bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, in silico Biological Profile and MMP-9 Inhibitory Activity of
Some Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide Incorporated Novel Indazoles
Authors: Kumarachari Rajasekhar Komarla , Guruvareddy Mayandigari , Thanuja Aithepalli , Shresta Agraharam , Shalini Gilla , Sindhu Kalikiri , Bhargavi Jampana
Published: April 2023

The present study reports the synthesis of isonicotinic acid hydrazide incorporated 7-(substituted
benzylidine)-3-aryl-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-methanone)-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-indazoles from substituted
chalcones. The chalcones were synthesized by reacting cyclohexanone with a substituted aromatic
aldehydes via the Claisen-Schmidt method. The IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral studies were used to
characterize the synthesized compounds. In silico analysis was used to anticipate the biological activities
of the synthezised compounds. PASS computer program predicted all title compounds to be
anti-inflammatory in nature. All the synthesized compounds were screened for MMP-9 inhibitory
activity by the gelatin zymography method. Among all the synthesized compounds B1, B3, B4 and B9
exhibited significant activity whereas rest of the synthesized compounds B2, B5, B6, B7 and B8 exhibited
mild to moderate anti-inflammatory activity.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Approach for Optimization of Parameters for Synthesis
of Organic Compounds and Evaluation of Biological Activity with Molecular Docking
Authors: Jadhav Vikas D. , Gaikwad Vishwas B. , Jadhav Ghanshyam B. , Phad Ganesh S. , Shete Pritam A. , Kukade Vikesh V. , Uphade Digambar B.
Published: April 2023

The triazolidine derivatives were synthesized by green and sustainable chemistry approach. The response
surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the reaction parameters during the synthesis.
Reaction parameter which affect the yield of product were studied, which includes the temperature
and time of the reaction. Various statistical RSM with different central composite designs (CCD) such
as circumscribed (CCC), face-centered (CCF) and inscribed (CCI) were used to find the maximum
yield of the product (%) of reaction at the given parameters and selected, which gave the maximum
possible yield. The relationship between reaction parameters (temperature and time) and the yield of
product modeled using second-order response surface model. The optimum reaction parameters given
by CCI were 80.8 ºC reaction temperature and 15.03 min reaction time with yield of product is up to
94.57%. The adequacy and reliability of the predicted model was checked by ANOVA, R-square and
adjusted R-square and revealed the good agreement between predicted model and actual experimental
data. The study described here can be efficiently applied for the optimization of parameters in the
synthesis of any organic compound. The molecular docking was carried out by using AutoDock vina
1.2.0 on (CYP51) [PDBID: 1EA1] and (DprE1) [PDBID: 4FDO] for target anti-tuberculosis activity
while (FabH) [PDBID: 1HNJ] for target antimicrobial activity. There was better interaction within
receptor amino acids compound 3d and 3b with FabH and CYP51 enzyme, respectively for
anti-tuberculosis activity and compound 3d with DprE1 enzyme for antimicrobial activity observed
very good docking score among all compounds.
Ruthenium(III) Catalyzed Oxidation of Hypoxanthine and Xanthine by
Mn(VII) in Aqueous Brønsted Acid Solutions: A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Reddy A. Ramakrishna , Reddy A. Panasa , Chary M. Thirumala
Published: April 2023

Mn(VII) is broadly utilized as an oxidizing specialist, however it couldn’t oxidize hypoxanthine (HXAN)
and xanthine (XAN) even in concentrated Brønsted acidic (HClO4, H2SO4) media and at raised
temperatures. In any case, the responses went through flawlessly in presence of millimolar arrangements
of ruthenium chloride (Ru(III) or RuCl3) in presence of fluid Brønsted acidic arrangements. Under
synergist conditions, response complied with first request energy in [(Mn(VII)] and [Alkaloid] at
steady causticity and temperature. Increase in [Ru(III)] dramatically sped up the reactions with a first
order dependence on [catalyst] at constant acidity and temperature. The rate of oxidation was enhanced
by an increase in the concentration of Brønsted acid (HClO4, H2SO4). The rate increases observed
were examined using the acidity function criteria of Zucker-Hammett, Bunnett and Bunnett-Olsen.
The most logical mechanism, involving the involvement of the water molecule in the slow step, has
been proposed based on observed Bunnett-Olsen criteria of acidity functions (as proton transferring
agent).
Synthesis and Characterization of Pure and Cu-doped NiO Thin Films for Detection of Ethanol
Authors: Rajesh K. , Pothukanuri Nagaraju , Reddy M.V. Ramana
Published: April 2023

Herein, a highly sensitive, selective and stable ethanol sensor based on nanostructured Cu doped NiO
thin films is reported. Pure and Cu doped NiO thin films were prepared using spray pyrolysis technique
with different copper concentrations. The XRD, Raman, SEM, XPS and TEM were used to investigate
the structural, morphological and compositional properties of deposited films. The XRD studies
confirmed that deposited films exhibit cubic structure with polycrystalline nature. Raman spectroscopy
of the deposited NiO based thin film reveals as single-phonon first-order longitudinal-optical LO
mode and double-phonon second-order longitudinal-optical mode 2LO. Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) has demonstrated a significant variation in the morphology of the coated films. X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results revealed that successful doping of copper in NiO matrix,
whereas TEM investigations revealed a nanometric crystal size in Cu doped NiO. Gas sensing
performance of the deposited thin films was measured using static distribution technique towards 50
ppm ethanol gas at room temperature. Cu doped NiO thin film (4 wt.% ) has shown improved sensing
features towards 50 ppm of ethanol with good selective, sensitive and stable features with quick response
and recovery characteristics.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of
Some Novel Mannich Bases of Indole-2,3-dione
Authors: Shrivastava Shobhit , Ahuja Dharmendra
Published: April 2023

