bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of tourism environmental management in Kazakhstan based on successful international experience
Authors: Pazylkhaiyr B. , Assipova Zh.M. , Bertocchi D.
Published: July 2023

Object: The aim of this research is to analyze the best examples of international experience in tourism environmental management and the possibilities of using them in the Kazakhstan example.
Methods: Several methods as comparison, analyzing case studies, and theoretical literature review have been used during the research.
Findings: The authors show that Kazakhstan meets difficulties with tourism environmental management, even though it has a great potential to be one of the world leaders in this field. Consequently, the authors recommend several directions on how Kazakhstan tourism environmental management should be developed through international experience.
 Conclusions: The article defines the approaches that some of the developed and developing countries, which have improved the tourism industry through the environmental management tools such as, Australia (DEC), UK (win-win development), New Zealand (Marine Mammals Protection Act), Canada (Tourism Destination Model), Ecuador (Tourism associations), Costa Rica (tourism environmental management strategy), and Botswana (the community — based ecotourism). As a result, Kazakhstan can easily use all these approaches to develop its tourism environmental management.
Creating Purchase Intention through Social Media: The use of AR enabled Social Media Filters
Authors: Shamsi Mohd Salman , Abad Arif
Published: July 2023

Since the advent of humans on this planet, communication has been a key for transferring ideas, information, and knowledge. Communication has been identified as a crucial element in the advancement of human civilization (Heintz & Scott-Phillips, 2023). However, communication channels have been used differently in different times, places, and situations. The impact of communication is significantly affected by the channels employed to convey information (Murphy et al., 1997). The efficiency of information delivery and reception is contingent upon the mode of communication employed (Ren & Zhao, 2023). The effectiveness of a message in terms of its clarity, relevance, and accuracy can exhibit significant variability based on the mode of transmission (Miller, 2014). An appropriate selection of communication channels helps convey the desired message and elicit the desired response (Shiva et al., 2021). Communication channels have evolved drastically during the last two decades (Kaufman et al., 2015).
Study in Kinetics of Saponification Reaction of Diethyl Adipate with Sodium Hydroxide Solution under Reactive Distillation
Authors: Kasim Raghad fareed , Shokorr Rouaa Ali
Published: July 2023

This research presents a new study in kinetics under reactive distillation by using consecutive two – step reaction : the saponification reaction of diethyl adipate with sodium hydroxide solution . The distillation process takes the role of withdrawing the intermediate product (sodium monoethyladipate SMA) which otherwise converts to the final product of low purity.The effect of three parameters were studied through a design of experiments applying 23 factorial design. These parameters were : the mole ratio of DA to NaOH solution (0.1 and 1) , NaOH solution concentration (3 N and 8 N) , and batch time (1.5 hr. and 3.5 hr.) . The conversion of DA to sodium monoethyladipate(SMA)(intermediate product) was the effect of these parameters which was detected .The results showed that increasing mole ratio of DA to NaOHsolution increases the conversionto a maximum value within the range of study.The effect of NaOH solution concentration decreases the conversion to a specified value within the range of study . The effect of batch time on conversion was decreasing the conversion to a specified value within the range of study . The maximum attainable conversion within the studied range of parameters was  eighteen fold of thebase case.Reaction rate constant k and the order of reaction n of first reaction weredetrminedusing the differential method . The study attempted to determine n and k under the maximum conversion condition obtained in this system which corresponds to : feed mole ratio of diethyl adipateDA to NaOH solution of 0.3,NaOH solution concentration of3 Nandtime of1.5 hr.The study showed that the reaction order was 1.5and reaction rate constant was 0.8m3/kmol.s at a temperature of 100
Thermal and Catalytic Degradation Kinetics of High-Density Polyethylene Over NaX Nano-Zeolite
Authors: Abbas Ammar S. , Saber Marwa G.
Published: July 2023

Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics in an inert atmosphere has been regarded as a creative method, since pyrolysis can convert plastics waste into hydrocarbons that can be used either as fuels or as a source of chemicals.

Natural Iraqi kaolin clay was used to synthesis the NaX nano- zeolite by hydrothermal conditions with average particle size equal to 77.63nm.Thermal decomposition kinetics of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in the absence and presence of catalysts nano NaX Zeolite was investigated. Thermal and catalytic degradation of HDPE was performed using a thermogravimetric analyzer in nitrogen atmosphere under non-isothermal conditions 4, 7 and 10 °C/min heating rates were employed in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments.

