bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torilis japonica Extract Suppresses the Induction of Atopic Inflammation
Authors: Seo Ji-Won , Lee Hyo-Jae , Youk Young-Mi , Nam Gun-He , Kim Young-Min
Published: January 2023

As one of the major intractable allergic disorders, atopic inflammation is commonly accompanied by itching, dry skin, and inflammation. Atopic inflammation deteriorates the quality of life and has no fundamental cure, so it is crucial to urgently explore and develop natural resources for long-term treatment without any side effects. This study aimed to verify Torilis japonica extract (TJE)’s relieving effect and mechanism against atopic inflammation using skin cells and skin equivalent models, as well as to investigate torilin’s effect (obtained from TJE) and other unknown components as marker compounds. Torilin concentration was verified in TJE using high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed the unknown components using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, TJE’s cytotoxicity, regenerative effect, and cell cycle regulation effects were confirmed using skin cells with atopic inflammation (human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes) by using TNF-α and IFN-γ treatments. Consequently, TJE was demonstrated to regulate TARC and CTACK expressions as chemokines and those of interleukin-4, -5, and -13 as cytokines related to atopic inflammation. TJE was further confirmed to affect the matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2, and -9 expressions, which are essential in skin damage. Lastly, this study confirmed TJE’s relieving effect against atopic inflammation through a 3D skin model and RhCE model using human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes. These findings on atopic inflammation verified torilin’s relieving effects and TJE’s other components.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Inorganics in 2022
Authors:   Inorganics Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Dissecting the Spectrum of Stroke Risk Factors in an Apparently Healthy Population: Paving the Roadmap to Primary Stroke Prevention
Authors: Efremova Daniela , Ciolac Dumitru , Zota Eremei , Glavan Danu , Ciobanu Natalia , Aulitzky Wolfgang , Nics Anna Maria , Trinka Eugen , Yamada Chiaki , Movila Alexandru , Groppa Stanislav A.
Published: January 2023

We aimed to investigate, for the first time, the spectrum of stroke risk factors specific to the population of the Republic of Moldova. The subjects were examined according to a pre-established protocol of risk factor estimation. The study involved 300 subjects, including 60% women and 40% men, with a mean age of 49.9 ± 14.5 years. The most common risk factor was abdominal obesity, identified in 75% of subjects; general obesity was detected in 48%, while 32% of subjects were overweight and 20% were normally weighted. Hypertension was observed in 44%; 8% of those examined had atrial fibrillation, and 9% had diabetes mellitus. Left myocardial hypertrophy on ECG was present in 53% of subjects, and acute ischemic changes in 2%. Laboratory observations detected that glycosylated hemoglobin increased by 7%, and >50% had dyslipidemia. Total cholesterol was significantly elevated by 58%, LDL-cholesterol was increased by 32%, and HDL-cholesterol was decreased by 9%. Homocysteine was increased in 55% and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in 28% of subjects. These results indicate the presence of modifiable risk factors and the necessity to elaborate on the primary prevention strategies aimed at minimizing the burden of stroke in the population of the Republic of Moldova.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of JNE in 2022
Authors:   JNE Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
O-Linked Glycans of Candida albicans Interact with Specific GPCRs in the Coronary Endothelium and Inhibit the Cardiac Response to Agonists
Authors: Ocaña-Ortega Alejandro , Pérez-Flores Gabriela , Torres-Tirado David , Pérez-García Luis A.
Published: January 2023

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that may cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients, disseminating through the bloodstream to other organs. In the heart, the initial step prior to invasion is the adhesion of the fungus to endothelial cells. Being the fungal cell wall’s outermost structure and the first to come in contact with host cells, it greatly modulates the interplay that later will derive in the colonization of the host tissue. In this work, we studied the functional contribution of N-linked and O-linked mannans of the cell wall of C. albicans to the interaction with the coronary endothelium. An isolated rat heart model was used to assess cardiac parameters related to vascular and inotropic effects in response to phenylephrine (Phe), acetylcholine (aCh) and angiotensin II (Ang II) when treatments consisting of: (1) live and heat-killed (HK) C. albicans wild-type yeasts; (2) live C. albicans pmr1Δ yeasts (displaying shorter N-linked and O-linked mannans); (3) live C. albicans without N-linked and O-linked mannans; and (4) isolated N-linked and O-linked mannans were administered to the heart. Our results showed that C. albicans WT alters heart coronary perfusion pressure (vascular effect) and left ventricular pressure (inotropic effect) parameters in response to Phe and Ang II but not aCh, and these effects can be reversed by mannose. Similar results were observed when isolated cell walls, live C. albicans without N-linked mannans or isolated O-linked mannans were perfused into the heart. In contrast, C. albicans HK, C. albicans pmr1Δ, C. albicans without O-linked mannans or isolated N-linked mannans were not able to alter the CPP and LVP in response to the same agonists. Taken together, our data suggest that C. albicans interaction occurs with specific receptors on coronary endothelium and that O-linked mannan contributes to a greater extent to this interaction. Further studies are necessary to elucidate why specific receptors preferentially interact with this fungal cell wall structure.
Study on the Layout of Ecological Space and the Integrated Management Mechanism of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Du Hongyu , Zhou Fengqi
Published: January 2023

