bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of life-cycle assessment of Jatropha biodiesel processed by esterification of Thai domestic rare earth oxide catalysts
Authors: Rattanaphra Dussadee , Tawkaewb Sittinun , Chuichulchermb Sinsupha , Kingkam Wilasinee , Nuchdang Sasikarn , Suwanmanee Unchalee
Published: March 2023

The Thai domestic rare earth oxides, including cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium oxides with an effect of calcination temperatures (500–1000 OC), were utilized as catalysts for twelve alternatives Jatropha biodiesel via esterification reaction. This study applied LCA methodology to analyse energy efficiency and global warming impact. The net energy ratios from well-to-wheel of conventional Jatropha biodiesel using the La2O3 catalyst in all condition (0.89−1.02) are found to be potential fuels for substituting conventional diesel (0.86). The global warming impact of the studied conventional Jatropha process from well-to-wheel are 107.8−162.5 kg CO2 equivalent/1000 MJ, which are greater than that of conventional diesel by 18–44%. The results of process energy and global warming analysis showed the strong consumption of electricity use in hydrolysis reactor for converting triglyceride (Jatropha oil) to fatty acid (oleic acid). The net energy ratio values and global warming impact reduction of Jatropha biodiesel utilizing the waste heat of oleic acid, compared to conventional Jatropha biodiesel are 0.82–1.37 and 33.77–36.36%, respectively. The total global warming impact of Jatropha biodiesel with waste heat recovery including land use change typical abundance land into Jatropha crop was 5–45%, which was lower than that of conventional diesel and 47– 58% reduction relative to conventional Jatropha biodiesel. Jatropha biodiesel using La2O3 catalyst with calcination temperature of 600 oC showed the most environmental friendly of all studied fuels with relatively highest energy ratios (1.17–1.37) with and without waste heat recovery and lowest total global warming impact (47.9–70.7) as well as with and without land use change. The integration of material and process development by domestic catalysts and recovery waste heat would improve the sustainability choices of biofuels production from renewable resources for transportation fuels in Thailand.
The gut microbiota of tropical marine fish is largely uncultured and distinct from surrounding water microbiota
Authors: Soh Melissa , Tay Ywee Chieh , Lee Co Sin , Low Adrian , Orban Laszlo , Jafaar Zeehan , Seedorf Henning
Published: March 2023

Marine fishes along with their unique gut microbiotas are at threat of extinction. Studying the gut microbes of marine fishes is an important part of conservation. The gut microbiota of only a small fraction of the more than 32,000 known fish species has been investigated. In this study we analysed the gut microbiota composition of more than 50 different wild fish species from tropical waters. Our results show that the fish harbour gut microbiota that are distinct from that of the surrounding water and that location, domestication status, and host intrinsic factors strongly affect the microbiota composition. Furthermore, we show that the vast majority (~ 97%) of the fish-associated microorganisms do not have any cultured representative. Considering the impact of the microbiota on host health and physiology, these findings underpin the call to preserve the microbiota of host species, especially those that may be exposed to habitat destruction.
The Influence of International Non-Governmental Organizations and Youth Movements in Propelling Global Climate Norms
Authors: Govindaraj Rose , S Samuel Paul Raj
Published: March 2023

Climate change is a gradual variance of the weather pattern that has a long-term impact on the planet at the global level. The twentieth century has witnessed and would endure drastic and severe changes in the earth's temperature. Those climate changes were also expected to occur from earth's orbit variations that modify the amount of solar energy. Growth in population, economies, and standard of living rose the emission of greenhouse gases, which has caused the heat-trapping nature of the earth. The global temperature started rising, oceans melting, sea levels rising, ice sheets declining, melting glaciers, decreasing Arctic Sea ice, melting snow cover, ocean acidification, and many other extreme events are the substantial causes due to climate change. An International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) plays an important role in environmental issues negotiations and in educating civil society. INGOs supervise the implementation of climate norms in the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and the Conference of Parties (COP). Public protest, environmental non-governmental organizations, and the media have abetted to take this issue globally, which alerted people about the deteriorating climate. Youth Climate Movement (YCM) took a new turn in the global politics of climate change as thousands of youths took to the streets demanding to take action on the climate crisis. This paper analyses the involvement and developments of INGOs and the YCM in climate action, how much these INGOs have interacted with the United Nations and also analyses what the causes are and how much climate has exacerbated in the previous year's environmental and geopolitical backgrounds. This paper also explores the extent of the debates and their role in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in this issue.
Calibration of a bond law for sand-coated BFRP reinforcement
Authors: Hofmann Sebastian , Krieger Larissa , Bujotzek Lukas
Published: March 2023