First-order decomposition reaction was assumed, and for the kinetic analysis Coats and Redfern (CR) method was used. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was evaluated. Results showed that the NaX nano-zeolite decreases the activation energy (Ea) of HDPE pyrolysis further than the thermal pyrolysis.
Experimental Study for Commercial Fertilizer NPK (20:20:20+TE N: P: K) in Microalgae Cultivation at Different Aeration Periods
Authors: AL-Mashhadani Mahmood K. H. , Khudhair Entisar Mohsin
Published: July 2023

Recently, microalgae have become a promising source in the production of biofuel. However, the cost of production is still the main obstacle to develop of this type of source. Although there are many extensive studies on the requirements provided for the cultivation of the microalgae, the study of the process, via the variables that affect the cultivation of microalgae, being still one of the important tasks to improve the production of biofuel. The present article is a serious attempt to investigate of use commercial fertilizer NPK (20:20:20+TE N: P: K) as considered a cheap nutrient medium in growth Chlorella vulgaris by comparison with traditional nutrient (Chu.10 medium). In addition, the current study addresses effect of different sparging periods of filtered air on the microalgae production. The experimental data showed that the use of the NPK fertilizer as cultivation medium in Chlorella vulgaris culture gives more growth rate of microalgae than that produced if the cultivation process was operated with Chu.10 medium. For example the maximum biomass concentration reaches to 0.3249 g L-1 when cultivated in NPK fertilizer, whereas reached to 0.212 g L-1 for cells cultivated in Chu.10 medium. In addition, the results proved that the aeration system in the cultivation can plays an important role in the activity of the microalgae with NPK medium, since it creates a convenient environment with low concentration of oxygen in the medium. The study showed that increasing aeration period for such a type of microalgae increases the growth rate.
Discounting of employment opportunities with urine drug testing requirements in opioid users enrolled in the Therapeutic Workplace
Authors: Traxler Haily K. , Silverman Kenneth , Koffarnus Mikhail
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: The evidence-based Therapeutic Workplace (TWP) is a promising employment-based treatment where access to work is contingent on objective evidence of abstinence from drugs. TWP is sometimes criticized for requiring individuals who use drugs to voluntarily enroll in a program requiring urine drug testing. OBJECTIVE: This experiment was conducted to assess whether urine drug testing as a condition of employment decreases the value of employment opportunities and to what degree. METHODS: Participants were unemployed, DSM-IV opioid-dependent, and enrolled in TWP. Participants completed discounting tasks assessing preference for a hypothetical job paying a constant wage that did not require urine drug testing and a job that paid a variable wage but required drug testing. The primary outcome was ‘job value’ operationalized as percentage wage difference to accept a job requiring urine drug testing. RESULTS: Percent wage difference to accept a job that required urine testing was analyzed using GEE. Results revealed a significant main effect of recent drug use (χ2(1) = 10.07, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Most participants were willing to accept a urine drug-testing job across wages similar non-drug testing jobs. Participants reporting recent cocaine or heroin use were less likely to choose urine drug-testing employment.
PENYAJIAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN PENGELOAAN DANA HAJI: GAGASAN YANG DAPAT DIPAHAMI PEMANGKU KEPENTINGAN
Authors: Vidyan Yogashwara , Rafidah Rafidah
Published: July 2023

Hajj funds managed by BPKH need to pay attention to pilgrims' attention and sufficient accountability. Financial statements of Hajj financial management often get various criticisms from the public for the way of presentation and understanding that occurs in the community in reading the financial statements of Hajj funds. The research conducted is qualitative, then reviews the literature on the presentation of financial statements of similar entities. The unification of Hajj fund management reports with BPKH financial statements has been regulated in the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 34 of 2014 concerning Hajj Financial Management. There needs to be an easy-to-understand idea of transparency, accountability, and adequate understanding for the public to understand the Hajj fund report, namely by separating the Hajj fund management report from BPKH's financial statements as benchmarked in other fund management institutions.
PENGARUH RASIO LIKUIDITAS, PROFITABILITAS, SOLVABILITAS DAN HARGA SAHAM TERHADAP PENGUNGKAPAN ISLAMIC SOCIAL REPORT DI PERUSAHAAN SEKTOR KESEHATAN
Authors: Andinarianti Marrisa , Noval Muhammad
Published: July 2023

ISR as a report that is not mandatory makes this disclosure interesting to be examined and juxtaposed with financial ratios, namely liquidity, profitability, solvency and stock price ratios. This study examines these financial ratios against simultaneous and partial ISR disclosures in health sector companies listed in ISSI for the 2017-2021 period. This study applied quantitative methods and multiple linear regression, the samples in this study were selected by purposive sampling techniques. The companies gathered are 12 companies. The results of the regression analysis carried out were simultaneously and partially variable liquidity, profitability, solvency, and stock price ratios, which did not significantly affect ISR disclosure.
ДИСКУРС РОЗВИТКУ ЦИФРОВОГО РИНКУ ЄС
Authors: Дзюкевич Каміль
Published: July 2023

Стаття присвячується розгляду та аналізу дискурсу розвитку цифрового ринку Європейського Союзу. Визначено, що цифрова глобалізація та Четверта промислова революція кардинально змінюють регіональні ринки праці та регіональні економіки, зокрема і економіку Європейського Союзу. Ідентифіковано, що Європейський Союз активно розвиває цифрову економіку, яка в сучасних умовах стає базисом для розвитку всіх секторів регіональної економіки ЄС. Виявлено, що створення єдиного цифрового ринку є однією з головних перспектив та викликів для Європейського Союзу. Доведено, що економічна політика Європейського Союзу сприяє розвитку цифровізації суспільств в усіх країнах-членах ЄС і має на меті сприяння розвитку єдиного цифрового ринку та перспективного створення Цифрового союзу ЄС. Зазначено, що метою формування Єдиного цифрового ринку є реформування регуляторних положень і забезпечення їх більшої уніфікації в контексті захисту прав споживачів, авторських прав та онлайн-продажів.
SPECIES COMPOSITION, SIZE DISTRIBUTION, CONDITION FACTOR AND GROWTH PATTERN OF CICHLIDS FROM ZOBE RESERVOIR, DUTSIN-MA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA.
Authors: ABUBAKAR SALELE HAUWAU , Hamisu Bichi Armaya'u , Babatunde Dauda Akeem
Published: July 2023

