bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seongho Yi Ik’s New Approach to Zhijue 知覺 and Weifa 未發: Stimulation by Western Learning and the Expansion of Confucianism
Authors: Kim Seonhee
Published: February 2023

This paper explores the 18th-century Joseon Confucian scholar Seongho 星湖 Yi Ik’s 李瀷 (1681~1763) theory on philosophical anthropology in the context of Confucianism through his theory of the heart-mind 心論. This study begins by examining which intellectual heritage he innovated, what intellectual resources he used in the process, and how his theories diverged from those of other Joseon Confucian scholars. Through Western learning books, Seongho obtained the rational soul theory and anatomical and physiological knowledge about the brain, based on which he reinterpreted the controversial Neo-Confucian concepts of zhijue 知覺, and the Weifa-Yifa theories 未發已發論. He acknowledged the primacy of the brain, which differs from the general principles of Neo-Confucianism. Seongho did not imbue zhijue itself with moral meaning, but considered the whole process of perception–recognition–judgment as the weifa state. At this point, yifa is determined by whether moral judgments are made. If yifa is the moment of moral judgment, the relationship between weifa and yifa must be regarded as the relationship between the operation of physical perception–cognition and rational judgment–moral practice. In Seongho’s perspective, moral practice is not a process of static cultivation, but the result of active moral determination.
Land Cover Changes of the Qilian Mountain National Park in Northwest China Based on Phenological Features and Sample Migration from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Nian Yanyun , He Zeyu , Zhang Wenhui , Chen Long
Published: February 2023

The spatial and temporal variation analysis of land cover classification is important for studying the distribution and transformation of regional land cover changes. The Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNP), an important ecological barrier in northwestern China, has lacked land cover products for long time series. The Landsat images available on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) make it possible to analyze the land cover changes over the past three decades. The purpose of this study was to generate a long time series of datasets of land cover classification based on the method of sample migration in the QMNP in Northwest China. The Landsat 5, 7, and 8 images and field sample data were combined with multiple image features and the random forest algorithm to complete the land cover classification of the QMNP from 1990 to 2020. The results indicate that (1) the method of Jeffries–Matusita (J-M) distance can reduce image feature redundancy and show that elevation and phenological features have good differentiability among land cover types that were easy to mix with feature classes; (2) the spatial distribution of land cover every 10 years between 1990 and 2020 was consistent in the QMNP, and there were obvious differences in land cover from the east to the west part of the QMNP, with a large area of vegetation distribution in Sunan county in the central part and Tianzhu county in the east part of the QMNP; (3) over the past 30 years, forests and grasslands decreased by 62.2 km2 and 794.7 km2, respectively, while shrubs increased by 442.9 km2 in the QMNP. The conversion of bare land to grassland and the interconversion between different vegetation types were the main patterns of land cover changes, and the land cover changes were mainly concentrated in pastoral areas, meaning that human activity was the main factor of land cover changes; and (4) when the samples of 2020 were migrated to 2010, 2000, and 1990, the overall classification accuracies were 89.7%, 88.0%, 86.0%, and 83.9%, respectively. The results show that the vegetation conservation process in the QMNP was closely related to human activities.
Exploring the Sensitivity of Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence at Different Wavelengths in Response to Drought
Authors: Xu Shan , Liu Zhigang , Han Shuai , Chen Zhuang , He Xue , Zhao Huarong , Ren Sanxue
Published: February 2023

Due to the mechanistic coupling between solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and photosynthesis, SIF has an advantage over greenness-based vegetation indices in detecting drought. Since photosystem I (PSI) contributes very little to red SIF, red SIF is assumed to be more responsive to environmental stress than far-red SIF. However, in addition to affecting photosynthesis, drought also has an impact on vegetation chlorophyll concentration and thus affects the reabsorption process of red SIF. When these responses are entangled, the sensitivity of SIF in the red and far-red regions in response to drought is not yet clear. In this study, we conducted a water stress experiment on maize in the field and measured the upward and downward leaf SIF spectra by a spectrometer assembled with a leaf clip. Simultaneously, leaf-level active fluorescence was measured with a pulse-amplified modulation (PAM) fluorometer. We found that SIF, after normalization by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and dark-adapted minimal fluorescence (Fo), is a better estimation of SIF yield. By comparing the wavelength-dependent link between SIF yield and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) across the range of 660 to 800 nm, the results show that red SIF and far-red SIF have different sensitivities in response to drought. SIF yield in the far-red region has a strong and stable correlation with NPQ. Drought not only reduces red SIF due to photosynthetic regulation, but it also increases red SIF by reducing chlorophyll content (weakening the reabsorption effect). The co-existence of these two contradictory effects makes the red SIF of leaf level unable to reliably indicate NPQ. In addition, the red:far-red ratio of downward SIF and the ratio between the downward SIF and upward SIF at the red peak can be good indicators of chlorophyll content. These findings can help to interpret SIF variations in remote sensing techniques and fully exploit SIF information in red and far-red regions when monitoring plant water stress.
Same-Sex Marriages, Divorce and Children from the Prism of Methodological Triangulation
Authors: Puertas Cañaveral Inmaculada , Jiménez-Cabello José Manuel , Becerril-Ruiz Diego , Paniza Prados José Luis
Published: February 2023

