Microfilm Research Articles

Influence of modified atmosphere packaging on post-harvest physiology, overall quality, and bioactive compounds during cold storage and shelf-life of 'Tondo Nero' figs (Ficus carica L.)

The impact of four polymers [(a) oriented polypropylene film (OPP); b) polyolefin heat-shrinkable film (BOLPH), c) micro-perforated OPP film (MICRO); and d) macro-perforated OPP film (MACRO)] was tested on ‘Tondo Nero’ figs, cold stored at 1 °C for 7 or 14 d (CS) plus 3 d at 20 °C in simulate marketing conditions (SMC). In-package ethylene increased as film permeability decreased, peaking in OPP-packages. CO2 partial pressure of OPP-packages, peaking at 15 kPa in CS conditions and at about 30 kPa at the end of SMC, and O2 partial pressure tending to 0 kPa, negatively affected the overall acceptability. In-package CO2, never exceeding 8 kPa, and O2, never dropping 12 kPa, of MICRO and MACRO films did not affect fructose and glucose concentration, but reduced the loss of phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of the peel as well as of the pulp, showing a better performance compared to the other films.

Algae: Prospective and Futuristic Component for Cosmeceuticals

Skin is the most fundamental organ in the human body because it protects the body from the outside environment. There are several elements that can alter skin functioning and create a variety of disorders ranging from hyperpigmentation to skin cancer. A wide range of marine compounds, including both forms of micro- and macroalgae and fishing byproducts, are currently available in the cosmetic and cosmeceutical market. Several synthetic medications are promoted as providing skin protection, but they have various adverse effects. Algae is a natural phototropic plant that can endure any condition and has a variety of skin protective properties due to the presence of bioactive substances such as mycosporine-like amino acids, carotenoids, sulfated polysaccharides, sterols, polyphenols, and vitamins. It includes photoprotective chemicals such as UV absorbers, antioxidants, matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory properties. As a result, using algae as a cosmeceutical product can help to avoid a variety of skin diseases.

Improvement of Operational Parameters for Precision Rolling Bearings by Cleaning Working Surfaces from Micro Pollution of Various Nature

In manufacturing high-precision rolling bearings for aviation and urban machinery, the key tasks are to reduce the cost of production of such products, increase their efficiency and resource, and ensure their reuse after performing appropriate repair work. The results of many years of research show that these tasks can be successfully solved by cleaning the working surfaces of the parts of such precision tribonodes by non-contact pulse methods, particularly by using variable electromagnetic fields. The article describes the process of deep cleaning the working surfaces of parts of various high-precision ball bearings (from overall to miniature). During this cleaning, ferromagnetic and other impurities in the form of micro-, sub-micro- and nanoparticles were removed on a developed stand that can be used on an industrial scale. Further studies of cleaned bearings showed improved operational parameters such as reduced noise and vibration and the degree of magnetization. To achieve the specified results, appropriate cleaning methods were developed and tested.

A low serum microRNA-497-5p expression level is associated with primary breast cancer among Egyptian female patients

Background/aim Circulating forms of micro(mi)RNAs are nowadays increasingly recognized as noninvasive promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and management of breast cancer (BC). Among the numerous miRNAs studied in BC, tissue expressed miR-497-5p and miR-182-5p proved to serve as promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target tools in BC; yet little is known about their circulating forms in the peripheral blood of such patients. The study aimed to evaluate serum expression levels of miR-497-5p and miR-182-5p in Egyptian female patients with newly diagnosed BC and their possible association with different clinicopathological features. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 50 primary BC patients at the Medical Research Institute, Alexandria, Egypt, in addition to 50 healthy female volunteers as a control group. Preoperative serum samples were taken from all patients and from healthy volunteers. Relative quantifications of serum miR-182-5p and miR-497-5p expression levels were done using a reverse transcription-quantitative real time PCR. Results The study showed that the median value for fold change in serum miR-497-5p expression was significantly down regulated in BC patients group compared to the healthy control group. A receiver operating characteristics curve generated a cutoff value of 0.54. In serum miR-497-5p expression level was used to discriminate BC patients from controls with a diagnostic specificity of 88%, a sensitivity of 56%, and an overall test accuracy of 68.8%. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in serum miR-182-5p expression level between BC patients and control group. Nevertheless, its serum expression level was significantly higher in BC patients with lymph node involvement compared with BC patients without nodal involvement. Conclusion The downregulated serum miR-497-5p expression in BC patients compared with the healthy control group points to loss of its protective role in such BC patients. Further studies of this miRNA on a larger sample of patients with different molecular subtypes are recommended.

