bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion-injection bipolar membrane electrodialysis realizes 8+ mol/L caustic soda conversion from the brine stream
Authors: Fu Rong , Wang Huangying , Yan Junying , Li Ruirui , Wang Baoying , Jiang Chenxiao , Wang Yaoming , Xu Tongwen
Published: January 2023

The chlor-alkali process is currently the predominanttechnology for caustic soda production but has several major challenges,such as huge energy demand, and the emission of a large amount of chlorine, which cannot be completely consumed in downstream industries. Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is an emerging technology to produce caustic soda with near zero chlorine emission by accelerating water splitting in bipolar membranes. However, the gradualdepletion of feedstock and the unbalanced behavior between water splitting and salt migration have led to the produced acid and base concentrations beingrelatively low for further utilization. Herein, we proposea novel ion-injection bipolar membrane electrodialysis (IJBMED) approach, which achieves a continuous feedstock supply. This IJBMED design is capable of boosting water splitting in abipolar membrane with an ultrahigh current density while avoiding concentration polarization in the anion- and cation-exchange membranes. Therefore, the IJBMED system enables one-step conversion of the NaCl-containing brine stream into 8.4 mol/L NaOH with specific energy consumptions of 870 kWh/t NaOH (24 wt.%→26 wt.%) and 2740 kWh/t NaOH (0→26 wt.%). This bench-scale experiment proved that IJBMED is a promising caustic base production technology that might be aplausible supplement or even compete with the chlor-alkali approach.
Indigenous Herbal Medicine Use and its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women attending antenatal care at Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa Administration, EasternEthiopia, 2022
Authors: Mohammed Aminu , Amsalu Bezabih , Hailu Mikiale , Manaye Yibekal , Nuri Aliya , Weldeamanuel Tadesse , Belay Yalelet , Abera Legesse , Sintayehu Yitagesu , Sema Alekaw , Aliyi Ahmedin , Legesse Henok , Sertsu Addisu
Published: January 2023

Background: Indigenous herbal medicine use during pregnancy is a common phenomenon worldwide, particularly in low resource countries like Ethiopia, mainly due to their cost, perceived efficiency in treatment, and ease of access. But so far, studies across Ethiopia are variable and inconsistent and in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing indigenous herbal medicine use and its associated factors among pregnant women.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public health facilities in the Dire Dawa Administration, eastern Ethiopia, from October 10 to November 10, 2022, among pregnant women selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and data were entered and cleaned by Epi DATA (Version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS (Version 22). A P-value < 0.25 at bivariate to select variables for multivariate and ≤ 0.05 at multivariate with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 628 participants were included, yielding a response rate of 95.15 %. During their current pregnancy, 47.8% (95% CI: 43.8–51.6%) pregnant women used indigenous herbal medicine(IHMs). The predictors were education level: no formal education (AOR: 5.47, 95%CI: 2.40-12.46), primary level (AOR: 4.74, 95%CI: 2.15-10.44), rural residence (AOR: 2.54, 95%CI: 1.71-3.77), being a housewife (AOR: 4.15, 95%CI: 1.83-9.37), number of antenatal care visits (AOR: 2.58, 95%CI: 1.27-5.25), and knowledge of IHMs (AOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 3.02-6.97).
Conclusion: The use of indigenous herbal medicine during pregnancy was as common and widespread as other research done in different areas. The predictors were residence, education level, occupation, number of antenatal care visits, and knowledge. The most commonly used herbal medicines were Lepidium sativum, Vernonia amygdalina, Moringa oleifera, Linum usitatissimum, Zingiber officinale, Eucalyptusglobulus, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. The most common indications were related to gastro-intestinal problems: intestinal parasites, nausea and vomiting, constipation, stomach aches, indigestion, and abdominal cramps. It was recommended that, considering their residence and education level, pregnant women during their ANC visits be made aware of the potential benefits and risks of indigenous herbal medicine, and that more research be conducted to confirm their efficacy and safety during pregnancy.
RAI3 expression is not associated with clinical outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Melling Nathaniel , Reeh Matthias , Ghadban Tarik , Tachezy Michael , Hajek André , Izbicki Jakob Robert , Grupp Katharina
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Retinoic acid inducible protein 3 (RAI3) has been suggested as prognostic biomarker in several cancer types. The present study aimed to examine the role of RAI3 expression in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs).
Methods
RAI3 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray (TMA) sections from a retrospective cohort of more than 600 surgically resected NSCLCs and results were compared with clinicopathological features and follow-up data.
Results
While membranous RAI3 immunostaining was always strong in benign lung, strong RAI3 staining was only detectable in 14.7% of 530 interpretable NSCLCs. Within NSCLC subtypes, immunostaining intensity for RAI3 was significantly decreased in large cell lung cancers (LCLCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SQCCs) relative to lung adenocarcinomas (LUACs) (P < 0.0001 each). However, RAI3 staining was neither associated with pathological features of NSCLCs nor with survival of patients (P = 0.6915).
Conclusion
Our study shows that RAI3 expression was not associated with clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients and cannot be considered as prognostic marker in lung cancer patients.
Pan-Genome Analysis of Multiple Strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Azimuddin Syed Muhammad Iqbal , Aslam Huroom
Published: January 2023

