bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
الحد من انبعاث الزئبق ومركباته في الغلاف الجوي وفقاً اتفاقية ميناماتا بشأن الزئبق لسنة 2013
Authors: جابر صلاح
Published: April 2023

يتناول هذا البحث السبل المناسبة للحد من انبعاث الزئبق او مركبات الزئبق في الغلاف الجوي، وذلك وفقاً لقواعد اتفاقية (ميناماتا) بشأن الزئبق لسنة 2013 ، والتي دعت بشكل عام الى ضبط استخدام الزئبق او مركباته بوصفها مادة كيميائية الذي يشكل وجودها وثباتها في البيئة وقدرتها على التراكم البيئي خطراً كبيراً على صحة الانسان والنظم البيئية المتعددة، لاسيما في الدول النامية التي تعاني من تراجع الاداء الصحي والبيئي فيها بشكل ملحوظ، ولا تملك في ذات الوقت الوسائل الحديثة او الملائمة للسيطرة على اطلاق او انبعاث هذه المادة في البيئة.

وعلى هذا الاساس تم تناول مفهوم الزئبق ومدى تأثيره السلبي على الصحة والبيئة، كذلك القواعد المعنية بحماية الصحة والبيئة من الزئبق ومركباته ضمن نطاق اتفاقية (ميناماتا) بشأن الزئبق لسنة 2013، ومن ثم التطرق لقواعد الاتفاقية الخاصة بضبط انبعاث الزئبق ومركباته في الغلاف الجوي من المصادر الثابتة ذات الصلة الجديدة او القائمة، والتي تستلزم وضع تدابير من الاطراف في الاتفاقية تستند الى استراتيجيات وخطط تهدف الوصول الى ايجاد حد مناسب لانبعاث هذه المادة الكيميائية بالشكل الذي يحافظ على التوازن الطبيعي للغلاف الجوي.

الكلمات المفتاحية: انبعاث زئبق، اتفاقية ميناماتا، الغلاف الجوي، القانون الدولي
Le grand décentrement
Authors: Acosta Alberto
Published: April 2023

En Équateur, la nature est reconnue comme sujet de droit depuis 2008, ôtant à l’humain sa place centrale. De plus en plus crédible aux oreilles du monde, cette révolution quasi copernicienne est nécessaire pour sortir de l’impasse écologique. Analyse en quatre points.
Guerre et capitalisme
Authors: Jany-Catrice Florence
Published: April 2023

De plus en plus présente dans les disc ours gouvernementaux, l’économie de guerre est trop peu explorée par les économistes néoclassiques. L’interroger permet pourtant de comprendre les liens consubstantiels entre guerre et capitalisme, et l’impasse qui en découle.
Le long règne des gangs
Authors: Alcin Jeffton , Alphonse Ritchy , Blanchard Charles , Enezer John Mekinson
Published: April 2023

Chaos et inexistence de l’État ont cours en Haïti, livré au joug des bandes criminelles. Bien loin d’y être un phénomène nouveau, le gangstérisme s’inscrit depuis l’origine dans l’histoire du pays. Quelles réponses y apporter ?
Librairies et revues : un dialogue compliqué
Authors: Delorme Julien , Passet Coraline
Published: April 2023

Sous les transformations de l’édition – massification et uniformisation de la production, création des grands circuits de diffusion/distribution –, doublées d’une concurrence avec les grandes surfaces de vente, les librairies indépendantes se sont converties à une politique de l’offre, atout commercial plus certain, et se sont éloignées des revues, objets hybrides, entre création et recherche, exigeants et peu identifiables. L’apparition des mooks habilement marquetés et ciblés, n’a fait qu’accentuer la marginalisation des revues auprès de libraires dont la formation n’a jamais fait cas de celles-ci. Dans leur espace compté, la temporalité des revues, leur rotation très en retrait par rapport à la profusion des livres et au rythme des magazines, leurs propres limites à définir le lecteur qu’elles entendent séduire, la faiblesse de leur capacité de diffusion – entre auto-diffusion et diffusion déléguée par de rares et modestes structures – leur concèdent peu d’espace. Tels sont les enseignements qu’on peut tirer des entretiens réalisés auprès d’un échantillon de libraires, même si certains font toujours preuve d’enthousiasme et d’engagement en direction de ces objets fragiles.
L’intégration des ressources naturelles dans la modélisation macroéconomique : l’empreinte de Robert M. Solow
Authors: Gaspard Marion , Missemer Antoine
Published: April 2023

