bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Transformational Leadership in Achieving Governance Principles in the Islamic Banks in Yemen
Authors: Zaid Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jamal Dirham , Kaid Dekra Moqbil Bishr
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the role of transformational leadership in achieving governance principles and to identify any statistical differences attributed to the bank variables, including bank name, size of deposits, number of branches, and year of incorporation. In order to achieve the study objectives, the analytical descriptive method was used; and since the population was small, the complete census method was used to select the sample. The data were collected by a questionnaire which was distributed to (143) employees; 132 of whom responded. After the data were processed and analyzed by the SPSS, the study results revealed that there was a statistically significant role for the transformational leadership dimensions in achieving the governance principles in Islamic banks in Yemen. The results showed that the individualized consideration recorded the highest role in achieving the governance principles, followed by the intellectual stimulation, and then by inspirational motivation. The last dimension, which had the lowest role in achieving the governance principles, was idealized impact. The results also revealed that there were statistically significant differences due to the bank variables (bank’s name, size of the deposits, number of branches), whereas there were no statistically significant differences due to the variable of (year of incorporation). The study recommended that banks should pay more attention to transformational leadership in terms of practice and training of their leaders as well as promoting the culture of practice, which would lead to improving the performance of banks.

Keywords: Islamic banks, achieving governance principles, transformational leadership, Yemen.
The Impact of Human Resources Development Strategy on Achieving the Sustainable Organizational Excellence in the Yemeni Banks
Authors: Abdullatif Musleh Mohammed Ayedh  , Adel Mohammed Ahssan Beshr
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impact of human resources development strategy on achieving the sustainable organizational excellence in the Yemeni banks. To achieve this objective, the analytical descriptive method was used. The study population consisted of 1314 employees from 10 Yemeni banks. The study sample of (306) was selected by using a non-stratified random method. The data were collected by a questionnaire. The collected data were processed and analyzed using the SPSS.  The results of the study revealed that there was a discrepancy in the impact of the variables of the human resources development strategy on achieving the sustainable organizational excellence in the Yemeni banks. The highest degree of impact was found in the variable of innovation development strategy, whereas the lowest degree of impact was found in the human resources training strategy. In light of the findings, the study recommends that the Yemeni banks need to enhance the emphasis on achieving the sustainable organizational excellence of all dimensions and increase their attention to the implementation of human resource development strategy of all dimensions as this has a positive impact on achieving the sustainable organizational excellence.
The Role of Financial Analysis in Mitigating Banking Default " Study on Yemeni Islamic Banks"
Authors: Zahair Ahmed Ali Ahmed  , Ameen Abdulgaleel Saeed Saeed
Published: July 2022

The study problem was that Yemeni Islamic banks did not rely on the results and outputs of financial analysis to predict failure before it occurs. Accordingly, the study aimed to find out to what extent Yemeni banks depend on financial analysis as a tool for predicting the default, and the extent of its ability to mitigate bank default at these banks. It also aimed to identify whether these banks use all financial analysis tools for making credit decisions. The researchers used the descriptive analytical method and distributed a questionnaire to the sample (50) of the credit employees at Yemeni Islamic banks. The data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed that the Yemeni Islamic banks depend on financial analysis as a basis for disclosure of default, which has a main role in mitigating banking default. The banks usually use multi financial analysis tools when evaluating the credit status of clients; they do not use predicting financial default models as a main tool to predict failure before it occurs; and they do not have early warning systems to predict any possibility of customers’ default.
Exploring the Impact of Gender Difference on 3-6 Years Old Children’s Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Shen Shiyi
Published: July 2022

