bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity
Authors: Simos Yannis V. , Zerikiotis Stelios , Lekkas Panagiotis , Athinodorou Antrea-Maria , Zachariou Christianna , Tzima Christina , Assariotakis Alexandros , Peschos Dimitrios , Tsamis Konstantinos , Halabalaki Maria , Ververidis Filippos , Trantas Emmanouil A. , Economou Garyfalia , Tarantilis Petros , Vontzalidou Argyro , Vallianatou Irini , Angelidis Charalambos , Vezyraki Patra
Published: March 2023

Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community’s and industry’s interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26–52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement’s safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.
Blood Stream Microbiota Dysbiosis Establishing New Research Standards in Cardio-Metabolic Diseases, A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Ullah Goraya Mohsan , Li Rui , Gu Liming , Deng Huixiong , Wang Gefei
Published: March 2023

Aims: Scientists have recently discovered a link between the circulating microbiome and homeostasis, as well as the pathogenesis of a number of metabolic diseases. It has been demonstrated that low-grade chronic inflammation is one of the primary mechanisms that has long been implicated in the risk of cardio-metabolic disease (CMDs) and its progression. Currently, the dysbiosis of circulating bacteria is considered as a key regulator for chronic inflammation in CMDs, which is why we have conducted this systemic review focused on circulating bacterial dysbiosis. Methods: A systemic review of clinical and research-based studies was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science. Literature was considered for risk of bias and patterns of intervention effects. A randomized effect model was used to evaluate the dysbiosis of circulating microbiota and clinical outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis considering the circulating bacteria in both healthy people and people with cardio-metabolic disorders, in reports published mainly from 2008 to 2022, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: We searched 627 studies and, after completing the risk of bias and selection, 31 studies comprising of 11,132 human samples were considered. This meta-analysis found that dysbiosis of phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes was associated with metabolic diseases. Conclusions: In most instances, metabolic diseases are linked to higher diversity and elevated bacterial DNA levels. Bacteroides abundance was higher in healthy people than with metabolic disorders. However, more rigorous studies are required to determine the role of bacterial dysbiosis in cardio-metabolic diseases. Understanding the relationship between dysbiosis and cardio-metabolic diseases, we can use the bacteria as therapeutics for the reversal of dysbiosis and targets for therapeutics use in cardio-metabolic diseases. In the future, circulating bacterial signatures can be used as biomarkers for the early detection of metabolic diseases.
Recent Progress on Nanocarriers for Topical-Mediated RNAi Strategies for Crop Protection—A Review
Authors: Mat Jalaluddin Nurzatil Sharleeza , Asem Maimunah , Harikrishna Jennifer Ann , Ahmad Fuaad Abdullah Al Hadi
Published: March 2023

To fulfil the growing needs of the global population, sustainability in food production must be ensured. Insect pests and pathogens are primarily responsible for one-third of food losses and harmful synthetic pesticides have been applied to protect crops from these pests and other pathogens such as viruses and fungi. An alternative pathogen control mechanism that is more “friendly” to the environment can be developed by externally applying double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to suppress gene expression. However, the use of dsRNA sprays in open fields is complicated with respect to variable efficiencies in the dsRNA delivery, and the stability of the dsRNA on and in the plants, and because the mechanisms of gene silencing may differ between plants and between different pathogen targets. Thus, nanocarrier delivery systems have been especially used with the goal of improving the efficacy of dsRNAs. Here, we highlight recent developments in nanoparticle-mediated nanocarriers to deliver dsRNA, including layered double hydroxide, carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, chitosan nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, liposomes, and cell-penetrating peptides, by review of the literature and patent landscape. The effects of nanoparticle size and surface modification on the dsRNA uptake efficiency in plants are also discussed. Finally, we emphasize the overall limitation of dsRNA sprays, the risks associated, and the potential safety concerns for spraying dsRNAs on crops.
Nine New Pregnane Glycosides from the Cultivated Medicinal Plant Marsdenia tenacissima
Authors: Meng Qian-Qian , Tong Shun-Yao , Peng Xing-Rong , Zhao Yu-Qing , Li Zheng-Hui , Chen He-Ping , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: March 2023

The ethnobotanical plant Marsdenia tenacissima has been used for hundreds of years for Dai people in Yunnan Province, China. Previously, chemical investigations on this plant have revealed that pregnane glycosides were the main biological constituents. Nine new pregnane glycosides, marsdeosides A–I (1–9), were isolated from cultivated dried stems of the medicinal plant Marsdenia tenacissima in this study. The structures were analyzed by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and IR spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of the sugar moieties were identified by comparing the Rf values and specific optical rotations with those of the commercially available standard samples and the data reported in the literature. Marsdeosides A (1) featured an unusual 8,14-seco-pregnane skeleton. Compounds 1, 8, and 9 showed activity against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage RAW264.7, with IC50 values of 37.5, 38.8, and 42.8 μM (L-NMMA was used as a positive control, IC50 39.3 μM), respectively. This study puts the knowledge of the chemical profile of the botanical plant M. tenacissima one step forward and, thereby, promotes the sustainable utilization of the resources of traditional folk medicinal plants.
Investigation of Newly Synthesized Bis-Acyl-Thiourea Derivatives of 4-Nitrobenzene-1,2-Diamine for Their DNA Binding, Urease Inhibition, and Anti-Brain-Tumor Activities
Authors: Arshad Nasima , Parveen Uzma , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Saeed Aamer , Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Perveen Fouzia , Javed Aneela , Ismail Hammad , Mir Muhammad Ismail , Ahmed Atteeque , Azad Basit , Khan Ishaq
Published: March 2023

