bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid leaching technology for post-consumer gypsum purification
Authors: Castro-Diaz Miguel , Osmani Mohamed , Cavalaro Sergio , Needham Paul , Parker Bill , Lovato Tatiana
Published: December 2023

Background Contaminants and water-soluble salts present in mechanically recycled gypsum from refurbishment and demolition (post-consumer) plasterboard waste limit its use as a secondary raw material in plasterboard manufacturing. This research addresses this limitation, developing a novel acid leaching purification technology combined with an improved mechanical pre-treatment for post-consumer gypsum valorization. Methods Laboratory-scale acid leaching purification was performed with a borosilicate beaker, hot plate, and overhead stirrer. Stuccos were produced after calcination of gypsum at 150 °C for 3 hours. Samples were characterized through X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. Results Acid leaching at 90 °C for 1 h using a 5 wt% sulfuric acid solution was revealed to be the optimum purification conditions. Stuccos produced from purified gypsum under optimum conditions had similar initial setting times to that of a commercial stucco but with higher water demand, which could be reduced by optimizing the calcination conditions. A magnesium-rich gypsum was precipitated from the wastewater. Conclusions Purified post-consumer gypsum with > 96 wt% chemical purity and calcium sulfate dihydrate content was produced. The research recommends acid neutralization prior filtration, use of gypsum particles < 2 mm in size, and stirring speed of 50 rpm to reduce the economic and environmental impacts of the acid leaching purification process at industrial scale. The magnesium-rich gypsum could potentially be marketed as soil fertilizer.
Educational equity in England: the shortcomings of the UK Government’s COVID-19 response
Authors: Kippin Sean
Published: December 2023

The UK Government sought to respond to lockdowns and lost learning during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in multiple ways, including replacing cancelled examinations and compensating for lost learning through a National Tutoring Programme. In the case of the former, the system failed to realise the demands of equity by privileging wealthier students and beating a path back to a flawed ‘normality.’ In the case of the latter, while the idea of providing targeted, high quality small group and one on one tutoring to the most in-need students was well-conceived, implementation was a failure - particularly following its contracting out to a large outsourcing company. These two cases demonstrate that English education policy is adherent to a neoliberal conception of education equity, and that attempts to address inequalities are constrained, backfire, or both.
EIDM training as a key intervention among researchers to enhance research uptake and policy engagement: an evaluation study
Authors: Abdullahi Leila , Hara Hleziwe , Kahurani Elizabeth , Kamthunzi Victory , Nthakomwa Lomuthando , Oronje Rose , Madise Nyovani
Published: December 2023

The Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) field has evolved faster in the past decade. This progress shows a need for capacity enhancement amongst evidence producers and evidence users in EIDM training. Through the Enhance DELTAS programme, led by the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), the project provided research uptake and policy engagement training, mentorship and webinars to awardees of the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science (DELTAS) Africa initiative, led by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). Two workshops were offered to individual early career DELTAS researchers in policy engagement and evidence uptake, referred to as ENHD101, and among research leaders to enhance institutional capacity on policy engagement and evidence uptake, (ENHD102). Overall, the programme attracted 31 early career researchers and 20 research leaders over the eight months of training, mentorship and webinars. Following the programme, the early career researchers understood the importance of EIDM for better health policies and programmes. In addition, the team appreciated the complexities of the policymaking processes as they developed the policy engagement strategy for their research. The implementation of the EIDM knowledge was reflected during the mentorship of research fellows with policy briefs as the end product. Notably, research leaders, appreciated their role in strengthening the capacity for EIDM in decision-making spaces. Although none of the research leaders participated in strengthening the capacity for EIDM during the programme, the team anticipated improving in the long run. In addition, the research leaders developed and implemented institutional strategies for policy engagement and research uptake through the use of social media to influence policymakers. In conclusion, the project supported the capacity building of African researchers in EIDM. It was evident that enhancing knowledge and skills on EIDM through an integrated approach to include training, mentorship, and webinars demonstrated enhanced capacity for policy engagement and evidence uptake.
Trapping and killing performance of a PermaNet 2.0 hybrid mosquito trapping bednet: an experimental hut evaluation
Authors: Mouhamadou Chouaibou Seidou , Kouadio France-Paraudie A. , Sadia Christabelle G. , Behi Fodjo K.
Published: December 2023