Within the scope of this paper, the bond behaviour of reinforcement made of basalt fibre reinforced polymers (BFRP) with a helically wrapped and sand coated surface is investigated in an experimental test program to evaluate the bond stress - slip relationship. Due to the strongly varying surface condition and material properties, the bond behaviour is expected to be very different compared to the conventional ribbed steel reinforcement. Therefore, the standard vertical pull-out test specimen will be adjusted according to the described bond length.
Based on the obtained experimental results, a bond law for the non-linear increasing branch of the bond stress - slip relationship will be formulated and calibrated for the investigated reinforcement type. The goal of this research program is to use this precise bond law to adjust the analytical model for the calculation of crack spacing and crack width. This adjustment can be made by merging the bond law with the analytical model of bond and slip to obtain a more reliable crack width design for reinforcement types with varying bond properties.
Efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus primaquine treatment on vivax malaria in North Sumatera, Indonesia: a prospective observational study
Authors: PASARIBU Ayodhia Pitaloka , BIN Ibrahim , NASUTION Irma Sari , LIMAVADY Andrew , FAHMI Fahmi , BONNOT Guillaume , BIENVENU Anne-Lise , PICOT Stephane
Published: March 2023

Objectives. Plasmodium vivax malaria treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) plus primaquine (PQ) in Indonesia remains challenging. Plasmodium falciparum resistance to DHA-PPQ was documented in Asia and it is suspected that this will also be a concern for P. vivax malaria. Thus, it is needed to test the efficacy on P. vivax regularly.
Methods. Aprospective observational study was conducted at North Labuhan Batu Regency (North Sumatera, Indonesia). The outcomes were clinical and parasitological efficacy of the 3-day DHA-PPQ plus PQ therapy and the prevalence of pvmdr1, pvk12, and pvpm4 molecular markers of chloroquine and DHA-PPQ resistance.
Results. During the 6-months study period, 100 patients were included and four were lost to follow-up. Ninety-six patients were included in the per-protocol analysis. A residual parasitemia was observed for a total of 16 patients: 10 patients on day 7 (10.7%), one patient on day 21 (1.0 %), and five patients on day 28 (5.3%). None of the residual parasitemia based on microscopy was associated with fever or symptoms. None of the molecular markers of ACT resistance was detected among the samples tested.
Conclusions. This study did not provide evidence of a decreased efficacy of DHA-PPQ plus PQ regimen against P. vivax, but it highlighted the need for active surveillance of ACT efficacy, as it may be a warning signal before clinical therapeutic failure. A decreased sensitivity of P. vivax in North Sumatera would be an essential threat for Indonesia on its path toward malaria elimination.
Detection of Cystoisospora belli among Children in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Ali Fatimah Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Background: Cystoisospora belli inhabits the epithelium of the upper human small intestine, producing resistant oocysts that are infrequently detected in stool specimens but can spread and cause infection.
Objectives: To determine the rate of C. belli infection among children and correlate the rate of infection with the patient's variables.
Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 156 fresh stool samples were collected from children suffering from diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort in Dr Jamal Ahmed Rashid Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from July to August 2021. Slides for direct wet mount and fixed smears stained with modified Ziehl-Neelson stain were prepared for each sample. Additionally, the correlation between the bacterial infection rate and patients' variables (age, gender, residency, duration of infection, and type of drinking water/stool) was determined.
Results: None examined stool samples were positive for C. belli oocyst by direct wet mount technique, while the modified ZN staining method revealed 42 (26.92%) positive samples. The highest rate of C. belli infection (15.38%) was found among children aged 4-6 years (p=0.000), male patients (15.38%), patients who lived in an urban area (23.08%) (p≥0.05), had infection for 1-3 days (15.38%) (p=0.038), took bottle water (15.38%) (p=0.02), and patients had liquid/semiliquid stool type (11.54%) (p=0.485). On the other hand, modified ZN stain showed coinfections with other protozoa, including Cryptosporidium spp., Microsporidia spp., Cyclospora spp. and Blastocyst hominins at rates of 10.26%, 5.13%, 3.85% and 1.28%, respectively.
Conclusion: There was a relatively high rate of C. belli infection among children in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, despite other types of protozoa.
Recent progress on anti-nociceptive effects of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2)
Authors: Khir Nurul Ajilah Mohamed , Noh Ain' Sabreena Mohd , Long Idris , Zakaria Rahimah , Ismail Che Aishah Nazariah
Published: March 2023

The role of carbon monoxide (CO) has evolved albeit controversial disputes on its toxicity. This biological gasotransmitter participates in the endogenous regulation of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released in the nervous system. Exogenous CO gas inhalation at a lower concentration has been the subject of investigations, which have revealed its biological homeostatic mechanisms and protective effects against many pathological conditions. This therapeutic procedure of CO is, however, limited due to its immediate release, which favours haemoglobin at a high affinity with the subsequent generation of toxic carboxyhaemoglobin in tissues. In order to address this problem, carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) or also known as tricarbonyldichlororuthenium II dimer is developed to liberate a controlled amount of CO in the biological systems. In this review, we examine several potential mechanisms exerted by this therapeutic compound to produce the anti-nociceptive effect that has been demonstrated in previous studies. This review could shed light on the role of CORM-2 to reduce pain, especially in cases of chronic and neuropathic pain.
A bioassay method validation framework for laboratory and semi-field tests used to evaluate vector control tools
Authors: Matope Agnes , Lees Rosemary S , Spiers Angus , Foster Geraldine M
Published: March 2023