The urban agglomeration at the Yangtze River Delta is one of the six most developed and populated urban agglomerations in the world. In recent years, with accelerating urbanization, the land use has changed significantly. Excessive construction aggravates ecological fragility. In this context, this paper first investigates the evolutionary processes and layout of the ecological space in the Yangtze River Delta. The root causes of various problems are then analyzed. Finally, suggestions for further improvement in both detailed tasks and governance aspects are proposed. The applied methods included use of remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS) and statistical analysis. Main results indicate that from 1990 to 2018, the ecological space of the Yangtze River Delta shrank, especially in the city of Shanghai. Ecological space is insufficient in the area, unevenly distributed and fragmented. The major root causes include rapid urbanization without overall planning, regional population surge and improper industrial structure. Suggestions for improvement include overall planning and integrated management, control of population size, active industry structure upgrade, land-use efficiency balanced with ecological indicators, and multiple integrated strategies encouraging application of new energy technologies.
A Portrait of Lexical Knowledge among Adult Hebrew Heritage Speakers Dominant in American English: Evidence from Naming and Narrative Tasks
Authors: Fridman Clara , Meir Natalia
Published: January 2023

While the field of heritage language (HL) bilingualism has grown substantially in recent years, no studies have considered heritage Hebrew speakers dominant in American English. Expanding HL studies to new language pairs is crucial to understand the generalizability of prior findings across diverse linguistic contexts. In the current study, we assess 40 adult participants (16 M, 24 F) and present an overview of their lexical abilities, as derived from a quantitative and qualitative analysis of performance on the Multilingual Naming Test (MINT) and a narrative elicitation task. We consider target accuracy, types of non-target responses, and cross-linguistic influence in the form of code-switching and calquing. Participants’ non-target responses indicated a strong grasp of Hebrew root-pattern word formation and creativity in the face of lexical gaps. Code-switching and calquing patterns in the narratives suggest that the dominant English is the clear framing language, from which speakers draw resources directly or indirectly. Although this linguistic blending leads to innovative lexical formations that would not be found in standard monolingual speech, the speakers’ overall message is still understandable. We conclude that heritage Hebrew speakers are able to clearly communicate complex thoughts in their HL while relying on their dominant language to fill lexical gaps.
Change Point Analysis for Kumaraswamy Distribution
Authors: Tian Weizhong , Pang Liyuan , Tian Chengliang , Ning Wei
Published: January 2023

The Kumaraswamy distribution is a common type of bounded distribution, which is widely used in agriculture, hydrology, and other fields. In this paper, we use the methods of the likelihood ratio test, modified information criterion, and Schwarz information criterion to analyze the change point of the Kumaraswamy distribution. Simulation experiments give the performance of the three methods. The application section illustrates the feasibility of the proposed method by applying it to a real dataset.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Micromachines in 2022
Authors:   Micromachines Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Probiotic Bacillus Strains Enhance T Cell Responses in Chicken
Authors: Larsberg Filip , Sprechert Maximilian , Hesse Deike , Loh Gunnar , Brockmann Gudrun A. , Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne
Published: January 2023

Banning antibiotic growth promotors and other antimicrobials in poultry production due to the increasing antimicrobial resistance leads to increased feeding of potential alternatives such as probiotics. However, the modes of action of those feed additives are not entirely understood. They could act even with a direct effect on the immune system. A previously established animal-related in vitro system using primary cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was applied to investigate the effects of immune-modulating feed additives. Here, the immunomodulation of different preparations of two probiotic Bacillus strains, B. subtilis DSM 32315 (BS), and B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (BA) was evaluated. The count of T-helper cells and activated T-helper cells increased after treatment in a ratio of 1:3 (PBMCs: Bacillus) with vital BS (CD4+: p < 0.05; CD4+CD25+: p < 0.01). Furthermore, vital BS enhanced the proliferation and activation of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+: p < 0.05; CD8+CD25+: p < 0.05). Cell-free probiotic culture supernatants of BS increased the count of activated T-helper cells (CD4+CD25+: p < 0.1). UV-inactivated BS increased the proportion of cytotoxic T cells significantly (CD8+: p < 0.01). Our results point towards a possible involvement of secreted factors of BS in T-helper cell activation and proliferation, whereas it stimulates cytotoxic T cells presumably through surface contact. We could not observe any effect on B cells after treatment with different preparations of BS. After treatment with vital BA in a ratio of 1:3 (PBMCs:Bacillus), the count of T-helper cells and activated T-helper cells increased (CD4+: p < 0.01; CD4+CD25+: p < 0.05). Cell-free probiotic culture supernatants of BA as well as UV-inactivated BA had no effect on T cell proliferation and activation. Furthermore, we found no effect of BA preparations on B cells. Overall, we demonstrate that the two different Bacillus strains enhanced T cell activation and proliferation, which points towards an immune-modulating effect of both strains on chicken immune cells in vitro. Therefore, we suggest that administering these probiotics can improve the cellular adaptive immune defense in chickens, thereby enabling the prevention and reduction of antimicrobials in chicken farming.
Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterisation of Prorocentrum spinulentum, sp. nov. (Prorocentrales, Dinophyceae), a Small Spiny Species from the North Atlantic
Authors: Tillmann Urban , Gottschling Marc , Wietkamp Stephan , Hoppenrath Mona
Published: January 2023