Bis-acyl-thiourea derivatives, namely N,N’-(((4-nitro-1,2-phenylene)bis(azanediyl)) bis(carbonothioyl))bis(2,4-dichlorobenzamide) (UP-1), N,N’-(((4-nitro-1,2-phenylene) bis(azanediyl))bis(carbonothioyl))diheptanamide (UP-2), and N,N’-(((4-nitro-1,2-phenylene)bis(azanediyl))bis(carbonothioyl))dibutannamide (UP-3), were synthesized in two steps. The structural characterization of the derivatives was carried out by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR, and then their DNA binding, anti-urease, and anticancer activities were explored. Both theoretical and experimental results, as obtained by density functional theory, molecular docking, UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence (Flu-)spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and viscometry, pointed towards compounds’ interactions with DNA. However, the values of binding constant (Kb), binding site size (n), and negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) (as evaluated by docking, UV-vis, Flu-, and CV) indicated that all the derivatives exhibited binding interactions with the DNA in the order UP-3 > UP-2 > UP-1. The experimental findings from spectral and electrochemical analysis complemented each other and supported the theoretical analysis. The lower diffusion coefficient (Do) values, as obtained from CV responses of each compound after DNA addition at various scan rates, further confirmed the formation of a bulky compound–DNA complex that caused slow diffusion. The mixed binding mode of interaction as seen in docking was further verified by changes in DNA viscosity with varying compound concentrations. All compounds showed strong anti-urease activity, whereas UP-1 was found to have comparatively better inhibitory efficiency, with an IC50 value of 1.55 ± 0.0288 µM. The dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the synthesized derivatives against glioblastoma MG-U87 cells (a human brain cancer cell line) followed by HEK-293 cells (a normal human embryonic kidney cell line) indicated that UP-1 and UP-3 have greater cytotoxicity against both cancerous and healthy cell lines at 400 µM. However, dose-dependent responses of UP-2 showed cytotoxicity against cancerous cells, while it showed no cytotoxicity on the healthy cell line at a low concentration range of 40–120 µM.
Grape Pomace as a Natural Source of Phenolic Compounds: Solvent Screening and Extraction Optimization
Authors: Rodrigues Rafaela P. , Sousa Ana M. , Gando-Ferreira Licínio M. , Quina Margarida J.
Published: March 2023

The optimization of extraction by using solvents of phenolic compounds (TPh) of grape pomace (GP) based on a central composite design was investigated. The GP was characterized, and preliminary assays were conducted with five different solvents (water, ethanol, acetone, methanol, and butanol) and the aqueous mixtures thereof. Ethanol and acetone were revealed to be the best solvents for TPh extraction. The main extraction parameters (temperature—T, time—t, solvent concentration, and liquid–solid ratio—L/S) were optimized by using a central composite design. The optimized conditions for the ethanol extraction (T = 60 °C, t = 1.5 h, L/S = 25 mL/gdryGP) and for acetone (T = 50 °C, t = 1.5 h, L/S = 25 mL/gdryGP) were determined. Single-stage extraction revealed a TPh of 45.18 ± 9.51 mgGAE/gdryGP for acetone and a TPh of 38.70 ± 3.64 mgGAE/gdryGP for ethanol. The characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid, where the concentration of the first three compounds stands out in all extracts. A three-stage extraction increased the yield of ethanol to 63.3 mg GAE/gdryGP and the yield of acetone to 59.2 mg GAE/gdryGP. Overall, both solvents allow the extraction of phenolic compounds of grape pomace, but ethanol is commonly considered a greener solvent for this purpose.
Progress and Prospect of Zn Anode Modification in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Experimental and Theoretical Aspects
Authors: Feng Kaiyong , Wang Dongxu , Yu Yingjian
Published: March 2023

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), the favorite of next-generation energy storage devices, are popular among researchers owing to their environmental friendliness, low cost, and safety. However, AZIBs still face problems of low cathode capacity, fast attenuation, slow ion migration rate, and irregular dendrite growth on anodes. In recent years, many researchers have focused on Zn anode modification to restrain dendrite growth. This review introduces the energy storage mechanism and current challenges of AZIBs, and then some modifying strategies for zinc anodes are elucidated from the perspectives of experiments and theoretical calculations. From the experimental point of view, the modification strategy is mainly to construct a dense artificial interface layer or porous framework on the anode surface, with some research teams directly using zinc alloys as anodes. On the other hand, theoretical research is mainly based on adsorption energy, differential charge density, and molecular dynamics. Finally, this paper summarizes the research progress on AZIBs and puts forward some prospects.
2D-GaN/AlN Multiple Quantum Disks/Quantum Well Heterostructures for High-Power Electron-Beam Pumped UVC Emitters
Authors: Jmerik Valentin , Nechaev Dmitrii , Semenov Alexey , Evropeitsev Eugenii , Shubina Tatiana , Toropov Alexey , Yagovkina Maria , Alekseev Prokhor , Borodin Bogdan , Orekhova Kseniya , Kozlovsky Vladimir , Zverev Mikhail , Gamov Nikita , Wang Tao , Wang Xinqiang , Pristovsek Markus , Amano Hiroshi , Ivanov Sergey
Published: March 2023

