bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface Bacterioplankton Structure and Diversity in the Strongly-Stratified Water Columns within the Equatorial Eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Li Jiaqian , Liu Xiuping , Xie Ningdong , Bai Mohan , Liu Lu , Sen Biswarup , Wang Guangyi
Published: February 2023

The consequences of climate change may directly or indirectly impact the marine biosphere. Although ocean stratification has been recognized as one of the crucial consequences of ocean warming, its impacts on several critical aspects of marine microbes remain largely unknown in the Indian Ocean. Here, we investigate the effects of water stratification, in both surface and subsurface layers, on hydrogeographic parameters and bacterioplankton diversity within the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean (EIO). Strong stratification in the upper 200 m of equatorial EIO was detected with evidential low primary productivity. The vertical bacterioplankton diversity of the whole water columns displayed noticeable variation, with lower diversity occurring in the surface layer than in the subsurface layers. Horizontal heterogeneity of bacterioplankton communities was also in the well-mixed layer among different stations. SAR11 and Prochlorococcus displayed uncharacteristic low abundance in the surface water. Some amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified as potential biomarkers for their specific depths in strongly-stratified water columns. Thus, barriers resulting from stratification are proposed to function as an ‘ASV filter’ to regulate the vertical bacterioplankton community diversity along the water columns. Overall, our results suggest that the effects of stratification on the structure and diversity of bacterioplankton can extend up to the bathypelagic zone in the strongly-stratified waters of the equatorial EIO. This study provides the first insight into the effect of stratification on the subsurface microbial communities in the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean.
Fish Probiotics: Cell Surface Properties of Fish Intestinal Lactobacilli and Escherichia coli
Authors: Mirzabekyan Susanna , Harutyunyan Natalya , Manvelyan Anahit , Malkhasyan Lilit , Balayan Marine , Miralimova Shakhlo , Chikindas Michael L. , Chistyakov Vladimir , Pepoyan Astghik
Published: February 2023

The properties of intestinal bacteria/probiotics, such as cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), auto-aggregation, and biofilm formation ability, play an important role in shaping the relationship between the bacteria and the host. The current study aimed to investigate the cell surface properties of fish intestinal bacteria and probiotics. Microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons was tested according to Kos and coauthors. The aggregation abilities of the investigated strains were studied as described by Collado and coauthors. The ability of bacterial isolates to form a biofilm was determined by performing a qualitative analysis using crystal violet staining based on the attachment of bacteria to polystyrene. These studies prove that bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) is associated with the growth medium, and the effect of the growth medium on CSH is species-specific and likely also strain-specific. Isolates of intestinal lactobacilli from fish (Salmo ischchan) differed from isolates of non-fish/shrimp origin in the relationship between auto-aggregation and biofilm formation. Average CSH levels for fish lactobacilli and E. coli might were lower compared to those of non-fish origin, which may affect the efficiency of non-fish probiotics use in fisheries due to the peculiarities of the hosts’ aquatic lifestyles.
Analysis of Fifty Years of Severe Malaria Worldwide Research
Authors: Garrido-Cardenas Jose A. , González-Cerón Lilia , García-Maroto Federico , Cebrián-Carmona José , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco , Mesa-Valle Concepción M.
Published: February 2023

This study analyzed fifty years of severe malaria research worldwide. Malaria is a parasitic disease that continues to have a significant impact on global health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Severe malaria, a severe and often fatal form of the disease, is a major public health concern. The study used different bibliometric indicators such as the number of publications, citations, authorship, and keywords to analyze the research trends, patterns, and progress made in the field of severe malaria. The study covers the period from 1974 to 2021 and includes articles from Scopus. The results of the study indicated that there has been a steady increase in the number of publications on severe malaria over the past fifty years, with a particular increase in the last decade. The study also showed that most of the publications are from USA and Europe, while the disease occurs in Africa, South-East Asia, and the Americas. The study also identified the most frequent keywords used in the publications, and the most influential journals and authors in the field. In conclusion, this bibliometric study provides a comprehensive overview of the research trends and patterns in the field of severe malaria over the past fifty years and highlights the areas that need more attention and research efforts.
Tick Vaccines and Concealed versus Exposed Antigens
Authors: Antunes Sandra , Domingos Ana
Published: February 2023

Anti-tick vaccines development mainly depends on the identification of suitable antigens, which ideally should have different features. These should be key molecules in tick biology, encoded by a single gene, expressed across life stages and tick tissues, capable of inducing B and T cells to promote an immunological response without allergenic, hemolytic, and toxic effects; and should not be homologous to the mammalian host. The discussion regarding this subject and the usefulness of “exposed” and “concealed” antigens was effectively explored in the publication by Nuttall et al. (2006). The present commentary intends to debate the relevance of such study in the field of tick immunological control.
Choose Wisely: Great Variation among Genotypes of Promising Paludiculture Crop Phragmites australis
Authors: Haldan Kerstin , Kuprina Kristina , Haase Meike Ingeborg , Kieckhäfer Fabian , Schade Lisa , Schmoldt Joraine , Schock Lina Stella , Stein Marthe , Wille Alexander , Schnittler Martin , Bog Manuela , Kreyling Jürgen
Published: February 2023

