bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
СТАН ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ПОПУЛЯЦІЙ РІДКІСНИХ І ЗНИКАЮЧИХ ВИДІВ РОСЛИН У ФЛОРІ ЛЬВІВЩИНИ
Authors: Павлишак Ярослава Ярославівна
Published: May 2023

Унаслідок деградації природних осередків рослинності швидкими темпами вимирають популяції раритетних видів рослин. Багатьом рослинам загрожує зникнення саме через порушення умов місцезростань, спричинених розорюванням земель, вирубуванням лісів. Такі процеси, як урбанізація та рекреаційне навантаження, неконтрольований туризм, спричиняють зменшення чисельності та ставлять під загрозу зникнення багатьох видів рослин, насамперед із лікарськими та декоративними властивостями. У зв’язку із цим особливого державного, наукового та практичного значення набуває охорона всього рослинного світу, особливо рідкісних і таких, що зникають, видів. Одним з основних завдань дослідження є виявлення таких, що зникають, видів рослин, які охороняються на державному та регіональному рівнях, постійний їх моніторинг, розроблення рекомендацій із метою збереження та відтворення фіторозмаїття. У статті представлено результати дослідження рідкісних і таких, що зникають, видів рослин Дрогобицького району (с. Рівне). Визначено систематичний склад, установлено рясність, визначено екологоценотичну структуру. З’ясовано, що флора району налічує 30 видів рідкісних і таких, що зникають, видів, які належать до 29 родів, 21 родини та 2 відділів. Відділ Magnoliophyta налічує 29 видів (96,6%), із яких на Liliopsida припадає 40,0%, Magnoliopsida – 56,6%. Відділ Lycopodiophyta, монотипний, містить лише 1 вид (3,4%). Найчисельнішими є родини Orchidaceae, Ranunculaceae, які налічують по 4 види, що становить 13,3%. Родини Rosaceae, Amaryllidaceae та Iridaceae налічують по 2 види (6,6%). Виявлено, що серед рослин домінує неморальний флороценотип 43,4% (13 видів), лучний флороценотип становить 40,0% (12 видів). Незначну частину становить гігрофільний спектр флори, що налічує 5 (16,6%) видів. За життєвими формами найчисленнішими є криптофіти (53,3%), друге місце посідають гемікриптофіти (33,3%).
The Zappa method for ascertaining business continuity and its application in the 1934 Comit Report
Authors: Baldissera Annalisa
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The verification of business continuity has significant theoretical and empirical implications, the complexity of which is amplified in large companies such as the Banca Commerciale Italiana analysed in this study. Aim of the work. This study aims to reconstruct Zappa's method of ascertaining business continuity, both from the point of view of its founding theoretical princi-ples and its concrete application. Methodological approach. The study combined two methodologies: (a) a literature review to analyse Zappa's works published up to 1935, the year in which the Comit Report was drafted; and (b) a case study to investigate the 1934 Comit Report, drawn up by Zappa on behalf of the Presidency of the I.R.I. Main findings. This study identified Gino Zappa's interpretative paradigms and elaborated an explanatory scheme for his method. Originality. The originality of this study lies in the unitary composition of Zappa's procedure through the empirical confirmation of his theoretical postulates.
The musical, cultural and financial life and legacy of Tito Schipa
Authors: Adamo Stefano , Alexander David , Fasiello Roberta , Junior Schipa Tito
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The article, multidimensional and multi-media in scope and sources, represents, from an accounting history perspective, the social, economic and polit-ical events influencing opera theatre and the opera tenor Tito Schipa. Aim of the work: The study presents a social and cultural real accounting-based story, linking accounting, patronage, politics, artistry and heritage, referring to ac-countability in both financial and non-financial terms. Methodological approach: The article uses a qualitative research method explor-ing, from both primary and secondary data, the epiphanies having a significant im-pact on Tito Schipa's personal and professional life. Main findings: The work develops and applies a framework of accountability in the context of opera theatre considering the influences of patronage and Fascism, and represents an example of the effects of economic and political changes on artists and of the relations of power within which accounting is embedded. Originality: The research adopts an exploratory and creative multi-media approach in using oral/aural, financial and private archive sources and it explores the Tito Schipa's life and career, largely unknown, and the related ‘accounting' information.
The Importance of Representative Sampling for Home Range Estimation in Field Primatology
Authors: Jacobson Odd , Barrett Brendan , Crofoot Margaret , Perry Susan , Hench Kosmas , Finerty Genevieve
Published: May 2023

Understanding the amount of space required by animals to fulfill their biological needs is essential for comprehending their behavior, their ecological role within their community, and for effective conservation planning and resource management. Habituated primates are often studied using handheld GPS data, which provides detailed movement information that can link patterns of ranging and space-use to the behavioral decisions that generate these patterns. However, this data may not accurately represent an animal's total movements, posing challenges when the desired inference is at the home range scale. To address this, we used a rich 13-year dataset from 11 groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) to examine the impact of sampling elements, such as sample size and regularity, on home range estimation accuracy. We found that accurate home range estimation is feasible with relatively small sample sizes and irregular sampling, as long as the data are collected over extended time periods. Concentrated sampling can lead to bias and overconfidence due to uncaptured variations in space-use and underlying movement behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to develop sampling protocols that provide adequate temporal coverage and consider the movement behaviors of the study species.
Evaluación de pórticos concéntricos en V, V invertida y en k y su impacto en el diseño de un edificio de acero de 7 pisos
Authors: Salinas Villegas Edisson Xavier , Espín Lagos Segundo Manuel , Vélez Niacato Adriana Marina , Guamanquispe Toasa Jorge Patricio , Freire Romero Diego Rafael
Published: May 2023