Генеалогічне товариство ЮТА: еволюція інформаційних технологій

The research purpose was to study the evolution of information technologies of the Genealogical Society of Utah (GSU; now – FamilySearch International) and familiarize the Ukrainian reader with them. The research methodology took into consideration information technologies development in historical retrospect. The scientifi c novelty was based on the analysis of publications about GSU in Ukraine and abroad. Conclusions. GSU is one of the world leaders in genealogical research. Yet the results of this research create an image of GSU as a world-class scientifi c and research company for software and information technologies development. Throughout its history, GSU has mastered the path from paper, through microfi lm and to digital fi le, from DOS to Windows, from disks to the Internet, from website «lockups» to responding instantly, and from outsourcing to in-house digital storage and tape libraries. GSU cooperates with the most prominent corporations in the sphere of information storage and management. For more than half a century, independently and in cooperation, the GSU has developed, tested and put into operation many variants of computer programs and technologies, including the universally accepted specifi cation for the exchange of genealogical data between computer programs of diff erent manufacturers – GEDCOM. GSU focused on processing and organizing vast arrays of genealogical information, indexing, searching, providing diff erentiated access for users via the Internet, and fi nally, guaranteed storage and backup. In these areas GSU creatively applied state-of-the-art technologies.

COMMUNITIES RESISTENCY TOWARD ISTISHNA FUNDING POLICY

This study aims to map and analyze the forms, factors, and implications that cause stakeholder resistance to istishna' financing policies at Indonesian Syariah Bank in Palu and Jakarta. Data collection techniques were carried out using interview and library techniques. Data analysis uses content analysis with an objective approach to place the results of interviews and literature against each other. The data sources used are a collection of interviews and literature reviews. The results showed that there had been stakeholder resistance to istishna' financing in the two Indonesian Syariah Bankdue to being treated unfair in the form of an increase in the price of goods orders according to the length of instalments, the reworking of goods orders that were not by stakeholder tastes, and delays in delivering goods orders to stakeholders after falling. Tempo in the form of an additional budget to stakeholders. In addition, it is also found that the istishna financing process is complex, the risk of which is dominated by the burden on stakeholders. In addition, the narrowing of the istishna' financing target in the form of micro even though public interest and maqhasid sharia require a macro. Internal and external resistance factors cause stakeholder resistance to the istishna financing policy. These two factors have implications for the circulation of funds in Indonesian Syariah Bankin Palu and Jakarta, which take a long time, are unreliable, have the opportunity to go bankrupt, and take into account the possible risks that cause stakeholders' interest in using istishna financing to decrease. Actions must be taken against stakeholder resistance who experience istishna financing policies in the two Indonesian Syariah Bank, the prohibition of instalments if it causes an increase in the price of the order, the product must be completed at maturity, the product must be following the taste/agreement, there should be no additional funds due to the demand not following the agreement/customer's taste.

Cytotoxic effects of crystalline silica in form of micro and nanoparticles on the human lung cell line A549.

Airborne crystalline silica (SiO2) particles are one of the most common pollutants in stone industries. Limited studies have investigated the health effects of crystalline SiO2 nanoparticles. Hence, the objective of this study was to study the cytotoxicity of SiO2 in nano and micron sizes. A mineral quartz sample in the range of 0.2-0.8mm sizes was purchased. These particles were ground at about 5 and 0.1 microns. Human cell line A549 was exposed to micro and nanometer particles at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 250μg/ml for 24 and 72 h. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of exposed cells was investigated by measuring cell survival, ROS generation, mitochondrial permeability, and intracellular glutathione content. The results showed that crystalline SiO2 nano and microparticles decreased cell survival, increased ROS generation, damaged the mitochondrial membrane, and lowered the antioxidant content of these cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The toxicity of crystalline SiO2 microparticles at concentrations ≤50μg/mL was greater than for nanoparticles, which was the opposite at concentrations ≥100μg/mL. Exposure time and concentration were crucial factors for the cytotoxicity of exposed A549 cells to crystalline SiO2 particles, which can affect the severity of the effect of particle size. Due to the limitation of exposure concentration and test durations in this study, further studies on the parameters of nanoparticle toxicity and underlying mechanisms could advance our knowledge.

