bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parity, dental caries and implications for maternal depletion syndrome in northern Nigerian Hausa women
Authors: Oziegbe Elizabeth O. , Schepartz Lynne A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Female reproductive history, especially high parity, affects general health and may impact negatively on oral health. While parity has been positively linked to tooth loss, the specific association between parity and caries has not been adequately investigated.

Aim

To determine the association between parity and caries in a population of higher parity women. Influences of likely confounders (age, socio-economic status, reproductive parameters, oral health practices and sugar consumption between meals) were considered.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 635 Hausa women of varying parity aged 13–80 years. Socio-demographic status, oral health practices and sugar consumption were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. All decayed, missing and filled teeth due to caries (excluding third molars) were noted, and tooth loss etiology was queried. Associations with caries were evaluated through correlation, ANOVA, post hoc analyses and Student’s t tests. Effect sizes were considered for magnitude of differences. Multiple regression (binomial model) was used to investigate predictors of caries.

Results

Hausa women had a high prevalence of caries (41.4%) despite low sugar consumption; nonetheless the overall mean DMFT score was very low (1.23 ± 2.42). Older, higher parity women experienced more caries, as did those with longer reproductive spans. Additionally, poor oral hygiene, use of fluoride toothpaste and frequency of sugar consumption were significantly associated with caries.

Conclusion

Higher parity (>6 children) was associated with higher DMFT scores. These results suggest that a form of maternal depletion, expressed as heightened caries susceptibility and subsequent tooth loss, occurs with higher parity.
Antibacterial potential of Luidia clathrata (sea star) tissue extracts against selected pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Parajuli Kusum , Fahim Nahian , Mumu Sinthia , Palu Rebecca , Mustafa Ahmed
Published: March 2023

As resistance to traditional antibiotics has become a major issue, it is essential to explore natural sources for new antimicrobial agents. The marine environment offers a variety of natural bioactive compounds. In this study, we examined the antibacterial potential of Luidia clathrata, a tropical sea star species. The experiment was conducted against both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Mycobacterium smegmatis) and gram-negative (Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria using disk diffusion method. Specifically, we extracted the body wall and gonad using methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane. Our findings show that the body wall extract using ethyl acetate (1.78μg/ml) was particularly effective against all tested pathogens, while the gonad extract (0.107μg/ml) showed activity against six out of ten selected pathogens. This is a crucial and new discovery that suggests L. clathrata may be a useful source for discovering antibiotics and more research is required to pinpoint and comprehend the active ingredients.
Short-term heat acclimation protocols for an aging population: Systematic review
Authors: Cole Edward , Donnan Kate J. , Simpson Andrew J. , Garrett Andrew T.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Elderly and sedentary individuals are particularly vulnerable to heat related illness. Short-term heat acclimation (STHA) can decrease both the physical and mental stress imposed on individuals performing tasks in the heat. However, the feasibility and efficacy of STHA protocols in an older population remains unclear despite this population being particularly vulnerable to heat illness. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of STHA protocols (≤twelve days, ≥four days) undertaken by participants over fifty years of age.

Methods

Academic Search Premier, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus were searched for peer reviewed articles. The search terms were; (heat* or therm*) N3 (adapt* or acclimati*) AND old* or elder* or senior* or geriatric* or aging or ageing. Only studies using primary empirical data and which included participants ≥50 years of age were eligible. Extracted data includes participant demographics (sample size, gender, age, height, weight, BMI and V.O2max), acclimation protocol details (acclimation activity, frequency, duration and outcome measures taken) and feasibility and efficacy outcomes.

Results

Twelve eligible studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 179 participants took part in experimentation, 96 of which were over 50 years old. Age ranged from 50 to 76. All twelve of the studies involved exercise on a cycle ergometer. Ten out of twelve protocols used a percentage of V.O2max or V.O2peak to determine the target workload, which ranged from 30% to 70%. One study-controlled workload at 6METs and one implemented an incremental cycling protocol until Tre was reached +0.9°C. Ten studies used an environmental chamber. One study compared hot water immersion (HWI) to an environmental chamber while the remaining study used a hot water perfused suit. Eight studies reported a decrease in core temperature following STHA. Five studies demonstrated post-exercise changes in sweat rates and four studies showed decreases in mean skin temperature. The differences reported in physiological markers suggest that STHA is viable in an older population.

Conclusion

There remains limited data on STHA in the elderly. However, the twelve studies examined suggest that STHA is feasible and efficacious in elderly individuals and may provide preventative protection to heat exposures. Current STHA protocols require specialised equipment and do not cater for individuals unable to exercise. Passive HWI may provide a pragmatic and affordable solution, however further information in this area is required.
Diagnostic performances of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni recombinant proteins, peptides and chimeric proteins antibody based tests. Systematic scoping review
Authors: Vengesai Arthur , Muleya Victor , Midzi Herald , Tinago Tryphine Vimbai , Chipako Isaac , Manuwa Marble , Naicker Thajasvarie , Mduluza Takafira
Published: March 2023

Background

Traditional diagnostic tests for schistosome infections are suboptimal, particularly when the parasite burden is low. In the present review we sought to identify recombinant proteins, peptides, and chimeric proteins with potential to be used as sensitive and specific diagnostic tools for schistosomiasis.

