bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Сведение уравнения теории упругости со случайными коэффициентами на области с периодической структурой к усредненному уравнению теории упругости с постоянными коэффициентами. Эффективный тензор жесткости
Authors:   ФГБУН Институт прикладной механики РАН, г. Москва, Россия, Власов А. Н.
Published: December 2021

В работе излагается метод усреднения уравнений теории упругости со случайными коэффициентами на периодической структуре к усредненному уравнению теории упругости с постоянными коэффициентами. Процедура усреднения сводится к усреднению уравнения по функциям распределения независимых случайных величин коэффициентов уравнения, определяющих тензор жесткости, с последующим построением асимптотического решения задачи теории упругости в виде ряда по малому структурному параметру, представляющему собой отношение размера ячейки периодичности к размеру расчетной области. Такой подход позволяет свести исходное уравнение к уравнению теории упругости с постоянными коэффициентами, которые определяют эффективный тензор жесткости, и находятся из решения задачи на ячейке, как и в методе асимптотического усреднения Бахвалова. Отличие заключается лишь в том, что в задаче на ячейке используются соответствующим образом усредненные функции случайных величин, компонентов тензора жесткости, зависящих от быстрой переменной. Показано, что для слоистых сред получается аналитическая зависимость по определению эффективного тензора жесткости, аналогичная зависимости, получаемой методом асимптотического усреднения Бахвалова.
Взаимодействие двоякопериодической системы инородных упругих включений и прямолинейных трещин при поперечном сдвиге композита
Authors:   Азербайджанский технический университет, г. Баку, Азербайджан, Мехтиев Р. К. о.
Published: December 2021

Рассматривается упругая среда, ослабленная двояко периодической системой круглых отверстий, заполненных шайбами из инородного упругого материала, поверхность которых покрыта цилиндрической пленкой. Среда (связующее) ослаблена двояко периодическими системами прямолинейных сквозных трещин. Внешняя нагрузка xy∞τ в такой среде вокруг отверстий образует зону повышенных напряжений, расположение которого имеет двояко периодический характер. Представленные напряжения и их смещения выражены через аналитическую функцию. Строятся общие представления решений, описывающие класс задач с двоякопериодическим распределением напряжений вне круговых отверстий и прямолинейных трещин. Для решения используется известное положение о том, что смещение в случае поперечного сдвига является гармонической функцией. Применяется известное представление решения в каждой области через соответствующую комплексную аналитическую функцию. Три аналитические функции представляются рядами Лорана. Удовлетворяя краевым условиям на контурах отверстий и берегах трещин, задача сводится к двум бесконечным алгебраическим системам относительно искомых коэффициентов и к одному сингулярному интегральному уравнению. Затем сингулярное интегральное уравнение методом Мультоппа-Каландия сведено к конечной алгебраической системе уравнений. Приводится процедура вычисления коэффициентов интенсивности напряжений. Для численной реализации изложенного способа были взяты случаи расположения отверстий в вершинах треугольной и квадратной сеток. Представлены результаты расчетов критической нагрузки в зависимости от длины трещины и упругих геометрических параметров перфорированной среды. Актуальность таких исследований вызвана широким использованием в технике конструкций и изделий из композиционных материалов. Исследования по разработке математических моделей теоретически описываемого напряженно-деформируемого состояния армированного композита вблизи включения при сдвиге и трещин практически мала. Рассматривается поперечный сдвиг линейно армированной среды, обладающей тремя взаимно перпендикулярными плоскостями симметрии, находящейся в состоянии сдвига в плоскости, перпендикулярной к ориентации волокон. Благодаря симметрии среды, деформации ее вдоль ориентации наполнителя отсутствуют, и напряженно-деформированное состояние является функцией только переменных 2x и 3x; очевидно, что сдвиги среды в рассматриваемой плоскости будут независимы от деформаций сдвига в плоскости армирования.
Análise do programa puericultura em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família na Amazônia
Authors: Balieiro Vanessa do Socorro Lisboa , Santos Delis Miranda dos , Girard Cláudia Cristina Pinto , Medeiros Tania de Sousa Pinheiro
Published: December 2021