Prorocentrum comprises dinophytes with several unique traits, including the presence of two large thecal plates and apical insertion of flagella. Species delimitation for many small and similar planktonic species is challenging, as SEM analyses and DNA sequence information of type material are rarely available. Based on a strain from the North Atlantic Prorocentrum spinulentum, sp. nov. is described here. Cells were small (9.0–12.8 µm long, 8.5–11.9 µm deep), oval to almost round in lateral view and moderately compressed. The ovoid nucleus was in median or slightly sub-median position on the cells ventral side. The plate surface appeared spiny in light microscopy with thecal pores visible in empty thecae. Electron microscopy revealed plates densely covered by relatively long spines and two size classes of thecal pores. The periflagellar area consisted of 8 platelets, and there was a prominent wing (ca. 1 µm wide and long) on platelet 1. The new species is distinct in DNA trees and embedded in the Prorocentrum shikokuense species group. It differs from the protologues of other small species of Prorocentrum by the unique combination of cell size and shape, the presence of long spines on the thecal plate surface and scattered thecal pores. The thorough morphological description of this species, representing a previously uncharacterised lineage within Prorocentrum, increases and improves our knowledge of the diversity within this important group of planktonic organisms.
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Medicinal Herbs to the Treatment of Cutaneous and Mucocutaneous Infections: Preliminary Research
Authors: Noites Alexandra , Borges Iara , Araújo Bruno , da Silva Joaquim C. G. Esteves , de Oliveira Natália M. , Machado Jorge , Pinto Eugénia
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Superficial, including cutaneous and mucocutaneous infections are a current public health problem with universal distribution. One of the main concerns, in the present/future, is fungal/bacterial infections by resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to verify if decoctions of coptidis (Coptis chinensis, Ranunculaceae family), neem (Azadirachta indica, Meliaceae family), and their essential oils (EOs), as well as the EO of manuka (Leptospermum scoparium, Myrtaceae family) have antimicrobial activity against prevalent species of microorganisms responsible for superficial infections. (2) Methods: The antimicrobial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), using broth microdilution method, and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) was determined from subculture of MIC plates. (3) Results: C. chinensis EO and decoction demonstrated some antifungal action against the yeasts and dermatophytes tested. Greatest bactericidal effect against Propionibacterium acnes and some action against Staphylococcus aureus was observed. For A. indica only EO proved activity against dermatophytes and P. acnes. L. scoparium EO showed the broadest antimicrobial spectrum with activity against bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes showing greater activity against P. acnes and S. aureus. (4) Conclusions: C. chinensis (EO/decoction), EOs of L. scoparium and A. indica proved in vitro efficacy against fungal, bacterial, or mixed agents of superficial infections, either by sensitive or resistant strains.
Effects of the Long-Term Continuous Cropping of Yongfeng Yam on the Bacterial Community and Function in the Rhizospheric Soil
Authors: Yao Jian , Wu Caiyun , Fan Linjuan , Kang Meihua , Liu Zirong , Huang Yuhui , Xu Xueliang , Yao Yingjuan
Published: January 2023