Vector control interventions play a fundamental role in the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases. The evaluation of vector control products relies on bioassays, laboratory and semi-field tests that use live insects, to assess the product’s effectiveness. Bioassay method development requires a rigorous validation process to ensure that relevant methods are used that capture appropriate entomological endpoints which accurately and precisely describe likely efficacy against disease vectors as well as product characteristics within the manufacturing tolerance ranges for insecticide content specified by the World Health Organisation. Currently, there are no standardised guidelines for bioassay method validation in vector control. This report presents a framework for bioassay validation that draws on accepted validation processes from the chemical and healthcare fields and which can be applied for evaluating bioassays and semi-field tests in vector control. The validation process has been categorised into four stages: preliminary development; feasibility experiments; internal validation, and external validation. A properly validated method combined with an appropriate experimental design and data analyses that account for both the variability of the method and the product is needed to generate reliable estimates of product efficacy to ensure that at-risk communities have timely access to safe and reliable vector control products.
A Machine Learning-based Diagnosis and Prediction of Diabetes Mellitus Disease
Authors: Thotad Puneeth N
Published: March 2023

Traditional diagnostic techniques are prone to human error and time consuming. Computer-aided diagnostic techniques improve the performance and reduce the expenses. This paper presents machine learning based classifiers to detect diabetes in India and Indian Demographic & Health Survey (2019–21) dataset is considered for the analysis. Classifiers like Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Random Forest are considered. Principal Component Analysis is used for feature reduction. Hyperparameters are tuned to achieve good performance of the classifiers. The four phases adopted in the work include preprocessing, feature extraction, classification, and analysis. From the results, the Random Forest has given the maximum classification accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the curve in comparison with other models. The work finds application in healthcare for predictive analysis of diabetes.
Maximizing Penetration Testing Success with Effective Reconnaissance Techniques using ChatGPT
Authors: Temara Sheetal
Published: March 2023

ChatGPT is a generative pretrained transformer language model created using artificial intelligence implemented as chatbot which can provide very detailed responses to a wide variety of questions. As a very contemporary phenomenon, this tool has a wide variety of potential use cases that have yet to be explored. With the significant extent of information on a broad assortment of potential topics, ChatGPT could add value to many information security uses cases both from an efficiency perspective as well as to offer another source of security information that could be used to assist with securing Internet accessible assets of organizations. One information security practice that could benefit from ChatGPT is the reconnaissance phase of penetration testing. This research uses a case study methodology to explore and investigate the uses of ChatGPT in obtaining valuable reconnaissance data. ChatGPT is able to provide many types of intel regarding targeted properties which includes Internet Protocol (IP) address ranges, domain names, network topology, vendor technologies, SSL/TLS ciphers, ports & services, and operating systems used by the target. The reconnaissance information can then be used during the planning phase of a penetration test to determine the tactics, tools, and techniques to guide the later phases of the penetration test in order to discover potential risks such as unpatched software components and security misconfiguration related issues. The study provides insights into how artificial intelligence language models can be used in cybersecurity and contributes to the advancement of penetration testing techniques.
A brief discussion about an eco-epidemiological model in pollutedenvironment with delay effect
Authors: Das Debashis , Chakraborty Sarbani , Ghosh Uttam
Published: March 2023

In this manuscript, an ecological model is formulated with toxicant haphazardness and gestational delay. The positivity and boundedness of all solutions of the proposed system are established with respect to model parameters. We calculate all possible equilibrium points and derive their stability conditions. Also discuss the effect of gestation delay on stability of different equilibrium points. The system experiences transcritical bifurcation in absence of delay and Hopf-bifurcation in both situations. Numerically we have justified all the theoretical results and found complex dynamical behavior with respect to delay parameters. Also investigate the combined effect of prey handling time \& gestation delay, toxicant wash out rate \& gestation delay, toxicant input rate \& gestation delay and toxicant accommodation delay \& gestation delay. We arrive the conclusion from numerical results that the prey handling time plays the role of chaos control parameter.
Assessment of the natural prevalence of Bacillus isolates on faba bean (V.faba L) leaves and identification of the potential Antagonistic species for the management of Ascochyta blight in Northwestern Ethiopia.
Authors: Tessema Habtu
Published: March 2023