Methods

The review was guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines, Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, and guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Five databases were searched: Cochrane library, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo and CINAHL, alongside preprints. Identified literature were assessed by two reviewers for inclusion. A narrative summary was used to interpret the tabulated results.

Results

Diagnostic performances were reported as specificities, sensitivities, and AUC. The AUC for S. haematobium recombinant antigens ranged from 0.65 to 0.98, and 0.69 to 0.96 for urine IgG ELISA. S. mansoni recombinant antigens had sensitivities ranging from 65.3% to 100% and specificities ranging from 57.4% to 100%. Except for 4 peptides which had poor diagnostic performances, most peptides had sensitivities ranging from 67.71% to 96.15% and specificities ranging from 69.23% to 100%. S. mansoni chimeric protein was reported to have a sensitivity of 86.8% and a specificity of 94.2%.

Conclusion

The tetraspanin CD63 antigen had the best diagnostic performance for S. haematobium. The tetraspanin CD63 antigen Serum IgG POC-ICTs had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 100%. Peptide Smp_150390.1 (216–230) serum based IgG ELISA had the best diagnostic performance for S. mansoni with a sensitivity of 96.15% and a specificity of 100%. Peptides were reported to demonstrate good to excellent diagnostic performances. S. mansoni multi-peptide chimeric protein further improved the diagnostic accuracy of synthetic peptides. Together with the advantages associated with urine sampling technique, we recommend development of multi-peptide chimeric proteins urine based point of care tools.
How enterprise interactions in innovation networks affect technological innovation performance: The role of technological innovation capacity and absorptive capacity
Authors: Fan Mengjuan , Huang Wu , Xiong Shengxu
Published: March 2023

Current research on the impact of innovation networks focuses on the web and inter-organizational layers, with less consideration of individual behavior at the firm level. Interaction is an active action strategy that firms take when dealing with the external environment. Therefore, this study explores the mechanism of enterprise interaction on innovation development from the perspective of an innovation network. And measures enterprise interaction in three dimensions: affective interaction, resource interaction, and management interaction. The empirical results indicate that the three dimensions of enterprise interaction contribute significantly to technological innovation performance, and the realization of this role requires technological innovation capabilities (technological research and development capabilities, technological commercialization capabilities) to play a partially mediating role. The moderating effect of absorptive capacity between resource interaction, management interaction, and technological innovation capability is significant; however, the moderating effect between affective interaction and technological innovation capability is statistically insignificant. This study promotes the development of interaction theory to a certain extent, which helps enterprises build appropriate industrial chains in innovation networks and achieve rapid development.
Polypoid Gastric Adenomyoma: A Rare Cause of Bleeding Treated With Polypectomy
Authors: Shah Ayushi , Ahmed Zunirah , Ro Jae Y. , Ergun Gulchin A.
Published: March 2023

Gastric adenomyoma is a rare tumor composed of smooth muscle fibers and glandular tissue. Usual presentations include nausea, bloating, and gastric outlet obstruction. We describe a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and melena. Endoscopy showed a 1.5 cm polyp in the stomach body that was resected using snare polypectomy. Biopsy showed glands mixed with fibromuscular tissue consistent with gastric adenomyoma. We conclude that gastric adenomyoma, although rare, may present as a bleeding polyp in the stomach body and may be treated with excisional polypectomy.
Cap Polyposis: An Elusive Diagnosis in a Pediatric Patient Successfully Managed With Endoscopic Treatment
Authors: Tomar Sanjeevani , Maksimak Martin , Diehl David L.
Published: March 2023

Cap polyposis is a rare condition of the rectum or sigmoid colon manifested by inflammatory polyps covered by a thick layer of fibrinopurulent mucus. This condition typically presents as mucoid diarrhea and rectal bleeding, and patients are often prescribed antibiotics (such as those for Helicobacter pylori), steroids, infliximab, or aminosalicylates. Surgical management is an option for unresponsive disease, but endoscopic management has been rarely reported. For cases of cap polyposis in which conservative medical management fails, wide-field endoscopic mucosal resection is a viable option.
Progressive Cholestasis and Biliary Cirrhosis After Initiating Oral Semaglutide: Report From the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network
Authors: Ma Jiayi , Mathur Karan , Muldoon Jessica L. , Ghabril Marwan , Chalasani Naga , Vuppalanchi Raj
Published: March 2023

