bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogenic silver nanoparticles of Moringa oleifera leaf extract: Characterization and photocatalytic application
Authors: Aouf Djaber , Khane Yasmina , Fenniche Fares , Albukhaty Salim , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Khane Sofiane , Henni Abdallah , Zoukel Abdelhalim , Dizge Nadir , Mohammed Hamdoon A. , Abomughaid Mosleh M.
Published: March 2024

The current study proposed a novel simple and environmentally friendly approach for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) and optimizing the different experimental factors required for the formation and stability of AgNPs. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by a color change from yellow to reddish-brown with a surface plasmon resonance band at 412 nm. The morphology, size, and elemental composition of AgNPs were investigated by zeta potential dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analysis, which showed crystalline and spherical AgNPs. The identification of functional groups was supported by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of AgNPs were assessed in the degradation of organic Malachite green (MG) dye in the aqueous solution. Two kinetic adsorption models, the pseudo-first-order model and the pseudo-second-order model, and three isotherm models, the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin, were used to mathematically characterize the MG degradation process. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. As a result of their synergistic interaction with the MOL extract solution, the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs increases and they can successfully adapt to the photodegradation of organic dyes in industrial effluents.
A unitary account of indicative/subjunctive mood choice
Authors: Marques Rui
Published: March 2024

In some finite clauses only one of the subjunctive and indicative moods might occur, while in others there is option between these two moods. This is the basic distinction between intensional and polarity subjunctive. This paper questions the sustainability of such division in Portuguese, providing a critical analysis of the major arguments sustaining that those two types of subjunctive need to be considered. Instead, it is shown that a semantic analysis of the indicative and subjunctive moods accounts for the distribution of these moods in European Portuguese (EP), no different explanations being needed for the cases of lexical selection and those of mood choice. In both cases Indicative signals that only p-worlds are taken in account, while Subjunctive signals the consideration of non-p worlds. This allows a comprehensive account of the EP data: Subjunctive or Indicative occurs depending on whether the meaning of the sentence leads to the consideration of non-p worlds or not. However, in other varieties of Portuguese, Indicative occurs in some sentences whose meaning involves the consideration of non-p worlds. Such is the case of Brazilian Portuguese (BP), where, in colloquial speech, the use of Indicative is common in complement clauses of querer (‘to want’), a paradigmatic domain of Subjunctive. The conjecture is made that in this variety resorting to one or another mood is used as a pragmatic, discursive, strategy, even if the meaning of the sentence leads to the other mood.
Should Courts Decide Climate Policies?
Authors: Lando Henrik
Published: March 2024

In State of the Netherlands v. Urgenda Foundation (the Urgenda verdict), the Dutch Supreme Court ordered the Dutch Government to pursue a goal of a 25 % rather than a 20 % decrease in CO2 emissions. The present article discusses the verdict and climate litigation of this kind more generally from a functional perspective rather than from the perspective of democratic legitimacy. It argues that the premises of the Court were inapplicable from an economic perspective and that the faulty reasoning is indicative of reasons why judicial restraint is socially desirable in the area of climate policies. From the viewpoint of social welfare, it may be desirable that a court overrides climate policy if the policy neglects the interests of future generations, i.e. if it is unsustainable. However, the Court did not consult the economic literature on sustainable climate policies. It relied on a consensus among climate scientists, on the European Convention of Human Rights, and on the precautionary principle. We argue that if the Court had consulted the economic literature, it would have found disagreement about how quickly emissions should be lowered, and it would have had to address many complex sources of disagreement that cannot be eliminated by recourse to human rights or the precautionary principle. The Court would have had to subjectively assess different economic theories. However, the litigation process is not set up for and judges are not trained for this complex assessment.
The fabrication process of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanostructured films with antimicrobial properties against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors:   Nanofabrication and Functional Materials (NFM) Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia, Shamsuddin N. L. M. , Mohamed K. ,   Nanofabrication and Functional Materials (NFM) Research Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
Published: March 2024

Physical topography modification is an approach to fabricate nanostructures surfaces with antimicrobial properties. Lithography-based technologies offer an effective technique to develop the desired sizes and geometry. The replica molding technique was employed to fabricate the PDMS nanostructures using the PMMA imaging layer and characterized using a FESEM and AFM. The cell viability of gram-positive bacteria on structural diminished by almost 80% and the cells were deformed and ruptured once attached to the structured surface. Thus, the PDMS structured surface enhanced the bactericidal properties of the film, which effectively inhibit bacterial attachment.
Characteristics Of Pathogenetic Links In Vascular Remodeling And Bone Tissue Destruction In Postmenopausal Women With Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Avdeeva Ksenia S. , Petelina Tatyana I. , Gorbatenko Elena A.
Published: March 2024