The species composition, size distribution, condition factor and growth pattern of cichlids from Zobe reservoir Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State was investigated between August and November 2022, with a view to understanding the distribution and well-being of cichlids in the water body. One hundred (100) cichlids were sampled from two (2) major landing sites (Makera and Garhi) of the reservoir, the fish were identified and separated before being transported in an ice box to the laboratory Biology Laboratory of the Federal University Dutsin-ma. At the laboratory, the length was measured to the nearest centimeter using a ruler while a sensitive weighing scale was used to measure the weight in grams. The results showed that four species were identified; Oreochromis niloticus (40), Oreochromis aureus (21), Sarotherodon galilaeus (21) and Coptodon zilli (18). The mean total length and weight were significantly higher (P<0.05) in O. niloticus compared to other species. The least was observed in O. aureus although it was not different significantly compared with C. zilli and S. galilaeus. The condition factor (K) of >1 was obtained in all the species with O. niloticus having the highest value of 2.26 which was significantly higher than 1.48 observed in O. aureus. All the species showed negative allometric growth, however, C. Zilli and O. aureus were very close to isometric growth with b values of 2.96 and 2.85 respectively. Although negative allometric growth was observed in all the species, the K values of >1 showed that all the cichlids in the Zobe reservoir are healthy and in good biological condition
Tác động của trải nghiệm dịch vụ sân bay lên hình ảnh thương hiệu địa phương và dự định
quay trở lại điểm đến: trường hợp thành phố Đà Nẵng
Authors: Trần Xuân Quỳnh , Nguyễn Thị Phúc , Nguyễn Phạm Diệu
Published: July 2023

Chất lượng trải nghiệm sân bay đóng vai trò quan trọng trong việc xây dựng hình ảnh thương hiệu của các thành phố du lịch như Đà Nẵng. Sân bay thường là địa điểm đầu tiên và cũng là địa điểm kết thúc hành trình trải nghiệm của du khách. Do đó, mục tiêu của nghiên cứu này là tìm hiểu tác động của trải nghiệm dịch vụ sân bay lên hình ảnh thương hiệu địa phương và ý định quay trở lại điểm đến, trường hợp thành phố Đà Nẵng thông qua một khảo sát với 301 bảng câu hỏi. Nghiên cứu đã cho thấy rằng sự sạch sẽ, an ninh trật tự, dịch vụ check-in và tính thẩm mỹ đều ảnh hưởng tích cực lên sự hài lòng của khách hàng, trong khi đó vai trò của cơ sở vật chất lại không được ghi nhận. Ngoài ra, sự hài lòng về trải nghiệm sân bay là nhân tố quan trọng góp phần xây dựng hình ảnh thương hiệu địa phương. Cuối cùng, nghiên cứu xác nhận sự hài lòng về sân bay và hình ảnh thương hiệu địa phương là hai nhân tố ảnh hưởng ý nghĩa lên dự định quay trở lại điểm đến.
Os benefícios da técnica de liberação miofascial no tratamento da dor lombar crônica: um estudo de revisão
Authors: Pereira Amélia Esther de Aragão , Monteiro Fábio Teixeira , Silva Neto José Moisés da , Santos Júlia Milena Lima dos , Ferro Thauan Narciso de Lima
Published: July 2023

A fáscia é um tecido que envolve o músculo para permitir deslizamento, ou seja, o elemento mecânico de transmissão da força é a fáscia muscular, e ela está presente em toda cadeia muscular. Enquanto, as dores na região lombar é um sintoma muito específico para cada paciente, e estão muito relacionadas com as atividades profissionais e posturais, que vai desde fatores socioeconômicos, ocupacionais, psicológicos e até fatores demográficos. O objetivo foi buscar evidências de estudos científicos sobre os benefícios da técnica da liberação miofascial no tratamento da dor lombar crônica. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão integrativa de literatura. As fontes de pesquisa foram obtidas por meio de levantamento bibliográfico, utilizando artigos publicados nas seguintes bases de dados: BVS Brasil, PubMed e Scielo. Os resultados dos estudos sugerem que, a técnica de liberação miofascial pode ser uma escolha para o tratamento fisioterapêutico, principalmente na diminuição da dor e aumento das especificidades do estado funcional do paciente. Conclui-se que, a liberação miofascial atua diretamente no tecido muscular, visto que, entre a fáscia e o músculo tem um líquido que permite o deslizamento, e, portanto, a liberação miofascial tratará exatamente da qualidade desse deslizamento entre a fáscia e o músculo.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS HIDUP LANSIA MELALUI PENERAPAN POLA HIDUP SEHAT DI PERUM OMA INDAH DESA GODOG KARANGPAWITAN GARUT
Authors: Gin Gin Sugih Permana Gin Gin Sugih Permana , Aceng Ali Awaludin Aceng Ali Awaludin , Eva Daniati Eva Daniati
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Old age (elderly) is a period that people will experience eventually. Many people can enjoy old age, but a few also experience illness and die without being able to enjoy old age happily. Objective: to provide information about healthy behavior in living life in old age so that it is always healthy and quality. Methods: This community service uses extension techniques with several stages of activities, namely the planning stage of activities to be carried out by identifying needs, identifying existing potentials and weaknesses, determining solutions and activities to be carried out, and organizing activities and the implementation stage of service activities in the form of solutions that have been approved by the local RW head. Results: This service activity results in improving the quality of elderly health by maintaining diet, sleep patterns and exercising so that the health of the elderly is maintained. Conclusion: The implementation of this community service activity received a good response from the community, especially the Perum Oma Indah community in Godog Village, Karangpawitan Garut. From these community service activities, the knowledge of the elderly has increased and the quality of life of the elderly with clean and healthy patterns or behavior both in the environment or healthy behavior for each individual is provided with a pocket book that can be a guide for the elderly as information or knowledge in everyday life.
“Patterns of Vision” by Victor Sidorenko: the Experience of Transformation of a Contemporary Artist in the Context of Changes in the Morphology of Visual Art
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Alforova Zoia
Published: July 2023

