bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rbf/E2F1 control growth and endoreplication via steroid-independent Ecdysone Receptor signalling in Drosophila prostate-like secondary cells
Authors: Sekar Aashika , Leiblich Aaron , Wainwright S. Mark , Mendes Cláudia C. , Sarma Dhruv , Hellberg Josephine E. E. U. , Gandy Carina , Goberdhan Deborah C. I. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Wilson Clive
Published: June 2023

In prostate cancer, loss of the tumour suppressor gene, Retinoblastoma (Rb), and consequent activation of transcription factor E2F1 typically occurs at a late-stage of tumour progression. It appears to regulate a switch to an androgen-independent form of cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which frequently still requires androgen receptor (AR) signalling. We have previously shown that upon mating, binucleate secondary cells (SCs) of the Drosophila melanogaster male accessory gland (AG), which share some similarities with prostate epithelial cells, switch their growth regulation from a steroid-dependent to a steroid-independent form of Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) control. This physiological change induces genome endoreplication and allows SCs to rapidly replenish their secretory compartments, even when ecdysone levels are low because the male has not previously been exposed to females. Here, we test whether the Drosophila Rb homologue, Rbf, and E2F1 regulate this switch. Surprisingly, we find that excess Rbf activity reversibly suppresses binucleation in adult SCs. We also demonstrate that Rbf, E2F1 and the cell cycle regulators, Cyclin D (CycD) and Cyclin E (CycE), are key regulators of mating-dependent SC endoreplication, as well as SC growth in both virgin and mated males. Importantly, we show that the CycD/Rbf/E2F1 axis requires the EcR, but not ecdysone, to trigger CycE-dependent endoreplication and endoreplication-associated growth in SCs, mirroring changes seen in CRPC. Furthermore, Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signalling, mediated by the BMP ligand Decapentaplegic (Dpp), intersects with CycD/Rbf/E2F1 signalling to drive endoreplication in these fly cells. Overall, our work reveals a signalling switch, which permits rapid growth of SCs and increased secretion after mating, independently of previous exposure to females. The changes observed share mechanistic parallels with the pathological switch to hormone-independent AR signalling seen in CRPC, suggesting that the latter may reflect the dysregulation of a currently unidentified physiological process.
Caloric reductions needed to achieve obesity goals in Mexico for 2030 and 2040: A modeling study
Authors: Reyes-Sánchez Francisco , Basto-Abreu Ana , Torres-Álvarez Rossana , Carnalla-Cortés Martha , Reyes-García Alan , Swinburn Boyd , Meza Rafael , Rivera Juan A. , Popkin Barry , Barientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh
Published: June 2023

Background

In Mexico, obesity prevalence among adults increased from 23% in 2000 to 36% in 2018, approximately. Mexico has not defined short- or long-term obesity goals, obscuring the level of effort required to achieve a relevant impact. We aimed to explore potential obesity goals for 2030 and 2040 in Mexico and to estimate the required caloric reductions to achieve them.

Methods and findings

We obtained anthropometric and demographic information on the Mexican adult population (age ≥20 years) from the Health and Nutrition Surveys conducted in 2000, 2006, 2012, 2016, and 2018 (n = 137,907). Each survey wave is cross-sectional, multistage, and representative of the Mexican population at the national, regional, and urban/rural levels. Obesity prevalence was projected for 2030 and 2040 by combining population projections of energy intake by socioeconomic status (SES) with a weight-change microsimulation model taking into account individual-level information on sex, age, physical activity, and initial body weight and height. If current trends continue, Mexico’s obesity prevalence is expected to increase from 36% (95% CI 35% to 37%) in 2018 to 45% (uncertainty interval [UI] 41% to 48%) in 2030 and to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040. Based on expert opinion, we identified 3 obesity goals scenarios: (1) plausible (38% in 2030 and 36% in 2040); (2) intermediate (33% in 2030 and 29% in 2040); and (3) ideal based on the average prevalence of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries (OECD; 19%). We estimated the caloric reductions needed to achieve the goal scenarios using the microsimulation model. Obesity was projected to increase more rapidly in the low SES (around 34% in 2018 to 48% (UI 41% to 55%) in 2040), than in the middle (around 38% to 52% (UI 45% to 56%)), or high SES group (around 36% to 45% (UI 36% to 54%)). Caloric reductions of 40 (UI 13 to 60), 75 (UI 49 to 95), and 190 (UI 163 to 215) kcal/person/day would be needed to reach the plausible, intermediate, and the ideal (OECD) average scenarios for 2030, respectively. To reach the 2040 goals, caloric reductions of 74 (UI 28 to 114), 124 (UI 78 to 169), and 209 (UI 163 to 254) kcal/person/day would be required, respectively. Study limitations include assuming a constant and sedentary physical activity level, not considering cohort-specific differences that could occur in the future, and assuming the same caloric trends under no intervention and the obesity goal scenarios.