Introducción: en este estudio, se realizó una evaluación entre tres tipos de pórticos con arriostramientos: Pórticos con arriostramiento en V, Pórticos con arriostramiento en V Invertida y Pórticos con arriostramiento en K para edificios de siete pisos de acuerdo con los códigos nacionales y estadounidense. Metodología: se comenzó con un diseño preliminar de los elementos estructurales de columnas principales y secundarias, vigas, losas y entrecruzamientos, seguido del diseño correspondiente, y primero se comprobó la compresibilidad y flexibilidad de cada elemento. Objetivos: analizar el diseño comparativo de un edificio con estructura de acero arriostrada concéntricamente en V, en V invertida y en K. Realizar un análisis sísmico de un sistema con arriostramientos concéntricos en V, V invertida y k. Identificar modelos estructurales apropiados que cumplan con los requisitos de diseño de edificios. Resultados: con la ayuda de un software de elementos finitos, se modela cada elemento estructural, se ingresan las propiedades y especificaciones de sus elementos, se realiza un análisis estático y dinámico y, para este propósito, se determinan las combinaciones de carga y los espectros, así como la configuración de distribución y elevación, así como las zonas sísmicas de acuerdo con el diseño revisado, todo lo cual hace que la estructura de 7 pisos sea sismorresistente de acuerdo con todos los estándares de inspección de edificios especificados por la normativa Ecuatoriana (NEC 2015). También se comparó los tres tipos diferentes de arriostramiento y un análisis del costo de estructuras con los tres arriostramientos. Conclusiones: al final, se concluyó que el arriostramiento en V invertida fue el mejor tipo de diseño porque tuvo menos deriva que los dos diseños anteriores con un valor de menos del 2% y tuvo un buen desempeño estructural en comparación con otras comprobaciones en el diseño anterior.  En el artículo, el análisis dinámico corresponde a X e Y más del 80 %, el análisis de rotación es inferior al 30 % y la participación de masa es superior al 90 %. Área de estudio general: Ingeniería Civil y Mecánica. Área de estudio específica: Estructuras metálicas.
PERAN EDITOR DALAM PEMBUATAN KARYA DOKUMENTER BERJUDUL “TERBAWA”
Authors: Rohendra Angga Ramadian , Dianta M.Sn Arya
Published: May 2023

Film bersifat audio visual artinya berisi gambar dan suara yang hidup sehingga mampu menceritakan banyak hal dalam waktu singkat, film juga diyakini sebagai alat komunikasi yang baik terhadap masyarakat atau penonton yang akan menjadi sasarannya. Maka dari itu pencipta membuat sebuah film untuk menceritakan tentang kisah gaya hidup tokoh "Bimo" yang terlihat mewah namun tidak sesuai dengan realita status ekonomi yang ia miliki, film ini dikemas menjadi film dokumenter drama berjudul "Terbawa" yang di dalamnya terdapat nilai-nilai kehidupan di masyarakat, khususnya pesan moral yang akan disampaikan. Dalam penciptaan ini penulis sebagai sutradara yang memiliki tanggung jawab pada proses pembuatan film berlangsung dimulai dari tahap pra produksi, produksi, dan pasca produksi serta memastikan agar sebuah produksi film berjalan sesuai script agar film yang dihasilkan sesuai apa yang diharapkan. Tujuan dibuatnya film dokumenter ini yaitu untuk memberikan edukasi dari pesan moral yang akan disampaikan, serta inspirasi, hiburan untuk masyarakat bahwa kehidupan lebih baik dijalani sesuai dengan status ekonomi yang dimiliki tidak memaksakan keadaan. Alasan pencipta membuat film dalam format dokumenter drama (dokudrama) karena dokumenter merupakan film non fiksi yang dikemas dari realita kehidupan kedalam bentuk audio visual dan drama dalam beberapa bagian filmnya dirancang terlebih dahulu secara detail dengan menceritakan peristiwa yang sudah ataupun belum pernah terjadi sehingga berkembang menjadi penilaian subjektif. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah kualitatif, dengan menggunakan teknik atau cara pengumpulan data seperti literasi, survey lokasi, observasi serta melakukan wawancara dengan orang-orang terdekat narasumber. Dengan harapan pencipta, dokumenter ini bisa memberikan edukasi untuk lebih menghargai orangtua.
Detect Fake Reviews Using Random Forest and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Hadi Zulpan , Utami Ema , Ariatmanto Dhani
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of e-commerce, which makes it possible to buy and sell products and services online, customers are increasingly using these online shop sites to fulfill their needs. After purchase, customers write reviews about their personal experiences, feelings and emotions. Reviews of a product are the main source of information for customers to make decisions to buy or not a product. However, reviews that should be one piece of information that can be trusted by customers can actually be manipulated by the owner of the seller. Where sellers can spam reviews to increase their product ratings or bring down their competitors. Therefore this study discusses detecting fake reviews on productreviews on Tokopedia. Where the method used is the distribution post tagging feature to perform detection. By using the post tagging feature method the distribution got 856 fake reviews and 4478 genuine reviews. In the fake reviews, there were 628 reviews written with the aim of increasing product sales or brand names from store owners, while there were 228 reviews aimed at dropping their competitors or competitors. Furthermore, the classification is carried out using the random forest algorithm model and the support vector machine. By dividing the dataset for training data by 80% while 20% for data testing. Here it is known that the support vector machine gets much higher accuracy than the random forest. The support vector machine gets an accuracy of 98% while the random forest gets an accuracy of 60%
Performance Analysis Of The Combination Of Advanced Encryption Standard Cryptography Algorithms With Luc For Text Security
Authors: Ady Putra Wahyu , Suyanto Suyanto , Zarlis Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Data security is very important as it is easy to exchange data today.

