bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic of arsenic adsorption from aqueous solution using Theobroma cacao pod-modified feldspar composite
Authors: Yakubu Yahaya  , Kabir A Sanusi  , Murtala M Ambrusa  , Aminu Koko Rabiu
Published: January 2022

In this study modified feldspar composite (MFC) adsorbent based on feldspar and Theobroma cacao pods (TCP) was prepared using calcination method, characterized and tested for the removal As (III) from aqueous solution. The results showed that the cation exchange capacity of the modified feldspar composite (30.66 ± 0.21 meq/100 g) was 5 times higher than that of raw feldspar (6.42 ± 0.45 meq/100g). More so, the novel biohybrid material, MFC has a surface area of 53.60 ± 0.3 m2/g and particle size of 105.4 ± 0.18. Response surface methodology (RSM) via central composite design (CCD) was utilized in the optimization of the efficiency of As (III) ions uptake by the novel composite (MFC) in 20 experiment runs. The optimization results revealed that predicted adsorption percentages of (99.72%) for As (III) ions was close to the experimental results (99.98%) for the metal ions at the optimum conditions of adsorption parameters (pH 5; 0.5 g; 100 mg/L; 120 min and 3280K). The adequacy and validation of the model was justified with the good agreement between R2 values (0.9959) and adjusted R2 (0.9981) and higher F values (≥ 147) from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results. Furthermore, the results from isotherm studies showed that As (III) ions adsorption onto the adsorbent best fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, hence chemisorption process. The results of the kinetic studies showed that the rate of uptake of As (III) ions onto MFC active sites followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The Intraparticle diffusion though not the only rate - controlling step, played an important role in the metal ions uptake by the adsorbent. The thermodynamic results revealed that As (III) adsorption onto MFC surface was feasible, spontaneous with negative ∆H values, suggestive of exothermic process. The MFC, owing to its abundance and other properties as its improved cation exchange capacity and eco-friendliness has a good potential as a highly efficient alternative adsorbent to commercial activated carbons in water treatment.
Tannins: Natural plant-derived polyhydroxy phenolic compounds with potential for biotechnological and biomedical applications
Authors: Frank Mayer
Published: January 2022

The difference between Tannin and Tannic Acid is that the term Tannin is used to name the group of organic compounds whereas Tannic acid is a type of tannin. Members of the group of Tannins - all of them polyhydroxyphenolic compounds – are present in leaves and other nutrient-rich parts of a huge number of Angiosperm plants. In nature, Tannins play a significant role in the protection of the plants against herbivores. Tannins inactivate enzymes in the digestive tract of the herbivores, with respective consequences: the herbivores may die of starvation. A well-known example for a technological application of Tannins is the process of leather production. Complex formation with collagen the denaturation of proteins - here in the animal skin - by the polyhydroxyphenol components of Tannin is their major function. Various biomedical applications are known, such as application of Tannins due to their adstringent property, production of tannate salts, antihistamines and antitussive drugs. Recently, it was discovered that Tannic acid suppresses the virus SARS-CIY-2 as a dual inhibitor of the main viral protease and the cellular TMPRSS 2 protein, with the consequence that the virus cannot infect human cells.
4-Head Teacher AS A Leader: An Analysis of Head Teachers Practices Based on Hersey Blanchard Model in Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Rifaqat Muhammad , Amin Sufi
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the study was to compare the leadership practices based on Hersey Blanchard model in AJK. The major objective of this study were to: compare the leadership practices of male and female Head teacher based on Hersey Blanchard Model, compare the leadership practices of public and private school Head teachers based on Hersey Blanchard Model. The study was descriptive in nature as it based on survey. The population of the study were Head Teachers of three District of AJK i.e. (kotli, Sudhnuti and Poonch) Stratified sampling technique was used for selecting the sample. The sample is selected according to (Gay, 2009). Data were collected using a survey questionnaire prepared on five-point Likert scale. Collected data were analyzed through independent sample t- test. On the basis of analysis and findings conclusion were drawn that the leadership practices of male Head teachers are better as compare to female Head teachers regarding direction and coaching while in supporting and delegation female Head teachers’ practices are better as compare to male Head teachers’ practices. It was concluded that the leadership practices of private Head teachers are better as compare to public Head teachers regarding direction, coaching and supporting while in delegation, public Head teachers’ practices are better than private Head teachers’ practices. The finding of the study recommended some ideas to be made for improving leadership practices. Government should provide forum in which both public and Private Head teacher share their practices. Government should upgrade their teacher and Head teacher regarding coaching according to modern era. Department of education should organize a proper ongoing training for their teacher and Head teacher regarding directing, coaching, supporting and delegation. The management of private schools should organize a proper ongoing training for their teacher and Head teacher regarding directing, coaching, supporting and delegation.
7-Influence of school socialization styles on student's self esteem at secondary school level
Authors: E Ain Mrs Noor , Hina Dr Qurat-ul-Ain
Published: January 2022