Conclusions

To reach the 3 obesity goals in 2040, caloric reductions between 74 and 209 kcal/day/person would be needed in Mexico. A package of new and stronger interventions should be added to existing efforts such as food taxes and warning labels on non-nutritious food.
Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Southwest China
Authors: Li Tong-xin , Wang Jing , Yang Yu-sheng , Wang Peng-sen , Zhou Gang , Liao Chuan-yu , Zhang Hui-zheng , Luo Ming , Zeng Xiao-gang , Yang Guo-qiang , Yang Li-jun , Chen Yao-kai
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for rapid diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) and detection of rifampicin (RIF) resistance in patients suspected of having EPTB, assessing it against traditional culture and drug susceptibility test (DST) by proportional method, and the ability to predict multidrug resistance TB by Xpert MTB/RIF assay. In this study, the Xpert MTB/RIF assay was applied to 1,614 extrapulmonary specimens. Compared with TB culture and Composite Reference Standard (CRS), the Xpert MTB/RIF assay had a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of EPTB. Depending on the culture method or CRS as the standard, sensitivity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for detection of MTB in pleural effusion, cerebrospinal fluid, thoracic drainage fluid and throat swabs specimens were lower than that of other specimens. According to the experimental results, we have reason to believe that Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a rapid and simple technique with high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing EPTB and detecting drug resistance in variety of specimens. Xpert MTB/RIF assay combined with DST maybe identify more cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
Effect of vitamin energy drinks on relieving exercise-induced fatigue in muscle group by ultrasonic bioimaging data analysis
Authors: Wang Xindi , Xu Mengtao
Published: June 2023

Objective

This work was aimed to analyze the effect of vitamin energy drink on muscle fatigue by surface electromyography (SEMG) and ultrasonic bioimaging (USBI).

Methods

20 healthy men were selected to do increasing load fatigue test. Surface electromyographic signals and ultrasonic biological images were collected based on wavelet threshold function with improved thresholds. Time domain and frequency domain characteristic integrated electromyography (IEMG), root mean square amplitude (RMS), average power frequency (MPF), and surface and deep muscle morphological changes were analyzed. Hemoglobin concentration (HB), red blood cell number (RBC), mean volume of red blood cell (MCV), blood lactic acid (BLA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and phosphocreatine kinase (CK) were measured.

Results

1) the Accuracy (94.10%), Sensitivity (94.43%), Specificity (93.75%), and Precision (94.07%) of the long and short-term memory (LSTM) specificity for muscle fatigue recognition were higher than those of other models. 2) Compared with the control group, the levels of BLA, MDA, and CK in the experimental group were decreased and HB levels were increased after exercise (P < 0.05). 3) IEMG and RMS of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, and increased with time (P < 0.05). 4) The mean amplitude of the response signal decreased with time. Compared with the control group, the surface muscle thickness, deep muscle thickness, total muscle thickness, contrast, and homogeneity (HOM) decreased in the experimental group; while the angular second moment (ASM) and contrast increased, showing great differences (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Surface electromyographic signal and ultrasonic biological image can be used as auxiliary monitoring techniques for muscle fatigue during exercise. Drinking vitamin energy drinks before exercise can relieve physical fatigue to a certain extent and promote the maintenance of muscle microstructure.
Sociodemographic and educational factors associated with mental health disorders in medical students of clinical years: A multicenter study in Peru
Authors: Zila-Velasque J. Pierre , Grados-Espinoza Pamela , Regalado-Rodríguez Kateriny Margot , Sosa-Nuñez Frank , Alcarraz-Jaime Abimegireysch , Cortez-Soto Andrea G. , Chambergo-Michilot Diego , Soriano-Moreno Anderson N.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To identify sociodemographic and educational factors associated with mental health disorders in Peruvian medical students in clinical years.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. We surveyed students from 24 Peruvian medical schools. We defined negative perception of educational environment as having a Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure score below 100 points; we defined anxiety and depression as having more than 4 points on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scales, respectively. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess the association between negative perception of educational environment and mental health alterations.

Results

Among the 808 participants, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 77.6% and 67.3%, respectively. Negative perception of the educational environment was 31.6%. The factors associated with anxiety were being male (PR = 0.95, 95% CI:0.91–0.98), previous medical condition (Prevalence ratios PR = 1.10, 95% CI:1.05–1.16), previous diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (PR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.93–0.94), being from highlands (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.16), studying at a national university (PR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.88–0.92), and negative perception of the educational environment (PR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.05), while factors associated with depression were being male (PR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.93–0.95), previous medical condition (PR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08–1.17), type of university (national) (PR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.95–0.96), and negative perception of the educational environment (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.16).

