bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Note for the Prime Numbers
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: March 2024

Let $\Psi(n) = n \cdot \prod_{q \mid n} \left(1 + \frac{1}{q} \right)$ denote the Dedekind $\Psi$ function where $q \mid n$ means the prime $q$ divides $n$. Define, for $n \geq 3$; the ratio $R(n) = \frac{\Psi(n)}{n \cdot \log \log n}$ where $\log$ is the natural logarithm. Let $N_{n} = 2 \cdot \ldots \cdot q_{n}$ be the primorial of order $n$. On the one hand, the Cramér's conjecture is an estimate for the size of gaps between consecutive prime numbers. This was formulated more than eighty years ago. On the other hand, a correct proof for the Riemann hypothesis has been considered as the Holy Grail of Mathematics. The Riemann hypothesis is concerned with the locations of the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta function. This remains open since more than one hundred and sixty years ago. There are several statements equivalent to the famous Riemann hypothesis. We prove that if the inequality $R(N_{n+1}) < R(N_{n})$ holds for all primes $q_{n}$ (greater than some threshold), then the Riemann hypothesis is true and the Cramér's conjecture is false. In this note, we show that the previous inequality always holds for all large enough prime numbers.
Evaluation of anti-urolithiatic activity of seed extract of Cuminum cyminum
Authors: farooqui Javeriya
Published: March 2024

Urolithiasis or kidney stone disease is a urologic ailment that has a high prevalence rate worldwide and medicinalplants have been widely used for alternative therapy. A wide range of medicinal plants have been used conservativelyfor urolithiasis due to their fewer side effects and because they contain copious phytochemicals that showadvantageous effects in urolithiasis. Cuminum cyminum traditionally used in the treatment of urolithiasis.Hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria are among the major risk factors in pathogenesis of urinary stone formation.Evaluation of various medicinal plants are done mainly against calcium oxalate. In this present study, theantiurolithiatic potential in Cuminum cyminum was investigated through invitro assay. The work was performed byusing invitro Anti-urolithiatic model for calculating percentage in comparison with standard drug cystone. The antiurolithiatic properties were evaluated by titrimetric and turbidity assay. The result shows that for C. cyminum folds(55%) and for standard drug cystone (82%) for titrimetric assay. For turbidity assay. C. cyminum has significantproperties (47.9±19%). The findings of the nucleation assay indicate that phytoconstituents inhibited thecrystallization of CaOx in solution. The size and the number of calcium oxalate crystals decreased with increasingconcentration upto 400µg of the phytoconstituents. The study concludes that the seed extracts of Cuminum cyminumhave inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate for crystal nucleation. It also showed great efficacy in the dissolution ofcalcium oxalate crystals. Thus, this extract may be valuable resources for treatment of urolithiasis.
Towards a gendered STEAM education approach: building a comprehensive model to strengthen girls’ and students with non-conforming gender identities’ STEAM trajectories in Chilean public schools
Authors: Soto Pamela , López Verónica , Bravo Paulina , Urbina Carolina , Báez Teresa , Acum Fernanda , Ipinza Rebecca , Venegas Jennifer , Jeldes Juan Carlos , González Corina , Lepe Sebastián , González Jorge
Published: March 2024

There is worldwide recognition of the gender gap in STEAM careers. Throughout the world, women are under-represented in STEAM jobs. The explanation for this lies much earlier in girls’ educational trajectories. The characteristics traditionally attributed to the feminine and the masculine are reproduced through the preservation of stereotypes in textbooks and teaching practices, which question the meaning of education for girls and students with non-conforming gender identities. By theoretically assuming gender not as a binary but as a mobile category that includes non-conforming gender identities, we sought in this study to construct a comprehensive model to strengthen the trajectories in STEAM areas of girls and those with non-conforming and socially marginalised gender identities in public schools in a semi-rural zone in Chile. We introduce the theoretical foundations of the model and its relevant dimensions and key indicators of development. As a result, this model (in construction) considers the following dimensions: a strategy of collective awareness-raising for the local communities; teacher education in STEAM education; implementation and use of FabLabs and a community centre; and an institutional strategy of accompaniment for schools and students. These are addressed in four moments of participatory research: diagnosis, design, implementation and validation. We discuss the challenges of developing a culturally responsive STEAM education by building a comprehensive model of the above-mentioned groups using a gendered approach that places the binary reproduction of the sex/gender system in tension with the principles of participation and democracy.
Morphological Characteristics Selection of Acid-tolerant Leucaena leucocephala Mutant to Addition of IBA Hormone (Indole butyric acid) in Tissue Culture
Authors: Karti Panca Dewi Manuhara , Muhklisani Mukhlisani , Prihantoro Iwan
Published: March 2024

