bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of methodology for grassland restoration and management with practical examples
Authors: Grašič Mateja , Šabić Azra , Lukač Branko
Published: August 2023

Currently, the majority of high nature value Slovenian grasslands have an unfavourable conservation status. Based on the available data from habitat type mappings, the surface of high nature value grasslands (6210(*) – semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates, 6410 – Molinia meadows, and 6510 – lowland hay meadows) at Natura 2000 sites is decreasing. The existing agri-environment measures have been only partly effective in promoting grassland biodiversity. The main threats to biodiversity are driven by various anthropogenic activities, which result in a continuous change in landscape identity, habitat fragmentation, and ecosystem degradation. Therefore, biodiversity restoration became an urgent step in conservation of high nature value grasslands. Multiple pathways may lead to the ecological restoration of grasslands with an altered, uncharacteristic floristic composition, or grasslands with an unfavourable conservation status. In this paper, we present an overview of the methods used in the restoration of grasslands from different parts of Europe. In an adapted form, these methods could also be used for the restoration of Slovenian grasslands. Grasslands may be left to spontaneous succession, which is mainly suitable for small-scale areas, located in the proximity of grasslands with well-preserved biodiversity. However, to re-establish plant communities with specialist species, a more proactive approach is usually required, such as sowing of regional or commercial seed preservation mixtures, transfer of mature plant material, or topsoil transfer from donor sites with appropriate botanical composition. Grassland restoration methods should be carefully thought-out and carried out before the habitat or species is endangered. We conclude that optimally chosen post-restoration management may have an impact that is comparable or even greater than the impact of a suitable restoration method. Nevertheless, maintenance of well-preserved grasslands is still much more cost-effective than restoration of degraded grasslands.
Evaluation of hydrolytic enzymes and antifungal activity of extracellular bioactive compounds of Desmonostoc alborizicum and Neowestiellopsis persica against Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Nowruzi Bahareh , Nemati Fahimeh
Published: August 2023

Agriculture requires the extensive use of chemical pesticides to protect crops against pests and diseases. An important mechanism for the biological control of pathogenic fungi is the breakdown of their cell walls. Cyanobacteria are found commonly growing as blooms which provides a competitive advantage to these organisms. This is one of the critical factors responsible for the production of several hydrolytic enzymes with antifungal activity. However, the role of the hydrolytic enzymes of Neowestiellopsis and Desmonostoc, which are implicated in the fungicidal activity of several biocontrol strains, has not been explored. Therefore in this study, hydrolytic enzymes (chitosanase, protease, FPase, carboxymethyl cellulose, xylanase, cellobiohydrolases and cellobiase) of two cyanobacteria strains were evaluated against a set of phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora). The results of statistical analysis showed that the level of protease, FPase and xylanase activity in Desmonostoc alborizicum cyanobacterial extract has been significantly higher than in Neowestiellopsis. Moreover, IAA hormone activity and soluble protein content were significantly higher in Desmonostoc alborizicum cyanobacterial extract. While CMCase, cellobiohydrolases, cellobiase, and chitosanase activity was significantly higher in Neowestiellopsis persica A1387 cyanobacterial extract in comparison to Desmonostoc alborizicum. Moreover, Neowestiellopsis persica was observed to be highly potent in terms of its fungicidal activity. Comparative evaluation of the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and antifungal activity revealed that such enzymes might contribute to the fungicidal activity of the cyanobacterial strains, besides other bioactive compounds, including IAA, which are established promising traits for biocontrol agents. This study is a first-time report on the production of hydrolytic enzymes by these two cyanobacteria strains, which can be potential candidates for the development of biocontrol agent(s) against selected phytopathogenic fungi.
Un-Incorporation and Conditional Misallocation: Firm-Level Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumari Ranpati Dewage Thilini Sumudu , Chen Shawn Xiaoguang , Tang Sam Hak Kan
Published: August 2023

Un-incorporated firms are usually found less productive than their incorporated counterparts. However, little is known about the misallocation conditional on firms’ incorporation status and their productivity. This paper investigates the resource misallocation across un-incorporated firms and gauges the consequent aggregate productivity loss in comparison with their incorporated counterparts. We examine the question by using firm-level survey data from Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector for 2005–2017 that provide unique information about firms’ corporation status. Our findings suggest that misallocation is more severe in unincorporated firms than in incorporated ones, leading to extra 42 % aggregate TFP loss to the former. By comparing the sources of misallocation between the two types of firms, we find capital is more misallocated relative to output and there is a stronger positive correlation between firm-specific distortion and productivity across the unincorporated firms. Our findings suggest that the un-incorporated firms suffer additional productivity loss at the aggregate level due to misallocation.
Field evaluation of different eco-friendly alternative control methods against Panonychus citri [Acari: Tetranychidae] spider mite and its predators in citrus orchards
Authors: Assouguem Amine , Farah Abdellah , Kara Mohammed , Annemer Saoussan , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A. , Ercisli Sezai , Skender Azra , Lazraq Abderrahim
Published: August 2023