Cryptographic techniques are needed as data security techniques. Combining two cryptographic algorithms is a solution for a better level of security. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptographic algorithm requires low computational power and is the best symmetric algorithm. The LUC algorithm is an asymmetric algorithm that was developed from the RSA algorithm and has advantages in a better level of security and processing speed. In this research, two symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic algorithms will be combined in a hybrid scheme, namely the AES and LUC algorithms to improve data security. the AES algorithm will encrypt and decrypt messages, while the LUC algorithm performs encryption and decryption of the AES key. The results showed that the combination of the two AES and LUC algorithms was successful. However, the computational time needed by the two algorithms to perform the encryption and decryption process increases. The simulation results of the brute force attack performed show that the LUC algorithm can still be attacked. The greater the value of E (the public key of the LUC algorithm), the longer it takes for the brute force attack to be successful. The value of E is also directly proportional to the computational time required by the LUC. So it can be concluded that the AES algorithm is less precise when combined with the LUC algorithm.
Web-Based Village Fund Assistance Distribution Information System Using the Quota Based Method
Authors: Damanik Elfira Shenita , Suendri Suendri
Published: May 2023

The development of information technology has greatly influenced several aspects of human life in the implementation of daily activities. One of the benefits of the development of information technology is that it can help local governments provide information regarding the distribution of financial assistance through monitoring. Village fund assistance is one of the government programs aimed at economic recovery for people affected by the pandemic. Currently, assistance from village funds is often not supported by good governance in every village. Particularly in Tanah Merah Village, aid arrangements were still carried out by recording manually, so sometimes data input errors occurred which resulted in inaccurate data. Therefore, we need a computerized system that can overcome the limitations and problems that occur. In making this system using the Waterfall method, the stages are needs analysis, application design, system design, testing, and system maintenance. The tools used to design this system are UML (Unified Modeling Language), which consists of Use Case Diagrams, Activity Diagrams, and Class Diagrams. The results of this study are an information system for distributing village fund assistance at the Tanah Merah Village office. The application of this information system for distributing village fund assistance can help provide alternative solutions for the village government to problems in the data collection process so that the implementation process can achieve its objectives properly.
Android-Based RCSM Application for Implementation of Preventive Maintenance on CNC Production Machine
Authors: Fauzi Mohammad , Erdani Yuliadi , Sambas Achmad
Published: May 2023

Preventive maintenance (PM) implementation at POLMAN Bandung is scheduled to follow the lecture schedule so that the implementation of activities does not interfere with the lecture process. Even though the scheduling of preventive maintenance activities at POLMAN Bandung has been made quite well, there are problems in its implementation, including some activities that were not detected in the previous PM implementation, both in the form of activity reports and machine history updates. This can confuse subsequent pm implementers, as it can result in mishandling. As for the cause of the problem, there are two possibilities, namely the implementation of preventive maintenance is not carried out or the implementation of preventive maintenance has been carried out, but reports on the implementation of activities are not prepared and stored by procedures (human error). To overcome this, the researchers developed an Android-based application that functions as a reminder, recorder, and controller, for the pm process, named Reminder & Control System Management (RCSM). RCSM will remind, the implementers, to be on schedule, carry out a remind mechanisms, and information broadcast and validation until the completion of preventive maintenance activities is acceptable to the relevant authorities. Likewise, for reporting and recording engine history a system will be created with a similar mechanism. The results that have been achieved are the application software prototype reaching 100% and several field trials have been carried out. This application can direct pm implementers to avoid misuse of pm implementation procedures so that preventive maintenance implementation data can be recapitulated.
Sala de aula: espaço de ensino e aprendizagem no ensino de ciências por investigação nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental na atual Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC)
Authors: Pereira Carlos Luis
Published: May 2023