Replant disease caused by continuous cropping commonly occurs in yam with consecutive monoculture. However, little is known about how the continuous cropping of yam affects the rhizospheric soil bacterial community structure. In this study, the effects of continuous cropping on rhizospheric soil characteristics, bacterial diversity, and community structure were investigated in the Yongfeng yam fields under monoculture for 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Long-term monoculture caused soil acidification and increased the concentration of available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP), and soil bacterial richness, but decreased the soil bacterial diversity. An exception was for the field under monoculture for 20 years as it showed the highest bacterial diversity. The relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi decreased while the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, including Gemmatimonadetes and Acidobacteria, increased with an extended continuous cultivation time. The networks varied among yams with different cultivation years and became complex with the increase in cultivation years. However, after time in monoculture, the bacterial network decreased gradually and existed stably. These changes in bacterial community composition and co-occurrence of networks may increase the potential risk of soil-borne disease and reduce the yield and quality of Yongfeng yam.
K2CO3-Promoted Formal [3+3]-Cycloaddition of N-Unsubstituted Isatin N,N′-Cyclic Azomethine Imine 1,3-Dipoles with Knoevenagel Adducts
Authors: Yang Guosheng , Li Sicheng , Wang Qiumi , Chen Huabao , Yang Chunping , Yin Zhongqiong , Song Xu , Zhang Li , Lu Cuifen , Yue Guizhou
Published: January 2023

The synthesis of dicyclic spiropyridazine oxoindole derivatives by using [3+3]-cycloaddition of N-unsubstituted isatin N,N′-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipoles was reported. The products bearing two consecutive stereocenters, including spiroquaternary stereocenters in one ring structure, can be effectively obtained in moderate to excellent yields (20–93%) and low to moderate diastereoselectivities (1:9–10:1 dr). The synthesized compounds (>35 examples) were characterized by single-crystal XRD, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectral analysis.
The Pharmaceutical Industry in 2022: An Analysis of FDA Drug Approvals from the Perspective of Molecules
Authors: de la Torre Beatriz G. , Albericio Fernando
Published: January 2023

While 2021 ended with the world engulfed in the COVID-19 Omicron wave, 2022 has ended in almost all countries, except China, with COVID-19 being likened to the flu. In this context, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized only 37 new drugs this year compared to an average of 52 in the last four years. Thus 2022 is the second lowest harvest after 2016 in the last six years. This ranking may be transient and will be confirmed in the coming years. In this regard, the reduction in the number of drugs accepted by the FDA this year applies only to the so-called small molecules as there has been no variation in the respective numbers of biologics or TIDES (peptides and oligonucleotides). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) continue to be the class with the most drugs authorized (9), while proteins/enzymes (5) and an antibody–drug conjugate complete the biologics harvest. In 2022, five TIDES and seven drugs inspired by natural products have received the green light, thus showing the same tendency as in previous years. Finally, pharmaceutical agents with nitrogen aromatic heterocycles and/or fluorine atoms continue to be predominant among small molecules this year. Furthermore, three drugs have been approved for imaging, reinforcing the trend in recent years for this class of treatments. A keyword in 2022 is bispecificity since four drugs have this property (two mAbs, one protein, and one peptide). Herein, the 37 new drugs approved by the FDA in 2022 are analyzed. On the basis of chemical structure alone, these drugs are classified as the following: biologics (antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, proteins/enzymes), TIDES (peptide and oligonucleotides), combined drugs, natural products; nitrogen aromatic heterocycles, fluorine-containing molecules, and other small molecules.
A Celastrol Drug Delivery System Based on PEG Derivatives: The Structural Effects of Nanocarriers
Authors: Zhang Yansong , Ding Lijuan , Wang Ting , Wang Xiangtao , Yu Bo , Jia Fei , Han Meihua , Guo Yifei
Published: January 2023

The therapeutic efficacy of nanoscale drug delivery systems is related to particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and other physicochemical properties. The structure and composition of nanocarriers may affect their physicochemical properties. To systematically evaluate these characteristics, three analogues, namely polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-conjugated octadecylamine (PEG-C18), and tri(ethylene glycol) (TEG), were explored as nanocarriers to entrap celastrol (CSL) via the injection-combined dialysis method. CSL nanoparticles were successfully prepared as orange milky solutions, which revealed a similar particle size of approximately 120 nm, with narrow distribution and a negative zeta potential of −20 mV. All these CSL nanoparticles exhibited good storage stability and media stability but presented different drug-loading capacities (DLCs), release profiles, cytotoxicity, and hemolytic activity. For DLCs, PEG-C18/CSL exhibited better CSL entrapment capacity. Regarding the release profiles, TEG/CSL showed the lowest release rate, PEG-C18/CSL presented a moderate release rate, and PEG/CSL exhibited a relatively fast release rate. Based on the different release rates, PEG-C18/CSL and TEG/CSL showed higher degrees of cytotoxicity than PEG/CSL. Furthermore, TEG/CSL showed the lowest membrane toxicity, and its hemolytic rate was below 20%. These results suggest that the structural effects of nanocarriers can affect the interactions between nanocarriers and drugs, resulting in different release profiles and antitumor activity.
Characterization of the Morphological and Chemical Profile of Different Families of Microplastics in Samples of Breathable Air
Authors: Hernández-Fernández Joaquín , Puello-Polo Esneyder , Castro-Suarez John R.
Published: January 2023