This article delves into the social reality of same-sex couples breaking up in Spain, seeking to answer questions, such as: When and why does divorce occur? What type of divorces occur and what is child custody like? To accomplish this, an overview and evolution of these marriages is provided; later the status of the issue regarding marriages and their terminations is explored. The investigation proposes triangulation as a methodological strategy using quantitative and qualitative techniques to achieve greater richness and guarantees in the results, indicating that marriages of same-sex couples have a distinctive idiosyncrasy in comparison to that of heterosexuals in the divorce process.
Climate Change and Sustainability in Spanish Classrooms: State of the Art and Didactic Proposal
Authors: Correa-González Jordan , López-Díez Abel , Díaz-Pacheco Jaime , Martín-Raya Nerea
Published: February 2023

Climate change has become a global challenge that must be faced in a cross-cutting manner from multiple fields and involving all citizens. The educational system, as a space that guarantees the training of students and the integral development of the person at the social, intellectual and ethical levels, should be oriented towards increasing the environmental awareness of society, promoting practices and habits that respect the preservation of ecosystems and, in short, education for sustainability. The 2023–2024 academic year is the first in which the curricular content developed from the Organic Law 3/2020, of December 29, which modifies the Organic Law 2/2006, of May 3, on Education, popularly known as LOMLOE, will be fully implemented. This paper designs a learning situation on sustainability and climate change that can be implemented in the Spanish and European contexts, responding to Rosenshine’s principles of instruction, a circumstance that gives it enormous flexibility and makes it an interesting resource focused on helping geography teachers to face current challenges from an innovative, scientific, and inclusive perspective.
Evaluation of Aloe barbadensis Miller and Musa x paradisiaca as Internal Curing Agents in Concrete
Authors: Malathy Ramalingam , Selvam Balakrishnan , Prabakaran Mayakrishnan
Published: February 2023

Curing is essential for enhancing the durability and strength of concrete. Researchers found that a lack of conventional curing in earlier days leads to a loss of economy over the years after construction finishes. Self-curing concrete is a contemporary type of concrete that holds water, prevents loss of moisture from the surface, and facilitates self-curing. The existing chemical admixture for self-curing, polyethylene glycol (PEG), is expensive. Hence, in this research, bio admixtures such as Aloe barbadensis miller and Musa x paradisiaca were tried as self-curing agents and compared with the performance of PEG. The functional groups of such bio admixtures match with those of PEG. The results show that the fresh and hardened properties of M30 concrete are better than the conventionally cured concrete and PEG added to concrete. The optimized percentages of admixtures are 0.25% for Aloe barbadensis miller, 1% for Musa x paradisiacal, and 0.5% for PEG, improving the compressive strength by 23.3%, 1.7%, and 4.5%, respectively. Similarly, split tensile and flexural strength have been enhanced up to 4.24 MPa and 15.05 MPa for Aloe barbadensis miller, and 3.82 MPa and 13.65 MPa for Musa x paradisiacal. The characterization studies’, such as XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope), and EDX (energy dispersion analysis), results show the early formation of hydrated products, such as CSH and CH, after 7 days of curing with an optimized mix. Of the two plant extracts, Aloe barbadensis miller performed better than Musa x paradisiacal and water-cured concrete.
Analyzing Physical-Mechanical and Hydrophysical Properties of Sandy Soils Exposed to Long-Term Hydrocarbon Contamination
Authors: Lange Ivan , Kotiukov Pavel , Lebedeva Yana
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to investigate the issue of sandy soil contamination by oil hydrocarbons. Laboratory procedures used to study conditionally pure and contaminated sands include grain-size measurements and evaluation of physical-mechanical and hydrophysical properties. The results of the analysis of sand samples using visual and microscopic studies and sieve analysis show that, unlike in conditionally pure sands, in contaminated samples, the surface of mineral particles is covered by hydrocarbon film. The presence of the latter enables micro- and macroaggregates to be formed. Studies of the physical and hydrophysical properties of sands using a technique with pre-weighed glass containers, as well as a filtering device, SPETSGEO pipes, showed that, in comparison with conditionally pure samples, contaminated specimens of sandy soils have lower densities and higher permeabilities and water yields. Testing the mechanical properties of contaminated sands on the GPP-30 direct shear apparatus using the consolidated dried shear strength method revealed an increase in the angle of internal friction with a decrease in specific adhesion compared to conditionally clean sands.
Classification of Lighting Design Aspects in Relation to Employees’ Productivity in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Najjar Ghada Abdulrahman , Akkad Khaled , Almahdaly Ahdab Hashim
Published: February 2023