Background Despite the huge global effort , there has been an increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa since 2015, from 212 million cases and 429,000 deaths in 2015 to 241 million cases and 627,000 deaths in 2020 mainly because of resistance to insecticide. Therefore, advancing innovative approaches is the only sustainable way to fight malaria. Methods Taking advantage of the behavior of mosquitoes around the net, which is almost 70-90% concentrated on the roof, we have developed a two-compartment mosquito bednet, the so-called T-Net for mass mosquito trapping and killing. In the current study, we investigated in an experimental hut trial, the efficacy of trapping-long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (T-LLINs) against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in an insecticide resistance context. Five different arms have been considered in this study including three positive control arms e.g. PermaNet 2.0 LLIN, Tsara boost LLIN and Interceptor generation 2 (IG2) LLIN), one negative control arm using insecticide-free bednet, and one candidate arm using a hybrid-treated trapping bednet made with PermaNet 2.0 LLIN mounted with an insecticide-free compartment (T-LLIN). Results The highest average daily mortality was recorded with the T-LLIN. In total, 678 mosquitoes were killed by T-LLIN among the 760 collected, i.e. 89.2%. Out of these, 317 were found in the trap compartment, representing 46.75% of mortality directly attributable to the mechanical effect of this net. This added value made it possible to quantify the increased in the killing effect that this net would have over the positive control arms: this would be 52% higher than the killing effect of PN2.0, 25.2% higher than that of Tsara boost and 23% higher than that of IG2. Conclusion The current study shows potential to maximize the efficiency of the WHO-recommended LLINs by an addition of an insecticide-free trap compartment on top of the net.
Early English Drama Records and Other Manuscripts from Coventry Destroyed Before and During the Second World War
Authors: Milne Krista A.
Published: December 2023

When Coventry’s central library was destroyed in 1940, valuable early guild records were lost. No consensus has emerged regarding which records were lost during the war and which records had been lost earlier. Identifying these losses is important, because Coventry’s records hold value for the city’s history and — since Coventry was a key site for early theatre — for Britain’s literary history. As this article shows, fewer historical manuscripts were destroyed in 1940 than was once feared. Moreover, the loss of one of these manuscripts is mitigated somewhat by new evidence presented here, which suggests that some of the manuscript’s source material survives.
Reconsidering The Battle of Hexham
Authors: Teramura Misha
Published: December 2023

This note draws on new evidence from nineteenth-century auction catalogues to reconsider the question of whether Barnabe Barnes was the author of a lost play titled The Battle of Hexham.
Fairbairn’s psychology of dynamic structure: a psycho-social approach to dementia I. Fairbairn’s developmental theory of mind and understanding the process of dementia
Authors: Larkins David Michael
Published: December 2023

The author gives a detailed exposition of Fairbairn’s structural model of the self, showing how it develops from the initial stage of infantile dependency, through the transitional stage which is concerned with the abandonment of infantile dependence to the stage of mature dependence where the defences of the transitional stage are given up, and one can relate to others realistically. He gives a detailed description of how Fairbairn’s model can be used to understand the symptoms of dementia as described by other researchers.
Hurt Feelings: Affect, World, and Time in As You Like It and Early Modern Studies
Authors: Pye Christopher
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Engaging current affect theory through the work of Jean-Luc Nancy, Martin Heidegger, and Walter Benjamin, "Hurt Feelings" argues that affect should be understood neither as a form of embodiment nor of sympathetic correspondence but as a state of incommensurability between self and world that is at the same time the originative condition of those categories; rather than extending the self into the world, affect concerns the possibility of world as such. The essay brings such claims to bear on a scene of miraculous conversion in As You Like It that suggests both the grounds of theater's affective hold and affect's inextricable relation to our status as historical beings.
On the History of Choice: William Dean Howells and the Roots of the Neoliberal Individual
Authors: Benack Carolin
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The neoliberal individual, according to critics like Wendy Brown and Michel Foucault, treats all spheres of life as subject to utility maximization: Whether deciding on a job, a house, or a romantic partner—everything is treated according to a logic of economy. Scholars typically point to economics as the conceptual source of this subject. In this essay, I suggest a different point of origin: the late-nineteenth century novel. Taking a classic of American realist fiction, William Dean Howells's The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885), as representative for a larger trend, I show that the novel both articulates and evinces a shift in the cultural conception of the individual. Silas Lapham reorients the individual away from the liberal subject, primarily defined by property ownership, and toward the incessantly choosing entity of neoliberalism. This essay at once reframes existing discussions of the neoliberal subject and shows that neoliberal thought has long been articulated by entities other than economics—namely, novels.
All Winged Their Supermen: Mina Loy, Olive Moore, and the Transhumanist Imagination
Authors: Linett Maren
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Recent scholarship has demonstrated some of the ways modernism depends on eugenic thinking. Exploring similarities and differences between eugenics and early transhumanism, this article identifies in modernist literature a strand of more radical transhumanist desire. Looking in particular at Mina Loy's poems "Parturition" and "Songs to Joannes" and Olive Moore's novel Spleen , it argues that these texts turn the modernist call to "make it new" on human beings ourselves, as Loy and Moore imagine maternity as a means to advance evolution, if only it could transcend the disappointing reproducibility of the human being.
Engaging students in research and self-discovery: An integrative and student-centered approach to History of the English Language
Authors: Treglia Maria Ornella
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article illustrates how a student-centered, culturally responsive pedagogical approach to teaching History of the English Language (HEL) to community college students from diverse ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds promotes self-knowledge and academic confidence. I outline how several areas—including language theory, etymology of names, language policy, varieties of English, and language identity—can be effectively taught at an introductory HEL level through ethnographic research and multiple-draft writing assignments. Throughout the article, excerpts of student writing demonstrate their engagement in ethnographic research with a focus on their own communities, revealing their experience-based knowledge and their viewpoints on language-equality issues.
Calibration-free quantitative phase imaging in multi-core fiber endoscopes using end-to-end deep learning
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Zhao Bin , Wang Dong , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Jie , Koukourakis Nektarios , Czarske Júergen W. , Li Xuelong
Published: December 2023

