bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic studies of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants as promising inhibitory agents against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP)-reductase (InhA)
Authors: Fawibe Oluwasegun O. , Lawal Bolanle R. , Mustafa Abdulwakiil A. , Bankole Abidemi O. , Poku Samuel A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global public health challenge. Targeting enoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase (InhA), an enzyme involved in mycolic acid biosynthesis, is a promising path to discovering an effective treatment for tuberculosis. This study assessed the inhibitory potential of bioactive compounds from four medicinal plants (Garcinia kola, Moringa oleifera, Newbouldia laevis, and Ocimum gratissimum) and control drugs (Isoniazid and Ethionamide) against InhA. Molecular docking and computational tools were used to evaluate the binding affinities and interactions with InhA's active site. Drug-likeness, binding affinities, bioactivity, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) attributes were determined using online tools. Ten out of twenty-three bioactive compounds studied were screened out due to their violation of Lipinski's, Ghose's, Veber's, Egan's, or Muegge's rules. Interestingly, the remaining thirteen compounds showed stronger binding affinities with InhA than those of the control drugs, depicting them as potential anti-tuberculosis drugs. The binding energy of the bioactive compounds ranged from − 8.0 to -9.5 kcal/mol while those of Isoniazid and Ethionamide, were 6.1 kcal/mol and − 6.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Also, the compounds exhibited hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, and π stacking interactions with the active site residues of the protein; hence, contributing to their potential as antituberculosis agents. The ADMET property of each of the hit ligands predicted its ability to effectively reach and remain at the target protein to exert its therapeutic influence. The study depicts that the screened bioactive compounds exhibited more favorable docking interactions with the target protein than the control drugs, potentially contributing to tuberculosis treatment.
Factors Driving Rural Migration in Bangladesh and the Adverse Effects on the Lives of Street Children in Dhaka City
Authors: Suha Shidratul Moontaha , Shah Md. Faruk 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the underlying factors driving rural-to-urban migration among street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh, within the framework of globalization. Drawing on the conceptual lenses of Bauman, Standing, and Galtung, this research examines the complexities and interconnections influencing the movement of vulnerable children to urban areas. Employing qualitative methodologies, including informal and in-depth interviews, and, focus group discussions, this study uncovers the multifaceted challenges faced by street children, including food insecurity, inadequate shelter, restricted access to education and healthcare, and compromised health conditions. The findings underscore the significance of family conflicts, economic instability, political influences, and environmental adversities as primary drivers pushing children from rural origins to the streets. Moreover, the study highlights the severe vulnerabilities experienced by street children, manifesting in their limited access to fundamental rights and basic services. The scarcity of suitable resources and social support contributes to their marginalized status, leaving them exposed to exploitation and societal neglect. As a critical outcome, this research underscores the pressing need for comprehensive interventions that address the root causes of rural-to-urban migration and safeguard the well-being and rights of street children. Given its focused analysis of Dhaka, this study offers unique insights into the specific challenges faced by street children within this urban setting.
Evaluation of non-invasive dsRNA delivery methods for the development of RNA interference in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Girard Maxime , Berthaud Vincent , Martin Edwige , Vallon Laurent , Rebollo Rita , Vallier Agnès , Vigneron Aurélien , Hay Anne-Emmanuelle , Moro Claire Valiente , Minard Guillaume 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictusis one of the most invasive species and an efficient vector of several pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) has been proposed as an alternative method to control mosquito populations by silencing the expression of genes that are essential for their survival. However, the optimal delivery method for dsRNAs to enhance an optimal RNAi remains elusive and comparative studies are lacking. We have, therefore, compared the efficiency of three non-invasive delivery methods to mosquito larvae: soaking, rehydration and nanoparticle ingestion. Each method was tested separately on four genes predicted to code non-essential proteins (i.e.collagenase-like,kynurenine 3-monooxygenase-like,yellow-like andvenom serine protease-like) in order to be able to compare the importance of gene knock-down. All tested methods successfully downregulated mosquito gene expression. However, silencing efficiency strongly varies among methods and genes.Silencing (95.1%) was higher forKynurenine 3-monooxygenase-like with rehydration and nanoparticle ingestion (61.1%). For theVenom serine protease-like, the most efficient silencing was observed with soaking (74.5%) and rehydration (34%). In contrast, the selected methods are inefficient to silence the other genes. Our findings also indicate that gene copy numbers, transcript sizes and GC content correlate with the silencing efficiency. From our results,rehydration was the most specific and efficient methods to specifically knock-down gene expression inAe. albopictuslarvae. Nevertheless, considering the observed variability of efficiency is gene-dependent, our results also point at the necessity to test and optimize diverse dsRNA delivery approaches to achieve a maximal RNAi efficiency.
