bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality water not everywhere: Exploratory Analysis of Water Quality Across Ebocha-Obrikom Oil and Gas Flaring Area in the Core Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Raimi Morufu Olalekan , Sawyerr Olawale Henry , Ezekwe Clinton Ifeanyichukwu , Olaniyi Opasola Afolabi
Published: October 2021

Background:In Rivers State, Nigeria, Indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom have nearly worst drinking water quality in the province with concerns extending from worsening water quality to deficiency of support from oil companies operating in the environment. The minute water is suspected, or recognized of being unsafe or hazardous to human consumption, community people are likely to be positioned under a wasted health.Objectives:To compare water quality parameters in the vicinity of Gas Flaring Area of Ebocha-Obrikom of Rivers State with that of the recommended standards.Methods:The research utilized standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). All the samples collected were transported to the laboratory through keeping in an icebox to prevent degradation of the organic substances.Results:Result depicts that Turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, Magnesium, Iron, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel exceeded the desirable limit meant for drinking purpose as well as could potentially pose threats toward human society. Hence, remain unsuitable for drinking, as the inhabitants were more vulnerable for their total lifetime period of exposure through continuous consumption of unsuitable drinking water.Conclusion:It is recommended that the local government environmental health officers and other regulatory agencies frequently monitor the levels of these pollutants within the area and also ensure strict adherence to guidelines to ensure a healthy environment. As exposure to the above stated parameters can have a remarkable impact on human health living in the vicinity of the gas flaring area by drinking water around the study area; thus, groundwater needs to treated before using for household purpose or drinking. Thus, this study would help in decision making for stakeholders and relevant authorities in the execution of reasonable groundwater management strategies and remediation plans in the area to protect public and environmental health.
In vivo efficacy and safety of Siddha medicine Kabasura Kudineer among COVID 19 infected Syrian golden hamsters.
Authors: Divya Kanchibhotla , Pathak Jeetu , Reddy Ravi Kumar M , R Venkatesh Hari K.
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has overburdened current healthcare system and highlighted the need to explore potent remedies in Traditional medicine systems. Kabasura Kudineer (KSK), a poly herbal Siddha medicine, has shown great potential in treating COVID-19.Objective: The objective of the study is to explore the safety and efficacy of Kabasura Kudineer in a preclinical model for COVID-19: Syrian Golden Hamsters.Methods: This research study investigates the in vivo efficacy and safety of the well-known antiviral Siddha medicine KSK as a powdered tablet on COVID-19 infected Syrian golden hamsters. A total of 19 female hamsters were infected with the virus cell culture through intranasal route. 4 out of 19 animals were mock controls, 5 were infection controls, 4 were treated with remdesivir and acted as positive controls and remaining 6 were treated with KSK. The hamsters were observed for any adverse events, followed by their sacrifice on day 4 after inoculation with the virus. The lung pathology and viral load was studied for each hamster.Results: Therapeutic use of intraperitoneal instillation of Siddha formulation KSK reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load and associated gross clinical parameters. Results showed significant reduction of 65% in the viral load for the KSK arm as compared to the infection control.Conclusion: We observed that the animals treated with KSK exhibited less severe pathology compared to the untreated infected group. No toxicity or adverse events were observed in the KSK group. This pre-clinical study supports the safety and efficacy of KSK.Study Registration: FNDR’s Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC), Registration Number 2082/PO/Rc/S/19/CPCSEA
On Learning from Natural Language to Develop Intelligent System to Identify Potential Medical Condition
Authors: Bhoj Naman , Tripathi Ashutosh
Published: October 2021

With the rise in human population and emergence of the medical crisis across the whole globe, it has become essential to develop smart systems to automate the process of identification of medical conditions and therefore provide timely aid to the patient. As the first step to develop such a system in this paper we aim to create a natural language based medical condition identification system. The user would provide a text review of how they feel with few other categorical features, based upon that our model would identify the potential medical condition the user is suffering from. We employed three different machine-learning algorithms and mitigated class imbalance in our dataset. Empirical results indicate that Random Forest is the best machine-learning algorithm among all the investigated models with an accuracy of 80.39%, whereas the accuracy of the AdaBoost model improved the highest with an absolute value of 7.77% after mitigating class imbalance
Firm-specific, macroeconomic factors and stock price risk for Jordanian banks
Authors:   Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, Department of Banking and Financial Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, The Hashemite University, Jordan, Al Salamat Wasfi , Momani Mohammad Q. M. ,   Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, Department of Banking and Financial Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, The Hashemite University, Jordan, Batayneh Khaled ,   Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, The Hashemite University, Jordan
Published: October 2021

Internal (firm-specific) and external (macroeconomic) determinants of stock price fluctuations are vital for investors seeking to invest their money in a firm’s stocks. Thus, the main aim of this study is to explore macroeconomic and firm-specific factors that influence stock price fluctuations for all conventional banks in Jordan in 2010–2019. Ordinary least squares multiple regression (panel data) is applied for data analysis. The results report that trading volume (TV), dividend yield (DY), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have a positive effect on stock price volatility, while stock price volatility is statistically negatively affected by return on assets (ROA), dividend payout ratio (DPR), and price-earnings ratio (PE). On the other hand, money supply (MS) does not affect stock price volatility. Paying more dividends can reduce stock risk and, in turn, reduce stock price volatility. The findings can benefit current and potential investors, firm managers, brokers, dealers, portfolio managers, regulatory bodies, policy makers, and researchers.
Understanding purchase motives to increase revenue growth: A study of nanostores in Indonesia
Authors: Chaniago Harmon
Published: October 2021

The occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in consumers being reluctant to go far to shop, so nanostores are a choice. There are thousands of nanostores in Indonesia. However, not all nanostores are in demand by consumers, some nanostores are abandoned because they cannot adapt to consumer needs. This study aims to find factors and dimensions of purchase motives that can be used to increase sales and revenue of nanostores. The study used an explanatory survey method. The survey was conducted on 210 nanostore consumers in the city of Bandung, Indonesia. The research data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The study results obtained three dimensions of consumer buying motives in nanostores: product attributes, self-orientation, and service guarantee. These are dimensions that consist of 12 factors and the majority of factors tend to be based on rationality or things related to healthy logic. To increase their revenue and growth, it is recommended that nanostore entrepreneurs understand consumer buying motives according to community conditions.
Factors Contributing to Community None Acceptance for Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) for Malaria prevention in Chipushi Area of Mpika, Zambia
Authors: Elemiya Tembo
Published: October 2021

Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is one of the primary vector control interventions for reducing and interrupting malaria transmission. In recent years, however, it has received relatively little attention. Just like it is the case in the 17 villages of the Chipushi area of Mpika district in Muchinga province, Zambia. In community work, among the things that attracted my attention are the non-acceptance and perceived negative attitudes towards acceptance for indoor residual spraying. The purpose of this study was to analyze and establish the factors that contribute to none acceptance for Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in the Chipushi area of Mpika, Zambia. None acceptance, in this case, refers to a widespread negative response to having indoor residual spraying performed in people’s homes at the community level. Simple random sampling was used to come up with the study population. And after executing the study through the questionnaire and semi-structured interviews on the 97 respondents, findings revealed that 12 (12.4%) respondents believed that chemicals used in IRS increase mosquitoes and bed bugs instead of controlling them. Other 22 (22.7%) never believed IRS could reduce the incidence of malaria. 18 (18.6%) respondents avoided being in-convenience by the spray operators and health personnel. 10 (10.3%) respondents don’t want to be seen how wrecked their houses are or fear of being embarrassed due to lack of sanity in their homes. Similarly, 17 (17.5%) respondents believed that by the culture, they could not allow strangers to expose their privacy in their homes. Surprisingly 26 (26.8%) respondents never just wanted to participate in spray operations. Keywords: Community, Households, Indoor Residual Spraying, Malaria elimination, Prevention.
ANÁLISE MICROBIOLÓGICA EM LÁPIS DE COR UTILIZADOS NA CRECHE E PRÉ-ESCOLA DE BOM JESUS/SC
Authors: Silva Franciele Ferreira da , David Lualís Edi de , Bordignon Jardel Cristiano
Published: October 2021

RESUMO:Os desenvolvimentos físico, intelectual, social e psicológico da criança acontecem na primeira etapa da sua vida, na educação infantil, a qual é oferecida em creches e pré-escolas. Esse ambiente tem sido muito procurado com a entrada da mulher no mercado de trabalho, associado à urbanização. O convívio das crianças as torna expostas a contaminantes externos. As creches têm sido uma grande fonte de pesquisa, por ser um ambiente coletivo e proporcionar uma grande circulação de patógenos infecciosos. Hábitos como levar as mãos e objetos à boca são muito comuns nas crianças, juntamente com a falta da prática de lavar as mãos e outros hábitos de higiene, o que facilita a contaminação. Os microrganismos envolvidos em infecções são principalmente bactérias, fungos, vírus e protozoários. Esses organismos podem ser encontrados em diferentes lugares, podendo ser eles ambientes escolares, banheiros, cantinas, entre outros. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a presença de bactérias e fungos em lápis de cor utilizados comunitariamente na creche e pré-escola pública do município de Bom Jesus-SC. Os métodos utilizados para a pesquisa foram vários, incluindo coleta com swab, coloração de Gram, catalase, urease, fermentação de glicose, formação de H2S, hemólise, motilidade e micromorfologia em lâmina. As identificações resultaram na presença de dois tipos de fungos e também duas bactérias. Apesar de pouco virulentos, o achado desses microrganismos prova que esses utensílios de uso comum podem ser veículos pra a transmissão de patógenos.
RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA: ESTIMULAÇÃO COGNITIVA DE IDOSOS COM O JOGO DE XADREZ
Authors: Carneiro Cristiana Fiusa , Andrade Léo Pasqualini de
Published: October 2021