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) through multi-core fibers (MCFs) has been an emerging in vivo label-free endoscopic imaging modality with minimal invasiveness. However, the computational demands of conventional iterative phase retrieval algorithms have limited their real-time imaging potential. We demonstrate a learning-based MCF phase imaging method that significantly reduced the phase reconstruction time to 5.5 ms, enabling video-rate imaging at 181 fps. Moreover, we introduce an innovative optical system that automatically generated the first, to the best of our knowledge, open-source dataset tailored for MCF phase imaging, comprising 50,176 paired speckles and phase images. Our trained deep neural network (DNN) demonstrates a robust phase reconstruction performance in experiments with a mean fidelity of up to 99.8%. Such an efficient fiber phase imaging approach can broaden the applications of QPI in hard-to-reach areas.
Stable, narrow-linewidth laser system with a broad frequency tunability and a fast switching time
Authors: Liu C. , Nickerson K. , Booth D. W. , Frechem J. , Tai H. , Miladi H. , Moore K. , Shaffer J. P.
Published: December 2023

For a Rydberg atom-based sensor to change its sensing frequency, the wavelength of the Rydberg state excitation laser must be altered. The wavelength shifts required can be on the order of 10 nm. A fast-tunable narrow-linewidth laser with broadband tuning capability is required. Here, we present a demonstration of a laser system that can rapidly switch a coupling laser as much as 8 nm in less than 50 μs. The laser system comprises a frequency-stabilized continuous wave laser and an electro-optic frequency comb. A filter enables selection of individual comb lines. A high-speed electro-optic modulator is used to tune the selected comb line to a specific frequency, i.e., an atomic transition. Through Rydberg atom-based sensing experiments, we demonstrate frequency hopping between two Rydberg states and a fast switching time of 400 μs, which we show can be reduced to ∼50 μs with a ping-pong scheme. If updating the RF frequency is not required during frequency hopping, a 200 ns switching time can be achieved. These results showcase the potential of the laser system for advanced Rydberg atom-based radio frequency sensing applications, like communications and radar.
Sensory processing in humans and mice fluctuates between external and internal modes
Authors: Weilnhammer Veith , Stuke Heiner , Standvoss Kai , Sterzer Philipp
Published: December 2023

Perception is known to cycle through periods of enhanced and reduced sensitivity to external information. Here, we asked whether such slow fluctuations arise as a noise-related epiphenomenon of limited processing capacity or, alternatively, represent a structured mechanism of perceptual inference. Using 2 large-scale datasets, we found that humans and mice alternate between externally and internally oriented modes of sensory analysis. During external mode, perception aligns more closely with the external sensory information, whereas internal mode is characterized by enhanced biases toward perceptual history. Computational modeling indicated that dynamic changes in mode are enabled by 2 interlinked factors: (i) the integration of subsequent inputs over time and (ii) slow antiphase oscillations in the impact of external sensory information versus internal predictions that are provided by perceptual history. We propose that between-mode fluctuations generate unambiguous error signals that enable optimal inference in volatile environments.
Promoter selectivity of the RhlR quorum-sensing transcription factor receptor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is coordinated by distinct and overlapping dependencies on C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE
Authors: Keegan Nicholas R. , Colón Torres Nathalie J. , Stringer Anne M. , Prager Lia I. , Brockley Matthew W. , McManaman Charity L. , Wade Joseph T. , Paczkowski Jon E.
Published: December 2023

Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial cell-cell communication that relies on the production and detection of small molecule autoinducers, which facilitate the synchronous expression of genes involved in group behaviors, such as virulence factor production and biofilm formation. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing network consists of multiple interconnected transcriptional regulators, with the transcription factor, RhlR, acting as one of the main drivers of quorum sensing behaviors. RhlR is a LuxR-type transcription factor that regulates its target genes when bound to its cognate autoinducer, C4-homoserine lactone, which is synthesized by RhlI. RhlR function is also regulated by the metallo-β-hydrolase enzyme, PqsE. We recently showed that PqsE binds RhlR to alter its affinity for promoter DNA, a new mechanism of quorum-sensing receptor activation. Here, we perform ChIP-seq analyses of RhlR to map the binding of RhlR across the P. aeruginosa genome, and to determine the impact of C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE on RhlR binding to different sites across the P. aeruginosa genome. We identify 40 RhlR binding sites, all but three of which are associated with genes known to be regulated by RhlR. C4-homoserine lactone is required for maximal binding of RhlR to many of its DNA sites. Moreover, C4-homoserine lactone is required for maximal RhlR-dependent transcription activation from all sites, regardless of whether it impacts RhlR binding to DNA. PqsE is required for maximal binding of RhlR to many DNA sites, with similar effects on RhlR-dependent transcription activation from those sites. However, the effects of PqsE on RhlR specificity are distinct from those of C4-homoserine lactone, and PqsE is sufficient for RhlR binding to some DNA sites in the absence of C4-homoserine lactone. Together, C4-homoserine lactone and PqsE are required for RhlR binding at the large majority of its DNA sites. Thus, our work reveals three distinct modes of activation by RhlR: i) when RhlR is unbound by autoinducer but bound by PqsE, ii) when RhlR is bound by autoinducer but not bound by PqsE, and iii) when RhlR is bound by both autoinducer and PqsE, establishing a stepwise mechanism for the progression of the RhlR-RhlI-PqsE quorum sensing pathway in P. aeruginosa.
Phosphate solubilizing bacteria from soils with varying environmental conditions: Occurrence and function
Authors: Janati Walid , Bouabid Rachid , Mikou Karima , Ghadraoui Lahsen El , Errachidi Faouzi
Published: December 2023

