bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there an association between hospital staffing levels and inpatient-COVID-19 mortality rates?
Authors: Al-Amin Mona , Islam Md. Nazmul , Li Kate , Shiels Natalie , Buresh John
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between RNs and hospital-based medical specialties staffing levels with inpatient COVID-19 mortality rates.

Methods

We relied on data from AHA Annual Survey Database, Area Health Resource File, and UnitedHealth Group Clinical Discovery Database. In phase 1 of the analysis, we estimated the risk-standardized event rates (RSERs) based on 95,915 patients in the UnitedHealth Group Database 1,398 hospitals. We then used beta regression to analyze the association between hospital- and county- level factors with risk-standardized inpatient COVID-19 mortality rates from March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Results

Higher staffing levels of RNs and emergency medicine physicians were associated with lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Moreover, larger teaching hospitals located in urban settings had higher COVID-19 mortality rates. Finally, counties with greater social vulnerability, specifically in terms of housing type and transportation, and those with high infection rates had the worst patient mortality rates.

Conclusion

Higher staffing levels are associated with lower inpatient mortality rates for COVID-19 patients. More research is needed to determine appropriate staffing levels and how staffing levels interact with other factors such as teams, leadership, and culture to impact patient care during pandemics.
Safety culture and adverse event reporting in Ghanaian healthcare facilities: Implications for patient safety
Authors: Abuosi Aaron Asibi , Poku Collins Atta , Attafuah Priscilla Y. A. , Anaba Emmanuel Anongeba , Abor Patience Aseweh , Setordji Adelaide , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Recognizing the values and norms significant to healthcare organizations (Safety Culture) are the prerequisites for safety and quality care. Understanding the safety culture is essential for improving undesirable workforce attitudes and behaviours such as lack of adverse event reporting. The study assessed the frequency of adverse event reporting, the patient safety culture determinants of the adverse event reporting, and the implications for Ghanaian healthcare facilities.

Methods

The study employed a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on 1651 health professionals in 13 healthcare facilities in Ghana using the Survey on Patient Safety (SOPS) Culture, Hospital Survey questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive, Spearman Rho correlation, one-way ANOVA, and a Binary logistic regression model.

Results

The majority of health professionals had at least reported adverse events in the past 12 months across all 13 healthcare facilities. Teamwork (Mean: 4.18,SD: 0.566) and response to errors (Mean: 3.40, SD: 0.742) were the satisfactory patient safety culture. The patient safety culture dimensions were statistically significant (χ2(9, N = 1642)= 69.28,p< .001) in distinguishing between participants who frequently reported adverse events and otherwise.

Conclusion

Promoting an effective patient safety culture is the ultimate way to overcome the challenges of adverse event reporting, and this can effectively be dealt with by developing policies to regulate the incidence and reporting of adverse events. The quality of healthcare and patient safety can also be enhanced when healthcare managers dedicate adequate support and resources to ensure teamwork, effective communication, and blame-free culture.
Diagnostic value of fetal autopsy after early termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies
Authors: Peyronnet Violaine , Anselem Olivia , Loeuillet Laurence , Roux Nathalie , Tsatsaris Vassilis
Published: October 2022

Background

In early terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) without identified cytogenetic abnormality, a fetal autopsy is recommended for diagnostic purposes, to guide genetic counseling. Medical induction, which allows analysis of a complete fetus, is generally preferred over surgical vacuum aspiration. Our objective was to assess the diagnostic value of fetal autopsies in these early terminations, relative to the first-trimester ultrasound, overall and by termination method.

Materials

For this retrospective study at the Port Royal Maternity Hospital, we identified all TOPFA performed from 11 weeks to 16 weeks diagnosed at the first-trimester ultrasound in cases with a normal karyotype. The principal endpoint was the additional value of the autopsy over /compared to the ultrasound and its impact on genetic counseling, globally and by termination method. The secondary objective was to compare the complication rate by method of termination.

Results

The study included 79 women during period of 2013–2017: 42 with terminations by medical induction and 37 by aspiration. Fetal autopsy found additional abnormalities in 54.4% of cases, more frequently after medical induction (77.5%) than after aspiration (21.4%, p < .01). Genetic counseling was modified in 20.6% of cases, more often after induction (32.5% vs 3.6%, p < .01). The length of stay was significantly longer and a secondary aspiration was required in 16,7% of case in the medical induction group (p < .01).

Conclusion

Medically induced vaginal expulsion appears preferable and can change genetic counseling for subsequent pregnancies.
Ecological migrants’ socio-spatial integration in Yinchuan City, China
Authors: Ru Zhao , Dongping Long , Jing Li , Meiling Yang , Xinyu Wen
Published: October 2022