The study’s major objectives were to explore the major prevailing socialization styles of the Secondary schools, to explore the levels of self-esteem of Secondary school’s students and to assess the effect of socialization styles on self-esteem. This study was delimited to the class 10th students of the secondary Schools working under Federal Directorate of Education Islamabad. Conceptual framework was designed by taking theory of school socialization styles (Pellerin, 2005) was and theory of self-esteem (Dharsini & Jeebaseelan, 2017). There were two variables in the study. (a) School socialization styles (b) Self-esteem. School socialization style was treated as independent variable whereas students’ self-esteem were dependent variables. All the students of 10th class of the schools working in six sectors of Islamabad capital territory  under the umbrella of  Federal Directorate of Education Islamabad, which constitute number of 12810 ( Boys 5231, Girls 7579) were considered as the population of the study. 10 % of the total numbers of students that is 12810 students of the secondary schools working under Federal Directorate of Education were further selected as sample of the investigation.  Proportionate random sampling technique was used.  10 % boys i.e. 524 boys and 10% of the girls i.e. 758 were proportionately selected as sample for the study. Self-developed scale based on the parameters given by Pellerin, (2005) was used to assess school socialization style. self-esteem test used by Dharsini and Jeebaseelan (2017) was adapted.  Data was collected by the researcher personally. Research Findings showed that there are significant effects of school socialization styles on secondary school students’ self-esteem at secondary school level. Demandingness was found the most prevailing style of school socialization. It was revealed from data analysis that majority of the students are at the medium level of self-esteem.
Indigenous Concepts of Consciousness, Soul, and Spirit: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Trnka Radek , Lorencova Radmila
Published: January 2022

Different cultures show different understandings of consciousness, soul, and spirit. Native indigenous traditions have recently seen a resurgence of interest and are being used in psychotherapy, mental health counselling, and psychiatry. The main aim of this review is to explore and
summarize the native indigenous concepts of consciousness, soul, and spirit. Following a systematic review search, the peer-reviewed literature presenting research from 55 different cultural groups across regions of the world was retrieved. Information relating to native concepts of consciousness,
soul, and spirit were excerpted from the sources and contrasted. Contrasting these indigenous concepts revealed important implications for understanding consciousness within a cross-cultural perspective and has practical implications for applied approaches utilizing native indigenous traditions.
Analisis Pendapatan dan Kelayakan Hasil Usahatani Padi Sawah di Desa Mrentul Kecamatan Bonorowo Kabupaten Kebumen
Authors: Rahmat Joko Nugroho  , Indra Nur Ramadhan
Published: January 2022

Abstrak

Desa Mrentul merupakan salah satu Desa di Kecamatan Bonorowo Kabupaten Kebumen yang memiliki luas lahan sawah paling luas diantara Desa-Desa lain di Kecamatan Bonorowo. Luasnya lahan dan besarnya jumlah produksi padi sawah di Desa Mrentul tidak cukup menjamin pendapatan yang diperoleh petani juga tinggi.Oleh sebab itu diperlukan suatu penelitian yang menganalisis pendapatan dan kelayakan usahatani padi sawah di Desa Mrentul. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui besarnya pendapatan dan kelayakan usahatani padi sawah yang dilaksanakan pada bulan Mei hingga bulan Agustus 2020. Penentuan lokasi dilakukan secara sengaja ( purposive) dengan pertimbangan bahwa Desa Mrentul merupakan daerah penghasil padi sawah paling tinggi di Kecamatan Bonorowo dibanding dengan desa-desa lainnya, dengan produktivitas sebesar 2,9 ton/ha.Penentuan responden dilakukan dengan metode sampel acak sederhana ( Simple Random Sampling ). Sampel yang diambil sebanyak 30 responden KK petani dari 419 KK petani yang mengusahakan padi sawah.Analisis yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah analisis pendapatan (  dan kelayakan.Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata pendapatan petani padi sawah untuk satu kali musim tanam di Desa Mrentul Kecamatan Bonorowo Kabupaten Kebumen sebesar Rp 4.093.048/Ha.Hasil analisis menunjukkan Revenue Cost Ratio usahatani padi sawah sebesar 1,4 atau R/C > 1.Dengan demikian, usahatani padi sawah di Desa Mrentul layak untuk diusahakan.

Kata kunci: Pendapatan, Padi Sawah, Kelayakan

Abstract

Mrentul village is one of village those are on Bonorowo district that have largest rice field than the other village in Bonorowo district. Largest field and outgrows f rice in Mrentul village that acquired haven’t secured height income that accepted by the farmers. The research needed to aim and analyze income and expedience farming of rice pant in Mrentul village and was conducted at May until August 2020. The location was done bay purposive which consideration that Mrentul village is one of highest production area with productivity 2,9 ton/ha. Respondent determination to be done by simple random sampling method (Simple Random sampling). Sample was took as many as 30 KK respondent of farmer from 419 KK farmers. The analysis that used in this research is analysis income (  and expedience (a). The result of analysis showed that average income rice plant of farmers to once inplant at Mrentul village Bonorowo district Kebumen regency about Rp 4.093.048/ha. Result of analysis show revenue rice field farm obtained equal to 1,4 or R/C > 1 thereby rice filed farm in Mrentul village competent to be labored.