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an advantageous way to supply phosphate (P) to plants. The Mediterranean climate of Morocco, especially the low-lying areas, is semi-arid with nutrient-depleted soils in which small-scale, low-income farmers dominate without access to expensive inorganic fertilizers. However, there is not a wide range of PSBs suitable for various agroecological situations. Furthermore, our understanding of the soil and climatic variables that influence their development is limited. This study aims to examine the impacts of specific environmental factors, such as climate and soil, on the abundance, potential, and diversity of PSBs in four agricultural regions of Morocco. To assess the possible impact of these factors on the P solubilization capacity of PSBs and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, we analyzed the soil and climate of each sample studied. Similarly, we tested the P solubilization efficiency of the isolates. The bacteria were isolated in a National Botanical Research Institute’s phosphate (NBRIP) agar medium. A total of 51 PSBs were studied in this work. The P-solubilization average of Rock P (RP) and Tricalcium P (TCP) of all strains that were isolated from each of the four regions ranged from 18.69 mg.L-1 to 40.43 mg.L-1 and from 71.71 mg.L-1 to 94.54 mg.L-1, respectively. The PGP traits of the isolated strains are positively correlated with the PSBs abundance and the sample characteristics (soil and climate). The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the strain allowed us to identify around nine different bacterial genera, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. The findings showed that bacterial communities, density, and potency are closely correlated to various edapho-climatic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, soil nutrient status, and soil texture. These findings could be used to improve an effective plant-PSBs system and increase agricultural output by taking into account their specific ecological traits and plant growth mechanisms.
Fruit quality and shelf-life of Sardinian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces
Authors: Posadinu Chiara M. , Rodriguez Monica , Conte Paola , Piga Antonio , Attene Giovanna
Published: December 2023

The conservation and characterization of landraces have key roles in the safeguarding and valorization of agrobiodiversity. Indeed, these plant genetic resources represent an important crop heritage with quality and sensory characteristics that can be of great use to consumers and industry. In addition, the preservation of genetic resources from the risk of progressive genetic erosion, and the enhancement of their potential can contribute to food security and improve the nutritional value of food. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate a collection of Sardinian tomato landraces for parameters that have determinant roles in evaluating their responses to conservation, and therefore to consumer acceptance. Six Sardinian landraces and two commercial varieties were cultivated in a two-years off-season trial, harvested at two different maturity stages (turning, red-ripe) and characterized using 14 fruit-related quality parameters that define the marketability, nutritional value, and flavor of the fruit. Data were collected at intervals of 10 days, starting from the harvest date and over 30 days of storage under refrigeration. The simultaneous analysis of all the qualitative characteristics for the different genotypes allowed to clearly differentiate the local varieties from the commercial varieties and a few landraces emerged for their satisfactory performances, e.g. “Tamatta kaki” ad "Tamatta groga de appiccai". In particular, the “Tamatta groga de appiccai” showed satisfactory lycopene content at marketable stages (average 5.65 mg 100g-1 FF), a peculiar orange-pink color with the highest hue angle values (range: H°T0 = 72.55—H°T30 = 48.26), and the highest firmness among the landraces of the red-ripe group (range: EpT0 = 1.64—EpT30 = 0.54 N mm-1). These results highlight the potential of some of the Sardinian tomato landraces for developing new varieties or promoting their direct valorization in local markets and could considerably increase the effectiveness and efficiency of agrobiodiversity conservation strategies.
Cost analysis of photobiomodulation in tibia fracture in the Brazilian public health system
Authors: Jana Neto Frederico Carlos , Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera , de Medeiros Diogo Valvano , Felix Fernanda Carolina , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Duran Cinthya Cosme Gutierrez , Motta Lara Jansiski , Barbosa Estela Capelas , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos
Published: December 2023