Promoting the social integration of ecological migrants and identifying the key constraints to their integration are significant issues for social governance and transformation. Most previous studies have not systematically analyzed the level of social integration of migrants from the perspective of spatial ternary dialectics or systematically analyzed physical, social, and spiritual spaces. Based on space production theory, this study used principal component analyses to evaluate the ternary spatial integration level of physical, social, and spiritual spaces of ecological migrants in a specific resettlement area in Yinchuan City, China, and the Tobit regression model was used to identify the key constraint factors. The results demonstrate that the overall socio-spatial integration levels of ecological migrants in Yinchuan City are lower than that of the overall migrant population nationwide, and the levels of their spatial adaptation and spatial practice integration lag behind that of spatial belonging and spatial identity integration. Meanwhile, length of residency, occupation type, monthly income, and household type have facilitating effects on the ecological migrants’ social integration, while gender, age, ethnicity, and education levels have insignificant effects. In particular, occupation type is a key factor in promoting social integration and improving employment among ecological migrants. It is concluded that upgrading production skills and raising employment for ecological migrants can foster sustainable social space production patterns, facilitate virtuous cycles, and eliminate inhibiting factors such as lagging spatial practices, regional cultural differences, and socio-spatial deprivation.
Investigating the impact of eating norms and collective autonomy support vs. collective control on unhealthy eating and its internalization
Authors: Kadhim Nada , Amiot Catherine E.
Published: October 2022

Our eating behaviors are highly influenced by those of individuals surrounding us and the groups we belong to. The first goal of this experiment was to determine how social norms that encourage (pro-) vs. discourage (anti-) unhealthy eating influence people’s intentions and motivations to eat unhealthily. Since these norms can be conveyed by one’s group in a manner that either promotes group members’ autonomy (i.e., collective autonomy support), or pressures them into eating certain foods (i.e., collective control), the experiment also tests which of these types of messages promotes the highest conformity to group norms. Hence, the second goal of this experiment was to investigate this synergetic effect of pro- vs anti-unhealthy eating norms and of collective autonomy support vs. collective control on participants’ unhealthy eating intentions and their motivations for unhealthy eating. An experimental study (N = 341) using a 2 (eating norm: pro-unhealthy eating norm vs. anti-unhealthy eating norm) x 3 (type of group support: collective autonomy support vs. collective control vs. no support) design was conducted. Results showed that pro-unhealthy eating norms increased participants’ intentions to eat salty and fatty food, but also their amotivation (i.e., lack of motivation) for unhealthy eating relative to anti-unhealthy eating norms. In addition, when pro-unhealthy eating was encouraged in a controlling (vs. in an autonomy supportive) manner, participants reported higher intentions to eat tofu tacos. Finally, when pro-unhealthy eating was promoted by supporting group members’ autonomy, participants reported higher integrated regulation, i.e., a highly internalized motivation, for unhealthy eating. These results demonstrate that eating norms do not impact all types of unhealthy food consumption in the same manner, and that collective control may be motivating in uncertain contexts; furthermore, when individuals’ autonomy is supported and promoted by other group members, they are more susceptible to integrate unhealthy eating in their life.
Economic events and the volatility of government bill rates
Authors: Xiao Chao , Lou Yu , Liu Jie , Zhao Yuan , Tian Yikang
Published: October 2022

Many studies show that in many countries (especially the G7), volatility in government bill rates far exceeds that in consumption growth rates. This volatility puzzle cannot be predicted by traditional disaster models, in which rare economic disasters are defined as a peak-to-trough percent fall in consumption (or real per capita GDP) by a high threshold (≥10%). For this purpose, we extend the traditional definition of rare economic disasters and propose a novel asset pricing model that models both good and bad events. We define a bad (or good) event as a peak-to-trough absolute decline (or a trough-to-peak absolute rise) in consumption growth rates by a low threshold (<10%). Compared to traditional disaster models, our model contains three improvements. First, model good and bad events, not just bad ones (e.g., rare economic disasters). Second, the event’s impact lasts for multiple periods rather than one period. Third, model non-rare economic events. We calibrate the parameters in our model to match the moments from U.S. asset return data. Simulation results indicate that the model can successfully predict the volatility of U.S. government bill rates higher than that of U.S. consumption growth rates.
Self-help groups movement: Indefatigable guide and supporter of rural women empowerment leading to sustainable development
Authors: Aggarwal Shalini , Shamsi Mohd Salman
Published: October 2022

The present article studies the importance of social, political and economic empowerment of women belonging to self-help groups (SHGs) in achieving sustainable development. The study was conducted in the five districts of Punjab that includes Patiala, Bhatinda, Amritsar, Faridkot and Fazilka. Around 500 respondents were selected to fill the questionnaire comprising 100 respondents from each of the five districts. Data analysis and hypothesis testing have been done using IBM SPSS and AMOS. The results, obtained through structural equation modelling, reveal that women have become more authoritative socially and financially, yet there is still scope for upgrading with respect to political empowerment. Sustainable development can indeed be achieved through empowerment of rural women.
Excellent Red Phosphors of Eu3+ Activated Double Perovskite Structured
Series NaSrBi1-xEuxMoO6 (x = 0.0-0.24) Prepared by Citrate-Gel Method
Authors: Rao K. Koteswara , Naidu B. Nagamani
Published: October 2022