O programa puericultura se define como uma maneira de promover e proteger a saúde das crianças, através de uma atenção integral, e um acompanhamento periódico e sistemático. Objetivou-se, dessa forma, analisar o desempenho do programa de puericultura em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família de Tucuruí. Estudo de abordagem quantitativa, realizado em 105 prontuários e 46 cadernetas de crianças menores de 1 ano de idade, no período de abril a setembro de 2019. Utilizou-se a estatística descritiva para a análise dos dados. Os resultados da análise dos prontuários foram: nenhum possuía o registro da variável sexo; 100% apresentavam registro sobre o peso e apenas 0,9% sobre índice de massa corporal; 26% registraram crianças em Aleitamento materno exclusivo e 2% possuíam registro sobre suplementação de Vitamina A. A análise da caderneta de saúde da criança apontou que 26% apresentavam registro sobre acompanhamento do desenvolvimento; 27% apresentavam atraso da vacina Pentavalente e 74% registraram a suplementação de vitamina A. Conclui-se que há necessidade de mais investimento na valorização do programa puericultura, incentivo à capacitação dos profissionais e monitoramento do programa.
Gerontotecnologia cuidativo-educacional: oficinas temáticas com cuidadores familiares de idosos com demência de Alzheimer
Authors: Dos Santos Maria Inês , Barros Leite Salgueiro Claudia Daniele Barros Leite , Barbosa Valquiria Farias Bezerra , Oliveira Alves Ana Neri , Silva Filho Marcos Cesar da , Oliveira Samara Santiago Sarmento de , Inojosa Suely Maria Trigueiro , Pereira Juliane da Silva , Costa Leonardo Silva da
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: Promover a educação em saúde acerca do cuidado ao idoso portador de Alzheimer, através de oficinas temáticas para cuidadores familiares. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, qualitativo, com base na metodologia da problematização, realizado em unidades de saúde em um município do Agreste do Nordeste. A abordagem foi feita através de oficinas de abril a junho de 2018. As temáticas abordadas foram: tipos de demência; mudanças comportamentais no idoso; sobrecarga do cuidador familiar; organização familiar; dificuldades e estratégias de enfrentamento relacionado ao cuidado, e rede de apoio para cuidadores. Resultados: Foram realizadas quatro oficinas temáticas com a participação de 15 cuidadores familiares de idosos diagnosticados com Alzheimer, e atendidos nas Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESFs) estabelecidas para o estudo. Os principais achados foram: dificuldades relativas ao cuidado e a doença, mudança de rotina e problemas de saúde do cuidador em função do cuidado. Conclusão: As oficinas educativas com cuidadores familiares de idosos contribuíram para a capacitação e a promoção à saúde destes, uma vez que, através das problematizações, pôde-se perceber que muitos encontravam-se sobrecarregados por serem os cuidadores exclusivos dos idosos, abdicando assim de lidarem com preceitos de autocuidado. Dessa feita, ratifica-se a relevância da implementação de intervenções terapêuticas na atenção primária, com ênfase em tecnologias cuidativo-educacionais para os cuidadores familiares de idosos com Alzheimer, com vistas a redução dos impactos advindos desta patologia no que concerne ao binômio paciente-cuidador.
Programas de exercício físico no domicílio dos idosos frágeis: revisão integrativa
Authors: Faria Ana da Conceição Alves , Martins Maria Manuela Ferreira Pereira da Silva , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , Ribeiro Olga Maria Pimenta Lopes , Fonseca Luciano José Moreira
Published: December 2021

Introdução: O exercício físico tem o potencial de melhorar a condição de saúde dos idosos frágeis. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre exercício físico em contexto domiciliário para esta população é escasso. Objetivo: Investigar na literatura científica programas de exercício físico implementados no domicílio dos idosos frágeis com contribuições para a capacidade funcional. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura entre 2010 e 2020, nas bases de dados Web of Science, Medline e Cinahl. Resultados: De 290 artigos, incluímos 12 artigos que revelaram efeitos positivos dos programas de exercício físico no domicílio na capacidade funcional dos idosos frágeis. Os programas de exercício físico incluíram treino de força, equilíbrio, flexibilidade e resistência. Conclusão: Esta revisão demonstra os benefícios do exercício físico no domicílio dos idosos frágeis, não só na capacidade funcional, assim como na participação das atividades da vida diária, incidência de quedas, medo de cair, intensidade da dor, episódios de doença aguda e qualidade de vida.
Construção e refinamento de um web aplicativo para o ensino da medida da pressão arterial
Authors: Costa Barbara Caroliny Pereira , Veiga Eugenia Velludo , Terra Fábio de Souza , Costa Jeferson Cardoso , Fava Silvana Maria Coelho Leite , Resck Zélia Marilda Rodrigues Resck
Published: December 2021