Leucaena leucocephala is a legume forage plant that has a high protein content. Tissue culture is a technique that can be used to select mutants for forage plants in vitro. IBA (Indole butyric acid) is one type of auxin that can induce rooting and growth in plants. This study aimed to select the morphological characteristics of the acid-tolerant Leucaena leucocephala mutant to the addition of the hormone IBA in tissue culture. The design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with lamtoro plant explants as many as 11 acid-tolerant mutant lines pH 3.4 resulting from 400 gy irradiation which had been treated on 300 ppm Al3+ acid media, namely the K1-K11 strain (mutant+MS+1ppm IBA) and 2 parent trees Leucaena leucocephala without gamma irradiation, namely P0 as Leucaena leucocephala parent+MS+0ppm IBA, P1 as Leucaena leucocephala parent + MS + 1 ppm IBA with 15 replicates. The treatment which had a significant effect was continued with the test Tukey. Variables observed were an increase in root length, plant vertical height, number of shoots, and percentage of rooted plants. The increase in root length and increase in plant vertical height showed the best results on the K10 mutant strain, the number of shoots showed the best results on the K9 and K11 mutant strains, and the highest percentage of rooted plants on the K3 and K11 mutant strains. The addition of IBA can increase the morphological characteristics of the Leucaena leucocephala mutant.
Analysis of Meat Mineral Content in Cemani Chicken with Homozygous (Fm/Fm) and Heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Genotypes
Authors: Safitry Rona Saumy , Dharmayanthi A B , Kinoshita K , Akiyama T , Darwati S , Kostaman Tatan , Sopiyana S , Khaerunnisa I , Sumantri Cece
Published: March 2024

Cemani chicken is an Indonesian native chicken with black hyperpigmentation on feathers, skin, beak, comb, and flesh. Hyperpigmentation in chickens is called Fibromelanosis. Fibromelanosis in Cemani chickens is semiâ€“dominant, producing two genotypes: homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+). Cemani chicken meatâ€™s black color may indicate a higher mineral content than regular chicken meat. The studyâ€™s is aims are to detect genotype homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) mutations and to determine the mineral content of Cemani chickens with homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) genotypes. In the Cemani chicken population (n = 32), the Fmâ€“specific allele genotype was detected using a Polymerase Chain Reactionâ€“Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCRâ€“RFLP) and the MluI restriction enzyme. The mineral contents of Cemani chicken tested were Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se. The results showed that homozygous Cemani chickens (Fm/Fm) had higher Fe and Zn mineral content. However, the homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Cemani chicken were not different in mineral content of Se and Mn. This study found that different genotypes of Cemani chicken had different mineral compositions. In the future, this analysis supports the selection of chicken strains with high antioxidant levels.
Farmersâ€™ Perceptions and Behavior which Affecting the Adoption Rate of KUB Chickens
Authors: Syarifah Iif , Sirajuddin Sitti Nurani , Baba Syahdar , Najib Mukhamad
Published: March 2024

KUB chicken as a superior breed produced by Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Instrument Standardization (IAAIS) becomes one of the solutions in an effort to increase the need for animal protein. KUB chicken breeds have been successfully disseminated to all provinces in Indonesia. Thus the rate of adoption and behavior of breeders in maintaining the sustainability of KUB chicken rearing needs to be analyzed Â because the breeds that are disseminated may not be successfully developed in a certain area. This research will collaborate between the two theories; "Theory of Planned Behavior" (TPB) and "Technology Acceptance Model" (TAM). It was conducted in June 2022 in the City of Salatiga, Semarang and Magelang, Central Java Province. The determination of the research location was based on the consideration that there was a KUB chicken breeders group that already had a KUB chicken breeder association called AnaKUB (KUB Chicken Breeders Association) and a breeding population that met the sampling requirements. The purpose of this research was to analyze the perception factors and breeders behavior that affect the adoption rate of KUB Chicken Technology in Central Java Province, Indonesia. ). The combined results of path analysis (path) and regression analysis on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, it can be concluded that perceived benefits (25.3%), ease of raising KUB chickens (23.9%), attitudes (21.2%), subjective norms (16.7%) and perceptions of control behavior (17.3%) have a positive effect on the intention to adopt KUB chickens. The perceived benefits (45.8%) and the perceived ease of raising KUB chickens (50.1%) have a very positive effect on the attitude variable of the farmer. Important people including family members have an important role in supporting the maintenance of KUB chickens, while extension workers have not contributed much in supporting breeders to adopt KUB chickens. Collaboration of two theories has a mutually influencing relationship, especially towards attitudes and intentions to adopt KUB chickens which have a positive effect on the adoption rate. The adoption rate of KUB chicken is 3.32 (66.40%), this shows that the adoption rate of breeders in the Central Java region, is classified as high adoption.
Embryo Production and Development from Superovulated Donors in Double-Muscled Cattle and Their Crosses
Authors: Irma Irma Irma , Rasad Siti Darodjah , Hilmia Nena , Sumantri Cece
Published: March 2024

