bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The principle of ecological and molecular consensus in reconstructed plague microbe Yersinia pestis phylogeny
Authors: Suntsov Viktor V.
Published: October 2024

In the second half of the 20th century, through the efforts of scientists from many countries, a coherent theory of natural plague foci (sylvatic plague) was formulated, attempted to describe the history of the origin and evolution of the causative agent of plague infection, the microbeYersinia pestis. But the accumulated knowledge in this regard remained extremely limited. Envisioned by the modern phylogenetics, the methods of phylogenetic constructions in the pregenomic time were rather primitive, “manual”, characteristic of early empirico-intuitive Haeckel phylogenetics. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the introduction of genomic methodologies in the study of the plague pathogen allowed to detail the intraspecific diversity (subspecies, genovariants) of this particularly dangerous pathogen at the level of geographical and local populations (individual natural foci) around the world and to bring the diagnostics and description of intraspecific diversity to a high degree of perfection. Two important discoveries were made. First, the direct ancestor of the plague microbe was reliably established, it turned out to be the causative agent of intestinal infection — Far Eastern scarlet-like fever (Y. pseudotuberculosis0:1b). Secondly, the evolutionary youth of the plague pathogen was shown, the “molecular clock” showed the time of its divergence from the ancestral population no earlier than 30 thousand years ago. Thus, the root of the phylogenetic tree ofY. pestiswas fully characterized. Nevertheless, molecular genetic (MG) achievements do not yet allow to reveal the secrets of its phylogeny, i.e. the origin and sequence of world expansion. The most important reason is the high dependence of the MG of phylogeny reconstructions on the choice of evolutionary model for the analyzed characters: the model of neutral evolution is traditionally accepted, but its adequacy in relation toY. pestisphylogeny is questioned by many well-known ecological (in the broad sense) facts. At the same time, MG achievements contributed to the creation of an ecological (ECO) approach based on the provisions of the theory of natural plague foci in an updated version, according to which the plague pathogen is an evolutionarily young pathogen descended from a psychrophilic pseudotuberculous ancestor. The presumptive ECO scenario has no obvious natural-scientific and historical contradictions and can serve as a null hypothesis for improving the MG methodology of phylogenetic constructions for plague and other similar microbes. It is suggested that the creation of a real phylogeny of the plague microbe is possible only based on integration of MG and ECO approaches.
Perspectivas dos Profissionais de Saúde sobre a Presença Familiar Durante o Atendimento à Parada Cardiorrespiratória em Adultos
Authors: Buava Junior Nilson , Cristina Alves Pereira Nathália , Dos Santos Gomes Danilo , Roberta Araújo Wanessa , Clareliz Gomes Alves Cicera , Emília Araújo de Oliveira Ana , Rogério dos Santos Vagner , Jomara Lopes Francine , Batista Santos Vinicius , Guizilini Solange , Cascaes Cruz Andréia , Simone Lopes Moreira Rita
Published: October 2024

Este estudo explorou as perspectivas dos profissionais de saúde sobre a presença da família durante o atendimento à parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) em adultos. Foi empregado um desenho observacional e transversal, seguindo as diretrizes do Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário eletrônico, utilizando método de amostragem não probabilística, resultando em 221 formulários preenchidos para análise. Foram encontradas associações significativas entre as perspectivas dos participantes sobre a presença familiar e suas características demográficas. Profissionais com idade superior a 40 anos demonstraram maior prevalência de aceitação da presença familiar (p < 0,01). Por outro lado, os profissionais mais jovens (menos de 40 anos) expressaram preocupações sobre o potencial impacto negativo na prestação de cuidados (p = 0,02). A experiência com a presença familiar foi mais relatada entre aqueles com 10 ou menos anos de experiência profissional (p < 0,01). Além disso, profissionais com mais de 20 anos de experiência tiveram maior probabilidade de acreditar que a presença da família poderia atrapalhar a concentração da equipe (p = 0,02). Os resultados sugerem uma tendência entre os participantes de verem a presença familiar de forma negativa, apesar do seu potencial para ajudar as famílias a lidar com a perda e o luto. Esta questão merece mais investigação e discussão.
NOVEL LONG-CHAIN AZIRIDINE-TYPE BONDING AGENT OF CSRP SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IMPACT ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Eissa Mohamed F. , Maraden Ahmed , Elhedery Tarek M. , Abd el All Ali M. , Mostafa Hosam E.
Published: October 2024