Biotic stress caused by pests on citrus trees has become a major problem for ecologists around the world, hence the need to develop ecological approaches to surmount this stress. To evaluate the effectiveness of diverse control methods on the pest Panonychus citri and its predators, Euseius stipulatus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. Different treatments were applied in orchards planted by Citrus clementina in the Gharb area of Morocco (T0 = treated by water only, T1 = spirodiclofen (the molecular formula is C21H24Cl2O4). 0.5 L/ha, T2 = 5% black soap 125 L/ha, Its ingredients are: argan oil, olive oil, black olive, salt, water, vegetable potash, without chemicals. T3 = mixture of two detergents; Oni product is composed of the following ingredients (sodium C12-13 parenth sulfate, and sodium C14-17 alkyl sec sulfonate) and Tide product with the following ingredients (sodium C10-16 alkylbenzene sulfonate, propylene glycol and sodium borate). Results obtained during the follow-up period showed that the black soap, spirodiclofen, and two detergent treatments provided a decrease in the P. citri population in comparison with plot treated by water during the whole monitoring period. We found 5,044 mobile forms of P. citri in the plot treated by water only, 1,544 forms in the plot treated with spirodiclofen, 3,002 forms in the plot treated with black soap, and 1,567 mobile forms in the plot treated with two detergents. This study demonstrated that all three treatments had a negative effect on the predators that survived in comparison to the control (T0), while the negative impact of spirodiclofen on beneficial phytoseiid mites was greater than that of black soap and detergents. However, the increase in temperature according to the follow-up weeks showed a significant effect on the evolution of the density of the studied mites. Unfortunately, the chemical products like spirodiclofen used against various citrus pests are considered toxic to phytoseiids and to the agro-ecosystem in general. This comparison aims to detect the effectiveness of black soap and mixtures of two detergents on P. citri and their impacts on its predators: E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodromus sp. to replace the use of pesticides by these alternative methods, which remain effective and environmentally friendly.
Deep learning model for intrusion detection system utilizing convolution neural network
Authors: Kamil Waad Falah , Mohammed Imad Jasim
Published: August 2023

An integral part of any reliable network security infrastructure is the intrusion detection system (IDS). Early attack detection can stop adversaries from further intruding on a network. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to automate intrusion threat detection at a scale never previously envisioned have snowballed during the past 10 years. Researchers, software engineers, and network professionals have been encouraged to reconsider the use of ML techniques, notably in cybersecurity. This article proposes a system for detecting intrusion with two approaches, the first utilizing a proposed hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN) and Dense layers. The second utilizes naïve Bayes (NB) ML techniques and compares the two approaches to determine the best detection accuracy. The preprocessing of network data is necessary. The suggested technique is evaluated using the UNSW-NB15 Dataset to create a reliable classifier and an effective IDS. The experimental results for the proposed CNN-dense classifier outperformed the ML and DL models. CNN has a 99.8% accuracy rate compared to previous studies. At the same time, the Gaussian naïve Bayes, which is considered the best among the ML-utilized classifiers, yielded an 83% accuracy rate.
Artificial intelligence for molecular communication
Authors: Bartunik Max , Kirchner Jens , Keszocze Oliver
Published: August 2023

Molecular communication is a novel approach for data transmission between miniaturised devices, especially in contexts where electrical signals are to be avoided. The communication is based on sending molecules (or other particles) at nanoscale through a typically fluid channel instead of the “classical” approach of sending electrons over a wire. Molecular communication devices have a large potential in future medical applications as they offer an alternative to antenna-based transmission systems that may not be applicable due to size, temperature, or radiation constraints. The communication is achieved by transforming a digital signal into concentrations of molecules that represent the signal. These molecules are then detected at the other end of the communication channel and transformed back into a digital signal. Accurately modeling the transmission channel is often not possible which may be due to a lack of data or time-varying parameters of the channel (e.g., the movements of a person wearing a medical device). This makes the process of demodulating the signal (i.e., signal classification) very difficult. Many approaches for demodulation have been discussed in the literature with one particular approach having tremendous success – artificial neural networks. These artificial networks imitate the decision process in the human brain and are capable of reliably classifying even rather noisy input data. Training such a network relies on a large set of training data. As molecular communication as a technology is still in its early development phase, this data is not always readily available. In this paper, we discuss neural network-based demodulation approaches relying on synthetic simulation data based on theoretical channel models as well as works that base their network on actual measurements produced by a prototype test bed. In this work, we give a general overview over the field molecular communication, discuss the challenges in the demodulations process of transmitted signals, and present approaches to these challenges that are based on artificial neural networks.
Time Travel and Collisions
Authors: Maslen Cei
Published: August 2023

This paper focuses on problems for time travel that specifically concern continuous time-travel to the past, problems to do with potential collisions with past obstacles such as former time-slices of the time traveler herself. These problems have not been discussed nearly as much as other questions about time travel, such as the Grandfather Paradox. Here I focus on discussions by Bernstein, Dowe, Grey and Le Poidevin. After examination, I conclude that only the problems of turning around in time have any merit and present a new proposal of my own for turning around in time without collisions. I assume a Lewisian framework throughout.
From Volta’s pile to lithium ion battery: 200 years of energy
Authors: Arbizzani Catia , Lacarbonara Giampaolo
Published: August 2023

