Levels Of Activities Research Articles

Therapeutic Potential of Clove Oil in Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Mechanisms

Hazardous heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), are widely distributed in the environment and cause oxidative stress in various animal and human organs. Clove oil (CLO), a common aromatic spice, has been used as a traditional medication as it has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of clove oil (CLO) against hepatorenal toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd). Methods: Twenty rats were equally divided into four groups: a control group, a Cd group treated with 15 mg/kg b.wt CdCl2, a CLO group administered 200 mg/kg b.wt CLO, and a Cd+CLO group. All groups were orally treated for 4 weeks. Results: Cadmium (Cd) exposure caused anemia and hepatorenal damage, as evidenced by increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin (including its direct and indirect fractions), and elevated activities of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However, total protein and albumin levels decreased. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the levels of glutathione, glutathione transferase, and catalase in the liver antioxidant profiles. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde levels increased. Cadmium toxicity caused elevated expression of liver apoptosis markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3, and inflammation. CLO ameliorated the oxidative effects of Cd through decreasing urea (27.4%), creatinine (41.6%), liver enzymes, and hepatic apoptotic markers while increasing levels of total protein, albumin, and hepatic values of SOD (60.37%), CAT (64.49%), GSH (50.41%), and GST (9.16%). Conclusions: Hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the antioxidant system, improved following clove oil treatment, leading to a reduction in hepatorenal damage. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that CLO protects rats from inflammation, apoptosis, and hepatorenal oxidative damage caused by Cd poisoning. Comprehensive translational research is required to validate CLO’s efficacy and safety of use in humans. Future studies should focus on elucidating the precise molecular mechanisms, optimal dosing strategies, and potential synergistic effects of CLO with other therapeutic agents.

Characterization of Thin Polymer Layer Prepared from Liposomes and Polyelectrolytes for TGF-β3 Release in Tissue Engineering.

Implant-integrated drug delivery systems that enable the release of biologically active factors can be part of an in situ tissue engineering approach to restore biological function. Implants can be functionalized with drug-loaded nanoparticles through a layer-by-layer assembly. Such coatings can release biologically active levels of growth factors. Sustained release is desired for many in vivo applications. The layer-by-layer technique also allows for the addition of extra layers, which can serve as "barriers" to delay the release. Electrospun Polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mats are modified with a Chitosan (CS) grafted with PCL sidechains (CS-g-PCL24) and coated with transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) loaded Chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. Additional layers including polystyrene sulfonate, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, and liposomes (phosphatidylcholine) are applied. Streaming potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicated a strong interpenetration of the chitosan and polyanion layers, while liposomes formed separate layers, which are more promising for sustained release. All samples release TGF-β3 at different cumulative levels without altering release kinetics. Variations in layer structure, interpenetration, and stability depending on the chitosan used are observed, which ultimately has minimal impact on the release kinetics. Polyelectrolyte layers strongly interpenetrated the active layers and therefore do not act as effective diffusion barriers, while the liposome layer, though separated, lacked sufficient stability.

Doing Less Later: Seniorization of General Surgery Resident Operative Experience in the Entrustable Professional Activities at Veterans Affairs Hospitals.