Indole-2,3-dione (isatin) and its 5-substituted derivatives have been reacted with
N2-benzylidenepyridine-2,6-diamine to form Schiff bases and the Mannich bases of these compounds
were synthesized by reacting them with some secondary amines in presence of formaldehyde. Their
chemical structures have been confirmed by mean of their IR and 1H NMR. Antimicrobial screening
of synthesized compounds was done by well diffusion method against 4 pathogenic bacteria and 2
pathogenic fungi. Amongst the tested compounds 3-{[6-(benzylideneamino)pyridin-2-yl]imino}-1-
(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-5-fluoro-indolin-2-one and 3-{[6-(benzylideneamino)pyridin-2-yl]-imino}-1-
(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-5-fluoro-indolin-2-one showed significant antibacterial activity and 3-{[6-
(benzylideneamino)pyridin-2-yl]imino}-1-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-indolin-2-one and 3-{[6-
(benzylideneamino)pyridin-2-yl]imino}-1-(morpholin-4-ylmethyl)-5-methyl-indolin-2-one showed the
favourable antifungal activity.
Quantum Chemical Study for Structure, Electronic and NLO Properties of
2-Amino-4-nitrotoluene and 2-Amino-5-nitrotoluene
Authors: Ojha Jai Kishan , Ramesh Gaddam , Reddy B. Venkatram
Published: April 2023

Molecular structure, molecular orbital energies; and global reactivity parameters of
2-amino-4-nitrotoluene (2A4NT) and 2-amino-5-nitrotoluene (2A5NT) were studied using
DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The energy difference between HOMO and LUMO was
found to be 3.35 eV and 3.41 eV, respectively. Computed electrophilicity index values (ω = 12.63 and
14.61) demonstrate that the molecules are strong electrophile. The reactive sites and charge distribution
of the compounds were analyzed by MEP surface. The non-linear optical activity of title compounds
was studied by calculating the values of total dipole moment and mean first order hyperpolarizability.
The natural charges of the molecules were obtained from NBO analysis; and the entire atomic charges
were acquired by means of Mulliken study. The NMR (13C & 1H) theoretical chemical shifts were
predicted by using GIAO approach in DMSO-d6 solvent. The values of energy, oscillator strength and
absorption wavelength were computed from the UV-Vis spectra using TD-DFT method.
First-Order Derivative Spectrophotometry Method with Triapine as
Chelating Agent for Simultaneous Determination of Barium(II) and Lead(II)
Authors: Nazimunnisa S. , Veeranna V. , Laxmi V. Venkata , Prasad G. Pathalinga , Yallappa S.
Published: April 2023

A simple, selective and sensitive first-order spectrophotometric method was used for the simultaneous
determination of Ba(II) and Pb(II) with triapine as chelating agent. When triapine reagent was mixed
with Ba(II) and Pb(II) solutions, it produces a light green colour in a basic medium. Maximum peaks
for both Ba(II) and Pb(II) were observed at pH 8.5 (basic buffer solution) between 350 and 395 nm.
Ba(II)-triapine has a molar absorbance of 5.276 × 106 L mol-1 cm-1 and a Sandell’s sensitivity of
0.000189 g/cm2. Similarly, they are 9.421 × 105 L mol-1 cm-1 and 0.00106 g/cm2 for Pb(II)-triapine,
respectively. The stability constants of Ba(II)-triapine and Pb(II)-trapine complexes are 3.207 × 104
and 5.118 × 104, respectively. The effects of Ba(II)-triapine and Pb(II)-triapine concentrations on
amplitude were also studied. The detection and quantification limits for Ba(II)-triapine are 0.0882
g/mL and 0.746 g/mL, respectively. Similarly, detection and quantification values were 0.089 g/mL
and 0.745 g/mL for Pb(II)-triapine, respectively. The developed or proposed method was used to
examine biological samples of carrots, onions, beans, paints, milk powder and alloys. The sample
results were close to the certified reference values for the ICP-AES, FDA and AAS methods.
Chalcone-based Ferrocenyl-Derivatives as an Antimicrobial Drug
Authors: Mondal A.
Published: April 2023

The lack of development of new antibiotics is the major concern at the present scenario. One key
factor contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is the widespread movement of people
throughout the world. The world has seen the consequences of the migration in the case of COVID-19
very recently. To tackle or cope with the situation, development of new antibiotics is very essential,
which can be inhibited multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this framework, chalcone-based ferrocenyl
containing compounds showed a diversity of pharmacological properties and its derivatives possess a
high degree of structural diversity and it is helpful for the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Thus,
there is a need for new antibacterial drug candidates with increased strength, new targets, low cost,
superior pharmacokinetic properties and minimum side effects. The present review concluded and
focuses on the recent developments in the area of medicinal chemistry to explore the diverse chemical
structures of potent antibacterial agents and also describes its structure-activity relationship studies
(SAR). This review will help to the researchers in the medical field to find out the future generation
potential drug discovery and development.
Study of Potential Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Activities of
Microwave Assisted Gold Nanoparticles using Limonia acidissima Fruit Pulp Extract
Authors: Kalpana J. , Kareem MD. Moulana , Lakshmi G. Vijaya
Published: April 2023

