bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Methallibure (ICI Compound 33, 828) on Folliculogenesis and Steroidogenic Potential of Developing Ovary in the Lizard, Calotes versicolor (Daud.)
Authors: Gouder B. Y. M. , Handi Rahul M. , Vani V. , Advi Rao Gopal M. , Inamdar (Doddamani) Laxmi S.
Published: August 2023

In vertebrates, it is well established that gonadotropins are crucial for vertebrate ovarian development and its endocrine functions. The current investigation envisages determining how methallibure affects the histoanatomical structure and steroidogenic capacity of the developing ovary of 10-day-old female hatchlings of Calotes versicolor. The eggs were collected from gravid females during the breeding season and incubated at a female-producing temperature of 31.5±0.5 oC till hatching. Hatchlings were fed with live termites. Intraperitoneal injections of 6μg of methallibure in 0.05ml of 0.7% saline were injected into 10-day-old female hatchlings on alternate days for 21 days. The appropriate saline-treated hatchlings served as control. The results reveal that methallibure significantly reduces the number of oocytes (P<0.02) and primordial follicles, decreases their diameter, and increases the number of previtellogenic atretic follicles (P<0.001) with concomitant suppression of the progression of ovarian development when compared with that of baseline control. Three types of atretic follicles were noticed. The histoenzymatic activity of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the ooplasm of the follicle and the stromal region showed a decreased intensity. The downregulation of steroidogenesis is probably due to the deprived secretion of gonadal steroids which disturbs the negative feedback mechanism because of the action of the drug at the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis. The present study unveils that methallibure acts as an antigonadotrophic drug altering the synthesis/secretion of gonadotrophin by hypophysis. It is inferred that methallibure induces an anti-gonadotropic effect in the newly hatched hatchlings probably by quenching the pituitary gonadotropins.
Glucocorticoid-Induced Dose-Dependent Reproductive Impairments in Male Albino Rat
Authors: Patel Sunita , Rai Seema
Published: August 2023

The present study is aimed at elucidating the effect of different doses of Dexamethasone (DEX) on testis and epididymis of male Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups, each containing six rats: one control (CON), and five groups of rats treated with five (30 μg, 40 μg, 50 μg, 60 μg, 70 μg/100 g body weight) doses of dexamethasone intraperitoneally (i.p.) for twenty-one days. The results revealed a dose-dependent decrease in testes and epididymis weight. DEX-treated rats evidenced significant increase in TBARS levels, this being the highest in 70 μg/100 g body weight (bw) which could be a consequence of the highest level of free radical generation. The activity level of antioxidative enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH), and protein content significantly declined in dexamethasone-treated rats in a dose-dependent manner. Histological observation revealed different degrees of germ cell degeneration/alterations in testis and epididymis The present finding suggests that exposure to dexamethasone (70 μg/100 g bw) can potentially lead to severe impairments in male reproductive tissues (testis and epididymis) structure and function, which may consequently lead to male infertility.
VIOLAÇÕES DOS DIREITOS DE COMUNIDADES QUILOMBOLAS EM BARCARENA/PA E A ATUAÇÃO DO MPPA
Authors: Ikeda Joyce Cardoso Olímpio , Carneiro Marcelo Sampaio
Published: August 2023

O artigo trata da atuação do Ministério Público do Estado do Pará em face dos empreendimentos da mineração transnacional e os casos de violações dos direitos humanos, com vistas a promover, defender e assegurar os direitos de acesso à justiça em questões ambientais e territoriais de povos e comunidades tradicionais. O ponto de partida da nossa reflexão foi o programa Internacional de Afrodescendentes 2015-2024. No aspecto empírico, o artigo traz o caso de comunidades quilombolas localizadas no município de Barcarena/PA. Na perspectiva do compromisso na efetivação dos Direitos Humanos, analisa o papel do Ministério Público como instituição de transformação social, sobretudo na área das Políticas Públicas.
Sustitución parcial de cloruro de sodio (NaCl) por cloruro de potasio (KCl) y su efecto en la elaboración de salchicha de pollo
Authors: Caballero Noboa Erick , Cortez Espinoza Andrea , Aldas Morejon Jhonnatan , Revilla Escobar Karol
Published: August 2023

