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Copyright of Continue Education Research is the property of Harbin Normal University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Homologous recombination (HR) is a highly conserved DNA repair system, in which aberrations can lead to the accumulation of DNA damage and genomic scars known as homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). The identification of mutations in key genes (i.e., BRCA1, and BRCA2 (BRCA)) and the quantification of large-scale structural variants (e.g., loss of heterozygosity) are indicators of the HRD phenotype. HRD is a stable biomarker and remains unchanged during recurrence, but fails to reveal the molecular profile of tumor progression. Moreover, interpretation of the current HRD score lacks comprehensiveness, especially for the HR-proficient group. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes play an important role in the repair of DNA single-strand breaks, the blockage of which using PARP inhibitors (PARPi) can generate synthetic lethality in cancer cells with HRD. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that the benefit of PARPi is substantial in ovarian cancer (OC) patients, the efficacy is limited by the development of resistance, and seems to be irrespective of HR and/or BRCA mutation status. Moreover, in addition to improving progressionfree survival, long-term benefit as overall survival brought by PARPi for advanced, recurrent and refractory OC patients remains unclear. Therefore, further investigations are needed to uncover the role of HR genes beyond BRCA and their interactions with other oncogenic pathways, to determine the value of HRD in the recurrent setting, and to identify alternative strategies for the precise management of advanced, refractory OC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radio channel model is a major factor supporting the whole life cycle of the terrestrial radio system, including the demonstration, design, validation, operation, and so on. To improve the spectrum sharing and spectral efficiency in terrestrial radio services, we analyze three types of path loss models in detail: deterministic, empirical, and semi-empirical models, to meet the requirements of path loss modeling for supporting traditional band expansion and reuse. Then, we conduct a comparative analysis based on the characteristics of the current models. Furthermore, a preview of the future terrestrial path loss modeling methods is provided, including intelligent modeling processes and multi-model hybridization methods. Finally, we look forward to the potential technology that can be used in future wireless communication, such as terahertz communication, reconfigurable intelligent surface technology, and integrated communication and sensing technology. The above research can provide a reference for the development of terrestrial radio channel modeling, promoting the technologies of terrestrial channel modeling. We hope this paper will stimulate more interest in modeling terrestrial radio channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide clean energy at a lower cost to their citizens, all nations of the world are striving to increase their energy production in an environmentally friendly way. Benin has also joined this dynamic by considerably increasing its green energy production efforts in recent years. The country has a huge undeveloped renewable-energy (RE) potential that can contribute considerably to its national energy production capacity. This paper summarizes the current RE situation in Benin and examines its future prospects. The current energy situation of the country is discussed, followed by an examination of its electricity demand-and-supply situation. The country has been found to depend heavily on natural gas and petroleum products from neighbouring countries and has ~41% of national electricity access. However, the government is taking considerable steps to implement RE projects in the country. The study analyzes government targets in the energy sector with existing policies and institutional frameworks. Recommendations are made for the benefit of the government, the private sector and other actors in order to developing the RE potential of Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundChild marriage is a harmful traditional practice, which compromises children of their childhood and threatens their lives and health. In Ethiopia, 58% of women and 9% of men get married before the age of 18 years. Surprisingly, parents in the Amhara region make marriage promises of their children before they are even born, which will hinder the region from attaining the Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage. Thus, this study aimed to assess the trends, determinants, and future prospects of child marriage in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.MethodsA repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using four consecutive nationally representative Ethiopian demographic and health surveys (2000–2016). A logit-based multivariate decomposition analysis for a non-linear response model was fitted to identify factors that contributed to the change in child marriage over time. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. The child marriage practice in the Amhara region by the year 2030 was also predicted using different forecasting features of Excel.ResultsThe trend of child marriage over the study period (2000–2016) decreased from 79.9% (76.7, 82.8) to 42.9% (39.1, 46.9), with an annual average reduction rate of 2.9%. Approximately 35.2% of the decline resulted from an increase in the proportion of women who attained secondary and above-secondary education over the two surveys. A decrease in the proportion of rural women and a change in the behavior of educated and media-exposed women also contributed significantly to the decline in child marriage. The prevalence of child marriage in the Amhara region by the year 2030 was also predicted to be 10.1% or 8.8%.ConclusionThough there has been a significant decline in child marriage in the Amhara region over the past 16 years, the proportion is still high, and the region is not going to eliminate it by 2030. Education, residence, and media exposure were all factors associated with the observed change in child marriage in this study. Therefore, additional efforts will be required if child marriage is to be eliminated by 2030, and investing more in education and media access will hasten the region's progress in this direction.