Key word: Earning,Ekspedience, Rice Field
Importance of the History of Urdu Literature
Authors: Naseem Shazia
Published: January 2022

تواریخ ادبیات اُردو کا فروغِ ادب میں کردار

History is political, cultural or literary, is a social and social study. History writers have a great significance. If they are not unbelievable or not aware, then there are many misconceptions in the future. Therefore, history writers should always be obscurely, self-confident and powerful. The history and research capabilities of the writer in history are estimated. If a historian is not a researcher, then he is unable to present the truth. Similarly, a history trader does not have critical ability, he can try to review the facts. The historian not only parses events, but also offers a unique map of culture and culture. History of literature is especially described by culture and culture. History of the History of Urdu, it is known that historian literature is an important role in the promotion of Urdu. If the dates are removed, the understanding of literary literature will be impossible, that is why historians also play an important role promoting literature.
Challenges for Indian Entry into Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC)
Authors: Hashmi Fariha , Rashid Imran
Published: January 2022

Enough of humiliation and what India calls as defaming by the resolutions by OIC on Kashmir, India has dealt with the challenges it had to face to enter into OIC. The tale of challenges faced by India, and the reciprocal attitude of New Delhi is a concrete depiction of international politics based on national interests, and where International organizations voice for human rights but get overpowered by individual member’s national interests. This piece of paper encompasses a show of challenges what India had to face, could overcome them and how creating challenges for its rivals.
Tangent spaces of the Teichmüller space of the torus with Thurston's weak metric
Authors: Miyachi Hideki , Ohshika Ken'ichi , Papadopoulos Athanase
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we show that the analogue of Thurston's asymmetric metric on the Teichmüller space of flat structures on the torus is weak Finsler and we give a geometric description of its unit circle at each point in the tangent space to Teichmüller space. We then introduce a family of weak Finsler metrics which interpolate between Thurston's asymmetric metric and the Teichmüller metric of the torus (which coincides with the hyperbolic metric). We describe the unit tangent circles of the metrics in this family.
Some Factors Affecting The Defense - Security in Central Highland Region Today
Authors: Narain Avikar
Published: January 2022

The Central Highlands region is strategically important locations on national defense and security. Currently, there are many objective and subjective factors that have been affecting the strengthening and establishment of national defense - security in particular, development and international integration in this area in general. The article focuses on clarifying a number of factors that have been directly and generator affecting the assurance of national defense and security in the Central Highlands today.
Normalization Factors of Jordan's Diplomatic Relationship with Qatar: Dynamics Analysis of Area Security and National Identity
Authors: Uzai Tamir
Published: January 2022

Jordan as a country that is flanked by several countries in conflict and does not have a wealth of natural resources, making alliances very important for the survival of the country. In meeting these needs, Jordan often allies with hegemonic actors for protective status as well as financial assistance. So in the scope of the Middle East, Jordan chose an alliance with the country of Saudi Arabia and its coalition in the Gulf region in the Gulf Cooperation Council. This alliance was continued until the 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis, Jordan was forced to cut ties with Qatar so that the alliance with the Saudi kingdom would not be damaged. However, in 2019, Jordan normalized diplomatic relations with Qatar after their two-year stretch. This decision also came even though Saudi Arabia and its coalition had not normalized with Qatar itself, and could potentially jeopardize Jordan's existence if it did so because it was against the Saudi coalition. So the researcher tries to analyze this phenomenon using regional security theory and the level of national identity analysis. Researchers later found that the motive behind the decision was Qatar's support for the protective status of Jordan's Jerusalem.
The Driving and Restraining Factors for Peat Forest Park Management and Sustainable Development Goal Partnership: A Case Study of the Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park, the province of Jambi, Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari Christine , Novriyanti Novriyanti , Iswandaru Dian
Published: January 2022

Indonesia has the second largest peatland area in the world, of which 19% is damaged due partly to forest fires and encroachment. The Orang Kayo Hitam (OKH) forest park located in the Indonesian province of Jambi is one among several peat forests in the country that remain largely intake. But as do other forested areas, the park faces severe encroachment threats. Multistakeholder partnership as stipulated by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 17 offers a reasonable strategy to mitigate the threats. This article studies the driving and restraining factors, both externally and internally, that affect preservation of the park’s peatland as well as the development of effective partnership strategies.Results of the force field analysis show that community’s knowledge and awareness about the link between the park’s ecological and economic functions are the strongest internal driving factors, while lack of them are the strongest restraining ones. Availability of endemic species and frequency of forest fires are the strongest external driving and restraining factors, respectively.
Trigonometry Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability Viewed from Cognitive Style
Authors: Nu'man Mulin , Maula Ishmatul Maula
Published: January 2022

