetition body mass loss, postcompetition body mass gain or RWLS (p > 0.05). However, females attributed a significantly greater “highest” relative precompetition body mass loss compared with males (7.4 vs 4.9%, p = 0.045). For RWL methods used, frequencies of “always” and “sometimes” were reported highest for “restricting fluid ingestion” (81.8%), “gradual dieting” (81.8%), and “water loading” (54.5%). The prevalence of RWL is high among competitive Olympic weightlifters, and especially within the sampled female athletes. Magnitude of RWL was similar across different standards of athlete; however, female lifters demonstrated a higher maximum precompetition RWL.
Reliability and Validity of Different Lower-Limb Strength Tests to Determine 1RM in the Keiser A300 Leg Press
Authors: Larsen Fredrik , Loturco Irineu , Sigvaldsen Eirik , Strand Martin Frank , Kalhovde John Magne , Haugen Thomas
Published: September 2023

Larsen, F, Loturco, I, Sigvaldsen, E, Strand, MF, Kalhovde, JM, and Haugen, T. Reliability and validity of different lower-limb strength tests to determine 1RM in the Keiser A300 leg press. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 1963–1968, 2023—The aim of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of different lower-limb strength tests to determine the one-repetition maximum (1RM) value in the Keiser A300 leg press. Twenty-eight recreationally active subjects performed load-velocity (L-V) relationship, 1RM, isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), and maximal repetitions to failure (MRF) tests on 3 separated sessions. Predicted 1RMs for the L-V relationship were estimated from a linear regression equation, correlating movement velocity and relative loads. The number of repetitions from the MRF tests (at loads relative to bodyweight) and peak force from the IMTP tests were used in regression equations to predict 1RM. The level of significance was set to ρ ≤ 0.05. All 1RM prediction methods were highly comparable with the traditional 1RM test, as only trivial and nonsignificant differences were observed. Furthermore, the L-V relationship was the most reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient [± 95% confidence interval] = 0.99 [0.98, 0.996]; effect size = −0.01 [-0.38, 0.36], standard error of the measurement = 6.4 kg; coefficient of variation = 3.0 [2.2–3.8]% and valid (r = 0.95 [0.89, 0.98], effect size = 0.08 [-0.29, 0.45], standard error of the estimate = 20.4 kg; coefficient of variation = 7.4 [5.5–9.3]%) when compared with direct 1RM measurements. The L-V relationship test showed a significant change score relationship (r = 0.41 [0.04, 0.68]) against the direct 1RM measurements. In conclusion, the tests used in this study cannot be used interchangeably, but they represent a good alternative in training settings where 1RM testing is not feasible.
Time of Day Effects on Anaerobic Performance Using a Nonmotorized Treadmill
Authors: Renziehausen Justine M. , Bergquist Amy M. , Park Joon-Hyuk , Hill Ethan C. , Wells Adam J. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Fukuda David H.
Published: September 2023

Renziehausen, JM, Bergquist, AM, Park, J-H, Hill, EC, Wells, AJ, Stout, JR, and Fukuda, DH. Time of day effects on anaerobic performance using a nonmotorized treadmill. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2002–2007, 2023—The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of time of day on performance during a maximal effort sprinting assessment (30nmt) and determine potential differences based on chronotype and sex. Twenty-six recreationally active men (n = 12) and women (n = 14) between the ages of 18 and 35 years old (21.5 ± 2.4 years) completed the 30nmt at 9:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 7:00 pm in a randomized order over a 24-hour period. Resting heart rate and temperature assessments were taken at each visit. A dietary recall and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire were used to assess kilocalories (kcals) and chronotype, respectively. Two-way (time x sex) repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to determine differences in peak/mean power, peak/mean velocity, distance, resting heart rate, temperature, and kcals at each time point. Paired sample t tests were used to assess peak and nadir of each performance variable. A significance level was set at p < 0.05. There was a significant main effect for temperature (p < 0.001), resting heart rate (p = 0.007), and pre-exercise caloric intake (p = 0.021) throughout the day. No significant main effects for time were found for peak power (p = 0.766), mean power (p = 0.094), peak velocity (p = 0.497), mean velocity (p = 0.193), or distance (p = 0.262). There were no significant time × sex interactions for any dependent performance variables (p > 0.05). Significant differences were shown between the peak and nadir of each performance variable (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in performance during maximal effort anaerobic assessments shown throughout the day; however, peak/nadir of performance times may be individualized and differ between morning types and intermediate types.
Mercado de aplicaciones móviles dirigidas a jóvenes: sector de búsqueda de piso en España
Authors: López-Iglesias Matías , Matellanes Lazo Mónica , Tapia Velasco Marina
Published: September 2023

