bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the “sun over a gloomy country” was lit (A.M. Gorky at the head of the Pushkin Сommittee)
Authors:   Gorky Institute of World Literature of the  Russian Academy of Sciences, Shugan Olga V.
Published: May 2023

In the article, based on unknown documents from the Archive of A.M. Gorky IMLI RAS, and the Russian State Archive of Contemporary History, the little-studied part of A.M. Gorky’s work on the preparation of the 100th anniversary of the death of A.S. Pushkin is investigated. The All-Union Pushkin Committee, created by the initiative of Gorky in 1934, played the important role in this event. Gorky’s activities as the head of the Pushkin Committee covered four areas: the publication of books, the installation of monuments to the poet, the restoration of estates and apartments associated with Pushkin’s stay, and finally, the organization of the Pushkin exhibition. Particular attention is paid to the publishing activities of the Pushkin Committee. With the direct participation of Gorky, three collected works of Pushkin were prepared (at the Academia publishing house and at the Pushkin House). The interference of party officials in the work of the Pushkin Committee, as well as excessive bureaucratization in decision-making, led to the contradictory and spasmodic nature of its work: decisions were revised, the membership of the Committee changed, periods of inactivity were replaced by periods of vigorous activity. The problems of bureaucratic delays and tough administration in the decisions of the country’s leadership regarding the Pushkin Memorial Days are illuminated.
About a premonition of the writer’s fate. The story of S.D. Dovlatov “Fate”
Authors:   Moscow State Pedagogical University, Serafimova Vera D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the article: To introduce the insufficiently researched materials of the collection “Little-known Dovlatov”, the memories of writers about him: Alexander Genis, Pyotr Weil, the correspondence of S. Dovlatov to his friends — letters to Lyudmila Stern. Dovlatov’s correspondence to his friends — letters to Lyudmila Stern. The author studies the typological similarities in the dominant ideas, poetics, language with the classic of the 20th century Russian literature A.P. Platonov.
Hovhannes Tumanyan’s role in activities of the Armenian Relief Committee (1921–1923)
Authors:   National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Hovhannisyan Susanna
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the article is to fill one of the relatively little-studied pages of the scientific biography of the great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan and his national-patriotic and social activities. The task of the article is to show the Hovh. Tumanyan’s role in the activities of the Armenian Relief Committee. Armenian historiographic science distinguishes three periods of the Committee’s activity: 1921–1923, 1923–1931, 1931–1937). However, Tumanyan’s role in the implementation of program tasks and in the formation of the Committee in the first period of its activity has not been studied either in historiography or in literary criticism. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the study of the Hovh. Tumanyan’s activities as chairman of the Armenian Relief Committee. The presentation of historical events in the article, accompanied by scientific comments, argues the importance of studying this “white page” of Armenian reality, its topicality and its relevance to today. The article discusses Tumanyan’s efforts to establish relationships between the newly created Soviet Armenia and foreign Armenian diasporas, to form a positive attitude towards the new social formation that won in Russia. The historical and narrative aspect in the article is presented in the context of the human character and psychological portrait of Hovh. Tumanyan.
Optimization and deconstruction of the poetic: Audio performance by Sergey Samoylenko
Authors:   Ivanovo State University, Gorelov Oleg S.
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of adaptation of poetry to media environments unusual for it. For the first time the substantiation and theoretical analysis of the concepts of optimization and deconstruction is presented as a dialectical pair, which makes it possible to evaluate the intermedial phenomena of recontextualization and resemantization. One of the accompanying tasks of the article is to identify the artistic possibilities of optimization, to clarify its significance for cross-modal interactions. The material is an audio performance by Sergey Samoylenko “Poetry on the Market: (Non)Market Values”. As a result, the component composition and design of the project, tasks and results, the use of adaptive technologies (deconstruction, optimization, agreement) were analyzed. It was shown that performance consists of components that take into account possible future optimization, includes an exploratory, critical setting, and therefore deconstructive logic manifests itself, for example, in the choice of material and space. However, the adaptive processes of the performance itself came into conflict with the deconstruction-optimization design of the idea, which showed the need to take into account the natural optimization coming from the recipients themselves, since it is precisely this that is a transgressive element that creates the artistic potential of creative optimization.
Brasilia — Brazilian Saint Petersburg?
Authors:   Federal University of Fluminense, Volkova-Americo Ekaterina , Americo Edelsio ,   State University of Sao Paulo
Published: May 2023

Based on the concept of “text of the city”, formulated in the works of Yuri Lotman and Vladimir Toporov within the studies undertaken by Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School in the decades of 1970–1980s, the article considers the possibility of tracing some similarities between the Petersburg text of Russian culture and the text of the capital of Brazil — the city of Brasilia — in Brazilian culture. In particular, we are talking about the chronicle “In the early beginnings of Brasilia” (1970) by Clarice Lispector, which reflects the first impressions of the Brazilian writer from the newly built capital. The texts of St. Petersburg and Brasilia seem to us to be similar semiotic structures. One can note the presence of the binary opposition city-nature, the mythologization of the foundation of the city and its creators, the motive of its artificiality and ideal visibility. However, there are significant differences between the texts of both capitals. In the case of the Brazilian capital, this is a relatively recent text, so there are significantly fewer works in which this city is mentioned. The geographical position is also a significant difference: for example, St. Petersburg is a border city, while Brasilia is located in the center of the country. That is why, while eschatological motifs predominate in the Petersburg text, Brasilia’s text clearly expresses the connection between earth and sky, which is characteristic of concentric cities.
The first biography of D.P. Svyatopolk-Mirsky in homeland
Authors:   Evseviev Mordovian State Pedagogical University, Osovskii Oleg E. , Kirzhaeva Vera P. ,   Ogarev Mordovian State University
Published: May 2023