Una propuesta eficiente, para disminuir los niveles desodio en productos cárnicos y desarrollar formulacionessaludables, es disminuir la cantidad de cloruro de sodio (NaCl) mediante la sustitución por productos que no alteren las características proximales y sensoriales. El principal objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la sustitución parcial de NaCl por KCl y su efecto en la elaboración de salchicha de pollo. La evaluación de las características proximales (pH, humedad, grasa y proteína) se realizó de acuerdo a las normas NTE INEN: 783; 1338; 778 y la caracterización sensorial: olor, color, sabor, textura y aceptabilidad se realizó mediante un panel de catación conformado por 10 personas, según los requerimientos de la normativa NTE INEN 1217. En cuanto a los resultados, se determinó que la sustitución parcial de NaCl por KCl, no influyó en las características proximales, obteniendo valores para: pH entre 5.40 – 6.10; humedad 58.33– 61.55; grasa 1.50 – 3.85 y proteína entre 3.90 – 6.25. Enrelación a las características organolépticas se obtuvo que el T1 = 1% de KCl y 1,4% NaCl + 0,93% zanahoria+ 10 díasde almacenamiento + 4 oC sitúo los valores más altos paralas categorías estudiadas. De esta forma, se menciona que el KCl puede emplearse como sustituto parcial, contribuyendo favorablemente a la reducción de sodio en los derivados cárnicos.
Dinámica de la frontera agrícola del sistema de cuencas hidrográficas del zapotal mediante herramientas de teledetección
Authors: García Ortega Yoansy , Valdez Rivera Danilo , Mancero Castillo Daniel
Published: August 2023

La deforestación es uno de los problemas más críticos que enfrenta la humanidad. Ecuador es uno de los países latinoamericanos con mayor tasa de tala de bosques en comparación con su tamaño, debido principalmente al aumento de la superficie agrícola. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la dinámica y cambios ocurridos en la frontera agrícola en los últimos 30 años en las cuencas hidrográficas pertenecientes al Zapotal utilizando herramientas de teledetección. Las imágenes fueron obtenidas de los satélites Sentinel 2 y Landsat desde 1990 hasta 2020. Se utilizó el software libre QGIS para analizar, clasificar y procesar las imágenes satelitales; a través de una matriz de confusión y el índice de kappa se evaluó la precisión. Se obtuvieron y procesaron imágenes satelitales de alta calidad y resolución correspondientes al periodo de 1990 a 2020. El Índice de Vegetación de Diferencia Normalizada (NDVI) permitió conocer la dinámica de la conformación de la vegetación del período estudiado y, en consecuencia, los usos del suelo en función de la cobertura vegetal. La dinámica de la frontera agrícola, determinada mediante las herramientas de teledetección utilizadas en este estudio, evidencia una disminución de aproximadamente un 15%. La metodología utilizada en este estudio demostró ser efectiva y económica para conocer la dinámica de la frontera agrícola, lo que proporciona una herramienta eficaz para monitorear, planificar y ejecutar diversos proyectos de ordenamiento territorial y desarrollo local.
Efecto agronómico y productivo de la biofertilización a base de microalgas Chaetoceros gracilis y Chlorella vulgaris en el cultivo de maíz (Zea mays L.) en Pueblo Viejo, Ecuador
Authors: García Vásquez Guillermo Enrique , Álvarez Sánchez Ana Ruth , Yánez Cajo Danilo Javier
Published: August 2023

La demanda constante y en aumento de alimentos como el maíz obliga a los productores a hacer uso de fertilizantes químicos, lo cual provoca degradación del suelo, contaminación por metales pesados, repercusión en las comunidades microbianas y pone en alto riesgo la salud humana. Las microalgas pueden ser una alternativa potencial como bioestimulantes y biofertilizantes, por lo cual, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto agronómico y productivo de la biofertilización a base de las microalgas Chaetoceros gracilis y Chlorella vulgaris en el cultivo de maíz (Zea mays L.) en Pueblo Viejo, Ecuador. Se utilizó un Diseño en Bloques Completamente al azar (DBCA), para determinar la eficiencia de los tratamientos se utilizó la Prueba de Tukey al 95% de probabilidad. Se estudiaron cuatro dosis de biofertilizantes a base de microalgas (5, 10, 15 y 20 mg planta-1), tanto para Chaetoceros gracilis como para Chlorella vulgaris, además de usar un testigo experimental; se utilizaron 900 plantas de maíz por todo el experimento. Los resultados indicaron que, el tratamiento T4, donde se utilizó 20 mg planta-1 de Chaetoceros gracilis como biofertilizante, presentó los mejores resultados en altura de planta (220.1 cm), longitud de mazorca (18.17 ± 2.02 cm), número de hileras por mazorca (17.88 ± 1.36), número de granos por mazorca (652.16 ± 58.23), peso de la mazorca con tusa (295.03 ± 8.91 g) y el mayor rendimiento (9,144.33 kg ha-1). El uso de Chaetoceros gracilis en dosis de 20 mg planta-1 permitió mejorar las variables agronómicas y productivas del cultivo.
Síntesis y caracterización del grado de metacrilación ideal para la Gelatina Metacriloila (GelMA)
Authors: Cuzco Vargas Shirley Dayana , Heredia Moyano María Fernanda , Carrasco Montesdeoca Caterine Yesenia
Published: August 2023