Problem solving is a significant skill for students to resolve obstacles in their daily lives. To stimulate a problem solving among the variations of student’s characteristics, students are necessary to solve problem at a time. This study aims to investigate students’ skill to get over trigonometry problem in the perspective of cognitive style of field independent (FI) and field dependent (FD). A qualitative descriptive research is employed with a purposive sampling technique. The participants of this study consisted of students of Islamic High School (MA) and a student is taken from each type of cognitive style to be interviewed in which these students are able to know indicators of problem solving. Data were collected through test and interview. Data analysis technique was conducted using a model Miles and Huberman with three steps: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing a conclusion. The research findings showed there were a difference between students’ characteristics on each cognitive style to solve problem. Students with field independent (FI) cognitive style tended to be independent, able to identify with their own language, select a practical method, re-explain easily the process that has been done and have a good creativity. Meanwhile, students with field dependent (FD) cognitive style were likely to depend on teacher’s information, write step including completion and calculation in details, lack in ability to describe the process of accomplishment again, and be not able to provide an alternative solution.
Comparison of Lung Masses Perfusion Characteristics by Dynamic Contrast Enhanced CT with Histopathology: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shukla Anvisha , Khanduri Sachin , Ali Iffat , Ahmed Zahid Salim , Khan Nazia , Nagpal Neha , Chawla Harleen , Khanduri Shobha
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The management of lung masses depends upon the nature of the mass i.e., being benign or malignant. The use of contrast based Computed Tomography (CT) scan helps in ascertaining the malignant nature of the lesion. In previous studies, computed tomographic evaluations are done to evaluate pulmonary nodules, but only few studies characterised the lung masses into benign and malignant lesions. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a non invasive modality (dynamic contrast enhanced perfusion CT), in the characterisation of lung masses by comparing with histopathology. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from January 2018 to November 2019 where 62 patients between age group 20-80 years of both sexes with lung masses and no contraindications to the administration of iodinated contrast material were enrolled in the study. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced CT (DCE-CT) perfusion was done which included parameters like Blood Flow (BF) in mL/100 g/min, Blood Volume (BV) in mL/100 g, Mean Transit Time (MTT) in seconds, and Flow Extraction Product (FEP) in mL/100 mL/min. The DCE-CT features were compared with histopathology to determine the sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV). Results: Among the 62 lung mass cases included in the study, 30 were histopathologically found to be benign lesions and 32 were malignant lesions. On contrast enhancement, the values of the CT perfusion parameters among the malignant masses were significantly higher as compared to benign (p<0.001). DCE- CT was able to correctly diagnose 31/32 cases of malignant and 26/30 cases of benign lung masses in concordance with histopathology. Thus, the overall, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy was 96.90%, 86.70%, 88.60%, 96.30%, and 91.90%, respectively. Conclusion: The DCE-CT has a high diagnostic value in differentiation of malignant from benign lung masses and thus can be promoted for its use as a non invasive methods for lung masses characterisation.
A Middle-aged Male with Erythema Nodosum and Polyarthritis: What can be the Diagnosis?
Authors: Prajapati Pradipkumar , Shah Ripal , Sen Priyank , Oza RM , Shukla Salome
Published: January 2022

Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare triad of pancreatitis, panniculitis and polyarthritis. Due to underlying pancreatic disease, there is subcutaneous fat necrosis forming erythematous nodules especially in the lower extremities. This is accompanied with history of multiple joint pain. Timely diagnosis is the key to treatment, as pancreatic disease can progress rapidly causing life threatening complications. Authors hereby presented a rare case of pancreatic panniculitis in a 48-year-old male. Patient had a recent history of acute pancreatitis (alcohol induced) with development of erythema nodosum with pain and swelling in joints. Histopathological examination of the skin nodules revealed panniculitis, associated with elevated pancreatic enzymes on laboratory investigations and patient responded to anti-inflammatory medicines, thereby confirming the diagnosis of pancreatic panniculitis. He was treated with analgesics and steroids which reduced the erythematous nodules.
Non Vascularised Fibula Strut Graft Augmentation for Fixation of Proximal Humerus 3-Part Fracture using PHILOS Plate and CC Screws in a Young Male
Authors: Supe Amit , Kondewar Pranay , Pawar Eknath , Topno Rohit , Gadod Lalkar
Published: January 2022

Proximal humerus fracture accounts for 4-5% of all fractures. Locking Compression Plate (LCP) Proximal Humerus Internal Locking System (PHILOS) fixation is currently the most widely used method for the management of unstable proximal humerus fractures. LCP system of the proximal humerus is better than other available implants because of better anatomic design, fixed angulated configuration of locking screws, rotational and angular stability. This case report was of a 35-year-old male who presented with pain, swelling and difficulty in movement at the right shoulder, after a road traffic accident. Plain radiograph of right shoulder (anteroposterior) view revealed displaced 3-part proximal humerus fracture (humeral head with lesser tuberosity, greater tuberosity and shaft). It was managed with philos plate, Cannulated Compression (CC) Screws and non vascularised fibular strut graft. At two years follow-up, patient showed good shoulder range of motion with no complication.
Assess the Financial Viability of Sapota Orchard in South Gujarat Region
Authors: Pakwar Tushar , Koshariya Ashok Kumar , Vijaykumar Swami Kedar , K. Leua Alpesh
Published: January 2022