The aim of the article is to study the transformation of “patterns of vision” of the visual sphere on the example of the work of a Ukrainian artist and researcher of contemporary visual art, Viktor Sydorenko. The personality of the outstanding Ukrainian artist chosen for analysis allows the author to trace the changes in the professional “vision” over the last quarter of a century of the existence of Ukrainian visual art. The appeal to Viktor Sidorenko’s work is also conditioned by the fact that it was this researcher who introduced the concept of “visual art” into Ukrainian art criticism discourse and who was the first to characterize its practice. The importance of this problem for the theory and practice of the modern visual sphere also lies in the fact that the publication reveals the relationship between the latest morphological structuring of modern visual art as a qualitatively new education in the visual sphere, changes in the professional vision of visual artists and the evolution of the type of image (morpheme), with which they work. Having created a single morphological and semantic continuous visual space within the innovative exhibition triptych, Viktor Sidorenko not only demonstrated the capability of a new morpheme in the structure of contemporary Ukrainian art — trans-image — but also proved the inexhaustibility of traditional means of artistic expression. Artistic reflection on the project “All colors of the spectrum are white light” (2021) also allows us to identify the latest ontological features of the “patterns of vision” of the artist of contemporary visual art, to characterize certain trends in further changes. The research methodology is based on the methods developed in the research of the author of the article, J. Landsdown, S. Schofield, and others. The author analyzes publications in which the state of the Ukrainian segment of visual art is studied. The article presents an attempt to explore both the instrumental system of changes in the morphology of visual art and to identify the role of individual consciousness of the artist, who actively uses the potential of these changes. The creation of a complex polymorphic visual megaproject, the formation of a multiple “field of meaning” by this project, the programmatic rejection of a stable visual form — these are the “bifurcation points” that can characterize further transformations of the visual artist.
The future of surplus dairy calves – an animal welfare perspective
Authors: Webb Laura E. , Verwer Cynthia , Bokkers Eddie A. M.
Published: July 2023

An important obstacle toward sustainably produced animal-source food is the existence of so-called ‘surplus animals’, which are by-products of the production of dairy products and eggs, and ‘unwanted’ due to their perceived low value. Although this depends on the country, in Europe many surplus dairy calves are transported to veal farms to be raised for 6 months until slaughter. The aim of this article is to present ideas for alternative future systems for the dairy-veal chain, including an overview of current challenges and improvement strategies for calf welfare. This dairy-veal chain presents a number of potential concerns for calf welfare, including transportation of young animals, high risk of disease and barren housing. Many incremental changes have been suggested in past literature to lift the welfare of veal calves, including reducing transportation, transporting calves at an older age, better health screening, and pens with enrichment and bedding. The Netherlands is at the centre of the veal sector import-export flow in Europe and is one of the main veal producers in the world. The Dutch government has recently presented a report with three alternative ‘scenarios’ for the raising of these surplus dairy calves, which are expected to lead to improvements in animals welfare. The first scenario is a restriction on transport of <100km, leading to more local production of dairy-veal. The second scenario is a delay on the transportation of surplus calves from 2 weeks to 3 months of age, handing dairy farmers a much larger role in the raising of these calves. This delay would ensure that calves are more robust and less vulnerable to disease at the time that they are transported to the veal farm. The third scenario proposes an alternative system, where the veal sector is eradicated and surplus dairy calves are raised at the dairy farm of origin until slaughter. We, like others before us, question the impact of small incremental changes on calf welfare, arguing that improvements at one end could potentially lead to worsening of welfare at the other end, and prefer to focus on system changes, such as the use of dual-purpose cattle breeds. We do not however believe that system changes can be created and implemented with the sole input of animal welfare scientists. This work is hence just one piece of the puzzle towards the sustainable production of milk and meat, and more specifically the sustainable rearing of surplus calves.
Short hydrocarbon stapled ApoC2-mimetic peptides activate lipoprotein lipase and lower plasma triglycerides in mice
Authors: Sviridov Denis , Dasseux Amaury , Reimund Mart , Pryor Milton , Drake Steven K. , Jarin Zack , Wolska Anna , Pastor Richard W. , Remaley Alan T.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Defects in lipolysis can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, which can trigger acute pancreatitis and is also associated with cardiovascular disease. Decreasing plasma triglycerides (TGs) by activating lipoprotein lipase (LPL) with ApoC2 mimetic peptides is a new treatment strategy for hypertriglyceridemia. We recently described a dual ApoC2 mimetic/ApoC3 antagonist peptide called D6PV that effectively lowered TG in several mouse models but has limitations in terms of drug development. The aim of this study was to create the next generation of ApoC2 mimetic peptides.