La finalidad de este estudio fue sintetizar gelatina metacriloila mediante la modificación de la gelatina tipo A de piel porcina con anhídrido metacrílico con base en la técnica de reacción utilizando la solución salina de fosfato, variando dos parámetros que son el anhidrido metacrílico y el tiempo de reacción. En total se obtuvieron seis muestras que fueron estudiadas a través de pruebas de caracterización para confirmar la formación de GelMA y el análisis morfológico. En la espectroscopía infrarrojo con transformada de Fourier se mostró los grupos químicos de cada muestra resaltando los picos de los grupos aminos funcionales NH, amidas I, II y III. En la microscopía electrónica de barrido se analizó la morfología de gelatina metacriloila y su naturaleza porosa, se obtuvo una muestra con un tamaño promedio de poro de aproximadamente 150 micras lo que beneficiará a la difusión de oxígeno y apoyo al crecimiento celular; el ángulo de contacto de las muestras está en un rango de 53º y 65º por ende tienen un alto grado de mojabilidad.
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Syzygium cumini Leaves
Authors: Devi Ritu , Singh Sushila , Moond Monika , Beniwal Rajita , kumar Sandeep
Published: August 2023

Background: As a source of alternative medicines, plant derived drugs are of great potential and can be used to cure various health related ailments. One of the most common medicinal plant, Syzygium cumini commonly known as Jamun is well known for its various pharmaceutical properties. In the traditional medicine, the entire plant has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. For the treatment of diabetes, the preparation of tea from the leaves of Syzygium cumini is known for its hypoglycaemic effect. Leaves are also used in the treatement of various skin diseases. Methods: Keeping in view the above concerns, the investigation of this plant aims to assess the phytochemical and antioxidant content of the ethyl acetate extract of locally available Syzygium cumini leaves samples acquired from the campus of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The proposed study was conducted in Department of Chemistry, CCS HAU, Hisar during 2019-2021. Samples were collected and moisture content was estimated. Various chemicals and phytonutrients like alkaloids, tannins, minerals, crude protein, crude fibre, flavonoids and total phenolics were investigated in shade dried samples. Result: The total phenolic and flavanoid content were 11.48 mg GAE/g and 5.17 mg CE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini leaves extract was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity using phospho-molybdenum assay. The result showed that ethyl acetae extract of Jamun leaves had potential antioxidant activity which justifies their medicinal applications for the treatment of various ailments.
Percepción de estudiantes universitarios sobre la cadena perpetua para abusadores sexuales de menores
Authors: Ceballos Ruiz Paula Andrea , Mayo Ramírez Valentina , Grajales Pachon Karol Tatiana , Murcia Montaño Santiago
Published: August 2023

Este proyecto presenta un análisis de las percepciones de estudiantes de Derecho que cursaban el primer y el último semestre de su formación profesional durante el segundo semestre del 2021 sobre la cadena perpetua como sanción para el delito de abuso sexual a menores de edad, con el fin de comparar las posturas frente a este tipo de condenas en relación con su formación jurídica. El enfoque fue cuantitativo, con método descriptivo, sin muestreo, ya que se aplicó el instrumento a la totalidad de los estudiantes matriculados para ese periodo en los semestres seleccionados. Se concluye que el conocimiento del sistema jurídico y de los principios constitucionales sí cambia la postura respecto a la consideración de la cadena perpetua como una sanción viable en Colombia.
Desarrollo de la empatía para mejorar el ambiente escolar en el aula
Authors: López Leal Ruth Stella , Hernández Perdomo Jorge Eliécer , Caro Edgar Orlando
Published: August 2023

El fin principal de este trabajo, como parte de las actividades académicas e investigativas en el marco del periodo posacuerdos de paz, es contribuir a mejorar el comportamiento de los estudiantes desde la formación inicial en el aula de clase. Esta investigación considera de manera especial la relevancia de la empatía en el desarrollo y progreso de las relaciones sociales entre los jóvenes, con la intención de crear un ambiente escolar propicio para la convivencia y la formación académica, específicamente en la búsqueda de la mitigación de la violencia en las aulas.Para lograrlo, se acudió a los corpus de teóricos que abordan en profundidad estos temas y se tuvo en cuenta la legislación colombiana acerca de la prevención y disminución de los conflictos en las instituciones educativas, a través de la Cátedra para la Paz y la Ley de Convivencia Escolar.El estudio tuvo un enfoque cualitativo, teniendo en cuenta la estrategia Investigación Acción Educación. Desde el análisis teórico se generaron estrategias de aula, enfocadas en determinar la influencia de la empatía en la mitigación de la violencia en el aula.Los resultados evidenciaron una disminución en los índices de maltrato verbal y físico dentro de la población estudiada. Por eso se concluye la importancia de implementar estas estrategias en los diseños curriculares institucionales, para mejorar el Índice Sintético de Calidad Educativa, referente al ambiente escolar, así como de ejecutar un plan de aula estructurado que incorpore el desarrollo de la empatía en la educación inicial, para llegar a una verdadera formación integral, base para la convivencia ciudadana.
International Trade on IPR, Economic Growth, and FDI in Indonesia’s Manufacturing Sector
Authors:   IAGBT, Muhammad Fawaiq
Published: August 2023