COMPLICATIONS IN DIABETES : A REVIEW

Diabetes is a disease chronic disease which affects global population from long time. This review is an update on unknown complications, causes, treatment modalities of this disease. This article also provides a summary on disease management through various strategies. Diabetic complications are the challenges associated with diabetes in the form of micro and macro vascular complications; microvascular compications include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy whereas macrovascular compications include coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and cerebrovascular events (CVA). Complications of diabetes range from acute, life-threatening conditions such as severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis to chronic, debilitating complications affecting multiple organ systems, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Estimates of the prevalence of diabetic complications are challenging, in part because there are no internationally agreed upon standards for diagnosis. This review is an update on unknown complications, causes, prevention and treatment of this disease. This article also provides a summary on disease management through various strategies.

Citizen Science in the Promotion of Sustainability: The Importance of Smart Education for Smart Societies

Digital society is already a reality and is increasingly shaping many aspects of social, economic and political life, among other aspects. The concept of Society 5.0 is a proposed form of a possible political nature to fulfil this digital society through a super-smart society. Based on document analysis of articles and books on this topic, this conceptual paper aims to critically discuss some aspects of Society 5.0, such as the dimensions of digitalization and sustainability. It is concluded that Society 5.0 is not an inevitability, and that the transformations it entails, as well as its advantages, also have challenges and limitations that should be considered, such as the risk of reproducing old forms of micro, meso and macrosocial inequalities within each country and between countries and regions, and, at the same time, creating new forms of social, cultural, economic and political inequalities, among others. A critical spirit seems to be necessary in the follow-up of this Society 5.0 and for which citizen-science logic, in an interdisciplinary way, can potentially provide tools for previous and prospective analysis of its implementation. We justify the need for smart education in these smart societies as a way of contributing to responding to the pressing problem of sustainability. It is smart education in and for a super smart society.

Boosting Quantum Battery-Based IoT Gadgets via RF-Enabled Energy Harvesting.

The search for a highly portable and efficient supply of energy to run small-scale wireless gadgets has captivated the human race for the past few years. As a part of this quest, the idea of realizing a Quantum battery (QB) seems promising. Like any other practically tractable system, the design of QBs also involve several critical challenges. The main problem in this context is to ensure a lossless environment pertaining to the closed-system design of the QB, which is extremely difficult to realize in practice. Herein, we model and optimize various aspects of a Radio-Frequency (RF) Energy Harvesting (EH)-assisted, QB-enabled Internet-of-Things (IoT) system. Several RF-EH modules (in the form of micro- or nano-meter-sized integrated circuits (ICs)) are placed in parallel at the IoT receiver device, and the overall correspondingly harvested energy helps the involved Quantum sources achieve the so-called quasi-stable state. Concretely, the Quantum sources absorb the energy of photons that are emitted by a photon-emitting device controlled by a micro-controller, which also manages the overall harvested energy from the RF-EH ICs. To investigate the considered framework, we first minimize the total transmit power under the constraints on overall harvested energy and the number of RF-EH ICs at the QB-enabled wireless IoT device. Next, we optimize the number of RF-EH ICs, subject to the constraints on total transmit power and overall harvested energy. Correspondingly, we obtain suitable analytical solutions to the above-mentioned problems, respectively, and also cross-validate them using a non-linear program solver. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is reported in the form of numerical results, which are both theoretical and simulations based, by taking a range of operating system parameters into account.

Total Dissolved Solids and Their Removal Techniques

Total dissolved solids (TDS) due to both geogenic and anthropogenic contaminations, is one of the preliminary as well as essential parameters among others to describe water quality. It includes organic and inorganic components, heavy metals, salts, other dissolved substances, and others due to indiscriminate disposal of untreated domestic and industrial effluents, urban and/or agricultural runoff which exists in the form of micro or nano level in nature. Higher TDS levels in water severely impact health and the environment. For instance, it causes gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, genotoxic, respiratory, skin, and hepatic effects in humans. High TDS level (> 500 ppm) results in excessive scaling in household appliances (e.g., pipes, heaters, and boilers) thereby reducing their efficiency. Therefore, the removal of TDS from various water matrices is taking paramount importance to minimize its impact on health and the environment. Various TDS removal technologies based on the membrane, ion, and temperature gradient are employed to treat water. In this review paper, several TDS removal technologies for instance reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, distillation, ultrafiltration, forward osmosis, precipitation, desalination, ion exchange, electrochemical techniques, electrodialysis, electrolysis, electrocoagulation, and adsorption are discussed in detail.

“What’s in a Name?” Authorship as (Micro)Genre in the Paratext of the Hogarth Shakespeare Project

The novels commissioned and published as part of the Hogarth Shakespeare project involve a series of recontextualisations of Shakespeare’s work, not only from the genre of drama to that of prose or a range of established subgenres, but the choice of author to adapt it may also serve to locate the adaptation in a very specific microgenre defined by the connotations engendered by the modern author’s oeuvre – and frame its reception accordingly. The article discusses how this process finds expression in the Hogarth Shakespeare project paratexts, which are seen as ways of making creative use of the popular conceptions of the modern authors evoked by their very names to reframe, revise and re-energise Shakespeare’s work for new audiences, in part through the specific form of (micro)generic recontextualisation that they bring about.