A review of the book “Svyatopolk-Mirsky” (Moscow, 2021) by a well-known researcher of Russian émigré literature and culture M.V. Efimov and the oldest English expert of Russian literary studies G. Smith is presented. The authors based their research on the Russian and European tradition of biographical studies and used the methods of literary history and sociocultural theory. The book is the first full-scale reconstruction of prince D.P. Svyatopolk-Mirsky’s biography in Russia. The authors widely used archival materials, testimonies and memoirs of contemporaries, hardly accessible English and émigré periodicals, which enable them to present the main events of Mirsky’s life and work. The biographers’ interest to the inner world and psychology of the hero’s acts is combined with a subtle philological analysis of his literary studies and critical essays. At the same time, the obvious sympathy for the hero did not prevent the authors from maintaining a research objectivity, which ensured the credibility and persuasiveness of their conclusions. According to the reviewers, the book is an event in national literary studies, political and cultural history of Russia and Russian emigration.
About the specifics and principles of building a new generation of Lezginsky-Russian dictionary
Authors:   Dagestan Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gasharova Aida R. , Akamov Abusupyan T.
Published: May 2023

The article highlights the results of the development of principles for the presentation of vocabulary material in the new Lezginsky-Russian dictionary. This dictionary is an academic type dictionary and is part of a series of second-generation translation and explanatory dictionaries. The dictionary serves as a reference book about the meanings, grammatical features, communicative possibilities of the words of the modern Lezgian language. This is a fundamentally new experience of collecting and systematizing the vocabulary of the Lezgian language, associated with solving the issues of designing dictionary entries and developing word meanings. The new edition of the dictionary differs significantly from the previous one both in the volume and structure of each dictionary entry, which is supplemented with new lexemes, meanings and expressions that have enriched the Lezgian language over the past decades. The development of theoretical issues of Lezgian (Dagestan) lexicography is important for its further development.
Notas sobre o jovem Kant, sua distinção dos domínios de aplicação e algumas de suas fontes científicas
Authors: Farhat Pedro
Published: May 2023

Buscando fontes para o estudo da relação histórica entre Kant e as ciências da natureza, analisaremos a relevância inicial do debate entre duas figuras importantes na filosofia e nas ciências do século XVIII sobre ele: J.-J. d’O. de Mairan e Madame du Châtelet. Tratando de um aspecto da tese geral do primeiro escrito de Kant, Pensamentos sobre a verdadeira estimação das forças vivas (1747) e da forma como incidiram neste, em seguida discutiremos o debate entre eles acerca das forças vivas, localizando-os conceitual e historicamente nesta disputa. Com isso, pretendemos mostrar que Kant estava ensaiando aqui uma primeira versão de um movimento que se tornaria característico seu, basilar para a elaboração da filosofia crítica.
Relações Familiares e Alienação Parental após a Dissolução da Conjugalidade
Authors: Nascimento Charlene Cristina Pereira , Müller Cynthia Cecília , Peteck Bianca Maria Vendramini , Braciak Matheus , Bossardi Carina Nunes
Published: May 2023

Introdução: Esta pesquisa centra-se nas relações conjugais e parentais no contexto do divórcio, no que se refere aos fatores de risco e de proteção familiar à alienação parental. O objetivo foi conhecer as relações parentais após a dissolução da conjugalidade em casais divorciados com filhos na idade entre quatro e onze anos. Métodos: Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa com abordagem de estudo de caso. Responderam à entrevista semiestruturada dois pais e três mães que possuíam filhos com o ex-cônjuge. Resultados: Os entrevistados relataram vivenciar conflitos no período de separação. No envolvimento parental que poderia funcionar como um fator de proteção, foi apontada a necessidade de maior participação por parte do ex-cônjuge na vida dos filhos. Os participantes ainda relataram ter consciência a respeito da alienação parental e afirmaram buscar evitar relacionamentos neste sentido. Discussões e Conclusões: Os conflitos nas relações podem afetar o desenvolvimento dos filhos e acometer indicativos para alienação parental. O processo de divórcio evoca fatores estressores e conflituosos, podendo modificar a estrutura da família e seu funcionamento. Um bom relacionamento entre os cônjuges pode evitar que situações de alienação parental ocorram.
Scissor g-C3N4 for high-density loading of catalyst domains in mesoporous thin-layer conductive network for durable Li-S batteries
Authors: Lai Chuanzhong , Zhou Xuejun , Lei Meng , Liu Wenlong , Mu Xiaoke , Li Chilin
Published: May 2023

