bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Efficiency of Cows in Different Parity
Authors: Mutmainna Mutmainna , Baco Sudirman , Hasbi Hasbi
Published: June 2023

Livestock is one of the agricultural sectors that plays an important role in providing animal products. Cows are one of the largest meat and dairy producers. The low reproductive efficiency of cattle is the biggest problem in terms of its development. Increasing reproductive efficiency through artificial insemination programs is one way to enhance livestock populations. Reproductive efficiency parameters can be measured through values of Service per Conception (S/C) and Conception Rate (CR). Service per conception and conception rate are related to cows parity. Parity is the number of calf that have been born to a cow. This study aimed to provide information on reproductive efficiency as seen from the value of S/C and CR of cows in different parieties and the factors that influence them. High rates of parity followed by high S/C score and low CR. Each animal has various values of S/C and CR. The normal range for S/C is 1.6-2.0 and 60% in CR. Several factors that affect reproductive efficiency are environment, nutrition, Body Condition Score (BCS), knowledge of farmers, inseminator skills and quality of semen used. The highest service per conception (S/C) value was at parity 5 with aged ± 7 years and the conception rate (CR) was at parity 3 aged ± 5 years.Keywords: should be written in no more than 5 (five) words or phrases.
Progressive Motility, DNA Fragmentation, Intact Plasma Membrane, and Acrosome Status of Frozen Semen Bali and Simmental Bulls
Authors: Adiputra Kirana Dara Dinanti , Sukandi Sukandi , Farida Siti , Sonjaya Herry , Hasbi Hasbi
Published: June 2023

In increasing the population of bulls in Indonesia, it is necessary to utilize Artificial Insemination (AI) technology. AI reproductive technology aims to increase reproductive efficiency and use superior semen in livestock and can prevent the spread of reproductive diseases. Frozen semen is one of the factors that influence the success of AI. Thus, the quality of frozen semen must be maintained so fertility remains good. This study aimed to determine the quality of frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls at the Artificial Insemination Center, South Sulawesi. This study used frozen semen from two Bali and Simmental bulls. Parameters observed were progressive motility, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (DNA), acrosome status, and intact plasma membrane. The progressive motility was tested using Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA Sperm Vision Minitube), the DNA fragmentation using acridine orange dye, the acrosome status using peanut agglutinin, and the intact plasma membrane staining using HOS solution. This study gives a result that the progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa in frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls were not significantly different (P>0.05). In contrast, the whole plasma membrane of spermatozoa in Bali bulls' frozen semen was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in Simmental bulls. The results indicate that based on the parameters of progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa, both bull breeds had the same quality of frozen semen. Meanwhile, according to the spermatozoa intact plasma membrane, the frozen semen of Bali bulls had better quality than that of Simmental bulls.
Keywords: Artificial Insemination, frozen semen quality, Bali and Simmental bulls
ERGONOMIC THINKING IN THE DESIGN OF HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS
Authors: Protasenko Olga , Mygal Galyna , Kobrina Natalia , Mykhailova Evgeniіa
Published: June 2023

In the era of Industry 4.0, human-machine systems have become highly complex and contain a large number of elements and sources of information. It increases the complexity of human-machine system management, which leads to the manifestation of the human factor phenomenon. The consequence is that currently, 70% to 90% of accidents and disasters are related to the human factor. Therefore, the safety of human-machine systems largely depends on human abilities, cognitive, behavioral, and psycho-physiological features. It is shown that the study of individual characteristics of a person will allow the management of the human factor in the human-machine system. The crucial point of human factor management is the availability of systemic ergonomic thinking in the designer of the human-machine system. The formation of such thinking is connected with learning and the gradual acquisition of the necessary knowledge and skills. To understand the principles of ergonomic thinking formation, the evolution of ergonomic thinking in the design of human-machine systems is shown. Due to analysis of the sequence of ergonomic thought development, it is shown how approaches to ensuring the safety of human-machine systems have been rethought from the middle of the 20th century until now. Currently, the global social processes and technologies of Industry 4.0 have fundamentally changed the concept of “work”, parameters of the labour market, and safety requirements and caused the emergence of a new model of the labour paradigm “Work 4.0”, which, in turn, became the driver of the revision of the concept of “workplace” established in society and the emergence of the digital workplace. The article presents the definition of a “digital workplace” and analyses its essential characteristics. The next stage of the work was a model of the structure of the engineer’s ergonomic thinking, the main feature of which is the priority of solving the problems of human-machine interaction. The work also shows that ergonomic thinking is one of the elements of safety culture. In combination with other elements such as a human-centered approach, ecological thinking and others, ergonomic thinking creates a space of a safety culture. Based on the presented results, the importance of engineers’ ergonomic thinking is substantiated. It is shown how to implement the formation of ergonomic thinking through the training system.
THE OBTAINING OF WATER-ALCOHOLIC AND SUGAR EXTRACTS FROM BERRIES
Authors: Melnyk Stepan , Melnyk Yurii , Blishch Roksolana , Orobchuk Oksana
Published: June 2023

