bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Biting Rate and Decreased Wolbachia Density in Irradiated Aedes Mosquitoes
Authors: Moretti Riccardo , Lampazzi Elena , Damiani Claudia , Fabbri Giulia , Lombardi Giulia , Pioli Claudio , Desiderio Angiola , Serrao Aurelio , Calvitti Maurizio
Published: November 2021

Background: Releasing considerable numbers of radiation-sterilized males is a promising strategy to suppress mosquito vectors. However, releases may also include small percentages of biting females which translate to large numbers when releases are large.Currently, the effects of irradiation on the host-seeking and host-biting behaviors have not been exhaustively investigated. Information is also lacking regarding the effects of sterilizing treatment on the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which is known to affect the vector competence of infected mosquitos.Methods: To ascertain the effects of irradiation on females, the pupae of two Aedes albopictus strains, differing in their natural or artificial Wolbachia infection type, and Ae. aegypti—which is not infected by Wolbachia—were treated with various doses of X-rays and monitored for key fitness parameters and biting behavior over a period of two weeks. The effect of radiation on Wolbachia was investigated by qPCR and FISH analysis.Results: Partial Ae. albopictus female sterility was achieved at 28 Gy but the number of weekly bites more than doubled compared to that of the controls. Radiation doses of 35 and 45 Gy completely inhibited progeny production but did not significantly affect the survival or flight ability of Ae. albopictus females and caused a tripling of the number of bites per female per week (compared to untreated controls). These results were also confirmed in Ae. aegypti after treatment at 50 Gy. Wolbachia density decreased significantly in 45-Gray-irradiated females, with the greatest decreases in the early irradiation group (26±2-hour-old pupae). Wolbachia density also decreased as adults aged. This trend was confirmed in ovaries but not in extra-ovarian tissues. FISH analysis showed a strongly reduced Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in the ovaries of 13±1-day-old females.Conclusions: These results suggest that, under SIT programs, the vector capacity of a target population could increase with the frequency of the irradiated females co-released with the sterile males due to an increased biting rate. In the context of a successful suppression, the related safety issues could be generally negligible, but they should be conservatively evaluated when large scale programs relying on imperfect sexing and high overflooding release ratios are run for long time in areas endemic for arboviral diseases. Also, the effects of irradiation on the vector competence deserve further investigation.
Prediction of Unconfined Compressive Strength of Microfine Cement Injected Sands Using Fuzzy Logic Method
Authors: Yildirim Eray , Avci Eyubhan , Tanbay Nurten Akgün
Published: November 2021

In this study, unconfined compressive strength values of sand soil injected with microfine cement were predicted using fuzzy logic method. Mamdani and Sugeno methods were applied in the fuzzy logic models. In addition, a regression analysis was carried out in order to compare these two methods. In the models, water/cement ratio and injection pressure were the input variables, and unconfined compressive strength was the output variable. The dataset includes 427 samples, which were experimentally injected with microfine cement. Predictions for unconfined compressive strength were obtained by creating membership functions and rule base for each input (predictive) parameter in fuzzy logic models. The coefficient of determination (R2) and Mean Square Error (MSE) were used as criteria for evaluating the performance of the developed models. The results suggested that the three applied models (i.e. Mamdani, Sugeno and regression) provided statistically significant results, and these methods could be used in the future prediction-based studies. The results showed that Sugeno model provided the best performance for predicting unconfined compressive strength. It was followed by Mamdani and Regression models, respectively. This study has suggested that the fuzzy logic method can be an alternative to the regression method which traditionally has been used in prediction process.
Deep Learning Based Models: Basic LSTM, Bi LSTM, Stacked LSTM, CNN LSTM and Conv LSTM to Forecast Agricultural Commodities Prices
Authors: Murugesan R. , Mishra Eva , Krishnan Akash Hari
Published: November 2021