The application of Li-S batteries (LSBs) is hindered by the undesired shuttle effect that leads to the fast consumption of active materials. The separator modification by using the carbon matrix with embedded metal nitride as catalyst can ease the problem. However, the previous synthesis processes of metal nitride catalysts are difficult to achieve a balance between their high-density production, homogenous distribution and excellent electronic contact with conductive substrates. Herein, we propose a bond scissoring strategy based on g-C3N4 to prepare NbN catalyst domains with high-density loading uniformly embedded in mesoporous thin-layer conductive carbon network (NbN/C) for durable LSBs. The molten salt reaction process is favorable for the diffusion of Nb cations into a porous g-C3N4 precursor to break the C-N bond and immobilize the N element. The residual monolithic carbon framework with space confinement effect limits the irregular growth and stacking of NbN precipitates. The NbN catalytic domains exhibit a strong adsorption effect on lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and accelerate their liquid-solid conversion reactions. The LSBs utilizing an NbN/C-modified separator show superior cycling and rate performance, with a high-capacity retention of 72.7% after 1,000 cycles under 2 C and a high areal capacity of ~7.08 mA h cm-2 under a high sulfur loading of 6.6 mg cm-2. This g-C3N4-assisted strategy opens a new gate for the design of an integrated catalysis-conduction network for high-performance LSBs.
Substrate recognition mode of a glycoside hydrolase family 42 β-galactosidase from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis(BiBga42A) revealed by crystallographic and mutational analyses
Authors: Gotoh Aina , Hidaka Masafumi , Sakurama Haruko , Nishimoto Mamoru , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Fushinobu Shinya , Katayama Takane
Published: May 2023

Aim:Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis uses a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 42 β-galactosidase (BiBga42A) for hydrolyzing lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), which is the most abundant core structure of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). As such, BiBga42A represents one of the pivotal enzymes underpinning the symbiosis between bifidobacteria and breastfed infants. Despite its importance, the structural basis underlying LNT hydrolysis by BiBga42A is not understood. Moreover, no substrate-complexed structures are available to date for GH42 family members. Methods: X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structures of BiBga42A in the apo- and liganded forms. The roles of the amino acid residues that were presumed to be involved in catalysis and substrate recognition were examined by a mutational study, in which kinetic parameters of each mutant were determined using 4-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside, lacto-N-biose I, LNT, and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) as substrates. Conservation of those amino acid residues was examined among structure-determined GH42 β-galactosidases. Results: Crystal structures of the wild-type enzyme complexed with glycerol, the E160A/E318A double mutant complexed with galactose (Gal), and the E318S mutant complexed with LNT were determined at 1.7, 1.9, and 2.2 Å resolutions, respectively. The LNT molecule (excluding the Gal moiety at subsite +2) bound to the E318S mutant is recognized by an extensive hydrogen bond network and several hydrophobic interactions. The non-reducing end Gal moiety of LNT adopts a slightly distorted conformation and does not overlap well with the Gal molecule bound to the E160A/E318A mutant. Twelve of the sixteen amino acid residues responsible for LNT recognition and catalysis in BiBga42A are conserved among all homologs including β-1,6-1,3-galactosidase (BlGal42A) from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Conclusion:BlGal42A is active on 3-β-galactobiose similarly to BiBga42A but is inactive on LNT. Interestingly, we found that the entrance of the catalytic pocket of BlGal42A is narrower than that of BiBga42A and seems not easily accessible from the solvent side due to the presence of two bulky amino acid side chains. The specificity difference may reflect the structural difference between the two enzymes.
Computation of Vascular Parameters: Implementing Methodology and Performance Analysis
Authors: Sikkandar Mohamed Yacin , Padmanabhan Sridharan , Mohan Bobby , AlMohimeed Ibrahim , Alassaf Ahmad , Alshewaier Shady A , Almukil Ali Abdullah , S Sabarunisha Begum
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the feasibility of automated and accurate in vivo measurements of vascular parameters continuously and non-invasively using ultrasound sensor is presented. Vascular parameters such as pulse wave velocity (PWV), blood pressure (BP), arterial compliance (AC) and stiffness index (SI) are affluent indicators of cardiovascular disorders and needs to be monitored non-invasively and continuously during surgeries and follow-up procedures. Cuff based or invasive catheter techniques are considered as gold standard to measure BP and are fed manually to compute AC and SI which employ imaging algorithms. In this context, a Continuous and Non-Invasive Vascular Stiffness and Arterial Compliance Screener (CaNVAS) is developed to measure said parameters continuously and non-invasively using ultrasound sensor. Acoustic waves of 5 MHz (2.2 – 10 MHz) are driven through target arterial walls, reflected echoes captured, pre-processed and frequency shift is used to calculate PWV. It is observed that PWV measured using CaNVAS varies exponentially with BP values obtained from sphygmomanometer (BPMR-120) and this relationship is used to compute instantaneous values of BP. The proposed device is validated by performing measurements on 250 subjects in pre and post exercise conditions and found to have 95% accuracy and an average of 12.5% coefficient of variation.
Response of Chlorophyll Content and Chemical Composition (Ca+2, K+, and NO3-) in Tomatoes and Peppers Saplings to Foliar Nutrition in Growing Chambers
Authors: Massimi Mohunnad , Radócz László , Kabashi Besarta
Published: May 2023