Measures mitigating the climate crisis, such as paludiculture, which is the agriculture on rewetted peatlands, are urgently needed. The cosmopolitan species Phragmites australis has the potential to be used in paludiculture worldwide but is known for its high intraspecific variation. This raises the questions of whether (i) P. australis genotypes differ even at a regional scale, making them differently well suited for paludiculture and (ii) P. australis performance can be predicted by linking the variation in genotypes to strategies in the plant economics spectrum. Five P. australis genotypes from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were cultivated in two 10-month mesocosm experiments along gradients of water level and nutrient addition. We compared growth, morphology (height, growing density), above- and belowground biomass, functional and ecophysiological traits (SLA, LDMC, SRL, RDMC, root porosity, photosynthetic rate) as well as gene expression. Our results demonstrate a high variability of P. australis genotypes even at a regional scale, revealing genotype-specific productivity, morphology, and gene expression and implying that the selection of suitable genotypes will be crucial for the success of a paludiculture. However, trait covariation did not indicate distinct plant economic strategies to predict genotype performance. Instead, large-scale genotype trials are needed to select suitable genotypes for paludiculture.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils and Local Knowledge of Myrica gale in Lithuania
Authors: Ložienė Kristina , Maskolaitytė Viktorija , Labokas Juozas , Būdienė Jurga , Vaičiulytė Vaida
Published: February 2023

Myrica gale L. (Myricaceae) is an essential oil-bearing plant that is rare in Lithuania and naturally grows only in the western part of the country. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of essential oils of Myrica gale in different habitats in Lithuania and in different parts of the plant, as well as evaluate the local knowledge about M. gale as a medicinal and aromatic plant. Samples of fruits and leaves (from one and three M. gale populations, respectively) were studied separately. Essential oils were isolated from dried fruits and leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS methods. Results showed that M. gale fruits accumulated 4.03 ± 2.13% essential oils, meanwhile leaves—up to 19 times less. A total of 85 compounds were identified in the essential oils of the M. gale. Monoterpene hydrocarbons accounted for about half of the total essential oil content; meanwhile, either monoterpene hydrocarbons or sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (depending on habitat) dominated in leaves. The main compounds (depending on habitat) in essential oils of fruits and leaves were α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, δ-cadinene, and (E)-nerolidol. The high variation in the composition of M. gale essential oils suggests the presence of different chemotypes within the studied habitats of this plant. Evaluation of local knowledge of M. gale through the survey of 74 residents of 15 villages in western Lithuania showed that only 7% of respondents knew this plant. Poor knowledge of M. gale could be related to the narrow range of the natural species’ distribution in Lithuania.
Design of an Herbal Preparation Composed by a Combination of Ruscus aculeatus L. and Vitis vinifera L. Extracts, Magnolol and Diosmetin to Address Chronic Venous Diseases through an Anti-Inflammatory Effect and AP-1 Modulation
Authors: Nocera Raffaella , Eletto Daniela , Santoro Valentina , Parisi Valentina , Bellone Maria Laura , Izzo Marcello , Tosco Alessandra , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Donadio Giuliana , De Tommasi Nunziatina
Published: February 2023

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is an often underestimated inflammatory pathological condition that can have a serious impact on quality of life. Many therapies have been proposed to deal with CVD, but unfortunately the symptoms recur with increasing frequency and intensity as soon as treatments are stopped. Previous studies have shown that the common inflammatory transcription factor AP-1 (activator protein-1) and nuclear factor kappa-activated B-cell light chain enhancer (NF-kB) play key roles in the initiation and progression of this vascular dysfunction. The aim of this research was to develop a herbal product that acts simultaneously on different aspects of CVD-related inflammation. Based on the evidence that several natural components of plant origin are used to treat venous insufficiency and that magnolol has been suggested as a putative modulator of AP-1, two herbal preparations based on Ruscus aculeatus root extracts, and Vitis vinifera seed extracts, as well as diosmetin and magnolol, were established. A preliminary MTT-based evaluation of the possible cytotoxic effects of these preparations led to the selection of one of them, named DMRV-2, for further investigation. First, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DMRV-2 was demonstrated by monitoring its ability to reduce cytokine secretion from endothelial cells subjected to LPS-induced inflammation. Furthermore, using a real-time PCR-based protocol, the effect of DMRV-2 on AP-1 expression and activity was also evaluated; the results obtained demonstrated that the incubation of the endothelial cells with this preparation almost completely nullified the effects exerted by the treatment with LPS on AP-1. Similar results were also obtained for NF-kB, whose activation was evaluated by monitoring its distribution between the cytosol and the nucleus of endothelial cells after the different treatments.
Correction: Fici et al. An Updated Checklist of the Genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) in Vietnam, including a New Species from Hon Tre Island. Plants 2022, 11, 3402
Authors: Fici Silvio , Averyanov Leonid V. , Sy Danh Thuong
Published: February 2023

