bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet and Plasma Lamp Interaction with Plants: Electrostimulation, Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species, and Side Effects
Authors: Alexander G Volkov , Jewel S Hairston , Darayas Patel , Sergey Sarkisov
Published: September 2023

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) treatment is a highly effective method of protecting seeds, plants, flowers, and trees from diseases and infection and significantly increasing crop yields. Here we found that cold atmospheric pressure He-plasma jet (CAPPJ) can also cause side effects and damage to plants if the plasma exposure time is too long. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), electromagnetic fields, and ultraviolet photons emitted by CAPPJ can cause both positive and negative effects on plants. CAPPJ can interact with biological tissue surfaces. The plasma lamp has no visible side effects on Aloe vera plants, cabbage, and tomatoes. A plasma lamp and a cold atmospheric pressure plasma He-jet cause strong electrical signaling in plants with a very high amplitude with frequencies equal to the frequency of plasma generation. The use of plasma lamps for electrostimulation of biological tissues can help to avoid side processes in biological tissues associated with the generation of RONS, UV photons, and direct interaction with cold plasma. CAPP technology can play an important role in agriculture, medicine, the food industry, chemistry, surface science, material science, and engineering applications without side effects if the plasma exposure is short enough.
Análisis ergonómico del proceso de formulación de una planta agroquímica
Authors: Bolívar-Cabarcas Yolicette
Published: September 2023

En una empresa del sector agroquímico se realizó el análisis ergonómico del proceso de formulación de una de sus plantas productivas con el objetivo de comparar las capacidades de trabajo de la formulación versus las capacidades físicas de los trabajadores para evitar llevarlos a niveles de fatiga fisiológica que derive en patologías osteomusculares. Este estudio se realiza por etapas y específicamente esta investigación corresponde a la etapa diagnóstico inicial, donde se analizó el proceso de formulación el cual es realizado por técnicos de formulación que adicionan manualmente la materia prima al tanque con una cantidad de 244 bolsas por bache, con pesos entre los 20 y 25 kg. Para conocer el puesto de trabajo se aplicó el método de estudios de tiempos con cronometraje continuo durante 3 horas y para la estimación de la carga cardiovascular se utilizó una banda de ritmo cardiaco colocándosela de forma aleatoria a uno de los técnicos que realizaba la adición. Al analizar este estudio se logró identificar que las tareas principales de adicionar el producto corresponden al 59%, las tareas secundarias que correspondían a disposición de residuos sólidos alcanzaban el 35% y se observó un 6% de tiempos muertos o reposo. La carga cardiovascular a través de la frecuencia cardiaca arrojó una estimación del 54% lo que representa que es un trabajo pesado. En un segundo estudio se propone realizar una evaluación más específica en relación a los aspectos identificados para proponer mejoras bien dirigidas.
The parents role in independent character development of elementary school children during the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Kurniawan Machful Indra
Published: September 2023

This article aims to provide knowledge about parents role in developing the independent character of elementary school children during the Covid-19 pandemic. The method used in this study was a qualitative research method using literature studies. Literature studies are carried out by searching for literature that is appropriate with research from various written sources, both print and non-print, such as books, scientific papers contained in national and international journals and seminar proceedings. The parent's role in independent character cultivation of elementary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic is a must, considering the current state of learning at home so that parents become the spearhead in the education process, one of which is in terms of developing the independent character of elementary school children. Independent character is necessary to be developed in elementary school children during the current COVID-19 pandemic, due to this pandemic, people including elementary school children, must be able to carry out protocols independently, such as maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth, applying coughing or sneezing ethics, wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance. Therefore, for elementary school children to be able to carry out these protocols independently, the parents' role in developing the independent character of elementary school children during the current Covid-19 pandemic is considered important. The importance of developing independent character is because at the age of elementary school children are still not used to maintaining personal hygiene, especially personal hygiene when outside home.
Development of interactive e-book for science learning in fifth grade elementary school students
Authors: Khofifah Imroatul , Meirza Nanda Faradita  , Fajar Setiawan
Published: September 2023

The type of research used by the researchers is generally aimed at developing a learning media or improving existing products to make them more effective. This study is development research, specifically focusing on the development of an interactive E-book-based media for Science learning in fifth-grade elementary school students, specifically covering the topic of the human movement organ. The method employed in this research is Research and Development (RnD), using the 4-D Thiagarajan model (Definition, Design, Development, Dissemination). The research instruments used include Validation Sheets (media experts and subject matter experts), Questionnaires (student responses), and Test Sheets (Learning Outcome Tests). The study results in the creation of an electronic medium, an interactive E-book, that completed high-quality criteria in terms of validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The media's validation results by the subject matter experts were 87.5%, and by the media experts were 86.5%, both categorized as "Highly Feasible." The practicality of the media was rated at 92.2% with the criterion of "Practical" based on student learning outcomes. The effectiveness test showed that 87% of students achieved scores that completed the Minimum Mastery Criteria (KKM). In conclusion, the developed product obtained high-quality criteria in terms of suitability, practicality, and effectiveness.
The influence of parents' socioeconomic status on the learning outcomes of 4th grade students at UPT SPF SDN Baddoka Makassar City
Authors: Hamzah Rahma Ashari , Jumrah Abrina Maulidnawati , Syam Nur
Published: September 2023