It was investigated the extraction of the dry substances with a water-alcohol solvent and the subsequent preparation of sugar extract from black currant, jostaberry, and plum. The water-alcohol solvent extracts the least dry matter from currant berries. The dry substance content in the black currant extract was 1.6%, while water-alcohol extracts from jostaberry and plum contained 4.3-5.5% of dry substances. At the same time, the content of dry substances in the extract is 1.6%, while water-alcohol extracts from gooseberry and plum contain 4.3–5.5% of dry substances. A significant amount of alcohol accumulates in the berries during the water-alcohol extraction. The alcohol content in all extracts, compared to the extractant, decreases from 40.0 to 25.06–26.39 wt. %. Simultaneously the alcohol losses decrease in further obtaining sugar extract from berries. The alcohol content in berries reaches 9.79 wt.% in black currant, 14.51 wt.% in plum, and 14.92 wt. % in jostaberry extract, particularly. The obtained sugar extracts contain different amounts of dry matter depending on the type of berries. The maximum degree of sugar utilization (79.0%) was during the preparation of black currant extract, which contains the maximum amount of dry substances (43.4%). The degree of sugar utilization by the plum extract obtaining was 71.6%. That corresponds to the dry substances content in the extract at 34.5%. The minimum degree of sugar utilization (31.5%) was during the production of jostaberry extract. The degree of sugar use ensures the content of dry substances in the extract of 31.8%. It was established that water-alcohol and sugar extracts from berries have maxima of visible light absorption in the range corresponding to anthocyanins absorption. The highest optical density has a water-alcohol extract from currants. A high content of polyphenolic compounds characterizes that. We established that acids are extracted almost the same amount from the berry raw material with a water-alcohol solution and during sugar treatment. The extracts from jostaberry have the maximum acidity, and its lowest value is characteristic of extracts from plum. The degree of extraction of vitamin C from berries was approximately the same and was 59% for jostaberry and 66% for black currant and plum. The perspective of using berries after extracting them as raw materials for obtaining various confectionery products is indicated.
PARAMETRIC SYNTHESIS OF THE INVARIANT SYSTEM OF CAR COURSE STABILITY
Authors: Aleksandrov Yevhen , Aleksandrova Tetiana , Kostianyk Iryna , Morgun Yaroslav
Published: June 2023

The problem of constructing the invariant stabilizer of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) car course stability system is considered by implementing two control principles by the electronic brake force distribution unit EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) – the principle of control by deviation and the principle of control by external disturbance. The values of the variable parameters of the stabilization algorithm are selected from the conditions for minimizing both the static and dynamic errors of the system. Two brake fluid pressure sensors are introduced into the EBD structural-functional scheme in the brake lines of the right and left sides of the car. It is proven that the pressure difference of the brake fluid, which is measured by pressure sensors, is proportional to the external disturbance acting on the car body from the side of the road surface. Therefore, in order to give the ESP system the property of invariance to external disturbances, the control signal generated by the EBD electronic unit contains current information not only about the parameters of the disturbed movement of the car, namely, about the angle of deviation of the longitudinal axis of the car relative to the given direction of movement, about the angular velocity of rotation of the body relative to its vertical axis and about lateral displacement of the center of mass of the body, but also the current information about the external disturbance acting on the car body. Recommendations for choosing the values of variable parameters of the ESP system stabilizer are given, which ensure the minimization of both static and dynamic errors of the closed system in the emergency braking mode.
MOTION CAPTURE WITH MEMS SENSORS
Authors: Dashkov Dmytro , Liashenko Oleksii
Published: June 2023

The object of this article is the registration and analysis of human movements based on sensors. This paper presents a comparison of the basic methods of data processing from inertial micromechanical sensors to collect data a device was implemented that captures movements. As result the device uses the motion data from accelerometer and gyroscope to calculate the motion trajectory: the angle of rotation and acceleration. The data is read by the microcontroller, after which it is filtered and processed by one of the filters (Complementary, Kalman), and finally transferred to a computer for further analysis and display. The purpose of the article is to compare several methods of data processing from microelectromechanical. The results obtained: device was developed, obtained data that can be used to characterize the methods and analyze their work in the system. Conclusions: In the course of the study, a device was developed for collecting and processing data from MEMS sensors, which showed the effectiveness of the complementary filter in comparison with the Kalman filter in real-time systems with limited computing power. Real results confirmed that the results of the complementary method using less computational resources are not far behind the more costly Kalman filter without the use of auxiliary sensors, like a digital compass.
HIGHLY RECONFIGURABLE SOFT-CPU BASED PERIPHERAL MODULES DESIGN
Authors: Salnikov Dmytro , Karaman Dmytro , Krylova Viktoriia
Published: June 2023