The aim of this paper is to provide a historical and scientific overview of the battery world, from the disrupting discovery of Alessandro Volta to the latest advances in lithium ion batteries. For sake of clarity, it has been divided into three parts: the past, the present and the future. The first part illustrates the historical path which led to the lithium ion batteries. The second part reports the main challenges to the Li ion batteries that have been and still must be faced for increasing their performance and their sustainability. In the last part, considerations about the future of lithium ion batteries are discussed, with a special focus on sustainability.
Association of the ACE2-Angiotensin1-7–Mas axis with lung damage caused by cigarette smoke exposure: a systematic review
Authors: Maleki Maryam , Aliboroni Alireza , Kheiri Amin , Kaffashian Mohammad Reza , Kheiry Maryam
Published: August 2023

Through the Mas receptor, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] has been shown to have a key role in the development of lung inflammation. This systematic review (SR) sought to identify the relationship between lung damage brought on by exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) and the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)–Mas pathway. In this investigation, relevant keywords were used to search PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus (Elsevier), and Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science up to December 2022. Nine studies were chosen because they satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The majority of research concluded that exposure to CS increased the risk of lung damage. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of COPD because it causes massive amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to enter the lungs, which stimulate the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the invasion of inflammatory cells like neutrophils and macrophages. These findings support the renin-angiotensin system’s (RAS) involvement in the pathophysiology of smoking-induced damage. Additionally, via stimulating pro-inflammatory mediators, aberrant RAS activity has been linked to lung damage. Lung inflammation’s etiology has been shown to be significantly influenced by the protective known RAS arm ACE2-Ang-(1-7)–Mas. In conclusion, these are important for informing policymakers to pass legislation limiting the use of smoking and other tobacco to prevent their harmful effects.
Diagnosing and managing heat exhaustion: insights from a systematic review of cases in the desert climate of Mecca
Authors: Yezli Saber , Yassin Yara , Ghallab Sujoud , Abdullah Mashan , Abuyassin Bisher , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Bouchama Abderrezak
Published: August 2023

Heat exhaustion (HE) is a common, yet obscure, heat-related illness that affects millions of people yearly and its burden is projected to rise due to climate change. A comprehensive literature synthesis is lacking despite previous studies on various HE aspects. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by identifying and synthesizing available evidence on the risk factors, symptoms, biomarkers, treatment options, and outcomes for HE. The review focused on HE during the Muslim (Hajj) pilgrimage where the condition is endemic. We conducted a structured search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases. We summarized the data from eligible studies and synthesized them in narrative form using pooled descriptive statistics. Ten studies were included between 1980 and 2019, reporting over 1,194 HE cases. HE cases presented with elevated core temperature (up to 40°C) and mainly affected older males from the Middle East and North Africa region, with overweight individuals at a higher risk. Clinical symptoms included hyperventilation, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, but not central nervous system disturbances. HE was associated with cardiac stress, and with water, electrolyte, and acid-base alterations. Cooling and hydration therapy were the primary management strategies, leading to a low mortality rate (pooled case fatality rate=0.11 % [95 % CI: 0.01, 0.3]). Most cases recovered within a few hours without complications. HE is associated with cardiac stress and changes in homeostasis, leading to distinct clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of HE are crucial in reducing the risk of complications and mortality. The review provides insights into the pathophysiology and outcomes of HE, adding to the scarce literature on the subject. Prospero registration number: CRD42022325759.
GABase and glutaminase inhibitory activities of herbal extracts and acylated flavonol monoglycosides isolated from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L.
Authors: Shimada Atsumi , Ueno Hiroshi , Kawabata Kohei , Inagaki Masanori
Published: August 2023

This study was to compare GABase [a mixture of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) aminotransferase and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase] and glutaminase inhibitory activities of 20 herbal extracts and investigate the isolation, structural elucidation and those inhibitory activities of three acylated flavonol monoglycosides from the selected extract of Laurus nobilis L. (laurel). On the basis of the NMR spectroscopic data and the ESI MS spectra together with the comparison with the literature values, three compounds were identified as kaempferol-3-O-(4″-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol-3-O-(3″,4″-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (2) and kaempferol-3-O-(2″,4″-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (3), respectively. The IC50 values of GABase inhibitory activity of 1–3 and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) as control were 0.24 mM, 0.14 mM, 0.12 mM and 0.43 mM, respectively. Additionally, the IC50 values of glutaminase inhibitory activity of 1–3 and 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON) as control were 0.34 mM, 0.13 mM, 0.14 mM and 0.33 mM, respectively. The results suggest that the extract from laurel shows the strongest biological activities among 20 herbal extracts and three acylated flavonol monoglycosides may serve as potential lead compounds for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases by targeting GABase and glutaminase. This is the first report on GABase and glutaminase inhibitory activities of 1–3.
O hotel Casa Grande e Senzala e a construção de uma memória colonial “pitoresca” pelas páginas do jornal Diário de Pernambuco (1972-1990)
Authors: Lemos Flávio Luan Freire , Cunha André Victor Cavalcanti Seal da
Published: August 2023