O jogo de xadrez é uma atividade social, cultural e esportiva que pode ser praticada por idosos com poucas horas de aprendizado, de baixo custo e que necessita pouco espaço físico para ser jogado. Trata-se de um jogo de tabuleiro que é bem aceito em geral pelas pessoas com mais de sessenta anos, como atividade de lazer. Suas características intrínsecas requerem habilidades de raciocínio que proporcionam estimulação cognitiva e de sociabilização, e pode ser utilizado pelo empreendedor do cuidado social como instrumento na melhora da qualidade de vida do idoso. O xadrez traz aspectos motivacionais para o desenvolvimento da autonomia, em virtude do praticante necessitar tomar decisões a cada lance executado no tabuleiro. O respeito ao parceiro e a ética inerentes ao cumprimento das regras auxiliam o mediador das aulas na conduta dos participantes. Este artigo traz o relato de experiência da primeira autora, que ministra aulas de xadrez para idosos, semanalmente, em um tradicional clube da capital paulista. As buscas por artigos científicos foram feitas no portal da PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar e ResearchGate, através das palavras-chave: xadrez, idosos, cognição em dois idiomas, português e inglês. Por meio desta articulação entre relato de experiência e literatura, as evidências indicam que os idosos buscam por atividades lúdicas que possibilitem estímulos sociais e cognitivos. Por fim, observa-se  a necessidade de mais estudos relativos às atividades cognitivas com o jogo de xadrez para o envelhecimento ativo e saudável da população idosa, como meio de promoção do bem-estar e da qualidade de vida.
SISTEMA DE PRODUÇÃO AGROECOLÓGICO: UMA ANÁLISE SOCIOECONÔMICA
Authors: CAMARA SIMONE BUENO , AZEVEDO JENAINE DE , ANDREATTA TANICE , CHRISTOFARI LUCIANA FAGUNDES
Published: October 2021

Objetivou-se realizar uma análise socioeconômica em uma propriedade de jovens agricultores que comercializam a produção por intermédio de cadeias curtas. O estudo foi realizado em uma propriedade de um hectare, no município de Frederico Westphalen-BR. A coleta de dados ocorreu em abril de 2019. As produções são diversificadas, cultivadas em sistema orgânico e agroecológico, a mão de obra é familiar e com baixa utilização de equipamentos, o que possibilita a redução de custos e maior margem de lucro. O sistema produtivo é formado por cultivos de horticultura e mais recentemente pela produção de ovos. A cultura de morangos foi a que mais contribuiu para a receita bruta da propriedade (46%). A renda anual líquida por componente da família é de R$ 15.138,33, o valor agregado líquido por área é de R$ 36.936,66, quando considerado 0,2 hectares de área útil. A propriedade é gerenciada por um casal de jovens, que encontraram na produção e na utilização de canais de comercialização curtos, organizados por intermédio do uso de plataformas online, a sua reprodução socioeconômica. A proximidade do mercado é fundamental para o escoamento da produção de maneira ordenada, sem perder os atributos de qualidade, se constituindo uma alternativa aos sistemas alimentares globalizados.
ALTERAÇÃO DA PAISAGEM NA LOCALIDADE DO RIO DA VACA EM PARANAGUÁ-PR
Authors: De Freitas Paul Anderson , Hermenegildo Wanderley , De Faria Gislaine Garcia , Tonetti Emerson Luis
Published: October 2021

Na área urbanizada do município de Paranaguá-PR, as alterações na estrutura da paisagem estão em grande parte, resultando das ações antrópicas em um contexto de ocupações irregulares. Na linha de conhecimento, este artigo teve como objetivo de estudo, analisar as modificações da paisagem na localidade do Rio da Vaca, na franja urbana do município de Paranaguá no litoral do Estado do Paraná. Nesta localidade, recentemente e visualmente, tem-se verificado um crescimento rápido e desordenado, pela presença de edificações sem alinhamento com a malha urbana existente e redução da vegetação nativa em canais de drenagem dos córregos existentes. Foram feitas análises comparativas de imagens espaciais do Google Earth Pró do ano de 2013 e 2019. As classes de cobertura da terra utilizadas para o levantamento de dados foram: áreas com Floresta Nativa, áreas com edificações e áreas de usos gerais. Os resultados demonstram redução da floresta nativa com o aumento da área de usos gerais e de edificações, somando 16,89% em apenas 6 anos.
CONSERVAÇÃO DA FAUNA NO CONTEXTO DA AGRICULTURA CONVENCIONAL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NA FAZENDA DO ZOOLÓGICO DE SÃO PAULO, ARAÇOIABA DA SERRA, SP
Authors: Pereira Lais Rodrigues , Schlindwein Marcelo Nivert
Published: October 2021

Diante do impacto das atividades da agropecuária no ambiente, é necessário aprimorar políticas e incentivar um modelo de desenvolvimento agrícola que mantenha a produtividade, porém de forma sustentável preservando a biodiversidade, como propõe a agroecologia. Outra ameaça silenciosa da agricultura convencional é a contaminação pelos agrotóxicos e é nesse contexto que a agroecologia e a biologia da conservação se encontram em interesses comuns a fim de preservar a fauna presente nesses espaços. Esse trabalho apresenta um recorte da riqueza de mamíferos da Fazenda do Zoológico de São Paulo, localizada em Araçoiaba da Serra, SP. A metodologia utilizada para o levantamento foi a análise dos registros por armadilhas fotográficas. Foram analisados mais de 17 mil vídeos que capturaram, inclusive, espécies ameaçadas de extinção como o tamanduá-bandeira. Entendendo a fazenda como um espaço potencial para a conservação da fauna silvestre, os dados levantados nesse trabalho visam subsidiar a proposta da transição agroecológica, destacando a ferramenta de Sistemas Agroflorestais (SAF).
Water management in Pakistan's Indus Basin: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Janjua Shahmir , Hassan Ishtiaq , Muhammad Shoaib , Ahmed Saira , Ahmed Afzal
Published: October 2021

