bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-power, low-phase-noise, frequency-agile laser system for delivering fiber-noise-canceled pulses for strontium clock atom interferometry
Authors: DeRose Kenneth , Deshpande Tejas , Wang Yiping , Kovachy Tim
Published: June 2023

We present a laser system for performing single-photon atom interferometry on the 698 nm clock transition in ultracold strontium. We coherently combine the power of two titanium:sapphire lasers and demonstrate chirps of 200 MHz in 2.5 ms while phase-locked to an optical reference. Moreover, we demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme to deliver 4 W pulsed beams to the atoms via a mode-cleaning optical fiber using active noise cancellation.
Compact lithium niobate microring resonators in the ultrahigh Q/V regime
Authors: Gao Yan , Lei Fuchuan , Girardi Marcello , Ye Zhichao , Van Laer Raphaël , Torres-Company Victor , Schröder Jochen
Published: June 2023

Lithium niobate (LN) is a promising material for future complex photonic-electronic circuits, with wide applications in such fields as communications, sensing, quantum optics, and computation. LN took a great stride toward compact photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with the development of partially etched LN on insulator (LNOI) waveguides. However, integration density is still limited for future highly compact PICs, owing to the partial etching nature of their waveguides. Here, we demonstrate a fully etched LN PIC platform, which, for the first time to our knowledge, simultaneously achieves ultralow propagation loss and compact circuit size. The tightly confined fully etched LN waveguides with smooth sidewalls allow us to bring the bending radius down to 20 μm (corresponding to 1 THz free spectral range). We have achieved compact high Q microring resonators with Q/V of 8.7 × 104 μm−3, almost one order of magnitude larger than previous demonstrations. The statistical mean propagation losses of our LN waveguides is 8.5 dB/m (corresponding to a mean Q factor of 4.9 × 106), even with a small bending radius of 40 μm. Our compact and ultralow-loss LN platform shows great potential in future miniaturized multifunctional integration systems. As complementary evidence to show the utility of our platform, we demonstrate soliton microcombs with an ultrahigh repetition rate of 500 GHz in LN.
Experiences of nurses on COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Adokiya Martin Nyaaba , Kanligi David Abatanie , Boah Michael
Published: June 2023

The Coronavirus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted healthcare delivery. Health workers, particularly nurses are key members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. They are faced with many challenges due to the pandemic. In addition to providing basic healthcare services, nurses are required to adhere to the COVID-19 recommended safety protocols. This study explored experiences of nurses on the implementation of COVID-19 preventive protocols in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. A qualitative study was conducted among seventeen (17) nurses, comprising five (5) staff with COVID-19 infection, and twelve (12) ward managers or in-charges who did not have COVID-19 infection, using explorative design and an interview guide. The participants were purposively selected. The ward managers/in-charges and infected staff were interviewed face-to-face and by mobile phone respectively. Content analysis was conducted on the data and the results presented as themes and sub-themes. After the analysis, five (5) main themes and fourteen (14) sub-themes were identified on experiences of nurses regarding COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation. These included understanding COVID-19 transmission/spread (patients-to-staff, staff-to-staff and through fomites), communicating the preventive protocols (social media, ward meetings and administrative memoranda), and attitude of nurses on the protocol’s implementation (growing apathy, discomfort in applying personal protective equipment (PPEs) and outright defiance). Nurses also experienced some challenges and inadequate support (progressive decline in supply of PPEs, infrequent supply of water and limited infrastructure), in addition to dealing with issues of protocols implementation in healthcare setting (inapplicability of social distancing in hospital setting and improvising PPEs). In conclusion, the nurses had varied experiences on COVID-19 preventive protocols implementation. The themes explored were mode of COVID-19 transmission, communication approaches, negative attitudes, inadequate logistics and inability to implement social distance. Overall, these affected the effective implementation of the protocols. Thus, health facilities should be provided with adequate logistics/supplies and trainings to enable nurses implement COVID-19 preventive protocols effectively.
The short and long-term impact of COVID-19 restrictions on women’s mental health in Mwanza, Tanzania: A longitudinal study
Authors: Stöckl Heidi , Mosha Neema , Dartnall Elizabeth , Ayieko Philip , Mtolela Grace , Mshana Gerry
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak had a profound impact on all countries in the world, leading governments to impose various forms of restrictions on social interactions and mobility, including complete lockdowns. While the impact of lockdowns on the emerging mental health crisis has been documented in high income countries, little is known whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic also effected mental health in settings with few or no COVID-19 restrictions in place. Our study therefore aimed to explore the impact of few and no COVID19 restrictions on the self-reported mental health of women in Mwanza, Tanzania. The longitudinal study integrated a nested phone survey with two time points into an existing longitudinal study in Mwanza, Tanzania. In total, 415 women who were part of an existing longitudinal study utilizing face-to-face interviews participated in both phone interviews, one conducted during COVID-19 restrictions and once after the restrictions had been lifted about the prior three months of their lives. They also participated in a face-to-face interview for the original longitudinal study three months later. Using a random effects model to assess changes in symptoms of poor mental health, measured through the SRQ20, we found a significant difference between the time during COVID-19 restrictions (20%) and after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted (15%), and after life resumed to pre-COVID-19 times (11%). Covid-19 related factors associated with poor symptoms of mental health during restrictions and after restrictions were lifted related to COVID-19 knowledge, behaviour change, economic livelihoods challenges, increased quarrels and intimate partner violence with partners and stress due to childcare issues. Despite Tanzania only imposing low levels of restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic still led to an increase in women’s reports of symptoms of poor mental health in this study, albeit not as pronounced as in settings with strict restrictions or lockdown. Governments need to be aware that even if no or low levels of restrictions are chosen, adequate support needs to be given to the population to avoid increased anxiety and challenges to economic livelihoods. In particular, attention needs to be given to the triple burden that women face in respect to reduced income generating activities, relationship pressures and increased childcaring responsibilities.
Diagnostic characteristics of the 20-minute whole blood clotting test in detecting venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy following carpet viper envenoming
Authors: Tianyi Frank-Leonel , Hamza Muhammad , Abubakar Saidu B. , Al Solaiss Jaffer , Trelfa Anna , Abdullahi Hadiza L. , Iliyasu Garba , Mohammed Nuhu , Mohammed Suleman A. , Casewell Nicholas R. , Harrison Robert A. , Lalloo David G. , Stienstra Ymkje , Habib Abdulrazaq G.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Envenoming by Echis spp. (carpet or saw-scaled vipers) causes haemorrhage and coagulopathy and represents a significant proportion of snakebites in the savannah regions of West Africa. Early diagnosis of envenoming is crucial in the management of these patients and there is limited evidence on the utility of the 20-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) in diagnosing venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC) following envenoming by Echis ocellatus.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Kaltungo General Hospital in North-eastern Nigeria from September 2019 to September 2021. Standardised 20WBCTs were conducted by trained hospital staff and citrated plasma samples were collected at numerous timepoints. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalised ratio (INR) were determined using a semi-automated analyser and INR values were calculated using international sensitivity indices (ISI). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and likelihood ratios of the 20WBCT compared to an INR ≥ 1.4 were calculated, alongside 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We enrolled 121 patients into our study, with a median age of 26 (18.0–35.0) years and a male predominance (75.2%). The 20WBCT was positive (abnormal) in 101 out of 121 patients at timepoint 0h, of which 95 had an INR ≥ 1.4, giving a sensitivity of 87.2% (95%CI 79.4–92.8). Among patients with a negative 20WBCT (normal), six had an INR < 1.4 giving a specificity of 50% (95%CI 21.1–78.9). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.7 (95%CI 1.6–1.9) and 0.3 (95%CI 0.1–0.4) respectively.