Identify changes in general surgery resident autonomy and resident postgraduate year (PGY) level in Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) cases over time. Retrospective cohort study. United States Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital system, 2004 to 2020. All patients undergoing operations in any of the 12 general surgery EPAs with identifiable operative components captured by the VA Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2004 to 2020. 452,549 cases were identified. Between 2004 and 2020, there was a 61.4% decrease in resident-performed cases and a 14.3% decrease in attending-assisted cases, with a concomitant 51.8% increase in attending-performed cases. All EPAs experienced a statistically significant decrease in resident autonomy over the study period, and a net transfer of cases from resident-performed to attending-performed. About 7 of 12 EPAs had significant increases in the resident PGY level of attending-assisted cases over the study period: abdominal wall hernia, benign/malignant breast, benign/malignant colon, cutaneous/subcutaneous neoplasm, gallbladder disease, inguinal hernia, and soft tissue infection. About 3 EPAs had significant increases in the resident PGY of resident-performed cases: abdominal wall hernia, benign/malignant breast, and inguinal hernia. Many of these changes represented seniorization of the operative experience by 3 to 12 months. There has been a continual decrease in resident operative autonomy across all general surgery EPAs at the VA. Furthermore, many EPA cases have shifted to more senior residents over time, delaying or deferring autonomous completion of these cases during training. Although these data were drawn from the VA system, the results likely reflect a continued decrease in autonomy for resident surgeons in other settings as well. As general surgery adapts to a competency-based educational model, action is needed to stabilize these changes for sustainable graduate surgical education.

MARVEL Analysis of High-Resolution Rovibrational Spectra of 16O13C18O.

A large set of validated experimental transitions and empirical rovibrational energy levels are reported for the fifth most abundant carbon dioxide isotopologue, 16O13C18O (in a shorthand notation, 638). Validation of the transitions and determination of the empirical energy levels are based on a compiled and carefully checked dataset, collected from 35 literature sources, containing 12 348/7432 measured/unique lines in the wavenumber range of 578-9318cm-1. The MARVEL (Measured Active Rotational-Vibrational Energy Levels) protocol, built upon the theory of spectroscopic networks, not only validates the vast majority of the measured transitions, but also yields 3975 empirical rovibrational energy levels, with uncertainty estimates compliant with the experimental uncertainties of the transitions.

Enzyme-assisted Rosa davurica mitigates UV-induced skin photodamage by modulating apoptosis through Nrf2/ARE and MAPK/NF-κB pathways.

Exposure to UV irradiation results in abnormal, extensive apoptosis of skin cells. This excessive cell death can promote inflammation and alter the microenvironment, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Despite extensive research, few materials are effective at simultaneously protecting against both UVA and UVB irradiation. This study aims to develop dual-action material using enzyme-assisted extraction of Rosa davurica Pall (RD) to prevent skin photodamage caused by UVA and UVB irradiation. Three different enzymes were used to assist the extraction of RD, followed by an analysis of the changes in active component levels. Skin photodamage models were established by exposing Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) and HaCaT cells to UVA and UVB irradiation. The impact of enzyme-assisted extracted RD (ERD) on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis was assessed using Flow Cytometry. The effects of ERDs on inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA, and RT-PCR was used to evaluate its impact on apoptotic gene expression in photodamaged cells. Furthermore, the impact of ERDs on the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Antioxidant response element (ARE) and Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways was assessed through Western blot analysis. Finally, the impact of ERDs on full-thickness artificial skin tissue after UV irradiation was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Furthermore, leveraging the experimental results, network pharmacology was utilized to explore the potential of ERDs in preventing skin cancer. Enzyme-assisted extraction enhanced the bioactive components of RD. ERDs effectively reduced ROS levels and suppressed the secretion of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 by modulating the Nrf2/ARE and inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. This mechanism promoted the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and decreased the activity of proapoptotic genes BAX, caspase-3, and caspase-9, thereby countering UV-induced apoptosis. Additionally, staining results demonstrated that ERDs effectively repaired UV-induced photodamage and maintained the integrity of skin structure. ERDs provides comprehensive protection against photodamage induced by UVA and UVB irradiation, demonstrating its potential as an effective photoprotective material and possibly in preventing skin cancer.