This article describes GaN/AlN heterostructures for ultraviolet-C (UVC) emitters with multiple (up to 400 periods) two-dimensional (2D)-quantum disk/quantum well structures with the same GaN nominal thicknesses of 1.5 and 16 ML-thick AlN barrier layers, which were grown by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy in a wide range of gallium and activated nitrogen flux ratios (Ga/N2*) on c-sapphire substrates. An increase in the Ga/N2* ratio from 1.1 to 2.2 made it possible to change the 2D-topography of the structures due to a transition from the mixed spiral and 2D-nucleation growth to a purely spiral growth. As a result, the emission energy (wavelength) could be varied from 5.21 eV (238 nm) to 4.68 eV (265 nm) owing to the correspondingly increased carrier localization energy. Using electron-beam pumping with a maximum pulse current of 2 A at an electron energy of 12.5 keV, a maximum output optical power of 50 W was achieved for the 265 nm structure, while the structure emitting at 238 nm demonstrated a power of 10 W.
Removal of Lead from Wastewater Using Synthesized Polyethyleneimine-Grafted Graphene Oxide
Authors: Al-Yaari Mohammed , Saleh Tawfik A.
Published: March 2023

In this work, polyethyleneimine-grafted graphene oxide (PEI/GO) is synthesized using graphene, polyethyleneimine, and trimesoyl chloride. Both graphene oxide and PEI/GO are characterized by a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Characterization results confirm that polyethyleneimine is uniformly grafted on the graphene oxide nanosheets and, thus, also confirm the successful synthesis of PEI/GO. PEI/GO adsorbent is then evaluated for the removal of lead (Pb2+) from aqueous solutions, and the optimum adsorption is attained at pH 6, contact time of 120 min, and PEI/GO dose of 0.1 g. While chemosorption is dominating at low Pb2+ concentrations, physisorption is dominating at high concentrations and the adsorption rate is controlled by the boundary-layer diffusion step. In addition, the isotherm study confirms the strong interaction between Pb2+ ions and PEI/GO and reveals that the adsorption process obeys well the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.9932) and the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) is 64.94 mg/g, which is quite high compared to some of the reported adsorbents. Furthermore, the thermodynamic study confirms the spontaneity (negative ΔG° and positive ΔS°) and the endothermic nature (ΔH° = 19.73 kJ/mol) of the adsorption process. The prepared adsorbent (PEI/GO) offers a potential promise for wastewater treatment because of its fast and high uptake removal capacity and could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Pb2+-ions and other heavy metals from industrial wastewater.
Synthesis and Characterization of Porous MgO Nanosheet-Modified Activated Carbon Fiber Felt for Fluoride Adsorption
Authors: Wang De-Cai , Xu Min-Da , Jin Zhen , Xiao Yi-Fan , Chao Yang , Li Jie , Chen Shao-Hua , Ding Yi
Published: March 2023

In the present work, the porous MgO nanosheet-modified activated carbon fiber felt (MgO@ACFF) was prepared for fluoride removal. The MgO@ACFF was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, TG, and BET. The fluoride adsorption performance of MgO@ACFF also has been investigated. The adsorption rate of the MgO@ACFF toward fluoride is fast; more than 90% of the fluoride ions can be adsorbed within 100 min, and the adsorption kinetics of MgO@ACFF can be fitted in a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherm of MgO@ACFF fitted well in the Freundlich model. Additionally, the fluoride adsorption capacity of MgO@ACFF is larger than 212.2 mg/g at neutral. In a wide pH range of 2–10, the MgO@ACFF can efficiently remove fluoride from water, which is meaningful for practical usage. The effect of co-existing anions on the fluoride removal efficiency of the MgO@ACFF also has been studied. Furthermore, the fluoride adsorption mechanism of the MgO@ACFF was studied by the FTIR and XPS, and the results reveal a hydroxyl and carbonate co-exchange mechanism. The column test of the MgO@ACFF also has been investigated; 505-bed volumes of 5 mg/L fluoride solution can be treated with effluent under 1.0 mg/L. It is believed that the MgO@ACFF is a potential candidate for a fluoride adsorbent.
CuInS2 Nanocrystals Embedded PMMA Composite Films: Adjustment of Polymer Molecule Weights and Application in Remote-Type White LEDs
Authors: Zhou Qingchao , Shang Zhongyi
Published: March 2023

