bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Utilization and Ethics of Urgent Orthopedic Spine Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report
Authors: Partan Matthew J. , White Peter B. , Cohn Randy M. , Katsigiorgis Gus , Grewal Kanwarpaul
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARs-CoV-2), also known as a coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), is a novel respiratory disease that has quickly surmounted to pandemic proportions. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the decision-making process, and resource utilization for spine cases that necessitate urgent surgical intervention in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Case Presentation: A twenty-five-year-old Hispanic male presented to an emergency department in Long Island, New York on March 30th, 2020 with incomplete cauda equina with altered bladder function. An MRI revealed a moderately large central disc extrusion of L4/5 with deformation at the ventral thecal sac which resulted in severe spinal stenosis. Given displacement of immediately available resources, the patient required a transfer to an affiliate hospital with readily available operating room staff. Conclusion: From the time of initial presentation to the emergency room the patient was successfully transferred and brought to the operating room suite within eight hours. The patient underwent an L4/5 decompression and microdiscectomy for a large extruded disk herniation at L4/5 level without complications. With our healthcare system in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are in a unique environment exposed to the harsh characteristics of the surge. In parallel with similarly challenged organizations, our system quickly adapted and adopted various guidelines and committees to organize resource allocation. As demonstrated in this case, the displacement of immediately available resources, such as anesthesia staff, placed strain on the routine workings of surgical coordination. In normal times the decision-making in this case may seem straightforward; however, this case demonstrates the strains that the COVID-19 pandemic placed on our healthcare system especially with regards to surgical acuity, COVID-19 exposure risk and resource allocation. Keywords: Cauda equine; Spine; Medical ethics; COVID-19.
Pulmonary Embolism as a Complication Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in a Patient with a History of COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Koutsogiannis Petros , Fakhoury Jordan , Grewal Kanwarpaul , Katsigiorgis Gus
Published: April 2023

This is a case report of an otherwise healthy 45-year-old male patient with a history of COVID-19, who later underwent an Anterior Cervical Spine Decompression and Fusion of level three to four for progressing neurological symptoms. The patient was readmitted eleven days postoperatively for shortness of breath and found to have a Pulmonary Embolism. The patient was at low risk for postoperative VTE, with no known current significant risk factors. He had a history of COVID-19, along with lab values and imaging that have been shown in other case series to help support the link between covid-19 and hypercoagulable state. We hope to support this hypothesis, and bring light to future larger scale studies, in order to better understand this disease and effectively create a preoperative assessment to identify such patients at risk, along with post-operative protocols for these patients having procedures in the future. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of confirmed postoperative DVT/PE in an otherwise low-risk patient, who had a history of COVID-19 with full recovery. The rarity of this complication, along with options for how to risk-stratify these patients should be formally addressed, especially in those who require urgent spine surgery. These options are discussed, reviewed, and remarks as to where further attention and research is needed is addressed. Keywords: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion; COVID-19; Pulmonary Embolism.
Case of Cervicothoracic Spine Osteoblastoma in a 5 Year-old Boy
Authors: Hbibi Mohamed , Benmiloud Sarra , Haloua Meriem , Boubbou Meryem , Hida Moustapha
Published: April 2023

Osteobalstoma is a benign primary bone tumor which represents 3% of all benign tumors and 1% of all bone tumors. It is localized commonly in the spine. We report the case of a 5 year-old boy with cervicothoracic spine osteoblastoma. The incidence of osteoblastoma is between de second and third decade; our case was seen in the first decade. The evaluation by computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging show the lesion of posterior elements of D1 vertebrae with extension to 4 upper and underlying vertebrae. The decision of excision was taken a long time of discussion because for surgical team, the lesion was mimicking malignancy of the spine. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery and the pain resolved after surgery. The objective of this article was to report a case of extensive osteoblastoma and to alert the clinician to avoid delay management due to differential diagnosis. Keywords: Osteoblatoma; Pediatric population; MRI; Surgical treatment.
Deep-Gamma: deep low-excitation fluorescence imaging global enhancement
Authors: Xiao Zhibo , Guan Yinghan , Jin Ying , Hou Wei , Gu Yuanjie , Wang Shouyu
Published: April 2023

Lowering the excitation to reduce phototoxicity and photobleaching while numerically enhancing the fluorescence signal is a useful way to support long-term observation in fluorescence microscopy. However, invalid features, such as near-zero gradient dark backgrounds in fluorescence images, negatively affect the neural networks due to the network training locality. This problem makes it difficult for mature deep learning-based image enhancement methods to be directly extended to fluorescence imaging enhancement. To reduce the negative optimization effect, we previously designed Kindred-Nets in conjunction with a mixed fine-tuning scheme, but the mapping learned from the fine-tuning dataset may not fully apply to fluorescence images. In this work, we proposed a new, to the best of our knowledge, deep low-excitation fluorescence imaging global enhancement framework, named Deep-Gamma, that is completely different from our previously designed scheme. It contains GammaAtt, a self-attention module that calculates the attention weights from global features, thus avoiding negative optimization. Besides, in contrast to the classical self-attention module outputting multidimensional attention matrices, our proposed GammaAtt output, as multiple parameters, significantly reduces the optimization difficulty and thus supports easy convergence based on a small-scale fluorescence microscopy dataset. As proven by both simulations and experiments, Deep-Gamma can provide higher-quality fluorescence-enhanced images compared to other state-of-the-art methods. Deep-Gamma is envisioned as a future deep low-excitation fluorescence imaging enhancement modality with significant potential in medical imaging applications. This work is open source and available at https://github.com/ZhiboXiao/Deep-Gamma.
100  GHz bandwidth, 1 volt integrated electro-optic Mach–Zehnder modulator at near-IR wavelengths
Authors: Valdez Forrest , Mere Viphretuo , Mookherjea Shayan
Published: April 2023