Methods

We employed hydrocarbon staples, as well as select amino acid substitutions, to make short single helical mimetic peptides based on the last helix of ApoC2. Peptides were first tested for their ability to activate LPL and then in hypertriglyceridemia mouse models. All-atom simulations of peptides were performed in a lipid-trilayer model of TG-rich lipoproteins to discern their possible mechanism of action.

Results

We designed a single stapled peptide called SP1 (21 residues), and a double stapled (stitched) peptide called SP2 (21 residues) and its N-terminal acylated analogue, SP2a. The hydrocarbon staples increased the amphipathicity of the peptides and their ability to bind lipids without interfering with LPL activation. Indeed, from all-atom simulations, the conformations of SP1 and SP2a are restrained by the staples and maintains the proper orientation of the LPL activation motif, while still allowing their deeper insertion into the lipid-trilayer model. Intraperitoneal injection of stapled peptides (1–5 umoles/kg) into ApoC2–hypomorphic mice or human ApoC3-transgenic resulted in an 80%–90% reduction in plasma TG within 3 h, similar to the much longer D6PV peptide (41 residues). Other modifications (replacement L-Glu20, L-Glu21 with their D-isomers, N-methylation of Gly19, Met2NorLeu and Ala1alpha-methylAla substitutions, N-terminal octanoylation) were introduced into the SP2a peptide. These changes made SP2a highly resistant to proteolysis against trypsin, pepsin, and Proteinase K, while maintaining similar efficacy in lowering plasma TG in mice.

Conclusion

We describe a new generation of ApoC2 mimetic peptides based on hydron carbon stapling that are at least equally potent to earlier peptides but are much shorter and resistant to proteolysis and could be further developed into a new therapy for hypertriglyceridemia.
Russian and Indian preschool educators’ beliefs about play activities: a comprehensive study
Authors: Veraksa Aleksander , Chursina Apollinaria , Singh Purnima , Ramakrishna Madhumita , Jain Nishtha
Published: July 2023

In this study, preschool teachers’ beliefs regarding play in preschool children in its various forms (role-play, rough-and-tumble play, digital play), and the process of its development in groups of children based on samples of Russian and Indian educators were examined. From Russia, 3,013 respondents (all women), aged 18–77 (M = 41.57; SD = 10.02) took part in the study, and 116 respondents (10.34% men), aged 23–50 (M = 36; SD = 9) from India also participated. An original questionnaire aimed at assessing attitudes toward different types of play in preschool educators was used. This instrument consisted of various sections which focused on the understanding of play and its place in the everyday routine of the child group, role-play patterns characteristics (i.e., preferred plots, play materials, course of the play), rough-and-tumble play practice, attitudes toward digital play, and educators’ play competence (self-assessment regarding difficulties with joining the play, suggesting a plot or materials for play, etc.). Our main finding was that although the vast majority of educators in both cultures recognize the value of play for child development, this belief does not find practical expression in the daily life of the child group. Our data showed that Indian educators are more likely to be mediators of children’s experience in play, while their Russian counterparts are more likely to be engaged in the role-play with the children. The content characteristics of play among children in Russia and India were also described. There are differences in attitudes toward digital play: more experienced teachers have a more positive attitude toward the activities of children with digital devices, they see opportunities for the development of a child in digital play. At the same time, teachers in whose groups children enter into digital play not only have a positive attitude toward this type of play but also evaluate themselves more positively in the process of playing with children.
The complex pathophysiology of bone fragility in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: therapeutic targets to promote osteogenesis
Authors: Bathina Siresha , Armamento-Villareal Reina
Published: July 2023

Fractures associated with Type2 diabetes (T2DM) are major public health concerns in an increasingly obese and aging population. Patients with obesity or T2DM have normal or better than normal bone mineral density but at an increased risk for fractures. Hence it is crucial to understand the pathophysiology and mechanism of how T2DM and obesity result in altered bone physiology leading to increased fracture risk. Although enhanced osteoclast mediated bone resorption has been reported for these patients, the most notable observation among patients with T2DM is the reduction in bone formation from mostly dysfunction in osteoblast differentiation and survival. Studies have shown that obesity and T2DM are associated with increased adipogenesis which is most likely at the expense of reduced osteogenesis and myogenesis considering that adipocytes, osteoblasts, and myoblasts originate from the same progenitor cells. Furthermore, emerging data point to an inter-relationship between bone and metabolic homeostasis suggesting that these physiologic processes could be under the control of common regulatory pathways. Thus, this review aims to explore the complex mechanisms involved in lineage differentiation and their effect on bone pathophysiology in patients with obesity and T2DM along with an examination of potential novel pharmacological targets or a re-evaluation of existing drugs to improve bone homeostasis.
Exploring the antibacterial potential of plant extracts and essential oils against Bacillus thermophilus in beet sugar for enhanced sucrose retention: a comparative assessment and implications
Authors: Yousef Mohamed M. , Zohri Abdel-Naser A. , Darwish Amira M. G. , Shamseldin Abdelaal , Kabeil Sanaa A. , Abdelkhalek Ahmed , Binsuwaidan Reem , Jaremko Mariusz , Alshwyeh Hussah Abdullah , Hafez Elsayed E. , Saied Essa M.
Published: July 2023