Background The genera of Bacilli are well-studied as a biocontrol agent of several plant disease pathogens under in vitro study. However the antagonistic potential of Bacillus spp. for the control of faba bean Aschochyta blight disease both in greenhouse and field studies have not yet been reported in Northwestern Ethiopia.
Result The purpose of this study was to assess the natural prevalence of Bacillusisolates on faba bean leaves and identify the potential biocontrol species for the management of Ascochyta blight in Northwestern Ethiopia. The isolates of Bacillus were tested for their antagonistic potential against A.fabae isolates by using dual culture and bioassay techniques. Twenty seven distinct bacillus isolates predominantly occurred on faba bean leaves in Northwestern Ethiopia. B1H isolate is identified as Bacillus megaterium (MT122820.1:6-273) and B2H isolate is identified as Bacillus megaterium var. aryabhattai (KU161300.1:6-363). Bacillus megaterium spp. was constantly much more prevalent (62.96%) than Bacillus megaterium var. aryabhattai spp. (37.04%). Isolates that had moderate and high growth rate on dual growth media had the highest range of efficacy (40.2% to 48.7%) and the highest range (5mm-9mm) of mycelium lysis of A.fabae isolates in the detached leaf assay. Most of the bacillus isolates highly restricted the severity of A.blight on EH00102-4-1 variety and moderately contained on local susceptible check.
Conclusion Thus Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus megaterium var.aryabhattai species showed promising antagonistic potential against A.blight severity under dual culture test and detached leaf assay. However further study should be conducted on their rhizospheric association and their plant growth-promoting properties under field condition in Northwester Ethiopia.
An Extension of Arakeljan's Theorem
Authors: Pasias Spyros
Published: March 2023

Arakeljan's Theorem provides conditions on a relatively closed subset $F$ of a domain $G\subset\mathbb{C}$, such that any continuous function $f:F\rightarrow\mathbb{C}$ that is analytic in $F^\circ$, can be approximated by analytic functions defined on $G$. In this paper we will extend Arakeljan's theorem by adding the extra requirement that the analytic functions that approximate $f$ may also be chosen to be bounded on a closed set $C\subset G.$ In \cite{RU} the same problem has been considered but for the specific case that $G=\mathbb{C}$.
In this paper we will extend the result in \cite{RU} and show that is true for an arbitrary $G$, provided that the union $F\cup C$ is nice enough in $G$. Additionally, we will show that the result holds always true when $G$ is simply connected.
Media Systems in Unrecognized States: “People’s Media” in “People’s Republics”
Authors: Kuznetsova Eugenia
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the media systems in the “Donetsk People’s Republic” and the “Luhansk People’s Republic,” both unrecognized states. After a conflict outbreak in 2014, the media landscape in the unrecognized republics acquired the features of an authoritarian media system. Employing qualitative methods (primary source analysis and in-depth interviews), the research explores a combination of instruments that pushed media into an authoritarian mode that entailed declarations of loyalty, severe vertical subordination, predominantly state ownership, and the designation of a military subdivision at the information frontline. Other decisive factors that allowed an authoritarian media system to be instated are the loyalty of the pre-existing media landscape to local authorities and oligarch media owners, the political isolation of the unrecognized republics, and the strong influence of the Russian information space.
Determinanten der wahrgenommenen digitalen Inklusion und der Nutzung digitaler Medien durch ältere Menschen auf der Basis der Theorie des geplanten Verhaltens
Authors: Hausmann Heike , Martins Erko
Published: March 2023

Fortschreitende Digitalisierung fordert den Menschen umfangreiche Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten ab. Da es für viele ältere Menschen schwer ist, mit dieser Entwicklung mitzuhalten, wird im Forschungsprojekt DigiKomS eine Lernwerkstatt für Ältere zur Verbesserung der digitalen Medienkompetenzen entwickelt. Der Zusammenhang zwischen (fehlender) digitaler Teilhabe und sozialer bzw. gesellschaftlicher Teilhabe wird in diesem Artikel beleuchtet. Dazu wurden qualitative Interviews mit Personen ab 70 Jahren (N = 21) und eine quantitative Fragebogenstudie (N = 107 ab 70-Jährige) auf Basis der Theorie des geplanten Verhaltens durchgeführt. Die statistische Auswertung zeigte, dass insbesondere die wahrgenommene Verhaltenskontrolle einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Absicht hat, digitale Medien (weiterhin) zu nutzen. Auch die Einstellung hat einen signifikanten Effekt. Der Einfluss der subjektiven Norm wird erst moderiert durch die wahrgenommene Verhaltenskontrolle signifikant: Bei niedriger wahrgenommener Verhaltenskontrolle hat die subjektive Norm einen stärkeren Einfluss auf die Absicht, digitale Medien zu nutzen. Auch der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Inklusionsempfinden und der Absicht, digitale Medien (weiterhin) zu nutzen, ist signifikant. Dieser wird direkt mediiert durch die Einstellung gegenüber der Nutzung digitaler Medien und die Interaktion zwischen subjektiver Norm und wahrgenommener Verhaltenskontrolle. Die Studie zeigt damit wichtige Einflussgrössen der Förderung individueller digitaler Teilhabe, die unter anderem in der Lernwerkstatt des Projekts DigiKomS im Mittelpunkt stehen werden.
Television Of Luhansk Region Between The Information And Full-Scale War: Destroyed Revival
Authors: Solomin Yevhen
Published: March 2023