Research motivation. When developing microcontrollers, manufacturers try to include as many different types of peripherals as possible in order to increase the marketing attractiveness of their products. On the one hand, with a large assortment of various peripheral modules, it is very difficult to implement several devices of the same type in the microcontroller: manufacturers are mainly limited to 1-2 instances, in rare cases 4 modules of the same type are included. On the other hand, most software projects do not use all the peripherals of modern microcontrollers and many devices are left unused, while there may be a shortage of other types of modules. Another problem that has become especially noticeable for microcontrollers used in the field of IoT is the cryptographic protection of data that is transmitted through built-in information exchange interfaces. The main efforts of researchers and developers of cryptographic data protection methods were aimed at reducing energy-intensive operations, memory access iterations and speeding up encryption processes while maintaining a high level of cryptographic protection and enabling efficient data distribution within IoT devices networks. Research results. This paper presents an alternative approach to the manufacture of peripheral modules as part of microcontrollers. The authors propose to use a configurable software processor module based on the MIPS architecture with a reduced instruction set and limited capabilities. Conclusions. This approach would make it possible to dynamically change the functionality of peripheral modules in accordance with the requirements of the developed software solution, which in turn will increase the efficiency of the microcontroller chips capabilities utilization. In addition, the transfer of data stream encryption functions to the reconfigurable core of the peripheral module will provide fast and transparent cryptographic protection, as well as allow offloading the microcontroller core and increasing the energy efficiency of chips while reducing their production cost.
Psychological Well-Being of the Tarekat Naqsyabandiyah Khalidiyah Follower
Authors: Ghufron M. Nur
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the dynamics of psychological well-being of the tarekat Naqsyabandiyah Khalidiyah follower. This study uses qualitative method involving four informants. The selection of the informants is according to purposive sampling. The data are collected using semi-structural observation and documentation. Then, the collected data is analyzed using theoretical coding method consists of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The data is examined based on four criteria, namely the credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. According to the result of the data analysis, the psychological well-being of the tarekat Naqsyabandiyah Khalidiyah followers is to accept themselves by surrendering themselves to Allah, to be happy in the world and in the akhirah, to be able to control the external environment with being careful in every behavior and always remember and be aware, to have the ability to love others and to be able to develop their own potential well.
Assessing the effects of population-level political, economic and social exposures, interventions and policies on inclusive economy outcomes for health equity in high income countries: A systematic review of reviews
Authors: Macintyre Anna K , Shipton Deborah , Sarica Shifa , Scobie Greame , Craig Neil , McCartney Gerry
Published: June 2023

Background
A fairer economy is increasingly recognised as crucial for tackling widening social, economic and health inequalities within society. However, which actions have been evaluated for their impact on inclusive economy outcomes is yet unknown.
Objective
Identify the effects of political, economic and social exposures, interventions and policies on inclusive economy (IE) outcomes in high-income countries, by systematically reviewing the review-level evidence.
Methods
We conducted a review of reviews, searching databases (May 2020) EconLit, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, ASSIA, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Public Health Database, Embase and Medline; registries PROSPERO, Campbell Collaboration and EPPI Centre (February 2021) and grey literature (August/September 2020). We aimed to identify reviews which examined social, political and/or economic exposures, interventions and policies in relation to two IE outcome domains: (i) equitable distribution of the benefits of the economy and (ii) equitable access to the resources needed to participate in the economy. Reviews had to include primary studies which compared IE outcomes within or between groups. Quality was assessed using a modified version of AMSTAR-2 and data synthesised informed by SWiM principles.
Results
We identified 19 reviews for inclusion, most of which were low quality, as was the underlying primary evidence. Most reviews (n = 14) had outcomes relating to the benefits of the economy (rather than access to resources) and examined a limited set of interventions; primarily active labour market programmes and social security. There was limited high-quality review evidence to draw upon to identify effects on IE outcomes. Most reviews focused on disadvantaged groups and did not consider equity impacts.
Conclusions
Review-level evidence is sparse and focuses on ‘corrective’ approaches. Future reviews should examine a diverse set of ‘upstream’ actions intended to be inclusive ‘by design’, and consider a wider range of outcomes, with particular attention to socioeconomic inequalities.
Ab Initio Calculations on Structure and Stability of BN/CC Isosterism in Azulene
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A. , Soliman Kamal A. , Abdel-Azeim Safwat , El-Nahas Ahmed M. , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Nakajima Takahito , El-Meligy Asmaa B.
Published: June 2023