In this work, a double perovskite structured series was prepared by using simple citrate sol-gel method
at 700 ºC for 5 h of sintering. The concentrated sample of x = 0.12 exhibits more intensity than all
other concentration in their emission spectra for every series. Particle size, thickness of the particle,
distance between particles and its surface morphology were identified by scanning electron microscopy.
The size and distance between particles in each series lies in between the range of 1 μm-50 nm and
20-50 nm, respectively. Many voids with strong agglomerations were also observed. In addition, the
absorption of light capacity for each series investigated through diffuse reflectance spectra method.
All the samples of double perovskite structures exhibit a sharp cut-off of absorption light in the
UV-visible regions of diffuse reflectance spectra. Predominantly, all the samples shows a very good
charge transfer band in their excitation spectra that leads to more absorption of light correspondingly
emits high intensity in emission spectra at 395, 464 and 545 nm. All the samples of every series emit
main peaks in the range of 550-700 nm in their emission spectra. Out of all four main peaks, 614 nm
peak represents the red phosphor with 5D0-7F2 transition in the emission spectra. The prepared double
perovskite structure compound CRI coordinates were almost close to commercially available red
phosphor i.e. Y2O2S(0.67,0.33) as per NTSC. Hence, the prepared red phosphors can be used in order
to display devices, luminescent materials and WLEDs.
Quantitaive Analysis of Flubendiamide and its Related
Impurities in Bulk Batch by RP-HPLC Method
Authors: Yenduri Gopikrishna , Navuluri Srinivasu
Published: October 2022

An RP-HPLC method is validated to separate and quantify flubendiamide and its relevant eight related
impurities. The ideal chromatographic separation of flubendiamide and its eight allied impurities was
performed on Ace-5 C-18 column (5 μm, 25 cm × 4.6 mm) with formic acid (0.1%) in Milli-Q water
plus acetonitrile in a gradient elution at a flowing rate of 1.2 mL/min as mobile phase. Photodiode array
based detection at wavelength of 240 nm was deployed to monitor flubendiamide and its eight related
impurities. The robustness, accuracy, linearity, precision and detection and quantitation limitations of
the new RP-HPLC technique for flubendiamide and its eight related impurities were all validated.
Both FDE and eight process allied impurities had quantitation limits in the range of 0.07 to 0.12
μg/mL. This new HPLC technique was successfully applied to ascertain the purity of flubendiamide
analyte and levels of eight related impurities in five bulk lot products of flubendiamide synthesized in
the laboratory. The present study also deals with the bulk batch synthesis of flubendiamide and
characterization of flubendiamide and its relevant eight impurities by 1H NMR, ESI-MS and IR
spectroscopy.
Development and Validation of Novel Analytical LC-MS Method for
Simultaneous Quantification of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Receptor Antagonists Ubrogepant and Atogepant in Human Plasma
Authors: Phaneendra Rao P.G. , Rao Battula Sreenivasa
Published: October 2022

A simple, highly sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
method was developed and validated for separation and simultaneous assay of approved calcitonin
gene-related peptide receptor antagonists ubrogepant and atogepant in human plasma using frovatriptan
as internal standards. Analytes were extracted using protein precipitation induced by acetonitrile
followed by liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane. RP-HPLC analysis was carried using
Xbridge C18 column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with a simple isocratic mobile phase composed of 0.01%
NH3 in 2 mM ammonium formate at pH 6.4 and acetonitrile at 45:55 (v/v) as mobile phase at 0.4
mL/min flow rate. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer employing
electrospray ionization technique, operating in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), with the transitions
of m/z 550→58, m/z 604→147, m/z and m/z 244→156 for ubrogepant, atogepant and frovatriptan,
respectively, in the positive ion mode. The analysis was carried out within 5 min over a linear
concentration range of 15-600 ng/mL for both ubrogepant and atogepant. The method was validated in
accordance with the FDA guidelines for bioanalytical method and the results were within the acceptable
limit for both the analytes. The method is useful for the analysis of ubrogepant and atogepant in
human plasma and may also applicable for the pharmacokinetic study.
Cellulose from Renewable Materials: Isolation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Kiruthika T.S. , Sivakumar E.K.T. , Jaisankar V.
Published: October 2022

The present study reported the isolation of cellulose from various plant biomass sources such as
jackfruit peel, pineapple leaf, corn cob and hemp. The selected plant materials were treated with sequence
of chemical and mechanical methods to remove non-cellulosic components such as lignin, pectin,
holo-cellulose and hemi-cellulose. The lignin present was safely removed by treatment with peroxide
and acetic acid and then isolated cellulose materials were characterized by various physico-chemical
techniques. The peaks observed in the FTIR spectral analysis shows the presence of α-cellulose and
absence of other biomass fractions. The morphology and average crystallinity of cellulose were
examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The
inhibitory effect of isolated cellulose against certain bacteria and fungi indicated good antibacterial
and antifungal activities.
Effect of Reaction Conditions on the Conversion and Selectivity of
MCM-41 and Al-20-MCM-41 Catalyzed Amine Coupling Reactions
Authors: Bhavsar Nirav , Patel Vivaksha , Misra Manish
Published: October 2022

The study has been performed to examine the effect of different reaction conditions (presence of a
solvent, absence of solvent, presence of air and closed vessel with an absence of air) on the conversion
and selectivity of oxidative coupling reactions of amines to imines using MCM-41 and Al-20-MCM-
41 catalysts. Two types of coupling reactions were discussed viz. self-coupling and cross coupling.
Self-coupling reaction was observed to be faster with Al-20-MCM-41 than MCM-41, while the
cross-coupling reactions with Al-20-MCM-41 was slightly slower than MCM-41. The conversion and
selectivity of self and cross coupling reactions in different reaction conditions were also investigated.
The reaction was found to be of shifting order, initially first order when amine concentration was high
and tending towards zero at lower amine concentration. It was evident that both catalysts Al-20-MCM-41
and MCM-41 showed a good catalytic activity on the oxidative coupling reactions of amine but
somewhat higher conversion was obtained with Al-20-MCM-41 because of presence of acidic site.
Preparation and Characteristics of Starch Nanocrystals as Corrosion Inhibitor: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Thamer Ahmed Neamah , Kadham Lekaa Hussain , Alwaan Ismaeel M.
Published: October 2022