Urban biodiversity is affected by human-designed features of public squares
Authors: Fairbairn Andrew , Meyer Sebastian , Mühlbauer Maximilian , Jung Kirsten , Apfelbeck Beate , Berthon Katherine , Bungenstock Paul , Frank Andrea , Guthmann Lea , Jokisch Jana , Kerler Kristel , Matejka Juliane , Müller Nina , Obster Christina , Unterbichler Michaela , Webersberger Johanna , Weisser Wolfgang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Most people today live in cities1, and cities are planned primarily for the benefit of humans. Yet, cities also provide habitat to many other species2–6. There is a growing agreement on the need to safeguard urban biodiversity7–9, and that urban green is important for the occurrence of species in cities10. Urban green has many components, and our understanding of how these and other features of the built-up area of cities enable different taxa to live in the city remains limited3,11. Here we show for the city of Munich that designed features of public urban squares strongly determine the occurrence of different taxa, including arthropods, bats, birds, mosses, pollinators, small mammals, and herbaceous plants. Generally, taxon richness and abundance increased with increasing ‘greenness’ of the square. Yet, different taxa responded to different square features, such as the proportion of lawn, shrub volume and tree density. Square size and position in the city affected several taxa as did human use of squares and artificial light at night. Our results underline that the way humans design the city for their own needs affects other species that potentially cohabit these spaces. Consequently, planning strategies for biodiverse cities aiming to increase human-nature interactions12,13 and the provisioning of ecosystem services need to be multifaceted, considering the needs of humans and other taxa to create diverse living cities.
Assessing the Biochemical Implication of using Stachytarpheta cayennensis Essential Oil as an Alternative to Synthetic Pesticides in Calabar Nigeria.
Authors: Okonkwo Chibuzor Onyinye , Uyang Glory Akomaye , Okonkwo Sunday Nnamdi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This effect of essential oil from the leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis on some biochemical indices of Wistar rats was analyzed. Twenty-eight (28) albino Wistar rats weighing between 150-180g were divided into seven groups of four rats each. Group A served as negative control, B1, B2, and B3 were exposed to 5000mg, 3000mg and 1500mg/kg body weight of a synthetic insecticide (BNC) while S1, S2, S3 were exposed to 5000, 3000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Stachytarpheta cayennensis essential oil respectively. After twenty-eight days, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. Liver function markers (Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), were analyzed as well as antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as hydrogen peroxide concentration. Results showed that liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) were higher in the BNC exposed rats compared to the control and essential oil exposed groups (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly, (p < 0.05) while glutathione peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide concentrations increased in the BNC exposed groups relative to the essential oil exposed and control groups. The synthetic household insecticide BNC clearly induced more toxicity, as seen in the increase in the activities of liver enzymes and decrease in activities of catalase and SOD. The botanical oil may hold interesting promises as a potential pesticidal agent for use by farmers and agriculturists and for the preservation of the environment and ecosystem.
New constructions of uni-nullnorms on certain classes of bounded lattices by closure (interior) operators
Authors: Wu Tao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The primary aim of this article is to put forward new classes of uni-nullnorms on certain classes of bounded lattices via closure (interior) operators. Due to the new classes of uninorms combining both a t-norm T and a t-conorm S by various kinds of closure operators or interior operators, the relationships and properties among the same class of uninorms on L, I obtain new classes of uni-nullnorms and nullnorms on L via closure (interior) operators. The constructions of uni-nullnorms on some certain classes of bounded lattices can provide another different perspective of t-norms and the dual of t-norms, uninorms and some other associative aggregation operations on bounded lattices. That is, the constructions seem to be the ordinal like sum constructions, but not limited to the ordinal like sum constructions.