Several studies have shown that children’s physical activity levels (PAL) are not sub-optimal, however, PAL is critical to children’s development. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that whether there is a significant gap between boys and girls on PAL. The gender is ignored in the previous research was remedied in this study. Quantitative methods are employed to collect primary data on PAL in children aged 3-6 years. This study has implications in terms of theory, methodology, and practice, for researchers, practitioners, and parents in the preschool education field.
A PRISÃO CIVIL COMO MEIO COERCITIVO ATÍPICO DE EFETIVAÇÃO DAS DECISÕES JUDICIAIS
Authors: Tavares Reis Thiago , De Bortoli Rossatto Reidlinger Camila
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo tem por escopo perquirir a admissibilidade da prisão civil como medida coercitiva atípica pelo ordenamento jurídico pátrio, a partir de uma interpretação à luz da teoria dos direitos fundamentais. De início, traz-se a lume a necessidade de existência de medidas executivas atípicas colocadas a disposição do juiz, diante da ineficiência dos meios tipificados em garantir integralmente o direito fundamental à tutela executiva. Também, demonstra-se o alcance da expressão “dívida” constante do art. 5º, LXVII do Texto Maior, concluindo pela permissão da medida coercitiva extrema, contrastando-a com os direitos fundamentais do devedor, tudo sob a ótica da Constituição Federal e dos Tratados Internacionais que o Brasil é signatário. Na sequência, é evidenciada a ineficácia da prisão criminal como meio de compelir o recalcitrante a cumprir os comandos jurisdicionais, denotando-se, ainda, sua predominante natureza punitiva. Assim, demonstrada a viabilidade da técnica de coerção pessoal, surge o questionamento: em quais casos haveria a possibilidade de utilização da prisão civil como técnica de coerção pessoal atípica, diante das cláusulas gerais de efetivação dos pronunciamentos jurisdicionais. Por isso, delineiam-se os critérios a serem adotados quando de sua utilização, a fim de se evitar a transformação desta importante medida de efetivação de direitos em inconstitucional arbitrariedade judicial. Nessa perspectiva, utiliza-se de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental com abordagem qualitativa e do método dialético. Em conclusão, denota-se que muitas vezes a prisão civil será o único meio capaz de assegurar proteção satisfatória aos direitos fundamentais de maior relevância que a liberdade individual.
A JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DA SAÚDE SOB O PRISMA DO PRINCÍPIO DA ISONOMIA E SEUS IMPACTOS NO DIREITO À SAÚDE COLETIVA
Authors: Rodrigues de Araujo Warley Henrique , Garcia Janay
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo aborda a judicialização da saúde sob o enfoque do príncipio a isonomia, sendo causa de discussão constante e necessária na doutrina e na jurisprudência brasileira. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa a fim de revisar dados bibliográficos e jurisprudenciais para realizar investigações científicas acerca da temática. O estudo avalia os impactos da judicialização da saúde na isonomia, contextualizando o processo histórico de saúde pública no Brasil e ilustrando a saúde coletiva infringida pelo acesso a saúde individual por vias judicias na esfera da isonomia. Deduz os possíveis danos causados a ordem pública através da tutela jurisdicional da saúde. Analisa a atuação do Serviço Único de Saúde - SUS no tocante a responsabilização do Estado. Por fim, esta pesquisa científica versa sobre os contornos positivos e negativos do tema para a sociedade brasileira, e  trás uma reflexão sobre as dificuldades encontradas pelo cidadão no acesso universal e igualitário dos serviços de saúde pública.
O ACORDO DE NÃO PERSECUÇÃO CÍVEL COMO POSSIBILIDADE DE SOLUÇÃO DE CONFLITOS EM MATÉRIA DE IMPROBIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA SOB O ENFOQUE DA LEI ANTICRIME
Authors: Araujo Raquel Abreu Costa , Barreto Oliveira Tarsis
Published: July 2022

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a pesquisa sobre o acordo de não persecução cível como possível solução de conflitos em matéria de improbidade administrativa. O método de abordagem utilizado é o dedutivo e a natureza da pesquisa é qualitativa. A Lei n. 13.964, promulgada em dezembro de 2019, realizou mudanças significativas na Lei de Improbidade Administrativa, como a autorização de um método de resolução de conflitos, que ficou denominado de acordo de não persecução cível. O objetivo do presente estudo é verificar se o novo dispositivo soluciona as divergências acerca da improbidade administrativa. Assim, o trabalho demonstra que o acordo de não persecução cível se apresenta como uma forma de solucionar o conflito em matéria de improbidade administrativa. No entanto, tal dispositivo deve ser aplicado com prudência, sendo necessário observar as circunstâncias do caso concreto, preservando-se o interesse público.
REPERCUSSÕES DA REFORMA TRABALHISTA NOS DIREITOS DE GESTANTES E LACTANTES EM AMBIENTES INSALUBRES
Authors: Mendes Pinto Luis Fernando , Alencar Bolwerk Aloisio
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar a constitucionalidade das alterações na legislação promovidas pela Reforma Trabalhista no trabalho das  gestantes e lactantes em ambientes insalubres, e relacionar as possíveis doenças causadas por esses ambientes. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória e qualitativa, pesquisando a bibliografia e a jurisprudência a respeito do assunto, buscando percepções e entendimentos sobre a natureza geral dos objetivos desse trabalho.  Verificou-se que a alteração no art. 394A da Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho é inconstitucional, pois viola vários artigos da Constituição Federal, além do princípio da proibição do retrocesso social. Foram também encontradas várias doenças e distúrbios relacionados ao trabalho de gestantes e lactantes em ambientes insalubres demonstrando não ser recomendado o trabalho dessas mulheres nesses ambientes.
VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA: DO DESCASO SOCIAL AO PRINCÍPIO DA DIGNIDADE DA PESSOA HUMANA
Authors: Sousa Garcia Cinthia Lorrane , Bonfim Lima Rafaella
Published: July 2022

A violência obstétrica é expressão que resume o ato praticado por ação, omissão dos profissionais da saúde ou prestadores de serviço em maternidades, uma vez que se englobam vários atos violentos contra mulheres grávidas no Brasil. Diante dessa problemática, objetivou-se compreender a ocorrência desses fatos, para traçar os direitos infringidos e apresentar amparo para a omissão legislativa. Para construir este artigo, foi utilizado o método indutivo concomitante à análise bibliográfica descritiva e exploratória das informações extraída de diversos estudos sobre o tema. Como resultado foi possível perceber o descaso com a situação, de modo que as vítimas ficam desamparadas não só por falta de conhecimento como também por ausência de regulação própria. Por conseguinte, para sanar tal omissão, como hipótese de solução, é preciso uma medida constitucional que vise a regulamentação de direito ainda não tratado em lei. Sendo este um mandado de injunção, para que seja criada lei que garanta o direito de proteção das mulheres contra a violência obstétrica.
A Thousand Words About Modern Medical Education: A Mini-Review Concerning the Theory of Education
Authors: Al-Jarshawi Mustafa Hussein Ajlan , Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: July 2022

