bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conversation analysis of dispreferred social acts in the “Notting Hill” film
Authors:   Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University, Mkhitaryan Yelena S. , Sayadyan Nadya G.
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine types and functions of dispreferred social acts and means of their realizationsin speech. The data of the research are collected from the film transcript of “Notting Hill”, predominantly dialogues between the main characters. The basic method of analysis is Conversation Analysis, which is based on Levinson’s speech act theory and Yule’s patterns of realizations of dispreferred social acts. The results of the research show that out of the six types the dispreferred social acts of question, offer and request can serve as the main types used by the participants of the dialogues. As for the realizations of dispreferred social acts, they occur in both marked and unmarked forms. The marked forms are represented by mitigating devices, prefacing, hesitating, delaying, apologizing, giving an account, changing the topic, silence and tricks / lies. The last device is not mentioned in the previously acknowledged list of marked forms, but it is thanks to it that the scenario of the film develops in a most humorous way, thus verifying the genuine genre of the film as a romantic comedy. The examination of the functions shows that the characters use the marked forms chiefly to provide grounded reason for their refusals and rejections, to avoid the negative consequence of the preceding utterance and focus on the positive side of the dispreferred situation.
Joachim Ringelnatz’s “Liner Roma” as a modernist recontextualization of Nikolai Gogol’s “Rome”
Authors:   Comenius University in Bratislava, Duleba Maxim
Published: July 2022

The article contributes to the scholarly discourse on “Liner Roma” (1924), the urban novella of a highly popular yet scholarly marginalized German poet and writer Joachim Ringelnatz (1883–1934). While its autobiographical contexts and its compositional inventiveness have already been a subject of inquiry, its intertextual relationship to the past remains unexplored. The article argues that Ringelnatz’s dialogic engagement with Nikolai Gogol’s “Rome” (1842) and its description of a modern Paris and traditional Rome is of a constitutive importance to the Ringelnatz’s own description of a metropolitan Berlin. Ringelnatz follows Gogol by accentuating analogic phenomena within the time-space of urban modernity. Like Gogol’s Paris, Ringelnatz’s Berlin is also a secular, temporarily fast-fleeting space of a fragmentary multiplicity which disintegrates the syncretic religious “wholeness”. Nonetheless, while Gogol describes the secular Paris through negative spatial two-dimensionality, and only the antithetical “eternal” and sacral Rome receives representation in a positive spatial three-dimensionality, Ringelnatz ascribes positive three-dimensionality to the secular Berlin and therewith, in accordance with the modernity-encouraging tendencies of his period, emancipates the space of urban progress.
The concept of “robotics” in Isaac Asimov’s science fiction: clash of traditions and innovations
Authors:   Gulistan State University, Akhmedov Rafael Sh.
Published: July 2022

The image of a mechanical (artificial) creature constructed thanks to the achievements of mankind in the field of science and technology has been present in literature since its inception, since the first oral myths and legends. Only towards the end of the 19th — beginning of the 20th century, the emphasis in the image of the robot in the literature shifted from religious-mystical to philosophic-technical. The purpose of this study is to assess the legitimacy of the statement that the work of the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov was a turning point in the development of the image of a robot in world literature. For this purpose, the following research was done: a comparative historical overview of the development of the image of a robot in literary works; the analysis of the scientific literature on the issue; a thorough analysis of several key works of Isaac Asimov (particularly, stories from the “I, Robot” collection), in which the robot character plays a central role and participates in the formation of the main idea of the work revealing the theme and the construction of the plot. Being a supporter of the idea of the humanistic role of science fiction, Isaac Asimov abandoned the established tradition of a monster robot, endowed it with Three Laws so that humanity could overcome the Frankenstein complex and look at the achievements of technology from a new perspective. This new approach of Isaac Asimov to the robot character and to the question of the relationship between human being and technology, which initially caused a negative response from literary critics, subsequently became one of the components of the reform of American science fiction and the advent of the Golden Age of science fiction. The concept of “robotics” of Isaac Asimov became the cornerstone of not only modern science fiction but also other branches of human activity, including information technology and robotics industry.
Metaphors of stopping time in modern literature
Authors:   Moscow City University, Shafranskaya Eleonora F. , Garipova Gulchira T. ,   A.G. and N.G. Stoletovs Vladimir State University, Smirnova Alfia I.
Published: July 2022