Despite being the smallest percentage in composite solid propellant formulation, the bonding agent significantly impacts mechanical and aging behaviors. The bonding agent improves the interfacial interactions between the macrostructure of the polymeric matrix and different solid ingredients to withstand both mechanical and thermal stresses. To mitigate the potential consequences of aging problems of composite solid propellants, a novel long-chain bonding agent belonging to the aziridine category has been synthesized. The novel bonding agent called MT-X, poly(isopropylamine-N-(2-methyl-1-aziridinyl) phosphine oxide cis-9-octadecenoic)-co-(isopropylamine tartrate), which was synthesized via the reaction of a fatty unsaturated monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids with MAPO (tris-1-(2-methyl aziridinyl) phosphine oxide). A series of composite solid propellant formulations based on 0.3% of various bonding agents were meticulously prepared to prove the impact of the novel MT-X on the mechanical properties. At 25°C, Formulation M-4, based on MT-X, has a maximum strain (ε) reaching 44.9% under a maximum stress (σ) of 7.4 kgf/cm2. A program of accelerated aging was performed for five days at 90°C (which equals five years of natural aging); it is worth noting that the MT-X formulation exhibits remarkable resistance to the effects of aging (maximum strain (ε) of 33.9% at maximum strength (σ) of 10.9 kgf/cm2). A TGA thermal analysis technique using MT-X was used to monitor propellant samples' thermal behavior. The decomposition kinetic parameters of samples based on MT-X were investigated using the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) model, and Kissinger kinetic equation, which valued activation energy of 107.1, 102.2, and 102.3 kJ/mol, respectively. Utilizing these methodologies, it was found that the service lifetime of the composite solid propellant samples based on MT-X improved to 18.6 years, thereby providing valuable insights into their long-term stability and performance characteristics.
Measurement Properties of Korean Version of Swallowing-Related Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Scoping Review
Authors:   RehabilitationInternational Korea, Kim Ja Young , Lee Jeong Min
Published: October 2024

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been studied for their application in the evaluation of patient experiences of dysphagia and swallowing-related quality of life in Korea. However, there has not been sufficient attention to these measures. This scoping review was to overview the latest evidence on swallowing-related PROMs and those measurement properties. We also performed a quality assessment for the cross-cultural adaptation of the PROMs if those were adapted in Korea. We reviewed articles published in English and Korean from their beginning through December 2023 using three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Because this review included both the translated versions of and Korean-developed questionnaires, the cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of PROMs were investigated for quality assessment. We evaluated nine studies with eight PROMs in total. The cross-cultural adaptation of PROMs generally demonstrated poor quality, in terms of a lack of evidence on the translational process to adequately adapt the questionnaire items to different socio-cultural contexts. The Korean-developed questionnaires also showed poor quality of the measurement properties. This may be due to the questionnaires' early developmental stage at present. This scoping review was the first to outline the current evidence on swallowing-related PROMs in Korea. Further studies are necessary to ensure the high methodological quality of the questionnaires for dysphagia diagnosis and intervention.
The Effect of Participation in Daily Sports among Adults with Physical Disabilities on Subjective Health Perception and Sense of Happiness
Authors:   RehabilitationInternational Korea, Kim Hoyeon , Kim Doo Young
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relative influence of the degree of participation in daily sports on the subjective health perception and happiness of adults with physical disabilities who exercise regularly. For the study, data from 1,783 adults with physical disabilities who responded that they exercised regularly in the past year were extracted from the raw data of the nation-wide 2023 Physical Education Survey for the Disabled and conducted a secondary analysis. The main results of the study are as follows. same. First, 71.3% of adults with physical disabilities who exercise regularly exercised more than 3 times a week, 46.4% exercised ‘30 minutes to less than 1 hour’ per time, 49.6% exercised at low intensity, and 48.0% did moderate intensity exercise. It was found that it does. Second, the subjective health perception of adults with physical disabilities who exercise regularly was 3.25 points on average, equivalent to 65 points out of 100, and the average happiness index was 3.33 points, equivalent to 66.6 points out of 100. Gender, lifetime There were significant differences depending on the cycle, degree of disability, marital status, employment status, and average monthly income. Third, the number, exercise time, and intensity of exercise among adults with physical disabilities who exercise regularly were found to have a positive effect on subjective health perception, and the number of exercise and exercise time were found to have a positive effect on happiness. Exercise intensity appeared to have no effect on happiness.
Assessment of Dealer Capacity to Intermediate in Treasury and Agency MBS Markets
Authors: Cochran Paul , Petrasek Lubomir , Saravay Zack , Tian Mary , Wu Edward
Published: October 2024