Background — Much attention is drawn to the role of the nonspecific immune inflammatory vascular response as a link of general pathogenetic mechanisms with changes in the elastic properties of arteries and the phenomena of destructive changes in bones. Objective — We aimed to study the role of nonspecific immune inflammatory markers, parathyroid hormone and female sex hormones as predictors of cardiovascular and degenerative bone changes in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension (AH) and osteoporosis (OP). Methods — We examined 104 patients (mean age: 54.03±9.56 years) distributed among three groups: healthy women, females with AH and osteopenia, and women with AH and OP. The markers of immune inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, hormonal, mineral, and vitamin statuses were analyzed simultaneously with 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure, and parameters of vascular wall stiffness and densitometry to elucidate the predictors of cardiovascular and degenerative bone changes in postmenopausal women. Results — For patients with AH and osteopenia, a significant parameter associated with the risk of OP was pulse wave velocity (PWV); its increase exceeding 12.05 m/s was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of OP. Levels of proinflammatory indicators, interleukins IL-6 and IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and parathyroid hormone were elevated, while levels of progesterone and IL-10 were decreased. Conclusion — Timely specialized multidirectional research of biochemical and instrumental parameters (PWV and densitometry) could become the basis for the development of a personalized strategy for the prevention and treatment of women in order to avoid dangerous cardiovascular and bone complications.
A Microchip For Exosome Isolation That Can Be Impregnated With Imatinib Simultaneously: An In Vitro Analysis
Authors: Monfaredan Amir , Rahim Fakher , Tavoosidana Gholamreza , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Hosseininasab Alaviyehsadat , Aghajani-Afrouzi Ali-Akbar , Sabet Mahdi Shafiee , Motevaseli Elahe
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims — Exosomes, which are tiny double-layered membranes originating from eukaryotic cells, have been recognized as a valuable natural vehicle for delivering substances because of their optimal size, compatibility with living organisms, strong structure, ability to carry a large amount of cargo, and capacity to be modified on their surface. Methods — Various strategies have been employed to isolate exosomes due to the challenges associated with maintaining their high purity. The current investigation utilized a soft lithography technique to fabricate channels for exosome separation, incorporating immunoaffinity capabilities. Both biochemical and biophysical assays were conducted to assess the quality of isolated exosomes from various sources (serum, cell supernatant, and urine) and compared with a commercially available kit. Results — The current investigation employed a microfluidic method to capture CD63-conjugated magnetic beads, resulting in a very effective separation of exosomes. Based on the data, there were no notable variations in miRNAs that were statistically significant. This demonstrates that the engineered chip successfully achieved the separation of the exosome while preserving the integrity of its nucleic acid components. Conclusion — The results shown that the current methodology effectively isolated exosomes with a high yield rate, purity, and minimal time requirement. The imatinib laden exosomes demonstrated anticancer efficacy against the KYO-1 cell line in all of their forms.
Developmental Exposure To Low Doses Of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Disrupts Functional And Morphologic Maturation Of The Spleen In Prepubertal Rats
Authors: Gagulaeva Bella B. , Yaglova Nataliya V. , Obernikhin Sergey S. , Timokhina Ekaterina P.
Published: March 2024

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a versatile persistent pollutant with endocrine disrupting properties and an alleged immune modulator. Objective — to evaluate the parameters of functional and morphological maturation of the spleen in prepubertal rats exposed to low doses of DDT. Material and Methods — From the moment of mating, during pregnancy and lactation, female rats received a solution of o,p-DDT (20 μg/L) instead of tap water. The offspring of intact rat dams were considered the control group. Male DDT-exposed and control rats were sacrificed on postnatal day 7. The spleens were surgically removed under sterile conditions. Anatomical and histological examination of the spleen, ex tempore proliferation of splenocytes, and assessment of splenic T cells and their ability to respond to the mitogen concanavalin A were assessed. Results — Rats exposed to DDT exhibited a significantly reduced proliferative response of spleen lymphocytes to the mitogen concanavalin A. However, morphological evaluation revealed no differences in spleen anatomy between control and exposed rats. Histological examination exposed accelerated development of lymphoid tissue in the spleen of rats exposed to DDT. The ex-tempore proliferation test yielded a higher rate of mitotic division of splenocytes in exposed rats. In contrast to controls, they had a lower percentage of T cells in their spleen. Conclusion — Developmental exposure to low doses of the endocrine disruptor DDT impairs functional and morphological maturation of the spleen in prepubertal rats. DDT accelerates the formation of lymphoid compartments and weakens the functional maturation of the spleen as the organ with an immune function.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus And Its Complications In Children Aged ≤20 Years From Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Kiran Shafiq , Roohi Nabila , Ahmed Mohammad Shafiq , Rana Muhammad Saleem , Hussain Nasir
Published: March 2024

Background — Type 1 diabetes mellitus causes serious disease complication in children. Objectives- The main objective of this study was to assess the frequency and severity of diabetic complication in children ≤ 20 years of age from Punjab, Pakistan. Methods — The data of diabetic patients and their blood samples were collected from the diabetic registries at three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Fasting plasma glucose, random plasma glucose, HbA1c, and GAD-65 autoantibodies were measured in sampled blood serum. The data on other clinical symptoms at the onset of disease were recorded as well. Results — Out of 310 patients, 54.2% were male, and their mean age at the onset of disease was 13.22 years. Among all patients, according to clinical indicators, high severity of the disease and serious complications were revealed. Conclusions — The diabetic complications were severe in all patients from three districts of Punjab, Pakistan, at and below the age of 20 years.
Expression Dynamics Of Cytokine Genes Is Related To The Apremilast Treatment Effectiveness In Patients With Severe Psoriasis
Authors: Verbenko Dmitry A. , Karamova Arfenya E. , Artamonova Olga G. , Kozlova Irina V. , Deryabin Dmitry G. , Solomka Victoria S. , Kubanov Alexey A.
Published: March 2024

