bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encapsulation of Recombinant ACE-2 in Chitosan Nanoparticles for Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Guo Yigong , Baldelli Alberto , Shi Dai , Kitts David D , Pratap-Singh Anubuav , Singh Anika
Published: February 2025

COVID-19 infection continues globally with frequent emergence of unfamiliar SARS-CoV-2 variants acting to impair immunity conferred by vaccines. The competitive binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) to mimetic and act as a de-coy over that by native ACE-2 receptors on healthy human cells re-mains a practical approach to lessen viral spread. In this study, a therapeutic strategy was developed that targeted gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection using ACE-2 encapsulated in chi-tosan/tripolyphosphate cross-linked nanoparticles (NPs). Optimization conditions were determined by varying pH (4.0-6.5) and chitosan: ACE-2 mixing ratios (1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1), followed by choice of spray-drying (SD), freeze-drying (FD), or spray-freeze drying (SFD) with varying mannitol concentrations (0, 1:1, and 5:1 of total weight). The optimal formulation was achieved using a pH 5.5 with a mixing chitosan-ACE-2 ratio of 2:1; where ACE-2 loaded NPs had an average particle size of 303.7 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21, encapsula-tion efficiency (EE) of 98.4%, zeta potential of 6.8 mV, and ACE-2 loading content (LC) of 28.4%. In general, all drying methods main-tained the spherical shape of the NPs with varying mannitol concen-tration having a significant (P<0.05) effect. After reconstitution, all SD samples had a relatively low yield rate, but the ACE-2 NPs dehydrated specifically by SFD required a lower amount of added mannitol (1:1 of its total weight) and produced a higher yield rate (P<0.05) and similar PDI and EE values, along with relatively good particle size and LC. This formulation also produced a high ACE-2 release and uptake in differentiated Caco-2 cells; thus, representing an effective ACE-2 en-capsulation procedure for use with dry powders.
Shipping Patterns at the Port of Sines: Temporal analysis from 2010 to 2023
Authors: Batista Teresa , Rosa Luís , Borges Francisco António , Isbaex Crismeire , Martins Samuel
Published: February 2025

This study focuses on the analysis of the dwell time of vessels at the Port of Sines jurisdiction ar-ea, between 2010 and 2023, as an indicator of operational efficiency. A total of 157,515 records of vessel movements were analysed, using statistical modelling in Python. The overall average dwell time calculated for these 13 years was 0.55 days, for a medium number of port calls per year of 2199. This result highlights the operational efficiency of the Port of Sines, although the variability between the different terminals remains significant. The Multipurpose terminal regis-tered the longest dwell time (1.08 days), especially due to the diversity of cargo handled. In con-trast, the Container terminal had an average dwell time of 0.38 days. The anchoring frequency has emerged as critical for optimization. The implementation of the Just-in-Time principles is proposed as a strategy to reduce anchorage times, enhance coordination and collaboration within the operational chain, and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Notwithstanding the effi-ciency attained by the Port of Sines, this study suggests that further enhancement of its opera-tional efficiency is feasible and desirable. This would contribute to the sustainability agenda and reinforce the port's position in the global trade landscape.
Integrating Organic Fertilizers in Coconut Farming: Best Practices and Application Techniques
Authors: Atapattu Anjana J. , Nuwarapaksha Tharindu  D.
Published: February 2025

Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a pack-age for sustainable coconut production. This chapter looks at the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers which include compost, ver-micompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, and biofertilizers. Chapter fo-cuses on the best practices, application methods, time of application, frequency and rate of application of nutrients for coconut palm at various developmental stages. The chapter provides a detailed and systematic review of the environmental, economic and social im-pacts of organic fertilization. Benefits include enhanced soil health, biodiversity promo-tion, carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness, quality improvement of the yield, food secu-rity and possibilities of creating rural income. Issues including resource accessibility difficulties, nutrient deficiencies, and intensive labor requirement are explored in detail, as well as future trends that focus on advanced technologies, new research areas, and policy approaches. Thus, the chapter on organic fertilization as a coherent concept that can be applied to coconut production and other goals of environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development of agriculture.
FERMENZA Postbiotic Gel: A Comprehensive Dual Action Solution for Acne Vulgaris and Malassezia Folliculitis
Authors: Ghosh Sudip , Bhattacharya Munna
Published: February 2025