The article examines the metaphors of the stopped time, defined as artistic ways of representing the Soviet century in post-Soviet discourse. The metaphor reveals the reflection of the “dying century”, fractally connecting the beginning of the twentieth century and the modern period in the integral semiotic field of artistic historiography (post)soviet era. The purpose of the article is to show the multidimensional nature of the metaphorical interchangeability of the semantic concepts “time is history” and “history is time”. The novelty lies in the study of artistic experimental world projects, in which metaphor fixes the models “time as an illusion” and “time as a body”. The authors consider various images of the “mental chronotope” in which the metaphor of stopped time captures special altered states of consciousness (ideological, cultural and personal) that form the artistic “myth of shaken consciousness” of the twentieth century: for example, Sukhbat Aflatuni — lethargy, Sasha Filipenko — alzheimer and coma, L. Petrushevskaya — a split personality, E. Vodolazkin — a tabula rasa state, etc. The article systematizes such metaphorical forms as time-consciousness, body-time, time-labyrinth, time-fractal, etc. A. Bitov emphasizes a special collective-incorrect time, designated as an exit from the time-labyrinth of the “cult of personality” into the general space of thawing truth. The mythosemantics of the metaphorical image of time-being and time-substance combines imperial time and thanatological parasemantics and becomes the subject of analysis on the material of the novels by Kior Yanev “Southern Mangazeya” and Henri Volokhonsky “Roman the Deceased”.
“On seeds and dust”: anthology “Perevaltsy” (1930) as a stage and final collective edition
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Verina Ulyana Yu. , Ovcharenko Alexey Yu. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Published: July 2022

The anthology published by the “Pereval” group in 1930 is considered in the article in several aspects: in comparison with the collective editions of other literary groups (magazines, collections, almanacs); in comparison with the collections “Pereval” (1923–1928) and “Rovesniki” (1930–1932), and also as an over-text unity. The article reveals the difference between the publishing policy of “Pereval” and the publication strategy of other literary associations. Perevaltsy did not have their own magazine, at the initial stage they were published in the magazine “Krasnaya Nov”, and subsequently “Pereval” annually published collective volumes, which determined the creative program of the group. The concept of collections changed in the direction of greater artistic integrity and reducing the number of authors. The correlation between poetry and prose was also different. In the first, “mass” collections poetry prevailed, but in the third collection of 1925 a three-part structure stood out, prose prevailed, and a section of literary criticism appeared. In 1930, “Pereval” began to claim the status of a literary school, formed on the basis of general philosophical and aesthetic principles. The declaration was formulated by A. Lezhnev in the preface to the collection, which was published under a new title — “Rovesniki”. The structure of the anthology published in the same year testifies the intention to confirm this status. It includes the most representative works for each author, which characterize the individual manner and correspond to the program principles of the “Pereval” group. The preface speaks about a generation, the “children of the age”, between the past and the future. Many plots and motifs of the anthology’s works overlap with the program preface and among themselves, forming an over-text unity. The anthology was conceived as a stage collective book, but became the final book because the “Pereval”, like other literary groups, ceased to exist in 1932.
The life and work of M.M. Bakhtin through the eyes of a Canadian researcher
Authors:   Evseviev Mordovian State Pedagogical University, Osovskii Oleg E. , Dubrovskaya Svetlana A. ,   Ogarev Mordovian State University
Published: July 2022

A review of K. Hirschkop’s book “The Cambridge introduction to Mikhail Bakhtin” is presented. The book by the renowned Canadian literary and cultural studies scholar Professor K. Hirschkop aims to give a systematic description of M.M. Bakhtin’s scientific heritage for the English-speaking reader, especially for a philology students’ audience. According to the reviewers, the author solves in this book both traditional tasks of a textbook, performed in the genre of «Introduction» as well as purely research tasks. For the first time in English-language Bakhtin Studies an analysis of the theory and practice of the Russian thinker is presented on the basis of the texts of his collected works, which Hirshkop is convinced forms the image of the “new” Bakhtin. The proven scheme of the Cambridge Introductions series allows the author to consistently present a compact sketch of the scholar’s life, the main sources and contexts of his philosophical and philological pursuits, an analysis of key ideas and works, and the process of reception in the English-speaking world of the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
FUNCTIONS OF THE INTELLECTUAL ELITE IN THE POLITICAL LIFE OF SOCIETY
Authors: Bilozerova Ya.
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the functions and role of the intellectual elite in political life. It is established that in a democratic society the intellectual elite plays a significant role, influencing all spheres of public life, including political life, including the formation of political elite, political consciousness and political culture of society, prioritizing its development and forecasting socio-political transformations. The division of the functions of the intellectual elite into four blocks is proposed. The main blocks of the functions of the intellectual elite in political life include: informing the public and explaining political processes and phenomena, forming political consciousness and political culture, goal setting in the development of society in general and the political system in particular, integration of society and rationalization of socio-political order. It is determined that the first block includes cognitive, consultative, controlling function, as well as critical reflection on vital areas of the social system. It was found that the second block of tasks of the intellectual elite is represented by the axiological function and the function of enrichment and development of intellectual culture (as a resource for the political development of society). It is established that the third functional unit consists of strategic, managerial and innovation functions. It is shown that the fourth block is represented by communicative, integrative, stabilizing, prognostic functions, as well as the function of structuring a new hierarchy and inequality and the function of rationalizing the existing order. It is substantiated that the main specific functions of the intellectual elite in Ukraine are related to the current political situation. In particular, it is determined that such functions as the preservation of spiritual values, transmission of knowledge and ideas, the ability to serve society, informing it, assistance in assessing events that are happening almost everywhere are projected on the intellectual elite. It is determined that due to their implementation the nation is consolidating, which is the key to harmonization of political life.
Adicciones y COVID-19, impacto de la pandemia
Authors: Varela Antonio , Flórez Gerardo
Published: July 2022