The literature argues that an accurate price prediction of agricultural goods is a quintessence to assure a good functioning of the economy all over the world. Research reveals that studies with application of deep learning in the tasks of agricultural price forecast on short historical agricultural prices data are very scarce and insist on the use of different methods of deep learning to predict and to this reaction of filling the gap, this study employs five versions of LSTM deep learning techniques for the task of five agricultural commodities prices prediction on univariate time series dataset of Rice, Wheat, Gram, Banana, and Groundnut spanning January 2000 to July 2020. The study obtained good forecasting results for all five commodities employing all the five LSTM models. The study validated the results with lower values of error metrics, MAE, MAPE, MSE, and RMSE and two paired t-test with hypothesis and confidence level of 95% as a measure of robustness. The study predicted the one month ahead future price for all the five commodities and compared it with actual prices using said LSTM models and obtained promising results.
Comparing Two Types of Endometrial Scratch Before Embryo Transfer: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Goldrick Kathryn M , Marshburn Paul B , Matthews Michelle L , Usadi Rebecca S , Papadakis Margaret A , Hurst Bradley S
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Although endometrial scratch may improve outcomes in certain groups of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), the type of endometrial procedure has not been specified. Our objective was to determine if two types of endometrial scratch prior to embryo transfer result in similar implantation and live birth rates. Also, to determine if patients experience similar pain from both types of endometrial scratch.Methods: This was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial with parallel treatment arms of women undergoing blastocyst embryo transfer. Patients underwent endometrial scratch with either vigorous Pipelle curette or four-quadrant scratch with the Shepard insemination catheter.Results: There were 78 patients in the Pipelle curette group and 92 in the Shepard catheter group. There was no difference in implantation rates for the two groups (56.5% ±48 for Pipelle curette group vs. 59.7%±52 for Shepard catheter group, p-value 0.9). Live birth rates were also similar for the two groups (48.1% ±50 for Pipelle curette group vs. 46.8%±50 for Shepard catheter group, p-value 0.7). Mean pain score was significantly less for the Shepard catheter group than for the Pipelle curette group (3.0±2.4 vs. 3.9±2.2, p-value 0.01).Conclusions: Our study demonstrates no difference in implantation or live birth rates for two types of endometrial scratch. There was a difference in patient pain scales with endometrial scratch by a Shepard insemination catheter having a significantly lower pain score than by Pipelle curette. This data gives guidance as to the type of endometrial scratch to be performed prior to ART.
High frequency plant regeneration of Chrysopogon zizanioides via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis-an underutilized pharmaceutically valuable biofuel plant
Authors: Monisha M. Merlin , Prakash M. , Saravanan K.R. , R Anandan
Published: November 2021

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is an essential oil-producing plant that has tremendous application in cosmetics, perfumery, and herbal medicine. Natural sterility and indiscriminate harvests lead to the risk of extinction of plant species in natural habitats. Therefore, a protocol for regeneration systems via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis using node, leaf, and root explants has been standardized. The highest shoot regeneration frequency (72.2%) through organogenesis was attained from node explants on MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium comprising 2.0 mg L-1 BAP (“6-benzylaminopurine”). Concurrently, leaf explants cultivated on MS medium augmented by 1.0 mg L-1, 2, 4-D (“2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid”) formed the optimal frequency (75.35%) of white friable compact (WFC) callus. However, the root explant was less responsive for WFC callus induction. Organogenic WFC callus cultivated on MS medium fortified by kinetin (1.0 mg L-1) as well as BAP (1.0 mg L-1) revealed the highest shoot regeneration efficiency (75.49%) with 48 shoots per callus. Adventitious shoots obtained from node and WFC callus of both leaf and root explants cultivated on MS medium increased by NAA (2.0 mg L-1 showed the optimal rooting of 76.97%. Concomitantly, an elevated frequency of somatic embryogenesis (52.50%) was recorded from leaf explants on MS medium using BAP (0.5 mg L-1) & 2, 4-D (1.0 mg L-1). Leaf explants were superior to node and root explants for somatic embryo initiation. The cotyledonary embryos were efficiently germinated into complete plantlets on a hormone-free MS medium. The plantlets gathered from organogenesis & somatic embryo genesis was effectively acclimatized into phenomenally similar plants. This technique may be applicable for wide-range propagation, genetic engineering, and the formation of bioactive compounds.
Rituximab in Combination with Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin in Patients with Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Phase I Trial
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Yun , Lien Ming-Yu , Lin Chen-Yuan , Lo Wen-Jyi , Hua Chung-Hung , Chang Wei-Chao , Chiu Chang-Fang , Lin Ching-Chan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) remains challenging. Preclinical studies revealed that B cell depletion could modulate the microenvironment and overcome chemoresistance. We conducted a phase I study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of B cell depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab to treat HNSCC.MethodsTen patients were enrolled into two protocols. The first four patients treated using protocol 1 received rituximab 1000 mg on days −14 and −7, followed by gemcitabine/cisplatin every 3 weeks, and rituximab was administered every 6 months thereafter. Because of disease hyperprogression, protocol 1 was amended to protocol 2, which consisted of the concomitant administration of rituximab 375 mg/m2 and gemcitabine/cisplatin every 3 weeks. Another six patients were enrolled and treated using protocol 2.ResultsThree patients treated using protocol 1 exhibited rapid disease progression, and the remaining patient could not undergo evaluation after rituximab treatment. Conversely, no unpredicted harm was observed in the six patients treated using protocol 2. Among these patients, one achieved complete response, and two had partial responses. The disease-free durations in these patients were 7.0, 6.2, and 7.1 months, respectively. Immune cell analysis revealed a higher ratio of cytotoxic T cells to regulatory T cells in responders than in non-responders.ConclusionsB cell depletion using rituximab alone in patients with HNSCC can cause hyperprogressive disease. Contrarily, the co-administration of rituximab and cisplatin/gemcitabine was feasible and safe.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04361409, 24/April/2020, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04361409
Dual-modal Assessment for in Vivo Investigation of Neurovascular Characteristic of Cerebral Edema Induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Li Weitao , Zhang Yameng , Xie Qian , Yang Yamin , Yao Liuye , Ning Xue , Qian zhiyu
Published: November 2021