Esta investigación tiene por fin, examinar el mercado de aplicaciones móviles dirigidas a la búsqueda de piso y compañero de piso dentro del mercado de jóvenes y estudiantes. Se analizan los métodos utilizados por las aplicaciones inmobiliarias, a la hora de buscar piso y compañero de piso. El estudio parte una revisión exploratoria de mercado existente. Como muestra de estudio se han seleccionado las aplicaciones más descargadas en App Store y Google Play: Badi, Idealista, Milanuncios, Habitaclia, Pisos.com, Fotocasa, Roomster, Indomio, Airbnb, Spareroom o Erasmusu. Indagando en el conocimiento que tiene el público objetivo joven sobre este tipo de aplicaciones, su frecuencia de uso y preferencias. La metodología exploratoria empleada es una encuesta de 10 preguntas abiertas y cerradas realizadas a 87 jóvenes, hombres y mujeres universitarios. Como resultados más relevantes, hemos podido observar que, el entorno que rodea al sector de alquiler de viviendas se caracteriza por ser un mercado amplio y competente pero poco estandarizado. Las respuestas indican que, los jóvenes buscan aplicaciones especializadas que atiendan a necesidades y estilo de vida de este sector de usuarios. Más de la mitad reconocen desconocimiento o desconfianza. Esto nos permite concluir que existe poca penetración en el mercado joven. También se señala que las redes sociales son una herramienta muy utilizada por este público, por lo tanto, las aplicaciones de búsqueda de piso deben integrarse en ellas para integrar a estos públicos en su cartera de usuarios.
Ancient Greenwashing
Authors: Fisher Chelsea , Albacete Clara
Published: September 2023

The strategy of greenwashing has come to occupy a powerful place in sustainable marketing by employing techniques aimed to alleviate the guilt of eco-conscious eaters while obscuring the realities of a company’s true environmental impacts. In this paper, we examine a particular kind of greenwashed marketing we call “ancient greenwashing,” which invokes references to ancient (precolonial) civilizations as a branding strategy targeted at consumers seeking a more authentic and sustainable way of eating. We contend that this marketing masks the colonial legacies that uphold and perpetuate the injustices of modern global food systems, and here we work to counter those claims by contextualizing them within the archaeological study of past sustainability and a discussion of green capitalism more broadly. In addition to compiling examples of ancient greenwashing of six so-called superfoods documented online, we also visited a sample of grocery stores to collect information about the accessibility, amount, and cost of ancient greenwashed quinoa and chia, and found a positive correlation between the brand prices of these foods and the presence of ancient greenwashing. We discuss these results and their implications for the ways ancient greenwashing works to mask deeper injustices in our food systems.
Spo13/MEIKIN ensures a Two‐Division meiosis by preventing the activation of APC/CAma1 at meiosis I
Authors: Rojas Julie , Oz Tugce , Jonak Katarzyna , Lyzak Oleksii , Massaad Vinal , Biriuk Olha , Zachariae Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

Genome haploidization at meiosis depends on two consecutive nuclear divisions, which are controlled by an oscillatory system consisting of Cdk1‐cyclin B and the APC/C bound to the Cdc20 activator. How the oscillator generates exactly two divisions has been unclear. We have studied this question in yeast where exit from meiosis involves accumulation of the APC/C activator Ama1 at meiosis II. We show that inactivation of the meiosis I‐specific protein Spo13/MEIKIN results in a single‐division meiosis due to premature activation of APC/CAma1. In the wild type, Spo13 bound to the polo‐like kinase Cdc5 prevents Ama1 synthesis at meiosis I by stabilizing the translational repressor Rim4. In addition, Cdc5‐Spo13 inhibits the activity of Ama1 by converting the B‐type cyclin Clb1 from a substrate to an inhibitor of Ama1. Cdc20‐dependent degradation of Spo13 at anaphase I unleashes a feedback loop that increases Ama1's synthesis and activity, leading to irreversible exit from meiosis at the second division. Thus, by repressing the exit machinery at meiosis I, Cdc5‐Spo13 ensures that cells undergo two divisions to produce haploid gametes.
RNA‐based medicine: from molecular mechanisms to therapy
Authors: Sparmann Anke , Vogel Jörg
Published: September 2023