Managing tibial fractures requires substantial health resources, which costs the health system. This study aimed to describe the costs of photobiomodulation (PBM) with LEDs in the healing process of soft tissue lesions associated with tibial fracture compared to a placebo. Economic analysis was performed based on a randomized controlled clinical trial, with a simulation of the cost-effectiveness and incremental cost model. Adults (n = 27) hospitalized with tibia fracture awaiting definitive surgery were randomized into two distinct groups: the PBM Group (n = 13) and the Control Group with simulated phototherapy (n = 14). To simulate the cost-effectiveness and incremental cost model, the outcome was the evolution of wound resolution by the BATES-JENSEN scale and time of wound resolution in days. The total cost of treatment for the Control group was R$21,164.56, and a difference of R$7,527.10 more was observed when compared to the treatment of the PBM group. The proposed intervention did not present incremental cost since the difference in the costs to reduce measures between the groups was smaller for the PBM group. When analyzing the ICER (Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio), it would be possible to save R$3,500.98 with PBM and decrease by 2.15 points in the daily average on the BATES-JENSEN scale. It is concluded, therefore, that PBM can be a supportive therapy of clinical and economic interest in a hospital setting.
Smoking and pre-existing co-morbidities as risk factors for developing severity of COVID-19 infection: Evidence from a field hospital in a rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Rashadul , Ahmed Sayem , Chakma Samar Kishor , Mahmud Tareq , Al Mamun Abdullah , Islam Ziaul , Islam M. Munirul
Published: December 2023

Since August 2020; the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) in collaboration with UNICEF has been operating a COVID-19 field hospital at the Teknaf sub-district of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. This paper is focused on estimating the effects of a history of tobacco smoking and pre-existing co-morbidities on the severity of COVID-19 infection among adult patients admitted into the aforesaid hospital. We conducted a retrospective data analysis of COVID-19 adult patients hospitalized from August 27, 2020 to April 20, 2022. Based on inclusion criteria; a total of 788 admitted patients were included in the analysis. We conducted a Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test for the categorical variables to see their associations. Multinomial logistic regression models were performed to explore the risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 infection. Among 788 patients, 18.4%, 18.8%, 13%, 7.1%, 3.4%, and 1.9% have had a history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and asthma respectively. Overall, the mean age of the patients was 40.3 ± 16.4 years and 51% were female. In multivariate analysis, history of smoking and co-morbidities were identified as the risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 infection; the history of smoking was found linked with an increase in the risk of developing critical, severe, and moderate level of COVID-19 infection- notably 3.17 times (RRR = 3.17; 95% CI: 1.3–7.68), 2.98 times (RRR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.87–4.76) and 1.96 times (RRR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.25–3.08) respectively more than the patients who never smoked. It was evident that patients with at least one of the selected co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, COPD, CVD, and asthma exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing severe illness of COVID-19 compared to patients without any co-morbidity. History of tobacco smoking and pre-existing co-morbidities were significantly associated with an increased severity of COVID-19 infection.
Antimicrobial use practices in canine and feline dental procedures performed in primary care veterinary practices in the United States
Authors: Weese J. Scott , Battersby Ian , Morrison JoAnn , Spofford Nathaniel , Soltero-Rivera Maria
Published: December 2023

This study examined the utilization of antimicrobials in canines and felines receiving dental treatments in veterinary clinics in the United States, retrospectively. A total of 818,150 animals (713,901 procedures in dogs and 104,249 procedures in cats) underwent dental procedures under general anesthesia in 2020. These included dental prophylaxis and extractions. Patient demographic data, antimicrobial treatment, treatment duration, dose, periodontal disease score, whether tooth extractions were performed and how many extractions were performed was recorded. Our results showed that local or systemic antimicrobials were used in 116,723/713,901 (16.4%) procedures in dogs and 14,264/104,249 (14%) procedures in cats. Age, weight, extraction of one or more teeth and diagnosis of periodontal disease (any stage) were associated with increased likelihood of antimicrobial administration using univariable analysis (all P<0.001) and in the multivariable model. Clindamycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate and amoxicillin were the most common oral antimicrobials used in dogs and cats. Drugs classified as highest priority clinically important antibiotics (HPCIA) were administered to 30,960/116,723 (26.5%) of dogs and 7,469/14,264 (52%) of treated cats. The results obtained can inform interventions to optimize patient care and promote prudent use of antimicrobials during dental procedures in canine and feline patients.
The tubulin database: Linking mutations, modifications, ligands and local interactions
Authors: Abbaali Izra , Truong Danny , Day Shania Deon , Mushayeed Faliha , Ganesh Bhargavi , Haro-Ramirez Nancy , Isles Juliet , Nag Hindol , Pham Catherine , Shah Priya , Tomar Ishaan , Manel-Romero Carolina , Morrissette Naomi S.
Published: December 2023