A sala de aula espaço privilegiado para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem das unidades temáticas da matriz de referência para o ensino de Ciências estabelecidas na atual Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) umas das significativas alterações trazidas foi acerca da nova organização curricular para o ensino de Ciências que possui três unidades temáticas: Matéria e Energia, Vida e Evolução e Terra e Universo, ensinadas nas rotinas de aprendizagem da sala de aula desde os anos iniciais do ensino fundamental aos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental. O objetivo da pesquisa foi apresentar embasamento teórico-metodológico acerca do ensino de Ciências por investigação nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental nas unidades temáticas de Matéria e Energia na metodologia do ensino de ciências por investigação. A metodologia da pesquisa, recorreu-se dentro da abordagem qualitativa, nos procedimentos da Pesquisa-Ação; Verificou-se que o ensino por investigação propiciou aprendizagens significativas e essenciais das unidades temáticas Matéria e Energia; Constatou-se maior interação entre os alunos na etapa de discussão teórica  dos resultados obtidos acerca dos problemas colocados; Conclui-se que o ensino dos conteúdos de ensino Matéria e Energia na metodologia acima descrita além de favorecer aceleração do aprendizado, apresentou aos docentes metodologias inovadoras para o ensino de Ciências, além de promover letramento científico dos alunos.
Adesão medicamentosa em hipertensos atendidos em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) no interior do RS
Authors: Mariño Patrícia Albano , Dias Camila da Rosa , Menezes Ana Paula Simões
Published: May 2023

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é uma doença crônica não transmissível caracterizada por níveis pressóricos acima de 140 e/ou 90 mmHg. Pode ser agravada pela presença de outros fatores de risco, como obesidade, diabetes mellitus e dislipidemias, além do uso incorreto dos medicamentos anti-hipertensivos. Este trabalho objetivou analisar a utilização dos medicamentos por pacientes hipertensos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) da cidade de Pinheiro Machado, interior do RS. Foi aplicado questionário em setembro de 2021. Juntamente com o questionário foi realizado o teste de Morisky e Green. A prevalência de entrevistados foi de idosos e mulheres; as classes de medicamentos mais encontradas foram os bloqueadores dos receptores de angiotensina II, betabloqueadores e diuréticos tiazídicos. Pode-se concluir com este estudo que os pacientes entrevistados apresentam uma boa adesão ao tratamento, mesmo sendo a maioria deles idosos, o que poderia dificultar o seguimento farmacológico. Entretanto, a polifarmácia não foi observada, o que também pode facilitar a adesão, associada a demais fatores como a aquisição de medicamentos através do Programa Farmácia Popular ou na própria rede pública municipal e a participação em um grupo de caminhada.
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and its constituent quercetin can suppress ovarian cell functions and their response to FSH
Authors: Sirotkin AV , Fabova Z , Aldahmash W , Alshamrani A , Harrath AH
Published: May 2023

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis Brum. f) can directly influence female reproduction, but whether rooibos can influence the response of ovarian cells to FSH and whether the rooibos effects are due to the presence of quercetin remain unknown. We compared the influence of rooibos extract and quercetin (both at 10 µg/ml-1) on porcine ovarian granulosa cells cultured with and without FSH (0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml(-1)). The expression of intracellular proliferation (PCNA, cyclin B1) and apoptosis (bax, caspase 3) markers in the cells was detected by immunocytochemistry. The release of progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) were evaluated with ELISAs. Administration of both rooibos and quercetin reduced the accumulation of proliferation markers and promoted the accumulation of apoptosis markers and the release of T and E. Rooibos stimulated, but quercetin inhibited, P output. Administration of FSH increased the accumulation of proliferation markers, decreased the accumulation of apoptosis markers, promoted the release of P and T, and had a biphasic effect on E output. The addition of both rooibos and quercetin mitigated or prevented the main effects of FSH. The present observations suggest a direct influence of both rooibos and quercetin on basic ovarian functions – proliferation, apoptosis, steroidogenesis and response to FSH. The similarity in the major effects of rooibos and its constituent quercetin indicates that quercetin could be the molecule responsible for the main rooibos effects on the ovary. The potential anti-reproductive effects of rooibos and rooibos constituent quercetin, should be taken into account in animal and human nutrition.
Investigation of Phase Transformation and Mechanical Properties of A356 Alloy with Cu and Zr Addition during Heat Treatment
Authors: Song Tae-Ung , Koo Ja-Uk , Jeon Seung-Byeong , Jeong Chang-Yeol
Published: May 2023

