bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF KASTURI LEAF EXTRACT ON THE HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL EXPOSED TO PERIAPICAL RADIOGRAPHY X-Rays
Authors: Damayanti Firda , Aspriyanto Didit , Putri Utami Juliyatin
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTBackground: Periapical radiographic x-ray exposure can damage living cells, one of which is erythrocytes which contain hemoglobin by forming free radicals. Antioxidant compounds are needed to counteract the effects of these free radicals. One of the natural antioxidant compounds is kasturi leaves which contain flavonoids, triterpenoids and tannins. Purpose: To analyze the effect of kasturi leaf extract on hemoglobin levels of male mice exposed to periapical x-ray radiography. Methods: This study used a true experimental method with a post test only design with a control group design. The samples used were 24 male mice aged 3-4 months which weighed 20-25 grams. Mice were divided into 4 groups, each group consisted of 6 mice. Group P1 was a group exposed to radiation 1 times a dose of 1 mGy with a dose of 0,2 ml of kasturi leaf extract, group P2 was a group exposed to radiation 7 times a dose of 1 mGy with a dose of 0,2 ml of kasturi leaf extract, Group P3 was a group exposed to radiation 10 times at a dose of 1 mGy with a dose of 0,2 ml of kasturi leaf extract, and group P4 was a group given the extract without radiation exposure. Results: The results showed hemoglobin levels in the P1 group = 7.2833 g/dL, the P2 group = 7.4800 g/dL, the P3 group = 12.7800 g/dL, and P4 = 12.4200 g/dL. Conclusion: The results showed that there was an effect of kasturi leaf extract on the hemoglobin levels of male mice exposed to periapical x-ray radiography. The results of the Mann Whitney test showed that the results of the P1 and P2 groups were significant to P3 and P4. Keywords: Antioxidant, kasturi leaf extract, periapical radiography
Hambatan Peran Masyarakat Dalam Pengembangan Kampung Tanggui Sebagai Kampung Wisata Di Kota Banjarmasin
Authors: Rosyidah Sabrina , Ruswinarsih Sigit , Nur Rahmat
Published: April 2023

Kampung Tanggui is located in Kuin Cerucuk Village, Banjarmasin City. Tanggui is a round hat in the shape of a hat used by the community as a head protector from activities under the sun, especiallyOriver community activities. The raw material for tanggui comes from nipa palm forests which can beOfoundPon the banksOof rivers, especially rivers which are still affected by sea tides. The method used in this study is aOqualitativeomethod. TheOdata source wasOselected by snowball sampling technique. DataOcollection wasOcarried out byOobservation, interview and documentationOtechniques. The data analysisOtechnique used is dataOreduction technique, data presentation,OandOconclusionOdrawing. Testing the validityOof theOdata wasOcarried0outPby sourceOtriangulation, technical triangulation and time triangulation. TheOresults of thisOstudy indicate that the form ofOthe community's role as tourism executor in the development of Kampung Tanggui as a tourist village in Banjarmasin City is divided into three roles. (1) The role in this decision-making is in the form of a free community of opinion to convey criticism and suggestions for progress in the development of Kampung Tanggui. (2) RoleOin improvingOthe quality of tourism products. The community plays a role in mutual cooperation activities for the convenience of tourist destinations and efforts to increase sales of tourism products. (3) Role in sharing financial benefits. The distribution of these financial benefits is in the form of economic benefits felt by the communityOand the availability of jobs in the Kampung Tanggui tourist area.
Macroeconomic Shocks of 2022 and Sovereign Funds
Authors: Strelets I. , Chebanov S.
Published: April 2023

In 2022, instead of getting back to pre-pandemic “new normal” the world entered into another period of severe economic and geopolitical turbulences. In terms of macroeconomics, the most evident and painful was the hike of hydrocarbons’ and food prices. This drove inflation rates to the levels not seen in recent 40 years. In attempts to cool down underlying inflationary pressures the monetary authorities of many countries had to stop the policies of quantitative easing (QE) and started to raise basic interest rates. In this environment the governments, businesses and families are facing massive debt problems. The main stock market indices crushed deeply and simultaneously in 2002 which meant substantial depreciation of assets. All these macroeconomic shocks seriously affected the performance of sovereign wealth funds which currently present a solid and increasingly influential group of global assets’ holders and managers. The steady growth of the value of their assets under management (AUM) was interrupted last year. According to preliminary analysis, the total losses of AUM can reach circa 1 Trillion US$. Just one fund – Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) – reported a depreciation of its assets by as much as 165 Billion US$ as of end‑2022. This is an amount comparable to the GDP of a mid-size country, for instance Ukraine before current military conflict. However, for Norway’s GPFG and similar state-owned investors (SOIs) of other countries such losses were not critical. SWFs are, basically, “tolerant investors” with very long view on value creation and operational planning, so they easily absorb paper losses. Simultaneously, the huge SWFs of oil and gas exporting Gulf countries enjoyed the hike of hydrocarbons’ international prices and hurried up to invest massive influx of unexpected revenues into depreciated assets in troubled economies of the USA and Europe. More countries tended to expand the mandates of their sovereign funds beyond traditional stabilization and saving functions. Strategic development funds became increasingly demanded by the governments and may appear even at the supranational level (the projected European Sovereignty Fund). So far, it may be concluded that in general macroeconomic shocks of 2002 did not undermine the positions of SWFs as strong and resource-rich global investors. On the contrary, it looks like that their role as an efficient tool of governmental policies of offsetting and preventing multiple market failures is getting to be further strengthened in upcoming harsh times.
The Escalation Risks of Multi-Domain Battles
Authors: Bogdanov K.
Published: April 2023