Facilitation of sp2 nanocrystallites on the formation of transfer films for stable low friction with in-situ TEM nanofriction study

We reported that the sp2 nanocrystallites facilitated the formation of transfer film for stable low friction with the in-situ TEM nanofriction tests. The sp2 nanocrystallited carbon film showed decreased friction coefficient and stabilized the sliding process. The mechanism was ascribed to the sp2 nanocrystallites lay down, paralleled to the sliding direction and sheared under the compressive and shear stresses. As the contrasts of different nanostructure effects, monocrystalline silicon is hard to form lamella structure and the amorphous carbon film needs high stress and longer sliding distance to form transfer film. This work shed lights on the application of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films in micro and nano devices for reducing the energy consumption.

Nanotoxicity of Emerging NMC-Family Energy Storage Nanomaterials

The increasing use of metal oxide materials has met with equal concern as regards associated health risks and environmental transference. NMC-family (LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂, where x+y+z=1) energy storage materials are complex transition metal oxides that are being rapidly deployed as replacements to the conventional lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) in the electric vehicle industry. Sustainable catalysis is another area of increasing study since multi-component oxides have a high propensity for cleaving strong chemicals such as the carbon-fluorine bond. NMC materials are mostly synthesized through different thermomechanical processes, with the final composition depending on the required properties in the derived nanostructures. The biological impact of NMC-type materials has been found to be dependent not just on the overall mass, but also on the mass distribution which could be in the form of micro or nanostructures. This study therefore assesses the toxicity effect of NMC-family nanoscale material for energy storage and catalysis, with a view to determining possible safety levels as regards the composition of constituent materials. Preliminary toxicity studies were conducted on inoculated S. oneidensis, B. subtilis and D. magna substrates exposed to NMC materials for time intervals ranging from 0 to 72h and found a direct relationship between the ease of release of Ni and Co ions and cellular respiration and growth. The chemical transformation of NMC nanomaterials was however found to favor an ion release of the order Li > Ni > Co > Mn, although this is an entirely slow process. Altering the configuration of NMC materials through Mn enrichment was also found to significantly reduce its dissolution and could be an important approach to preventing its release into the environment.

Micronutrient-controlled-release protein-based systems for horticulture: Micro vs. nanoparticles

Fertilization is an increasingly common practice in horticulture. Nevertheless, the conventionally used fertilization method is ineffective, and it generates contamination problems due to excess nutrients. Therefore, new technologies, such as nanofertilization or controlled-release systems of fertilizers, are currently being tested. Thus, the main objective of this work was to develop controlled-release systems for micronutrients, using soy protein as raw material. Different micronutrients (zinc, copper, iron, and manganese) were evaluated, as well as their incorporation in the form of micro and nanoparticles. The mechanical and functional properties (water uptake capacity, biodegradability, and micronutrient release) of the systems, as well as their use in crops, were studied to assess their viability. The results showed the great potential of these systems to incorporate micronutrients into crops, especially when combined with nanotechnology, improving the benefits of conventional fertilization.

COST Action PRIORITY: An EU Perspective on Micro- and Nanoplastics as Global Issues

Plastic fragments, weathered into or released in the form of micro- and nanoplastics, are persistent and widespread in the environment, and it is anticipated that they have negative environmental impacts. This necessitates immediate efforts for management strategies throughout the entire plastics lifecycle. This opinion paper was initiated by the EU COST Action CA20101 PRIORITY, which focuses on the need to develop an effective global networking platform dealing with research, implementation, and consolidation of ways to address the worldwide challenges associated with micro- and nanoplastics pollution in the environment.