The chlorophyll content and mineral compositions of plants are highly dependent on the species' physiological responses and environmental stress tolerance. The chlorophyll content is important for determining abiotic stress tolerance in tomatoes and peppers. Several studies found that foliar applications of specific components increased tomato and pepper output by increasing nutrient uptake. After transferring the seedlings to the incubator, three tomatoes (Mobil, Korall, and Tyking F1) and three pepper varieties (Carma, Fokusz, and Bobita F1) were sprayed. The following solutions were applied at a rate of 4 mL to each different plant: sodium bicarbonate (0.52%), 50 mg L-1 salicylic acid, and distilled water. A chlorophyll sensor (SPAD-502) was used to collect 5 measurements from each plant after 2 days and 8 days of spraying. Five plant sap samples were collected from ten plants after 38 days of transplantation. The calcium ion (Ca+2), potassium ion (K+), and nitrate (NO3-) contents (mg L-1) in plant sap were measured using three calibrated electronic sensors of the type (HORIBA instruments LAQUA-TWIN). The factorial analysis of two factors was used in data collection and statistical analysis. The first variable was the variety and the second was the spray treatment, and each record had five observations. The Tukey-Kramer test in Minitab 20 was used to assess differences in means between groups. Minitab 20's regression response optimizer was used to determine the maximum and minimum responses to calcium, potassium, nitrate, and chlorophyll content factors in each plant. Salicylic acid 50 mg L-1 produces the strongest multiple responses, particularly in tomato cultivars (Tyking F1 and Korall). The multiple minimum responses were for the variety (Mobil). Spraying (Mobil) with salicylic acid (50 mg L-1) and sodium bicarbonate (0.52%) produced unsatisfactory results. Salicylic acid 50 mg L-1 elicits also the most powerful multiple responses, particularly in the (Carma) pepper cultivar. The results revealed multiple minimum responses for the variety (Bobita F1). Finally, it is recommended that growers grow tomatoes (Mobil) without any supportive spraying treatment because the vigor of tomato (Mobil) seedlings was significantly higher in suboptimal environmental conditions. Gardeners should consider growing (Carma) pepper with a supportive spraying application of salicylic acid 50 mg L-1.
2,7-Bis(pyridin-4-Ylethynyl)-9H-Carbazole
Authors: Podda Enrico , Arca Massimiliano , Pintus Anna , Lippolis Vito , Ferino Giulio , Orton James B. , Coles Simon J. , Aragoni Maria Carla
Published: May 2023

2,7-bis(pyridin-4-ylethynyl)-9H-carbazole (1) was synthesized by reacting 4-ethynylpyridine hydrochloride with 2,7-dibromo-9H-carbazole. The full characterization of compound 1 is presented, and the crystal structure of its monohydrate co-crystal was determined by single-crystal XRD analysis.
Optimization of Experimental Protocol in Order to Form SEBS Film via Dip-Coating the Copper Surface Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: MASMOUDI Fatma , MALLAH Abdulrahman , MASMOUDI Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Organic Coatings have potential applications in the prevention of metal corrosion in an aqueous solution. The protective effect of SEBS coated copper corrosion in NaCl 3% solution was investigated by using electrochemical methods. The main objective of this work is to find the optimal conditions of the protocol immersion to evaluate the effects of SEBS ratio and two-immersion time on the anticorrosive behaviour of copper in 3 wt % NaCl solution in order to determine the best conditions to produce a protective SEBS film on the copper surface. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used as an optimization method. The study’s findings show the combination of three environmental factors that minimize corrosion rate. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) is working perfectly for the statistical significance of the model (ANOVA test). This analysis calculates the contribution value of each parameter in changing the value of the corrosion rate (CR) in not only individual but also synergistic cases. The optimized parameters were found to be a 2.17% of SEBS ratio, 20 min of immersion 1, and 21 min of immersion 2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests confirmed the results.
CAR-Modified Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells Propagated Using a Novel Bisphosphonate Prodrug for Allogeneic Adoptive Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Yizheng , Wang Linan , See Naohiro , Okumura Satoshi , Hayashi Tae , Akahori Yasushi , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Amaishi Yasunori , Amaishi Sachiko , Mineno Junichi , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Kato Takuma
Published: May 2023

CAR-T therapy has achieved considerable treatment success in hematologic tumors by using patient derived autologous αβ T cells. There is an impetus to broaden the applicability of this approach by using a third-party donor derived CAR-T cell product which has a potent anti-tumor function but a constrained GVHD property. In this study, CAR-T cells were prepared from Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expanded by using a novel prodrug PTA and their anti-tumor functions were assessed in conjunction with persistency, localization, and phenotype. γδ T cells were successfully transduced with a CAR specific to CEA with signaling domains of CD3ζ and CD28 (CEA.CAR-γδ T cells), and exhibited potent tumor killing function in vitro. In a xenograft mouse model, CEA.CAR-γδ T cells suppressed CEA+ tumor growth though a limited time window. CEA.CAR-γδ T cells persisted and accumulated in the tumor even after tumor progression, however, ex vivo analysis revealed that those recovered at different time points from PBMC, spleen and tumors gradually lost tumor reactivity as assessed by IFN-γ production. Provision of GITR co-stimulation enhanced anti-tumor function of CEA.CAR-γδ T cells, the result of which imposes additional measurers to be adopted in CAR-γδ T cells for an allogeneic adoptive immunotherapy.
How Buildings Relate Classifying Architectural Interactions
Authors: Enia Marco , Martella Flavio
Published: May 2023