The outpacing development of doctrinal concepts of warfare at the present stage becomes an additional source of instability in the strategic landscape. Combined with the restructuring of the world order and the active introduction of emerging technologies, the development of new doctrines leads to increased escalation risks, including due to the poorly understood mutual influences of the operating factors in a complex environment. The Multi-Domain Battle theory is an excellent example of this impact. The article analyzes the main provisions of this theory in terms of potentially emerging escalation risks The problem is considered in the light of recent proposals for new escalation models, including the principles of the “escalation vortex” and the “wormhole escalation”. The emerging risks of applying doctrinal principles that blur distinct thresholds in the escalation space, including the thresholds of clearly distinguishing between war and peace, are analyzed. It shows a direct link between the Multi-Domain Battle theory and the concept of “integrated deterrence”, realized in the same logic of graded escalation control. A number of new emerging nuclear risks have been demonstrated, including links to long-standing theories of limited nuclear warfare options, as well as the new concept of the 2010s, the so-called “conventional-nuclear integration”. Conclusions are drawn about the need to implement a structured sequence of practical steps aimed at limiting the escalation risks generated by this doctrinal concept. A possible connection of this sequence with the longer-term task of rebuilding and strengthening the arms control framework has been established.
Prospects of Internationalisation of Russian Rouble in Modern Geopolitical Circumstances
Authors: Polivach A.
Published: April 2023

This article analyses possibility of expanding an international usage of Russian currency in the circumstances of unprecedented sanctions, which were imposed with the purpose to break Russia’s external trade relations and to isolate this country from the global financial system. Author comes to conclusion that dominance of the non-cash money in the international transactions has resulted in the full dependence of all modern currencies on specially created settlement systems. Nowadays currencies can circulate internationally only within such systems. Therefore any national currency is exposed to potential restrictions by the country, which issues dominant global currency (i.e. the US Dollar). This fact makes it very difficult to expand internationalisation of the Rouble by traditional methods. In the modern circumstances the key prerequisite of such expansion is existence of the Rouble settlement and payment systems, which can operate independently of the foreign ones. Such systems were created well before 2022 and technically can facilitate transactions with the Rouble worldwide. However, the problem is that potential foreign counterparts are very cautious to work with any Russian systems due to a risk of the secondary sanctions by the USA. Also widely publicised the Russian government requirement that European importers must pay for Russian gas in Roubles did not help to widen internationalization of Russian currency, as this was Rouble payment in name only, but not in truth. To solve this problem it is suggested to use combined methods: i.e. to extend independent Russian settlement & payment infrastructure worldwide through formal and informal agreements; to broaden the usage of non-cash money and quasimoney; to issue financial instruments, which can circulate worldwide, but outside the settlement infrastructure, which is controlled by the western countries.
Transboundary Carbon Regulation: A View from China
Authors: Chen Xueqing
Published: April 2023

On March 15, 2022 the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM, also known as the EU Carbon Tariff) was preliminarily approved by the EU Council. It was planned to be formally implemented since January 1, 2023, with a three-year transition period. This means that EU member states support the implementation of carbon tariff policies. As the world’s first proposal to address climate change in the form of a carbon tariff, the carbon border adjustment mechanism will have a profound impact on global trade. Our study aims to analyze the implications and further development of CBAM. The carbon tax leads to the promotion of an accelerated and healthy carbon market, stimulating the growth of demand for green electricity, and rooting the authentication of low and zero carbon products. However, the practical implementation of the introduction of the tax still faces many obstacles. CBAM widens the gap between developed and developing countries in terms of GDP and wealth. This could exacerbate income and wealth disparities between rich and poor economies and further undermine the ability of some low-income countries to decarbonize their economies. To ensure a fair transition to a low-carbon economy and prevent excessive negative impacts on developing countries during the transition period, the IMF must play a key role in identifying and addressing the cross-border spillovers of climate policy, especially those that affect the balance of payments and growth trajectories of vulnerable countries. As an option to address this side impact, we briefly discussed the possibility of creating an Equitable Decarbonization Fund with CBAM funds to support decarbonization projects in low-income countries and the development of green technologies.
A Solution of The Collatz Conjecture Problem
Authors: duan baoyuan
Published: April 2023