Herein, we investigated the thermodynamics stability and the opto-electronic properties of newly BN-doped azulene. The gas-phase formation enthalpies of 11 BN-doped azulene were calculated by the atomization energy method using three computational models, CBS-APNO, CBS-QB3, and G3MP2. The results indicate that AZ-1N9B is the most stable isomer, while AZ-1B9N and AZ-9B10N display almost the same stability (relative energies of 19.36 and 19.82 kcal/mol at CBS-QB3, respectively), representing the two least stable isomers. Frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), ionization energies (IE), and electron affinities (EA) of these isomers were discussed. The electronic absorption spectra of the BN-doped azulenes were calculated at the TD-B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) and TD-CAM-B3LYP as a long-range corrected hybrid functional in acetone. The obtained computational results are in strong harmony with the literature which enhances our results.
Impacts of changing climate and topography on snow cover variability of Parvati River Basin, western Himalayas, India
Authors: KUMAR DEEPAK , Thind Parteek Singh , Sharma Tejpal
Published: June 2023

Snow cover is an essential element of the Himalayan region (Third pole), and it represents the impacts induced by climate change. Recently, studies have reported significant variation in Himalayan snow cover area which may impact the livelihood of large portion of global population. Therefore, in this study efforts were made to estimate the association between key climate stressors (CSs) i.e., temperature and precipitation, topography and temporal variability of snow cover area (SCA) in the Parvati River basin (PRB) of the Indian western Himalayas. In this regard, the PRB was classified into different elevation zones i.e., zone I to zone V, ranging from 1100 masl to 6200 masl. The databases such as, MODIS, MEERA-2, and ASTER GDEM V2 were used to estimate the changes in the SCA and the CSs with changes in elevation and seasons. The linear regression analysis of the dataset, from 2001 to 2017, revealed a significant association and increasing trend in the SCA of the zone III. However, a significant association could not be established between the elevation and the SCA for the rest of the zones. Zonal seasonal trend investigation of the SCA observed increasing trend in zone IV and zone V, during the summer season due to momentous rise in snowfall and decline in temperature. The SCA showed significant declining trend only during the monsoon season in zone IV and V which was due to a strong negative relationship between the SCA and temperature of the region. This demonstrates that the amount of SCA in zones of high elevation of the PRB has been declining at an alarming rate which could negatively influence glaciers’ retreat in the near future. Hence, it can be estimated that the outcomes of the study will act as a base literature for future studies, regional policy formulation and climate modelling, that can further prevent future drastic/extreme events.
Epidemiological characterization of hormonal receptor profiles and associated histopathological characteristics in Rwandan women with breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Ruton Hinda , Ruhangaza Deogratias , Nsabimana Nicaise , Kayitare Emmanuel , Muvunyi Thierry Zawadi , Semakula Muhammed , Ntirenganya Faustin , Emile Musoni , Ndoli Jules , Hategekimana Elisee , Nassir Angus , Makhoha Francis , Uwimana Aline , Gasana Joel , Munezero Pierre Celestin , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Mazarati Jean Baptiste , Mutesa Leon
Published: June 2023

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in Rwanda. The knowledge of hormonal receptors and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor -2 (Her-2/Neu) profile remains crucial in the management of breast cancer, even in this –omics era. However, Immunohistochemistry staining and practice remains scarce in many hospital settings, especially in LMICS including Rwanda. This study aimed at determining the distribution of breast cancer molecular subtypes, and associated clinical outcome in Rwandan women. Methodology This study combined method consisting of an initial hospital-based epidemiological retrospective design to document the epidemiological data for breast cancer patients in Rwanda from January 2014 to June 2021. Records of patients with confirmed breast cancer were documented from 4 cancer centers of excellence in Rwanda.
Results A high number of participants expressed estrogen receptor positive (55.6%) and HER2 was the lowest expressed receptor (33.1%). The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was more prevalent (37%), followed by luminal A (26%), HER2-enriched (24%) and luminal B (13%). These subtypes were found significantly different with regards to menopausal status, histological grades and hormonal therapy (p<0.0001).
Conclusion This study revealed that patients who got treatment, especially hormonal therapy have much more chances of living than those who haven’t gone under treatment. Moreover, aggressive histological type and grade were also overexpressed. These suggest the introduction of other targeted therapies, and inclusion of ‘omic’ technologies necessary to individual characteristics of molecular landscape to manage breast cancer patients, especially TNBC patients. Future research on genetic characterization using genomic sequencing will shed light on the associated variant genes for breast cancer personalized medicine.
Simulation and experimental study of a magnetorheological clutch in driving power generation
Authors: Ji Jinjie , Shi Xiuwei , Xu Chunjie , Xie Fangwei , Tian Zuzhi , Li Yongjie
Published: June 2023