The pathological features of cerebral edema are complicated, but usually only intracranial pressure (ICP) is regarded as the most important indicator for monitoring cerebral edema. The research focused on investigating the neurovascular characteristic of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cerebral edema model in rats by using simultaneous electrophysical and hemodynamic recording. The results showed that neurophysiology (firing rate (FR), interval histogram index (ISI), and the power spectrum of local field potential (LFPs power)) and hemodynamic response (oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) and relative cerebral blood flow (CBF)) were linearly related, and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was determined by the BBB integrity after LPS injection. Furtherly, the improvement of treatment after two agents were observed successfully through these neurophysiological and hemodynamic parameters. The optical-electrical joint method provided a technical solution for cerebral edema functional monitoring and anti-edema drug efficacy evaluation. Our findings revealed the neurovascular and BBB impact of cerebral edema and improved the limitation of in vivo pathological diagnosis of cerebral edema.
Experimental Research On the Performance of a Novel Geo-Filament Anchor For An Earthen Architectural Site
Authors: Yulan Wang , Jian Guo , Weixi Zhang , Fan Lei
Published: November 2021

An efficient anchoring method, explicitly developed for small sliders, has hitherto been missing in the practice of earthen architecture conservation. Furthermore, anchoring performance studies conducted so far, have failed to fully take into account the soil characteristics of certain targets. To address these concerns, the conservation project conceived for the Gaochang Ruins, Turpan, in China, was selected as the testing ground to design a novel Geotechnical Filament Anchor (GFA) for reinforcing small sliders in the earthen historical ramparts. In-situ experiments were conducted for evaluating six parameters—anchoring length (L), GF thickness (H), bore diameter (D), grouting strength (S), GFA surface status (R), and inclination angle (A). These parameters were varied in order to determine the effect they produce on anchoring performance, as demonstrated by the indicators, including tensile strength, destruction mode, load displacement (P-S) relation, and strain (ζ-L) distribution characteristics of the novel GFA. Data acquired from the experiments, in combination with the conservation specifics of earthen architectural sites, anchoring performance, and safety reserve, were further employed to introduce a calculation formula for computing the designed force value (N) through L. A simplified model depicting the shear stress distribution of the anchoring system under N was devised by extracting the strain distribution data with respect to the GF-grouting interface. Taking into account the soil properties of the above-mentioned site, the shear stress diffusion coefficient (α) was conceptualized, the formula for the shear strength of the grouting material was devised, and the tolerable ranges of L, D, H, R, and S were determined. Thus, a feasible anchoring method for small sliders used in earthen architectural sites is proposed, and validated by strong and reliable experimental and theoretical groundwork.
Observation of optical gyromagnetic properties in a magneto-plasmonic metamaterial
Authors: Yang Weihao , Liu Qing , Wang Hanbin , Chen Yiqin , Yang Run , Xia Shuang , Luo Yi , Deng Longjiang , Qin Jun , Duan Huigao , Bi Lei
Published: November 2021