Semaglutide has little hepatic metabolism and is deemed low risk for causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI). We present a case of DILI from the US DILI Network. The case involved a 51-year-old man with type 2 diabetes who presented with jaundice and acute-on-chronic kidney disease 6 months after starting oral semaglutide. His liver injury progressed to biliary cirrhosis, accompanied by nephritis that led to end-stage renal disease. Extensive evaluations including liver and kidney biopsies revealed no alternative etiologies. Cholestatic gene sequencing revealed heterozygosity for ABCC2 and DHCR7. He eventually underwent combined liver and kidney transplantation.
Clash of the -itises: An Unexpected Case of Sigmoid Colon Vasculitis
Authors: Vigna Carolina , Wang Stephen H. , Ore Ana Sofia , Eickel Grant , Messaris Evangelos
Published: March 2023

Vasculitis is an inflammatory process of the blood vessels, characterized by leukocyte infiltration in the vessel wall and reactive damage to the mural structures. They have a wide clinical spectrum and can present in a localized or systemic manner. Colonic involvement primarily manifests as abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Less commonly, it can be associated with colonic perforation or anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. We report a case of a 42-year-old man with a history of HIV and proctocolitis who presented with an unexpected vasculitis of the sigmoid colon.
Candida Esophagitis Presenting as an Esophageal Pseudotumor
Authors: Frost S. Taylor , Abdelfattah Thaer , Shah Tilak U.
Published: March 2023

The typical appearance of Candida esophagitis is white plaque-like membranes within the esophagus. We describe a unique case of Candida esophagitis that presented as a bulky, malignant-appearing, positron emission tomography-computed tomography-avid mass on endoscopy. Esophageal candidiasis persisted despite a standard course of antifungal medications (fluconazole 400 mg daily for 14 days), and eradication was successful only after fluconazole 800 mg daily was administered. Malignancy was excluded based on 2 separate sessions of endoscopy with multiple biopsies and finally with endoscopic full-thickness resection assisted by preresection closure with an over-the-scope clip.
Refractory Checkpoint Inhibitor Colitis Responsive to Ustekinumab
Authors: Perez Del Nogal Genesis , Patel Neha
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment of cancer. Nonetheless, multiple immune-related adverse events have been reported, including checkpoint inhibitor colitis. Severe colitis can be complicated by ileus, megacolon, intestinal perforation, and death. Current appropriate treatment includes steroids, followed by antitumor necrosis factor biologic therapy, infliximab. Alternatively, vedolizumab and fecal microbiota transplantation have reported efficacy for refractory cases. In this study, we present the first case report of a patient with steroid-refractory checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis due to pembrolizumab for Stage IV anaplastic thyroid carcinoma successfully treated with ustekinumab after failure of infliximab, vedolizumab, and fecal microbiota transplantation. This may lead to a better understanding of treatment options for refractory checkpoint inhibitor colitis.
Misconceptions and Consequences of the ‘Other’ in the Sinhala Buddhist-Muslim Relationship in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mahroof Sithy Rifa , Razick Ahamed Sarjoon
Published: March 2023

Sri Lanka’s plurality is reflected in its religious and ethnic diversity. In recent times, there has been polarization between the majority Sinhala Buddhists and the minority Muslim groups. The objective of this study is to identify the reasons for blaming the “other” in the relationship between the two groups and propose remedies. The study adopted a descriptive and interpretive paradigm within the qualitative approach. Secondary sources were used to examine the phenomenon under study. The theoretical framework was drawn from Said’s concepts of “self” and “other”. The dominance of the Sinhala language and the utmost position given to Buddhism has made the extremist Buddhists take supremacy over the Muslims who are perceived as a threat to their “self”. The Buddhists need to be open to accepting the “otherness” of the Muslims. The consequences of the misconceptions targeted against the Muslims act as barriers to the Buddhist- Muslim relationship in Sri Lanka. The shift in attitudes of the Buddhists is not due to their own judgment but one constructed by social media. The Muslims’ ethnoreligious identity is questioned for radicalization. Inter-religious education and inter-faith dialogue between followers of Buddhism and Islam need to be promoted as both religions command engagement with the “other” on the basis of peace, tolerance, and non-violence, regardless of the differences that may exist. Understanding the fundamental unity of humankind and their ethnoreligious plurality as the two sides of the same coin, they need to engage with and understand one another as a “Sri Lankan”.
Form, Materiality, and Symbolism in Non-Arabic Muslim Arts: A Case Study from Indonesian Wayang Performance
Authors: Lutfianto Lutfianto , Junaidi Junaidi
Published: March 2023