The torque to volume ratio and time response characteristics of the clutch during vehicle travel power generation are important issues that affect the quality and efficiency of power generation. In this work, a magnetorheological clutch was established based on the magnetorheological effect and analyzed its magnetic field strength, maximum output torque, time response characteristics, and temperature rise characteristics in driving power generation. The results indicate that the maximum torque of 77.05 N·m is only 3.68% less than the designed value. MR clutches have a better torque to volume ratio for the same volume. The MR clutch can realize millisecond regulation of power output characteristics, the response time of the torque loading section is about 345 ms, while the response time of the torque withdrawal section is about 680 ms. The MR clutch has good heat dissipation performance with an external water-cooling device. Using an MR clutch as a governor for traveling vehicle power generation, the time-varying engine speed is converted to a constant speed by continuously adjusting the excitation current, which can provide more efficient power generation.
Determinants of Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Currently Married Reproductive Age Women at Dewa Chefa District of Oromia Special Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2021; A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Ammie , Temesgen Mastewal Arefaynie , Desta Bezawit Adane , Mohammed Kedir Hussein , Sero Mohammedsani Hassen
Published: June 2023

Background
Unmet need for family planning is a proportion of women among reproductive age group who want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception. An estimated 23 million reproductive age women have an unmet need for modern contraception. Thus, understanding factors associated with unmet need specific to the study area can help planners strengthen programs. Most of studies conducted previously are cross sectional and there are controversies between studies. Thus, this study aimed to identify determinants of unmet need for family planning among currently married reproductive age women of Dewa Chefa district.
Methods
Community based unmatched case control study was conducted from March 29-April 25, 2021 G.C on 462 currently married reproductive age women (154 cases and 308 controls) in Dewa Chefa District. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data were entered to Epi-data 3.1 and exported to SPSS 23 for analysis. Binary Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with unmet need and variables with p-value < 0.05 in the final model were taken as statistically significant.
Results
A total of 462 subjects had participated in this study, with 100% response rate. The mean age of the respondents was 27.92 years (with SD of ± 6.3) Age of woman 35–49 [AOR = 6.6 (1.1–39)], having poor knowledge on FP [AOR = 1.9 (1.1–3.1)], using FP decided by husband [AOR = 3.8 (2.1–6.9)], using FP decided together [AOR = 2.3 (1.07–5.1)] and have no support and disapproval of husband for FP use [AOR = 2.1 (1.08-4)] were factors significantly associated with unmet need.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Age of the woman and main decider of FP use were found to have positive significant association, while having knowledge about FP and support and approval of spouse for FP use were found to have negative significant association with unmet need for FP. Thus, family planning providers, District health office and other concerned bodies should more strengthen female empowerment and male involvement in the program with strong couple counseling to reduce unmet need.
Digital Inclusive Finance, Government Intervention and Urban Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Wang Min , Song Wenhua , Qi Xiao
Published: June 2023

Digital inclusive finance eases credit constraints on innovative small and medium-sized enterprises which contributes to urban green technology innovation in China. Government intervention plays an essential role in the development of digital inclusive finance. Based on the panel data of 247 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this paper empirically examines the relationship between digital inclusive finance and urban green technology innovation as well as the intrinsic mechanism of government intervention. The findings show that, even after a series of robustness tests, digital inclusive finance can promote the quantity and quality of green technology innovation. In terms of its mechanism, digital inclusive finance can empower green technology innovation by complementing traditional financial development and stimulating consumption, both in terms of supply and demand. At the same time, in the dynamic process of digital financial inclusion from low to high, the development of traditional finance and consumption level on the marginal promotion of green technology innovation continues to strengthen. The nonlinear relationship test reveals that there is a significant double threshold effect on the positive impact of digital inclusive finance on urban green technology innovation with the evolution of government intervention. The innovation incentive effect of digital financial inclusion will be marginal decreasing with the increase of government intervention. Further considering the heterogeneity of urban geographic location and environmental regulation, it is found that digital financial inclusion promotes green technology innovation more in eastern and high-environmental regulation cities. Based on the above research conclusions, this paper argues that while developing digital inclusion finance, government support policies should be adjusted promptly to constantly stimulate the "Metcalfe's law" effect of digital inclusive finance enabling green technology innovation.
A survey to assess the current status of structured Benefit-Risk assessment in the global drug and medical device industry
Authors: Gebel Martin , Renz Cheryl , Rodriguez Lisa , Simonetti Arianna , Yang Hong , Edwards Brian , Higginson James Matthew , Charpentier Nicola , Colopy Michael
Published: June 2023

Background
This industry survey was conducted to gain insight into the ways structured Benefit-Risk assessment (sBRA) of medical products is approached across drug or medical device developing companies, including frameworks and methods that are currently used and areas where future work is being planned.
Methods
A survey containing 28 questions covering five key areas of sBRA was set-up and shared with representatives from the participating companies. Each company was asked to complete a single survey response including inputs across the company’s multidisciplinary key representatives involved in benefit-risk assessment.
Results
Of the 26 participating companies, 21 are conducting sBRA. Qualitative frameworks were used by almost every company (19), while only 12 have used a quantitative method. Many companies have sBRA training (17), document templates (16), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/checklists (13), and /or best practice manuals/examples (12) available. Software tools (15/26) and BR planning documents (11/26) were identified as areas into which many companies intend to put effort.
Conclusions
The industry survey confirmed a wide usage of sBRA by many companies involved in research and development. Nevertheless, sBRA is evolving and several future opportunities like the implementation of visualization tools were identified by the representatives of the pharmaceutical companies. Finally, challenges like the cross-functional comprehension of the added value of sBRA are still seen.
Effective Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution by Reinforced Sodium Alginate/Polyethyleneimine/Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogels
Authors: Gao Bo , Wei Fei , Yang Hongwei , Li Ji
Published: June 2023