We provide an assessment of broker-dealers’ current and future capacity to support the smooth functioning of the Treasury and agency MBS markets, considering increases in Treasury issuance and continued Federal Reserve balance sheet normalization. Drawing on regulatory data analysis, recent research, and experiences with fixed income market functioning, we focus on two types of constraints that are most relevant for dealers’ intermediation activities: regulatory constraints—specifically the minimum Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR) requirement at the Bank Holding Company (BHC) level—and internal risk limits—specifically Value at Risk (VaR) limits at the trading-desk level for each dealer.
Policy Implementation Institutions in the Public Administration System of The Republic of Belarus
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Antanovich Nina A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The efficient policy process depends on the quality of the public administration system performance and the complementarity of all its components: from the policy articulation to its implementation and evaluation of its consequences and effectiveness of implementation.Aims. The paper considers dynamics in the policy implementation institutions in the public administration system of the Republic of Belarus. Methods. The policy analysis in this paper is based on the achievements of institutional, system-functional, new-institutional approaches. The research used comparative, historical, positional and resource methods, situational analysis, analysis of legal acts, statistical methods.Results. Policy implementation institutions in the public administration system of the Republic of Belarus were structured. Periods and trends in Belarusian public administration development were identified with due regard to the changes occurred in the policy implementation institutions. The number and age structure of civil servants are quantitatively analyzed, and trends in their changes are revealed.Conclusion. Systematized conclusions about policy implementation institutions are an important source to improve the public administration system further, as well as to analyze the functioning of the entire political system in the Republic of Belarus.
Development of Regional Strategic Planning Documents: the Public Discussions Costs
Authors:   Stolypin Volga Region Institute of Administration – branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Semenov Aleksandr V.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the features of the organization of the strategic planning process at the regional level.Aims. The article is aimed at identifying transaction costs of interaction between regional authorities and stakeholders when discussing draft strategic planning documents.Methods are comparative analysis and synthesis; formal and logical method.Results. The analysis has been conducted of the legal framework regulating the procedures for public discussion of draft normative legal acts at the federal and regional levels. As a result the potential transaction costs associated with organizing public discussions of strategic planning documents have been outlined. Besides, the author attempted to determine the importance of costs types for the most common varieties of public discussions.Conclusion. Classification of public discussions transaction costs presented in the article can form the basis for determining the quantitative amount of potential costs associated with discussions of regional documents on strategic planning.
Foreign Experience of Municipal Support to Professional Sports Organizations
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Bashminov Aleksandr V. ,   Perm Basketball Development Foundation “PARMA”
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The use of public funds to directly or indirectly subsidize local professional sports clubs in many European countries is often seen as justified. The positive impact of professional team sports on local economic growth both through the influx of revenues into local budgets and positive incoming municipal migration is explained by these subsidies.Aims. The purpose of the study is to identify and justify the availability and feasibility of financial support for professional sports teams by local authorities.Methods. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the general sports policy of several Western European countries (Denmark, Sweden, France, Switzerland) and the results of assessing the economic effectiveness of municipal subsidies allocated to elite sports clubs in European countries.Results. The results obtained in the course of research do not make it possible to assert that there is a single direct positive or negative dependence between active financial support from the local authorities to professional sports teams and the economic growth of municipalities. The emergence, direction and strength of such effects are influenced by a variety of additional economic and non-economic factors, including the expenditures structure of municipal budgets, the initial level of the sports infrastructure, the population initiative, the initial structure of employment, sports promotion, etc. Conclusion. The decision to allocate subsidies to support the elite sports clubs by municipalities and the development of a strategy for them should be made taking into account not only economic, but also social and political factors.
Critical reflections on existing lawful water uses (ELUs) in South African water law
Authors: Germarie Viljoen  , Jurie Moolman  , Nic Olivier
Published: October 2024

The National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA) introduced a new water law framework for South Africa. According to the NWA, all water uses must be authorised in terms of a water use licence, unless the water use constitutes a Schedule 1 water use, falls under a general authorisation, the need for a licence is dispensed with, or is recognised as an ‘existing lawful water use’ (ELU). This paper provides a critical analysis of the ELU concept within the context of South African water law. It explores the complexities and challenges associated with ELUs, including their validation, verification and registration, and also reviews recent case law that has helped to elucidate certain key aspects of ELUs. The paper underscores the necessity for more specific legislation to address these ambiguities and uncertainties. Additionally, it critically assesses the potential implications of the recently published National Water Resource Strategy III and the National Water Amendment Bill of 2023. This Bill proposes to abolish the right to declare an ELU, and to empower the relevant authority to impose conditions and/or obligations on ELUs as well as to curtail current ELU volumes.
Factores asociados al desarrollo de la competencia científica de indagación que emergen desde la experiencia de un semillero de investigación escolar sobre plantas medicinales en Córdoba-Colombia
Authors: Arrieta-García Emilio José
Published: October 2024

La enseñanza de las ciencias dispone de estrategias que buscan acercar a los estudiantes hacia la comprensión de problemáticas que suceden en su entorno. Dentro de estas se incluye al semillero de investigación en donde cobra relevancia la competencia científica de indagación. Así, se gestó un estudio orientado hacia la determinación de factores asociados al desarrollo de esta competencia desde las vivencias de estudiantes de básica y media que integraron un semillero de investigación escolar dada la necesidad por establecer un corpus teórico que permitiera comprender las formas de pensar y pensarse los estudiantes en un entorno de investigación científica desde la escuela. Se eligió una metodología sustentada en el paradigma estructuralista, enfoque cualitativo, método de teoría fundamentada, tipo de investigación explicativa, diseño de campo, transeccional contemporáneo y unieventual; en todo caso, las categorías emergieron de los datos inductivos recolectados; las técnicas empleadas fueron la entrevista y el grupo focal. Se concluye que los factores establecidos a partir de los datos inductivos recolectados asociados al desarrollo de la competencia científica de indagación bajo las condiciones enunciadas, permitieron clasificarlos en generales (personales, sociales, metodológicos) y específicos, derivados éstos de las categorías que emergieron del análisis realizado.
El libro de texto como recurso en la enseñanza de la biodiversidad: relaciones con el conocimiento profesional del profesor
Authors: Torres-Martínez Rosa Viviana
Published: October 2024