O artigo objetiva compreender, historicamente, a construção do hotel Casa Grande e Senzala e, a partir desse lugar, refletir sobre a construção intencional de uma memória colonial pernambucana na segunda metade do século XX. Utilizamos como fonte as notícias, propagandas e colunas publicadas no jornal Diário de Pernambuco, disponível na Hemeroteca Digital da Biblioteca Nacional. Buscaremos denotar que o hotel, para além das atribuições econômicas, correspondeu a um interesse de cristalização e celebração do passado colonial, aos moldes da produção intelectual do sociólogo pernambucano Gilberto Freyre. Como hipótese central, apontamos que o sucesso do empreendimento hoteleiro – também bar e restaurante – em fins do século passado, correspondeu a vontade da elite recifense em constituir um lugar de memória para experenciar os privilégios coloniais dos seus antepassados. Com isso, visamos colaborar com o debate público sobre o racismo estrutural histórico na sociedade brasileira e seus reflexos na contemporaneidade.Palavras-chave: Lugar de Memória. Hotel Casa Grande & Senzala. História de Pernambuco.
Resenha: O Patrimônio em processo: trajetória da política federal de preservação no Brasil.
Authors: Quevedo Gisele Dutra
Published: August 2023

Este texto busca retomar e conhecer a trajetória da proteção e da preservação do patrimônio no Brasil. Algo que se reveste de ainda mais importância na atualidade, principalmente diante dos atos de vandalização e de terrorismo contra o patrimônio perpetrados por radicais de extrema direita, em Brasília, no dia 8 de janeiro de 2023. Diante desse cenário se torna urgente e oportuno aprofundar a reflexão a respeito desse tema.Dito isso, justifico o interesse em realizar uma resenha da obra O Patrimônio em processo: Trajetória da Política Federal de Preservação no Brasil, de Maria Cecília Londres Fonseca que é uma espécie de manual sobre a trajetória da proteção e da preservação do patrimônio no Brasil, pois permite conhecer os desafios de dois momentos importantes nos processos de tombamento do Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN), que são os períodos de 1930-1940 e de 1970-1980. A referida obra é um livro acadêmico que está em sua quarta edição, resultado da tese de doutorado em Sociologia da autora na Universidade de Brasília (concluído na década de 1990, em sua quarta edição foi revisado e ampliado). A publicação de 328 páginas divide-se em cinco capítulos: O patrimônio: uma questão de valor, A construção do patrimônio: perspectiva histórica, A fase heróica, A fase moderna, e A prática de tombamento 1970-1990.
Vivências e memórias, poéticas de afetos [re]experienciadas em referência aos fenômenos paisagísticos de Carmo do Rio Claro - Minas Gerais
Authors: Martins Fábio , Almir Nabozny
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo é um exercício de cruzamentos poéticos-artísticos-geográfico. Desse modo, a problemática proposta para essa prática direciona-se à compreensão de fenômenos paisagísticos vivenciados na cidade de Carmo do Rio Claro-MG, através de experiências de mundo encarnadas em obras de arte. Como objeto de reflexão e fundamentação teórica-metodológica, propõe-se o recorte de caminhos-questionamentos-proposições traçados pela geografia humanista em diálogo com a arte e a fenomenologia, cujo interesse de discussão, sobressai sobre as categorias espaciais de paisagem e lugar. Nesse direcionamento, o presente trabalho não se trata de um exercício poético focado num ‘produto final’, de um objeto fixo, mas de um exercício processual e relacional que se converge numa proposta metodológica de articulação da paisagem como um modo de ver e sentir e, que fundamenta uma ontologia geográfica de Carmo do Rio Claro no entrecruzamento da vida e a criação artística.
Quem somos? De onde viemos? A que mundo visamos?O Movimento LGBTI+ em xeque
Authors: MAIOR Paulo Souto
Published: August 2023