Toward a microscopic picture of superfluid Helium-4

Taking inspiration from F. Bloch’s seminal work (PRA 7, 2187 (1973)), we investigate the quantum many-body states of superfluid 4He, unveiling a novel characteristic in the system’s energy levels. Below the transition temperature, the thermally active low-energy levels exhibit a distinctive grouping behavior, with each level belonging exclusively to a single group. In a superflow state, the system establishes thermal equilibrium with its surroundings on a group-specific basis. Specifically, the levels within a chosen group, initially populated, undergo thermal redistribution, while the remaining groups of levels stay vacant due to absence of transitions between groups. The macroscopic properties of the system, such as its superflow velocity and thermal energy density, are statistically determined by the thermal distribution of the occupied group. Additionally, we infer that the thermal energy of a superflow has an unusual relationship with flow velocity, such that the larger the flow velocity, the smaller the thermal energy. This relationship is responsible for a range of intriguing phenomena, including the mechano-caloric effect and the fountain effect, which demonstrate a fundamental coupling between the thermal motion and hydrodynamic motion of the system. Furthermore, we present experimental evidence of a self-heating effect in 4He superflows, confirming that a 4He superflow carries significant thermal energy related to its velocity.

Measuring the Social Piety Index and Influential Factors: A Study of Bangka Barat Regency

This study aims to measure the social piety index and identify influential factors related to social piety among the residents of Bangka Barat Regency. The enhancement of community social piety is crucial, aligning with the local government's mission to foster competitive and virtuous human resources. The research employed a survey method and cluster technique (cluster random sampling) for data collection. The social piety index was determined based on three variables: individual worship activities (X1), knowledge about social piety (X2), and attitudes/behaviors reflecting social piety (X3). The findings reveal a high level of individual worship activities (X1: 65.22), a significant understanding of social piety (X2: 77.19), and favorable attitudes/behaviors reflecting social piety (X3: 66.31) within the community. Active participation in recitation and involvement in religious organizations emerged as dominant factors shaping individual piety. Engagement in good governance and participation in conservation/restoration were identified as key factors influencing knowledge about social piety. Respect for differences and involvement in good governance play pivotal roles in shaping attitudes/behaviors associated with social piety.

The White Clover Single-Copy Nuclear Gene TrNAC002 Promotes Growth and Confers Drought Resistance in Plants Through Flavonoid Synthesis

White clover (Trifolium repens) is vulnerable to drought stress. In response to abiotic stress, plants are regulated by NAC transcription factors. The NAC in white clover has not been thoroughly documented until recently. We have identified one white clover NAC transcription factor called TrNAC002. TrNAC002’s coding sequence is localized to specific regions on the 3P and 5O chromosomes of white clover and is part of a single-copy nuclear gene. Subcellular localization demonstrates that TrNAC002 is located in the nucleus, while the transcriptional activity assay indicates its transcriptional activity. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TrNAC002 (OE) exhibit enlarged leaves and increased lateral root growth compared to the wild type (WT). Additionally, the expression levels of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), WUSCHEL (WUS), DNA-binding protein (DBP), and auxin-induced in root cultures3 (AIR3) genes are significantly higher in OE as compared to WT. These findings imply that TrNAC002 could promote vegetative growth by increasing the expression of these genes. Under natural drought stress, OE can survive in dry soil for a longer period of time than WT. Furthermore, OE exhibits a lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and a higher content of flavonoids than WT. This is also positively correlated with an increased flavonoid content. In white clover, the expression of TrNAC002, chalcone synthase (CHS), and chalcone isomerase (CHI) in leaves demonstrates significant upregulation after drought stress and ABA treatment, as does the flavonoid content. However, the pTRV-VIGS experiment suggests that pTRV2-TrNAC002 white clover shrinks compared to the Mock and Water controls. Additionally, pTRV2-TrNAC002 white clover displays a statistically higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the Mock and Water controls, and a significantly lower level of total antioxidant activities, flavonoid content, CHS and CHI relative expression than that of the Mock and Water controls. These findings indicate that TrNAC002 responds to drought and modulates flavonoid biosynthesis in white clover. This study is the first to suggest that TrNAC002 likely responds to drought via ABA and enhances plant drought resistance by synthesizing flavonoids.