Belgian Blue was introduced in Indonesia to increase the biodiversity of livestock genetic resources. Â Belgian Blue was crossed with Ongole grade to increase the productivity of local cattle.Â  Therefore, this study evaluates reproduction traits, especially the response to superovulation, embryonic development, and quality of Belgian Blue, Ongole grade, and their crosses.Â  Estrous was synchronized with intravaginal progesterone Cue-Mate before artificial insemination (AI).Â  Superovulation was performed with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) intramuscularly with non-surgical embryo flushing. Â In addition, embryo quality was assessed microscopically according to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) criteria.Â  The study was performed in a quasi-experimental design, and data were analyzed with an analysis of variance.Â  After superovulation, oocytes/embryos were obtained from all donor breeds.Â  Oocyte and embryo production from Ongole grade and Belgian Blue differed at 11.83Â±1.91 and 4.86Â±1.33, respectively, P0.05 (meanÂ±SEM).Â  In addition, there are differences in recovery rate (89.63% vs. 75.35%) and fertilization rate (77.35% vs. 68.22%) between Ongole grade and Belgian Blue, respectively (P0.05).Â  There is no difference in embryo development quality and proportion of transferable embryos between Ongole grade, Belgian Blue, and their crosses.Â  This study concluded that the cross-bred Belgian Blue x Ongole donor had identical oocyte and embryo production, recovery rate, fertilization rate, and degenerative embryos compared to its purebred.
Characterization in the Egg Quality of Three Species of Phasianidae Birds
Authors: Putra Widya Pintaka Bayu , KÄ±rÄ±kÃ§Ä± K , Arslan E
Published: March 2024

Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) are three poultry species from the Phasianidae family birds that are kept for meat and egg production in the Republic of Turkey. This research was carried out to characterize the egg quality of Rock partridge (RP), Common pheasant (CP), and Japanese quail (JQ). The eggs parameter of egg weight (EW), shape index (SI), yolk index (YI), albumen index (AI), shell weight (SW), haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), yolk ratio (YR), albumen ratio (AR) and shell ratio (SR) were measured for data analysis. A total of 372 eggs, including 100 eggs of partridges, 200 eggs of pheasant, and 72 eggs of quail were used in this study. A Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were used in this study to characterize three different types of eggs using SPSS. 16.0 package. The results showed that nine egg parameters of AR, YI, SI, YW, AW, YR, AI, HU, and SR are identified as discriminant variables for three egg types. The results showed that the canonical correlation (R) value in this study was high, i.e., 0.98 (Function 1) and 0.79 (Function 2). The Mahalonobis distance (D2) in this study ranged from 15.28 (RP - CP) to 27.94 (CP - JQ). In conclusion, the Phasianidae poultries in this study have different egg quality traits and can be used as the species marker.
Sustentabilidade de Bacias Hidrográficas e Índices Compostos: Aplicação e Desafios
Authors: Branchi Bruna Angela
Published: March 2024

A necessidade de uma gestão eficiente dos recursos hídricos ressalta a importância de estudos que tratam da sustentabilidade de bacia hidrográficas. Ao mesmo tempo, a complexidade do assunto justifica a escolha de indicadores sintéticos multidimensionais. O objetivo do artigo é discutir a avaliação da sustentabilidade de bacias hidrográficas por meio de índices compostos visando identificar pontos fortes e fracos desse instrumento estatístico. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, descritiva, aplicada e com abordagem quantitativa. Por meio de uma revisão da literatura dos índices de sustentabilidade e de sua aplicação em bacias hidrográficas, foi selecionado um índice da sustentabilidade de bacias hidrográficas (WSI). A escolha dos quinze indicadores que o compõem foi orientada por uma dupla abordagem que associa os critérios do modelo Pressão-Estado-Resposta (PER) às dimensões do modelo Hidrologia-Ambiente-Vida-Política (Hidrology-Environment-Life-Policy ou modelo HELP da Unesco). O WSI foi aplicado para avaliar o grau de sustentabilidade das bacias dos rios Piracicaba, Capivari e Jundiaí, em dois intervalos da década de 2010. A análise dos resultados permite observar uma leve redução do valor do índice, imputável às dimensões Hidrologia e Política que registraram um retrocesso na segunda metade da década em análise. O resultado não foi pior pelo notável avanço registrado na dimensão Vida. Esta compensação de variações é um exemplo de fraqueza do índice que implicitamente se baseia no conceito de sustentabilidade fraca. Por outro lado, a seleção de indicadores orientados pela dupla abordagem demonstra-se particularmente interessante e desafiadora na busca de associar os critérios PER às dimensões da sustentabilidade bem resumidas no modelo HELP.
Dinâmica das Rodovias: O Papel do Tráfego nos Índices de Atropelamentos de Fauna
Authors: Ribeiro Tatiana Rolim Soares , Laranja Ruth Elias de Paula , Barbieri Camila Barreiros
Published: March 2024

O presente estudo buscou compreender os efeitos da velocidade e do tráfego de veículos na fauna atropelada em rodovias próximas a Unidades de Conservação (UC) do DF. Dados de atropelamentos em três segmentos rodoviários foram sobrepostos às informações sobre o volume de tráfego, registros de infrações e sinalização vertical. Os resultados evidenciam uma correlação positiva fraca entre atropelamentos e o volume de tráfego anual (ρ = 0,470; p < 0,05). Não foram encontradas significâncias estatísticas nos índices de correlação entre atropelamentos e infrações de excesso de velocidade e não há evidências de que a inserção da sinalização vertical (SV) surtiu efeito sobre os registros de atropelamentos a 200m (V=387; p > 0,3) ou a 500m (V=437.5; p > 0,5) da SV. A análise dos dados evidencia uma possível seleção da fauna habituada ao ambiente rodoviário nas CAV e a consequente intensificação do efeito de borda, da fragmentação e do isolamento de espécies nas UC adjacentes. Propõe-se: novos estudos que avaliem a inserção de estruturas capazes de reconectar as áreas afetadas; a continuidade de projetos de monitoramento; e, a melhoria no acesso aos dados de infrações de trânsito.
A Case Study of Biology Teaching Practices in Croatian Primary Schools
Authors: Mirosavljević Ana , Bognar Branko , Sablić Marija
Published: March 2024