Since the first paper on the fatigue of metallic materials by J. Albert in 1837, tremendous numbers of papers have been published in various journals by many researchers all over the world. Based on such a long history, several papers on the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) in the life‐time longer than 107 cycles had appeared in some journals during the period of 1980's. One characteristic finding in these works is the fact that the metallic material can fail even at the stress level lower than the conventional fatigue limit. This fact means that the conventional fatigue design of mechanical structures cannot give the safety of the practical products in the very high cycle regime. Due to this fact, fatigue properties of structural materials in very long life regime has become an important subject; and a lot of studies have been carried out, and many important results have been accumulated until now. Typical aspects on VHCF property are summarized as follows: (1) the fatigue crack tends to occur around the interior inclusion, (2) fine granular area (FGA) is formed around such an inclusion, and (3) duplex S–N characteristics appear in the VHCF regime. In this paper, a brief historical review together with the future prospect on the very high cycle fatigue of metallic materials is attempted for the sake of reference to facilitate the research in this area. Highlights: Historical review and future prospect for researches on metal fatigue.Progress of researches on very high cycle fatigue of metallic materials.Review of interior crack initiation and growth mechanisms around inclusion.Quantitative formulation of interior crack growth around inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As universities are the change agent of society, institutions from all nations set their goals to transform the world by exploring various societal challenges that humans are facing. Together, the higher education systems across the world developing strategies based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The current study aimed to provide policymakers, academics, and researchers an insight on the influence of 16 SDGs on each other paving the way for the universities to set a clear goal in attaining Sustainable Development goals by 2030. To analyze the SDGs' interactions towards each other, 201,844 research publications from India during five years on 16 SDGs are retrieved from the Scopus database. Spearman Rank Correlation is applied to understand the correlation of each SDG towards one another. We could observe converging results out of the interactions among the SDGs. A significant positive and moderately positive correlation between pairs of SDGs are identified. While a significant number of negative correlations is also classified which need deep thinking among researchers to develop healthy relationships. The most frequent interactions between SDGs is a positive sign for any university in strategizing the goal towards SDGs. The association of all university stakeholders and some constitutional and cultural changes are necessary to put SDGs at the core of the management of the university. Embracing this task by researchers will improve the overall performance of universities. The analysis presented in the present study is useful for academics, governments, funding agencies, researchers, and policy-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he ' Scientific Understanding of Climate Change' part of China' s Fourth National Assessment Report on Climate Change reflects a series of new evidence and new understanding of climate change in China since 2015, based on scientific analyses such as climate system observations, paleoclimate archives, theoretical research, and climate modeling. This report summarizes the basic climatic variables of the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere, as well as the characteristics of climate change seen in extreme events and typical regions in China. It also analyzes the changes in natural and human driving factors affecting climate change and estimates the future trends of climate change in China. Compared with the Third National Assessment Report on Climate Change, this paper identifies the new features of this assessment report in terms of the structure and conclusions. At the same time, it is pointed out that the system of China' s climate change assessment report is continuously enriched and the understanding of scientific basis is constantly deep -ened. The paper also makes a preliminary comparison between this report and the report of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and proposes solutions to issues concerning climate change monitoring and diagnosis, detection and attribution, simulation estimation, instruments, and methods that China may face in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asset homogeneity of the sports industry and the exhibition industry, as well as the dynamic factors of the industry integration which consist of industrial policies, market demand, technological innovation, etc., finally completes the whole process of new business formats of sport integration through the three stages of technology integration, business integration and market integration. It promotes the scale growth and the structure optimization of the sports industry, accelerates its innovation, and helps build a new development pattern. However, there are still obstacles in the integration of planning, standards, talents, organizations, products and demands for the integration of sports and exhibition industries in China. Therefore, it is proposed to issue an industrial integration plan, improve industrial integration standards, reform the talent training mechanism, cultivate enterprise groups, and speed up technological innovation and digital transformation of the industry. At the same time, related business formats should be watched, which will provide path support and reference for the in-depth integration and development of the sports industry and exhibition industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, a massive surge of Omicron (a new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) is experiencing in several continents of the world (Asia, Europe, USA, etc.). Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the third variant of concern (VOC) that has emerged now in the COVID-19 pandemic after the Alpha (B.1.1.7) VOC (first reported in the UK in December 2020, followed by Delta (B.1.617.2) in mid-2021 in India). Omicron variant was emerged in South Africa and has now found in several countries. Methods: The spread of variants cannot be stopped because countries of the world are connected. This new variant can evade COVID-19 vaccine response and is highly transmissible because Omicron is differing from other variants in many aspects. Omicron has more mutations as compared to Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. Results: It was detected early on a global scale relative to other variants. The more opportunities viruses have to spread, the more it will replicate, the more opportunities virus has to undergo mutations, and create new variants. Omicron may not be horrible and serious as compared to Delta, but its early detection could prevent people. Omicron is an upper respiratory infection, whereas Delta resides in lower respiratory tract. Spread of Omicron is fast, but nothing can say about its severity because there is not much information available on Omicron. Conclusions: Currently, scientists and epidemiologists are working tirelessly together to find out what Omicron can do. This article explains genome structure of SARS-CoV-2, its pathogenesis, global upsurge, devastation, and future prospect.