Build a special identical equation, use its calculation characters to prove and search for solution of any odd converging to 1 equation through (*3+1)/2^k operation, change the operation to (*3+2^m-1)/2^k, and get a solution for this equation, give a specific example to verify. Thus prove the Collatz Conjecture is true. Furthermore, analysis the sequences produced by iteration calculation during the procedure of searching for solution, build a weight function model, prove it decrease progressively to 0, build a complement weight function model, prove it increase to its convergence state. Build a (*3+2^m-1)/2^k odd tree, prove if odd in (*3+2^m-1)/2^k long huge odd sequence can not converge, the sequence must outstep the boundary of the tree after infinite steps of (*3+2^m-1)/2^k operation.
Circular Polarization Annular Leaky-Wave Antenna with Conical and Broadside Beams
Authors: Ma Yuchen , Yang Haijiao , Wang Junhong , Zhu Ying , Pan Chong , Wu Xiang
Published: April 2023

In order to properly cover different scenarios, radiation patterns of antennas should be accordingly adjusted before fabrication. However, most antennas are unable to provide both broadside beam and designable conical beam which are usually-used radiation patterns for radio coverage. In this paper, a planar Circular Polarized (CP) annular Leaky-Wave Antenna (LWA) with conical beam is proposed, which is realized on annular Substrate-Integrated Waveguide (SIW). Broadside beam or conical beam could be easily obtained by fabricating the LWA with modified structural parameters. The central operating band is 5.8 GHz. The LWA allows only the -1th spatial harmonic to radiate, while the fundamental wave and other spatial harmonics are suppressed in slow wave mode. In order to validate the design effectiveness, two examples for broadside beam and conical beam radiation are fabricated and measured. The measurement results show good agreement with the simulation results. The proposed LWA presents a promising radiation performance and is a good candidate for wireless communication applications.
Thermal Expansion Coefficients in La3Ga5SiO14 and Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 Crystals
Authors: Roshchupkin Dmitry , Kovalev Dmitry
Published: April 2023

The ordered Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 and disordered La3Ga5SiO14 crystals of the lantangallium silicate family were grown by the Czochralski method. The independent coefficients of thermal expansion of crystals αc and αa were determined by X-ray powder diffraction based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra measured in the temperature range of 25÷1000°C. It is shown that in the temperature range of 25÷800°C the thermal expansion coefficients are linear. At temperatures above 800°C there is a nonlinear character of the thermal expansion coefficients associated with a decrease in the Ga content in the crystal lattice of the lantangallium silicate family crystals.
Experimental Performances Evaluation on Counter-Rotating Coaxial Performances for Multirotors
Authors: Russo Nicola , Marano Aniello Daniele , Gagliardi Giuseppe Maurizio , Guida Michele , Polito Tiziano , Marulo Francesco
Published: April 2023

Multirotors are gaining great importance in the layout of innovative and more agile mobility. In this framework, a possible solution to developing an aircraft complying with the stringent size requirements characterizing this type of application can be a coaxial rotor configuration. To exploit the several possibilities linked to coaxial rotors, a scaled experimental model is designed to evaluate the performances of the counter-rotating propellers system, concerning the distance between the two propellers. Both thrust and noise are considered as parameters of interest. Two brushless motors are deployed whereas the propellers' angular velocity, in terms of round per minute (rpm), is controlled by an external control system. Tests are conducted on both single isolated propellers as well as on the counter-rotating system: the two propellers and their respective motors have been characterized concerning the thrust. Furthermore, a comparison with a numerical model is performed. Noise evaluation on the single propeller has shown a motor contribution prevalence at a low rpm regime (1140-1500 rpm) and a propeller prevalence for angular velocities higher than 1860 rpm. By varying the distances between the propellers a sensitivity analysis is performed with the aim of identifying the optimum configuration taking into account both noise and thrust performances.
Boron Effect on Microstructure, Superplastic Behavior, and Mechanical Properties of Ti-4Al-3Mo-1V Alloy
Authors: Postnikova Maria N. , Kotov Anton D. , Bazlov Andrey I. , Mosleh Ahmed O. , Medvedeva Svetlana V. , Mikhaylovskaya Anastasia V.
Published: April 2023