The present article represents a mini-review and a reflective essay concerning modern medical education methods, as well as ways to adapt them to medical education's local conditions (disciplines), including basic medical sciences. We introduced Gagné's theory of learning and other theories – Constructivist, Experiential, and Humanistic – followed by Dennik's "twelve tips" for effective learning and Harden's ten questions for curriculum development. Outcome-based education (OBE) was discussed and related to relevant concepts within Miller's pyramid and Bloom's taxonomy. Harden's SPICES model was emphasized concerning education strategies while discussing the assessment of learning (AoL), assessment as learning (AaL), and assessment for learning (AfL). Finally, the authors advise exploring the adaptation of modern education methods for a specific discipline of basic medical sciences – Human Anatomy – by incorporating the abovementioned concepts and integrating different AfL and AaL assessment tools while conveying a graphical concept map for this scenario.
Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy in Post-stroke Aphasia: A Review
Authors: Katsari Marina , Angelopoulou Georgia , Laskaris Nikolaos , Potagas Constantin , Kasselimis Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

Despite the relative scarcity of studies focusing on pharmacotherapy in aphasia, there is evidence in the literature indicating that remediation of language disorders via pharmaceutical agents could be a promising aphasia treatment option. Among the various agents used to treat chronic aphasic deficits, cholinergic drugs have provided interesting results. In the current review, we focused on published reports investigating the impact of acetylcholine on language and further cognitive disturbances. It has been suggested that acetylcholine plays an important role in neuroplasticity and is related to several aspects of cognition, such as memory and attention. Moreover, cholinergic input is diffused to a wide network of cortical areas, which have been associated with language sub-processes. This could be a possible explanation for the positive reported outcomes of cholinergic drugs in aphasia recovery, and specifically in distinct language processes, such as naming and comprehension, as well as overall communication competence. However, evidence with regard to functional alterations in specific brain areas after pharmacotherapy is rather limited. Finally, despite the positive results derived from the relevant studies, cholinergic pharmacotherapy treatment in post-stroke aphasia has not been widely implemented. The present review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature in cholinergic pharmacotherapy interventions in post-stroke aphasia, following an integrated approach by converging evidence from neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropsychology.
Cryobanking European Mink (Mustela lutreola) Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Oocytes
Authors: Calle Alexandra , Ramírez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2022

The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is one of Europe's most endangered species, and it is on the brink of extinction in the Iberian Peninsula. The species' precarious situation requires the application of new ex-situ conservation methodologies that complement the existing ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures. Here, we report for the first time the establishment of a biobank of European mink mesenchymal stem cells (emMSC) and oocytes from specimens found dead in the Iberian Peninsula, either free or in captivity. New emMSC lines were isolated from different tissues: bone marrow (emBM-MSC), oral mucosa (emOM-MSc), dermal skin (emDS-MSC), oviduct (emO-MSc), endometrium (emE-MSC), testicular (emT-MSC), and adipose tissue from two different adipose depots: subcutaneous (emSCA-MSC) and ovarian (emOA-MSC). All the eight emMSC lines showed plastic adhesion, detectable expression of characteristic markers of MSCs and, when cultured under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions, differentiation capacity to these lineages. Additionally, we were able to keep 227 Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in the biobank, 97 of which are grade I or II. The European mink MSC and oocyte biobank will allow for the conservation of the species' genetic variability, the application of assisted reproduction techniques, and the development of in vitro models for studying the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases that threaten the species' precarious situation.
Influence of Powder Characteristics on the Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of GH4099 Superalloy Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Wang Shixing , Tao Shen , Peng Hui
Published: July 2022

A Chinese superalloy GH4099 (~20 vol.% γ' phase), which can operate for long periods of time at temperatures of 1173-1273 K, was fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM). Argon gas atomized (AA) and plasma rotation electrode process (PREP) powders with the similar composition and size distribution were used as raw materials for comparison. Microstructure and mechanical properties of both the as-EBMed and post-treated alloy samples were investigated. The results show that the different powder characteristics resulted in the different build temperatures for AA and PREP samples, which were 1253 K and 1373 K, respectively. With increasing the building temperature, the EBM processing window shifted towards the higher scanning speed direction. Furthermore, intergranular cracking was observed for the as-fabricated PREP sample as a result of local enrichment of Si at grain boundaries. The cracks were completely eliminated by hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) and did not re-open during subsequent solution treatment and aging (STA). Fine spherical γ' phase precipitated uniformly after STA. The tensile strength of the HIP+STA samples was ~920 MPa in the building direction and ~850 MPa in the horizontal direction, comparable with that of the wrought alloy.
Analysis of The Environmental and Economic Effect of the Co-Processing of Waste in the Cement Industry
Authors: Kim Dowan , Phae Cheagun
Published: July 2022