Background: Currently, a massive surge of Omicron (a new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) is experiencing in several continents of the world (Asia, Europe, USA, etc.). Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the third variant of concern (VOC) that has emerged now in the COVID-19 pandemic after the Alpha (B.1.1.7) VOC (first reported in the UK in December 2020, followed by Delta (B.1.617.2) in mid-2021 in India). Omicron variant was emerged in South Africa and has now found in several countries. Methods: The spread of variants cannot be stopped because countries of the world are connected. This new variant can evade COVID-19 vaccine response and is highly transmissible because Omicron is differing from other variants in many aspects. Omicron has more mutations as compared to Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. Results: It was detected early on a global scale relative to other variants. The more opportunities viruses have to spread, the more it will replicate, the more opportunities virus has to undergo mutations, and create new variants. Omicron may not be horrible and serious as compared to Delta, but its early detection could prevent people. Omicron is an upper respiratory infection, whereas Delta resides in lower respiratory tract. Spread of Omicron is fast, but nothing can say about its severity because there is not much information available on Omicron. Conclusions: Currently, scientists and epidemiologists are working tirelessly together to find out what Omicron can do. This article explains genome structure of SARS-CoV-2, its pathogenesis, global upsurge, devastation, and future prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping has benefited the global agricultural sector in several ways. It is a critical farming practice for long-term productivity, agro-ecological improvement, land management, and land use. It is a well-known method to increase soil health and crop productivity. The impact of intercropping on the yield and production of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) has been investigated at the leaf, stem, and root level. However, there is limited information about how to determine the best planting density for maize-soybean intercropping (MSI). The benefits and drawbacks of MSI are discussed in this review. Intercropping maize and soybean improves resource use, lodging resistance, and pest and weed control according to the existing research. Furthermore, soybean has low light use efficiency (LUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) due to the deep shade created by the maize canopy. As a result, more research is required to discover the optimal planting density to improve light and radiation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants is the property of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Accommodation plays a crucial role in the attainment of quality education. International students are not eligible for housing benefits in most developed countries, including Australia. This, coupled with most Australian universities’ non-residential student accommodation policy, increases the housing affordability implications to international students. This study looks at the housing affordability experience of international students studying at three major public universities in Melbourne, including the University of Melbourne, Victoria University, and Monash University, to examine issues surrounding housing affordability relevance to international university students and their future prospects. This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a semi-structured survey questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions to collect data. The data was gathered from 100 international students. The responses to open-ended questions were quantified using content analysis and data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study found the majority of international students experience housing affordability issues in Melbourne. To cope with high accommodation costs, the international students share rooms with other students at the expense of diminished privacy and accommodation congestion. Also, the evidence suggests financial stress and having to live in substandard accommodation has a detrimental effect on international students’ personal development. The data gathered from open-ended questions further observed that most of the student’s expectations of living in individual rentals changed after arriving in Australia to shared-room accommodation due to lower housing affordability. Most international university students feel insecure about their outlook in Australia due to lower housing affordability, and accommodation costs will be a top consideration in their future decisions involving settlement in foreign countries.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the various typical spinel ferrite-based thin films with controlled synthesis, their performances, applications in multifunctional material fields, fundamental scientific challenges, and beyond. Firstly, the crystal structures of spinel ferrite-based thin films are introduced. Secondly, recent progress in traditional synthesizing and novel methods for preparation of spinel ferrite-based films are highlighted. Thirdly, their magnetism, electricity, optics performances, and applications in advanced information technology, energy storage and conversion, and environmental conservation fields are also summarized and discussed in-depth. Some effective strategies for optimizing performances and further applications are summarized. Finally, the present review work ends with a short discussion concerning the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects of spinel ferrite-based thin films.