Dans les années 1970, choc pétrolier et rapport Meadows [1972] ont contraint les économistes d’inspiration néoclassique à réagir aux alertes sur les limites à la croissance et à s’interroger sur la place des ressources naturelles, en particulier épuisables, dans les processus de production. Très vite, ils ont dénoncé les scénarios apocalyptiques, soulignant l’existence de mécanismes d’ajustement (variations de prix, transformations techniques ou institutionnelles). Cet article revient sur le rôle tant théorique qu’institutionnel joué par Robert M. Solow et certains de ses collaborateurs (notamment Joseph E. Stiglitz et William D. Nordhaus) dans cette reconfiguration de la macroéconomie. Il apparaît que Solow a rapidement cherché à occuper le terrain, dans un contexte de luttes internes au MIT, invitant ses anciens étudiants à redonner une légitimité à la science économique, quitte à amener les débats sur des questions techniques – la forme des fonctions de production – plus que paradigmatiques. Mais, alors que la plupart des critiques adressées aujourd’hui aux travaux de l’époque portent sur ces questions techniques (substitution des facteurs, backstop technology, confiance dans le marché pour l’ajustement des prix), cet article souligne que ce sont davantage certains partis pris, comme la désirabilité de la croissance ou encore la traduction de tout enjeu environnemental en décision d’investissement, qui méritent d’être interrogés. L’histoire de l’intégration des ressources naturelles dans la modélisation macroéconomique apparaît ainsi plus riche et plus complexe que ce que l’on en dit habituellement.
Retour sur le Plan
Authors: Laffargue Jean-Pierre , Morin Pierre
Published: April 2023

Ce texte a pour but de rappeler ce que tenta d’apporter le Plan pendant près de 40 ans, à partir de 1945, aux politiques économiques, structurelles surtout, en mettant l’accent sur sa pensée économique et ses apports méthodologiques. Nous partons d'une présentation en quatre points de Pierre Massé : une parenté avec les pratiques de plusieurs économies occidentales ; la réunion de toutes les parties en vue de décisions communes ; la création d'une communauté d’intérêts dépassant les clivages habituels ; des contributions à la vérité des prix. C’est ce dernier point, qui a le moins laissé de traces dans la mémoire collective, que nous allons tenter de mettre en valeur ici, en rappelant les travaux qui, dérivés des théories dites néo-classiques de l’équilibre et de l’optimum, ont contribué, au Plan et dans sa sphère d’influence, à discipliner la croissance de l’économie française. Après un rappel de ce que pouvaient être les théories de la planification en ces temps, l'article examine les questions de la croissance optimale et du taux d’actualisation qui lui est associé, celle des politiques contraaléatoires, puis celle de la prise en compte des déséquilibres macroéconomiques dans le calcul économique public. Le Plan a été un cadre adapté à la société française d’alors, lui permettant de prendre certaines décisions en surmontant ses divisions. Le talent, et, ainsi que le souligne Jacques Lesourne, les qualités personnelles de beaucoup y contribuèrent fortement.
Hover Dynamics and Flight Control of a UAM-Scale Quadcopter With Hybrid RPM and Collective Pitch Control
Authors: Walter Ariel , Mckay Michael , Niemiec Robert , Gandhi Farhan , Berger Tom
Published: April 2023

Hover analysis is performed on a 1200-lb gross weight UAM-scale quadcopter with both variable rotor speed and collective pitch control. With these redundant controls, the hover performance and flight dynamics are considered at three trim points, where power consumption can be increased
to improve authority of the pitch inputs for changes in rotor thrust. An explicit model following control laws is optimized using CONDUITR to meet ADS-33E-PRF handling qualities specifications, with design margin optimization on each axis. The responses of the linearized system
are examined with either control type, and pitch control is shown to outperform RPM-control in heave, while the opposite is true for yaw. Trim in axial climb is simulated, where the collective pitch can be scheduled with the climb rate to maintain effective stall margin. Hybrid control mixing
is implemented using a complementary filter, allowing the aircraft to use pitch control for short-term responses and RPM control for trim. The benefits of this hybrid control scheme are demonstrated through simulation of hot/high/heavy conditions, where trimming with RPM control allows the
pitch actuators to maintain margin for maneuvers. It is concluded that hybrid control allows the aircraft to reap the benefits of pitch control for maneuverability while maintaining stall margin by using RPM control for trim.
Chest Care and Respiratory Therapy in Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Acute Infection
Authors: Huang Chien-Lin , Chao Ke-Yun , Chien Yu-Hsuan , Mu Shu-Chi
Published: April 2023

Most pediatric patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 show mild clinical symptoms, and hospitalization rate in the United States is about 0.05%. Most cases with hospitalization need respiratory therapy to keep saturation and relieve symptoms including tachypnea or chest tightness. According to a recent study, heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) is effective treatment opinion and reduce aerosol spreading comparing with noninvasive positive pressure ventilator and other oxygen therapy. Respiratory rate-oxygen index is a useful tool to predict patient’s respiratory function whether intubation is needed or not. Besides, chest care with appropriate position change improves respiratory status. Prone position is suggested if no clinical improvement is seen after use of HHHFNC. Earlier decision for intubation prevents sudden deterioration and gets enough time for protective equipment concerned about strong transmission by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.
Role of Inflammatory Markers as Prognostic Indicators in Treatment of Mucormycosis
Authors: RajS Pruthvi , Godse Ashwini , Menon P Architha , T M Deepika , C Ravishankar
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Mucormycosis is opportunistic fungal infection characterized by extensive inflammation, necrosis and infarction of the involved tissues. It is associated with rise in levels of inflammatory markers [Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) , C-reactive protein (CRP)]. This study was done to know the role of ESR, CRP as prognostic indicators in the treatment of covid-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM).

Materials and Methods: : A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between May 2021 and December 2021 at a tertiary centre. 315 patients with post-covid ROCM (Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis) were included in study. ESR and CRP were sent for all patients at the time of admission. Postoperatively the same were  repeated on post-op (POD) day 7, day 14, and day 30 during follow-up.

