bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amazing Graze: Shifts in Jellyfish and Clam Distributions During Dry Years in the San Francisco Estuary
Authors:   California Department of Water Resources, Hartman Rosemary , Twardochleb Laura ,   California Department of Water Resources, Burdi Christina ,   California Department of Water Resources, Wells Elizabeth ,   California Department of Water Resources
Published: March 2024

Aquatic invasive species have drastically changed how the San Francisco Estuary functions. During the past 2 decades, the effects of invasive species in the estuary may have increased in response to frequent and severe drought conditions. The invasive overbite clam (Potamocorbula amurensis), and the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) have well documented consequences on the estuarine food web, but their responses to drought are not well understood. Another invasive species, the jellyfish Maeotias marginata, can further affect the food web, but these effects have not been studied. We investigated the population responses of these invasive species to dry years and their potential effects on the pelagic food web using data from the Interagency Ecological Program’s monitoring surveys. We found M. marginata rapidly moves upstream with changing salinities during dry years, though it sees its highest abundance during high-outflow years in Suisun Bay and Suisun Marsh. Grazing rates of M. marginata in the estuary have not been quantified but are potentially high during localized blooms. The two invasive clams overlap in distribution, but have opposite population responses to drought conditions, with increases in P. amurensis densities and decreases in C. fluminea densities in dry years. With increasing P. amurensis densities, the clams’ combined annual filtration rates increase during drier years in the confluence and Suisun Marsh. Like M. marginata, P. amurensis also shifts upstream during droughts, but because adults cannot move immediately with a change in salinity, the population center of distribution shifts upstream the year after a dry year as a result of juvenile recruitment. If multiple dry years occur in a row, and both P. amurensis and M. marginata move upstream together, their effects on the food web could be compounded, and phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass could steeply decline in the confluence, affecting higher trophic levels in the estuary.
Dry Me a River: Ecological Effects of Drought in the Upper San Francisco Estuary
Authors:   California Department of Water Resources, Hartman Rosemary , Burdi Christina ,   California Department of Water Resources, Maguire Amanda ,   California Department of Water Resources, Bosworth David ,   California Department of Water Resources, Stumpner Elizabeth ,   California Department of Water Resources,   Interagency Ecological Program Drought Synthesis Team
Published: March 2024

Droughts have major effects on estuaries because freshwater entry is one of the defining features of an estuary, and freshwater flow is an important variable that determines the interannual change in the environment. In the upper San Francisco Estuary (the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Bay, and Suisun Marsh), the Mediterranean climate includes frequent multi-year droughts. To assess ecosystem responses to droughts in the upper estuary, the Interagency Ecological Program Drought Synthesis Team assembled a set of flow, water quality, chlorophyll, zooplankton, and fish data from 1975 to 2021 to test for differences between multi-year droughts and multi-year wet periods and tested for linear relationships between each variable and the Sacramento Valley Hydrologic Index (see definitions and relationships as outlined in Appendix A). Our models showed droughts decreased Delta outflow, project exports, zooplankton in Suisun Bay, and some fish species. We also found that droughts increased water clarity, salinity, nutrients, chlorophyll in the South Delta, zooplankton in the South Delta, and water residence time. Although our analyses only tested correlations, we hypothesized that most of the food-web responses could be traced to increased residence time, decreased transport rates, or both. However, some responses may have been caused by secondary effects, including shifts in salinity gradients, regional changes in water quality, or differences in top-down effects of increased predation and grazing rates. With increased frequency of droughts in the future, this increasingly low-outflow, warming, clearing estuary—which is invaded by non-native species and has low pelagic fish production—is rapidly becoming the new “normal.”
Competencies in Higher Education and the Labor Market: A Sociocognitive Analysis of the Problem of Integration
Authors: Babich Nikolay S. , Ivashchenkova Nataliya V.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Professional competencies developed by the education system do not provide the high degree of integration with the real economy at the Russian labor market. The sociocognitive approach to social institutions as information processing systems suggests that this may be partly due to different languages used by employers and educational structures for describing competencies. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis of this mismatch drawing on the example of the applied sociology sector.
Materials and Methods. The case study method was applied to the material of the archive of correspondence on personnel issues of a company from the field of applied sociology, which worked in 2012–2019 (46 papers). The hypothesis that employers and educational system use a different language for describing competencies was tested. Content analysis method was applied to the largest Russian job portals: hh.ru, superjob.ru and Avito.Rabota. The hypothesis of non-use of educational standards for describing competencies in the labor market was tested.
Results. Both hypotheses were confirmed. Based on the results of the correspondence archive analysis, it was proved that employers use a language different from that of the education system when describing requirements to employees (including their competencies). The results of content analysis revealed the phenomenon of almost complete isolation of the labor market from the formal standards of higher education (educational standards for describing the competencies of sociologists were not used in a single vacancy or a resumé out of more than 32 thousand found on the portals).
Discussion and Conclusion. To overcome the lack of demand for graduates in the labor market, it is necessary to overcome the existing language gap between the education system and employers. To this end, the system of validation of competencies should be changed. The source of their description should not be the education system itself, the texts and ideas that are born in it, but the requirements of employers, verbalized by them in the description of vacancies. Descriptions of competencies that do not meet the widely accepted requirements of employers should be automatically excluded from professional education standards as invalid. The results contribute to searching critical problems in the educational system and adapting it to the current needs of the labor market.
Student Youth in the Space of Historical Practices and Narratives (Regional Dimension)
Authors: Bogatova Olga A. , Dadaeva Tatiana M. , Shumkova Natalya V.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The importance of exploring the specificity of shaping the historical memory among young people is due to the fact that it is this age that is crucial in the formation of worldview attitudes and civic identity. In modern geopolitical conditions, when the falsification of historical events of Russia's past takes place, the analysis of the factors of studentsʼ involvement in the space of historical practices and narratives that influence the formation of their historical memory is especially important. The aim of the article is to measure the level of students' involvement in the space of historical practices and narratives on the basis of quantitative and qualitative sociological research data; to identify the factors influencing the historical memory of student youth in the Republic of Mordovia.
Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the study constituted the findings derived from 20 semi-structured interviews with young people between 18 and 25 years old, as well as the results of an online survey held among university and secondary educational institutions learners in the Republic of Mordovia (n = 700). Multistage composite sampling.
Results. Based on cluster analysis, three groups of student youth were identified according to the level of involvement in the space of historical practices and narratives. The relationship between belonging to a specific cluster and socio-demographic factors is presented: gender, level of education and place of residence turned out to be significant. Among the factors influencing the level of involvement in historical practices and narratives are cognitive interest in history, family memories, and active use of media. It has been established that the significance of these factors in shaping the historical memory of young people may vary. The most significant factors are historical education (at secondary school, vocational education institution, university), the role of teacher as a mediator of historical knowledge, as well as the continuity and depth of family memory.
Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the study determine the factors of student youth involvement in the space of historical practices and narratives and supplement the sociological understanding of the processes of constructing the historical memory. The materials of the article may be of interest to specialists engaged in patriotic education, historical education of youth, practitioners involved in the development of youth policy.
Middle English Hame, Anglo-French Estele
Authors: Sayers William
Published: March 2024