Integrated photonics at near-IR (NIR) wavelengths currently lacks high
bandwidth and low-voltage modulators, which add electro-optic
functionality to passive circuits. Here, integrated hybrid thin-film
lithium niobate (TFLN) electro-optic Mach–Zehnder modulators
(MZM) are shown, using TFLN bonded to planarized silicon nitride
waveguides. The design does not require TFLN etching or patterning.
The push–pull MZM achieves a half-wave voltage length product (V
π
L) of 0.8 V.cm at 784 nm.
MZM devices with 0.4 cm and 0.8 cm modulation length
show a broadband electro-optic response with a 3 dB bandwidth
beyond 100 GHz, with the latter showing a record bandwidth to
half-wave voltage ratio of 100 GHz/V and a high extinction
ratio exceeding 30 dB. Such fully integrated high-performance
NIR electro-optic devices may benefit data communications, analog
signal processing, test and measurement instrumentation, quantum
information processing and other applications.
Harnessing Self-Heating Effect for Ultralow-Crosstalk Electro-Optic Mach-Zehnder Switches
Authors: Cheng Qixiang , Bao Peng , Wei Jinlong , Talli Giuseppe , Kuschnerov Maxim , Penty Richard
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to counterbalance free-carrier-absorption (FCA) in electro-optic (E-O) Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) cells by harnessing self-heating effect. We show insights on crosstalk limitations in MZIs with direct carrier-injection and provide a detailed design methodology on a differential phase shifter pair. Leveraging both free-carrier dispersion (FCD) and self-heating effects, our design enables arbitrary phase tuning with balanced FCA loss in the pair of arms, eliminating the need for additional phase corrections and creating ultralow crosstalk MZI elements. This neat design disengages from the commonly used nested structure and thus provides an opportunity of embedding tunable couplers for correcting imperfect splitting ratios given that only two of which are needed. We show that with the use of tunable direction couplers (DCs), a standard ±10 nm process variation is tolerated, whilst achieving below -40dB crosstalk ratio. By direct carrier injection in both arms, the proposed device operates at nanosecond scales and can bring about a breakthrough in the scalability of E-O switch fabrics, as well as other silicon integrated circuits that have stringent requirements on crosstalk leakage.
Preclinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease: Sample size and effect size for behavioural and neuropathological outcomes in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Faisal Mahvish , Aid Jana , Nodirov Bekzod , Lee Benjamin , Hickey Miriam A.
Published: April 2023

5xFAD transgenic (TG) mice are used widely in AD preclinical trials; however, data on sample sizes are largely unaddressed. We therefore performed estimates of sample sizes and effect sizes for typical behavioural and neuropathological outcome measures in TG 5xFAD mice, based upon data from single-sex (female) groups. Group-size estimates to detect normalisation of TG body weight to WT littermate levels at 5.5m of age were N = 9–15 depending upon algorithm. However, by 1 year of age, group sizes were small (N = 1 –<6), likely reflecting the large difference between genotypes at this age. To detect normalisation of TG open-field hyperactivity to WT levels at 13-14m, group sizes were also small (N = 6–8). Cued learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) was normal in Young TG mice (5m of age). Mild deficits were noted during MWM spatial learning and memory. MWM reversal learning and memory revealed greater impairment, and groups of up to 22 TG mice were estimated to detect normalisation to WT performance. In contrast, Aged TG mice (tested between 13 and 14m) failed to complete the visual learning (non-spatial) phase of MWM learning, likely due to a failure to recognise the platform as an escape. Estimates of group size to detect normalisation of this severe impairment were small (N = 6–9, depending upon algorithm). Other cognitive tests including spontaneous and forced alternation and novel-object recognition either failed to reveal deficits in TG mice or deficits were negligible. For neuropathological outcomes, plaque load, astrocytosis and microgliosis in frontal cortex and hippocampus were quantified in TG mice aged 2m, 4m and 6m. Sample-size estimates were ≤9 to detect the equivalent of a reduction in plaque load to the level of 2m-old TG mice or the equivalent of normalisation of neuroinflammation outcomes. However, for a smaller effect size of 30%, larger groups of up to 21 mice were estimated. In light of published guidelines on preclinical trial design, these data may be used to provide provisional sample sizes and optimise preclinical trials in 5xFAD TG mice.
Data analysis for COVID-19 deaths using a novel statistical model: Simulation and fuzzy application
Authors: El-Sherpieny El-Sayed A. , Almetwally Ehab M. , Muse Abdisalam Hassan , Hussam Eslam
Published: April 2023