Technological advances have led to sophisticated computer software and programs, along with mathematical and experimental techniques, to envisage corrosion inhibition. Using potentiodynamic polarization measurements, weight loss techniques and quantum chemical calculations, the corrosion inhibition of mild steel was explored in 1 M HCl by employing novel inhibitor starch nanocrystals (SNCs). The structures of starch and its nanocrystals were investigated by FESEM, FTIR, AFM and TEM techniques. In presence of 0.5 g/L SNCs at 293 K, the maximum inhibition efficiency (%IE) was 67%. The results showed that the novel SNC inhibitor follows the Temkin adsorption isotherm. The activation energy, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were calculated. Quantum chemical calculations further helped to understand the SNC inhibition mechanism through density functional theory (DFT) to estimate possible active centres that could be responsible for SNC adsorption on the surface of mild steel. Moreover, quantum chemical descriptors were computed. The findings indicated that SNCs show a high efficiency for corrosion inhibition.
Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany and Pharmacological Uses of Tinospora cordifolia with Special Reference to SARS-COV-2
Authors: Alom Shahnaz , Kalita Dolly , Ahmed Jesminara , Rahman Kaifur , Boruah Manyajyoti , Sarmah Murchana , Das Nikusmita , Ali Farak
Published: October 2022

Medicinal plants or medicinal herbs possess therapeutic properties or exert beneficial pharmacological effects on human. From time immemorial, people have been using various medicinal plants without even knowing their phytochemistry and pharmacological properties as a medicine for treating numerous ailments. As technology developed and upgraded, people used to screen out various phytoconstituents as well as evaluate their basic pharmacological properties. Tinospora cordifolia is a medicinal herb which is commonly known as Giloy belong to family menispermaceae. It can also be found in places like Africa, China, South-East Asia, Indo-Malaya region and Australia. Traditionally, people use this herb as prominent food materials due to their higher nutraceutical value and various healing properties. For phytochemical investigation, extraction of whole plant is preferable whereas most of the phytochemical are found to be present in leaves. Various potent phytochemicals are found in this herb such as tinosponone, tinocordiside, tinosporaside, cordifoliside, β-sitosterol, mekisterone A, etc. which are belong to class of alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, glycosides, steroids, volatile oil, etc. Owing to the presence of these potent compounds, it exhibits wide range of large number of pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer activities, etc. In past two years, SARS-CoV-2 infections has taken life of millions of people across the globe and there were no any vaccine or proper antiviral medicine available to defend this deadly pandemic, hence people were mostly relying on herbal plant therapy. Giloy is one such magical herb which exhibit healing properties in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Moreover, in-silico studies have been carried out to determine the binding affinity as well as inhibiting potential of various phytoconstituents of giloy. In this review work, we compiled all the updated information about T. cordifolia as well as emphasizing more on SARS-CoV-2 inhibiting potential.
Investigation of Dual Redox Electrolyte based on
1,1′-Dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium Diiodide for Superior Supercapacitors
Authors: Lalitha S. , Shanmugharaj A.M. , Kalaivani R.A. , Selvakumar M. , Raghu S.
Published: October 2022

Development of more energy-efficient storage systems is required to meet the growing worldwide
demand for energy. Redox electrolytes are clearly a long-term choice for high-energy-density
supercapacitor applications in near future. Herein, the synthesis and electrochemical investigations of
a dual redox electrolyte based on 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium diiodide as high-performance
supercapacitors are reported. Previous researchers have focused on methyl viologen with reduced and
oxidized redox bromide additive electrolytes at the negative and positive electrodes, respectively. In
this work, by replacing iodine with bromine to solve current collector issues, reduce corrosion and
contribute to the low toxic impact on the environment is investigated. The electrochemical results
revealed that the maximum energy density of 63 Wh kg-1 and the capacity of 514 F g-1 were achieved
with a modest concentration of additives. Exclusively, iodide anion boosted the stability by 95% and
reduced deterioration until 10,000 cycles. This ground-breaking idea addresses the development of
high-energy-density supercapacitors as well as a viable energy storage approach.
Synthesis and Docking Studies of Novel
Bis(2-(Substituted(methyl)amino)-4-phenylthiazol-5-yl)methanone
Authors: Kulkarni Pravin S. , Khandebharad Amol U. , Sarda Swapnil R. , Agrawal Brijmohan R.
Published: October 2022