Conclusion

The 20WBCT is a simple, cheap, and easily accessible bedside test with a high sensitivity for the detection of patients with venom induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC) following envenoming by E. ocellatus, although false positives do occur. Repeated 20WBCTs can identify patients with new, persistent, and rebound coagulopathy.
Bouts of rest and physical activity in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Pernold Karin , Rullman Eric , Ulfhake Brun
Published: June 2023

The objective was to exploit the raw data output from a scalable home cage (type IIL IVC) monitoring (HCM) system (DVC®), to characterize pattern of undisrupted rest and physical activity (PA) of C57BL/6J mice. The system’s tracking algorithm show that mice in isolation spend 67% of the time in bouts of long rest (≥40s). Sixteen percent is physical activity (PA), split between local movements (6%) and locomotion (10%). Decomposition revealed that a day contains ˜7100 discrete bouts of short and long rest, local and locomotor movements. Mice travel ˜330m per day, mainly during the dark hours, while travelling speed is similar through the light-dark cycle. Locomotor bouts are usually <0.2m and <1% are >1m. Tracking revealed also fits of abnormal behaviour. The starting positions of the bouts showed no preference for the rear over the front of the cage floor, while there was a strong bias for the peripheral (75%) over the central floor area. The composition of bouts has a characteristic circadian pattern, however, intrusive husbandry routines increased bout fragmentation by ˜40%. Extracting electrode activations density (EAD) from the raw data yielded results close to those obtained with the tracking algorithm, with 81% of time in rest (<1 EAD s-1) and 19% in PA. Periods ≥40 s of file when no movement occurs and there is no EAD may correspond to periods of sleep (˜59% of file time). We confirm that EAD correlates closely with movement distance (rs>0.95) and the data agreed in ˜97% of the file time. Thus, albeit EAD being less informative it may serve as a proxy for PA and rest, enabling monitoring group housed mice. The data show that increasing density from one female to two males, and further to three male or female mice had the same effect size on EAD (˜2). In contrast, the EAD deviated significantly from this stepwise increase with 4 mice per cage, suggesting a crowdedness stress inducing sex specific adaptations. We conclude that informative metrics on rest and PA can be automatically extracted from the raw data flow in near-real time (< 1 hrs). As discussed, these metrics relay useful longitudinal information to those that use or care for the animals.
Accentuating the positive and eliminating the negative: Efficacy of TiO2 as digestibility index marker for poultry nutrition studies
Authors: Sprigg Colleen , Leftwich Philip T. , Burton Emily , Scholey Dawn , Bedford Michael R. , Brearley Charles A.
Published: June 2023