Introdução: A medida da pressão arterial realizada para o diagnóstico, controle e tratamento da hipertensão arterial é considerada um procedimento simples e fácil, mas que requer cuidados para a obtenção de resultados fidedignos. Objetivo: Construir e refinar um web aplicativo para o ensino da medida da pressão arterial. Métodos: Estudo metodológico, desenvolvido no período de agosto a novembro de 2017, em quatro fases: Levantamento na literatura; Produção de infográficos, vídeos e fotos; Organização e agrupamento dos dados; Discussão sobre o formato do web aplicativo. Após a construção, realizou-se um refinamento de face e de conteúdo por cinco juízes. Resultados: O web aplicativo foi construído com vídeos, fotos, textos e infográficos sobre a medida da pressão arterial nas artérias braquial, radial e poplítea No refinamento analisou-se os aspectos pedagógicos e os técnicos, e foi considerada uma boa estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem a ser utilizada por discentes. Conclusão: A contribuição reside na oportunidade da utilização da ferramenta construída a partir de diversos recursos e do conhecimento científico atualizado para o ensino da medida correta da pressão arterial, o que contribui para a aquisição de competências necessárias para a prática clínica profissional segura.
Epidemiologia dos traumas ortopédicos atendidos na emergência de um serviço público de referência
Authors: Gomes Iago Vieira , Florêncio Fernanda Caroline , Gonçalves Nataly da Silva , E Souza Ilana Brito Ferraz de , Barreto Neto Augusto César
Published: December 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a epidemiologia dos fenômenos socioeconômicos e clínico-cirúrgicos dos sujeitos vítimas de traumas ortopédicos atendidos em emergência. Métodos: Estudo transversal do tipo “survey” retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, realizado por meio da análise de 580 prontuários de pacientes com trauma ortopédico, entre 2015 e 2019. As variáveis foram idade, sexo, dia da semana, turno de atendimento, procedência, mecanismo de trauma, parte do corpo afetada, tratamento, tempo de internação e desfecho hospitalar. Resultados: Houve predominância do sexo masculino (79,7%), adultos (54,2%), com traumas de extremidades (89,1%), em decorrência de acidentes motociclísticos (33,6%), provenientes da capital e regiões metropolitanas (65,9%). Observa-se a predominância de atendimentos nos dias da semana (67,6%), e a média de tempo de internamento foi 9,71 ± 14 dias. Conclusão: Mediante o perfil epidemiológico exposto, são necessárias medidas preventivas de conscientização da população sobre os meios de locomoção e a segurança no trânsito. Almeja-se, também, a contribuição para a gestão em saúde no desenvolvimento de estratégias de estruturação das unidades hospitalares para atendimento ao trauma ortopédico.
Redes de atenção à laqueadura tubária: responsabilidades e desafios
Authors: Polido Carolina Guizardi , Juliani Carmen Maria  Casquel Monti , Pilkington Florence Beryl
Published: December 2021

As Redes de Atenção à Saúde (RAS) são fundamentais para a garantia de assistência integral e de qualidade dentro do programa de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher (PAISM). Apesar dos esforços envolvidos para a formação das RAS no PAISM, sua implantação depende do rompimento com a lógica de sistemas fragmentados, de forma a garantir acesso a uma das ações preconizadas, que é o Planejamento Familiar. Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar os desafios encontrados para a formação das RAS a partir da decisão da mulher pela Laqueadura Tubária (LT), dado a legislação vigente acerca do procedimento. Buscou-se responder à seguinte questão: Que limites enfrentam os gestores de saúde na organização da RAS relacionados ao planejamento familiar, especialmente no tocante à laqueadura tubária? É um estudo qualitativo exploratório descritivo, tendo como participantes os gestores de saúde municipais de 31 municípios no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Existem dificuldades para a articulação das RAS para a LT devido a problemas organizativos e de recursos humanos. Acredita-se que a composição da RAS na região apresenta elos extremamente frágeis, apesar de todos os esforços para a construção de um sistema de saúde integrado e eficiente.
Nursing diagnoses in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Indonesia
Authors: Hidayati Nur , Hadi Farhan , Suratmi Suratmi , Maghfiroh Isni Lailatul , Andarini Esti , Setiawan Henri , Lutfi Sandi Yudisa Diaz
Published: December 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global public health issue, and the roles of nurses are very much needed in providing nursing services in the current situation. The enforcement of appropriate nursing diagnoses for patients with COVID-19 is also fundamental in determining proper nursing care to help the patients achieve maximum health.

Objective: This study aimed to describe and analyze nursing diagnoses in patients with COVID-19 treated in the isolation rooms and ICUs.

Methods: This study used a secondary data analysis from hospital medical record data of patients with COVID-19 from early December 2020 to the end of February 2021. Data were selected using a cluster random sampling technique and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The results showed that the signs and symptoms of the patients with COVID-19 that often appeared were fever, cough, shortness of breath, and decreased consciousness. The common nursing diagnoses in the hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were hyperthermia, ineffective airway clearance, gas exchange disorder, self-care deficit, spontaneous ventilation disorder, spontaneous circulation disorder, knowledge deficit, and shock risk.

Conclusion: This study offers an insight into nursing practices in the hospital setting, which can be used as a basis for nurses to perform complete nursing assessments and nursing diagnoses during the pandemic.
A Case Report: Isolated Pontine Lesion in Hypertensive of a Pregnant Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yardimci Ilknur , Tunc Mehmet , Say Bahar , Sayan Cemile Dayangan , Biligi Mirace Yasemin Karadeniz , Yalcin Selim , Coskun Ozlem
Published: December 2021