The Influence of Parents' Socioeconomic Status on the Learning Outcomes of 4th Grade Students at UPT SPF SDN Baddoka, Makassar City. This research aimed to determine the influence of parents' socioeconomic status on the learning outcomes of 4th-grade students at UPT SPF SDN Baddoka, Makassar City. The study used a quantitative research design with an ex post facto type of research. The population of this study consists of all students in class IVa at UPT SPF SDN Baddoka, Makassar City, totaling 28 students, while the sample comprises 20 students from class IVa using a non-random sampling technique (purposive sampling). Data collection techniques and instruments used are questionnaires and documentation, in the form of student learning outcomes, to identify the influence of parent's socioeconomic status on students' learning outcomes. Data analysis techniques include descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis (normality test, linearity test, and hypothesis test). The result of the t-test calculation shows a significant value of parent's socioeconomic status at 0.003 < 0.05 (3.025 > 2.101), which means that H0 is rejected, and Ha is accepted, indicating that there is an influence of parent's socioeconomic status on the learning outcomes of 4th-grade students at UPT SPF SDN Baddoka, Makassar City. In conclusion, parent's socioeconomic status has a positive and significant influence on students' learning outcomes.
Implementation of rules & procedures to establish student discipline in online physical education learning
Authors: Widiastuti Widiastuti , Silvanus Herald
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to describe the implementation of rules and procedures to establish student discipline in online Physical Education learning. The research method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative method with data analysis techniques including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicated that the implementation of rules and procedures in Physical Education learning can foster student discipline during online learning. Student discipline is evident as all students demonstrate discipline by activating their cameras during the class and focusing on listening to the teacher's explanation, as well as muting their microphones when not asked to speak. The majority of students also show disciplined behavior by using the "raise hand" feature when requesting permission to speak or asking questions, and they actively participate in the learning process. In conclusion, the implementation of rules and procedures successfully cultivates student discipline in online Physical Education learning. As a suggestion for future research, further studies can explore forming discipline through a personalized approach to students.
Implementation of the independent curriculum for students with special needs at SDN Gadang 03 Malang City
Authors: Salsabillah Ana Nur , Suwandayani Beti Istanti , Nuro Falistya Roisatul Mar'atin
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out how the independent curriculum was implemented for students with special needs at SD Gadang 3 Malang City as well as the types of children with special needs within it. Data collection techniques used in this study include interviews, observations, and documentation. The subjects of this research are 5th-grade teachers who also handle students with special needs, the school principal, and the students with special needs themselves.  Data analysis techniques used are data collection, data reduction, data display, and verification. The results of this study indicated that the implementation of the independent curriculum for students with special needs at SDN Gadang 3 is packaged in a simple and detailed manner. So both regular and those with special needs, can effectively and maximally absorb the delivered material. There is no specific strategy in the learning process, it's just that the method of delivery uses diction that is easy to understand. The use of teaching modules in the learning process is also generalized to other students. The process of assessing learning outcomes is obtained from the mid-semester and final-semester examinations provided by the GPK team in their respective cities.
Что не так с ценами в рыбном хозяйстве Российской Арктики после 2013 года
Authors: Васильев А.М. , Лисунова Е.А.
Published: September 2023

В статье анализируются причины роста цен на рыбу и рыбную продукцию в Северном бассейне РФ. Основными факторами, по мнению авторов, являются использование биржевых норвежских цен в качестве оптовых и слабая конкуренция на внутреннем рынке рыбной продукции. Критически проработаны ответы Федеральной антимонопольной службы на поручение Президента России о проведении анализа ценообразования на рыбную продукцию. Показано, что действенных мер для снижения цен от ФАС не поступило. В качестве альтернативы им авторы предлагают определять цены на отечественных биржах, аукционах. Считают целесообразным использование сборов за пользование биоресурсами вместо аукционов по квотам, а также возможности снижения розничных наценок как административными методами, так и путём развития оптовых продовольственных рынков.
Оценка взаимных положительных эффектов от развития солнечной и ветровой электроэнергии и водородного транспорта
Authors: Поташников В.Ю. , Баринова В.А. , Леваков П.А. , Бердин В.Х. , Юлкин Г.М.
Published: September 2023

Рассматривается опыт ведущих стран мира в сфере разработки и применения технологий производства, транспортировки, хранения и использования водорода. Выделены первичные экономико-социальные факторы развития водородной энергетики, ее роль в достижении долгосрочных целей стран по выбросам парниковых газов. С помощью высокодетализированной модели репрезентативной энергетической системы RUHOUR был оценен потенциал «зеленого» водорода для нужд транспорта в России, включая его влияние на цены на электроэнергию. Анализ чувствительности показал, что при цене более 2 долл./кгН2 (~0.2 долл. за литр бензина) вероятнее всего весь потенциальный спрос на водород может быть удовлетворен. Развитие широкомасштабной инфраструктуры генерации зеленого водорода в России может способствовать снижению выбросов парниковых газов, ускорить диверсификацию структуры экспорта и сократить цены на электроэнергию для конечных пользователей.
Руководители обрабатывающих предприятий России о санкционных ограничениях и уязвимости к ним
Authors: Кузнецов Б.В. , Голикова В.В.
Published: September 2023