RNA‐based therapeutics have the potential to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of human diseases. While early research faced setbacks, it established the basis for breakthroughs in RNA‐based drug design that culminated in the extraordinarily fast development of mRNA vaccines to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic. We have now reached a pivotal moment where RNA medicines are poised to make a broad impact in the clinic. In this review, we present an overview of different RNA‐based strategies to generate novel therapeutics, including antisense and RNAi‐based mechanisms, mRNA‐based approaches, and CRISPR‐Cas‐mediated genome editing. Using three rare genetic diseases as examples, we highlight the opportunities, but also the challenges to wide‐ranging applications of this class of drugs.
The post‐translational regulation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in health and disease
Authors: Takla Michael , Keshri Swati , Rubinsztein David C
Published: September 2023

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a basic helix–loop–helix leucine zipper transcription factor that acts as a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, lysosomal exocytosis, and macro‐autophagy. TFEB contributes to a wide range of physiological functions, including mitochondrial biogenesis and innate and adaptive immunity. As such, TFEB is an essential component of cellular adaptation to stressors, ranging from nutrient deprivation to pathogenic invasion. The activity of TFEB depends on its subcellular localisation, turnover, and DNA‐binding capacity, all of which are regulated at the post‐translational level. Pathological states are characterised by a specific set of stressors, which elicit post‐translational modifications that promote gain or loss of TFEB function in the affected tissue. In turn, the resulting increase or decrease in survival of the tissue in which TFEB is more or less active, respectively, may either benefit or harm the organism as a whole. In this way, the post‐translational modifications of TFEB account for its otherwise paradoxical protective and deleterious effects on organismal fitness in diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. In this review, we describe how the intracellular environment characteristic of different diseases alters the post‐translational modification profile of TFEB, enabling cellular adaptation to a particular pathological state.
Peningkatan Daya Saing Kelompok Perajin Alumunium Desa Pecangaan Kulon Pecangaan Jepara
Authors: Hazmi Faiqul , Jumaiyah Jumaiyah , Syahriar Alfa
Published: September 2023

Tujuan dari pengabdian ini untuk membantu para perajin alumunium desa Pecangaan Kulon menyelesaikan permasalahan yang dialaminya, (1) Adanya persaingan tidak sehat diantara perajin terkait dengan lokasi usaha yang sangat berdekatan, kompetisi usaha, serta faktor senioritas usaha. (2) Permasalahan di bidang produksi berupa tingginya biaya overhead, (3) Menghadapi permasalahan pengelolaan keuangan berupa ketidak mampuan memperkirakan Harga Pokok (4) Permasalahan di bidang pemasaran tidak adanya inovasi dalam model pemasaran hasil kerajinan. (5) Usaha belum terdaftar 6) Kurangnya literasi pemanfaatan lembaga keuangan. Penyelesaian permasalahan dilakukan dengan cara peningkatan daya saing usaha kerajinan alumunium. Adapun pendekatan yang gunakan dalam rangka pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dengan Melalui Community Development, Edukatif, Partisipatif, Normatif, dan Persuasif. Solusi yang diberikan dengan 1) Melalui pendekatan kultural serta membentuk paguyuban sebagai wahana komunikasi diantara perajin, 2) Memberikan pelatihan dan pendampingan metode kayzen jepang untuk usaha mikro guna efisiensi produksi dan menekan biaya overhead 3) Memberikan pelatihan dan pendampingan pengelolaan keuangan khususnya menentukan harga pokok penjualan 4) Memberikan pelatihan strategi pemasaran digital melalui sarana media sosial dan marketplace 5) Membantu para perajin mendaftarkan usaha mikronya ke www.oss.go.id guna mendapatkan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) dan Surat Izin Usaha. 6) Memperkenalkan perajin kepada lembaga keuangan mikro.