This paper provides a novel model that is more relevant than the well-known conventional distributions, which stand for the two-parameter distribution of the lifetime modified Kies Topp–Leone (MKTL) model. Compared to the current distributions, the most recent one gives an unusually varied collection of probability functions. The density and hazard rate functions exhibit features, demonstrating that the model is flexible to several kinds of data. Multiple statistical characteristics have been obtained. To estimate the parameters of the MKTL model, we employed various estimation techniques, including maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) and the Bayesian estimation approach. We compared the traditional reliability function model to the fuzzy reliability function model within the reliability analysis framework. A complete Monte Carlo simulation analysis is conducted to determine the precision of these estimators. The suggested model outperforms competing models in real-world applications and may be chosen as an enhanced model for building a statistical model for the COVID-19 data and other data sets with similar features.
Memory load of information encoded amplifies the magnitude of hindsight bias
Authors: Kaida Kosuke , Kaida Naoko
Published: April 2023

Our recollections tend to become more similar to the correct information when we recollect an initial response using the correct information, known as the hindsight bias. This study investigated the effect of memory load of information encoded on the hindsight bias’s magnitude. We assigned participants (N = 63) to either LOW or HIGH conditions, in which they answered 20 or 50 questions, which were their initial responses. Then, they memorized and remembered the correct information. They finally recollected the initial responses. Twenty of the fifty questions in the HIGH condition were identical to those in the LOW condition. We used the answers to these 20 common questions in LOW and HIGH conditions to examine the effect of the memory load of information encoded, defined as the number of correct answers to remember (i.e., 20 or 50) on the hindsight bias. Results indicated that the magnitude of the hindsight bias was more prominent in the HIGH than the LOW condition, suggesting that the memory load amplifies the hindsight bias’s magnitude. This finding also implies that controlling the memory load of information encoded when learning correct information could mitigate the hindsight bias. We expect these findings to have practical implications in occupational settings where hindsight bias could lead to critical errors such as financial losses or medical problems.
Proteogenomic analysis of Serratia marcescens using computational subtractive genomics approach
Authors: D’Souza Sharon Elaine , Khan Kanwal , Uddin Reaz
Published: April 2023

Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium (Enterobacteriaceae) is a hospital-acquired opportunistic pathogen that infects the urinary and central nervous systems. The identification of new therapeutics against S. marcescens is crucial since it is now multi-drug resistant. Therefore, the current study was aimed to identify potential drug targets against S. marcescens strains i.e. WW4, SM39, and Db11 using comparative metabolic pathway analysis and subtractive genomics approach. The applied bioinformatics-based method was used to identify the unique metabolic pathways as the prioritized drug targets. The downstream analysis has led to the identification of three pathways that are specifically absent and/or present in the specific strain. Consequently, six proteins were identified through subtractive genomic analysis. The identified proteins were found as non-homologous and essential to the pathogen’s survival as well as unique to the WW4 strain. The estimated features proposed it as a potential drug target. The selected protein was further subjected to in-depth structural analysis for the structure modeling, structure validation, and protein-protein interaction analysis. Furthermore, the library of ~1500 approved compounds was screened against selected drug target to identify potential drug candidates. The current work may help in repurposing of the drug compounds as novel medication against S. marcescens.
Identification of copy number variations in the genome of Dairy Gir cattle
Authors: Braga Larissa G. , Chud Tatiane C. S. , Watanabe Rafael N. , Savegnago Rodrigo P. , Sena Thomaz M. , do Carmo Adriana S. , Machado Marco A. , Panetto João Cláudio do C. , da Silva Marcos Vinicius G. B. , Munari Danísio P.
Published: April 2023

Studying structural variants that can control complex traits is relevant for dairy cattle production, especially for animals that are tolerant to breeding conditions in the tropics, such as the Dairy Gir cattle. This study identified and characterized high confidence copy number variation regions (CNVR) in the Gir breed genome. A total of 38 animals were whole-genome sequenced, and 566 individuals were genotyped with a high-density SNP panel, among which 36 animals had both sequencing and SNP genotyping data available. Two sets of high confidence CNVR were established: one based on common CNV identified in the studied population (CNVR_POP), and another with CNV identified in sires with both sequence and SNP genotyping data available (CNVR_ANI). We found 10 CNVR_POP and 45 CNVR_ANI, which covered 1.05 Mb and 4.4 Mb of the bovine genome, respectively. Merging these CNV sets for functional analysis resulted in 48 unique high confidence CNVR. The overlapping genes were previously related to embryonic mortality, environmental adaptation, evolutionary process, immune response, longevity, mammary gland, resistance to gastrointestinal parasites, and stimuli recognition, among others. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the Gir breed genome. Moreover, the CNV identified in this study can potentially affect genes related to complex traits, such as production, health, and reproduction.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated genomic knock out of tyrosine hydroxylase and yellow genes in cricket Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Bai Yun , He Yuan , Shen Chu-Ze , Li Kai , Li Dong-Liang , He Zhu-Qing
Published: April 2023