The microstructure evolution, superplasticity, and room temperature mechanical properties of Ti-4%Al-1%V-3%Mo alloys modified with 0.01-2 wt.% boron were investigated. Increasing the boron content from 0 to 0.1 wt.% effectively refined prior β-grains, reducing a mean grain size from ~700 µm to ~210 µm. Whiskers of the TiB phase with a size in a range of 0.7-2.9 µm were observed after solidification and thermomechanical processing. Alloys with 0.01-0.1 wt.% boron exhibited similar superplastic elongations and strain rate sensitivity coefficient m of 0.4-0.5 at a strain rate of 1×10-3 s-1 and the elongation to failure decreased from 1000% at 875°С to 400-500% at 700°С. Along with this, the minor boron addition effectively decreased flow stress values, especially at 775 °C, that was explained by the acceleration of the recrystallization and globularization of the microstructure at the initial stage of deformation. Recrystallization-induced decrease in yield strength from 770 MPa to 680 MPa was observed with an increase in boron content from 0 to 0.1 wt.%. Heat treatment increased post-forming strength characteristics for the alloys with 0.01-0.1 wt.% boron by 90–140 MPa without ductility reduction. Alloys with 1-2 wt.% B demonstrated the opposite behavior. The grain refinement effect was not revealed, and prior β grain sizes were ~670-750 µm after solidification. Thermomechanical processing promoted the fragmentation of boride whiskers and the formation of near-spherical particles with a size of ~1 μm for the alloy with a eutectic concentration of 2 wt.% B. A high fraction of borides, ~5-11%, in the alloys with 1-2 wt.% B deteriorated the superplastic properties and drastically decreased ductility at room temperature. The alloy with 2 wt.% B demonstrated non-superplastic behavior and a low level of mechanical properties, meanwhile, the alloy with 1% boron exhibited high-temperature superplasticity at 875 °C with elongation of ~500%, and yield strength of 830 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 1020 MPa at a room temperature after 100% of superplastic deformation.
Structural Modeling of Nanobodies: A Benchmark of State-of-the-Art Artificial Intelligence Programs
Authors: Valdés-Tresanco Mario S. , Valdés-Tresanco Mario E. , Jiménez-Gutiérrez Daiver E. , Moreno Ernesto
Published: April 2023

The number of applications for nanobodies is steadily expanding, positioning these molecules as fast-growing biologic products in the biotechnology market. Several of their applications require protein engineering, which in turn would greatly benefit from having a reliable structural model of the nanobody of interest. However, as with antibodies, structural modeling of nanobodies is still a challenge. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), several methods have been developed in recent years that attempt to solve the problem of protein modeling. In this study, we have compared the performance in nanobody modeling of several state-of-the-art AI-based programs, either designed for general protein modeling, such as AlphaFold2, OmegaFold, ESMFold and Yang-Server, or specifically designed for antibody modeling, such as IgFold, and Nanonet. While all these programs performed rather well in constructing the nanobody framework and CDRs 1 and 2, modeling of CDR3 sill represents a big challenge. Interestingly, tailoring an AI method for antibody modeling does not necessarily translate into better results for nanobodies.
Spectroscopic Study of the Interaction of Reactive Dyes with Polymeric Cationic Modifiers of Cotton
Authors: Papapetros Konstantinos , Sygellou Labrini , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Andrikopoulos Konstantinos , Bokias Georgios , Voyiatzis George A
Published: April 2023

Cotton cationization with low molecular-weight/polymeric cationic modifiers allows the effective dyeing of fabrics with reactive dyes under salt-free and more environmentally-friendly conditions. The current work focuses on the spectroscopic study of the intermolecular interactions, which dictate the physicochemical process associated with dyeing. Water-soluble copolymers of vinyl benzyl chloride and vinyl benzyl triethylammonium chloride (VBCTEAM) have been used as cellulose cationic modifiers. Dye uptake was assessed using Remazol Brilliant Blue and Novacron Ruby dyes. The study involves ATR-FTIR, UV-Vis, fluorescence and XPS spectroscopy. The results of binary polymer-rich dye-polymer aqueous solutions or dye-polymer precipitates at stoichiometric charge-ratio revealed that the sulfonate/sulfate anions of the dyes interact with the cationic VBCTEAM units of the polymer via electrostatic interactions. Moreover, the comparative study of unmodified/modified dyed cotton indicates that the dye reactive sites remain unaffected for cationized cotton, suggesting that electrostatic interactions are the main driving force for the high dyeing performance observed.
Association Between Third Mobile Window Disorders and Symptom Reduction Using a Noise Cancelling Device (NCD): Inverse Tullio Phenomena
Authors: Feinberg Debby , Rosner Mark , Gianoli Gerard
Published: April 2023

Identifying a vestibular source of pathology in patients complaining of post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) dizziness can be difficult. We describe a possible new method utilizing the reduction of post-TBI symptom (including dizziness) with the use of a noise cancellation device (NCD). This retrospective case series included patients with TBI and dizziness presenting to a binocular vision specialty clinic, who were diagnosed with a vertical heterophoria (VH). If they did not respond adequately to microprism lenses and/or if they experienced hyperacusis, they were evaluated with an NCD. If there was marked reduction of TBI symptoms (including dizziness), the patients were referred to a neuro-otologist for vestibular diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Fourteen patients were identified and found to have abnormalities on vestibular testing consistent with Third Mobile Window Disorder (TMWD). All were treated with a 6-week medical protocol (diuretics, no straining, low sodium/no caffeine diet). Five responded positively, requiring no further treatment. Nine required surgical intervention and responded positively. In conclusion, 14 patients with post-concussive dizziness and VH, a positive response to NCD was associated with abnormal vestibular testing, a diagnosis of TMWD, and symptom reduction/resolution with a medical or surgical approach. The removal of sound resulting in reduction or resolution of vestibular symptoms represents an Inverse Tullio Phenomena.
On the Group of Universal Gates for a Two-Qubit Quantum System
Authors: Oralbekov Bakytzhan , Durmagambetov Aset , Abenov Maksut , Daulet Batyrzhan
Published: April 2023