Though the average employee spends a third of their day inside an office, designing a productive workspace can be challenging for designers. However, lighting design is a critical factor for the wellbeing of the employee. With the increasing number of local and international companies opening in Saudi Arabia, it is important to study the effect of natural and artificial lighting on the productivity of employees in the office environment. It is essential to consider that employee productivity leads to economic productivity. A questionnaire was shared with the employees of the head office of Ensan Charity for Orphans Care to collect data on the preferences of staff on the current lighting design in their offices. Office design is one of the most important aspects in need of special attention, since employees spend more than eight hours daily at their offices. Lighting design is one of the key aspects of office design that has a direct impact on employees’ satisfaction and productivity. The aim of this study was to discover employees’ preferences for office design in Saudi Arabia. The collected data are analyzed to uncover employee preferences as well as to predict two key design aspects using machine-learning techniques. The two design aspects of concern are direct sunlight in the office environment and manual control of light intensity. This research aimed to help improve the design of the office environment according to employees’ preferences and international standards through investigating sustainable lighting design elements. A further challenge to be overcome was the need for further data collection as it relates to the two design aspects mentioned above. This paper demonstrates relatively high prediction accuracies of the mentioned design considerations using a variety of machine-learning algorithms.
MACLA-LSTM: A Novel Approach for Forecasting Water Demand
Authors: Wang Ke , Ye Zanting , Wang Zhangquan , Liu Banteng , Feng Tianheng
Published: February 2023

Sustainable and effective management of urban water supply is a key challenge for the well-being and security of current society. Urban water supply systems have to deal with a huge amount of data, and it is difficult to develop efficient intervention mechanisms by relying on the human experience. Deep learning methods make it possible to predict water demand in real-time; however, deep learning methods have a large number of hyperparameters, and the selection of hyperparameters can easily affect the accuracy of prediction. Within this context, a novel framework of short-term water demand forecast is proposed, in which a forecasting method clouded leopard algorithm based on multiple adaptive mechanisms—long short-term memory networks (MACLA-LSTM)—is developed to improve the accuracy of water demand predictions. Specifically, LSTM networks are used to predict water demand and the MACLA is utilized to optimize the input parameters of the LSTM. The MACLA-LSTM model is evaluated on a real dataset sampled from water distribution systems. In comparison with other methods, the MACLA-LSTM achieved MAE values of 1.12, 0.89, and 1.09; MSE values of 2.22, 1.21, and 2.38; and R2 values of 99.51%, 99.44%, and 99.01%. The results show the potential of the MACLA-LSTM model for water demand forecasting tasks and also demonstrate the positive effect of the MACLA on forecasting tasks by comparing results with LSTM variant models. The proposed MACLA-LSTM can provide a resilient, sustainable, and low-cost management strategy for water supply systems.
Carbon Pricing in Current Global Institutional Changes
Authors: Reshetnikova Liudmila , Boldyreva Natalia , Devyatkov Anton , Pisarenko Zhanna , Ovechkin Danila
Published: February 2023

Global institutional changes (GICs), having influenced energy prices, led to a steady upward trend in carbon prices on the EU ETS. The aim of the article is to assess the changes in the relationship between carbon prices and energy prices under GICs. The Bai–Perron tests for structural breaks identified two dates as the breakpoint, 21 April 2016 and 21 September 2020. We test the hypothesis that powerful external factors (GIC) are changing the trend pattern of the carbon price time series. New pricing rules of the carbon price are being formed after the breakpoint. We use daily observations from 4 January 2010 to 1 September 2022. We use GARCH models with multiple stationary time series to discover a relationship energy price with the carbon price before and after the break points. We found that three models for two breakpoints better describe the relationship between carbon prices and energy prices than two models for one breakpoint, much less one model for the entire period. We find that the carbon price depends on energy prices, especially on the price of oil, in a statistically significant way, but the gas price is not statistically significant after 21 September 2020.
Emotional Intelligence, Quality of Life, and Concern for Gender Perspective in Future Teachers
Authors: Sanabrias-Moreno Déborah , Sánchez-Zafra María , Zagalaz-Sánchez María Luisa , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier
Published: February 2023