Co-exposure impact of nickel oxide nanomaterials and Bacillus subtilis on soybean growth and nitrogen assimilation dynamics.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) pose potential threats to agricultural production. Bacillus subtilis has emerged as a stress-mitigating microbe that alleviates the phytotoxicity caused by NiO-NPs. However, the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness, particularly in root-nodule symbiosis and biological N2-fixation (BNF), remain unclear. Here, we tested the combined exposure of NiO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) and B. subtilis on soybean (Glycine max L.) growth and BNF. Combined exposure increased root length, shoot length, root biomass, and shoot biomass by 19% to 26%, while Ni (200 mg kg-1) reduced them by 38% to 53% compared to the control. NiO-NPs at 100 and 200 mg kg-1 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced nodule formation by 16% and 58% and Nitrogen assimilation enzyme activities levels (urease, nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthetase) by 13% to 57%. However, co-exposure with B. subtilis improved nodule formation by 22% to 44%. Co-exposure of NiO-NPs (200 mg kg-1) with B. subtilis increased peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity levels by 20%, 16%, and 14% while reducing malondialdehyde (14%) and hydrogen peroxide (12%) levels compared to NiO-NPs alone. Additionally, co-exposure of NiO-NPs (100 and 200 mg kg-1) with B. subtilis enhanced the relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas, Gemmatimonas, and B. subtilis, is associated with N2-cycling and N2-fixation potential. This study confirms that B. subtilis effectively mitigates NiO-NP toxicity in soybean, offering a sustainable method to enhance BNF and crop growth and contribute to addressing global food insecurity.

Melatonin Enhances the Low-Calcium Stress Tolerance by Regulating Brassinosteroids and Auxin Signals in Wax Gourd.

In plants, calcium (Ca) serves as an essential nutrient and signaling molecule. Melatonin is a biologically active and multi-functional hormone that plays an important role in improving nutrient use efficiency. However, its involvement in plant responses to Ca deficiency remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of melatonin on Ca absorption, the antioxidant system, and root morphology under low-Ca (LCa) stress conditions, as well as to identify key regulatory factors and signaling pathways involved in these processes using transcriptome analysis. Under LCa conditions, wax gourd seedling exhibited significant decreases in Ca accumulation, showed inhibition of root growth, and demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative damage. However, melatonin application significantly enhanced Ca content in wax gourd seedlings, and it enhanced the absorption of Ca2+ in roots by upregulating Ca2+ channels and transport genes, including BhiCNGC17, BhiCNGC20, BhiECA1, BhiACA1, and BhiCAX1. Furthermore, the application of exogenous melatonin mitigated the root growth inhibition and oxidative damage caused by LCa stress. This was evidenced by increases in the root branch numbers, root tips, root surface area, and root volume, as well as enhanced root vitality and antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as decreases in the reactive oxygen species content in melatonin treated plants. Transcriptome results revealed that melatonin mainly modulated the brassinosteroids (BRs) and auxin signaling pathway, which play essential roles in root differentiation, elongation, and stress adaptation. Specifically, melatonin increased the active BR levels by upregulating BR6ox (a BR biosynthesis gene) and downregulating BAS1 (BR degradation genes), thereby affecting the BR signaling pathway. Additionally, melatonin reduced IAA levels but activated the auxin signaling pathway, indicating that melatonin could directly stimulate the auxin signaling pathway via an IAA-independent mechanism. This study provides new insights into the role of melatonin in nutrient stress adaptation, offering a promising and sustainable approach to improve nutrient use efficiency in wax gourd and other crops.