Agriculture sector “continues to be the mainstay of our economy as it occupies the central place in rural life. The contribution of agriculture towards national income was about 22.1 percent in 2003-04 besides 64 per cent of population still depending on it. Financial analysis revealed that of 12 per cent discount rate, the sapota enterprises has maximum NPV (Rs. 324309.00 and Rs. 340183.78), BCR (6.18 per cent and 6.49 percent), PBP (6.4 and 6.1 years) and IRR (34 per cent and 37 percent) in Valsad and Navsari district respectively. As sapota is a market oriented crop, on an average about 99 percent of production was marketed, while negligible portion was utilized for other purposes. Majority of farmers about 65 percent of sapota was disposed to co -operative society. The producer to co-operative society to wholesaler - cum-commission agent to retailer to consumer was the major marketing channel as more than 65 per cent of sapota moved through this route. ”The total marketing cost incurred by sapota growers amounted to Rs. 93.25 per quintal in which transportation cost ranked first Rs. 20.00, followed by, Loading and Unloading Charges cost Rs. 5.00, commission charge Rs. 58.25 Weighing Cost Rs. 2.50”. The total expenses incurred by co -operative society, post harvest contractor, wholesaler -cum-commission agent and retailer were Rs. 121.00, Rs. 174.95, Rs. 133.90 and Rs. 130.35 per quintal of sapota, respectively. The producer's share in consumer's rupee was 21.72 percent in sapota. Price spread 78. 23 percent in” sapota.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cholesterol: The Lesser-known Links
Authors: Kumbhare Anshool , Bakshi Sanket , Agrawal Aman , Bakre Anand
Published: January 2022

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease refers to a group of hepatic histological abnormalities that ranges from noninflammatory intra-cellular lipid collection to NASH develop, fibrosis, or hepato-cellular carcinoma, which results from a mismatch between lipid supply and lipid clearance, is a characteristic of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Recent buildup aetiology. Hepatic FC build up in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease  is caused by changes in intracellular cholesterol transport as well as a poorly balanced cellular cholesterol equilibrium characterized by an increased, and amplification of routes. With the induction of intra-cellular signalling pathway in stellate cells, Kupffer cells, including hepatocyte, FC build up causes liver damage. Inflammation and fibrogenesis are aided by the activation of Kupffer cells and stellate cells.. These episodes feed a never-ending cycle, which helps in forming steatosis while also promoting liver cells mortality, and hepatic injury, that can lead to disease progression. In this review, we highlight what we know about NAFLD's dysfunctional cholesterol homeostasis and look at the liver pathophysiologies and how they contribute to the disease's continuous liver injury. This knowledge's treatment implications are also highlighted. Inflammation and fibrogenesis are aided by the activation of KCs and HSCs. Furthermore, FC buildup in liver mitochondria causes mitochondrial malfunction, which leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species generation, as well as the unsettled response of proteins in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum), which leads to endoplasmic reticulum death.
Clinical validation of an automatic atlas‐based segmentation tool for male pelvis CT images
Authors: Casati Marta , Piffer Stefano , Calusi Silvia , Marrazzo Livia , Simontacchi Gabriele , Di Cataldo Vanessa , Greto Daniela , Desideri Isacco , Vernaleone Marco , Francolini Giulio , Livi Lorenzo , Pallotta Stefania
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This retrospective work aims to evaluate the possible impact on intra‐ and inter‐observer variability, contouring time, and contour accuracy of introducing a pelvis computed tomography (CT) auto‐segmentation tool in radiotherapy planning workflow.

Methods

Tests were carried out on five structures (bladder, rectum, pelvic lymph‐nodes, and femoral heads) of six previously treated subjects, enrolling five radiation oncologists (ROs) to manually re‐contour and edit auto‐contours generated with a male pelvis CT atlas created with the commercial software MIM MAESTRO. The ROs first delineated manual contours (M). Then they modified the auto‐contours, producing automatic‐modified (AM) contours. The procedure was repeated to evaluate intra‐observer variability, producing M1, M2, AM1, and AM2 contour sets (each comprising 5 structures × 6 test patients × 5 ROs = 150 contours), for a total of 600 contours. Potential time savings was evaluated by comparing contouring and editing times. Structure contours were compared to a reference standard by means of Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (MDA), to assess intra‐ and inter‐observer variability. To exclude any automation bias, ROs evaluated both M and AM sets as “clinically acceptable” or “to be corrected” in a blind test.

Results

Comparing AM to M sets, a significant reduction of both inter‐observer variability (p < 0.001) and contouring time (‐45% whole pelvis, p < 0.001) was obtained. Intra‐observer variability reduction was significant only for bladder and femoral heads (p < 0.001). The statistical test showed no significant bias.