Background — Psoriasis is an immune-mediated genetic skin disease with a deregulated immune response governed by a proinflammatory cytokine network. Apremilast has demonstrated high safety and tolerability both in clinical trials and in clinical practice. The effectiveness of the apremilast use in clinical practice may differ from major clinical trials. Our study assessed changes in the levels of immune gene expression in patients suffering from severe psoriasis in the course of apremilast treatment in order to investigate the predictors of its effectiveness. Methods — We assessed the expression levels of IFNγ, IRF3, GLIS1, HR, STAT1, STAT3, VEGFA, ICAM1, TNF, IL1α, IL1β, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL11, IL12B, IL17A, IL17F, IL18, IL20, IL21, IL22, IL23A, IL25, IL31, IL33 genes in both lesional and nonlesional skin before the treatment, as well the expression at lesional skin after the treatment. RNA expression was assessed in skin biopsy samples by RT-PCR using TaqMan probes with StepOne5 equipment and normalized with endogenous control. The study included 16 patients diagnosed with a moderate-to-severe or severe psoriasis using clinical examination by a dermatologist. The clinical outcome after 26 weeks of apremilast treatment was assessed with delta PASI, resulting in a patient group with high effectiveness of treatment (delta PASI>75%) and a group including all other patients. Results — We confirmed elevated levels of expression in STAT1, IFNγ, IL1β, IL12B, IL17A, IL17F, IL20, IL21, IL22, and IL23A genes in lesional vs. nonlesional psoriatic skin samples, while GLIS1 gene expression was reduced. The expression levels of cytokine genes after apremilast treatment decreased considerably in cytokines IFNγ, IL1β, IL20, IL21, and IL22; and to a lesser extent in STAT1, IL6, IL17F, IL22 and IL31. In the group of those who effectively responded to treatment with apremilast, a five-to-eleven-fold reduction in the expression level of the IL1B, IL6, and IL17F genes was observed, as compared with other patients. Conclusion — The increased expression of cytokine genes in lesional vs. nonlesional skin was reduced after apremilast treatment of psoriasis. We established that fold changes in the expression of the IL1β, IL6 and IL17F genes during treatment with apremilast were different in groups of patients with different therapy outcomes. Hence, we propose that they are the predictors of the effectiveness of apremilast treatment for severe psoriasis.
An Overview of the Principle of Legality: Common Law VS Civil Law
Authors: Hafizhah Annisa , Leviza Jelly , Mulhadi Mulhadi
Published: March 2024

Asas legalitas merupakan dasar fundamental dalam penegakan hukum pidana, sehingga diperlukan pemahaman yang mendasar dan mendalam mengenai hal tersebut. Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan potret asas legalitas dalam dua sistem hukum utama di dunia, yaitu common law dan civil law. Menggunakan pendekatan hukum normatif, data-data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini bersumber dari bahan hukum primer, sekunder, dan tersier yang diperoleh melalui studi kepustakaan. Penelitian ini menyoroti perbedaan penerapan asas legalitas di dalam common law dan civil law. Hasilnya, dalam common law, Nulla Poena Sine Lege menjadi rumusan asas legalitas yang pada praktiknya bertumpu pada preseden hasil putusan pengadilan. Sementara dalam civil law, rumusan asas legalitasnya adalah Nullum Crimen, Nulla Poena Sine Praevia Lege Poenali, yang menitikberatkan pada peraturan tertulis dalam berbagai regulasi hukum pidana.
The Bio-Rights Scheme in The Use of The Sun as a Renewable New Energy Promotes The Availability of Sustainable Electricity Energy Sources
Authors: Yuniar Riska Sasi , Najicha Fatma Ulfatun
Published: March 2024

Sunlight is an energy that has great potential to support the availability of sustainable power sources. Often in the construction of EBT facilities, the community is hampered by expensive project costs. The study aims to examine the policies that have been drafted by the government regarding the exploitation of solar energy potential in Indonesia, the Regulations and Legislation that form the basis of energy management, as well as to offer alternative solutions related to how the energy management ecosystem scheme is appropriate so that it can respond to the problems of the construction of the EBT project. In the Bio-Rights scheme, indigenous and local communities have an important role to play in the use of solar heat. They have the right to participate in decision-making, benefit from solar heat, and protect natural resources.
Avrupa girişimcilik yetkinlik çerçevesi (Entrecomp) üzerine bir inceleme ve iyi uygulama örnekleri
Authors: Şahin Begüm
Published: March 2024