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuroradiologic diagnosis characterised by headache, seizures, altered mental status, and a spectrum of visual deficits ranging from visual neglect to cortical blindness. PRES manifestation is a situation of medical emergency; however, it is a fully reversible condition, especially when diagnosed and treated immediately. The main problem lies in the impairment of cerebral blood flow autoregulation which, in turn, leads to endothelial dysfunction and vasogenic brain oedema. MRI indicates cerebral oedema in the occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes. Brainstem involvement is very rare in the literature. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia-related PRES is also rare in the literature. In this article, a case of PRES with only pons involvement in MRI after hypertensive attack in a pregnant patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenia is presented. PRES may present only brainstem involvement, as seen in this present case. Whether or not mild hypertension and mild thrombocytopenia found in this case are associated with limited disease should be evaluated. Prolonged spreading depression may have a role in the pathophysiology of PRES.
Longitudinal Characterisation of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Volkmann Elizabeth R , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Chang Yu-Ling , Lagishetty Venu , Clements Philip J , Midtvedt Oyvind , Molberg Oyvind , Braun Jonathan , Jacobs Jonathan P
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To evaluate changes in microbial composition and the evolution of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: Adult SSc patients provided stool specimens every 3 months over the course of 1 year. Participants completed the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) GIT 2.0 questionnaire to assess GIT symptom severity at each stool collection. The microbiota from these samples were determined by Illumina HiSeq 2500 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California, USA). Mixed effect models evaluated changes in GIT symptoms and microbial composition over time.

Results: Among 19 patients with SSc (female; 89.5%; median age: 51.3 years), the median disease duration was 7 years and the baseline total GIT 2.0 score was 0.7 (standard deviation: 0.6). The majority of participants (63%) provided at least four stool samples over the course of the 12-month study. Patients with longer disease durations had increased GIT symptoms over the course of the study. There was no difference in the course of GIT symptoms over time between patients with limited versus diffuse cutaneous disease. The relative abundances of specific genera did not change over time within individual subjects. After controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, disease duration, and SSc subtype (i.e., limited versus diffuse), low abundance of Bacteroides was associated with increased GIT symptoms over time.

Conclusion: This study is the first to have longitudinally characterised the lower GIT microbiome in SSc patients and demonstrated relative stability of genera abundance over the course of 1 year. The findings provide additional evidence that specific genera are associated with SSc-GIT symptoms and warrant further evaluation in larger SSc studies.
Case Report: Suspected Case of Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Overlap Due to Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Authors: Mukherjee Shatavisa , Saha Debajyoti , Dasgupta Shreyashi , Kumar Tripathi Santanu
Published: December 2021

Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are well-known severe cutaneous adverse reactions, with >100 medications previously implicated, most frequently sulfonamide antibiotics. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), normally present in human bile at a low concentration, is used for the treatment of various cholestatic disorders. Reports of UDCA causing cutaneous complications are, however, rare. The present report describes a suspected case of UDCA-induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome–toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap in a 24-year-old female, admitted with a whole-body maculopapular rash with oromucocutaneous ulceration and skin desquamation. The patient was managed with supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte replacement, corticosteroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, and intravenous Ig. Early identification, prompt intervention with effective care, and support are the key action points in these severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
Improving Antenatal Asthma Management: A Complex Journey
Authors: Chen Clarissa , Taing Meng-wong , Burr Lucy , Barrett Helen , Clifton Vicki
Published: December 2021

Asthma is a highly prevalent comorbidity during pregnancy, which can worsen as gestation progresses and is associated with several adverse perinatal outcomes. The adverse outcomes associated with maternal asthma are preventable with appropriate asthma management in pregnancy. However, the prevalence of adverse outcomes has not changed significantly over the last 20 years, even though knowledge and treatments for managing the disease in pregnancy has improved significantly. This is of concern now in the current climate with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its potential impact on pregnant individuals with asthma. This article will discuss the treatments available for the management of asthma in pregnancy, the barriers for the translation of current knowledge into obstetric practice, and the importance of asthma education and self-management skills.
Risk Factors for Severe Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Hussain Abdulzahra , Rao Deepak , Buttle Thomas , Linkson Lynette , Owen William , Hadley Elizabeth , EL-Hasani Shamsi
Published: December 2021

Background: During the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic there have been several studies implicating an association between obesity, COVID-19 severity, and mortality. This retrospective study aims to investigate the association between obesity, other risk factors, and COVID-19 mortality of patients admitted over a 6-week period to the respiratory units at the authors’ hospitals. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 71 patients who were admitted into a respiratory unit over a 6-week period where the data were analysed for correlation between various risk factors, COVID-19 severity, and mortality. The statistical analysis was performed using excel statistics and SPSS (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) statistical software. The significance was considered at p<0.05. The multivariate analysis, Z-test, Cox regression, Pearson correlation, and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.8 years (range: 35.0–93.0 years) standard deviation (13.21) and the male to female ratio was 2.73 (52:19, respectively). The most frequent comorbidities were obesity (42/71; 59%), hypertension (36/71; 50%), diabetes (22/71; 31%), heart disease (13/71; 18%), respiratory disease (9/71; 13%), and cancer (8/71; 11%). The mean body weight was 83.7 kg (60.4–147.7 kg) and the mean BMI was 32.2 (22.0–53.0 kg/m2). Smoking was reported in 8 (11%) of the patients. There were 20 (83%) mortalities among patients >70 years old (p<0.0001), 20 (83%) deaths among male patients (p<0.0001), 14 (58%) deaths among patients with a BMI >25 kg/m2 (p=0.001), 17 (70%) deaths reported for patients with hypertension (p=0.008), 6 (25%) mortalities for patients with cardiovascular disease (p=0.001), 14 (30%) deaths among patients who were mechanically ventilated (p=0.00028), and 5 (20%) mortalities among patients with cancer (p=0.003). Conclusions: Obesity, cancer, mechanical ventilation, male sex, intensive care unit admission, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are significant risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19.
Pulmonary Embolism in Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopaenia: Under-Reported?
Authors: Leenaerts Veerle , Staes Michael , Callens Jos , Monballyu Pieter
Published: December 2021

Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare, newly described syndrome characterised by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis 5–24 days after administration of an adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccine. It resembles heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and, therefore, diagnostics and treatment are similar. Early recognition is essential to avoid potentially fatal outcomes. This article describes a case of VITT with symptomatic cerebral venous-sinus thrombosis and splanchnic vein thrombosis, as well as asymptomatic pulmonary embolism in a 49-year-old male. The authors discuss VITT, focusing on the possibility of pulmonary embolism being under-reported, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment.
Axial Spondyloarthritis: Clinical Characteristics, Epidemiology, and General Approaches
to Management
Authors: MacGearailt Conall , E. Fitzgerald Gillian
Published: December 2021

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition, with an age of onset almost exclusively under 45 years. Although symptoms are initially centred on the sacroiliac joints and spine, extraspinal manifestations are common and add considerably to the burden of disease. In this narrative review, the authors provide an update on the epidemiology of the disease and briefly summarise the pathophysiology. The authors detail the clinical manifestations of axSpA, including an overview of axial features, peripheral manifestations, and associated comorbidities. The authors outline the current outcome measures used in the assessment of patients. Finally, the authors provide a summary of the general principles of treatment and briefly outline the role of patient education in the management of individuals with axSpA.
POTENTIAL USE OF 'ENSET' FIBER ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CONVENTIONAL FILLER MATERIAL IN HOT MIX ASPHALT
Authors: Kibru Yisak , Geremew Anteneh , Yigezu Biruk
Published: December 2021

The main problems in road construction and maintance work in Ethiopia  availability of a large amount of appropriate quality materials in road construction sites, aggregates in different size fractions are not readily obtainable, necessitating their procurement from long distances, thereby causing an exorbitant increase in construction costs. One of the main problems in constructing the asphalt paving mixture is obtaining a sufficient amount of filler material from crushing fine rock material and low percent using ordinary Portland cement (OPC), hydrated lime (HL) and marble dust. To overcome this problem, it is important to come across alternative filler material to address this gap using naturally available material. Currently, renewed attention has been given to the use of ‘waste’ materials instead of conventional aggregates in pavement construction. This research study investigates the potential use of ‘Enset’ fiber ash as a partial replacement of conventional filler material in hot mix asphalt supported by experimental laboratory investigation. In order to achieve this study, purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select the sample size and location. The study evaluated the potential of ‘Enset’ fiber ash as filler for the design of dense-graded hot mix asphalt by referencing traditional filler control mix procedures based on standard specifications, and a crush rock filler was utilized as a conventional filler material as a control for comparison. The Marshal Stability and Rutting Test (RT) was conducted to determine the HMA specimen's performance. Several HMA specimens were prepared using aggregate blend according to ASTM D 1559 with four different percentages of ‘Enset’ fiber ash (EFA) of 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% filler replacement the total filler weight used in the control mix. Specimens were prepared and tests performed according to EN 12697-22 procedure-B for rutting test. All HMA properties were taken at 4% air void and determined their optimum bitumen content (OBC). Almost the same result with the control mix was observed in the study at 15% and 25% of the ‘Enset’ fiber ash (EFA) replacement. However, higher Marshall Stability, a lower void filled with asphalt, better flow, a good void in mineral were observed at 25% ‘Enset’ fiber ash (EFA) replacement. At this rate, the rutting performance is less than that of the control mix but is within the specifications of 2.78mm and 2.9 mm of rutting depth less than 6mm that satisfies the EN 13108 requirement. As a result, Enset fiber ash filler can replace traditional filler material up to 25% of the total filler weight used in this study. It was recommended to use ‘Enset' fiber ash (EFA) as a filler material as a partial replacement in a bituminous paving mixture up to the specificed percentage by weight replacement.
INFLUENCE OF OIL PALM SPIKELETS FIBRE ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LIGHTWEIGHT FOAMED CONCRETE
Authors: Suhaili Siti Shahirah , Alias Nurshafikah Nadirah , Othuman Mydin Md Azree , Awang Hanizam
Published: December 2021