The aim of this case study is to present the most frequent teaching methods used by biology teachers in the Republic of Croatia, based on the observations made during biology class and the teachers’ statements. The study included six distinguished primary school biology teachers, along with their seventh-grade classes. The data comprised an interview with each teacher and twelve class observations. The results show that biology education in the Croatian educational system is mostly traditional, whereby students mostly practice listening to the teacher (34%) and answering the questions (18%). In summary, the majority of teaching consists of teachers presenting the content materials and asking questions or engaging students in specific individual or group activities. The present study has determined a lack of student questions and class discussions. Additionally, the nature of teachers’ questions does not encourage students to think and provide extensive answers. For this reason, the study suggests that teachers encourage students to ask questions and organize teaching activities in ways which will contribute to more class activity and deep learning of students. Despite some acknowledged limitations, the results of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the teachers’ experiences in authentic science classrooms, in specific contexts.
Studying the effect of using CFRP warping on strength of husk rice concrete columns
Authors: Jassim Majid Faissal , Al-Battat Jasim M. , Mures Jawad K.
Published: March 2024

This research presents the effect of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) on a strength of concrete containing rice husk. Two shapes of columns (circular and square) were used to compare these two types in terms of resistance axial loading. Twelve concrete columns were casting; six are square and others are circular cross-section. All columns of each shape were divided into three groups, and each group consisted of two columns: the first group without CFRP, the second group covered with one layer of CFRP, and the last group covered with two layers of CFRP. The dimensions of the square columns were 300 mm × 300 mm and the height was 900 mm, with reinforced 4–6 mm steel bars. The circular columns were 300 mm in diameter with same height 900 mm and reinforced with 6–6 mm steel bars. Burnt rice husks are added at a rate of 10% of the amount of cement that should be added to the concrete mix. The test results showed the circular columns were the strongest and most resistant to axial loading than square columns. Also, the CFRP wrapping is very effective in strengthening circular concrete columns but significantly less effective in strengthening square concrete columns because the latter have sharp corners and flat sides.
Tribological and electrochemical corrosion behavior of binary Mg–3Zn novel hybrid composites for biodegradable implant applications
Authors: Packkirisamy Vignesh , Sundaramurthy Ramanathan , Mohankumar Ashokkumar , Sonar Tushar
Published: March 2024

The present research work is focused on analyzing the tribological and corrosion impacts of introducing a new metal/bioceramic (Ti/HA) compound into the matrix of the Mg–3Zn alloy. The hybrid composites were developed using the squeeze casting method. The density, microhardness, and microstructure of the developed composite materials were examined. A pin-on-disk tribology meter was used to conduct the tribological study under a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) lubricating medium. Studies on electrochemical corrosion were carried out in the PBS medium. Incorporating hybrid Ti/HA particles into the Mg–3Zn alloy matrix significantly increased the density and microhardness of the composites. Optical microscopy demonstrates a refined grain size and uniform distribution of reinforced particles, showcasing improved structural integrity. Scanning electron microscopy analysis further confirms the α-Mg and β-Mg–Zn phases. According to the findings of wear tests, the Ti/HA inclusion in the Mg–3Zn (MZ0) matrix increased the resistance to wear behavior. Abrasion, delamination, oxide layer formation, and severe delamination features were observed at the worn surfaces. Abrasive wear happened along with all other wear mechanisms and served as a wear initiator. Potentiodynamic polarization experiments revealed that the corrosion resistance of hybrid composites was increased with the inclusion of 1.5 % HA.
Effects of 12 weeks of power-oriented resistance training plus high-intensity interval training on metabolic syndrome factors in older people with COPD
Authors: Romero-Valia Lucia , Baltasar-Fernandez Ivan , Rodriguez-Lopez Carlos , Losa-Reyna Jose , Alfaro-Acha Ana , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia , Ara Ignacio , Alegre Luis M. , García-García Francisco J. , Alcazar Julian
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To assess the effects of an exercise training program combining power-oriented resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers in older people with COPD.

Methods

Twenty-nine older people (66–90 years old) with COPD were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of exercise training (ET; power-oriented RT + HIIT) or a control group (CON). Waist circumference, diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP), and serum fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the effects of the intervention, and data were reported as mean and 95 % confidence interval values.