Results: 243 (77.14%) patients were male and 72 (22.86%) were female. 6 patients with stage IV ROCM had recurrence of the disease in the postoperative period. Mean  ESR values in these patients at the time of admission, POD-7, 14, 30 were 98.17, 68.17, 44.00, 80.33 respectively. Mean CRP values in these patients at the time of admission, POD-7, 14, 30 were 58.50, 48.17, 26.33,37.83 respectively.

Conclusion: Serial measurements of inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP) levels helps in the diagnosis and prognostication of  ROCM along with clinical evaluation and imaging.
Performance Investigation of a Concentrated Solar Dish for Heating Applications
Authors: Al-Tahaineh Hamza
Published: April 2023

Concentrated collectors offer a broad variety of solar energy uses, including heating, cooling, power production, and water desalination. This study was conducted to construct and test a concentrated parabolic solar dish water heater. The aperture size of the dish is 4.556m2 , and a copper absorber has a surface area of 0.2278m2 , a volume of 0.015m3 ,
and a concentrating ratio of 20. The water is heated up to 120°C at a solar radiation intensity of 700W/m2 and a 20°C ambient temperature. The absorber's stagnation temperature reached 246°C in roughly 1500 seconds. The thermal efficiency of the system was found to be 46%.
Pedagogical Exemplars for Mathematics Across Learning Styles
Authors: Ocampo Evelina N. , Siahaan Kevin William Andri , Sinaga Samuel Juliardi , Cutillas Anesito L.
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of different pedagogical exemplars for teaching mathematics across various learning styles using multimedia technology. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group received the intervention through an interactive computer presentation program, while the control group used the standard dialogue and discussion techniques. The study used survey questionnaires adapted from BARSCH's Learning Style Inventory and self-made pre-and post-tests to measure students' learning and engagement. The research findings revealed that students with different learning styles benefited differently from multimedia-assisted instruction, suggesting the importance of considering individual differences in instructional design. The use of multimedia technology in teaching mathematics facilitates the learning process of students with different learning styles. The results of this study also support the importance of using statistical analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions and to inform evidence-based decision-making in education. This study identified the most effective pedagogical exemplars for each learning style and highlighted the benefits of interactive media teaching mathematics. These findings suggest that teaching methods that align with students' learning styles can improve academic performance
WHAT FACTORS DRIVE THE MICROFINANCE BANKS’ PROFITABILITY IN NIGERIA?
Authors: Ademola Abimbola Oluwaseyi
Published: April 2023

Banks’ profitability is vital component of economic growth, its significance extends from’ sustainability of banks to macroeconomic stabilization. Thus, this study assessed the effect of banks’ specific factors and macroeconomic variables on the profitability of microfinance banks (MFBs) in Nigeria from 2012-2021. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 licensed MFBs from the South West region of Nigeria. This study employed return on assets (ROA) as an indicator of profitability. Secondary data was elicited from annual published reports of the selected MFBs. Descriptive, regression and correlation techniques were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that MFBs age and size play major roles in the determination of the banks’ profitability; non-performing loans substantially influenced MFBs profitability though adversely. Liquidity rate exerted negligible but positive influence on MFBs profitability. Furthermore, gross domestic product and exchange rate influenced MFBs profitability considerably. In contrast, the Inflation and Interest rate had an adverse but noticeable effect on banks’ profitability. The results provide signifncant directions to banks as well as related policy-makers. Bank management should take cognizance of these salient factors and endeavor to the lower non-performing loans in order to enhance MFBs profitability.
LEADERSHIP EMPOWERING BEHAVIORS: GENDER-BASED COMPARATIVE STUDY AT SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL
Authors: Munawar Uzma , Haider Syed Zubair , Suleman Qaiser
Published: April 2023

The study compared the leadership empowering behaviors of male and female secondary school heads in Pakistan. Main purpose of the research is to collate captaincy empowering conduct of male & female educational leaders at the secondary level. The sample was comprised of 564 teachers including 379 males & 185 females employing a stratified random sample technique. In this study, quantitative and descriptive methodologies were used. A standardized tool “Leader Empowering Behavior Questionnaire” was used for data collection. Data was collected and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, & independent samples t-test. Results explored that there is significant difference (t = 3.160, p = .002) between leadership empowering behavior among male (mean = 5.73, SD = .30) and female leaders (mean = 5.64, SD = .31) on whole. Male leaders were found to have better leadership empowering behavior than female leaders. Thus, it was recommended from results that female educational leaders should further improve and adopt leadership empowering behavior for better organizational productivity and female educational leaders should further improve their empowering behavior so as to stimulate potential of their subordinates for better performance and commitment in diverse situtions for desired outcomes.
O IMPACTO DA VIDA ONLINE SOBRE A PERCEPÇÃO DA AUTOIMAGEM
Authors: Tinoco Gabriela Cozin Aragão , Silva Milena Barrera , Mituiwa Beatriz Moura , Vasconcelos Rossana Cantanhede Farias de
Published: April 2023