Inert digestibility index markers such as titanium dioxide are universally accepted to provide simple measurement of digestive tract retention and relative digestibility in poultry feeding trials. Their use underpins industry practice: specifically dosing regimens for adjunct enzymes added to animal feed. Among these, phytases, enzymes that degrade dietary phytate, inositol hexakisphosphate, represent a billion-dollar sector in an industry that raises ca. 70 billion chickens/annum. Unbeknown to the feed enzyme sector, is the growth in cell biology of use of titanium dioxide for enrichment of inositol phosphates from extracts of cells and tissues. The adoption of titanium dioxide in cell biology arises from its affinity under acid conditions for phosphates, suggesting that in feeding trial contexts that target phytate degradation this marker may not be as inert as assumed. We show that feed grade titanium dioxide enriches a mixed population of higher and lower inositol phosphates from acid solutions. Additionally, we compared the extractable inositol phosphates in gizzard and ileal digesta of 21day old male Ross 308 broilers fed three phytase doses (0, 500 and 6000 FTU/kg feed) and one inositol dose (2g/kg feed). This experiment was performed with or without titanium dioxide added as a digestibility index marker at a level of 0.5%, with all diets fed for 21 days. Analysis yielded no significant difference in effect of phytase inclusion in the presence or absence of titanium dioxide. Thus, despite the utility of titanium dioxide for recovery of inositol phosphates from biological samples, it seems that its use as an inert marker in digestibility trials is justified—as its inclusion in mash diets does not interfere with the recovery of inositol phosphates from digesta samples.
Improving models for student retention and graduation using Markov chains
Authors: Tedeschi Mason N. , Hose Tiana M. , Mehlman Emily K. , Franklin Scott , Wong Tony E.
Published: June 2023

Graduation rates are a key measure of the long-term efficacy of academic interventions. However, challenges to using traditional estimates of graduation rates for underrepresented students include inherently small sample sizes and high data requirements. Here, we show that a Markov model increases confidence and reduces biases in estimated graduation rates for underrepresented minority and first-generation students. We use a Learning Assistant program to demonstrate the Markov model’s strength for assessing program efficacy. We find that Learning Assistants in gateway science courses are associated with a 9% increase in the six-year graduation rate. These gains are larger for underrepresented minority (21%) and first-generation students (18%). Our results indicate that Learning Assistants can improve overall graduation rates and address inequalities in graduation rates for underrepresented students.
Lipopolysaccharide transport regulates bacterial sensitivity to a cell wall-degrading intermicrobial toxin
Authors: Trotta Kristine L. , Hayes Beth M. , Schneider Johannes P. , Wang Jing , Todor Horia , Rockefeller Grimes Patrick , Zhao Ziyi , Hatleberg William L. , Silvis Melanie R. , Kim Rachel , Koo Byoung Mo , Basler Marek , Chou Seemay
Published: June 2023

Gram-negative bacteria can antagonize neighboring microbes using a type VI secretion system (T6SS) to deliver toxins that target different essential cellular features. Despite the conserved nature of these targets, T6SS potency can vary across recipient species. To understand the functional basis of intrinsic T6SS susceptibility, we screened for essential Escherichia coli (Eco) genes that affect its survival when antagonized by a cell wall-degrading T6SS toxin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Tae1. We revealed genes associated with both the cell wall and a separate layer of the cell envelope, lipopolysaccharide, that modulate Tae1 toxicity in vivo. Disruption of genes in early lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis provided Eco with novel resistance to Tae1, despite significant cell wall degradation. These data suggest that Tae1 toxicity is determined not only by direct substrate damage, but also by indirect cell envelope homeostasis activities. We also found that Tae1-resistant Eco exhibited reduced cell wall synthesis and overall slowed growth, suggesting that reactive cell envelope maintenance pathways could promote, not prevent, self-lysis. Together, our study reveals the complex functional underpinnings of susceptibility to Tae1 and T6SS which regulate the impact of toxin-substrate interactions in vivo.
Estudos Feministas e Estudos de Género
Authors: Bebiano Adriana Silva Pereira
Published: June 2023

Nos últimos anos, adquirida a consciência da incompletude de um saber circunscrito a uma única disciplina, a interdisciplinaridade tornou-se quase obrigatória na investigação académica. Paradoxalmente, o trabalho interdisciplinar realizado é frequentemente confrontado com a dificuldade da validação científica, decorrente de uma eventual indefinição de categorias analíticas, metodologias e quadros teóricos. Os Estudos de Mulheres, Feministas e de Género (EMFG), sendo intrinsecamente interdisciplinares, e tendo por objetivo afirmar-se enquanto área de investigação autónoma, encontram frequentemente esta dificuldade. A partir da prática pedagógica e de investigação científica nesta área do conhecimento, este ensaio enuncia alguns dos problemas, soluções e paradoxos colocados pela interdisciplinaridade, procurando contribuir para o debate sobre o conceito e para o reconhecimento científico do trabalho interdisciplinar.
A direita radical portuguesa, o fim do império e as aspirações neocoloniais (1976-1980)
Authors: Madeira Bruno
Published: June 2023