ntroduction. The activity of the television organizations of Luhansk region was analyzed, which proved the stages of its development. The stage of development, which falls on the period 2015-2022, is detailed.
Relevance of the study. The purpose of the article is to analyze the mass communication activities of the regional TV channels of the Luhansk region in the conditions of hybrid aggression and the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, which involves clarifying the features and stages of the development of television broadcasting, determining the existing threats to the information security system, and analyzing the activities of Luhansk region’s television companies during 2015-2022.
Methodology. A set of general scientific and special scientific methods and techniques was used: descriptive, comparative-historical, classification, statistical. Collectively, they became the only mechanism for performing the assigned tasks.
Results. The deep integration of the media into the local political system, which in its majority had anti-Ukrainian views, was confirmed, which during the period of controversial events contributed to the formation and dissemination of anti-Ukrainian narratives by means of television, the active use of the media resource to carry out informational attacks towards Ukraine. First destroyed in 2014 due to Russia’s occupation of part of the territory and revived in 2015 on the territories controlled by Ukraine, TV, developing in the system of the national information space, faced problems of a systemic nature, some of which posed a threat to the national security of Ukraine. A full-scale invasion once again destroyed the regional TV and led to the occupation of new territories and the annexation of the sovereign information field.
Conclusions. Unresolved security challenges and a full-scale war led to the occupation of almost the entire territory of Luhansk region, the destruction of the Ukrainian regional television system, the annexation of the sovereign information field and its frequency resource used by Russian propaganda broadcasters. We consider further studies of mass communication activities in the conditions of an emergency, hybrid and military aggression to be promising in view of the presence of challenges for the global system of information and transnational security.
Journalism is in Extreme Terms. Transformation of Genres
Authors: Vasylenko Mykyta
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Military topics, problems of survival and prospects of victory have become leading in the materials of modern ZMK. A huge array of information needs scientific analysis.
The topicality of the topic is due to drastic, sometimes unpredictable changes in public consciousness, which caused an adequate reaction in publications in domestic ZMK. The depiction and analysis of extreme events in which the heroes of reports, articles, and essays act require a new method of collecting and analyzing facts.
The novelty consists first of all in the formulation and actualization of the problem itself, since up to now mostly cursory questions and individual nuances of the global problem have been clarified. The task of scientific understanding and extrapolation to the practice of transforming genres in the extreme conditions of wartime could not arise earlier due to objective reasons.
The goal is to try to grasp the essence and significance for the next critical understanding, ethical and aesthetic perception of new genre varieties that have arisen as a result of extreme events.
Task. To single out certain genres of print and Internet journalism that have changed the most recently, to characterize the characteristic features of this transformation.
Research methods. The introductory part of the work is based on the historical and comparative method. The second part of scientific intelligence includes the monitoring method. The hermeneutic method came in handy when it was necessary to analyze complicated stylistic constructions in the latest genre forms.
Research results and prospects. The main conclusion of the study is the ascertainment of the fact of the transformation of the genre system in the extreme conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The analysis of the empirical material proved that informative and journalistic and analytical journalistic materials have changed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The author sees further prospects for the study of the problem in the deepening and expanded interpretation of the already outlined topics. The problem of analyzing new editions also seems promising.
Experience of Media Anthropology in the Research of Media Influence
Authors: Tkhorzhevska Tetiana
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The importance of studying the influence of media on the audience is undeniable. Media anthropology suggests using the methods of cultural anthropology for such studies. It seemed appropriate to me to pay attention to the potential possibilities of such methods.
Relevance of the study. It is not possible to say that the discussion about the methods, approaches and functions of media anthropology, which involves both anthropologists and specialists in media science, is complete. In particular, these questions are raised during regular seminars on media anthropology. The idea of the article is an analytical review of some scientific works published in foreign scientific publications devoted to media anthropology as a scientific direction and, in particular, methods of media anthropology aimed at studying the interaction of people with the media.
Methodology. Methods of analysis and generalization, descriptive and comparative methods were used.
Results. Among the modern approaches to media anthropology as a scientific direction, the following can be distinguished: 1) the study of media consumption in certain local communities; 2) study of media production; 3) interpretations of media systems using categories borrowed from cultural anthropology, such as myth, ritual, sacredness, magic. 4) understanding media messages as a powerful discourse and studying ways of public resistance to this discourse. Compliance with the standards of field anthropological research remains a debatable point. The problems addressed by media anthropologists are mainly related to the study of the influence of media on various segments of the audience, in particular the effects of mediatization, state formation, the formation of nations in the Internet space, the practice of using social media, etc.
Conclusions. The method of included observation and in-depth interviews has serious prospects for audience research, although it needs significant work in this direction. The application of the methods of cultural anthropology makes it possible to study the means of perception of media messages, inclusion of media in the context of everyday life, human interpretation of media messages.
Effects of Benefits Messaging on Consumer Purchasing of Plants
Authors: Knuth Melinda J. , Behe Bridget K. , Rihn Alicia , Hall Charles R.
Published: March 2023