The authors would like to report that the following corrections have been made to the original article [...]
Genesis Types and Migration of Middle and Lower Assemblages of Natural Gas in the Eastern Belt around the Penyijingxi Sag of the Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Liu Keshun , Qu Jiangxiu , Zha Ming , Liu Hailei , Ding Xiujian , Zhou Minghui , Gao Tianze
Published: February 2023

This study analyzes the geochemical characteristics of natural gas composition, carbon isotope, and light hydrocarbon in the eastern belt around the Penyijingxi sag of the Junggar Basin. The result shows the that natural gas content is dominated by alkane gas, with low contents of heavy hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components. The overall carbon isotopic composition of the alkanes shows a trend as δ13methane (C1) < δ13ethane (C2) < δ13propane (C3) < δ13butane (C4), and all δ13C1 values are <−30‰, which are typical of gases of organic origin. The natural gas is mainly coal-derived gas from the Lower Urho formation, mixed with a small amount of oil-associated gas from the Fengcheng formation. The vertical migration of natural gas resulted in the mixing of oil-associated gas and coal-derived gas and the mixing of alkane gas at different stages of the same origin, which should be the origin of carbon isotope inversion. The diffusion migration of carboniferous oil and gas reservoirs has led to differences in gas geochemical characteristics among gas wells. These migration characteristics of natural gas may indicate that the shallow layers are a favorable stratum for the next step of oil and gas exploration in the eastern belt around the Penyijingxi sag.
Evolutionary Process for Engineering Optimization in Manufacturing Applications: Fine Brushworks of Single-Objective to Multi-Objective/Many-Objective Optimization
Authors: Xu Wendi , Wang Xianpeng , Guo Qingxin , Song Xiangman , Zhao Ren , Zhao Guodong , Yang Yang , Xu Te , He Dakuo
Published: February 2023

Single-objective to multi-objective/many-objective optimization (SMO) is a new paradigm in the evolutionary transfer optimization (ETO), since there are only “1 + 4” pioneering works on SMOs so far, that is, “1” is continuous and is firstly performed by Professors L. Feng and H.D. Wang, and “4” are firstly proposed by our group for discrete cases. As a new computational paradigm, theoretical insights into SMOs are relatively rare now. Therefore, we present a proposal on the fine brushworks of SMOs for theoretical advances here, which is based on a case study of a permutation flow shop scheduling problem (PFSP) in manufacturing systems via lenses of building blocks, transferring gaps, auxiliary task and asynchronous rhythms. The empirical studies on well-studied benchmarks enrich the rough strokes of SMOs and guide future designs and practices in ETO based manufacturing scheduling, and even ETO based evolutionary processes for engineering optimization in other cases.
Supervision and Control System of the Operational Variables of a Cluster in a High-Pressure Gas Injection Plant
Authors: Ronceros Cristhian , Medina José , Vásquez Juan , León Pedro , Fernández José , Urday Estefany
Published: February 2023

The objective of this research was to develop a technological architecture proposal that allows for the supervision and control of the operational parameters of gas injection (flow, temperature, and pressure) in a cluster of a high-pressure gas injection plant. The proposal provides a supervision and control system for the HPGIP I high-pressure gas injection plant that includes instrumentation equipment (transmitters and actuators), a remote terminal unit (RTU) as a control device, and the creation of a control logic as the basis for the development of the SCADA GALBA®, through which the operational variables involved in the process of the gas injection plant can be visualized and controlled, allowing the automatic regulation of the flow of gas that enters the deposits. Automatization of the process allows for the elimination of the average error differential that increases from 2 to 5% when the control valve is opened manually. Currently, the MUC-67 and MUC-68 wells that make up cluster 5 require a control valve opening of 20% and 5%, respectively, and this percentage is directly affected by the average valve opening error when performed manually. In addition, there is a savings of around 40 min in the response time by the operators for the adjustment of the opening or closing parameters of the control valve manually. The proposal allows for the different control actions on the variables or parameters of gas injection present in the clump to be carried out from a control room.
Joint Video Super-Resolution and Frame Interpolation via Permutation Invariance
Authors: Choi Jinsoo , Oh Tae-Hyun
Published: February 2023

We propose a joint super resolution (SR) and frame interpolation framework that can perform both spatial and temporal super resolution. We identify performance variation according to permutation of inputs in video super-resolution and video frame interpolation. We postulate that favorable features extracted from multiple frames should be consistent regardless of input order if the features are optimally complementary for respective frames. With this motivation, we propose a permutation invariant deep architecture that makes use of the multi-frame SR principles by virtue of our order (permutation) invariant network. Specifically, given two adjacent frames, our model employs a permutation invariant convolutional neural network module to extract “complementary” feature representations facilitating both the SR and temporal interpolation tasks. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our end-to-end joint method against various combinations of the competing SR and frame interpolation methods on challenging video datasets, and thereby we verify our hypothesis.
The Loss-Function of KNL1 Causes Oligospermia and Asthenospermia in Mice by Affecting the Assembly and Separation of the Spindle through Flow Cytometry and Immunofluorescence
Authors: Zhao Yuwei , Yang Jingmin , Lu Daru , Zhu Yijian , Liao Kai , Tian Yafei , Yin Rui
Published: February 2023