In recent years, architectural interactions have become the center of many important reflections. However, there is little agreement on the subject. Some authors consider architecture to be about its relations with human and nonhuman agents. Others consider that buildings have an autonomous presence, which transcends all their interactions. These approaches are generally seen as incompatible. Although at the heart of the debate is the role of relations in architecture, their nature is not addressed. The discussion could gain clarity by recognizing the differences between them. In this paper, we propose a classification of architectural interactions, which may help to better inform further discussion on the topic. A closer look at architectural relations reveals that autonomy and relationality are not opposing, but complementary aspects.
An Introduction of Open System Interconnection (OSI) Model and its Architecture
Authors: Amin Md Shohel , Rahman Showrov
Published: May 2023

Open System Interconnection (OSI) model is the best means to understand the way the internet works and the communication of computers over a network system. It is considered as the standard model for network communication. This article describes the OSI model with an example and provides a brief description of the seven layers of the OSI model.
A Research on Manipulator Path Tracking based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Zhang Jie , Kan Jiangming
Published: May 2023

We propose a deep reinforcement learning based manipulator path tracking method to solve the computationally difficult and non-unique problem of manipulator path tracking methods based on inverse kinematics. By transforming the path tracking task into a sequence decision problem, our method adopts an end-to-end learning method for closed-loop control and avoids the process of finding the inverse solution. We first explored the feasibility of the deep reinforcement learning method in the path tracking of the manipulator. After verifying the feasibility, the path tracking of the multi-degree-of-freedom(multi-DOF) manipulator was realized by combining the maximum entropy deep reinforcement learning algorithm. The experimental results show that our method has a good effect on the path tracking of the manipulator, which not only avoids the process of finding the inverse kinematics solution, but also requires no dynamic model. Therefore, we believe that our method has great significance in the study of manipulator path tracking.
Privacy-Preserving Blockchain Technologies
Authors: Valadares Dalton Cézane Gomes , Perkusich Angelo , Falcão Aldenor Martins , Seline Chris
Published: May 2023

The main characteristics of blockchains, such as security and traceability, have enabled their use in many distinct scenarios, such as the rise of new cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications (dApps). However, part of the information exchanged with the typical blockchains is public, which can lead to privacy issues. To avoid or mitigate these issues, some blockchains are applying mechanisms to deal with data privacy. Trusted Execution Environments, the basis of confidential computing, and secure Multi-party Computation are two technologies that can be applied in that sense. In this paper, we analyzed seven blockchain technologies that apply mechanisms to improve data privacy. We defined seven technical questions related to common requirements for decentralized applications and, to answer each question, we reviewed the available documentation and gathered information from chat channels. We briefly present each blockchain technology and the answers to each technical question. Finally, we present a table summarizing the information and showing which technologies are more prominent.
Antiproliferative Activity of Euphorbia ingens Extract against Prostate Cancer Cell Line: An in silico and in vitro Analysis
Authors: Okpako Innocent Oluwaseun , Ng'ong'a Florence Atieno , Kyama Cleophas Mutinda , Oyem John Chukuwma , Njeru Sospeter Ngoci
Published: May 2023

Euphorbia ingens is traditionally used to treat and manage cancer in Ambeere community of Embu County in Kenya. Whilst research has demonstrated the bioactivities of E. ingens including antimicrobial, antitubercular and antifungal activities, scientific validation of its anticancer properties is limited. This study evaluated the antiproliferative potentials of E. ingens on human prostate cancer cell line (DU-145). The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess the antiproliferative activity, chemical constituents were analysed by qualitative colour method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. At the same time, the investigation of putative molecular targets and mechanisms of action of E. ingens was done through network pharmacological analysis. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to validate the network predictions of putative targets. Our result showed E. ingens ethyl acetate inhibited DU-145 growth (IC50 of 9.71 ± 0.4 µg/ml) with a high selectivity index of 8.26. There was the presence of phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and saponins; additional 18 compounds were identified by the GC-MS approach. ESR1, IL6, MMP9, CDK2, MAP2K1, AR, PRKCD, CDK1, CDC25B, and JAK2 were indicated as key targets of E. ingens against prostate cancer with the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, and p53 signalling pathways identified as the most probable mechanisms of action. There was significant downregulation of AR and BCL2, and upregulation of p53 and caspase-3 in E. ingens-treated DU-145 cells compared to 0.2 % DMSO negative control. Our results suggest that E. ingens has phytochemical compounds efficacious at inhibiting the proliferation of DU-145 cells; therefore, the plant can be considered a potential source of compounds that may be used to manage and treat prostate cancer; however, further in vivo evaluations are needed.
Intensive Agriculture and its Effect on Soil Quality Analyzed by Quality Indexes: A Systematic Review and Global Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bedolla-Rivera Héctor Iván , Negrete-Rodríguez María de la Luz Xochilt , Gámez-Vázquez Francisco Paúl , Álvarez-Bernal Dioselina , CONDE BARAJAS ELOY
Published: May 2023