In this work, synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by microwave irradiation of Limonia acidissima
fruit pulp is described. The optical, structural and morphological properties were evaluated for the
synthesized nanoparticles. The UV-vis spectra of the formed AuNPs, the peak at 525 nm indicates the
reduction of Au3+ ions into metal nanopartciles. The XRD analysis of AuNPs revealed their FCC
structure and by looking at the TEM images, it can be seen that the prepared AuNPs had an average
size of 11 ± 2 nm. Analysis of FTIR spectra was used to determine the potential functional groups in
the extracts that bring out the reduction process in the synthesis of AuNPs. Furthermore, both
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were used to test the antibacterial efficacy of the
green-synthesized AuNPs. The synthesized AuNPs showed highly effective antioxidant and anticancer
activity. Also, the synthesized AuNPs showed the excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of
4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4.
Batch Adsorption Study: Sequestration of Cr(VI) ions from
Aqueous Solution Utilizing Boerhavia diffusa
Authors: Sharma Deva Nand , Yadav Anil
Published: April 2023

In light of the ongoing contamination of water sources by aqueous waste from the electroplating, printing,
pharmaceutical, dye and alloy industries, this work describes a new adsorbent for removing chromium
ions (Cr(VI)) from a lab-prepared aqueous solution. As an adsorbent, pure and activated form of Boerhavia
diffusa (abbreviated as RBD and ACBD), also known as Punarnava (in Hindi), was utilized. The adsorbents
were characterized for their structure, morphology and thermal analysis through X-ray diffraction (XRD),
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal
gravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR spectrum detected various functional groups viz. -OH, -CHO,
RCO, -CN and C=H, implying strong bonding with metals ions. The amorphous and porous character of
the adsorbent was confirmed by SEM and XRD. Consequences of other domains, including adsorbent
dose, contact time, pH, concentration and temperature, were also investigated. With a starting concentration
of 20 mg/L, pH of 7 (RBD), 5 (ACBD), adsorption dose of 20 mg and temperature of 303 K, the effective
adsorption was achieved after 2 h and these were 86.4% and 92.7% in terms of removal efficiency by
RBD and ACBD, respectively. The respective monolayer maximum adsorption capacity for RBD and
ACBD were 66.28 mg/g and 135.81 mg/g. The Langmuir and pseudo-second order reactions were
well-matched the experimental results for RBD and ACBD precisely.
Investigation of Guanidine-Curcumin Complex based on Quantum Chemicals,
Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Docking Simulation against
Breast Cancer: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Viswanathan Thimma Mohan , Zochedh Azar , Chandran Kaliraj , Sukumaran Sureba , Sultan Asath Bahadur , Kathiresan Thandavarayan
Published: April 2023

The breast cancer is the foremost reason for cancer death rates and incidence globally in women.
Combinatorial therapy is a significant practice in the cancer treatment process. The combination of
two molecules appears efficient and inhibits a variety of cancer-causing mechanisms. In present
investigation, combination of guanidine and curcumin was employed as a synergistic drug against the
breast cancer. Firstly, the combined structure of guanidine-curcumin was built and the structure was
optimized through density functional computation in B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) level. The electronic
spectrum observed in CAM-B3LYP with same basis set and the transition observed was π→π*. The
chemical reactivity and structural stability of guanidine-curcumin was evaluated through molecular
orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential. The energy gap calculated for the complex structure was
3.45963 eV, which confirms the better reactivity of the complex. The atomic charges of each atom
associated with the complex was assessed through Mulliken charge distribution. Further, the breast
cancer inhibitory potential of guanidine-curcumin complex was evaluated through in silico molecular
docking studies. The docking simulation showed that the complex structure has good binding ability
against target breast tumor proteins when compared with standard drug. The physico-chemical,
absorption, metabolism, distribution, excretion and toxicity characteristics of complex structure
exhibited the drug-likeness properties and showed its safety feature. These, in silico findings will be
beneficial for further in vitro and in vivo studies against breast cancer.
Study of the Construction of a Disaster Response Model According to the Classification of Crisis Alert
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Min Geum Young
Published: April 2023

A crisis alert is issued if a disaster occurs or a symptom of a disaster is detected. To examine the cases in which crisis alerts were issued, there are various types, such as sequential issues from the level “Attention” through the level of “Serious” according to changes in the crisis(COVID-19), the issue of the level “Caution-Serious” with the spread of damage after maintaining the level “Attention” (African Swine Fever), and the issue of the level “Serious” due to large-scale damage as soon as a disaster occurs (Fire). The crisis alert is the starting point for the control of crises, and the response method should differ depending on the crisis of the disaster. This study developed a crisis warning judgment cube based on the possibility of identifying crisis symptoms, the possibility of linked damage, and the possibility of expanding the scope of damage. In addition, by classifying 41 types of disasters into 8 types according to the current laws and institutions, a crisis alert operation plan suitable for the characteristics was presented. The damage of disasters may increase or decrease depending on how the crises are controlled.
Profitability and Risk Analysis of ESG Investments: Focusing on before and after COVID-19
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ryu Eun Young , Lee Sang Won
Published: April 2023