O que é um livro? Se consultarmos o dicionário, encontraremos como significado, de modo bem geral, um conjunto de folhas de papel, coladas ou costuradas e cobertas por uma capa. Ele se distingue pelo gênero, pelo formato, pela edição. Mas, se perguntássemos como um livro pode funcionar, as respostas seriam as mais diversas, tamanha a subjetividade que enseja o questionamento. Particularmente, penso que um livro pode ser, a depender de algumas variáveis, um portal.
Bace1 Deletion in the Adult Reverses Epileptiform Activity and Sleep–wake Disturbances in AD Mice
Authors: Yao Annie Y. , Halloran Patrick J. , Ge Yingying , Singh Neeraj , Zhou John , Galske James , He Wanxia , Yan Riqiang , Hu Xiangyou
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) increases the risk for seizures and sleep disorders. We show here that germline deletion of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) in neurons, but not in astrocytes, increased epileptiform activity. However,Bace1deletion at adult ages did not alter the normal EEG waveform, indicating less concern for BACE1 inhibition in patients. Moreover, we showed that deletion ofBace1in the adult was able to reverse epileptiform activity in 5xFAD mice. Intriguingly, treating 5xFAD and APPNL-G-F/NL-G-F(APP KI) mice of either sex with one BACE1 inhibitor Lanabecestat (AZD3293) dramatically increased epileptiform spiking, likely resulting from an off-target effect. We also monitored sleep–wake pathologies in these mice and showed increased wakefulness, decreased non-rapid eye movement sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep in both 5xFAD and APP KI mice; BACE1 inhibition in the adult 5xFAD mice reversed plaque load and sleep disturbances, but this was not seen in APP KI mice. Further studies with and without BACE1 inhibitor treatment showed different levels of plaque-associated microgliosis and activated microglial proteins in 5xFAD mice compared with APP KI mice. Together, BACE1 inhibition should be developed to avoid off-target effect for achieving benefits in reducing epileptic activity and sleep disturbance in Alzheimer’s patients.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBACE1 is widely recognized as a therapeutic target for treating Alzheimer’s disease patients. However, BACE1 inhibitors failed in clinical trials because of inability to show cognitive improvement in patients. Here we show that BACE1 inhibition actually reduces sleep disturbances and epileptic seizures; both are seen in AD patients. We further showed that one of clinically tested BACE1 inhibitors does have off-target effects, and development of safer BACE1 inhibitors will be beneficial to AD patients. Results from this study will provide useful guidance for additional drug development.
Gonadal Feedback Alters the Relationship between Action Potentials and Hormone Release in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in Male Mice
Authors: Chen Xi , Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: August 2023

In vertebrates, the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from neurons in the hypothalamus triggers secretion of anterior pituitary gonadotropins, which activate steroidogenesis, and steroids in turn exert typically homeostatic negative feedback on GnRH release. Although long-term episodic firing patterns of GnRH neurons in brain slices resemble the pulsatile release of GnRH and LHin vivo, neither the relationship between GnRH neuron firing and release nor whether this relationship is influenced by gonadal feedback are known. We combined fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and patch-clamp to perform simultaneous measurements of neuropeptide release with either spontaneous action potential firing or in response to neuromodulator or action-potential-spike templates in brain slice preparations from male mice. GnRH release increased with higher frequency spontaneous firing to a point; release reached a plateau after which further increases in firing rate did not elicit further increased release. Kisspeptin, a potent GnRH neuron activator via a Gq-coupled signaling pathway, triggered GnRH release before increasing firing rate, whether globally perfused or locally applied. Increasing the number of spikes in an applied burst template increased release; orchidectomized mice had higher sensitivity to the increased action potential number than sham-operated mice. Similarly, Ca2+currents triggered by these burst templates were increased in GnRH neurons of orchidectomized mice. These results suggest removal of gonadal feedback increases the efficacy of the stimulus–secretion coupling mechanisms, a phenomenon that may extend to other steroid-sensitive regions of the brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPulsatile secretion of GnRH plays a critical role in fertility. The temporal relationship between GnRH neuron action potential firing and GnRH release remains unknown as does whether this relationship is influenced by gonadal feedback. By combining techniques of fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and patch-clamp we, for the first time, monitored GnRH concentration changes during spontaneous and neuromodulator-induced GnRH neuron firing. We also made the novel observation that gonadal factors exert negative feedback on excitation–secretion coupling to reduce release in response to the same stimulus. This has implications for the control of normal fertility, central causes of infertility, and more broadly for the effects of sex steroids in the brain.
mPFC DUSP1 mediates adolescent cocaine exposure‐induced higher sensitivity to drug in adulthood
Authors: Wei Xiaoyan , Chang Jiasong , Cheng Zhen , Chen Wenwen , Guo Hao , Liu Zhaoyu , Mai Yuning , Hu Tao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cai Qinglong , Ge Feifei , Fan Yu , Guan Xiaowei
Published: August 2023