El presente artículo es producto de un ejercicio investigativo realizado en el seminario: La biodiversidad como problema epistemológico interdimensional. Un abordaje desde el conocimiento profesional del profesor de ciencias cursado en el marco del Doctorado Interinstitucional en Educación de la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, cuyo objeto fue analizar el papel del libro de texto en la enseñanza de la biodiversidad. Para lograr este propósito, se realizó un estudio de caso en el que se contó con la participación de una profesora de biología de educación básica, quien, por medio de entrevista semiestructurada, respondió a cuestionamientos relacionados con el papel que le atribuye al libro de texto en la enseñanza de la biodiversidad a nivel metodológico, epistemológico, curricular y evaluativo. A partir de allí, se realizó el análisis de contenido de un texto escolar de ciencias naturales para grado séptimo que la docente emplea en su práctica cuando aborda el concepto en mención, con el fin de construir interpretaciones válidas respecto a las relaciones que se tejen entre el uso de los materiales escolares y las prácticas de enseñanza. A partir de la reflexión sobre las creencias, conocimientos y experiencias que la profesora, de forma explícita o implícita, evidenció respecto a la enseñanza del concepto de biodiversidad, se encontró que el libro de texto tiene unos componentes epistemológicos, axiológicos y curriculares que operan en el proceso de producción de sentidos particulares e interpretaciones respecto a la noción escolar de biodiversidad; a su vez, se evidenció que los manuales escolares cumplen diversas funciones en el aula de clases, en tanto se utilizan como herramienta de planeación, fuente de información o como recurso didáctico para organizar, abordar las temáticas y orientar los aprendizajes de los estudiantes sobre el contenido que se enseña.
Conocimiento didáctico del vontenido sobre cambio climático en docentes de educación ambiental de colegios públicos de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Cerquera-Mojocó Yeinson Fernando , Essomba- Gelabert Miquel Ángel
Published: October 2024

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de uno de los objetivos propuestos en una investigación doctoral en educación, en el que se buscaba identificar el nivel de Conocimiento Didáctico del Contenido (pck, por sus iniciales en inglés) sobre cambio climático, en docentes de colegios públicos de Bogotá, pertenecientes al Proyecto Ambiental Escolar (prae). La investigación se enfocó en dos componentes del pck: el conocimiento del contenido (ck, por sus iniciales en inglés) y el Conocimiento de las Dificultades de Aprendizaje en los estudiantes (ksld, por sus iniciales en inglés). Se seleccionaron estos dos componentes, debido a que investigaciones recientes proponen que el ksld es una vía plausible para desarrollar el pck de los maestros a partir de su ck. Se aplicó un cuestionario de ck y uno de ksld a una muestra de 223 docentes y se hizo uso del método correlacional para establecer relaciones entre estos dos componentes.
 
Los resultados muestran un nivel de desempeño medio en el ck y un desempeño bajo en el ksld, sobre cambio climático. Asimismo, se detectó una correlación positiva moderada entre estos componentes. Se infiere que un ck débil sobre el tema, dificulta el ksld y con ello, plantear estrategias pedagógicas pertinentes, orientadas al aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Esta investigación acude al marco del pck, como vía para impulsar el conocimiento de los docentes que se desempeñan en el campo de la educación ambiental, específicamente en temas complejos que representan enormes desafíos en la actualidad, como lo es el cambio climático.
ANÁLISES DA PRÉ-COBERTURA DA PARALIMPÍADA DE TÓQUIO (2021) NOS JORNAIS ZERO HORA E FOLHA DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: Neumann Bruno Krüger , Ferreira Natália Elias , Sebastiany Eduardo Gabriel , Feltes Alessandra Fernandes , Dieder Janaina Andretta , Barth Mauricio , Sanfelice Gustavo Roese
Published: October 2024

Este artigo tem como finalidade comparar a pré-cobertura do Jornal Zero Hora (ZH) e do Jornal Folha de São Paulo das Paralimpíadas (TÓQUIO/2021). O presente estudo utiliza-se da análise de conteúdo descrita por Bardin (2016) como proposta metodológica. O material selecionado na primeira fase através da leitura flutuante corresponde a 11 páginas vindas do Jornal Folha de São Paulo e 12 do Jornal Zero Hora no período de 24 de julho a 23 de agosto de 2021. Na segunda fase, esse material foi mais explorado e catalogado de modo que os elementos constitutivos das notícias fossem quantificados em inferências. Deste registro emergiram as categorias de análise: Atletas (com 46 inferências GZH e 19 Folha); Pandemia (com 16 inferências GZH e 6 Folha); Modalidades (com 25 inferências da Folha); Abertura (com 42 inferências Folha) e Equipe Folha (com 4 inferências da Folha). A partir dos resultados, concluímos que a cobertura midiática da pré-cobertura paralímpica pode ser uma ferramenta importante para promover uma cultura esportiva mais inclusiva e competente, desde que seja feita de maneira adequada e com o enfoque necessário.
A ÉTICA FRATERNA NO COMBATE AO PRECONCEITO POR IDADE: UMA QUESTÃO DE SAÚDE E BEM-ESTAR SOCIAL
Authors: Tavares Thiago Passos , Alcântara Machado Carlos Augusto
Published: October 2024

O preconceito por idade se constrói na sociedade através da reprodução de estereótipos e pela propagação de discursos que se baseiam na discriminação etária. A pesquisa objetiva demonstrar como padrões estabelecidos pela sociedade fazem com que a idade das pessoas seja um parâmetro de julgamento das capacidades humanas. O etarismo pode ser direcionado a pessoas de qualquer faixa etária, seja para jovens ou idosos, concentrando suas linhas fortes, principalmente, quando direcionadas a população de idade avançada. O estudo parte do seguinte questionamento: De que modo a ética fraterna e os direitos humanos podem auxiliar as pessoas e as famílias, a sociedade, bem como as instituições públicas e privadas no combate ao preconceito por idade? Justifica-se a presente pesquisa pelo desenvolvimento de estudos que promovam reflexão ao tema do preconceito por idade guardando relação com as capacidades dos indivíduos de promover mudanças sociais através da disseminação da ética fraterna. Aplicou-se à pesquisa o método qualitativo, de cunho exploratório e indutivo, com base nos referenciais bibliográficos sobre o tema.
Perbandingan Pengekspresan Antigen Kluster Pembezaan dalam Subjenis Tumor dan Darah Periferi Pesakit Kanser Gaster
Authors: Sukri Asif , Hanafiah Alfizah , Kossai Nik Ritza , Shuhaili Mohamad Aznan , Mohammed Taher Mustafa , Raja Ali Raja Affendi
Published: October 2024