As the global population grows, the demand for food increases and puts a strain on food production systems and agricultural productivity, causing soil degradation. Soil Quality Indexes (SQIs) have been developed to maintain and improve soil quality. However, due to the variety of soils and SQIs, analyzing and comparing results has been historically difficult. Therefore, in this study, we carried out a systematic review with meta-analysis focused on soil quality studies of agricultural soils under intensive agriculture using the unified weighted additive SQI methodology (SQIU). We analyzed 65 quality observations obtained from 22 studies. Chemical indicators were the most prevalent in the SQIUs, followed by physical and biological indicators. Conventional soil management had negative effects on soil quality (–7.55%). From the factors analyzed, the minimum database had a significant effect on the soil quality results, but not the number of indicators that made up the SQIU. The SQIU made up of chemical-biological indicators (CB) presented negatively overestimated measurements of soil quality (–32.53%), exaggerating the damage to the analyzed soils. The indicators that correlated most strongly with the size of the effect on agricultural soil quality were the cation exchange capacity (CEC), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). The SQIU is a feasible tool to interpret the quality of agricultural soils around the world, as it makes it possible to obtain a simple and generalized view of soil conditions.
Organotin(IV) Dithiocarbamate Compounds as an Anticancer Agent: A Review of Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Study
Authors: Abd Aziz Nurul Amalina , Awang Normah , Chan Kok Meng , Kamaludin Nurul Farahana , Mohamad Anuar Nur Najmi
Published: May 2023

After Frankland first synthesized organotin compounds for the first time in 1849, their broad range of applications, including in industry and agriculture, resulted in a substantial increase in demand for organotin (IV) compounds after the 1940s. Because of the broad range of coordination numbers and molecular geometry that could result in numerous features, the structural diversity of organotin (IV) compounds is of great interest. Organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate has recently received attention as a therapeutic agent among organotin (IV) compounds. The hybrid complex individual properties of organotin (IV) and the dithiocarbamate moieties form a synergy of action stimulating increased biological activity. Organotin (IV) components have been shown in cytotoxicity studies to play a crucial role in cytotoxicity. Ligands serve to target and react to molecules while preventing unwanted changes in biomolecules. Organotin (IV) dithiocarbamate compounds have also been discovered to exhibit a broad range of cellular, biochemical, and molecular effects, with their toxicity largely determined by their structure. This review discusses the potential cytotoxicity effect of organotin(IV) dithiocarbamate, as well as its synthesis, elemental and spectroscopy analysis.
Morphological and Functional Alterations of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Liver after Exposure to Two Ecologically Relevant Concentrations of Lead
Authors: Macirella Rachele , Curcio Vittoria , Ahmed Abdalmoiz I. M. , Talarico Federica , Sesti Settimio , Paravani Enrique , Odetti Lucia , Mezzasalma Marcello , Brunelli Elvira
Published: May 2023

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential, highly toxic, and persistent element widely recognised as one of the most concerning pollutants, and it is listed in the Priority List of Hazardous Substances. Widespread environmental contamination from Pb is a serious issue for human health and wildlife. The liver, a key compartment for metal detoxification and excretion, is also the organ in which Pb mainly accumulates in fish. Herein, we investigated for the first time the morphological and functional injuries induced in zebrafish (Danio rerio) liver by two very low and environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb (2.5 and 5 μg/L) after 48, 96, and 192 hours of exposure. We showed significant histological alterations in all the exposed samples, also demonstrating that the extent of injuries increased with dose and exposure time. The most common modifications observed were congestion of blood vessels and sinusoids, cytoplasmic vacuolizations, parenchyma dyschromia, and macrophage proliferation. Pb administration also resulted in a significant increase in lipid content and the upregulation of key genes involved in metal detoxification (mtf1) and the defensive response against oxidative stress (sod1 and cat). We showed that even very low doses of Pb can disrupt liver morphology and function.
Current Effect on the Performances of All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries. Peuckert’s Law
Authors: Rudy Alexander , Skundin Alexander , Naumov Victor , Mironenko Alexander
Published: May 2023

The results of measuring the capacity of a thin-film solid-state lithium-ion battery (SSLIB) Ti|Si@O@Al|LiPON|LiCoO2|Ti at different charge currents are reported. It is shown that the dependence of the capacity on the current density follows the Peukert's law, which is characterized by a low value of the Peukert’s exponent in the region of low currents and a high value of the exponent in the region of high currents. A capacity model for a SSLIB based on the balance of diffusion and migration currents is proposed and the dependence of the capacity on the charge current is derived. The obtained dependence is well approximated by Peukert's law with an exponent of 1.39, which is intermediate between the exponents for lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte and SSLIBs.
Uncertainty of Standardized Track Insulation Measurement Methods for Stray Current Assessment
Authors: Bhagat Sahil , Bongiorno Jacopo , Mariscotti Andrea
Published: May 2023