Septic shock in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Alrras Abdul Kafi , Alratta Hossam Samer , Ali Diaa Haj , daher Nizar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Shock is a condition of inadequate tissue perfusion resulting in decreased oxygen and metabolic requirements. It can lead to disturbance in energy production changes in cellular metabolism and significant acidosis, which is why it is important to study and manage such life-threatening conditions in our hospitals, to improve the health level in our country.
Materials and Methods: All study data were collected from patients forms who were admitted to the intensive care unit at Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid). The study included all age groups diagnosed with septic shock in the intensive care unit at Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid) between 1/1/2016 and 1/1/2023.
Results: The final sample size was 149 cases, the majority of the sample were males, accounting for 51.01%. The highest age group was those over 70 years old, accounting for 32.21%. The most common infectious focus was pulmonary, accounting for 30.87%, followed by surgical complications at 19.46%. Regarding the most commonly used antibiotics, metronidazole accounted for 50.34%, followed by vancomycin at 42.95%. The mortality rate was 91.28%.
Conclusion: As mentioned above, septic shock is a life-threatening condition. This was seen in the results of our study, which were similar to other international studies.
A whale humerus ironically shaped by neutral evolution and morphological integration
Authors: Gol'din Pavel , Ghazali Maria , Davydenko Svitozar , Telizhenko Valeriia , Otriazhyi Pavlo , Vishnyakova Karina , Bukhsianidze Maia , Solis-Añorve Azucena , Dzeverin Igor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mammalian humerus shape is strongly predicted by loading and other functional factors. This constraint is lifted for cetaceans and, therefore, it could reflect other, specific evolutionary trends. For testing this hypothesis, the three-dimensional shape of the humerus for 32 taxa of extinct and extant cetaceans was analyzed. The shape variance was aligned with the parallel progressive evolution of diverging baleen and toothed whales. It showed a gradual advance of aquatic locomotion, with the trends of humeral head twist, diaphysis shortening and straightening, and epiphyses enlargement. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic signal was also seen in the morphospace as developments in the size and position of the humeral head and greater tubercle and diaphysis proportions. Modularity and integration patterns consistently changed through deep time and were independent of allometry. Paleogene whales had the most modular humerus, while the humerus of baleen whales was the most integrated. Also, the evolution of Hox genes regulating the humerus shape corresponded to their anatomical transformations and showed relaxed selection in cetaceans. In overall, the observed pattern well illustrated a “fly in a tube model” and showed its importance as an environment of emerging evolutionary innovations.
New challenges in European innovation partnerships. SOEs, POEs and foreign MNEs during crises
Authors: García-Sánchez Antonio , Rama Ruth 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cooperation for innovation, not only enhances the innovative and economic performance of companies but also fosters growth and strengthens the resilience of firms in the realm of innovation activities. In this study, we delve into the cooperative activities of Spanish companies with their European counterparts. We employ three logit models using panel data to scrutinize the impact of ownership on innovation cooperation and the determinants of collaboration across different phases of the business cycle, spanning from 2004 to 2016, which we divide into three sub-periods: the pre-crisis (2004–2007), the crisis (2008–2013), and the recovery (2014–2016). State-owned enterprises are the most prone to engage in cooperative innovation with European partners, while unaffiliated domestic firms are the least prone. Foreign subsidiaries outperform unaffiliated domestic firms but not domestic business groups nor state-owned enterprises. Drivers of cooperation for innovation with European partners evolve, with cooperation becoming particularly challenging during times of crisis. The results contain policy and management implications.