The goal of finding a commutative group of gates from the set of unitary matrices is to simplify the process of quantum computing. If a set of gates is commutative, then we can apply the gates in any order without affecting the final outcome. This is important because quantum systems are very sensitive to errors and decoherence, and any disruption to the system can cause errors in the computation.By having a commutative group of gates, we can simplify the process of designing quantum algorithms and reduce the risk of errors. This is particularly important for solving complex computational problems that cannot be solved by classical computers.
Rheology of Copper-Kappa-Carrageenan/Amberlite Composite
Authors: Hassan Shah Fahad , Salman Saad
Published: April 2023

Carrageenan (car-), used in the pharmaceutical as well as food industry, is marine sulfated polysaccharides. The carrageenan blends (CB) of kappa (κ-), iota (ι-), and lambda (λ-) of 50/50 weight by weight are multipurpose and biocompatible hydrophilic polymers. They were subjected to adsorption of copper (Cu2+) ions. The aim of the study was to conduct extensive rheological and mechanical studies rendering them suitable for biological purposes. The rheology was conducted at various temperatures using a frequency curve, frequency sweep, loss modulus, and storage modulus analysis. Models of rheology like Ostwald, Bingham, and Modified Bingham models were utilized. The rheological results demonstrated non-Newtonian/pseudo-plastic behavior at various temperatures. The models of rheology demonstrated good flow properties and rheological performance of these materials. These materials could be exploited for their application in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Thus, our study reflects that these CB can be safely exploited in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industry. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in clinical studies.
Sensitive and Reversible Ammonia Gas Sensor Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Machín Abniel , Cotto María , Duconge José , Morant Carmen , Petrescu Florian I. , Márquez Francisco
Published: April 2023

The present study reports on the fabrication and performance of ammonia sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) coated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The sensors were subjected to controlled concentrations of ammonia at two temperatures, namely 25 oC and 140 oC, and their response was monitored through successive cycles of ammonia exposure and nitrogen purging. The results demonstrate that the sputtering-based deposition of AuNPs on SWCNTs led to the best sensor performance, characterized by a rapid increase in resistance values upon exposure to ammonia, and efficient recovery at 140 oC. By contrast, the sensor with chemically impregnated AuNPs exhibited a slower response time. Furthermore, a novel device was developed that combined MoS2-AuNPs (sputtering)-SWCNTs, and it showed improved sensor performance compared to the devices with only AuNPs. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the fabrication and optimization of SWCNT-based ammonia sensors for various applications, especially for detecting and quantifying small amounts of ammonia (concentrations below 1 ppm).
Do Nutrition Interventions Influence the Performance of Professional Soccer Players? A Systematic Review
Authors: Aguinaga-Ontoso Ines , Guillen-Aguinaga Sara , Guillen-Aguinaga Laura , Alas-Brun Rosa , Guillen-Grima Francisco
Published: April 2023

Background: More than 270 million participants and 128,893 professional players play soccer. Research only weakly supports the impact of diets and supplements on the performance and recovery of professional soccer players. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in Pub-Med, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trial registers. Inclusion criteria focused on professional or semi-professional soccer players, nutrition or diet interventions, performance improvement outcomes, and randomized clinical trial study types. We assessed quality using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. We identified 16 eligible articles involving 310 participants. No nutritional intervention during the recovery period effectively improved recovery. However, several perfor-mance-based interventions showed positive effects, such as tart cherry supplementation, raw pistachio nut kernels, bicarbonate and mineral ingestion, creatine supplementation, betaine consumption, symbiotic supplements, and a high carbohydrate diet. These interventions influenced various aspects of soccer performance, including endurance, speed, agility, strength, power, explosiveness, and anaerobic capacity. Conclusions: Specific strategies, such as solutions with bicarbonate and minerals, high carbohydrate diets, and supplements like creatine, betaine, and tart cherry, can enhance the performance of professional soccer players. These targeted nutritional interventions may help optimize performance and provide the competitive edge required in professional soccer. We did not find any dietary interventions that could enhance recovery during recovery.
The Impact of Research and Development Expenditures on ESG Model in the Global Economy
Authors: Costantiello Alberto , Leogrande Angelo
Published: April 2023