Conclusion

We found evidence that during the COVID-19 pandemic anxiety and depression are prevalent among Peruvian medical students. Sociodemographic factors and negative perception of educational environment were associated with the presence of these conditions.
Invasive pneumococcal disease among the elderly in the later era of paediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccination—A longitudinal study over 10 years based on public surveillance data in the Nordics
Authors: Palmborg Andreas , Skovdal Mette , Molden Tor , Åhman Heidi , Chen Lingjing , Banefelt Jonas
Published: June 2023

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have proven effective in preventing both non-invasive and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in small children and in older age groups. However, long-term observations and country comparisons of IPD incidence in the elderly following introduction of PCVs in paediatric national immunisation programmes (NIPs) are scarce. We aimed to estimate and compare incidence of IPD in the elderly in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden over a 10-year time span. During the study period Denmark and Norway used PCV13 in their paediatric NIP, Sweden both PCV10 and PCV13 and Finland used PCV10. Uptake of pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly was low.

Method

We collected longitudinal data on confirmed IPD cases and their serotypes among elderly people (aged ≥65 years) 2010–2019 in the four countries of interest. Annual IPD incidence rates were calculated per country, by vaccine-associated serotypes (PCV10, PCV13, PCV15, PCV20 and PPV23) and for non-vaccine serotypes. A regression model was used to estimate average annual change in incidence in each country.

Results

Incidence rates of IPD in the elderly in 2019 ranged from 31.4 to 41.8 per 100,000 people across the countries. Denmark and Norway showed an annual average decline in IPD incidence (-3.3; 95% CI: -5.6 to -1.1; p<0.01) and (-3.3; 95% CI: -5.5 to -1.0; p<0.01) respectively from 2010 to 2019, whereas no change was seen for Sweden (-0.5; 95% CI: -1.9 to 0.8; p = 0.39) or Finland (0.9; 95% CI: -1.0 to 2.7; p = 0.32). IPD incidence due to emerging serotypes, e.g., serotypes 8 and 12F, has increased. Serotype 19A remained a major cause of IPD in countries with PCV10 in paediatric NIPs.

Conclusion

Despite paediatric PCV programmes, a considerable vaccine preventable IPD burden remains in the elderly. Further, choice of PCV in paediatric programs was associated with differences in serotype distribution and incidence amongst the elderly. Direct vaccination of the elderly with recently approved broad coverage PCVs holds promise for meaningful impact on disease burden with PCV20 covering a majority of IPD amongst the elderly in the four studied countries. Effectiveness of new vaccines in real-life clinical practice should be followed.
Telehealth use among pediatric Alabama Medicaid enrollees, March-December 2020: Variations by race/ethnicity & place of residence
Authors: Sen Bisakha , Rahim Md Jillur , McDougal Julie , Sharma Pradeep , Yang Nianlan , Brisendine Anne , Liu Ye , Nghiem Van , Becker David
Published: June 2023

During the early days and months of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities experienced a slump in non-COVID-related visits, and there was an increasing interest in telehealth to deliver healthcare services for adult and pediatric patients. The study investigated telehealth use variation by race/ethnicity and place of residence for the pediatric enrollees of the Alabama Medicaid program. This retrospective observational study examined Alabama Medicaid claims data from March to December 2020 for enrollees less than 19 years. There were 637,792 pediatric enrollees in the Alabama Medicaid program during the study period, and 16.9% of them had used telehealth to meet healthcare needs. This study employed a multivariate Poisson mixed-effects model with robust error variance to obtain differences in telehealth utilization and found that Non-Hispanic Black children were 80% as likely, Hispanic children were 55% as likely, and Asian Children were 46% as likely to have used telehealth compared to Non-Hispanic White children. Pediatric enrollees in large rural areas and isolated areas were significantly less likely (IRR: 0.90 for both, p<0.05) to use telehealth than those in urban areas. This study’s findings suggest that attention needs to be paid to addressing race/ethnicity disparities in accessing telehealth services.
OTHER LANDSCAPES OF CULTURAL HERITAGE(S): history and politics
Authors: Lopes Nuno , Rossa Walter , Jerónimo Miguel Bandeira
Published: June 2023

This book offers a heterogeneous enquiry into the historical contexts and policies that conditioned the emergence and institutionalisation of cultural heritage assets, focusing mostly on geographies shaped by Portuguese influence and using as an operational tool the concept of landscape. Assessing related discourses and practices, which reveal comparative dynamics, this volume deals with history as a basis for understanding the different and shared realities in each country and region, and politics (and policies) taken as a repertoire of action to tackle the problems and challenges associated with cultural heritage, that is, those identified and contested as such. The topics addressed by each chapter are diverse and crucial: contested heritage; social justice; heritage as performance; industrial colonialism; tourism and heritage; heritage management and preservation; conservation, heritage, and landscape.