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory infections and other mucous membrane related inflammations. To explore the intra-specific variations and evolution of M. pneumoniae, a pan-genomic analysis was performed on 150 strains. In genome size evaluation of M. pneumoniae, on average 687 genes with low S.D (8.43) showed overall consistency in the gene count of 150 strains. This species is potentially pathogenic and highly evolving as 134 out of 150 showed almost all pathogenic factors with above 90% homology except 16 strains which belong to Spain, USA, China, and Japan. M. pneumoniae pan genome is an open pan genome showed total genes of 103174 in which 70359 (68.19%) core genes, 32241(31.24%) shared genes and 574 (0.55%) unique genes. Adhesin P30, Protein TopJ, ADP-ribosylating toxin CARDS toxin, GLPF, GLPK, GLPO, GLT and IgG-blocking protein M are the part of core genome. Adhesin P1, HMW1 and HMW2 genes are the part of shared genome. HMW3 and Cytadherence-associated protein P65 are the part of the unique genome in some strains. Therefore, comparative neighborhood gene analysis revealed many different neighbor genes pattern for HMW3 and P65. Phylogenetic analysis was exhibited in two main groups/clades of strains and identified major ancestral lineage within M. pneumoniae species.
GAP-0 promotes intestinal health by interacting with the gut microbiota to increase energy metabolism
Authors: Li Miaoyu , Yu Leilei , Zhai Qixiao , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei
Published: January 2023

BackgroundGanoderma applanatumis a well-known edible mushroom whose polysaccharides can improve intestinal health. At present, the mechanism ofG. applanatumactive polysaccharides and the interactive relationship between gut microbiota active polysaccharides require further investigation. Results We dissected the active ingredient structure and mechanism of the activeG. applanatumpolysaccharide (GAP). GAP-0 had a →3)-β-Glcp-(1→4)-α-Glcp-(1→ main chain and 6→2)-α-D-Manp-(1→, 6→4)-α-Glcp-(1→4)-α-GalA-(1→, and 6→1)-α-D-Glcp-(6→ side chains. We found that GAP-0 mainly influenced ribosomal large subunit biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, ATP metabolic process, ATP synthesis coupled electron transport and generation of precursor metabolites and energy in the colon transcriptome. Through germ-free mouse experiments, we found that GAP-0 was dependent on the gut microbiota. GAP-0 was first utilized by the gut microbiota and demonstrated a protective effect on DSS-induced colitis. In healthy mice,RikenellaceaeRC9gut group,Bifidobacterium, Oscillibacter and Negativibacillusparticipated in utilizing GAP-0, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. The increased acetic acid content was positively related toRikenellaceaeRC9gut group andBifidobacterium, valeric acid was positively related toLachnospiraceaeNK4A136group,RikenellaceaeRC9gut group andParasutterella, propionic acid was positively related toNegativibacillus, butyric acid was positively related toBifidobacterium, isovaleric acid was positively related toBifidobacterium, and valeric acid was positively related toNegativibacillus.Moreover, Lachnoclostridium,Mucispirillum,AdlercreutziaandGCA900066575utilized GAP-0 preferentially. Among themAdlercreutziawas positively related to butyric acid and acetic acid, whileMucispirillumwas positively related to butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and valeric acid. Conclusions By evaluating the active ingredient structure, GAP-0 was found to mainly improve immunity by increasing energy metabolism. These protective effects were exerted in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. GAP-0 was first utilized by the gut microbiota and showed a protective effect against DSS-induced colitis.
Soil bacterial communities of paddy are dependent on root compartment niches but independent of growth stages from Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Qiuju , Sun Minglong , Gao Shiwei , Liu Qing , Shan Lili , Guo Junxiang , Bian Jingyang
Published: January 2023

The spatial distribution of bacteria in bulk soil has been well studied. Deep insights into adhering soil of root zones (rhizosphere and rhizoplane) microbial community could provide a better understanding of the plant-microbe relationship. In order to better understand the dynamics of these microbial assemblies over the plant life cycle in rhizodeposition along rice roots. Here, we investigated bacterial distribution in bulk, rhizosphere and rhizoplane soils at tillering, heading and mature stage, from rice (Oryza sativa) fields of the Northeast China. Our results revealed that soil bacterial α-diversity and community composition were significantly affected by root compartment niches but not by temporal change. Deterministic processes dominated the assemblage of bacterial communities in three soil compartments. Network analysis indicated that the bacterial networks in bulk soils were more complex than rhizosphere and rhizoplane soils, reflected by more nodes and stronger connections, which was mainly driven by ecological niches. We also detected shifts from bulk to rhizoplane soils in some functional guilds of bacteria, which changed from sulfur and nitrogen utilization to more carbon and iron cycling processes. Taken together, our results suggest distinct bacterial network structure and distribution patterns among rhizosphere, rhizoplane and bulk soils, which could possibly result in potential functional differentiation.
Global stability for an endogenous-reactivated tuberculosis model with Beddington-DeAngelis incidence, distributed delay and relapse
Authors: Sang Yuan , Zhang Long , Song Bing , Zhang Yuru
Published: January 2023