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a problem of great interest to the community at large. The detection of these particles in different ecosystems and foods has been the subject of study. However, the focus of these investigations has been on the identification and quantification of PM by DSC and Pyr-GC/MS and not on how they are transported to reach the air we breathe. In this study, the values of morphological parameters for plastic particles in a range between 1 and 2000 µm, present in the breathable air of 20 neighborhoods in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, were obtained to determine the characteristics that make these particles airborne. The values of parameters were obtained, such as roundness, sphericity, curvature, and the convexity of the particle, as well as its compactness and size, which influence its transport through the air and its ability to be ingested and inhaled. The data obtained in this study allows for simulations and the analysis of the behavior of microplastics once in the environment to predict future settlements. The DSC showed us the melting temperatures of PP, PE, PET, and PS, the Pyr-GC/MS showed the fragmentation patterns, and the presence of these MPs in the samples was confirmed.
Cepharanthine Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Regulating Aconitate Decarboxylase 1 Expression and Macrophage Infiltration
Authors: Zhang Min-Na , Xie Rui , Wang Hong-Gang , Wen Xin , Wang Jing-Yi , He Le , Zhang Meng-Hui , Yang Xiao-Zhong
Published: January 2023

Cepharanthine (CEP), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid from tubers of Stephania, protects against some inflammatory diseases. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) is also known as immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), which plays an important immunometabolism role in inflammatory diseases by mediating the production of itaconic acid. ACOD1 exhibits abnormal expression in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, whether CEP can combat UC by affecting ACOD1 expression remains unanswered. This study was designed to explore the protective effects and mechanisms of CEP in treating colitis through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro assays indicated that CEP inhibited LPS-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ACOD1 expression in RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, in the mouse model of DSS-induced colitis, CEP decreased macrophage infiltration and ACOD1 expression in colon tissue. After treatment with antibiotics (Abx), the expression of ACOD1 changed with the composition of gut microbiota. Correlation analysis also revealed that Family-XIII-AD3011-group and Rumini-clostridium-6 were positively correlated with ACOD1 expression level. Additionally, data of the integrative Human Microbiome Project (iHMP) showed that ACOD1 was highly expressed in the colon tissue of UC patients and this expression was positively correlated with the severity of intestinal inflammation. Collectively, CEP can counter UC by modulating gut microbiota and inhibiting the expression of ACOD1. CEP may serve as a potential pharmaceutical candidate in the treatment of UC.
Effect of a Femtosecond-Scale Temporal Structure of a Laser Driver on Generation of Betatron Radiation by Wakefield Accelerated Electrons
Authors: Sladkov Andrey D. , Korzhimanov Artem V.
Published: January 2023

The brightness of betatron radiation generated by laser wakefield accelerated electrons can be increased by utilizing the laser driver with shorter duration at the same energy. Such shortening is possible by pulse compression after its nonlinear self-phase modulation in a thin plate. However, this method can lead to a rather complex femtosecond-scale time structure of the pulse. In this work, the results of numerical simulations show that the presence of prepulses containing a few percent of the main pulse energy can significantly alter the acceleration process and lead to either lower or higher energies of accelerated electrons and generated photons, depending on the prepulse parameters. Simultaneously, the presence of a pedestal inhibits the acceleration process lowering the brightness of the betatron source. Furthermore, postpulses following the main pulse are not found to have a significant effect on betatron radiation.
Quasi-Guided Modes Supported by a Composite Grating Structure with Alternating Element Widths
Authors: Sun Min , Han Zhanghua
Published: January 2023

The efficiency of many optical processes is significantly dependent on the magnitude of the electric field. In this context, many artificially made resonating structures have been investigated to enhance light–matter interactions and facilitate the creation of practical applications. While metal–based terahertz metamaterials have been extensively investigated for this purpose, their performances are mainly limited by the poor confinement of terahertz waves on metal surfaces, exhibiting low resonance quality factors. In this work, we propose and investigate a simple yet novel scheme of enhancing wave–matter interactions in the terahertz region by exploiting the phenomenon of quasi–guided modes. The quasi-guided modes with ultra–high quality factors and huge local field enhancement can be achieved by manipulating the guided modes supported by a slab waveguide. The guided modes with the dispersion lines below the light line have infinite Q factors and can not be accessed from external space. By using a new type of composite grating composed of two ridge grating arrays with alternating ridge widths, the grating period is doubled, leading to a folding of the first Brillouin Zone and the flipping of the dispersion lines to be above the light line. Then, the guided modes will be transitioned into new quasi–guided modes with the possibility of free–space excitation while the Q factors are determined by the level of period–doubling perturbation. The presented results of realizing quasi–guided modes can be extended to other structures, providing a novel means of manipulating light–matter interactions.
An Improved MOEA/D Algorithm for the Solution of the Multi-Objective Optimal Power Flow Problem
Authors: Wu Zhitao , Liu Hao , Zhao Jian , Li Zhiwu
Published: January 2023