Results

Waist circumference increased in the CT group, but not in the ET group (2.0 [0.2, 3.7] vs. 1.0 [−1.3, 3.2] cm, respectively). No changes in fasting glucose (−4.1 [−10.3, 2.1] vs. −1.0 [−8.7, 6.7] mg dL−1), triglycerides (3.9 [−13.4, 21.3] vs. −13.9 [−35.6, 7.7] mg dL−1) or HDL cholesterol (1.0 [−3.4, 5.4] vs. 2.9 [−2.6, 8.4] mg dL−1) were found in the CT or ET group, respectively. The ET group exhibited decreased DBP (−5.2 [−9.5, −0.8] mmHg) and SBP (−2.7 [−22.7, −2.7] mmHg), while no changes were found in the CT group (0.3 [−3.2, 3.7] and −3.5 [−11.4, 4.5] mmHg). MetS z-score declined in ET but remained unchanged in CT (−0.88 [−1.74, −0.03] vs. 0.07 [−0.62, 0.76], respectively).

Conclusions

A 12-week exercise training program led to a reduction in blood pressure and MetS z-score in older people with COPD.
The Islamic Cultural Heritage as a “Problem”: Is Arab Political Science Culturalist?
Authors: Amengay Abdelkarim
Published: March 2024

The study of political culture in the Arab world presents us with a paradox: albeit cultural explanations of Arab politics by Western scholars (e.g., Huntington 1993) have been widely criticized from within the region as latter-day Orientalist views, the cultural approach remains one of the leading analytical approaches employed in Arab social sciences. Central to this tradition is the idea that Arab societies have specific cultural characteristics that contribute to, or are the cause of, the region’s general “backwardness,” especially politically. Collectively known as critics of al-turāth (cultural heritage), this school of thought sparked important scholarly debates in Arab academic circles. This paper reflects on these debates, mainly focusing on how Arab political science, broadly defined, has considered the role of culture as a potential explanatory variable for the endurance of authoritarianism in the Arab world and the failure of democratic transitions. Several influential Arab intellectuals adopt the cultural approach, but they do not necessarily define culture in static, primordial, or fixed terms. If Arab political culture is deemed problematic, it can still be changed. For this academic tradition, the “critical intellectual” is a central agent for any sociocultural and political change.
Legibility of Built Space and the Method for Determining Architecturally Conditioned Spatial Identity – MAPPI
Authors: Grom Janez Peter , Lavtižar Kristijan , Pipan Tomaž
Published: March 2024

There is no space without people and no people without space. The very theory of genius loci (the spirit of a place) highlights the importance of spatial identity, as it is precisely this prerequisite for the formation of awareness of belonging to a certain community. Urban theory, which deals with the morphological composition of the built space, focuses on recognizing existing morphological patterns and reacts to these patterns depending on the different levels of development of thought doctrines or individual interpretations of the researcher. On the other hand, the gestalt spatial-architectural theory focuses on the meaning of an individual particle and its influence on other building blocks within its spatial context. The question arises of the relationship between the patterns of the built space and their building blocks; of the relationship between urban composition and individual architecture - buildings. To intertwine these two levels of reading space, the Method for determining Architecturally Conditioned Spatial Identity (MAPPI) was developed. Using the MAPPI method, we systematically monitor and check qualitative and quantitative data about the building/settlement. The intertwining of two levels and the diversity of data verification offers a different view of the interdependence between the building/settlement, from which the possibility of determining a spatially conditioned identity arises. This can be achieved by recognizing contemporary trends in architectural identity and key changes in recent decades, as well as based on existing classifications of architectural typology. In this way, it is possible to redefine settlement and architectural typologies, their characteristics, and their spatial distribution. The various tools used in the MAPPI method are designed so that, through partial automation and data synthesis, they facilitate the determination of closed spatial entities. The applicability of the MAPPI tools and method was verified on the example of the Prebold settlement.
Specific cellular microenvironments for spatiotemporal regulation of StAR and steroid synthesis
Authors: Castillo Ana Fernanda , Poderoso Cecilia , Maloberti Paula Mariana , Cornejo Maciel Fabiana , Mori Sequeiros Garcia María Mercedes , Orlando Ulises Daniel , Mele Pablo , Benzo Yanina , Dattilo Melina Andrea , Prada Jesica , Quevedo Luciano , Belluno Matías , Paz Cristina , Podesta Ernesto Jorge
Published: March 2024

For many years, research in the field of steroid synthesis has aimed to understand the regulation of the rate-limiting step of steroid synthesis, i.e. the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, and identify the protein involved in the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone. The extraordinary work by B Clark, J Wells, S R King, and D M Stocco eventually identified this protein and named it steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The group’s finding was also one of the milestones in understanding the mechanism of nonvesicular lipid transport between organelles. A notable feature of StAR is its high degree of phosphorylation. In fact, StAR phosphorylation in the acute phase is required for full steroid biosynthesis. As a contribution to this subject, our work has led to the characterization of StAR as a substrate of kinases and phosphatases and as an integral part of a mitochondrion-associated multiprotein complex, essential for StAR function and cholesterol binding and mitochondrial transport to yield maximum steroid production. Results allow us to postulate the existence of a specific cellular microenvironment where StAR protein synthesis and activation, along with steroid synthesis and secretion, are performed in a compartmentalized manner, at the site of hormone receptor stimulation, and involving the compartmentalized formation of the steroid molecule-synthesizing complex.
Reproductive Ageing: Current insights and a potential role of NAD in the reproductive health of aging fathers and their children
Authors: Feuz Morgan B , Nelson D Colton , Miller Laura B , Zwerdling Alexie E , Meyer Ralph G , Meyer-Ficca Mirella L
Published: March 2024

In brief

In light of the increasing age of first-time fathers, this article summarizes the current scientific knowledge base on reproductive aging in the male, including sperm quality and health impacts for the offspring. The emerging role of NAD decline in reproductive aging is highlighted.