This study analyzed the correlation between the Social Responsibility Index and KOSPI200 to confirm the usefulness(profit and risk) of socially responsible investment. The results are as follows. The trends between the social responsibility index and the KOSPI200 are very similar and highly correlated. In addition, the average return of the social responsibility index is lower than that of the KOSPI200, the standard deviation is larger, and the gap between them in the post-COVID-19 period is larger than in the previous period. granger causal analysis showed that the social responsibility index and KOSPI200 have strong antecedents in both directions, and this phenomenon is more evident in the post-COVID-19 period. Based on these results, the differentiation and usefulness of the social responsibility index in Korea is currently low and the usefulness is declining, but it is expected that the interest and impact on it will increase in the future. Therefore, it is considered that it will be of utmost importance to show differentiation by clarifying the selection criteria of the sports incorporated in the social responsibility index.
The Constitutional Court as a Political Crisis Manager
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Cha Dongwook
Published: April 2023

While the Korean National Assembly, a symbol of representative and majoritarian democracy, was found to lack problem-solving ability on political issues that had attracted public attention, the Korean Constitutional Court emerged as a new problem- solver. A very large proportion of the high-profile cases brought for decision to the Constitutional Court involved intense political controversies which might have led to political crisis. The state of the presidential impeachment is both a crisis of democracy and a crisis of the Constitution. The resolution of the problem was concluded by the judicial judgment of the Constitutional Court, and the two governance crises in 2004 and 2016 ended in considerable stability in the fields of politics, administration, economy, and society. The Constitutional Court can help the political process and the virtuous cycle of deliberation through constitutional trials. In order for the Constitutional Court to preserve its independence in a dynamic political surroundings and continue to play the role of protecting the Constitution, it needs the development of democracy and autonomous public support and monitoring.
Developing and Evaluating an Online Nursing Training Simulation Program for Nursing Students
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Han Dongsu , Kwak Minyeong , Jeon Howoong , Choi Yeojin , Ha Hyejin , Ryu Hwayeong
Published: April 2023

In national and social crises, high-quality nursing education in the undergraduate program is essential to improve the clinical nursing competency and problem-solving ability of nurses who are nursing mediators. The purpose of this study is to develop and apply an online nursing training simulation program for nursing students and test its effectiveness. The study used a quasi-experimental, single group and a pre and posttest design. The program improved the participants' clinical competency and problem-solving ability scores, and it was found that the online nursing training simulation program was an effective intervention for the clinical performance and problem-solving ability of nursing students. The online nursing training simulation program developed in this study enables repeated training while minimizing the burden on learners. In addition, it can be applied without time and space restrictions in a continuous infection situation such as COVID 19. In the future, based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop various online nursing practice contents. In addition it is suggested that long-term follow-up studies will be conducted to verify the persistence of effects through repeated measurements.
Jeremy Bentham’s Departure from Whig Networks: A Case Study of his Relationship with Samuel Romilly, c. 1790–1818
Authors: Li Cheng
Published: April 2023

This article examines the utilitarian reformer Jeremy Bentham’s relationship with the Whig reformer Samuel Romilly between 1788 and 1818. For many years Bentham relied on Romilly’s assistance in promoting schemes of law reform, and viewed him as a fellow utilitarian. However, a series of events during the French Revolution and wars widened their political difference. After 1815 Bentham was more involved in radical politics and expected Romilly’s collaboration. Romilly’s indifference further stimulated Bentham’s breach with the Whigs. A study of their relationship casts new light on Bentham’s transition to democracy and the state of the Whig reformism during the period.
Bumpy Roads, Dusty Air: Gadbad and the Sensate Ecologies of Driving Work in Contemporary Mumbai
Authors: Bedi Tarini
Published: April 2023

I decouple the commonly discussed ecological destruction and unsustainability wrought by cars from a discussion of what life lived and sustained around automobiles looks like. Through fieldwork with hereditary Muslim taxi drivers in Mumbai, I look at urban ecological relations with those who work in what I call sensate ecologies. A sensate-ecologies approach connects labor and urban ecology and argues for a collective rather than an individual subject of urban theory. What I describe here as drivers’ sensate ecological relations with a difficult city—a condition that is usually considered ecologically and infrastructurally unsustainable—calls into question assumptions about ecological damage and precarious urban life. By analyzing taxi driving as relational, sensate work. rather than as precarious labor, I argue that urban sensate ecologies produce expertise for hereditary drivers that sustain over generations. I conclude that even unsustainable ecological onslaughts of automobility produce coexistence and sustainable social and sensate relations.
Improving Detail in Shaded Relief
Authors: Trantham Gene
Published: April 2023

The standard “hillshade” tool included in most GIS software suites implements a simple model of lighting with a set of assumptions that make the tool fast and easy to use. This simplified lighting model can visually degrade steep terrains, producing over-dark areas and removing important terrain detail. The underlying model can, however, be manipulated to output displays without these drawbacks. This mimics the effect of ambient light without complicating the lighting model by introducing additional light sources. This article will briefly describe the underpinnings of Lambertian shaders, then demonstrate how the traditions and assumptions built into most GIS tools can be removed to give more flexibility and control over results. Finally, shadows will be discussed as a separate addition to shaded relief.
Comparison of shoot and root regeneration of miniature potted rose (Rosa x hybrida L.) and Damask rose (R. damascena Mill.) in microculture system
Authors: REZANEJAD Farkhondeh , ABDIRAD Somayeh , ABARIAN Moslem
Published: April 2023