The production of food increased dramatically in the centuries between 1000 and 1300 and with it the population of western Europe. One of the chief motors of this progress was the adoption of the mouldboard plough and related heavy plough, which made possible the tillage of the heavy but fertile soils of north-western Europe. The resulting row and furrow pattern in fields also improved drainage. But this technological development demanded a comparable source of power, which was not be found in ineffective ploughing with slow oxen burdened with inefficient yokes. The solution was found in horse power and the invention that fully tapped this resource: the horse collar. This is note is devoted to the terminology of a key part of the collar: the hames.
Jeri Quinzio: Dessert A Tale of Happy Endings
Authors: Murrell Di
Published: March 2024

Jeri Quinzio: Dessert A Tale of Happy Endings: Reaktion Books, 2018: 272 pp., hardback, £25.00.
Design, Development and Testing of the NHIS Sexual Identity Question. National Center for Health Statistics
Authors: Miller Kristen , Ryan J. Michael
Published: March 2024

This report describes research to develop and evaluate a sexual identity question for the National Health Interview Survey
Results of a Cognitive Testing Study to Examine the Impact of Record Keeping Practices in Long-term Care Facilities
Authors: Massey Meredith
Published: March 2024

This report to examine the impact of record keep practices on survey response in long-term care facilities
Cognitive Testing Evaluation of the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Occupational Health Supplement (OHS)
Authors: Creamer Lauren
Published: March 2024

This report presents findings from a cognitive interview evaluation of questions on the topics of employment and occupational health.
Results from a Cognitive Interview Evaluation of a Subset of Questions for the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: Round 2
Authors: Willson Stephanie , Hibben Cibelli , Gregory-Lee Kristian
Published: March 2024