Over the past decades, the age of first-time fathers has been steadily increasing due to socio-economic pressures. While general mechanisms of aging are subject to intensive research, male reproductive aging has remained an understudied area, and the effects of increased age on the male reproductive system are still only poorly understood, despite new insights into the potential dire consequences of advanced paternal age for the health of their progeny. There is also growing evidence that reproductive aging is linked to overall health in men, but this review mainly focuses on pathophysiological consequences of old age in men, such as low sperm count and diminished sperm genetic integrity, with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying reproductive aging. The steady decline of NAD levels observed in aging men represents one of the emerging concepts in that regard. Because it offers some mechanistic rationale explaining the effects of old age on the male reproductive system, some of the NAD-dependent functions in male reproduction are briefly outlined in this review. The overview also provides many questions that remain open about the basic science of male reproductive aging.
Hacia una Antropología de la Historia Universal
Authors: Persch Martin Albert
Published: March 2024

Especialmente en la antropología latinoamericana, Hegel ha llegado a ser un trapo rojo debido a sus problemáticas afirmaciones en sus Lecciones sobre la Filosofía de la Historia Universal. Esta actitud crítica hacia su filosofía se ve reforzada por la gran influencia que ha ejercido y ejerce en las ciencias sociales latinoamericanas el estructuralismo, caracterizado a menudo por posiciones explícitamente antihegelianas. Desde hace algunos años, Philippe Descola y Eduardo Viveiros de Castro encabezan una corriente teórica dentro de la antropología amazónica que se ha propuesto renovar la interpretación de las cosmologías de las sociedades amerindias iniciada por Claude Levi-Strauss hace casi medio siglo, recurriendo a la filosofía posestructuralista. Las culturas ya no se examinan en términos de su reproducción concreta en un ecosistema específico, sino que son concebidas como meras cosmovisiones que se habrían fijadas a partir de una deliberación metafísica original, y para las que las condiciones ecológicas parecen ser sólo una especie de ruido de fondo. Descola utiliza el término ontología para describirlas, y afirma que todas las sociedades del mundo pueden clasificarse en una de las cuatro clases de ontologías elaboradas por él: animismo, totemismo, analogismo y naturalismo.En este artículo intento mostrar, en primer lugar, cómo, utilizando un concepto que se remonta a Karl Marx, a saber, el de actividad vital, es muy posible determinar la forma y conformación de ciertas ontologías en función de diferentes parámetros ecológicos. El mecanismo intelectual decisivo que entra en juego en esta actividad vital es la destrucción del objeto, denominada por Hegel en su Differenzschrift; mediante el trabajo, la sociedad remodela el ecosistema que habita, por lo que los fenómenos naturales pierden para los colectivos su carácter antropomórfico. A partir de esta intuición, será posible rastrear el desarrollo de las ontologías nombradas por Descola hasta las reflexiones de Hegel sobre la religión, formuladas en la Fenomenología del Espíritu. Por último, repasaremos algunas de las observaciones de Hegel sobre las sociedades de África y América, a menudo (y en parte justificadamente) criticadas, y las evaluaremos en relación con el estado actual de la investigación antropológica, pero también mostraremos al mismo tiempo que algunas líneas de pensamiento del filósofo evidencian una asombrosa perspicacia antropológica, y que su filosofía ciertamente nos permite pensar de nuevo problemas antropológicos de suma importancia.
Synthesis and characterization of functional coatings and nanoparticles
Authors:   , Charniakova Katsiaryna
Published: March 2024