In this article, a tuberculosis (TB) epidemic model with Beddington-DeAngelis incidence and distributed delay is proposed to characterize the interaction between latent period, endogenous reactivation, treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI), as well as relapse. The basic reproduction number R0 is defined, and the globally asymptotic stability of disease-free equilibrium is shown when R0 <1, while if R0 >1, the globally asymptotic stability of endemic equilibrium is also acquired. Theoretical results are validated through performing numerical simulations, wherein we detect that TB dynamic behavior between models with discrete and distributed delays could be same and opposite. The effect on the protection levels of susceptible and infectious individuals is discussed as well.
Electrochemical investigations of a series of 2-(4-(1-isonicotinoyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3- yl)phenoxy)-N-arylacetamides at modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Reen Gagandeep Kour , Kumar Ashok , Sharma Pratibha
Published: January 2023

A series of 2-(4-(1-isonicotinoyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenoxy)-N-arylacetamides has been synthesized in appreciable yields. The quantitative determination and redox behavior of the synthesized compounds was estimated by electrochemical technique using cyclic voltammetry (CV). For this purpose highly sensitive and stable zinc oxide (ZnO)- multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (ZnO-MWCNTs/GCE) was used as a working electrode. The increase in effective surface area of modified GCE from that of unembellished GCE of 0.0314 cm2 upto 0.081 cm2 resulted in better electrocatalytic activity in terms of responses of the compounds under investigation. The composite film modified GCE resulted into an excellent sensor for the reported compounds in terms of low potential detection, a low detection limit, fast and clear response. Moreover the effect of pH, varying scan rates, solvents, electrolytes, concentration, and substituents (in terms of Hammett equation) have also been analyzed on the CV responses of the modified GCE. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) greatly increases the voltammetric peak current and electrochemical reactivity of the compounds. The electrochemical sensor shows excellent analytical performance and exhibited a wide detection range from 0.0001 M to 0.0003 M. The studies delineated the diffusion-controlled and irreversible behavior of electrocatalytic reaction for all the compounds under investigation.
Impact of Heat Shock Protein and Tumor Necrosis Factor on Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Zaki Moushira , Youness Eman R. , Elmalt Heba A , Khedr Azzah A. , Alzaree Fatma Abdelrahman , EL-Sonbaty Mohamed M. , El-Bassyouni Hala T.
Published: January 2023

Background: Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy (47, XXY), with the existence of an extra chromosome that produces increased levels of gene products and changes in gene expression and contributing to proinflammatory status. Aim: identifying the impact of heat shock proteins and tumor Necrosis Factor on KF pathogenesis. Methods: This study included 35 Klinefelter patients, their age ranged from 8-16 years (14.14±1.95). Patients were clinically diagnosed, then karyotype was performed to all patients. Biochemical analyses including Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the proinflammatory marker TNF-α were performed. Results: Developmental delay occurred in 48.6% and facial dysmorphism including epicanthal folds, hypertelorism, depressed nasal bridge in 28.6%, gynecomastia in 28.6%, undescended Testis in 60%, increased height in 69.6%, congenital heart disease in 54.3%, intellectual disability in 57.1% and the karyotype was 47, XXY in all patients. The level of Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF α in Klinefelter syndrome patients was higher compared to the normal controls. Moreover, the level of heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF α in the patients with Klinefelter syndrome and intellectual disability was higher than those without intellectual disability. On the other hand, testosterone level was decreased in KF patients compared to controls. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between testosterone and both Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF- α. Conclusion: The particular impacts of Heat Shock Protein –70 and TNF- α remain to be elucidated in future studies to enlighten their importance and possible association with the severity of Klinefelter syndrome.
Evaluation of machine learning algorithms in predicting bluetongue virus infection occurrence based on different combinations of predictive risk factors
Authors: Safavi Ehsanallah Afshari , Keywanloo Morteza , Tamannaee Amir Ebrahim Tavanaee
Published: January 2023