Editorial del vol. 34-3.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Tuberculosis Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Conakry, Guinea: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Touré Almamy Amara , Magassouba Aboubacar Sidiki , Camara Gnoume , Doumbouya Abdoulaye , Cissé Diao , Barry Ibrahima , Camara Lansana Mady , Béavogui Abdoul Habib , Delamou Alexandre , Veronese Vanessa , Merle Corinne Simone , Traoré Hugues Asken , Bangoura Adama Marie
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all facets of life and has exacerbated many challenges faced by people living with tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of TB patients in Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods study was conducted using two validated psychometric tools to assess HRQoL and qualitative interviews among TB patients enrolled in treatment at three centers in Conakry, Guinea. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the deterioration of HRQoL. We included 439 participants in the study, among whom 44% and 31% experienced pain and anxiety, respectively. We found that an increase in the number of household members and the distance from participants’ residence to the health centre were significantly associated with lower HRQoL. Qualitative interviews highlighted nutritional and financial concerns which were exacerbated during COVID-19 pandemic and beliefs that the Guinean Government’s assistance plan was insufficient. This study supports the implementation of specific relief plans for TB patients which includes nutritional and psychological support, especially those whose movements are limited by travel restrictions, impeding access to TB care, reducing work opportunities and exacerbating financial needs and stress.
The Behavior of Tik Tok Users in Palopo City and Responses to the Qur'an
Authors: R. Serli , Mutakabbir Abdul , P. Ependi
Published: July 2022

Tik Tok is a new platform that young people love, and kids are no exception. This platform encompasses all levels of society, including adults and even the elderly. TikTok has both positive and negative sides like any other medium. Therefore, this study aims to determine the understanding of the community, especially the people of Palopo, about the benefits of Tik Tok and how to use it. This research is a field study with the people of Palopo city as informants for interviews and documentation. As a result, Tik Tok is used more than a means of entertainment, which sometimes leads to verbal and physical disrespectful behaviour. Some opinions say that Tik Tok is an online media short video that shows recordings of dancing and showing TikTok-er's genitals. The people of Palopo city consider TikTokers more for entertainment filled with dancing. Therefore, it is necessary to limit access to various media, including TikTok, so as not to be carried away by immoral behaviour. Thus, the Qur'an is the key and a solution to protect yourself by not showing your aurat. It means that Tik Tok may dive without showing aurat and indulgence in lust. For further researchers, it is necessary to research the effects caused by the application and the solution before and after being exposed to the syndrome.
Sharia Compliance, Islamic Corporate Governance, Intellectual Capital, and Earning Management toward Financial Performance in Indonesia Islamic Banks
Authors: Munifatussa'idah Asma'
Published: July 2022

This research aims to analyze the effect of Sharia Compliance, Islamic corporate Governance, Intellectual Capital, and Earnings Management toward the Financial Performance of Islamic Banks. The research method uses a quantitative approach with secondary data. Data were obtained from 12 (twelve) Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia, which were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The analysis technique used is Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results showed that Sharia compliance has an effect on the financial performance of Islamic banks. Islamic corporate governance has an effect on earnings management and financial performance of Islamic banks, and intellectual capital has an effect on the financial performance of Islamic banks. Meanwhile, earnings management has no effect on the financial performance of Islamic banks. The findings of this study provide evidence that the variables of Sharia compliance, Islamic corporate governance, and intellectual capital can help Islamic banks in Indonesia improve their financial performance. In addition, these findings will contribute to the literature on the determinants of Islamic bank financial performance.
Dynamic Behavior of Islamic Banking Customer Loyalty in Jakarta
Authors: Rusdianto Rusdianto , Jasin Mochammad
Published: July 2022