A new series of novel synthesis of bis(2-(substituted(methyl)amino)-4-phenylthiazol-5-yl)methanone
(PVS 1-9) is reported. The carbonyl isothiocyanate (3) was synthesized by a para-cleavage of C–Cl
bond of benzoyl chloride (1) with ammonium thiocyanate (2). The presence of carbonyl group in acyl
isothiocyanates enhance the reactivity of acyl isothiocyanates upon reaction with substituted secondary
amine (4) give n-alkylated adduct (5), which upon the reaction with dichloro acetone give target
compound 7. Substituted derivatives as inhibitors against lungs, breast and EJFR assist cancer based
on virtual screening cellular evaluations with NSCLC H1975 harboring EGFR L858R/T790M double
mutations indicated that the most active compound PVS-7 could inhibit the proliferation of two cell
lines in one digital micromolar scale. The enzymatically results indicated that compounds PVS-2,
PVS-4 and PVS-9 were the most active inhibitor against EGFR T790M and above cancer activity
with a ~82%. All compounds were well characterized by spectroscopic techniques and their purity
was confirmed by UV-HPLC.
What determines logistics sub-degree students’ decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree?
Authors: Cheng Calvin , Yuen Simon S.M
Published: October 2022

With the growing importance of the logistics industry and the increasing demand for logistics professionals with a bachelor’s degree qualification, the government and industry in China have long been looking for ways to attract more logistics sub-degree students to pursue higher education. This article aims to provide insights into the factors that determine logistics sub-degree students’ intention to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The study extended the theory of reasoned action (TRA) model to include four variables, namely perceived difficulty, job opportunities, job starting salary and genuine interest. The findings from the study involving 361 logistics sub-degree students from three institutions show that logistics sub-degree students’ decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree is determined by attitude, subjective norm, perceived difficulty, job opportunities, job starting salary and genuine interest. Genuine interest is identified as a new precursor of intention. The findings also show that there is a significant difference between students from different types of programmes. Based on the findings, this article proposes some measures for the relevant parties to motivate and attract logistics sub-degree students to further their study at bachelor’s degree level.
CONFIGURAÇÕES ATUAIS DA URBANIZAÇÃO NO OESTE DA BAHIA: UMA PROPOSTA DE TIPOLOGIA DAS CIDADES
Authors: Dos Santos Suelí Almeida , Alves Vicente Eudes Lemos
Published: October 2022

Este artigo busca analisar a rede de cidades do oeste baiano a partir do mapeamento dos serviços públicos e privados e do comércio moderno presentes nos principais núcleos urbanos da região. Constatou-se que as cidades que apresentam maior concentração na oferta de serviços e comércios, são Barreiras, Luís Eduardo Magalhães e Bom Jesus da Lapa. Para operacionalizar esta pesquisa, partiu-se da metodologia utilizada pelo IBGE, especialmente no estudo intitulado “Redes e fluxos no território: Gestão do Território” (2014), que teve como base de levantamento dos dados, os próprios sites das instituições e empresas selecionadas para a pesquisa. Com esse mapeamento foi possível compreender um pouco melhor as dinâmicas atuais da rede de cidades do oeste da Bahia, revelando, assim, a modernização seletiva que vêm ocorrendo na região e os usos desiguais do território.
ESTADO DA ARTE: APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO SWAT NO RELEVO CÁRSTICO
Authors: De Araújo Ludmagna Pereira , Figueiredo Vânia Santos , Souto Michael Vandesteen Silva
Published: October 2022

Pesquisas sobre aplicação de modelos matemáticos em bacias hidrográficas (BH) com relevo cárstico são escassas no Brasil. O SWAT é um dos modelos hidrológicos mais utilizados internacionalmente, sendo capaz de simular diferentes processos hidrológicos em diversas escalas através de longas séries temporais. A aplicação desses modelos possibilita analisar e entender o funcionamento dos componentes de um aquífero, porém a simulação dos processos físicos e hidrológicos varia muito quanto à empregabilidade dos métodos e das técnicas usadas para a realização desses estudos. Logo, este artigo tem como objetivo destacar as principais aplicações do SWAT para bacias situadas em sistema de relevo cárstico. A metodologia da pesquisa abrangeu três etapas da Revisão Sistemática de Literatura (RSL): a) planejamento; b) técnica de seleção; e c) avaliação. Foram selecionados 19 estudos internacionais com RSL.Todavia, quatro estudos nacionais tiveram destaque; destes, três em bacias do bioma Cerrado. Com base nessa investigação, foram identificadas lacunas nas pesquisas envolvendo a temática, assim como estratégias para detecção da sensibilidade dos parâmetros e das variáveis, prejuízos e benefícios relativos à geração de escoamento em uma bacia de difícil recobrimento por métodos tradicionais.
AVALIAÇÃO DA CRIAÇÃO DE RESERVAS PARTICULARES DO PATRIMÔNIO NATURAL (RPPN) NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ
Authors: Schacht Gustavo Luis , Rocha Yuri Tavares
Published: October 2022