O fim da guerra colonial, o reconhecimento do direito à autodeterminação dos povos das colónias africanas e a independência das mesmas são centrais na narrativa da direita radical na primeira década de democracia em Portugal. A meditação sobre o fim histórico de Portugal, o trauma com a dissolução do império e a rejeição do confinamento do país às suas fronteiras europeias é quase omnipresente na produção escrita em que, sobretudo entre 1976 e 1980, este campo político foi profícuo. Ecoando sempre a ideologia colonial do Estado Novo e o providencialismo nacionalista da Filosofia Portuguesa, os seus quadros e as suas publicações empenharam-se na formulação e na publicação de projetos de regresso a África. Este artigo pretende discutir e matizar essas propostas que visaram ainda reafirmar a vocação atlantista do país e rejeitar a adesão à Comunidade Económica Europeia, que, então, se afirmava como grande desígnio nacional.
Limites e possibilidades do feminismo português na primeira década do século XX, a partir da análise de 'Alma Feminina'
Authors: Almeida Jaqueline Moraes
Published: June 2023

A partir da crítica à narrativa que utiliza as ondas como metáfora (Laughlin et al. 2010), o objetivo do estudo centra-se na identificação e análise das disputas em torno do feminismo, no contexto português durante a década que inaugura o século XX. Alma Feminina – periódico de efêmera circulação (1907-1908), que teve Virgínia Quaresma como redatora-chefe – oferece evidências a respeito de tais disputas, além de apresentar propostas de emancipação feminina que dialogavam com projetos de futuro mais alargados, associados, por exemplo, às utopias do século XIX
O pouco e o muito à mesa na prosa de Irene Lisboa (1892-1958)
Authors: Braga Isabel Drumond
Published: June 2023

No âmbito do projeto Regimi alimentari, cibo e cultura materiale nelle grandi dittature, a decorrer na Università degli Studi Internazionale di Roma, visa-se o estudo da alimentação durante períodos de regime ditatorial. Este texto usa, em especial, a obra literária de Irene Lisboa (1892-1958) para perceber as dificuldades dos menos abastados, durante o Estado Novo em Portugal, vistas pela escrita de uma autora que, não raramente, usa um discurso autobiográfico. O confronto com outras fontes e a avaliação da literatura enquanto fonte para a história foram igualmente objeto de reflexão.
Helyből jobb? – A rövid alapanyagellátási lánc szerepe a magyar vidéki vendéglátás rendszerében
Authors: Csapody Bence
Published: June 2023

Jelen cikkben először a szezonális és a helyi alapanyagok vendéglátási ökoszisztémában betöltött szerepe kerül elemzésre termelői és vendéglátóhelyi perspektívából az elmúlt években megjelent szakirodalom alapján. Ezután az alkalmazott mélyinterjús kutatási módszertan jellegzetességei kerülnek bemutatásra. A vidéki vendéglátóhelyek képviselőinek és a termelőknek a bevonásával készített primer kutatás eredményeinek ismertetésével arra a kutatási kérdésre kaphatunk választ, hogy milyen szerepet töltenek be a helyi alapanyagok ma a magyar vidéki vendéglátás rendszerében. A kutatás célja, hogy a helyi alapanyagok vendéglátóhelyi alkalmazásának előnyeit és hátrányait, valamint az esetleges korlátait azonosítsa, továbbá felvázolja ezeket a szakmai és tudományos közösség számára a rövid értékláncok hatékonyabb működtetése érdekében.
A lassú turizmus szakirodalmi áttekintése
Authors: Balaban Eylül , Keller Krisztina
Published: June 2023

A tanulmány célja a lassú turizmus szakirodalmi áttekintése, amely során a Scimago és a ScienceDirect adatbázisokban megtalálható Q1 és Q2 szintű folyóiratokban 2010-2021 között angol nyelven megjelent tanulmányok kerültek vizsgálatra. A kutatás során 63 tanulmány vonatkozásában kerültek elemzésre a témakörben született publikációkat tartalmazó folyóiratok, a szerzők száma, a kulcsszavak, a kutatási módszerek, a vizsgált földrajzi kontextus és a témakörök. Elmondható, hogy a lassú turizmus, mint kutatási téma, a Covid19-pandémia alatt vált igazán népszerűvé. A lassú turizmus és a fenntarthatóság kapcsolata erős, a legtöbb releváns tanulmány a Journal of Sustainable Tourism folyóiratban jelent meg. A tanulmányokban a szűrés során használt lassú turizmus, lassú város és cittaslow szavak mellett a fenntartható turizmus, a turisztikai élmény és a Covid19-pandémia kifejezések szerepeltek leggyakrabban kulcsszóként. A témakört több megközelítésből vizsgálták a szerzők, a lassú turizmus és utazás mellett leginkább a viselkedési szándék és a komótos étkezés képezték a keretrendszert.
Treatment replanning in head and neck cancer radiotherapy: an investigation based on clinical dosimetry
Authors: Paca Sérgio Domingos Dunduma , Fortes Saulo Santos , Silva Leonardo Peres da , Carvalho Juliana
Published: June 2023