Влияние санкций на деятельность и поведение фирм, адаптирующихся к введенным ограничениям, неоднородно и зависит как от типа санкций, так и от характеристик самих фирм. В статье представлены оценки эффекта санкционного режима руководителями предприятий обрабатывающей промышленности, основанные на данных нескольких раундов мониторинга их конкурентоспособности, проведенных Институтом анализа предприятий и рынков НИУ ВШЭ в 2014, 2018 и 2022 гг. Результаты эконометрического анализа показали, что негативная оценка санкционного режима, введенного в 2022 г., зависит не только от степени и характера зависимости производства от импорта, но и от структуры рынков сбыта. Результаты исследования могут быть полезны при разработке мер экономической политики в отношении импортозамещения и стимулирования экспорта.
ADMINISTRAÇÃO FINANCEIRA E ORÇAMENTÁRIA NO ENSINO MÉDIO COMO FERRAMENTA DE COMBATE AO ENDIVIDAMENTO JUVENIL
Authors: Cardoso Eduardo
Published: September 2023

O cenário global encontra-se em uma fase económica acelerada e como resultado, no cenário econômico nacional não é diferente. Nos últimos anos, uma situação pode ser observada no Brasil: o aumento significativo de participação dos jovens na economia, por meio do aumento do poder de compra após a conclusão da última etapa da educação básica. Porém, este fator tem provocado um efeito colateral nos jovens: o endividamento financeiro. Tal situação pode ser justificada pela falta de conhecimento mínimo de administração financeira e orçamentária. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar qual é o efeito da falta de educação financeira e orçamentária no ensino médio e na vulnerabilidade financeira que leva ao endividamento dos jovens. Esta pesquisa apresenta conceitos de economia e endividamento para contextualizar e fundamentar o relato e, por conseguinte, a realização de uma análise bibliográfica e documental que mostra como resultado um alerta: estamos em rota de colisão. A atual geração não consegue administrar a si mesma, e suas principais esperanças estão em uma grade escolar ainda inexistente. Conclui se que há uma necessidade imediata da inserção da educação administrativa e orçamentária como matéria obrigatória na grade comum curricular das escolas para mudança deste cenário de inadimplência.
Evaluation of Rodent Diet Stability when Stored in Conditions that Diverge from Guide Parameters
Authors: Jimenez Kelly A , Ferguson Danielle R , Hankenson F Claire
Published: September 2023

An essential aspect of animal resource programs is the storage and provision of food for a variety of species. Environmental parameters for feed storage conditions (temperature less than 70 °F; relative humidity less than 50%) are recommended in the Guide for the Care
and Use of Laboratory Animals, along with aspects of nutrition such as palatability, vermin-control measures, diet quality, and integrity of feed bags. After receiving a suggestion for improvement for environmental conditions in 2 feed storage locations during an AAALAC accreditation visit,
we hypothesized that the packaging of contemporary rodent feed could sustain wider environmental variations in temperature and humidity without adverse impact on integrity and palatability. This study evaluated representative feed storage sites across campus buildings to capture the variation
in environmental conditions that are inherent to large and diverse animal care programs. Each test storage location held 2 identical bags of feed (same type, lot, and expiration date) that were stored from June to September of 2021; some aspects of the project were repeated during summer 2022
with a similar rodent feed. Baseline nutrients were analyzed from feed samples collected at time 0 (control) and again after 1 and 3mo of storage. The overall nutritional values measured in feed at the end of the study were not significantly different from control values, regardless of test
site and variation in environmental parameters. Retinol (as a measure of Vitamin A) was the only component that decreased significantly; however, final retinol levels were consistently above those necessary for appropriate nutrition for mice. Our animal care program stakeholders were briefed
on the outcomes of this study with the intent to verify at future AAALAC site visits that our storage conditions are adequate for maintaining the nutritional quality of packaged rodent feed.
MANEJO CLÍNICO DA INCONTINÊNCIA URINÁRIA EM MULHERES POR ENFERMEIROS DA ESTRATÉGIA DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Sousa Flaviane Ribeiro de , Gomes Helena Ferraz , Mello Lívia Fajin de , Peres Ellen Marcia , Vellasques Areta Peixoto , Pires Bruna Maiara Ferreira Barreto , Silva Fernanda Henriques da , Silva Maria Therezinha Nóbrega da , Andrade Priscila Cristina da Silva Thiengo de , Jesus Patrícia Britto Ribeiro de , Andrade Janeide de Morais Caldas , Paula Vanessa Galdino de , Costa Carolina Cabral Pereira da
Published: September 2023