Comparative analysis of protein expression profiles with genotypes in the diagnosis of Inborn Errors of Immunity

Background Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEIs) are genetic diseases resulting from harmful genetic variations that hinder the proper functioning of the immune system. The broad range of IEIs involves multiple systems, presenting characteristics similar to allergies, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, and malignancies. Given this complexity, there is an urgent need for a precise multi-parametric molecular diagnostic approach. Objective In this work, we demonstrated the effectiveness of accurate diagnosis by flow cytometry in patients with IEI by comparing genotype analysis with the expression levels of particular proteins and signaling activities. Methods We examined the expression levels or signaling activities of 28 cell surface and intracellular proteins using flow cytometry in a cohort of 352 patients and 189 healthy controls, in conjunction with genotype analysis for comparison. Results: We identified alterations in protein expression in 60 individuals, among them, 55 exhibited the presence of an underlying pathogenic mutation. Complete loss of protein expression was observed in seven patients, constituting 2% of the total, while reduced protein expression was noted in 35 patients (9%). Notably, despite mutations in the relevant genes, protein expression levels were normal in five patients (2%), in all investigated patients. 37% of patients had elevated signaling activity, and 17% were suggestive of a particular IEI diagnosis following protein expression analysis. Conclusion The correspondence between flow cytometry-based protein analyses and genotype facilitates a prompt diagnosis, providing patients with swift access to therapeutic options.

Neuroprotective effect of red dragon fruit extract ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammation in D-galactose-induced aging rat model: biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical study.

Aging is a worldwide socioeconomic burden. Cerebellar aging is an enigma contributing to many behavioral aging disorders, hence is its hindering by prophylactic measurements is a crucial geriatric research target. Red dragon fruit (RDF) is a tropical fruit with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of RDF extract against cerebellar aging. Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: Control, RDF, aged and RDF-aged groups. Aged group revealed structural distortion affecting cerebellar layers including a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in Purkinje cells number and decrease in granular cell layer thickness by comparison to the control and RDF groups. Additionally, distorted capillary endothelium, and defective myelination were noticed. Interestingly, cerebellar active caspase-3, iNOS, MDA and 3-NT and serum TNF-α levels significantly increased with aging by comparison to the control and RDF groups (all P < 0.05). Biochemical analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in cerebellar SOD and serum GSH levels in aged rats. RDF extract remarkably ameliorated most of the neuronal degenerative changes with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Purkinje cells numbers, and granular cell layer thickness by comparison to the aged group. Furthermore, it resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in cerebellum expression of active caspase-3, iNOS, MDA, 3-NT, and serum TNF-α levels associated with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in cerebellar SOD and serum GSH levels by comparison to the aged group. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study showing a neuroprotective effect for RDF against cerebellar aging. RDF might be effective in attenuation of age-induced cerebellar degenerative changes through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

A Library of Seed@High-Entropy-Alloy Core-shell Nanocrystals With Controlled Facets for Catalysis.

High-entropy-alloy (HEA) nanocrystals hold immense potential for catalysis, offering virtually unlimited alloy combinations through the inclusion of at least five constituent elements in varying ratios. However, general and effective strategies for synthesizing libraries of HEA nanocrystals with controlled surface atomic structures remain scarce. In this study, a transferable strategy for developing a library of facet-controlled seed@HEA nanocrystals through seed-mediated growth is presented. The synthesis of seed@HEA core-shell nanocrystals incorporating up to ten different metallic elements, with control over the number of solid-solution HEA atomic layers is demonstrated. Epitaxial HEA growth on nanocrystal seeds with low-index and high-index facets leads to the formation of seed@HEA catalyst library with composition- and facet-dependent catalytic activities in both electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. In situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density-functional theory calculations are employed to identify surface active sites of the HEA, rationalizing the high level of catalytic activities achieved. This work enables facet engineering in the multi-elemental chemical space and unveils the critical needs for their future development toward catalysis.