Pesticides consumption along with its impact on different matrices of the environment has increased over past. Monitoring and risk assessment is important to know the exact scenario of pesticide toxicity of aquatic environment. The article compiles the number of studies on different stretches of river Ganga over past years. Risk quotient (RQ) method was used for the determination of potential risk of reported pesticides. Based on general (RQm) and worst-case (RQex) DDT and aldrin in the middle stretch of river Ganga show high risk. Regular monitoring along with compartmental studies is important to assess the pesticide pollution load and persistence in the river. Because hundreds of formulations are being used in the basin for agricultural purposes, detailed analysis and bio-magnification of all the pesticides should be appreciated.

Copyright of Multi-Knowledge Electronic Comprehensive Journal For Education & Science Publications (MECSJ) is the property of Multi-Knowledge Electronic Comprehensive Journal For Education & Science Publications (MECSJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is true that translation played an important role in the New Culture Movement (NCM). Without translation the NCM would not have taken place. Similarly, without translation Marxism would not have been introduced into China. But translation does not necessarily mean merely changing from one language into another, but rather, it is a sort of cultural interpretation and a catalyst of cultural transformation. In promoting Chinese literature and culture worldwide, we would not be able to achieve success without translation. We have drawn historical experiences and lessons from the successes and failures of the NCM that in translating Chinese literary and humanities works into foreign languages, we cannot merely depend on the traditional linguistic rendition, but call for a sort of cultural interpretation that is another type of translation. In the current rapid development of high technology and artificial intelligence, some of the functions of traditional translation may well be replaced. In translating Chinese cultural and humanities works into foreign languages, however, this kind of cross-cultural interpretation will play an irreplaceable role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (2Nrf2) is an essential leucine zipper protein (bZIP) that is primarily located in the cytoplasm under physiological conditions. Nrf2 principally modulates endogenous defense in response to oxidative stress in the brain.In this regard, Nrf2 translocates into the nucleus and heterodimerizes with the tiny Maf or Jun proteins. It then attaches to certain DNA locations in the nucleus, such as electrophile response elements (EpRE) or antioxidant response elements (ARE), to start the transcription of cytoprotective genes. Many neoplasms have been shown to have over activated Nrf2, strongly suggesting that it is responsible for tumors with a poor prognosis. Exactly like curcumin, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound has been shown to induce Nrf2 activation. In the cancer cell lines analyzed, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound can also display anticancer effects via diverse molecular mechanisms, including markedly increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) p62/SQSTM1 and the Nrf2 protein levels along with its targets. It also strikingly decreases the levels of Nrf2 inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein.As a result, the crosstalk between p62/SQSTM1 and Nrf2 could be used to improve cancer patient response to treatments. The interconnected anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of curcumin resulted from its modulatory effects on Nrf2 signaling pathway have been shown to improve insulin resistance. Curcumin exerts its anti-inflammatory impact through suppressing metabolic reactions and proteins such as Keap1 that provoke inflammation and oxidation. A rational amount of curcumin-activated antioxidant Nrf2 HO-1 and Nrf2-Keap1 pathways and upregulated the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase involved in the production of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Enhanced expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a modifier subunit (GLCM), inhibited transcription of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a catalytic subunit (GCLC). A variety of in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies has been done so far to confirm the protective role of curcumin via Nrf2 regulation. This manuscript is designed to provide a comprehensive review on the molecular aspects of curcumin and its derivatives/analogs via regulation of Nrf2 regulation.