Adolescent cocaine abuse increases the risk for developing addiction in later life, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we establish adolescent cocaine‐exposed (ACE) male mouse models. A subthreshold dose of cocaine (sdC) treatment, insufficient to produce conditioned place preference (CPP) in adolescent mice, induces CPP in ACE mice during adulthood, along with more activated CaMKII‐positive neurons, higher dual specificity protein kinase phosphatase‐1 (Dusp1) mRNA, lower DUSP1 activity, and lower DUSP1 expression in CaMKII‐positive neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Overexpressing DUSP1 in CaMKII‐positive neurons suppresses neuron activity and blocks sdC‐induced CPP in ACE mice during adulthood. On the contrary, depleting DUSP1 in CaMKII‐positive neurons activates more neurons and further enhances sdC‐induced behavior in ACE mice during adulthood. Also, ERK1/2 might be a downstream signal of DUSP1 in the process. Our findings reveal a role of mPFC DUSP1 in ACE‐induced higher sensitivity to the drug in adult mice. DUSP1 might be a potential pharmacological target to predict or treat the susceptibility to addictive drugs caused by adolescent substance use.
In vitro activity of imipenem/relebactam and ceftazidime/avibactam against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from blood cultures in a University hospital in Serbia
Authors: Zornic Sanja , Petrovic Ivana , Lukovic Bojana
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to investigate prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) blood culture isolates and their susceptibility to two new antibiotics, imipenem/relebactam and ceftazidime/avibactam. Out of 765 isolates recovered from blood cultures in a tertiary care hospital in Serbia between 2020 and 2023, 143 non-repetitive K. pneumoniae strains were included in this study. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the examined antimicrobial drugs was determined by VITEK 2 system, MIC test strip (imipenem/relebactam and ceftazidime/avibactam), and broth microdilution method (tigecycline and colistin). Carbapenemase-encoding genes (blaKPC, blaOXA-48-like, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP) were detected using a multiplex-PCR assay, the BioFire-Blood Culture Identification 2-panel. This closed molecular assay is designed for the BioFire® FilmArray® system, enabling automated sample preparation, amplification, detection, and analysis (bioMérieux, France). Results revealed that K. pneumoniae was the most common isolate from blood cultures in 2022. The prevalence of K. pneumoniae was about 11.6% in 2020 and 2021, while in 2022 it raised to over 30%. Also, the frequency of CRKP increased from 11.76% in 2020, through 15.29% in 2021 to 72.94% in 2022. The majority of CRKP carried blaOXA-48-like (60.0%), followed by blaKPC (16.47%), and blaNDM (8.24%) genes, while 14.12% harboured both blaOXA-48-like and blaNDM genes. Only 25.88% of CRKP isolates were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam, while 51.76% were resistant to imipenem/relebactam and colistin. The rapid spread of CRKP is particularly concerning because therapeutic options are limited to a few antibiotics. While imipenem/relebactam and colistin showed similar antimicrobial activity against CRKP clinical isolates, ceftazidime/avibactam proved to be the most effective antibiotic.
Hereditary Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is Age an Independent Criterion for Genetic Testing? A Large Cohort from a Latin America Referral Center
Authors: Carminatti Tomás , García Marchiñena Patricio Aitor , Tobia González Ignacio Pablo , De Miguel Valeria , Serra Marcelo Martín , Kalfayan Pablo Germán , Jurado Alberto Manuel
Published: August 2023

Although age younger than 46 years has been an independent criterion for genetic testing in hereditary renal cell carcinoma (hRCC), there is a lack of evidence in the literature. This study aims to analyze whether a 46-year-old cut-off should be considered an independent genetic testing criterion and to elucidate risk factors predicting a positive genetic test. Observational study from January 2010 to December 2021. All patients under 46 years with a non-metastatic kidney mass and surgical indication were included. We assume patients who relapse in the first 5 years of follow-up could have a positive genetic test. As risk factors for relapse, ergo positive genetic test, we consider those patients who presented multifocal, bilateral, or previous renal tumor. Of 2,232 nephrectomies for kidney cancer, 301 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 60 months (IQR 29-101). The estimated five-year RFS was 94.4% (95% CI 91.3-97.5). Tumor size, previous renal tumor, multifocality, bilaterality, and pT3 or pT4 stage were independent recurrence risk factors. Genetic testing was performed on 24 patients. 10 patients had pathogenic variants in the test, 8 of which recurred during their life. 46-year-old cut-off has shown low performance in genetic testing. Therefore, we recommend that it be considered only if other hRCC risk criteria exist. Multifocality, bilaterality, and previous renal tumor could predict a positive genetic test.
Singularity classes of special multi-flags, I
Authors: Mormul Piotr
Published: August 2023

The construction of the geometric singularity classes of special multi-flags was exhaustively done in [P. Mormul, SIGMA, 5:Paper 102, 22 pages, 2009] for special 2-flags, i.e. when flag's width, typically denoted by m, was 2. Now analogous singularity classes are being constructed for special flags of all widths m≥2, compatible with and extending by far the construction in the mentioned paper.
Sign language education in pre-school: Prospective pre-school teachers’ views about the Turkish sign language course
Authors: Pistav Akmese Pelin , Kayhan Nilay
Published: August 2023

Pre-school education is significant in the education of deaf children. The pre-school teacher is a gateway to realising the inclusion of deaf children in schools. In this study we investigated prospective pre-school teachers’ opinions and thoughts about sign language in deaf children’s education. In this descriptive study we employed the qualitative research method: semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 prospective pre-school teachers who took the elective sign language course in the fall semester of the 2018–2019 academic year. The main themes obtained from the interviews were as follows: “Quality in early childhood education”, “Innovative practices in teacher training”, “Inclusive education in the pre-school period”, “Effective teaching for deaf children” and “Sign language competence of teachers.” The research findings suggest that prospective teachers must learn sign language that would contribute to their professional competence and that they would actively use sign language in their future professional lives.
Peer Assessment of Oral Presentations in EFL Classes: Assessors’ View
Authors: Daukšaitė-Kolpakovienė Aurelija , Mačianskienė Nemira
Published: August 2023

The study focuses on peer assessment (PA) used in teaching English as a foreign language. It aimed to identify students’ attitudes towards PA in oral presentations, using online PA forms and an online post PA questionnaire. Thematic analysis of the data show positive students’ attitudes towards PA, as it helped them to understand the task requirements better, be more focused, and improve their own presentation skills. The drawbacks were linked to stress during the assessment.
Conflito armado, paz e terapia ocupacional na Colômbia: caminhos e desafios
Authors: Duarte Cuervo Clara
Published: August 2023