As Reservas Particulares do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) são consideradas uma forma efetiva e de baixo custo ao poder público para a criação de áreas protegidas, dependendo principalmente da vontade voluntária de seus proprietários. O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma avaliação da criação das RPPN no Paraná, demonstrando as principais deficiências e potencialidades dessas áreas. Aplicou-se um questionário quali-quantitativo a 132 proprietários de RPPN, entre os anos de 2014 e 2016. Como principal resultado destaca-se a deficiência no processo de criação dessas áreas por parte do órgão ambiental, no início do processo de criação, e a participação das prefeituras incentivando a criação com base no interesse financeiro do Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços (ICMS) Ecológico. Esse panorama gerou proprietários que não receberam qualquer apoio na gestão destas áreas (71,2%) e que se consideram insatisfeitos (37,9%) e, potencialmente, percebe-se que a grande maioria (91,7%) das áreas visitadas na aplicação do questionário contribui para a formação de corredores ecológicos, o que justifica sua criação e faz com que, por esta ótica, se atenda a seu principal objetivo, a conservação da biodiversidade. Processos de articulação entre proprietários e poder público são necessários para a melhoria desse cenário.
ENCONTRO DAS ÁGUAS E DOS VERSOS: O POEMA COMO RELATO DA DEGRADAÇÃO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Detoni Sandro Francisco
Published: October 2022

O texto poético pode expressar o valor simbólico cultural de uma dada paisagem, além de, simultaneamente, salientar as ações humanas que as alteram. Este trabalho analisou a percepção poética e simbólica das paisagens descritas nos poemas A meditação sobre o Tietê, escrito por Mário de Andrade, e Adeus a Sete Quedas, de Carlos Drummond de Andrade. O intuito foi o de verificar os atributos que ensejam as valorizações culturais do rio Tietê e dos Saltos das Sete Quedas. As linhas a seguir também versam sobre os condicionantes envolvidos na degradação ambiental e submersão, no caso dos Saltos das Sete Quedas, desses potenciais patrimônios naturais e paisagísticos. Selecionaram-se alguns versos que remetem ao valor cultural da natureza, juntamente com as degradações ambientais relatadas pelos textos, os quais foram correlacionados aos contextos históricos, econômicos, políticos e sociais envolvidos na dilapidação daqueles potenciais objetos culturais. Efetuou-se também o levantamento de documentos cartográficos e iconográficos para ilustrar o conteúdo simbólico das paisagens. Por fim, procurou-se fundamentar os textos no espectro dos materiais que denunciam a ruptura do significado simbólico cultural dos elementos paisagísticos.
SUSCETIBILIDADE DO SOLO À EROSÃO NA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO RIO TARUMÃ-AÇU (AMAZONAS – BRASIL)
Authors: Colares Isabela Soares , Ferreira Junior João Carlos , Rodrigues Liange de Sousa , Maia Samara Aquino , Wachholz Flávio
Published: October 2022

Situada no município de Manaus, a Bacia Hidrográfica do Tarumã-Açu (BHTA), nos últimos anos, vem lidando com profundas mudanças no uso e cobertura da terra, principalmente na zona de expansão urbana. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo é identificar os níveis de suscetibilidade à erosão do solo na BHTA por meio de técnicas de geoprocessamento a partir de variáveis de uso da terra, declividade, tipos de solo e geologia. Para tanto, foram utilizadas imagens do satélite Landsat-8 OLI, o modelo digital de elevação SRTM e dados vetoriais de pedologia e geologia para construção dos mapas temáticos. Com base nesses dados, avaliou-se a suscetibilidade à erosão do solo na bacia, traçando-se a correlação entre as variáveis, possibilitada pelo uso da Linguagem Espacial para Geoprocessamento Algébrico do Spring e da Análise Hierárquica de Processos (AHP). Os resultados apontam, na BHTA, a predominância de relevo ondulado (43,34%) e de Latossolos Amarelos (97,4%) cobertos por florestas; com baixos a moderados níveis de suscetibilidade à erosão do solo. Considerando a rede de drenagem, nota-se a presença de áreas com maiores níveis de suscetibilidade no setor inferior da bacia, enquanto no setor superior esses níveis são menores.
Determination of oil composition of cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.) seeds under influence of organic fertilizer forms
Authors: Yürürdurmaz Cengiz
Published: October 2022

This research was carried out to determine the effects of different organic fertilizer forms on important quality elements of cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.) seeds. The experiment was conducted according to the completely randomized blocks experimental design with three replications. In the experiment, palmitic acid (PALA), stearic acid (SA), and behenic acid (BA) from saturated fatty acids and palmitoleic acid (PLA), oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and linolenic acid (LNA) ratios from unsaturated fatty acids were investigated. Besides these, quality factor such as oleic acid/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio, which is one of the oil stability values and iodine value (IV), unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids (USFA/SFA) ratio, and oil ratio and oil yield were investigated. As a result of these applications, the values of crude oil yield 27.08–40.68 kg ha−1and some important quality properties of crude oil ratios 0.75–1.09%, PLA 0.250–0.372%, OA 12.00–22.85%, LA 22.97–29.97%, LNA 19.37–26.01%, PALA 19.53–23.53%, SA 5.27–7.04%, BA 1.86–2.37%, O/L acid ratio 0.402–1.043%, IV 113.73–136.76, and USFA/SFA ratio 2.08–2.74 were obtained.
Network Insight and Entrepreneurial Performance of New Ventures: Understanding the Roles of Resource Integration and Dynamic Management Capability
Authors: Lyu Tu , Guo Yulin , Chen Hao , Lin Huan , Yu De
Published: October 2022