Background:Bluetongue virus(BTV) is an arbovirus that causes lots of economic losses worldwide. The most common method of transmission is by vectorCulicoidesmidges. Due to this close relationship between the BTV infection and the vectors, many climate-related risk factors play a role in the occurrence of the disease. The predictive ability of Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) algorithms in predicting the BTV infection occurrence was assessed. Evaluated predictive risk factors included 19 standard bioclimatic variables, meteorological variables, ruminant population density, elevation and land cover data.Results:Based on the results of the ExtraTreesClassifier algorithm, 19 variables were identified as important features in prediction which mostly included bioclimatic variables related to temperature. Different combinations of predictive risk factors were evaluated in separate models.ANN and RF algorithms, especially when all predictor variables were included together showed the best performance in predicting the BTV infection occurrence.Conclusions:RF and ANN algorithms outperformed other machine learning methods in predicting the occurrence of BTV infection, especially when all predictive risk factors were included. Moreover, compared to meteorological, ruminant population density, altitude and land cover features, bioclimatic variables especially those related to temperature played a more important role in predicting the occurrence of BTV infection using machine learning algorithms. The results of the present study could be helpful in planning BTV infection surveillance and adopting control and preventive strategies.
Analysis of the potential risk factors for defecation problems and their bowel management based on the long-term bowel function in patients with persistent cloaca: Results of a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Harumatsu Toshio , Muto Mitsuru , Kawano Takafumi , Sugita Koshiro , Yano Keisuke , Onishi Shun , Ieiri Satoshi , Kubota Masayuki
Published: January 2023

Aim of the Study: We conducted a nationwide survey of persistent cloaca (PC) to determine its current status in Japan. This study clarifies the potential risk factors for defecation problems in patients with PC.
Methods: Patient information was obtained via questionnaire, and a total of 213 PC patients who responded to a questionnaire on defecation problems and their bowel functions were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the constipation, incontinence, and soiling as bowel functions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using a logistic regression analysis to clarify the risk factors for defecation problems.
Results: Of 213 patients with PC, 55 (25.8%) had defecation problems. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sacral agenesis, as an associated anomaly, was significantly associated with defecation problems (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–9.16, p = 0.03). The other multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the PC patients who underwent antegrade continence enema and regularly took laxatives after anorectoplasty had defecation problems (OR 12.4, 95% CI 2.35–65.6, p = 0.003, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.24–6.55, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: Sacral agenesis is the potential risk factor of defecation problems in the patients with PC who underwent anorectoplasty. Those patients require vigorous defecation management.
Identification and Characteristics of Haemozoin of a Hematophagous Haemonchus Contortus
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Zongshan , Liu Hui , Zhu Shengnan , Zhou Taoxun , Wang Chunqun , Hu Min
Published: January 2023

Background
The majority of hematophagous organisms constantly suck the host’s hemoglobin that produces the toxic free haem. This toxic haem aggregation into the nontoxic crystallization complex known as hemozoin, which represents one of the most important detoxification pathways in living organisms, but very little is known about the features of haemozoin in parasitic nematodes. Here, we identified and characterized the haemozoin of an economically significant blood-sucking nematode, Haemonchus contortus.
Methods
Using electron microscopy, spectrophotometry analyses and biochemical approaches, haemozoin crystallization was identified and characterized in parasitic fourth-stage larvae (L4) and/or adult worms as well as L4 of in vitro culture.
Results
The haemozoin was formed in intestinal lipid droplets of the parasitic L4 and adult worms, and its appearance was regularly spherical shapes with a 400 nm absorption peak. Furthermore, the haemozoin of L4 of in vitro culture was associated with the time and concentration of the blood medium, and its formation could be inhibited by chloroquine-derived drugs.
Conclusions
This work provides the first detailed insight into the haemozoin formation of H. contortus and should have important implications for developing novel therapeutic targets against this parasite or related hematophagous organisms.
On alleviating spatial confounding issues with the Bayesian Lasso
Authors: Briz-Redón Álvaro
Published: January 2023

Spatial confounding usually refers to an issue that often arises in the context of fitting a spatial linear mixed model: the collinearity between the fixed effects and the spatial random effects. As a major consequence, this can lead to the inference of erroneous covariate-response associations, with the resulting scientific or social impact. Different methods have been proposed in the literature to alleviate spatial confounding. However, recent research suggests that restricted spatial regression, the most commonly used to date, performs worse than the original spatial linear mixed model, and should be avoided for this purpose. In this paper, we propose the use of the Bayesian version of the standard Lasso method for alleviating spatial confounding. Specifically, we propose a joint model that includes the fixed-effects modeling process (not including spatial random effects) and the spatial linear mixed modeling framework subject to a penalty on the effect of the covariate on the response. The model proposed is tested for the Slovenia dataset, which is usually used for the study of this topic. The model provides an estimate of the covariate-response association of interest which is close to that inferred from the fixed-effects model, while allowing for the inclusion of spatial random effects, thus performing better in terms of goodness-of-fit and spatial smoothing than the fixed-effects model. A simulation study is also carried out, which allows us to verify that the covariate effect estimated through the model proposed is coherent with the one given by the fixed-effects model. The simulation study also enables us to reinforce the idea that finding the most suitable modeling framework for estimating a covariate-response association in a spatial context is not an easy task.
Experiences and perceptions of parents raising children with autism
Authors: Walga Tamene Keneni , Yohannes Tibebu
Published: January 2023

Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in general and autism in particular is on raise globally and the need for evidence-based intervention and care for children with autism has grown, too. However, evidence on autism is scanty in developing countries including Ethiopia. With the aim to help fill the gap and paucity in research into the issue, the main purpose of this study is to explore, better understand, and document the experiences and perceptions of parents of children with autism.
Methods Qualitative survey was used to collect data from a convenient sample of parents raising a child with autism. Twenty-one respondents completed the qualitative survey dispatched. Vast majority (about 80%) of the participants were mothers who were caring for their child with autism. Age of the participant parents ranged between 27 and 67 years (Mean Age = 44.00 years; Standard Deviation = 10.02 years). Ages of children with autism cared for ranged between 4 and 43 years (Mean Age = 15.00 years; Standard Deviation = 8.17 years).
Findings The data collected were subjected to qualitative analysis that yielded several themes and subthemes including late diagnosis, parents’ reactions to diagnosis, sources of information during and after diagnosis, differing reactions to having a child with autism from siblings, extended family members and the larger community, attribution of autism to several causes by the community, lack of recognition and open discussion of autism and lack of appropriated public educational and health care services for children with autism and their parents.
Conclusion The current research derived some themes and subthemes that revolve around the experiences and perceptions of parents raising children with autism. By so doing, it shed an important light on the situations of parents raising children with autism. Based on the findings of this research, some practical implications were drawn.
Clown care in a Palliative Care Unit: A useful paradox? A preliminary pilot study involving questionnaires and text analysis
Authors: Aouridi-Héritier Laoridi , Alonzo Sophie , fabbro-Peray Pascale , Guinamard Marion , Blanchard Sylvie
Published: January 2023

Background: Although several studies on clown therapy have demonstrated benefits for children and the elderly, few studies exist on its impact on quality of life in adult end-of-life patients. We devised this monocentric, prospective, descriptive pilot study, covering quantitative and qualitative aspects, to test the hypothesis that “clowning” in the PCU would improve the quality of life of patients, and benefit their companions and caregivers.
Methods: 30 end-of-life patients [age range 63-79, 19 women, 11 men] from the palliative care unit at Nîmes University Hospital were included in the study from 31/03/2016 to 08/11/2016. All had given written informed consent. 2 clowns visited patients and their companions, inviting them to participate in 15 to 30-minute improvised role-plays to prepare them for the inevitable separation. Primary outcome measures for the impact of the clowns’ interventions were: the ESAS questionnaire to evaluate patients’ physical symptoms and a Quality of Life Questionnaire assessing patients’ quality of life. Semi-structured interviews held with patients, their companions and caregivers were then analysed using textual data analysis software.
Results: Statistical analyses were performed using SAS© version 9.4. qualitative variables were expressed as frequency with percentages and endpoints tested using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. However long the clown’s intervention, the ESAS scores indicated significant improvements in nausea (p=0.0248) and dyspnea (p=0.0476). Scores for depression (p=0.0160) also improved. A slight difference in the scores for anxiety (p=0.0900) and drowsiness (p=0.0812) was also observed. 2 days after the clowns’ intervention, the Mc Gill scores revealed a significantly greater physical quality of life (p=0.0044) and a very slight increase in the patients’ overall quality of life (p=0.0807). The lexical analysis revealed benefits for all involved and gave an indication for better patient management at the PCU.
Conclusions: This pilot study evaluating the impact of “clowning” on various physical and mental symptoms and Quality of Life in adult patients indicates the benefits of such interventions. Indeed, benefits for all involved were also revealed by the lexical analysis. Although clowns are clearly useful for children with life-threatening diseases, our results also indicate the advantage of such interventions in adult, end-of-life patients. Further studies would be required to confirm these findings.
Date of first registration : 20/11/2015
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02610452 This research was registered under the following reference : IDRCB 2015-A00719-40 and approved by the local committee for the protection of persons, CPP Sud-Méditerranée III-Nîmes on November 6th, 2015 under the reference 2015.06.03.
Ethics in education and the ethical dimensions of the teaching profession
Authors: Yildiz Yunus
Published: January 2023

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines the principles at the basis of human behavior and discusses concepts such as good, bad, right, and wrong. Teachers need to be made aware of the ethical responsibilities that come with their jobs so that they can act with greater awareness and sensitivity in the classroom, which will improve the overall quality of their interactions with students. Teachers are able to enhance their students' learning, evaluate them in a variety of ways, and give them the opportunity to learn specific material when they organize a variety of activities in the classroom. In order to make the educational process more efficient, educators should conduct themselves with ethical awareness. As a consequence of this, members of the academic community, members of the general public, and teachers can acknowledge the significance of the ethical component of teaching. This article aims to discuss the main reasons that make the teaching profession the subject of ethics, considering the opinions compiled from the literature and increasing the sensitivity of educators on this issue.

This article aims to discuss the main reasons that make the teaching profession the subject of ethics, considering the opinions compiled from the literature and increasing the sensitivity of educators on this issue.

The object of research: Emphasis on ethics is a word we hear in every cornerstone of life, and it is a word that is taken together with manners and decency. Therefore, it is high time to review ethics in teaching to interested readers. The object of this study is to revise the related literature on the concept of ethics and compile significant features in one study.