A reinforced composite aerogel absorbent was synthesized using a green chemistry method and an environmentally friendly freeze-drying technique. The absorbent consisted of sodium alginate, Polyethyleneimine (PEI), and graphene oxide (GO). The ability of the absorbent to remove Cr(Ⅵ) ions from aqueous solutions was studied. PEI was a nitrogen source for Cr(Ⅵ) removal and a cross-linking agent for GO sheets, while SA was a reinforcing material. The aerogel was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, texture analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Batch studies were conducted to investigate the effect of pH and contact time on adsorption. The results indicated that the SA/PEI/GO aerogel had a maximum adsorption capacity of 174.05 mg/g for Cr(Ⅵ) at pH 2. The adsorption mechanism was described using the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The aerogel demonstrated good regeneration ability and satisfactory recovery for Cr(Ⅵ) even after five cycles. These findings suggest that the composite aerogel could be a promising adsorbent for efficiently removing Cr(Ⅵ) from wastewater.
L-mimosine induces melanoma cell apoptosis through reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway
Authors: Pan Zhaohai , Lei Dan , Yang Zihui , Ge Heng , Wang Guoli , Li Minjing , Zheng Qiusheng , Lin Haiyan , Li Defang
Published: June 2023

Clinical data have shown that emerging therapies are still not effective in controlling melanoma growth. L-mimosine is known to fight against the growth of various tumors, but the in vitro and in vivo studies of L-mimosine against melanoma are still lacking in detailed studies. In this study, we used MTT assay, plate colony formation assay, and flow cytometry analysis to evaluate the anti-melanoma effect of L-mimosine. The results showed that L-mimosine inhibited melanoma cells (A375 and B16) proliferation by increasing the apoptosis rate. In a mechanistic study, we found that L-mimosine obviously decreased the permeability of mitochondrial membrane by downregulating Bax and upregulating Bcl-2, after which it significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, cytoplasmic cytochrome C, cleaved caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 3, leading to melanoma cell apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that antioxidant NAC obviously counteracted the inhibitory effect of L-mimosine on melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The results suggested that L-mimosine induced melanoma cell apoptosis through a reactive oxygen species–dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The results of this study will provide some data and theoretical support for the research on the anti-melanoma mechanism of L-mimosine.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic epidural and paravertebral blockade in reducing chronic post-thoracotomy Pain: 2 (TOPIC 2)
Authors: Shelley Ben , Goebel Andreas , Grant Stephen , Jackson Lousie , Jarett Hugh , Jepson Marcus , Kerr Amy , Marczin Nandor , Mehta Raj , Melody Teresa , Middleton Lee , Naidu Babu , Szentgyorgyi Lajos , Tearne Sarah , Watkins Ben , Wilson Matthew , Worrall Andrew , Yeung Joyce , Smith Fang Gao
Published: June 2023

Background
Thoracotomy is considered one of the most painful surgical procedures and can cause debilitating chronic post-surgical pain lasting months or years postoperatively. Aggressive management of acute pain resulting from thoracotomy may reduce the likelihood of developing chronic pain. This trial compares the two most commonly used modes of acute analgesia provision at the time of thoracotomy (thoracic epidural blockade (TEB) and paravertebral blockade (PVB)) in terms of their clinical and cost effectiveness in preventing chronic post-thoracotomy pain.
Methods
TOPIC 2 is a multi-centre, open-label, parallel group, superiority, randomized controlled trial, with an internal pilot investigating the use of TEB and PVB in 1026 adult (≥ 18 years old) patients undergoing thoracotomy in up to 20 thoracic centres throughout the UK. Patients (N = 1026) will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either TEB or PVB. During the first year, the trial will include an integrated QuinteT (Qualitative Research Integrated into Trials) Recruitment Intervention (QRI) with the aim of optimizing recruitment and informed consent. The primary outcome is the incidence of chronic post-surgical pain at six months post-randomisation defined as ‘worst chest pain over the last week’ equating to a visual analogue score greater than, or equal to 40mm indicating at least a moderate level of pain. Secondary outcomes include acute pain, complications of regional analgesia and surgery, health related quality of life, mortality and a health economic analysis.
Discussion
Both TEB and PVB have been demonstrated to be effective in the prevention of acute pain following thoracotomy and nationally practice is divided. Identification of which mode of analgesia is both clinically and cost effective in preventing chronic post-thoracotomy pain could ameliorate the debilitating effects of chronic pain, improving health related quality of life, facilitating return to work and caring responsibilities and resulting in a cost saving to the NHS.
Trial registration
NCT03677856 [ClinicalTrials.gov] registered September 19th 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03677856. First patient recruited 8th January 2019.
Neuronal Connectivity as a Determinant of Cell Types and Subtypes
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Yun Zhixi , Manubens-Gil Linus , Chen Hanbo , Xiong Feng , Dong Hong-Wei , Zeng Hongkui , Hawrylycz Michael , Ascoli Giorgio , Peng Hanchuan
Published: June 2023