Metamaterials with artificial optical properties have attracted significant research interest. In particular, artificial magnetic resonances in non-unity permeability tensor at optical frequencies in metamaterials have been reported. However, only non-unity diagonal elements of the permeability tensor have been demonstrated to date. A gyromagnetic permeability tensor with non-zero off-diagonal elements has not been observed at the optical frequencies. Here we report the observation of gyromagnetic properties in the near-infrared wavelength range in a magneto-plasmonic metamaterial. The non-zero off-diagonal permeability tensor element causes the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) under s-polarized incidence that otherwise vanishes if the permeability tensor is not gyromagnetic. By retrieving the permeability tensor elements from reflection, transmission, and TMOKE spectra, we show that the effective off-diagonal permeability tensor elements reach the 10-3 level at the resonance wavelength (~900 nm) of the split-ring resonators that is at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of magneto-optical materials at the same wavelength. The artificial gyromagnetic permeability is attributed to the change in the local electric field direction modulated by the split-ring resonators. Our study demonstrates the possibility of engineering the permeability and permittivity tensors in metamaterials at arbitrary frequencies, thereby promising a variety of applications of next-generation nonreciprocal photonic devices, magneto-plasmonic sensors, and active metamaterials.
Realtalk Evidence-Based Communication Training: Development of a Conversation Analysis-Based Intervention Designed to be Delivered by Clinical Trainers
Authors: Parry Ruth , Whittaker Becky , Pino Marco , Jenkins Laura , Worthington Esme , Faull Christina
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUNDCommunication skills training for professionals caring for people with life-limiting conditions is in demand. Evidence shows that transfer of skills into practice is limited. Training can be improved by building on in-depth evidence and reflecting the complexity of actual interactions. Scientific advances from direct observational ‘conversation analytic’ studies of conversations in healthcare and beyond provide this evidence, but the linguistic complexities are often inaccessible to clinical trainers. We address this dilemma via a novel training initiative, ‘RealTalk’, designed to support trainers by increasing the authenticity and evidence base of end-of-life communication training for health and social care staff and trainees.METHODSWe conducted a development study to create a communication intervention for testing. In collaboration with stakeholders, we identified the rationale for the content and mode of delivery, converted research findings into an applied intervention, and tested and refined the intervention prior to launching the finished product. RESULTSUsing a conversation analytic approach, we made and analysed video recordings of real-life palliative care consultations in a large UK hospice. We transformed our findings into preliminary training resources comprising clips from the video recordings and accompanying written materials. We shared the materials with an advisory group of clinicians, educators and researchers. Based on feedback, we modified the materials. Trainers in UK higher education institutions, healthcare organisations and independent hospices piloted our materials within their own training and fed back. Further modifications followed in readiness for evaluation of acceptability, usability and effects on practice. The first version of RealTalk comprised two training modules, on ‘Broaching Dying’ and ‘Life Expectancy Enquiries’. Each module includes video clips from several patient cases, alongside written transcripts, case synopses and evidence-based learning points. CONCLUSIONSThe authentic and evidence-based RealTalk resources support experiential and reflective learning, focused on a range of communication problems and practices, for trainees from a wide range of backgrounds. Our process for developing RealTalk can serve as a prototype for developing other communication training resources based on data and findings from observational research on (recordings of) real-life interpersonal interactions.
WITHDRAWN: A Novel Endoscopic Nasopharyngectomy Technique Using Low-Temperature Plasma Radiofrequency Ablation with Piece Resection In Resectable Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Operative Video and Technical Nuances
Authors: Zou Xiong , Hua Yi-Jun , Liu You-Ping , Xie Yu-Long , Ouyang Yan-Feng , Liu Yong-Long , Wang Zhi-Qiang , You Rui , Ding Xi , Yang Qi , Yu Zi-Kun , Huang Pei-Yu , Chen Ming-Yuan
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Endoscopic nasopharyngectomy (ENPG) with en bloc resection has been well accepted in resectable locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC), but it is difficult to master the technique and disseminate. We designed a novel method using low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation (LPRA) with piece resection and evaluated the survival benefit.Materials and Methods: A total of 56 resectable rNPC patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the following factors were assessed: ratio of R0 margin, overall survival rate (OS), local relapse-free survival rate (LRFS), and progression-free survival rate (PFS).Results: All surgeries were successfully performed without any severe postoperative complications or deaths. The median operation time was 130 minutes (range, 32–280 minutes), with little blood loss (median, 30 ml; range, 5–500 ml). The average number of hospital days postoperation was 3 days (range, 2–5 days). All cases (100.0%) had R0 margins. The nasopharyngeal defects were completely re-epithelialized in 53 (94.6%) patients. The 2-year OS, LRFS, and PFS rates of the entire cohort were 100%, 90.7% and 88.6%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated that cycles of radiotherapy were independent risk factors for LRFS (hazard ratio [HR], 16.607; 95% CI 1.638–168.417; P = 0.017) and PFS (HR, 7.424; 95% CI 1.190–46.320; P = 0.032).Conclusions: Radical endoscopic nasopharyngectomy is a novel, safe and relatively easier method for treating resectable rNPC by using low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation with piece resection. However, further data and longer follow-up time are needed to prove its efficacy.
Revealing RCOR2 as a regulatory component of nuclear speckles
Authors: Rivera Carlos , Verbel Daniel , Arancibia Duxan , Lappala Anna , González Marcela , Guzmán Fabián , Merello Gianluca , Lee Jeannie T. , Andrés María Estela
Published: November 2021

Background
Nuclear processes such as transcription and RNA maturation can be impacted by subnuclear compartmentalization in condensates and nuclear bodies. Here we characterize the nature of nuclear granules formed by REST corepressor 2 (RCOR2), a nuclear protein essential for pluripotency maintenance and central nervous system development.
Results
Using biochemical approaches and high-resolution microscopy, we reveal that RCOR2 is localized in nuclear speckles across multiple cell types, including neurons in the brain. RCOR2 forms complexes with nuclear speckle components such as SON, SRSF7, and SRRM2. When cells are exposed to chemical stress, RCOR2 behaves as a core component of the nuclear speckle and is stabilized by RNA. In turn, nuclear speckle morphology appears to depend on RCOR2. Specifically, RCOR2 knockdown results larger nuclear speckles, whereas overexpressing RCOR2 leads to smaller and rounder nuclear speckles.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that RCOR2 is a regulatory component of the nuclear speckle bodies, setting this co-repressor protein as a factor that controls nuclear speckles behavior.
Automatic Detection of Arrhythmias From An ECG Signal Using An Auto-Encoder And SVM Classifier
Authors: Ojha Manoj Kumar , Wadhwani Sulochna , Wadhwani Arun Kumar , Shukla Anupam
Published: November 2021