In recent years, concern in Spain for gender issues has been on the rise. The United Nations has established the Sustainable Development Goals, among which is the concern for achieving quality education and gender equity. In view of the above, this study analyzed the relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life in university students taking degrees related to education; the study took into account variables such as sex, studies completed, and the degree of concern that the students show about the incorporation of the gender perspective in their curriculum. The sample consisted of 442 students from different Spanish universities who responded to an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions and several questionnaires, which allowed for an analysis of emotional intelligence (TMMS-24), satisfaction with life (SWLS-C), and gender-sensitive evaluation of training in gender equality (ESFIG). Some of the main results obtained concluded that there were no differences between the sexes with respect to the perception of quality of life, with the people who were more satisfied with their lives being those who were more sensitive to the incorporation of a gender perspective in training plans. In relation to emotional intelligence, women scored higher in the attention dimension and men in the emotional clarity and repair. In turn, females showed greater interest in including the treatment of gender issues in their academic training. The findings obtained show the need for future teacher training plans to pay attention to the satisfaction with life shown by students in addition to favoring the development of emotional competencies and the incorporation of gender perspective, considering the social, personal, and work-related benefits that this will bring about.
The Nexus between Higher Education and Unemployment—Evidence from Romania
Authors: Dănăcică Daniela-Emanuela , Babucea Ana-Gabriela , Paliu-Popa Lucia , Bușan Gabriela , Chirtoc Irina-Elena
Published: February 2023

The aim of this research is to analyze, from a macro-economic perspective, the dynamic relationship between higher education and the unemployment rate in Romania. After the political changes at the end of 1989, in Romania the number of individuals enrolled in universities and the number of highly educated graduates increased substantially. Through the research carried out in this article, we analyze whether this explosion of highly educated individuals is sustainable and is a factor in the evolution of the unemployment rate, specifically, whether higher education causes a short and/or a long-run decrease or increase of the unemployment rate, or whether the variables are independent. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) procedure, and other econometric techniques specific to the dynamic analysis of time series were used as methodological approaches. The results prove that, at the macro-economic level, higher education and unemployment rate are not co-integrated in the long-run. However, for the analyzed period, there was a significant but modest short-run positive effect of higher education on unemployment rate. Our study emphasizes the importance, for a balanced and sustainable labor market, of correlating the number of individuals enrolled in higher education institutions with the needs of employers. We underline that a non-sustainable increase in the number of highly educated graduates may become a cause of the increase of unemployment and permanent migration of highly educated individuals. The obtained results can be useful for policy makers and can contribute to the development of effective strategies focused on higher education.
Analysis of Design Agents for Mediation of Gender Inclusivity in Domestic Space: A Case Study of Chettinad Vernacular Architecture
Authors: Lakshmanan Ramalakshmi , Anbu Madhumathi , Noguchi Masa
Published: February 2023

Architects often emphasize on form and spatial layout in domestic architecture. Yet, functionality of form is evaluated by the experience of its users. This research wishes to address a central problem often ignored in domestic architecture—the connection linking gender, experience, and space. The study aims to analyze design agents that aid in mediating gender inclusivity in domestic space. This research delves into the vernacular architecture of Chettinad, which has been widely deliberated and celebrated for its climate responsiveness, materiality, sustainability, etc. Considering the rationale of cultural transition and SDG5 in promoting gender equality, the study seeks to answer the following research question: What are the agents that could help to mediate gender inclusivity in designing domestic space in India? Using snowball sampling, 25 in-depth interviews with women users and participant observation were carried out in 12 villages of the Chettinad region. Findings identified the social actions as design agents and recognized space as referential to experience. Furthermore, the article argues that this opulent tradition must be preserved, and its meaning must be altered such that the indigenous lessons may be translated to other spaces it inspires, in such a way that it empowers the people living in it. Limited to a conceptual study, this research accommodated a small sample of women respondents. The article presents insights for architects who must consider gender inclusivity as a central factor in their design.
Designing a Sustainable Development Path Based on Landscape Ecological Risk and Ecosystem Service Value in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Yang Rongjin , Li Xiuhong , Sun Meiying , Zhang Le , Lu Yanrong , Meng Lingyu , Liu Yunzhi , Wang Chen
Published: February 2023

Rapid urban expansion and economic development lead to the deterioration of ecosystems, which not only aggravates regional ecological risks but also leads to the degradation of ecosystem functions. It is of great significance to rationally divide regions and provide targeted management strategies for realizing the sustainability of regional economic development and ecological maintenance. Taking southwest China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing) as an example, land use data from 2000, 2010 and 2020 were used to evaluate the value of landscape ecological risk (LER) and ecosystem services, and comprehensive zoning was divided according to their spatial correlation. The socio-economic development characteristics of each zone were analyzed, and differentiated and targeted sustainable development paths were proposed. The results showed that the overall LER level of southwest China increased, and the gap of internal LER narrowed gradually. The ecosystem service value (ESV) per unit area showed an increasing trend, but the core metropolitan areas and northwest Sichuan had little change. According to the differences in population, industrial structure and land use, the low-ESV zone was densely populated, while the high-ESV zone was sparsely populated, and the population from the high-LER zone gradually migrated to the low-LER zone. The economic development of the low-ESV zone was better than that of the high-ESV zone, and secondary industry was an important driving force of regional economic development. Large-scale forestland can alleviate the LER, but the increase in cultivated land and grassland further aggravated the LER. According to the social and economic characteristics of each zone, this study put forward a differentiated development strategy for southwest China and also provided reference for the coordinated development of ecological protection and social economy in other key ecological regions.
Stability Properties of Self-Similar Solutions in Symmetric Teleparallel f(Q)-Cosmology
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: February 2023