Radiotherapy is a medical specialty based on controlled use of ionizing radiation for therapeutic purposes. Patients submitted to external beam radiation therapy of head and neck may suffer anatomical changes during the course of treatment. Frequent causes of such variations are the reduction of tumor volume, the progression of the disease during the course of radiotherapy, the loss of weight, and other causes. The conventional treatments are made of 33 to 35 fractions. Thus, the interval of time between the treatment planning computed tomography (CT) and the conclusion of the treatment surpasses two months. Monitoring significant anatomical variations and making adjustments to the plans of radiotherapy during the course of radiotherapy could be a relevant strategy to achieve the objectives proposed for the treatments. The objective of this study was to analyze how the variations in volume of interest, both target structures and healthy tissues could affect the dose distribution in the patient in radiation therapy treatment of head and neck cancer. This analysis will be made through investigation of metrics dose-volume, volumetric variations of target structures, as well as the parotid glands, patient thickness in the cervical region, image fusion, and isodose surfaces plotted on the CTs. The timing to Replan head and neck cancer appears to be around the 15th fraction of treatment, however a study with a larger number of patients is necessary. In case of adaptive radiotherapy, reduction of mean dose in the ipsilateral parotid was observed in 100% of patients, while in the contralateral parotid reduction was observed in 80% of patients. The decision to replan head and neck cancer has benefit in the spinal cord and brainstem since this study showed reduction in the maximum dose in 70% of patients in case of treatment replan. Decrease of dose including 95% of volume and minimum dose in the PTV (mean percentage decrease observed was 7.71%) was observed in case of no treatment replan. Increase in the maximum dose in the PTV was observed, for which the mean percentage increase observed was 2.42%. Adaptive radiotherapy improves the coverage of target volumes as well as the doses in OARs.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Pomegranate Extract (Punica granatum L.) in Lip Balm Formulation
Authors: Kase Maria Grasela , Prasetyaningsih Aniek , Aditiyarini Dwi
Published: June 2023

Lips are a part of the face that does not have hair follicles making them easily dry and crack. Lipbalm is a beauty product that could be used to solve this problem by increasing lip moisture. However, the synthetic ingredient in commercial lip balm can have side effects on the body in the long term. Pomegranate fruit is one of the natural ingredients containing anthocyanin which can be used as a natural dye, antioxidant, and antibacterial. Therefore, this study was performed to study the potency of pomegranates as natural dyes, antioxidants, and antibacterial in lip balm. Pure pomegranate juice was obtained through squeeze step. Lip balm was prepared in several concentrations of pomegranate juice which were 0%, 12.5%, 18.75%, and 25%. Phytochemical screening shows the content of anthocyanin, saponin, tannin, and flavonoid. In this study, pomegranate juice has low antioxidant activity with IC50 449 ppm. Lip balm formula with 18.75% and 25% of pomegranate juice can inhibit the growth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
In-Vivo Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities of Solanum anomalum Leaf Extract and Fractions
Authors: Okokon Jude Efiom , Etuk Idongesit Charles , Udobang John Akpan , Ebong Nwakaego Omonigho
Published: June 2023

Solanum anomalum Thonn. ex Schumach. (family Solanaceae), an edible shrub whose fruits and leaves are used medicinally to treat diseases including diabetes was evaluated for effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes in vivo. The leaf extract (70-210 mg/kg) and fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, 140 mg/kg) of S. anomalum were evaluated in vivo for inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes using starch, sucrose and maltose as substrates. Acarbose was used as reference drug. The leaf extract especially middle dose (140 mg/kg) and fractions (ethyl acetate and hexane) caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in blood glucose levels of treated with the various substrates used. Ethyl acetate fraction exerted the highest inhibitory effect when starch and maltose were used as substrates followed by n-hexane and methanol. n-Hexane was the most active fraction followed by ethyl acetate when sucrose was used as substrate. The results suggest that the leaf extract and fractions of S. anomalum have the potentials to inhibit alpha amylase and glucosidase in rats.
Lupenone Isolated from Diospyros melanoxylon Bark Non-competitively Inhibits alpha-amylase Activity
Authors: Durgam Mohan Krishna , Vemuri Praveen Kumar , Bodiga Vijaya Lakshmi , Bodiga Sreedhar
Published: June 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that poses a serious global health problem, due to its associated effects on obesity and aging. Therapeutic strategies for targeting diabetes include the downregulation and/or inhibition of enzymes such as a-amylase and a-glucosidase, hydrolyzing the dietary carbohydrates in intestine. There is increasing interest for a-amylase inhibitors from natural sources. Our objective was to undertake the phytochemical screening of bark extracts of Diospyros melanoxylon for potential a-amylase inhibitory activity and further identification of the active principle and the underlying mechanisms of inhibition. Enzyme-assay guided fractionation of the Diospyros melanoxylon bark extract led to the isolation of a triterpene, Lupenone as a potential inhibitor of a-amylase, with a non-competitive inhibition and inhibitor constant = 30 mM. Lupenone-mediated inhibition of a-amylase responsible for the breakdown of dietary sugar may be effective in preventing postprandial hyperglycemia in the diabetic subjects.
Effects of Ouabain in Ehrlich Tumor Development in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Salmeron Amanda Costa Ayres , Calado Maria Beatriz , Antunes Mateus Da Silva Matias , Silva Gabriel Rodrigues Da , Carvalho Deyse Cristina Madruga , Souza Beatriz Fernandes de , Piuvezam Márcia Regina , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra
Published: June 2023