Microtubules are polymeric filaments, constructed of α-β tubulin heterodimers that underlie critical subcellular structures in eukaryotic organisms. Four homologous proteins (γ-, δ-, ε- and ζ-tubulin) additionally contribute to specialized microtubule functions. Although there is an immense volume of publicly available data pertaining to tubulins, it is difficult to assimilate all potentially relevant information across diverse organisms, isotypes, and categories of data. We previously assembled an extensive web-based catalogue of published missense mutations to tubulins with >1,500 entries that each document a specific substitution to a discrete tubulin, the species where the mutation was described and the associated phenotype with hyperlinks to the amino acid sequence and citation(s) for research. This report describes a significant update and expansion of our online resource (TubulinDB.bio.uci.edu) to nearly 18,000 entries. It now encompasses a cross-referenced catalog of post-translational modifications (PTMs) to tubulin drawn from public datasets, primary literature, and predictive algorithms. In addition, tubulin protein structures were used to define local interactions with bound ligands (GTP, GDP and diverse microtubule-targeting agents) and amino acids at the intradimer interface, within the microtubule lattice and with associated proteins. To effectively cross-reference these datasets, we established a universal tubulin numbering system to map entries into a common framework that accommodates specific insertions and deletions to tubulins. Indexing and cross-referencing permitted us to discern previously unappreciated patterns. We describe previously unlinked observations of loss of PTM sites in the context of cancer cells and tubulinopathies. Similarly, we expanded the set of clinical substitutions that may compromise MAP or microtubule-motor interactions by collecting tubulin missense mutations that alter amino acids at the interface with dynein and doublecortin. By expanding the database as a curated resource, we hope to relate model organism data to clinical findings of pathogenic tubulin variants. Ultimately, we aim to aid researchers in hypothesis generation and design of studies to dissect tubulin function.
Heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated factors: Longitudinal analysis of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in San Antonio
Authors: Choi Byeong Yeob , Grace Abigail R. , Tsai Jack
Published: December 2023

Few studies have examined heterogeneous associations of risk factors with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) symptoms by type. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors associated with COVID-19 symptoms and to investigate whether the associations differ by the type of symptoms. This study obtained longitudinal data over 6 months from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in a citywide sample in San Antonio. Sixteen symptoms of COVID-19 infection, measured at baseline and three follow-up times (1, 3, and 6 months), were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to investigate potential risk factors while accounting for the repeated measurements. The risk factors included time in months, sociodemographic characteristics, and past or current medical and psychiatric conditions. To obtain interpretable results, we categorized these sixteen symptoms into five categories (cardiopulmonary, neuro-psychological, naso-oropharyngeal, musculoskeletal, and miscellaneous). We fitted GEE models with a logit link using each category as the outcome variable. Our study demonstrated that the associations were heterogeneous by the categories of symptoms. The time effects were the strongest for naso-oropharyngeal symptoms but the weakest for neuro-psychological symptoms. Female gender was associated with increased odds of most of the symptoms. Hispanic ethnicity was also associated with higher odds of neuro-psychological, musculoskeletal, and miscellaneous symptoms. Depression was the most robust psychiatric condition contributing to most of the symptoms. Different medical conditions seemed to contribute to different symptom expressions of COVID-19 infection.
Olfactory system-inspired electronic nose system using numerous low-cost homogenous and hetrogenous sensors
Authors: Lee Sang Woo , Kim Byeong Hee , Seo Young Ho
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an electronic nose system inspired by the biological olfactory system. When comparing the human olfactory system to that of a dog, it’s worth noting that dogs have 30 times more olfactory receptors and three times as many types of olfactory receptors. This implies that the number of olfactory receptors could be a more important parameter for classifying chemical compounds than the number of receptor types. Instead of using expensive precision sensors, the proposed electronic nose system relies on numerous low-cost homogeneous and heterogeneous sensors with poor cross-interference characteristics due to their low gas selectivity. Even if the same type of sensor shows a slightly different output for the same chemical compound, this variation becomes a unique signal for the target gas being measured. The electronic nose system comprises 30 sensors, the e-nose had 6 differing sensors with 5 replicates of each type. The characteristics of the electronic nose system are evaluated using three different volatile alcoholic compounds, more than 99% of which are the same. Liquid samples are supplied to the sensor chamber for 60 seconds using an air bubbler, followed by a 60-second cleaning of the chamber. Sensor signals are acquired at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. In this experimental study, the effects of data preprocessing methods and the number of sensors of the same type are investigated. By increasing the number of sensors of the same type, classification accuracy exceeds 99%, regardless of the deep learning model. The proposed electronic nose system, based on low-cost sensors, demonstrates similar results to commercial expensive electronic nose systems.
‘Luso-orientalism’: Portuguese Asian ‘imagined communities’ in Estado Novo film propaganda
Authors: Piçarra Maria do Carmo
Published: December 2023

Portuguese filmography on Portuguese Asia during the Estado Novo is limited. Additionally, much of this filmography appeared late and while also espousing a Luso-tropicalist rhetoric that sought to project the bygone mythical importance of a formerly vast empire. During the dictatorship, however, the colonies in the East held symbolic value. I propose that the scarcity of films on the ‘Portuguese Orient’ stems from this symbolic value of an imagined community that is evoked more through its vagueness than through its visual representation. With the emergence of tensions between Portugal and India regarding the control of Portuguese India in 1947, and the beginning of the independence war in Angola in 1961, interest in filming Portugal’s eastern colonies arose from the need to sediment a Luso-orientalist discourse that ignored the broad range of local characteristics and the myriad differences that existed between Africa and Asia and, moreover, between various colonies within those regions.
EXPERIENCE OF RECONSTRUCTION OF THE WOMEN'S JEWELRY COMPLEX IN ALTAI DURING THE ROURAN PERIOD (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE CHOBURAK-I NECROPOLIS)
Authors:   Altai State University, N. Seregin , S. Matrenin , I. CHUDILIN ,   Altai State University
Published: December 2023