The Indus River System is a major source of life in Pakistan. A vast array of Pakistan's agricultural and domestic consumption needs are critically dependent on the Indus River System. The Indus River contributes towards 25% of the country's gross domestic product, providing water for almost 90% of the food production in Pakistan. Linked to the water security issues, Pakistan is potentially at risk of facing a severe food shortage in the near future. The World Bank report of 2020–2021 estimates that the water shortage will increase to 32% by 2025, which will result in a food shortage of almost 70 million tons. Water shortage could also result in confrontation between the provinces as river sharing has always been a source of problem for Pakistan. According to recent estimates, siltation and climate change will reduce the water storage capacity by 2025 to almost 30%. As for the per capita water storage capacity in Pakistan, it is about 150 m3, which is quite meagre in comparison with that in other countries. Irrigated agriculture will soon be adversely affected due to the reduced surface water supplies and the consequent increase in groundwater abstraction. To make matters worse, over the past decades, a great deal of distrust has developed among the provinces of Pakistan regarding the water distribution issue, and the successive federal governments have failed to formulate a cohesive inter-provincial National Water Policy. Along with the shortages and increasing demand for water, administrative corruption also plagues the water sector and is quite common. The beneficiaries of this water reallocation system are not only the rural elite, for example the large and politically influential landlords, but also the small and medium capitalist farmers. If not properly addressed, these complications of decreasing water resources could result in serious political and economic hostility among the provinces. If it wants to harness its potential to increase storage capacity, Pakistan must improve its water-use efficiency and manage its groundwater and surface water resources in a sustainable way. Strengthening the institutions and removing mistrust among the provinces are the key elements for maintaining a sustainable irrigated agriculture in the Indus Basin.
River chief system: an institutional analysis to address watershed governance in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Wan Jingjing , Zhu Yuchun
Published: October 2021

China suffers from frequent water crisis events caused by ecological pollution in watersheds. The river chief system policy is an institutional innovation by the government to deal with the ecological environmental crisis in the river basin. This study focuses on China's watershed environmental governance policy and describes the origin, operation mode, and governance effect of its river chief system policy. This study comparatively analyses the advantages of the policy in basin environmental governance, such as clear government responsibility, enhanced coordination among government departments, the accountability mechanism of the one-vote veto system, and the disadvantages of the policy in terms of high costs, information asymmetry, and lack of public participation. Furthermore, this study proposes suggestions on the sustainable development of watershed environmental governance from three aspects: regional characteristics, investment, and institutional innovation of policy implementation.
Isotherm and selectivity study of Ni(II) removal using natural and acid-activated nanobentonites
Authors: Ashouri Mehranjani Zahra , Hayati-Ashtiani Majid , Rezaei Mehran
Published: October 2021

In this research, natural bentonite and its acid-activated forms were employed as adsorbents for the adsorption of Ni2+ ions from wastewater. Natural bentonite was activated with 2 M sulfuric acid, 4.5 h and 95 °C (the best acid-activated sample with the highest adsorption capacity) and the other 6 M sulfuric acid, 7.5 h and 95 °C (the worst acid-activated sample with the lowest adsorption capacity). The adsorption of Ni2+ was studied through experiments including equilibrium contact time and selectivity. The equilibrium contact time for bentonite was obtained at 180 min. The Ni2+ separation process along with Zn2+ selectivity studies was considered through adsorption experiments. The results showed that there was a maximum amount of Ni2+ adsorption in the absence of Zn2+ for all samples. The results showed the best ﬁt is obtained with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Working out different bentonite types to determine the best kinetic models, we explored the Langmuir and Florry–Huggins models provided a good fit with experimental data for acid-activated bentonites and the best results from linear forms of the adsorption isotherm models for fitting the experimental data of natural bentonite are obtained for Langmuir, Temkin and Freundlich models.
Research on performance optimization and mechanism of electrochemical water softening applied by pulse power supply
Authors: Wang Zhonghao , Lin Wei , Wang Wei , Wang Zhangwei , Li Jimin , Xu Jianmin , Yu Jiuyang
Published: October 2021

In order to promote the application of electrochemical water softening technology in industrial circulating cooling water systems, electric field type, cathode structure and solution residence time are selected for optimization analysis of an electrochemical water softening device. The experimental results show that the water softening performance per unit area of mesh cathode is better than that of a plate cathode. In addition, the softening amount per unit area of the mesh cathode can be further increased when the high-frequency (HF) power supply is applied. When the HF power supply is applied, the softening amount per unit area is 158.58 g/m2·h−1 more than when the direct current power supply is applied. In order to explore the growth mechanism of calcium carbonate, micro-analysis technology and high-speed bubble photography technology are used. The results show that the bubbles escape along the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate, and the main growth direction of calcium carbonate growth is consistent with the escape direction of the bubble; that is, the bubbles grow along the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate. The special structure of the diamond-shaped mesh cathode facilitates the growth of calcium carbonate crystals.
Permeable reactive barrier of waste sludge from wine processing utilized to block a metallic mixture plume in a simulated aquifer
Authors: Chien Shui-Wen Chang , Li Yi-Pei , Liu Cheng-Chung
Published: October 2021