Sugar beet is one of the greatest sources for producing sugar worldwide. However, a group of bacteria grows on beets during the storage process, leading to a reduction in sucrose yield. Our study focused on identifying common bacterial species that grow on beets during manufacturing and contribute to sucrose loss. The ultimate goal was to find a potential antibacterial agent from various plant extracts and oils to inhibit the growth of these harmful bacteria and reduce sucrose losses. The screening of bacterial species that grow on beet revealed that a large group of mesophilic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus xylosus, Enterobacter amnigenus, and Aeromonas species, in addition to a dominant thermophilic species called Bacillus thermophilus, were found to be present during the manufacturing of beets. The application of 20 plant extracts and 13 different oils indicated that the extracts of Geranium gruinum, Datura stramonium, and Mentha spicata were the best antibacterials to reduce the growth of B. thermophilus with inhibition zones equal to 40, 39, and 35 mm, respectively. In contrast, the best active oils for inhibiting the growth of B. thermophilus were Mentha spicata and Ocimum bacilicum, with an inhibitory effect of 50 and 45 mm, respectively. RAPD-PCR with different primers indicated that treating sugar juice with the most effective oils against bacteria resulted in new recombinant microorganisms, confirming their roles as strong antibacterial products. The characterization of Mentha spicata and Ocimum bacilicum oils using GC/MS analysis identified cis-iso pulegone and hexadecanoic acid as the two main bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activity. An analysis of five genes using DD-PCR that have been affected due to antibacterial activity from the highly effective oil from Mentha spicata concluded that all belonged to the family of protein defense. Our findings indicate that the application of these pure antibacterial plant extracts and oils would minimize the reduction of sucrose during sugar production.
The role of microRNAs in pathophysiology and diagnostics of metabolic complications in obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Karuga Filip Franciszek , Jaromirska Julia , Malicki Mikołaj , Sochal Marcin , Szmyd Bartosz , Białasiewicz Piotr , Strzelecki Dominik , Gabryelska Agata
Published: July 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders, which is characterized by recurrent apneas and/or hypopneas occurring during sleep due to upper airway obstruction. Among a variety of health consequences, OSA patients are particularly susceptible to developing metabolic complications, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as epigenetic modulators are promising particles in both understanding the pathophysiology of OSA and the prediction of OSA complications. This review describes the role of miRNAs in the development of OSA-associated metabolic complications. Moreover, it summarizes the usefulness of miRNAs as biomarkers in predicting the aforementioned OSA complications.
An advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma patient harboring a BRAFV600E mutation responds to dabrafenib and trametinib: a case report and literature review
Authors: Fang Ruoxin , Gong Jun , Liao Zhengkai
Published: July 2023

Background

The pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of NSCLC with rapid progression and poor prognosis, and is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Most PSC cases have potential targetable genomic alterations. Approximately 7% of PSC patients have BRAF mutations, and the efficacy of dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAFV600E mutated PSC is unclear.

Case presentation

Our report describes a patient with mutated BRAFV600E PSC who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy early but quickly relapsed. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy were ineffective for him, combined dabrafenib and trametinib produced a 6-month progression-free survival, and a partial response was observed in the tumor response evaluation. As a result of financial pressure, he stopped taking the targeted drugs, and his disease rapidly progressed.

Conclusion

Dabrafenib combined with trametinib provides partial remission in patients with advanced PSC with BRAFV600E mutations, and large-scale NGS panels could offer more options for PSC treatment.
Correlation analysis of MRD positivity in patients with completely resected stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: a cohort study
Authors: Dong Daling , Zhang Shixin , Jiang Bin , Wei Wei , Wang Chao , Yang Qian , Yan Tingzhi , Chen Min , Zheng Liken , Shao Weikang , Xiong Gang
Published: July 2023

Background

The primary objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate the intricate correlation between postoperative molecular residual disease (MRD) status in individuals diagnosed with stage I-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and clinicopathological features, gene mutations, the tumour immune microenvironment and treatment effects.

Methods

The retrospective collection and analysis were carried out on the clinical data of ninety individuals diagnosed with stage I-IIIA NSCLC who underwent radical resection of lung cancer at our medical facility between January 2021 and March 2022. The comprehensive investigation encompassed an evaluation of multiple aspects including the MRD status, demographic information, clinicopathological characteristics, results from genetic testing, the tumor immune microenvironment, and treatment effects.