KNL1 (kinetochore scaffold 1) has attracted much attention as one of the assembly elements of the outer kinetochore, and the functions of its different domains have been gradually revealed, most of which are associated with cancers, but few links have been made between KNL1 and male fertility. Here, we first linked KNL1 to male reproductive health and the loss-function of KNL1 resulted in oligospermia and asthenospermia in mice (an 86.5% decrease in total sperm number and an 82.4% increase in static sperm number, respectively) through CASA (computer-aided sperm analysis). Moreover, we introduced an ingenious method to pinpoint the abnormal stage in the spermatogenic cycle using flow cytometry combined with immunofluorescence. Results showed that 49.5% haploid sperm was reduced and 53.2% diploid sperm was increased after the function of KNL1 was lost. Spermatocytes arrest was identified at the meiotic prophase I of spermatogenesis, which was induced by the abnormal assembly and separation of the spindle. In conclusion, we established an association between KNL1 and male fertility, providing a guide for future genetic counseling regarding oligospermia and asthenospermia, and a powerful method for further exploring spermatogenic dysfunction by utilizing flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.
Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy with a Microwave Ablation Antenna
Authors: Vidjak Klementina , Hessinger Carolin , Cavagnaro Marta
Published: February 2023

Microwave ablation is a technique used to treat tumorous tissue. Its clinical use has been greatly expanding in the last few years. Because the design of the ablation antenna and the success of the treatment greatly depend on the accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties of the tissue being treated, it is highly valuable to have a microwave ablation antenna that is also able to perform in-situ dielectric spectroscopy. In this work, an open-ended coaxial slot ablation antenna design operating at 5.8 GHz is adopted from previous work, and its sensing abilities and limitations are investigated in respect of the dimensions of the material under test. Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the functionality of the floating sleeve of the antenna and to find the optimal de-embedding model and calibration option for obtaining accurate dielectric properties of the area of interest. Results show that, as in the case of the open-ended coaxial probe, the accuracy of the measurement greatly depends on the likeness between the calibration standards’ dielectric properties and the material under test. Finally, the results of this paper clarify to which extent the antenna can be used to measure dielectric properties and paves the way to future improvements and the introduction of this functionality into microwave thermal ablation treatments.
Integrated Probe System for Measuring Soil Carbon Dioxide Concentrations
Authors: Hassan Sammy , Mushinski Ryan M. , Amede Tilahun , Bending Gary D. , Covington James A.
Published: February 2023

This article outlines the design and implementation of an internet-of-things (IoT) platform for the monitoring of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. As atmospheric CO2 continues to rise, accurate accounting of major carbon sources, such as soil, is essential to inform land management and government policy. Thus, a batch of IoT-connected CO2 sensor probes were developed for soil measurement. These sensors were designed to capture spatial distribution of CO2 concentrations across a site and communicate to a central gateway using LoRa. CO2 concentration and other environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity and volatile organic compound concentration, were logged locally and communicated to the user through a mobile (GSM) connection to a hosted website. Following three field deployments in summer and autumn, we observed clear depth and diurnal variation of soil CO2 concentration within woodland systems. We determined that the unit had the capacity to log data continuously for a maximum of 14 days. These low-cost systems have great potential for better accounting of soil CO2 sources over temporal and spatial gradients and possibly flux estimations. Future testing will focus on divergent landscapes and soil conditions.
Assessment of Irrigation Efficiency by Coupling Remote Sensing and Ground-Based Data: Case Study of Sprinkler Irrigation of Alfalfa in the Saratovskoye Zavolgie Region of Russia
Authors: Zeyliger Anatoly , Ermolaeva Olga , Pchelkin Viktor
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, the leading role of data from sensors to monitor crop irrigation practices is indisputable. The combination of ground and space monitoring data and agrohydrological modeling made it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of crop irrigation. This paper presents some additions to recently published results of field study at the territory of the Privolzhskaya irrigation system located on the left bank of the Volga in the Russian Federation, during the growing season of 2012. Data were obtained for 19 crops of irrigated alfalfa during the second year of their growing period. Irrigation water applications to these crops was carried out by the center pivot sprinklers. The actual crop evapotranspiration and its components being derived with the SEBAL model from MODIS satellite images data. As a result, a time series of daily values of evapotranspiration and transpiration were obtained for the area occupied by each of these crops. To assess the effectiveness of irrigation of alfalfa crops, six indicators were used based on the use of data on yield, irrigation depth, actual evapotranspiration, transpiration and basal evaporation deficit. The series of indicators estimating irrigation effectiveness were analyzed and ranked. The obtained rank values were used to analyze the similarity and non-similarity of indicators of irrigation effectiveness of alfalfa crops. As a result of this analysis, the opportunity to assess irrigation effectiveness with the help of data from ground and space-based sensors was proved.
Survey of Technology in Network Security Situation Awareness
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Feng Huamin , Liu Biao , Zhao Dongmei
Published: February 2023