CCQDER conducted a cognitive interview evaluation in support of a redesign of the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
Pandemic COVID-19 Effects’ Assessment for Tourism Industry Based on Aggregate
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Bogachkova Lyudmila , Oleynik Olga ,   Volgograd Institute of Management - branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, Shevelyushkina Arina ,   Volgograd State University
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the work is to propose and test a method for assessing the effects of the pandemic on Russian tourism in comparison with a number of other countries based on an aggregate indicator of the contribution of this industry to the economy. The role and place of the tourism industry in the global economy, the industry characteristics of tourism and the special significance of measures to support it in modern Russian economic policy are characterized. A cross-country comparative analysis of the aggregated indicator of the contribution of tourism to the economy was carried out, which was calculated on the basis of three partial indicators: the contribution of the tourism industry to the country's GDP; share of tourism in the total number of jobs; share of spending by incoming tourists in total exports. Data used from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The pandemic contraction and subsequent recovery of the industry are described by indices of the aggregate indicator, where its value in 2019 is taken as the base. It was revealed that among the G20 countries, Russia ranks second to last in terms of the aggregate indicator of the contribution of tourism to the economy. At the same time, it demonstrates a relatively small “compression” of the industry in 2020 and a low rate of industry recovery in 2021. The weak response of Russian tourism to the pandemic can be explained, firstly, by the relatively small significance of its initial contribution to the economy and, secondly, by government employment support measures taken in 2020. At the same time, the low rate of restoration of the contribution of Russian tourism to the economy in 2021 indicates the need to increase the effectiveness of industry regulation measures and, for this purpose, study the best global practices for restoring tourism in countries such as Mexico, Italy, Turkey, etc.
Formation Mechanism of Circular Economy: Theoretical Aspects and Practice in South of Russia
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Nikitaeva Anastasia , Shestopalova Olga ,   Southern Federal University
Published: March 2024

Currently, one of the priority concepts that can act as a theoretical platform for the sustainable development of the national economic system is the circular economy. Despite all the theoretically substantiated and practice-confirmed advantages, the practical implementation of a circular economy requires the presence of an effective mechanism for the formation of this economic model. For the Russian economy, it is advisable to study such a mechanism at the level of the regional economy. Taking this into account, the study determined the content of the mechanism for forming a circular economy. The mechanism for the formation of a circular economy is considered in the work as a synthetic category, covering a set of principles, methods, subjects, algorithms, technologies, structures and resources through which the transition to a circular economy is carried out. The study substantiates the key components of this mechanism and identifies indicators that make it possible to quantify the presence and effectiveness of mechanisms for the formation of a circular economy in the regions of the country. The work shows that, as a rule, these indicators are associated with the digitalization of the economy, the presence of new forms of economic interaction (organization of the economy), innovation, environmental protection and rational use of resources. Taking this into account, the study built a multiple regression model, which made it possible to determine the indicators and, accordingly, the factors that have the greatest positive impact on the implementation of the circular transition at the meso level. The empirical analysis was carried out on data from the regions of the Southern Federal District and the North Caucasus Federal District. Indicators that positively influence the formation of a circular economy are the share of organizations using artificial intelligence and the number of industrial parks. Therefore, to create a circular economy, governments should take measures aimed at increasing the presence of these elements of the mechanism in the economy of their regions, develop the use of artificial intelligence and establish industrial, in particular eco-industrial, parks. In addition, the role of the state and the formation of a specialized institutional environment and infrastructure, including logistics, are of great importance for the successful transition to a circular economy in the south of the country.
Assessment of Implementation of National Transport Infrastructure Projects (The Case of the Regions of Southern Federal District)
Authors:   Federal Research Center Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Patrakeeva Olga
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the preliminary results of the implementation of the “Safe Quality Roads” and “Comprehensive Plan for the Modernization and Expansion of Main Infrastructure” projects, and identifies the regional features of their implementation for individual regions of the Southern Federal District - the Rostov region, the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Crimea. By 2022, the basic values ​​for individual target indicators have been achieved and, in general, given the existing positive dynamics in 2024, the rest will most likely be achieved. At the same time, project passports require revision taking into account regional characteristics. In Crimea, the share of roads that meet regulatory requirements is determined at a fairly low level - 38.8%, and with the current trend towards an increase in freight turnover, motorization, and tourist flow, road safety is significantly reduced, as evidenced by high accident rates. In this regard, target indicators for the quality of the road network should be revised upward. For the Rostov region, the federal project “Road Network” should include a list of agglomerations and for each of them the values ​​of basic indicators should be determined. Particular attention should be paid to the issue of transport support for small isolated settlements in all regional passports. “Safe Quality Roads” and “Comprehensive Plan for the Modernization and Expansion of Trunk Infrastructure” are labor-intensive and capital-intensive projects that require modern equipment and technologies. Infrastructure development will support the overall economic strategy. However, to achieve the assigned tasks, it is necessary to mobilize industrial production so that the modernization and creation of infrastructure is provided with domestic equipment and technologies. Based on the results of 2021, it can be argued that a qualitative transformation of the economy, accompanied by an acceleration in the growth rate of labor productivity, did not occur.
Creative Industries in Municipal and Regional Strategies in Ivanovo Region and Krasnodar Krai
Authors:   North-Western Institute of Management of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Golovina Karina , Zhikharevich Boris ,   Leontief Center
Published: March 2024