Purpose – Indonesia has always experienced a deficit in the balance of payments in the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) sector. However, it is hoped that the high value of Indonesian IPR imports will be beneficial in increasing the attractiveness of FDI, encouraging economic growth, and increasing IPR exports. The purpose of this research is to examine the causal relationship between IPR imports (MIPR), IPR exports (XIPR), incoming FDI in the manufacturing sector (FDI), and economic growth (GGDP) in the case of Indonesia. Design/Methodology/Approach – The data used in this research are time series data from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2021. These data are analyzed using the VECM approach. Findings – The study results show that MIPR has dominated Indonesia’s total trade in this sector. The contribution of import value is 95 percent compared to exports, which are only 5 percent. The VECM estimation results show a one-way Granger causality relationship from the independent variables (FDI, GGDP, and XIPR) to MIPR as a dependent variable. In a short-term causality relationship, IPR imports encourage FDI inflows into Indonesia. Then, FDI in the manufacturing sector significantly impacts Indonesia’s IPR exports. Research Implications – Indonesia’s outflow of money to pay for the use of foreign IPR can encourage the entry of FDI in the manufacturing sector, resulting in a technology transfer that produces domestic IPR, which can be sold abroad.
The Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Neuromuscular Taping on Ankle Brachial Index Values and Quality of Life in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Novita Fajriyah  , Shinta Trisnawuri
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels due to pancreatic disorders.  Quality of life and ankle brachial index values are an area of concern for nurses related to non-pharmacological treatments to prevent complications. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can improve relaxation and cellular immunity, as well as Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) is a non-pharmacological intervention to prevent lower extremity peripheral blood circulation decline, so both have a potential positive impact on the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of PMR and NMT on ankle brachial index (ABI) and quality of life in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Methods: The study was a quasy-experiment with a pre post test control group design. Consecutive sampling was implemented and resulted a sample of 32 T2DM patients with certain criteria, such as patients who were treated in the internal medicine ward, age 40-70 years, suffering from T2DM for more than5 years, not suffering from diabetic ulcers, and still can do some exercise. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test with correlation test with alpha 0.05.
Results: There was a significant effect of the PMR-NMT combination intervention on ABI (p= 0.034) and quality of life (p= 0.007) in the intervention group. Conversely, the control group showed no difference in ABI (p= 0.142) and quality of life (p= 0.739) before and after the study.
Conclusion: PMR and NMT can improve ABI values and Quality of Life in patients with T2DM. This PMR-NMT combination can be an alternative non-pharmacological therapy in patients T2DM to help improve ankle brachial index and quality of life.
TANGGUNG JAWAB DIGITAL PERUSAHAAN DI INDONESIA: SEBUAH TINJAUAN KONSEPTUAL
Authors: Solihin
Published: August 2023

The practice of Corporate Social Responsibility has been carried out massively since 2007. The existence of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 brought new challenges, namely digital transformation. This challenge become an evaluation for corporate social responsibility practices to change from traditional to digital one. This concept has known as Corporate Digital Responsibility. Unfortunately, the implementation of this concept must be adapted to each country. In Indonesia, implementing Corporate Digital Responsibility is a homework that must be completed by various stakeholders. By using a literature study, researchers want to describe the concept of Corporate Digital Responsibility from dimensions to conceptual frameworks. Researchers will also conduct case studies on the implementation of corporate digital responsibility by social media Twitter in Indonesia in the form of search prompts to help victims of gender based violence. The results show that the concept of corporate digital responsibility is present as a development of the concept of corporate social responsibility. Corporate digital responsibility includes four categories, namely social, economic, technological and environmental. Within the basic framework of corporate digital responsibility, there are four stakeholders who need to be involved to make corporate digital responsibility successful. In addition, the four main stages related to the technology life cycle also influence the success of corporate digital responsibility. The challenges of corporate digital responsibility practice in Indonesia are the absence of full authority for branch offices to adjust policies in force in the country, the low digital literacy of the Indonesian people, and the absence of a strong legal umbrella to serve as a guideline for implementing corporate digital responsibility.
Angiogenesis: the Yin and Yang in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Romanzi Adriana , Villa Erica
Published: August 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes a complex structure comprising different cell types and soluble factors that surround the tumor and promote its progression. Primarily for its pivotal role in malignant growth, TME has become a potential therapeutic objective for developing new targeted therapy and a marker for assessing therapeutic response. In intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the second most common primary liver malignancy, TME has also gained a central role in understanding the mechanisms underlying tumor progression. In this review, we focused on the role of angiogenic factors and their pathway in iCCA and analyzed possible therapeutic and prognostic implications.
Botanical Biopesticides and Critical Analysis of the Kenyan Legal Frameworks Regulating Biocontrol Agents: A Review
Authors: Alworah Getrude Okutoyi , Gichuru Elijah Kathurima , Ogendo Joshua Ondura , Okumu Oliver Otieno
Published: August 2023