Recently, the amount of waste generated has been rapidly increasing, there have been difficulties disposing of waste in Korea. As a solution to this, treating waste using a cement kiln has suggested, but the environmental and economic effects have not been specifically studied. In this study, the effects of alternative resources, and reducing the social costs(Installation and Operation) associated with waste treatment facilities were analyzed. Through a co-processing method, a reduction of approximately 53kg of CO2 can be realized during the production of one ton of cement, and cost savings of about 3,815 milion USD. Another effect is an extension of the expiration date for landfills by 7.55 years.
Boronic acid functionalized ferrocene derivatives towards fluoride sensing
Authors: Fernando P. U. Ashvin Iresh , Kosgei Gilbert , Glasscott Matthew , George Garrett , Alberts Erik , Moores Lee
Published: July 2022

In this technical report (TR), a robust, readily synthesized molecule with a ferrocene core appended with one or two boronic acid moieties was designed, synthesized, and used toward F- (free fluoride) detection. Through Lewis acid-base interactions, the boronic acid derivatives are capable of binding with F- in an aqueous solution via ligand exchange reaction and is specific to fluoride ion. Fluoride binding to ferrocene causes significant changes in fluorescence or electrochemical responses that can be monitored with field-portable instrumentation at concentrations below the WHO recommended limit. The F- binding interaction was further monitored via proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). In addition, fluorescent spectroscopy of the boronic acid moiety and electrochemical monitoring of the ferrocene moiety will allow detection and estimation of F- concentration precisely in a solution matrix. The current work shows lower detection limit (LOD) of ~15 μM (285 μg/L) which is below the WHO standards. Preliminary computational calculations showed the boronic acid moieties attached to the ferrocene core interacted with the fluoride ion. Also, the ionization diagrams indicate the amides and the boronic acid groups can be ionized forming strong ionic interactions with fluoride ions in addition to hydrogen bonding interactions.
Multiple biomarker responses in Female Clarias gariepinus exposed to Acetaminophen
Authors: Erhunmwunse Nosakhare Osazee , Tongo Isioma , Ezemonye Lawrence Ikechukwu
Published: July 2022

The detection of acetaminophen (APAP) in surface and ground waters around the world is causing growing concern, and its impact on non-target aquatic organisms has often been overlooked due to financial constraints. In a few study, the use of specific biomarkers in the exposed organisms contribute to the underestimation of the impacts of APAP's, raising questions about the reliability of a single monitored marker. This study evaluated the possible multi-toxic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of APAP in female catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed for 28 days using multiple biomarkers. Our results show that acetaminophen triggered oxidative stress, with superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) activities significantly differing in the acetaminophen-exposed female catfish from the control. Histopathological alterations in the liver of acetaminophen-exposed female fish showed apoptotic hyperplasia, sinusoidal congestion, and necrosis of the hepatocytes, which were concentration-dependent. APAP exposure enhanced the fusion and shortening of some filaments, hyperplasia of the epithelial gill cells, aneurism, congestion and epithelial rupture of the gills and was ovarian toxic. Multivariate results indicated that there was a distinct response from the acetaminophen-exposed female catfish, with over 95% of the biomarkers significantly contributing to the discrimination between the acetaminophen-exposed female catfish and the control groups. Based on the data presented in this study for female catfish exposed to acetaminophen, it can be concluded that monitoring multiple biomarkers provides a more comprehensive picture of the exposed fish's health than single markers. As a result, pharmaceuticals may cause several alterations or multiple effects in non-targeted exposed organisms in the aquatic environment, yielding a less realistic risk assessment result in monitoring programs using a single marker. Our research provides evidence supporting the use of a multiple-biomarker approach to evaluate the impacts of drugs on the health status of female C. gariepinus over single markers.
The effects and mechanisms of action of TC-G 1008, GPR39 agonist, in animal models of seizures and epilepsy
Authors: Doboszewska Urszula , Socala Katarzyna , Pieróg Mateusz , Nieoczym Dorota , Sawicki Jan , Szafarz Małgorzata , Gaweł Kinga , Rafalo-Ulińska Anna , Sajnóg Adam , Wyska Elżbieta , Esguerra Camila V. , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Maćkowiak Marzena , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Młyniec Katarzyna , Nowak Gabriel , Sowa Ireneusz , Wlaź Piotr
Published: July 2022

