bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyanobacterial Algal Bloom Monitoring: Molecular Methods and Technologies for Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Saleem Faizan , Jiang Jennifer L. , Atrache Rachelle , Paschos Athanasios , Edge Thomas A. , Schellhorn Herb E.
Published: March 2023

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can accumulate to form harmful algal blooms (HABs) on the surface of freshwater ecosystems under eutrophic conditions. Extensive HAB events can threaten local wildlife, public health, and the utilization of recreational waters. For the detection/quantification of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Health Canada increasingly indicate that molecular methods can be useful. However, each molecular detection method has specific advantages and limitations for monitoring HABs in recreational water ecosystems. Rapidly developing modern technologies, including satellite imaging, biosensors, and machine learning/artificial intelligence, can be integrated with standard/conventional methods to overcome the limitations associated with traditional cyanobacterial detection methodology. We examine advances in cyanobacterial cell lysis methodology and conventional/modern molecular detection methods, including imaging techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/DNA sequencing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), mass spectrometry, remote sensing, and machine learning/AI-based prediction models. This review focuses specifically on methodologies likely to be employed for recreational water ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region of North America.
Pirfenidone Protects from UVB-Induced Photodamage in Hairless Mice
Authors: Martinez-Alvarado Yocasta , Amezcua-Galvez Eduardo , Davila-Rodriguez Judith , Sandoval-Rodriguez Ana , Galicia-Moreno Marina , Almeida-López Mónica , Lucano-Landeros Silvia , Santos Arturo , Monroy-Ramirez Hugo Christian , Armendariz-Borunda Juan
Published: March 2023

Background: Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main environmental factor that causes histological degenerative changes of the skin giving rise to a chronic process called photodamage. Non-melanoma skin cancer induced by UVB radiation is a result of a cascade of molecular events caused by DNA damage in epidermis cells, including persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and suppression of T cell-mediated immunity. Retinoids such as tretinoin have been widely used in skin to treat photoaging and photodamage, though its secondary adverse effects have been recognized. Pirfenidone (PFD) has emerged as an antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, and in this work its efficacy was evaluated in a model of UVB-induced photodamage. Methods: Epidermal, dermal, and inflammatory changes were measured by histomorphometric parameters. In addition, gene, and protein expression of key molecules in these processes were evaluated. Results: Our results revealed an anti-photodamage effect of topical PFD with absence of inflammatory skin lesions determined by dermoscopy. In addition, PFD reduced elastosis, improved organization, arrangement, and deposition of dermal collagens, downregulated several pro-inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα, and decreased keratinocyte damage. Conclusion: Topical pirfenidone represents a promising agent for the treatment of cell photodamage in humans. Clinical trials need to be carried out to explore this premise.
Catalytic, Theoretical, and Biological Investigations of Ternary Metal (II) Complexes Derived from L-Valine-Based Schiff Bases and Heterocyclic Bases
Authors: Sasikumar Gopalakrishnan , Subramani Annadurai , Tamilarasan Ramalingam , Rajesh Punniyamurthy , Sasikumar Ponnusamy , Albukhaty Salim , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Karthikeyan Subramani , Al-aqbi Zaidon T. , Al-Doghachi Faris A. J. , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin
Published: March 2023

A new series of ternary metal complexes, including Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and diverse spectroscopic methods. The complexes were synthesized from respective metal salts with Schiff’s-base-containing amino acids, salicylaldehyde derivatives, and heterocyclic bases. The amino acids containing Schiff bases showed promising pharmacological properties upon complexation. Based on satisfactory elemental analyses and various spectroscopic techniques, these complexes revealed a distorted, square pyramidal geometry around metal ions. The molecular structures of the complexes were optimized by DFT calculations. Quantum calculations were performed with the density functional method for which the LACVP++ basis set was used to find the optimized molecular structure of the complexes. The metal complexes were subjected to an electrochemical investigation to determine the redox behavior and oxidation state of the metal ions. Furthermore, all complexes were utilized for catalytic assets of a multi-component Mannich reaction for the preparation of -amino carbonyl derivatives. The synthesized complexes were tested to determine their antibacterial activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus bacteria. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the Cu(II) complexes, lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells compared to normal cells, cell lines such as human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were used. Further, the docking study parameters were supported, for which it was observed that the metal complexes could be effective in anticancer applications.
Silver(I) Coordination Polymer Ligated by Bipyrazole Me4bpzH2, [Ag(X)(Me4bpzH2)] (X = CF3CO2− and CF3SO3−, Me4bpzH2 = 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazole): Anion Dependent Structures and Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Kobayashi Yui , Okano Mitsuki , Iwabuchi Ryota , Kondo Shiori , Young David James
Published: March 2023