The puppet theater becomes a popular form of cultural expression in the Muslim world, even though wayang performances are not considered a central part of Islamic theology. Wayang performances are seen as having a spiritual significance among Indonesian Muslims for centuries.  Such puppet theater incorporates forms, styles, and elements of Islamic spirituality and traditional Javanese cultural practices into its narratives. The article pays attention to the idiosyncratic forms, elements, and meanings of contemporary wayang through the craftsman’s framework. The analysis takes into account the formulation and presentation of the wayang in contemporary Indonesian art, focusing on the creation of “Wayang Kekayon Khalīfah Paraga Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb.” This wayang is associated with the figure of Umar b. Khaṭṭab (d. 644). Umar is a historical figure who played a significant role in the early history of Islam and is revered for his wisdom and leadership by most Muslims. The discussion argues that the materiality of puppets in the non-Arab Muslim world not only functions as a traditional form of entertainment stimulating the sense of “fun”  but also as complex semiotic experiences between a dalang (wayang puppeteer) and his audiences using signs of two-dimensional buffalo leather and its silhouettes.
Pengaruh Dukungan Orang Dekat terhadap Kepatuhan Minum Obat pada Orang dengan HIV/AIDS (ODHA) di Kabupaten Madiun
Authors: Kartini Puri Ratna , Wisnubroto Agung Prabowo , Putri Yovita Aprilia
Published: March 2023

Background: The proper and correct ARV therapy requires social support, especially from family and close people, in order to be able to reduce negative impacts of the infection.Methods: This study is an observational-analytic study to analyze the influence of support from close people for adherence to taking ARV drugs in PLWH in Madiun district. The research design used in this study was cross sectional with purposive sampling technique. Data was taken through interviews with respondents without giving any treatment. The sample in this study were patients who had been diagnosed with HIV positive for more than 6 months in 2018 which was randomly selected. The research location is the working area of the Local AIDS Eradication Commission (KPAD) of Madiun district. The study was conducted for 7 months, starting from June to December 2018.Result: From the results of bivariate analysis, it was concluded that the support from close people has influence on medication adherence in PLHIV (p = 0.000).Conclusion : From this research, it is expected to be an input for the government in determining health policy, especially to increase the rate of compliance with medication for PLWHA in Madiun district.
Keberadaan Residu Tetrasiklin pada Daging Ayam Broiler di Kabupaten Kudus (Studi di Pasar Tradisional dan Pasar Modern Tahun 2019)
Authors: Aulia Sabilla Ananda , Sutiningsih Dwi , Setyawan Henry , Udiyono Ari
Published: March 2023

Background: One of the causes of antibiotic resistance is the presence of antibiotic residues in livestock, one of which is broiler chicken meat. Excessive use of antibiotics and not in accordance with the diagnosis will result in the discovery of antibiotic residue content in chicken meat and will endanger public health. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of the antibiotic residues of tetracycline in broiler chicken meat sold in traditional and modern markets in Jati District, Kudus Regency.Methods: This type of research is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The samples in this study were all broiler chicken meat sold in traditional markets (Bitingan Market, Sunggingan Ploso Market, and Baru Market) and in the modern Hypermart market with a total sample of 78 samples of broiler chicken meat taken with total population sampling technique. Sample testing was carried out at Balai Veteriner Boyolali using the Bioassay method.Result: Based on the results of the study, there is no tetracycline antibiotic residues were found in 78 (100%) broiler chicken meats sold in the Bitingan Market, Sunggingan Ploso Market, Baru Market, and Hypermart.Conclusion : There is no tetracycline antibiotic residues were found in broiler chicken meat sold in the Bitingan Market, Sunggingan Ploso Market, Baru Market, and Hypermart.
Time distortion in student YouTube use: The effects of use motivation, personality, and pattern of use on study efficiency
Authors: McGill Tanya , Klobas Jane , Moghavvemi Sedigheh
Published: March 2023

This paper examines study efficiency and time distortion experienced by student users of YouTube. Using multi-group structural equation modelling on data from 792 Malaysian university students, the study identified links between YouTube use motivation, conscientiousness (a personality trait), time distortion, and perceived study efficiency. It also shows how these characteristics and the links between them varied when students were grouped by pattern of use, defined (using two-step cluster analysis) as occasional, regular, or problematic. Time distortion had a negative effect on perceived study efficiency, but conscientiousness counteracted this effect - particularly for occasional users, the only group with positive perceived study efficiency in this study. Motivation to use YouTube for learning was not associated with time distortion, whilst using YouTube for escape and entertainment increased motivation. Occasional users were less motivated than others to use YouTube for these purposes and therefore less likely to experience the entertainment use flow on effects of time distortion to perceived study efficiency.
Implications for practice or policy:

Motivating students to use YouTube for learning is unlikely to reduce study efficiency.
Use of diagnostic tools to understand a student's pattern of social media use, as well as motivation for use, personality and sense of time distortion, could help advisers identify reasons for low study efficiency.
Digital literacy education focused on increasing self-discipline and goal-orientation could help students reduce poorly controlled use of social media for entertainment and escape, and hence improve study efficiency.
Technological pedagogical content knowledge: Exploring new perspectives
Authors: Bueno Rafael , Niess Margaret L. , Aldemir Engin Ruhşen , Ballejo Clarissa Coragem , Lieban Diego
Published: March 2023