Avrupa Komisyonu tarafından 2016 yılında ortaya konan Avrupa Girişimcilik Yetkinlik Çerçevesi (EntreComp) evrensel bir girişimcilik anlayışı yaratmayı amaçlamıştır. 3 yetkinlik alanı ve 15 yetkinlik ile kavramsallaştırılan model akademik bir altyapıya sahip olup, yayınlandığı tarihten itibaren girişimcilik alanındaki pek çok çalışmanın temelini oluşturmuştur. Gerek literatüre gerek uygulamaya katkı sağlayan EntreComp girişimcilik becerilerinin keşfini ve gelişimini hem bireysel hem kurumsal düzeyde ele almaktadır. Yükseköğretim kurumları, startuplar, kuluçka merkezleri, KOBİ’ler ve teknoloji şirketlerinin faydalandığı araç girişimsel davranış, girişim odaklı düşünme, iç girişimcilik ve teknoloji girişimciliği gibi pek çok başlığa hizmet etmektedir. Çalışmada girişimcilik ekosistemine katkı sağlayan EntreComp çerçevesinin içeriği ve kapsamı açıklanarak çerçeveden faydalanan iyi örnek uygulamalarına yer verilmiştir. E-SCAN, DYNAMIQE, SEECEL, LEEN ve INTENSE girişimlerinin incelenmesi sonucunda elde edilen bulgular; çerçevenin girişimsel davranışın gelişimine, yaratıcı ve yenilikçi girişimcilik eğitiminin tasarımına, üniversite-sanayi iş birliği ve startup ekosisteminin gelişimine pozitif yönde somut katkılar sunduğunu desteklemiştir. Aynı zamanda çerçevenin Türkiye’nin de içinde yer aldığı küresel girişimcilik ekosistemi için ortak bir anlayış geliştirdiği gözlemlenmiştir. Ulusal yazında alanında ilk araştırma özelliği taşıyan çalışmanın hem girişimcilik literatürüne hem Türk startuplarının pratik uygulamalarına katkı sağlaması arzu edilmektedir
Global belirsizlik faktörleri ile BİST sektör endeksleri arasındaki kısa ve uzun dönem ilişkisi
Authors: Seçme Zekeriya Oğuz
Published: March 2024

Son dönem ampirik çalışmalardan bazılarında yatırımcı kararlarını etkileyen unsur olarak davranışsal önyargılar yer almaktadır. Global ölçekte meydana gelen olaylar, değişimler yatırımcı önyargılarını dolaysıyla da yatırımcı kararlarını etkilemektedir. Buradan hareketle global belirsizlik faktörlerinde meydana gelen değişimlerin BİST100 ve BİST sektör endekslerini nasıl etkilediği, yatırımcı davranışını hangi yönde hareketlendirdiği merak uyandırmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı global belirsizlik faktörlerinin sektör endekslerine olan kısa ve uzun dönem asimetrik etkilerinin NARDL (Nonlineer Gecikmesi Dağıtılmış Otoregresif) modeli kullanılarak ortaya konulmasıdır. Global belirsizlik faktörlerini temsilen ekonomik, jeopolitik, enerji ve finansal risklerin ölçüldüğü zımni volatilite endeksleri kullanılmıştır. Sonuçta global belirsizlik faktörlerinde meydana gelen değişimlerin uzun dönemde BİST100, Bilişim, Taş Toprak, Metal Ana, Turizm ve Hizmet sektör endekslerini asimetrik olarak etkilediği bulunmuştur. Kısa dönemde KOBİ endeksi dışında İnşaat, Metal Ana, Teknoloji ve Kâğıt sektör endekslilerinde üç belirsizlik faktörünün etkisi, diğer tüm sektör endekslerinde ise tüm belirsizlik faktörlerinin sektörlere önemli etkileri olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Genel olarak belirsizlik faktörlerindeki değişimden hem BİST100 hem de KOBİ haricindeki tüm sektör endeksleri etkilenmektedir. Bu etkinin yönü ve şiddetinin farklı sektörlerde değişik olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Tarım üretiminde önde gelen ülkelerde tarımsal gübre ve ilaç kullanımının tarımsal GSYİH’ye etkisi; panel veri analizi araştırması
Authors: Tıraş Hacı Hayrettin
Published: March 2024

Binlerce yıldır doğal koşullarda yapılan tarımsal faaliyetler tüm insanların gıda ihtiyacını karşılarken, günümüzde nüfusun hızla artması ve tarımsal alanların sınırlı olması dünyanın birçok bölgesinde yetersiz beslenme ve açlık sorunlarının baş göstereceği endişesini doğurmuştur. Sorunun çözümü için yapılan çalışmalar sonucunda birim alanda daha çok ve kaliteli ürün elde edebilmek için tarımsal gübre ve ilaçların kullanıldığı yeni tarım sistemleri geliştirilmiştir. Tarımsal üretimde kullanılan gübre ve ilaçların büyük çoğunluğu çeşitli kimyasallardan oluşmakta ve verimliliğe önemli katkılar sağlamaktadır. Buna göre tarımsal üretimde verimi ve kaliteyi artırmak için gübre ve pestisit kullanılması doğru bir yol olarak görülmektedir. Günümüzde tarımsal üretimin vazgeçilmez girdileri arasında yer alan gübre ve tarımsal ilaçların gelecekte de kullanılmaya devam edeceği anlaşılmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2020 yılı itibarıyla küresel ölçekte en fazla tarımsal üretim gerçekleştiren ilk altı ülkenin (Çin, Hindistan, Brezilya, ABD, Endonezya ve Rusya), 1995-2019 dönemi panel verileri kullanılarak tarımsal üretimde gübre ve ilaç kullanımının tarımsal GSYİH’ye etkisinin panel ekonometrik yöntemlerle tahmin edilmesidir. Hektar başına kullanılan gübre miktarı, toplam satılan pestisit miktarı ve tarımsal GSYİH çalışmanın değişkenlerini oluşturmaktadır. Analiz sonuçları değişkenler arasında uzun dönemli bir ilişkinin varlığına işaret ederken gübre kullanımının uzun dönem katsayısının istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğunu, diğer taraftan pestisit kullanımının uzun dönem katsayısının istatistiksel olarak anlamsız olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.
The impact of stock market development on economic growth in Turkey: ARDL analysis
Authors: Akkutay Emine Aybike
Published: March 2024

