bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KETERKAITAN KEBIJAKAN PERHUTANAN SOSIAL DALAM UPAYA PENYELESAIAN KONFLIK TENURIAL DI KAWASAN HUTAN
Authors: Abimanyu Rizqullah
Published: July 2023

Tenure conflicts in forest areas still often occur due to the lack of access for communities around the forest to manage the site. One of the programs initiated in order to minimize tenure conflicts in forest areas by the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is the social forestry program. This paper aims to find out the history and relevance of social forestry programs as an effort to resolve tenure conflicts in forest areas. This paper uses a normative method with a statutory, historical, and conceptual approach. The conclusion of this paper is that the history of community forest management in Indonesia has been going on since the 80s until 2016 the Ministry of Environment and Forestry tried to reformulate the social forestry program. The principle of the social forestry program that provides access for forest area communities to manage is in accordance with the regulations contained in agrarian reform activities, in addition, the social forestry program also prioritizes empowerment and assistance where this is one of the efforts to resolve tenure conflicts in forest areas.
Simple Additive Weighting Untuk Penentuan Target Pasar
Authors: Wijaya Gabriel Alan , Marfuah Marfuah , Widiantoro Suryo
Published: July 2023

Perubahan dalam teknologi informasi dan komunikasi telah mendorong terbentuknya masyarakat informasi. Salah satu unsur strategis bagi organisasi bisnis adalah pengolahan data secara cepat dan akurat untuk pengambilan keputusan. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan suatu sistem pendukung keputusan berbasis komputer yang dapat mendukung proses pengambilan keputusan di perusahaan secara cepat dan akurat. Saat ini, di Glints Talenthub Batam masih menggunakan cara manual untuk pengambilan keputusan dalam menentukan target pasar, sehingga dibutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama dan hasil yang kurang akurat. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, maka penulis mencoba mengembangkan sebuah sistem pendukung keputusan berbasis komputer dengan metode Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) untuk membantu proses pengambilan keputusan dalam menentukan target pasar di Glints Talenthub Batam. Hasil dari penelitian ini bermanfaat untuk mendapatkan keputusan target pasar mana yang harus diambil secara lebih cepat dan akurat di Glints Talenthub Batam. Dalam hal ini, keputusan target pasar yang terbaik untuk diambil adalah negara Canada dan United States (San Francisco) menempati ranking pertama dengan nilai akhir 18.68, diikuti oleh negara United Kingdom di peringkat berikutnya dengan nilai akhir 18.35.
Identifikasi Karakter Morfologi Beberapa Kultivar Tanaman Sri Rezeki (Aglaonema sp.) di Taman Bunga Kampung Jambu, Desa Sukasari, Kabupaten Pandeglang, Banten
Authors: FAUZIAH AZIZAH , FIA SITI RAHMA FATMA
Published: July 2023

Indonesia merupakan negara yang kaya akan sumber daya alam hayati dan keanekaragaman jenis flora dan fauna yang terletak di seluruh wilayah nusantara. Salah satu keanekaragaman hayati flora yaitu tanaman hias. Tanaman hias adalah semua jenis tanaman yang dibudidayakan dengan tujuan untuk dinikmati keindahannya. Salah satu daerah dengan keanekaragaman tanaman hias terdapat di kawasan Kampung Jambu, Sukasari, Kabupaten Pandeglang, Banten. Tanaman hias yang dapat ditemukan di daerah tersebut di antaranya genus Aglaonema, meliputi Aglaonema sp. cv. ‘Kochin’, Aglaonema sp. cv. ‘Venus’, Aglaonema sp. cv. ‘Emerald’, Aglaonema sp. cv. ‘Suksom’, dan Aglaonema sp. cv. ‘Widuri’. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi karakter morfologi beberapa kultivar tanaman hias sri rezeki (Aglaonema sp.) di Taman Bunga Kampung Jambu, Desa Sukasari, Pandeglang, Banten. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode eksplorasi. Teknik pengumpulan sampel yang digunakan yaitu purposive sampling. Sampel diidentifikasi berdasarkan karakter morfologinya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh 5 kultivar Aglaonema sp. yang memiliki perbedaan ciri morfologi pada bagian warna dan bentuk batang, warna daun, susunan tulang daun, permukaan daun, tepi daun, ujung daun, pangkal daun, tinggi tanaman, jumlah helaian daun, lebar daun, serta panjang tangkai daun. Adapun persamaan pada kelima kultivar tersebut yaitu semua koleksi yang diamati memiliki akar serabut.
MALNUTRITION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN
Authors: Rani Shagufta , Bdil  , Fatima Musarrat , Kauser Mehreen
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among childrenunder two years of age.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was accomplished at Dr. Ruth K.M Pfau CivilHospital and Dow University Hospital (DUH), Karachi, for six months, from June 2019 to November 2019. Admitted children under two years of age diagnosed with malnutrition, underweight,stunted children, and children’s mothers willing to consent were invited to the study. Participantswere approached for data collection through the non-probability convenience sampling method.An adopted, validated questionnaire was used for data collection. A chi-square test was utilizedto determine the association between demographic variables and the outcome variable (malnutrition). P-value ≤ 0.05 was counted as signifi cant.Results: Out of total 307, the mean age of the children was 13.36 months with an SD of 5.878.The mean of children age 6-59 months in the house was 4.90 with SD of 2.234 and the meanfamily size was 10.68, with an SD of 3.38. There was almost the same number of both gendersof study children. Most child mothers (96.1%) were married and housewives, respectively. Therewere 56.4% of children found as malnutrition. It was found that mothers' level of education,mother's occupation, source of feeding, child immunization, and the child suff ering from diarrheaand vomiting were statistically signifi cantly associated with the malnutrition status of childrenp-values ≤ 0.05.
Photobiomodulation may enhance cognitive efficiency in older adults: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Lee Tsz-lok , Chan Agnes S.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The relative oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been considered as an index for cognitive loading, with the more difficult the task, the higher the level. A previous study reported that young adults who received transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) showed a reduced HbO of a difficult task, suggesting that tPBM may enhance cognitive efficiency. The present study further investigated the effect of tPBM on cognitive efficiency in older adults.