Cast A356(Al-Si-Mg) alloys are widely used in automotive and general applications because of their mechanical properties and castability. Al-Si-Mg-(Cu) alloys typically lose their strength above 170 o C due to coarsening of precipitates, which limits their application to components. To maintain their strength at elevated temperature, Al-Si-Mg-(Cu) alloys are modified by adding transitional metals. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the effect of Zr addition on the high temperature mechanical properties of cast Al-Si alloys because Zr can form thermally stable phases such as Al3Zr. Despite the relative studies on the influence of Cu and Zr on the mechanical properties of cast Al-Si-Mg-(Cu) alloys, investigations of the effect of Zr on the phase transformations and the mechanical properties during heat treatment remains limited. In this study, the effects of added Cu and Zr on the phase transformations and the mechanical performance during heat treatment of A356 cast alloy were investigated. Needle-like and block-like (Al,Si)3(Ti,Zr) dispersoids formed as some Si and Ti replaced Al and Zr in Al3Zr crystal structures were generally observed. Furthermore, with increasing solution treatment time, the size of Zr dispersoids was reduced, and smaller Zr particles were precipitated at the same time, which caused a decrease in the area fraction of the Zr dispersoids. In addition, the metastable L12 structures of Zr dispersoids in Al-Si-Mg-Cu-Zr alloys were transformed into stable D023 during solution heat treatment as the Cu addition accelerated the transformation. Tensile and low-cycle fatigue (LCF) tests were performed to reveal the effects of (Al,Si)3(Ti,Zr) dispersoids on mechanical properties. As a result, elongation at elevated temperature was highly increased, while maintaining strength, according to the increase in solution heat treatment time, which improved low-cycle fatigue properties.
Synthesis and Rapid Sintering of Ultra Fine TiB2-ZrO2 Composite
Authors: Shon In-Jin
Published: May 2023

TiB2 is considered candidate materials for ultra-high temperature ceramics and cutting tools because of its a high thermal conductivity, a low coefficient of thermal expansion, a high hardness and high melting temperature. Despite these attractive properties, TiB2 applications are limited because it has a low fracture toughness below the brittle-ductile transition temperature. To improve on its mechanical properties, the approach universally utilized has been to add secondary materials to form a composite and to fabricate an ultra - fine material. A dense ultra - fine TiB2- ZrO2 composite was rapidly sintered using pulsed high current activated heating (PHCAH) methods within 3 min in one step from the mechanically synthesized the powders of TiB2 and ZrO2 . Consolidation was reached using an effective combination of mechanical pressure and the pulsed high current. A highly dense TiB2-ZrO2 material with relative density of 97.2% was made by the simultaneous application of 75 MPa pressure and a pulsed 2500 A current. The grain sizes of TiB2 and ZrO2 in the composite were 135 nm and 84 nm, respectively. The fracture toughness and hardness of the TiB2 -ZrO2 composite were 11.2 MPa.m1/2 and 957 kg/mm2 , respectively. The fracture toughness of the TiB2 -ZrO2 composite was three times higher than that of monolithic TiB2 .
Effect of Potassium Carbonate Additives on the Properties of Copper Foils Electroplated at High Current Density
Authors: Woo Tae-Gyu , Park Il-Song
Published: May 2023

The amount and kind of additives in electrolytes play a very important role on the electroplating of Cu foil, which is used as a cathode materials for secondary batteries. As the use of Cu foil increased, various studies on the electroplated Cu foil are urgently needed. We studied surface characteristics and changes in structural properties due to the addition of inhibitors under electroplating conditions with high current density. The surface layer was observed, to analyze the effect of the amount of potassium carbonate as an inhibitor. When the potassium carbonate was added at 5~25 ppm without any other additives, the initial plating voltage was observed to decrease. To uniformly distribute crystals without agglomeration at the initial stage of electroplating, it is reasonable to add potassium carbonate within the range of 20~25 ppm. There was no significant difference in surface roughness and specific resistance due to the amount of potassium carbonate, when the additives were added complexly. There was an increase in the relative strength of the preferred growth orientation of (220) in a group with 20 ppm potassium carbonate, compared to the group with 10 ppm potassium carbonate. The grain size decreased with the amount of potassium carbonate added with other additives. However, there was no significant difference in tensile strength and elongation (p-value: 0.000). To ensure uniform properties with a combination of 4 kinds of additives it is reasonable to add potassium carbonate in the range of 10~20 ppm.
Effects of Sn and In Double-Doping on the Thermoelectric Performance of Cu3Sb1-x-ySnxInyS4 Famatinites
Authors: Yun Sang , Kim Il-Ho
Published: May 2023

Famatinite (Cu3SbS4 ) is a promising p-type thermoelectric material because of its low lattice thermal conductivity and high Seebeck coefficient. In this study, famatinite powders, double-doped with Sn (a BIV group element) and In (a BIII group element) to give Cu3Sb1-x-ySnxInyS4 (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.12 and 0.06 ≤ y ≤ 0.10), were synthesized by mechanical alloying and then consolidated by hot pressing. Phase analysis and microstructure observations were conducted over a range of doping levels, and the charge transport parameters and thermoelectric properties were evaluated. Except for the specimen with y = 0.10, in which the secondary phase CuInS2 was found, all the specimens exhibited a tetragonal famatinite phase without secondary phases. The Sn/In double doping increased the unit cell a-axis to 0.5387–0.5389 nm and changed the c-axis to 1.0744–1.0752 nm. As the temperature increased, the electrical conductivity decreased while the Seebeck coefficient increased, which indicates that the Sn/In double-doped famatinites have degenerate semiconductor characteristics. With increasing Sn and In content, the carrier concentration increased, so that the electrical conductivity increased and the Seebeck coefficient decreased. Cu3Sb0.80Sn0.12In0.08S4 exhibited the highest power factor, 0.87 mW m-1 K-2 at 623 K, with greatly increased thermal conductivity. Cu3Sb0.86Sn0.08In0.06S4 showed the highest value for the dimensionless figure of merit, ZT = 0.53 at 623 K, with a power factor of 0.78 mW m-1 K-2 and thermal conductivity of 0.90 W m-1 K-1.
Incidence, Characterization and Pathogenic Variability of Fusarium oxysporum in the Punjab Province of Pakistan
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Mukhtar Tariq , Inam-ul-Haq Muhammad , Asad Muhammad J.
Published: May 2023