The Patrimónios (Heritages) — UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Dialogue on the Heritage of Portuguese Influence — and the homonymous PhD course, promote integrated interdisciplinary cooperation and research about the assets that, from the point of view of active cultural heritage (architecture, arts, geography, history, landscape, urbanism), entail convergences in recognising the values common to the communities where Portuguese forms of presence have existed, or still exist. Its focus is not the latter but the variety of cultural outcomes it has generated in the world, recognising the role of the other, the co-constitution and multi-directional of North-South and South-South relations, the consequences of movements and processes of violent subjugation implicit in the phenomena of emigration and colonisation, as well as new or renewed forms of post-colonial domination.
Ciencia de Datos Educativos y aprendizaje automático: un caso de estudio sobre la deserción estudiantil universitaria en México
Authors: Kuz Antonieta , Morales Rosa
Published: June 2023

Hoy en día la deserción universitaria es un fenómeno inquietante que afecta a estudiantes, instituciones educativas y el estado. Una mirada a este fenómeno desde la Ciencia de Datos Educativos y la aplicación de técnicas de aprendizaje automático permite buscar las posibilidades de permanencia de los alumnos, es por ello que el objetivo de esta investigación es predecir la deserción escolar en el primer año de estudios a nivel universitario usando dichas técnicas. Se analiza un caso de estudio práctico en el ámbito educativo con información de estudiantes de una universidad privada en México. Se evidencia en el estudio que las métricas y la visualización de la estructuración para analizar patrones permiten mostrar que las características que predicen con mejor desempeño la deserción escolar institucional en el primer año de estudios a nivel universitario son el promedio estudiantil en el primer período y el porcentaje de la beca.
Phytochemical prospecting and biological activities of the floral extract from [Impatiens walleriana (Hook.)] (Balsaminaceae)
Authors: Ferreira Wilker Urzeda , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Sharma Porshia , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza , Ferreira Lenio Urzeda , Ventura Matheus Vinícius Abadia
Published: June 2023

Impatiens walleriana is a plant species that presents diversity and variety of colors among flowers. This plant species has wide distribution and is easily cultivable throughout the world including natural gardens, greenhouses and parks. This study aims at evaluating the floral extracts of I. walleriana in terms of their qualitative phytochemical constitution and antifungal activities on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum acutatum, as well as on the reduction of DPPH free radical and on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Flowers were collected from two cultivars Pink and White of I. walleriana and the extract produced by maceration. The phytochemical qualitative assay was carried out using different reagents for determination by precipitation or colorimetric alteration. The antifungal test was carried out in Petri dishes with different concentrations of floral extract on S. sclerotiorum, C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum. The DPPH reduction assay was performed by percentage and as standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition test was performed in percentage using Electrophorus electricus. Positive results were observed for phenolics, anthocyanins, organic acids, alkaloids, catechins, tannins, carboxylic acids, hemolytic saponins and sesquiterpene lactones. Fungal inhibition effect was better observed for cv. Pink with 10-26%, 6% and between 9-11% on S. sclerotiorum, C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum, respectively. The DPPH reduction activity showed satisfactory results for cv. Pink 49% followed by cv. White 41%. And for inhibition of AChE cv. Pink with 30% and cv. White with 27%. The floral extracts of Impatiens walleriana show good results for the biological activities tested, especially for cv. Pink.
Primeiro registro documentado do piolhinho (Phyllomyias fasciatus) no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil
Authors: Salustio-Gomes Carlos , Oliveira-Júnior Dorgival Diógenes , Paz Raiane Vital da , Lima-Santos Cicero Simão , Pichorim Mauro
Published: June 2023

Relatamos o primeiro registro do piolhinho (Phyllomyias fasciatus) no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. Esta espécie foi bservada na Floresta Nacional de Nísia Floresta, no litoral leste do estado, em 14 de Outubro de 2022. O registro é importante para atualizar a lista de espécies do estado e pode ajudar na busca por novas populações na região.
Interleukin-1 as a Predictor Cytokine SARS-CoV: Article Review
Authors: Savitri Lisa , Kasimo Elfred Rinaldo , Krissanjaya Rochmad , Juwita Syntia Tanu , Antoro Ester Lianawati , Wulansari Ida Septika
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) is an etiologic agent of respiratory disease that has a mortality rate of 10%. IL-1 actively participates in the inflammatory response to infection. SARS-CoV-2 appears to act on the activation and maturation of IL-1?, which in turn activates other proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-. Therefore, IL-1? is part of the cytokine storm generated by coronavirus infection. Elevated levels of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in severe cases of COVID-19, and this marker have been associated with increased viral load, loss of lung function, lung damage, and risk of death. In addition, there is an increase in IL-1? levels in patients with severe COVID-19, and this is strongly associated with lung injury. IL-1 levels are associated with the virulence of the process, and significantly higher serum levels have been observed in severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases than in mild cases or in those infected with the 2003 SARS-CoV coronavirus or 2012 MERS coronavirus.
Antioxidative Stress and Hepatoprotective Activities of Leaf Extract and Fractions of Setaria megaphylla in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice
Authors: William Ndanti Bartholomew , Bassey Augustine Lawrence , Udobang John Akpan , Okokon Jude Efiom
Published: June 2023