Results

No significant associations were observed between postoperative MRD status and variables such as gender, age, smoking history, pathological type, and gene mutations. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between MRD positivity and T (tumor diameter > 3 cm) as well as N (lymph node metastasis) stages (p values of 0.004 and 0.003, respectively). It was observed that higher proportions of micropapillary and solid pathological subtypes within lung adenocarcinoma were associated with increased rates of MRD-positivity after surgery (p = 0.007;0.005). MRD positivity demonstrated a correlation with the presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.0002). For the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumour positive score (TPS) ≥ 1% and combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 5 were correlated with postoperative MRD status (p value distribution was 0.0391 and 0.0153). In terms of ctDNA elimination, among patients identified as having postoperative MRD and lacking gene mutations, postoperative adjuvant targeted therapy demonstrated superiority over chemotherapy (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Postoperative ctDNA-MRD status in NSCLC patients exhibits correlations with the size of the primary tumor, lymph node metastasis, pathological subtype of lung adenocarcinoma, presence of vascular invasion, as well as TPS and CPS values for PD-L1 expression; in postoperative patients with MRD, the effectiveness of adjuvant EGFR-TKI targeted therapy exceeds that of chemotherapy, as evidenced by the elimination of ctDNA.
Phenological stage and vegetation index for predicting corn yield under rainfed environments
Authors: Shrestha Amrit , Bheemanahalli Raju , Adeli Ardeshir , Samiappan Sathishkumar , Czarnecki Joby M. Prince , McCraine Cary Daniel , Reddy K. Raja , Moorhead Robert
Published: July 2023

Uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) provide high temporal and spatial resolution information for crop health monitoring and informed management decisions to improve yields. However, traditional in-season yield prediction methodologies are often inconsistent and inaccurate due to variations in soil types and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify the best phenological stage and vegetation index (VI) for estimating corn yield under rainfed conditions. Multispectral images were collected over three years (2020-2022) during the corn growing season and over fifty VIs were analyzed. In the three-year period, thirty-one VIs exhibited significant correlations (r ≥ 0.7) with yield. Sixteen VIs were significantly correlated with the yield at least for two years, and five VIs had a significant correlation with the yield for all three years. A strong correlation with yield was achieved by combining red, red edge, and near infrared-based indices. Further, combined correlation and random forest an alyses between yield and VIs led to the identification of consistent and highest predictive power VIs for corn yield prediction. Among them, leaf chlorophyll index, Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) terrestrial chlorophyll index and modified normalized difference at 705 were the most consistent predictors of corn yield when recorded around the reproductive stage (R1). This study demonstrated the dynamic nature of canopy reflectance and the importance of considering growth stages, and environmental conditions for accurate corn yield prediction.
A high-throughput phenotyping assay for precisely determining stalk crushing strength in large-scale sugarcane germplasm
Authors: Ma Fumin , Shen Yinjuan , Su De , Adnan Muhammad , Wang Maoyao , Jiang Fuhong , Hu Qian , Chen Xiaoru , He Guanyong , Yao Wei , Zhang Muqing , Huang Jiangfeng
Published: July 2023

Sugarcane is a major industrial crop around the world. Lodging due to weak mechanical strength is one of the main problems leading to huge yield losses in sugarcane. However, due to the lack of high efficiency phenotyping methods for stalk mechanical strength characterization, genetic approaches for lodging-resistant improvement are severely restricted. This study attempted to apply near-infrared spectroscopy high-throughput assays for the first time to estimate the crushing strength of sugarcane stalks. A total of 335 sugarcane samples with huge variation in stalk crushing strength were collected for online NIRS modeling. A comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the calibration and validation sets were comparable. By applying a modified partial least squares method, we obtained high-performance equations that had large coefficients of determination (R2 > 0.80) and high ratio performance deviations (RPD > 2.4). Particularly, when the calibration and external validation sets combined for an integrative modeling, we obtained the final equation with a coefficient of determination (R2) and ratio performance deviation (RPD) above 0.9 and 3.0, respectively, demonstrating excellent prediction capacity. Additionally, the obtained model was applied for characterization of stalk crushing strength in large-scale sugarcane germplasm. In a three-year study, the genetic characteristics of stalk crushing strength were found to remain stable, and the optimal sugarcane genotypes were screened out consistently. In conclusion, this study offers a feasible option for a high-throughput analysis of sugarcane mechanical strength, which can be used for the breeding of lodging resistant sugarcane and beyond.
Study on the types of abuse in young couples as a function of sex
Authors: González-Gijón Gracia , Jiménez-Rios Francisco Javier , Martínez-Heredia Nazaret , Soriano Díaz Andrés
Published: July 2023

This study analyses the types of violence that can occur in intimate partner relationships among young people and their self-perception of abuse. For this purpose, we have used a survey-type methodology, with a quantitative approach. Participants were selected by means of non-probabilistic convenience and consisted of students enrolled in different degree and postgraduate courses in the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Granada (Spain). The sample consisted of 323 students, with a mean age of 23.8 years (SD = 5.2). Statistical and inferential tests were carried out with the data obtained using the SPSS V26 data analysis programme. The results show that the type of maltreatment most suffered, at some time by the sample participants, is emotional maltreatment, physical maltreatment, and psychological maltreatment. By comparing the means obtained, we can conclude that sex did not influence the violence suffered by young couples, which gives it a bidirectional character.
Giant Cells of Various Lesions Are Characterised by Different Expression Patterns of HLA-Molecules and Molecules Involved in the Cell Cycle, Bone Metabolism, and Lineage Affiliation: An Immunohistochemical Study with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Hild Vivien , Mellert Kevin , Möller Peter , Barth Thomas F. E.
Published: July 2023