The commercial application of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals has been realized owing to the development of composite film technology. Here, we demonstrated the fabrication of green and red emissive CuInS2 nanocrystals embedded polymer composite films of equal thickness by using a precise solution casting method. The impacts of polymer molecular weight on the dispersibility of CuInS2 nanocrystals were then systematically studied through evaluating the decrease in transmittance and red shift of emission wavelength. The composite films made from PMMA of small molecular weights exhibited higher transmittance. Applications of these green and red emissive composite films as color converters in remote-type light-emitting devices were further demonstrated.
Role of Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer and Drug Resistance
Authors: Viswanathan Sathiyapriya , Parida Sheetal , Lingipilli Bhuvana Teja , Krishnan Ramalingam , Podipireddy Devendra Rao , Muniraj Nethaji
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. The cause of cancer is multifactorial. An early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment of cancer can improve the chances of survival. Recent studies have shown that breast cancer is influenced by the microbiota. Different microbial signatures have been identified in the breast microbiota, which have different patterns depending on the stage and biological subgroups. The human digestive system contains approximately 100 trillion bacteria. The gut microbiota is an emerging field of research that is associated with specific biological processes in many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, brain disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. In this review article, we discuss the impact of the microbiota on breast cancer, with a primary focus on the gut microbiota’s regulation of the breast cancer microenvironment. Ultimately, updates on how immunotherapy can affect the breast cancer-based microbiome and further clinical trials on the breast and microbiome axis may be an important piece of the puzzle in better predicting breast cancer risk and prognosis.
Clinical Predictors for Abnormal ALT in Patients Infected with COVID-19—A Retrospective Single Centre Study
Authors: Chew Wei Da , Kuang Jonathan , Lin Huiyu , Ang Li Wei , Yang Wei Lyn , Lye David C. , Young Barnaby E.
Published: March 2023

Objective: Abnormal liver tests have been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. This retrospective observational study from Singapore aims to elucidate simple clinical predictors of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in COVID-19 infections. Design: 717 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Singapore, from 23 January–15 April 2020 were screened, of which 163 patients with baseline normal alanine transferase (ALT) and at least two subsequent ALTs performed were included in the final analysis. Information on baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and biochemical laboratory tests were collected. Results: 30.7% of patients developed abnormal ALT. They were more likely to be older (60 vs. 55, p = 0.022) and have comorbidities of hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. The multivariate logistic regression showed that R-factor ≥1 on admission (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.13, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.41–6.95) and hypoxia (aOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.29–9.69) were independent risk factors for developing abnormal ALT. The patients who developed abnormal ALT also ran a more severe course of illness with a greater proportion needing supplementary oxygen (58% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.0005), admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/High Dependency Unit (HDU) (32% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.003) and intubation (20% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.0005). There was no difference in death rate between the two groups. Conclusions: Liver injury is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. R-factor ≥1 on admission and hypoxia are independent simple clinical predictors for developing abnormal ALT in COVID-19.
Wavefront Sensing by a Common-Path Interferometer for Wavefront Correction in Phase and Amplitude by a Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator Aiming the Exoplanet Direct Imaging
Authors: Yudaev Andrey , Kiselev Alexander , Shashkova Inna , Tavrov Alexander , Lipatov Alexander , Korablev Oleg
Published: March 2023

We implemented the common-path achromatic interfero-coronagraph both for the wavefront sensing and the on-axis image component suppression, aiming for the stellar coronagraphy. A common-path achromatic interfero-coronagraph has its optical scheme based on a nulling rotational-shear interferometer. The angle of rotational shear can be chosen at a small angular extent of about 10 deg. Such a small angular shear maintains the coronagraphic contrast degradation known as the stellar leakage effect, caused by a finite stellar size. We study the phase and amplitude wavefront control by a liquid crystal spatial light modulator of reflection type which is used as the pixilated active adaptive optics unit. Therefore, adaptive optics perform a wavefront-correcting input toward a stellar interfero-coronagraph aiming at the direct exoplanet imaging. Presented here are both the numeric evaluations and the lab experiment stand to prove the declared functionality output.
Sixty-Nine-Element Voice Coil Deformable Mirror for Visible Light Communication
Authors: Jiang Lv , Hu Lifa , Hu Qili , Xu Xingyu , Wu Jingjing , Yu Lin , Huang Yang
Published: March 2023

To overcome the atmospheric turbulence aberration, and improve the quality of light beam in visible light communication (VLC), a compact 69-element deformable mirror (DM) using micro voice coil actuators was designed based on systematic theoretical analysis. The structural parameters of the micro voice coil actuator were optimized by electromagnetic theory and the finite element method. The DM was optimized from the aspects of thermal deformation, response time, coupling coefficient, and other parameters. Finally, wavefront fitting and residual calculation were completed according to the influence function. The optimized voice coil deformable mirror (VCDM) has a large phase stroke, good thermal stability, a short response time of less than 0.7 ms, and a large first resonance of 2045 Hz. The fitting residuals of the VCDM for the first 10 Zernike modes with a PV value of 8 μm are all below 10 nm (RMS). Compared with a similar DM, the obtained results from our compact VCDM indicate that it has a higher wavefront fitting precision. VCDM corrected complex random aberrations in the VLC scenario and improved the coupling efficiency of the signal beam, proving that the compact VCDM with high performance and low cost has a good application prospect in VLC systems.
On the Use and Misuse of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq Approximation
Authors: Barletta Antonio , Celli Michele , Rees D. Andrew S.
Published: March 2023

The Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation is the most commonly employed theoretical scheme for the study of natural or mixed convection flows. However, the misunderstanding of this approximated framework is a possibility that may cause the emergence of paradoxes or, at least, incorrect conclusions. In this paper, the basic features of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation are briefly recalled and three simple examples where this theoretical scheme may be misused are provided. Such misuses of the approximation lead to erroneous conclusions that, in the examples presented in this note, entail violations of the principle of mass conservation. A discussion about the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation as an asymptotic theory obtained by letting the product of the thermal expansion coefficient and the reference temperature difference tend to zero is also presented.
Aspergillus luchuensis, an Endophyte Fungus from the Metal Hyperaccumulator Plant Prosopis laevigata, Promotes Its Growth and Increases Metal Translocation
Authors: Tovar-Sánchez Efraín , Concepción-Acosta Cynthia Margarita , Sánchez-Reyes Ayixon , Sánchez-Cruz Ricardo , Folch-Mallol Jorge Luis , Mussali-Galante Patricia
Published: March 2023

Heavy metal pollution is a worldwide environmental and human health problem. Prosopis laevigata is a hyperaccumulator legume that bioaccumulates Pb, Cu and Zn. With interest in designing phytoremediation strategies for sites contaminated with heavy metals, we isolated and characterized endophytic fungi from the roots of P. laevigata growing on mine tailings located in Morelos, Mexico. Ten endophytic isolates were selected by morphological discrimination and a preliminary minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for zinc, lead and copper. A novel strain of Aspergillus closest to Aspergillus luchuensis was determined to be a metallophile and presented a marked tolerance to high concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb, so it was further investigated for removal of metals and promotion of plant growth under greenhouse conditions. The control substrate with fungi promoted larger size characters in P. laevigata individuals in comparison with the other treatments, demonstrating that A. luchuensis strain C7 is a growth-promoting agent for P. laevigata individuals. The fungus favors the translocation of metals from roots to leaves in P. laevigata, promoting an increased Cu translocation. This new A. luchuensis strain showed endophytic character and plant growth-promotion activity, high metal tolerance, and an ability to increase copper translocation. We propose it as a novel, effective and sustainable bioremediation strategy for copper-polluted soils.
Unravelling the Phytotoxic Effects of Glyphosate on Sensitive and Resistant Amaranthus palmeri Populations by GC–MS and LC–MS Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Zulet-Gonzalez Ainhoa , Gorzolka Karin , Döll Stefanie , Gil-Monreal Miriam , Royuela Mercedes , Zabalza Ana
Published: March 2023

Glyphosate, the most successful herbicide in history, specifically inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS; EC 2.5.1.19), one of the key enzymes in the shikimate pathway. Amaranthus palmeri is a driver weed in agriculture today that has evolved glyphosate-resistance through increased EPSPS gene copy number and other mechanisms. Non-targeted GC–MS and LC–MS metabolomic profiling was conducted to examine the innate physiology and the glyphosate-induced perturbations in one sensitive and one resistant (by EPSPS amplification) population of A. palmeri. In the absence of glyphosate treatment, the metabolic profile of both populations was very similar. The comparison between the effects of sublethal and lethal doses on sensitive and resistant populations suggests that lethality of the herbicide is associated with an amino acid pool imbalance and accumulation of the metabolites of the shikimate pathway upstream from EPSPS. Ferulic acid and its derivatives were accumulated in treated plants of both populations, while quercetin and its derivative contents were only lower in the resistant plants treated with glyphosate.
Comparative Analysis of Qualitative and Bioactive Compounds of Whole and Refined Flours in Durum Wheat Grains with Different Year of Release and Yield Potential
Authors: Menga Valeria , Giovanniello Valentina , Savino Michele , Gallo Antonio , Colecchia Salvatore Antonio , De Simone Vanessa , Zingale Silvia , Ficco Donatella Bianca Maria
Published: March 2023