Miniature potted rose and Damask rose are important commercial plant cultivars in ornamental horticulture. Root suckers are common rose propagation method, but it is slow and seasonally dependent. In this survey, the propagation of nodal explants of these two species was studied through in vitro regeneration system. 16 and 24 different media were used for study of shoot and root regeneration respectively. The axillary buds were sprouted earlier in miniature rose than R. damascena. Shoot induction and proliferation (shoot ramification and growth) were observed 5 and 17 days after planting in miniature rose and 16 and 38 days in R. damascena respectively. The highest shoot proliferation obtained in media 3 and 7 in miniature rose, and medium 16 for R. damascena. These three media were recorded as optimal media with 100 % shoot proliferation. In these media, root initiation and growth of miniature rose (respectively after 78 and 92 days) was earlier than Damask rose (respectively 125 and 138 days). The successful rooting occurred in three and two media for miniature and Damask rose respectively. Rooting frequency was higher in the half strength MS liquid media than the others. Thus, cultivar potted rose as a modern species is propagated easier than old rose (R. damascena).
Comparative assessment of ISSR, DAMD and RAPD markers for evaluation of genetic diversity of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.) cultivars
Authors: SAIDI Abbas , HAJKAZEMIAN Melika
Published: April 2023

Genetic diversity is the best way to improve available genetic resources for breeding programs in gerbera. In present study, genetic diversity of 22 gerbera cultivars was investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), directly amplified minisatellite DNA (DAMD), and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Average polymorphism information content (PIC) for ISSR, DAMD and RAPD markers was 0.40, 0.41 and 0.40, respectively. Cluster analysis for ISSR, DAMD and RAPD divided the cultivars into three distinct clusters. The comparative analysis of the three markers (ISSR, DAMD and RAPD) showed that DAMD had superiority over RAPD and ISSR in characterization of genetic diversity in Gerbera. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a comparison of performance among DAMD, ISSR and RAPD techniques on a set of gerbera genotypes. Overall, our results showed that DAMD markers well represented different genotypes of gerbera diversity.
Impact of coffee sustainability schemes on rural coffee producer households’ living standard in Aceh province, Indonesia
Authors: HAMID Ahmad Humam , NUGROHO Agus , POSPOS Tamara Husna , SUHERMAN Glennice
Published: April 2023

As the 3rd largest coffee producer globally, the gains from certified coffee trades have not significantly affected the farmers’ economy. This study aims to re-examine the impacts of coffee certification on coffee smallholders’ living standards. This study employs household survey data of 487 Aceh Gayo Arabica smallholder coffee farmers consisting of 205 fairtrade farmers, 116 organic farmers, and 166 non-certified farmers from 8 districts in Aceh Province, Indonesia, collected in 2020. A propensity score matching (PSM) approach was employed to evaluate coffee certification’s impact on coffee price, per capita income, and per capita expenditure. This study found that the effect of certification was significant on the coffee price under fairtrade and organic schemes, in which fairtrade provided higher coffee prices than organic. This price improvement was also followed by an increase in the farmers’ monthly per capita income. However, the application of the coffee standards has no impact on the daily per capita expenditures. This research suggests a deeper understanding to the certification scheme proponents to evaluate coffee farmers’ living standard in the future.
Potential effect of intercropping in the control of weeds, diseases, and pests in a wheat-faba bean system
Authors: SAMMAMA Hasnaa , ALFEDDY Mohamed Najib , HSISSOU Driss , EL KAOUA Mimoun
Published: April 2023

Intercropping has proved to be a promising alternative in the biological control of biotic factors by reducing the excessive use of plant protection products that are harmful to the environment and human health. In this study, aimed to examinate the effect of intercropping systems on diseases, weeds and pests control in organic field experiments in Western Morocco. Two field experiments were conducted during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Three cropping regimes (monocropped wheat, monocropped faba bean, and intercropped wheat-faba bean) and three nitrogen levels N0 (0 kg N ha-1), N1 (50 kg N ha-1), and N2 (100 kg N ha-1) were evaluated. Compared with monocropping, intercropping (N0 level) reduced the incidence of stripe rust by 71–120 % and severity by 244–337 % in 1st and 2nd experiments respectively. In addition, the incidence of septoria was reduced by 236 % and severity by 276 %. Obviously, the intercrops significantly decreased the total weed biomass by more than 40 % in both experiments. Black aphid populations in faba bean were reduced by 80 %. In contrast, the nitrogen fertilizer increased the attack of diseases and black aphids. It is concluded that wheat-faba bean intercrops can be used as a method of reduction of inputs, reduction of environmental impacts of crops, and stability in the face of biotic factors.
Invertebrate’s diversity on persimmon crop (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) at low altitude in Mechtras region, North Algeria
Authors: GUERMAH Dyhia , MEDJDOUB-BENSAAD Ferroudja
Published: April 2023

The inventory of invertebrates on persimmon cultivation using two methods of sampling, Barber traps and colored traps in Mechtras region (Tizi-Ouzou) Algeria, allowed us to collect 115 species divided into 58 families, belonging to 13 orders and 6 classes. The values of the centesimal frequencies applied to invertebrates orders identified in the studied plot vary from one type of trapping to another, each sampling method relates to a representative order group. The diets of insects are extremely diverse, due to the structures and function of the mouthparts, the structural and functional division of the digestive tract; we have established 8 trophic classes. Shannon-Weaver diversity index values are quite high in the study plot. The fairness obtained for each type tend towards 1, which reflects a balance between the species.
Dormancy-breaking treatments for enhancing seed germination in plant Kitaibela vitifolia Willd
Authors: MURTIĆ Senad , GAVRIĆ Teofil , HASANBEGOVIĆ Anis , AVDIĆ Jasna , BEČIĆ Berina , ŠERBO Amina
Published: April 2023