This study integrates social network theory and dynamic capability theory to explore the influence of network insight on entrepreneurial performance under the mediating role of resource integration, and the influence path of dynamic management capability. We test a series of hypotheses using survey data from 228 Chinese enterprises and applying partial least squares based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our study provides knowledge to understand new ventures’ performance promotion from a new perspective of network insight. We empirically found a mechanism between structural insight, relational insight, and environmental insight on entrepreneurial performance. Besides, this study also revealed a boundary condition of dynamic management capability to understand how organizational resource integration motivates entrepreneurial performance.
“The message is clear”: An L1 business perspective on non-target-like formulaic expressions in L2 German
Authors: Boone Griet , Ruytenbeek Nicolas , Decock Sofie
Published: October 2022

This study examines how non-target-like formulaic expressions used by advanced second language (L2) speakers of German are perceived by first language (L1) German business professionals in an intercultural workplace setting. By using an experimental design, we explore how L1 business professionals (N = 84) perceive the appropriateness and acceptability of the non-target-like expressions as well as how they perceive the communicative competence of the writer in two conditions: one in which the writer is explicitly described as an L2 user of German (intercultural condition), and one in which the writer is not (German condition). Moreover, by first establishing recurrent unconventionalities when L2 users create their own formulaic expressions (i.e., misspellings, grammatical errors, pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic infelicities), we examine the effect of the type of unconventionality. Our experimental stimuli are based on authentic student responses to situations in an intercultural workplace setting which were elicited through a written discourse completion task. Our results indicate that in both conditions expressions containing a grammatical error are judged as least acceptable, followed by those with a pragmatic infelicity. Ratings were significantly higher in the intercultural condition, suggesting tolerance of the L1 professionals towards non-target-like expressions of L2 users.
Ultrasound contrast agents from microbubbles to biogenic gas vesicles
Authors: Zeng Wenlong , Yue Xiuli , Dai Zhifei
Published: October 2022

Microbubbles have been the earliest and most widely used ultrasound contrast agents by virtue of their unique features: such as non-toxicity, intravenous injectability, ability to cross the pulmonary capillary bed, and significant enhancement of echo signals for the duration of the examination, resulting in essential preclinical and clinical applications. The use of microbubbles functionalized with targeting ligands to bind to specific targets in the bloodstream has further enabled ultrasound molecular imaging. Nevertheless, it is very challenging to utilize targeted microbubbles for molecular imaging of extravascular targets due to their size. A series of acoustic nanomaterials have been developed for breaking free from this constraint. Especially, biogenic gas vesicles, gas-filled protein nanostructures from microorganisms, were engineered as the first biomolecular ultrasound contrast agents, opening the door for more direct visualization of cellular and molecular function by ultrasound imaging. The ordered protein shell structure and unique gas filling mechanism of biogenic gas vesicles endow them with excellent stability and attractive acoustic responses. What’s more, their genetic encodability enables them to act as acoustic reporter genes. This article reviews the upgrading progresses of ultrasound contrast agents from microbubbles to biogenic gas vesicles, and the opportunities and challenges for the commercial and clinical translation of the nascent field of biomolecular ultrasound.
Photonic reservoir computing for nonlinear equalization of 64-QAM signals with a Kramers–Kronig receiver
Authors: Masaad Sarah , Gooskens Emmanuel , Sackesyn Stijn , Dambre Joni , Bienstman Peter
Published: October 2022

Photonic reservoirs are machine learning based systems that boast energy efficiency and speediness. Thus they can be deployed as optical processors in fiber communication systems to aid or replace digital signal equalization. In this paper, we simulate the use of a passive photonic reservoir to target nonlinearity-induced errors originating from self-phase modulation in the fiber and from the nonlinear response of the modulator. A 64-level quadrature-amplitude modulated signal is directly detected using the recently proposed Kramers–Kronig (KK) receiver. We train the readout weights by backpropagating through the receiver pipeline, thereby providing extra nonlinearity. Statistically computed bit error rates for fiber lengths of up to 100 km fall below 1 × 10−3 bit error rate, outperforming an optical feed-forward equalizer as a linear benchmark. This can find applications in inter-datacenter communications that benefit from the hardware simplicity of a KK receiver and the low power and low latency processing of a photonic reservoir.
The crystal structure of (E)-2-((5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-3′,6′-bis(ethylamino)-2′, 7′-dimethylspiro[isoindoline-1,9′-xanthen]-3-one, C33H31BrN4O3
Authors: Xiao Zhenxiu , Wu Li , Su Yizi , Jiang Wujiu
Published: October 2022

C33H31BrN4O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.3451(7) Å, b = 17.3057(13) Å, c = 18.4402(13) Å, β = 98.4470(10)°, V = 2949.9(4) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0409, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1106, T = 296(2) K.
Engagement in Chinese criminal judgments
Authors: Shi Guang , Wang Xi , Zhou Lijun
Published: October 2022