Conclusion

Our atlas‐based workflow proved to be effective for clinical practice as it can improve contour reproducibility and generate time savings. Based on these findings, institutions are encouraged to implement their auto‐segmentation method.
A Ferrotoroidic Candidate with Well‐Separated Spin Chains
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Xiancheng , Zhou Long , Liu Guangxiu , Adroja Devashibhai T. , da Silva Ivan , Demmel Franz , Khalyavin Dmitry , Sannigrahi Jhuma , Nair Hari S. , Duan Lei , Zhao Jianfa , Deng Zheng , Yu Runze , Shen Xi , Yu Richeng , Zhao Hui , Zhao Jimin , Long Youwen , Hu Zhiwei , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chan Ting‐Shan , Chen Chien‐Te , Wu Wei , Jin Changqing
Published: January 2022

The search of novel quasi‐1D materials is one of the important aspects in the field of material science. Toroidal moment, the order parameter of ferrotoroidic order, can be generated by a head‐to‐tail configuration of magnetic moment. It has been theoretically proposed that 1D dimerized and antiferromagnetic (AFM)‐like spin chain hosts ferrotoroidicity and has the toroidal moment composed of only two antiparallel spins. Here, the authors report a ferrotoroidic candidate of Ba6Cr2S10 with such a theoretical model of spin chain. The structure consists of unique dimerized face‐sharing CrS6 octahedral chains along the c axis. An AFM‐like ordering at ≈10 K breaks both space‐ and time‐reversal symmetries and the magnetic point group of mm′2′allows three ferroic orders in Ba6Cr2S10: (anti)ferromagnetic, ferroelectric, and ferrotoroidic orders. Their investigation reveals that Ba6Cr2S10 is a rare ferrotoroid ic candidate with quasi 1D spin chain, which can be considered as a starting point for the further exploration of the physics and applications of ferrotoroidicity.
A longitudinal study of handgrip strength asymmetry
Authors: Abe Takashi , Ozaki Hayao , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Natsume Toshiharu , Deng Pengyu , Naito Hisashi
Published: January 2022

Objective

The previous results from cross‐sectional studies indicate that there could be alterations across time in handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry. One way to investigate this is to test the same children multiple times. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the laterality of HGS in healthy young children at two different time points separated by a year.

Methods

A total of 165 preschool children (79 males and 87 females) between the ages of 4.5 and 5.6 years participated and performed maximal voluntary HGS in both hands using a Smedley handgrip dynamometer. We ran a paired sample t‐test on the difference scores (right – left vs. right – left) to determine if HGS (right vs. left) differed across time.

Results

The difference between hands (t = −4.804, p < .0001) did differ between time points. At the initial test, the mean value of the HGS in the right hand was approximately 15% higher than that of the left hand. This difference between hands was reduced following a year. The mean bias between tests (second test – initial test) and the 95% limits of agreement was −0.84 (−5.27, 3.58) kg.

Conclusion

Contrary to our hypothesis, HGS asymmetry during the initial test (at age 5) was not observed in the second test completed a year later (at age 6). These results suggest that HGS asymmetry is uncertain in children between 5 and 6 years. In this short‐term study, it was impossible to ascertain when HGS asymmetry first appeared. Longer term studies are required to better determine when these changes occur.
HPLC–PDA identification and resolution of rufinamide forced degradation impurities: A congregated chemometric expedite optimization coupled with factorials and desirability
Authors: Ganorkar Saurabh B. , Chaudhari Suraj R. , Bobade Preeti S. , Pawar Sagar H. , Shirkhedkar Atul A.
Published: January 2022

Rufinamide is used presently to treat Lenaux–Gastaut syndrome. A full factorial design and desirability approach was investigated for the optimization of hydrolytic stress via response surface curves (RSCs). The degradation impurities were identified and resolved using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) on the Qualisil® BDS C8 column. Acetonitrile–water (29:71, v/v) was optimized for the mobile phase and used at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with detection at a wavelength of 230 nm. Rufinamide showed appreciable susceptibility to hydrolysis under acidic and alkaline stress, and substantial degradation in the neutral condition. It degraded much less under oxidative stress. Exposure towards thermal and photolytic stress conditions indicated appreciable stability. The developed method was subjected to validation as per the recommendations of the International Conference on Harmonization. The proposed method showed no influence from the excipients and the degradation products. As well as good precision and accuracy in determination, the method showed a linear response between 2 and 12 μg ml−1. The method was extended for determination in a human plasma sample, which resulted in excellent recovery without interference from matrix effects. The combined use of desirability and design for the optimization of acidic and alkaline hydrolytic stress led to simple and rapid analysis.
In vivo Structure‐Activity Relationship of Dihydromethysticin in Reducing Nicotine‐Derived Nitrosamine Ketone (NNK)‐Induced Lung DNA Damage against Lung Carcinogenesis in A/J Mice
Authors: Hati Santanu , Hu Qi , Huo Zhiguang , Lu Junxuan , Xing Chengguo
Published: January 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths and chemoprevention should be developed. We recently identified dihydromethysticin (DHM) as a promising candidate to prevent NNK‐induced lung tumorigenesis. To probe its mechanisms and facilitate its future translation, we investigated the structure‐activity relationship of DHM on NNK‐induced DNA damage in A/J mice. Twenty DHM analogs were designed and synthesized. Their activity in reducing NNK‐induced DNA damage in the target lung tissues was evaluated. The unnatural enantiomer of DHM was identified to be more potent than the natural enantiomer. The methylenedioxy functional moiety did not tolerate modifications while the other functional groups (the lactone ring and the ethyl linker) accommodated various modifications. Importantly, analogs of high structural similarity to DHM with distinct efficacy in reducing NNK‐induced DNA damage have been identified. They will serve as chemical probes to elucidate the mechanisms of DHM in blocking NNK‐induced lung carcinogenesis.
Haemodynamic effects of sacubitril/valsartan in advanced heart failure
Authors: Gentile Piero , Cantone Rosaria , Perna Enrico , Ammirati Enrico , Varrenti Marisa , D'Angelo Luciana , Verde Alessandro , Foti Grazia , Masciocco Gabriella , Garascia Andrea , Frigerio Maria , Cipriani Manlio
Published: January 2022