Problem description: Since ethics is a paramount issue in education, issues such as the ethical dimensions of teaching and what is useful in the teaching profession for teachers or candidates who think of the profession as a sacred duty, teacher-student interaction, the foundations on which educational plans are based, and the ethical aspects of teacher attitudes needs to be investigated.

Suggested solution to the problem: According to the findings of the research, the ethical dimension can be influenced by a number of factors, some of which include the interactions between teachers and students, educational initiatives, the attitudes of teachers, classroom restrictions, and the majority of instructional decisions. As a result, in order to make the process of education more effective, educators should model ethical behavior in their own lives
The predictive influence of access factor on quality of secondary education in remote areas of Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola John Olayemi , Hendricks Winston
Published: January 2023

The dichotomy in the distribution of educational opportunities across African countries has become a recurring phenomenon between rural and urban communities. However, the remote and rural communities seem to be bearing the brunt of uneven access to quality education than cities. Thus, improving access to quality education in remote areas where educational advantages are scarce or not available remains a great challenge in Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of access factor (AF: Physical Access-PA and Economic Access-EA) on Quality of Secondary Education (QSE) in remote areas of Southwestern Nigeria (RASN). The study was located within a post-positivist paradigm that incorporated the convergent parallel design. The multi-level mixed methods sampling technique was adopted in selecting 467 secondary school graduates. Six participants for the Key Informant Interviews comprised three principals and three senior officials from the Teaching Service Commission and Ministry of Education from three selected states in Southwestern Nigeria. Secondary School Graduate Aptitude Test (SSGAT) and Secondary School Graduate Access Questionnaire (SSGAQ) instruments were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. The access factor with physical access (67.3percent) and economic access (61.3percent) influenced QSE. The study concluded that enhancing access to QSE should be improved in RASN.
Investigation of biological activities of Xeromphis uliginosa (Retz.) root extracts in Swiss-albino mice model, an extinctive medicinal plant of Bangladesh
Authors: Pinkey Asma Aul Husna , Islam Khan Md Zahirul , Razu Md Rashaduzzaman , Mitu Farhana Sultana , Soma Mahfuza Afroz
Published: January 2023

Xeromphis. uliginosa (Retz.) is an extinctive Bangladeshi medicinal plant that is locally used for the treatments of pain, diabetes, diarrhea, depressant, and other diseases. The present study was conducted to evaluate the peripheral analgesic activity (PAA), central analgesic activity (CAA), central nervous system antidepressant activity (CNS-AD), antidiarrheal activity (ADA), and hypoglycaemic activity (HGA) of methanolic root extract of X. uliginosa (MREXU) in a mice model. The acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition and tail flick method were applied to determine the PAA and CAA of MREXU. The CNS-AD was measured using the phenobarbitone sodium-mediated sleeping method whereas, the castor oil-induced antidiarrheal method was used to determine the ADA of the crude extracts. To determine the HGA of MREXU crude extract, the tail tipping technique was conducted in a mice model. The MREXU displayed potential PAA and CAA in mice models. The MREXU 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly inhibit the number of writings along with diclofenac sodium. On the other hand, MREXU both doses significantly inhibit thermal stimulus after 60 and 90 minutes respectively. In the CNS-AD study, crude extract of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increase the onset of sleep by decreasing the duration of sleep. Similarly, the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly reduced diarrheal faeces for the whole 4 hours of experiments. The heartiest outcome of MREXU was displayed in the HGA assay. Both doses of MREXU significantly reduced the blood sugar level for the entire 3 hours of the experiments. In this study, it is revealed that the root of MREXU has extremely significant blood sugar-reducing activity, potential CNS-AD and mild to moderate nociceptive activity in the mice model
Kentsel Alanlardaki Taşkın Duyarlılığına Karşı Ekolojik Peyzaj Tasarım Önerilerinin Geliştirilmesi: Antalya, Kemer Örneği
Authors: AKSOY Onur , ALTAŞ Elif , ERKEN Kamil
Published: January 2023