Assessment of financial level of activities to provide Russian museums (the Vologda region case)

Assessment of financial level of activities to provide Russian museums (the Vologda region case)

ACTUALIZATION OF INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM BASED ON PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL) IN DEVELOPING STUDENTS' SOFT SKILLS AT SDI AL HADAD KEDUNGJAMBE SINGGAHAN TUBAN

The independent curriculum is a curriculum that continues the direction of the previous curriculum development. This independent curriculum is a Project Based Learning (PjBL) based curriculum. In this learning students need their soft skills to optimally fulfill and complete the level of class activities. With it can develop students' soft skills. The focus of the problem in this research is the actualization of the independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in developing students' soft skills at SDI Al Hadad Kedungjambe Singgahan Tuban. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study type of research. This study uses observation methods, structured interviews, and documentation. The results of the research show that the actualization of the independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL) in developing the soft skills of students at SDI Al Hadad, namely the independent curriculum was only implemented in the 2022-2023 school year and was only implemented in classes I and IV. This independent curriculum contains the main pillars of educational policy guidelines, namely the Pancasila student profile which consists of six dimensions, including: a) faith, piety to God Almighty, b) global diversity, c) mutual cooperation d) independence, e) critical thinking, f ) creative. The independent curriculum implements Project Based Learning (PjBL) based learning. This is to find out how independent and creative students are in developing soft skills that are owned from within and outside of themselves. Supporting factors include: the readiness of the institution in implementing an independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL), the active role of students, the creativity of students, and the creativity of teachers in learning that implements an independent curriculum based on Project Based Learning (PjBL). while the inhibiting factors are: the limited number of educators in teaching independent curricula, limited references owned by institutions, and time management arrangements.

MiR472 Deficiency Enhances Arabidopsis thaliana Defense Without Reducing Seed Production.

After having co-existed in plant genomes for at least 200 million years, the products of microRNA (miRNA) and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein (NLR) genes formed a regulatory relationship in the common ancestor of modern gymnosperms and angiosperms. From then on, DNA polymorphisms occurring at miRNA target sequences within NLR transcripts must have been compensated by mutations in the corresponding mature miRNA sequence. The potential evolutionary advantage of such regulation remains largely unknown and might be related to two nonexclusive scenarios: (i) miRNA-dependent regulation of NLR levels might prevent defense mis-activation with negative effects on plant growth and reproduction or (ii) reduction of active miRNA levels in response to pathogen-derived molecules (pathogen-associated molecular patterns [PAMPs] and silencing suppressors) might rapidly release otherwise silent NLR transcripts for rapid translation and thereby enhance defense. Here, we used Arabidopsis thaliana plants deficient for miR472 function to study the impact of releasing its NLR targets on plant growth and reproduction and on defense against the fungal pathogen Plectosphaerella cucumerina. We show that miR472 regulation has a dual role, participating both in the tight regulation of plant defense and growth. MIM472 lines, with reduced active miR472, are more resistant to pathogens and, correlatively, have reduced relative growth compared with wild-type plants, although the end of their reproductive phase is delayed, exhibiting higher adult biomass and similar seed yield as the wild-type. Our study highlights how negative consequences of defense activation might be compensated by changes in phenology and that miR472 reduction is an integral part of plant defense responses. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Beyond green: Unveiling the impact of urban park quality and greenery on children’s physical activity

Urban green spaces facilitate children’s physical activities by providing opportunities for engagement with natural settings. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the nexus between the greenery features and spatial quality in urban parks and park-based physical activities among children. Moreover, the influence of children’s perceptions of their environment has been overlooked. Through the application of remote sensing and field surveys, we evaluated the greening and quality of 34 play spaces within 20 urban parks, employing on-site measurements and unmanned aerial vehicle observations to identify and quantify the intensity and density of children’s physical activities. Utilizing Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Simple Mediating Modeling, we investigated the mediating effects of green spaces on physical activity and perceived environmental qualities. Our findings indicate a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship between urban park greening metrics, such as vegetation diversity and green view index, and the dosage of children’s physical activity. The interplay between the quality of space and greening level in shaping physical activity demonstrates complex dynamics of synergy and competition. The greening level of play spaces positively impacts the intensity and density of children’s physical activities and is partly moderated by perceived environmental factors, notably safety and attractiveness. These insights contribute empirical evidence and decision-making guidance for urban greening and the development of child-friendly urban spaces.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Mobile Sand Screening Machine