Funkcinės paskirties dangų ir nanodalelių sintezė ir charakterizavimas
Barroco e Modernidade, subjetividade e desejo
Authors: Melo França Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Hansen (2013) sustenta a ideia de que a literatura produzida pelo que se convencionou chamar de Barroco deve ser compreendida antes de tudo a partir da “instituição retórica” e da “mímesis emuladora de modelos de autoridades” (p. 53), procedimentos artísticos que vigoraram ao longo dos séculos XV e XVI e que serviram de fundamento tanto para a criação poética quanto para a sua valoração. O crítico acusa o Romantismo de ter anacronicamente condicionado nossa compreensão do Barroco a uma condição estético-subjetiva a partir da qual intuímos que a origem da forma barroca seria a existência de um sujeito barroco. Sem desconsiderar a existência e importância desses procedimentos, partimos, tal como Riegl (2014), da ideia de que diferentes formas artísticas revelam diferentes vontades artísticas. Como vontade artística, compreendemos tudo o que envolve uma época e cultura no seu sentido mais complexo. A compreensão de um estilo e os contrastes que este institui em relação a seu antecessor desvendam condições subjetivas e existenciais específicas; diferentes concepções de arte, forma e cultura; complexas intenções individuais, sociais, políticas e filosóficas. As diferenças entre a forma renascentista e a barroca, por exemplo, existem porque os sujeitos e as culturas que as engendraram também se diferenciam. Na obra de arte, a atitude espiritual do artista é expressa diante do mundo e sua época. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é demonstrar que a estética barroca, além de ser a primeira manifestação artística de uma condição moderna - a individualidade - pode ser tomada como um movimento localizado especificamente na história, mas também como um paradigma estético-subjetivo capaz de mimetizar formalmente essa nova condição subjetiva e contemporânea de um sujeito individualizado, estruturado simultaneamente a partir da falta e do desejo.
The Failure of Poseidon, ‘Averter of Disaster’ and the Mythical Geography of Isaiah 23:1–14
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin
Published: March 2024

The nostos, the return home in Greek mythology, is most often a journey over the sea, and it is the god Poseidon who rules the sea, both ensuring the safe passage of fishermen and sailors and causing disasters to individuals like Ajax son of Oileus, sometimes through obstacles like his daughter Charybdis. Most famously, he uses his power to hinder the nostos of Odysseus, all the while knowing he cannot prevent him from reaching home. This example illustrates how a god who may once have been the most powerful deity can no longer control ultimate results. As his power declines over the centuries, that of Zeus increases.

It is also by sea that we see the ships in Isaiah 23, attempting to return to their homes in Sidon and Tyre on the eastern Mediterranean coast. In this Biblical passage from the eighth century BCE, the ships wail when they see that their seaport homes have been destroyed; there are no homes to which they can return. The great god of the Sea and the epichoric gods have failed to protect the cities which are considered their progeny. The Israelite prophet mocks their powerlessness and celebrates the power of his One God. There is no nostos, no homecoming for ships because they no longer have homes. Just as Poseidon could not prevent Odysseus from his nostos, the so-called Averter of Disaster has not prevented the disaster that has befallen his children.
Faith, Politics, and Democracy: Unraveling Historical and Contemporary Dynamics in Religious Influences on Electoral Processes
Authors: Maspul Kurniawan Arif
Published: March 2024

Research Problem: This qualitative research addresses the intricate relationship between religion, politics, and societal dynamics, focusing on historical contexts in the early 7th century Islamic Caliphate and contemporary Saudi Arabia. It aims to understand how religion influences political decisions and societal structures, both historically and in the present day.
Research purposes: The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the spread of Islam's impact on governance and societal norms, particularly examining the dominance of Islamic governance in the early 7th century Caliphate and its evolution over time. Additionally, it seeks to empirically demonstrate the role of religious authorities in shaping governmental policies in contemporary Saudi Arabia.
Research methods: Methodologically, this research employs qualitative analysis techniques, utilizes unique datasets, and adopts a comparative approach. It delves into historical records and contemporary observations to uncover nuanced interactions between religious institutions and political choices.
Results and Discussion: The study reveals the historical dominance of Islamic governance and its subsequent evolution due to various societal and political movements. It also provides empirical evidence of the significant role religious authorities play in shaping governmental policies in contemporary Saudi Arabia, particularly in social and legal frameworks. The research discusses the influence of religious leaders on their followers and explores the role of clerics in shaping public opinion and political participation.
Research Implications and Contributions: This study has several implications and contributions. Firstly, it enriches our understanding of the intricate dynamics between Islam and politics, offering valuable insights into the historical depth and contemporary significance of this interconnected relationship. Secondly, it contributes to comparative political research by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Huntington's clash of civilizations thesis, highlighting the ongoing relevance of religious influences in Middle Eastern political systems. Finally, it sheds light on the role of religious authorities in shaping governmental policies and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of considering religious dynamics in political analyses and decision-making processes.
ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DE ASSASSINATOS DE PESSOAS TRANS E TRAVESTI NA REGIÃO NORDESTE DO BRASIL DE 2017 A 2022
Authors: Martins Ian Moura , Santos da Silva Marcos Nicolau , Rodrigues Taíssa Caroline Silva
Published: March 2024