Aims

The angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sacubitril/valsartan, has been shown to be effective in treatment of patients with heart failure (HF), but limited data are available in patients with advanced disease. This retrospective observational study assessed the effects of ARNI treatment in patients with advanced HF.

Methods and results

We reviewed medical records of all advanced HF patients evaluated at our centre for unconventional therapies from September 2016 to January 2019. We studied 44 patients who started ARNI therapy and who had a haemodynamic assessment before beginning ARNI and after 6 ± 2 months. The primary endpoint was variation in pulmonary pressures and filling pressures at 6 months after starting ARNI therapy. Mean patient age was 51.6 ± 7.4 years; 84% were male. At 6 ± 2 months after starting ARNI, there was significant reduction of systolic pulmonary artery pressure [32 mmHg, interquartile range (IQR) 27–45 vs. 25 mmHg, IQR 22.3–36.5; P < 0.0001] and mean pulmonary artery pressure (20 mmHg, IQR 15.3–29.8 vs. 17 mmHg, IQR 13–24.8; P = 0.046). Five of 22 patients (23%) were deferred from the heart transplant list because of improvement, whereas four were listed de novo. After 23 ± 9 months, three patients were treated with a left ventricular assist device implantation, whereas six patients underwent heart transplantation (one in emergency conditions for refractory ventricular tachycardia).

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan is effective in reducing filling pressures and pulmonary pressures in patients with advanced HF. The absence of adverse events during follow‐up suggests that sacubitril/valsartan is safe and well‐tolerated in this cohort of patients.
Dapagliflozin reduces uric acid concentration, an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in DAPA‐HF
Authors: McDowell Kirsty , Welsh Paul , Docherty Kieran F. , Morrow David A. , Jhund Pardeep S. , de Boer Rudolf A. , O'Meara Eileen , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Køber Lars , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Martinez Felipe A. , Ponikowski Piotr , Hammarstedt Ann , Langkilde Anna Maria , Sjöstrand Mikaela , Lindholm Daniel , Solomon Scott D. , Sattar Naveed , Sabatine Marc S. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Blood uric acid (UA) levels are frequently elevated in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), may lead to gout and are associated with worse outcomes. Reduction in UA is desirable in HFrEF and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may have this effect. We aimed to examine the association between UA and outcomes, the effect of dapagliflozin according to baseline UA level, and the effect of dapagliflozin on UA in patients with HFrEF in the DAPA‐HF trial.

Methods and results

The association between UA and the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure, its components, and all‐cause mortality was examined using Cox regression analyses among 3119 patients using tertiles of UA, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Change in UA from baseline over 12 months was also evaluated. Patients in tertile 3 (UA ≥6.8 mg/dl) versus tertile 1 (<5.4 mg/dl) were younger (66.3 ± 10.8 vs. 68 ± 10.2 years), more often male (83.1% vs. 71.5%), had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (58.2 ± 17.4 vs. 70.6 ± 18.7 ml/min/1.73 m2), and more often treated with diuretics. Higher UA was associated with a greater risk of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.66; p = 0.01). The risk of heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death increased by 7% and 6%, respectively per 1 mg/dl unit increase of UA (p = 0.04 and p = 0.07). Spline analysis revealed a linear increase in risk above a cut‐off UA value of 7.09 mg/dl. Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced UA by 0.84 mg/dl (95% CI −0.93 to −0.74) over 12 months (p < 0.001). Dapagliflozin improved outcomes, irrespective of baseline UA concentration.