Setaria megaphylla (Steud) Dur & Schinz (Poaceae), a perennial grass used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases such as malaria was, investigated for antioxidative stress activity in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.  The leaf extract (200-600 mg/kg) and fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol; 400 mg/kg) of S. megaphylla were investigated for antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective activities in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using a modified suppressive test model. Antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective potentials were assessed by determining oxidative stress markers levels, liver function indices and histopathology of liver. The extract/fractions progressively reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine-sensitive P. berghei infection with the methanol fraction exerting the highest activity. The leaf extract and fractions caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) increases in the levels of oxidative stress markers enzymes and molecules (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) and also reduced MDA level significantly (p<0.05) in the livers of the treated-infected mice. The extract/fractions treatment caused reduction in liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), total and conjugated bilirubin. Histology of livers revealed absence or significant reductions in pathological features in the treated infected mice compared to untreated infected mice. The leaf of S. megaphylla may possess antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective effects which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.
Solanum anomalum Leaf Extract and Fractions Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Liver Injuries in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Etuk Idongesit Charles , Udobang John Akpan , Ebong Nwakaego Omonigho , Okokon Jude Efiom
Published: June 2023

The leaf of Solanum anomalum used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various ailments such as diabetes was evaluated for antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective potentials against hepatic injuries in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective activities of leaf extract and fractions (70-210 mg/kg) were assessed by determining oxidative stress markers levels, liver function indices and histopathological study of livers of treated rats. The leaf extract and fractions caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) increases in the levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH) in the livers of the treated diabetic rats. The extract/fractions treatment caused reduction in liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), total and direct bilirubin. Histology of the livers revealed absence or significant reductions in pathological features in the treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic rats.  The results show that the leaf extract and fractions of S. anomalum has antioxidative stress and hepatoprotective potentials which may be due to the antioxidant activities of their phytochemical constituents.
Nanotechnology-Based Vaccines
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Mumtaz Madiha , Nasir Iqra , Abdullahi Anisa
Published: June 2023

Several new infectious diseases have developed in recent years, and a few old ones that were formerly thought to pose no threat to humans have made a comeback. Millions of fatalities are attributed to these illnesses together, having a significant negative influence on the worldwide socioeconomic and healthcare sectors. The lack of appropriate medications for many of these disorders is one of the biggest obstacles to treating them. Yet, several of the most common diseases currently have no vaccinations that are reliable. The ideal vaccine should have several key characteristics, including safety, stability, and the capacity to induce a sufficient and long-lasting immune response with a minimal number of doses. To induce protective immunity against illnesses, different generation vaccines are employed, including attenuated or dead entire organisms (first generation), subunits (second generation), and RNA or DNA vaccines (third generation). To get beyond these obstacles, a reliable vaccination delivery mechanism is needed, one that not only gets the vaccine molecules to the target region where they can trigger long-lasting immune responses but also has few side effects and uses fewer doses. Only a few hundred atoms make up the majority of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have a relatively significant surface area-to-volume ratio because of their extremely small size. Nanoparticles can have surprising optical, physical, and chemical properties due to this property. Nanotechnology has many benefits for the creation of vaccines for the next generation. A delivery strategy based on nanocarriers can shield vaccines from early deterioration, increase stability, have high adjuvant qualities, and can help with the targeted distribution of an immunogen. The researcher conducts an examination of articles that are in accordance with the issue to be studied. Articles used in the literature review are obtained through the database of international journal providers through PubMed, we investigated clinical studies and discussed what happened in these clinical studies and the extent of the effectiveness of Nanoparticle-Based Vaccines. In order to achieve effective vaccine distribution and generate the required host immunity against infectious diseases, this review article focuses on the applications of nanocarrier-based vaccine formulations and the methodologies utilized for functionalizing nanoparticles.
Acute Toxicity LD50 Fraction Ethyl Acetate Aquilaria malaccensis, Ficus benjamina, Mikania micrantha, and Fraction Water Cinnamomum burmanii in Mus Musculus
Authors: Yulion Rizky , Perawati Santi , Hartesi Barmi , Anggresani Lia , Andriani Lili , Indriani Lesra , Syahila Lara , Ramadani Suci , Monika Nadia
Published: June 2023

Research on the acute toxicity of LD50 had been carried out on the ethyl acetate fraction of Gaharu leaves (Aquilaria malaccensis), beringin leaves (Ficus benjamina), sembung rambat leaves (Mikania micrantha), and kayu manis cortex (Cinnamomum burmanii) water fraction the base of use as traditional treatment by the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) empirically obtained from ancestors. This research methodwas experimental and it used male and female mice. The control group was given a 1% NaCMC doses of 625 mg/kg body weight, 1,250 mg/kg body weight, 2,500 mg/kg body weight, and 5,000 mg/kg body weight. The test preparation was administered orally once per day. The Thomson-Weil method was used for the measurement of LD50 values. The weight ratio of organs was applied for heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and stomach. The results showed that the LD50 value for male mice was 2454mg/kg body weight; 2454mg/kg body weight; 1546 mg/kg body weight and 2065mg/kg body weight respectfully. The LD50 value for female mice was a pseudo LD50. The value of the organ weight ratio in each sample showed P<0.05 values that were obtained in gaharu leaves in the liver and kidney organs (male); heart in females. Beringin leaves value P<0.05 lung organs (male). Sembung rambat leaves P<0.05 values of the heart, liver, and stomach organs (male); heart and stomach (female). Cinnamomum cortex value P<0.05 liver and stomach organs (male). The conclusions showed that the LD50 value of the ethyl acetate fraction of gaharu leaf, sembung rambat leaf, beringin leaf, and kayu manis cortex in male mice was slightly toxic, while in female mice it could not be counted.
What Drives Microfinance Provider's Financial Sustainability: The Moderating Role of National Governance Indicators (NGIs)
Authors:   Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Hamid Shaari Abd ,   Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Hashim Padzil MD ,   Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Nassir Annuar MD ,   Putra Business School, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia,   Xiamen University Malaysia, Malaysia
Published: June 2023