The stock market has become more significant due to the globalization of financial markets, and there is a widespread perception that it propels economic growth. Nonetheless, some recent research has found that this effect differs throughout countries based on their financial infrastructures and degrees of development. In nations with established financial infrastructure and economic stability, the stock market aids in economic growth; nevertheless, it has no such effect in economies characterized by macroeconomic instability and uncertainty. Based on this, this study used quarterly data from 2006 to 2023 to examine the effects of Turkey's stock market development on economic growth using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. The results show that while there was a negative and considerable short-term effect, stock market development in Turkey did not have a long-term detrimental impact on economic growth. According to the findings, for Turkey's stock market to positively impact economic growth, the country's financial system has to be modernized.
Das Sacrifice Ratio
Authors: Dierks Leef H.
Published: March 2024

Im Verlaufe des Jahres 2022 stiegen die Inflationsraten in unerwartetem Maße an. Infolge dieser weltweit zu beobachtenden Entwicklung ergriffen Zentralbanken erstmals nach langer Zeit wieder restriktive geldpolitische Maßnahmen; u.a. wurden die Leitzinsen auf breiter Front erhöht. Eine solche Geldpolitik geht in der Regel mit einem Rückgang von Produktion und Beschäftigung in den betroffenen Volkswirtschaften einher; einem Phänomen, welches sich anhand des sog. Sacrifice Ratios quantifizieren lässt.
Chief Digital Officers
Authors: Venohr Hannah , Grebe Leonard
Published: March 2024

Die digitale Transformation fordert grundlegende Veränderungen in Unternehmen. Um dieser Herausforderung gerecht zu werden, kreieren Unternehmen vermehrt eine neue Führungsposition, den Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Unternehmensspezifische Unterschiede haben vielzählige Variationen von CDOs hervorgebracht. Diese Studie fasst bestehende Literatur zusammen und gibt einen allgemeinen Überblick über die Rolle des CDOs. Basierend auf den Erkenntnissen werden Handlungsempfehlungen gegeben und zukünftige Forschungsfelder definiert.
Effects of cellulose micro and nanocrystals on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and structural properties of rigid polyurethanes
Authors: Kaya Ali İhsan , Yalçın Ömer Ümit , Aydemir Deniz
Published: March 2024

Effects of adding microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were evaluated relative to the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and structural properties of rigid polyurethanes (rPUs). The composites were prepared with the blending of polyols/isocyanates and the cellulosic fillers at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% loadings. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that the samples had micro-scaled porosity, with cell sizes ranging from 250 to 800 nm. The fillers improved the mechanical strengths and modulus of neat rPUs due to the presence of the nano-sized cells in rPUs matrix. The addition of both fillers generally did not provide a positive effect on the thermal properties, and the weight loss generally increased while the loading rate of the fillers was increased from 0.25% to 1%. The samples had two small crystalline peaks at 18° and 19° according to the X-ray diffraction analysis. From the results, it can be said that the presence of both fillers generally improved all properties of the neat rPUs, and the effects of CNC on the properties were higher than MCC due to both lower particle size and the higher crystallinity of CNC.
From waste to watts: Investigating teak biomass waste for bioenergy
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Renato S. , Santos Júnior Alfredo J. , Pereira Allana K. S. , Dias Júnior Ananias F. , Mourão Cibelle P. , Cupertino Gabriela F. M. , Brito José O. , Numazawa Sueo , Saloni Daniel
Published: March 2024

The appropriate use of forest biomass can support the transition to a society with clean and renewable energy. In this context, the research aimed to evaluate the waste biomass from Tectona grandis L.f. for energy purposes. Seven teak wood waste types were used, accessible from the harvesting stage to wood processing. Physical attributes (moisture and basic density) and proximate analysis (volatile materials, ashes, and fixed carbon content) were evaluated, which were used to estimate the energy attributes (higher, lower, and net heating value and energy density). It was found that most waste components had moisture content averages below 30% and did not differentiate statistically. For the basic density, values varied between 366 and 519 kg.m-3. Proximate analysis and energetic attributes of the teak wastes support its feasibility for bioenergy use, focused on trimmings and thin logs. It was concluded that teak waste has the potential for energy purposes if its specific characteristics are considered and appropriate ways of use and conversion are chosen.
The Role of Fundamental Research in Paper-Making Quality Control
Authors: Hendry I. F.
Published: March 2024

Quality control, statistical quality control, process control, total quality, are some of the phrases used to describe a function that varies considerably from one manufacturer to another and from one author to another. This paper attempts to review the changes in the concept of quality control that have resulted from the application of research programmes. The historical scenario has three aspects. Just before the war an awareness was arising of the fact that paper was variable and that the variability had two components: along and across the machine. During the war paper had to conform to the same acceptance procedures as a raw material as did other military supplies. Thus the concept of statistical quality control was developed which, whilst recognising the need to relate property levels to the underlying variability, nevertheless used methods more adapted to discrete units of production rather than to a continous product. It was not until after the war that major studies were undertaken, in the golden era of paper research, into the variability on the macro- and micro-scale of the paper product. This was the period of the awareness of the need for uniformity and freedom from mechanical defects, particularly in paper for high speed letterpress and gravure applications. The results of detailed study into the heterogeneity of the sheet prompted the development of instruments which would enable fundamental properties to be measured. The result of two decades of fundamental work, not by the paper industry but by the process control industry, is the current situation of integrated measurement and control, which is described in some detail. Finally, the ability to know precisely what is being made has resulted in the concept of total quality. Such a survey would not be complete without some reference to the development of product quality standards and specialised tests which relate to end user requirements. These, however, whilst constituting a major factor in the industry’s research programme, are, in the authors opinion, of less importance in comparison to the extraordinary developments in process control made by firms specialising in that function. Acknowledgements are made to very many people throughout the industry who have helped in this survey.
Changing trends of substance addiction in Saudi Arabia between 1993 and 2013
Authors: Alkhalaf Ahmed , Alahmari Turki , Ashworth Fiona
Published: March 2024