Ouabain (OUA) is a cardiotonic steroid with an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role in different experimental models. Currently, the potential antineoplastic effect of OUA has been studied, however, research is needed to better understand OUA role during tumor development. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the OUA effects on Ehrlich tumor (ET) development in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of OUA on ET in vitro the cells were incubated with different concentrations of OUA during 24h and 48h and our results showed that only the [1000 ?M] decreased the number and viability of ET cells in the two analyzed times. To study the OUA effects on ET in vivo, Swiss mice were pretreated with 0.56 mg/kg of OUA intraperitoneally (i.p.) for three consecutive days. To develop ET in the solid form, one hour after the last day of pretreatment, ET cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the footpad and the animals were monitored for 13 days. To develop the ascitic form, ET cells were inoculated (i.p.) and the animals were monitored for 3 days. OUA was able to reduce the thickness and weight of the tumor paw, in addition to reduce the weight of the popliteal lymph node. In the ascitic tumor, OUA reduced the number of neutrophils and macrophages and increased the lymphocytes in the peritoneum. Thus, we demonstrated that OUA affects ET development both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest a new perspective in the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and a possible anti-cancer role of ouabain and brings new concepts about the pathophysiological role of this substance.
Combination Interactive Effects of Gongronema latifolium Leaves and Picralima nitida Seeds Extracts on Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Egbuniwe Maureen Ifeyinwa , Ozoani Harrison Anezichukwu , Ajaghaku Amara Anwuchaepe , Mbagwu Ikechukwu Sonne , Orji Uchechukwu Harrison , Ajaghaku Daniel Lotanna
Published: June 2023

This study evaluated the combination interactive effects of G. latifolium leaves and P. nitida seed extracts using a metabolic glucose tolerance test. The plant samples were extracted separately using cold maceration and their acute toxicities were determined. Dose-response glucose tolerant tests of both plants were done using a 2 g/kg glucose load monitored over 0 – 1h. A 41% effect isobologram was used to determine the needed dose combinations according to the principle of Loewe’s additivity model. The glucose tolerant tests of dose pairs of the combined extracts were evaluated and their combination indices were calculated to determine the nature of their interaction. The ED41 of G. latifolium (GL) and P. nitida (PN) were 180 mg/kg and 254 mg/kg respectively. The percentage reductions of GL:PN (50:160); GL:PN (100:90); and GL:PN (150:30) dose pairs were 48.23, 50.76 and 42.99 % respectively. Their combination index were calculated to be 0.91, 0.91 and 0.95 respectively - an indication of synergistic interaction. Findings from this study validate the combined use of G. latifolium leaves and P. nitida seeds in folkloric medicine. However, combining the extracts of G. latifolium: P. nitida in the dose ratios of 50:160, 100:90 and 150:30 mg/kg gave the best dose pairs with synergistic outcome.
GLUT4 as A Protein Target for T2DM Therapy with Natural Compounds
Authors: Sutandar Vivi Hendra , Saleh Mgs. Irsan , Maritska Ziske
Published: June 2023

WHO reported 1.9 million death cases of diabetes patients in 2019. Diabetes is caused by damage in the pancreas which resulted in a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Medication for T2DM mainly focuses on lowering blood glucose and treating affected organs. Current medications are still lacking, thus research is needed in finding novel medications to accommodate T2DM. This paper aims to present the current research on potential plant extract in increasing GLUT4 translocation in diabetes conditions. insulin resistance state affecting GLUT4 translocation which is important in affecting glucose uptake. Some research shows that plant extract proved to be potential in increasing the translocation of GLUT4 and helping lowering blood glucose levels.
Potential Inhibition of ACE2 Membrane Protein by Flavone Glycosides for Blocking Entrance of SARS- CoV-2 into the Cells; a Computational Study
Authors: Ibrahim Ahsan , Haq Ehtisham Ul
Published: June 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2), since its emergence in Wuhan city of China in late 2019, had been a dilemma for the global healthcare system. Humongous efforts have been put in ascertaining the effective treatments for attenuation of the spread of corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this research study is to probe the potential inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) membrane protein by well-known flavone glycosides, hence preventing the binding of spike proteins with ACE2 and subsequent prevention of entry of SARS- CoV-2 inside the cells. The molecular docking analysis, for total ten flavone glycosides was carried out, that laid out propitious results in terms of binding energies towards the active residues of ACE2 protein with a range of -9.3 to -7.1 kcal/mol. The molecular dynamics simulation also yielded promising outcomes. The in-silico toxicity analysis of all the potential drug candidates was carried out that revealed that all the compounds were non-toxic and safe. Studies may be required for optimum formulation development using these compounds as a part of drug discovery and development phenomenon. This study may play a vital part in exploration of natural compounds in pharmacotherapy of COVID-19.
Simplicidad divina radical
Authors: Alvarado José Tomás
Published: June 2023