Extracellular/intracellular zinc ions are implicated in processes underlying seizures/epileptogenesis. The G-protein coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) was suggested as a target for extracellular zinc. Activation of GPR39 was proposed as a novel strategy for treating seizures but there was a paucity of data on the relationship between the function of this receptor and epileptogenesis. Furthermore, TC-G 1008, GPR39 agonist, has been increasingly used to study the function of GPR39 but it has not been validated in the GPR39 knockout setting. We found that the concentration of TC-G 1008 attained in the brain tissue following its i.p. administration in mice was sufficient to occupy GPR39. TC-G 1008 decreased the seizure threshold in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold test, but it increased the seizure threshold in the 6-Hz induced seizure threshold test. The compound increased the mean duration of EEG discharges in response to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in zebrafish larvae and facilitated the development of epileptogenesis in a chronic, PTZ-induced kindling model of epilepsy in mice. Using GPR39 knockout mouse line, generated by the CRISPR-Cas-9 method, we demonstrated that GPR39 is target for TC-G 1008 regarding PTZ-induced epileptogenesis. However, a concomitant analysis of the downstream effects on cyclic-AMP-response element binding protein in GPR39 knockout mice suggested that TC-G 1008 also acts via other targets. Conclusion and implications: Our data argue against GPR39 activation being a viable therapeutic strategy for treating epilepsy. They also suggest that investigations need to consider whether TC-G 1008 is indeed a selective agonist of the GPR39 receptor.
Domain experts as owners of data: towards sustainable data science
Authors: Jung Ju Yeon , Steinberger Tom , So Chaehan
Published: July 2022

Research on data science has largely viewed data as an abstract input in service of algorithms developed by data scientists. In this view, data science activities are made sustainable by the efficient flow of data to improve the algorithms. Recent studies in CSCW and HCI, however, point to how the effectiveness of algorithms critically depends on sustainably collecting reliable, complete data situated in domain experts’ practices and settings. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a pilot machine learning project at a craft brewery, we describe three types of situations where brewers’ data practices led to unreliable, incomplete data, and how such data practices limited the effectiveness of data science activities. We analyze sources of misalignment between their data practices and data science activities, which we use to offer design implications for sustainability. Extending research on end-user software development that views sustainability as driven by domain experts as ‘owners of problems,’ our study proposes data science research driven by domain experts as ‘owners of data.’
Oral supplementation with melengestrol acetate incorporated in protein-energy blocks I - effect on pregnancy rates in primiparous cows and Nellore heifers in natural breeding and artificial insemination
Authors: Neves T. V. , Nogueira Eriklis , Vaz FRANCISCO E.M. , Dias Alexandre M. , Itavo Luis C. V. , Oliveira Luiz O. F , Mingoti Gisele Z.
Published: July 2022

We evaluated the effect of supplementation with MGA incorporated into nutritional blocks on pregnancy rates (PR) after natural mating and AI of heifers and primiparous cows (Nellore) raised in extensive management. In exp 1, 413 heifers were grouped: control; Block-EB-P4; Block-MGA ; and Bran-MGA, and animals submitted to natural mating. In exp 2, 301 heifers were grouped: control; Block-MGA; and Block-MGA-EC, with animals inseminated after estrus observation for 10 days and, afterwards, mated with bulls. In exp 3, 342 primiparous cows, were divided into 4 groups: Control, Block-MGA-EB-eCG;Block-MGA-EB-CalfRemoval and Block- MGA-CalfRemoval, next, cows were mated with bulls. In exp 1, PR at beggining of breeding season was higher in the Block-MGA (57.84%; P < 0.01) in relation to Control (40.8%) and Block-BE-P4 (36.4%) and it was similar to Bran-MGA (51.0%). In experiment 2, PR at beggining of the BS in the control (56.6%; P = 0.04) was lower than in the MGA-EC (74.4%) and similar to the MGA group (67.7%). In exp 3, at 70 days (P = 0.01) and at the end of the BS( P < 0.02), respectively, the control (55%; 60.4%) had a lower PR than the groups MGA-EB-eCG (72.3%;75.9%;), MGA-EB-CR (74.1%;82.7%) and MGA-CR (74.4%; 81.3%). The results showed that use of MGA added to nutritional blocks in primiparous and heifers provided higher pregnancy rates at the beginning of the breeding season, and also higher PR in primiparous at the end of the season, representing an alternative for reproductive management under extensive conditions.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Solvent Effect on the Structure and Characteristics of Asphaltene aggregates.
Authors: Oguamah Ifeanyi Alex Uche , Isehunwa Sunday , Ndubisi Okereke , Stephen Udeagbara , Jude Odo
Published: July 2022

The aggregation behavior of Asphaltene molecules in solution was studied by molecular dynamic simulation. Three Asphaltene models were studied in Hexane and o-Dichlorobenzene. The simulations were carried out using the GROMACS software, while the GROMOS 54A7 force field was used for the solvent models. The temperature range for the simulation was 300K to 350K, while the system pressure was at 1bar. The Radius of gyration, Cluster size distribution, and radial distribution function g(r), for the three Asphaltenes in solution, was determined from the study. The molecules form aggregates leading to the formation of parallel and non-parallel π- π stacking between the aromatic rings and resulting in a relatively stable aggregate structure. In Hexane, molecules with larger conjugate cores form aggregates more rapidly at lower temperatures while in o-Dichlorobenzene molecules which has a longer lateral chain formed more stable aggregates at lower temperatures. In comparison, aggregates are denser and more stable in Hexane than in o-Dichlorobenzene, while the latter is a better solvent for Asphaltene. It was also demonstrated that at higher temperatures the Asphaltene molecules will dissociate from the bulk mass to form smaller unstable aggregates, causing a decrease in the radius of gyration (R G ) of Asphaltene aggregates. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the temperature, Asphaltene structures, and the presence of polar groups play a significant role in Asphaltene-solvent interactions.
Natural Digital image Mixed Noise Removal Using Regularization Perona-Malik Model and Pulse Coupled Neural Networks
Authors: Khamg Asem
Published: July 2022