Gryllus bimaculatus is an emerging model organism in various fields of biology such as behavior, neurology, physiology and genetics. Recently, application of reverse genetics provides an opportunity of understanding the functional genomics and manipulating gene regulation networks with specific physiological response in G. bimaculatus. By using CRISPR/Cas9 system in G. bimaculatus, we present an efficient knockdown of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and yellow-y, which are involved in insect melanin and catecholamine-biosynthesis pathway. As an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, TH confines the first step reaction in the pathway. Yellow protein (dopachrome conversion enzyme, DCE) is also involved in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. The regulation system and molecular mechanism of melanin biogenesis in the pigmentation and their physiological functions in G. bimaculatus hasn’t been well defined by far for lacking of in vivo models. Deletion and insertion of nucleotides in target sites of both TH and Yellow are detected in both F0 individuals and the inheritable F1 progenies. We confirm that TH and yellow-y are down-regulated in mutants by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Compared with the control group, mutations of TH and yellow-y genes result in defects in pigmentation. Most F0 nymphs with mutations of TH gene die by the first instar, and the only adult had significant defects in the wings and legs. However, we could not get any homozygotes of TH mutants for all the F2 die by the first instar. Therefore, TH gene is very important for the growth and development of G. bimaculatus. When the yellow-y gene is knocked out, 71.43% of G. bimaculatus are light brown, with a slight mosaic on the abdomen. The yellow-y gene can be inherited stably through hybridization experiment with no obvious phenotype except lighter cuticular color. The present loss of function study indicates the essential roles of TH and yellow in pigmentation, and TH possesses profound and extensive effects of dopamine synthesis in embryonic development in G. bimaculatus.
Urban modeling of shrinking cities through Bayesian network analysis using economic, social, and educational indicators: Case of Japanese cities
Authors: Kato Haruka
Published: April 2023

Shrinking cities due to low birthrates and aging populations represent a significant urban planning issue. The research question of this study is: which economic, social, and educational factors affect population decline in Japanese shrinking cities? By modeling shrinking cities using the case of Japanese cities, this study aims to clarify the indicators that affect the population change rate. The study employed Bayesian network analysis, a machine learning technique, using a dataset of economic, social, and educational indicators. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that social and educational indicators affect the population decline rate. Surprisingly, the impact of educational indicators is more substantial than that of economic indicators such as the financial strength index. Considering the limitations in fiscal expenditures, increasing investment in education might help solve the problem of shrinking cities because of low birthrates and aging populations. The results provide essential insights and can function as a planning support system.
Controlling hypothalamic DNA methylation at the Pomc promoter does not regulate weight gain during the development of obesity
Authors: McFadden Taylor , Gaito Natasha , Carucci Isabella , Fletchall Everett , Farrell Kayla , Jarome Timothy J.
Published: April 2023

Obesity is a complex medical condition that is linked to various health complications such as infertility, stroke, and osteoarthritis. Understanding the neurobiology of obesity is crucial for responding to the etiology of this disease. The hypothalamus coordinates many integral activities such as hormone regulation and feed intake and numerous studies have observed altered hypothalamic gene regulation in obesity models. Previously, it was reported that the promoter region of the satiety gene, Pomc, has increased DNA methylation in the hypothalamus following short-term exposure to a high fat diet, suggesting that epigenetic-mediated repression of hypothalamic Pomc might contribute to the development of obesity. However, due to technical limitations, this has never been directly tested. Here, we used the CRISPR-dCas9-TET1 and dCas9-DNMT3a systems to test the role of Pomc DNA methylation in the hypothalamus in abnormal weight gain following acute exposure to a high fat diet in male rats. We found that exposure to a high fat diet increases Pomc DNA methylation and reduces gene expression in the hypothalamus. Despite this, we found that CRISPR-dCas9-TET1-mediated demethylation of Pomc was not sufficient to prevent abnormal weight gain following exposure to a high fat diet. Furthermore, CRISPR-dCas9-DNMT3a-mediated methylation of Pomc did not alter weight gain following exposure to standard or high fat diets. Collectively, these results suggest that high fat diet induced changes in Pomc DNA methylation are a consequence of, but do not directly contribute to, abnormal weight gain during the development of obesity.
The Influence of intrapreneurship on accelerating digital transformation in a bank's credit operations center
Authors: Damiani Ricardo Manoel , Tumelero Cleonir
Published: April 2023

Objective of the study: The objective of this study was to analyze how intrapreneurship accelerated the digital transformation in a credit operations center of a Brazilian bank, linked to an innovation laboratory in Silicon Valley. Methodology/approach: The research method was the in-depth case study and the data analysis technique was the content analysis. Main results: The original results indicated that intrapreneurship accelerated digital transformation through digitalization and digitization of processes, implementing and improving technological applications. Theoretical/methodological contributions: Leaders encouraged intrapreneurship by supporting creative ideas, using agile methodologies and digital innovation, and showing that rigidity in accepting failures and risks can be overcome. Relevance/originality: We conclude that intrapreneurship can accelerate incremental technological innovations, in products and processes, in order to promote digital transformation in the financial sector. Social/management contributions: We also conclude that digital transformation can significantly advance from the institutional incentive to intrapreneurship, acceptance of failures and risks, and creation of innovation poles connected to international technological networks. Future studies may investigate intrapreneurial solutions for the banking sector, based on open banking, artificial intelligence and blockchain.
Fissurina inabensis (Graphidaceae, Ascomycota), a new record to Russia from Shikotan Island
Authors: Chesnokov Sergey V. , Pan’kova Viktoria V. , Konoreva Lyudmila A.
Published: April 2023