The attractiveness of Islamic banking lies in the profit-sharing system, service delivery, satisfaction, and promotion, where these components are interrelated with customers, which can influence customers to continue to choose Islamic banking services. This study aims to analyze the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction of Islamic banks, analyze the effect of service quality on customer loyalty of Islamic banks, and analyze the effect of customer satisfaction on customer loyalty of Islamic banks. The sample used in this study took the respondents of Islamic bank customers in Jakarta and then processed using SEM-PLS. The results showed that service quality had a significant effect on customer satisfaction, service quality significantly influenced customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction significantly influenced customer loyalty. This study recommends that there is a need to make products or services that are more in line with customer needs, the need to increase Islamic bank outlets or Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) owned by Islamic banks in locations that are more accessible and close to residential and business areas, and the need to conduct activities with customers periodically.
Full-Fledged VS Islamic Bank Windows: Which One Do Muslim Consumers Know Better and Prefer More?
Authors: Ratnasari Nissa Ghulma , Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah , Chalid Dony Abdul
Published: July 2022

The study aims to compare the knowledge of and preference for the Islamic banking window and the full-fledged Islamic bank among Muslim customers. Data were collected from 1171 banking clients. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results show most Muslim customers do not know the difference between the full-fledged Islamic bank and the Islamic banking window. Yet, most Muslim customers favor the full-fledged Islamic bank to the Islamic windows since it is perceived to be more sharia compliant. Thus, the study theoretically contributes to Muslim banking behavior literature by providing empirical evidence on customer knowledge and preference in choosing an Islamic bank. Besides, the study provides knowledge to both the Islamic bank windows and full-fledged Islamic bank on the Muslim customers' understanding of both channels' availability.
TAPHOGRAPH: A SPREADSHEET METHOD TO GRAPHICALLY CHARACTERIZE THE TAPHONOMY OF SKELETAL PARTICLES
Authors: CARON VINCENT , JOANNY FRANÇOIS-XAVIER , BAILLEUL JULIEN , PEROT MAXIME , CHANIER FRANK , MAHIEUX GEOFFROY
Published: July 2022

Taphonomic analysis is a useful tool to assess the intensity of alteration of skeletal remains and to help characterize depositional conditions as well as completeness and resolution of fossil assemblages. We herein introduce TAPHOGRAPH, an Excel spreadsheet script (a R code is also available), for the production of taphonomic diagrams to characterize the taphonomy of skeletal remains. The graphical representation depicts four taphonomic factors (fragmentation, abrasion, bioerosion, and encrustation) as a cumulative curve that allows visualization and comparison of the degree and variability of taphonomic alteration for different hard part types from one or more samples in a single diagram. The TAPHOGRAPH methodology is highly flexible, and can be used to assess the relative influence of mechanical versus biological (versus chemical) taphonomic alteration. The TAPHOGRAPH approach can guide inferences about hydraulic regimes, residence time at the seafloor, and intensity of different taphonomic processes.
Linkage to HIV care following HIV self-testing among men: systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies from six countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Hlongwana Khumbulani , Makhunga Sizwe , Choko Augustine , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Conserve Donaldson , Tsai Alexander
Published: July 2022

Gender disparities are pervasive throughout the HIV care continuum in sub-Saharan Africa, with men testing, receiving treatment, and achieving viral suppression at lower rates, and experiencing mortality at higher rates, compared with women. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been shown to be highly acceptable among men in sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence on linkage to HIV care following a reactive HIVST result is limited. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative literature on linkage to HIV care after receiving a reactive HIVST result among men in sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically searched 14 bibliometric databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram was used to document the screening results. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Of 22 446 references screened, 15 articles were eligible for inclusion in this review. Linkage to HIV care following a reactive HIVST result was subject to several barriers: financial constraints due to travelling costs, potential long waiting hours at the clinics, stigma, discrimination, and privacy concerns. Rates of men seeking confirmatory testing and linking to HIV care following a reactive HIVST result were inconsistent. Combining financial incentives with HIVST was found to increase the likelihood of linkage to HIV care following a reactive HIVST result. The variable rates of linkage to HIV care following a reactive HIVST result suggest the need for further research and development of strategies to increase linkage to HIV care.
COVID-19 Prevention Measures Among Refugees: Perspectives of Healthcare Providers Working in Refugee Camps in Rwanda
Authors: Nzeyimana Zephanie , Rwibasira Gallican , Manishimwe Fraterne , Winterhalter Frieda S. , Ndoli Ella Larissa , Ngomi Nicholas Njau , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa
Published: July 2022