Coordination polymers of transition metal ions are fascinating and important to coordination chemistry. One of the ligands known to form particularly interesting coordination polymers is 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-4,4′-bipyrazole (Me4bpzH2). Group 11 metal(I) ion coordination polymers, other than those of copper(I), are relatively easy to handle because of their low reactivity towards dioxygen and moisture. However, the known silver(I) coordination polymers often have poor solubility in common solvents and so cannot be easily analyzed in solution. By using a tetramethyl substituted bipyrazole ligand, we have synthesized more soluble silver(I) complexes that contain the trifluoromethyl group in the coordinated ions CF3CO2− and CF3SO3− in [Ag(CF3CO2)(Me4bpzH2)] and [Ag(CF3SO3)(Me4bpzH2)]. We determined both structures by single-crystal X-ray analysis at low temperatures and compared them in detail. Moreover, we investigated the solution behavior of these coordination polymers by 1H-NMR, IR, Raman, UV–Vis spectroscopies, and their low-temperature, solid-state photoluminescence. The high-energy band at ~330 nm corresponded to ligand-centered (bipyrazole) fluorescence, and the low-energy band at ~400 nm to ligand-centered phosphorescence resulting from the heavy atom effect.
Geobarrettin D, a Rare Herbipoline-Containing 6-Bromoindole Alkaloid from Geodia barretti
Authors: Di Xiaxia , Hardardottir Ingibjorg , Freysdottir Jona , Wang Dongdong , Gustafson Kirk R. , Omarsdottir Sesselja , Molinski Tadeusz F.
Published: March 2023

Geobarrettin D (1), a new bromoindole alkaloid, was isolated from the marine sponge Geodia barretti collected from Icelandic waters. Its structure was elucidated by 1D, and 2D NMR (including 1H-15N HSQC, 1H-15N HMBC spectra), as well as HRESIMS data. Geobarrettin D (1) is a new 6-bromoindole featuring an unusual purinium herbipoline moiety. Geobarrettin D (1) decreased secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-12p40 by human monocyte derived dendritic cells, without affecting secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Thus, compound 1 shows anti-inflammatory activity.
Partial Oxidation to Extend the Lifetime of Nanoporous Carbon in an Ultracapacitor with Li2SO4 Electrolyte
Authors: Käärik Maike , Arulepp Mati , Leis Jaan
Published: March 2023

A TiC-derived carbon (CDC) and its partially oxidized derivative (ox-red-CDC), oxidized by a modified Hummers method, were studied as promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. To evaluate the electrochemical properties of the carbon materials, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed in 1 M Li2SO4 using 2- and 3-electrode cells. A partially oxidized surface was shown to improve the capacitance and electrochemical stability of a nanoporous CDC at positive potential values. The respective anodic capacitance of 80 F cm−3 reveals a 15% improvement over the non-oxidized CDC. At negative potential values, the capacitance of two carbon materials is almost equal, 97 vs. 93 F cm−3, for the non-oxidized and partially oxidized CDC materials, respectively. An asymmetric 2-electrode ultracapacitor containing ox-red-CDC as the anode and pristine CDC as the cathode demonstrated an excellent cycle life. The temporary repolarization of the 2-electrode cell after thousands of charge–discharge cycles increased the capacitance and improved the cycling characteristics, likely due to regeneration and cleaning of the electrode surface.
Purification, Identification and Evaluation of Antioxidant Peptides from Pea Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Zhao Dan , Liu Xiaolan
Published: March 2023

Food-derived antioxidant peptides can be explored as natural antioxidants due to their potential health benefits. In this study, antioxidant peptides were isolated and purified from pea protein hydrolysates (PPH). The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were used as indexes to purify the antioxidant peptides by a series of purification steps including ultrafiltration, ion exchange chromatography, G25 gel filtration chromatography, and reversed-phase chromatography. Three novel antioxidant peptides YLVN, EEHLCFR and TFY were identified, which all exhibited strong antioxidant activity in vitro. EEHLCFR showed stronger DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.027 mg/mL. YLVN showed stronger ABTS scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.002 mg/mL and higher ORAC values of 1.120 ± 0.231 μmol TE/μmol, which is even better than that of GSH. Three novel antioxidant peptides significantly elevated LO2 cells viability even at the concentration of 0.025 mg/mL, and cell viability enhanced to 53.42 ± 1.19%, 55.78 ± 1.03%, and 51.09 ± 1.06% respectively, compared to that of H2O2 injury group (48.35 ± 0.96%), and prevented the accumulation of ROS by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in H2O2-induced oxidative stress LO2 cells. The molecular docking results showed that the potential molecular mechanism of the three novel antioxidant peptides may be in high correlation with the activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway by occupying the Keap1-Nrf2 binding site. These results demonstrate that the three novel antioxidant peptides are potential natural antioxidants that can be devoted to medicine or functional food ingredients.
An Efficient Continuous Flow Synthesis for the Preparation of N-Arylhydroxylamines: Via a DMAP-Mediated Hydrogenation Process
Authors: Chen Jianli , Lin Xinyu , Xu Feng , Chai Kejie , Ren Minna , Yu Zhiqun , Su Weike , Liu Fengfan
Published: March 2023

The selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes to N-arylhydroxylamines is an important synthetic process in the chemical industry. It is commonly accomplished by using heterogeneous catalytic systems that contain inhibitors, such as DMSO. Herein, DMAP has been identified as a unique additive for increasing hydrogenation activity and product selectivity (up to >99%) under mild conditions in the Pt/C-catalyzed process. Continuous-flow technology has been explored as an efficient approach toward achieving the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes to N-arylhydroxylamines. The present flow protocol was applied for a vast substrate scope and was found to be compatible with a wide range of functional groups, such as electron-donating groups, carbonyl, and various halogens. Further studies were attempted to show that the improvement in the catalytic activity and selectivity benefited from the dual functions of DMAP; namely, the heterolytic H2 cleavage and competitive adsorption.
Transverse Electric Guided Wave Propagation in a Plane Waveguide with Kerr Nonlinearity and Perturbed Inhomogeneity in the Permittivity Function
Authors: Dyundyaeva Anna , Tikhov Stanislav , Valovik Dmitry
Published: March 2023

The paper focuses on the problem of transverse electric wave propagation in a plane-shielded waveguide filled with a nonhomogeneous and nonlinear (Kerr) medium. The nonlinear part of the permittivity is characterized by the Kerr law in the focusing regime, while its linear part is a constant that is perturbed by a small continuous function. Such perturbation can be considered to be an attempt to take into account the inevitable presence of impurities in the medium, causing slight deviations in the dielectric permittivity. In the paper, the existence of solutions to the considered problem is proved, including solutions with and without linear counterparts. Some numerical results are presented as well.
The Influence of Tool Geometry Parameters on Thermo-Mechanical Loads and Residual Stresses Induced by Orthogonal Cutting of AA6061-T6: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Tcheuhebou Tina Sandrine A. , Javidikia Mahshad , Jahazi Mohammad , Songmene Victor
Published: March 2023

The residual stresses state that a mechanical part obtained after machining is a crucial factor that impacts its in-service performance. This stress state is influenced by the thermomechanical loads exerted on the parts during the machining process, which are, in turn, determined by the tool parameters, process, and machining conditions. The aim of the present research was to anticipate how the cutting tool’s edge radius, rake angle, and clearance angle would affect the forces, temperature, and residual stresses induced while orthogonally cutting aluminum AA6061-T6. To achieve this, two-dimensional DEFORM™ software was utilized to develop a finite element model. The residual stresses trend results obtained demonstrated that rake angles of 0° and 17.5–20° values with a small edge radius (5 to 10 µm) and clearance angles of 7 and 17.5° values gave higher compressive stresses. The obtained simulated results were in good agreement with the experiments. The cutting forces, the temperature, and the maximum and minimum machining-induced residual stresses were found to be influenced more by the tool edge radius and the tool rake angle. The influence of the clearance angles on the above-mentioned machining responses was the least. Residual stresses can have a significant impact on the in-service performance of machined parts. The obtained results will help engineers select or design tools that promote a desired surface integrity during machining. This task is not obvious in practice because of difficulties in measuring residual stresses and also because the machining parameters and the tool geometry parameters have different and opposite impacts on thermo-mechanical loads, productivity, and on machining induced residual stresses.
Oxidative Conversion of Chars Generated from the Fixed-Bed Pyrolysis of Wood Torrefied at Different Temperatures and Holding Times
Authors: Branca Carmen , Di Blasi Colomba
Published: March 2023

Fixed-bed pyrolysis of torrefied spruce wood, for a heating temperature of 800 K, results in char yields between about 27–57 wt% (versus 23 wt% for untreated wood), depending on both pre-treatment temperatures (533–583 K) and holding times (8–25 min). In this study char oxidation behavior and kinetics are investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis. The differential thermogravimetric curves always showed a low-temperature zone of slow rates (oxidative devolatilization), followed by a high-rate zone with a well-defined peak (oxidation). As the torrefaction severity increases, the temperature range of the oxidative devolatilization enlarges. Moreover, the oxidation rates become slower (both burning and burnout temperatures tend to increase). As already found for untreated wood chars, the two stages are well described by a linear and a power-law rate reaction, respectively. Volatiles released from the devolatilizations are approximately around 20 wt%, but torrefaction causes lower activation energies (66–92 kJ/mol versus 117 kJ/mol). The oxidation activation energies also decreas (170–168 kJ/mol versus 193 kJ/mol), accompanied by small variations in the reaction order.
Deep Belief Network with Swarm Spider Optimization Method for Renewable Energy Power Forecasting
Authors: Wei Yuan , Zhang Huanchang , Dai Jiahui , Zhu Ruili , Qiu Lihong , Dong Yuzhuo , Fang Shuai
Published: March 2023