In the arena of digital image processing, mixed noise is normally shown. Nevertheless, the main limitation of the existing noise removal methods is the exploitation of the statistics of the original contaminated image only. This paper proposes a rapid and high accurate mixed noise removal method by combining Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNN) and regularization of Perona-Malik equation (P-M equation) in order to remove unwanted contamination. In this regard, the locations of impulse noise are positioned by using PCNN, the second-generation wavelet filter is used in order to suppress the mixed noise into small local neighborhood, and then the full noisy image is denoised by exploiting the regularization of P-M equation. The fine details and sharp edges are well preserved in the proposed method. In addition, subjective and objective analyses are showed that the visual quality of the denoised technique outperformed state of the art noise removal methods. The experimental evaluation is conducted on well-known benchmark database images with mixed noise type. Furthermore, the results show that our proposed method can obtain more accurate and more reliable noise removal images than other approaches. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides accurate denoising performance with a low computational cost compared to nonlocal processing like NL-mean method.
Hemicrania continua and Temporomandibular Disorders co-presentation. Case Report.
Authors: Cervantes-Chavarria Andres , Vaglio-Cespedes Denisse
Published: July 2022

Background
Hemicrania continua is an uncommon headache disorder that requires complete response to indomethacin for its diagnosis, that becomes on most of the cases chronic pain resilient to treatment. On the other hand, temporomandibular pain is very common on the general population and happens undiagnosed most of the time when headache or migraines are happening at the same time. In this case we aim to highlight the importance of treating all concomitate diagnosis for a better long-term prognosis.
Case Presentation:
In this paper a case of a 51-year-old male with chronic resilient facial pain is presented. The patient described right sided facial pain with six years of evolution that started with no triggers. The pain was described as constant bilateral pressure being worse on the right side, located on the temples, masseteric and preauricular areas; with an intensity of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. It is accompanied by episodes of paroxysmal pulsating hemifacial pain with autonomic symptoms (rhinorrhea, conjunctival injections and lacrimation). The pain during exacerbations was located on the right periorbital and hemifacial area and with a intensity of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10, lasting a few minutes to more than 2 hours. After the clinical examination and pain history, the patient was given the diagnosis of hemicrania continua and masticatory myofascial pain. He was started on Indomethacin 25mg twice a day and started on temporomandibular therapy (self-care, jaw exercises, motivation and advice for stress management). Three months after the first evaluation the patient report total resolution of his symptoms.
Conclusions
The main goal of this article is to highlight that the presence of temporomandibular disorders is common in patients with headaches, for which it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive approach for both entities, which include the therapies for treating axis I diagnosis and behavioral management for axis II this including most of the time with a multidisciplinary human centered approach.
Cooling effect of the pocket park in the built-up block of a city: a case study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Ma Dixuan , Wang Yupeng , Zhou Dian , Zhu Zongzhou
Published: July 2022

Pocket parks, the green infrastructures with small size and flexible layout, are suitable for thermal environment improvement in the urban built-up block with limited green space. To quantify the relationship between pocket parks and the thermal environment in western China, two parks in the built-up block of Xi ’an were selected. By field measurement, the cooling effect could be extended one hundred meters from the park boundary, connecting between two parks. Furthermore, the road and greening within the block demonstrate significant influence on the cooling diffusion by regression analysis. Based on ENVI-met simulation, the ratio of the tree and the grass, the layout of the tree and the grass, and the layout of the paving, were analyzed at different proportions of greening and paving of park. Finally, combination of the daytime Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and nighttime air temperature was proposed to choose the optimum layouts: the trees concentrated in the center and the pavement with more roads. Results can provide insights for designing pocket parks based on the thermal environment improvement.
Effect of rare-earth (Re3+) ions on the optoelectrical parameters of lithium sulfate monohydrate crystals
Authors: Najar Fayaz Ahmad , Bhat Bilal H. , Mir Feroz A. , Vakil Gowher B.
Published: July 2022