Currently, new technologies have enabled the design of smart applications that are used as decision-making tools in the problems of daily life. The key issue in designing such an application is the increasing level of user interaction. Mixed reality (MR) is an emerging technology that deals with maximum user interaction in the real world compared to other similar technologies. Developing an MR application is complicated, and depends on the different components that have been addressed in previous literature. In addition to the extraction of such components, a comprehensive study that presents a generic framework comprising all components required to develop MR applications needs to be performed. This review studies intensive research to obtain a comprehensive framework for MR applications. The suggested framework comprises five layers: the first layer considers system components; the second and third layers focus on architectural issues for component integration; the fourth layer is the application layer that executes the architecture; and the fifth layer is the user interface layer that enables user interaction. The merits of this study are as follows: this review can act as a proper resource for MR basic concepts, and it introduces MR development steps and analytical models, a simulation toolkit, system types, and architecture types, in addition to practical issues for stakeholders such as considering MR different domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the foundation of The People's Republic of China 70 years ago, continuous improvements in the field of agricultural science and technology have led to significant progress in agricultural pest control strategies, which have been upgraded from primary agronomic measures in the 1950's to the current more efficient, scientific and environmental-friendly, green pest-management strategies. Chinese agricultural entomologists have successively clarified the outbreak principles of the major pests of rice, wheat, corn, cotton, vegetables and fruit crops, and have also innovated a number of monitoring, forecasting, biological and physical control, and eco-chemical regulation, technologies. They have also developed resistance management strategies, and insect-resistant crop breeding techniques, and have constructed a comprehensive control technology system for both important crops and major pests. Pest management models mainly driven by agronomic measures, source population monitoring and management, chemical pesticides, biological measures, and transgenic technology, have been used to control Locusta migratoria, Mythimna separata, the rice planthopper, Ostrinia furnacalis and Helicoverpa armigera, respectively, which have now become classic examples of agricultural pest control strategies worldwide. The rapid development of information technology, artificial intelligence, agricultural biotechnology, genome technology and other high throughput technologies, will promote continuous innovation in the fields of intelligent pest identification and forecasting, genetic diagnosis and rapid detection, targeted pesticide application, pest population genetics management, regional ecological control and transgenic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spontaneous combustion of coal seams is one of the major disasters in the mines, which seriously threatens the safe production of coal mines and endangers the safety of workers. Through the research on the current situation and development trend of coal mine fire prevention technology in China, the development history of coal mine fire prevention technology in China was traced. The basic principles and main features of coal mine fire monitoring technology, gel fire prevention technology, grouting fire prevention technology, inhibitor fire prevention technology and pressure equalization ventilation fire prevention technology were analyzed. The main achievements, applicability and existing problems of various fire prevention technologies in China were highlighted. Finally, the development direction and research trend of China's future mine fire prevention and control technology were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Timeline to peak CO 2 emissions remains hard to determine for the developing world. • China has a great chance to reach an earlier peak of CO 2 emissions before 2030. • Peaking CO 2 emissions by 2040 will be too high to pay for India and hardly to realize. • A rapid transition of major developing nations into low-carbon sustainable pathways. • Four topics urgently require further study in the future. Abstract The developing world will largely determine the trajectory of future global CO 2 emissions. An accurate projection of CO 2 emissions from the developing world and a good understanding of possible timelines and pathways to reach their peaks are of great significance to combat global climate change. This issue has recently attracted increasing attention; however, it is far from solved. China and India are the two largest developing countries and have a decisive influence on CO 2 emissions growth across the developing world. This article critically reviews the current literature regarding CO 2 emissions projections of the developing world, particularly of China and India, with an aim to summarize recent study progresses and enlighten future studies. It is generally agreed that China will peak its CO 2 emissions by 2030 and has an excellent chance of reaching an earlier peak during 2020–2030. By contrast, India is very likely to undergo sustained emissions growths for decades. The constraints of keeping global warming below 2 °C may enable India to peak CO 2 emissions by 2040; however, the associated costs will be too high to pay. Across the developing world, the timeline to peak CO 2 emission remains difficult to determine; however, a rapid transition of major developing countries towards low-carbon sustainable development is essential for reaching such a peak. Four topics urgently require further study in the future: improvements in study methodology and data, key country groups and fields to peak CO 2 emissions, the peak morphology and post-peak CO 2 emissions in China, and a more in-depth understanding of the timeline and pathway to peak CO 2 emissions in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, new technologies have enabled the design of smart applications that are used as decision-making tools in the problems of daily life. The key issue in designing such an application is the increasing level of user interaction. Mixed reality (MR) is an emerging technology that deals with maximum user interaction in the real world compared to other similar technologies. Developing an MR application is complicated, and depends on the different components that have been addressed in previous literature. In addition to the extraction of such components, a comprehensive study that presents a generic framework comprising all components required to develop MR applications needs to be performed. This review studies intensive research to obtain a comprehensive framework for MR applications. The suggested framework comprises five layers: the first layer considers system components; the second and third layers focus on architectural issues for component integration; the fourth layer is the application layer that executes the architecture; and the fifth layer is the user interface layer that enables user interaction. The merits of this study are as follows: this review can act as a proper resource for MR basic concepts, and it introduces MR development steps and analytical models, a simulation toolkit, system types, and architecture types, in addition to practical issues for stakeholders such as considering MR different domains.