This paper aimed to design, fabricate, and assess an artisanal sand screening machine comprised of locally sourced materials and technology. The performance of the machine was quantified by capacity, efficiency, energy consumption, and cost efficiency. The machine was produced using a 1 HP prime mover, stainless steel screen, and belt-type transmission. Basal capacity and efficiency were characterized over performance trials at various rotational speeds by tuning the environments. Financial analysis was also performed to assess the economic viability. The machine achieved a capacity of 7,072.23 kg/hr at 3000 RPM with 95.09% efficiency in screening operation consuming 0.746 kW per hour. The direct operating cost per year amounted to Php 163,578.49, while in one-year revenue and net profits have reached Php 643,572.93 and Php 479,994.4 respectively. The machine had a payback period of a mere 0.054 years which is about 20 days with a corresponding astronomical return on investment of 293.434%. The results suggest that the sand screening machine saves costs and energy, thus making it appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses. The research suggests applying this technology in the corresponding branches and recommends further investigation of the machine’s operation in other environments and the use of denser materials to make it more resistant and versatile. This domestically manufactured machine has the potential to substantially cut operational costs and increase the efficiency level of sand processing activities.

Diagnostic Value of Urinary CD80 in Typical and Atypical Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Cluster of differentiation 80 is one of the important biomarker which is present on podocytes. Urinary CD80 concentration increases only in patients with typical nephrotic syndrome in active state and level remains normal in patients with atypical nephrotic syndrome. Objective: To evaluate urinary CD80 concentration as a diagnostic marker of typical and atypical nephrotic syndrome. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, performed in the Department of Paediatrics &amp; Paediatric Nephrology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram. Thirty nine with typical and 36 with atypical nephrotic syndrome were enrolled from January 2020 to July 2021.Urinary CD80 concentration was measured and compared between typical and atypical nephrotic syndrome. Results: Mean urinary CD80 concentration in typical nephrotic syndrome (671.92 ±328.45) was found significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) than atypical nephrotic syndrome patients (122.30 ±158.47). The area under the curve for typical nephrotic syndrome was 0.946 for urinary CD80 concentration (95% confidence interval: 0.899–0.992) (p&lt;0.001). Urinary CD80 concentration 114.9 ng/g of creatinine was found most appropriate cut-off value with the sensitivity 92.3% and the specificity 27.8% for the differentiation of typical (active state) and atypical nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion: Urinary CD80 level found significantly higher in patients with typical nephrotic syndrome than atypical nephrotic syndrome. Along with the other diagnostic criteria, urinary CD80 may be used as a non-invasive biomarker to differentiate typical and atypical nephrotic syndrome. Bangladesh J Child Health 2023; Vol 47 (2) : 78-83

Do Female State Officials Improve Corporate Social Responsibility in their Jurisdictions? A Disadvantage‐Prohibiting Perspective

AbstractWhile prior studies on how state officials affect firm behaviour focus on an advantage‐promoting perspective, we propose a disadvantage‐prohibiting perspective to examine the effects of female state officials on corporate social responsibility (CSR). We propose that the disadvantage resulting from a female municipal official's gender role may incentivize her to mobilize a firm's CSR to counteract such a disadvantage, leading to higher levels of CSR activities of firms in her jurisdiction. Our approach contributes to a new perspective on how political officials affect CSR. Results of our analysis of a sample of Chinese publicly listed firms between 2009 and 2019 support our predictions. The relationship is stronger in provinces that are more accepting of traditional gender roles and for first‐term leaders. A supplementary study using a global sample shows the generalizability of our findings: firms in countries with female leaders have higher levels of CSR compared with firms in countries with male leaders.