Methods

Thirty participants received a single tPBM on the forehead for 350 s. Before and after tPBM, their HbO in the visual span task with various difficulties was measured with fNIRS.

Results

After tPBM, participants exhibited significantly lower HbO in a harder (span 7) but not an easier level (span 2) of the task, but their behavioral performance remained unchanged. In addition, factors affecting the reduction of HbO were examined, and the results showed that individuals with better memory (as measured by a 30-min delayed recall test) showed more reduction of HbO.

Discussion

The results suggest that tPBM may enhance cognitive efficiency, with individuals with better memory tend to benefit more.
Challenges and barriers to HIV care engagement and care cascade: viewpoint
Authors: Bouabida Khayreddine , Chaves Breitner Gomes , Anane Enoch
Published: July 2023

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are subject to long-term management and a complex care process. Patients with HIV are clinically, socially, and emotionally vulnerable, face many challenges, and are often stigmatized. Healthcare providers should engage them with diligence in the HIV care cascade process. In this paper, we discuss from our viewpoint certain social and public health barriers and challenges that should be considered by healthcare providers to better engage patients in the HIV care cascade process and maximize its outcomes.
EnRDeA U-Net Deep Learning of Semantic Segmentation on Intricate Noise Roads
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Kuan Ta-Wen , Tseng Shih-Pang , Chen Ying , Chen Shuo , Wang Jhing-Fa , Gu Yuhang , Chen Tuoli
Published: July 2023

Road segmentation is beneficial to build a vision-controllable mission-oriented self-driving bot, e.g., the Self-Driving Sweeping Bot, or SDSB, for working in restricted areas. Using road segmentation, the bot itself and physical facilities may be protected and the sweeping efficiency of the SDSB promoted. However, roads in the real world are generally exposed to intricate noise conditions as a result of changing weather and climate effects; these include sunshine spots, shadowing caused by trees or physical facilities, traffic obstacles and signs, and cracks or sealing signs resulting from long-term road usage, as well as different types of road materials, such as cement or asphalt; all of these factors greatly influence the effectiveness of road segmentation. In this work, we investigate the extension of Primordial U-Net by the proposed EnRDeA U-Net, which uses an input channel applying a Residual U-Net block as an encoder and an attention gate in the output channel as a decoder, to validate a dataset of intricate road noises. In addition, we carry out a detailed analysis of the nets’ features and segmentation performance to validate the intricate noises dataset on three U-Net extensions, i.e., the Primordial U-Net, Residual U-Net, and EnRDeA U-Net. Finally, the nets’ structures, parameters, training losses, performance indexes, etc., are presented and discussed in the experimental results.
Probing Intrinsic Neural Timescales in EEG with an Information-Theory Inspired Approach: Permutation Entropy Time Delay Estimation (PE-TD)
Authors: Buccellato Andrea , Çatal Yasir , Bisiacchi Patrizia , Zang Di , Zilio Federico , Wang Zhe , Qi Zengxin , Zheng Ruizhe , Xu Zeyu , Wu Xuehai , Del Felice Alessandra , Mao Ying , Northoff Georg
Published: July 2023

Time delays are a signature of many physical systems, including the brain, and considerably shape their dynamics; moreover, they play a key role in consciousness, as postulated by the temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC). However, they are often not known a priori and need to be estimated from time series. In this study, we propose the use of permutation entropy (PE) to estimate time delays from neural time series as a more robust alternative to the widely used autocorrelation window (ACW). In the first part, we demonstrate the validity of this approach on synthetic neural data, and we show its resistance to regimes of nonstationarity in time series. Mirroring yet another example of comparable behavior between different nonlinear systems, permutation entropy–time delay estimation (PE-TD) is also able to measure intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) (temporal windows of neural activity at rest) from hd-EEG human data; additionally, this replication extends to the abnormal prolongation of INT values in disorders of consciousness (DoCs). Surprisingly, the correlation between ACW-0 and PE-TD decreases in a state-dependent manner when consciousness is lost, hinting at potential different regimes of nonstationarity and nonlinearity in conscious/unconscious states, consistent with many current theoretical frameworks on consciousness. In summary, we demonstrate the validity of PE-TD as a tool to extract relevant time scales from neural data; furthermore, given the divergence between ACW and PE-TD specific to DoC subjects, we hint at its potential use for the characterization of conscious states.
Low Noise Opto-Electro-Mechanical Modulator for RF-to-Optical Transduction in Quantum Communications
Authors: Bonaldi Michele , Borrielli Antonio , Di Giuseppe Giovanni , Malossi Nicola , Morana Bruno , Natali Riccardo , Piergentili Paolo , Sarro Pasqualina Maria , Serra Enrico , Vitali David
Published: July 2023