The optimal power flow (OPF) is an important tool for the secure and economic operation of the power system. It attracts many researchers to pay close attention. Many algorithms are used to solve the OPF problem. The decomposition-based multi-objective algorithm (MOEA/D) is one of them. However, the effectiveness of the algorithm decreases as the size of the power system increases. Therefore, an improved MOEA/D (IMOEA/D) is proposed in this paper to solve the OPF problem. The main goal of IMOEA/D is to speed up the convergence of the algorithm and increase species diversity. To achieve this goal, three improvement strategies are introduced. Firstly, the competition strategy between the barnacle optimization algorithm and differential evolution algorithm is adopted to overcome the reduced species diversity. Secondly, an adaptive mutation strategy is employed to enhance species diversity at the latter stage of iteration. Finally, the selective candidate with similarity selection is used to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the proposed algorithm. Simulation experiments are performed on IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 57-bus test systems. The obtained results show that the above three measures can effectively improve the diversity of the population, and also demonstrate the competitiveness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for the OPF problem.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of 3D Concrete Printing and Casting Processes for Cementitious Materials Incorporating Ground Waste Tire Rubber
Authors: Sambucci Matteo , Biblioteca Ilario , Valente Marco
Published: January 2023

Ordinary concrete is an indispensable construction material of modern society which is used for everything from mundane road pavements to building structures. However, it is often used for non-load-bearing applications (for instance, insulating lightweight building units) where mechanical strength is not a priority. This leads to an avoidable depletion of natural aggregates which could instead be replaced by alternative waste materials capable of conferring to the material the desired performance while ensuring a “green” route for their disposal. Furthermore, the automation of production processes via 3D printing can further assist in the achievement of a more advanced and sustainable scenario in the construction sector. In this work, performance and environmental analyses were conducted on a 3D-printable cementitious mix engineered with ground waste tire rubber aggregates. The research proposed a comparative study between rubberized concrete mixes obtained by 3D printing and traditional mold-casting methods to achieve a comprehensive analysis in terms of the mix design and manufacturing process. To evaluate the environmental performance (global warming potential and cumulative energy demand) of the investigated samples, Life Cycle Assessment models were built by using the SimaPro software and the Ecoinvent database. The Empathetic Added Sustainability Index, which includes mechanical strength, durability, thermo-acoustic insulation, and environmental indicators, was defined to quantify the overall performance of the samples in relation to their engineering properties and eco-footprint.
Perturbations in Bianchi-V Spacetimes with Varying Λ, G and Viscous Fluids
Authors: Abebe Amare , Alfedeel Alnadhief H. A. , Sofuoğlu Değer , Hassan Eltegani I. , Tiwari Rishi Kumar
Published: January 2023

As a follow-up of a recent article in which we investigated the cosmological background expansion history of the universe in Bianchi type-V cosmological models with bulk viscous fluid and evolving cosmological Λ and Newtonian G parameters, we study the evolution of the cosmological perturbations in the current work. In particular, we analyse the evolution of the viscous matter over-density that leads to formation of large-scale structures in the Bianchi-V model, and compare the results with standard ΛCDM solutions. Our results suggest that introducing viscous fluid in the background described by Bianchi-V geometry with evolving Λ and G amplifies the structure-growth rate.
Phytoestrogen β-Sitosterol Exhibits Potent In Vitro Antiviral Activity against Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Shokry Sara , Hegazy Akram , Abbas Ahmad M. , Mostafa Islam , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Yahya Galal , El-Shazly Assem M. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Influenza is a contagious infection in humans that is caused frequently by low pathogenic seasonal influenza viruses and occasionally by pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIV) of H5, H7, and H9 subtypes. Recently, the clinical sector in poultry and humans has been confronted with many challenges, including the limited number of antiviral drugs and the rapid evolution of drug-resistant variants. Herein, the anti-influenza activities of various plant-derived phytochemicals were investigated against highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 virus (HPAIV H5N1) and seasonal low pathogenic human influenza A/H1N1 virus (LPHIV H1N1). Out of the 22 tested phytochemicals, the steroid compounds β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol-O-glucoside have very potent activity against the predefined influenza A viruses (IAV). Both steroids could induce such activity by affecting multiple stages during IAV replication cycles, including viral adsorption and replication with a major and significant impact on the virus directly in a cell-free status “viricidal effect”. On a molecular level, several molecular docking studies suggested that β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol-O-glucoside exhibited viricidal effects through blocking active binding sites of the hemagglutinin surface protein, as well as showing inhibitory effects against replication through the binding with influenza neuraminidase activity and blocking the active sites of the M2 proton channel activity. The phytoestrogen β-sitosterol has structural similarity with the active form of the female sex hormone estradiol, and this similarity is likely one of the molecular determinants that enables the phytoestrogen β-sitosterol and its derivative to control IAV infection in vitro. This promising anti-influenza activity of β-sitosterol and its O-glycoside derivative, according to both in vitro and cheminformatics studies, recommend both phytochemicals for further studies going through preclinical and clinical phases as efficient anti-influenza drug candidates.
ACTIVIDAD ANTIOXIDANTE Y CALIDAD MICROBIOLÓGICA DE PULPAS DE PSIDIUM GUAJAVA EN CONDICIONES DE ALMACENAMIENTO
Authors: Martínez Calderón Marynés del Carmen , Ettiene Gretty Rosario , Pérez-Pérez Evelyn , Sandoval Luis , Silva Ricardo , Varón Cesar , Medina Deisy
Published: January 2023