Conclusion

Uric acid remains an independent predictor of worse outcomes in a well‐treated contemporary HFrEF population. Compared with placebo, dapagliflozin reduced UA and improved outcomes irrespective of UA concentration.
Hybrid Energy‐Harvesting System by a Coupling of Triboelectric and Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Yang Ou , Zhang Chuguo , Zhang Baofeng , He Lixia , Yuan Wei , Liu Yuebo , Li Xinyuan , Zhou Linglin , Zhao Zhihao , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2022

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered as one of the critical parts for the construction of Internet of Things (IoTs) by harvesting distributed energy. However, its high alternating current voltage output characteristic is not suitable for directly driving electronics and the undesirable heat generated during friction will cause friction of dielectric layer and energy loss. Herein, an energy‐harvesting device is designed, which includes an adaptive rotating triboelectric nanogenerator (AR‐TENG) coupling of a thermoelectric generator (ThEG) and a matching transformers circuit. The AR‐TENG is beneficial to reduce the friction by dielectric layer's inherent elasticity and the ThEG can reuse the inevitable heat with Seebeck effect. Besides, the maximal output conversion efficiency of the designed transformers circuit for AR‐TENG is enhanced up to 96.4%. Therefore, the energy storage velocity of the whole device charging supercapacitor is improved almost by 28 times than that of alone AR‐TENG. This finding not only provides a strategy to improve the energy‐harvesting efficiency of TENG, but also offers a wide application for TENG in IoTs.
Routinization: risk factor or marker of adjustment to negative health issues?
Authors: Bergua Valérie , Meillon Céline , Pérès Karine , Dartigues Jean‐François , Bouisson Jean , Amieva Hélène
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Routinization reflects how older people cope with the health problems. It remains to be seen whether it should be considered as a risk factor of negative health outcomes, or rather, a mechanism of adjustment to health issues: mortality, institutionalization, dementia, disability, cognitive decline, depression and subjective health.

Methods

From longitudinal data of two large‐scale French epidemiological studies, the study sample consists of 961 participants aged 77 years on average, living at home and with no neurocognitive disorder. The relationship between the level of routines measured by the Preferences for Routines Scale‐Short form and the adverse health outcomes are studied considering the level of routines at baseline and in time‐dependent using Cox proportional hazards models and Latent process mixed models.

Results

After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, the routinization score at baseline is not associated with any health outcomes while the routinization score as a time‐dependent variable is significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia (hazard ratios (HR) = 1.08, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.02–1.15,p = 0.016) and institutionalization (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.36,p = 0.019), greater global cognitive decline (β = −0.02,p = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.02,p = 0.023) and a decrease in subjective health (β = 0.02,p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The level of routines measured at a given time is not associated with long‐term prediction of negative health outcomes, while in time‐dependent, it reveals to be a significant predictor. It should be seen as a marker of adjustment process.
Past intimate partner violence (IPV) predicts incident IPV during pregnancy and postpartum in pregnant women in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Oseso Linda N. , Krakowiak Daisy , Nduati Ruth , Farquhar Carey , Kinuthia John , Osoti Alfred O. , Guthrie Brandon L.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate how identifying factors associated with peripartum and postpartum intimate partner violence (IPV) may facilitate prioritizing women for psychosocial support.

Methods

Pregnant women in Kenya were asked about IPV by their current partner at baseline (screening), during pregnancy and at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. IPV was defined as being physically hurt or forced to participate in sexual activities or being threatened or frightened by a partner.

Results

A total of 502 women (11.8% HIV‐positive) enrolled during pregnancy and were successfully followed for 6 months postpartum, 430 (85.7%) reported never experiencing IPV, 32 (6.4%) reported IPV at least once in their lifetime but not in the past 6 months, and 31 (6.2%) reported IPV in the past 6 months but not in the past month. During pregnancy and postpartum, 61 (12.2%) reported incident IPV. Women who at baseline reported IPV in the past 6 months were at 2.7‐fold higher odds of experiencing IPV peripartum and postpartum (odds ratio 2.77; 95% confidence interval 1.17–6.53; P = 0.020) compared with women who had never experienced IPV. This association remained significant in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Screening for recent IPV during antenatal care visits may be an effective means to identify women at highest risk of IPV and offer targeted prevention interventions.
Preliminary study on anti‐Müllerian hormone, antral follicle count, menstruation and lymphocyte subsets in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Girbash Ehab F. , Abdelwahab Shaimaa M. , Fahmi Dalia S. , Abdeldayem Hussein M. , Ghonaim Rania , Atta Doaa S.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has a negative impact on the fertility of young women of reproductive age through SLE activity and therapy.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study was conducted in 50 patients with SLE and 50 healthy controls who fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured, and ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC) were assessed by transvaginal sonar in patients and in healthy controls. Analysis was carried out on the association of SLE disease activity with AMH, OV, and AFC.

Results

SLE patients had decreased levels of AMH, OV, and AFC, correlating with age, activity, and damage levels of SLE, displaying a negative consequence of SLE. In the SLE group, the CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells were significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

AMH levels and AFC were decreased in women with SLE with autoimmune activity and CD8+ T‐cell activation; they can be used as useful markers and account for a high proportion of women with low ovarian reserve.