The article presents the experience of reconstructing a complex of jewelry discovered during excavations of one of the objects of the Rouran period at the Choburak-I site (Chemal district of the Altai Republic). The compact necropolis of the Bulan-Koby culture, fully explored by the members of the ASU archaeological expedition, included 12 undisturbed burials. A set of accompanying inventory items found in the female burial of mound No. 34, consisting mainly of various decorative details associated with the costume. Most of the items date back to the 3rd - 5th centuries AD. Judging by the finds recorded in situ, the object under consideration contained two headdresses - “lower” and “upper”. The set of jewelry also included earrings, a braid, badges, patches, and a deer tusk pendant.
Perfil dos pacientes que buscam atendimento para extração de terceiros molares no curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
Authors: Silva Amy Brian Costa e , Oliveira Bruna Carolina Gonçalves de , Scaramussa Marianna Coppo , Venâncio Martha Alayde Alcantara Salim , Bertollo Rossiene Motta
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Conhecer o padrão epidemiológico é importante para aumentar a previsibilidade de alterações em uma população. Especialmente em cirurgias de terceiros molares, os dados colhidos nos exames clínico e de imagens são fundamentais para o diagnóstico e planejamento cirúrgico, e podem auxiliar na prevenção de complicações trans e pós-operatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes que buscaram atendimento para exodontia de terceiros molares (3ºMs) na disciplina de Cirurgia Bucomaxilofacial II (CBMF II) da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo em prontuários de pacientes que buscaram extração de 3ºMs de março/2015 a dezembro/2019. Resultados: Foram avaliados 1.030 prontuários, dos quais 389 (37,76%) buscaram atendimento para exodontia de 3ºMs, predominantemente estudantes (37%), do sexo feminino (60,93%), na faixa etária de 21 a 25 anos (39,58%), pardos e brancos (32,39% e 28,82%, respectivamente), procedentes da Grande Vitória/ES (95,11%). A impacção foi a principal indicação para exodontia (56,64 %), enquanto a dor na região dos 3ºMs foi a queixa principal mais prevalente (76% dos registros de queixas). As doenças respiratórias como sinusite e asma foram as mais presentes (31,5%). Conclusões: Os pacientes que buscaram atendimento foram, em sua maioria, mulheres, jovens, brancos ou pardos, procedentes da região metropolitana da Grande Vitória/ES. A principal indicação para extração foi a impacção dentária, sendo a dor a queixa principal mais referida.
Analysis of Clay Mineral Transformation in Plambik Village, Central Lombok Using X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope Methods
Authors: Nugroho Totok , Prajoko Bambang , Suryawan I Gede Suryawan
Published: December 2023

Analysis of minerals and microfabric changes during the burning process of clay in Plambik village, Central Lombok has been carried out using 2 methods: X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. A brick of dimension (10 x 20 x 5) mm was prepared which was formed through a gypsum mould. After drying it is burned using an electric furnace with temperatures: 800oC, 1000oC and 1100oC. The results show that using the X-ray diffraction method when burned at 800oC there are quartz minerals with several illite peaks, at 1000oC there is only quartz, the illite peaks disappear while at 1100oC the quartz mineral peaks remain accompanied by the appearance of mullit peaks. Then the effect of the firing temperature on the clay microfabric was analyzed by observing the sample with a Scanning Electron Microscope. This test aims to obtain information about the changes in structure and texture that develop during the combustion process and more specifically on the morphology of the particles and their interaction with the development of the vitrification process and the distribution of the shape and size of the pores. The results showed that before burning, the kaolinite and illite particles were randomly distributed with porous aggregates and the grain size was between 1 – 5 microns. During firing at 800oC some parts have undergone melting and welding phases with the development of secondary porosity. Meanwhile, when burning with a temperature of 1100oC, it appears that the welding and smelting processes that occur are wider and the emergence of mullite crystals from the glass matrix.
Pracovní povinnost a nově vzniklá subpopulace studujících se specifickými potřebami
Authors: Brzáková Beksová Kateřina , Nádvorníková Lenka
Published: December 2023

Cílem výzkumného sdělení je porozumět vlivu pracovní povinnosti při koronavirové pandemii na souběžné vysokoškolské studium a zároveň zpětně poukázat na skutečnost, že studentky v prezenční formě bakalářského studijního programu speciální pedagogika Fakulty přírodovědně-humanitní a pedagogické Technické univerzity v Liberci byly aktuálně i potenciálně ohroženy rizikem studijních neúspěchů. Příspěvek ve své první části teoreticky vysvětluje souvislost krizové situace a vzniku specifických potřeb u studentek TUL. Následně reflektuje nový fenomén specifických potřeb, které vyvstaly na základě popsaných názorů a postojů studentek v pracovní povinnosti. Zjistili jsme, že pandemie vyvolala u studujících v pracovní povinnosti změny sociálního statutu a ovlivnila plnění jejich studijních povinností. Článek předkládá interpretaci zkušeností studentek se znevýhodněním způsobeným nedostatečnou saturací některých studijních nároků. Na základě výzkumných závěrů předkládáme požadavek precedentního práva studentů na okamžité i následné poskytování podpory a konstatujeme redefinování nové role vysokoškolského poradenství v době krize.
Prediktivní síla, stabilita a proměnlivost psychologických faktorů ve výuce anglických kolokací
Authors: Kacafírková Petra , Špačková Klára , Valentová Hana , Kucharská Anna
Published: December 2023