The present studies were conducted to determine the incidence of wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum in the major chili-growing districts of Punjab, characterization of Fusarium isolates, and assessment of their pathogenic variability. The overall incidence of Fusarium wilt in the five major surveyed districts of the Punjab province was 9.2% in the year 2015-16 and 9.3% in the year 2016-17. The maximum disease incidence of 10.04% was recorded in district Multan in the year 2015-16 while it was the minimum (7.06%) in district Sahiwal. A similar trend was observed in the disease incidences during the year 2016-17. The disease incidences varied among different localities of the five districts. In total, 92 isolates were recovered from the chili crop in Punjab. All the recovered purified isolates were morphologically characterized using different parameters like colony color, growth habit, pigmentation, days to fill 9-cm-dish, concentric rings, size and shape of macroconidia and microconidia, phialide, septation in macroconidia, diameter, and formation of chlamydospores and interseptal distance. All the isolates were confirmed as Fusarium oxysporum. Based on the pathogenicity test, plants showing more than 75% wilting were rated as highly pathogenic, plants showing 50.1-75% wilting were pathogenic, plants showing 25.1-50% wilting were categorized as moderately pathogenic, and plants showing 0.1-25% wilting were graded as weakly pathogenic. The highly pathogenic and pathogenic isolates were subjected to molecular studies and all the isolates made a band of 550-600 on the gel. All the isolates showed 99-100% similarity with already reported Fusarium species. The phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship between all the isolates
Scale Up of Adsorption Column Experiments
Authors: Myers Timothy , Calvo-Schwarzwalder Marc , Valverde Abel , Cabrera-Codony Alba , Aguareles Maria
Published: May 2023

Sorption columns are used to remove contaminants from a flowing fluid in a wide variety of industrial settings. To better understand the sorption process experiments are typically carried out in small columns, of the order 1-15cm. Industrial sorption columns are of the order 1-5m. It is well-known that results from laboratory experiments do not scale-up well and so provide limited information to aid in the design of large equipment. In this report we analyse two standard sorption models, which agree well with data from small-scale experiments, and demonstrate that they cannot qualitatively match data from larger experiments. We then develop a simple mathematical model which extends the earlier work and permits the inclusion of size effects. This sets the scene for subsequent studies into the scale-up process.
HIV-associated photodermatitis in African populations
Authors: Isaacs Thuraya , Lehloenya Rannakoe
Published: May 2023

Photosensitive dermatoses are seen in 5% of HIV-infected persons. These include drug- and chemical-induced photoallergic and phototoxic reactions, chronic actinic dermatitis of HIV, photo lichenoid drug eruptions, and porphyria. Data on photodermatitis in HIV are limited to case reports and series. The pathogenesis is not completely understood and includes a th2 phenotype in HIV which results in impaired barrier function and resultant allergen sensitisation as well as immune dysregulation. The objective of this manuscript is to review the literature on the clinical phenotype, pathogenesis, role of photo and patch testing, outcomes, and treatment of photodermatitis in HIV in an African population.
Effect of stem cell conditional medium-loading adhesive hydrogel on TGF-β1-induced endometrial stromal cell fibrosis
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Wang Ting , Bao Ming-Jie , Qu Xiao-Hui , Li Zeng-Ming
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Uterine adhesion (IUA) is a severe complication that results from uterine operations or uterine infections. Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine adhesions. Yet, this invasive procedure leads to re-adhesions after hysteroscopic treatment. Hydrogels loading functional additives (e.g., placental mesenchymal stem cells (PC-MSCs)) that can act as physical barriers and promote endometrium regeneration are a good solution. However, traditional hydrogels lack tissue adhesion which makes them unstable under a rapid turnover of the uterus, and PC-MSCs have biosafety risks when used as functional additives.

Methods: In this study, we coupled an adhesive hydrogel with a PC-MSCs conditioned medium (CM) to form a hybrid of gel and functional additives (CM/Gel-MA).