Kanser gaster merupakan salah satu kanser utama yang paling banyak menyebabkan kematian di seluruh dunia. Diagnosis dan prognosis kanser gaster adalah sukar untuk dibuat dan kebanyakan pesakit didiagnos dengan kanser ini pada peringkat yang teruk. Prognosis kanser gaster adalah berlainan berdasarkan kepada subjenis kanser gaster dan jangkitan Helicobacter pylori. Antigen kluster pembezaan (CD) boleh digunakan sebagai biopenanda untuk diagnosis dan prognosis penyakit kronik kerana pengekspresannya yang berubah mengikut tahap penyakit. Objektif kajian ini adalahuntuk membuat perbandingan pengekspresan antigen CD dalam sel darah periferi dan sel adenokarsinoma pesakit kanser gaster dan menentukan peranan CD55 dalam rembesan interleukin-8 (IL-8) oleh sel selanjar. Sampel darah periferi dan tumor telah diambil daripada pesakit kanser gaster. Sampel kemudian diproses untuk mendapatkan ampaian sel tunggal. Imunofenotip antigen CD telah dijalankan menggunakan slaid mikroatur DotScanTM. Penyenyapan CD55 telah dibuat menggunakan RNA pengganggu kecil (siRNA). Sembilan belas antigen CD, kebanyakan daripadanya adalah penanda untuk sel B, diekspres secara lebih tinggi dalam tumor subjenis kardia berbanding subjenis bukan kardia. CD182 dan CD125 merupakan reseptor interleukin yang penting, diekspres lebih tinggi dalam subjenis bukan kardia daripada subjenis kardia. Pengekspresan 32 antigen CD yang lebih tinggi dapat diperhatikan dalam tumor subjenis difus berbanding subjenis usus. CD29 dan CD73 diekspres dengan tinggi dalam sarkoma gastrointestinal. Perbandingan pengekspresan antigen CD menunjukkan CD11a dan CD49d diekspres sama tinggi dalam darah dan tumor. Penyenyapan CD55 mengawal pengeluaran IL-8 dalam sel yang dijangkiti oleh H. pylori secara bergantung kepada kehadiran gen berkaitan sitotoksin (cagA). Kajian ini menunjukkan perbezaan pengekspresan antigen CD dalam pelbagai subjenis kanser gaster dan berpotensi dijadikan biopenanda untuk diagnosis kanser gaster secara tidak invasif.
Komposisi Isotop Radiogenik Pb Longgokan Emas Orogeni Bufffalo Reef, Pahang, Malaysia: Implikasi terhadap Genesis Bijih
Authors: Mohd Zin Mazlinfalina , Iswadi Basori Mohd Basril , Jamil Habibah , Yusoff Nasirudin
Published: October 2024

Longgokan emas Buffalo Reef di Jalur Tengah Semenanjung Malaysia merupakan longgokan jenis orogeni yang berkongsi banyak cirian geologi dengan longgokan emas orogeni lain di rantau ini. Batuan perumah di Buffalo Reef didominasi oleh batuan sedimen iaitu syal, syal berkarbon, batu lodak, batu lumpur, batuan metamorf gred rendah (sabak) dan batuan volkanik. Komposisi isotop Pb bagi sulfida di dalam telerang kuarza dan batuan perumah daripada longgokan emas Buffalo Reef dilaporkan dalam kajian ini sebagai salah satu kaedah untuk menentukan sumber larutan pembentuk bijih, julat sempadan usia (modal age) dan sekitaran tektonik. Hasil kajian ini kemudiannya disepadukan dengan gambaran keseluruhan sekitaran geodinamik serantau, untuk lebih memahami tentang genesis longgokan emas orogeni di rantau ini. Empat mineral stibnit di dalam telerang kuarza memberikan julat nisbah 206Pb/204Pb daripada 18.5953 hingga 18.6318, nisbah 207Pb/204Pb antara 15.6564 dan 15.6910 dan nisbah 208Pb/204Pb sekitar 38.6378 hingga 38.7503. Sementara itu, nisbah untuk 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb dan 208Pb/204Pb bagi satu mineral stibnit daripada batuan perumah ialah 18.6215, 15.6242 dan 38.6132. Secara keseluruhannya, nilai data isotop Pb yang terkandung oleh mineral stibnit di dalam telerang kuarza adalah agak kecil dan menunjukkan persamaan dengan nilai isotop Pb yang terkandung oleh mineral stibnit di dalam batuan perumah. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa sumber utama Pb dalam larutan hidroterma pemineralan di Buffalo Reef berasal daripada percampuran Pb kerak atas dengan Pb daripada sumber igneus/mantel yang terbentuk di sekitaran tektonik subduksi-perlanggaran yang membentuk jalur orogeni. Perbandingan data isotop Pb dalam longgokan emas Buffalo Reef dengan beberapa longgokan emas orogeni di Semenanjung Malaysia menunjukkan nilai isotop Pb dan sekitaran tektonik yang konsisten dan seragam serta semuanya berada dalam julat umur modal 0-200 juta tahun. Penemuan ini selaras dengan kejadian longgokan emas orogeni di Buffalo Reef dan longgokan emas orogeni lain di rantau ini yang terbentuk terutamanya di sepanjang sempadan kerak menumpu bagi jalur orogeni perlanggaran.
Kajian Teori Fungsian Ketumpatan pada Struktur, Tapak Perangkap Muon dan Interaksi Hiperhalus Muon dalam Poli(3-heksiltiofena-2,5-dil)
Authors: Zaharim Wan Nurfadhilah , Sulaiman Shukri , Risdiana Risdiana , Safriani Lusi , Othaman Rizafizah
Published: October 2024