Fundamentos: A pandemia do COVID-19 ampliou o uso de tecnologias de interação social, conectando os indivíduos virtualmente. Essa mudança trouxe uma nova tendência de insatisfações com a aparência induzida pelas mídias sociais, motivando a busca excessiva por procedimentos estéticos. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto gerado pelo uso de apps na pandemia sobre a autoimagem dos entrevistados por sexo biológico, idade e renda familiar. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com 350 participantes, de faixa etária 18 anos ou mais, residentes no estado de São Paulo - Brasil, por meio de divulgação online de um formulário eletrônico. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados por teste qui quadrado e de Cochran, sendo cruzadas as variáveis renda, idade e sexo biológico. Resultados: Do total, 69,71% alegam mudanças na maneira que se veem fisicamente durante a pandemia; 58,3% relatam que os aplicativos influenciam na sua autoimagem, visto que 70,6% das respostas são mulheres entre 18-29 anos; 73,9% das mulheres de todas as idades e rendas reconheceram a importância da pele para a autoimagem, sendo esse dado discrepante entre as faixas etárias dos homens. Conclusões: O uso dos aplicativos na pandemia impactou sobre a autoimagem dos participantes, levando-os a terem maior interesse em obter futuros tratamentos e procedimentos estéticos.
STUDYING THE ROLE OF VASOPRESSIN HORMONE, ENDOTHELIN-1, AND SERUM ALBUMIN DURING PROGRESSIVE AGE IN HYPERTENSIVE MEN
Authors: Hasan Methaq Mohamed , Khalifa Ahmed Aboud
Published: April 2023

Background: Vasopressin (AVP) hormone and total serum protein (including albumin) change during the progressive age in hypertensive men and are associated with cytokines release (endothelin-1 (ET-1)), leading to many renal and cardiovascular disorders. Aim: This study is to investigate AVP, ET-1, total protein, and serum albumin levels in various ages of hypertensive men to provide insights into the effects of aging and high blood pressure. Methods: The levels of AVP, ET-1, total protein, and serum albumin were compared in 80 hypertensive men as they aged, divided into four groups (20 men/group) based on their ages ranging from 30 to 69 years. The first group consisted of men aged 30-39 years, the second group included men aged 40-49 years, the third group had men aged 50-59 years, and the fourth group had men aged 60-69. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data, followed by Duncan s test for the groups. Results: AVP increased significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in different groups, except the fourth group against the third group. High levels of ET-1 were released significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in different groups except in the third group vs. the second group. Both serum albumin and total protein reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.01) in different groups (with some exceptions). Discussion: The physiological impact of these results was discussed according to the effects of hypertension and advanced age on the studied parameters; particularly, AVP increment and high levels of ET-1 indicated an evident dysfunction in blood pressure regulation during advanced age. Conclusions: High levels of AVP hormone and its ability to constrictions of blood vessels and reabsorption of Na and water might be indicated as continuous and maintenance hypertension during advanced age. High levels of ET-1 detection might be pointed to a low-grade inflammation during hypertension and advanced age.
REFLECTING ON THE DERAILMENT IN OHIO, USA.
Authors: De Boni Luis Alcides Brandini
Published: April 2023

Background: On February 3, 2023, a train derailment happened in Ohio, causing a massive chemical spill. The train was transporting several chemical compounds that are raw materials for the chemical industry, and due to the derailment, some wagons caught fire, and others were in danger of explosion due to overheating. Aims: This note aims to reflect on the study of the chemicals present in the derailment and whether it could be a different outcome. Methods: A simple survey was done on the internet, looking for information about the derailment and the main chemicals the train was carrying. The information about the chemicals was selected from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from regular suppliers of the products. Results: The information collected regarding the derailment was unclear about the reasons for the fact, and the literature regarding the chemicals pointed out that the situation could get worse or worse than it already was. Discussion: at the time of the study, no conclusive information was available regarding the reasons for the derailment. The spill of a carcinogenic agent turned the derailment scenario more difficult to operate. The combustion of vinyl chloride can create phosgene gas (apparently did it) and increase the horror show that unfolded at the derailment site. Conclusions: The local population was suffering at the time and waiting for real proper support. The locomotive crew followed the company regulations, and the personnel working on the ground followed orders. Therefore, those do not appear to be the reasons for the derailment.
Síndrome de Sézary: complementando a histologia com o esfregaço sanguíneo
Authors: Pereira Miguel Augusto Martins , Souza Isabella Gomes , Silva Lucas Natã , Kang Hye Chung , Vilar Enoï Aparecida Guedes
Published: April 2023

A síndrome de Sézary (SS) é uma variante leucêmica rara dos linfomas cutâneos de células T (LCCT), que se manifesta principalmente com eritrodermia pruriginosa. Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 58 anos, portador desse raro linfoma, sem comprometimento da medula óssea pelo tumor, evidenciado por biópsia, apesar da leucocitose extrema. Fizemos uma breve revisão da Literatura de casos semelhantes, apresentações clínicas, critérios diagnósticos e estadiamento. Ênfase foi dada às alterações morfológicas no sangue periférico. Afinal, a análise das alterações morfológicas no sangue periférico mostrou-se um importante guia para o diagnóstico e suspeição da doença.
THE FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING OF RETAIL INVESTORS IN PAKISTAN STOCK EXCHANGE: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF KEY FACTORS
Authors: Khurshid Shahzeb , Ahmad Ashfaq
Published: April 2023