Giant cells (GCs) are thought to originate from the fusion of monocytic lineage cells and arise amid multiple backgrounds. To compare GCs of different origins, we immunohistochemically characterised the GCs of reactive and neoplastic lesions (n = 47). We studied the expression of 15 molecules including HLA class II molecules those relevant to the cell cycle, bone metabolism and lineage affiliation. HLA-DR was detectable in the GCs of sarcoidosis, sarcoid-like lesions, tuberculosis, and foreign body granuloma. Cyclin D1 was expressed by the GCs of neoplastic lesions as well as the GCs of bony callus, fibroid epulis, and brown tumours. While cyclin E was detected in the GCs of all lesions, p16 and p21 showed a heterogeneous expression pattern. RANK was expressed by the GCs of all lesions except sarcoid-like lesions and xanthogranuloma. All GCs were RANK-L-negative, and the GCs of all lesions were osteoprotegerin-positive. Osteonectin was limited to the GCs of chondroblastoma. Osteopontin and TRAP were detected in the GCs of all lesions except xanthogranuloma. RUNX2 was heterogeneously expressed in the reactive and neoplastic cohort. The GCs of all lesions except foreign body granuloma expressed CD68, and all GCs were CD163- and langerin-negative. This profiling points to a functional diversity of GCs despite their similar morphology.
Factors That Influence Sustained Release from Hot-Melt Extrudates
Authors: Mansuroglu Yaser , Dressman Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Hot-melt extrusion is a well-established tool in the pharmaceutical industry, mostly implemented to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. A less frequent application of this technique is to obtain formulations with extended release. This study investigated the influence of polymer choice, drug loading, milling and hydrodynamics on the release of a model drug, flurbiprofen, from sustained-release hot-melt extrudates with Eudragit polymers. The choice of polymer and degree of particle size reduction of the extrudate by milling were the two key influences on the release profile: the percentage release after 12 h varied from 6% (2 mm threads) to 84% (particle size <125 µm) for Eudragit RL extrudates vs. 4.5 to 62% for the corresponding Eudragit RS extrudates. By contrast, the release profile was largely independent of drug loading and robust to hydrodynamics in the dissolution vessel. Thus, hot-melt extrusion offers the ability to tailor the release of the API to the therapeutic indication through a combination of particle size and polymer choice while providing robustness over a wide range of hydrodynamic conditions.
PENGGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN KEAHLIAN PEMAKAI DALAM MENDUKUNG KUALITAS INFORMASI AKUNTANSI
Authors: Melvie Paramitha  , Yunita Setiawati  , Florensia Caroline  , Silvy Carolina
Published: July 2023

Abstrak

Di masa perkembangan digitalisasi saat ini, penggunaan teknologi informasi sangat diperlukan dan juga mempermudah dalam penyampaian suatu informasi. Pada profesi akuntan, teknologi juga dibutuhkan dalam pencatatan laporan keuangan. Teknologi informasi dan keahlian pemakai dapat digunakan sebagai pendukung dalam menciptakan informasi akuntansi yang berkualitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak penggunaan teknologi informasi dan keahlian pemakai dalam mendukung kualitas informasi akuntansi. Pendekatan penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang diberikan kepada para akuntan yang bekerja di perusahaan, kantor akuntan publik, dan kantor konsultan pajak. Hasil kuesioner menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan teknologi informasi telah dilakukan di tempat kerja dalam menghasilkan informasi akuntansi yang berkualitas. Dengan adanya teknologi informasi yang berkembang pesat, maka pelatihan dan pengembangan keahlian akuntan perlu dilakukan oleh perusahaan. Masa kerja akuntan juga mendukung dalam penyusunan informasi akuntansi yang berkualitas.
The Changing Stereotypes in Popular Films STEM Themed: On Breaking the Traditional Rigid Values and the Popularisation of Science
Authors: Gürkan Hasan , Echazarreta-Soler Maria Carmen
Published: July 2023

This study analyses STEM identities in STEM fields represented in popular films. The authors argue that the recently produced big-budget popular films directly or indirectly affirm STEM characters with their portrayal of STEM fields. This analysis focuses on how popular narratives can be an essential tool to communicate the idea that women can be scientists and how they can inspire young women to enter science. These narratives reflect a significant problem in the interactions between the audience and science. The audience thinks the scientists are heroes and the public expect that scientists will automatically accept scientific solutions to problems. Nevertheless, scientists find a solution in these films, and everything gets better. Thus, recent popular STEM-themed big-budget films provide identification with the audience and STEM characters. These narratives construct an alternative STEM discourse by breaking down gender stereotypes and dominant ideology. These films can be coded as films that produce ideology against the dominant ideology and patriarchy, especially regarding STEM, character and gender representation. There is a positive change in the hierarchical order in the STEM field and the representation of women and Others. And these representations do not have any marginalisation.