Renewable energy power prediction plays a crucial role in the development of renewable energy generation, and it also faces a challenging issue because of the uncertainty and complex fluctuation caused by environmental and climatic factors. In recent years, deep learning has been increasingly applied in the time series prediction of new energy, where Deep Belief Networks (DBN) can perform outstandingly for learning of nonlinear features. In this paper, we employed the DBN as the prediction model to forecast wind power and PV power. A novel metaheuristic optimization algorithm, called swarm spider optimization (SSO), was utilized to optimize the parameters of the DBN so as to improve its performance. The SSO is a novel swarm spider behavior based optimization algorithm, and it can be employed for addressing complex optimization and engineering problems. Considering that the prediction performance of the DBN is affected by the number of the nodes in the hidden layer, the SSO is used to optimize this parameter during the training stage of DBN (called SSO-DBN), which can significantly enhance the DBN prediction performance. Two datasets, including wind power and PV power with their influencing factors, were used to evaluate the forecasting performance of the proposed SSO-DBN. We also compared the proposed model with several well-known methods, and the experiment results demonstrate that the proposed prediction model has better stability and higher prediction accuracy in comparison to other methods.
Assessing and Improving Biooxidation for Acid Generation and Rare Earth Element Extraction
Authors: Free Michael L. , Ilunga Joel K. , Podder Prasenjit , Sarswat Prashant K.
Published: March 2023

Microorganisms (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidanns) are effective in oxidizing ferrous ions that can be used to oxidize pyrite and produce sulfuric acid. Many coal waste resources contain significant concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) and critical materials (CM) that can be extracted using sulfuric acid. These coal waste resources often contain significant concentrations of pyrite, which if not utilized or removed present a future environmental liability for potential acid mine drainage. Thus, the combination of pyrite and REE/CM in coal waste provides a significant resource opportunity for sulfuric acid generation that can be utilized using biooxidation. In addition, the pyrite concentrate used for acid generation also contains REE/CM content that is released during biooxidation of the pyrite concentrate that augments the REE/CM release from the main ore being leached with the acid generated from the pyrite. Thus, this approach provides a very significant environmental advantage as well as augmented REE/CM recovery. Although there are many studies associated with biooxidation in relation to mineral oxidation, there is a lack of information regarding the effects of operating parameters on biooxidation performance and optimization for practical applications. In this study, findings from research in assessing and improving biooxidation for acid generation for REE/CM extraction are presented. Results show that bacteria can very effectively and efficiently oxidize ferrous ions to ferric ions, which oxidize pyrite to produce acid for REE/CM extraction. The factors that showed significant impact on biooxidation performance include air flow rate, stirring speed, residence time, solids concentration, and temperature. The dominance of Leptospirillum ferriphilum species was noted in the bioreactor after a prolonged period of operation, although Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidanns was used in the beginning.
A Novel Isolated Intelligent Adjustable Buck-Boost Converter with Hill Climbing MPPT Algorithm for Solar Power Systems
Authors: Sabir Bushra , Lu Shiue-Der , Liu Hwa-Dong , Lin Chang-Hua , Sarwar Adil , Huang Liang-Yin
Published: March 2023

This study proposes a new isolated intelligent adjustable buck-boost (IIABB) converter with an intelligent control strategy that is suitable for regenerative energy systems with unsteady output voltages. It also serves as a reliable voltage source for loads such as battery systems, microgrids, etc. In addition, the hill climbing (HC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm can be utilized with this innovative IIABB converter to capture the MPP and then enhance system performance. In this converter, five inductors (LA, LB, LC, LD, and LE) and four power MOSFETs (SA, SB, SC, and SD) are used in the proposed novel isolated intelligent adjustable buck-boost (IIABB) converter to adjust the applied voltage across the load side. It also has a constant, stable output voltage. The new IIABB converter is simulated and verified using MATLAB R2021b, and the performances of the proposed IIABB converter and conventional SEPIC converter are compared. The solar photovoltaic module output voltages of 20 V, 30 V, and 40 V are given as inputs to the proposed IIABB converter, and the total output voltage of the proposed converter is 48 V. In the new IIABB converter, the duty cycle of the power MOSFET has a small variation. The proposed IIABB converter has an efficiency of 92~99%. On the other hand, in the conventional SEPIC converter, the duty cycle of a power MOSFET varies greatly depending on the relationship between the output and input voltage, which deteriorates the efficiency of the converter. As a result, this research contributes to the development of a novel type of IIABB converter that may be employed in renewable energy systems to considerably increase system performance and reduce the cost and size of the system.
The Influence of a Country’s Sustainable Development on Likeability, Intention to Travel, and Country Image: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Yousef Waleed Yahya
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses the impact of sustainable development on place likeability, intention to travel, and country image. The paper aims to find out whether the UK’s sustainable development encourages people in Saudi Arabia to visit the UK. A self-administered questionnaire was used, which 320 respondents were asked to complete. The collected data were analysed using SPSS software. The results showed that the country’s sustainable development has a major influence on place likeability and intention to travel. The results also indicated that country image leads to country attachment. This paper provides a guideline for managers and policy makers who would like to consider the influence of the environment on their organisations. Additionally, managers can benefit from this paper by considering that country image, intention to travel, and happiness are correlated constructs that are influenced by sustainable development.
Investigation of Road Network Connectivity and Accessibility in Less Accessible Airport Regions: The Case of India
Authors: Sharma Shalvi , Ram Sewa
Published: March 2023