In recent years, field of behavioral finance has gained increasing attention, with numerous studies investigating impact of various factors on investors' decision-making. However, there remains a critical gap in literature when it comes to a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence retail investors' decision-making. This gap presents a chance for further research to explore factors that affect retail investors' decision-making, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan. The study examines both behavioral and external factors that impact the financial decision-making of retail investors in Pakistan. The research includes a sample of retail investors who invest in the Pakistan stock market, and data is collected using the simple random sampling technique. 1000+ questionnaire were distributed & 545 responses were received. The researcher used Smart-PLS for the purpose to analyze both measurement model and structural model. Results reveal that all exogenous variables have a significant influence financial decisions of retail investors in Pakistan stock market. Results hold significant implications & limitations for behavioral finance.
DEMOCRACY, DICTATORSHIP OR HYBRIDITY: AN INCESSANT LABYRINTH OF PAKISTANI POLITICAL HISTORY
Authors: Farooq Athar , Ahmed Abrar , Shajehan Zeeshan
Published: April 2023

The term hybrid regime has recently become very popular in the Pakistani politics. Not many people outside the select group of political scientists were even aware of concept only a decade ago. This paper discusses this concept in detail in context of Pakistan’s political history to prove that hybrid regime is not an anomaly but a norm in Pakistan’s political system and that Pakistan’s regimes throughout the history were neither pure democracies nor absolute stratocracies. It proves that from inception till this day Pakistan has always had hybrid regimes. Government is framed apparently by civilian political people, but somewhere the role of establishment in governmental affairs is absolutely undeniable. This study aimed to explore the leading issues that are considered as significant contributors towards the political regime along with its implication towards desired change. In this connection, present study uses the qualitative content analysis technique for data analysis for finding the answers of the research questions and reaching the desired conclusion of study. Thus, the findings reveals that the government in Pakistan is neither liberal democracy nor authoritarian rather; the government in our country is hybrid regime.
Metformin Inhibits Autophagy, Mitophagy and Antagonizes Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Death
Authors: Van Jennifer , Hahn Younghee , Silverstein Brett , Li Cairong , Cai Fei , Wei Jia , Katiki Lokesh , Mehta Puja , Livatova Katherine , DelPozzo Jaclyn , Kobayashi Tamayo , Huang Yuan , Kobayashi Satoru , Liang Qiangrong
Published: April 2023

Article
Metformin Inhibits Autophagy, Mitophagy and Antagonizes Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Death

Jennifer Van 1, Younghee Hahn 1, Brett Silverstein 1, Cairong Li 2, Fei Cai 2, Jia Wei 3, Lokesh Katiki 1, Puja Mehta 1, Katherine Livatova 1, Jaclyn DelPozzo 1, Tamayo Kobayashi 1, Yuan Huang 1, Satoru Kobayashi 1, and Qiangrong Liang 1, *

1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 10001, United States
2 Clinical Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 332306, China
3 Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000 , China
* Correspondence: qliang03@nyit.edu
 
 
Received: 28 November 2022
Accepted: 12 January 2023
Published: 17 February 2023
 

Abstract: The antidiabetic drug metformin has been shown to reduce cardiac injury under various pathological conditions, including anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, which makes metformin a prime candidate for repurposing. However, the mechanisms that mediate the cardioprotective effects of metformin remain highly controversial. In this study, we tested a prevailing hypothesis that metformin activates autophagy/mitophagy to reduce DOX cardiotoxicity. FVB/N mice and H9C2 cardiac myoblasts were treated with metformin, respectively. Autophagy/mitophagy was determined by Western blot analysis of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3, form-II (LC3-II), a well-established marker of autophagic vesicles. Although metformin had minimal effects on basal LC3-II levels, it significantly inhibited the accumulation of LC3-II levels by the lysosomal protease inhibitors pepstatin A and E64d in both total cell lysates and mitochondrial fractions. Also, dual fluorescent autophagy/mitophagy reporters demonstrated that metformin slowed the degradation rate of autophagic cargos or mitochondrial fragments in the lysosomes. These surprising results suggest that metformin inhibits rather than stimulates autophagy/mitophagy, sharply contrasting the popular belief. In addition, metformin diminished DOX-induced autophagy/mitophagy as well as cardiomyocyte death. Together, these results suggest that the cardioprotective effects of metformin against DOX cardiotoxicity may be mediated by its ability to inhibit autophagy and mitophagy, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be determined.
23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Xiang Shuangli , Wang Miaojuan , Chen Xiuping
Published: April 2023

Article
23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling

Shuangli Xiang 1, # , Miaojuan Wang 2, # , and Xiuping Chen 2, *

1 Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China.
2 State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China.
* Correspondence: xpchen@um.edu.mo, Tel.: +853-88224679, Fax: +853-28841358
# Co-First author.
 