Recognising the challenges involved in understanding the knowledge that teachers need to develop to use technology in their teaching dynamics, we examined the prior research that has not clearly revealed strategic changes for teacher preparation in the digital age. The goal was to expand on the current understandings of the nature of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK/TPACK) and provide a launchpad for future research by teacher educators as they contemplate revisions in the education of teachers to better prepare them for teaching in the digital age. To do so, we conducted qualitative meta-synthesis research. Within this context, we identified interpretations and comprehensions that pushed us forward in defence of new perspectives on the nature of this knowledge, regarding the comprehension of TPCK/TPACK as a transformative and homogenous knowledge; TPCK/TPACK’s levels of development, including a new first level; and the need for and challenges of redesigning teacher education.
Implications for practice or policy:

To better prepare teachers to teach, teachers’ educators should understand TPCK/TPACK as a homogeneous and transformative knowledge.
Teachers’ training programmes should realize that often teachers are not aware of the of the possibilities of using technologies to teach.
Teachers should have access to continuous learning to keep developing their own TPCK/TPACK during their entire career.
Teachers and teachers’ educators should understand TPCK/TPACK developing as a continuous and individual process and not as something standardised.
Learning technology as contested terrain: Insights from teaching academics and learning designers in Australian higher education
Authors: Tay Amos Zhiqiang , Huijser Henk , Dart Sarah , Cathcart Abby
Published: March 2023

Learning and teaching is no longer the exclusive domain of teaching academics and is increasingly reliant on third-space professionals, in particular learning designers. The sharing of the design of the learning and teaching space is underlined by the increasing collaboration between teaching academics and learning designers. This qualitative study explores how these two key stakeholders understand learning technology, which is critical to shaping the teaching and learning process in contemporary higher education. Foucauldian discourse and power were employed as the theoretical lens to analyse semi-structured interviews with 12 teaching academics and 5 learning designers at a large Australian university. Although learning designers and teaching academics share a mutual interest in improving the learning and teaching process, the findings also revealed five discourses where practice was contested: centralisation, surveillance, institutional homogenisation, responsibility, and efficiency. This article calls for a new focus on the collaborative aspect of the learning design and teaching process that is constantly (re)negotiated between these two main stakeholders.
Implications for practice or policy:

Teaching academics and learning designers should develop practices that recognise the collaborative nature of learning technology in higher education.
Universities should develop practices and policies that reduce tensions within the five identified discourses of learning technology to ensure a more collaborative teaching academic-learning designer relationship.
Existence and multiplicity of solutions for a quasilinear system with locally superlinear condition
Authors: Liu Cuiling , Zhang Xingyong
Published: March 2023

We investigate the existence and multiplicity of weak solutions for a nonlinear Kirchhoff type quasilinear elliptic system on the whole space

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

. We assume that the nonlinear term satisfies the locally super-

(

m

1

,

m

2

)

\left({m}_{1},{m}_{2})

condition, that is,

lim

∣

(

u
,
v

)

∣
→
+
∞

F

(

x
,
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,
v

)

∣
u

∣

m

1

+
∣
v

∣

m

2

=
+
∞

{\mathrm{lim}}_{| \left(u,v)| \to +\infty }\frac{F\left(x,u,v)}{| u{| }^{{m}_{1}}+| v{| }^{{m}_{2}}}=+\infty

for a.e.

x
∈
G

x\in G

, where

G

G

is a domain in

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

, which is weaker than the well-known Ambrosseti-Rabinowitz condition and the naturally global restriction,

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∣

(

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,
v

)

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→
+
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(

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,
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v

)

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v

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=
+
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{\mathrm{lim}}_{| \left(u,v)| \to +\infty }\frac{F\left(x,u,v)}{| u{| }^{{m}_{1}}+| v{| }^{{m}_{2}}}=+\infty

for a.e.

x
∈

R

N

x\in {{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

. We obtain that the system has at least one weak solution by using the classical mountain pass theorem. To a certain extent, our theorems extend the results of Tang et al. [Nontrivial solutions for Schrodinger equation with local super-quadratic conditions, J. Dynam. Differ. Equ. 31 (2019), no. 1, 369–383]. Moreover, under the aforementioned naturally global restriction, we obtain that the system has infinitely many weak solutions of high energy by using the symmetric mountain pass theorem, which is different from those results of Wang et al. [Existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of quasilinear elliptic systems in Orlicz-Sobolev spaces, J. Nonlinear Sci. Appl. 10 (2017), no. 7, 3792–3814] even if we consider the system on the bounded domain with Dirichlet boundary condition.
Intensification of thorium biosorption onto protonated orange peel using the response surface methodology
Authors: Ghorbanpour Khamseh Ali A. , Amini Younes , Shademan Mohammad Mahdi , Ghazanfari Valiyollah
Published: March 2023