During the study of the lichen biota of Shikotan Island, Fissurina inabensis (Vain.) M. Nakan. et Kashiw. was identified on the basis of morphological and anatomical data. It is the first record to Russia both at a species and at genus level. The phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS sequences of the studied specimens supported the close relationship with F. insidiosa C. Knight et Mitt. belonging to the subfamily Fissurinoideae. A detailed description of the morphology, anatomy and secondary metabolites of the studied specimens is given. This species was previously known from Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, and the area is extended to Shikotan Island where are the northernmost localities of the species. Detection of stictic acid might be variable depending on researchers because of the small amount of the substance. It was well detected using HPLC in this study. Differences in the number and size of ascospores in specimens from Shikotan Island and those from Japan described in the literature are discussed.
Taxonomic significance of fruit and seed structure in the subfamily Cassinoideae (Celastraceae)
Authors: Savinov Ivan A. , Solomonova Ekaterina V. , Yembaturova Elena Yu.
Published: April 2023

The paper reports on the macro- and micromorphology and anatomy of fruits and seeds in 19 species representing 13 African and American genera of subfamily Cassinoideae (family Celastraceae). A diversity of carpological characters was identified: fruit type and peculiarities of its dehiscence; presence of trichomes on fruit surface; subtypes of pyrenaria (polymerous, olygomerous, dimerous, pseudomonomerous); number of seeds, morphology of the seed (shape, presence/absent of outgrowths); the ratio of parenchymatous (ground) and sclerenchymatous (supporting) cell elements in the pericarp, cell shape and number of cell layers in the seedcoat. Fruit and seed characters support the differences between genera, also reflect on their possible relationship. The traits revealed are also used to substantiate and support the recent taxonomic revision of many genera, primarily African. The array of revealed fruit and seed traits strongly support previous taxonomic decisions to define most genera of the subfamily Cassinoideae in a narrow sense. It is especially relevant in the taxonomy of the African representatives, characterizing among others the distinct indigenous flora of the Cape Floristic Region.
Chromosome numbers of adventive species in the flora of the Republic of Altai. Post VI
Authors: Zykova Elena Yu. , Pankova Tatyana V. , Lomonosova Maria N.
Published: April 2023

Chromosome numbers (2n) of 14 adventive plant species from the families Apiaceae, Campanulaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Convolvulaceae, Geraniaceae, Lamiaceae, Malvaceae, Onagraceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, and Rosaceae are reported based on the material collected in the Republic of Altai. To determine chromosome number (ploidy level), the method of direct counting was used. Among species studied, chromosome numbers  for Anethum graveolens (2n = 22), Myosoton aquaticum (2n = 28), Epilobium hirsutum (2n = 36), and Fagopyrum esculentum (2n = 16) were first examined for Russia; for Silene dichotoma (2n = 24), Ipomoea purpurea (2n = 30), and Sorbaria sorbifolia (2n = 36) – first for Siberia; for Erodium cicutarium (2n = 40) – for West Siberia; Campanula rapunculoides (2n = 68, 102), Nepeta cataria (2n = 34), Malva pusilla (2n = 42), Dianthus deltoides (2n = 30), and Echinochloa crus-galli (2n = 54) were first studied for the Republic of Altai. General distribution and the history of floristic findings of these species in the Republic of Altai are given. Previously published data on chromosome numbers from Russia are cited.
Campanula aibgica (Campanulaceae) – a new species from vicinity of Sochi
Authors: Timukhin Ilja N. , Tuniyev Boris S.
Published: April 2023

The description of Campanula aibgica from basalt rocks of northern slope of Aibga Ridge (Sochi National Park, Krasnodar Territory) is presented. The species belongs to subgenus Campanula, sect. Cordifoliae (Fomin) Charadze. Apparently, it is close to sympatric Colchian taxa C. dzyschrica Kolak., C. kolakovskyi Charadze, C. collina Sims subsp. sphaerocarpa (Kolak.) Ogan., however, it differs exactly from them in morphology and ecology. It differs radically from other species of the section Cordifoliae in habitus and ecology. New species is narrow northern Colchis endemic, which developed under the periglacial conditions of the basalt rocks on northern slope of Aibga Ridge.
Floristic novelties for the territory of the National Park “Krasnoyarskie Stolby”
Authors: Zarubina Evgenia Yu. , Romanov Roman E.
Published: April 2023