Objetivo:Analisar a atuação dos enfermeiros da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) no manejo clínico da incontinência urinária em mulheres numa área de planejamento do município do Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Método:Pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, realizada em sete Unidades Básicas de Saúde, no município do Rio de Janeiro. A amostra foi composta de 27 enfermeiros que atuavam na ESF. A análise dos dados deu-se por meio de estatística descritiva simples, com descrição de frequência relativa e absoluta. Resultados: Evidenciaram-se fragilidades na identificação dos aspectos que envolvem a abordagem precoce, os fatores de risco para o seu desenvolvimento, o tratamento e as atividades educativas. Conclusão: Apesar de se reconhecer que a ESF possui os recursos para o tratamento da incontinência urinária não complicada, algumas ações não são realizadas pelo enfermeiro, como envolver a equipe no cuidado das mulheres com esse acometimento, prescrever exercícios de fortalecimento do assoalho pélvico e avaliar e realizar o tratamento não farmacológico, bem como a investigação das mulheres sem queixa de perda urinária. Portanto, os resultados indicam a necessidade premente de capacitação dos enfermeiros que atuam na ESF.
The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cytotoxic Effects of Solanum nigrum Water Extract on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Khan Haseeb A. , Alghamdi Amani A. , Prasad N. Rajendra , Alrokayan Salman H. , Almansour Basma S. , Hatamilah Ashraf A. K.
Published: September 2023

Background: Recent studies suggest that numerous naturally occurring agents have the potential to kill cancer cells via mitochondrial dysfunction. Solanum nigrum is a herb widely used in alternative medical systems. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of Solanum nigrum water extract (SNWE) against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and MD Anderson-Metastatic Breast Cancer-231 (MDA-MB-231) cells. Methods: We used an MTT reduction assay for cytotoxicity analysis. To explore the mode of action, the cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed using a colorimetric ATP assay and Rhodamine-123 fluorescent staining, respectively, during SNWE treatment for 72 h. Results: The cytotoxic effect was significant in both cell lines, with IC50 values of 4.26 µg/mL and 5.30 µg/mL in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. The 24, 48, and 72 h treatments of 100 µg/mL SNWE showed 0.85 ± 0.07, 0.38 ± 0.1, and 0.20 ± 0.1 nM ATP in MCF-7 cells and 0.94 ± 0.07, 0.84 ± 0.2 and 0.46 ± 0.2 nM in MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. The SNWE treatment altered the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in a concentration-dependent manner in both the breast cancer cell lines, to 29.6 ± 4.1% in MCF-7 and 28.7 ± 4.17% in MDA-MB-231 cells, when compared with healthy mitochondria (100% ΔΨm). Conclusions: The cytotoxic effects of Solanum nigrum against breast cancer cells are associated with energy metabolism. Additional studies are warranted to test the anticancer effect of Solanum nigrum using an animal model of breast cancer.
Overexpression of miR-297b-5p in Mouse Insulin-Secreting Cells Promotes Metformin-Mediated Protection Against Stearic Acid-Induced Senescence by Targeting Igf1r
Authors: Zhao Qingrui , Su Shenghan , Lin Yuqing , Li Xuebei , Dan Lingfeng , Yang Chunxiao , Geng Chenchen , Regazzi Romano , Li Xiaohan , Dong Yimeng , Sun Changhao , Chu Xia , Lu Huimin
Published: September 2023

Background: A long-term consumption of saturated fat significantly increases the concentration of saturated fatty acids in serum, which accelerates the appearance of senescence markers in β-cells and leads to their dysfunction. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying β-cell senescence induced by stearic acid and the exploration of effective agents preventing it remains largely unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of metformin against stearic acid-treated β-cell senescence and to assess the involvement of miR-297b-5p in this process. Methods: To identify senescence, we measured senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of senescence-related genes. Gain and loss of function approaches were applied to explore the role of miR-297b-5p in stearic acid-induced β-cell senescence. Bioinformatics analysis and a luciferase activity assay were used to predict the downstream targets of miR-297b-5p. Results: Stearic acid markedly induced senescence and suppressed miR-297b-5p expression in mouse β-TC6 cells, which were significantly alleviated by metformin. After transfection of miR-297b-5p mimics, stearic acid-evoked β-cell senescence was remarkably prevented. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor was identified as a direct target of miR-297b-5p. Inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor prevented stearic acid-induced β-cell senescence and dysfunction. Moreover, metformin alleviates the impairment of the miR-297b-5p inhibitor in β-TC6 cells. Additionally, long-term consumption of a high-stearic-acid diet significantly increased senescence and reduced miR-297b-5p expression in mouse islets. Conclusions: These findings imply that metformin alleviates β-cell senescence by stearic acid through upregulating miR-297b-5p to suppress insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor expression, thereby providing a potential target to not only prevent high fat-diet-induced β-cell dysfunction but also for metformin therapy in type 2 diabetes.
Protein Condensates and Protein Aggregates: In Vitro, in the Cell, and In Silico
Authors: Venko Katja , Žerovnik Eva
Published: September 2023