many philosophers have combined a Platonic metaphysics about abstract entities and a theistic conception according to which God is the creator of ‘heaven and earth’, of all ‘visible and ‘invisible’. Supposedly, God is the unique entity a se, i. e., the unique entity on which every other depends ontologically. It has been a traditional contention of Platonists, nevertheless, that abstract things, like universals or numbers, are independent. How are these theses compatible? Several critics have argued that they are not. A theist ontology imposes —for them— the outright rejection of Platonism or, eventually, a milder form of Platonism that substitutes universals and other abstracta by ‘concepts’ or ‘ideas’ in the divine intellect. Philosophers of Platonic convictions have tried to assuage the conflict introducing restrictions in divine aseity or by subjecting universals to some form of ‘absolute creation’. None of these attempts has been successful. In this work a different approach is presented and defended. It is argued that the universal of ‘deity’, W, is identical to God. This is a radicalization of the doctrine of divine simplicity.
Impact of Brand Creation in Disaster-Afflicted Areas on the “Sense of Restoration”: The Case of MIGAKI-ICHIGO
Authors:   Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Musashino University, Japan, Umeda Satoshi
Published: June 2023

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, private companies became important agents for performing reconstruction support activities. This study examines the impact of the reconstruction support activities undertaken by private companies following the 2011 earthquake. It presents a new framework for classifying such activities, focusing on business startups and reconstruction using the case of MIGAKIICHIGO, a luxury fruit brand representing Tohoku that has become prominent in the decade since the earthquake. A semi-structured interview with GRA, Inc.’s representative director, Hiroki Iwasa, was conducted to review the company’s intentions a decade after the earthquake. I prepared four questions in advance and asked other questions responding to the interviewee’s answers. The results indicate that the value of startups in reconstruction assistance arises when a company starts and during its corporate growth. This growth highlights the possibility that such companies become long-lasting reconstruction actors when compared with the reconstruction support activities undertaken by other private companies. These findings could serve as a reference for manufacturers and advertising companies who are considering reconstruction support activities and contribute to improving the quality of stakeholders’ reconstruction support activities. It also has multidisciplinary value by combining management science with earthquake reconstruction science.
Praktik Menuju Vagina yang Sempurna: Pendisiplinan dengan Beragam Produk untuk Daerah Kewanitaan
Authors: Putri Carolina Retmawati
Published: June 2023

AbstrakTubuh dan seksualitas perempuan selalu diatur mengikuti konstruksi yang berkembang di dalam masyarakat. Dalam hal kenikmatan seksual perempuan dituntut untuk bisa memuaskan pasangannya. Salah satu cara yang dilakukan adalah dengan memiliki penampilan yang menarik seperti yang diidealkan dalam masyarakat. Tidak hanya pada penampilan luarnya saja namun tuntutan tersebut juga berlaku untuk bagian tubuh yang paling private dari perempuan. Vagina sebagai organ yang paling intim juga mendapatkan pendisiplinan di dalam masyarakat. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara kualitatif dengan melihat praktik penggunaan produk-produk khusus untuk vagina yang dilakukan oleh para perempuan muda yang sudah memiliki aktifitas seksual yang aktif namun belum menikah. Pada akhirnya kesebelas perempuan muda sebagai informan penelitian, mencoba untuk memenuhi tuntutan yang terbentuk dalam konstruksi di masyarakat berkaitan dengan vaginanya. Cara yang mereka pilih adalah dengan memaksimalkan vaginanya menggunakan beragam produk-produk kimia khusus untuk vagina. Kata Kunci: seksualitas, vagina, pendisiplinan, dan produk kimia
Borobudur’s Changing Cultural Landscape and Genius Loci
Authors: Mladenović Katarina
Published: June 2023

Cultural landscape is produced socially trough space and time. Cultural landscape also refers to cultural heritage that is only focused on the cultural object but also on a wider context where it is placed. This is a qualitative descriptive study which observes historical data through the conceptual framework of genius loci. Data is collected through bibliography study with the focus on how political institutions observed and built the environmental image of the place. Political institutions define how the relationship between the natural and human-made environment is sought to exist. Worldviews that have changed from the inception of Borobudur cultural landscape to the present day were influencing ongoing shifts of values, beliefs and cultural relationship towards the place.
Humour in the Situational Comedy Balada Kampung Riwil
Authors: Candria Mytha
Published: June 2023

Humor is a universal human phenomenon that is culturally bounded. As an instance of expressive culture, humor communicates a set of beliefs and thoughts held by and shared in a community. This is the reason humor has for recent decades attracted the attention of anthropologists. A lot of humors are expressed in verbal language, and in this way linguistics, particularly pragmatics, provides an analytical tool to understand the meanings of humor. Humorous utterances in this study were taken from episode 118, entitled “Dyah Puspa Jaladri#1”, of a Javanese comic serial Balada Kampung Riwil. The data were analyzed using Grice’s Cooperative Principle to reveal the meanings behind the humor. The result shows that amusing effects arise when Grice’s maxims are intentionally flouted and humor in the serial serves various functions.
ANALISIS PERUBAHAN KONSENTRASI TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLID SECARA MULTITEMPORAL MENGGUNAKAN CITRA SENTINEL 2A (STUDI KASUS: DANAU RAWA PENING, JAWA TENGAH)
Authors: Sasmito Bandi , Bashit Nurhadi , Rachmadiana Erliza
Published: June 2023