Resumo Colômbia vive um conflito armado de longa duração, com mais de nove milhões de vítimas registradas e profundos danos na vida das pessoas, comunidades e na sociedade. Este estudo abrange três tópicos: primeiro, uma breve contextualização do conflito armado colombiano e alguns de seus impactos. Na segunda parte, a partir de fontes documentais, tenta-se traçar as rotas das aproximações da terapia ocupacional colombiana ao conflito armado e identificam-se três momentos: prudente indiferença, despertar lento e reconhecimento da responsabilidade ético-política. Por fim, apresentam-se alguns desafios sobre a contribuição profissional para a construção da paz na Colômbia, entre eles, a expansão e fortalecimento da profissão para chegar até os territórios mais afetados pelo conflito, o aprimoramento da formação de terapeutas ocupacionais e da prática para responder à complexidade da situação do país e a reflexão sobre os objetivos e as implicações éticas da ação profissional com vítimas, ex-combatentes ou comunidades afetadas pelo conflito.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON Li-ION BATTERY PACK FOR TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS DURING FAST DISCHARGING AND VARIOUS AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
Authors: Hemavathi S. , Jeevandoss C. R. , Srinivas Srirama , Prakash A. S.
Published: August 2023

Lithium-ion batteries are the primary energy source for electric vehicles (EVs), which were developed to address
environmental issues and the lack of energy resources. The temperature is a key factor in Li-ion batteries which affects their degradation and life span. In this study, the thermal performance characteristics of a 4S2P Li-ion battery pack are analyzed according to the change in the environmental temperatures of 25°C, 40°C, and 60°C and the discharge rates of 0.5C, 1C, 2C, and 3C of the battery. In the experiment, the maximum temperature rises in the battery pack at
0.5C discharge rate is within the optimum operation range with respect to all tested ambient temperature conditions.
Meanwhile, it is higher at an ambient temperature of 25°C than at ambient temperatures of 40°C and 60°C during high-current discharge (1C, 2C, and 3C) operations. The results prove that the environmental temperature of 40°C provides better thermal performance than 25°C and 60°C operating levels. Also, the temperature distribution between neighboring cells in the pack increases as the C-rate increases from 0.5C to 3C, and this nonuniformity causing high heat generation can lead to a performance reduction of the module. This article primarily proposed a correlation between heat transfer and ambient temperatures in terms of discharge rate. The correlation is significant when designing thermal management systems for battery-powered devices.
Biological Activity of Ganoderma Species (Agaricomycetes) from Sonoran Desert, Mexico
Authors: Bacallao-Escudero Alexander , Guerrero-Germán Patricia , Torres-Moreno Heriberto , Vidal-Gutiérrez Max  , López-Romero Julio César , Tejeda-Mansir Armando , Esqueda Martín , Robles-Zepeda Ramón Enrique
Published: August 2023

Ganoderma species have been used in folk medicine against different illnesses and are characterized by producing a diversity of bioactive metabolites (triterpenoids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenols) with numerous medicinal effects (anti-proliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial). This work aims to evaluate ethanolic extracts of fruiting bodies of Ganoderma oerstedii, G. weberianum, and G. subincrustatum strains from the Sonoran Desert in the anti-proliferative activity by the MTT assay on cancer cell lines; anti-inflammatory effect by quantifying nitric oxide (NO) production; antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays; total phenolic and flavonoid content by Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 method, respectively; antibacterial activity by the broth microdilution method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts showed anti-proliferative activity with IC50 < 100 µg/mL on the cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, A549, and HeLa, except G. subincrustatum extract with an IC50 > 100 µg/mL; anti-proliferative activity was not selective, being affected non-cancerous cell line ARPE-19. Extracts showed significant inhibition of NO release in cells stimulated by LPS, up to 60% with G. subincrustatum and G. oerstedii, and 47% with G. weberianum. All tested assays showed moderate antioxidant potential; the most active was G. lucium (control strain) with IC50 of 69 and 30 µg/mL by DPPH and ABTS respectively; and 271 µg Trolox equivalents/g by FRAP. Total phenols and flavonoids ranged from 38 to 56 mg GAE/g and 0.53 to 0.93 mg QE/g, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the antioxidant activities revealed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP with total phenol and flavonoid contents. Antibacterial activity was weak against S. aureus (MIC50 > 10 mg/mL). These results demonstrate that tested Ganoderma mushrooms have medicinal potential such as anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative.
EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENTS ON THE STRAIN CONCENTRATION AROUND SMALL HOLES IN PMMA
Authors: Korolenko Vladimir A. , Babaytsev Arseniy V.
Published: August 2023