Before the green revolution, crude plant materials and plant-extracts were used for crop protection. However, their use was swiftly replaced by synthetic pesticides after World War II due to increased demand for more effective pesticides in intensified farming systems. The 20th century saw a steady increase in the use of synthetic pesticides until the mid-21st century when the world started to realize the negative impact of synthetic pesticides. The increased environmental awareness and the need for safe human food led to increased research and development of biopesticides as crop protection options in modern agriculture. This paper brings into perspective the global history of the application and use of botanical biopesticides in crop production. It also highlights the research progress, product development and registration challenges, and opportunities for business and adoption at the farm level in Kenya.
In-Situ Synthesis of Doped Bio-Graphenes as Effective Metal-Free Catalysts in Removal of Antibiotics: Effect of Natural Precursor on Doping, Morphology, and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Afsharpour Maryam , Radmanesh Lugain , Yang Chuanxi
Published: August 2023

Wastewater contaminated with antibiotics is a major environmental challenge. We developed here the green synthesis of bio-graphenes by using natural precursors (Xanthan, Chitosan, Boswellia, Tragacanth). The use of these precursors can act as templates to create 3D doped graphene structures with special morphology. Also, this method is a simple method for in-situ synthesis of doped graphenes. The elements present in the natural polymers (N) and other elements in the natural composition (P, S) are easily placed in the graphene structure and improve the catalytic activity due to the structural defects, surface charges, increased electron transfers, and the high absorption. In this mechanism, O2 dissolved in water absorbs onto the positive charged C in doped graphenes to create oxygenated radicals, which enables the degradation of antibiotic molecules. Light irradiation increases the amounts of radicals and rate of antibiotic removal. The results have shown that the hollow cubic Chitosan-derived graphene has shown the best performance due to the doping of N, S, and P. The Boswellia-derived grapheme shows the highest surface area, but lower catalytic performance, which indicates the more effective role of doping in the catalytic activity. The effect of oxygen and light were also studied to accelerate the degradation process.
Cardio-Renal Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics
Authors: Matthews Jennifer , Herat Lakshini , Schlaich Markus P , Matthews Vance
Published: August 2023

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) are two devastating diseases that may occur in non-diabetics or individuals with diabetes and when combined is referred to as cardiorenal disease. The impact of cardiorenal disease on society, the economy and the healthcare system is enormous. Although there are numerous therapies for cardiorenal disease, one therapy showing a great deal of promise is sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The SGLT family member, SGLT2, is often implicated in the pathogenesis of a range of diseases and dysregulation of the activity of SGLT2 markedly effects the transport of glucose and sodium across the luminal membrane of renal cells. Inhibitors of SGLT2 were developed based on the anti-diabetic action initiated by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption, thereby increasing glucosuria. Of great medical significance, large-scale clinical trials utilising a range of SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated both metabolic and biochemical benefits via numerous novel mechanisms such as sympathoinhibition which will be discussed in this review. In summary, SGLT2 inhibitors clearly exert cardio-renal protection in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects in both pre-clinical and clinical settings by improving hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and diabetic retinopathy. (188 Words)
Chlorhexidine-Silver Nanoparticles Conjugation Leading to Antimicrobial Synergism but highly increased cytotoxicity
Authors: Ivanova Nadezhda , Ermenlieva Neli , Simeonova Lora , Kolev Iliyan , Slavov Iliya , Andonova Velichka
Published: August 2023

This study explored the potential synergism within chlorhexidine-silver nanoparticles conjugates against Influenza type A, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Silver nanoparticles (SN) were obtained by the reduction of silver ions with green tea total phenolic extract and conjugated with chlorhexidine (Cx). The particles were characterized by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. A stable negatively-charged nano-silver colloid (ζ=-50.01) was obtained with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 92.34 nm. In the presence of chlorhexidine, the spectral data and the shift of the zeta potential to positive values (ζ=+44.59) revealed the successful sorption of the drug onto the silver surface. The conjugates (SN-Cx) demonstrated potentiation in the effects against S. aureus and C. albicans, and synergism against E. coli with minimal inhibitory concentrations of SN 5.5 µg/mL+Cx 8.8 µg/mL. The SN showed excellent, increasing with time, virucidal properties, and low toxicity. The coupling of the cationic chlorhexidine with nano-silver, however, did not reduce its intrinsic cytotoxicity on various cell lines (MDCK, BJ, and А549). The newly-synthesized antimicrobial agent presented with an extended and promising therapeutic spectrum and needs to be further evaluated on relevant to the designated route of administration three-dimensional cell models (e.g., nasal, bronchial, dermal, ocular, etc.).
On the Generation of Excess Solid Fraction in the RheoMetal Process
Authors: Jarfors Anders Eric Wollmar
Published: August 2023