A methodology has been developed to assess the level of reflection of the topic of creative industries (CI) in municipal and regional strategies, tested in two regional (Ivanovo region and Krasnodar Territory) and ten municipal strategies (Krasnodar, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Tuapse and Ivanovo, Vichuga, Palekh, Privolzhsk , Shuya). The methodology provides for scoring the strategy text based on five characteristics: mention of the term CI; mention of activities related to CI; level of elaboration of the CI topic; attention to the types of activities included in the CI; availability of target indicators for CI. The strategy of the Krasnodar Territory and its municipalities, especially Anapa, Tuapse and Krasnodar, received high marks. In the Ivanovo region, only the strategies of Ivanovo and the region have good ratings. The remaining municipal strategies did not score even half of the possible points. Additionally, assessments of the objective level of CI development and the level of reflection of the CI theme in strategies were compared. The level of reflection of the CI topic in strategies is influenced by two factors: 1) the qualifications of the developers, their familiarity with the CI topic; 2) the objective significance of CI for the development of the city (region). The coincidence of both factors in the case of the Krasnodar Territory and its municipal district led to high estimates. Here the strategies were developed with the participation of a highly professional team of the Leontief Center Consortium - AV Group. The municipal district of Ivanovo region, significantly smaller in size and economic potential, could not afford to attract consultants, so the assessment of the level of development of CI is ahead of the assessment of the reflection of the topic in CI in the strategies of Palekh and Shuya. Recommendations are given on ways to strengthen the elaboration of the topic of CI in strategies.
Agro-Industrial Complex of Russia and Volgograd Region: Features of Import Substitution Under Sanctions Pressure
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Gorshkova Natalya , Eltontsev Alexey ,   Volgograd State University
Published: March 2024

The priority areas of import substitution in the agro-industrial complex and their prospects in the conditions of sanctions pressure, acting as a strategic factor in the development of the Russian economy, require extraordinary decisions from it. The purpose of this article is to consider the features of the implementation of import substitution in the agro-industrial complex in the country and the Volgograd region. The modern realities of economic development under sanctions are actively restructuring the activities of agricultural enterprises to comply with new rules. The current situation in the country is considered by representatives of agribusiness and the state not as a period of crisis, but, on the contrary, as a prospect for increasing their capabilities: the range of their own products is expanding, new customers are being attracted, the domestic market is aimed at providing high-quality goods of domestic production. In recent years, there has been an increase in production capacity in the agro-industrial complex; the results of the import substitution process are characterized by positive dynamics. Thus, the production complex for drying vegetables in the Volgograd region is a successful example of the implementation of the import substitution policy and proves the region’s potential in this area. The region has sufficient resources for long-term agricultural development. Timely measures taken to support the industry stabilized the situation in conditions of geopolitical tension, which allows us to assert the status of the region as one of the flagships of the Russian agro-industrial complex. The significant scale of involvement of the Russian economy in the global world does not allow the country to completely avoid import substitution. There is no urgent need and possibility of producing all goods; The question is raised about creating our own technologies, goods and services, which are critically important for the country and could become competitive. Therefore, in the near future, it is necessary to strengthen the role of the state from the position of searching for new high-quality partners, adopting appropriate legislative innovations that ensure sovereignty in this area, and increasing the financial component of support for farmers.
Taxonomic Revision and List of Cyanophyta from the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Haiti, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico). Pt 2
Authors: Smith Th. E.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to document the Cyanobacteriota from Greater Antilles and to revise and update nomenclature to reflect current taxonomic understanding for previously documents species. From part 2 of the algal taxa list, I summarized information for over 262 species. This total and with 328 (Smith, 2023) totals, there are 590 taxa and synonyms reported from this publication in published accounts of collections made from the Greater Antilles islands. Oscillatoriales (63 Microcoleaceae, 54 Oscillatoriaceae and Aerosakkonemataceae and Ammatoideaceae only had one species each) was the most abundant order within in this paper with 119 species. Leptolyngbyales was the second most abundant order with 67 species (34 Trichocoleusaceae, 33 Leptolyngbyaceae). Coleofasciculales was the third most abundant order with 18 species (16 Coleofasciculaceae, 2 Wilmottiaceae). Chroococcidiopsidales had 14 species (12 Aliterellaceae and 2 Chroococcidiopsidaceae), Gomontiellales had 11 species (9 Chamaesiphonaceae, 1 Cyanothecaceae, 1 Gomontiellaceae), Synechococcales had 9 species (6 Synechococcaceae, 2 Coelosphaeriaceae and 1 Synechococcales familia incertae sedis), Spirulinales (Spirulinaceae), and Pleurocapsales (4 Xenococcaceae and Dermocarpellaceae, Hydrococcaceae, Pleurocapsaceae only had one species each) both had 7 species, Geitlerinematales had 3 species (Geitlerinemataceae), Pseudanabaenales (Pseudanabaenaceae) had 2 species while Desertifilales, Glaucocystales, Nodosilineales, Oculatellales and Prokaryota ordo incertae sedis only had one species each.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic Derived from Chlorella sp. Residue Biomass
Authors: Wong Y. C. , Chan M. Y.
Published: March 2024