 
Received: 8 November 2022
Accepted: 2 December 2022
Published: 11 January 2023
 

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory intestinal disease, is a growing epidemic affecting people worldwide and requires the development of effective therapeutic drugs. In this study, the effect of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA), a compound isolated from the traditional herb Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, on experimental UC was studied. C57BL/6J male mice were administrated with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water to establish the UC model. 23-HBA was orally administrated at either 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/kg for 6 days. Mesalazine was used as a positive control. Examination of the body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology examination, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and protein expression was performed. The pathological changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Aixian blue-glycogen (AB-PAS) staining. In cultured RAW 264.7 cells, the effects of 23-HBA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and oxidative stress were analyzed. Compared with the colitis model, 23-HBA treatment significantly increased the body weight and colon length and decreased the DAI score. Pathological staining showed that 23-HBA mitigated the damage in intestinal structures, the increase in inflammatory cell infiltration, the increase in submucosa edema, and the decrease in goblet cell number. Furthermore, 23-HBA decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA levels in the colon tissues. In addition, 23-HBA inhibited the protein expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB p65 both in the colon tissues and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, these results showed that 23-HBA alleviated DSS-induced acute UC in mice and inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells possibly mediated by regulating the NF-κB pathway.
Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery Using Smart Nanovectors
Authors: Salama Abou Bakr , Salem Yasmin , Mohamed Tamer
Published: April 2023

Review
Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery Using Smart Nanovectors

Abou Bakr M. Salama 1,2, Yasmin Y. Salem 1,2, and Tamer M. A. Mohamed 1,3,4,5,6, *

1 Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
2 Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
3 Envirome Institute, Centre for Cardiometabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
4 Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
5 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
6 Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
* Correspondence: tamer.mohamed@louisville.edu
 
 
Received: 28 January 2023
Accepted: 23 February 2023
Published: 20 March 2023
 

Abstract: The conventional drug delivery systems have several limitations, such as the high frequency of administration, several off-target effects, and the need for tissue specificity. Recently, smart drug shuttles have emerged, and the nano applications provided a new opportunity for advancing the drug delivery system to become tissue targeted and decrease the frequency of administration. The recent development of nanovectors as drug carriers has gone through several steps of evolution that ended with the development of logic-embedded nanovectors. Here, we summarize the different types of nanovectors and their applications in various clinical situations, and finally, we spot the light on the future of this area of research.
Investigating the effect of consuming soft drinks on the liver and kidney functions of a sample from the Iraqi community
Authors: Aldaraji Mustafa , Al-Azzawi Tahreer , RASHEED MOHAMMED , Sarhan Mohammed , Jaber Ahmed , Saidani Tarek , Rashid Taha
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted on a group of people who drink soft drinks a lot (Cola, Pepsi) and coffee. It included 90 people, 30 people for each type of drink consumed, distributed equally, males and females, and a control group of 30 people who do not drink these drinks and they are also distributed males and females.

Blood samples were collected from people and laboratory analyzes were conducted to determine the effect of these drinks on liver function (Aspartate aminotransferase AST, Alanine amino transferase ALT, Alanine amino transferase ALP) and kidneys (Serum Creatinine, Serum Urea). The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the liver enzymes of the subjects who consumed cola and Pepsi. It was AST (130.6 ± 0.413 U/I, 156.63 ± 0.63), ALT (U/I 85.3 ± 0.62, 83.52 ± 0.5), and ALP (U/I). I/I 239.3 ± 1.22, 231.05 ± 0.29), respectively, compared with the control group (U/I 119.82 ± 1.06, 53.7 ± 0.425, 146.93 ± 1.66) respectively, and no significant differences (P<0.05) were shown in the value of the CuI intake for the three enzymes. under study compared with the control group. As for the value of urea and creatinine analyzes, it showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the urea value for a sample of cola and Pepsi drinkers, it was (43.22 ± 0.46 mg/dl, 43.51 ±0.41) compared with the control group (29 mg/dl). ± 0.19), and the results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the glucose analysis value for people who consumed cola and Pepsi, as it was (195.8 ± 1.22 mg/dl, 245.78 ± 0.78), respectively, compared with the control group, which was (101.1 ± 0.78 mg/dl). . We conclude that consuming soft drinks in excess affects high blood sugar, liver and kidney functions, and this negatively affects other vital activities in the body.
Het non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst anno 2023
Authors: Kolenbrander J.H.
Published: April 2023

Het non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst anno 2023

In deze bijdrage wordt thematisch jurisprudentie uit het jaar 2022 besproken omtrent het postcontractuele non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst. Daarbij wordt ook aandacht besteed aan de invloed van de Wet franchise nu deze wet voorschriften stelt aan postcontractuele non-concurrentiebedingen in franchiseovereenkomsten.
Inovação e estratégia: um estudo em micro e pequenas empresas de serviços
Authors: D'anjour Miler Franco , Medeiros Bruno Campelo , De Medeiros Júnior Josué Vitor
Published: April 2023

Esta pesquisa apresenta como objetivo geral objetivo geral mensurar o grau de inovação a partir do comportamento estratégico de Micro e Pequenas Empresas que atuam no setor de serviço região metropolitana de Natal. Quanto aos procedimentos, o presente estudo é classificado como do tipo explicativo, de natureza quantitativa, conduzido por meio de uma survey analítica. A amostra utilizada foi do tipo probabilística, aleatória simples, composta por 260 gestores de empresas do setor de serviço da região metropolitana de Natal, participantes do Programa ALI/SEBRAE/CNPq. O instrumento de pesquisa foi aplicado no período de maio 2014 a março de 2015, tendo retornado 260 questionários em condições de tabulação. Através de uma análise de regressão múltipla, foram identificadas nas organizações estudadas um perfil transitando entre o comportamento estratégico analítico e prospector, além do predomínio de pouca inovação nestas organizações. Estes resultados indicaram uma forte e positiva influência do comportamento estratégico no grau de inovação das empresas, sendo confirmados ao se observar os percentuais de explicação do modelo, bem como o valor da estatística t-student da variável “EstratOrg” em relação à varável dependente. De forma conclusiva, a pesquisa confirma as suposições da teoria quando apontam uma necessidade de se promover um alinhamento do posicionamento estratégico da organização com o seu processo de inovação, sendo esta estratégia um fator primordial do sucesso ou fracasso no processo de inovação.
Virtual reality as a technological solution for gastronomic tourism
Authors: Catapan Márcio Fontana , Mercado Fuad Antonio Pumarejo , De Almeida Lucas Gregory Gomes
Published: April 2023