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that emerged from Wuhan, China in 2019 rapidly spread throughout the globe in less than 6 months. In June 2020, Rwanda was a home of approximately 149,602 refugees. About 92% of the refugees were living in camps including Kiziba, Gihembe, Nyabiheke, Kigeme, Mugombwa, and Mahama. While entire world was in some level of lockdown, people living in refugee camps and other similar settings were more vulnerable to the pandemic than their counterparts who were staying in their homes. Prevention measures such as social distancing, handwashing, and face mask wearing were often difficult to implement in these settings. Current study aimed to assess perspectives of HCPs working in refugee camps on prevention of COVID-19 in camp settings.
Methods
This study was a cross-sectional study and due to movement restriction from March to June 2022, we collected data remotely by sharing a structured questionnaire, in google form, to HCPs via WhatsApp and email. The questionnaire collected HCPs’ perspectives on the feasibility of COVID-19 prevention measures, the prevalence of CIOVID-19 comorbidities, and how the pandemic can be prevented in refugee camp settings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of IBM SPSS V.21.
Results
This study shows that handwashing, social distancing and wearing masks are feasible measures in refugee camp settings, voted by 71 to 100% of the HCPs. However, lockdown or stay home can be hardly applied in such settings, supported by 80.6% of the respondents. Regarding COVID-19 comorbid conditions, pregnant women in their late or recent term and Heart disease like Hypertensive disorders were voted the most common in refugee camps by 56% and 50% of the HCPs, respectively. Steps to COVID-19 prevention in camps include community awareness, preparing and activating the pandemic response task force, stopping non-essential mass gathering activities, and monitoring of COVID-19 prevention measures during essential service delivery.
Conclusions
All in all, except lockdown or stay home, other COVID-19 prevention measures like social distancing, handwashing, and face mask wearing can be easily applied in refugee camp and other similar settings.
Performance Evaluation of Cognitive Relay Networks for End User Mobile Over Mixed Realistic Channels
Authors: Khodeir Mahmoud , Al-Mistarihi Mamoun F. , Ibrahem Lama N.
Published: July 2022

Cognitive relay network is a spectrum dynamic paradigm that exploits the unused portions of the licensed spectrum. This is based on merging both cooperative relaying techniques and cognitive radio network to achieve spectrum efficiency and enhance the overall system performance. In this paper, the presence of mobile users at the destination node is considered. Here, the end users can navigate at relatively fast vehicular velocities causing dynamic multipath fading and high Doppler shift. which can be fairly modeled using Nakagami-m fading channel (i.e., m < 1). In a spectrum scarcity environment, a secondary user must deploy an optimal power allocation policy to get higher transmission rates while the overall interference affecting the primary user (PU) is kept below a certain threshold value. In particular, the outage probability performance is studied over the mixed Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading channels for different scenarios based on the statistical characteristics of signal-to-noise ratio. The first scenario is the cognitive dual hop amplify and forward relay network over independent and non-identical (i.n.i.d) distributed mixed fading channels. In the second scenario, the cognitive relay network consists of a single amplify and forward relay in addition to the direct link transmission with a selection combining at the destination over i.n.i.d distributed mixed fading channels. Numerical results are presented to evaluate the impact of the fading parameter, m, the maximum aggregated intrusion constraint, and the locations of the primary users (PUs) on different channel scenarios at high vehicular speeds.
New advanced approach for processing natural polymers chitin and guar gum for developing new bioactive biocompatible drug delivery systems for oral administration of insulin
Authors: Sayed howida Abouel Fetouh El , A.Aleem E.E. , Mohammed N. H. , Ismail A. M.
Published: July 2022

Two nanocomposites samples of oral administrations insulin-drug delivery systems: insulin@chitin and insulin@chitin-grafted (g)-guar gum are prepared by using a modified sol-gel method. The novelty of this preparations is that, it is the first time to load insulin vials on such safe ecofriendly natural polymers using water as green solvent. The traces number of chemical agents used in these preparations are below the toxicity limits. Native chitin and chitin-g-guar gum crosslinked copolymer are used as inert bioactive carriers for insulin vials. Guar gum increased the numbers of functional groups of the copolymer. Spectrophotometric monitoring of insulin release at physiological temperature, 37 ± 0.5ºC and buffer solutions pH 1.2, 6.8, 7.4. These tested aqueous solutions simulating biological body fluids of stomach, intestine colon and blood stream. Insulin release from insulin@chitin only at pH 7.4 as monitored by spectrophotometry. No insulin released can be monitored at pH 1.2, and 6.8 due strong bonding of insulin to acetyl group of chitin. In contrast, insulin@chitin- g-guar gum showed sustained targeting insulin-release followed the order: pH 6.8 > pH 7.4 > pH 1.2. The release data obeyed pseudo second order kinetic model indicating that this coplymer is heterogeneous solid surface of energetically different active sites and each insulin molecule occupied two active sites. Slow rate of insulin release at pH 1.2 indicated its protection against stomach juice. The kinetic results and the physicochemical characteristics porosity, swelling ratio, peptide&amino acid sequence, zeta potential, particle size showed that: insulin loaded on chitin by chemisorbed monolayer and it is loaded on the copolymer by chemi-, and phyi-sorption forces. Both insulin@chitin and insulin@chitin-g-GG nanocomposites showed negative zeta potential indicating adequate stability against coagulation. However, insulin@chitin-g-GG nanocomposite showed more monodispersed particle size distribution (than insulin@chitin) enhancing insulin release.
Transcriptomic analysis of alternative splicing associated with crassulacean acid metabolism in pineapple (Ananas comosus)
Authors: Qin Yuan , Li Junzhang , Liao Jingyi , Fang Yunying , Wang Xiaomei , Aslam Mohammad , Cheng Yan , Zheng Ping
Published: July 2022

Crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis pathway highlights the possible of sustainable production on margin agricultural land and crop improvement with higher water use efficiency by engineering CAM into C3 crops. A comprehensive view of the regulatory network of CAM photosynthesis is prerequisite for utilization CAM pathway. Diverse factors were involved in the regulation but many of them remain unexplained. Alternative splicing (AS) is a common and crucial posttranscriptional mechanism which get deep involved in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. Using all the available RNA-seq data of pineapple, which is the most economic valuable CAM crops with abundant omics resource, we re-assembled a reference transcriptome and used to perform alternative splicing analysis associated with crassulacean acid metabolism. The results shown that AS events were prevalent in pineapple. CAM core genes, circadian clock genes, stomatal movement and starch metabolism related genes were found to be significantly differentially alternative spliced between photosynthesis and non-photosynthesis tissues across time course. Isoform switch events were found in many DAS genes, which indicated the sensitivity of AS across the CAM processes in pineapple. The dataset described here also contributed to identify promising candidate genes such as nAco00160 involved in CAM photosynthesis. Our results suggested that AS play an important regulatory role in CAM photosynthesis in pineapple and would help to gain a more systematic understanding about the regulatory networks of CAM photosynthesis.
Biomarkers for Isolated Congenital Heart Disease Based on Maternal Amniotic Fluid Metabolomics analysis
Authors: Yuan Xuelian , Li Lu , Kang Hong , Wang Meixian , Zeng Jing , Lei Yanfang , Li Nana , Yu Ping , Li Xiaohong , Liu Zhen
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most prevalence birth defects in the world. The pathogenesis of CHD is complex and unclear. With the development of metabolomics technology, the variations in metabolites may provide a new clue for CHD occurrence and may serve as a biomarker during pregnancy.Method: Maternal amniotic fluid (AF) samples during second and third trimester were utilized to analyze the metabolomics of CHD and normal fetuses. Differential comparison and randomForest were used to screen metabolic biomarkers. Results: A total of 2472 metabolites were detected and they were distributed differentially between the cases and controls. Setting the selection criteria of fold change (FC) ≥ 2, p value < 0.01 and the variable importance for the projection (VIP) ≥ 1.5, we screened out 118 differential metabolites. Within the prediction model by randomForest, PE(MonoMe(11,5)/MonoMe(13,5)), N-feruloylserotonin and 2,6-Di-tert-butylbenzoquinone were showed good prediction effect. Differential metabolites were mainly concentrated in aldosterone synthesis and secretion, drug metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathways, which may be related to the occurrence and development of CHD.Conclusion: This study provides a new database on CHD metabolic biomarkers and mechanism research. These results need to be further verified in larger samples.
Reconstructing NDVI and land surface temperature from cloud cover pixels of Landsat-8 images and assessing vegetation health index in the Northeast region of Thailand
Authors: Mohanasundaram S. , Baghel Triambak , Thakur Vishal , Udmale Parmeshwar , Shrestha Sangam
Published: July 2022

Critical applications of satellite data products include monitoring vegetation dynamics using vegetation indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and thermal characteristics such as Land Surface Temperature (LST) variations across different spatial and temporal scales. One of the major problems with passive remote sensing satellite data products is cloud and shadow cover that void the information from a specific image. The cloud cover problems further amplified during monsoon seasons as the formation of clouds are more frequent during these seasons. The present study proposes temporal aggregation of images and developing Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) and Pixel-wise Multiple Linear Regression (PMLR) algorithms for retrieving cloud contaminated NDVI and LST information from Landsat-8 (L8) data products, respectively. The developed algorithms were applied in the northeastern part of Thailand to recover the missing NDVI and LST values from time series of L8 images acquired in 2018. The predicted NDVI and LST values at artificially clouded locations were compared with the corresponding clear pixel values. Additionally, the model predicted LST and NDVI values were also compared with MODIS LST and NDVI data sets. The calculated root mean square (RMSE) values were ranging from 0.004 to 0.05 and 1.05°C to 3.11°C for NDVI and LST variables, respectively. The validation statistics show that these models can be satisfactorily applied to retrieve NDVI and LST values from cloud-contaminated pixels of L8 images. Furthermore, a vegetation health index (VHI) calculated at province level show that most of the western provinces showed a healthy vegetation condition than other provinces in the northeast of Thailand.
Application of Shear Stress for Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Limraksasin Phoonsuk , Nattasit Praphawi , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Tiskratok Watcharaphol , Vinaikosol Naruephorn , Okawa Hiroko , Limjeerajarus Chalida Nakalekha , Limjeerajarus Nuttapol , Pavasant Prasit , Osathanon Thanaphum , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