The effect of rare-earth Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions on the optoelectrical parameters of lithium sulfate monohydrate (LSMH) crystals grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique was observed. The information extracted from transmittance and reflectance spectra proved helpful in determining refractive index, extinction coefficient and various other parameters for these crystals. The effect on the volume/surface energy loss functions, optical energy gap, band tail width and tangent loss factor due to doping in these crystals were discussed. The impact of rare-earth ions on dispersion parameters derived from Wemple-DiDomeenico single oscillator model, Cauchy dispersion relation and on optoelectrical parameters derived from Drude theory was also studied. The other different parameters like optical conductivity, electronic polarizability, nonlinear refractive index, optical electronegativity, nonlinear optical susceptibility, optical and chemical hardness also get affected by doping of rare-earth ions. The relation between group and phase velocity in terms of group index in these crystals was also discussed. However, some empirical and semi-empirical rules have been used to calculate the value of the refractive index.
Safety and feasibility evaluation of external ventricular drainage with ACTIVE fluid exchange in intraventricular hemorrhage: A phase 2, multi-center, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Haldrup Mette , Mohamad Niwar , Rasmussen Mads , Thorup Line , Dyrskog Stig , Simonsen Claus Ziegler , Miscov Rares , Bjarkam Carsten , Grønhøj Mads , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Korshøj Anders
Published: July 2022

BackgroundPrimary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or IVH secondary to intracerebral- (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are known to have a very poor prognosis, with an expected mortality between 50% and 80%(1). Clearance of IVH might improve patient outcome. MethodsThe study is designed as an investigator-initiated, comparative, prospective, multi-center, 1:1 randomized phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of active irrigation in external ventricular drainage (intervention arm - IRRAflow) compared to passive external ventricular drainage (control arm - EVD).The trial will enroll 58 patients with primary or secondary IVH. Major eligibility criteria include age >18 years of age, IVH documented on head CT or MRI scan (Graeb Score ≥3), need of cerebrospinal fluid drainage, deterioration of consciousness or medical sedation at the time of enrollment, indication for active treatment evaluated by the treating physicians. Exclusion criteria included patients with fixed and dilated pupils, pregnant or nursing women. The primary endpoint of the study is catheter occlusion evaluated by time to first observed occlusion from VC placement. Secondary endpoints include clearance of ventricular blood as measured by head CT scan, rates of catheter related infection and shunt dependency, length of intensive care unit stay, functional status – Extended Glascow Outcome Scale (eGOS) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge to rehabilitation and 90 days and mortality rates at 30 days and 90 days. DiscussionWith no standardized treatment for IVH and a poor prognosis, new treatments are needed. IVH patients often need CSF drainage to treat hydrocephalus and to decrease ICP. Standard treatment with passive external ventricular drainage is related to an increased risk of infections which is found in up to 22% of treated cases. The passive VC is known to have a risk of occlusion and is seen in 19-47% of the cases. We hypothesize that the use of active fluid change using the IRRAflow system will be safe and feasible and will reduce the occlusion- and infection rates in patients with IVH. Trial registrationClicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05204849, registered 15.12.2021, updated 24.01.2022
An oxygenated global ocean during the end-Triassic mass extinction event
Authors: Bond Andrew , Dickson Alexander , Ruhl Micha , Bos Remco , de Schootbrugge Bas van
Published: July 2022

One of the most severe extinctions of complex marine life in Earth’s history occurred at the end of the Triassic Period. The end-Triassic extinction event was initiated by large igneous province volcanism and has tentatively been linked to oceanic redox change. However, the global-scale pattern of oceanic redox across the end-Triassic event is not well constrained. Here we use the sedimentary enrichment and isotopic composition of the redox-sensitive element molybdenum to reconstruct global–local marine redox conditions through the extinction interval. Peak δ98Mo values indicate that the global distribution of sulfidic marine conditions was similar to the modern ocean during the extinction interval. Meanwhile, Tethyan shelf sediments record pulsed, positive δ98Mo excursions indicative of locally oxygen-poor, sulfidic conditions. We suggest that pulses of marine de-oxygenation were largely restricted to marginal marine environments during the latest Triassic, playing a significant role in shallow marine extinction phases at that time, whilst the Late Triassic global ocean remained well-oxygenated. Importantly, this shows that global marine biodiversity, and possibly ecosystem stability, were vulnerable to geographically localised anoxic conditions. Expanding present-day marine anoxia in response to anthropogenic marine nutrient supply and climate forcing may therefore have significant consequences for global biodiversity and wider ecosystem stability.
Effect of a curriculum transformation on pharmacy student self-efficacy, self-reported activities, and satisfaction in degree and career choice
Authors: Singh Harjit Kaur , Lyons Kayley Marie , Brock Tina Penick , Malone Daniel Thomas
Published: July 2022