As issues related to sustainable construction in Malaysia gains more importance, research on the utilization of waste by products especially from oil palm in concrete is vigorously implemented. Utilization of different parts of oil palm fibres in lightweight foamed concrete have garnered positive outcomes in terms of conservation of natural resources, lessening of environmental problem and can improve concrete's durability and mechanical properties. Lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) is well-known as a low-density concrete with a wide range of applications. It is good in compression but poor under flexural load, as it produces multiple microcracks and cannot withstand the additional stress induced by applied forces without supplementary reinforcing elements. Hence this study was performed to examine the potential use of oil palm spikelets fibre (OPSF) in LFC in order to improve its engineering properties. LFC specimens were strengthened with OPSF fibre at different percentages of 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60%. LFC density of 1000 kg/m3 was prepared with a constant cement-to-sand ratio of 1:1.5, and cement-to-water ratio of 0.45. The parameters that had been evaluated were flexural strength, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. The results revealed that the addition of 0.45% of OPSF fibre gave the best compressive, bending and splitting tensile strengths result. OPSF fibre in LFC aided to evade the promulgation of cracks in the plastic state in the cementitious matrix.
LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE (LST) ESTIMATION AT KUSHTIA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH
Authors: Uddin Md. Jahir , Swapnil Faisal Jahangir
Published: December 2021

Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a key phenomenon in worldwide climate change. The knowledge of surface temperature is important to a range of issues and themes in earth sciences, central to urban climatology, global environmental change, and human-environment interactions. In this study, LST for Kushtia District, Khulna division, Bangladesh, is derived using Arc-GIS software version from the images of Landsat 8 Optical Land Imager (OLI) of 30 m resolution and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIR) data of 100 m resolution, Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) with opto-mechanical sensor and Spatial Resolution of 30 m (60 m – thermal, 15-m panchromatic) and Landsat-5 Thematic MAPPER (TM) satellites. A total time span of 20 years, starting from 1998 to 2018 is selected. At every 5 years interval starting from 1998, air temperature, LST, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) have been calculated. Using the equation from Landsat user’s handbook, the digital number of thermal infrared band is converted into spectral radiance. Plank’s Inverse Function is used to obtain the effective at-sensor brightness temperature from the spectral radiance. The surface emissivity based on NDVI classes is used to retrieve the final LST. The study reveals that LST is increasing with the passage of time. Maximum values of LST are found along the North-East and North-West regions of Kushtia district. NDVI is found to have positive correlation with LST. Also, it has been found that NDWI has little influence on LST. The reasons behind the rise and fall of LST in different years are explained from changes in total vegetation coverage and total abundance of water body coverage viewpoint. The spatial distribution figures of air temperature, LST, NDVI and NDWI could be used as a guideline for urban planning, strategies for quality improvement of urban environment and a smart solution to the reduction of LST.
The Potential for a Released Autosomal X-Shredder Becoming a Driving-Y Chromosome and Invasively Suppressing Wild Populations of Malaria Mosquitoes
Authors: Alcalay Yehonatan , Fuchs Silke , Galizi Roberto , Bernardini Federica , Haghighat-Khah Roya Elaine , Rusch Douglas B. , Adrion Jeffrey R. , Hahn Matthew W. , Tortosa Pablo , Rotenberry Rachel , Papathanos Philippos Aris
Published: December 2021

Sex-ratio distorters based on X-chromosome shredding are more efficient than sterile male releases for population suppression. X-shredding is a form of sex distortion that skews spermatogenesis of XY males towards the preferential transmission of Y-bearing gametes, resulting in a higher fraction of sons than daughters. Strains harboring X-shredders on autosomes were first developed in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, resulting in strong sex-ratio distortion. Since autosomal X-shredders are transmitted in a Mendelian fashion and can be selected against, their frequency in the population declines once releases are halted. However, unintended transfer of X-shredders to the Y-chromosome could produce an invasive meiotic drive element, that benefits from its biased transmission to the predominant male-biased offspring and its effective shielding from female negative selection. Indeed, linkage to the Y-chromosome of an active X-shredder instigated the development of the nuclease-based X-shredding system. Here, we analyze mechanisms whereby an autosomal X-shredder could become unintentionally Y-linked after release by evaluating the stability of an established X-shredder strain that is being considered for release, exploring its potential for remobilization in laboratory and wild-type genomes of An. gambiae and provide data regarding expression on the mosquito Y-chromosome. Our data suggest that an invasive X-shredder resulting from a post-release movement of such autosomal transgenes onto the Y-chromosome is unlikely.
Biofilm Biology and Engineering of Geobacter and Shewanella spp. for Energy Applications
Authors: Hu Yidan , Wang Yinghui , Han Xi , Shan Yawei , Li Feng , Shi Liang
Published: December 2021