Self-similar cosmological solutions correspond to spacetimes that admit a homothetic symmetry. The physical properties of self-similar solutions can describe important eras of the cosmological evolution. Recently, self-similar cosmological solutions were derived for symmetric teleparallel fQ-theory with different types of connections. In this work, we study the stability properties of the self-similar cosmological solutions in order to investigate the effects of the different connections on the stability properties of the cosmic history. For the background geometry, we consider the isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker space and the anisotropic and homogeneous Bianchi I space, for which we investigate the stability properties of Kasner-like universes.
Extension of the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method’s Application Range to Include Some Important Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Attia Nourhane , Akgül Ali , Alqahtani Rubayyi T.
Published: February 2023

Fractional differential equations are becoming more and more indispensable for modeling real-life problems. Modeling and then analyzing these fractional differential equations assists researchers in comprehending and predicting the system they want to study. This is only conceivable when their solutions are available. However, the majority of fractional differential equations lack exact solutions, and even when they do, they cannot be assessed precisely. Therefore, in order to analyze the symmetry analysis and acquire approximate solutions, one must rely on numerical approaches. In order to solve several significant fractional differential equations numerically, this work presents an effective approach. This method’s versatility and simplicity are its key benefits. To verify the RKHSM’s applicability, the convergence analysis and error estimations related to it are discussed. We also provide the profiles of a variety of representative numerical solutions to the problem at hand. We validated the potential, reliability, and efficacy of the RKHSM by testing some examples.
New-Generation Ektacytometry Study of Red Blood Cells in Different Hemoglobinopathies and Thalassemia
Authors: Krishnevskaya Elena , Molero Marta , Ancochea Águeda , Hernández Ines , Vives-Corrons Joan-Lluis
Published: February 2023

Next-generation ektacytometry provided by the osmoscan module of the Laser Optical Rotational Red Cell Analyser (LoRRca) MaxSis is, so far, one of the best complementary diagnostic tools for congenital rare anaemias due to red blood cell defects. Osmotic gradient ektacytometry (OGE) is currently considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of red cell membrane disorders, especially hereditary spherocytosis (HS). Impairment of red cell deformability, leading to a decrease in red cell survival rate, is the common trait of hereditary haemolytic anaemias; in general, it is the consequence of an abnormal cell shape, increased rigidity or dehydration. Up to now, the next-generation ektacytometry has been mainly used for the differential diagnosis of red blood cell membranopathies, but experience with structural hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia is still scarce. However, recently, many new forms of therapy are being developed for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies, particularly sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia; clinical interest in ektacytometry is increasing and should be further explored. Here, we have evaluated the OGE profiles provided by the osmoscan module of the LoRRca ektacytometer in 96 patients with different hemoglobinopathies, both structural and thalassemia, with the aim of analysing their usefulness for the early diagnosis of these disorders either individually or in co-inheritance with other hereditary RBC defects. In addition, this study aims to improve our knowledge of the contribution of red cell deformability, osmotic fragility and intracellular viscosity to the physiopathology of haemolysis, especially when these disorders are a cause of rare anaemia. From this study, we conclude that the osmoscan profile provides complementary information on red cell deformability and hydration homeostasis that may contribute to the better understanding of the physiopathology of decreased red cell survival and hemolysis which is present in some patients.
A Proposed Association between Improving Energy Metabolism of HepG2 Cells by Plant Extracts and Increasing Their Sensitivity to Doxorubicin
Authors: Al-Shafie Tamer A. , Mahrous Engy A. , Shukry Mustafa , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Ibrahim Samah F. , Fericean Liana , Abdelkader Afaf , Ali Mennatallah A.
Published: February 2023