Polimer semikonduktor seperti Poli(3-heksiltiofena-2,5-dil) (P3HT) telah mendapat perhatian kerana sifatnya dan telah digunakan dalam sel suria. Kadar resapan elektron dalam bahan ini dapat memberikan maklumat penting tentang angkutan cas. Spektroskopi muon adalah satu kaedah yang sensitif dengan suasana mikroskopik bahan dan mampu memberikan gambaran tentang sifat resapan elektron. Penghitungan kadar resapan D memerlukan pengetahuan tentang nilai interaksi hiperhalus muon yang sukar diperoleh melalui uji kaji. Oleh itu kaedah Teori Fungsian Ketumpatan (DFT) telah digunakan dalam penyelidikan ini untuk mencari tapak stabil muon di dalam P3HT dan seterusnya menghitung nilai interaksi hiperhalus. Dalam kajian ini semua struktur yang dioptimumkan bagi sistem perumah dan sistem termuonat telah diperoleh dengan menggunakan kaedah DFT pada tahap B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p). Kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa kehadiran muon di dalam bahan ini menyebabkan perubahan ketara pada ciri-ciri HOMO dan LUMO. Tapak C5 dan C2 yang terletak bersebelahan sulfur adalah yang paling stabil dengan nilai interaksi hiperhalus muon sebanyak 267.4 MHz dan 293.8 MHz. Walaupun kedua-dua tapak ini mempunyai nilai tenaga yang hampir sama, namun suasana taburan lokal spin elektron adalah berbeza.
Toxicological Evaluation of Sargassum polycystum in Mice with Loperamide-Induced Constipation
Authors: Tipbunjong Chittipong , Hengpratom Tanaporn , Peerakietkhajorn Saranya , Mayakun Jaruwan , Huipao Nawiya , Khuituan Pissared , Surinlert Piyaporn , Pholpramool Chumpol
Published: October 2024

Constipation gradually increases in people after the age of 50 years leading to difficulty in stool passage. Until now, there have been no effective drugs without side effects. This study investigated the preventive potential and toxicity of Sargassum polycystum extract (SPE) against loperamide-induced constipation in mice. Daily oral administration of SPE (100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly increased defecation frequency in constipation mice. Additionally, no significant differences in blood haematological and biochemical indices between the control, constipation and SPE-treated groups were detected. Histopathological examinations revealed non-toxic effects in liver, kidney and colon tissue samples from the SPE-treated groups compared with the control and constipation groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the administration of SPE significantly modulated Saa3, Odc1 and Clu expressions that promote the health of living organisms compared with the control group. Overall, this study showed that daily oral administration of Sargassum polycystumfor 14 days could prevent constipation without any adverse effects. Sargassum polycystumis suitable for further use as a supplement or drug to manage constipation.
Surface Metabolite Amino Acids and Collagen Profiling in Refrigerated Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus): Implications for Identification and Quality Assessment
Authors: Rabu Nuraisah , Zubairi Saiful Irwan , Nurzahim Zainun , Yaakob Harisun , Zakaria Ikhwan , Mohd Kamaruddin Siti Noor Diana
Published: October 2024

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by-products, including the scales, skin, and mucus, are rich sources of protein with a balanced amino acid profile and high collagen content. Cold storage at 4 ℃ is commonly used to maintain the freshness of tilapia fish in retail settings. This study aims to investigate the changes in surface metabolites and collagen content in tilapia fish during cold storage at 4 ℃. Fresh tilapia fish was stored at 4 ℃ for 7 days to monitor physicochemical and metabolite changes. Fish collagen content was extracted using acetic acid and pepsin, pH values were measured using a calibrated pH meter, protein content was determined via the Bradford method, and creatine and phenylalanine levels were assessed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Analysis was conducted on days 0, 3, and 7 of cold storage. Significant reductions (p<0.05) in collagen content from fish scales were observed on the 3rd day of storage, declining from 72.60 ± 12.40% to 30.17 ± 17.62%. pH levels of fish scales and mucus showed a slight alkaline shift, while the skin turned acidic due to bacterial and enzymatic activities. Protein content in the scales, skin, and mucus showed a substantial loss exceeding 50% after 7 days of cold storage. Changes in creatine and phenylalanine concentrations in the mucus further indicated a decline in tilapia fish freshness due to biochemical reactions post-mortem, compromising overall quality. In conclusion, the duration of cold storage significantly affects the composition of tilapia fish scales, skin, and mucus, with a 7-day storage period identified as a suitable freshness indicator in compliance with FDA guidelines permitting fresh fish to be stored at 4 °C for up to two days.
Exploring the Potential of Nyonya Kuih Residues as the Substrate for Yeast Cell Protein Production
Authors: Tang Pei Ling , Wong Wei Herng
Published: October 2024