La guayaba (Psidium guajava L.) es una fruta tropical muy apetecida en Venezuela, tanto para consumo fresco como procesada, por lo que su comercialización exige una calidad física, química y microbiológica para cumplir con los requerimientos normativos para su consumo. La investigación se llevó a cabo, con el objetivo de evaluar la actividad antioxidante y la calidad microbiológica de pulpa de P. guajava almacenada, se cosecharon frutos del CESID Frutícola y Apícola (CORPOZULIA) para determinar las variables contenido de fenoles totales (método de Folin-Ciocalteu), flavonoides totales (método colorimétrico con tricloruro de aluminio), capacidad antioxidante (método ABTS), contenido de vitamina C (método de titulación 2,6-dicloroindofenol) y la calidad microbiológica (aerobios mesófilos, coliformes totales y fecales, E. coli, S. aureus, hongos y levaduras, según la norma COVENIN 902, 1104, 1337 y 1292). Los tratamientos fueron dos temperaturas de conservación (0 y -10 oC) y cinco tiempos de almacenamiento (0, 15, 30, 45 y 60 días). Se aplicó un ANOVA y se realizaron pruebas de Dunnett y Tukey para la comparación de tratamientos. El contenido de flavonoides, capacidad antioxidante y vitamina C disminuyó con los tratamientos, no observándose efecto sobre el contenido de fenoles. La actividad antioxidante solo se correlacionó con el contenido de fenoles totales. La carga microbiana disminuyó en condiciones de almacenamiento a -10 °C, y no se detectó la presencia de E. coli, S. aureus, hongos ni levaduras. La temperatura de -10 °C mejoró la actividad antioxidante y la calidad microbiológica de la pulpa de P. guajava.
Russian higher education at a crossroads: one step forward, two steps back
Authors: Zuev V. M. , Gretchenko A. I. , Musatova L. A.
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of research conducted by the staff of the Research Institute “New Economy and Business” of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics concerning the role of the Russian educational system in the space of the life of society, where it occupies an extensive sphere of intertwining direct and indirect interests, processes, actions of various parties: from an individual to the entire population of the country; from individual enterprises, organizations, to the entire production; from the employee to the sphere of labor, the entire socio-economic complex of the country. The system of higher education in the format of the Bologna system has been so deeply transplanted by many years of efforts into the entire vast sphere of Russian education, integrated with the spheres of science and labor. society as a whole, that it is difficult even to imagine not only an integral, but even a fragmentary one-time abolition of it. Based on almost 50 years of experience in serving Russian education in the teaching, scientific, and administrative fields, the authors of the article express their opinion regarding the demands seriously expressed in the Russian scientific and pedagogical community for the immediate abolition of the current system of Russian higher education (meaning the Bologna type) and the transition to a new, bearing the features of national tradition. The article notes that currently, the mechanism of simultaneous cancellation and transfer of the system is not yet completely clear. In the final section of the article, conclusions are drawn concerning some aspects of the fate of the Bologna system in the Russian Federation, other innovations of recent years, including the Western model in higher education, based on the experience of previous higher school reforms.
Statistical study of the level of world digitalization
Authors: Bakumenko L. P.
Published: January 2023

The modern study of digitalization is based on the differentiation of indicators and types of activities into separate subgroups, one way or another characterizing the level of the digital economy, within a limited (subjective) expert opinion. This study was based on the Network Readiness Index (NRI), as one of the indicators created to assess the level of development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the network economy (based on Internet technologies) in different countries of the world. The article presents the results of a statistical study of the society’s network readiness index using factor analysis methods to qualitatively change the dimension of a large data array. The classification of the countries of the world according to significant integral indicators of the network readiness index by cluster analysis methods is carried out, conclusions are drawn on the formation of the components of the network readiness index in various typological groups. On the basis of the developed classification, mathematical models were built for each independent group of countries to establish the relationship of the effective attribute from the explanatory integral components – f1 – sufficiency of network space conditions and f2 – technological activity. The resulting factors were GDP, million US dollars (GDP) and the human development index, HDI (HDI) as indicators illustrating the dynamics of changes in the economy and the conditions for the development of society, which should be directly affected by digitalization processes.
Antropologia, desejo e texturas da vida: uma entrevista com Veena Das
Authors: Sarti Cynthia , Pierobon Camila , Ferreira Letícia , Das Veena , Vianna Adriana , Gambarotto Bruno
Published: January 2023