Increasing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy by amending aberrant metabolism using plant extracts represents a promising strategy to lower chemotherapy doses while retaining the same therapeutic outcome. Here, we incubated HepG2 cells with four plant extracts that were selected based on an earlier assessment of their cytotoxicity, viz asparagus, green tea, rue, and avocado, separately, before treatment with doxorubicin. MTT assays elucidated a significant decrease in doxorubicin-IC50 following HepG2 incubation with each extract, albeit to a variable extent. The investigated extract’s ultra-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS and GC/MS) revealed several constituents with anticancer activity. Biochemical investigation displayed several favorable effects, including the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor1α (HIF1α), c-Myc, pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and glutaminase by asparagus and rue extracts. To less extent, HIF1α, c-Myc, PKM2, and LDH-A were partially inhibited by green tea extract, and HIF1α and glutaminase activity was inhibited by avocado oil. Undesirably, green tea extract increased glutaminase; avocado oil rose c-Myc, and both increased G6PD. In conclusion, our study confirms the potential cytotoxic effects of these plant extracts. It highlights a strong association between the ability of asparagus, green tea, rue, and avocado to sensitize HepG2 cells to doxorubicin and their power to amend cell metabolism, suggesting their use as add-on agents that might aid in clinically lowering the doxorubicin dose.
Urban Ageing Welfare Leaking and Remedy Strategies in Macau
Authors: Wang Xin , Peng Kang-Lin , Meng Ting
Published: February 2023

The world is experiencing population ageing, which will extend to the future across the world. The ageing population is sure to impact a country’s welfare policy and economy. Macau is a special administrative region (SAR) of China with a long-life expectancy and a decreasing reproduction rate, making the population ageing particularly obvious. This study adopts a mixed methods approach to analyze the relationship between the ageing population, pension recipients, and pension payments to suggest the pension system and welfare leaking strategies of Macau SAR. The Granger causality test and focus group were conducted to test and discuss the ageing population, pension recipients, and pension payments. Results show that the ageing population positively affects pension payments. The ageing recipients are not corresponding to the ageing population and payments show welfare leakage. Suggestions are offered accordingly for a welfare policy to offer remedy strategies and reform the pension system.
Emerging Trends in Nano-Driven Immunotherapy for Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Kandasamy Gayathri , Karuppasamy Yugeshwaran , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: February 2023

Despite advancements in the development of anticancer medications and therapies, cancer still has the greatest fatality rate due to a dismal prognosis. Traditional cancer therapies include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. The conventional treatments have a number of shortcomings, such as a lack of selectivity, non-specific cytotoxicity, suboptimal drug delivery to tumour locations, and multi-drug resistance, which results in a less potent/ineffective therapeutic outcome. Cancer immunotherapy is an emerging and promising strategy to elicit a pronounced immune response against cancer. Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system with cancer-specific antigens or immune checkpoint inhibitors to overcome the immune suppressive tumour microenvironment and kill the cancer cells. However, delivery of the antigen or immune checkpoint inhibitors and activation of the immune response need to circumvent the issues pertaining to short lifetimes and effect times, as well as adverse effects associated with off-targeting, suboptimal, or hyperactivation of the immune system. Additional challenges posed by the tumour suppressive microenvironment are less tumour immunogenicity and the inhibition of effector T cells. The evolution of nanotechnology in recent years has paved the way for improving treatment efficacy by facilitating site-specific and sustained delivery of the therapeutic moiety to elicit a robust immune response. The amenability of nanoparticles towards surface functionalization and tuneable physicochemical properties, size, shape, and surfaces charge have been successfully harnessed for immunotherapy, as well as combination therapy, against cancer. In this review, we have summarized the recent advancements made in choosing different nanomaterial combinations and their modifications made to enable their interaction with different molecular and cellular targets for efficient immunotherapy. This review also highlights recent trends in immunotherapy strategies to be used independently, as well as in combination, for the destruction of cancer cells, as well as prevent metastasis and recurrence.
Effects of a Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Riociguat on Contractility of Isolated Pulmonary Artery and Hemodynamics of U46619-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs
Authors: Kameshima Satoshi , Nakamura Yuki , Uehara Kenji , Kodama Tomoko , Yamawaki Hideyuki , Nishi Kotaro , Okano Shozo , Niijima Ryo , Kimura Yuya , Itoh Naoyuki
Published: February 2023