Buffalo is considered as a triple purpose animal that provides milk, meat and draught power to mankind. The ideal environmental conditions for buffalo are floodplains with plenty of grasses and water supply. However, buffalo are also raised in many different climatic conditions, other that of their origin, in various parts of the world with the help of facilities such as barns and sheds. The world buffalo population has shown a growing trend in recent decades. The aim of the present research is to review and analyse the current status and future prospects of water buffalo domestication in Turkey in a geographical context. Water buffalo were used in Turkey as a draught animal along with production of meat, milk and related dairy products for a long time. However, buffalo domestication has been neglected in Turkey for several decades and no effort has been made to revive this sector. Therefore, a declining trend in the buffalo population has been observed since the 1980s for several reaseons including increased mechanisation, changes in livestock preferences, intensification of agriculture and livestock, and changes in consumer behaviour. Geographical distribution of the animal reveals a high concentration in Eastern Black Sea and Marmara regions of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, further expansion of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and adults with CHD (ACHD) and evolution of specialized care facilities for pediatric cardiology and ACHD can be anticipated in the Asia-Pacific countries. These patients have a lot of problems to be solved now and in next decade, and they include various medical issues including issues specific to oriental populations, psychosocial issues, establishment of CHD care facilities and so on. We now have two established societies namely, Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiology Society (APPCS) and Asia Pacific Society for Adult Congenital Heart Disease (APSACHD). Through these Societies, we should solve these problems by promoting international collaborative studies and support projects to facilitate the rapid progress that is desperately needed in the field in the Asia Pacific Region.

Forward osmosis (FO) is becoming a versatile platform membrane-based technology, which has received increasing attention recently. Despite several studies have proved that membrane fouling is less detrimental to FO performance than other membrane processes, membrane fouling is also one of the major drawbacks for FO and has raised extensive concern over the recent years. Moreover, fouling layer formation mechanisms and fouling control ways often significantly different resulted from diverse types of foulants. This paper provides an up-to-date review of the FO membrane fouling behaviors and pays special attention to various foulants during the FO operation. For the sake of investigating fouling behaviors in FO processes, a clear cognition of membrane fouling monitoring methods is a prerequisite and foundation for researchers. Therefore, we briefly summarize the advanced membrane fouling research techniques based on the indicators for membrane fouling. Besides, we demonstrate the differences between FO and reverse osmosis in the various types of membrane fouling since they help guide future investigations in FO membrane fouling. Furthermore, the challenges still faced and perspectives for the future of investigations on FO membrane fouling have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Recent advances on optical biosensors for microbial toxins detection were reviewed. • Strategies for improving the analytical performance were highlighted. • Optical biosensors based on various signal transducers were reviewed. • Challenges and future prospects of optical biosensors were discussed. Microbial toxins with high toxicity have caused significant threats to human health, economics and ecological environment, attracting considerable attentions around the world. Developing specific, highly sensitive, reliable, rapid and cost-effective detection technologies is essential to confront such threats. In recent years, novel optical biosensors due to their simple design, autonomous operation, fast response, high-frequency monitoring without extensive sample preparation and excellent recognition capability have been applied in the ultrasensitive detection of trace microbial toxins. In this paper, the recent advances of various novel optical biosensors for microbial toxins determination are summarized with emphasis on fluorescent, colorimetric, chemiluminescent, electrochemiluminescent, surface plasmon resonance and surface enhanced Raman scattering biosensors. Furthermore, the advantages, current development status, limitations in practical application, and future prospects of these technologies were also discussed comprehensively. It is expected to promote the future development and wide application of optical biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the process of regaining meaning after spinal cord injury. The study had a longitudinal case study design, in which twelve patients suffering from sudden damage of the spinal cord were followed by field observation and narrative interviews. Data was analysed from a phenomenological-hermeneutic perspective. Seventy-eight interviews were conducted over a two-year period. The main finding was that the process of regaining meaning after a spinal cord injury proceeded through six phases; Surviving physically and regaining vitality, Moving