Classifications of single neurons at brain-wide scale is a powerful way to characterize the structural and functional organization of a brain. We acquired and standardized a large morphology database of 20,158 mouse neurons, and generated a whole-brain scale potential connectivity map of single neurons based on their dendritic and axonal arbors. With such an anatomy-morphology-connectivity mapping, we defined neuron connectivity types and subtypes (both called “c-types” for simplicity) for neurons in 31 brain regions. We found that neuronal subtypes defined by connectivity in the same regions may share statistically higher correlation in their dendritic and axonal features than neurons having contrary connectivity patterns. Subtypes defined by connectivity show distinct separation with each other, which cannot be recapitulated by morphology features, population projections, transcriptomic, and electrophysiological data produced to date. Within this paradigm, we were able to characterize the diversity in secondary motor cortical neurons, and subtype connectivity patterns in thalamocortical pathways. Our finding underscores the importance of connectivity in characterizing the modularity of brain anatomy, as well as the cell types and their subtypes. These results highlight that c-types supplement conventionally recognized transcriptional cell types (t-types), electrophysiological cell types (e-types), and morphological cell types (m-types) as an important determinant of cell classes and their identities.
Optimizing the Utilization of Maternal and Reproductive Healthcare Services among Women in Low-Resourced Nigerian Settings
Authors: Ene Jacinta Chibuzor , Ajibo Henry Tochukwu
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Quality care delivery is an essential lifesaving intervention for maternal healthcare and reduction in mortality from preventable reproductive conditions. In African countries like Nigeria, numerous perceptions and militating factors present unique challenges in optimizing the utilization of maternal and reproductive healthcare services. As women continuously evolve away from the utilization of healthcare services, achieving universal health coverage for all emerges as a matter of concern.
Method
A phenomenological and descriptive research design was used. The study participants comprised a total of 38 women including those in anti-natal care, postal-natal and two medical social workers. They were purposively selected from four healthcare institutions in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Result
Findings revealed that most rural women at the prenatal stage, utilize maternal healthcare services, but at the postnatal stage, they reject reproductive healthcare services owing to certain perceptions. Concerns about sub-optimal utilization of maternal and reproductive healthcare services were found under enabling, predisposing and need factors. Evidence-based interventions were instituting health insurance policies, improving the healthcare sector, personnel, collaboration among stakeholders, and grass-roots community education. Participants showed little knowledge of social workers’ engagement in healthcare institutions.
Conclusion
Functional network of care between private and public healthcare systems is the key to optimizing maternal and reproductive healthcare utilization. The study recommends stakeholder and community engagement in achieving functional networks of care, strengthening relational linkages between frontline health workers and equipping rural women with better knowledge on optimal utilization of maternal and reproductive healthcare services among women in low-and middle-income societies.
An efficient and aberration-free off-plane grating spectrometer and monochromator for EUV – soft X-ray applications
Authors: Li Kui , Popmintchev Dimitar , Li Ruixuan , Zhang Guangyin , Meng Runyu , Ma Yongjun , Xu Hao , Tang Jiyue , Ke Changjun , Qiu Jisi , Ma Yunfeng , Popmintchev Tenio , Zhang Xiaoshi , Fan Zhongwei , Li Jie
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate a novel dual-optic imaging EUV-X-ray spectrometer and monochromator that attains an unprecedented throughput efficiency exceeding 60% theoretically, along with a superior spectral resolution of λ/Δλ>200. Exploiting the benefits of the conical diffraction geometry, the optical system is globally optimized in multidimensional parameter space to guarantee optimal imaging performance over a broad spectral range while maintaining circular and elliptical polarization states at the first, second, and third diffraction orders. Moreover, our analysis indicates minimal temporal dispersion, with pulse broadening confined within 80 fs, which enables ultrafast spectroscopic and pump-probe measurements with femtosecond accuracy. Furthermore, the spectrometer can be effortlessly transformed into a monochromator spanning the EUV–soft X-ray spectral region. Such capability allows coherent diffractive imaging applications to be conducted with highly monochromatic light in a broad spectral range and extended to the soft X-ray region with minimal photon loss. Thus, enhancing the imaging resolution and enabling the investigation of bio and nano samples. In addition, the advanced design incorporates optimized spatio-temporal parameters, facilitating cutting-edge versatile EUV - X-ray applications.
Silencing POLE2 promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinomasby inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Ge Shengyou , Wang Kexin , Meng Yuxiang , He Zongxuan , Yang Xiaochen , Shang Wei , Wang Lin
Published: June 2023