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator riociguat is a relatively novel therapeutic agent for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in human medicine. Riociguat induces endothelium-independent pulmonary artery (PA) relaxation by directly activating the sGC-cyclic guanosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in muscle cells. Although riociguat may be effective in the treatment of dogs with refractory PH, basic studies on its clinical application in veterinary medicine are lacking. The present study aimed to explore the effects of riociguat on the contractility of an isolated canine PA and the hemodynamics of dogs with acute PH. In an isolated endothelium-denuded canine PA, the effects of riociguat on endothelin (ET)-1-induced contraction and cGMP levels were investigated using the Magnus method and ELISA, respectively. The effect of riociguat on the hemodynamics of the thromboxane A2 analog U46619-induced PH model dog was examined by invasive catheterization. Riociguat increased cGMP levels and reduced ET-1-induced contraction of the isolated PA. Riociguat inhibited the U46619-induced elevation of PA pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance and increased cardiac output, but it had no effect on basal systemic blood pressure. These results demonstrate for the first time that riociguat can inhibit the elevation of PA pressure through PA relaxation via an endothelium-independent increase in cGMP in dogs with PH.
Accumulation of Heavy Metal Ions from Urban Soil in Spontaneous Flora
Authors: Harja Maria , Ciocinta Ramona Carla , Ondrasek Gabrijel , Bucur Daniel , Dirja Marcel
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to analyse the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions in plants of spontaneous flora. An urban area was established from which soil samples were taken and analyses were performed on the content of heavy metal ions. The soil samples were collected from Iasi’s urban area to determine the heavy metal concentrations, obtain maps of sensitive land, and determine the content of heavy metals in spontaneous flora and transfer these into an aqueous extract. The investigation of heavy metal ion levels in certain plants revealed the following: (i) all plants from the Brassicaceae accumulate heavy metals, and B. juncea has a great ability to accumulate and transfer Cu, Cr(VI), Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn towards the shoots; (ii) heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn) were present in variable concentrations, with mint and nettle being notable for their increased level of iron and thyme, and rattle for its zinc levels; (iii) toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) are present in low concentrations in plants as well as in infusions, except for in primula and plantain, which do not have high levels of Pb and Cd. The results showed that values exceeded the maximum recommended values in areas with industrial pollution. Taking into account the potential for the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions by plants from spontaneous flora and their use as medicinal plants, it is recommended, based on the studies conducted, to harvest and use plants from soils that do not contain heavy metal ions.
An Impact of the Discrete Representation of the Bubble Size Distribution Function on the Flow Structure in a Bubble Column Reactor
Authors: Chernyshev Alexander , Schmidt Alexander , Chernysheva Veronica
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the effect of different discrete representations of the continuous bubble size distribution function on the flow structure in a bubble column reactor. Poly- and monodisperse media were considered, such that the mathematical expectation of the bubble size in the polydisperse case was equal to the bubble size in the monodisperse case at the same volumetric bubble contents. For these computations the normalized variances of the velocity profiles of the carrier and the disperse phases, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, and the specific area of the interfacial surface were determined. The normalized variances were calculated from a reference scenario with a detailed resolution of the bubble size distribution function with ten bubble classes. It was shown that with increase of the average bubble sizes mono- and polydisperse approaches provide converging solutions. A modified hybrid discretization of the bubble size distribution function with four classes of bubbles was shown to predict the flow structure with normalized variance less than 5% over the entire computational domain for all monitored parameters.
LGBT+ Youth Perspectives on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Questions in the Growing Up in Ireland Survey: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ceatha Nerilee , Koay Aaron C. C. , Kelly Ayrton , Killeen Tara , McCabe Katie , Murray James , Pope Jayson , Scully Niamh , Buggy Conor , Crowley Des
Published: February 2023

The increasing importance of identifying lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) populations is a key driver in changes to demographic data collection in representative surveys of youth. While such population-based data are rare, Growing Up in Ireland (GUI), an Irish, government-funded, longitudinal survey, includes sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) measurements. This qualitative study responds to a query from the GUI study team and aims to identify how best to collect SOGI data in future waves of GUI. A university Human Research Ethics Committee granted approval for online consultations with LGBT+ youth (n = 6) with experiential expertise in policy making. The research is underpinned by rights-based public patient involvement (PPI) with recorded discussions, which were transcribed and imported into NVivo 12, generating the theme “recognition in research, policy and society”. This co-created article, with the LGBT+ young PPI Panel members, commends the inclusion of SOGI data in GUI and recommends changes in question placement and phrasing. Aligning with best practice, the PPI members provide a template for wording on consecutive sex and gender questions, expanded sexual orientation identity categories and maintaining the existing well-phrased transgender question from GUI. This offers potential to improve the quality of the SOGI data collected and the experience of those completing the questionnaire. These findings extend beyond GUI, with relevance for surveys with youth populations. This paper underscores the potential and benefits of participatory approaches to research with youth and views their role beyond simply as sources of data.
La Pachamama, memorias de un tiempo pasado y rituales vigentes en el Valle Calchaquí Norte (Salta, Argentina)
Authors: Páez María Cecilia , Marinangeli Gimena Alé , Maidana Carolina , Plastiné Pujadas Ignacio Gabriel
Published: February 2023

La Pachamama representa una de las creencias indígenas con mayor vigencia en el mundo andino contemporáneo, sostenida sobre la imagen de una entidad tutelar que garantiza la reproducción biológica y social. En este trabajo, nos proponemos problematizar los elementos centrales que subyacen a la creencia y los procesos rituales vinculados con ella en distintas localidades del departamento de Cachi, a través de una metodología etnográfica. Pondremos el acento en la diversidad de manifestaciones o performances, sus aspectos simbólicos y materiales, por un lado, y la forma en que esas prácticas son interpeladas por los intereses y actores que emergen en el contexto actual, por otro. Las observaciones realizadas señalan que el turismo es un condicionante importante en la configuración de los rituales, junto con otros actores que emergen en la escena moderna. En virtud de ello, se distingue entre rituales del espacio público, abiertos a las demandas del mercado, y privado, sostenidos sobre la identidad y las memorias locales.
Smart Hydrogels for Bone Reconstruction via Modulating the Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Weikai , Zhang Hao , Zhou Qirong , Zhou Fengjin , Zhang Qin , Su Jiacan
Published: February 2023