In this work, we present an Opto-Electro-Mechanical Modulator (OEMM) for RF-to-optical transduction realized via an ultra-coherent nanomembrane resonator capacitively coupled to an rf injection circuit made of a microfabricated read-out able to improve the electro-optomechanical interaction. This device configuration can be embedded in a Fabry–Perot cavity for electromagnetic cooling of the LC circuit in a dilution refrigerator exploiting the opto-electro-mechanical interaction. To this aim, an optically measured steady-state frequency shift of 380 Hz was seen with a polarization voltage of 30 V and a Q-factor of the assembled device above 106 at room temperature. The rf-sputtered titanium nitride layer can be made superconductive to develop efficient quantum transducers.
Upgrading the Fusion of Imprecise Classifiers
Authors: Moral-García Serafín , Benítez María D. , Abellán Joaquín
Published: July 2023

Imprecise classification is a relatively new task within Machine Learning. The difference with standard classification is that not only is one state of the variable under study determined, a set of states that do not have enough information against them and cannot be ruled out is determined as well. For imprecise classification, a mode called an Imprecise Credal Decision Tree (ICDT) that uses imprecise probabilities and maximum of entropy as the information measure has been presented. A difficult and interesting task is to show how to combine this type of imprecise classifiers. A procedure based on the minimum level of dominance has been presented; though it represents a very strong method of combining, it has the drawback of an important risk of possible erroneous prediction. In this research, we use the second-best theory to argue that the aforementioned type of combination can be improved through a new procedure built by relaxing the constraints. The new procedure is compared with the original one in an experimental study on a large set of datasets, and shows improvement.
The Morphology-Controllable Synthesis of Ni–Co–O Nanosheets on a 3D Porous Ni Template as a Binder-Free Electrode for a Solid-State Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Chang Han-Wei , Lee Chia-Hsiang , Hong Yu-Xiang , Chen Jeng-Lung , Chen Jin-Ming , Tsai Yu-Chen
Published: July 2023

In this work, a porous Ni template (Ni–Co–O@3D Ni) with Ni–Co oxide nanosheets (Ni–Co–O)@3D was synthesized by incorporating Ni–Co oxide nanosheets within a 3D porous Ni template as a binder-free electrode for a supercapacitor. The 3D Ni template was synthesized with hydrogen bubble templates that possessed different applied voltages that marked differences in terms of physicochemical properties, as well as factors that affect the subsequent growth of Ni–Co–O nanosheets. Then, Ni and Co metal ion sources were introduced to produce the morphology adjustment of Ni–Co–O@3D Ni with a multiple hierarchical architecture with a hydrothermal process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and an electrochemical analysis were employed to investigate the morphological, structural, and electrochemical characteristics. FESEM and XAS results evidenced that Ni–Co–O@3D Ni consists of a 3D, well-designed hierarchical interconnected network, and the local electronic structure change has a great influence on the capacitive performance. The electrochemical results of Ni–Co–O@3D Ni displayed an excellent electrochemical performance due to the synergistic effect of Ni and Co on Ni–Co–O@3D Ni, which possessed multiple oxidation states to enable various reversible Faradaic redox reactions. Remarkably, the solid-state symmetric supercapacitor fabricated with Ni–Co–O@3D Ni exhibited excellent capacitive behaviour at a wide operating voltage window and cycling performance. Also, the as-assembled solid-state symmetric supercapacitor (two devices in series) can successfully illuminate a desired parallel pattern consisting of 36 red LED lights, demonstrating its practical application as a supercapacitor.
A Comprehensive Review of Distributed MPPT for Grid-Tied PV Systems at the Sub-Module Level
Authors: Alharbi Yousef , Darwish Ahmed , Ma Xiandong
Published: July 2023