Heavy metal contamination in underground water commonly occurs in industrial areas in Taiwan. Wine-processing waste sludge (WPWS) can adsorb and remove several toxic metals from aqueous solutions. In this study, WPWS particles were used to construct a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for the remediation of a contaminant plume comprising HCrO4−, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, and AsO33− in a simulated aquifer. This PRB effectively prevented the dispersals of Cu2+, Zn2+, and HCrO4−, and their concentrations in the pore water behind the barrier declined below the control standard levels. However, the PRB failed to prevent the diffusion of Ni2+, Cd2+, and AsO33−, and their concentrations were occasionally higher than the control standard levels. However, 18% to 45% of As, 84% to 93% of Cd, and 16% to 77% of Ni were removed by the barrier. Ni ions showed less adsorption on the fine sand layer because of the layer's ineffectiveness in multiple competitive adsorptions. Therefore, the ions infiltrated the barrier at a high concentration, which increased the loading for the barrier blocking. The blocking efficiency was related to the degree of adsorption of heavy metals in the sand layer and the results of their competitive adsorption.
INFLUENCE OF ELECTRODE SYSTEM DISTORTIONS ON ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIPOL MASS ANALYZER
Authors:   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University, Dubkov M. V. , Burobin M. A. ,   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University
Published: October 2021

The aim of this work is to study the influence of possible distortions of electrode system of tripole mass analyzer on its analytical characteristics. The influence of electrode shifts on the operating parameters of tripole mass analyzer and a comparison with monopole mass analyzer are considered. As a result of numerical simulation, it was found that any deviation from the symmetry of electrode system of tripole mass analyzer significantly affects its analytical characteristics. Symmetrical shifts of «tripole» electrodes in comparison with monopole lead to a greater deterioration in analytical characteristics.
SINGLE-CHANNEL PROCESSING OF COHERENT PULSE SIGNALS IN THE PRESENCE OF PASSIVE INTERFERENCE
Authors:   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University, Popov D. I.
Published: October 2021

The processing of coherent-pulse radar signals in the presence of passive interference is considered on the basis of simplified versions of the likelihood ratio. The aim of the work is to synthesize and analyze algorithms and systems for processing coherent pulse signals that are invariant to the Doppler phase shift of the signal over the period of repetition of probing pulses. The integration of the first variant of the simplified truth-similarity relation leads to a system with a single-channel coherent accumulation of pairwise products of the results of adaptive matrix or vector processing. The second variant of the simplified likelihood ratio directly corresponds to the incoherent accumulation of the matrix or vector filter output samples. The structural diagrams of single-channel joint detection-measurement systems based on adaptive matrix and notch filters are presented. The systems were compared by the threshold signal-to-noise ratio using the computer simulation method. It is established that in comparison with the optimal processing system, the losses of the corresponding system due to the single-channel accumulation are an acceptable value.
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION AND LANDING COMPLEX USING PSEUDO-SATELLITE SIGNALS
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute, Galtsova M. S. , Ryabinkin M. S. ,   Moscow Aviation Institute
Published: October 2021

The problem of navigation of an unmanned aerial vehicle at the landing stage in a complex jamming situation is considered. The aim of the work is to develop the structure as well as software and algorithmic support of navigation and landing complex (NPK), using signals from pseudo-satellites (PS) on board a small-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Landing is carried out according to a glide-garden approach, while several configurations of models for the location of pseudo-satellites in close proximity to runway are considered. The characteristics of SS location are known in advance with a high degree of accuracy. Estimation errors of aircraft navigation parameters in a horizontal channel of Strapdown inertial navigation system in the conditions when no PS and when one or two PS being used are found.
An Anti-EGFR/anti- HER2 Bispecific Antibody with Enhanced Antitumor Activity Against Acquired Gefitinib-Resistant NSCLC Cells
Authors: Si Yan , Pei Xinxin , Wang Xiangfang , Han Qianqian , Xu Changzhi , Zhang Buchang
Published: October 2021

Background:

Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase
inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is a recurrent phenomenon during clinical therapy of non-small-cell lung
cancer (NSCLC). Studies have shown that HER2 is a key factor contributing to drug resistance in a
variety of cancers. Furthermore, we have observed that HER2 is overexpressed in PC-9 NSCLC
cells with acquired gefitinib-resistance (PC-9/GR) as compared to that in PC-9 cells.

Objective:

We hypothesized that blocking both EGFR and HER2 may serve as a potential strategy
for the treatment of NSCLC with acquired gefitinib-resistance.

Methods:

To target both EGFR and HER2 simultaneously, we developed a bispecific antibody
HECrossMAb, which was derived from a humanized Cetuximab and Trastuzumab. The binding affinity
of HECrossMAb for EGFR and HER2 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
The MTT assay was used to determine the effect of HECrossMAb on the proliferation of PC-9 and
PC-9/GR cells in vitro. Finally, the effect of HECrossMAb on PI3K/AKT signaling and associated transcription
factors was measured using western blot analysis.