Rheocasting is getting more and more attention from the electronics and automotive industries. Mechanical properties and thermophysical properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity are affected by the amount of solid phase generated in the slurry process. The RheoMetal process specifically has a significant deviation from the expected solid fraction. This deviation is discussed, explained and a way to control the excess generation of solid phase is proposed.
A Molecular Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Investigation of the Potential Therapeutic Applications of Main Protease Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mushebenge Aganze Gloire-Aime , Ugbaja Samuel C. , Mbatha Nonkululeko Avril , Khan Rene M. , Kumalo Hezekiel M.
Published: August 2023

A major public health emergency has been created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Due to its crucial function in viral replication, the primary protease (Mpro) of the virus is a prime target for therapeutic research. In this study, we used molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to examine the potential therapeutic uses of Mpro inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19. Using induced fit docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we confirmed the top compounds after screening a library of compounds for their ability to bind to Mpro. Simulation interaction diagrams were used to investigate protein-ligand interactions, and MM-GBSA was used to determine binding energies. The Swiss ADME server was used to predict ADME properties. According to our findings, numerous substances are strong COVID-19 medication candidates since they have excellent ADME features and high binding affinities. This work serves as a foundation for additional experimental research and drug development initiatives aimed at Mpro.
The convergence and boundedness of solutions to SFDEs with the G-framework
Authors: Ullah Rahman , Faizullah Faiz , Zhu Quanxin
Published: August 2023

Generally, stochastic functional differential equations (SFDEs) pose a challenge as they often lack explicit exact solutions. Consequently, it becomes necessary to seek certain favorable conditions under which numerical solutions can converge towards the exact solutions. This article aims to delve into the convergence analysis of solutions for stochastic functional differential equations by employing the framework of G-Brownian motion. To establish the goal, we find a set of useful monotone type conditions and work within the space Cr((−∞,0];Rn). The investigation conducted in this article confirms the mean square boundedness of solutions. Furthermore, this study enables us to compute both LG2 and exponential estimates.
Ginsentide-Like Coffeetides Isolated from Coffee Waste Are Cell-Penetrating and Metal-Binding Microproteins
Authors: Tam James P. , Huang Jiayi , Loo Shining , Li Yimeng , Kam Antony
Published: August 2023

Coffee processing generates a huge amount of waste which contains many natural products. Here, we report the discovery of a panel novel cell-penetrating and metal-ion binding microproteins designated coffeetide cC1a-c and cL1-6 from the husk of two popular coffee plants, Coffea canephora and Coffea liberica, respectively. Combining sequence determination and database search, we showed that the prototypic coffeetide cC1a is a 37-residue, eight-cysteine microprotein with a hevein-like cysteine motif but without a chitin-binding domain. NMR determination of cC1a revealed a compact structure that confers it resistance to heat and proteolytic degradation. Disulfide mapping together with chemical synthesis revealed that cC1a has a ginsentide-like, and not a hevein-like, disulfide connectivity. In addition, transcriptomic analysis showed that the 98-residue micrcoproten-like coffeetide precursor contains a three-domain arrangement like ginsentide precursors. Molecular modeling together with experimental validation revealed a Mg2+ and Fe3+ binding pocket at the N-terminus formed by three glutamic acids. Importantly, cC1a is amphipathic with a continuous stretch of 19 apolar amino acids, and which enables its cell penetration to target intracellular proteins, despite being highly negatively charged. Our findings suggest that coffee by-products could provide a source of ginsentide-like bioactive peptides that have potential to target intracellular proteins.
Knowledge Reasoning via Jointly Modeling Knowledge Graphs and Soft Rules
Authors: Lan Yinyu , He Shizhu , Liu Kang , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2023