An online survey of plant purchasers was conducted to ascertain the influence of plant benefits messaging on consumer behavior. Three plant attributes, including type of plant, price, and plant availability, were used to distinguish purchasing preferences. To assess plant purchasing behavior, participants viewed a list of 12 different plant types and selected those they had purchased in the past year. The 12 plant types included annuals, vegetables, herbs, perennials, flowering shrubs, evergreen shrubs, fruit trees, evergreen trees, shade trees, flowering plants, foliage plants, and succulents. The most common retail locations patronized for plant purchases were home improvement stores, closely followed by independent garden centers. Consumers were grouped according to eight different plant benefit messages that they were exposed to, including physical, emotional, cognitive, social, educational, environmental, financial, and aesthetic benefits. Although some of the groups (clusters) exhibited similar purchasing behaviors in terms of plant types purchased, price levels preferred, and their preference for rare, common, or moderately available plants, there were just enough differences among groups to be able to distinguish them from other groups. The plant benefits were obviously affecting purchasing behavior, but further study is needed to understand the underlying reasons more fully.
Interdependence of selected socio-demographic characteristics of consumers and consumer preferences toward brands
Authors: Kral Pavol , Janoskova Katarina
Published: March 2023

Given the changing market conditions due to the globalization of the economy, legal environment, competitiveness, and consumer base, brand management must apply innovative approaches that reflect these changes. This paper aims to analyze the relations between selected socio-demographic characteristics of consumers and their preferences toward brands (i.e. the reasons they would replace their preferred brand with another one). The survey targeted 2025 consumers from the eight regions of Slovakia in March 2019. The respondents’ age had to be at least 15. Thirty-four questions formed the survey questionnaire, which was separated into three sections. Three socio-demographic factors were selected for analysis: age (three categories), education (three categories), and social status (six categories). The correspondence analysis was carried out via IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 25. The results were plotted on a multidimensional map. The average age is 40.24; the largest frequency is associated with primary/vocational graduates, 51.11%; 50.67 % of employees are recognized as having the greatest frequencies for social status. The findings indicate that the higher the age of consumers, the lower the effect of the image; the higher the level of education, the lower the effect of price on consumers’ motivation to replace their preferred brand with the alternative one. Furthermore, social status is mostly contingent upon the age. Hence, this paper observed similar correspondence analysis results between these socio-demographic characteristics; the most specific groups are students and the unemployed.
AcknowledgmentThis study was financially supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency – Grant No. APVV-15-0505: Integrated model of management support for building and managing the brand value in the specific conditions of the Slovak Republic.
O VIDRO E SUA IMPORTÂNCIA NA VIDA E NA QUÍMICA
Authors: da Silva Wladmir , Filgueiras Carlos
Published: March 2023

GLASS AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN LIFE AND IN CHEMISTRY. Glass is one of the most important materials both in ordinary life, in which its presence is felt everywhere, as in the laboratory, be it a chemical or any other laboratory. This article discusses glass in many aspects, including its composition, or compositions, history and applications, both as a component of civilization as a practical and ordinary component in thousands of uses as an indispensable material. Also will be discussed many of its scientific applications, particularly in chemistry. A survey will also be presented of the origins and present state of glass techniques in Brazil.
A health risk model for rural households based on the distribution of multi pollutants
Authors: Rathnamala G. V. , Shivashankara G. P. , Ashwini R. M. , Rashmi H. R. , Bhowmik Basuraj
Published: March 2023

Rapid consumerism and improper waste disposal create widespread environmental degradation through the air, water sources and landfills in India's rural areas. This work develops a health risk prediction model to score villages based on quantitative and qualitative factors. Quantitative observations regarding pollutant levels and qualitative responses are collected from various households. that are risk labelled against WHO standards. The health risk model is designed to correlate the qualitative factors. A total of 2,370 rural households spread across three districts of Karnataka were selected. The study found that the health risk score predicted by the model has a higher significant correlation (0.8) to various existing pollutant factors. The study found that source of drinking water (0.87), quality of drinking water (0.81), drainage canal availability (0.72), type of drainage (0.73), stagnant water (0.71), toilet availability (0.83), maintenance frequency (0.83), cooking fuel type (0.77), cigarette use (0.71), garbage piles up (0.73) and the percentage composition of wastes (0.74) was found to have a higher positive correlation to the health of rural households. The villages with higher health risks can be identified, and suitable mitigation plans can be designed to mitigate the health risk by state authorities.
Matemáticas financieras con Excel, normas colombianas y NIIF
Authors: Pabón Miranda Pedro Pablo
Published: March 2023