Nyonya kuih, a popular Malaysian traditional cuisine that have short shelf life due to their high moisture and fat contents. The unsold kuihs usually ended up as food residue. Thus, kuih talam(KT) and kuih lapis (KL), two varieties of Nyonya kuih were chosen as the investigative substrates to explore the recycling potential of this food residue. Initially, the effect of fat content on the enzymatic hydrolysability of the residues to release fermentable sugar was investigated. The efficiency of lipase-pretreatment (LP), polyvinylpyrrolidone-post-treatment (PVP) and their combination in lipid removal was determined. Then, the potential of the resulting glucose-rich hydrolysates for Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cell biomass production was assessed, with molasses as the positive control. Results indicated that combined LP and PVP (LP-PVP) significantly (p<0.05) reduced crude fat content, while increasing the total sugar content of KT and KL hydrolysates by approximately 3.4 and 26.3 times, respectively. Yeast cell biomass produced from KT and KL hydrolysates were increased by 23% and 39%, respectively after LP-PVP treatment. Despite the yeast cells’ yield (by dry cell weight) from molasses fermentation being 19% and 11% higher than those from KT and KL hydrolysates, respectively, KT and KL hydrolysates were proven superior due to the significantly higher (p<0.05) crude protein content in yeast cell produced from both hydrolysates. Further study is needed to enhance yeast cell yield from the fermentation of KT and KL hydrolysates, thereby improving the overall protein yield from the fermentation process. This study provides new insight into a novel food residue recycle strategy, promoting sustainable food production aligned with SDG 12.
Pengesanan Residu Najis dan Bulu dalam Glikopeptida daripada Produk Sampingan Sarang Burung Walit dan Implikasinya terhadap Status Halal
Authors: Yahaya Nazariyah , Haikal Ezaidin Muhammad Arieff , Yahya Hanis Nadia , Abdul Rahim Alina , Mohd Subri Irwan , Abdullah Nur Aina , Abdul Majid Mohd Nasir , Mohd Yusof Zizi Azlinda , Lim Seng Joe , Wan Mustapha Wan Aida , Mohd Razali Noorul Syuhada , Hashim Zanariah , Abang Zaidel Dayang Norulfairuz , Mohd Jusoh Yanti Maslina
Published: October 2024

Sarang Burung Walit (SBW) yang diperbuat daripada air liur burung spesies Aerodramus fuciphagus mempunyai banyak manfaat kesihatan seperti melambatkan proses penuaan serta menguatkan sistem imun manusia. Bagi memaksimumkan penggunaan SBW, hasil sampingan SBW daripada pembersihan awal digunakan oleh pengilang dengan mengekstrak semula glikopeptida yang melekat pada hasil sampingan tersebut. Namun, status Halal glikopeptida yang dikumpul daripada hasil sampingan SBW telah dipersoalkan berhubung kemungkinan kehadiran najis dan bulu burung pada produk akhir yang dijadikan bahan makanan. Kajian ini mengesan kehadiran najis dan bulu dalam glikopeptida yang diekstrak daripada hasil sampingan SBW dengan menggunakan analisis SpektroskopiFourier Transformasi Intramerah (FTIR) yang digabungkan dengan Analisis Komponen Utama (PCA) dan selanjutnya dianalisis menggunakan Resonans Magnet Nuklear(NMR). Selain itu, kajian ini juga mengupas mengenai hukum syariah berkaitan dengan burung Walit dan perbandingannya dengan burung layang-layang serta status halal penggunaan glikopeptida yang diperoleh semula daripada hasil sampingan SBW. Hasil daripada kajian ini menunjukkan, analisis FTIR yang digabungkan dengan analisis PCA, dapat mengesan dan membezakan kehadiran penanda (bulu dan najis) dalam sampel hasil sampingan SBW yang diekstrak melalui proses pembersihan yang berbeza. Keputusan analisis yang sama juga diperoleh melalui kaedah NMR. Mengikut hukum syariah, jika jumlah najis (bulu dan najis) adalah minima dan tidak kelihatan dengan mata kasar, konsep al-najasah al-ma‘fuww ‘anha li qillatiha ‘urfan(ia dimaafkan kerana kadar kecil mengikut uruf) boleh digunakan. Produk itu boleh dipertimbangkan untuk mendapat sijil Halal daripada pihak berkuasa Malaysia.
Solubility and Dissolution Improvement of Paramethoxycinnamic Acid (PMCA) Induced by Cocrystal Formation using Caffeine as a Coformer
Authors: Sulistyowaty Melanny Ika , Fitri Suciati , Yuliati Ninis , Amrillah Tahta , Che Abdullah Che Azurahanim , Setyawan Dwi
Published: October 2024