A series of tensile tests of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) open-hole specimens with holes of various diameters was carried out. Digital image correlation (DIC) analysis for the strain field distribution around the holes is performed. It is found that the evaluated strain concentration around relatively large holes (with diameter of several millimeters) is in good agreement with the classical elasticity solution; however, it tends to reduce in the samples containing smaller holes. Around the holes of diameter less than 500 μm, maximum values of strain (hoop strain) are found to be 1.5-2 times lower than the classical elasticity solution, with extrapolated tendency to decrease down to unit value of strain concentration around the micro/nano-sized holes. Statistical analysis of the deviations between experimental and theoretical data is performed and discussed together with assessments on the accuracy of the obtained DIC results.
Usos de Internet y Medios Sociales por parte de los ciudadanos con relación a su salud, el COVID-19 y el impacto en la relación médico-paciente en San Juan de Puerto Rico
Authors:   UNIVERSIDAD DE PUERTO RICO, de la Cruz Cuebas Iván
Published: August 2023

Internet y los medios sociales han entrado en todos los ámbitos de la vida diaria y, crecientemente, se adentran en la búsqueda de información de salud. Este estudio se enfocó en la utilización que hacen los pacientes de Internet para la búsqueda de información sobre salud y el COVID-19, qué tipo de páginas web o redes visitan y su impacto en la relación médico-paciente. Se consiguió un tamaño muestral de 124 personas para alcanzar un margen de error de un 7,5% y un nivel de confianza del 90%. Los ciudadanos encuestados demostraron utilizar fuentes de información de Internet para propósitos de salud, de un modo muy balanceado entre páginas web versus los medios sociales. Las búsquedas sobre salud en Internet continúan en aumento. El COVID-19 se impuso como tema de salud de mayor importancia seguido por la depresión y las enfermedades mentales, lo cual es compatible con el tiempo de pandemia. Palabras clave: Internet; medios sociales; salud, COVID-19, médicos, pacientes
Analytical review and characteristic of regulatory policy in the Korean tourism industry: Focusing on regulation changes, types, and perception under the ‘Tourism Promotion Act’
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Jeong Kwang-Min , Son Shin-Wook , Kim Dong-Hyun , Yoon Hyejin
Published: August 2023

This study analyzed the characteristics and perceptions of tourism regulations and suggested policy implications based on the history of introducing regulations under the Tourism Promotion Act. Findings showed the most changes in regulatory tourism policy in the 2010s, and economic and preliminary regulations were the most common in types and characteristics. In the case of preliminary regulation, there is a characteristic of securing procedural publicity as a law by regulating procedures necessary for tourism projects and development, such as actual permission and registration. As a result of the survey on regulatory perception, negative perception accounted for the majority rather than positive perception, which would be irrelevant to the fact that most tourism regulations are made like prior regulation. In addition, it was necessary to discover and improve the demand for regulatory rationalization reflecting the opinions of the regulated. Korea advocates a regulatory operation plan that reflects the rule of law and promotes regulatory policies under the principle of regulatory legalism. Therefore, when setting the policy direction of tourism industry regulation, joint efforts such as law revision should be accompanied to reflect the demand of stakeholders for regulatory rationalization. In particular, the government needs to foster a sustainable and healthy industrial ecosystem in the tourism industry by promoting appropriate regulations rather than unconditional deregulation.
Analyzing the tourism business ecosystem in Korea through network analysis
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Jang Hee-Sun , Park Chang-Hwan , Lee Hoon
Published: August 2023

The tourism industry is undergoing rapid structural changes due to economic, technological, and social transformations. This study aims to identify the structure and characteristics of the domestic tourism business ecosystem using corporate data. Employing the business ecosystem theory and social network analysis techniques, the influence of key companies and the connectivity between companies are examined. The findings reveal several important insights. First, the analysis of connection centrality indicates that the travel business and the Korea Tourism Organization are core companies that engage in extensive interactions within the ecosystem. Contrary to previous studies categorizing public institutions as secondary stakeholders, this research demonstrates their high influence as core companies within the tourism industry. Second, proximity and centrality of prestige analyses highlight that companies involved in aviation and passenger transport hold top ranks. These transportation-related companies exert rapid and significant ripple effects within the ecosystem. Furthermore, the study identifies the tertiary supply chain through ego-network analysis of key companies such as Korean Air, Hana Tour, and Hotel Lotte. It reveals the involvement of various industries beyond tourism, including system and application software development, supply chain management, and telecommunication sales. This empirical insight provides a glimpse into the digital transformation occurring within the tourism industry. Based on these results, the study puts forth academic and policy implications for the development of a healthy tourism business ecosystem. Understanding the flow within the tourism industry and its interactions with related industries is essential for adapting to ongoing economic and technological changes, thereby fostering a sustainable and competitive tourism sector.
Multifocal Peripheral Neuropathies, Rhabdomyolysis, and Dermal Change in Carbon Monoxide Intoxication
Authors: Jeong Dae Wang , Yoon Dasom , Lee Jeong Kyu , Lee Kyoung Mi , Suh Yongsung , Jung Young Hee
Published: August 2023

Carbon monoxide poisoning is common cause of fatal intoxication. When carbon monoxide is absorbed into the blood, it interferes with the oxygen supply to the cells, causing damage to tissues and organs. Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) manifested by cognitive dysfunction, motor disorder, micturition disorder are widely known complication of carbon monoxide intoxication. But neuromuscular complication is a rare DNS of carbon monoxide intoxication. We herein report a 42-year-old patient with multifocal neuropathies, rhabdomyolysis, and dermal change due to carbon monoxide intoxication.