El Estado y las empresas siempre estarán abocados a tomar decisiones financieras para su funcionamiento y desarrollo, razón por la cual resulta necesario el estudio de las matemáticas financieras o ingeniería económica, en la que se define como eje central el concepto del costo del dinero en el tiempo, expresado en la tasa de interés, con un enfoque multidisciplinar que aúna la contabilidad, el derecho, la economía y la ciencia política. Esta obra, dirigida a estudiantes y docentes de las ciencias empresariales y afines, desarrolla los conceptos básicos de la materia con la formulación de sus respectivas ecuaciones, que para su comprensión se plantean y resuelven con ejemplos matemáticos. Adicionalmente, se orienta en el uso de Excel para el diseño de las ecuaciones pertinentes y se brinda información sobre las diferentes herramientas que ofrece este programa para las matemáticas financieras. Por último, en los conceptos financieros aquí tratados se identifican los fundamentos normativos, tanto en la legislación colombiana como en las NIC o en las NIIF, con el fin de que las decisiones estén fundamentadas en la normatividad regente.
Applications of Exosome Vesicles in Different Cancer Types as
Biomarkers
Authors: Ihlamur Murat , Kelleci Kübra , Zengin Yağmur , Allahverdiyev Adil M. , Abamor Emrah Şefik
Published: March 2023

One of the biggest challenges in the fight against cancer is early detection.
Early diagnosis is vital, but there are some barriers such as economic, cultural, and
personal factors. Considering the disadvantages of radiological imaging techniques or
serological analysis methods used in cancer diagnosis, such as being expensive, requiring
expertise, and being time-consuming, there is a need to develop faster, more
reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic methods for use in cancer diagnosis.

:

Exosomes, which are responsible for intercellular communication with sizes ranging
from 30-120 nm, are naturally produced biological nanoparticles. Thanks to the cargo
contents they carry, they are a potential biomarker to be used in the diagnosis of cancer.
Exosomes, defined as extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, are effective in
cancer growth, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance, and changes in microenvironmental
conditions during tumor development change exosome secretion. Due
to their high cellular activity, tumor cells produce much higher exosomes than healthy
cells. Therefore, it is known that the number of exosomes in body fluids is significantly
rich compared to other cells and can act as a stand-alone diagnostic biomarker. Cancer-
derived exosomes have received great attention in recent years for the early detection
of cancer and the evaluation of therapeutic response.

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In this article, the content, properties, and differences of exosomes detected in common
types of cancer (lung, liver, pancreas, ovaries, breast, colorectal), which are the
leading causes of cancer-related deaths, are reviewed. We also discuss the potential
utility of exosome contents as a biomarker for early detection, which is known to be
important in targeted cancer therapy.
Validation of the T-47D Cell Culture Bioassay for the Potency Assessment
of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A
Authors: Xavier Bruna , Perobelli Dumoncel Rafaela Ferreira , Cardoso Clóvis Dervil Appratto , da Silva Francielle Santos , Dalmora Sérgio Luiz
Published: March 2023

Background:

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are among the most potent toxins
known and are also used for therapeutic and aesthetic applications.

Objective:

An alternative in vitro cell culture bioassay based on the induction of apoptosis on T-
47D breast cancer cells, after exposure to BoNTA, was developed and validated.

Methods:

The T-47D cells (ATCC HTB-133) were seeded at a density of 3 × 105 cells mL-1, and
the bioassay was performed with doses of BoNTA, between 3 and 81 U mL-1. The responses
were assessed using 10 μL of Alamar Blue®. The absorbances were read at 570 and 600 nm.

Results:

The results were compared with those of the in vivo LD50 mouse bioassay, showing a
non-significant 1.08% higher, mean difference of the estimated potencies (p>0.05). Besides, the
biopharmaceutics is analyzed by the size exclusion and reversed-phase liquid chromatography
methods, showing a significant correlation with values 1.15% higher and 0.85% lower, respectively,
related to the cell culture bioassay.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the validated T-47D cell culture assay represents an advancement
toward the establishment of an alternative approach for the potency assessment, in the context
of the 3 Rs. Besides, the employment of chromatographic methods in conjunction with the
bioassays contributes to assessing the quality attributes of the biopharmaceutical formulations of
BoNTA.
A Snapshot on Polymeric Micelles as a Carrier for Drug Delivery
Authors: Agrawal Rutvi , Chauhan Chetan Singh , Garg Akash
Published: March 2023

Micellization is the process of formation of micelles using different polymers mainly plu-ronic (F127, F123, etc.). Polymers are used to formulate polymeric micelles that provide physical and chemical stability of drugs that are encapsulated into them. Moreover, the drugs are encapsulat-ed in the core portion (hydrophobic inner) of micelles and another portion is the shell portion (hy-drophilic outer) which provides hydrophilicity to the hydrophobic drug. Delivery of hydrophobic drugs by micelles is easy and preferred due to the nano size structure, well association, low toxicity, biocompatible, well core structure, and a high stability. Several methods of preparation of micelles such as - thin film hydration, solvent evaporation, dialysis, and direct dissolution are discussed here. Micelles formulations in pharmaceutical industries are preferred because they enhance the solubility and bioavailability of drugs of BCS class II and IV. This review focuses on various strategies to overcome the problems related to poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability of drugs, micellar sol-ubilization, and application of micelles for various drug delivery. It also includes future considera-tions for the development of various polymeric micelles-based drug formulations.
CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for Non-Coding Gene Editing in
Schizophrenia Therapeutics: The Recent Progress And Challenges
Authors: Mittal Khushi Raj , Jain Nandini Kumar , Mittal Swati , Jain Chakresh Kumar
Published: March 2023