In the course of field research and review of materials stored in the herbarium fund of the National Park “Krasnoyarskie Stolby”, information was clarified on the distribution of rare species of higher plants in the protected areas in the basins of the Mana and Bazaikha rivers. For the first time, 1 species (Lemna gibba) and 1 hybrid (Potamogeton × salicifolius) of higher aquatic plants were recorded for the Krasnoyarsk Territory. New localities of species rare for the south of the Krasnoyarsk Territory (Potamogeton × nitens, Utricularia macrorhiza, Hydrilla verticillata) are presented. 13 taxa were new for the flora of the National Park “Krasnoyarskie Stolby”: Typha laxmannii, Potamogeton alpinus subsp. tenuifolius, P. berchtoldii, P. friesii, P. gramineus, P. natans, P. trichoides, Stuckenia filiformis, S. vaginata, Elodea canadensis, Ranunculus kauffmanii, Utricularia minor, Galium mollugo. Two rare species were found to have new localities: Ceratophyllum demersum, Equisetum variegatum, and the locality of Lemna trisulca, a very rare species for the territory of the protected area, was confirmed.
New findings of adventive plants in the Tomsk Region
Authors: Pyak Elizaveta A. , Rudyev Artyom V. , Tolkanyuk Nikita E. , Yusupovsky Daniil V. , Pyak Andrey I.
Published: April 2023

The article contains new data on localities of new and rare adventive plants in the Tomsk Region. Hypochaeris radicata L. is not only a new species but a representative of a new genus for the flora of Siberia; Geranium pusillum L. is reported here for the first time for the Tomsk Region and constitutes the first record within the forest zone of Siberia; for 4 rare adventive species (Bidens frondosa L., Impatiens parviflora DC., Cynoglossum officinale L., Hesperis pycnotricha Borbás et Degen), new localities were noted, indicating their further distribution in the southern regions of the Tomsk Region and extending the distribution range of the species.
Irradiação de alimentos: Revisão comparativa, histórica e difusão do processo
Authors: Ramos Ricardo , Batista Eutropio Vieira
Published: April 2023

A utilização da irradiação em alimentos não é uma técnica nova, mas vem apresentando relevantes avanços em sua aceitação e nos benefícios que eles podem providenciar aos alimentos. Logo, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a história da utilização da técnica de irradiação nos alimentos. Bem como, observar quais foram os principais benefícios e metodologias empregadas. Em seguida, constatou-se que esta é uma técnica segura e eficiente para aumentar o tempo de vida em prateleira dos alimentos e livrar de patógenos. Além disso, apresenta uma regulamentação de suma importância que garante qualidade e segurança para estes alimentos, difundindo ainda mais o processo no meio social e acadêmico.
Síntese de semicondutores de diferentes composições e sua capacidade de absorção na região UV-A
Authors: Silva Luana Góes Soares da , Alves Annelise Kopp
Published: April 2023

Fotocatalisadores são sólidos semicondutores que se caracterizam por converterem a energia contida em fótons (luz) em energia eletroquímica disponível em um sistema químico, tanto para oxidação, como para a redução de compostos ou espécies químicas (íons). Á aplicação do TiO2 em fotocatálise heterogênea, adquire relevância, devido à sua eficiência na decomposição de poluentes da água, do ar, bactérias, células cancerígenas e na degradação de compostos orgânicos tóxicos. Assim, este trabalho se propôs a sintetizar por electrospinning fibras de TiO2 e de TiO2 dopadas com H2WO4 ou Na2WO4.2H2O. Estas amostras foram tratadas termicamente entre 650 ºC e 800 ºC. Caracterizadas quanto: a morfologia por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), fases cristalinas por difração de raios X (DRX), e fotoatividade mediante ensaios de degradação de 125 mL de uma solução 20 ppm do corante alaranjado de metila. Os resultados apontam a amostra de TiO2/Na2WO4.2H2O (800 ºC) mais efetiva na degradação do corante, possivelmente devido a existência de uma sincronicidade entre as propriedades químicas e físicas dos óxidos de titânio e tungstênio e a formação das vacâncias de O2.
Use of the 555 integrated circuit for the construction of a PWM module
Authors: Admiral Tiago Destéffani
Published: April 2023

The use of technology has become increasingly viable in classrooms, especially in physics classes. Explaining phenomena related to circuits becomes simpler when we can provide practical examples to students. The present article aims to describe the construction of a low-cost PWM module, which was used in the classroom to demonstrate the basic principles of digital electronics. The module was built with the 555 integrated circuit and a few other components. The assembly was made on a breadboard. The results from the operation of the board were analyzed with a digital oscilloscope and corresponded to what was expected in theory, the compatibility of the pulse width could be successfully verified, as well as the effect of simulating the analog output signal. Alternatively, the prototype was also used with an electric motor to visualize the influence of pulse width on the motor's rotation.
Conocimiento sobre medidas preventivas de infecciones de transmisión sexual en adolescentes
Authors: Quimbita Leydy Dayely Caisaluisa , Lopez Jose Luis Herrera
Published: April 2023