Entrevista com Veena Das, por Camila Pierobon, Letícia Ferreira, Adriana Vianna e Cynthia Sarti.
Advanced Reinforcement Learning and Its Connections with Brain Neuroscience
Authors: Fan Chaoqiong , Yao Li , Zhang Jiacai , Zhen Zonglei , Wu Xia
Published: January 2023

In recent years, brain science and neuroscience have greatly propelled the innovation of computer science. In particular, knowledge from the neurobiology and neuropsychology of the brain revolutionized the development of reinforcement learning (RL) by providing novel interpretable mechanisms of how the brain achieves intelligent and efficient decision making. Triggered by this, there has been a boom in research about advanced RL algorithms that are built upon the inspirations of brain neuroscience. In this work, to further strengthen the bidirectional link between the 2 communities and especially promote the research on modern RL technology, we provide a comprehensive survey of recent advances in the area of brain-inspired/related RL algorithms. We start with basis theories of RL, and present a concise introduction to brain neuroscience related to RL. Then, we classify these advanced RL methodologies into 3 categories according to different connections of the brain, i.e., micro-neural activity, macro-brain structure, and cognitive function. Each category is further surveyed by presenting several modern RL algorithms along with their mathematical models, correlations with the brain, and open issues. Finally, we introduce several important applications of RL algorithms, followed by the discussions of challenges and opportunities for future research.
A New Subclass of Multivalent Function Defined by Using Jackson Derivative Operator
Authors: Indora Shivani , Bissu S. K.
Published: January 2023

In this paper authors used Jackson Derivative operator to form a new subclass of multivalent function and derived some results for a function belonging to new subclass of multivalent functions Mainly our emphasis on coefficient estimate of functions belonging to new subclass of multivalent function as well as we have also discussed radii of starlikeness convexity and close to convexity properties of a function Our results reduces to the earlier known results of Silverman 1975 Srivastava 1987 Altintas et al 1995 and Khosravianarb et al 2017 by assuming some particular values of the parameters.
A Review of the issues in Shareholders derivative suit over Liability for damages of director committed illegal stock retirement - Focussing on Supreme Court judgment Supreme sentenced on July 15, 2021 2018Da298744 -
Authors:   LAW RESEARCH INSTITUTE CHUNGBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Shin Byungdong
Published: January 2023

These cases concerns that liability for damages of director committed illegal stock retirement and the necessity of preceding irrevocable judgment to invalidity of the reduction of capital. Commercial law regulates two ways regarding stock retirement. First way is according to the rules the reduction of capital, second way is only by board resolutions. Conforming to Article 438 of the Commercial Act regarding acquisition of treasury stock and stock retirement is first way. In this case a company can acquire treasury stock without comforming to Article 341 of the Commercial Act, so a company can acquire treasury stock using its funds exceed the dividendable profit. In this case a company have to do special resolution in meeting of stockholders, procedures for Protection of Creditors, Notice of submission of stock certificates etc. If a director violates related regulations regarding invalidity of the reduction in acquisition of treasury stock and stock retirement, he intentionally or negligently violates related regulations and he should be liable for property damages according to Article 399 of the Commercial Act. In this case whole payment for acquisition of treasury stock is a company's suffered amount of property damages. These property damages suffered by payment for acquisition of treasury stock are irrelevant
to invalidity of the reduction, so liability for damages of director committed illegal stock retirement can be claimable without preceding irrevocable judgment on invalidity of the reduction of capital.
In second case, because acquisition of treasury stock is not always connected to stock retirement, these two proceedings can be divided. The Commercial Act regarding these two proceedings are separated. Acquisition
of treasury stock is prescribed by Article 341 of the Commercial Act, on the another hand stock retirement is prescribed by the proviso to Article 343 (1) of the Commercial Act. in this case stock retirement can be done only
by board resolutions, so stock retirement does not hardly counts. Alternatively it is imporeant whether a company has complied with the Commercial Act in acquisition of treasury stock. If a director violates related regulations in acquisition of treasury stock, he intentionally or negligently violates related regulations and he should be liable for property damages according to Article 399 of the Commercial Act. If a company acquires treasury stock using its funds exceed the dividendable profit, the director who executed this direct should be also liable for property damages according to Article 341 (4) of the Commercial Act.