During the Covid-19 pandemic were people could not leave their homes, it was difficult to do gastronomic tourism. This generated a great negative impact on mental health in people, in the same way it had a great reduction in the knowledge of the world gastronomic cultural heritage. The objective of this work was to measure the impact of a virtual environment for gastronomic tourism. Was made an exploratory study with part of the population to experience the coffee growing environment using virtual reality devices at home. As a solution to alleviate claustrophobia caused by isolation and as a tool to promote or enhance the gastronomic cultural heritage.
Fatores determinantes do Custo com Segurança Privada sob a ótica dos discentes de Ciências Contábeis
Authors: do Nascimento Ítalo Carlos Soares , De Melo Geison Calyo Varela , Da Silva Maria Naiula Monteiro , Rebouças Sílvia Maria Dias Pedro , Catrib Ana Maria Fontenelle
Published: April 2023

O custo com segurança privada passou a crescer consideravelmente, apresentando relevantes valores tanto para as pessoas físicas como para as jurídicas. Entretanto, apesar de representarem dispêndios significativos ao Estado, à iniciativa privada e à população em geral, ainda tem sido um tema pouco explorado pelos estudiosos brasileiros. Com o presente estudo, pretende-se identificar os fatores determinantes do custo com segurança privada sob a ótica dos discentes de Ciências Contábeis. A pesquisa se enquadra como descritiva e exploratória quanto aos seus objetivos, e como quantitativa, no que tange à abordagem do problema. Quanto aos procedimentos, enquadra-se como levantamento do tipo survey transversal, tendo como instrumento de coleta um questionário adaptado de Steden e Nalla (2010) e de Moreira (2013). Os dados foram analisados através da análise fatorial exploratória. Com os resultados, constatou-se que dentre os fatores determinantes do custo com segurança privada, os mais influentes foram: “Crescimento do crime e da sensação de insegurança” e “Ineficiência do Estado na promoção da segurança pública”. Sob a perspectiva teórica, vale salientar que os achados da presente pesquisa confirmam os prognósticos da Teoria da Prevenção Situacional do Crime.
Flutuações na aversão ao risco podem prever crises no mercado de ações brasileiro?
Authors: Ribeiro Marcos Júnio , Da Silva Renilson Rodrigues
Published: April 2023

Neste artigo elaboramos uma medida empírica para a aversão ao risco variante no tempo utilzando o Modelo de Heteroscedasticidade Condicional Autorregressivo Generalizado em Média (GARCH-M), e, analisamos se essa medida é capaz de antecipar crises no mercado ações brasileiro, entre os anos de 2000 e 2020. Para isso utilizamos dois métodos, o tradicional Logit e o método de Machine Learning Florestas Aleatórias (FAs). Os resultados demonstram que nossa medida de aversão ao risco variante no tempo é uma variável relevante para se prever crises, uma vez que melhora a capacidade preditiva de ambos os métodos. Também mostramos que as FAs apresentam maior capacidade preditiva quando comparado ao Logit.
Understanding and utilizing students’ attitudes toward participation in discussions by using emotion analysis
Authors: Tanaka Mikiko , Takao Ito , Keisuke Miyazaki
Published: April 2023

We propose a method that uses an emotion analysis for PBL education. The emotion analysis is a method of analyzing a person's emotions from the person's remarks or facial expressions. In this method, teachers understand the situation of students from the results of the emotion analysis and give accurate advice. PBL education often involves group activities. The students conducted groups discuss, propose ideas, select ideas, and make the products. However, not all students are able to participate in discussions and express their opinions. It is the teacher's duty to provide guidance to such students. Therefore, we propose the use of the emotion analysis techniques to identify and guide students who have problems, such as those who cannot participate in discussions. The method is possible for one teacher to grasp multiple groups at the same time and to help developing the students' ability to learn. Under COVID-19, face-to-face classes were restricted. Online classes using Zoom etc. have also been introduced in PBL education. In online classes, it is difficult to grasp the situation of students. This was a big difference from face-to-face classes. So we looked at ways to keep track of the situation for all students. This is because the gap between students who are willing to take classes and those who are reluctant to take classes has widened due to the shift to online classes. As a result of the adaption to the classes, the number of students who actively participate in the classes has increased. The effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed.
Perceptions and experiences of online internship
Authors: Tepsa Tauno , Mielikäinen Maisa , Angelva Juhani
Published: April 2023