Millions of people worldwide are affected by arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are abnormal activity of the heart functioning. Some arrhythmias are harmful to the heart and can cause sudden mortality. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a significant tool in cardiology for the diagnosis of arrhythmia beats. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been proposed in several studies to automatically classify different types of arrhythmias from ECG signals. To improve the classification of arrhythmias, a new end-to-end feature learning and classification model has been developed. This work focuses on the implementation of a one-dimensional convolution neural network (1D-CNN) model based on an auto-encoder convolution network (ACN) that learned the best ECG features from each heartbeat window. After that, we applied a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier for auto-encode features in order to detect the four different types of arrhythmic beats, including normal beats. These arrhythmia beats are left bundle branch block (L), right bundle branch block (R), paced beats (P), and premature ventricular contractions (V). using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The statistical performance of the model is evaluated using tenfold cross-validation strategies and obtained as an overall accuracy of 98.84%, average accuracy of 99.53%, sensitivity of 98.24% and precision of 97.58%, respectively. This model has presents better results than other state-of-the-art models. Therefore, this approach may also help in clinical heart care systems.
Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients With Secondary Antibody Deficiency: Successful Clearance Following Combination Casirivimab and Imdevimab (REGN-COV2) Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Authors: Taha Yusri , Wardle Hayley , Evans Adam B. , Hunter Ewan R. , Marr Helen , Osborne Wendy , Bashton Matthew , Smith Darren , Burton-Fanning Shirelle , Schmid Matthias L. , Duncan Christopher J A
Published: November 2021

Background
There is growing evidence that antibody responses play a role in the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with primary or secondary antibody deficiency are at increased risk of persistent infection. This challenging clinical scenario is associated with adverse patient outcome and potentially creates an ecological niche for the evolution of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with immune evasion capacity. Case reports and/or series have implied a therapeutic role for passive immunisation with convalescent plasma (CP) to secure virological clearance, although concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of CP and its potential to drive viral evolution, and it has largely been withdrawn from clinical use in the UK.
Case presentation:
We report two cases in which persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection was cleared following administration of the monoclonal antibody combination casirivimab and imdevimab (REGN-COV2, Ronapreve). A 55-year-old male with follicular lymphoma, treated with B cell depleting therapy, developed SARS-CoV-2 infection in September 2020 which then persisted for over 200 days. He was hospitalised on four occasions with COVID-19 and suffered debilitating fatigue and malaise throughout. There was no clinical response to antiviral therapy with remdesivir or CP, and SARS-CoV-2 was consistently detected in nasopharyngeal swabs. Intrahost evolution of several spike variants of uncertain significance was identified by viral sequence analysis. Delivery of REGN-COV2, in combination with remdesivir, was associated with clinical improvement and viral clearance within 6 days, which was sustained for over 150 days despite immunotherapy for relapsed follicular lymphoma. The second case, a 68-year-old female with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia on ibrutinib, also developed persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite a lack of response to remdesivir, infection promptly cleared following REGN-COV2 in combination with remdesivir, accompanied by resolution of inflammation and full clinical recovery that has been maintained for over 290 days.
Conclusions
These cases highlight the potential benefit of REGN-COV2 as therapy for persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in antibody deficient individuals, including after failure of CP treatment. Formal clinical studies are warranted to assess the effectiveness of REGN-COV2 in antibody-deficient patients.
Enhanced antibacterial activity through silver nanoparticles deposited onto carboxylated graphene oxide surface
Authors: Barjola Arturo , Tormo María Ángeles , Sahuquillo Oscar , Bernabé Patricia , Pérez José Manuel , Gimenez Enrique
Published: November 2021

The strong bactericidal action of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is usually limited for their degree of aggregation. Deposition of AgNPs onto a graphene oxide (GO) surface to generate GO-Ag hybrids has been shown to be an effective method to control these aggregation problems. In this sense, a novel carboxylated graphene oxide-silver nanoparticle (GOCOOH-Ag) material has been synthesized and their antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition have been studied.AgNPs decorating the GOCOOH surface achieved an average size of 6.74±0.25 nm, which was smaller than those of AgNPs deposited onto the GO surface. In addition, better distribution of AgNPs was obtained using carboxylated material. It is important to highlight the main role of the carboxylic groups in the nucleation and growth of the AgNPs that decorate the GO-based material surface.In vitro antibacterial activity and antibiofilm-forming action were tested against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). Both GO-Ag and GOCOOH-Ag reduced the bacterial growth, analyzed by time-kill curves. However, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of GOCOOH-Ag were lower than those of GO-Ag for all strains studied, indicating that GOCOOH-Ag has better antibacterial activity. In addition, both nanomaterials prevent biofilm-formation, with a higher reduction of biofilm mass and cell viability in the presence of GOCOOH-Ag. The carboxylation functionalization in GO-based materials can be applied to improve the bactericidal and antibiofilm-forming action of the AgNPs.
Need for training of seafarers in first aid and medical matters
Authors: I. Hristova
Published: November 2021