Acne vulgaris and Malassezia folliculitis are common dermatological conditions that require effective treatments to avoid antimicrobial resistance development. Natural postbiotic extracts, offers a potential alternative therapy due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-renewing properties. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy, chemical composition, and efficacy assessment of FERMENZA postbiotic gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris and malassezia folliculitis, in comparison to traditional antimicrobial treatments. Metabolite profiling of the postbiotic extract through LC-MS analysis revealed presence of compounds such as gallic acid and ellagic acid, which exhibit synergistic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The postbiotic extract and FERMENZA gel showed significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition rates of 85% and 81%, respectively, against P. acnes (MTCC 1951) compared to clindamycin 2% active ingredient. The MIC50 for FERMENZA postbiotic gel against P. acnes was 0.25 mg/ml. The MIC potency against M. furfur (MTCC 1374) was found to be 8 mg/ml in our previous study which was comparable to ketoconazole 2% active ingredient. Time-kill assays confirmed that FERMENZA gel reduced bacterial counts within 24 hours, with efficacy comparable to clindamycin 2% marketed gel. Nucleotide efflux assays indicated that postbiotic components compromised bacterial membrane integrity, causing leakage of intracellular contents. Stability studies showed that FERMENZA gel remained stable and within acceptable limits for all tested parameters over six months. Consumer trials indicated that FERMENZA gel provided superior pain relief and fading of acne spots compared to clindamycin, with a gentle, non-irritating formulation. This study positions FERMENZA postbiotic gel as a promising alternative for the treatment of Acne vulgaris and Malassezia folliculitis. The formulation's dual-action mechanism, driven by natural phenolic acids and polyphenols, provides an effective, sustainable solution without the risks of resistance development.
Impact of Modified Tabata Training on Segmental Fat Accumulation, Muscle Mass, Muscle Thickness, and Physical and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Overweight and Obese Participants: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Padkao Tadsawiya , Prasertsri Piyapong
Published: February 2025

This study was to examine changes in body fat, muscle mass, muscle thickness, and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese individuals following progressive Tabata training. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to either a Tabata group (progressive 4 cycles of body-weight high-intensity intermittent training at 75%-85% of maximum perceived exertion, 3 days/week for 12 weeks) and control group. Body composition, muscle thickness, strength and endurance, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were examined at baseline and after the training and compared between groups. Body fat percentage and fat mass did not change but waist-to-hip ratio was lower in Tabata group (p=0.043). Percentage of muscle mass of right (p=0.026) and left legs (p=0.043) were raised and muscle thickness of biceps, triceps, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius were increased in Tabata group (all p<0.05) and greater than in control group (p<0.05). Muscle strength and endurance were also increased in Tabata group (p<0.05) as well as VO2peak (p=0.006). Twelve weeks of modified Tabata training effectively increased muscle mass and thickness, and physical and cardiorespiratory fitness, although it did not reduce fat accumulation in overweight and obese. The combination of the training with a dietary intervention may yield more apparent impacts.
Integrating Multicultural Values in Surah Al-Hujurat Verse 13: An Analysis of Ibn Kathir's Exegesis and Its Relevance to Contemporary Society
Authors: Suardi Indra , Nurdiani Nurdiani , Sibawaihi Sibawaihi , Basri Hasan
Published: February 2025

In the context of globalization, contemporary society encounters significant obstacles in fostering unity within variety, frequently leading to identity conflicts stemming from the failure of individuals or groups to acknowledge and value differences. This study aims to analyze the concept of multicultural values in Al-Hujurat verse 13 through Ibn Kathir's Tafsir. The employed methodology is a literature review utilizing a content analysis approach. This study's findings indicate that, according to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the passage suggests that multiculturalism promotes appreciation for diversity, with piety serving as the primary criterion for an individual's nobility, rather than ethnic or racial identity. Furthermore, Islamic teachings advocate for the establishment of a harmonious existence within variety and denounce all types of prejudice based on ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

 

Berangkat dari kompleksnya interaksi antarbudaya di era globalisasi, masyarakat modern menghadapi tantangan besar dalam membangun kesatuan di tengah keberagaman, sering kali terjadi konflik identitas akibat ketidakmampuan individu atau kelompok untuk menerima dan menghargai perbedaan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengkaji konsep nilai multikultural yang terkandung dalam surah Al-Hujurat ayat 13 melalui analisis Tafsir Ibnu Katsir. Metode yang digunakan adalah studi kepustakaan dengan pendekatan analisis isi. Hasil penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa menurut Tafsir Ibnu Katsir, Ayat tersebut menyiratkan bahwa multikulturalisme mengajarkan penghargaan terhadap perbedaan, di mana takwa dijadikan sebagai ukuran utama kemuliaan seseorang, bukan berdasarkan identitas etnis atau ras. Selain itu, ajaran Islam mendukung terciptanya kehidupan yang harmonis di tengah keragaman, serta menolak segala bentuk diskriminasi yang didasarkan pada latar belakang etnis atau budaya.
Northern Hemisphere Stratospheric Temperature Response to External Forcing in Decadal Climate Simulations
Authors: Fahad Abdullah A. , Molod Andrea , Menemenlis Dimitris , Heimbach Patrick , Trayanov Atanas , Strobach Ehud , Coy Lawrence , Wargan Krzysztof
Published: February 2025