Entre as tipologias da violência, o homicídio é um dos que apresenta a maior notificação e afeta segmentos sociais distintos, a exemplo da população LGBTQIAPN+. No âmbito desta população, certos marcadores sociais podem tornar alguns sujeitos mais vulneráveis, como é o caso das pessoas travestis e transgêneros. A morte precoce, a invisibilização nos diferentes espaços sociais e o não reconhecimento de suas identidades são alguns dos empecilhos enfrentados pela população trans e travesti no contexto brasileiro. À luz destas problemáticas, esta pesquisa objetivou analisar a distribuição espacial dos casos de assassinatos de travestis e transgêneros na região Nordeste do Brasil, no período de 2017 a 2022. A construção teórico-metodológica deste trabalho envolveu as seguintes etapas: revisão de literatura; obtenção de dados secundários oriundos dos dossiês publicados pela Associação Nacional de Travestis e Transexuais (ANTRA); tabulação dos dados e o uso do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG) para elaboração de mapas temáticos. Nos resultados obtidos, verificou-se no período analisado que 347 pessoas trans e travesti foram assassinadas na região Nordeste. O Ceará, a Bahia e o Pernambuco são os estados com as maiores taxas de assassinatos e de registro de casos, respectivamente. Em contrapartida, a atuação de movimentos e instituições sociais tem sido crucial para reduções nos números de casos. No entanto, ainda se tem um longo caminho para avançar, sobretudo, no campo da efetivação de políticas públicas e de segurança, para que o Brasil se torne um país seguro para a população trans e travesti.
ERODIBILIDADE DO SOLO (K) E USO E COBERTURA DA TERRA DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO CAMURUPIM, PIAUÍ, BRASIL
Authors: Sousa Roneide dos Santos , Rocha Glairton Cardoso
Published: March 2024

Entender a dinâmica das paisagens em bacias hidrográficas, sobretudo quanto as suas fragilidades aos processos erosivos e a suscetibilidade a degradação dos solos, é de suma importância para gestão dos recursos naturais. O artigo teve por objetivo analisar os fatores de erodibilidade dos solos, declividade e uso e cobertura da terra da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Camurupim, localizada no norte do estado do Piauí. A metodologia compreendeu revisão bibliográfica, manipulação de dados em ambiente SIG, para a obtenção de mapas temáticos, e aferição de campo. Como resultados obteve-se a erodibilidade dos solos, distribuída nas classes de média (75%), alta (24%) e muito alta (5%), posteriormente os dados associados a declividade, que variou em áreas planas a montanhosa, e uso e cobertura da terra, definidas em 11 classes na bacia. Verificou-se que a classe predominante foi a média correspondendo a 71% de erodibilidade, nos quais é composta por Argissolos Amarelo e Vermelho-Amarelo, que se distribui em relevo plano a montanhoso, em área de florestas savânicas associada a atividades de agropecuária e áreas aplainadas com a presença de carnaubais. A BHRC trata-se de uma bacia costeira localizada na região do semiárido nordestino e que apresenta em sua maioria solos de alta e média fragilidade natural, com paisagens frágeis a intervenções antrópicas.
A Cross-Country Examination of Mineral Import Demand and Wind Energy Generation: Empirical Insights from Leading Mineral Importers
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Islam Md. Monirul
Published: March 2024

The relevance of this research lies in the utilization of mineral goods as critical industrial inputs for the manufacture of renewable energy machinery, which has sparked an increase in demand and prices for essential minerals. The purpose of the study is to examine the import-demand function for metallic mineral goods by applying the quantiles via moments (MM-QR) approach, considering the potential heterogeneity across the sample of the top 5 mineral-consuming (importing) nations. The dataset, covering the years 1996-2021, is analysed to test the hypothesis regarding the influence of wind production capacity on mineral-import requirements, considering the price of mineral goods, exchange rates, and income growth. We observe a monotonic favourable response of mineral import demands to wind power generation across all quantiles. However, when considering the quadratic form of wind energy generation, the mineral import demand shows a monotonic reverse trend as the size of wind energy generation expands. Our results reveal the unexpected finding of a monotonic positive effect of copper prices on mineral import demand, which contradicts the Marshallian price theorem. Conversely, the reaction of mineral imports to exchange rates remains consistently positive without modulation. Additionally, we observe a non-monotonic association between the income factor and mineral imports, indicating that the mineral import response to economic growth remains positive until a specific threshold is reached, beyond which it tends to stabilize. The theoretical and practical significance of these findings lies in boosting mineral goods trade to advance the clean energy transition goal for a decarbonized global environment.
Resolving Conflicts and Strengthening International Relations with Investment: Game Theory Approach
Authors:   Urmia University, Salimian Salah , Ashrafi Azadeh ,   Islamic Azad University
Published: March 2024

Today, investors pay more attention to the international concept of investment than ever before. In addition, countries intend to use their domestic capital to fulfill domestic goals and prevent capital outflow as much as possible. The present article, while referring to objective examples of international relations, has tried to provide a different answer to the important question of "economic cooperation in the form of international investment while maximizing" by using game theory. The main question is whether investment at the international level can avoid war and build? For this purpose, by using game theory and game design between governments and investors as the main openers, three different modes have been discussed. To this end, in section one a state where two countries are indifferent has been considered. The second state includes two competing (enemy) countries, and in the third state, three countries are assumed, one being competitor and the other indifferent. In the second section, first a situation where two countries are indifferent to each other is considered. Then, in the second case, two countries are considered to be rivals (enemies), and in the third case, three countries are assumed: one of them is a competitor and the other is indifferent. Concerning the obtained equilibrium in the three states and for each of the two sections, the main conclusion is that the investor achieves the best consequence (Nash equilibrium) by constituting portfolio and investing in various markets, and the countries achieve the best outcome through cooperation and establishing peace. On the other words, the results of the research in the language of logic (mathematics) confirm the effect of economic cooperation on the development of peace.