We estimate the value of Research and Development Expenditures as a percentage of GDP-RDE in the context of Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG model. We use the ESG World Bank database. We analyze data from193 countries in the period 2011-2020. We apply a set of econometric techniques i.e. Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS, Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Weighted Least Squares-WLS. We found that the level of RDE is positively associated, among others, to “Nitrous Oxide Emissions” and “Scientific and Technical Journal Articles”, and negatively associated, among others to “Heat Index 35”, “Maximum 5-day Rainfall”. Furthermore, we perform a cluster analysis with the application of the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Elbow Method. The results show the presence of four clusters. Finally, we confront eight different machine-learning algorithms to predict the future value of RDE. We find that Linear Regression is the best predictive algorithms. RDE is expected to growth on average of 0.07% for the analysed countries.
Foot Strike Pattern and Cadence of the Marathon Athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: An Approach To Analyse Performance
Authors: Gamez-Paya Javier , Alardo-Gonzalvo Arian Ramón , Gallego Diana , Villaron-Casales Carlos Alberto , Lopez-Amo Jose Luis
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Foot strike pattern and cadence are two important variables that are related to sport performance and injury risks; the objective of this study is to analyse the foot strike pattern and cadence of the male elite athlete that participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games marathon. (2) Methods: Two independent researchers analysed the foot strike pattern of the first 51 participants in the 5km, and the cadence of the finalists in three different segments of the race. Descriptive statistics were presented for the main variables of this study. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to study the differences in cadence between different sections of the race (p<0.05). (3) Results: Average of the cadence of the eight finalists was 185.5 steps per minute (SD ± 5.1). No differences between sections of the race were found. The more most common foot strike pattern was midfoot strike pattern, followed by rearfoot strike pattern, and forefoot strike pattern. The results of cadence are in line with previous studies that analysed elite athletes, with the values being higher than other research involving recreational runners. (4) Conclusions: elite marathon runners mostly run with a running non-rearfoot strike pattern and a cadence of over 185 steps per minute.
Role of Phytochemicals and their Derivatives in Targeting Stem Cell Markers in Breast and Cervical Cancer
Authors: Waidha Kamran , Aftab Mehreen , Singh Divyam , Hussain Showket
Published: April 2023

Breast and Cervical cancer are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Usually, conventional therapies and early detection has shown success in metastasis and relapse rates and improved overall survival of the patients. The elimination of the efficacy of chemotherapies and target therapies because cancer stem cells create resistance against chemotherapy, metastasis, and relapse. Studies reveal that cancer stem cell markers are important for improving efficiencies of targeted therapies. Our study aims to analyze the stem cell markers and target the most significant stem cell marker by phytochemicals and their derivates. Through the analysis, it was observed that CXCR4 and SOX-2, mir-1, mir-125, and mir-429 may have a crucial role in stemness of breast and cervical cancer respectively, while BPMD & MD simulations revealed Di-valinoyl curcumin as a potential compound for CXCR4 targeting.
Investigating the Accuracy of Autoregressive Recurrent Networks Using Hierarchical Aggregation Structure-Based Data Partitioning
Authors: Oliveira José Manuel , Ramos Patrícia
Published: April 2023

Global models have been developed to tackle the challenge of forecasting sets of series that are related or share similarities, but not for heterogeneous datasets. Various methods of partitioning by relatedness have been introduced to enhance the similarities of the set, resulting in improved forecasting accuracy but often at the cost of a reduced sample size, which could be harmful. To shed light on how the relatedness between series impacts the effectiveness of global models in real-world demand forecasting problems we perform an extensive empirical study using the M5 competition dataset. We examined cross-learning scenarios driven by the product hierarchy commonly employed in retail planning, which allow global models to capture interdependencies across products and regions more effectively. Our findings show that global models outperform state-of-the-art local benchmarks by a considerable margin, indicating that they are not inherently more limited than local models and can handle unrelated time series data effectively. The accuracy of data partitioning approaches increases, as the size of the data pools and the models' complexity decrease. However, there is a trade-off between data availability and data relatedness. Smaller data pools lead to increased similarity among time series, making it easier to capture cross-product and cross-region dependencies, but this comes at the cost of a reduced sample, which may not be beneficial. Finally, it's worth noting that the successful implementation of global models for heterogeneous datasets can significantly impact forecasting practice.
(Endo)Cannabinoids and Cognitive Functions in Animals: Healthy and Pathological Brain
Authors: Kitchigina Valentina
Published: April 2023

Cognitive functions are based on neuronal plasticity, which is provided by various mechanisms involving numerous bioactive molecules, the most important of which are endocannabinoids (eCBs). Over the past three decades, a lot of data have been accumulated on the involvement of eCBs in the mechanisms of memory and other cognitive functions. These functions are impaired in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The main pathological feature of neurons in AD and TLE is increased excitability; therefore, an activation of the endocannabinoid system, which controls cellular excitation, may be a promising approach in their therapy. The available information about the effect of (endo)cannabinoids on cognitive functions is contradictory, which may depend on the drugs used, their dose, and the experimental conditions. There is an extensive literature indicating a protective effect of cannabinoids in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in humans and in animal models of cognitive deficits. This review, focusing on the recent researches, is devoted to the analysis of the effects of endocannabinoid system activation on cognitive functions in norm and in the brain with neurodegeneration that occurs in AD and TLE diseases. Possible reasons for inconsistencies in the available data are discussed.
The Effectiveness of The Virtual Lab-Assisted Guided Discovery Learning Model on Students’ Science Process Skills
Authors: Azhar Azhar , Irianti Mitri , Rahmadhani Millinia
Published: April 2023