Para-methoxy cinnamic acid (pMCA) is a derivative compound of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate that could be obtained in nature. pMCA has excellent pharmacological properties. However, in their application as a drug, pMCA has poor water solubility. In this present research, we try to increase the water solubility of pMCA using the cocrystal formation (cocrystallization) strategy. Here, we use caffeine as a coformer that can interact very well with pMCA via non-covalent bonding and Van der Waals interaction to achieve cocrystal formation. The cocrystal samples were successfully synthesized using various synthesis techniques; physical mixture, solvent evaporation, and microwave radiation methods. It shows that the solubility of the samples synthesized using microwave-assisted and solvent evaporation increases about 3.30 and 3.12 times, respectively, whereas the dissolution rate profile increases 2.50 and 2.39 times, respectively, compared to pure APMS. Our findings explain the importance of the cocrystal formation strategy to enhance the solubility of active material pMCA. This strategy can also be used as a standard formulation of a new drug system with excellent solubility and dissolution which is very important for the pharmaceutical industry.
Automatic Algorithm Applied for Calculating Thermal Conductivity by Transient Plane Source Method
Authors: Jia Zhijie , Yang Liping , Cao Chengcheng , Li Huidong , Luo Caiyun , Tao Ye , Zhong Qiu , Xu Zijun , Chen Zezhong
Published: October 2024

As a thermal conductivity measurement method, Transient Plane Source (TPS) method has gained much popularity because of its broad applicability, short measurement times, high precision and simple sample preparation. However, the accuracy of thermal conductivity calculations based on temperature rise data is often hindered by factors such as probe thickness, contact thermal resistance, and input power. Currently, there is no standardized criteria for selecting effective temperature rise data for thermal conductivity calculation. Consequently, the accuracy of results are limited by the operator's understanding of the TPS methods, and repeatability of the results is often poor. To address this issue, an automatic algorithm based on the international standard (ISO22007-2:2008) is proposed in this paper. By applying this algorithm to the measurement of different materials, it has been demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can produce more precise and consistent results than the conventional method. Additionally, the integration of the time window function , typically utilized solely for result validation in conventional methods, further enhances the objectivity and reproducibility of the results obtained by the automatic algorithm.
New Standard on Macro-Particles and Visible Particles in Cleanrooms—ISO 14644-17, Particle deposition rate applications
Authors: Agricola Koos
Published: October 2024

ISO TC 209 has developed a series of standards for cleanrooms and associated controlled environments. To date, 19 ISO 14644 and 14698 standards have been published. With respect to particles, the focus has been on airborne particles up to 5 micrometers. In many applications, larger particles--even visible particles--need to be controlled. ISO 14644-17 ‘Particle deposition rate applications’ provides guidance on the control of macroparticles. Background information with a personal view is given. The new standard offers control tools for many industries.
Initial Development of a High-Power Solid-State Solar Simulator
Authors: Felt Wyatt , Marriott Kevin , Griffiths Trenton , Murphy Charlotte , Lembke Bryce , Morris Nathaniel
Published: October 2024

Our team has developed and tested a solid-state solar simulating lamp for use with space simulation vacuum chambers. Unlike traditional lamps, our system uses solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to generate the light. The emission wavelengths of the LEDs can be selected and controlled so that their combined output better approximates the profile of the solar spectrum.

Though our system can accommodate visual or infrared LEDs, we focused our efforts on generating ultraviolet (UV) light in the 265-400 nanometer (nm) range. Compared to deuterium lamps, the LEDs are advantageous because they can be selected and controlled such that the output profile of the lamp better approximates the irradiance of the sun. Deuterium lamps are most intense at 200 nm with their intensity decreasing by more than 90% as the spectrum approaches 400 nm. Light from the sun is of relatively low intensity in the 200-250 nm range, but its intensity increases by more than 2000% from 250 nm to 400 nm.

The modular design of our lamp (Figure 1) allows it to individually control the current to each of 80 strings of LEDs, totaling to 904 individual UV LEDs in a compact, circular pattern designed to shine through an 11.5-inch-diameter chamber window. The light from each LED is collimated using a 6-millimeter-diameter silica ball lens, and the array has a combined nominal optical power output of 90 watts (W). Because UV LEDs are relatively inefficient, creating the 90W of optical power requires 1800W of electrical power. The waste heat from the LEDs is managed by a liquid-cooled plate and external chiller.
Motivation for self-study among medical university students
Authors: Sithija Dilshan Jayakodi Waththage , Karnialiuk Dzmitry , Lakotka Tatsiana , Khan Fawzer Khan Akil Ahamed
Published: October 2024

Background: Motivation is a key driver of academic success, especially in rigorous disciplines like medicine. Recognizing what motivates students to engage in self-study can provide essential insights for enhancing educational practices.
Methods: The study employed the academic motivation scale (AMS). The survey was administered online through Google forms, targeting 4th-year students from both the domestic faculty of medicine and the faculty of foreign students. The AMS assesses several components of internal motivation (such as the desire to gain knowledge) and external motivation (such as motivation due to external rewards or pressures). A comparative analysis was conducted to highlight differences in motivation between the two student groups.
Results: The findings demonstrated, that foreign students consistently exhibited higher levels of internal motivation, including a greater desire to understand medical content and achieve academic success. They also scored higher on most external motivational factors, such as motivation stemming from rewards or recognition. These results indicate that foreign students tend to be more academically motivated than domestic students at Grodno State Medical University.
Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of both internal and external motivation in promoting academic performance, especially in medical education. The greater motivation observed among foreign students suggests that cultural, environmental, or personal factors might contribute to their stronger drive for self-study. Future research could investigate these factors more deeply and develop targeted approaches to enhance motivation among all students. Implementing strategies to improve intrinsic motivation among domestic students could help reduce the observed disparity.