Background: Prevalence rates of substance dependency in Saudi Arabia have risen over the last twenty years. Although there is substantial research on alcohol and substance abuse in the Arab region, only a few papers give detailed review of the rising concern Aim: The present study aimed at comparing data of admitted hospital cases between 1993 and 2013. It was expected that changes will be observed in substance abuse and dependence in hospital admissions between 1993 and 2013. It was also expected that these changes will be associated to certain demographics and frequency of admissions. Method: Records from a total of 2,048 admitted cases were obtained from the Al Amal Hospital of Dammam. Type of addiction, demographics, frequency of hospital admissions and number of substances abused were compared between 1993 and 2013. Findings: The data was subjected to quantitative analysis and findings showed significant differences in type of addiction and sociodemographics between 1993 and 2013. Conclusion: These changing trends suggest that there is a growing need to review data in order to implement new strategies, policies and interventions for positive outcomes in populations affected by substance addiction.
David Downie: A Taste of Paris: a history of the Parisian love affair with food
Authors: Dalby Andrew
Published: March 2024

David Downie: A Taste of Paris: a history of the Parisian love affair with food: New York: St Martin’s Press, 2017: 280 pages, hardback, £20.99.
Electromobility in Poland Compared to the European Union – Results of Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Bełch Paulina , Szczygieł Elżbieta , Hajduk-Stelmachowicz Marzena
Published: March 2024

The article analyses the trends in the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in Poland compared to the EU. Verification of the assumed objective required the application of research methods such as analysis of domestic and foreign literature, analysis of statistical data, and statistical inference. This article commences a series of publications on sustainable transport management and electromobility in Poland and selected European countries. The number of electric vehicles (BEV and PHEV) is still increasing in Europe, including Poland. In 2010, there were 591 registered EVs only which was only 0.005% of the whole number of cars registered in Europe. For the first time, the share of EVs exceeded 1% in 2015 (130,900 electric vehicles), and in 2020 more than 10% of EVs were in Europe (in 2021, 17.8%). The largest share of EVs in the total number of cars was recorded in 2021 in Norway (86%), in Iceland (64%), and in Sweden (46%). At the same time, the countries with the highest number of EVs include Germany (more than 2.5 million), France (1.7 m.), and Italy (1.4 m.).
Zróżnicowanie regionalne w Polsce w zakresie realizacji celów zrównoważonego rozwoju
Authors: Grzebyk Mariola , Kudełko Joanna
Published: March 2024

Rozwój zrównoważony należy do zjawisk złożonych, dlatego porównanie poziomu i ocena postępów regionów Polski we wdrażaniu jego założeń są szczególnie trudne. Autorki w artykule dokonały próby wyznaczenia miary syntetycznej metodą wzorca rozwoju Hellwiga celów 3, 8 i 13 rozwoju zrównoważonego. Cele te obrazują trzy jego komponenty: ekonomiczny, społeczny i środowiskowy, a okresem badawczym były lata 2015-2021. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań pokazują dokonujący się w regionach Polski stopniowy postęp we wprowadzaniu wybranych celów zrównoważonego rozwoju, chociaż różnią się one nie tylko ze względu na poziom realizacji wybranych celów rozwoju zrównoważonego, ale także na charakter relacji między nimi. Analizując wyniki stopnia zrównoważenia rozwoju w zakresie wszystkich trzech komponentów rozwoju zrównoważonego (społecznego, gospodarczego i środowiskowego) w badanych latach, nie zaobserwowano postępu w zakresie zrównoważenia wszystkich aspektów rozwoju.
Cechy lidera/przywódcy inkluzywnego w oparciu o badania własne
Authors: Rzepka Agnieszka , Bańkowski Paweł
Published: March 2024

Celem artykułu jest określenie cech lidera inkluzywnego w procesie skutecznego wprowadzania zmian w organizacji. Założono tu, że każda organizacja musi wdrażać innowacje w zasobach pracowniczych poprzez zastosowanie cech inkluzywnego lidera. W trakcie badań przeprowadzono następujące prace: desk research, indywidualny wywiad pogłębiony oraz ankietę. Badaniem objęto respondentów z przedsiębiorstw mikro i małych. Artykuł powstał na podstawie trzeciego etapu badań empirycznych przeprowadzonych w 2022 r. Wyniki badań identyfikują cechy i kompetencje lidera inkluzywnego. Zespoły zarządzane przez liderów inkluzywnych mają większe szanse na osiągnięcie lepszych wyników poprzez podejmowanie bardziej trafnych decyzji i pracę opartą na współpracy. Biorąc pod uwagę szybkie tempo zmian społecznych i gospodarczych, celowe wydaje się stałe i systematyczne monitorowanie działań lidera inkluzywnego w organizacji. Przedstawione wyniki badań pokazują, jakie umiejętności miękkie będą miały wpływ na rozwój organizacji.
DANÇAS, PERFORMANCES E (NOVAS) “EPIDEMIAS”: O QUE A ESCOLA TEM A VER COM ISSO?
Authors: Paranhos Will , Macedo Elizabeth Fernandes de
Published: March 2024