Similar to other polypeptides and electrolytes, proteins undergo phase transitions, obeying physicochemical laws. They can undergo liquid-to-gel and liquid-to-liquid phase transitions. Intrinsically disordered proteins are particularly susceptible to phase separation. After a general introduction, the principles of in vitro studies of protein folding, aggregation, and condensation are described. Numerous recent and older studies have confirmed that the process of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) leads to various condensed bodies in cells, which is one way cells manage stress. We review what is known about protein aggregation and condensation in the cell, notwithstanding the protective and pathological roles of protein aggregates. This includes membrane-less organelles and cytotoxicity of the prefibrillar oligomers of amyloid-forming proteins. We then describe and evaluate bioinformatic (in silico) methods for predicting protein aggregation-prone regions of proteins that form amyloids, prions, and condensates.
Neuroprotection against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Hippocampus Damage in Albino Wistar Rats by Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M. Johnst. Leaf Extracts: A Detailed Insight into Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Assays
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahmad Saeed , Akkol Esra Küpeli , Rao Huma , Shahzad Muhammad Nadeem , Nawaz Mehwish , Ghalloo Bilal Ahmad , Shier Wayne Thomas , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo
Published: September 2023

Background: A previously unstudied medicinal plant, Leucophyllum frutescens (Berland.) I.M. Johnst. (Scrophulariaceae) was investigated to evaluate its potential in preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Methanolic leaf extract (MELE) and its fractions (HELE, CHLE, and BULE) were evaluated for their polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity by five different methods, including in vitro enzyme inhibition assays, which are clinically linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The potentially active n-butanol fraction (BULE) was further evaluated for its neuroprotective effects using an albino rat animal model and phytoconstituents profiling using Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and in silico molecular docking by Maestro® Schrödinger. Results: The n-butanol fraction (BULE) in the hydroalcoholic leaf extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (230.435 ± 1.575 mg gallic acid equivalent gm-1± SD). The chloroform leaf extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (293.343 ± 3.756 mg quercetin equivalent gm-1± SD) as well as the highest antioxidant content, which was equivalent to Trolox, with five assay methods. Similarly, the chloroform and n-butanol fractions from the hydroalcoholic leaf extract significantly inhibited human acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase with their IC50 values of 12.14 ± 0.85 and 129.73 ± 1.14 µg∙mL-1, respectively. The in vivo study revealed that BULE exhibited a significant neuroprotective effect at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day in an aluminum chloride-induced neurodegenerative albino rat model. The LC–MS/MS analysis of BULE tentatively confirmed the presence of biologically active secondary metabolites, such as theobromine, propyl gallate, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, myricetin-3-acetylrhamnoside, isoquercitrin-6′-O-malonate, diosmetin-7-O-glucuronide-3′-O-pentose, pinoresinol diglucoside, asarinin, eridictoyl, epigallocatechin, methyl gallate derivative, and eudesmin. The results from the computational molecular docking of the identified secondary metabolites revealed that diosmetin-7-O-glucuronide-3′-O-pentose had the highest binding affinity to human butyrylcholinesterase, while isoquercetin-6′-O-malonate had the highest to human acetylcholinesterase, and pinoresinol diglucoside to human salivary alpha-amylase. Conclusions: The present study concluded a need for further exploration into this medicinal plant, including the isolation of the bioactive compounds responsible for its neuroprotective effects.
SUMOylation of SMAD4 by PIAS1 in Conjunction with Vimentin Upregulation Promotes Migration Potential in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wu Chunli , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Dai Qi , Chu Zanbo , Yang Sijia , Dong Zhaoxing
Published: September 2023

Background: The expression of vimentin as a marker of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been speculated to be associated with tissue heterogeneity and metastases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This study utilized in vitro co-immunoprecipitation with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against protein inhibitors of STAT system type 1 (PIAS1) or SMAD4 in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway in combination with SUMOylation assay. Results: We successfully demonstrated that PIAS1 enhanced SUMOylation of SMAD4 by forming a complex PIAS1-SUMO1-SMAD4 protein complex. This, in accordance with subsequently increased production of vimentin microfilaments, led to enhanced migration ability of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 line, observed from wound healing assay. Conclusions: Our results further supported the positive correlation of SUMOylated SMAD4 mediated by PIAS1 and downstream overexpression of vimentin. In addition, the observation that overexpression of vimentin in this certain cell line was not necessarily linked with accelerated relative wound closure raised concerns that further exploration will be needed to confirm if the causal relationship exists between vimentin expression and the metastases of NSCLC, and if so, to what extent vimentin contributes to it.
From beauty to belief: The aesthetic and diversity values of plants and pets in shaping biodiversity loss belief among urban residents
Authors: Vuong Quan-Hoang , Duong Thi Minh-Phuong , SARI NI PUTU WULAN PURNAMA , La Viet-Phuong , Nguyen Minh-Hoang
Published: September 2023