Geobacter and Shewanella spp. were discovered in late 1980s as dissimilatory metal-reducing microorganisms that can transfer electrons from cytoplasmic respiratory oxidation reactions to external metal-containing minerals. In addition to mineral-based electron acceptors, Geobacter and Shewanella spp. also can transfer electrons to electrodes. The microorganisms that have abilities to transfer electrons to electrodes are known as exoelectrogens. Because of their remarkable abilities of electron transfer, Geobacter and Shewanella spp. have been the two most well studied groups of exoelectrogens. They are widely used in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for various biotechnological applications, such as bioelectricity generation via microbial fuel cells. These applications mostly associate with Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms grown on the surfaces of electrodes. Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms are electrically conductive, which is conferred by matrix-associated electroactive components such as c-type cytochromes and electrically conductive nanowires. The thickness and electroactivity of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms have a significant impact on electron transfer efficiency in BESs. In this review, we first briefly discuss the roles of planktonic and biofilm-forming Geobacter and Shewanella cells in BESs, and then review biofilm biology with the focus on biofilm development, biofilm matrix, heterogeneity in biofilm and signaling regulatory systems mediating formation of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilms. Finally, we discuss strategies of Geobacter and Shewanella biofilm engineering for improving electron transfer efficiency to obtain enhanced BES performance.
Highly Sensitive Whole-Cell Biosensor for Cadmium Detection Based on a Negative Feedback Circuit
Authors: Zhang Guangbao , Hu Shuting , Jia Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2021

Although many whole-cell biosensors (WCBs) for the detection of Cd2+ have been developed over the years, most lack sensitivity and specificity. In this paper, we developed a Cd2+ WCB with a negative feedback amplifier in P. putida KT2440. Based on the slope of the linear detection curve as a measure of sensitivity, WCB with negative feedback amplifier greatly increased the output signal of the reporter mCherry, resulting in 33% greater sensitivity than in an equivalent WCB without the negative feedback circuit. Moreover, WCB with negative feedback amplifier exhibited increased Cd2+ tolerance and a lower detection limit of 0.1 nM, a remarkable 400-fold improvement compared to the WCB without the negative feedback circuit, which is significantly below the World Health Organization standard of 27 nM (0.003 mg/L) for cadmium in drinking water. Due to the superior amplification of the output signal, WCB with negative feedback amplifier can provide a detectable signal in a much shorter time, and a fast response is highly preferable for real field applications. In addition, the WCB with negative feedback amplifier showed an unusually high specificity for Cd2+ compared to other metal ions, giving signals with other metals that were between 17.6 and 41.4 times weaker than with Cd2+. In summary, the negative feedback amplifier WCB designed in this work meets the requirements of Cd2+ detection with very high sensitivity and specificity, which also demonstrates that genetic negative feedback amplifiers are excellent tools for improving the performance of WCBs.
Curculigoside Ameliorates Bone Loss by Influencing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate in Aging Mice
Authors: Wang Na , Li Ziyi , Li Shilun , Li Yukun , Gao Liu , Bao Xiaoxue , Wang Ke , Liu Chang , Xue Peng , Liu Sijing
Published: December 2021

Senile osteoporosis is characterized by increased bone loss and fat accumulation in marrow. Curculigoside (CCG) is the major bioactive component of Curculigo orchioides, which has been used as anti-osteoporosis therapy for elder patients since antiquity. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which CCG regulated the bone-fat balance in marrow of aging mice. In our study, CCG treatment was identified to interfere with the stem cell lineage commitment both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, CCG promoted the transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression to reverse age-related bone loss and marrow adiposity. In vitro, proper concentration of CCG upregulated TAZ expression to increase osteogenesis and decrease adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This regulating effect was discounted by TAZ knockdown or the use of MEK-ERK pathway inhibitor, UO126. Above all, our study confirmed the rescuing effects of CCG on the differential shift from adipogenesis to osteogenesis of BMSCs in aging mice and provided a scientific basis for the clinical use of CCG in senile osteoporosis.
Efferocytosis in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Zhao Jiayi , Zhang Weiqi , Wu Tingting , Wang Hongyi , Mao Jialiang , Liu Jian , Zhou Ziheng , Lin Xianfeng , Yan Huige , Wang Qingqing
Published: December 2021

The effective clearance of apoptotic cells is essential for maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and restoring homeostasis after injury. In most cases of physiological apoptotic cell death, efferocytosis prevents inflammation and other pathological conditions. When apoptotic cells are not effectively cleared, destruction of the integrity of the apoptotic cell membrane integrity, leakage of intracellular contents, and secondary necrosis may occur. Efferocytosis is the mechanism by which efferocytes quickly remove apoptotic cells from tissues before they undergo secondary necrosis. Cells with efferocytosis functions, mainly microglia, help to eliminate apoptotic cells from the CNS. Here, we discuss the impacts of efferocytosis on homeostasis, the mechanism of efferocytosis, the associations of efferocytosis failure and CNS diseases, and the current clinical applications of efferocytosis. We also identify efferocytosis as a novel potential target for exploring the causes and treatments of CNS diseases.
Potential of Stem Cells and CART as a Potential Polytherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Skurikhin Evgenii , Pershina Olga , Zhukova Mariia , Widera Darius , Ermakova Natalia , Pan Edgar , Pakhomova Angelina , Morozov Sergey , Kubatiev Aslan , Dygai Alexander
Published: December 2021