Der SMisK – ein Fragebogen zur Erfassung der Schreibmotivation im schulischen Kontext
Authors: Hennes Ann-Kathrin , Michels Viktoria , Becker-Mrotzek Michael , Koch Alina Marlene , Möller Jens , Woerfel Till , Fleckenstein Johanna 
Published: November 2023

In der empirischen Forschung zur Textproduktion wird die Schreibmotivation deutlich weniger berücksichtigt als z. B. kognitive Komponenten, obwohl der Schreibmotivation entlang theoretischer Modelle und bisheriger empirischer Befunde ein hohes Maß an Relevanz zukommt. International existieren Skalen zur Erfassung der Schreibmotivation, die einzelne Dimensionen des Konstruktes operationalisieren, es aber nicht vollständig abbilden. Für den deutschsprachigen Raum existiert kein standardisiertes Instrument. Dieses Desiderat wird durch den in diesem Beitrag vorgestellten Fragebogen SMisK behoben. Der Fragebogen basiert auf der Erwartungs-mal-Wert-Theorie, orientiert sich an international etablierten Skalen und operationalisiert die Schreibmotivation anhand von sechs Dimensionen. Die empirische Prüfung des Fragebogens anhand einer Stichprobe von N=520 Schüler:innen zeigt, dass die angenommene faktorielle Struktur bestätigt werden kann, die Skalen eine mindestens zufriedenstellende Konsistenz aufweisen, deren Interkorrelationen adäquat ausfallen und Vorannahmen zur Validität erfüllt werden. Mögliche Einsatzbereiche und bestehende Limitationen des SMisK werden diskutiert.
İşletmelerde Hayvan Refahının Ekonomik Yönlerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: CANAN Selime 
Published: November 2023

Bu çalışmada, işletmelerde hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulanmaların ekonomik sonuçlarını değerlendirmek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmanın verileri daha önce yapılmış bilimsel çalışmalardan, ulusal ve uluslararası kuruluşların raporlarından elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada hayvan refahı kavramına kısaca değinildikten sonra hayvan refahını dikkate alan çiftlik uygulamaları hakkında bilgi verilmiş ve bu uygulamaların işletmedeki ekonomik sonuçları üzerine tartışılmıştır. Hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulamalar ilk yatırımlar, işletme maliyetleri, etkinlik ve verimlilik, pazar talebi, yasal uyumluluk, risk yönetimi ve uzun vadeli sürdürülebilirlik dâhil olmak üzere birçok açıdan işletmelerin ekonomisi etkilemektedir. İşletmeler gelişmiş hayvan refahına yatırım yaparak potansiyel olarak verimliliğini artırabilir, hastalıkla ilgili maliyetleri azaltabilir, ürün kalitesini iyileştirebilir, etik açıdan bilinçli tüketicileri çekebilir, yasal ve düzenleyici standartlara uyum sağlayabilir. Bunlar da işletmelerin karlılığını arttırmasına, pazarlamada rekabet gücüne ve uzun vadede sürdürülebilir olmasına neden olur.
İşletmelerde hayvan refahını dikkate alan uygulamalarının ekonomik açıdan değerlendirilmesi, çiftçilerin hayvan refahı uygulamalarına ilişkin bilinçli kararlar alırken işletme yönetimlerinin finansal uygulanabilirliğini sağlamaları için çok önemlidir. İşletmelerde hayvan refahının ekonomik yönlerini anlamak, çiftçilerin hayvan refahı ile finansal hususlar arasında bir denge kurmasına yardımcı olabilir ve sonuçta hem hayvanlara etik muameleyi hem de iş başarısını artırmayı teşvik eder.
Antiviral Peptides Derived from Plants: Their Designs and Functions
Authors: Feyzyab Haleh , Fathi Nikoo , Bolhassani Azam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
In recent years, plant-derived bioactive compounds have been developed as antiviral
agents. Plants synthesize a variety of compounds, especially peptides, which possess antimicrobial
activity. Current studies have shown that some antimicrobial peptides have antiviral activity
against a wide range of human DNA and RNA viruses and play an effective role in the treatment
of human viral diseases. These peptides act through different mechanisms. They can integrate into
the envelope of the target virus or cell membrane of the host, resulting in an unstable membrane.