La presente investigación fue desarrollada con el objetivo de “determinar el conocimiento sobre medidas preventivas de infecciones de transmisión sexual en adolescentes, tomando como referencia la población de la Unidad Educativa Catorce de Julio-Juan Abel Echeverría” para lo cual se siguió el enfoque cuantitativo de diseño transversal. La muestra censal quedó conformada por un total de 200 adolescentes de la Unidad Educativa Catorce de Julio-Juan Abel Echeverría, quienes respondieron una encuesta para recolectar información sobre el conocimientos de ITS, datos que permitieron determinar que: el 59% era del sexo femenino; el 55% ya habían tenido relaciones sexuales, de los cuales el 47% tuvieron relación sexual entre los 15 y 19 años; el 82% indica que en su primera relación coital puede quedar embarazada; el 57% usa preservativos como método seguro para prevenir ETS; el 75% usa método de barrera; el 18% considera que no puede quedar embaraza en la primera relación con coito por lo que no se protegen; el 8% no usa métodos anticonceptivos; el 89% considera que el método abstinencia es no tener relaciones sexuales. Se estableció que el 57% de los adolescentes de la UE poseen un nivel alto de conocimientos sobre medidas preventivas de infecciones de transmisión sexual, aunque su conocimiento es básico reconocen algunas enfermedades de trasmisión sexual.
Anti-microbial activity of seed oils & protein estimation of seed-content in Clitoria ternetea, Lagenaria siciraria & Ziziphus mauritiana
Authors: Sharma Porshia , Rathore Pragya , Choudhary Yogesh , Tatwade Yash , Joshi Akshada
Published: April 2023

Asian plants of flower, vegetable and fruit named Clitoria ternetea, Lagenaria siciraria and Ziziphus mauritiana respectively are known for their extensive uses in traditional medicine as well as traditional treatment of various diseases and infections. Several studies have already been done so far on these plants and its various parts but the studies on their seeds as well as their seed oilwas lacking. In this work, we determined the protein content of these seeds as well as we extracted the seed oils and determined their anti-microbial activity independently along with the anti-microbial activity by mixing all these oils together in equal ratios. Both, protein determination and anti-microbial activity determination showed considerable and potential results. The Lagenaria siciraria seeds (in ethanol extract) showed highest protein content amongst all i.e., 4.44 (μg/mL-1) whereas Clitoria ternetea seeds displayed highest protein content (in water extract) amongst all i.e., 5.07 (μg/mL-1). The anti-microbial activity of the mixed seed oil showed better and great results as compared to individual anti-microbial activity of seed oils.
Future demand and supply of aquafeed ingredients: Outlines to commercialize non-conventional protein ingredients to enhance aquaculture production for food security in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ondiba Robert Nyakwama , Ogello Erick O. , Kembenya Elijah , Gichana Zipporah , Obiero Kevin
Published: April 2023

Aquaculture, being the fastest growing food sector, is expected to provide the highly needed animal protein for about 9.7 billion people globally by 2050. The world population is likely to consume 178 million tons of food fish/aquatic animals by 2028, whereby 58% of fish will likely be from aquaculture. Growth of food fish production is expected to increase overall production of aquafeeds to over 87 million tons by 2025. Aquafeed production relies largely on fishmeal which is getting expensive due to its multiple use and scarcity. A remedy to this situation is the use of non-conventional protein sources, which may be of plant (leaves, cereals, pulses etc.) or animal (insects, worms, etc.) origin. This paper demonstrates the potential of non-conventional ingredients for aquaculture. It was found that crude protein levels of selected non-conventional plant ingredients ranged from 25-71% while those of animal origin were from 66-72%. Inclusion levels of 5-40% and 25-66% were recommended in aquafeeds, respectively, from ingredients of plant and animal origin. Performances of fish fed aquafeeds containing selected non-conventional ingredients have been reviewed. Presence of anti-nutrients, chitin and high lipid in feed ingredients, and shortcomings in processing and mass production technologies, have been identified as the main challenges limiting the commercialization of the selected feed ingredients. To remove the unwanted factors and to enhance inclusion of non-conventional ingredients in aquafeeds, authors suggested varied strategies. The strategies such as defatting, heat treatment, extrusion cooking, solvent extraction, dehulling, fermentation, ensiling, genetic modification and inclusion of enzyme are identified as some of the most efficient methods. Effective and affordable technologies to improve nutritional value should be validated through research for adequate and consistent supply of aquafeed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, provision of sufficient, quality and affordable aquafeeds will promote sustainable aquaculture production and reduce fishing pressure and pollution in natural aquatic ecosystems.
Analysis of Art Education Application and Derivation Problems of VR(Tilt-Brush) Image Creation Media
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Choi Woo-Sung
Published: April 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the application of Art Education using the tilt brush programas part of future education incorporating virtual reality technology and analyze various problems derivedfrom the field. Methods: A practical study was conducted with participants in Art Education activities using virtualreality at B-Middle School of Arts, a specialized school, and a focus group interview was conductedwith professional lecturers who had experience in conducting the class were carried out. Results: Physical and non-physical problems were confirmed through conducting the class. First,educators and trainees felt ‘unfamiliar with the medium’ following the introduction of new technologiesand devices that were not in popular use. Second, the physical limitations according to the specialnature of school education environment are confirmed. Third, it was judged that there were variousproblems for the media to be actively introduced into Art Education, and that these environmentshinder development. This was interpreted as the ‘limitation point of base expansion’. Conclusion: In order to introduce future education practices that meets the 'digital-based education'of the 2022 revised curriculum, it is necessary to identify various problems derived from the educationalfield, as shown in the results of this study. In order to solve this problem, this research suggests thatchanges in the educational environment and system establishment should be made through continuousadministrative support at the national level, and social interest and efforts to rapidly apply variouspreceding studies are required.
Difusión espacial de la devoción al Cristo Negro de Esquipulas en el Estado de California, Estados Unidos
Authors: Rosas Paz Leonardo Daniel , Propin Frejomil Enrique
Published: April 2023