The self-organizing potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents a promising tool for bone tissue engineering. Shear stress promotes the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, leading us to hypothesize that specific shear stress could enhance the osteogenic differentiation of iPSCs. For osteogenesis, embryoid bodies were formed for two days and then maintained in medium supplemented with retinoic acid for three days, followed by adherent culture in osteogenic induction medium for one day. The cells were then subjected to shear loading (0.15, 0.5, or 1.5 Pa) for two days. Among different magnitudes tested, 0.5 Pa induced the highest levels of osteogenic gene expression and greatest mineral deposition, corresponding to upregulated connexin 43 (Cx43) and phosphorylated Erk1/2 expression. Erk1/2 inhibition during shear loading resulted in decreased osteogenic gene expression and the suppression of mineral deposition. These results suggest that shear stress (0.5 Pa) enhances the osteogenic differentiation of iPSCs, partly through Cx43 and Erk1/2 signaling. Our findings shed light on the application of shear-stress technology to improve iPSC-based tissue-engineered bone for regenerative bone therapy.
Trichloromethane concentration pretreatment of inoculum for enhancing biohydrogen yield by food waste via two-stage batch fermentation
Authors: Xue Shengrong , WANG Fei
Published: July 2022

Trichloromethane is often used as a chemical inhibitor to pretreat the inoculum to improve hydrogen yield in dark fermentation. In this study, five different doses of trichloromethane were used for methanogenic inhibition of methanogenic microbial community operating in stable (inoculum A) and anaerobic microbial community in natural environment (inoculum B). High concentrations of trichloromethane inhibited the activity of microbial community in the system and hindered the production of hydrogen and methane. At the same time, it would greatly reduce the pH, causing it to fall below the threshold of suitable hydrogen yield. In turn, ethanol-type fermentation was triggered, and the ethanol content of the system increased with increasing concentration of trichloromethane addition. The comprehensive assessment concluded that a 0.10% (v/v) trichloromethane concentration gave the best hydrogen yield performance in both inoculums. However, anaerobic microbial community in natural environment was able to produce hydrogen more efficiently than the operationally stable methanogenic microbial community. The highest cumulative hydrogen yield was 111.16, 34.36, and 72.76 mL/g VS in phase Ⅰ, phase Ⅱ, and the whole stage, respectively. In addition, the butyrate production in the reactor at this concentration was considerable, with an average yield of 21.3 g/L.
Nicotine consumption rate through wastewater-based epidemiology: A systematic review, meta-analysis and probabilistic risk assessment
Authors: Asadi Anvar , Fakhri Yadolah , Salimi Yahya , Daglioglu Nebile , fard mina tahmasebi , Aghajarinezhad Maryam
Published: July 2022

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) with advantages like complementary, cost-effective, comprehensive, and rapid tool is used for measuring and monitoring of illicit drugs in the population. Smoking cigarettes and tobacco use are common habits in nowadays community. This systematic review and meta-analysis are the first study to calculate the consumption amount of nicotine (NIC) by searching in WBE studies on a global scale. The related studies were retrieved within the international databases including Scopus and web of science up to February 2021 and 21 articles containing 87 measurements covering 275.3 million people with a total wastewater samples of 2250 were included. ​Results show that the maximum and minimum nicotine consumption rate (mg/1000 inh./day) was in Portugal (5860) and Viet Nam (1201), respectively. The global pooled amount of nicotine consumption rate was 2476 mg/1000 inh./day (95% CI (2289–2663). Risk assessment of nicotine consumption rate through WBE was calculated by the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The MOE amounts were obtained by probabilistic Monte Carlo simulations for daily nicotine consumption. In total, 82% of nicotine consumption measurements located in the "risk" level (MOE < 100) and 18% of the MOE values were between 100–1000. The results imply that the risk of nicotine consumption need an immediate action and also these findings are useful for healthcare agencies and policy-makers to take action against the tobacco use prevalence.
Sustainable management and environmental protection for basin water allocation: a differential game based multi-objective programming
Authors: Di Danyang , Wu Zening , Wang Huiliang
Published: July 2022