Based on the engagement system in Appraisal Theory and taking 100 Chinese criminal judgments as data, this paper analyzes the distribution features and interpersonal functions of engagement resources in Chinese criminal judgments. The findings are as follows. First, in Chinese criminal judgments, dialogic contractive resources outnumber dialogic expansive ones. Of the nine types of engagement resources, Deny takes the largest proportion. Entertain, Acknowledge, Pronounce, and Endorse are also favored by judges, while Counter, Endorse+Pronounce, Concede, Endorse+Acknowledge, and Distance are much less favored. Second, the dialogic space is adjusted in different parts of judgments due to different engagement strategies, narrowing down in the Head, Fact, and Reason parts, then nearly closing up in the Result part, and finally opening up in the Ending part. Third, Deny, Pronounce, Endorse+Pronounce, Endorse, and Distance are used to show that criminal judgments are just, authoritative, persuasive, and compulsory. By acknowledging the arguments and submissions that have been presented, judges are showing respect for the litigation rights of the various parties, while the featured strategies of Counter, Concede, and Entertain increase the acceptability of the judgments.
On Multiple Paths and Change in the Language Network
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Trousdale Graeme
Published: October 2022

Recent work in Diachronic Construction Grammar (DCxG) has foregrounded the importance of multiple sources of a particular construction, as well as promoting the idea that constructions are organised as a network of knowledge. The research presented in this article explores the ways in which multiple sources play a role at various stages in constructional change, and the effects of this on the structure of the language network. We aim to show how an account of language structure that focuses on links between constructions may be useful in tracking the various stages in the development of a new construction.
Treating inflammation to combat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wiering Leke , Tacke Frank
Published: October 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with its more progressive form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the most common chronic liver disease, thereby representing a great burden for patients and healthcare systems. Specific pharmacological therapies for NAFLD are still missing. Inflammation is an important driver in the pathogenesis of NASH, and the mechanisms underlying inflammation in NAFLD represent possible therapeutic targets. In NASH, various intra- and extrahepatic triggers involved in the metabolic injury typically lead to the activation of different immune cells. This includes hepatic Kupffer cells, i.e. liver-resident macrophages, which can adopt an inflammatory phenotype and activate other immune cells by releasing inflammatory cytokines. As inflammation progresses, Kupffer cells are increasingly replaced by monocyte-derived macrophages with a distinct lipid-associated and scar-associated phenotype. Many other immune cells, including neutrophils, T lymphocytes – such as auto-aggressive cytotoxic as well as regulatory T cells – and innate lymphoid cells balance the progression and regression of inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. The detailed understanding of inflammatory cell subsets and their activation pathways prompted preclinical and clinical exploration of potential targets in NAFLD/NASH. These approaches to target inflammation in NASH include inhibition of immune cell recruitment via chemokine receptors (e.g. cenicriviroc), neutralization of CD44 or galectin-3 as well as agonism to nuclear factors like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and farnesoid X receptor that interfere with the activation of immune cells. As some of these approaches did not demonstrate convincing efficacy as monotherapies, a rational and personalized combination of therapeutic interventions may be needed for the near future.
Vinculin strengthens the endothelial barrier during vascular development
Authors: van der Stoel Miesje M , Kotini Maria P , Schoon Rianne M , Affolter Markus , Belting Heinz-Georg , Huveneers Stephan
Published: October 2022

Remodelling of cell–cell junctions is crucial for proper tissue development and barrier function. The cadherin-based adherens junctions anchor via β-catenin and α-catenin to the actomyosin cytoskeleton, together forming a junctional mechanotransduction complex. Tension-induced conformational changes in the mechanosensitive α-catenin protein induce junctional vinculin recruitment. In endothelial cells, vinculin protects the remodelling of VE–cadherin junctions. In this study, we have addressed the role of vinculin in endothelial barrier function in the developing vasculature. In vitro experiments, using endothelial cells in which α-catenin was replaced by a vinculin-binding-deficient mutant, showed that junctional recruitment of vinculin promotes endothelial barrier function. To assess the role of vinculin within blood vessels in vivo, we next investigated barrier function in the vasculature of vcl knockout zebrafish. In the absence of vinculin, sprouting angiogenesis and vessel perfusion still occurred. Intriguingly, the absence of vinculin made the blood vessels more permeable for 10 kDa dextran molecules but not for larger tracers. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that vinculin strengthens the endothelial barrier and prevents vascular leakage in developing vessels.
Una revisión sistemática sobre smart classrooms
Authors: Madera Doval Dalia Patricia
Published: October 2022

El objetivo principal de este artículo es presntar una síntesis actualizada de la investigación sobre smart classrooms en los últimos once años. Los resultados muestran que la investigación sobre este tema aumentó en los últimos dos años, y ha sido liderada por China, India y Corea. Los principales temas de investigación están relacionados con las estrategias metodológicas y la configuración de equipos tecnológicos.
Síndrome hepatorrenal en asociación con hepatitis alcohólica y síndrome de Zieve
Authors: Carrasco Luis , Rojas Juan , Zavala Juliana
Published: October 2022

La enfermedad hepática alcohólica tiene un amplio espectro de enfermedades, incluida la hepatitis alcohólica, que en sus formas graves puede conducir al síndrome hepatorrenal. La anemia es común en pacientes alcohólicos, pero una anemia hemolítica asociada con hiperlipidemia e ictericia se reconoce como síndrome de Zieve. Un varón de 42 años con consumo excesivo de alcohol fue admitido por ictericia y dolor abdominal. Durante su evolución presentó azoemia progresiva y anemia hemolítica. Se realizó el diagnóstico de síndrome hepatorrenal asociado a hepatitis alcohólica, así como un síndrome de Zieve. Fue tratado con corticoterapia y la combinación de albúmina y noradrenalina, además del retiro de alcohol, con resultados favorables.