This study aims to determine students’ science process skills after using the guided discovery model assisted by the virtual PhET lab on vibration and wave materials and the effectiveness of applying the guided discovery learning model assisted by the virtual PhET lab. This research was conducted at a junior high school, SMPN 2 Siak. The research method used is quasi-experimental with a posttest-only control group design. The sample of this study is the experimental class and the control class. Each class has 33 students. The research data was obtained by using a science process skill test instrument. The results showed that the average process skills of the experimental class = 76.76 and the control class = 57.23. The results of the t-test using SPSS software were obtained with (sig) 0.000 < 0.05 . It was concluded that the guided discovery learning model assisted by the virtual lab PhET was more effectively used to improve students’ process skills.
Predict-Observe-Explain Learning Model Assisted by “Educandy” Games to Improve Students’ Conceptual Understanding
Authors: Zulhelmi Zulhelmi , Syaflita Dina , Amelia Nurul Chandra , Sohibun Sohibun
Published: April 2023

A good understanding of concepts is needed to prevent students from misunderstanding. One effort that can be done is to apply the POE (Predict-Observe-Explain) learning model with the help of the Educandy educational game. This study aims to measure the effect of applying the POE learning model with the help of Educandy educational game application to increase students’ conceptual understanding of temperature and heat subjects. This study was quasi-experimental design research, using the nonequivalent control group design. The population of this study was 128 junior high schools students of SMPN 25 Pekanbaru (Class VII.I-Class VII.4). The first class, VII.1, was used as the experimental class, the third class, VII.3, was used as the control class, while the other class was the generalization classes. Research instrument of pretest and post-test containing 28 questions was used. The result was processed by descriptive and interferential techniques using T-test. The data processing technique used was descriptive and inferential, using the t-test for N-gain as an evaluation method. The results of this study indicated that conceptual understanding in both classes had increased, but the average value of students’ conceptual understanding in the experimental class was higher than that in the control class. It was described on the data N-gain as 0.7 in the experiment and 0.3 in the control class. The results of the t-test show that the POE learning model assisted by educational games based on the Educandy application can significantly improve students’ understanding of concepts.
Diagnostic and therapeutic value of EVs in Lungs Diseases and Inflammation
Authors: Khawar Muhammad Babar , Afzal Ali , Habiba Ume , Hamid Syeda Eisha , Abbasi Muddasir Hassan , Rafiq Mussarat , Sheikh Nadeem , Abaidullah Rimsha , Asif Zoya , Saeed Tahaa
Published: April 2023

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived messengers which have been playing an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of lung diseases. EVs contain varieties of DNA, RNA, and membrane receptors through which they work as a delivery system for bioactive molecules as well as intracellular communicators. EV signaling mediates tumor progression and metastasis. EVs are linked with many diseases and perform a diagnostic role in lung injury and inflammation so are used to diagnose the severity of diseases. EVs containing a variety of biomolecules communicate with the recipient cells during pathophysiological mechanisms thereby acquiring the attention of clinicians toward the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs in different lung diseases. In this review, we summarise the role of EVs in inflammation with an emphasis on their potential as a novel candidate in the diagnostics and therapeutics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and sarcoidosis.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Germplasms as Revealed by ISSR markers
Authors: Atsbeha Genet - , Tesfaye Kassahun - , Mekonnen Tilahun - , Haileselassie Teklehaimanot - , Kebede Mulugeta -
Published: April 2023

Wheat is one of the major food crop in Ethiopia and elsewhere in the world. Genetic diversity provides breeders chance to create new, improved varieties with desirable traits. In this study genetic diversity and population structure of 180 bread wheat germplasms representing eight populations were analyzed using ten Inter Simples Sequence Repeat (ISSR) marker. Based on diversity indices all the ISSR markers were polymorphic and highly informative to describe genetic diversity and population structure of the crop. High within-populations genetic diversity with a mean of alleles of 1.47, effective alleles of 1.33, Shannon’s Information index of 0.29, Nei's gene diversity value of 0.19, and percent of polymorphic loci (PPL) of 80.5% were reviled. Among the populations, international Septoria observation nursery (ISEPTON) showed relatively highest observed number of alleles (1.47), effective number of alleles (1.33), Shannon’s Information index (0.4) and Nei's gene diversity (0.19). Thus, ISEPTON lines could be good source of useful alleles to be used in wheat improvement programs. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 95% of the total genetic variation resides within populations, and 5% was accounted for the among populations variation. Clustering using Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and population structure analysis did not group the wheat populations into genetically distinct clusters following their breeding objectives. Adequate polymorphism and reproducible fingerprinting profiles were explored form the genetic structure analysis of the wheat germplasms. The information obtained could be useful in future bread wheat breeding programs, and also its conservation.
Outcomes of Interferon-free Direct Acting Antivirals in Patients with HCV-related Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jongraksak Tanawat , Chuncharunee Alan , Intaraprasong Pongphob , Tansawet Amarit , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Sobhonslidsuk Abhasnee
Published: April 2023