One of the keys to the transformation of a region is the expansion of transportation networks. Airports will continue to develop as significant growth centres. The literature review in this article suggests various concepts of importance for connectivity while stating the significance of airport corridors as emerging economic corridors. The objective of this article is to calculate the landside connectivity for road networks for different tiers of airports in their influence areas, as well as to identify the regions that are most and least accessible in the Indian context. This study analysed geographical aspects based on graph theory and the connectivity indices of road networks. The airports were ranked based on these connectivity indices, resulting in the selected case of Bagdogra Airport, West Bengal being used for accessibility analysis. This study also includes centrality indices to determine accessibility in the airport region based on QGIS tools. The centrality indices increase with distance from the airport, indicating the impact of airport connectivity in the identified influence area. The results show critical nodes and links, indicating the necessity for comprehensive planning for new airport regions for greater accessibility and for stimulating development.
Attenuating Radiation Exposure, Understanding the Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Toxicity, and the Development of Radiation Countermeasures
Authors: Cui Wanchang , Xiao Mang
Published: March 2023

Radiation exposure is a complex issue that has both benefits and risks for human health [...]
Risk Assessment of Fluxametamide Resistance and Fitness Costs in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Roy Debashis , Biswas Sujan , Sarkar Sukamal , Adhikary Samrat , Chakraborty Gautam , Sarkar Pijush Kanti , Al-Shuraym Laila A. , Sayed Samy , Gaber Ahmed , Hossain Akbar
Published: March 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most devastating invasive polyphagous pests, which has attracted recent global attention by developing resistance to various insecticidal active ingredients with independent mode of action. Fluxametamide, a newly commercialized isoxazoline insecticide, is exceptionally selective towards several lepidopteran pests. The present study aimed to evaluate resistance risk in FAW to fluxametamide and the fitness costs associated with fluxametamide resistance. A field-collected and genetically mixed population of FAW was artificially selected through continuous exposure to fluxametamide. After successive selection of 10 generations, there was no obvious increase in the LC50 (RF: 2.63-fold). The realized heritability (h2) of fluxametamide resistance was estimated as h2 = 0.084 using a quantitative genetic approach. Compared with the susceptible F0 strain, the Flux-SEL (F10) strain of FAW displayed no significant cross-resistance to broflanilide, chlorantraniliprole, fipronil, indoxacarb, lambda cyhalothrin, spinetoram, and tetraniliprole, except emamectin benzoate (RF: 2.08-fold). Increased activity of glutathione S-transferase (ratio 1.94) was observed in the Flux-SEL (F10) strain of FAW, while the cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase activities were not altered. The fluxametamide-selection significantly affected the development and reproductive traits of FAW with a lower R0, T and relative fitness (Rf = 0.353). The results alluded that the risk of fluxametamide resistance evolution in FAW is relatively lower; however, proactive implementation of resistance management approaches should be done to maintain the field efficacy of fluxametamide against FAW.
Investigation of Microplastics (≥10 μm) in Meconium by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy
Authors: Li Zhiming , Wang Jiamin , Gao Xia , Du Jiaxin , Sui Haixia , Wu Jieling , Zhong Yizhou , Liang Boxuan , Huang Yuji , Ye Rongyi , Deng Yanhong , Yang Xingfen , Huang Zhenlie
Published: March 2023