To predict the future state of the earth system on multiyear timescales, it is crucial to understand the response to the changing external radiative forcing (CO2 and Ozone). In this study, we use a 1-degree GEOS-MITgcm coupled general circulation model to understand the response to different levels of observed external forcing from past decades. Results from an ensemble of multi-year forecasts show the Northern Hemisphere polar stratospheric temperature increased during the period from 1992 to 2000, and decreased during 2000 to 2020. To isolate the influence of external forcing, 30-year long ensemble `perpetual' experiments were conducted in which the external forcing for a particular year is repeated, for 1992, 2000, and 2020. Each simulated year of these perpetual experiments is forced with the \coo{}, Ozone, anthropogenic aerosol emissions, and trace gases of that perpetual year but does not include any explosive volcanic forcing. This temperature increase from 1992 to 2000 is in contrast to the general expectation that the stratosphere cools as \coo{} increases. The increasing and then decreasing temperature trend is also manifest in several reanalyses, and also in CMIP6 historical simulations with a well-resolved stratosphere. The configuration of the perpetual experiments rules out either a response to volcanic emissions or a change in the phase of decadal modes of variability as an explanation for the warming rather than the expected cooling behavior. Analysis of the temperature budget showed that the behavior of the polar stratospheric temperature is dictated by the meridional eddy transport of heat as a result of changes in CO2 and Ozone in the past decades.
Housing quality and suitability and older people’s use of formal and unpaid care: improving access to care
Authors: Brimblecombe Nicola , Cartagena-Farias Javiera , Hu Bo , Stevens Madeleine , Rajagopalan Jayeeta
Published: February 2025

Good quality, suitable housing is an important part of preventing care needs, supporting people with care needs, and improving older people’s lives. However, many older people live in housing which is of poor quality and unsuitable for their needs; this is unequally distributed. While there is a developing literature on supported housing and long-term care, this is rather less on non-specialist housing, the type in which the vast majority of older people live. Informed by social determinants frameworks and the behavioural model of health service use, our mixed methods study sought to understand the relationship between housing condition and older people’s use of formal care or help from family and friends. Methods comprised secondary analysis of quantitative data from a large representative sample, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2012/2013 to 2018/2019), and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 72 people aged 65 and older with care needs and/or their unpaid carers living in five localities in England. We found that poor quality or unsuitable housing can affect use of formal and/or unpaid care in two ways – indirectly through increasing or precipitating care needs thus necessitating help from another person, and directly through being a barrier to receiving care. Poor housing acting as a barrier to care use can result in unmet need for support.
Examining the team’s creative intentions through digital task interdependencies, technological disruption, and digital human resource management: Jordanian SME’s
Authors: Almajali Tha’er Abdelwahab , Aledeinat Mazin , Ta'Amnha Mohammad A. , Magableh Ihab K. , Almajali Dmaithan
Published: February 2025

Employees’ intentions to generate and pursue ideas are necessary to maintain competitiveness. This pressurizes the managers to guarantee that digital human resource management (DHRM) can be used effectively to drive creative communication across work teams. Although the generation of collective ideas can enhance a team’s digital task interdependencies, the study argues that it does not promise to increase creativity intentions, especially in a situation of technological disruption. The study surveyed 421 respondents from 83 small and medium emprise’s (SME’s) in Jordan. The study applied PLS path modeling to analyze the data. Here the aim is to examine how technological disruption, digital task interdependencies, and DHRM predicts the creative intent of teams. The findings suggest that technological disruption, digital task interdependencies, and DHRM directly and positively affect the team’s creative intention. Given the highly volatile impact of technological disruption, DHRM, and the principle of digital task interdependencies, the managers and may put the practitioners in a position to enhance the team’s creativity and the intent to maintain competitiveness.
Crowdsourced online data as evidence of absence of non-target effects from the century-old introduction of Istocheta aldrichi for biological control of Popillia japonica in North America
Authors: Makovetski Victoria , Smith Andrew B.T. , Abram Paul K.
Published: February 2025

The vast majority of historical biological control introductions have not resulted in documented negative effects on non-target species. However, in some cases an absence of evidence of harm could be due to insufficient evidence of absence: that is, data specifically gathered to show that non-target species are not affected by the released biological control agent. The parasitoid fly Istocheta aldrichi (Mesnil) (Diptera: Tachinidae) was introduced to North America a century ago as a biological control agent targeting the invasive Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Despite its longstanding and widespread establishment, the host specificity of I. aldrichi remains underexplored due to a lack of dedicated post-release monitoring. Leveraging crowdsourced data from iNaturalist.org, we investigated potential non-target parasitism among scarab beetles observed within the current geographic range of I. aldrichi. The taxonomic accuracy of iNaturalist identifications was evaluated and curated. Our analysis of > 21,000 observations of non-target scarabs photographed within the geographic range of I. aldrichi suggests that I. aldrichi is highly specific to P. japonica. Candidate parasitoid eggs resembling those of I. aldrichi were extremely rare on non-target species, representing less than 0.001% of all observations and not exceeding 1.3% of observations for any individual non-target species. These findings provide evidence that non-target effects of I. aldrichi are likely negligible, at least with respect to the scarab species commonly observed on iNaturalist. They also show the potential for crowdsourced data to complement traditional methods assessing whether non-target ecological impacts may have resulted from past biological control introductions.
Can non-mandatory governance mechanism promote corporate green innovation—— Evidence from Internal Audit
Authors: Liu Guochao , Zhao Yufei , Guo Jianluan
Published: February 2025