Durum wheat varieties are important sources of nutrients and provide remarkable amounts of phytochemicals. Especially, phenolics, which are mostly located in external layers of grains, have recently gained increased interest due to their high antioxidant power. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the quality traits and phenolic compounds’ concentration (e.g., phenolic acids) of different durum wheat genotypes, namely four Italian durum wheat cultivars and a USA elite variety, in relation to their yield potential and year of release. Phenolic acids were extracted both from wholemeal flour and semolina and analysed through HPLC-DAD analysis. Ferulic acid was the most represented phenolic acid, both in the wholemeal flour (438.3 µg g−1 dry matter) and in semolina (57.6 µg g−1 dry matter) across all cultivars, followed by p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Among the cultivars, Cappelli showed the highest phenolic acid content, whilst Kronos had the lowest one. Negative correlations occurred between some phenolic acids and morphological and yield-related traits, especially for Nadif and Sfinge varieties. On the contrary, durum wheat genotypes with low yield potential such as Cappelli accumulated higher concentrations of phenolic acids under the same growing conditions, thereby significantly contributing to the health-promoting purposes.
Influence of Gravity on Passively Cooled Heat Sink Using Experimental Data and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Chiriac George-Gabriel , Dumitraș Cătălin Gabriel , Chitariu Dragoș Florin , Vizureanu Petrică , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the effect of gravity orientation on a heat sink, used to passively cool a thick film resistor, by changing the assembly orientation. Using the same geometry and boundary conditions as in the experimental setup, finite element simulations were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of Siemens Flotherm XT 2021.2 simulation software. In order to determine the influence of heat sink orientation, experimental measurements were performed on the resistor and heat sink temperature using thermocouples. Siemens Simcenter Flotherm XT 2021.2 software (Siemens, Munich, Germany) was used to perform finite element simulation. The influence of the heat sink position was evaluated on two setups, one where the resistor is placed directly on the heat sink using screws, and the second one, where a thermal pad was placed between the resistor and the heat sink. Screws were to clamp the parts in both cases. In total, four experiments and simulations were performed with two assemblies with two different gravity orientations for each assembly. In all the cases, the heat sink was placed on a wooden structure to prevent heat transfer through conduction, due to poor thermal conductivity of wood, and to allow unrestricted air flow underneath and around the heat sink. The first simulation was then calibrated for the first scenario, and the rest of the simulations were made using the calibrated one. No other changes in boundary conditions were made. Temperature measurements show an improved cooling when the air speed between the heat sink fins is enhanced due to natural hot air movement generated by the gravity. Gravity has an influence on the cooling regardless of the presence or absence of a thermal interface material. Measured temperatures were reduced up to 8.2 °C due to the rotation of the heatsink. Finite element analysis shows similar temperature values to the measured ones in all the scenarios.
Efficient Decolorization of Azo Dye Orange II in a UV-Fe3+-PMS-Oxalate System
Authors: Wang Yajie , Dong Xin , Liu Chengfeng , Cheng Peng , Mailhot Gilles
Published: March 2023

The decolorization of azo dye Orange II using a UVA-Fe3+-PMS-oxalate system was studied. A series of experiments was performed to investigate the effects of several variables, including the pH, PMS dosage, Fe3+ concentration, oxalate concentration, and coexisting anions. The results revealed that a lower pH facilitated the decolorization, and relatively high decolorization efficiency (97.5%) could be achieved within 5 min at pH 3.0. The electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) and radical quenching experiments revealed that SO4•− played a crucial role in the decolorization of Orange II (85.8%), •OH was of secondary importance (9%), and 1O2 made a small contribution to the decolorization (5.2%). Furthermore, the formation of •OH in the experimental system strongly depended on HO2•/O2•−. These reactive oxidants were able to directly attack the azo bond of the luminescent group in Orange II and initiate the decolorization process. The efficient UVA-Fe3+-PMS-oxalate system showed great application potential in the treatment of wastewater contaminated by azo dyes.
Wrangling about Innate Ideas? Reflections on Locke and Cudworth
Authors: Lyonhart Jonathan David
Published: March 2023

Locke contended that knowledge is learned from experience, taught from without rather than innately known from within. The notion of innate ideas has since been seen by many as innately ridiculous, as a battle long ago waged and won in the first book of Locke’s Essay Concerning Human Understanding. However, there was no fight in the first place, for the most comprehensive defence of innate ideas in the 17th century was not published until the 18th century. Ralph Cudworth’s Treatise Concerning Eternal and Immutable Morality was published posthumously nearly fifty years after its writing, and while Locke and Cudworth wrote on similar subjects—and around the same time and place—the fates never aligned for them to meet and ‘have it out’. This paper places Locke and Cudworth into conversation on this question of innate ideas. Such analysis will reveal that Cudworth sidestepped much of Locke’s critique by hanging his argument not on universal consent but on the Platonic principle of like-knows-like. In the process, Cudworth anticipated many of the responses to Locke that would come in the next century from Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. Thus, his forgotten role in this narrative in the history of philosophy cries out for reappraisal, along with the renewed insights he might bring to the on-going contemporary discussion.
Consecutive-k1 and k2-out-of-n: F Structures with a Single Change Point
Authors: Triantafyllou Ioannis S. , Chalikias Miltiadis
Published: March 2023

In the present paper, we establish a new consecutive-type reliability model with a single change point. The proposed structure has two common failure criteria and consists of two different types of components. The general framework for constructing the so-called consecutive-k1 and k2-out-of-n: F system with a single change point is launched. In addition, the number of path sets of the proposed structure is determined with the aid of a combinatorial approach. Moreover, two crucial performance characteristics of the proposed model are studied. The numerical investigation carried out reveals that the behavior of the new structure is outperforming against its competitors.
The Determinants of Success in Entrepreneurship: A Study in the Urban Area of Ecuador
Authors: Ayaviri-Nina Dante , Cáceres-Guzmán Jessica , Quispe Fernández Gabith Miriam , Maldonado-Nuñez Alba Isabel
Published: March 2023