Network security situation awareness (NSSA) is an integral part of cybersecurity defense, and it is essential for cybersecurity managers to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Different from traditional security measures, NSSA can identify the behavior of various activities in the network and conduct intent understanding and impact assessment from a macro perspective so as to provide reasonable decision support, predicting the development trend of network security. It is a means to analyze the network security quantitatively. Although NSSA has received extensive attention and exploration, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews of the related technologies. This paper presents a state-of-the-art study on NSSA that can help bridge the current research status and future large-scale application. First, the paper provides a concise introduction to NSSA, highlighting its development process. Then, the paper focuses on the research progress of key technologies in recent years. We further discuss the classic use cases of NSSA. Finally, the survey details various challenges and potential research directions related to NSSA.
WiTransformer: A Novel Robust Gesture Recognition Sensing Model with WiFi
Authors: Yang Mingze , Zhu Hai , Zhu Runzhe , Wu Fei , Yin Ling , Yang Yuncheng
Published: February 2023

The past decade has demonstrated the potential of human activity recognition (HAR) with WiFi signals owing to non-invasiveness and ubiquity. Previous research has largely concentrated on enhancing precision through sophisticated models. However, the complexity of recognition tasks has been largely neglected. Thus, the performance of the HAR system is markedly diminished when tasked with increasing complexities, such as a larger classification number, the confusion of similar actions, and signal distortion To address this issue, we eliminated conventional convolutional and recurrent backbones and proposed WiTransformer, a novel tactic based on pure Transformers. Nevertheless, Transformer-like models are typically suited to large-scale datasets as pretraining models, according to the experience of the Vision Transformer. Therefore, we adopted the Body-coordinate Velocity Profile, a cross-domain WiFi signal feature derived from the channel state information, to reduce the threshold of the Transformers. Based on this, we propose two modified transformer architectures, united spatiotemporal Transformer (UST) and separated spatiotemporal Transformer (SST) to realize WiFi-based human gesture recognition models with task robustness. SST intuitively extracts spatial and temporal data features using two encoders, respectively. By contrast, UST can extract the same three-dimensional features with only a one-dimensional encoder, owing to its well-designed structure. We evaluated SST and UST on four designed task datasets (TDSs) with varying task complexities. The experimental results demonstrate that UST has achieved recognition accuracy of 86.16% on the most complex task dataset TDSs-22, outperforming the other popular backbones. Simultaneously, the accuracy decreases by at most 3.18% when the task complexity increases from TDSs-6 to TDSs-22, which is 0.14–0.2 times that of others. However, as predicted and analyzed, SST fails because of excessive lack of inductive bias and the limited scale of the training data.
Aesculus hippocastanum L.: A Simple Ornamental Plant or a Source of Compelling Molecules for Industry?
Authors: Dridi Asma , Reis Filipa S. , Pires Tânia C. S. P. , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Pereira Carla , Zaghdoudi Khalil , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian , Barreira João C. M.
Published: February 2023

Aesculus hippocastanum L., also known as horse chestnut, is an ornamental tree whose seeds are mostly discarded in landfills in the regions where they are grown. However, recent studies have shown that these seeds can be a source of interesting compounds for several industries. This work aimed to chemically characterize horse chestnut seeds at the level of compounds recognized for their wide bioactivity, i.e., organic acids, including phenolic compounds, using chromatographic methodologies (UFLC-DAD and LC-DAD-ESI/MSn). In addition, the bioactivity of these seeds was evaluated by in vitro methodologies, seeking to relate the respective (bio)activity to the compounds present in the endocarp (husk), seed coat (skin), and peeled seed (pulp). The antioxidant activity (lipid peroxidation inhibition and oxidative haemolysis inhibition), antibacterial potential (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and cytotoxicity (in human tumour cell lines and porcine liver primary cells) were evaluated. Kaempferol-O-pentoside-O-hexoside-O-hexoside was the main phenolic identified in the pulp. At the same time, (-)-epicatechin and β-type (epi)catechin dimer were the major phenolics present in husk and skin, respectively. In general, A. hippocastanum extracts presented antioxidant and antibacterial potential, without toxicity up to the maximal tested dose. Overall, these findings anticipate potential applications of A. hippocastanum seeds in food- or pharmaceutical-related uses.
A Qualitative Study on Barriers in Learning Opportunities in Ecuadorian Higher Education
Authors: Silva-Martínez Gardenia , Iglesias-Martínez Marcos Jesús , Lozano-Cabezas Inés
Published: February 2023