Microplastics are prevalent emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in air, land and water. They have been detected in human stool, blood, lungs, and placentas. However, human fetal microplastic exposure remains largely under-studied. To assess fetal microplastic exposure, we investigated microplastics using 16 meconium samples. We used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3) and a combination of Fenton’s reagent and HNO3 pretreatment methods respectively to digest the meconium sample. We analyzed 16 pretreated meconium samples with an ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The result showed that H2O2, HNO3 and Fenton’s reagent combined with HNO3 pretreatment methods could not digest our meconium samples completely. Alternatively, we developed a novel approach with high digestion efficiency using petroleum ether and alcohol (4:1, v/v), HNO3 and H2O2. This pretreatment method had good recovery and non-destructive advantages. We found no microplastics (≥10 μm) in our meconium samples, indicating that microplastic pollution levels in the fetal living environment are miniscule. Different results between previous studies’ and ours underscore that comprehensive and strict quality control are necessary for further studies on microplastic exposure using human bio-samples.
Psychopathological aspects of compulsive sexual behavior in males
Authors:   Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry — branch of V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kan I.Yu. , Yagubov M.I. ,   Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry — branch of V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the clinical picture of compulsive sexual disorders in men as a manifestation of various mental disorders. The authors compare and analyze psychopathological features in patients with compulsive behavioral disorders in the form of compulsive masturbation within four different clinical groups. Concurrently, the presence and clinical and psychopathological features of such a phenomenon as a compulsive sexual disorder are considered not only as an important diagnostic criterion for the qualification of mental disorder, but also for the development of adequate therapeutic measures. The article proposes a program of effective therapy and rehabilitation for these disorders.
Personalized rehabilitation of patients with psychostimulant addiction, taking into account the polymorphism of genes controlling the serotonin system and neuroplastic brain processes
Authors:   City Budgetary Healthcare Organization «Moscow Research and Practical Centre for Narcology» of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Poplevchenkov K. N. , Agibalova T. V. ,   City Budgetary Healthcare Organization «Moscow Research and Practical Centre for Narcology» of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Zastrozhin M. S. ,   City Budgetary Healthcare Organization «Moscow Research and Practical Centre for Narcology» of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Buzik O. Zh. ,   City Budgetary Healthcare Organization «Moscow Research and Practical Centre for Narcology» of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow
Published: March 2023

The relevance of this study is due to the annual increase in patients with psychostimulant addiction and the lack of evidence-based methods of their rehabilitation within the framework of a personalized approach that takes into account the state of pathogenetic biomarkers of the disease. The aim of the study is to develop a personalized approach to the rehabilitation of patients with psychostimulant addiction, taking into account the polymorphism of genes controlling the work of the serotonin system and neuroplastic processes of the brain. As a result of the study of 325 patients with psychostimulant addiction, polymorphic variants of genes controlling the work of the serotonin system (SLC6A4, HTR2A, HTR2C) and neuroplastic brain processes (BDNF), affecting the formation of dependence and the effectiveness of therapy, were identified. It has been established that polymorphisms in these genes are associated with the effectiveness of motivational work for the rehabilitation program of patients with psychostimulant addiction and the duration of remissions. Based on the results obtained, personalized profiles of patients with psychostimulant addiction, taking into account certain clinical and genetic biomarkers and features of the response of patients to motivational psychotherapy aimed at rehabilitation and the formation of long-term remission, were identified.
Economic causes and social consequences of living in debt
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Knyazev Yuriy Konstantinovich
Published: March 2023