The accumulation of plastic waste is a significant global pollution issue in the age of globalization. Despite their irreplaceable properties and multiple applications, conventional fossil-based plastics cannot decompose naturally in the environment, resulting in exponential accumulation over time. To address this problem, biodegradable and biobased plastics have been introduced as alternatives to fossil-based plastics. This study aimed to characterize bioplastics formulated from Chlorella sp. microalgae biomass. Various formulations of biodegradable plastics were developed using microalgae Chlorella sp. and tapioca starch, with varying levels of plasticizer glycerol or sorbitol (25 wt%, 50 wt%, or 75 wt% based on the weight of starch) and the addition of chitosan as a filler. The physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of bioplastics were characterized. The study found that the chlorella bioplastics were ductile and had low elasticity, despite the addition of glycerol or sorbitol. However, the bioplastic exhibited an exceptional rate of biodegradability, with 100% weight loss when buried in loamy soil for 7 days. Furthermore, the Chlorella bioplastic with 75 wt% of glycerol, without the addition of chitosan, exhibited the highest solubility at 62.35%. The results indicated that increasing the amount of plasticizer tended to increase solubility, with glycerol having a more significant effect than sorbitol. Meanwhile, chitosan loading reduced bioplastic solubility.
Mapping Microbial Selves: Field Notes from a Dirty Parenting Project
Authors: Greenhough Beth Joanna , Jokela-Pansini Maaret , Kirksey Eben , Lorimer Jamie
Published: March 2024

Microbes exist everywhere on, in and around us. They are both ubiquitous and largely invisible, at least until they make their presence, or absence, felt. Recent years have seen a heightened sensitivity to microbial threats in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antibiotics. At the same time, there is also a growing interest in the microbiome as a source of ‘wild immunology’. From this viewpoint, the human body is comprised of, embedded within, and dependent on its exposure to an ecosystem of microbes, and the absence of such exposure is linked to the development of auto-immune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Inspired by an emerging body of work in the humanities and social sciences which looks to engage with so-called lay knowledge and understandings of microbial forms (including bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and processes (such as contagion or digestion), this Field Note explores the piloting of ‘body mapping’ as a research method to engage with families to explore their collective understanding of their children’s microbiome.
Thymoquinone Reverses Homocysteine-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction Via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Stress Induced Oxidative Stress Pathway
Authors: M. Sofiullah Siti Sarah , Murugan Dharmani Devi , Abd Muid Suhaila , Wu Yuan Seng , Zamakshshari Nor Hisam , Gan Quan Fu , Patrick Melonney , Ab Azis Norasikin , Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao , Choy Ker Woon
Published: March 2024

Hyperhomocysteinemia causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which elevates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces endothelial dysfunction, the hallmark of cardiovascular diseases. Nigella sativa seeds contain thymoquinone (TQ), a cardioprotective bioactive component. Nevertheless, research on investigating the effectiveness of TQ in preventing endothelial dysfunction caused by homocysteine (Hcy) is scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to examine the role of TQ in restoring Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction as well as the mechanisms behind this role. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat aortas were isolated and then co-treated in an organ bath with Hcy and TQ, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), apocynin, or Tempol to examine vascular function. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Hcy and TQ, Tempol, apocynin, TUDCA or H2O2 to determine the cell viability via a phase contrast microscope and dye exclusion test. ER stress pathway involvement, ROS and NO bioavailability were investigated using immunoassays and fluorescence staining, respectively. The binding affinity of TQ to GRP78 has been identified using molecular docking. According to our findings, Hcy hindered endothelium-dependent relaxation in an isolated aorta and caused apoptosis in HUVECs. TQ, TUDCA, Tempol, and apocynin were able to counteract these negative effects. In HUVECs, treatment with TQ decreased ROS levels, increased NO bioavailability, and decreased GRP78 and NOX4 protein. According to the molecular docking study outcomes, TQ could attach to GRP78 effectively via a hydrogen bond and a hydrophobic connection to the amino acid at GRP78 ATP binding pocket. Taken together, the findings show that TQ protected endothelial function caused by Hcy via inhibiting ER stress-mediated ROS and eNOS uncoupling.
Functional Analysis of cag Pathogenicity Island Diversity in Helicobacter pylori Isolated from Multi-Ethnic Patients in Malaysia
Authors: Razak Shaza Azlin , Hanafiah Alfizah , Sukri Asif , Neoh Hui-min , Mohamad Zin Noraziah
Published: March 2024