Green innovation is a key strategy for enterprises to achieve sustainable development and is essential for countries to achieve high-quality economic growth. Green innovation is influenced by the corporate governance mechanism. Internal audit, as a non-mandatory system, plays a critical role in improving corporate governance, and, as a result, is crucial for enhancing corporate green innovation. This study collects and analyses data on internal auditing practices from Chinese listed companies between 2007 and 2022 to examine how internal auditing influence corporate green innovation. The results show that: (1) Internal auditing significantly enhances green innovation, with findings remaining robust after various robustness and endogeneity tests. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that internal audits promote corporate green innovation by improving executive awareness of environmental issues, increasing firms' risk tolerance, and reducing financialization, through a process of strategy implementation of “strategic choice and decision—risk assessment—resource allocation”. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that internal audits have a stronger impact on green innovation in firms with high internal control quality, non-state-owned enterprises, large-scale firms, and those with greater analyst attention. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the role of internal auditing in green innovation and provides insights for Chinese regulators to assess, guide, and improve internal audit practices in promoting sustainability.
Can Mobile Health Tools Increase Safe Health-Seeking Behaviour? A Mixed-Methods Exploration
Authors: Schmude Marcel , Gilbert Stephen , Larson Caroline Moor , Gqada Noxolo , Lemon Kris , Kotze Lauren , Omar Reza , January Ebrahim , Schlagenhauf Doreen , Azadzoy Hila , Mehrali Tauseef , Wolansky Leo , Kuzmak Gregory , Sebidi Jane , Kundi Vedika , Bergey François , Foda Asmaa , Cotte Fabienne
Published: February 2025

High maternal mortality rates persist as a critical challenge in low-resource settings. This study investigates whether integrating a Clinical AI (cAI) designed for symptom assessment (Ada) into a Whatsapp-based government platform (MomConnect) enhances self-care and health-seeking decision-making among pregnant women and mothers.
From May to June 2023, a mixed-methods study enrolled participants. A baseline survey captured initial care-seeking intentions, followed by cAI use and a one-week follow-up survey on actual behaviors. A physician panel reviewed randomly selected cases, comparing “most appropriate” and “safe” urgency ratings with the cAI’s advice, as well as participants’ intentions and actions. Among 968 participants, 44.8% changed their initial care-seeking intentions post-cAI, increasing safe decisions by 32.1% and appropriate decisions by 41.3%. The physician panel deemed the cAI’s advice safe in 98.4% of reviewed cases. A total of 86.3% faced multiple healthcare barriers, correlating with higher unsafe intentions. However, post-cAI, their actual behaviors matched those with fewer or no barriers.
Integrating a cAI into a government platform positively influenced maternal decision-making, reducing disparities in healthcare access. These findings underscore the value of AI-driven digital health tools in delivering timely, equitable care.
A New Bayesian Approach to Increase Measurement Accuracy Using a Precision Entropy Indicator
Authors: Domjan Peter , Angyal Viola , Bertalan Adam , Vingender Istvan , Dinya Elek
Published: February 2025

Background
Our developed Imprecision Entropy Indicator (IEI) represents a novel metric that quantifies the imprecision of data relative to a target based on entropy and statistical concentration. The analysis of data relative to a fixed target is crucial across various fields of healthcare, including radiotherapy, diagnostics, gene expression, and the delineation of surgical target areas. The study hypothesizes that the starting position of the target search influences search time, which can be attributed to the varying levels of uncertainty surrounding the target in addition to its distance.
Methods
The self-learning search algorithm was developed in Python, where the objective was to locate a target within a circle with a radius of 100 units, starting from a randomly assigned initial point. The search process guided Bayesian optimization based on the measured IEI indicator, minimizing uncertainty in the search steps. The search paths and the number of search steps were evaluated using 1,000 target searches and heatmaps. The algorithm's efficiency was compared with results from random search, random walk, and genetic algorithm methods. A one-way non-parametric ANOVA was used to analyse the effect of the starting point's quadrant placement on the number of search steps.
Results
The results showed that IEI indicator, machine learning successfully located the target in an average of 8.87 steps. The study examined the informational asymmetry surrounding the target area, which became measurable in the entropy field through the determination of the targeting direction. Due to the directionality, the starting quadrant of the search influenced the number of search steps, which ranged from an average of 7.69 to 9.53. ANOVA analysis
(p< 0.001) confirmed that the initial quadrant significantly affects the number of search steps.
Conclusion
The combined handling of concentration, uncertainty patterns in data, distance, and targeting direction opens a new dimension in optimizing search processes, which, when complemented by an adaptive self-learning system, can become a valuable tool for various healthcare applications. It was demonstrated that the uncertainty of scatter concentration in point diagrams can also be measured based on entropy.
Investigation of Nitrogen Conversion Efficiency in Hydrogen-based Autotrophic Nitrate Reduction Reactor
Authors: Zhao Yu-Fei , Lai Chun-Yu , Zhao He-Ping
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the performance of a hydrogen-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) for nitrogen transformation over an extended operational period exceeding 200 days. During operational monitoring, the reactor sustained highly alkaline conditions with pH consistently exceeding 11.20, while achieving an ammonia conversion efficiency above 60% and maintaining a nitrite accumulation rate below 1%. Integrated mass balance calculations and microbial community profiling revealed the coexistence of denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) pathways within the nitrogen transformation network. A factorial experimental design was implemented with hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent nitrate concentration as independent variables, generating nine distinct operational regimes through cross-variable permutations. Subsequent analysis of extensive experimental datasets enabled the development of a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model to simulate nitrogen conversion dynamics. Model validation confirmed the statistical reliability and predictive accuracy of the RSM framework. Critical analysis demonstrated that ammonia conversion efficiency in the hydrogen autotrophic nitrate reduction system exhibited significant correlation with individual variables themselves but showed negligible dependence on their interactive effects. These findings provide novel insights into process optimization strategies and theoretical understanding of nitrogen convention.
Lithium-ion Battery Waste as a Robust Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst for Seawater Splitting
Authors: Warczak Magdalena , Belka Katarzyna , Urbańska Weronika , Michalska Monika , Nwaji Njemuwa , Osial Magdalena
Published: February 2025