In this research work, intensifying the possibility of protonated orange peel to uptake thorium (IV) ions from aqueous solutions in a batch system was investigated and optimized using the response surface methodology. The effect of three independent process variables including thorium initial concentration, pH, and biosorbent dosage was assessed based on the central composite design. The validity of the quadratic model was verified by the coefficient of determination. The optimization results showed that the rate of thorium (IV) uptake under optimal conditions is 183.95 mg/g. The modeling results showed that the experimental data of thorium biosorption kinetics are fitted well by the pseudo-second-order model. According to the results, the biosorption process reached equilibrium after around 4 h of contact. The Langmuir isotherm describes the experimental biosorption equilibrium data well. The maximum absorption capacity of protonated orange peel for thorium adsorption was estimated by the Langmuir isotherm at 236.97 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies show that thorium adsorption on protonated orange peel is thermodynamically feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic.
Techno-economic assessment of battery storage with photovoltaics for maximum self-consumption
Authors: Hassan Qusay , Abbas Majid K. , Tabar Vahid Sohrabi , Tohidi Sajjad , Sameen Aws Zuhair , Salman Hayder M.
Published: March 2023

The study provided a techno-economic optimization technique for acquiring the ideal battery storage capacity in conjunction with a solar array capable of meeting the desired residential load with high levels of self-sufficiency. Moreover, the viability of a proposed photovoltaic battery system was evaluated. With a resolution of one minute, the annual energy consumption, irradiance, and ambient temperature for 2021 have been measured. Simulations of a stationary economic model are run from 2021 to 2030. Based on the experimental evaluation of the annual energy consumption, which was 3755.8 kWh, the study reveals that the photovoltaic array with a capacity of 2.7 kWp is capable of producing an annual energy production of 4295.5 kWh. The optimal battery capacity determined was 14.5 kWh, which can satisfy 90.2% of self-consumption at the cost of energy $0.25/kWh. Additionally, two third-order polynomial relationships between self-consumption and net present costs and energy cost were established.
Determinants of synergistic cell-cell interactions in bacteria
Authors: Pauli Benedikt , Ajmera Shiksha , Kost Christian
Published: March 2023

Bacteria are ubiquitous and colonize virtually every conceivable habitat on earth. To achieve this, bacteria require different metabolites and biochemical capabilities. Rather than trying to produce all of the needed materials by themselves, bacteria have evolved a range of synergistic interactions, in which they exchange different commodities with other members of their local community. While it is widely acknowledged that synergistic interactions are key to the ecology of both individual bacteria and entire microbial communities, the factors determining their establishment remain poorly understood. Here we provide a comprehensive overview over our current knowledge on the determinants of positive cell-cell interactions among bacteria. Taking a holistic approach, we review the literature on the molecular mechanisms bacteria use to transfer commodities between bacterial cells and discuss to which extent these mechanisms favour or constrain the successful establishment of synergistic cell-cell interactions. In addition, we analyse how these different processes affect the specificity among interaction partners. By drawing together evidence from different disciplines that study the focal question on different levels of organisation, this work not only summarizes the state of the art in this exciting field of research, but also identifies new avenues for future research.
Value-added biochar production from microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell
Authors: Fan Sichen , Cui Longfei , Li Hui , Guang Mengmeng , Liu Hui , Qiu Tianhao , Zhang Yaning
Published: March 2023

In order to seek efficient resource utilization, the carbonization of agricultural and forestry wastes through microwave pyrolysis technology is an important research hotspot to develop value-added products. The main objective is to produce value-added biochar through microwave pyrolysis of peanut shell in this study. The product yields, functional groups, and biochar HHVs caused by pyrolysis temperature (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 °C), microwave power (350, 450, 550, 650, and 750 W), and residence time (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min) were investigated, and the energy recovery efficiencies were evaluated. It was obtained that the biochar yield declined monotonously within the range of 45.3–86.0 wt% with the enhancement of pyrolysis temperature, microwave power, or residence time. The pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C, microwave power of 350 W, and residence time of 10 min generated the maximum biochar yield (86.0 wt%). The value-added biochar was obtained with high HHV (20.15–31.02 MJ/kg) and abundant oxygen-contained functional groups (C–O bonds and C=O bonds). The maximum energy recovery efficiency during the whole process reached 97.96%. The results indicated that the peanut shell could reach high biochar yield through microwave pyrolysis, and potentially be transformed into value-added products with high energy recovery efficiency.
Micénico ka-ra-wi-ja ‘vieja(s)’ y la religión micénica
Authors: Piquero Juan
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to offer a new interpretation of the Mycenaean word ka-ra-wi-ja *γρᾱ́ϝια ‘old woman’, which appears in some Mycenaean texts of the series Fq from Thebes and Fu from Mycenae. Their content points to the context of distribution of food probably related to the celebration of a ritual. Thus far, it has been interpreted as a male or female anthroponym, a theonym or a nickname, but these hypotheses seem unlikely. It has also been suggested that this may be the designation of a professional group without providing a more concrete explanation. It is reasonable, however, that it is an appellation referring to one or more older women participating in a ritual
Beyond fraudulent multiculturalism in higher education: moving forward
Authors: Obiakor Festus E. , Aluka Innocent J. , Mbagwu Emmanuel I. , Obi Sunday O.
Published: March 2023