Energy crises and the growth of the energy demand have increased the interest in utilizing unconventional power sources. Thus, renewable energy sources have become a topic of interest to mitigate rising energy concerns and cope with increased electricity demand. With remarkable merits including cleanness and abundance, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems are a key to solving these issues. The employed inverters should effectively utilize the maximum available power from the PV solar system and transfer this power to the utility grid without posing any further limitations. However, the unequal power generation of different PV systems caused by partial shading (PS) and other PV panel degradation factors leads to a reduction in generation capacity. One of the relatively new solutions to mitigate the mismatch concerns between the PV modules and sub-modules is to extract the maximum power of each sub-module individually. The main objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of such PV grid-connected inverters topologies associated with sub-module connection and control. It will classify the PV grid-tied inverters in accordance with the level where the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system is implemented. A special focus has been placed on sub-module microinverters (MI) in terms of circuit topologies, conversion efficiency, and controller design. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of employing the distributed MPPT (DMPPT) approach to maximize the power generation of PV systems by mitigating the mismatch issues inside the PV module. The circuit topology, PV system configuration, and MPPT algorithms used for applying DMPPT solutions in PV SMs are discussed in detail in this study.
Leg Conversion Method for the Continuous Control of a Railway Vehicle Propulsion Inverter
Authors: Choi Jongyong , Kim Gildong , Lee Hyunjae , Lee Gunbok , Shon Jingeun
Published: July 2023

In this study, we propose a whole-leg scheme for the continuous control of a railway vehicle propulsion inverter. The three-leg method is commonly used to obtain the output AC power from the input DC voltage in a railway vehicle propulsion inverter. When the power semiconductor of an inverter operating in a three-leg manner fails, a problem occurs in the power supply. Therefore, this study proposes a method that automatically converts into the two-leg method without replacing the power semiconductor when it fails while the inverter is driven with the three-leg method. This leg conversion method can prevent problems in supplying power by converting the power that can be obtained from an inverter operating with the three-leg method into that obtained from an inverter operating with the two-leg method. In addition, to verify the effectiveness of the leg conversion method, a demonstrative experiment was conducted after a simulation, and an actual inverter was fabricated. Consequently, the experimental results confirmed that in an inverter operating with the three-leg method, even if the power semiconductor failed, it could be converted for operation with the two-leg method to supply power normally.
Utilization of MnFe2O4 Redox Ferrite for Solar Fuel Production via CO2 Splitting: A Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Bhosale Rahul R. , Akhter Sayma , Gupta Ram B. , Shende Rajesh V.
Published: July 2023

A thermodynamic efficiency analysis of MnFe2O4-based CO2 splitting (CDS) cycle is reported. HSC Chemistry software is used for performing the calculations allied with the model developed. By maintaining the reduction nonstoichiometry equal to 0.1, variations in the thermal energy required to drive the cycle and solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency as a function of the ratio of the molar flow rate of inert sweep gas to the molar flow rate of Mn-ferrite, reduction temperature, and gas-to-gas heat recovery effectiveness are studied. This study confirms that the thermal reduction temperature needed to achieve reduction nonstoichiometry equal to 0.1 is reduced when the inert gas flow rate is increased. Conversely, due to the requirement of the additional energy to heat the inert gas, the thermal energy required to drive the cycle is upsurged considerably. As the solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency depends significantly on the thermal energy required to drive the cycle, a reduction in it is recorded. As the ratio of the molar flow rate of inert sweep gas to the molar flow rate of Mn-ferrite is increased from 10 to 100, the solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency is decreased from 14.9% to 9.9%. By incorporating gas-to-gas heat recovery, a drastic drop in the thermal energy required to drive the cycle is attained which further resulted in a rise in the solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency. The maximum solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency (17.5%) is achieved at the ratio of the molar flow rate of inert sweep gas to the molar flow rate of Mn-ferrite equal to 10 as well as 20 when 90% of gas-to-gas heat recovery is applied.
Hydrogen Technologies: A Critical Review and Feasibility Study
Authors: Kindra Vladimir , Maksimov Igor , Oparin Maksim , Zlyvko Olga , Rogalev Andrey
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, one of the most important areas in refining the energy sector in the developed countries is the transition to environmentally friendly technologies, and hydrogen energy production is the most promising of them. In this rapidly advancing area, significant progress in creating new technologies for hydrogen fuel generation, transportation, storage, and consumption has been recently observed, while a fast-growing number of research papers and implemented commercial projects related to hydrogen makes it necessary to give their general review. In particular, the combination of the latest achievements in this area is of particular interest with a view to analyzing the possibility of creating hydrogen fuel supply chains. This paper presents an analytical review of existing methods of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation, including their key economic and energy-related characteristics, and proposes an approach to the creation, analysis, and optimization of hydrogen supply chains. A mathematical model has been developed to determine the cost of hydrogen, taking into account the supply chain, including production, transport and storage. Based on the results of modeling in the given scenario conditions for 2030, 2040 and 2050, promising hydrogen supply chains have been established. Under the various scenario conditions, hydrogen production by 2050 is most preferable by the method of steam conversion of methane with a cost of 8.85 USD/kg H2. However, due to the environmental effect, electrolysis also remains a promising technology with a cost of hydrogen produced of 17.84 USD/kg.
Effect of Temperature on Morphologies and Microstructures of Soot Particles in the Diesel Exhaust Pipe
Authors: Ju Hongling , Bian Fanquan , Wei Mingrui , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2023