Background.
Curriculum revision in healthcare programs occurs frequently, but to undergo a whole degree transformation is less common. Also, the outcomes of curriculum redesign interventions on the selfreported clinical decision making, experiences, and perceptions of graduates of health education programs is unclear. This study evaluated these factors as an outcome of a pharmacy degree whole-curriculum transformation.
Methods.
A 25-item cross-sectional end-of-course survey was developed to evaluate pharmacy student decisions, experiences, and perceptions upon completion of degree, pre- and post- curriculum transformation. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether the responses to the items classed within the main factors differed across the two cohorts. Independent t-tests were used to examine the student responses to the individual questions between the two cohorts.
Results.
Graduates from the transformed degree had greater self-efficacy in clinical activities, were more satisfied with their education, found course activities more useful, and were more confident in their career choice. Transformed pharmacy degree students also reported spending more time on weekdays and weekends on activities such as attending lectures and working. Student satisfaction with their choice to attend pharmacy school was also significantly higher in transformed degree students.
Conclusions.
Responses to the end of degree survey indicate that students who completed the transformed pharmacy curriculum have had positive experiences throughout their degree and felt more prepared for practice as pharmacists in comparison to students who completed the established degree. These results add value to those collected from other sources (e.g., student evaluations, assessment scores, preceptors focus groups, and other stakeholder inputs) consistent with a comprehensive quality improvement model.
ART1 knockdown decreases IL-6-induced proliferation activity in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Lin Ting , Zhang Shuxian , Tang Yi , Xiao Ming , Li Ming , Gong Hanjuan , Xie Hailun , Wang Yalan
Published: July 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a worldwide health concern. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for CRC and IL-6 plays a central role in this process. Arginine-specific mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases-1 (ART1) is a positive regulator of inflammatory cytokines, and ART1 knockdown can reduce the transcriptional activation of the gene promoter of the signal transducer, glycoprotein (gp)130, in IL-6 signaling pathway. However, the relationship between ART1 and IL-6 and its effects on IL-6-induced proliferation in CRC remains unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of ART1 knockdown on IL-6-induced cell proliferation in vitro, and used an in vivo murine model to observe the growth of the transplanted tumor. The results demonstrated that cancer cells transfected with ART1-sh exhibited lower viability, colony formation rate, DNA synthesis ability and protein expression levels of gp130, c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-xL and phosphorylation ratio of p-STAT3/STAT3 (P < 0.05) after induction by IL-6. Moreover, the transplanted tumor volume of ART1-sh CT26 cells in mice with high IL-6 level was smaller (P < 0.05). It was also found that ART1 and gp130 had a co-localization relationship in CT26, LoVo and HCT116 cells, and there was a positive correlation between them in human CRC tissues. Taken together, ART1 may represent a novel and effective regulatory factor for IL-6 signaling and that it may serve as a new therapeutic target for human CRC.
Computational intelligence to study the importance of predictors in white oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Júnior Antônio Carlos Silva , Sant’Anna Isabela Castro , Siqueira Michele , Bhering Leonardo Lopes , Nascimento Moysés , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Silva José Antônio Gonzalez , Cruz Cosme Damião
Published: July 2022

The objective of this work was to estimate the best approach for prediction and establish a network with better predictive power in white oat using methodologies based on regression, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Seventy-eight white oat genotypes were evaluated in 2008 and 2009. Were evaluated without and with fungicide, established prediction models in four experimental sets. The characteristics evaluated were grain yield, which was used as a response variable, and ten others as explanatory variables. Assessing the importance of variables through the impact of destructuring or disturbing the information of a given input on the estimation of R2. This importance was estimated by exchanging information or making the phenotypic value of each characteristic constant and checking for changes in the estimates of R2. When the values of a feature are disturbed, the value of R2 decreases, indicating that the feature is important over the others for prediction purposes. The importance of variables using the radial basis function network was estimated according to the MLP. For machine learning, decision trees, bagging, random forest, and boosting were used. The quality of the predictive model was adjusted based on R2 was used to quantify the importance of the phenotypic trait. The characters indicated to assist in decision-making are plant height, leaf rust severity, and lodging percentage. The R2 ranged from 30.14% − 96.45% and 10.57% − 94.61%, for computational intelligence and machine learning, respectively. The bagging technique showed a high estimate of the coefficient of determination more elevated than the others.
Isolation, characterization, and comparative genomic analysis of vB_BviS-A10Y, a novel bacteriophage from mangrove sediments
Authors: Zhang Tianyou , Zhang Menghui , Chen Yuan , Yu Meishun , Zeng Runying , Jin Min
Published: July 2022

Mangrove is among the most carbon-rich biomes on earth, and the role of viruses in modulating local and global carbon cycling has been extensively implicated. However, few viruses have been isolated from mangrove sediments to date. We reported the isolation of a novel Bacillus phage (named as phage vB_BviS-A10Y) from mangrove sediments. Phage vB_BviS-A10Y had a hexameric head with a diameter of ~79.22 nm and a tail length of  ~548.56 nm, which were typical features of Siphoviridae . vB_BviS-A10Y initiated host lysis at 3.5 h post infection with a burst size of 25 PFU/cell. The genome of phage vB_BviS-A10Y was 162,435 bp long with 225 predicted genes, and the GC content was 34.03%. A comparison of the whole genomes of phage vB_BviS-A10Y with known phage genomes in the IMG/VR database showed that phage vB_BviS-A10Y had the highest similarity (73.7%) with Bacillus phage PBC2. Interestingly, abundant auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were identified in vB_BviS-A10Y genome. The presence of β-1,3-glucosyltransferase gene in phage genome supported our previous hypothesis that mangrove viruses may directly manipulate carbon cycling through their encoded carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes. Therefore, our study will contribute to the better understanding of the diversity and potential roles of viruses in mangrove ecosystems.