back to life where possibilities present themselves, Working with progress to pursue possibilities, Fading progress narrow possibilities down, Exploiting limited possibilities, and Living a life with qualities despite limitations. The core was the patient's imagination of a future worth going for, and of whether the present situation made this future seem possible. The balance between present and future concerns was very vulnerable to influence from the environment. The paper illuminates the delicacy of the situation and of how minor elements may disturb the balance and hence upset the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The harsh climate in Sudan presents unique challenges in meeting growing demands for power and water. The international demand of water increases compared to the available water resources, due to recent development water resources for different uses. In many areas especially in Red Sea areas, there is serious a shortage of potable water. These areas are enjoyed with a high intensity of solar energy. The move towards a de-carbonised world, driven partly by climate science and partly by the business opportunities it offers, will need the promotion of environmentally friendly alternatives, if an acceptable stabilisation level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is to be achieved. This requires the harnessing and use of natural resources that produce no air pollution or greenhouse gases and provides comfortable coexistence of human, livestock, and plants. This study reviews the energy-using technologies based on natural resources, which are available to and applicable in the farming industry. Among these are greenhouses, which are necessary for the growth of some plants (i.e., vegetables, flowers, etc.), in severe climates. Globally, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of the total world annual energy consumption. Most of this energy is for the provision of lighting, heating, cooling, and air conditioning. Increasing awareness of the environmental impact of CO2 and NO x emissions and CFCs triggered a renewed interest in environmentally friendly cooling, and heating technologies. Under the 1997 Montreal Protocol, governments agreed to phase out chemicals used as refrigerants that have the potential to destroy stratospheric ozone. It was therefore considered desirable to reduce energy consumption and decrease the rate of depletion of world energy reserves and pollution of the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of poultry production and its future prospects in Bangladesh, covering both rural and commercial poultry production. As an important sub-sector of livestock production, the poultry industry in Bangladesh plays a crucial role in economic growth and simultaneously creates numerous employment opportunities. The poultry industry, as a fundamental part of animal production, is committed to supplying the nation with a cheap source of good quality nutritious animal protein in terms of meat and eggs. Two main systems of poultry production are common in Bangladesh nowadays: commercial poultry production – where birds are kept in total confinement, and traditional scavenging or semi-scavenging poultry production. Approximately 20% of the protein consumed in Bangladesh originates from poultry. With the exception the dip in production due to the recent Avian Influenza outbreak, the growth of this industry in terms of standards of commercialization, is very rapid. A gap still exists between the requirement and supply of poultry meat and eggs within the recent frame-work of the informal marketing system that is currently used. Among poultry species, the chicken population is dominant over others, at almost 90%, followed by ducks (8%) and a small number of quail, pigeons and geese. Free range ‘backyard’ and scavenging poultry, that are traditionally reared by rural women and children, still play an important role in generating family income, in addition to improving the family's diet with eggs and meat. Productive and reproductive performance of indigenous birds is relatively very low (35-40 eggs and 1-1.5 kg meat per bird per year), but genetic improvements by selective breeding, along with adequate nutrition and proper management, looks promising and quite possible. Commercial poultry production in Bangladesh, is conducted on an industrial scale and is growing tremendously in spite of recent difficulties but is expected to make a significant contribution to the economic development of the country. A national poultry policy is expected to be approved by the government shortly, which, when implemented, will improve the organization of production and marketing, allowing increased stability and security of output throughout the year. In addition, efforts should be taken to ensure safety standards of poultry meat and eggs for human consumption. Experts from the government, research institutes, universities, NGOs and other relevant sectors need to work in a collaborative manner in order to allow sustainable production and fight challenges jointly when they appear from time to time. Corresponding attention to research and development will allow the poultry sector to flourish in Bangladesh. As government funding is limited, industrialists need to come forward either to establish their respective research facilities or to provide funds to universities and research institutes in order to undertake research works of national and international importance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (2Nrf2) is