Recent demographic changes in the United States have shown that we live in a multicultural society. However, for some reason, colleges and universities are still floundering in mediocrity when it comes to multiculturalism. What we see in higher education is multiculturalism that is fraudulent and unaccountable and the fact that individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) and vulnerable backgrounds consistently endure White supremacy, racism, discrimination, and xenophobia, to say the least. In addition, we consistently see that proactive and measurable efforts are not made in the recruitment, retention, graduation, continuation, tenure, and promotion of students, faculty, staff, and leaders from CLD, immigrant, and vulnerable backgrounds. While there are well-written and documented policies, mission and vision statements, and goals and objectives in institutions of higher learning, there appears to be deficits in applicability and accountability measures of equity, diversity, quality, goodness, and fairness. Most strategies seem to be feel-good, look-good, fake, bandaid, and fraudulent approaches that are divorced from realities. How do we reverse these moves while respecting the traditional roles of higher education? This article responds to this critical question.
Fishing Nets and String at the Final Mesolithic and Early Neolithic Site of Zamostje 2, Sergiev Posad (Russia)
Authors: Berihuete-Azorín Marian , Lozovskaya Olga , Herrero-Otal Maria , Piqué i Huerta Raquel
Published: March 2023

The site Zamostje 2, located in Sergiev-Posad district of Moscow (Russia) on the west bank of the Dubna River, has provided two Mesolithic and one Early Neolithic occupations dated from 7000 to 5400 cal BC. Thanks to the waterlogged environment, the site has an exceptional preservation. The site has yielded fishing screens, fishing fences, wooden fishing traps, and several small cordage remains elaborated with plant fibres, pine bark floats, fragments of paddles, and other wooden objects. In this work, we present the study of the fragments of cordage and fishing nets with the objective of providing new insights into the production and use of implements made of plant fibres. We have characterized the production process by analysing the morphological and technical characteristics by carrying out experimentation with plant fibres in order to obtain reference material to recognize them at an archaeological level. The analysis of 82 knots and 23 fragments of strings has allowed to determine that they were elaborated with single threads from 0.5 to 1.5 mm thick, which is noticeably smaller than most examples from other sites. All of them were elaborated with woody bast fibres.
Features of determining the charge deuteron form factor G

C
(p)
Authors: Zhaba Viktor I.
Published: March 2023

The main features of obtaining the asymptotic behavior of the charge deuteron form factor G

C
(p) at large values of the momentum have been analyzed. The asymptotic behavior of the charge form factor G

C
(p) was determined by taking into account the analytic form of deuteron wave function in the coordinate representation and the original dipole fit for the nucleon form factors. Asymptotic values of charge form factor G

C
(p) has been obtained for the nucleon-nucleon phenomenological potential Reid93 and compared with the calculations for eight different nucleon form factors models and their approximations. In the wide range up to 10.5 fm−1 of transmitted momentum, the basic forms of the asymptotic behavior of the charge deuteron form factor have been demonstrated and compared with the experimental data of the leading modern collaborations and reviews. The secondary maximum for G

C
(p) for the potential Reid93 will be located at the momentum range at 5.45–5.70 fm−1. The calculated position of the zero p
0 is located at the momentum interval 4.60–4.65 fm−1. The position of the zero for one potential coincides regardless of the choice of models and approximations for the nucleon form factors. As the analysis shows, the value of the mean-square charge radius of the deuteron takes the value of r

ch
= 2.02876–2.14695 fm depending on the chosen deuteron wave function and nucleon form factors.
Extraction of Micro, Nanocrystalline Cellulose and Textile Fibers from Coffee Waste
Authors: Karunakaran Geyandraprasath , Periyasamy Aravin Prince , Tehrani Ali
Published: March 2023

Because of the environmental footprint of oil-based materials, the demand for bio-based renewable materials is hiked. The usage of agricultural waste to extract cellulose, minimized the dependent of hydrocarbon products which is an added value besides due to overpopulation the productivity is increased, which leads to an increase in agricultural waste that causes environmental pollution. In this work, various cellulosic materials, such as cellulosic textile fibers (CTF), microcrystalline cellulosic fibers, and nanocrystalline cellulosic fibers, were extracted from coffee waste to make them into valuable products. The morphological analysis of extracted cellulose is performed by scanning electron microscopy, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to investigate the structure of extracted cellulose, which indicates the crystalline cellulosic components from the extraction process; X-ray diffractometer analysis shows the extracted cellulose was cellulose I and cellulose II. The cellulose that is extracted by ultrasonication with dimethyl sulfoxide has 88 % of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 74.5 %, and the thermal properties of raw coffee husk and extracted cellulose were compared by thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, the dye uptake of the CTF shows its potential as a bio-adsorbent in the dye removal domain.
Preparations of Lake Sediment Geopolymers Using the Alkaline Activation and Their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zhang K. , Lu H. F. , Yi J. L. , Kong X. X. , Li Z. Y. , Zhang Q. Z. , Feng B.
Published: March 2023