Stray current is a relevant phenomenon in particular for DC electrified transportation systems, affecting the track and infrastructure within the right of way and other structures and installations nearby. It worsens with time and the level of protection depend on timely maintenance, besides correct design choices. The assessment of track insulation is the starting point for both stray current monitoring systems and at commissioning or upon major changes. Standardized methods (ref. EN 50122-2, or IEC 62128-2) are almost unchanged in the last 20 years, but suffer from accuracy issues and variability due to parameters and conditions not under operator’s control. A critical discussion and analysis of the sources of variability and practical constraints is proposed, followed by the evaluation of uncertainty, with the objective not only to assess the accuracy of provided results, but to foster research on innovative, more flexible and accurate, methods.
Difficulty in Achieving High Identification Accuracy and High Amplification Efficiency in Bacterial 16s rRNA Amplicon Metagenomics
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: May 2023

Bacterial phylogenetics has largely been determined via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Observed utility of this approach has driven the popularity of the 16S rRNA gene amplicon metagenomics method for profiling and identifying diverse microbes from specific habitats. This work sought to develop universal primers for amplifying the 16S rRNA gene from a consortium of disparate microbial species. Using multiple sequence alignment of the 16S rRNA gene of a variety of microbes, the resulting highly conserved region of the consensus sequence was used for design of universal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for 16S rRNA gene. Application of the universal primers in simulated PCR reveals poor amplification efficiency where only 12 species out of 31 generated an amplicon. BLAST analysis of the resulting amplicons reveals a classification error of 50%. More significantly, analysis of the amplicon length indicates variable read length ranging from 81 to 122 base pair compared to the predicted read length of 100 base pairs. This suggests that the 16S rRNA gene harbours significant hitherto underappreciated sequence diversity, and may have unknown alternative splicing and recombination mechanisms. Overall, results from this study suggests that primer design for 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomics may be application and habitat specific, where it is difficult to design universal primers for all bacterial species. Conceptually, this meant that there may be sequence co-evolution in 16S rRNA gene for microbial species in the habitat where environmental and nutritional conditions impact on 16S rRNA gene structure and sequence. In essence, 16S rRNA gene may habour epigenetics signals at the gene level.
The Extent and Impact of COVID-19 Infection among Family and Friends: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wiblishauser Michael , Chapa Tori , Ellis K'Ondria , Khubchdandani Jagdish
Published: May 2023

There exists a plethora of studies examining the psychological and physical impacts of COVID-19 on infected victims. Fewer studies have been published assessing the different types of impacts that an individual’s COVID-19 infection has on close friends and family members. This is the first scoping review to gauge the reported psychosocial issues and daily hassles that impact the relatives and friends of infected individuals. This study was conducted by inputting key terms/MeSH terms into selected internet databases to locate prospective studies. The frameworks of scoping reviews by Arksey et al. and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were utilized in the methodology for identifying and selecting the studies. After data extraction, 37 studies were deemed suitable for analysis. The findings generated from each study was placed into combined categories. A total of 16 combined categories were generated from the amalgamation of the findings. The results show that psychosocial feelings (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression) was the category with the highest prevalence of grouped findings. The results from this study may serve as the impetus for future interventions targeting the alleviation of psychosocial feelings or day to day hassles associated with having a loved one inflicted with a severe illness.
Groundwater Level Trend Analysis and Prediction in the Upper Crocodile (West) Basin, South Africa
Authors: Tladi Tsholofelo Mmankwane , Ndambuki Julius Musyoka , Olwal Thomas Otieno , Rwanga Sophia Sudi
Published: May 2023