The university context is increasingly complex and diverse. Students’ individual circumstances in particular, whether personal or relating to family and work, are increasingly challenging. They are affecting their academic development or even leading to them dropping out of university. The objective of this study was to identify the obstacles to the completion of university studies based on students’ perspectives. Adopting a qualitative approach, we analysed the narratives of randomly selected students at UTE University of Santo Domingo (Ecuador). The main barriers identified by the students were the lack of reconciliation between academic and/or work life and family, as well as schedule incompatibilities—making it difficult for them to attend class. Participants also noted that teachers usually failed to incorporate curricular adaptations according to students’ personal or professional circumstances, which prevented them from experiencing a normal learning process like their classmates. To conclude, factors that continue to interfere with students’ university trajectories include the following: insufficient financial resources, family reconciliation issues, and lack of institutional support. Higher Education Institutions should therefore promote strategies and/or provide resources that guarantee equal opportunities for university students and contribute to the development of lifelong learning.
Habitus of Masculinity in Chilean Miners: Efficiency, Control, and Consumption of the Bodies
Authors: Silva Segovia Jimena , Salinas Meruane Paulina , Castillo Ravanal Estefany
Published: February 2023

From a gender perspective, the persistence of the habitus of masculinity in Chilean male miners in their family relationships, relationships with their partners, sexuality, and work was analyzed, delving into a construction that drives them toward the satisfaction of desires and consumption. The discourses of 13 workers between 25 and 62 years old were obtained through individual and group interviews. The findings constitute an axis of the research Fondecyt 1180079 carried out in Antofagasta, the region with the highest mining production in Chile and the third largest in the world. The conclusions reveal notions of bodily habitus, mediated by gender hierarchies, where binary masculinity is accentuated, reproducing the extractive logic of the industry in the workers themselves. Men recognize a self-demand between fulfilling the mandate of economic provider vs. a relentless disciplining of male bodies in favor of efficiency, control, and exacerbated consumption, which underlies the industry.
Place of Residence Does Matter for Educational Integration: The Relevance of Spatial Contexts for Refugees’ Transition to VET in Germany
Authors: Meyer Franziska , Winkler Oliver
Published: February 2023

For the mostly young refugees who arrived in Germany around 2015/2016, completing vocational education and training (VET) represents the most promising opportunity for professional and social integration. However, access opportunities to VET are characterized by spatial inequalities: German districts vary considerably according to labour market structure, economic productivity and demographic development, which constitute the supply and demand for training places in the dual VET sector, to which refugees predominantly have access. This paper examines if the transition chances of young refugees aged 18–30 to VET depend on their place of residence. For this, we analysed the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees (n = 5216) using multi-level discrete-time event history analysis. On the supply side, higher economic productivity (measured by GDP), a low unemployment rate and a greater number of small versus large businesses in the district are positively associated with refugees’ transition chances. On the demand side, an increasing number of school leavers with no school-leaving certificate and of refugees in the district are negatively associated with the respective chances. Our results suggest that spatial characteristics essentially matter for young refugees’ training opportunities and thus support recommendations to reform current distribution policies, in which central spatial contextual factors remain largely disregarded.
A Social Cure for COVID-19: Importance of Networks in Combatting Socio-Economic and Emotional Health Challenges in Informal Settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Selima Sara , Chowdhury Amal , Smith Julia , Morgan Rosemary , Wenham Clare , Rashid Sabina Faiz
Published: February 2023

The Bangladesh government issued a lockdown throughout the country from March–May 2020 in response to the COVID-19. The sudden lockdown caused economic ruptures across the country due to job loss. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the outbreak through 40 in-depth interviews with men and women living in three Dhaka informal settlements from January to November 2021 to identify gaps to mitigate negative downstream effects of global pandemic policies. In this paper, we explore the critical importance of social networks as coping mechanisms for those who lost livelihood due to COVID-19 lockdown. Due to the congested living conditions in informal settlements, many established residents foster close, trusting relationships, and a strong sense of community. Formal and informal networks in urban slums, whether reciprocal or strategic, played an integral role as a way of coping during times of scarcity. We found limited analysis in public health literature on the resilience of these social networks and its impact on health and wellbeing. Our paper attempts to unpack the ways our respondents drew on their own social networks to combat the socio-economic and emotional health challenges brought on by a lack of adequate formalized support as part of the pandemic response.
Resilience of Colombian Entrepreneurships during COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Acevedo Oscar Leonardo , Méndez-Pinzón Manuel , Vélez-Rolón Adela Margarita
Published: February 2023

MSMEs were facing major challenges driven by uncontrollable macro-environmental factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper shows the strategies that a sample of Colombian start-ups developed for their survival in the first months of the COVID-19 crisis and the close relationship between these strategies and the aid policies deployed by the Colombian government. This study involved 220 Colombian enterprises from different sectors of the economy (agriculture, commerce, services, and industry) and different stages of the life cycle. Our statistical analysis was based on a deep survey of highly significant rank correlation, the qualitative association between variables, a structural equation model, and mediation analysis. Among our results, we highlight a high dependence on ICT technologies, varied access to economic aid, and strong dependence on negative crisis impacts with the need for aid and deep business changes. Concerning the last conclusion, we found a significant mediating effect of the adaptability of the start-ups in order to explain why older, bigger, and more necessary enterprises were the ones that obtained aid.
A Layer-Wise Coupled Thermo-Elastic Shell Model for Three-Dimensional Stress Analysis of Functionally Graded Material Structures
Authors: Brischetto Salvatore , Cesare Domenico , Torre Roberto
Published: February 2023