cagPAI is an important pathogenic marker contributing to disease severity caused by H. pylori infection, encoding proteins for type four secretion systems (T4SS) and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8) induction in infected host. The heterogeneity of cagPAI genes results in different clinical outcomes in H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional diversity of cagPAI genes in clinical H. pylori strains isolated from patients with gastroduodenal diseases. Among the isolates investigated, 6 out of 27 (22.2%) harbor intact cagPAI, 3 strains (11.1%) have complete absence of cagPAI, and 18 strains (66.7%) contain a partially deleted island. IL-8 concentration is observed significantly higher among cagPAI-positive isolates (P = 0.045). Of note, IL-8 secretion in the gastric cells infected with H. pylori strains isolated from Malay patients was significantly higher than the gastric cells infected with the strains from non-Malay patients (P = 0.046). The secretion of IL-8 appears in similarly high among intact and partially deleted cagPAI isolates. East Asian cagA isolates induce a notably higher level of IL-8 than that of Western cagA. Inflammatory activities are observed and IL-8 concentration in the milder stage was found in significantly higher quantities than in the severe stage (P = 0.027). The ‘hummingbird’ phenotype was observed to cause severe effects in infected cells with cagPAI-intact H. pylori. The genetic variability of cagPAI isolates from multi-ethnicity patients may have unique implications for disease outcomes with respect to proinflammatory secretion.
Twenty Years of Air Pollutant Index Trend Analysis in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (2000-2019)
Authors: Drahman Siti Hasyyati , Maseri Hisyammudin , Nap Maqueline Cyndi , Hossen Zetty Baiduri
Published: March 2024

Sarawak is expected to face environmental challenges due to air pollution arising from industrial emissions and urbanisation as it strives towards achieving developed and high-income status by 2030. Therefore, it is important to conduct a comprehensive Air Pollutant Index (API) trend analysis. There are currently limited studies on API trend analysis that focus on Kuching, the capital known for its extensive industrial zones and densely populated urban centre. The main focus of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the API trends in the Kuching region over a period of 20 years (2000-2019) using a visual representation in the form of a contour plot. To achieve this purpose, a five-term Fourier model was employed to predict the missing API data using Matlab software. Then, a complete version of a contour plot was developed to clearly illustrate the fluctuations in air quality over time. It was found that a five-term Fourier model used to forecast missing API data provides a strong correlation with the API readings, with most of the R values greater than 0.91. Moreover, the generated contour plot demonstrates a visual congruence between the forecasted data and the original dataset. Elevated API readings, signifying highly detrimental air quality, were primarily identified as a result of haze episodes stemming from uncontrolled fires in neighbouring countries, particularly during El Niño events. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of API trends in Kuching by means of the contour plot.
Formation of Inclusion Complex of Curcumin and Tetrahydrocurcumin Prevents Angiogenesis by Inhibiting VEGF Activity: An in-Silico Study
Authors: Dewi Firli Rahmah Primula , Tambunan Ulie Vianissa Dwiutami , Bari Putri Amatul , Farid Muhammad Ardiansyah , Anjani Nadira Aisha , Wahyuningsih Sri Puji Astuti , Saik Amy Yi Hsan , Yong Yoke Keong , Lim Vuanghao , Tan Wen Nee , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah Mahdi
Published: March 2024

Curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) are known for their anticancer properties, but limited solubility in water hinders their effectiveness against cancer. In this study, we conducted an in silico exploration of β-cyclodextrin's potential to form inclusion complexes with curcumin or THC. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of curcumin and THC inclusion complexes to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, a key element in carcinogenesis. The in silico analysis involved multiple stages, such as bioactive compound preparation, biological activity prediction, 3D structure retrieval of VEGF and VEGFR, protein-ligand docking, and visualization. The results of the study demonstrated that both the curcumin- and THC-inclusion complexes exhibit a lower requirement for binding free energy to interact with VEGFR compared to curcumin or THC molecules alone. When VEGFR binds with curcumin, the curcumin-inclusion complex, or the THC-inclusion complex before interacting with VEGF, there is a notable increase in the binding free energy for the VEGF-VEGFR interaction. Specifically, the presence of THC-inclusion complex demonstrates the highest binding free energy for the VEGF-VEGFR interaction. The molecular dynamic simulation study shows that when VEGFR binds with curcumin, curcumin-inclusion complex, or THC-inclusion complex, the fluctuation of amino acid residues in VEGFR decreases compared to the VEGFR protein structure before binding with these molecules. In conclusion, this study suggests that the formation of inclusion complexes holds considerable promise for enhancing the anticancer potential of curcumin and THC by augmenting their anti-angiogenic activity.
SF1: A Standardised Fraction of Clinacanthus nutans That Inhibits the Stemness Properties of Cancer Stem-Like Cells Derived from Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ismail Faridah , Zakaria Yusmazura , Md Isa Muhammad Lokman , Nik Hassan Nik Fakhuruddin , Tan Suat Cheng
Published: March 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumour cells that are responsible for tumour initiation, metastases, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy. Hence, targeting CSCs is crucial in the fight against cancer. SF1, a standardised fraction from Clinacanthus nutans leaf extract, has been reported to exhibit potent and selective antineoplastic effects against cervical cancer cells. In this study, the potential of SF1 to inhibit the stemness of cervical cancer stem-like cells has been evaluated. SF1 extraction was carried out using the dry column vacuum chromatography technique. SiHa cell lines were cultured as spheres in CSC-conditioned medium (cervospheres), and the IC50 of SF1 against cervospheres was determined using the OZBlue Cell Viability Kit. The effects of SF1 on the cervosphere’s stemness markers, including CD49f, CK17, SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG, were assessed using a flow cytometry assay. Self-renewal inhibition and anti-tumorigenesis effects of SF1 in cervospheres were evaluated using a sphere formation assay and a xenograft mouse model. The present study shows that SF1 treatment at an IC50 of 17.07 µg/mL inhibited the proliferation, self-renewal, and tumorigenic capacity of SiHa cervospheres in vitro and in vivo. A decrease in the expressions of CK17, SOX2, CD49f, and OCT4 in cervical CSCs indicated that SF1’s inhibitory effects were also associated with the suppression of stemness markers. These results suggest that SF1 possesses an antitumor effect against cervical CSCs and may be regarded as a promising approach to the development of targeted anticancer agents for cervical cancer.
Investigation of Thermomechanical Analysis of Carbon/Epoxy Composite for Spacecraft Structure Material
Authors: Ibadi Mahfud , Purnomo Herry , Vicarneltor David Natanael , Wibowo Heri Budi , Setianto Muhamad Hananuputra , Whulanza Yudan
Published: March 2024