Insulating cotton was used to change the airflow temperature in the exhaust pipe of a diesel engine, and soot particles at different positions in the exhaust pipe under different operating conditions were collected. The morphologies and microstructures of soot particles were observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The characteristic parameters, including the mean primary particle diameter (dp), radius of gyration of soot aggregate (Rg), fractal dimension of soot particle (Df), carbon layer spacing (Ds), and carbon layer torsion resistance (Tf), were statistically analyzed. The changes in each characteristic parameter before and after adding insulating cotton were compared. After installing the cotton, soot particles still grew through surface chemical reactions and physical processes in the diesel exhaust pipe, the agglomeration becomes more and more prevalent, the particle size increased, and Df increased. The increase in the airflow temperature in the exhaust pipe promoted the surface growth of primary soot particles and enhanced the turbulence, which made the chain-like soot particles more likely to reunite under the action of turbulent eddies. Consequently, Rg decreased and Df increased. Furthermore, the average Ds and Tf of primary soot particles deceased, especially under high loads. This indicated that the increase in the temperature of the exhaust pipe was conducive to the graphitization of primary soot particles.
India’s Renewable Energy Portfolio: An Investigation of the Untapped Potential of RE, Policies, and Incentives Favoring Energy Security in the Country
Authors: Dubey Bharat , Agrawal Seema , Sharma Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2023

Access to inexpensive, safe, consistent, and clean energy is a critical necessity for all to achieve the SDGs. India’s renewable energy (RE) currently accounts for more than a third of the 482 GW of installed capacity and more than 40 percent of power production (including large-scale hydropower). Reforms such as the establishment of a single national power grid have improved access to electricity for people, and the ambitious development of renewable energy, which is the world’s third-largest energy generator and third-largest electricity user, has helped in achieving these aims. As a result, the expansion of national targets signifies and reflects the country’s optimism and goal for the forthcoming generation. Standardization of the guidelines and development of the stable grid and transmission networks will only enable the country to achieve the ambitious target of 500 GW of green and clean energy by 2030. This paper highlights the important development in the power sector regarding the energy security of India. As well as specifically examining the initiative of NSMs for achieving the 2030 targets, the key challenges, and the way forward to increase the cumulative installed capacity, comprehensive studies of various policies and government initiatives are also discussed. Furthermore, the key challenges usually faced by the developers in the industry, along with the steep decline and rise in the tariffs of solar projects and the previous trends in capacity installation, are also pointed out. This research work also highlights the potential key challenges to achieving the targets, and will thus provide a focus for power developers, policy makers, researchers, and industry practitioners and help with their planning. In the current scenario, the supply of food and the clean energy nexus are required to meet the demands of people’s livelihoods.
Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading among Prosumers with Voltage Regulation Services Provision
Authors: Zhan Bochun , Feng Changsen , Lin Zhemin , Shao Xiaoyu , Wen Fushuan
Published: July 2023

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) into distribution networks has changed the energy trading pattern in traditional electricity markets to some degree, and this will possibly cause network congestion and nodal voltage violations. This paper proposes a two-stage modeling framework for peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading with voltage regulation services provision considered. In the first stage, direct P2P trading among prosumers, considering network congestion management, is enabled. In the second stage, prosumers provide voltage regulation services to address possible voltage violations. Aiming at maximizing social welfare, the alternative direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is applied to solve the two-stage problem. On the basis of the optimal energy solution of the two-stage problem, the energy prices of P2P transactions and the price of voltage regulation services are settled based on the Nash bargaining model. Finally, simulation results of the IEEE 33-bus power system with six prosumers included demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed models.
Habitual Physical Activity and Dietary Profiles in Older Japanese Males with Normal-Weight Obesity
Authors: Tataka Yusei , Hiratsu Ayano , Fujihira Kyoko , Nagayama Chihiro , Kamemoto Kayoko , Fushimi Takashi , Takase Hideto , Miyashita Masashi
Published: July 2023

Normal-weight obesity is defined as having high body fat but a normal body mass index (BMI). This study examined whether there are differences in habitual physical activity and diet between individuals with normal-weight obesity and obese or non-obesity. This study included 143 males aged 65–75 years, and they were classified into the following three groups according to BMI and visceral fat area (VFA): obese group (n = 27 (BMI: ≥25 kg/m2 and VFA: ≥100 cm2)), normal-weight obese group (n = 35 (BMI: <25 kg/m2 and VFA: ≥100 cm2)) and non-obese group (n = 81 (BMI: <25 kg/m2 and VFA < 100 cm2)). Lowered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and elevated triglyceride and alanine transaminase were observed in the normal-weight obese group than in the non-obese group (all for p ≤ 0.04, effect size ≥ 0.50). No differences were found in physical activity and dietary habits between non-obese and normal-weight obese groups (all for p > 0.05). Although impaired lipid and liver function parameters were observed in older males with normal-weight obesity compared with older males with non-obesity, physical activity and dietary profiles in themselves were not shown these differences in the present study.
High Daytime Temperature Responsive MicroRNA Profiles in Developing Grains of Rice Varieties with Contrasting Chalkiness
Authors: Payne David , Li Yongfang , Govindan Ganesan , Kumar Anuj , Thomas Julie , Addo-Quaye Charles A. , Pereira Andy , Sunkar Ramanjulu
Published: July 2023