Aesthetics is a crucial ecosystem service provided by biodiversity, which is believed to help improve humans’ quality of life and is linked to environmental consciousness and pro-environmental behaviors. However, how aesthetic experience induced by plants/animals influences the belief in the occurrence and significance of biodiversity loss among urban residents remains understudied. Thus, the current study aimed to examine how the diversity of pets and in-house plants affect urban residents’ belief in biodiversity loss in different scenarios of aesthetic experiences (positive and negative aesthetic experiences at home due to plants/animals). Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics on a dataset of 535 Vietnamese urban residents, we found that the people’s aesthetic feeling about their house induced by plants/animals positively affects their belief in the occurrence and significance of biodiversity loss. The diversity of plants and pets also positively influences the level of biodiversity loss belief, but the effect is conditional on the aesthetic experience of the urban residents. Specifically, the positive impact of species diversity on the belief only exists when urban residents feel that their houses’ aesthetics are negatively affected by plants/animals. Moreover, the effect of pet diversity on biodiversity loss belief is less significant and reliable than that of plant diversity. These findings suggest that raising the houses’ aesthetics through in-house planting or pet ownership can potentially enhance biodiversity loss belief and subsequently build an eco-surplus culture among urban residents.
The Fermi Paradox, Self-Replicating Probes, and the Interstellar Transportation Bandwidth
Authors: Wiley Keith
Published: September 2023

It has been widely acknowledged that self-replicating space-probes (SRPs) could explore the galaxy very quickly relative to the age of the galaxy. An obvious implication is that SRPs produced by extraterrestrial civilizations should have arrived in our solar system millions of years ago, and furthermore, that new probes from an ever-arising supply of civilizations ought to be arriving on a constant basis. The lack of observations of such probes underlies a frequently cited variation of the Fermi Paradox. We believe that a predilection for ETI-optimistic theories has deterred consideration of incompatible theories. Notably, SRPs have virtually disappeared from the literature. In this paper, we consider the most common arguments against SRPs and find those arguments lacking. By extension, we find recent models of galactic exploration which explicitly exclude SRPs to be unfairly handicapped and unlikely to represent natural scenarios.We also consider several other models that seek to explain the Fermi Paradox, most notably percolation theory and two societal- collapse theories. In the former case, we find that it imposes unnatural assumptions which likely render it unrealistic. In the latter case, we present a new theory of interstellar transportation bandwidth which calls into question the validity of societal-collapse theories.Finally, we offer our thoughts on how to design future SETI programs which take the conclusions of this paper into account to maximize the chance of detection.
Tác động của trách nhiệm xã hội điểm đến lên ý định quay lại của khách du lịch quốc tế: Bằng chứng thực nghiệm tại Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Authors: Vuong Bui Nhat , Giao Ha Nam Khanh
Published: September 2023

Nghiên cứu được thực hiện nhằm tiết lộ cơ chế về mối quan hệ giữa trách nhiệm xã hội điểm đến (DSR) và ý định quay lại (RI) của du khách quốc tế thông qua vai trò trung gian của chất lượng mối quan hệ (sự hài lòng điểm đến (DS), và sự tin tưởng điểm đến (DT)). Bên cạnh đó, vai trò điều tiết của danh tiếng điểm đến (DR) cũng được xem xét. Dữ liệu khảo sát đã được thu thập từ 435 khách du lịch quốc tế đã có ít nhất một lần đến thăm TP. HCM, Việt Nam. Kết quả cho thấy DSR đã ảnh hưởng trực tiếp đến RI và mối quan hệ này đã được trung gian một phần bởi DS và DT. Kết quả phân tích tương tác giữa DSR và DR đối với DS, DT, và RI đã có ý nghĩa thống kê. Nói cách khác, mối quan hệ giữa DSR với DS, DT, và RI trở nên mạnh hơn với những điểm đến có danh tiếng tốt. Cuối cùng, tác giả cũng đã đề xuất một số hàm ý quản trị nhằm giúp các nhà quản lý điểm đến có chiến lược DSR phù hợp nhằm thu hút khách du lịch quốc tế trong tương lai.
Thu hoạch “chiến lợi phẩm” trong rừng
Authors: Suối Lội
Published: September 2023