When building spacecraft structures, it is crucial to use lightweight and high-strength composite materials with the necessary characteristics. Aerospace applications benefit significantly from the exceptional properties of carbon/epoxy composite materials. As part of a study on composite materials, this work focuses on exploring the thermo-mechanical properties of carbon fiber. The matrix used in this research is LY-5052 epoxy, applied through a vacuum infusion technique. To achieve optimal composite properties, various tests are conducted to evaluate its thermo-mechanical behavior. These tests may include measuring Thermal Conductivity and performing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Most importantly, the composite is subjected to tensile testing at room temperature to 200 °C. This is done because most tensile tests on carbon/LY5052 composites are carried out at room temperature. The results obtained from the measurement of the thermal conductivity of the carbon/LY5052 composite were 0.419 W/mK; from the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), the carbon/LY5052 composite began to decompose at a temperature of 365.63 °C and the tensile test was carried out simultaneously with variations in temperature from room temperature, 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C and 200 °C have tensile strengths of 553, 507, 340, 266, and 242 MPa, respectively. This trend confirms that strength decreases with higher temperature loads. Several image observations are also presented in this report to understand composite materials' failure behavior at these various temperatures.
ÇOBANOĞLU MELİK EŞREF VE FARS BÖLGESİ’NDEKİ FAALİYETLERİ
Authors: UYGUR Türker
Published: March 2024

Birçok boydan meydana gelen Suldus kabilesi XIII. yüzyılın başlarına kadar dağınık hâlde yaşamaktaydı. Büyük Moğol Hanlığının kurulmasına büyük katkı sağlayan kabile, Mengü Han zamanında İran topraklarının fethinin tamamlanması ve burada İlhanlı Devleti’nin kurulmasında da büyük pay sahibi olmuştur. Sulduslar, İlhanlı Devleti’nin kurucusu Hülagü Han zamanından itibaren gerek askerî gerekse idarî alanlarda büyük bir sadakatle hizmet etmişler; Gazan Han dönemiyle birlikte devlet içerisinde ön plana çıkmaya başlayan liderleri Emir Çoban’a ithafen Çobanoğulları olarak anılmaya başlanmışlardır. Emir Çoban, Ebu Said Bahadır Han dönemiyle birlikte devlet içerisindeki en etkili bürokrat hâline gelmiş, onun bu nüfuzu devlet içerisinde kendisine ve ailesine karşı muhalif bir grubun oluşmasına neden olmuştur. Emir Çoban ve bazı aile fertleri bu muhalif grubun etkisiyle idam edilince, ailenin geri kalanı hayatta kalma mücadelesi vermek zorunda kalmıştır. Bu mücadeleyi verenlerden biri de Emir Çoban’ın torunları Timurtaş b. Şeyh Hasan ve kardeşi Melik Eşref olmuştur. Şeyh Hasan’a kıyasla idarî ve askerî manada yetersiz ve zayıf karakterli bir kişi olarak tanımlanan Melik Eşref, ailesinden ve ülkesinden çok kendi menfaatleri doğrultusunda hareket eden biri olmuştur. Hastalık derecesine varacak kadar düşkün olduğu zenginlik hırsı, onun bütün eylemlerinin de belirleyici unsuru olmuştur. Melik Eşref, menfaatleri uğruna kendi aile fertleri ile hatta ailenin başına geçen ağabeyi Şeyh Hasan ile dahi karşı karşıya gelmekten çekinmemiştir. Şeyh Hasan’ın emriyle fethedilen Fars Bölgesi’nin zenginliği Melik Eşref’in dikkatini çekmiş, ağabeyinin izin vermemesine rağmen bölge idaresini kendi eline almak istemiştir. Çobanoğlu ailesinin liderliğini eline aldığı dönemde de Fars Bölgesi üzerindeki ideallerini gerçekleştirmek için mücadeleye devam etmiştir. Bu çalışmada Melik Eşref’in hayatı ve kişiliği üzerinden değerlendirmeler yapılarak Fars Bölgesi üzerinde hâkimiyet kurma mücadelesi sırasında gelişen olaylar incelenmiştir.
The Value of Memoir Competitions in Pedeutology in the Context of Defining New Research Areas on Teachers and the Teaching Profession
Authors: Łukasik Joanna Małgorzata
Published: March 2024