A polêmica em torno do Batcu ocorreu durante o evento Em Prosa Brasil - 1º Encontro de Mobilização para a Promoção da Saúde no Brasil nos convida a (re)pensar alguns aspectos em torno das performances e da performatividade. Quais órgãos podem funcionar? Onde posso atuar? Existe uma definição de uma territorialidade adequada para tais performances? Deslocando o debate para o campo da educação, como tal movimento nos possibilita um também (re)pensar o espaço da escola, sendo este não um território, mas sim um local? O artigo pretende problematizar os dispositivos que tornam determinados desempenhos inteligíveis em detrimento de outros, criando emaranhamentos com as políticas identitárias que, por um lado, avançam em suas pautas, mas que, por outro, se percebem, mais uma vez, resguardadas a determinados espaços , sobretudo quando escondidas em “quatro paredes”, dando continuidade às estruturas de exploração biopolíticas. Nos interessa pensar também a partir da localização de tais performances, difratando com corpos “sudakas” que cada vez mais vazam por fissuras, ocupam espaços, dentre os quais a escola, e nos exijam tentativas, e sempre tentativas, de escapar das capturas normatizadoras.
Uma tipologia linguística para pejorativos baseados em nomes de animais no português brasileiro
Authors: Basso Renato , Silva Giovanna
Published: March 2024

O objetivo do presente texto é investigar a semântica e a pragmática de nomes de animais usados como termos pejorativos no português brasileiro (PB) contemporâneo. Em nossa análise, propomos que alguns esses termos pertencem a categorias semântico-gramaticais distintas, e portanto devem ser classificados como ofensas, como injúrias e como injúrias de gênero, conforme argumentamos com base em dados de comportamentos e inferências linguísticas. Usando as ferramentas e métodos da semântica e da pragmática formais das línguas naturais, nossa proposta de análise será feita tomando como material um inventário não-exaustivo de termos comumente usados no Brasil.
Identification of a Novel Five-Gene Prognostic Model for Laryngeal Cancer Associated with Mitophagy Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Verification
Authors: Song Dong , Dong Lun , Wang Mei , Gao Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a prevailing tumor with a high mortality rate. The pivotal role of mitophagy in LC is acknowledged; however, a comprehensive analysis of the corresponding genes has not been conducted. In the present study, we proposed a prognostic model consisting of mitophagy-related genes in LC. Clinical information and transcriptome profiling of patients with LC and mitophagy-related genes were retrieved from open-source databases. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify core mitophagy-related genes and construct gene co-expression networks. Functional enrichment analysis was employed to analyze the enriched regulatory pathways of the mitophagy-related genes. Kaplan-Meier curves (KM), Cox, and LASSO regression were applied to explore their prognostic effects. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) further verified the bioinformatics prediction. A total of 45 genes related to mitochondrial pathways was collected. GSVA analysis demonstrated that these genes in tumor samples mainly referred to the mitochondrial pathway. Among these genes, five mitophagy-related-gene signatures (CERCAM, CHPF, EPHX3, EXT2, and MED15) were further identified to construct the prognostic model. KM and Cox regression analyses indicated that this model had an accurate prognostic prediction for LC. RT-qPCR showed that CERCAM, CHPF, EXT2, and MED15 expression were upregulated, and EPHX3 level was decreased in LC cells. The present study established a five-mitophagy-related-gene model that can predict the prognosis of LC patients, thus laying the foundation for a better understanding and potential advancements in clinical treatments for LC.
A mathematical model for project cost prediction combining multiple algorithms
Authors: Zhang Rufang
Published: March 2024

As a key link in engineering construction, reasonable evaluation of engineering costs can effectively control the budget and save costs. Therefore, the reliability of the engineering cost estimation will directly affect the economic status of the whole project. However, traditional prediction models are based on a single machine learning method, which is not generalised enough and has a low accuracy. In view of this, a mathematical model for engineering cost prediction is constructed by combining a random forest algorithm, the ridge regression algorithm and the extreme gradient boosting algorithm to obtain a prediction model with higher generalisation and accuracy and to evaluate the cost of engineering projects reasonably and scientifically. The average relative error between predicted and actual values is only 0.872%. The root mean square error and average percentage error of the fusion model are relatively small. The superiority of the proposed mathematical model of prediction costs is verified, and the model possesses a certain application value in construction engineering, providing practical reference and guidance for engineering cost prediction.
Assessment of In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Ginseng Extract and Its Effect on Inhibiting Lipid Oxidation and Physicochemical Properties of Cooked Ground Beef During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Soyuçok Ali , Kılıç Birol , Kılıç Gülden Başyiğit
Published: March 2024