Küresel iklim değişikliğinin, kentsel ve kırsal alanlarda vejetasyon kaybı, tarım deseninde bozulma, ısı adası etkisi gibi birçok olası etkisi mevcuttur. Bu etkilerden biri de yağış rejiminin bozulmasıyla meydana gelen taşkınlardır. Taşkınlar kentsel ve kırsal alanlardaki ekosistemleri ve insan hayatını birçok yönden tehdit etmektedir. Bu kapsamda son yüzyılda taşkın riski ile mücadelede birçok yöntem geliştirilmiştir. Peyzaj mimarlığı disiplini de, almış olduğu yapısal ve bitkisel önlemler ile oluşacak taşkınların etkisinin azaltılmasında etkin rol oynamaktadır. 20. yüzyılda gündeme gelen ekolojik peyzaj tasarım yaklaşımıyla taşkının olası etkileri azaltılabilir. Bu çalışma Antalya’nın ilçesi olan Kemer merkez ve yakın mahallelerini kapsamaktadır. Kemer ilçesi yılın farklı zamanlarında taşkın felaketiyle karşı karşıya kaldığı için çalışma alanı olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışma 3 aşamadan oluşmuştur. İlk aşamada literatür araştırması yapılmıştır. İkinci aşamada incelenen veriler doğrultusunda belirlenen alanda; eğim, bakı, arazi kullanımı, toprak, yağış ve akarsuya olan uzaklık haritaları Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri platformunda çok kriterli karar verme yöntemine göre derecelendirilmiş, daha sonra ArcGIS ortamında taşkın duyarlılık analizi yapılmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre olası bir taşkında 893 ha tarım alanının ve çalışma alanındaki yerleşim alanlarının 2/3’ünün taşkından etkileneceği sonucuna varılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda taşkın duyarlılığı yüksek alanlarda ekolojik peyzaj tasarım önerileri geliştirilmiştir. Önerilerin uygulanması durumunda ekolojik faydanın yanında ekonomik ve sosyal fayda da sağlanacağı beklenmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı taşkın duyarlılığının yüksek çıktığı alanlarda, yapısal mühendislik ağırlıklı uygulamalara göre daha az maliyet çıktısı ve çevreye daha az zarar veren ekolojik peyzaj tasarım uygulamalarının geliştirilmesidir. Önerilen ekolojik peyzaj tasarım yaklaşımlarıyla bitkisel ağırlıklı uygulamalar ile su akışı düzenlenirken, açık yeşil alanlar ve geçirimli alanların artırılmasıyla yeraltı suyunun beslenimi sağlanacaktır.
Experimental study of thawed soil cutting with a cutting tool of an excavator milling attachment
Authors:   Siberian State Automobile and Highway University, Anatolii Demidenko , Ilia Kuznetsov ,   Siberian State Automobile and Highway University
Published: January 2023

Introduction. An analysis of domestic and foreign experimental studies revealed that the process of thawed soil cutting with conical cutters has been poorly studied. New studies make it possible to confirm the adequacy of the mathematical model of the excavator milling attachment. Methods of research. A special facility based on a mine cart mounted on a rail track was designed. The experimental facility and conditions were described. Main physical and mechanical properties of the soil were determined to improve the results accuracy. A full factorial experiment with two independent variables was carried out at the laboratory of the Siberian State Automobile and Highway University to confirm the adequacy of the developed mathematical model. Results and analysis. The values of the cutting forces are obtained for a certain range of cutting speeds and different cutting angles. Mean-square deviation of the results is 0.028, Student's t-test is 1.71, which confirms the data reliability. The result matrices have a slight deviation from the mean value, which is explained by random input in the course of the experiment. An analysis of the experimental results revealed that the cutting speed has a significant effect on the cutting resistance force. The cutting resistance force increases up to 2 times with an increase in cutting speed. The cutting resistance force decreases slightly with a decrease in the cutting angle. Conclusions and scope of the results. Experimental studies make it possible to confirm the adequacy of the developed mathematical model. Experimental results assessment indicates the reliability of the obtained values. Experimental data deviations from the expectation are random, so the data obtained are suitable for further processing
Directions of mine ventilation development
Authors:   OJSC UMMC, Vadim Minin , Vitalii Tauger ,   Ural State Mining University, Ivan Minin ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Underground mining is carried out under conditions of intensive development of gas from combustion-engined vehicles and blasting operations, as well as under dust pollution and workplace temperature that violate health and safety regulations. Aerological safety provision by improving mine ventilation efficiency is therefore highly relevant. Methods of research. It is reasonable to ventilate a multi-horizon mine using an automated horizon ventilation system that is responsible for the compliance of aerological conditions in workplaces with the safety requirements and consists of centralized and decentralized blocks. Research results and analysis. The centralized block redistributes air flows between entries of a horizon. The decentralized block is a set of auxiliary fans represented by intelligent mechatronic modules supplying fresh air to the workplaces. The intellectualization of the auxiliary fan places high demands on the quality of the air duct, because the efficiency of ventilation in the workplace depends on its reliable functioning. Conclusions. Air duct made of hydraulically smooth polymer units sealed with each other allows to minimize auxiliary fan energy consumption under guaranteed supply of the required amount of air into the workplace. Horizon ventilation computer-aided control and auxiliary fans with sealed polymer air ducts will make it possible to create systems with the most advantageous combination of cost and quality
Geophysical studies of permafrost conditions of the Kangalassky coal mine dam
Authors:   N. V. Chersky Institute of Mining of the North of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Denis Savvin
Published: January 2023