It is important to manage water resources under emergy theory and its implementation mechanism for water dispatching considering both economic development and environmental needs. To balance compromise resources consumption, economic development and environment protection, a multi-objective dynamic differential game is proposed in this study to determine the optimal tax rate (OTR), optimal trading quantity of water (OTQW) in each province, and the optimal bargain price (OBP). Considering the sustainability of ecological environment, the quantification of negative sewage value and net carbon emission constraints are introduced into the water allocation. To maximize the target revenue functions, minimize the net carbon emission constraints and obtain the sustainable equilibrium solutions in the triple-level game, the costate function, Hamiltonian, and Lagrangian multiplier method are introduced. Then, a water dispatching structure is constructed for error correction between the predicted and actual runoff of the YRB. Taking Yellow River Basin as an example, the validity of the proposed framework and solution method were verified under different hydrological years, 6.5%~9.1% economic benefits higher than other schemes and 4.3%~5.9% net carbon emission lower than other schemes. Compared to previous studies, the standard deviation of economic value, social value, negative ecological environment value in this paper are the least, which indicates that this scheme can better meet the requirements of sustainable development and environmental protection.
Vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphism and its association with free serum bioavailability among tuberculosis patients and household contacts
Authors: Acen Ester Lilian , Joloba Moses L. , Akintola Ashraf , Nabi Rizwana Begum Syed , Biraro Irene Andia , Worodria William , Okeng Alfred , Bbuye Mudarshiru , Kateete David Patrick
Published: July 2022

Genetic variants influence the distribution of vitamin D in circulation leading to vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to determine the association between the DBP gene polymorphism with vitamin D bioavailability among active tuberculosis patients, latent Tuberculosis and with no Tuberculosis infection individuals. This was a cross-sectional study of 52 active tuberculosis patients, 23 latent tuberculosis individuals, and 27 with no tuberculosis infection. Sanger sequencing was performed and single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified using the BioEdit tool. Logistic regression was used to determine associations. Frequencies of 97% Gc1F, 2% Gc2 and 1% Gc1S genotypes were reported. The median (IQR) vitamin D levels of the predominant genotype, Gc1F were 3.8 (1.1-10.5) ng/ml, Gc1S individual, 2.2 ng/ml, and Gc2 individuals were 1.9 ng/ml. No significant association was found between vitamin D binding protein gene and free and bioavailable vitamin D levels, p=value 0.05. Spearman’s correlation revealed a negative association (r-0.0404) between the two. The Gc1F genotype was predominantly found in the study population with the minor alleles associated with active and latent TB states. However, the non-significant association observed between the vitamin D Binding Protein gene and the free and bioavailable vitamin D levels may be a consequence of the homogenous population.
Fractionation of yellow thatching grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) for sugar production using combined Alkaline and Deep eutectic solvent pretreatment
Authors: Masuku F , Ayaa F. , Onyelucheya C.M. , Iwarere S.A. , Daramola Michael , Kirabira John
Published: July 2022

Purpose Biomass pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis is one of the most viable ways to obtain sugars from biomass. In this work, the effect combined alkaline pretreatment and Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) on enzyme hydrolysis of Hyparrhenia filipendula by cellulase is investigated. There is no previously reported literature on this substrate and the authors aim to establish baseline values for further research in the utilization of Hyparrhenia filipendula. Methods The yellow thatching grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula) was fractionated with a combination of alkaline and Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) to increase sugar recovery. An alkaline solution of 10 wt % (w/v) of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) was used for the first stage of pretreatment at 100 °C for 4 h. Three DES, namely, Choline chloride (ChCl): urea; ChCl: glycerol; and Ethylene glycol: Citric acid at 1:2 molar ratio each, were heated to 80 °C until a clear solution was formed. The DESs were used for the second stage of pretreatment at 110 °C for 6 h in a Parr reactor. During the pretreatment, a solid: solvent ratio of 1:10 was used for the first and second stages of pre-treatment. Enzymatic hydrolysis was accomplished with a cellulase enzyme blend, Cellic CTec2, in a 50 mM sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.8) at 50 °C using a shaking incubator at a speed of 150 rpm. A solid loading of 2 % and enzyme dosage of 50 g/100 g cellulose in the sample was used for all the experiments. Furthermore, samples were withdrawn every 24 hours for 7 days and analyzed for glucose and xylose using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results A high delignification of 90 % and hemicellulose removal of 70 % was achieved with a combination of Alkali and ChCl: Urea pretreatment. Subsequently, the highest glucose and xylose conversion of 90 % and 92 % were observed, respectively, with the same sample. Additionally, the highest glucose yield achieved was 25 gL-1 from the combined alkaline/ChCl: Glycerol treated sample after 120 h. Moreover, the highest xylose yield was 3 gL-1 from the raw sample, the NaOH- pulped sample, and the ChCl: Glycerol-treated sample. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrated that the solvents used for fractionating biomass have a significant effect on the sugar recovery during enzymatic hydrolysis. Also, the pretreatment with a combination of NaOH and DES of ChCl: Glycerol was the most effective for the recovery of glucose and total sugar. In conclusion, yellow thatching grass is a promising substrate for bio-refineries. However, the ideal conditions for enzyme hydrolysis should be investigated further to promote its utilization for value-added products.