Research background. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiobesity, cardioprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, previous reports lack information on the effects of ginseng extract on the shelf life and quality characteristics of muscle foods. Thus, it is essential to determine the effects of ginseng extract on the meat model system to gain valuable insights to improve the shelf life and quality of muscle foods.
Experimental approach. After determining the in vitro antioxidant activity of ginseng extract, the antioxidant effect of ginseng extract on cooked ground beef was investigated. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total phenolic content (TPC) analyses, while lipid oxidation, chemical, microbiological and textural changes were determined during 30 days of storage. Cooking loss, proximate composition and textural features were measured after thermal processing. The pH, CIE colour parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and mould counts were determined during refrigerated storage.
Results and conclusions. The mean values for FRAP expressed as Fe(II) equivalents ((4.7±0.2) mmol/g), DPPH (IC50=(12.11±0.09) mg/mL) and TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents ((146.0±2.4) mg/g) showed a potential antioxidant capacity of ginseng extract. The addition of ginseng extract increased the cooking loss (p<0.05), but it did not affect the proximate composition of ground beef. It also caused a decrease in pH (p<0.05). Ground beef samples containing 1 % or more ginseng extract had lower TBARS values than control (p<0.05). In addition, LPO values of ground beef with ginseng extract were lower than the control after 30 days of storage (p<0.05). Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and mould were not found in any of the groups, except in the control, which had 3.35 log CFU/g total aerobic mesophilic bacteria at the end of storage.
Novelty and scientific contribution. The results show that ginseng extract has an important activity in controlling lipid oxidation and can be used in the meat industry to extend shelf life and microbial stability.
Mineralogical and chemical characterization of an oolitic iron ore, and sustainable phosphorus removal
Authors: Bendaikha W. , Larbi S. , Ramdane A.
Published: March 2024

An oolitic iron ore from Gara Djebilet, Algeria was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrosopy and the phosphorus distribution between various phases studied. Two ore types were identified - a haematite-dominated, oolitic type and a more massive, magnetite-dominated type. The haematite-dominated ore had a higher phosphorus content, up to 0.6% in the iron oxide minerals, than the magnetite-dominated type (0.3% P). Owing to the very fine-grained texture of the gangue minerals, reducing the phosphorus content to levels suitable for steelmaking (below 0.05% P) by conventiobal means would entail an energy-intensive process with a high carbon footprint. Preliminary leaching test work using a sulphurous geothermal water as lixiviant, assisted by solar thermal acceleration, gave very promising results, removing 0.13% of the residual P (or 21.7% removal of total P) from the high-phosphorus oolitic ore.
Colour removal from wastewaters by an electrooxidation method
Authors: Günaslan S , Fil B , Elgün C , Cihan S
Published: March 2024

This study examined the potential of electrooxidation techniques for treating Rhodamine B dyestuff from aqueous solutions made from synthetic wastewater. The Rhodamine B dyestuff was electro-oxidized by using five anodes coated with "Ti/IrO2/RuO2" as anode material and five stainless steel cathodes as cathode material. The initial concentration of Rhodamine B, the type of support electrolyte, the current density, and the initial pH of the wastewater were evaluated. KCl, NaCl, NaNO3 and Na2SO4 were used as supporting electrolytes. Colour removal performance was optimum when the initial pH was approximately 5, the current density was 1.78 mA cm-2, and the supporting electrolyte was NaCl at a concentration of 10 mM. Under ideal circumstances, colour removal was shown to be 99.72% effective.
Marco regulatorio bancario en Ecuador y su impacto en el financiamiento a pymes
Authors: Urdaneta-Montiel Armando José , Zambrano-Morales Angel Alberto
Published: March 2024

La investigación, con enfoque epistemológico cuantitativo y el paradigma positivista, permitió determinar la relación entre el marco regulatorio del sector financiero ecuatoriano y las condiciones de financiamiento a las PYMES. Esta fue de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, permitiendo realizar un análisis descriptivo y factorial de variables vinculadas al conocimiento y aplicación de leyes y códigos regulatorios de 54 oficiales de crédito del sector bancario de El Oro, Ecuador. Se identificaron dos dimensiones: una relacionada con el marco regulatorio monetario y otra con códigos orgánicos. Las encuestas señalan que las leyes más aplicadas son: Ley General de Instituciones del Sector Financiero y Ley de Compañías. La primera regula la creación, funcionamiento y cierre de instituciones financieras privadas para proteger a la población y asegurar la estabilidad financiera; su cumplimiento es supervisado por la Superintendencia de Bancos. La segunda simplifica el proceso de constitución de empresas, permitiendo diversos tipos de compañías y flexibilidad en su estructura. Las regulaciones bancarias ecuatorianas han experimentado reformas para fortalecer la solidez y transparencia del sistema, como la Ley de Mercado de Valores y la Ley de Instituciones del Sistema de Seguros Privados, que contribuyen a la estabilidad, regulación, protección al consumidor financiero y promoción de la competencia, generando condiciones de financiamiento favorables, que incluyen confianza, tasas de interés competitivas y amplias opciones financieras.
Langues étrangères, langues romanesques, langues carrefours. Enjeux stylistiques et ontologiques lors du passage de l’enfance à l’âge adulte, dans Le Renard et la couronne de Yann Fastier
Authors: ARMITANO Laurita
Published: March 2024

Dans le roman pour adolescents Le Renard et la couronne, la langue française est présentée comme une source d'émerveillement pour le personnage principal, et guide nombre de ses choix de vie. Nous verrons comment ce processus éminemment littéraire met en exergue différents enjeux propres aux enfants évoluant en et entre plusieurs langues, et comment il peut trouver divers échos chez le lecteur. Nous aborderons pour cela la manière dont, dans ce roman, la langue étrangère est érigée en carrefour reliant l'individu et la société, l'individu et le monde, mais aussi l’œuvre littéraire et le lecteur.