This research work aims to identify the main factors that determine the success of the enterprises established in the urban area of Riobamba (Ecuador). The research is descriptive and correlational. The field study includes a survey applied to 57 companies. For the analysis, the econometric model of binary logistic regression is used, taking nine explanatory variables. The main results show that the main determinants of success in ventures are represented as the most significant variable human capital explained by experience, academic education, and age; the greater the human capital, the greater the possibility of achieving success in ventures. Financial capital is another important variable that significantly determines entrepreneurial activity. Finally, social capital has a direct relationship with the success of ventures.
On Non-Zero Vertex Signed Domination
Authors: Xu Baogen , Zheng Mengmeng , Lan Ting
Published: March 2023

For a graph G=(V,E) and a function f:V→{−1,+1}, if S⊆V then we write f(S)=∑v∈Sf(v). A function f is said to be a non-zero vertex signed dominating function (for short, NVSDF) of G if f(N[v])=0 holds for every vertex v in G, and the non-zero vertex signed domination number of G is defined as γsb(G)=max{f(V)|f is an NVSDF of G}. In this paper, the novel concept of the non-zero vertex signed domination for graphs is introduced. There is also a special symmetry concept in graphs. Some upper bounds of the non-zero vertex signed domination number of a graph are given. The exact value of γsb(G) for several special classes of graphs is determined. Finally, we pose some open problems.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines, Vaccine Development Technologies, and Significant Efforts in Vaccine Development during the Pandemic: The Lessons Learned Might Help to Fight against the Next Pandemic
Authors: Chakraborty Chiranjib , Bhattacharya Manojit , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: March 2023

We are currently approaching three years since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has caused extensive disruptions in everyday life, public health, and the global economy. Thus far, the vaccine has worked better than expected against the virus. During the pandemic, we experienced several things, such as the virus and its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatments; emerging variants; different vaccines; and the vaccine development processes. This review describes how each vaccine has been developed and approved with the help of modern technology. We also discuss critical milestones during the vaccine development process. Several lessons were learned from different countries during the two years of vaccine research, development, clinical trials, and vaccination. The lessons learned during the vaccine development process will help to fight the next pandemic.
Über die Variation būtų ~ būt und mūsų, jūsų ~ mūs, jūs bei Christian Donelaitis
Authors: Fries Simon
Published: March 2023

1. E i n l e i t u n g.1 Es ist ein schon seit Längerem bekannter Zug einiger ost- und
südaukštaitischer Dialekte des Litauischen, dass sie Langformen der 3. Person des
Konjunktivs (auch Konditional, Irrealis oder Optativ genannt) neben entsprechenden Kurzformen zeigen:2 So begegnen z. B. im ostaukštaitischen Inseldialekt von Lazūnai (wruss. Lazduny, heutiges Weißrussland) Formen des Typs 3 cond. dúotų neben solchen
des Typs 3 cond. dúot.3 Diese Erscheinung zeigt sich in neuerer Zeit im Wesentlichen
auf östliches ostaukštaitisches und südaukštaitisches Gebiet beschränkt,4 ist aber
historisch auch für den Rest des litauischen Sprachgebiets – d. i. das Westaukštaitische
und das Žemaitische – nachzuweisen.5 Die Langformen des Typs dúotų, btų, die
heute in der Standardsprache alleinige Geltung beanspruchen, entsprechen insofern
der sprachhistorischen Erwartung, als sie das dem Konjunktiv zugrundeliegende Supinum direkt lautlich fortsetzen: 3 cond. lit. dúotų, btų, lett. duôtu, bûtu < sup.
urbsl. *ˈdṓ-tuñ, *ˈb-tuñ (vgl. aksl. datъ, bytъ, apr. dātun, būton). Im Gegensatz hierzu
sind Kurzformen wie dúot, bt unerwartet; ihnen fehlt das für den Konjunktiv und
das Supinum eigentlich charakteristische auslautende -ų, das normalerweise im
Sprachsystem erhalten ist, wie Formen des Typs acc. sg. m. snų, gen. pl. m./f. balt,
pron. pers. 1 pl. gen. msų, pron. pers. 2 pl. gen. jsų zeigen.6
Kazimiero Jauniaus marginalijos Jono Jablonskio Lietuviškos kalbos gramatikoje (1901)
Authors: Venckienė Jurgita
Published: March 2023

K AZIMIERAS JAUNIUS’ MARGINAL NOTES IN THE GRAMMAR OF THE LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE BY JONAS JABLONSKIS (1901)

The Grammar of the Lithuanian Language by Jonas Jablonskis (Tilžė, 1901; MLLM : MB 206;
hereinafter – JaG) with marginalia is preserved in the Maironis Memorial Library (Maironis
Museum of Lithuanian Literature, Kaunas). Until now, it has been assumed that the marginalia in this copy of the JaG belongs to Maironis himself. Indeed, the marginalia are of
two kinds: the handwriting, writing tools (black pen and pencil), content and writing intentions differ, and it is obvious they were written by two people.
El aprendizaje colaborativo y el WhatsApp en el campo educativo
Authors: Osorio-Castillo Esther María , Tapia-Huamani Joseph
Published: March 2023