Microfinance providers have been known to provide programs to reduce poverty in rural areas. However, they are still facing the issue of sustaining the operations on a long-term basis. This study investigates the impact of organizational structure, outreach, leverage, liquidity, and operating cost on the financial sustainability of microfinance providers in South Asia, moderated by national governance. A financial sustainability index has been developed by using Principal Components Analysis (PCA), considering both conventional (ROA & ROE) and efficiency (OSS and FSS) measures. This study uses the two-step system GMM estimates to examine the impact of factors affecting the financial sustainability of microfinance providers in South Asia, covering 85 MFPs from India, 34 from Pakistan, and 30 from Bangladesh from 2006 to 2018. The finding reveals a strong and significant relationship between financial sustainability and its determinants. The average loan per borrower has a significant positive, and the cost per borrower has a significant negative impact on financial sustainability. Further analysis demonstrated that national governance indicators significantly moderated the association between financial sustainability and its determinants. The finding indicates that microfinance banks are more sustainable than non-bank microfinance providers. Further results reveal that GDP and inflation significantly impact the financial sustainability of microfinance providers in South Asia.
Analisis Dampak Proyek Pembangunan Reklamasi Pantai Ancol Jakarta Utara Terhadap Ekonomi, Sosial dan Lingkungan: Tinjauan Kritis
Authors: Mahendra Reyhan Attallah , Purwanti Tari
Published: June 2023

Proyek pembangunan reklamasi pantai Ancol Jakarta Utara awalnya bertujuan untuk memperluas kawasan tempat wisata Ancol, namun proyek tersebut pada kenyataanya tidak dapat berjalan mulus karena harus mengahadapi berbagai penolakan-penolakan dari kalangan masyarakat khususnya nelayan karena dinilai akan menimbulkan dampat terhadal ekosistem pesisir dan laut. Pembangunan reklamasi di pantai Ancol diperkirakan akan mengambil tempat seluas 35 hektar dan 125 hektar dibagian timur. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk dapat memeperoleh data yang konkret mengenai dampak proyek pembangunan reklamasi pantai Ancol di Jakarta Utara terhadap kelangsungan ekosistem pesisir dan lautnya. Metode yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan metode studi pustaka. Hasil penelitian yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa terdapat dampak yang signifikan terhadap dimensi sosial, ekonomi dan lingkungan dari proyek pembangunan reklamasi pantai Ancol ini. Namun ditinjau melalui antropologi pembangunan menunjukkan bahwa proyek reklamasi pantai Ancol ini sepenuhnya tidak menimbulkan dampak yang negatif justru berdampak positif sebab akan menambahnya jumlah lapangan pekerjaan bagi masyarakat yang terdampak. Karena diketahui bahwa daratan yang dijadikan pembangunan reklamasi ini akan disulap menjadi tempat wisata yang indah dan ekslusif dengan berbagai manfaat lainnya.
Boundaryless work-life interface among working parents in Poland during COVID-19
Authors: Kubacka Małgorzata , Mroczkowska Dorota , Frąckowiak-Sochańska Monika
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we use qualitative research data to explore the phenomenon of the boundaryless work-life interface during the COVID-19 pandemic as perceived by working parents. We define a boundaryless work-life interface as the weak or virtually absent boundary between work and life domains. We look closer at the relations between space, time, emotions, roles and the boundaryless work-life interface among working parents. The first two subsections introduce the linkages between the boundaryless work-life interface, focusing primarily on time and space in what we call ‘collapsed role boundaries’. The second subsection examines the issues related to mental and emotional tensions the perceived boundarylesness has caused during the pandemic. The paper’s final subsection provides a summary with interpretations and conclusions.
Higher order Ambrosio–Tortorelli scheme with non-negative spatially dependent parameters
Authors: Fonseca Irene , Liu Pan , Lu Xin Yang
Published: June 2023

The Ambrosio–Tortorelli approximation scheme with weighted underlying metric is investigated. It is shown that it Γ-converges to a Mumford–Shah image segmentation functional depending on the weightω⁢d⁢x{\omega\,dx}, where ω is a special function of bounded variation, and on its values at the jumps.
Minimizers of nonlocal polyconvex energies in nonlocal hyperelasticity
Authors: Bellido José C. , Cueto Javier , Mora-Corral Carlos
Published: June 2023