High temperature impairs starch biosynthesis in developing rice grains and thereby increases chalkiness, affecting the grain quality. Genome encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) fine-tune target transcript abundances in a spatio-temporal specific manner, and this mode of gene regulation is critical for a myriad of developmental processes as well as stress responses. However, the role of miRNAs in maintaining rice grain quality/chalkiness during high daytime temperature (HDT) stress is relatively unknown. To uncover the role of miRNAs in this process, we used five contrasting rice genotypes (low chalky lines Cyp, Ben, and KB and high chalky lines LaGrue and NB) and compared the miRNA profiles in the R6 stage caryopsis samples from plants subjected to prolonged HDT (from the onset of fertilization through R6 stage of caryopsis development). Our small RNA analysis has identified approximately 744 miRNAs that can be grouped into 291 families. Of these, 186 miRNAs belonging to 103 families are differentially regulated under HDT. Only two miRNAs, Osa-miR444f and Osa-miR1866-5p, were upregulated in all genotypes, implying that the regulations greatly varied between the genotypes. Furthermore, not even a single miRNA was commonly up/down regulated specifically in the three tolerant genotypes. However, three miRNAs (Osa-miR1866-3p, Osa-miR5150-3p and canH-miR9774a,b-3p) were commonly upregulated and onemiRNA (Osa-miR393b-5p) was commonly downregulated specifically in the sensitive genotypes (LaGrue and NB). These observations suggest that few similarities exist within the low chalky or high chalky genotypes, possibly due to high genetic variation. Among the five genotypes used, Cypress and LaGrue are genetically closely related, but exhibit contrasting chalkiness under HDT, and thus, a comparison between them is most relevant. This comparison revealed a general tendency for Cypress to display miRNA regulations that could decrease chalkiness under HDT compared with LaGrue. This study suggests that miRNAs could play an important role in maintaining grain quality in HDT-stressed rice.
Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazines Obtained via Mesoionic Oxazolo-Pyridazinones
Authors: Ivan Beatrice-Cristina , Barbuceanu Stefania-Felicia , Hotnog Camelia Mia , Olaru Octavian Tudorel , Anghel Adriana Iuliana , Ancuceanu Robert Viorel , Mihaila Mirela Antonela , Brasoveanu Lorelei Irina , Shova Sergiu , Draghici Constantin , Nitulescu George Mihai , Dumitrascu Florea
Published: July 2023

New pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazines were synthesized by 3 + 2 cycloaddition reaction between mesoionic oxazolo-pyridazinones and methyl/ethyl propiolate. The mesoionic compounds were generated in situ by action of acetic anhydride on 3(2H)pyridazinone acids obtained from corresponding esters by alkaline hydrolysis followed by acidification. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses and IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and X-ray diffraction data. The regioselectivity of cycloaddition was evidenced by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by X-ray analysis. The compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on plant cells (Triticum aestivum L.) and crustacean animal cells (Artemia franciscana Kellogg and Daphnia magna Straus). The results indicated that the tested compounds exhibited low toxicity on the plant cell (IC50 values higher than 200 µM), while on Artemia nauplii no lethality was observed. Daphnia magna assay showed that pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazines 5a and 5c could exhibit toxic effects, whereas, for the other compounds, toxicity was low to moderate. Also, the cytotoxic effects of the compounds were tested on three human adenocarcinoma-derived adherent cell lines (colon LoVo, ovary SK-OV-3, breast MCF-7). The in vitro compound-mediated cytotoxicity assays, performed by the MTS technique, demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic activity for several compounds, the highest anti-tumor activity being observed for 5a, 2c, and 5f, especially against colon cancer cells.
Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture on Chemotherapy-Induced Salivary Gland Hypofunction in a Mouse Model
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Hien Vu , Chiu Kuo-Chou , Shih Yin-Hwa , Liu Chung-Ji , Bao Quach Tran Van , Hsia Shih-Min , Chen Yi-Hung , Shieh Tzong-Ming
Published: July 2023

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can impair salivary gland (SG) function, which causes xerostomia and exacerbate other side effects of chemotherapy and oral infection, reducing patients’ quality of life. This animal study aimed to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) as a means of preventing xerostomia induced by 5−fluorouracil (5−FU). A xerostomia mouse model was induced via four tail vein injections of 5−FU (80 mg/kg/dose). EA was performed at LI4 and LI11 for 7 days. The pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary glands weight (SGW) were recorded. Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and lysozyme were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SG was collected for hematoxylin and eosin staining to measure acini number and acinar cell size. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA expressions in SG were quantified via RT-qPCR. 5−FU caused significant decreases in SFR, SGW, SIgA, lysozyme, AQP5 expression, and acini number, while TNF-α and IL-1β expressions and acinar cell size were significantly increased. EA treatment can prevent 5−FU damage to the salivary gland, while pilocarpine treatment can only elevate SFR and AQP5 expression. These findings provide significant evidence to support the use of EA as an alternative treatment for chemotherapy-induced salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia.
The Price of Human Evolution: Cancer-Testis Antigens, the Decline in Male Fertility and the Increase in Cancer
Authors: Erenpreisa Jekaterina , Vainshelbaum Ninel Miriam , Lazovska Marija , Karklins Roberts , Salmina Kristine , Zayakin Pawel , Rumnieks Felikss , Inashkina Inna , Pjanova Dace , Erenpreiss Juris
Published: July 2023