Remote working enables organisations to have location- and time-independent business processes. Working life practices should also be applied in higher education. Lapland University of Applied Sciences' ICT education in Finland met the challenge by developing an online internship concept that improves cooperation between the university and industry and promotes the content and quality of education. This paper describes the experiences of the research project of online internship models. Oral feedback from students (N = 12) and companies (N = 6) were analysed along with the online internship concept during 2021. The concept includes three types of process models. Based on the idea that business and industry representatives are active players in the process. The supervising teachers and technical support staff of Lapland University of Applied Sciences (UAS) acted as a support network. Results confirmed the notion of the usefulness and suitability of the concept for the purpose. The marketing of the concept was supported by a process website. The challenges found focused on, for example equipment resources and the pedagogical skills of industry representatives. The concept can be generalised regardless of the field.
White blood cell segmentation by using vector color approach
Authors: Abdurrazzaq Achmad , Junoh Ahmad Kadri Bin , Yulianto Ilyasa Pahlevi Reza
Published: April 2023

White blood cells play an important role in protecting the body from various types of diseases, therefore blood tests are done to determine a person’s disease. Diagnosis of blood diseases is done by analyzing and counting the white blood cells in the blood. Optimal calculations and analysis of white blood cell are important, so research on white blood cell detection is a rapidly growing topic. Many detection methods are proposed using the existing segmentation techniques. In this paper, the detection method is proposed using vector operation approach instead general segmentation technique. From the experiments performed, it is shown that the proposed method can detect white blood cells on smear images. Further, this method extracts the nucleus from white blood cells well.
Implementasi Peningkatan Profesionalisme Guru PAUD Melalui Diklat Berjenjang
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung, Indonesia, Miftakhi Diah Rina , Pramusinto Hengky ,   Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia
Published: April 2023

Tiered education and training are a program of education and training activities carried out in stages. The target of this training activity is PAUD teachers who have not participated in tiered training activities. This study aims to improve teachers' teaching ability through training activities, namely tiered training. This training activity is carried out in stages. Participants are declared to have passed at each stage if they have carried out all training activities and submitted independent assignments to the education and training organizers. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method. The primary data source for this study was 60 PAUD teachers in Kepulauan Bangka Belitung Province. The secondary data sources of this research are the results of the independent assignments of each participant, policies related to the implementation of tiered training activities, and research journal articles. The results of this study indicate that the following tiered training can run effectively with excellent results and can improve teachers' teaching abilities.
Polar Layered Bismuth‐Rich Oxyhalide Piezoelectrics Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I): Efficient Piezocatalytic Pure Water Splitting and Interlayer Anion‐Dependent Activity
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Hu Cheng , Chen Fang , Li Haitao , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi , Huang Hongwei
Published: April 2023

Piezocatalytic pure water splitting for H2 evolution carries the virtues of efficacious utilization of mechanical energy, easy operation, and high value‐added products, while lacking desirable piezoelectrics for high chemical energy production. Here, two polar layered bismuth‐rich oxyhalides Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I) thin nanosheets (≈4 nm) are first exploited as efficient piezocatalysts to be capable of dissociating pure water. The unique asymmetrical layered structures of Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I) composed of the interleaved [Bi4O5]2+ layer and double X− ions slabs along the [1 0 1_] orientation cause large intrinsic dipole moment, excellent piezoelectricity and easy deformation. Without any cocatalyst and sacrificial agent, Bi4O5Br2 and Bi4O5I2 thin nanosheets display remarkable piezocatalytic H2 production rate of 1149.0 and 764.5 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively, standing among the best piezocatalysts, accompanied by H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) as oxidative products. The smaller radius and higher electronegativity of interleaved Br than I cause a more strongly polar crystal structure in Bi4O5Br2, contributing to the higher piezocatalytic activity compared to Bi4O5I2. This study broadens the scope of piezoelectric materials applied to sustainable energy catalysis by efficiently converting mechanical energy and illustrates the importance of crystal configuration and composition in fabricating efficient piezocatalytic systems.
5.7% Efficiency Si Photoanodes for Solar Water Splitting Catalyzed by Vertically Grown and Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Rich NiFe Hydroxides
Authors: Zhu Peng , Chen Cong , Shen Junxia , Wei Zhihe , Wang Yongjie , Zhang Yazhou , Dong Wen , Peng Yang , Fan Ronglei , Shen Mingrong
Published: April 2023

The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and adverse charge transfer and stability at the multi‐interfaces from Si to electrolyte severely impede the application of Si photoanodes. Herein, oxygen vacancy (OV)‐rich NiFe‐layered hydroxides (NiFe‐OH) nanosheet arrays are vertically orientated on Ni‐protected Si photoanodes by a facile solvothermal method followed by a hot Fe ion‐exchange treatment. By virtue of the formation of OVs on NiFe‐OH nanosheets and the vertical contact between the NiFe‐OH and Si substrate, the as‐prepared Si photoanode not only enables abundant active sites for OER but also boosts charge and mass transfer when compared to traditional electro‐deposit samples. Moreover, the vertical contact of NiFe‐OH on Ni/Si benefits to release the interfacial stress and thereby promotes the electrode stability. Consequently, the optimal Si photoanode shows an ultrahigh applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency of 5.7% and a good stability of over 200 h, outdoing almost all of the recently reported Si photoanodes.