Within a decade the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
(CRISPR/Cas9 system), an advanced gene-editing technology became one of the celebrated
approaches in modern disease therapeutics and was reported to have a potential role in the alteration
of non-coding RNAs segment which are the pivotal causes behind the several mental
disorder such as Schizophrenia. In general, Schizophrenia is referred as a neurodevelopmental
disorder and symptomatically exhibited by social deficit, cognitive dysfunction, apathy, delusions,
hallucinations, etc. At a genomics level large number of loci are susceptible for genetic
alteration in schizophrenia and are mostly located in the genome’s non-coding region. With the
growing variants and mutations in ncRNA genes (miRNA and lncRNA) strongly associated
with schizophrenia, the need to develop a genetic tool to help with the treatment and study of
schizophrenia increases. Recently the use of CRISPR/cas9 technology in the productive alteration
of non-coding RNAs genes such as miRNA; miR-291, miR-141, and miR-21, lncRNA,
lncRNA-21A, AK023948, and LncRNA Rian has been reported. The Cas9 protein and guide
RNA (gRNA) together form the CRISPR/Cas9 system is known to be highly specific and efficient
for manipulating the impact of gene mutations linked to genomic DNA like ncRNA besides
other inheritable genetic diseases. Copy number variations are also found to be linked
with schizophrenia. The generation of reciprocal CNVs of 15q13.3 and 16p11.2 in humaninduced
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with the CRISPR/Cas 9 system has opened new possibilities.
Still, there are some limitations and challenges yet to be defeated, like the blood-brain
barrier poses an obstacle to treating mental disorders and ethical issues like genomic DNA manipulation
of eggs and embryos. This review brings schizophrenia-associated ncRNAs and
CRISPR gene-editing technology for the non-coding parts of the genomic DNA together and
recent challenges.
Otolaryngology Implants Usage and their Material Adverse Event Profile - A Narrative Review
Authors: Sudha T.Y. Sree , Sasanka K.S.B.S Krishna , Singh Harminder , Varshney Saurabh , Thangaraju Pugazhenthan , Timiri Shanmugam Prakash Srinivasan
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to review various biomaterials or implants used in ENT and their adverse effects on events that were noticed from the initial days to the present era.

Methods:

Relevant articles were searched from the databases. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google were used to search for the data.

Results:

Cochlear implant (CI) adequacy depends on biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory treatment, and reduction of fibrosis. Silicone is used in the otologic field, and its allergy is a rare cause of CI extrusion. Nitinol pistons are used in stapedotomy, and polyethylene (Teflon) grafts are used in partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) or total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). Their complications include graft extrusion and residual perforation. Chronic sphenoid sinusitis is associated with Medpor porous polyethylene implants used for sellar reconstruction in skull-based surgeries. In vocal cord paralysis, injectable collagen preparations form submucosal deposits and dysphonia. Montgomery T-tubes are used in subglottic stenosis, and they produce granulation tissue. Metallic tracheostomy tubes cause the formation of secondary foreign bodies, and biofilms appear in double-lumen tracheostomy tubes.

Conclusion:

Even though several research studies have been carried out, still a modification of implant design is needed to minimize the complications and to further promote the quality of life of patients.
Current Trends and Challenges in Explosives Detection using Nanotechnology
Authors: Sharma Rama
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This article highlights the applications of nanotechnology in the detection
of explosives.

Evidence acquisition:

The increasing rise in terrorist acts throughout the globe has brought attention
to the significance of locating hidden bombs and motivated new propelled breakthroughs
to ensure public safety. Recognizing explosives and closely related-threatening combinations has
already risen to the top of the priority list for contemporary national security and counterterrorism
applications. Sensors based on nanotechnology have a fair probability of fulfilling all the criteria
needed to be a practical solution for explosive trace detection.

Results:

Nanowire/nanotube, nanomechanical devices, and electronic noses are three nanosensor
technologies that have the most potential to develop into commercially viable technology platforms
for the detection of trace explosives. Certain functionalized nanoparticles can exhibit different
behaviors as a result of unique interactions with nitroaromatics. Semiconducting singlewalled
carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have been used as wearable chemical sensors.

Conclusion:

In this paper, the potential of nanosensors has been exposed that can be used to
build a sensor system with high selectivity and sensitivity and appropriate platforms for signal
transduction for the detection of explosives.