Knowledge graphs (KGs) play a crucial role in many applications, such as question answering, but incompleteness is an urgent issue for their broad application. Much research in knowledge graph completion (KGC) has been performed to resolve this issue. The methods of KGC can be classified into two major categories: rule-based reasoning and embedding-based reasoning. The former has high accuracy and good interpretability, but a major challenge is to obtain effective rules on large-scale KGs. The latter has good efficiency and scalability, but it relies heavily on data richness and cannot fully use domain knowledge in the form of logical rules. We propose a novel method that injects rules and learns representations iteratively to take full advantage of rules and embeddings. Specifically, we model the conclusions of rule groundings as 0-1 variables and use a rule confidence regularizer to remove the uncertainty of the conclusions. The proposed approach has the following advantages: 1) It combines the benefits of both rules and knowledge graph embeddings (KGEs) and achieves a good balance between efficiency and scalability. 2) It uses an iterative method to continuously improve KGEs and remove incorrect rule conclusions. Evaluations on two public datasets show that our method outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods, improving performance by 2.7% and 4.3% in mean reciprocal rank (MRR).
Towards the Development of A Low-Cost Solution for Wildlife Tracking using An Unmanned Aerial Platform
Authors: Ahmed Mansoor , Aqib Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Owing to the upsurge in the number of endangered species and understanding animal patterns in general as well as population demographics; the monitoring of wildlife species is an essential for the conservation and safety of animals. In order to organize and manage the reserves, the nature bequeaths to us, we need to have hands-on information of their population and food trends, conditions where they survive and other species in the ecosystem. The paper presents a vision-based approach to monitor wildlife using an aerial platform. A quad-rotor based aerial platform is used for the very first time for this purpose. Field imaging is done using a digital cellphone camera mounted on the platform to acquire video of horses in the field. Two techniques, Lucas-Kanade and Horn-Schunck methods are applied on the acquired set of images and the results are compared. Noise due to fluctuations and light conditions are minimized using Gaussian and HSV filters. Experiments show results with an absolute mean difference of 2.84 pixels and 8.50 pixels for changes in X and Y directions respectively for the two approaches.
Unravelling Insights into the Evolution and Management of SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mushebenge Aganze , Ugbaja Samuel C. , Mbatha Nonkululeko Avril , Khan Rene M. , Kumalo Hezekiel M.
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic, which was brought on by the brand-new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has claimed a sizable number of lives. Despite the urgency, COVID-19 does not have any particular antiviral treatments at this time. As a result, scientists are concentrating on repurposing already existing antiviral medications or creating brand-new ones. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, which is necessary for viral replication, has been identified as a possible target for a family of medicines called main protease inhibitors (MPIs). Studies of the major proteases from SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which have remarkably similar structures and functions to SARS-CoV-2, have provided insight for the creation of MPIs. By analyzing the MPI trials for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, this review sheds light on the possible therapeutic uses of MPIs for COVID-19. The review talks about how MPIs work, how effective they are against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and how safe they are. The paper also emphasizes current developments in the creation of MPIs for SARS-CoV-2, including as computational studies, in vitro and in vivo research, and clinical trials. According to the review, there is a lot of hope for MPIs in the treatment of COVID-19, and numerous medications are in the works. Although more research is needed to assess their safety and effectiveness in clinical settings, these medications may offer patients with COVID-19 a much-needed therapeutic option. The review also emphasizes the importance of ongoing research into the structure and function of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, as this information will be critical for the development of effective MPIs and other antiviral drugs in the future.
Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: An Updated Overview Focusing on Emerging Pharmaceutical Treatment Approaches
Authors: Degirmenci Yildiz , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Georgakopoulou Vasiliki Epameinondas , Bougea Anastasia
Published: August 2023

Cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which may occur in various severities, represents one of the commonest and most disabling non-motor manifestations during the course of the disease, causing a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Eventually, it becomes a burden for the family members and/or the caregivers of patients, as it progresses to PD dementia. Current pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment in PD exhibit partial efficacy, while novel effective therapeutic strategies are required. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence shows that several agents may provide beneficial effects on patients with PD and cognitive impairment, including ceftriaxone, ambroxol, intranasal insulin, nilotinib, atomoxetine, mevidalen, blarcamesine, prasinezumab, SYN120, ENT-01, NYX-458, GRF6021, fosgonimeton, INT-777, Neuropeptide S, silibinin, osmotin, cordycepin, huperzine A, fibroblast growth factor 21, Poloxamer 188, ginsenoside Rb1, thioredoxin-1, tangeretin, istradefylline, and Eugenia uniflora. Potential underlying mechanisms include the inhibition of a-synuclein aggregation, improvement of mitochondrial function, regulation of synaptic plasticity, impact on gut-brain axis, modulation of neuroinflammation, upregulation of neurotrophic factors, as well as cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic and norepinephrine neurotransmission. In this overview, we aim to cover the clinical aspects of PD associated cognitive impairment, highlighting recent evidence on emerging treatment approaches that are currently under investigation at a preclinical and clinical level.
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Diabetics Potentials of Punicalagin Derivatives Extracted from Peeled of Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Authors: Yasmin Sabina , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Michael Rosolonjatovo Heriniavo , Khatun Shabana , Chauhan Sarthak , Kurmi Manoj , Kaur Simranjit , Haider Nazima , Sah Ajay Kumar , Kumar Akash , Gupta Sumeet , Singh Pritam , Munjal Kavita , Ansari Mohammad Yousuf
Published: August 2023