Results and Discussion: Our experiments show that CM/Gel-MA enhances the activity of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), promotes cell proliferation, and reduces the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, CTGF, E-cadherin, and IL-6, which helps to reduce the inflammatory response and inhibit fibrosis. We conclude that CM/Gel-MA can more potentially prevent IUA by combining the physical barriers from adhesive hydrogel and functional promotion from CM.
TRANSLATE: standardized climate projections for Ireland
Authors: O'Brien Enda , Nolan Paul
Published: May 2023

The TRANSLATE project was established in 2021 by Met Éireann, the Irish national meteorological service, to provide standardized future climate projections for Ireland. This paper outlines the principles and main methods that were used to generate the first set of such projections and presents selected results to the end of the 21st century. Two separate ensembles of dynamically downscaled CMIP5 projections were analyzed. These produce very consistent results, increasing confidence in both, and in the methods used. Future projected fields show plenty of detail (depending on local geography), but the change maps relative to the base period are much smoother, reflecting the global climate change signal. Future forcing uncertainty is represented by 3 different emission scenarios, while model response uncertainty is represented by sub-ensembles corresponding to different climate sensitivities. The resulting matrix of distinct climate ensembles is complemented by ensembles of temperature threshold-based projections, drawn from the same underlying simulations.
Causality of gut microbiome and hypertension: A bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yihui , Fu Ru , Li Ruixuan , Zeng Jianwei , Liu Tao , Li Xiaogang , Jiang Weihong
Published: May 2023

Background & Aims

The pathogenesis of hypertension involves a diverse range of genetic, environmental, hemodynamic, and more causative factors. Recent evidence points to an association between the gut microbiome and hypertension. Given that the microbiota is in part determined by host genetics, we used the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to address the bidirectional causal link between gut microbiota and hypertension.

Methods

We selected genetic variants (P < 1  ×  10−5) for gut microbiota (n = 18,340) from the MiBioGen study. Genetic association estimates for hypertension were extracted from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics on 54,358 cases and 408,652 controls. Seven complementary MR methods were implemented, including the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, followed by sensitivity analyses to verify the robustness of the results. Reverse-direction MR analyses were further conducted to probe if there was a reverse causative relationship. Bidirectional MR analysis then examines a modulation of gut microbiota composition by hypertension.

Results

At the genus level, our MR estimates from gut microbiome to hypertension showed that there were 5 protective factors Allisonella, Parabacteroide, Phascolarctobacterium, Senegalimassilia, and unknowngenus (id.1000000073), while 6 genera Clostridiuminnocuum, Eubacteriumcoprostanoligenes, Eubacteriumfissicatena, Anaerostipes, LachnospiraceaeFCS020, and unknowngenus (id.2041) are risk factors. The Alcaligenaceae and ClostridialesvadinBB60 were detrimental and beneficial at the family level, respectively. In contrast, the MR results of hypertension-gut flora showed hypertensive states can lead to an increased abundance of Eubacteriumxylanophilum, Eisenbergiella, and Lachnospiraceae and a lower abundance of Alistipes, Bilophila, Butyricimonas, and Phascolarctobacterium.

Conclusion

Altered gut microbiota is a causal factor in the development of hypertension, and hypertension causes imbalances in the intestinal flora. Substantial research is still needed to find the key gut flora and explore the specific mechanisms of their effects so that new biomarkers can be found for blood pressure control.
Benzo[a]pyrene induces NLRP1 expression and promotes prolonged inflammasome signaling
Authors: Kohno Risa , Nagata Yuka , Ishihara Tomohiro , Amma Chisato , Inomata Yayoi , Seto Takafumi , Suzuki Ryo
Published: May 2023

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the air, triggers pulmonary inflammation. This study focused on BaP-induced inflammation in the alveolar epithelium. A549 cells were stimulated with BaP for four days. BaP treatment markedly increased NLRP1 expression but slightly decreased NLRP3. Furthermore, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) knockdown displayed no increase in BaP-induced NLRP1 expression. Similar results were also observed by blocking reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is mediated through AhR, suggesting that the AhR-ROS axis operates in BaP-induced NLRP1 expression. p53 involvement in ROS-mediated NLRP1 induction has also been implied. When we confirmed inflammasome activation in cells treated with BaP for four days, while BaP transiently activated NLRP3, it predominantly activated the NLRP1 inflammasome. These findings have led to the conclusion that BaP could be a potential ligand for the NLRP1 inflammasome persistently observed in the lung epithelium. Our study may provide additional evidence for the sustained pulmonary inflammation caused by environmental air pollution.
Comprehensive computational investigations on various aerospace materials under complicated loading conditions through conventional and advanced analyses: a verified examination
Authors: Gnanasekaran Raj Kumar , Shanmugam Balasubramanian , Raja Vijayanandh , Al-Bonsrulah Hussein A. Z. , Rajendran Parvathy , Radhakrishnan Jeeva , Eldin Sayed M. , Narayanan Venkatesh
Published: May 2023