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) is an effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C. However, the treatment benefit on overall and hepatocellular carcinoma-free survival remains unanswered. This meta-analysis aimed to assess overall survival (OS), HCC-free survival and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (MELD) improvement. Relevant studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, SCOPUS and CENTRAL. OS and HCC-free survival probabilities and time data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier curves. A one-stage meta-analysis using parametric Weibull regression was applied to estimate relative treatment effects of DAA versus no-DAA. Eight cohorts with 3430 participants (2603 cases in DAA and 1999 cases in no-DAA groups) were included. The OS probabilities at 12- and 24-months were 95% and 90% for the DAA group, comparing with 89% and 80% in the no-DAA group. The hazard ratios (HR) was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.60; p<0.001). The HCC-free survival probabilities at 12- and 24-months were 96% and 90% in the former and 94% and 85% in the later. The HR was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52, 1.00; p = <0.001). The mean MELD score difference was -7.75 (95% CI: -14.52, -0.98; p = 0.02). DAA treatment in decompensated HCV cirrhosis patients prolongs OS, improves MELD score and may reduce HCC occurrence.
Trial Registration: PROSPERO (ID:CRD42022316276).
Plant Polyploidy: Origin, Induction, Phenotypic Change Mechanisms, Population Establishment, and Distribution
Authors: Yang Aiyiwei , Chen Xiaoyu , Chen Su
Published: April 2023

Polyploidy refers to individuals that contain two or more heritable sets of chromosomes. It is an important feature of chromosome evolution in eukaryotes and is very common in plants in nature. Polyploidy forms in nature in many ways. Researchers have also mastered a variety of polyploid induction and detection methods. In the process of plant polyploidization, a variety of genetic and epigenetic changes occur. This reduces the redundancy of polyploidy genes and changes their traits, promoting the long-term evolution and diversification of polyploidy. Polyploidy has many strategies to overcome minority cytotype exclusion (MCE) during population establishment to coexist stably with diploid parents. Due to differences in traits, polyploidy changes its interaction with the environment, and there is a certain regular distribution in natural and urban ecosystems. Polyploids have been used in several fields, including forestry, and agriculture. In this review, we summarized the natural formation of polyploidy artificial polyploids induction, detection of polyploidy, and mechanism of phenotypic differences between polyploids and diploidy.
Identification and pathogenicity analysis of Fusarium spp. on peach in China
Authors: Dong Jingping , Shi Hengsong , Wu Yu , Yang Lina , Zhu Feng , Ji Zhaolin
Published: April 2023

Background Vascular diseases with symptoms of vascular browning and branch dying seriously impact peach yield worldwide. This study aimed to identify and analyze the pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolates on the diseased branches of peach trees obtained from several peach-producing areas of China.Results We obtained and confirmed nine Fusarium isolates based on the morphological and molecular characteristics and phylogenetic relationships using a combination of rDNA–internal transcribed spacer, elongation factor (EF)-1α, and mitochondrial small subunit gene sequences. GJH-Z1, GJH-6, and GJH-1 were identified as F. avenaceum strains; GG-2020-1, HYR-Z3, ZLZT-6, and HH-2020-G2 were identified as F. solani strains; SYGZ-1 was identified as F. equiseti strain; and HYTZ-4 was identified as F. lateritium strain. A comparison of the pathogenicity of the nine isolates on peach branches displayed that the F. equiseti (SYGZ-1) strain showed a higher level of pathogenicity compared with other strains using the acupuncture method, and F. solani (HYR-Z3 and ZLZT-6), F. equiseti (SYGZ-1), and F. lateritium (HYTZ-4) strains showed a higher level of pathogenicity using the impregnation method.Conclusions This study was novel in reporting that Fusarium spp. caused vascular bundle browning of peach branches in China. The findings might help better elucidate the basis of pathogenicity in peaches in the future.
Effect of thermal manipulation on the biological and mechanical characteristics of horizontal platelet rich fibrin membranes
Authors: Wu Qian , Yu Shimin , Wang Yulan , Zhang Xiaoxin X.
Published: April 2023

Purpose Regardless of application scenarios, proper mechanical characteristics and degradation property is the prerequisite for horizontal platelet rich fibrin (H-PRF) to manifest its ability. Among the methods used to modify PRF, thermal manipulation is promising as it is easy to handle without adding extra additives. Yet there is no consensus on optimal temperature treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of heating on the biological and mechanical characteristics and explore the most suitable heating temperature for H-PRF thermal treatment.Methods We employed a series of temperature gradients, room temperature, 50℃, 75℃, 90℃, 105℃. The microstructure and the mechanical properties were recorded by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and tensile strength tests respectively. The degradation rate of H-PRF membranes was examined by digestion assay with plasmin and trypsin. The viability of cells within H-PRF membranes and the proliferation of osteoblasts cultured with extracts from different H-PRF groups was evaluated using CCK-8 assays.Results Compared with the nonheated group, over-heated manipulation beyond 90℃ can significantly prolong the degradation properties up to 3 to 4 weeks and enhance the mass stress of H-PRF membranes. A high temperature treatment of 105℃ accompanied with the cell activity beneath H-PRF reduced more than half and thus the biological effect to human osteoblasts (hFOBs) also reduced dramatically.Conclusions High thermal manipulation can prolong the degradation properties and enhance the mechanical properties of PRF membranes while accompanied by the loss of biological effect.