Abstract: A punicalagin is a metabolic product of pomegranate fruits and peeled. We have compiled the recent literature review from different sources. The extract of pomegranate fruits and peel has been reported for health-beneficial properties in inflammation-associated chronic disease and the regulatory role in NF-KB, MAPK, IL-6/JAK/STAT3, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Punicalagin is an ellagitannin found in the peel of pomegranate (Punica granatum). It is a polyphenol with proven biological/pharmacological activities like antioxidant, hepatoprotective, an-ti-atherosclerotic, anti-cancer, anti-neurological, anti-diabetic, and anti-digestive. The extracts have a rich source of hydrolyzable tannin and anthocyanin exhibiting strong anti-neoplastic properties. Anti-cancer activities of pomegranate with reference to modulated signaling pathways in various cancer diseases have been recently reported. The punicalagin-induced redirection of the signal-transduction pathway from survival and proliferation into the cell cycle by arrested the living cells. Apoptosis senescence and autophagy and thus compromising neoplastic progression are delineated. This review is based mainly on data obtained from various sources including the in-vitro cell line model and its activities that are concerned with the effect of punicalagin activities on various cell types.
Endoscopic Ultrasound to Identify the Actual Cause of Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Cammarata Francesco , Rovati Lucrezia , Fontana Paola , Gambitta Pietro , Armellino Antonio , Aseni And Paolo
Published: August 2023

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP) presents a diagnostic challenge and refers to cases where the cause of acute pancreatitis remains uncertain despite a comprehensive diagnostic evalua-tion. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of IAP. This review explores the pivotal role of EUS in detecting the actual cause of IAP, as-sessing its accuracy, timing, safety, and future technological improvement. Following PRISMA guidelines, 60 pertinent studies were selected and analysed. EUS emerges as a cru-cial diagnostic tool, particularly when conventional imaging fails. It can offer intricate visu-alization of the pancreas, biliary system, and adjacent structures. High accuracy of EUS is evident in detecting the actual causes of IAP such as microlithiasis, small bile duct stones, pancreas divisum, and small pancreatic tumors. Optimal timing for EUS is post-resolution of the acute phase of the disease. EUS, when conducted by experienced endoscopists, it boasts minimal safety concerns, and is crucial to prevent complications. EUS-guided interventions, including fine-needle aspiration, collection drainage, and biopsies, aid in cytological analy-sis. With high diagnostic accuracy, safety, and therapeutic potential, EUS is able to improve patient outcomes when managing IAP. Further refinement of EUS techniques and cost-effectiveness assessment of EUS-guided approaches need to be explored in multicenter prospective studies. This review underscores EUS as a transformative tool in unraveling IAP's enigma and advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Emergence and Persistent Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A(H5N8) in Kosovo, May 2021–May 2022
Authors: Cana Armend , Zecchin Bianca , Merovci Xhavit , Fusaro Alice , Giussani Edoardo , Heta Sadik , Krstevski Kiril , Mehmetukaj Dafina , Goga Izedin , Hulaj Beqë , Murati Bafti , Terregino Calogero , Dodovski Aleksandar
Published: August 2023

In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on May 19, 2021. The outbreak consisted of three temporal phases: May–June 2021, September–November 2021, and January–May 2022. In total, 32 backyard and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus, affecting 179,198 poultry. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that have been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of 3 H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity.
DOES CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DISCLOSURE INCREASE THE STOCK PRICE CRASH RISK? EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
Authors:   Gadjah Mada University, Soeprajitno Raden Roro Widya Ningtyas , Setiawan Zephyra Violetta ,   Airlangga University, Na’im Ainun ,   Gadjah Mada University
Published: August 2023

Indonesia fully supports efforts to disclose corporate social responsibility (CSR) to increase awareness of issues regarding the environment globally, as stated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The connection between the disclosure of corporate social responsibility and the stock price crash risk is examined in this study. Furthermore, we analyse and check robustness and endogeneity issues to avoid variable bias selections. The study uses as its sample companies that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and follow the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for corporate social responsibility. It is found that companies with corporate social responsibility disclosures have a positive relationship with the stock price crash risk. Empirically, this finding contributes to broadening the scope of CSR research, while the relationship described in CSR is in line with the stock prices crash risk. This study shows that corporate social responsibility reporting has another side, which can be explained by management tactics. Thus, this study provides a new, broader, picture related to the characteristics of corporate events in Indonesia, showing that CSR disclosure patterns can result from corporate management interventions.
Risk factors for adolescents’ non-compliance to the World Health Organization recommendation for fruit and vegetables daily intake
Authors:   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto, Rei Mariana ,   EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto,   Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR) da Universidade do Porto,   Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, da Costa Sofia ,   EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto,   Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR) da Universidade do Porto,   Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Gaio Rita ,   Centro de Matemática da Universidade do Porto,   Departamento de Matemática da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rodrigues Sara ,   Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto,   EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto,   Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR) da Universidade do Porto
Published: August 2023

Most often, youth don’t eat at least 400 g/day of fruit and vegetables as recommended by the World Health Organization. Thus, this study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the adolescents’ non-compliance to the World Health Organization recommendation for fruit and vegetables daily intake. The data was collected via a stratified one-stage cluster sampling of adolescents (10 to 19 years old) from a city in the north of Portugal, and logistic regression models were performed. Almost two-thirds of adolescents don’t comply with the World Health Organization recommendation for fruit and vegetables daily intake. Low-to-moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet as well as lower mean daily energy intake are risk factors for adolescents don’t comply with the World Health Organization recommendation.