Despite the increasing urgency of the problem of treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC), information on the causes of its development is fragmentary. There is no complete understanding of the features of antitumor immunity and the role of the microenvironment in the development of SCLC resistance. This impedes the development of new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of SCLC. Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have common pathogenetic factors. COPD is a risk factor for lung cancer including SCLC. Therefore, the search for effective approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SCLC in patients with COPD is an urgent task. This review provides information on the etiology and pathogenesis of SCLC, analyses the effectiveness of current treatment options, and critically evaluates the potential of chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy (CART therapy) in SCLC. Moreover, we discuss potential links between lung cancer and COPD and the role of endothelium in the development of COPD. Finally, we propose a new approach for increasing the efficacy of CART therapy in SCLC.
Protein Quality Control at the Mitochondrial Surface
Authors: den Brave Fabian , Gupta Arushi , Becker Thomas
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria contain two membranes, the outer and inner membrane. The outer membrane fulfills crucial functions for the communication of mitochondria with the cellular environment like exchange of lipids via organelle contact sites, the transport of metabolites and the formation of a signaling platform in apoptosis and innate immunity. The translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex) forms the entry gate for the vast majority of precursor proteins that are produced on cytosolic ribosomes. Surveillance of the functionality of outer membrane proteins is critical for mitochondrial functions and biogenesis. Quality control mechanisms remove defective and mistargeted proteins from the outer membrane as well as precursor proteins that clog the TOM complex. Selective degradation of single proteins is also an important mode to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and initiation of mitophagy pathways. Whereas inner mitochondrial compartments are equipped with specific proteases, the ubiquitin-proteasome system is a central player in protein surveillance on the mitochondrial surface. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that govern quality control of proteins at the outer mitochondrial membrane.
The Rise of Political Influencers—Perspectives on a Trend Towards Meaningful Content
Authors: Riedl Magdalena , Schwemmer Carsten , Ziewiecki Sandra , Ross Lisa M.
Published: December 2021

Despite an increasing information overflow in the era of digital communication, influencers manage to draw the attention of their followers with an authentic and casual appearance. Reaching large audiences on social media, they can be considered as digital opinion leaders. In the past, they predominantly appeared as experts for topics like fashion, sports, or gaming and used their status to cooperate with brands for marketing purposes. However, since recently influencers also turn towards more meaningful and political content. In this article, we share our perspective on the rise of political influencers using examples of sustainability and related topics covered on Instagram. By applying a qualitative observational approach, we illustrate how influencers make political communication look easy, while at the same time seamlessly integrating product promotions in their social media feeds. In this context, we discuss positive aspects of political influencers like contributions to education and political engagement, but also negative aspects such as the potential amplification of radical political ideology or conspiracy theories. We conclude by highlighting political influencers as an important research topic for conceptual and empirical studies in the future.
Loss of Predator Discrimination by Critically Endangered Vancouver Island Marmots Within Five Generations of Breeding for Release
Authors: Dixon-MacCallum Graham P. , Rich Johnathan L. , Lloyd Natasha , Blumstein Daniel T. , Moehrenschlager Axel
Published: December 2021

Conservation translocations, which involve the intentional movement and release of organisms for conservation benefit, are increasingly required to recover species of conservation concern. In order to maximize post-release survival, and to accomplish conservation translocation objectives, animals must exhibit behaviors that facilitate survival in the wild. The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is a critically endangered endemic in Canada which has been captive-bred for 24 years for reintroductions and reinforcements that have increased the wild population from ~30 to more than 200 individuals. Despite this success many marmots are killed by predators after release and predation represents a major hurdle to full marmot recovery. To better understand if captive-bred marmots are prepared for the novel environment into which they will be released, and to determine whether such suitability changes over time, we presented taxidermy mounts of mammalian predators and non-predators to marmots that were wild-caught, and captive born for between one and five generations. We also examined mortality of offspring from marmots we tested that had been released to the wild. A minimum of 43% of offspring were killed by predators in the wild over 17 years, most by cougars. Marmots in captivity generally responded to taxidermy mounts by decreasing foraging and increasing vigilance, and overall responded more strongly to predators than non-predators, especially wolves. However, marmots in captivity for more than two generations lacked discrimination between cougars, non-predators, and controls, suggesting a rapid loss of predator recognition. This study was only possible because predator-recognition trials were initiated early in the conservation translocation program, and could then be repeated after a number of generations. The finding that changes occurred relatively rapidly (within five generations during which changes in genetic diversity were negligible) suggests that behavioral suitability may deteriorate more rapidly than genetics would suggest. Strategies addressing potential behavior loss should be considered, including sourcing additional wild individuals or pre-release training of captive-born individuals. Subsequently, post-release survival should be monitored to determine the efficacy of behavior-optimization strategies.