Life on loan is increasingly becoming a habitual way of life not only for many people, but also for entire states. This phenomenon of modern reality requires scientific explanation and practical understanding in order to identify its possible consequences and prevent negative effects. This article is an attempt to contribute to the clarification of this issue. Living in debt is satisfying needs not from your own current income, but at the expense of borrowed funds. If this happens by borrowing the missing funds before the next salary without interest or with a small rate, this practice is caused by everyday circumstances and does not carry serious risks. It is a different matter when one has to borrow money in the form of bank loans for a long time with unclear prospects for servicing them, that is, paying monthly interest and paying off the principal debt on time. The phenomenon of living in debt arises in the case of regular use of consumer and mortgage loans due to a chronic shortage of current income and willingness to bear the risks associated with long-term debt servicing. The article deals with the problem of living in debt, which is relevant for the whole world and Russia. This issue is associated with the widespread use of borrowing to increase purchasing power in order to meet growing needs. The origins of the widespread practice of bank lending to households and its consequences for different segments of the population are investigated. The main motives of debt consumption are described and its size and dynamics in Russia in recent years are estimated. Attention is drawn to the debt problems faced by banks and corporations themselves, as well as states whose external and internal debt is constantly increasing. It is concluded that living in debt, which has become an everyday reality, is becoming an increasingly heavy burden for the population, business and states, fraught with serious economic and social consequences.
Reconstruction of Sex Education in Dua Garis Biru Film
Authors:   Department Visual Communication Design, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Tarmawan Irwan , Rabbani R. Arby Fauzan ,   Departement Visual Communication Design, Universitas Komputer Indonesia
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the signs through the reconstruction of sex education in the film Dua Garis Biru. This research uses framing analysis method and qualitative approach. The analysis of sex education framing in the film Dua Garis Biru uses the Zhongdang Pan and Kosicki models and analyzes the syntactic, script, thematic and rhetorical parts of the scene in the film Dua Garis Biru so as to form a relationship. The results of the study, seen from the syntactic, script, thematic and rhetorical linkages resulted in a relationship that the Dua Garis Biru film was able to reconstruct the message of sex education. The film Two Blue Lines uses the concept of metaphor to reconstruct the message of sex education. The reconstruction of sex education in the film Dua Garis Biru is seen from the results of syntactic, script, thematic, and rhetorical analyzes that produce relations in the form of metaphorical signs regarding sex education without depicting vulgar scenes. The conclusion of this study is that the film Dua Garis Biru is able to reconstruct sex education with a metaphorical concept without presenting vulgar or adult scenes. This research will have an impact on a more open form of education that can be provided through signs that are not vulgar.
Governance of the Nutu Tradition in Kasepuhan Ciptagelar: Reflection on Sustainable Women's Economic Empowerment
Authors: Tiara Isfiaty  , Kankan Kasmana
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this article is to look at the governance of usable or replaceable resources in the context of the nutu tradition as a model for long-term women's economic empowerment in Kampung Gede Kasepuhan Ciptagelar. Kasepuhan Ciptagelar are a Sundanese social group in Banten with economic independence, particularly in food. They believe and live a life based on tatali paranti karuhun as the best form of life in the midst of life's dynamics and modernization. One manifestation of his belief can be seen in his attitude toward preserving farming customs and the use of non-mechanized tools, specifically lisung to process rice. They use a lisung to carry out the tradition of nutu (pounding rice). This tradition is based on siloka, meaning and value about humans and life, and has broad and deep dimensions. The nutu tradition features women as the main characters. This relates to the role of women in Sundanese culture, which is characterized by a binary opposition that is neither matriarchal nor patriarchal, including the pursuit of the family's economic degree. The narrative inductive research method was used, which is a hybrid of economics and socio-cultural science. The data collection technique is an in-depth interview with traditional elders (puun), both jaro and women from the local community. According to the findings of this study, the survival of the nutu tradition is linked to the issue of local community values and cultural interpretations in the form of (1) the concept of parents as a replaceable resource factor and (2) the concept of lineage, kinship, and brotherhood as a usable resource factor as a benchmark for women's economic empowerment. Kampung Gede Kasepuhan Ciptagelar's sustainability.
Exploration of Interior Material Based on Plastic Waste
Authors:   Magister Desain Department, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Jl. Dipatiukur No. 112-116 Bandung 40132, West Java, Indonesia, Wibowo Dheana , Ekawardhani Yully ,   Magister Desain Department, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Jl. Dipatiukur No. 112-116 Bandung 40132, West Java, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

This research is to determine the exploration of interior materials made from plastic waste, such as the process of collecting materials and the stages until they can become interior materials. To find out the process and stages, this research uses data collection methods in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings of this research are the analysis of plastic waste such as the content and properties of plastic when used as an exploration of interior materials and the strength of the interior material itself. Plastic is not only dangerous for humans, but also endangers all living things and the environment around us, especially according to Indonesian domestic statistics, Indonesia is a country that ranks second in the largest contributor of plastic waste. Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that the formation of knowledge regarding the creation of creative products to tackle plastic waste, by using it as an interior material is able to turn useless objects into very useful object for the survival of human life.
Visual Representation of Indonesian Culture in Character Design HololiveID Virtual Youtuber
Authors:   Magister Design Department, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia, Rimbawati G , Putra Y H ,   Magister Design Department, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to identify visual representations of Indonesian culture that are applied to the virtual character design of Hololive Indonesia (HololiveID) Virtual Youtuber (vTuber). To obtain data, qualitative research methods will be performed as well as observation. This cultural representation can analyze using narrative-visual analysis and semiotics. Through visual-narrative and semiotic analysis, the visual elements of the HololiveID vTuber character design will be identified and analyzed to classify the design of Indonesian cultural artifacts that the character is trying to adapt. As a virtual youtuber, the character design itself will represent their visual identity. The discourse on the visual adaptation of Indonesian cultural elements has become an interesting phenomenon to study. The impact on Japanese popular culture fans among Indonesian people can be seen from the enthusiasm that emerged when this was a trend. Cultural visual adaptation can be used as a media to introduce a traditional culture by the means of popular culture. From this analysis, it can be concluded how the HololiveID vTuber character design lifts and represents Indonesian culture into its visual identity. The result of this present research shows HololiveID generation two’s character design is proven to have Indonesian cultural design as their visual Identity, mostly their design using batik to represent the Indonesian culture and requires a deeper level of understanding of the Indonesian cultural artefact itself.
Economic Aspects of Pandan Fiber Furniture from the Area of Sustainable Design Philosoph
Authors:   Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Design, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Bandung-West Java, Indonesia, Maharlika F
Published: March 2023