AbstrakDanau Rawa Pening merupakan danau alami yang termasuk danau prioritas utama untuk dilakukan restorasi karena pertumbuhan eceng gondok yang tinggi. Pertumbuhan eceng gondok menyebabkan tertutupnya permukaan air danau dan penumpukan sedimen di dasar perairan. Sedimentasi adalah salah satu faktor penyebab munculnya Total Suspended Solid (TSS) yang menggambarkan kualitas perairan. Pemantauan perubahan kualitas perairan dapat dilakukan dengan melakukan pemetaan menggunakan metode pengindraan jauh. Pada penelitian ini pemetaan TSS dilakukan guna mencari algoritma empiris yang sesuai dengan kondisi Danau Rawa Pening dan menganalisis sebaran konsentrasi TSS melalui algoritma yang didapat. Metode yang digunakan dalam analisis konsentrasi TSS adalah pembangunan model algoritma melalui regresi data reflektan Citra Sentinel 2A tahun 2021 band 1 – 8A yang memiliki kemungkinan tinggi dalam penyerapan dan hamburan balik dari objek air dengan data TSS in situ. Percobaan penerapan regresi dipakai jika nilai  ≥ 0,5 yang menunjukkan adanya hubungan keterkaitan yang kuat antara variabel TSS in situ dan nilai reflektans band. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa 2 model dengan nilai  ≥ 0,5 yaitu model persamaan regresi berganda menggunakan ratio band , nilai  sebesar 0,620 dan persamaan regresinya . Sebaran konsentrasi TSS di Danau Rawa Pening memenuhi kriteria baku mutu air dengan sebagian besar berada pada kelas I dan sebagaian kecil berada kelas II, III, dan IV. Konsentrasi tertinggi menggunakan perhitungan algoritma ratio band 4/6 pada tahun 2021 sebesar 0 – 258,91 mg/L dan terendah pada tahun 2020 sebesar 0 – 6,13 mg/L.
Mechanical Performance Analysis of Geopolymer Concrete using Fly Ash Tanjung Jati B for Sustainable Construction Materials
Authors: Indriyantho Bobby Rio , Purwanto Purwanto , Riko Rydell
Published: June 2023

The use of concrete as the primary building construction material caused serious problems in the construction industry. Concrete is not regarded as an environmentally friendly material since the use of cement results in high carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. One effort to replace cement without reducing concrete strength is to use fly ash as a concrete ingredient, which is known as geopolymer concrete. The goal of this research was to determine the basic mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete and compare it to conventional concrete with the same material proportions. The mix design of the three different proportions with the ratio of aggregates to binder as 70% : 30%, 60% : 40% and 50% : 50% was maintained such that the concrete mix has a good workability. As a result, the so-called workable fly ash-based geopolymer concrete has higher compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity compared to conventional concrete, while its Poisson's ratio is slightly lower.
Economic Benefits and Challenges: Funding Tertiary Education for Economic Development in Greece
Authors: Stergiou Konstantinos , Sofia Anastasiou , Filippidis Konstantinos
Published: June 2023

It is often proposed that governments should devote resources toward tertiary education to the point where marginal social costs equal marginal social value. A critical challenge in evaluating the viability of financing higher education correlates with the difficulty of connecting educational inputs with output. The argument for investment in tertiary erudition hinges on technological advances and demographic change, whereby individuals require periodic retraining within the information age, and increasing labor productivity could reduce the effects of an aging population. The aim of the present work was to view the current system of funding tertiary education in Greece and review some evidence on the economic benefits of funding tertiary education in this Country.  In spite of funding obstacles, empirical evidence indicates that graduates improve economic output and social cohesion. Prioritize funding policies for equitable access, and investigate optimal levels of taxpayer subsidy in future research. While allocative problems permeate the higher education sector within different countries, observational and empirical evidence illustrate that graduates improve economic productivity and increase the tax revenues.  Overall, funding tertiary education promotes economic development in the global knowledge economy that is undergoing evolution. In addition to having direct effects on the quality of human capital, funding for postsecondary education also has indirect effects on research infrastructure, innovation and economic growth. Investments in higher education and research and development are essential for fostering economic growth, technological progress, and competitiveness.
Supporting the social inclusion of children and young adults with IDD and psychiatric comorbidities: Autobiographical narratives of practitioners and academics from Europe
Authors: Boyle Andrew , Abdulla Sam , Odrowąż-Coates Anna  , Tah Jude , Kiss Julien , Grung Rolf Magnus , Ahlström Margareta , Marsh Lynne
Published: June 2023

The article provides a reflection on the social inclusion of children and young people with IDD and associated psychiatric comorbidity through the eyes of practitioners and academics from Norway, Scotland, Sweden, and Romania. Using an autoethnographic approach to share the first-hand experiences of supporting children and young adults with IDD from the perspective of experienced practitioners, telling their stories (individual case studies) and mapping the challenges and successes (best practice) through these professional narratives. The article also acknowledges psychiatric comorbidity in young people with IDD and how psychiatric disorders can impact social inclusion. The results of the self-reflection of active practitioners involved with complex disabilities may serve as a guide for others in sharing best practices and facing difficulties. It also shows the policy developments on a timeline of their practice. Practice-informed issues clinicians and support staff face may aid the training and share the knowledge with other experts. The value added is the interprofessional exchange created by the international contributors.