Los cristos negros son figuras devocionales que catalizan distintos significados a través de su color. En el contexto centroamericano, su tez rescata elementos del pasado prehispánico y rememora, en gran medida, al vínculo que tenían los pueblos originarios con la tierra. De todos ellos, uno de los más representativos, por su magnetismo espiritual. es el Señor de Esquipulas, Guatemala, cuya devoción está distribuida en amplias zonas de Centroamérica y Estados Unidos, producto de distintos periodos en los que su imagen se expandió, ancló y resignificó en estos territorios.
Desde el punto de vista de las teorías de difusión espacial, el presente trabajo expone los procesos de que han llevado a la devoción al Señor de Esquipulas a estar presente de manera diferenciada en California, Estados Unidos. Para ello, el artículo aplica un diseño de investigación cualitativo de corte descriptivo-explicativo para evidenciar el proceso de expansión de esta devoción cuya estrategia metodológica se nutrió de un análisis hemerográfico para reconstruir escenarios geohistóricos de difusión y de un trabajo de campo en el estado de California durante julio de 2022 que, guiado por los principios de la etnografía multisituada, permitió reconstruir la ruta de difusión contemporánea. Finalmente, se revela que el proceso de difusión en California ocurre primordialmente a partir de un modelo de relocalización policentralizado debido a las distintas trayectorias seguidas por los devotos en su proceso migratorio y de integración en el país.
Zan, L. (Ed.: 2022). The Venice Arsenal. Between History, Heritage, and Re-use.
Authors: Camerin Federico
Published: April 2023

Zan, L. (Ed.: 2022). The Venice Arsenal. Between History, Heritage, and Re-use. Routledge: Londres-Nueva York. 152 pp., ISBN: 978-10-3205-961-7
Busto Ibarra, K. (2022). El Pacífico mexicano y sus transformaciones: integración marítima y terrestre en la configuración de un espacio internacional, 1848-1927
Authors: Martínez Muñoz María Fernanda
Published: April 2023

Busto Ibarra, K. (2022). El Pacífico mexicano y sus transformaciones: integración marítima y terrestre en la configuración de un espacio internacional, 1848-1927. México: El Colegio de México, 447 pp. ISBN 978-607-564-333-5.
Delgado Campos, J., Suárez, M. y Ruiz, N. (Coords.: 2021). De un paisaje lacustre a la periurbanización. Atlas socioambiental del Alto Lerma
Authors: Valencia Juárez Ixchel
Published: April 2023

Delgado Campos, J., Suárez, M. y Ruiz, N. (Coords.: 2021). De un paisaje lacustre a la periurbanización. Atlas socioambiental del Alto Lerma. México: Programa Universitario de Estudios de la Ciudad, Instituto de Geografía, UNAM. 263 pp. ISBN 978-607-30-5146-0.
Wakild, E. (2020), Parques revolucionarios. Conservación, justicia social y parques nacionales en México: 1910-1940.
Authors: Hatch Kuri Gonzalo
Published: April 2023

Wakild, E. (2020), Parques revolucionarios. Conservación, justicia social y parques nacionales en México: 1910-1940. México: Editorial La Cigarra, 348 pp. ISBN: 978-607-98918-0-0.
Urquiza García, J. H. (Ed.: 2018). Vivir para conservar. Tres momentos del pensamiento ambiental mexicano. Antología
Authors: Sunyer Martín Pere
Published: April 2023

Urquiza García, J. H. (Ed.: 2018). Vivir para conservar. Tres momentos del pensamiento ambiental mexicano. Antología. (Biblioteca del Estudiante Universitario, 154). México: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. LXXXIX + 381 pp. ISBN 978-607-30-0876-1.
A study of information asymmetry in financial research
Authors: Tri Wijaya Juli Riyanto , Herwiyanti Eliada
Published: April 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of information asymmetry on earnings management, accounting fraud, budgetary slack, and the cost of equity. This study is conducted using literature study techniques by finding facts and making interpretations. Data sources are obtained from the results of previous studies, from 2017 to 2020, which have been published in various national journals. This study concludes that information asymmetry has a positive effect on earnings management; information asymmetry has a positive effect on accounting fraud; information asymmetry has a positive effect on budgetary slack; and information asymmetry has a negative effect on the cost of equity.
Firm life cycle and financial distress: working capital strategy as moderation
Authors: Sari Puspita , Ismah Iffah Zatil
Published: April 2023

This study empirically examines the working capital strategy (WCF) as moderation on the probability of companies experiencing financial distress when viewed from the firm life cycle (FLC). This study uses logistic regression and moderated regression analysis (MRA) to analyze the data and SPSS 24 software to process the data. The study used the sample taken from non-financial sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period of 2010-2020. The results indicate that the working capital strategy does not moderate the probability of companies experiencing financial distress when viewed from the firm life cycle (FLC). The probability of experiencing financial distress tends to be low in companies that are in the growth and mature phases. Thus, the results of this study confirm the firm life cycle theory.