Electrocatalytic seawater splitting seems to be the most promising and urgent demand strategy for clean hydrogen energy production. Utilizing low-cost electrocatalysts is pivotal in the hydrogen economy, as seawater splitting can be made highly efficient and more economical. To meet these expectations, we proposed using lithium-ion battery waste, the black carbon mass left over from hydrometallurgical metal recovery, as an efficient and stable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performed in alkaline media. The SEM-EDS, XPS, XRD, XRF, and Raman analyses revealed that the composition and structure of the post-leached battery powders depend on the hydrometallurgical waste recycling conditions, which in turn affects their OER electrocatalytic activity. The electrochemical tests proved that Li-ion battery waste has remarkable OER catalytic performance with an overpotential of 344 mV and 239 mV, reaching 10 mA cm-2 in water splitting and in seawater splitting, respectively, which is only less than 85 mV and 100 mV higher than for benchmark RuO2 in water splitting and seawater splitting, respectively.
Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid composition of olive seed oil from the Moroccan Picholine variety
Authors: Hazzab Mohamed , Hasib Aziz , Elkacmi Reda , Boulli Abdelali , Khiraoui Abdelkarim
Published: February 2025

The preparation of table olives represents an important economic and social activity in the Mediterranean region, notably in Morocco. This sector generates large quantities of solid pollutants such as olive stones. ‘Moroccan Picholine’ is the most widely cultivated olive variety in Morocco due to its high adaptability as it known for its olive and oil productivity. The objective of this work is to extract the oil from the seeds of olive stones, determine its physicochemical parameters and study its fatty acid composition from the Moroccan Picholine. The seeds were obtained by crushing the stones and isolating the cellulose part, and oil was extracted from the olive seeds using the standard Soxhlet method. A series of indices have been determined in the course of the work, such as free acidity, the peroxide index, the specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270, the total phenol content and the unsaponifiable matter content. The results showed that the oils extracted from olive seeds (a by-product of table olive processing units) have an oil yield ranging from 26.5 to 43.6 %, an acidity between 5.16 and 7.87 % and normal peroxide values from 10.15 to 12.31 Meq O2/kg. In addition, olive seed oils contain high levels of phenols varying from 6.27 to 11.82 g EAG/kg. On the other hand, gas chromatographic analysis shows that this oil is of the oleic, linoleic type. The main fatty acids are, in order of importance, oleic acid (67.1-68.5%), linoleic acid (18.9-20.6%), palmitic acid (7.8-8.2%). All these results show that olive seed oil is a new source of vegetable oil for different sectors.
Physiology, growth, and metabolism of seed-derived cocoa varieties in response to field stress conditions
Authors: Aidoo Moses Kwame , Anokye Esther , Agyemang Mikhail Tettey , Ofori Atta , Arthur Alfred , Padi Francis Kwame
Published: February 2025

A total of fifteen best seed-derived cocoa varieties known for their high combining abilities for vigour and yield were evaluated at the vegetative stage between 29 to 39 months after planting. Environmental factors, physiology, growth, carbohydrate, carbon, and nitrogen metabolism resilience of the varieties in response to field stress conditions during wet and dry main growing seasons were evaluated. The plants were then subjected to the environmental stress conditions (high temperature, low rainfall, and soil moisture content) at dry growing season as stress conditions, compared to wet season as unstress conditions (optimum temperature, high rainfall, and soil moisture). Physiology and growth of the varieties during wet season or in dry season conditions did not differ significantly but differed in their response to the seasons. The varieties exhibited a tight stomatal regulation and reduced photochemical efficiency at various magnitudes. Leaves relative chlorophyll content unchanged with high relative water content culminating in the reduction of electrolyte leakage during dry season stress conditions. The varieties accumulated soluble sugars, starch, non-structural carbohydrate, carbon and nitrogen under high temperature, low rainfall, and soil moisture content during dry season. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships between the physiology, growth, and central carbon metabolism parameters. These findings were prominence in varieties AMAZ 15-15 x EQX 78, CRG 2029 x AMAZ 3-2, CRG 2029 x CRG 0314/102, CRG 9006 x AMAZ 3-2 and PA 150 x CRG 0314/102.
Antimicrobial, acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of essential oils from Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum and Anethum graveolens
Authors: Ferreira Ianca Carneiro , Batista Luís Roberto , Caetano Alex Rodrigues Silva , Campolina Gabriela Aguiar , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Evangelista Suzana Reis , Oliveira Cassia Duarte , Freire Carolina Salles , Alves Marcus Vinicius Prado , Nelson David Lee , Cardoso Maria das Graças
Published: February 2025