The increasing frequency of general and particularly male cancer coupled with the reduction in male fertility seen worldwide motivated us to seek a potential evolutionary link between these two phenomena, concerning the reproductive transcriptional modules observed in cancer and the expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTA). The phylostratigraphy analysis of the human genome allowed us to link the early evolutionary origin of cancer via the reproductive life cycles of the unicellulars and early multicellulars, potentially driving soma-germ transition, female meiosis, and the parthenogenesis of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), with the expansion of the CTA multi-families, very late during their evolution. CTA adaptation was aided by retrovirus domestication in the unstable genomes of mammals, for protecting male fertility in stress conditions, particularly that of humans, as compensation for the energy consumption of a large complex brain which also exploited retrotransposition. We found that the early and late evolutionary branches of human cancer are united by the immunity-proto-placental network, which evolved in the Cambrian and shares stress regulators with the finely-tuned sex determination system. We further propose that social stress and endocrine disruption caused by environmental pollution with organic materials, which alter sex determination in male foetuses and further spermatogenesis in adults, bias the development of PGCC-parthenogenetic cancer by default.
Non-Coding RNAs and Human Diseases: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Niderla-Bielińska Justyna , Jankowska-Steifer Ewa , Włodarski Paweł
Published: July 2023

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a family of RNA molecules that, unlike messenger RNAs, are not templates for protein synthesis but have an essential or regulatory role in this process [...]
Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-Modified Cotton Fabric Treated with Aldehydes and Zinc Oxide Particles
Authors: Staneva Desislava , Atanasova Daniela , Angelova Daniela , Grozdanov Petar , Nikolova Ivanka , Grabchev Ivo
Published: July 2023

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer with a proven ability to impart textile materials with antimicrobial properties when loaded onto them. The mechanism of its bacteriological activity depends on the contact between the positive and negative charges of the amino groups located on the surface of the microbes. Unfortunately, the type of microorganisms and pH influence this action–shortcomings that can be avoided by chitosan modification and by loading its film with substances possessing antimicrobial properties. In this study, chitosan was modified with benzaldehyde and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to form a film on the surface of cotton fabric (CB). Also, another material was obtained by including zinc oxide particles (CBZ) synthesized in situ into the chitosan coating. The performed analyses (contact angle measurement, optical and scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, XRD, and thermal analysis) evidenced the modification of the cotton fabric and the alteration of the film properties after zinc oxide inclusion. A comparison of the antimicrobial properties of the new CB with materials prepared with chitosan without benzaldehyde from our previous study verified the influence of the hydrophobicity and surface roughness of the fabric surface on the enhancement of antimicrobial activity. The microbial growth inhibition increased in the following order: fungal strain Candida lipolytica >Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus >Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The samples containing zinc oxide particles completely inhibited the growth of all three model strains. The virucidal activity of the CB was higher against human adenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-5) than against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV-S2) after 60 min of exposure. The CBZ displayed higher virucidal activity with a Δlog of 0.9 against both viruses.
Evaluation of the Adhesion between Aggregate and Asphalt Binder Based on Image Processing Techniques Considering Aggregate Characteristics
Authors: Li Min , Wang Jian , Guo Zibao , Chen Jingchun , Zhao Zedong , Ren Jiaolong
Published: July 2023

Aggregate–asphalt adhesion plays an important role in the water stability of asphalt concrete. In various test standards of different countries, it is evaluated via the subjective judgment of testers using the boiling water test. The subjective judgment in the test method is detrimental to the accuracy of the adhesion evaluation. However, there is no quantitative evaluation method for the aggregate–asphalt adhesion in existing studies. Moreover, the effects of aggregate shape on adhesion are also not discussed and stipulated. Hence, an innovative method based on the Chinese boiling water test and image processing technique is put forward to quantificationally evaluate the aggregate–asphalt adhesion. Moreover, the effects of aggregate shapes on adhesion are also investigated via the proposed method from a view of aspect ratio and homogeneity. Results show that the peeling of the asphalt membrane on the aggregate surface is more serious as the complexity of the aggregate shape increases after the boiling water tests, while the effect degree gradually decreases. The effect of aspect ratio on the peeling status of asphalt membrane is lower than that of aggregate homogeneity.
Impact of an Aluminization Process on the Microstructure and Texture of Samples of Haynes 282 Nickel Alloy Produced Using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) Technique
Authors: Mizera Jarosław , Adamczyk-Cieślak Bogusława , Maj Piotr , Wiśniewski Paweł , Drajewicz Marcin , Sitek Ryszard
Published: July 2023