an essential leucine zipper protein (bZIP) that is primarily located in the cytoplasm under physiological conditions. Nrf2 principally modulates endogenous defense in response to oxidative stress in the brain.In this regard, Nrf2 translocates into the nucleus and heterodimerizes with the tiny Maf or Jun proteins. It then attaches to certain DNA locations in the nucleus, such as electrophile response elements (EpRE) or antioxidant response elements (ARE), to start the transcription of cytoprotective genes. Many neoplasms have been shown to have over activated Nrf2, strongly suggesting that it is responsible for tumors with a poor prognosis. Exactly like curcumin, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound has been shown to induce Nrf2 activation. In the cancer cell lines analyzed, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound can also display anticancer effects via diverse molecular mechanisms, including markedly increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) p62/SQSTM1 and the Nrf2 protein levels along with its targets. It also strikingly decreases the levels of Nrf2 inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein.As a result, the crosstalk between p62/SQSTM1 and Nrf2 could be used to improve cancer patient response to treatments. The interconnected anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of curcumin resulted from its modulatory effects on Nrf2 signaling pathway have been shown to improve insulin resistance. Curcumin exerts its anti-inflammatory impact through suppressing metabolic reactions and proteins such as Keap1 that provoke inflammation and oxidation. A rational amount of curcumin-activated antioxidant Nrf2 HO-1 and Nrf2-Keap1 pathways and upregulated the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase involved in the production of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Enhanced expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a modifier subunit (GLCM), inhibited transcription of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a catalytic subunit (GCLC). A variety of in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies has been done so far to confirm the protective role of curcumin via Nrf2 regulation. This manuscript is designed to provide a comprehensive review on the molecular aspects of curcumin and its derivatives/analogs via regulation of Nrf2 regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties in acquisition, processing, market, and other stages of the closed-loop supply chain have greatly added to the complexity of remanufacturing and have reduced process efficiency, impeding the sustainable development of industries and circular economy. Recently, an increasing number of studies have been published that focus on the uncertainty analysis of closed-loop supply chain. Thus, this article aims to examine previous research on the uncertainties that are inherent characteristics of a closed-loop supply chain, and to provide constructive prospects for future research. Based on these aims, we selected 302 papers published in the "Web of Science" core database from 2004 to 2018. We analyze the causes of uncertainties at different stages, and identify appropriate methods for quantifying the impacts of the uncertainties on production processes. As a result, from a macro level, and based on a visualization method, we present the themes, development, and evolution of popular research topics in the previous literature. From a micro level, and based on the methodology, we conduct a systematic evaluation of uncertainty factors, methods, and solutions. Finally, we clarify a breakthrough point for future research. By optimizing the impacts of uncertainties on closed-loop supply chain, we can effectively and efficiently realize sustainable development and cleaner production in a closed-loop supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of innovative materials is one of the most important focus areas in heritage conservation research. Eligible materials can not only protect the physical and chemical integrity of artworks but also preserve their artistic and aesthetic features. Recently, as one of the hot research topics in materials science, biomimetic superhydrophobic materials have gradually attracted the attention of conservation scientists due to their unique properties. In fact, ultra-repellent materials are particularly suitable for hydrophobization treatments on outdoor artworks. Owing to their excellent hydrophobicity, superhydrophobic materials can effectively prevent the absorption and penetration of liquid water as well as the condensation of water vapor, thus greatly relieving water-induced decay phenomena. Moreover, in the presence of liquid water, the superhydrophobic surfaces equipped with a self-cleaning property can clean the dirt and dust deposited spontaneously, thereby restoring the artistic features simultaneously. In the present paper, besides the basic principles of wetting on solid surfaces, materials, and methods reported for preparing bioinspired ultra-repellent materials, the recently proposed materials for art conservation are also introduced and critically reviewed, along with a discussion on the droplet impact and durability of the artificial superhydrophobic surfaces. Lastly, the current status and the problems encountered in practical application are also pointed out, and the focus of future research is presented as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]