Essential oils have received attention because they contain a variety of terpene and phenylpropanoid compounds that are responsible for their biological activities. Some plants, such as spices, are rich in these substances, in addition to being widely used in gastronomy. Therefore, the chemical composition and the antioxidant, anticholinesterase and biological activities of the essential oils from Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum and Anethum graveolens against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the fungi Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus were evaluated. The essential oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation technique and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID. The principal constituents found were linalool, carvone and diallyl trisulfide in the essential oils from C. sativum, A. graveolens and A. sativum, respectively. C. sativum and A. graveolens were observed to be the most efficient in controlling bacterial growth, and the growth of both fungi was completely inhibited by the essential oil from A. sativum at all the concentrations tested. For C. sativum and A. graveolens, a dose-dependent relationship with the concentrations was observed for the antifungal activity. A decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in the presence of the A. sativum oil was observed, and the IC50 was 9.67 µg mL-1. Satisfactory results in the antioxidant assay using thiobarbituric acid and in the reduction of the phosphomolybdenum complex were only observed with the oil from C. sativum. A. sativum was found to be the most promising species for the development of sanitizers, drugs and agrochemicals.
Identifying the Skills Parents of Gifted Children Need to Support Their Children’s Development
Authors: Leana Taşcılar Marilena
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to identify the skills parents of gifted children need to support their children’s development.
Method: Nine parents of gifted children (GC) participated in this study, which was designed using a basic qualitative research method. Data were collected by conducting a focus group interview. Content analysis method was employed in the data analysis to determine what kind of skills the parents needed based on their experiences.
Findings: The analysis identified six main themes: 1) the parent’s ability to know themselves, 2) the ability to support the resilience of GC, 3) the ability to support the autonomous learning and self-regulation of GC, 4) the ability to support the talent development of GC, 5) the ability to support the social development of GC, and 6) the ability to mentor GC. The parents stated that they first should know and develop themselves to support their gifted children. Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of improving resilience skills that can support their children’s emotional processes. The parents needed skills to support their children's adaptation and friendship processes, autonomous learning, taking responsibility, studying on their own, and talent development. They also needed guidance and mentoring skills in future planning.
Discussion: Despite few studies on the subject, the findings of the present research are similar to the results of other studies revealing the needs of gifted children’s parents. The findings were discussed within the framework of the results of previous research and the resulting themes. Accordingly, it is emphazied that skill-based interventions addressing the needs of parents of gifted children are crucial for fostering parental development and enhancing their ability to support their children effectively.
Impact of elevated soil temperatures on disinfection byproduct dynamics and coagulation efficiency in soil runoff as a drinking water source
Authors: Arifianingsih Nur Novilina , Qadafi Muammar , Tung Hsin-hsin
Published: February 2025

Extreme heat events, such as heat waves, can alter soil properties and runoff water quality, impacting its suitability for drinking water. This study examines how short-term soil exposure to high temperatures (25, 45, and 65 °C) affects the formation of disinfection byproduct precursors in runoff and assesses the effectiveness of enhanced coagulation in reducing these precursors in chlorinated runoff. The findings reveal that extreme heat significantly increases soil respiration, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved organic nitrogen levels in runoff. Additionally, concentrations of haloacetic acids (HAA), haloacetonitriles (HAN), and haloketones (HK) consistently rise with increasing temperatures, whereas trihalomethanes (THM) and trichloronitromethane (TCNM) levels show variable patterns. Notably, at 65 °C, the cytotoxicity potency of DBPs is 1.3 times greater than at 25 °C. Enhanced coagulation effectively reduces THM formation by 41–47%, HAA by 47–50%, HAN by 22–28%, and TCNM by 49–61% but it also increases HK formation by up to 54% at 65 °C. The results underscore the critical need to consider the impact of extreme soil surface temperature on DBP precursor formation in runoff, which has significant implications for human health and environmental safety.
Suscetibilidade à inundação de lagos glaciais na sub-bacia Chajolpaya, norte da Cordilheira Real, Bolívia
Authors: Bertoldi Séfora , Rosa Kátia Kellem da , Ribeiro Rafael da Rocha , Petsch Carina
Published: February 2025

Grande parte das geleiras em todo o planeta vem sofrendo retração nas últimas décadas como resposta às mudanças climáticas globais. A perda de área das geleiras em todas as regiões do mundo, ao longo dos séculos XX e XXI, resultou em aumento de lagos glaciais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a suscetibilidade de inundação associada aos lagos glaciais alimentados por geleiras tropicais, localizadas em uma área de estudo piloto da sub-bacia Chajolpaya, no norte da Cordilheira Real, Bolívia, utilizando a metodologia AHP - Análise Hierárquica Ponderada, com auxílio de ferramentas de sensoriamento remoto e geoprocessamento. Foram utilizadas imagens de satélite, referentes aos anos de 1999, 2011, 2015 e 2022, a partir das quais foram selecionados 16 lagos glaciais na área de estudo, mediante critérios estabelecidos, para serem analisados e monitorados. Os resultados encontrados indicaram que dois lagos possuem muito alta suscetibilidade à inundação (GLOF - Glacial Lake Outburst Flood), quatro lagos possuem alta suscetibilidade a GLOF, seis lagos possuem média suscetibilidade, nenhum lago possui baixa suscetibilidade e quatro possuem muito baixa suscetibilidade a GLOF. Tais resultados indicam a existência de riscos criosféricos associados aos lagos de muito alto e alto risco, e que podem impactar as comunidades a jusante.
Impacto do fogo sobre a macrofauna edáfica em área de cerrado no município de São João do Sóter – MA
Authors: Formiga Luiza Daiana Araújo da Silva , Gonçalves Márcia Verônica Pereira , Conceição Camila Braga da , Furtado Rodrigo de Souza , Silva Maira Rebeca de Alencar Costa , Melo Luenne Vitória Silva Oliveira , Costa Daniel da Silva , Franco Cleilton Lima
Published: February 2025