Đôi khi hình thái “chiến lợi phẩm” từ thiên nhiên chỉ rất đơn giản thế này thôi.Hai cán bộ nghiên cứu lượm được gì? Một chùm “hạt dẻ” không gai (hạt bên trong trông tuyệt đối giống hạt dẻ, cũng có vỏ cứng, nhưng không có lớp áo gai như lông nhím bao ngoài). Một cành cây sa nhân khá lớn, kích thước có lẽ trưởng thành, cực đại. Một chú ốc núi, đang bám vào lá sa nhân để đánh chén bữa trưa.
Conspiracies and contagion: COVID-19 related beliefs and associated mental health symptomatology
Authors: Pérez-Gay Juárez Fernanda , Solomonova Elizaveta , Nephtali Emma , Gold Ian
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unique challenges, leading to a simultaneous decline in global mental well-being and an increase in perceived social threats. The present study explores the interplay between COVID-19 beliefs and mental health symptoms in a multinational sample of 1500 individuals primarily from Canada, the US and Mexico. Between May 2020 and February 2021, participants completed an online survey assessing somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, alexithymia and psychotic-like symptoms, along with the newly developed COVID-19 beliefs questionnaire (CBQ). The CBQ consisted of a series of statements corresponding to different beliefs about the origins and effects of the virus and it revealed two dimensions through Exploratory Factor Analysis: Fear of contagion of COVID-19 and COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation.Correlation analyses and linear regressions revealed a negative correlation between these two belief patterns as well their distinct associations with mental health symptoms. Fear of contagion was positively predicted by somatic symptoms and anxiety. In contrast, COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation was positively predicted by positive psychotic-like experiences, alexithymia, and depression, and negatively predicted by negative psychotic-like symptoms. Furthermore, the relationship between positive psychotic-like symptoms and CI was mediated negatively by negative psychotic-like symptoms, suggesting that individuals with higher self-reported delusional ideation and bizarre experiences but lower avolition during the pandemic were the most likely to endorse COVID-19 related conspiracy theories. We provide an interpretation of these results according to which these two profiles represent distinct doxastic threat responses, shaped by the interaction between the non-specific pandemic distress response and individual proneness to mental health symptomatology.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of modulating intrusive memories from lab-analogue trauma
Authors: Varma Mohith Mukund , Zeng Shengzi , Singh Laura , Holmes Emily A , CHIU Man Hey , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: September 2023

Experiencing trauma leads to intrusive memories (IMs) – a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder which also occurs transdiagnostically. Understanding why IMs increase or decrease is pivotal in developing interventions to support mental health. In this preregistered meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42021224835), we included 134 articles (116 techniques, 606 effect sizes and 12,074 participants) to investigate how experimental techniques alter IM frequency, intrusion-related distress and symptoms arising from lab-analogue trauma exposure. Results showed that techniques (behavioural, pharmacological, neuromodulation) significantly reduced intrusion frequency (g = 0.16). Notably, techniques aimed to reduce IMs also ameliorated intrusion-related distress and symptoms; while techniques that increased IMs exacerbated these related outcomes. Techniques tapping into mental imagery processing (e.g., trauma reminder followed by playing Tetris) reduced intrusions when administered immediately after, or at a delayed time after trauma. Some lab-based results have now generalized to real-world trauma and IMs, highlighting the utility of lab-analog trauma paradigms for intervention development.
Exploring writer vs content focused reference in written student feedback: mixed evidence from quantitative and content analysis results
Authors: Stevenson Judith L , Mavromati Kalliopi , Bartlett James Edward , Morrow Lorna , Moxey Linda , Dawydiak Eugene Jurij
Published: September 2023

Emotional reaction to negative academic feedback can be a barrier to students’ engagement with feedback. One factor that may impact students’ emotional response is whether feedback addresses the student (e.g., “Your writing”) or the content (e.g., “The writing”). This exploratory study investigated how form of address in feedback impacts emotional reaction. Student participants (N=106) read simulated feedback statements that varied according to reference type (pronominal “your”, neutral “the”) and feedback polarity (positive, negative) and provided ratings for emotional response, as well as attention paid to, and usefulness. An open response question queried participants’ perceptions regarding personal or neutral address in feedback. There was no significant effect of reference type on quantitative feedback ratings for emotion, attention, or usefulness, but qualitative content analysis revealed that half the sample preferred neutral address, largely to mitigate the emotional impact of negative feedback. Feedback polarity had a consistent significant effect where students perceived positive feedback as higher in happy emotion and usefulness compared to negative feedback. A more nuanced pattern for attention showed a small decrease in attention for positive compared to negative feedback for neutral references. Our results inform practice in terms of how written feedback can be framed to facilitate engagement.
Growth Trajectories of Self-Concept and Interest in Mathematics and Language – Individual Differences and Cross-Domain Relations
Authors: Widlund Anna , Niemivirta Markku , Tuominen Heta , Korhonen Johan
Published: September 2023

Motivational beliefs seem to decline for many during adolescence. Although this may reflect a mismatch between students’ needs and the secondary schools’ resources, general declines may also stem from increased dimensional comparison processes: students’ motivational beliefs tend to become increasingly domain-specific during adolescence. Yet, inter- and intraindividual differences in students' co-developmental processes of self-concept and interest across domains have rarely been studied.This study examined what kinds of developmental trajectories of self-concept and interest in mathematics and L1 can be identified among adolescents across lower-secondary education, and whether trajectories and cross-domain relations differ between genders.We followed 612 students across Grades 7–9 (13 to 15-year-olds). Growth mixture models were applied to identify distinct motivational trajectories of math and L1 self-concept and interest across Grades 7–9. Multi-group growth models were used to compare growth trajectories and cross-domain relations between genders.Results revealed that students’ math and L1 motivation development was rather homogenous across grades 7–9, and many experienced some decline in their motivation after entering Grade 7. Yet, a pronounced differentiation across domains was detected among girls, favoring the L1 domain. Girls also engaged in more dimensional comparison processes as compared to boys, as several negative cross-domain relations between math and L1 were detected among girls. In conclusion, dimensional comparisons (negative cross-domain relations) seemed to be more prominent among girls, which may explain some consistent gender differences in students' motivational beliefs. The findings should be considered when planning targeted interventions, for example, to support girls' relatively low motivation in math.
Attitudes to long-term care in India
Authors: Alberts Sweedal , Nadarajah Abinaya , Cooper Claudia , Brijnath Bianca , Loganathan Santosh , Varghese Matthew , Antoniades Josefine , Baruah Upasana , Dow Briony , Kent Mike , Rao Rachita , Budgett Jessica , Ahmed Amaani
Published: September 2023