Results:

Our results showed that HECrossMAb exerts enhanced cytotoxicity in both PC-9 and PC-9/GR
cells by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and expression of relevant transcription
factors such as AEG-1, c-Myc, and c-Fos.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that HECrossMAb may function as a potential therapeutic agent for
treating NSCLC overexpressing EGFR and HER2.
Determinants of Cognitive Trajectories in Normal Aging: A Longitudinal PET-MRI Study in a Community-based Cohort
Authors: Herrmann François R. , Montandon Marie-Louise , Garibotto Valentina , Rodriguez Cristelle , Haller Sven , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: October 2021

Background:

The determinants of the progressive decrement of cognition in normal aging
are still a matter of debate. Alzheimer disease (AD)-signature markers and vascular lesions, but also
psychological variables such as personality factors, are thought to have an impact on the longitudinal
trajectories of neuropsychological performances in healthy elderly individuals.

Objective:

The current research aimed to identify the main determinants associated with cognitive
trajectories in normal aging.

Methods:

We performed a 4.5-year longitudinal study in 90 older community-dwellers coupling two
neuropsychological assessments, medial temporal atrophy (MTA), number of cerebral microbleeds
(CMB), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) at inclusion, visual rating of amyloid and FDG PET
at follow-up, and APOE genotyping. Personality factors were assessed at baseline using the NEO-PIR.
Univariate and backward stepwise regression models were built to explore the association between
the continuous cognitive score (CCS) and both imaging and personality variables.

Results:

The number of strictly lobar CMB at baseline (4 or more) was related to a significant increase
in the risk of cognitive decrement. In multivariable models, amyloid positivity was associated with a
1.73 unit decrease of the CCS at follow-up. MTA, WMH and abnormal FDG PET were not related to
the cognitive outcome. Among personality factors, only higher agreeableness was related to better
preservation of neuropsychological performances.

Conclusion:

CMB and amyloid positivity are the only imaging determinants of cognitive trajectories
in this highly selected series of healthy controls. Among personality factors, higher agreeableness confers
a modest but significant protection against the decline of cognitive performances.
Potential Drug Targets Identification Against Clostridioides Difficile (CD) and Characterization of Indispensable Proteins by a Subtractive Genomics Approach Followed by Virtual Screening
Authors: Uddin Reaz , Arif Alina
Published: October 2021

Background:

Clostridioides difficile (CD) is an enteric multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacterium. CD-associated infections are the leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea that can further lead to pseudomembranous colitis, toxic mega-colon or sepsis with greater mortality and morbidity risks. CD infection possesses higher rates of recurrence due to its greater resistance to antibiotics. Considering its higher rates of recurrence, it has become a major burden on healthcare facilities. Therefore, there is a dire need to identify novel drug targets to combat antibiotic resistance of Clostridioides difficile.

Objective:

To identify and propose new and novel drug targets against the Clostridioides difficile.

Methods:

In the current study, a computational subtractive genomics approach was applied to obtain a set of potential drug targets that exist in the multi-drug resistant strain of Clostridioides difficile. Here, the uncharacterized proteins were studied as potential drug targets. The methodology involved several bioinformatics databases and tools. The druggable proteins sequences were retrieved based on non-homology with host proteome and essentiality for the survival of the pathogen. The uncharacterized proteins were functionally characterized using different computational tools, and sub-cellular localization was also predicted. The metabolic pathways were analyzed using the KEGG database. Eventually, the druggable proteome has been fetched using sequence similarity with the already available drug targets present in the DrugBank database. These druggable proteins were further explored for the structural details to identify drug candidates.

Results :

A priority list of potential drug targets was provided with the help of the applied method on the complete proteome set of the C. difficile. Moreover, the drug-like compounds have been screened against the potential drug targets to prioritize potential drug candidates. To facilitate the need for drug targets and therapies, the study proposed five potential protein drug targets, out of which three proposed drug targets were subjected to homology modeling to explore their structural and functional activities

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we proposed three unique, unexplored drug targets against C. difficile. The structure-based methods were applied and resulted in a list of top-scoring compounds as potential inhibitors to proposed drug targets.
In silico Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with MicroRNA
Regulating 5-fluorouracil Resistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kavousipour Soudabeh , Eftekhar Ebrahim , Moosavy Seyed Hamid , Koochakkhani Shabnaz , Barazesh Mahdi , Mohammadi Shiva , Ahmadi Khadijeh , Inchehsablagh Behnaz Rahnama , Mokaram Pooneh
Published: October 2021

Background:

Due to the broad influence and reversible nature of microRNA (miRNA) on the
expression and regulation of target genes, researchers suggest that miRNAs and single nucleotide polymorphisms
(SNPs) in miRNA genes interfere with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) drug resistance in colorectal
cancer chemotherapy.

Methods:

Computational assessment and cataloging of miRNA gene polymorphisms that target mRNA
transcripts directly or indirectly through regulation of 5-FU chemoresistance in CRC were screened out
by applying various universally accessible datasets such as miRNA SNP3.0 software.