O estudo da macrofauna edáfica é utilizado no monitoramento de perturbações ambientais e de áreas degradadas. O fogo é um dos agentes com maior potencialidade de modificar drasticamente o ambiente e a paisagem, podendo gerar danos ambientais e econômicos. O trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o efeito do fogo sobre a comunidade da macrofauna edáfica em área de cerrado. O material foi coletado no período chuvoso (março de 2021) no Povoado Serra do Cajuí município de São João do Sóter – Caxias MA. Para coleta dos espécimes utilizou-se armadilhas do tipo pitfall. Foram delimitados 15 pontos com distância de 450m entre si. Estes pontos foram demarcados em Área queimada (Área 1), pouco queimada (Área 2) e não queimada (Área 3). Foram encontrados um total de 3.876 indivíduos distribuídos em 11 ordens, sendo que foram encontradas 8 ordens na Área 1, 10 ordens na Área 2 e 9 ordens na Área 3. A Área 2 apresentou a maior abundância, sendo entre as três Áreas, a ordem Hymenoptera a mais abundante, dominante e frequente. A Área 1 apresentou o maior índice de Diversidade e Uniformidade e a Área 2 apresentou o maior índice de Riqueza. O estimador de riqueza sugere maior esforço amostral.
Análise dos efeitos da refração no monitoramento de barragens Estudo de Caso UHE Governador Jayme Canet Junior
Authors: Wiggers Dayane , Faggion Pedro Luis , Cruz Wander da , Jerke Andreas , Alves Samir de Souza Oliveira
Published: February 2025

A influência da refração atmosférica no monitoramento de barragens é um tema que requer estudo e discussão, em função das variações das condições atmosféricos causadas por características próprias região. O local de estudo é a barragem da Usina Hidrelétrica Governador Jayme Canet Junior, localizada entre os municípios de Ortigueira e Telêmaco Borba, no estado do Paraná. Em função da construção da barragem a região apresenta uma grande área inundada e a jusante uma grande estrutura em concreto compactado a rolo (CCR) que absorve a radiação solar ao longo do dia, de forma a gerar um gradiente de temperatura importante. A pesquisa avaliou as variações de temperatura pressão e umidade ao longo do dia na determinação de coordenadas de pontos de monitoramento, utilizando irradiação topográfica com estação total, juntamente com um sistema de busca automática do ponto a ser monitorado. Para tal, realizou um levantamento, destes pontos, a partir de três marcos geodésicos distintos, dois a montante e um a jusante, com o propósito de calcular as coordenadas de dois marcos geodésicos situados na crista da barragem denominados CG01 e CG02. Os resultados mostram que, mesmo após a correção das distâncias em função das condições meteorológicas, as coordenadas calculadas apresentaram discrepâncias e está variação sugere que os possíveis erros podem ser, devido a efeitos da refração nas medidas das direções horizontais e ângulos verticais, pois observamos um comportamento onde as coordenadas médias são mais influenciadas pelo ponto ocupado no levantamento do que pelo período do dia. Analisando as elipses de erro é possível verificar que as maiores variações foram no período da manhã, o que sugere que a incidência solar pode causar uma alteração do índice de refração na região e consequentemente nas coordenadas.
A percepção como indicador para melhorias em diagnósticos ambientais prévios de parques eólicos
Authors: Freitas Kauane , Farias Lanna , Cabral Sofia Oliveira , Queiros Arthur , Calabuig Cecilia
Published: February 2025

O Rio Grande do Norte (RN) é o estado com maior geração de energia eólica no Brasil. Parques eólicos estão entre os empreendimentos que geram impactos ambientais significativos e as populações próximas a esses são as mais afetadas. Quando trata-se de parques com produção estimada acima de 10MW, a apresentação de Estudo de Impacto Ambiental e o Relatório de Impacto Ambiental (EIA/RIMA) é necessário. Baseando-se na análise de percepção ambiental da população afetada por empreendimentos, é possível propor indicadores de impactos nas esferas econômica, social e ambiental, que contribuem no levantamento prévio de impactos ambientais e, subsidiam futuros EIAs/RIMAs. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o levantamento, através de dados secundários, de impactos identificados pela percepção ambiental de moradores próximos à parques eólicos de municípios do RN e compará-los com os identificados previamente na parte socioeconômica dos EIAs/RIMAs. O presente estudo traz à luz aspectos relevantes que durante e após a construção desses tipos de empreendimentos devem ser considerados através da percepção ambiental da população. Entretanto, não estão presentes em EIAs/RIMAs. Assim, torna-se uma pesquisa importante para que órgãos ambientais e empresas de consultoria ambiental que solicitam e realizam os EIAs/RIMAs respectivamente, considerem como indicadores prévios de impactos ambientais sociais.
Efeitos ópticos em gemas produzidas a partir de cristais de feldspato.
Authors: Bolonini Thiago Motta , Godoy Antônio Misson
Published: February 2025