In this work, a coupled 3D thermo-elastic shell model is presented. The primary variables are the scalar sovra-temperature and the displacement vector. This model allows for the thermal stress analysis of one-layered and sandwich plates and shells embedding Functionally Graded Material (FGM) layers. The 3D equilibrium equations and the 3D Fourier heat conduction equation for spherical shells are put together into a set of four coupled equations. They automatically degenerate in those for simpler geometries thanks to proper considerations about the radii of curvature and the use of orthogonal mixed curvilinear coordinates α, β, and z. The obtained partial differential governing the equations along the thickness direction are solved using the exponential matrix method. The closed form solution is possible assuming simply supported boundary conditions and proper harmonic forms for all the unknowns. The sovra-temperature amplitudes are directly imposed at the outer surfaces for each geometry in steady-state conditions. The effects of the thermal environment are related to the sovra-temperature profiles through the thickness. The static responses are evaluated in terms of displacements and stresses. After a proper and global preliminary validation, new cases are presented for different thickness ratios, geometries, and temperature values at the external surfaces. The considered FGM is metallic at the bottom and ceramic at the top. This FGM layer can be embedded in a sandwich configuration or in a one-layered configuration. This new fully coupled thermo-elastic model provides results that are coincident with the results proposed by the uncoupled thermo-elastic model that separately solves the 3D Fourier heat conduction equation. The differences are always less than 0.5% for each investigated displacement, temperature, and stress component. The differences between the present 3D full coupled model and the the advantages of this new model are clearly shown. Both the thickness layer and material layer effects are directly included in all the conducted coupled thermal stress analyses.
Enhancing the Toxicity of Cypermethrin and Spinosad against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by Inhibition of Detoxification Enzymes
Authors: El-Sayed Marwa H. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. A. , Elsobki Ahmed E. A. , Aioub Ahmed A. A.
Published: February 2023

The extensive use of wide-ranging insecticides in agricultural activities may develop resistance in insects. The dipping technique was utilized for examining changes in detoxifying enzyme levels in Spodoptera littoralis L. induced by cypermethrin (CYP) and spinosad (SPD) with and without a combination of three enzyme inhibitors: triphenyl phosphate (TPP), diethyl maleate (DEM), and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), at 70 μg/mL. PBO, DEM, and TPP showed 50% mortality against larvae at 236.2, 324.5, and 245.8 μg/mL, respectively. The LC50 value of CYP on S. littoralis larvae reduced from 2.86 μg/mL to 1.58, 2.26, and 1.96 μg/mL, while the LC50 value of SPD declined from 3.27 μg/mL to 2.34, 2.56, and 2.53, with the addition of PBO, DEM, and TPP, respectively, 24 h after treatment. Moreover, the activity of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (Cyp 450) was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by TPP, DEM, PBO plus CYP, and SPD in S. littoralis larvae in comparison with tested insecticides alone. These findings suggested that three enzyme inhibitors play a major role in increasing the toxicity of CYP and SPD in S. littoralis and will provide insight into how to overcome insecticide resistance in insects.
Polystyrene Microplastics Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Juvenile Rats Associated with Oxidative Stress and Activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Wanzhen , Guan Jiafu , Feng Yueying , Liu Shanji , Zhao Yu , Xu Yuanyuan , Xu Hengyi , Fu Fen
Published: February 2023

Numerous reports confirm that microplastics exposure could induce reproductive toxicity in mammals. However, the effects of microplastics exposure during juveniles on ovarian apoptosis through oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses remains unclear, which is the focus of our study. In the present study, female rats (4 weeks old) were exposed to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs, 1 μm) at different dosages (0, 0.5, and 2.0 mg/kg) for 28 days. Findings revealed that 2.0 mg/kg of PS-MPs distinctly increased the atretic follicle ratio in the ovary and dramatically reduced the serum levels of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, the oxidative stress indicators declined, including the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas the malondialdehyde content in the ovary was considerably enhanced in the 2.0 mg/kg PS-MPs group. Furthermore, the expressions of genes related to ER stress (PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP) and apoptosis were remarkably elevated in the 2.0 mg/kg PS-MPs group compared with those in the control group. We found that PS-MPs induced oxidative stress and activated the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in juvenile rats. Moreover, with the oxidative stress inhibitor N-acetyl-cysteine and eIF2α dephosphorylation blocker Salubrinal treatment, ovarian damage induced by PS-MPs was repaired and associated enzyme activities were improved. Overall, our results indicated that PS-MPs exposure induced ovarian injury associated with oxidative stress and activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in juvenile rats, providing new prospects for assessing the health risks of children exposed to microplastics.
Interaction between Everett Worlds and Fundamental Decoherence in Non-Unitary Newtonian Gravity
Authors: Maimone Filippo , Naddeo Adele , Scelza Giovanni
Published: February 2023