We develop a theory of existence of minimizers of energy functionals in vectorial problems based on a nonlocal gradient under Dirichlet boundary conditions.
The model shares many features with the peridynamics model and is also applicable to nonlocal solid mechanics, especially nonlinear elasticity.
This nonlocal gradient was introduced in an earlier work, inspired by Riesz’ fractional gradient, but suitable for bounded domains.
The main assumption on the integrand of the energy is polyconvexity.
Thus, we adapt the corresponding results of the classical case to this nonlocal context, notably, Piola’s identity, the integration by parts of the determinant and the weak continuity of the determinant.
The proof exploits the fact that every nonlocal gradient is a classical gradient.
Linear extension operators for Sobolev spaces on radially symmetric binary trees
Authors: Fefferman Charles , Klartag Bo’az
Published: June 2023

Let

1
<
p
<
∞

1\lt p\lt \infty

and suppose that we are given a function

f

f

defined on the leaves of a weighted tree. We would like to extend

f

f

to a function

F

F

defined on the entire tree, so as to minimize the weighted

W

1
,
p

{W}^{1,p}

-Sobolev norm of the extension. An easy situation is when

p
=
2

p=2

, where the harmonic extension operator provides such a function

F

F

. In this note, we record our analysis of the particular case of a radially symmetric binary tree, which is a complete, finite, binary tree with weights that depend only on the distance from the root. Neither the averaging operator nor the harmonic extension operator work here in general. Nevertheless, we prove the existence of a linear extension operator whose norm is bounded by a constant depending solely on

p

p

. This operator is a variant of the standard harmonic extension operator, and in fact, it is harmonic extension with respect to a certain Markov kernel determined by

p

p

and by the weights.
Epsilon-strongly graded rings: Azumaya algebras and partial crossed products
Authors: Bagio Dirceu , Martínez Luis , Pinedo Héctor
Published: June 2023

Let G be a group, let

A
=

⊕

g
∈
G

A
g

{A=\bigoplus_{g\in G}A_{g}}

be an epsilon-strongly graded ring over G, let

R
:=

A
1

{R:=A_{1}}

be the homogeneous component associated with the identity of G, and let

𝙿𝚒𝚌𝚂
⁢

(
R
)

{\mathtt{PicS}(R)}

be the Picard semigroup of R. In the first part of this paper, we prove that the isomorphism class

[

A
g

]

{[A_{g}]}

is an element of

𝙿𝚒𝚌𝚂
⁢

(
R
)

{\mathtt{PicS}(R)}

for all

g
∈
G

{g\in G}

. Moreover, the association

g
↦

[

A
g

]

{g\mapsto[A_{g}]}

determines a partial representation of G on

𝙿𝚒𝚌𝚂
⁢

(
R
)

{\mathtt{PicS}(R)}

which induces a partial action γ of G on the center

Z
⁢

(
R
)

{Z(R)}

of R. Sufficient conditions for A to be an Azumaya

R
γ

{R^{\gamma}}

-algebra are presented if R is commutative. In the second part, we study when B is a partial crossed product in the following cases:

B
=

M
n

⁡

(
A
)

{B=\operatorname{M}_{n}(A)}

is the ring of matrices with entries in A, or

B
=

END
A

(
M
)

=

⊕

l
∈
G

Mor
A

(
M
,
M
)

l

{B=\operatorname{END}_{A}(M)=\bigoplus_{l\in G}\operatorname{Mor}_{A}(M,M)_{l}}

is the direct sum of graded endomorphisms of graded left A-modules M with degree l, or

B
=

END
A

⁡

(
M
)

{B=\operatorname{END}_{A}(M)}

where

M
=

A

⊗
R

N

{M=A\otimes_{R}N}

is the induced module of a left R-module N. Assuming that R is semiperfect, we prove that there exists a subring of A which is an epsilon-strongly graded ring over a subgroup of G and it is graded equivalent to a partial crossed product.
‘Just kidding?’ – an exploratory audience study into the ways Flemish youth with a minoritized ethnic identity make sense of ethnic humor and the politics of offense
Authors: Lion Anke , Dhaenens Frederik
Published: June 2023

Recently, ethnic humor (targeting ethnoreligious identities) is increasingly questioned in European and Western countries, sparking controversy on online and traditional media platforms. Absent from the mediated and academic debate are the opinions from targeted subjects of the joke. This qualitative audience study aims to add to critical humor scholarship by providing insight into how targeted groups make sense of disputes of offense. We interviewed 35 participants (ages 15–24) with a minoritized ethnic identity (mostly a Moroccan or Turkish diasporic background) and religious identity (all identified as Muslim) on how they negotiate offensive (ethnic) humor. Moreover, we asked participants to reflect on the politics of offense (i.e. the power relations underlying the process of publicly claiming offense) and the role media play in the discussion of offended feelings in relation to (ethnic) humor. A thematic analysis of three focus groups indicates how participants’ negotiations were always influenced by contextual factors and tied to their identities, both on a sociopolitical and personal level. Further, participants were highly conscious about their minoritized position in debates on offensive ethnic humor and how this relates to societal power inequalities. As such, they recognized how the politics of offense regarding ethnic humor highlight boundaries between social groups.
Dissimilar joining of titanium to aluminum using friction stir welding process and weld joint characterization
Authors: Basude Ambadas , Kumar Adepu , Rajasingh George , Kishore Mugada Krishna
Published: June 2023