Este artigo revisa os efeitos ópticos dos feldspatos, um grupo de minerais com várias aplicações, incluindo a joalheria. Os feldspatos são divididos em alcalinos e plagioclásios, e apresentam efeitos como adularescência, labradorescência e aventurescência, dependendo do intercrescimento mineral. O artigo discute as variedades de gemas de feldspato, como pedra da lua, labradorita e pedra do sol, e destaca a importância da orientação do cristal na lapidação para maximizar os efeitos ópticos. O artigo conclui que mais pesquisas sobre as propriedades ópticas do feldspato podem melhorar as técnicas de processamento de gemas e o conhecimento mineralógico.
Palavras-chave: efeitos óptico, gema, feldspato.
Análise multitemporal do uso e cobertura da terra na Reserva Extrativista Marinha da Baía do Iguape - Recôncavo Baiano
Authors: Souza Ivonice Sena de , Souza Ana Paula Sena de , Souza Rosemeri Melo e
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to analyze land use and land cover dynamics at the Iguape Bay Marine Extractive Reserve (RESEX) employing Landsat images from 1986, 1994, 2003, 2017 and 2022. The Iguape Bay RESEX covers the municipalities of Cachoeira, São Félix and Maragogipe, located in the Bahian Recôncavo region. The employed methodological procedures comprised a bibliographic research, geographic database organization in a GIS environment, data tabulation, digital image processing and map production. Land use and land cover mapping was carried out by the vectorization method. Mapping accuracy encompassing global and Kappa index accuracies was above 90%. Mangrove area expansion by 1.8 km 2 , agricultural class reduction and increase in dense Atlantic Rainforest remnants were noted at the Iguape Bay RESEX over the last 36 years (1986 to 2022). In this context, multitemporal land use and land cover analyses become paramount, as they allow for furthering knowledge on targets exposed to the probable impacts of rising mean sea levels, contributing to REEX coastal planning and management and the formulation of public policies aimed at local fishing communities.
Estabilidade nas estradas da Amazônia brasileira: um recorte da BR-010 no Estado do Pará
Authors: Silva Eduardo Francisco da , Oliveira Fernando Andrade de , Amora Piera Brenda Coelho , Fonseca Arthur Iven Tavares
Published: February 2025

O modal rodoviário foi implantado no Brasil a partir dos anos de 1930, sendo intensificado a partir dos anos de 1960 com os projetos de integração nacional. A construção de uma rodovia requer, dentre outras, a aplicação de diversas soluções de geotecnia para a correta execução do projeto. Os taludes de corte e aterro são frequentes, especialmente em regiões de relevo acidentado, com aclives e declives. Neste trabalho foram analisados seis taludes de corte em aproximadamente 36 Km da rodovia BR-010, entre os municípios de Paragominas e Ipixuna do Pará, no Estado do Pará. Os taludes analisados apresentam fator de segurança dentro dos limites recomendáveis, no entanto, problemas de erosão e movimentos gravitacionais de massa ocorrem na maioria deles. Os taludes necessitam de tratamento preventivo para evitar que as quedas de bloco e os escorregamentos provoquem a interrupção da pista, com potencial para trazer danos a vidas humanas, ambientais e econômicos.
Влияние цвета на успешность запоминания культурных ландшафтов
Authors: Грибер Юлия А.
Published: February 2025

Introduction. Color is an important factor influencing success in scene recognition memory. It has been experimentally proven that the mechanisms for color participation in the perception of natural and anthropogenic landscapes are fundamentally different. We continued to study the impact of color on visual memory and provide the first experimental evidence for the role of color in memorizing scenes containing natural and anthropogenic components (cultural landscapes). Methods. The study sample comprised 154 subjects (45 males) aged 18-66 years (mean age = 24.88, SD = 9.28). A continuous recognition task was used to simulate the process of how people see and recognize images in the real world. First (at the encoding step), participants were shown a sequence of 36 color and black-and-white photographs of various types of cultural landscapes on a computer monitor. Experimental stimuli followed each other in a random order with an exposure of 64, 128, 300, or 2000 ms; the interval between presentations was 7000 ms. Then (at the recognition step) the same 36 photographs were presented with the equal number of duplicate stimuli. Half of the stimuli were the same as in the memorization stage; for the second half, the color conditions were changed. Participants had to determine the images that had already been shown in the first stage of the experiment and those they had seen for the first time. Results. Color plays an important role in the encoding phase in designed and naturally evolved landscapes. On the contrary, in associative landscapes color is important in the recognition phase as a part of the representation of complex images in episodic memory. Discussion. The results showed that the patterns of recognition of cultural landscapes differed from the reception of both natural and anthropogenic landscapes and were related to the degree of cultural development of the original natural environment.