Lake sediments are chemical precipitates rich in silicon and aluminum and cannot be directly used because of poor mechanical properties. The alkali activation of silicon and aluminum-containing raw materials is a new type of inorganic cementitious strategy for geopolymers that can exhibit an excellent performance and lower carbon emissions with respect to ordinary cement. In this work, we employed the alkali activation to prepare a novel geopolymer from lake sediments in order to solve the problem of lake sediment disposals. To this end, raw materials were obtained using different alkaline activators for unconfined compressive strengths. In particular, the effects of water to solid ratio, dosage of alkaline activator, dosage of silica fume, and fly ash on alkali activation of lake sediments were investigated using the orthogonal experiments. The results showed that plant ash helped solidify the lake sediment but also led to cracks. Sodium silicate was the most appropriate alkaline activator for the lake sediments. Among all the factors, water-solid ratio showed the greatest influence on the strength of the prepared geopolymer, whereas fly ash content had the least influence. The lower the water-cement ratio, the higher the geopolymer strength, whereas the lower the fly ash content, the higher the geopolymer strength.
The role of slope inclination, doline density and water budget analysis in delineation of complex karst catchment area of Slunjčica River (Croatia)
Authors: Gladović Dado , Parlov Jelena , Perković Dario , Nakić Zoran , Kovač Zoran
Published: March 2023

Due to the high vulnerability of the karst aquifer to the surface contaminants, a precisely defined catchment area has the highest priority. In this study, the influence of slope inclination, the doline density analysis, and the water budget analysis in the delineation process of a complex karst catchment area is discussed. To define hydrogeological role of lithological units, cross sections of slope inclination and doline density were combined with hydrogeological cross sections, while the degree of karstification was used to describe the permeability of rock units. The verification of karst catchment delineation area was performed with water budget analysis. The methodology used for the determination of hydrogeological behavior and delineation of a complex karst catchment area (Slunjčica River basin, Croatia) is shown with the flow diagram. It has been found that the highest doline density appears in the range from 0 to 1° of the slope inclinations, and that it decreases with a higher slope degree. Although the results of this study confirm that even with the relatively small number of input data it is possible to define the karst catchment area, it must be emphasized that the doline density analysis presents an indispensable tool in the research related to the definition of karst catchment areas.
Synthesis and characterization of nanoscale material ZnS in porous silicon by chemical method
Authors:   Baku State University,Z. Khalilov str., 23, AZ-1148 Baku, Azerbaijan,, Jafarov M. A. ,   Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Nasirov E. F. ,   Baku State University,Z. Khalilov str., 23, AZ-1148 Baku, Azerbaijan,, Kazımzade A. H. ,   Baku State University,Z. Khalilov str., 23, AZ-1148 Baku, Azerbaijan,, Jahangirova S. A. ,   Baku State University,Z. Khalilov str., 23, AZ-1148 Baku, Azerbaijan,
Published: March 2023

ZnS nanoparticles were obtained by chemical precipitation from a solution (CPD) on porous silicon (PS) prepared by chemical etching of an n-type silicon wafer (100) with a solution of fluoride acid (HF) at room temperature. A thorough study was carried out using structural methods such as atomic force and scanning electron microscopy (AFM, SEM). The optical properties of the fabricated ZnS-PS materials were investigated and it was shown that the synthesis of nanoscaleZnS particles in silicon pores revealed new photoluminescence (PL) characteristics, such as bright and stable radiation in the visible part of the spectrum, even at room temperature.
The ion channel CALHM6 controls bacterial infection‐induced cellular cross‐talk at the immunological synapse
Authors: Danielli Sara , Ma Zhongming , Pantazi Eirini , Kumar Amrendra , Demarco Benjamin , Fischer Fabian A , Paudel Usha , Weissenrieder Jillian , Lee Robert J , Joyce Sebastian , Foskett J Kevin , Bezbradica Jelena S
Published: March 2023

Membrane ion channels of the calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) family promote cell–cell crosstalk at neuronal synapses via ATP release, where ATP acts as a neurotransmitter. CALHM6, the only CALHM highly expressed in immune cells, has been linked to the induction of natural killer (NK) cell anti‐tumour activity. However, its mechanism of action and broader functions in the immune system remain unclear. Here, we generated Calhm6−/− mice and report that CALHM6 is important for the regulation of the early innate control of Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo. We find that CALHM6 is upregulated in macrophages by pathogen‐derived signals and that it relocates from the intracellular compartment to the macrophage‐NK cell synapse, facilitating ATP release and controlling the kinetics of NK cell activation. Anti‐inflammatory cytokines terminate CALHM6 expression. CALHM6 forms an ion channel when expressed in the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes, where channel opening is controlled by a conserved acidic residue, E119. In mammalian cells, CALHM6 is localised to intracellular compartments. Our results contribute to the understanding of neurotransmitter‐like signal exchange between immune cells that fine‐tunes the timing of innate immune responses.