It is shown that the non-unitary Newtonian gravity (NNG) model admits a simple interpretation in terms of the Feynman path integral, in which the sum over all possible histories is replaced by a summation over pairs of paths. Correlations between different paths are allowed by a fundamental decoherence mechanism of gravitational origin and can be interpreted as a kind of communication between different branches of the wave function. The ensuing formulation could be used in turn as a motivation to introduce non-unitary gravity itself.
Relationship between COVID-19 and use of Chlorine Dioxide Gas-Releasing Agents in Elementary Schools
Authors: Kubo Yoshinori , Miura Takanori , Obinata Kaoru , Hisata Ken , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Inage Eisuke , Yanagisawa Naotake , Shoji Hiromichi , Ogata Norio , Shibata Jo , Shibata Takashi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: February 2023

Chlorine dioxide has an inactivating effect on various types of viruses in vitro, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Therefore, chlorine dioxide gas can be used as a new preventive measure against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between the incidence of COVID-19 and chlorine dioxide. We retrospectively studied the occurrence of COVID-19 in 164 public elementary schools under the jurisdiction of boards of education located in urban areas in Japan, provided with chlorine dioxide gas-releasing agents or not, from January to March 2022. The odds of developing COVID-19 were lower (odds ratio: 0.934, 95% confidence interval: 0.895–0.975) in schools provided with chlorine dioxide gas-releasing agents than in schools without them. This suggested a relationship between the use of chlorine dioxide-releasing agents and the incidence of COVID-19. Further studies are needed to prove a causal relationship between them.
Inflammatory Markers and Risk Factors in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Susan Mihara Bettanin, Francelise , Rodrigues Bacci, Marcelo , Luiz Affonso Fonseca, Fernando
Published: February 2023

Objective: To observe risk factors that hypertensive patients present in the outpatient segment from the nursing perspective care.
Method: Cross-sectional study where essential hypertensives of legal age belonging to the hypertension program of a municipality in Bahia were included. Those with cancer, hepatitis, HIV, lupus, arthritis, pregnant women, and chronic corticosteroid users were excluded. Collected patient demographic information and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results: Included 61 patients with a mean age of 58±11, 56% women. A relationship was established between age/glucose; IL6/LDL; vitamin D/ferritin; waist circumference/BMI; BMI/CRP; smoking, age, blood pressure, LDL, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. The statistical analysis evaluated predictive variables for developing hypertension and high cardiovascular risk. In the cardiovascular risk stratification, 09 patients had low chance; one was intermediate, 37 high risk, and 02 very high risk.
A Cancer Prevention and Treatment Opportunity
Authors: N. Pak Vladimir
Published: February 2023

Cancer disease results from mutations leading to apoptosis failure and immune system dysfunction. Because one in two people in developed counties will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, cancer and metastasis prevention should be ahead of therapies.The immune system in cancer patients is compromised and can be fixed with a reboot. The major oncofetal protein –alpha-feto protein –can deliver toxins instead of nutrients to the immune suppressor cells and kill them. The death of myeloid suppressor cells unleashes the immune attack on cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and metastases. Injectable and oral formulations of alpha-feto protein with toxins provide an opportunity to prevent and treat the disease.
IMPLEMENTASI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER TERHADAP ANAK-ANAK MASYARAKAT DESA DOLOK MASIHUL
Authors: Inom Nasution  , Muhammad Fikri Nahrowi  , Husni Mubaraq
Published: February 2023

Implementasi konsep dasar pembentukan karakter terhadap anak dapat dilakukan melalui program pengembangan diri. Program pengembangan diri merupakan pengembangan berbagai jenis program tambahan (selain proses belajar normal)yang diselenggarakan oleh sekolah atau madrasah untuk membantu siswa mencapai kepribadian. Program yang mendorong minat dan bakat siswa dalam bentuk kegiatan ekstrakurikuler tentunya dirancang untuk memaksimalkanpotensi siswa yang berbeda-beda antara satu siswa dengan siswa lainnya. Tujuan penelitian ini dilakukan untuk membentuk serta menyempurnakan diri per-individu dari anak secara terus menerus dengan melatih kemampuan anak menuju ke arah hidup yang lebih baik. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini berupa wawancara dan pengamatan langsung guna melihat implementasi pendidikan karakter anak. Hasil dari penelitian: 1) Diketahui bahwa anak-anak Desa Dolok Masihul memiliki program pengembangan diri yang beragam. Keberagaman pengembangan diri ini diciptakan sebagai wadah peserta didik untuk menemukan minat dan bakat yang berperan sebagai bekal mereka di masa depan. 2) Nilai-nilai pendidikan karakter diaplikasikan dalam kegiatan shalatberjamaah dan berdoa, kejujuran melalui koperasi kejujuran, kedisiplinan melalui upacara dan tutup gerbang setiap pukul07.00, tanggung jawab  melalui kegiatan piket. 3) Pada saat diadakannya program ritual-ritual di sekolah, seperti shalatDuha, guru dan seluruh staf peserta mengawal program tersebut dengan mendampingi siswa dalam pelaksanaan program.