Results:

1255 SNPs in 85 miRNAs affecting 5-FU resistance (retrieved from literature) were detected.
Computational analysis showed that 167 from 1255 SNPs alter microRNA expression levels leading to
inadequate response to 5-FU resistance in CRC. Among these 167 SNPs, 39 were located in the seed
region of 25/85 miRNA and were more critical than other SNPs. Has-miR-320a-5p with 4 SNP in seed
region was miRNA with the most number of SNPs. On the other hand, it has been identified that proteoglycan
in cancer, adherents junction, ECM-receptor interaction, Hippo signaling pathway, TGF-beta signaling
cascade, biosynthesis of fatty acid, and fatty acid metabolism were the most important pathways
targeted by these 85 predicted miRNAs.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest 39 SNPs in the seed region of 25 miRNAs as catalog in miRNA genes that
control the 5-FU resistance in CRC. These data also identify the most important pathways regulated by
miRNA.
Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: Dmitriyeva Mariya , Kozhakhmetova Zhanar , Urazova Saltanat , Kozhakhmetov Saken , Turebayev Dulat , Toleubayev Medet
Published: October 2021

Diabetic foot ulcer infection is a crucial complication associated with lower-limb amputation
and postoperative mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Deciding if a diabetic foot
ulcer is infected in a community setting is challenging without validated point-of-care tests. Early
detection of infected diabetic foot ulcers can reduce the frequency of hospitalizations, the occurrence
of disability, and chances of mortality. Inflammatory biomarkers are predictors of infected diabetic
foot ulcers and lower-limb amputation. Procalcitonin, CRP, pentraxin-3, interleukin-6, and
calprotectin may help distinguish uninfected from mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers and diagnose
soft tissue infections, bone lesions, and sepsis in diabetic patients. Moreover, these biomarkers may
be predictors of lower-limb amputation and postoperative mortality. The current management of infected
diabetic foot ulcers is disappointing and unsatisfactory, both in preventing its development
and halting and modifying its progression. The use of new (molecular) techniques for the identification
of the IDFU has not yet to be proven superior to classic cultural techniques for the management
of such patients. For clinicians, if the risk stratification of DFU can be obtained earlier in diabetic
patients, the hospitalization, disability, and mortality rate will be reduced. For the practical application
of these biomarkers, it is important to correlate these quantitative parameters with clinical
symptoms. Based on clinical observations and inflammatory biomarker evaluation, it can be used
to guide clinical treatment methods. This review details clinical information published during the
past several decades and discusses inflammatory biomarkers that may determine the risk and level
of infection of diabetic foot ulcers.
Combined Marangoni and buoyancy convection in a porous annular cavity filled with Ag-MgO/water hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Kanimozhi B. , Muthtamilselvan M. , Al-Mdallal Qasem M. , Abdalla Bahaaeldin
Published: October 2021

Background:

This article numerically examines the effect of buoyancy and Marangoni convection in a porous enclosure formed by two concentric cylinders filled with Ag-MgO water hybrid nanofluid. The inner wall of the cavity is maintained at a hot temperature and the outer vertical wall is considered to be cold. The adiabatic condition is assumed for other two boundaries. The effect of magnetic field is considered in radial and axial directions. The Brinkman-extended Darcy model has been adopted in the governing equations.

Methods:

The finite difference scheme is employed to work out the governing Navier-Stokes equations. The numerically simulated outputs are deliberated in terms of isotherms, streamlines, velocityand average Nusselt number profiles for numerous governing parameters.

Results:

Except for a greater magnitude of axial magnetic field, our results suggest that the rate of thermal transport accelerates as the nanoparticle volume fraction grows.Also, it is observed that there is an escalation in the profile of average Nusselt numberwith an enhancement in Marangoni number.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, the suppression of heat and fluid flow in the tall annulus is mainly due to the radial magnetic field whereas in shallow annulus, the axial magnetic field profoundly affects the flow field and thermal transfer.
Assessment of Construction Project Cost Estimating Accuracy in Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed H. , Elshwadfy Lamiaa M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

The accuracy of the cost estimate is a key success factor for any construction project. It is the base for an effective tendering process. It can also be considered as the cornerstone of the cost control process.

Objective:

This paper aims to develop a model that can be used to assess the expected cost estimating accuracy of construction projects. This model is named as Construction Cost Estimate Accuracy Index (CCEAI).

Methods:

A questionnaire survey that contains fifteen factors clustered into four categories was carried out among 90 experts based on the construction cost estimate. Only sixty-six questionnaires were returned. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to identify the relative weights of the different cost estimates.

Results:

The questionnaire results were analyzed using the AHP technique to calculate the relative weight for each of the input factors and categories. A Construction Cost Estimating Accuracy Assessment model (CCEAI) was developed based on the calculated relative weights. Then, three projects were used as case study applications to check the validity of the proposed model. The results showed that the CCEAI model is greatly reliable in predicting the expected accuracy of the cost estimate.