Vine-leaved kitaibelia (Kitaibela vitifolia Willd.), also known as balkanmalva or chalice flower, is a critically endangered plant species with a high risk of extinction in the wild. A reason given for this is, among others, a low germination rate primarily caused by dormancy. The present study evaluated the seed germination and seedling growth parameters of vine-leaved kitaibelia in response to eight different pre-sowing treatments. The final germination percentage ranged from 0 % to 55 %, depending on the pre-sowing treatment. The most effective method for breaking dormancy and increasing vine-leaved kitaibelia seed germination was the treatment with seeds soaked in H2SO4 for 5 min. The mechanical scarification of vine-leaved kitaibelia seeds also improved germination as compared to control treatment, while treatments with nitric acid and gibberellic acid were not effective in enhancing seed germination. All evaluated seedling growth parameters were not affected by pre-sowing treatments. Considering that successful germination and seedling establishment are crucial for the regeneration of vine-leaved kitaibelia further studies are required in order to identify other pre-sowing treatments that could further enhance seed germination and, consequently, seedling development.
Evaluation of yield and water use efficiency of quinoa under irrigation regimes, gamma aminobutyric acid, and vermicompost application
Authors: JAMSHIDEYNI Mehdi , BEHDANI Mohammad Ali , PARSA Soheil , KHORAMDEL Surur
Published: April 2023

The current study was aim to evaluate the interaction effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and vermicompost on yield and yield components of quinoa under different levels of drought stress. For this, two experiments were similarly designed as the factorial-split with four replicates for evaluating this hypothesis. Irrigation regimes (50, 75, and 100 % of plant water requirement (PWR)) as the main plot and vermicompost V (0, 5 t ha-1) × gamma aminobutyric acid GABA levels (0, 5, 10 mg l-1) as the subplot were designed. Severe drought stress had a significant effect on plant height. Plant height reduced 31.8 % after using 50 % of PWR compared to the control conditions. Although drought stress negatively affected the 1000 seed mass and seed yield, GABA foliar application alleviated these effects. After using 50 % of PWR, 10 mg l-1 of GABA increased the seed yield and harvest index up to 21.22 and 15.5 %, respectively, compared to the non-foliar application. The reduction in PWR from 100 to 50 % led to increasing in P and K concentrations, as well as sugar and proline contents. In the same conditions, the use of GABA or V had a significant effect on improving these traits. A similar trend was also recorded in relation to water use efficiency. Therefore, using 10 mg l-1 of GABA and 5 t ha-1 of V can be effective in alleviating water stress.
On the problem of prescribing weighted scalar curvature and the weighted Yamabe flow
Authors: Ho Pak Tung , Shin Jinwoo
Published: April 2023

The weighted Yamabe problem introduced by Case is the generalization of the Gagliardo-Nirenberg inequalities to smooth metric measure spaces. More precisely, given a smooth metric measure space

(

M
,
g
,

e

−
ϕ

d

V

g

,
m

)

\left(M,g,{e}^{-\phi }{\rm{d}}{V}_{g},m)

, the weighted Yamabe problem consists on finding another smooth metric measure space conformal to

(

M
,
g
,

e

−
ϕ

d

V

g

,
m

)

\left(M,g,{e}^{-\phi }{\rm{d}}{V}_{g},m)

such that its weighted scalar curvature is equal to

λ
+
μ

e

−
ϕ
∕
m

\lambda +\mu {e}^{-\phi /m}

for some constants

μ

\mu

and

λ

\lambda

, satisfying a certain condition. In this article, we consider the problem of prescribing the weighted scalar curvature. We first prove some uniqueness and nonuniqueness results and then some existence result about prescribing the weighted scalar curvature. We also estimate the first nonzero eigenvalue of the weighted Laplacian of

(

M
,
g
,

e

−
ϕ

d

V

g

,
m

)

\left(M,g,{e}^{-\phi }{\rm{d}}{V}_{g},m)

. On the other hand, we prove a version of the conformal Schwarz lemma on

(

M
,
g
,

e

−
ϕ

d

V

g

,
m

)

\left(M,g,{e}^{-\phi }{\rm{d}}{V}_{g},m)

. All these results are achieved by using geometric flows related to the weighted Yamabe flow. We also prove the backward uniqueness of the weighted Yamabe flow. Finally, we consider weighted Yamabe solitons, which are the self-similar solutions of the weighted Yamabe flow.
冤 Yuan! Conceptual metaphors for INJUSTICE in Chinese
Authors: Mannoni Michele
Published: April 2023