The present investigation studies the solid-state joining of difficult-to-weld aerospace materials such as titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V, ELI) and pure aluminum. Due to the wide difference in thermo-mechanical properties, it was a challenging task to establish a dissimilar metal joint. The friction stir welding process with a conically shaped tungsten carbide tool was used in the present investigation to join the dissimilar titanium alloy and aluminum in the lap joint configuration. After a series of pilot experiments, the optimum test conditions to produce the defect-free joint are spindle speed of 1200 rpm, feed rate of 40 mm min−1, tool tilt angle of 1°, and 1 mm tool offset towards the aluminum side. The results show that a good joint was achieved with a maximum joint strength of 89 MPa. The dissimilar joints are characterized by macrostructure, microstructure, microhardness, and scanning electron microscopic analysis.
Exploring the learning benefits of collaborative writing in L2 Chinese: a product-oriented perspective
Authors: Yang Li , Polin Lini Ge
Published: June 2023

This study explored the benefits of collaborative writing in L2 Chinese by (a) comparing the texts written collaboratively versus individually and (b) investigating the effects of collaborative writing on subsequent individual writing. Forty-four English-speaking students enrolled in an intermediate Chinese course were assigned to a collaborative writing group and an individual writing group. All participants completed a timed in-class writing task at the beginning and end of the semester, working as pre-and post-tests. The participants in the collaborative writing group completed two out-of-class writing assignments in pairs through online written chats, while those in the individual writing group completed the same tasks individually. The texts were analyzed for content, organization, character and lexical accuracy, and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests) were performed on the data for statistical analyses. The online chats were segmented into different episodes (e.g., language- and content-related episodes) to provide in-depth explanation for the findings. The effect of collaboration was examined from two aspects. The comparison between the texts written collaboratively versus individually showed that the collaborative texts were significantly better than those composed individually in organization and lexical accuracy. The pre-post comparison between collaborative and individual writing groups observed that collaboration contributed positively to subsequent individual writing quality by significantly impacting its content and lexical accuracy.
Design of an IoPT approach to create a cocktail robot station with robotic arm: components, interfaces and control
Authors: Klievtsova Nataliia , Fuschlberger Marcel
Published: June 2023

Successful and profitable companies in the 21st century have to integrate and adapt modern technologies to reach productivity and sustainability goals. While large enterprises have the resources (human, knowledge, and technology) to incorporate automation hardware and the required computational means to support automation, for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) finding the necessary resources is much more difficult. Even though benefits from such modifications are obvious (i.e., gain new clients, improve current process performance or break into new market), SMEs often lack the human resources and knowledge to implement automation. With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), devices, sensors and platforms are becoming more affordable and available for companies and businesses, that are not connected with IT technologies, industrial sector, etc. In order to simplify automation for SMEs, simple and standardized integration procedures and best practice examples are important. In this paper we propose the concept and design of a smart bar system that is based on the Internet of Processes and Things (IoPT) concept which is able to prepare and serve drinks to clients based on smart features.
Convergence analysis of Inexact Newton–Landweber iteration with frozen derivative in Banach spaces
Authors: Mittal Gaurav , Giri Ankik Kumar
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we study the convergence analysis of the inexact Newton–Landweber iteration method (INLIM) with frozen derivative in Hilbert as well as Banach spaces. To study the convergence analysis, we incorporate the Hölder stability of the inverse mapping and Lipschitz continuity of the Fréchet derivative of the forward mapping. Moreover, we derive the convergence rates of INLIM in Hilbert as well as Banach spaces without using any extra smoothness condition. Finally, we compare our convergence rates results with that of several other frozen methods proposed in the literature to solve inverse problems.
The year’s work in ecolinguistics 2022
Authors: Ha Changchen
Published: June 2023

Many important results were achieved in ecolinguistic studies in 2022. This article reviews ecolinguistic studies in 2022, which aims to shed light on the future research directions. It consists of two main themes. First, studies are reviewed in terms of research areas, conferences, monographs, and journals. Then, based on the above results, issues are summarized and trends are predicted for the next phase of ecolinguistic studies. The review shows that the research scope of ecolinguistics has gradually developed from micro to macro. In addition, many academic conferences on ecological issues were held worldwide, and several publishing houses and journals published dedicated volumes and issues on ecolinguistics. It is suggested that ecolinguistic studies in the future should pay attention to the following points: continuing to emphasize the significance of ecolinguistics in the framework of linguistics, clarifying the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary attributes of ecolinguistics, and strengthening inquiries into issues such as ecological literacy, ecological awareness, and ecosophy.