The opportunity for providing first aid in emergency cases is frequently an important part of the seafarers’ skills and everything possible must be done for encouraging the tradition of health and medical care in the sea. In order to guarantee health and medical service on-board, every sailor needs to know the techniques of first aid. It’s quite obvious that it cannot be expected by sailors to be doctors, but sometimes there are life-threatening situations, in which they should react fast and effectively. The ship captains attend a first-aid refreshing course, every five years. This period seems too long to guarantee adequate medical treatment by seafarers on-board.
A comparative study of the perspectives of men and women in maritime on gender issue
Authors: P. Ozdemir
Published: November 2021

Maritime is a male dominated sector and women working in this sector experience some hardships because of the special working conditions and the prejudice against them. There is an ongoing ERASMUS Project aiming to help women overcome the hardships they encounter in the sector. In the framework of the project, a survey which consists of 50 questions was prepared and applied to both men and women working in maritime. While evaluating the responses it was seen that with some questions there is an agreement between the responses given by men and women, while there is a big discrepancy in some others. In this study, only the questions with a discrepancy of over 20% in the responses for the same choice (Yes or No) are taken into consideration with an eye to evaluate the perception of various situations by different genders. Almost all of these questions are related to the reactions of men to the behaviors of women on board or how the presence of women on board is perceived by men. Then, what the reasons for these negative reactions may be and what can be done to prevent them are looked into.
Electromagnetic interference in a multiconductor transmission system – MTL
Authors: I. Ciocioi
Published: November 2021

In electrical and electronic practice, many connection and transmission elements (cables) are used as a multi-conductor transmission lines (MTL). The electromagnetic fields existing in the environment of these multiconductor transmission lines and can generate different types of coupling phenomena, causing EMC problems by the appearance of the unwanted EMI, disturbing the correct function and altering the information. Electromagnetic coupling between the circuits/cables of a circuit (also known as crosstalk) can also occur between the signal and power paths of an assembly made on printed circuit boards, PCB (printed board circuit), so it is important that when designing such an electrical / electronic circuit, these aspects should be taken into account.
The Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex: Re-assessing the Emergence of Ancient Kedah
Authors: Rodziadi Khaw Nasha , Gooi Liang Jun , Saidin Mohd Mokhtar , Mohd Mokhtar Naizatul Akma , Abd Halim Mohd Hasfarisham
Published: November 2021

This article proposes new historical perspectives arising from the findings in the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex, Kedah, by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2009. Excavations in the complex unearthed the remains of iron smelting sites, wharves and other brick structures, dating back to the 2nd/3rd century AD. The discoveries of furnaces, tuyeres and iron slag attest to Sungai Batu’s role as the centre for primary iron production, employing the bloomery method. The study suggests that Ancient Kedah appeared as one of the hubs for the trans-Asiatic trade network with the rise of the iron industry, while its economic complexity grew steadily in successive centuries. The early emergence of Ancient Kedah was a development synchronous with the later phase of the Indian-Southeast Asian exchange network between the 2nd to the 4th century AD when inter and intra-regional trade intensified. Due to its favourable geological features, strategic location with a suitable ecozone, as well as being a thriving centre for primary iron production, Ancient Kedah emerged as an important harbour. It was this trading and industrial past, the article will argue, that contributed to the rise of other economic hubs within Ancient Kedah, such as Pengkalan Bujang and Kampung Sungai Mas, which eventually developed into entrepôts after the 5th century AD.
Rice mutants with tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses show high constitutive abundance of stress-related transcripts and proteins
Authors: Das Priyanka , Bahuguna Rajeev N , Rathore Ray Singh , Abbat Sheenu , Nongpiur Ramsong C. , Sarsu Fatma , Pareek Sneh L. Singla- , Pareek Ashwani
Published: November 2021