Objectives: In India, globalisation is purported to have contributed to shifting family structures and changing attitudes to long-term care (LTC) facility use. We investigated the usage frequency and attitudes to LTC in India. Methods: We conducted secondary analyses of: (a) The LASI (Longitudinal Ageing Study in India) 2017-18 cross-sectional survey of a randomised probability sample of Indian adults aged 45+ living in private households; and (b) Moving Pictures India Project qualitative interviews with 19 carers for people with dementia and 25 professionals, collected in 2022, exploring attitudes to LTC. Results: Of 73,396 LASI participants, 40 were considering moving to LTC; 18,281 had a parent alive, of whom 9 reported that their father, and 16 that their mother, was living in LTC. Whilst rare overall, LTC use and consideration of use were more likely to be in urban areas, in middle-richest income quintiles with higher levels of education, and for those who were more likely to rate their health as good or very good. We identified three themes from qualitative data: 1. LTC as a last resort, describes how LTC could be acceptable if care at home was “impossible” due to the person’s medical condition or unavailability of the family carer, for example if they lived abroad. 2. Social expectations of care at home from family members and paid carers and; 3. Limited availability of LTC facilities in India, especially in rural localities, and the financial barriers to their use.Conclusions: Preference for intergenerational community care, limited availability and societal stigma contribute to low rates of LTC use among Indian families. Future social policies should consider how to plan for greater equity in strengthening care at home, supporting care in the community, and bolstering respite and LTC services when other options are not available.
Computed tomography versus ultrasonography in the evaluation of periumbilical abdominal pain
Authors: Rachna Chaurasia  , Vishal Gupta  , Mohd. Abubakar
Published: September 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to study, assess, and make early diagnosis of periumbilical pain abdomen accurately.
Aims and Objectives: To study, assess, and diagnose causes of periumbilical abdominal pain accurately so as to minimize the unnecessary exploratory laparotomy and operations and consequently improved patient care and to compare the role of ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of various causes of periumbilical abdominal pain.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study (CTRI/2023/01/048809) was done on 315 patients with periumbilical pain at M.L.B. Medical College Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on PHILIPS 16 Slice multi-detector CT SCAN machine and GE Vivid T8 ultrasound machine. These patients were blindly and randomly divided by chit system into two groups irrespective of their age and gender. The first group of patients which included 160 patients undergoes ultrasonographic evaluation and the other group of patients which includes 155 patients undergoes contrast-enhanced computed tomographic evaluation.
Results: Among 315 patients, the most common cause of periumbilical pain was found to be appendicitis followed by bowel pathologies which include gastrointestinal tuberculosis.
Conclusion: USG is the initial modality and modality of choice in female and young (3rd and 4thdecade) patients presenting with periumbilical pain as it is diagnostic in gynecological causes of periumbilical pain and also minimizes unnecessary radiation exposure to female and young patients. Contrast-enhanced CT is the modality of choice in male and old age patients (5th and 6th decade) as it is diagnostic in vascular causes. Overall plain CT has limited role.
An Assessment on the Trend of Urbanization in Nepal
Authors: Subedi Anand Prasad
Published: September 2023

Nepal is considered as one of the least urbanized countries in the world. The pace of urbanization in Nepal in terms of economic development and infrastructural development is very low. In Nepal, even there is inconsistency in the definition of urban because Nepal has defined and redefined the meaning of urban time and again which makes us confused. Moreover, the definition has not strictly been followed even at present before declaring the certain areas to be urban ones and the number of human settlements is declared as urban even without adequate infrastructure, facilities and services. This study assesses the historical context of declaring urban centres in Nepal and the trend of population growth in urban centres which is useful for development practitioners. Secondary information has been used and analytical research design has been followed. The urban population as a percentage of the total population of the country was 2.9 since 1950s -1961 and after that it reached 4.1 percent by 1971, 6.3 percent by 1981, 9.2 percent by 1991, 13.9 percent by 2001, 17.07 percent by 2011, and 27.2 percent by 2014. According to the progress report (FY 2076/077) issued in 2020 by the Ministry of Urban Development of Nepal, the total number of municipalities after the census of 2068 is 293 when the urban population is 62.2%.