In terms of sustainable design philosophy, the goal of this study is to describe the fulfillment of economic principles through furniture made from Pandanus fiber. Respecting the needs of current and future generations, energy efficiency, cost-effective and sustainable solutions, and easy product maintenance are all areas of sustainable design philosophy. The qualitative research method was used. The findings of this study show that chair furniture made from Pandan fiber satisfies both economic and philosophical principles of sustainable design, because the manufacturing and processing of waste do not incur high costs due to the lack of heavy equipment, machinery, or chemicals used in the management process. On the contrary, the resulting product is strong and long-lasting.
The Role of Interior Design on User Comfort in a Residence
Authors:   Department Magister Design Universitas Komputer Indonesia Bandung, Indonesia, Sya’bani Mohammad , Iskandar M Syahril ,   Department Magister Design Universitas Komputer Indonesia Bandung, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The role of interior design in a residence today is very important. An order that can fulfill our basic need for a means of shelter and shelter, determines the pace and at the same time regulates the form of our activities, nurtures aspirations and expresses the ideas that accompany our actions, affects our appearance, feelings and personality. The purpose of interior design is intended to improve function, enrich the aesthetic value, and improve the psychological aspects of a space. In addition, interior design can increase comfort for residential owners. To find out the role of interior design in supporting user comfort in a dwelling, researchers conducted a study to find out whether there was an effect of spatial planning, lighting, and air temperature together on the comfort of a dwelling. By using quantitative and descriptive research methods. Based on the results of the analysis studied, it can be seen that the role of interior design has a positive and significant effect on the comfort of its users. Good interior design has a surprising impact on the health of one's body. This happens because a person's physiological and psychological health can be affected by the atmosphere and feel of a room.
“Reading” Lasem Heritage Buildings as Marketing Strategy for the Cultural Tourism Sustainability: A Phenomenological Perspective
Authors:   Department of Interior Design, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Indonesia, Darmayanti Tessa Eka , Tawami Tatan ,   Department of English Literature, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

In recent years, Lasem tourism has grown, especially about historical buildings. However, the tourism sector has experienced a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various strategies are carried out by the local peoples and also foundations that care about Lasem, to restore the economic situation and continue to strive to maintain the culture in it. This study aims to determine the tourism promotion strategy in Lasem, which involves historic buildings. This study uses a qualitative approach and a phenomenological point of view to enrich the discussion. The results showed that by reading the tangible value of the building, its cultural meaning was obtained, which became a notable element in tourism marketing. It can be beneficial for local governments and owners of cultural heritage buildings to boost the economy in the tourism sector. At the same time emphasizes that cultural values are a significant part of tourism that can make a place survive because it has a distinctive character and identity.
Impact Of Finance Technology On Profit At Sharia Banks In Bandung
Authors: W A Astuti
Published: March 2023

Industry 4.0 is currently giving rise to an innovation in all fields. One of them is the financial services sector by combining application-based funding technology. Innovations in financial services that are currently trending related to access to financial products are known as Financial Technology (FinTech). The purpose of this study is to analyze whether there are differences in earnings before and after the existence of Financial Technology in Islamic Banks. The research method used is descriptive quantitative in the form of a comparison that aims to measure the influence before and after the existence of FinTech on Profits at Islamic Banks for the 2017-2020 period as measured by Net Interest Margin, the population of this study from financial statements which was then narrowed down using purposive sampling so that the sample in this study are the quarterly financial statements of Islamic banks for the period 2017-2020. The results of the study show that in Islamic banks there is no significant effect on the net interest margin before and after using fintech, this is due to several factors including the level of security, long-term maintenance and the bank's ability to maintain internet banking are also experiencing problems. The not yet maximal use of internet banking in Indonesia for banking transactions is also still an obstacle to the development of internet banking services.
Prevention of fraud with good corporate governance and internal control
Authors:   Department of Accounting, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia, Suhayati Ely , Bramasto Ari ,   Department of Accounting, Universitas Langlangbuana, Bandung, Indonesia, Sarifudin Dedi ,   Department of Internal Control, Balai Besar Penelitian Tanaman Padi Sukamanadi, Subang, Indonesia, Rahmania Nafisah ,   Department of Accounting, Universitas Komputer Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine how much good corporate governance and internal control can prevent fraud in SOES at Java island, with a sample of 15 representatives of SOES’s Internal Auditors in Java, while the method used in this study is descriptive and verification method using multiple regression and correlation analysis. The results of this study provide empirical evidence that the application of the principles of good corporate governance in SOES can prevent fraud, as well as an effective internal control can prevent fraud, this study concludes that if Good Corporate Governance and Internal Control are implemented properly, it can minimize fraud. Good Corporate Governance and Internal Control are consistently important to be implemented in all countries, to break the stigma from society towards SOES that have not been able to fully prevent fraud because they are not implemented strictly and consistently.