Mutation breeding has a long track record in the development of crop cultivars with improved tolerance to abiotic stresses such as heat, salinity and drought. Oryza sativa L. cv IR64 is a very popular high yielding rice, but susceptible to major abiotic stresses, such as low and high temperatures, salinity and drought. We subjected IR64 to gamma irradiation and generated a mutant population (M3) with ~2,000 families. These were screened at the seedling stage for tolerance to high-temperature stress using hydroponics and controlled-environment chambers, resulting in the identification of three mutant lines showing a robust seedling phenotype. Under heat stress, higher CO2 assimilation (10-30%), higher spikelet fertility (40-45%) and higher antioxidant activity (15-20% catalase activity) confirmed superiority of the selected mutant lines over wild type plants at seedling and flowering stages. Upon exposure to salinity and drought stress, the three selected lines also exhibited better tolerance than wild type in terms of higher CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration and chlorophyll fluorescence. Transcript and protein abundance analyses confirmed higher constitutive levels of heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes in the mutant lines relative to wild type. Tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses was reflected in higher (25-30%) grain yield than wild type. It is anticipated that the mutant lines identified will be useful for developing new improved cultivars for dry and saline areas and may be exploited to dissect the molecular basis of multiple stress tolerance in crop plants
Identification of small open reading frames (sORFs) associated with heat tolerance in nitrogen-fixing root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris wild-type and cv BAT93
Authors: Moral Alejandra Zayas-del , Reyes Damián Martínez- , Quinto Carmen , Sanchez Federico , Camino Claudia Díaz-
Published: November 2021

Common bean is an important legume crop and a major source of protein for low-income groups around the world. Legumes have the ability to engage symbiotic interactions with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. In this study, next-generation sequencing technology was used to perform transcriptome analyses of a yet unexplored group of peptides encoded by small open reading frames (sORFs; < 150 codons) in nitrogen-fixing symbiotic nodules of two heat-tolerant genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L): the cultivar BAT93 and a wild genotype (named P. vulgaris 7) from the south of Mexico. After heat stress, total RNA was isolated and used for transcriptome analysis. Sixty differentially expressed sORFs were identified between control and heat stress treatments. The expression profiles of these sORFs suggest that, regardless the evolutionary closeness between P. vulgaris BAT93 and P. vulgaris 7, each genotype has independently adapted their molecular signaling pathways to survive heat stress. The dataset developed may provide a useful resource for future genetic and genomic studies in these species
Expression of heat shock protein (HSP) genes and antioxidant enzyme genes in hybrid rice II YOU 838 during heat stress
Authors: Wang Yan , Huang Min , Gao Peng , Chen Hao , Zheng Yu , Yang Chenming , Yang Zhirong , Sun Qun
Published: November 2021

II YOU 838 (Oryza sativa subsp. indica), crossed by the maternal II-32A and paternal Fu Hui 838, was one of the most widely cultivated hybrid rice in China. Fu Hui 838, which has resistance to high temperature, was generated by mutation technology in 1990. Previous field-testing showed that II YOU 838 had tolerance to high temperature stress and this was confirmed in the present study. The mechanism of heat tolerance of II YOU 838 is not understood. The present study reports gene expression of a representative sample of heat-responsive proteins in II YOU 838 flag leaves subjected to heat stress during flowering. Differential expression of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), small heat shock protein (smHSP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) were studied under heat stress and optimum temperatures in flag leaves of II YOU 838. All six genes studied were responsive to high temperatures. Quantitative real-time PCR showed increased expression of the heat shock protein genes and antioxidant enzyme genes in ﬂag leaves under heat stress. With increasing number of days gene expression decreased under high temperature. Peak expression of SOD, POD, hsp70 and hsp90 was on Day 2 under 39 ℃. On Day 3, the expression of CAT under 39 ℃ was the highest. The expression of smhsp was highest on Day 3 under 27 ℃, followed by that on Day 2 under 27 ℃. The maximum expression values were observed on Day 2 or Day 3 after beginning of heat stress. This suggests that hsp90, hsp70, SOD and POD are principally involved in early responses to heat in rice ﬂag leaves, and that smhsp may play a role in the recovery mechanism in rice after heat stress. This may provide insights into the mechanism of heat-tolerance in rice
Evaluation of mutant rice genotypes for tolerance to high temperature
Authors: Cepero María Caridad González , Cristo Elizabeth , Pérez Noraida , Reyes Yanelis , Horta Dayné , Guillama Rodolfo , Blanco Guillermo , Varela Mario , Spencer Madeleine , Sarsu Fatma
Published: November 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is planted in about a tenth of the arable area around the world and is the largest source of food energy for half of humanity. Climatic change with increasing frequency of severe and prolonged drought periods and significant increases in air temperature has affected global rice production. Therefore, generating mutant rice cultivars tolerant to high temperatures and low water supplies is of utmost importance. Advanced mutant rice lines which were derived from irradiated Amistad -82 and J-104 were evaluated in the field under high temperatures and low water supply conditions using Amistad-82 variety as control. The genotypes with the best and worst field performances were compared using physiological parameters such as cell membrane thermostability, pollen viability, lipid peroxidation, and peroxidase and catalase activity under high temperature conditions. Three mutant lines, 8852, 8552 and LP-12 showed high yielding under high temperatures and low water supplies conditions in the field and also showed better pollen viability, cell membrane thermo stability, lipid peroxidation and peroxidase than LP-16 mutant lines and the control cv. Amistad-82. These results show that the physical irradiation of seeds with protons followed by subsequent in vitro embryo culture using 2,4D may generate genetic variability for tolerance to high temperatures. The variation observed for the physiological and biochemical indicators evaluated could be used for the early selection of high temperature tolerant rice genotypes
Pine-ing for a Voice: Vegetal agencies, New Materialism and State Control through the Wollemi Pine
Authors: Mitchell Chantelle , Waterhouse Jaxon
Published: November 2021