Rapid and effective repair of injured or diseased bone defects remains a major challenge due to shortages of implants. Smart hydrogels that respond to internal and external stimuli to achieve therapeutic actions in a spatially and temporally controlled manner have recently attracted much attention for bone therapy and regeneration. These hydrogels can be modified by introducing responsive moieties or embedding nanoparticles to increase their capacity for bone repair. Under specific stimuli, smart hydrogels can achieve variable, programmable, and controllable changes on demand to modulate the microenvironment for promoting bone healing. In this review, we highlight the advantages of smart hydrogels and summarize their materials, gelation methods, and properties. Then, we overview the recent advances in developing hydrogels that respond to biochemical signals, electromagnetic energy, and physical stimuli, including single, dual, and multiple types of stimuli, to enable physiological and pathological bone repair by modulating the microenvironment. Then, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives regarding the clinical translation of smart hydrogels.
Kecerdasan Emosional Terhadap Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) pada Karyawan PT. Indomarco Adi Prima Padang
Authors: Andhika Anggawira  , Aditya Hedrian
Published: February 2023

Kecerdasan emosi perlu dimiliki oleh setiap orang, terutama bagi seorang karyawan. Penelitian ini dilakukann untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kecerdasan emosional terhadap organizational citizen Behavirship pada karyawan PT. Indomarco Adi Prima Cabang Padang. PT. Indomarco Adi Prima Cabang Padang merupakan salah satu unit bisnis dari PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk yang bergerak dalam bidang distribusi customer product. Lazimnya perusahaan tentu saja memiliki Standar Operasional dan pemberian reward yang bertujuan meningkatkan kinerja karyawan. Pemberian reward dalam perilaku sukarela yang dilakukan karyawan disebut dengan organizational citizen behaviorship. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan Teknik non-probability sampling dengan jenis sampling jenuh sebanyak 62 karyawan PT. Indomarco Adi Prima Cabang Padang. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan dua buah skala yaitu skala Kecerdasan Emosional dan skala organizational citizen behabiorship.  Skala kecerdasan emosional disusun berdasarkan empat dimensi yaitu Mengenali emosi diri, Mengelola emosi, Motivasi, Empati, Membina hubungan sosial, sedangkan skala Organizational Citizenship Behavior disusun dengan menggunakan dimensi yang terdiri dari: altruism, conscientiousness, sportmanship, courtesy, civic virtue. Data dari skala yang digunakan dari 62 karyawan kemudian di hitung korelasinya dengan menggunakan metode korelasi product moment pearson melalui program SPSS. Dari pengolahan data dengan menggunakan program tersebut didapat hasil r=0,856, p sig. 0.000 < 0,05. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa kecerdasan emosional memiliki hubungan yang sifatnya positif dan signifikan terhadap perilaku organizational citizen behaviorship, dengan kata lain semakin tinggi kecerdasan emosional seseorang maka semakin besar munculnya perilaku Organizational citizen behaviorship, begitu juga sebaliknya. Dan kecerdasan emosional memberikan sumbangan sebesar 73 % terhadap organizational citizen behaviorship.
Erosion reduction in beach dunes, through the technological implementation for the sand-dead pelagic sargassum mixture treatment
Authors: Jiménez Roano Guadalupe , Cruz-Gómez Marco Antonio , Mejía-Pérez José Alfredo , Flores-Martinez Guillermo
Published: February 2023

The invasive presence of pelagic sargassum on the coasts has increased disproportionately in the last decade, causing great damage to the ecosystems of coastal and marine flora, and fauna, as well as the tourism sector, due to the fact that the sargassum when it enters into decomposition generates fetid odors, detachments of Ammonium concentrations and Hydrogen Sulfide H2S that together with hypoxic conditions were the mass death cause of species, therefore it is necessary to clean affected areas. The aim of this research was to analyze how to reduce erosion in beach dunes, through the technological implementation for the treatment of the mixture sand - dead pelagic sargassum. The methodology had a mixed approach to propose the application of centrifugation and precipitation technologies to significantly reduce beach dunes erosion. However, the machines that do not have this process present a sand-sargassum mixture as residue that, when removed, erodes the dunes. The results obtained were the proposal for the implementation of a new complementary process to those carried out by beach cleaning machines to reduce erosion, in addition to compacting the sargassum for its transfer optimization.