Law concerns every aspect of our lives. However, rarely do scholars investigate metaphors of law, let alone those used in Mandarin, to which smaller attention is devoted in metaphor studies if compared to English. In this study I investigated the word yuan 冤, a Chinese word referring to immoral and illegal deeds such as ‘injustice, wrong, tort’, but also ‘vengeance’ and ‘bad luck’, to find the mappings it realises. Previous approaches to Chinese moral metaphors used a source-domain oriented approach, thus finding a limited set of mappings. In this study, I devised a method (MetaCoCoTaC) of finding metaphors at the word compound and collocate level starting from a monosyllabic target-domain word, yuan, that enabled me to find more and new source domains for INJUSTICE, including SOUND, FOOD, MOVEMENT, and ANIMAL. The findings of this research also enable us to account for the polysemy of the word yuan. Moreover, discrepancies with previous studies were discovered as to the way far more predictable domains, such as VERTICALITY and OBJECT, are actually used. Finally, some unique aspects of the Chinese morphology and the Chinese logographic script that are not systematically taken into consideration in relation to metaphor research were also addressed.
日籍華語學習者於「送」雙及物構式的使用
Authors: 王 韻涵 , 林 宣妘 , 蕭 惠貞
Published: April 2023

提要

「送」作為與漢語雙及物構式共現頻率最高的典型動詞之一，使用頻率高，且可轉換於多種雙及物構式間（Zhang, Bojiang (張伯江). 1999. Xiandai Hanyu de shuanjiwu jiegoushi. 現代漢語的雙及物結構式 [Ditransitive constructions in modern Chinese].Zhongguo yuwen.《中國語文》[Studies of the Chinese Language]1999(3). 175–184），亦是學習者較快習得的動詞（Liu, Feng-Hsi. 2006. Dative constructions in Chinese.Language and Linguistics7(4). 863–904; Wang, Hongwei (王紅衛). 2017. Hanyu shuangjiwu goushi he dongci guanliandu de shizheng yanjiu. 漢語雙及物構式和動詞關聯度的實證研究 [An empirical study on the association of ditransitive constructions and verbs in Mandarin].Waiyu yanjiu.《外語研究》[Foreign Language Research]2017(4). 22–26）。相較於其他動詞，「送」之句式使用更適合作為了解動詞語義偏好和新舊信息原則對構式選擇影響的材料。故，本文旨在探究日籍學習者使用「送」作為雙及物構式之主要動詞時的表現。先探究日籍學習者與漢語母語者使用動詞「送」時，其構式與動詞義的互動（interact）和信息結構影響其構式分佈有何異同，再確認「送」與其他雙及物動詞是否具相似表現。本研究結合了日籍學習者及漢語母語者實驗語料的表現、輔以母語者語料庫調查，結果發現：(1)在構式偏好上，使用「送」為構式動詞時，學習者偏好VgeiDO，而母語者偏好DO;另外，在學習者實驗結果中，可轉換於所有雙及物構式的動詞皆偏好geiNVN，而「送」額外展現出VgeiDO的構式偏好。(2) 在信息結構上，學習者和母語者使用動詞「送」時，學習者符合新舊信息原則之選擇比例較高;動詞「送」與其他雙及物動詞相比，其表現符合新舊信息原則的比例則相對高於其他雙及物動詞。總體而言，日籍學習者和漢語母語者對「送」的構式偏好不同，相較於母語者，日籍學習者使用「送」時偏好VgeiDO及geiNVN句，且和其他雙及物動詞相比，「送」更偏好VgeiDO句。另，學習者使用動詞「送」時，受新舊信息原則影響較母語者大，此現象推論和日語語序相關。
Dynamic response of high-speed craft bottom panels subjected to slamming loadings
Authors: Muryadin  , Muttaqie Teguh , Sasmito Cahyo , Noor Fariz Maulana , Nugroho Andi C. P. T. , Hendrik Priatno Dany , Al Hakim Buddin , Paripurna Fuadi Abid , Hisyam Khoirudin Muh , Wibowo Teguh , Maydino F. Putra Arfis
Published: April 2023

The inelastic deformation of a 30 m high-speed craft (HSC) subjected to slamming pressure is the main topic of this research. In this work, the commercial software package ABAQUS FEA is used to predict the structural behavior, especially in the hull area under the chine. Dynamic explicit solver simulations are done to predict plastic deformation. Before the principal analysis of the actual size of the ship hull structure model, the numerical studies were validated against relevant experimental data from the previous open literature. A reassessment of the design guidelines was also done to forecast the slamming load on the HSC structure. Then, with the slamming load pressure increased to the design limit, a parametric analysis was also conducted with two different idealizations of the pressure type: rectangular and triangular. Finally, this study identifies the variables that must be considered when calculating the degree of structural deformation brought on by slamming loads.
Staying alert with polyhydramnios; an Ondine syndrome case
Authors: Pellisé-Tintoré Maria , Paltrinieri Anna Lucia , Abulí Anna , Murillo Elena , Serrano Ariana , Albaigés Gerard
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Amniotic fluid is essential for proper fetal development. In the case of severe polyhydramnios associated with low fetal growth, a number of different underlying disorders must be considered. One such condition is congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) or Ondine’s curse, a rare genetic disease caused by mutation of the PHOX2B gene. The incidence of CCHS is estimated to be 1 case in 200,000 live births. No publications have been made to date on the intrauterine period findings. This precludes an early intrauterine diagnosis and impedes ethically responsible therapeutic options.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old patient presented in her second pregnancy with a small for gestation fetus and severe polyhydramnios evidenced in the third trimester ultrasound (US) study. There were no previous signs of maternal diabetes or fetal abnormalities at US. During the immediate postpartum period, the newborn presented repeated apneas with cyanosis and hypo-responsiveness. Neonatal arterial blood gas testing revealed severe respiratory acidosis requiring orotracheal intubation and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Over the following days, all imaging and functional test findings were within normal ranges. A de novo pathogenic PHOX2B variant was identified.