Most failures develop as a result of a lack of resistivity information at the internal structure level during typical loading situations such as shock load and impact load. Impact loads have a significant impact on a component’s structural performance. A careful, organized examination of impact load settings and their side effects can reveal how well something can withstand peak loads. First, this study investigated the impact analyses on nine varied lightweight composite materials through a conventional experimental setup and computational tools. So, the best three lightweight materials are shortlisted for further investigation under complicated explicit analysis. Second, the study investigated the behavior of composite materials subjected to rapid loading circumstances in several real-time applications. The applications chosen include bullet crash analysis, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propellers, and car bumpers. The three different principal composites, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), and Kevlar fiber-reinforced polymer (KFRP), are selected and applied in crash analysis using ANSYS Workbench’s explicit technique-based finite element analysis (FEA). The comparison assessments are conducted using stumpy structural characteristics such as impact stress and equivalent strain. Two distinct grid convergence tests were performed to check whether the computational processes and discretization were correct. The standard methodologies were used on all three selected real-time applications, resulting in error percentages that were within acceptable bounds, ensuring the generation of dependable structural outputs. The ideal composite material is a Kevlar fiber-based composite with minimal defect affectability for all types of crash applications. Furthermore, multidisciplinary optimizations are performed, and the KFRP is verified to give good crash load resistance with reduced dense contribution.
Effects of different fertilization conditions and different geographical locations on the diversity and composition of the rhizosphere microbiota of Qingke (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants in different growth stages
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Handong , Liu Meijin , Xu Jinqing , Bian Haiyan , Chen Tongrui , You En , Deng Chao , Wei Youhai , Yang Tianyu , Shen Yuhu
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The excessive use of chemical fertilizer causes increasing environmental and food security crisis. Organic fertilizer improves physical and biological activities of soil. Rhizosphere microbiota, which consist of highly diverse microorganisms, play an important role in soil quality. However, there is limited information about the effects of different fertilization conditions on the growth of Qingke plants and composition of the rhizosphere microbiota of the plants.

Methods

In this study, we characterized the rhizosphere microbiota of Qingke plants grown in three main Qingke-producing areas (Tibet, Qinghai, and Gansu). In each of the three areas, seven different fertilization conditions (m1–m7, m1: Unfertilized; m2: Farmer Practice; m3: 75% Farmer Practice; m4: 75% Farmer Practice +25% Organic manure; m5: 50% Farmer Practice; m6: 50% Farmer Practice +50% Organic manure; m7: 100% Organic manure) were applied. The growth and yields of the Qingke plants were also compared under the seven fertilization conditions.

Results

There were significant differences in alpha diversity indices among the three areas. In each area, differences in fertilization conditions and differences in the growth stages of Qingke plants resulted in differences in the beta diversity of the rhizosphere microbiota. Meanwhile, in each area, fertilization conditions, soil depths, and the growth stages of Qingke plants significantly affected the relative abundance of the top 10 phyla and the top 20 bacterial genera. For most of microbial pairs established through network analysis, the significance of their correlations in each of the microbial co-occurrence networks of the three experimental sites was different. Moreover, in each of the three networks, there were significant differences in relative abundance and genera among most nodes (i.e., the genera Pseudonocardia, Skermanella, Pseudonocardia, Skermanella, Aridibacter, and Illumatobacter). The soil chemical properties (i.e., TN, TP, SOM, AN, AK, CEC, Ca, and K) were positively or negatively correlated with the relative abundance of the top 30 genera derived from the three main Qingke-producing areas (p < 0.05). Fertilization conditions markedly influenced the height of a Qingke plant, the number of spikes in a Qingke plant, the number of kernels in a spike, and the fresh weight of a Qingke plant. Considering the yield, the most effective fertilization conditions for Qingke is combining application 50% chemical fertilizer and 50% organic manure.

Conclusion

The results of the present study can provide theoretical basis for practice of reducing the use of chemical fertilizer in agriculture.
Macrophage polarization during Streptococcus agalactiae infection is isolate specific
Authors: Janžič Larisa , Repas Jernej , Pavlin Mojca , Zemljić-Jokhadar Špela , Ihan Alojz , Kopitar Andreja Nataša
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS), a Gram-positive commensal in healthy adults, remains a major cause of neonatal infections, usually manifesting as sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has greatly reduced the incidence of early-onset disease. However, given the lack of effective measures to prevent the risk of late-onset disease and invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals, more studies investigating the GBS-associated pathogenesis and the interplay between bacteria and host immune system are needed.

Methods

Here, we examined the impact of 12 previously genotyped GBS isolates belonging to different serotypes and sequence types on the immune response of THP-1 macrophages.

Results

Flow cytometry analysis showed isolate-specific differences in phagocytic uptake, ranging from 10% for isolates of serotype Ib, which possess the virulence factor protein β, to over 70% for isolates of serotype III. Different isolates also induced differential expression of co-stimulatory molecules and scavenger receptors with colonizing isolates inducing higher expression levels of CD80 and CD86 compared to invasive isolates. In addition, real-time measurements of metabolism revealed that macrophages enhanced both glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration after GBS infection, with isolates of serotype III being the most potent activators of glycolysis and glycolytic ATP production. Macrophages also showed differential resistance to GBS-mediated cell cytotoxicity as measured by LDH release and real-time microscopy. The differences were evident both between serotypes and between isolates obtained from different specimens (colonizing or invasive isolates) demonstrating the higher cytotoxicity of vaginal compared with blood isolates.

Conclusions

Thus, the data suggest that GBS isolates differ in their potential to become invasive or remain colonizing. In addition, colonizing isolates appear to be more cytotoxic, whereas invasive isolates appear to exploit macrophages to their advantage, avoiding the immune recognition and antibiotics.