Conclusion:

The results of this research and the developed model are very important and can be considered as a powerful tool to predict and improve the expected accuracy of any future construction cost estimate.
Cytochrome bc1-aa3 Oxidase Supercomplex As Emerging and Potential
Drug Target Against Tuberculosis
Authors: Sindhu Thangaraj , Debnath Pal
Published: October 2021

:

The cytochrome bc1-aa3 supercomplex plays an essential role in the cellular respiratory
system of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It transfers electrons from menaquinol to cytochrome aa3
(Complex IV) via cytochrome bc1 (Complex III), which reduces the oxygen. The electron transfer
from a variety of donors into oxygen through the respiratory electron transport chain is essential to
pump protons across the membrane creating an electrochemical transmembrane gradient (proton
motive force, PMF) that regulates the synthesis of ATP via the oxidative phosphorylation process.
Cytochrome bc1-aa3 supercomplex in M. tuberculosis is, therefore, a major drug target for antibiotic
action. In recent years, several respiratory chain components have been targeted for developing
new candidate drugs, illustrating the therapeutic potential of obstructing energy conversion of M.
tuberculosis. The recently available cryo-EM structure of mycobacterial cytochrome bc1-aa3 supercomplex
with open and closed conformations has opened new avenues for understanding its structure
and function for developing more effective, new therapeutics against pulmonary tuberculosis.
In this review, we discuss the role and function of several components, subunits, and drug targeting
elements of the supercomplex cytochrome bc1-aa3 and its potential inhibitors in detail.
Anti-HIV Integrase Inhibitors as New Candidates for the Treatment of
COVID-19: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Salari Sofia , Karbasforooshan Hedyieh , Hosseinjani Hesamoddin
Published: October 2021

Background:

The initial reports of a contagious novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syn-drome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) were proclaimed by Wuhan, Hubei province, China. This pathogen quickly became a health concern due to the World Health Organization's (WHO) alarm of its pandemic essence. Hence, there is an urgent need for efficacious and curative therapy against COVID-19.

Objective:

Theoretically, repurposing anti-viral drugs, specifically HIV treatments, could help meet the urgent need for treating COVID-19 due to the structural similarities of their critical enzyme sub-strates. Integrase inhibitors are a category of anti-HIV drugs that inhibit integrase strand transfer. In this review, we investigate the binding affinity and stability of raltegravir, dolutegravir, bictegravir, and elvitegravir in interactions with crucial enzymes of coronavirus.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as Web of Science, Med-line (PubMed), Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase from commencement to September 2020. The most relevant articles regarding the potential effects of integrase inhibitors against COVID-19 were gathered. Ultimately, ten original articles related to the searched terms were selected for this narra-tive review.

Results:

Apparently, in addition to the recent drugs prescribed to cure SARS-CoV-2, integrase inhib-itors are promising drugs for repurposing in COVID-19 treatment. Several studies on raltegravir, do-lutegravir, bictegravir and elvitegravir were conducted using virtual screening to guess either they are effective or not. Encouraging results were mostly reported for raltegravir and dolutegravir. Nev-ertheless, bictegravir and elvitegravir need more investigations.

Conclusion:

Further experimental and clinical studies of antiviral drugs are necessary to introduce appropriate treatment options for COVID-19.
Diarylheptanoids: Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hameed Rabia
Published: October 2021

Diarylheptanoids are widely distributed among species belonging to the family Betulaceae.
Being highly polar in nature, they can either be isolated from plants by using sophisticated
chromatographic techniques or can be synthesized in the laboratory. They are found to exhibit a
wide range of activities, from very simple analgesics to anticancer agents. Recently, they have
gained considerable attention due to inhibitory activity against NF-κB activation, NO and TNF-α
production, reduction in NO and COX-2 levels in a dose-dependent manner, and suppression of Tcell
activation. The current review article highlights the role of diarylheptanoids as potent anticancer
agents in a variety of cancers.
Synthesis of Schiff’s Bases of 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives under Microwave
Irradiation Technique and Evaluation of their Anti-diabetic Activity
Authors: Panda Krishna Chandra , Kumar B.V.V Ravi , Sahoo Biswa Mohan
Published: October 2021

Background:

Schiff bases play a key role in the generation of a large number of biologically
active compounds via cycloaddition, replacement, and ring closure reactions.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to optimize the purity and yield of the product, improve
the reaction time, and make the reaction more eco-friendly with the help of microwave-assisted
organic synthesis.

Methods:

New series of Schiff’s bases of triazole derivatives were achieved via multicomponent
reactions. The starting material benzohydrazide 1 was obtained by esterification of benzoyl chloride
with methanol in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid, followed by the reaction with
hydrazine hydrate. Benzohydrazide was allowed to react with carbon disulphide in ethanolic potassium
hydroxide solution to yield potassium dithiocarbazinate 2, which undergoes cyclization by
reacting with hydrazine hydrate to afford 4-[amino]-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (3). Further,
various Schiff’s bases, 4a-f, were obtained by reacting 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol with different
substituted benzaldehydes under microwave irradiations as a green and eco-friendly energy
source.

Results:

The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated in accordance with
their spectral data and elemental analysis.

Conclusion :

The obtained compounds exhibited significant in vivo anti-diabetic activity as compared
to the standard drug Metformin. The anti-diabetic effect was investigated by using the
Alloxan-induced diabetic model.