The Effect of Local Application of Magnesium Oxide Powder on the Blood Parameters During Nerve Regeneration of Injured Sciatic Nerve in Rat

Peripheral nerves injuries are very common defects in animals which may lead to loss of sensory andmotor functions of the nerve. These defects are highly corrected using nanotechnology. This studyaimed to find out the effect of applying local application of magnesium Nano- and Microparticles onthe level of magnesium and rat nerve group factor in rat during the process of nerve regeneration. Thisstudy included sixty adult male apparently healthy Wistar rats had bodyweight average (M±SD: 230± 20) gram. Random division to three group was done as: Controlgroup (CG), Nanogroup (NG) andMicrogroup (MG) of (n=20) each after transecting the sciatic nerve and instant proximal and distal endof the sciatic nerve suturing. First group the (Controlgroup) which had no interferences after suturing;the second group (Nanogroup) had a local application of nanoparticles powder of MgO on sutured sitein addition to third group (Microgroup) had a local application of microparticles powder of MgO onthe sutured site. The results showed that a significant and continuous increase of rat growth factor to beseen in Nanogroup and Microgroup however, Microgroup had the highest level to the end of the study,while no significant correlation between the three groups and level of Mg during the study was seen. Itis concluded that MgO forms of Micro and Nano particles have a positive effect on nerve regenerationwhich can be determined by significant increase of NGF in Microgroup then Nanogroup but not inControlgroup. In addition to that using low dose of local application of Nano and Microparticle has nosystemic toxicity on body.

Insurtech - Revolutionary Scope and Growth with Reference to India

Insurtech, like fintech, is a word for a firm that uses technology to disrupt the insurance sector, because the insurance industry is heavily regulated, any insurance business must exercise extreme caution. That is why they are still hesitant to deal with any technology startup. Insurtech is a complement to existing insurance firms rather than a rival. Insurers should get familiar with new ideas, such as blockchain, smart contracts, machine-oriented deep learning and the internet of things. Crucial aspects of insurance are drastically changing through use of artificial intelligence. New customer specific insurance plans are getting structured with the help of these new techniques in the form of usage, micro and sachet insurance etc. Claims, distribution, underwriting, and pricing aspects of insurance are getting reshaped. Several startups are coming forward with innovative ideas on connecting technology with insurance.

AKTIVITAS PEMULIHAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT TERDAMPAK PANDEMI COVID-19 DI KABUPATEN INHU

Abstract The 2019 Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic has spread throughout the region, including Inhu District, SimpangKelayang Village. The economic aspect is the impact that gets the most attention after the health aspect. The main problem that occurs in SimpangKelayang Village is that the economy of the business owner community is down (weak) due to the pandemic. Economic recovery must immediately be designed to overcome the economic crisis so that economic conditions do not sink into an economic depression. Through qualitative research methods, this study aims to reveal how the activities of the business community are trying to move from economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic recovery studied departs from Todaro & Smith's theory of the economic crisis. In SimpangKelayang Village the majority of the people are entrepreneurs, so the economic recovery strategy is to rely on the community business sector in developing trade, implementing digitalization in business and utilizing assistance in the form of Direct Cash Assistance (BLT), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) and Economic Enterprises in the Save Village. Borrow (UEK-SP). Through the stretching of the business community, which is supported by assistance from the government as a driver of business development, finally the economy of the business community has experienced a significant increase as evidenced by the emergence of household savings and an increase in the amount of income.

Significance of petroleum seepages in hydrocarbon exploration-case study of Khourian Desert, Central Iran

Hydrocarbon exploration has long been based on such costly and time-intensive methods as geophysical surveys, geological studies, and drilling. In recent years, however, researchers have started to consider such inexpensive alternatives as surface geochemistry for hydrocarbon exploration. Some 100 years ago, the leakage of hydrocarbons onto the surface in the form of micro- and macro-seepages motivated researchers toward drilling a well in the Khourian Desert in the south of Semnan Province, Iran. Upon drilling the well, researchers found evidences of non-released (free) hydrocarbons. These findings drove further study of the area using surface geochemistry while considering the nearby hydrocarbon accumulation in Qom Formation. Conventional and indirect surface geochemical methods provide an insight into the relationship between surface and subsurface hydrocarbons. In the present work, the results of the Rock–Eval pyrolysis showed total organic carbon (TOC) values in the range of 0.31–4.13 wt.% and S1 peaks between 0.07 and 27.35. Sulfur isotope analysis showed a sulfur isotopic value of −0.4. The study of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria showed the presence of bacterial colonies in MSM at 1.22 × 106 cfu/g of soil sample. We further investigated surface changes due to the presence of free hydrocarbons and pH variations (4.9–8) resulted from the changes in the concentrations of calcium carbonate and iron. According to the results and given the presence of organic sulfur in the samples, the occurrence of Gach-i-turush and alike phenomena was proposed in this area. The results of geo-microbial prospecting method, surface secondary changes, and sulfur isotope studies were well in agreement with the characteristics of the existing hydrocarbon reserves in this area. Surface geochemical surveys can precede other geochemical and geophysical surveys to identify surface anomalies and hence focus on more probable locales of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Khourian Desert, central Iran.