For instance, some peptides prevent the attachment of viral spike proteins to host cells. On the
other hand, some peptides may alter the cellular pathways, including DNA replication or protein
synthesis, leading to the suppression of viral infection. However, the antiviral activity of peptides
can be affected by their chemical and structural properties. In several studies, the properties of antimicrobial
(antiviral) peptides were altered by minor modifications, but these changes require
tools to predict. Recently, computational approaches have been introduced to analyze the effects
of structural modifications on the physicochemical properties, mechanism of action, stability, and
activity of peptides. In this mini-review, we will describe the design and function of antiviral peptides
derived from plants.
Recent Progress on Natural α-glucosidase Inhibitors Derived from the
Plants and Microorganisms
Authors: Deng Changxuan , Zhang Nan , Lin Hanlin , Lu Wangting , Ding Fei , Gao Yangguang , Zhang Yongmin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) showcase versatile biochemical activities with
respect to antidiabetic, anticancerous, antiobese and antiviral effects. They have drawn a
great deal of attention from the scientific community. While α-glucosidase inhibitors are
mostly discovered from plants and microorganisms, the recent advance in natural αglucosidase inhibitors over the past five years has been reviewed in this article, and 139
distinct α-glucosidase inhibitors from the plants and microorganisms were classified into
ten groups based on their chemical structures, including flavonoids (34), xanthones (6),
alkaloids (8), benzopyrones / benzofuranones (8), terpenes (23), saponins (8), phenols /
alcohols (25), esters (18), chalcone (5) and other compounds (4). In this review, we mainly focused on the novel chemical structures and the various biological activities of theses
natural AGIs. Some of the selected natural compounds exhibit powerful α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and anti-tumor activity, may hold promise to become the candidate drugs
for treating type II diabetes and cancer in future.
Use of Female Sterilization and associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Malawi
Authors: Palamuleni Martin E. 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Malawi has witnessed an increase in the uptake of female sterilization, making it one of the few countries having a high prevalence of female sterilization on the continent. The factors responsible for the high uptake of female sterilization are not known.

Objective:
The main objective of this study was to establish the factors associated with the use of female sterilization in Malawi.

Methods:
In the study, the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey has been used. The chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to explore the factors influencing the uptake of female sterilization in the country.

Results:
Results showed the prevalence of female sterilization to be 18.1% as a method of contraception. Women residing in the Northern Region (OR=1.587, 95% CI=1.276-1.972; p=0.000) and the Central Region (OR=2.387, 95% CI=2.084-2.734; p=0.000), with no education (OR=2.102, 95% CI=1.634-2.703; p=0.000) and primary education (OR=1.488, 95% CI=1.206-1.835; p=0.000), who had not been visited by a field worker in the last twelve months (OR=2.252, 95% CI=1829-2.774; p=0.000) or had not visited a health centre in the last twelve months (OR=1.860, 95% CI=1.634-2.117; p=0.000), had higher odds of being sterilized. While women who were not working (OR=0.771, 95% CI=0.664-0.894; p=0.000), aged 30 years or less (OR=0.104, 95% CI=0.0.79-0.136; p=0.000), poor (OR=0.599, 95% CI=0.510-0.704; p=0.000), having middle wealth status (OR=0.744, 95% CI=0.626-0.883; p=0.000), having no child (OR=0.163, 95% CI=0.119-0.223; p=0.000) or 1-2 children (OR=0.408, 95% CI=0.352-0.473; p=0.000), and not being aware or having heard regarding family planning from television (OR=0.769, 95% CI=0.603-0.981; p=0.000), had lower odds of using female sterilization.

Conclusion:
According to African standards, the use of female sterilization in Malawi is high. The factors associated with the use of female sterilization include a high level of education, residing in the Central or Northern Region, aging 30 years and above, having been visited by a field worker in the past 12 months, having visited a health facility in the past 12 months, having heard regarding family planning on TV in the past few months, work status, wealth, and children ever born. These factors should be considered when planning future contraceptive strategies to improve the uptake of female sterilization. Family planning programs should also aim at economic empowerment for women.