Attending to Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi Pine), we read this plant as ensconced and mobilised by political and politicised forces, towards distinct colonial and imperial ends. Seeking to work beyond a language of flowers, we attune to the appropriation and weaponisation of plants; a language beyond the merely decorative or affective, towards understandings of plants performing agency and political power.  Our reading of the Wollemi pine emerges from the scorched summer of 2019/2020, in which much of Australia caught alight, and during which the Wollemi was placed in danger of disappearing for a second, and perhaps final, time. A prehistoric tree, long thought extinct, before its rediscovery in 1994, the Wollemi holds special significance, but further, value within an Australian cultural context. In light of this significance, the Wollemi is apprehended and manipulated towards political ends. Within the frame of this text, we consider not only the contemporary diplomacy and governance within which the Wollemi is ensnared, but too, the legacies of Invasion and colonisation which support the mobilisation of the Wollemi in this manner.  Framing our approach within the broader context of contemporary ecological theory and in a manner attentive to frames of New Materialism, we engage with the entanglements of plant language, agency and being — as a means through which we can attune to our shared mattering and ongoing struggles for sovereignty amidst a rapidly changing natural world.
Introduction: Plant Performance
Authors: Gibson Prudence , Sandilands Catriona
Published: November 2021

Plants perform their own interests and purposes. Plants perform in ways that afford and invite specific human experiences. Plants also perform complex biopolitical roles. With these multivalent understandings of plant performance in mind, this introduction to the “Plant Performance” issue of Performance Philosophy outlines the editors’ broadly feminist approach to the challenges facing scholars and artists in the field of Critical Plant Studies. We present these challenges, including colonisation and decolonisation, botanical aesthetics and its vegetal limits, instrumentality and vegetal respect, and phytopolitics and plant liveliness, as provocations for scholars and artists grappling with ecological, political and creative human relations with the vegetal world. The introduction, alongside the eight essays included in the issue, considers how thinking with plant performance might create conditions for a more contextual, critical, reflexive, nuanced, and/or urgent understanding of plant-human relationships, both historically and in the current moment. In addition to considering questions of plant performative agency, the issue foregrounds the politico-aesthetic conditions in which plant performances cannot help but occur. It details how specific works of performance art intervene in these conditions, and it contributes to the development of a more global and multiply-situated network of performative, critical plant knowledges, relations, and practices.
Analysis of the antibiotic consumption on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic: hospital level
Authors: Karnoukh K. I. , Lazareva N. B.
Published: November 2021

Introduction. According to available data, the frequency of prescribing antibacterial drugs to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is many times higher than the level of bacterial infection recorded in them. This trend may make an extremely negative contribution to the problem of antibiotic resistance in the future, which makes it important to monitor and study the consumption of antibiotics in this category of patients.

Aim of the study. To estimate the change in the consumption of antibacterial drugs in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in a multidisciplinary hospital compared with the consumption in the pre-pandemic period, and to conduct a subsequent analysis of the detected changes.

Materials and methods. This retrospective study, reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the Moscow city hospital No. 4 in the period from April 27 to December 31, 2020, as well as medical records of patients hospitalized in the same medical institution for the same period of 2019. Results of the use of antibacterial drugs were obtained. They were evaluated using the ATC/DDD methodology and then subjected to further analysis.

Results. Total consumption increased from 31,576 DDD/100 bed-days to 220,609 DDD/100 bed-days among the patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The level of consumption of macrolides increased most significantly – from 0.024 DDD/100 bed-days to 147.898 DDD/100 bed-days. The level of consumption of penicillins increased from 2,346 DDD/100 bed-days to 15,892 DDD/100 beddays, cephalosporins – from 11.78 DDD/100 bed-days to 19,107 DDD/100 bed-days, fluoroquinolones – from 10,276 DDD/100 beddays to 25,535 DDD/100 bed-days.

Conclusion. The consumption of antibiotics has increased dramatically on the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the data of the frequency of bacterial complications in patients with COVID-19 (no more than 8%), a more rational approach to antibacterial therapy in this group of patients is needed to reduce the potential deterioration of the problem of antibiotic resistance.