Mezi nejdůležitější individuální faktory, které ovlivňují proces učení, patří soubor cizojazyčných schopností, úzkost, míra motivace a osvojené strategie učení. V naší studii jsme zkoumali souvislost těchto faktorů a studijních výsledků ve dvou formálních prostředích skupinové výuky v délce jednoho semestru: ve výuce zaměřené na explicitní učení kolokací formou lexikálně orientovaných instrukcí (experimentální skupina) a ve výuce, ve které se kolokace nijak nezdůrazňují (kontrolní skupina). Zároveň jsme sledovali, zda má experimentální výuka vliv na úroveň úzkosti, motivace nebo užívání strategií učení. Účastníky studie byli vysokoškolští studenti (N=39) rozděleni do zmíněných skupin na základě individuálních faktorů. Z naměřených korelací docházíme k závěru, že lexikálně orientovaná výuka soustředěná na explicitní zpevňování kolokací se zdá být prospěšná pro studenty bez ohledu na jejich individuální psychologické předpoklady a pomáhá dorovnávat rozdíly mezi studenty. Nepřináší přitom žádné výrazné změny v motivaci, užívaných učebních strategiích nebo situační úzkosti studentů.
Alarmins and Related Molecules in Elective Surgery
Authors: Strohalmová Sabina , Levová Kateřina , Kuběna Aleš Antonín , Hoskovec David , Krška Zdeněk , Zima Tomáš , Kalousová Marta
Published: December 2023

Surgery is associated with alterations of alarmins’ and related molecules’ levels. The aim of this study was to investigate which biomarkers are most involved in surgery. The studied group consisted of 58 patients with inguinal or umbilical hernia or cholecystolithiasis and 21 healthy controls for compa­rison. We also added seven acute patients with appendicitis, cholecystitis and incarcerated hernia. Serum concentrations of soluble receptor of advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), extracellular newly identified receptor for advanced glycation end-products binding protein (EN-RAGE), calprotectin, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were analysed by ELISA before and after surgery. Preoperative concentrations of calprotectin were significantly decreased while concentrations of sRAGE were significantly increased in patients compared to controls; the concentrations of EN-RAGE and HMGB1 did not differ significantly. IL-6 levels were undetectable in elective patients preoperatively and in controls. Postoperatively, there was a significant increase of EN-RAGE, calprotectin, HMGB1, and IL-6 and a significant decrease of sRAGE compared to preoperative levels. In acute patients, all tested molecules except for sRAGE were significantly increased preoperatively, and sRAGE was significantly decreased. In contrast, after surgery, we could observe a further increase in IL-6; the other biomarkers did not differ significantly. We can conclude that the concentrations of all tested biomarkers are significantly influenced by elective surgery. The postoperative levels of all tested molecules increase except for sRAGE, whose level is significantly decreased after surgery. In acute states, these molecules are already increased, and the influence of surgery is, apart from IL-6, insignificant.
Signless Laplacian spectrum of the cozero-divisor graph of the commutative ring ℤ𝑛
Authors: Rashid Mohd , Mozumder Muzibur Rahman , Anwar Mohd
Published: December 2023

Let 𝑅 be a commutative ring with identity

1
≠
0

1\neq 0

and let

Z
⁢

(
R
)

′

Z(R)^{\prime}

be the set of all non-zero and non-unit elements of ring 𝑅.
Further,

Γ
′

⁢

(
R
)

\Gamma^{\prime}(R)

denotes the cozero-divisor graph of 𝑅, is an undirected graph with vertex set

Z
⁢

(
R
)

′

Z(R)^{\prime}

, and

w
∉

z
⁢
R

w\notin zR

and

z
∉

w
⁢
R

z\notin wR

if and only if two distinct vertices 𝑤 and 𝑧 are adjacent, where

q
⁢
R

qR

is the ideal generated by the element 𝑞 in 𝑅.
In this paper, we find the signless Laplacian eigenvalues of the graphs

Γ
′

⁢

(

Z
n

)

\Gamma^{\prime}(\mathbb{Z}_{n})

for

n
=

p
1
N

⁢

p
2

⁢

p
3

n=p_{1}^{N}p_{2}p_{3}

and

p
1
N

⁢

p
2
M

⁢

p
3

p_{1}^{N}p_{2}^{M}p_{3}

, where

p
1

,

p
2

,

p
3

p_{1},p_{2},p_{3}

are distinct primes and

N
,
M

N,M

are positive integers.
We also show that the cozero-divisor graph

Γ
′

⁢

(

Z

p
1

⁢

p
2

)

\Gamma^{\prime}(\mathbb{Z}_{p_{1}p_{2}})

is a signless Laplacian integral.