In this study, we examined the effects of an aluminization process on the microstructure and texture of Haynes 282 nickel samples fabricated using the direct metal laser sintering technique. The aluminization process involved the use of chemical vapor deposition with AlCl3 vapors in a hydrogen atmosphere at a temperature of 1040 °C for 8 h. Following the 3D printing and aluminization steps, we analyzed the microstructure of the Haynes 282 nickel alloy samples using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we investigated the texture using X-ray diffractometry. A texture analysis revealed that after the process of direct laser sintering of metals, the texture of the Haynes 282 nickel alloy samples developed a texture typical of cast materials. Then, in the aluminization process, the texture was transformed—from foundry-type components to a texture characteristic of recrystallization.
Adsorption of Hydrogen Sulfide on Activated Carbon Materials Derived from the Solid Fibrous Digestate
Authors: Choleva Evangelia , Mitsopoulos Anastasios , Dimitropoulou Georgia , Romanos George Em. , Kouvelos Evangelos , Pilatos George , Beltsios Konstantinos , Stefanidis Stylianos , Lappas Angelos , Sfetsas Themistoklis
Published: July 2023

The goal of this work is to develop a sustainable value chain of carbonaceous adsorbents that can be produced from the solid fibrous digestate (SFD) of biogas plants and further applied in integrated desulfurization-upgrading (CO2/CH4 separation) processes of biogas to yield high-purity biomethane. For this purpose, physical and chemical activation of the SFD-derived BC was optimized to afford micro-mesoporous activated carbons (ACs) of high BET surface area (590–2300 m2g−1) and enhanced pore volume (0.57–1.0 cm3g−1). Gas breakthrough experiments from fixed bed columns of the obtained ACs, using real biogas mixture as feedstock, unveiled that the physical and chemical activation led to different types of ACs, which were sufficient for biogas upgrade and biogas desulfurization, respectively. Performing breakthrough experiments at three temperatures close to ambient, it was possible to define the optimum conditions for enhanced H2S/CO2 separation. It was also concluded that the H2S adsorption capacity was significantly affected by the restriction to gas diffusion. Hence, the best performance was obtained at 50 °C, and the maximum observed in the H2S adsorption capacity vs. the temperature was attributed to the counterbalance between adsorption and diffusion processes.
Interesterification of Glyceryl Trioctanoate Catalyzed by Sulfonic Silica-Based Materials: Insight into the Role of Catalysts on the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Testa Maria Luisa , Tummino Maria Laura , Venezia Anna Maria , Russo Marco
Published: July 2023

In the present work, the acid-catalyzed interesterification of glyceryl trioctanoate (GTO) with ethyl acetate was investigated as a model reaction for the one-step production of biofuel and its additives. The activity of heterogeneous acid catalysts, such as silica-based propyl-sulfonic ones, was evaluated. Propyl-sulfonic groups were grafted on both amorphous and mesoporous silica oxide (SBA-15, KIT-6) using different functionalization processes and characterized by N2 adsorpion–desorption isotherm (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and potentiometric titration. During the optimization of the reaction conditions with the most active catalyst (Am-Pr-SO3H), it was shown that the addition of ethanol allowed a total conversion of GTO together with 89% and 56% yield of ethyl octanoate and triacetin, respectively. The catalytic performance is strictly correlated to the catalyst features, in terms of both the acid capacity and the porous structure. Moreover, the catalytic performance is also affected by a synergistic mechanism between silanols and Pr-SO3H groups towards the ‘silanolysis’ of ethyl acetate. The overall results show that the presence of ethanol, the reaction time, and the amount of catalyst shifts the reaction towards the formation of the biofuel mixture composed by ethyl octanoate and triacetin.
Comparison of the Effect of Phospholipid Extracts from Salmon and Silver Carp Heads on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Rui , Zhao Xiuju , Lu Hongyan , Zhang Peng , Dong Xinjie , Wang Yuming
Published: July 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global health problem, and EPA/DHA-enriched phospholipids (EPA/DHA-PLs) have been found to have positive effects on MetS improvement. Currently, research on EPA/DHA-PL mainly focuses on special and rare seafood, such as phospholipids derived from krill, sea cucumber, squid, and fish roe. However, it has been recently demonstrated that abundant EPA/DHA-PL can also be found in bulk fish and its by-products. Nonetheless, there is still limited research on the biological activities of EPA/DHA-PL derived from these sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phospholipid extracts from the heads of salmon and silver carp (S-PLE and SC-PLE) on the high-fat-diet-induced MetS in C57/BL mice. After an 8-week intervention, both SC-PLE and S-PLE had a significant ameliorating effect on MetS. Moreover, SC-PLE was more effective than S-PLE in reducing liver inflammation and fasting glucose. Both of the PL extracts were able to regulate the expression of key genes in lipid synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and insulin signaling pathways. Compared with S-PLE, dietary SC-PLE had a greater influence on liver metabolomics. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential metabolites of SC-PLE were mainly involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and glutathione metabolism. The results indicated that the different metabolic regulation methods of S-PLE and SC-PLE could be related to their variant molecular composition in EPA/DHA-PL.