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck at present, but its occurrence and progression mechanism is still unclear, and effective targeting drugs are still lacking. The second major subunit (POLE2) of DNA polymerase catalyzes the prolongation of new strand replication and modifies the exonuclease domain activity. Our previous study found that it is associated with OSCC progression, but the mechanism remains unclear.
Methods: The expression of POLE2 in OSCC tissues was detected by immunological method. POLE2 expression was inhibited in OSCC cells, and cell function was detected by RT-PCR and Western Blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were detected by colony formation, MTT, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell.
Results: The expression level of POLE2 gene in OSCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. In addition, POLE2 gene expression level was statistically correlated with tumor classification and prognosis. Silencing POLE2 during the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma can inhibit the proliferation of oral cancer cells and promote cell apoptosis. Animal experimental results also supported a positive correlation between PORE2 and OSCC tumor formation, which was consistent with previous results. We further confirmed that POLE2 up-regulated the knockdown of apoptosis-promoting proteins (BIM) in Caspase3, CD40, CD40L, DR6, Fas, IGFBP-6, P21 and SMAC. In addition, POLE2 regulates OSCC development by inhibiting THE PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusion: POLE2 is closely related to the progress of OSCC. POLE2 may be a potential target for OSCC treatment in the future.
Transarterial Interventions in Civilian Gunshot Wound Injury: Experience from a Level-1 Trauma Center
Authors: Yu Qian , Lionberg Alex , Zane Kylie , Ungchusri Ethan , Du Jonathan , Nijhawan Karan , Clarey Austin , Navuluri Rakesh , Ahmed Osman , Prakash Priya , Leef Jeffrey , Funaki Brian
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of trans-arterial vascular interventions in treatment of civilian gunshot wounds (GSW).
Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed at a level-1 trauma center to include 46 consecutive adults admitted due to GSW related hemorrhage and treated with endovascular interventions from 7/2018 to 7/2022. Patient demographics and procedural metrics were retrieved. Primary outcomes of interest include technical success and in-hospital mortality. Factors of mortality were assessed using a logistic regression model.
Results: Twenty-one patients were brought to the endovascular suite directly (endovascular group) from the trauma bay and 25 patients after treatment in the operating room (OR group). The OR group had higher hemodynamic instability (48.0% vs 19.0%, p=0.040), lower hemoglobin (12.9 vs 10.1, p=0.001) and platelet counts (235.2 vs 155.1, p=0.003), and worse APACHE score (4.1 vs 10.2, p<0.0001) at the time of initial presentation. Technical success was achieved in all 40 cases in which targeted embolization was attempted (100%). Empiric embolization was performed in 6/46 (13.0%) patients based on computed tomographic angiogram (CTA) and operative findings. Stent-grafts were placed in 3 patients for subclavian artery injuries. Availability of pre-intervention CTA was associated with shorter fluoroscopy time (19.8±12.1 vs 30.7±18.6 minutes, p=0.030). A total of 41 patients were discharged in stable condition (89.1%). Hollow organ injury was associated with mortality (p=0.039).
Conclusion: Endovascular embolization and stenting were effective in managing hemorrhage due to GSW in a carefully selected population. Hollow organ injury was a statistically significant predictor of mortality. Pre-intervention CTA enabled targeted, shorter and equally effective procedures.
Viruses under the Antarctic Ice Shelf are active and potentially involved in global nutrient cycles
Authors: Vila-Nistal Marina , Rosenova Aleksandra , Lopez-Simon Javier , Martínez-Pérez Clara , Baltar Federico , De Corte Daniele , Martinez-Garcia Manuel
Published: June 2023

Viruses significantly influence the functioning of marine ecosystem. However, our comprehension of viruses inhabiting the dark ocean remains limited. This is particularly so beneath Antarctic ice shelves, despite exerting a profound influence on global carbon cycle and climate system. Here, we uncover the viral diversity, biogeography, activity and their role as metabolic facilitators of microbes beneath the Ross Ice Shelf. The viral community was mainly comprised of novel, endemic viruses adapted to polar and mesopelagic environments. Extremely low abundance of genes related to lysogenic lifestyle (<3%) did not support a predominance of the Piggyback-the-Winner, consistent with a low productive habitat. Our results indicate a viral community actively infecting the key ammonium and sulfur-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophs (e.g. Nitrosopumilus spp, Thioglobus spp.), supporting a kill-the-winner. These viruses carry specific auxiliary metabolic genes involved in nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus acquisition. Altogether, the viruses under Antarctic ice shelves are involved in reprograming the metabolism of ecologically cornerstone microbes that maintain primary production in these chemosynthetically-driven ecosystems, which have a major role in global nutrient cycles.