Durante la educación virtual o a distancia, los docentes debieron buscar estrategias que permitieran la continuidad del servicio educativo, por consiguiente, el empleo de dispositivos tecnológicos pudo ser una alternativa. Se formuló como objetivo de estudio describir el aprendizaje colaborativo y el WhatsApp en el campo educativo. Se empleó el enfoque cualitativo de revisión bibliográfica, para lo cual se consultaron las siguientes bases de datos: Scopus (2), Web of Science (WOS) (2). y Scientific Electronic Library Online SciELO (4), teniendo como criterio de inclusión haber sido publicados en el año 2020 al 2022, ser de acceso abierto, en inglés o español. La revisión de literatura académica permitió concluir que, el empleo de la aplicación WhatsApp puede ser una alternativa al igual que otros dispositivos móviles para desarrollar el aprendizaje colaborativo debido a su fácil acceso y que posibilita acceder a recursos educativos en línea.
Acompañamiento pedagógico y enseñanza para el aprendizaje
Authors: Ticlla López Claudia Francisca , Navarro Bertha Consuelo , Ninahuanca Palacios Juan Manuel , Caro Barrera Victor Ernesto
Published: March 2023

Diversas investigaciones respecto a la problemática educativa en los últimos años, plantean que el desempeño docente es uno de los factores que impacta significativamente la calidad educativa. El objetivo investigación fue determinar la relación entre el acompañamiento pedagógico y la enseñanza para el aprendizaje en una institución educativa peruana. Para ello, se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, transeccional de tipo básico; en el que se emplearon dos cuestionarios como instrumentos, los cuales fueron validados mediante juicio expertos, la población de la investigación estuvo conformada por 131 docentes, el muestreo fue aleatorio simple, compuesto por 100 participantes. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos se obtuvo con el estadígrafo de Pearson un valor de 0,63, confirmándose que existe una relación significativa entre la enseñanza para el aprendizaje y el acompañamiento pedagógico en una institución educativa. Concluyendo que el acompañamiento pedagógico tiene una relación significativa con la enseñanza para el aprendizaje en una institución educativa peruana
Expérience du déplacement et perception de la patrie : les communautés de rapatriés et la diaspora russes
Authors: Flynn Moya
Published: March 2023

En 1991, les communautés russes résidant dans les régions non russes de l'Union soviétique se retrouvent soudainement à l'extérieur du territoire de la Fédération de Russie. Alors que les frontières deviennent mouvantes, les Russes subissent une forme de déplacement immobile, encore accentué par les transformations politiques et économiques qui ont suivi. Une partie d'entre eux choisissent ou sont contraints de retourner en Russie. D'autres préfèrent rester ou ne peuvent partir. Cet article s'appuie sur une recherche empirique menée parmi les migrants rapatriés en Fédération de Russie et parmi les Russes habitant à Tachkent (Ouzbékistan) afin de comprendre comment la relation réciproque entre le déplacement et la perception de la patrie s'articule au sein de ces communautés. Une réflexion sur la nature changeante de la « russité » observée dans l'une et l'autre vient compléter cette analyse.
Les Russes du Caucase du Sud : du malheur d'avoir un empire (et de le perdre)
Authors: Serrano Silvia
Published: March 2023

Les populations russes du Caucase méridional, vieillissantes, appauvries et numériquement affaiblies, rencontrent de grandes difficultés pour s'adapter à la situation née de l'éclatement de l'URSS. Aujourd'hui citoyens des nouveaux États indépendants, les Russes jouissent à ce titre de droits similaires aux populations locales mais, auparavant massivement employés dans l'armée ou l'industrie lourde, ils sont frappés de plein fouet par les transformations économiques et géopolitiques. Le recul de la russophonie, qu'il provienne ou non de politiques délibérées de promotion de la culture nationale, dont témoigne par exemple la disparition progressive des « écoles russes », les marginalise un peu plus. À la différence des autres minorités nationales, ces anciennes élites de l'empire sont en outre dépourvues des ressources symboliques et politiques fournies par l'ethnicité pour négocier leur place dans les nouvelles sociétés.
Le contournement des règles contractuelles dans une économie en transition : les salaires non déclarés en Bulgarie
Authors: Ménard Claude , Gradeva Milena
Published: March 2023

Les économies dites de transition posent de façon particulièrement aiguë le problème de la crédibilité des institutions. Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à l'écart entre les règles formelles et les conditions de leur application en vue d'expliquer le développement des clauses cachées et des conduites frauduleuses dans les contrats de travail en Bulgarie. Dans la lignée de North et Ostrom, nous décelons un certain nombre de facteurs empêchant l'intériorisation des règles formelles par les agents et les incitant, au contraire, à les contourner. L'analyse s'appuie en particulier sur une enquête menée auprès d'un échantillon d'entreprises de tailles variées.
Les évolutions de la fonction présidentielle tchèque
Authors: Perottino Michel
Published: March 2023

The Czech Republic's changing presidency

The presidency stands out in the Czech constitution. Even though emphasis should be placed on a strong continuity running back to Masaryk, an analysis of the political situation since 1989 reveals significant changes, especially after the partition of Czechoslovakia. The presidency is a key institution in a parliamentary sort of system where the government has preeminence. The head of state's place and role are now changing as a function of politics and in line with the acting president's personality and conceptions. A political president, V. Klaus, has succeeded V. Havel, whose presidency had a strong moral dimension.