Conclusions

Despite a high mortality rate, no neurological sequelae or other systemic diseases were recorded, thanks to multidisciplinary and coordinated follow-up.
Preparation and application of natural protein polymer-based Pickering emulsions
Authors: Ma Qianqian , Ma Sensen , Liu Jie , Pei Ying , Tang Keyong , Qiu Jianhua , Wan Jiqiang , Zheng Xuejing , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Emulsification is the effect of a liquid being uniformly dispersed as tiny droplets in another liquid that is immiscible. Traditional emulsification requires the addition of suitable surfactant to stabilize the emulsion. When the surfactant molecules are replaced by solid particles, the emulsion is known as Pickering emulsions (PEs). PEs with dispersed phase volume fraction above 74% are also named high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs). The use of solid particles of natural origin allows PEs to be highly physically stable, environmentally compatible, and biodegradable compared to traditional emulsions. Among them, protein-based solid particles are well suited to stabilize PEs for their great emulsification properties and nutritional value. In this article, we reviewed the preparation of different forms of proteins and their emulsion stabilization properties and summarized the applications of protein-based PEs in various fields, including food, biomedicine, porous materials, biodegradable packaging films, sewage treatment, 3D printing, etc.
Photocatalytic properties of ZnFe-mixed oxides synthesized via a simple route for water remediation
Authors: Hadnadjev-Kostic Milica , Karanovic Djurdjica , Vulic Tatjana , Dostanić Jasmina , Lončarević Davor
Published: April 2023

ZnFe photocatalysts have been increasingly investigated for water remediation due to the high demands in this field, such as activity, toxicity, cost, and stability. The presented study was focused on the simple, safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly synthesis and characterization of ZnFe-mixed metal oxides in correlation with their functional properties. Photocatalytic performance of these materials was evaluated by rhodamine B photodegradation under simulated solar light irradiation. The synthesized mixed oxides contained hexagonal wurtzite ZnO as the predominant phase, whereas, after thermal treatment, the formation of the spinel-structured ZnFe2O4 phase was observed. The photocatalysts with the additional spinel phase and thermally treated at 300°C and 500°C exhibited superior photocatalytic activity probably due to the highest amount of the ZnFe2O4 spinel phase, favourable mesoporous structure, and an optimal energy band gap of ∼2.30 eV that initiated higher light-harvesting efficiency. The rhodamine B photodegradation followed zero-order kinetics, indicating complete coverage of active sites by the pollutant substrate. Additionally, photocatalysts showed the highest efficiency at the natural pH (6.8), being in accordance with green synthesis principles. Simple, green route assembling synthesis method, high photodegradation efficiency, and good reusability make these ZnFe-mixed oxides great candidates for potential application in practical wastewater treatments.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of idiopathic central precocious puberty in pediatric females in New York City
Authors: Baby Merilyn , Ilkowitz Jeniece , Cheema Brar Preneet
Published: April 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effect on physical and mental health. Stress was due physical inactivity, increased screen time, social isolation, fear of illness/death, as well as relative lack of resources including healthy food and finances. These stressors may be associated with an increase in idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP).

Objectives

To assess the incidence of ICPP in females during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare biochemical and radiological parameters of females diagnosed in the previous two years, looking at associations among BMI, screen time, isolation, and stress in relation to the development of early puberty.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of females diagnosed with ICPP. We divided subjects into a pandemic group and pre-pandemic group based on time of diagnosis. We compared anthropometric, serologic and radiologic data between the two groups. To assess psychosocial stress, we reviewed a COVID-19 impact survey which was administered to families at our endocrine clinic.

Results

There were a total of 56 subjects in the study; 23 subjects in the pre-pandemic group and 33 in the pandemic group. The pandemic cohort had significantly higher estradiol and LH levels and larger ovarian volumes. Survey results showed parental report of stress was moderate in 38 % of subjects and severe in 25 % of parents. In children, reported stress was moderate in 46 % of subjects.

Conclusions

As puberty is influenced by exogenous factors including weight gain and psychosocial stress, we suspect that the environmental stress surrounding the pandemic influenced the increase in ICPP.
Production factors, technical, and economic efficiency of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) farming in Indonesia
Authors: Rinaldi Jemmy , Arya Nyoman Ngurah , Mahaputra I Ketut , Elisabeth Dian Adi Anggraeni , Resiani Ni Made Delly , Arsana I Gusti Komang Dana , Silitonga Tulus Fernando
Published: April 2023

Most soybean farming in Indonesia is still performed conventionally. Farmers are less interested in cultivating soybeans because the production yields are relatively small. This research aims to determine the factors influencing production, production inefficiency of soybean, and the technical efficiency (TE) and economic efficiency (EE) level of soybean farming. Primary data were collected using a survey method of soybean farmers in paddy field areas in the Tabanan Regency of Bali Province, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using the stochastic frontier approach using the Frontier 4.1 analysis tool. Factors that positively affected the increasing soybean production were land area, urea and NPK fertilizers, and soybean seeds. The factor positively affecting soybean production inefficiency was a farming experience. The average TE value was 0.77, implying that soybean farming in the study area was efficient. However, the EE value below 0.70 implied that soybean farming was inefficient. Based on soybean farmers’ farming experience, TE and EE values were getting lower. The low value of EE was suspected of causing farmers’ low interest in cultivating soybean.