The article focuses on the specificity of memoir competitions in pedeutology. The most important assumptions and ideas of competitions in pedeutology, as well as the use of the biographical method in describing the functioning of teachers in Poland over the last hundred years are described. Six memoir competitions, together with the described and developed scientific categories, were analysed in order to reveal common points of research which makes it possible to portray the teaching profession through the prism of the selected categories, as well as to show the most frequently undertaken studies on the teaching profession. Additionally, some research categories which are undertaken sporadically are presented, as well as categories which are absent but desirable due to the dynamics of changes, are indicated.
Revolutionising conservative dentistry: Exploring the impact and evolution of digital impression techniques in contemporary dental practice
Authors: Dave Riya
Published: March 2024

Digital dental impression technology has emerged as a transformative innovation in conservative dentistry, revolutionizing the process of obtaining accurate replicas of dental structures. This review explores the evolution, advantages, and implications of digital impression techniques in contemporary dental practice. From intraoral scanners to CAD/CAM technology and 3D printing, digital systems offer enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort compared to conventional methods. Studies demonstrate the clinical acceptability and superiority of digital impressions for fabricating dental restorations and prosthetics, with reduced operation time and improved patient experience. The widespread adoption of digital technology heralds a new era in dentistry, promising streamlined workflows, superior restoration quality, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Embracing digital impression technology is essential for dental practitioners to remain at the forefront of modern dentistry and deliver optimal patient care.
Maxillary second molar with morphologic variations in number of roots & canals: Literature review & report of two cases
Authors: Zarekar Mohit , Satpute Apurva , Zarekar Mohini
Published: March 2024

The root canal and root morphologies of maxillary second molars might vary. This article details the endodontic treatment of two cases involving unusual root canal morphology in a maxillary second molar. The first case involved a single root and a single canal, whereas the second case had a single root with two separate canals. A literature review was conducted to clarify the prevalence of anatomical changes in the number of roots and canals in the maxillary second molar. The utilisation of a dental operating microscope facilitated the detection of the canal orifices in both cases. The objective of this study is to increase the knowledge of clinicians regarding the atypical structure of root canals by examining the complex differences found in maxillary second molars.
Measures for the protection of individual rights in the face of the implementation of algorithmic decision-making systems in public administration - between European and national law
Authors: Gontarz Igor
Published: March 2024

Wdrażanie do administracji publicznej algorytmicznych systemów decyzyjnych może stanowić zagrożenie dla praworządności, demokracji oraz prawa do dobrej administracji. Zarządzanie ryzykiem w tym względzie mają umożliwić instrumenty przewidziane w europejskim projekcie rozporządzenia w sprawie sztucznej inteligencji. Celem niniejszej pracy jest ustalenie sytuacji prawnej jednostki na gruncie wspomnianego aktu, a następnie odniesienie jej do założeń propozycji legislacyjnej Europejskiego Instytutu Prawa i przepisów polskiego prawa administracyjnego. W badaniach zastosowano metodę dogmatycznoprawną oraz komparatystyczną w zakresie odniesień do prawa common law obowiązującego w Zjednoczonym Królestwie. Z przeprowadzonej analizy wynika, że europejski projekt rozporządzenia całkowicie pomija jednostkę, nie przyznając jej środków prawnych wobec wdrażania wspomnianych systemów. Ochrona ta mogłaby zostać wzmocniona poprzez dopuszczenie skargi do organu nadzorczego, którego decyzje podlegałyby kontroli sądów administracyjnych, tak jak ma to miejsce w przepisach ogólnego rozporządzenia o ochronie danych. Przyjęcie tych rozwiązań do polskiego porządku prawnego mogłoby uzupełnić istniejący już model kontroli częściowo automatycznych decyzji administracji, zapewniając możliwość kwestionowania zasad ich podejmowania. Wymagałoby to jednak ustalenia tego, kto będzie miał interes prawny we wniesieniu skargi, na jakich zasadach mogłyby wziąć udział w postępowaniu organizacje społeczne oraz w jakiej relacji rozważane środki prawne powinny pozostawać w stosunku do pozostałych już funkcjonujących instrumentów, takich jak konsultacje społeczne w procesie legislacyjnym i ocena skutków regulacji.