Disasters related to climate change on our water resources are on the rise in terms of scale and severity. Therefore, predicting groundwater levels (GWL) is a crucial means to aid adaptive capacity towards disasters related to climate change in our water resources. In this study Gradient Boosting (GB) regression modelling approach for GWL prediction as a function of rainfall and antecedent GWL is used. Firstly, we sought to demonstrate the effects of rainfall changes on our groundwater resources through a Mann-Kendall trend analysis. Secondly, we evaluated the relationship between the input and response variables and determined the optimal lag times between the variables using autocorrelations and cross-correlations. Lastly a predictive model was developed for eight groundwater stations in the Upper Crocodile. 50 % of the groundwater stations revealed declining trends, while 25% had no trends and the other 25% showed an increasing trend. Generally low cross-correlation maximum (CCmax) were obtained, with the highest CCmax being 0.299 at an optimal lag of 2-month. While the highest autocorrelation was 0.969 at a 1-month lag. The best groundwater predictive model had R2 and MSE of 0.66 and 0.06, respectively. The stations that generally performed better had both high autocorrelation and cross-correlation coefficients. GB model performed satisfactorily in predicting GWL for most of the stations in the study area. Therefore, GB can be used for GWL prediction in the Upper Crocodile.
Pengaruh Asimetris Nilai Tukar terhadap Ekspor: Kasus Ekspor Industri Indonesia Tahun 2007-2016
Authors:   Kementerian Perindustrian, Welldy Welldy , Widyawati Diah ,   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Ekonomi Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan melihat apakah apresiasi dan depresiasi berdampak asimetris terhadap ekspor industri Indonesia dan dampak manakah yang lebih besar. Peneliti menggunakan panel disagregat ekspor produk industri Indonesia level kode HS 10 digit dengan seluruh negara partner ekspor. Diperoleh apresiasi domestik berdampak negatif dan depresiasi berdampak positif terhadap ekspor, dimana dampak keduanya asimetris. Dampak negatif apresiasi lebih besar daripada dampak positif depresiasinya. Ketika apresiasi domestik permintaan ekspornya lebih elastis karena adanya persaingan di pasar internasional yang membuat negara lain beralih ke produk domestik di negara tujuan mereka atau bahkan mengimpor barang dari negara lain dan penawarannya kurang elastis atau elastisitasnya lebih kecil karena upaya menghindari risiko akibat permintaan ekspor yang berkurang meskipun harga barang impor lebih murah. Sedangkan ketika depresiasi karena persaingan di pasar internasional mengakibatkan elastisitas peningkatan permintaan ekspornya lebih kecil dibandingkan ketika terjadi apresiasi domestik. Selain itu, penawaran ekspornya menjadi lebih elastis karena industri melihat barang impor menjadi lebih mahal yang dapat meningkatkan biaya produksi.
The Inside Outsiders in The Stranger and Day
Authors: Han Wenjie
Published: May 2023

The Stranger by Albert Camus and Day (The Accident) by Elie Wiesel are two of masterpieces in the twentieth century. Camus is acknowledged as an existentialist, whose works propose and elucidate the notion of the “absurd” of that generation, while Wiesel is typically identified as a Holocaust writer who has attempted in varying ways to find a voice with which to articulate the experience of the final solution (Estess, 1976). In fact, critics argued that Camus’ absurd philosophy has impacted greatly on Wiesel for whom Auschwitz signifies the absurdity of human and divine behaviour and the breakdown of the Covenant and the Jewish spirit. Instead of interpreting the image of the absurd as indifferent outsiders in classical criticism, this article argues that the two protagonists, Meursault and Eliezer are inside outsiders from the perspective of the “absurd” and the text itself; and further explores the shared theme "death" involved in these two works.
Bubble Nucleation and Growth on Microstructured Surfaces under Microgravity
Authors: Zhang Qiushi , Mo Dongchuan , Janowitz Jiya , Ringle Dan , Mays David , Diddle Andrew , Rexroat Jason , Lee Eungkyu , Luo Tengfei
Published: May 2023

Understanding the nucleation and growth dynamics of the surface bubbles generated on a heated surface can benefit a wide range of modern technologies, such as the cooling systems of electronics, refrigeration cycles, nuclear reactors and metal industries, etc. Usually, these studies are conducted in a terrestrial environment. As space exploration and economy expand at an unprecedented pace, the aforementioned applications that are potentially deployable in space call for the understanding of thermal bubble phenomena in a microgravity setting. In this work, we investigate the nucleation and growth of surface bubbles in space, where the gravity effect is negligible compared to Earth. We observe much faster bubble nucleation, and the growth rate can be ~30 times higher than that on Earth. Our finite element thermofluidic simulations show that the thermal convective flow due to gravity around the nucleation site is the key factor that effectively dissipates the heat from the heating substrate to the bulk liquid and slows down the bubble nucleation and growth processes. Due to the microgravity field in space, the thermal convective flow is negligible compared to the terrestrial environment, leading to heat localization around the nucleation site, thus enabling faster bubble nucleation and growth in space. We also find that bubble nucleation can be influenced by the characteristic length of the microstructures on heating surface. The microstructures behave as fins to enhance the cooling of the surface. With finer microstructures enabling more efficient surface-to-liquid heat transfer, the bubble nucleation takes longer.
The impact of public-private investment in energy on environmental degradation: Evidence from major investment countries
Authors: Ummalla Mallesh , Samal Asharani , Goyari Phanindra
Published: May 2023

The objective of the present study is to explore the impact of public-private investment in energy, foreign direct investment, urbanization, and renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on environmental degradation in major investment countries during the period 1998Q4-2018Q4. In doing so, the cross-sectional dependence test and CIPS panel unit test were employed to identify the cross-sectionally dependency and the integrational properties/ stationarity among the variables. Further, we opted for Westerlund (2007) panel cointegration test to check the long-run association among the variables. To achieve the short-run and long-run elasticities, we have recommended cross-sectional-autoregressive distributive lag (CS-ARDL). The study outcomes revealed that public-private partnership in energy is negatively and significantly impacting CO2 emissions in both the short run and the long run. Further, foreign direct investment and urbanization are negatively related to CO2 emissions, while renewable energy is positively affected it. However, the coefficients are insignificant. Moreover, non-renewable energy has a positive and substantial influence on CO2 emissions. Lastly, study outcomes offer several policy insights to develop investment in public and private partnerships in the energy sector to reduce CO2 emissions in major investment countries.