Problem statement. Geophysical studies of the ground dam body and base at the Kangalassky coal mine were carried out as part of monitoring related to the dam’s destruction, propagation of flank release fractures parallel to the ledge, and water seepage into the open pit. The main function of the ground dam is to protect the mining site from the inflow of surface water and preserve frozen rocks of the geological base. The mine workings of the coal mine are watered due to precipitation in the summer, snow melting and frozen rock thawing in the spring. Research objective is to assess the permafrost-ground conditions of the site according to geophysical methods and establish the boundaries of seepage flows that seep through the body and base of the ground dam. Methods of research. Electrical sounding at the dam site were performed by the electrical resistivity tomography method. The research was carried out with the Omega-48 equipment. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) study was carried out with a georadar of the OKO-2 series (AB-250M, central frequency 250 MHz). Georeferencing for comparative analysis of GPR parameters and positioning was carried out by the Geobox Fora Smart high-precision (geodetic) GNSS receiver. The cryogenic condition of rock was determined from the drilling data and FLIR SC660 thermal imaging camera data (device by the Shared core facilities of the Federal Research Center “Yakutsk Science Center SB RAS”, grant no. 13.TsKP.21.0016). Results. The results of GPR studies by the method of multi-season measurements in spring and autumn made it possible to objectively assess open pit permafrost conditions that reflect rock mass condition features (frozen or thawed rocks) and the position of the weakness zones (seepage areas and the presence of waterlogged soils). The analysis of geoelectric sections has identified anomalous areas with reduced electrical resistivity interpreted as zones of suprapermafrost surface water penetration into the embankment body with further dam base soil erosion. Possible surface waters migration routes and frozen rock degradation areas have also been identified. Scope of results. The described technique can be used at the enterprises of the mining complex in the North of Russia for engineering-geological and geocryological monitoring of mining and engineering structures.
The mechanics of plastic volumetric deformation of rock and the rockburst mechanism
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Andrei Zhabko
Published: January 2023

Relevance and problematics. The problem of rock pressure dynamic manifestations, primarily rockbursts and tectonic shocks, is particularly acute for both coal fields and ore deposits. Dynamic manifestations of rock pressure lead to injury and death, to kilometers of destroyed mine workings, loss of minerals, business interruption and additional costs for forecast and prevention. However, these geomechanical phenomena seem to be the most unexplored. They have been studied purely at the empirical level. This is due to poor understanding of the elastic energy accumulation and release mechanism in dynamic phenomena. Methods of research. The proposed model of plastic deformation of rock and the resulting mechanism of rockbursts and tectonic shocks, impacts and earthquakes are based on analytical criteria for rock plasticity and strength, confirmed by a large amount of experimental data. Results, their analysis and recommendations for use. Based on the previous studies performed by the author, a new model of plastic deformation of rocks at the stage of deformation strengthening is proposed. Based on this model, the mechanism of rock plastic deformation, the mechanism of fractured block media destruction and accumulation of deformation energy by rocks are substantiated. It is shown that blocks of various ranks turning leads to deformation energy accumulation in the rock mass. The energy is accumulated both in the blocks and in the surrounding. Conclusions. The proposed model of rockburst and other dynamic phenomena, as well as block mass strength criterion, made it possible to obtain a burst hazard criterion in an analytical form for the first time. The fracturing (blocking) role and contribution to the rockburst mechanism has been shown for the first time. Comparison of the proposed burst hazard criterion with an empirical analogue shows good convergence.
Specifying the morphometric parameters of grottoes and galleries of the Kungur Ice Cave following the results of the topographic and geodetic surveying
Authors:   Mining Institute UB RAS, Krasikov Aleksei
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The Kungur Ice Cave’s complex morphology indicates several stages of formation, starting with hypogenic (phreatic), and then epigenic (vadose) stages of speleogenesis. Cave formation conditions determined its specific water content and unique morphometry. Research objective was to create an actual topographic plan of the cave to establish morphometric parameters of the underground cavity (length, average width and height of the grottoes, amplitude, area and volume, etc.). Methods of research consisted in the graphical interpretation of the data obtained during topographic surveys performed by modern geodetic instruments and an alternative method of surveying underground cavities using a modified laser rangefinder. The surveys were carried out in the cave in the period from 2018 to 2021. Research results. For the first time, the volumes of individual grottoes and passages were calculated for the cave. In the protected part of the cave, the levels of lakes, the sole and roof of galleries were tied to absolute heights. The area occupied by the mantle ice in the cave was determined. The areas of lakes during the period of minimum and maximum water levels are calculated, as well as the strength of rocks over the entire cave. The area occupied by the mantle ice at the beginning of 2022 was determined. Within the framework of structural mapping, genetic types of cracks were recorded (tectonic, intrastratal, separation, hydration and tension, dissolution cracks), their total length was more than 38 km. We obtained marks of clay-dolomite interlayers separated in the ice-cave pack and marks of the stable water level at the time of the cave formation (10–12 thousand years ago). For the first time, the sole of the Nevolinskaya sequence was mapped in absolute hights, the area and number of organ pipes were revealed, and the zone of areal development of sulfate and carbonate breccia was identified. The scope of the results. The analysis of the obtained structural mapping data will allow us to assess the stability of the walls and the vaulted part of the grottoes, which will further increase the safety of visiting the excursion part of the cave.