bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A holistic approach to remote digital work: from the inconveniences suffered by employees to a comprehensive ‘fair compensation’
Authors: Avogaro Matteo
Published: September 2022

The unprecedented surge of employees working remotely in Europe during the COVID-19 crisis, shone a spotlight on some related disadvantages. Focusing on employees of the private sector, the most relevant of these include additional professional costs, informal overtime, and psychosocial risks. Their significant impact on employees seems to contrast with the EU model of digital transition and encourages us to look for possible remedies. In light of this, the author suggests adopting a holistic perspective. He proposes, thus, a vision of ‘fair compensation’ aimed at thoroughly neutralizing the negative impact of remote digital work on employees. Moving from a comparative analysis of the legal framework of France, Italy, and Spain – three EU medium/large economies which most used remote digital work during the pandemic – the contribution provides a definition of fair compensation, identifies some of its current highest standards and provides some insight into its possible practical implications.
Development of New Die Design in Towing Hook Production
Authors: SAĞ Ebru , BAHAT Burak , YALÇIN Dilara , AYDIN Hakan
Published: September 2022

In this study, a new design has been developed for towing hook dies used in hot forging processes. For this objective, analysis studies were carried out with different process parameters and methods for new designs in dies for both hot forging process and product. After the analysis, the die designs were determined that produced the prototype products at the optimum speed, efficiency and quality. While designing a special die for hot forging operation, a new die design has been developed in which both processes can be performed using a single die with two stages, pre-shape and final shape. Compared to the dies studied for hook groups in the literature and our old dies currently being worked, it is aimed to eliminate the errors caused by the inability to calibrate the final shape such as early wear, short die life, burr residue formation. Such a technics specific to the part as specific to the towing hook was performed for the first time, and with the die design developed by comparing the results of analysis studies, field trials and prototype studies in the Q-Form simulation program, the production of towing hook at optimum efficiency was achieved.
The Impact of Single Minute Exchange of Die and Total Productive Maintenance on Overall Equipment Effectiveness
Authors: Ondra Pavel
Published: September 2022

Due to intense global competition, manufacturing companies need to improve and optimize productivity, increase production and flexibility, and gain competitive advantages. Companies have begun to look for new approaches and strategies in the field of production management. This includes tools like Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), which aim to manage machines and equipment, reduce waste and lead time, and ensure and enhance competitiveness. The main objective of this study is to explore the connection and the context of the use of industrial engineering tools, namely SMED and TPM, and to monitor and evaluate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in industrial companies in the Czech Republic. A comprehensive questionnaire survey of 200 companies and a detailed evaluation of the operational performance of 92 companies were carried out from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2020. It was found out that 20.5% of companies implemented SMED, 26.5% of companies implemented TPM, and 54.0% of companies did not monitor and evaluate OEE. The research confirms the theoretical link between SMED and OEE and between OEE and TPM. The statistical significance of the use of SMED and TPM separately was not demonstrated. However, the mutual interaction of using TPM and SMED on the OEE level was proved.
Structure of Ti-Ta Alloys Fabricated by Electron-beam Surface Alloying
Authors: Ormanova Maria , Kotlarski Georgi , Bezdushnyi Ruslan , Ivanov Nikolay , Dechev Dimitar , Valkov Stefan
Published: September 2022

In the present study, Ta coatings with a thickness of 1.7 and 4.2 μm were deposited on Ti samples through reactive magnetron sputtering. The coatings are furthermore treated by a scanning electron beam in order to form the Ti-Ta surface alloy. A change in the phase composition of the Ti-Ta alloy was observed through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure and the chemical composition of the samples were studied via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results indicate that in both cases the thickness of the alloyed zone remains the same at about 50 μm. The concentration of Ta in the alloyed zone increases with the increase in thickness of the pre-applied coating. The sample with the 1.7 μm Ta coating has a single-phase hexagonal closed packed structure, corresponding to the \(\alpha \)  phase, whilst the sample with the 4.2 μm coating exhibits a biphasic hexagonal closed-packed structure and a body-centred cubic structure, corresponding to \(\alpha '\) martensitic and β phases.
Refuse-derived Fuel Based Cobalt Catalysts for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Tsyntsarski Boyko , Stoycheva Ivanka , Georgiev Georgi , Petrov Nartzislav , Kosateva Angelina , Petrova Bilyana , Bouzekova-Penkova Anna , Tsoncheva Tanya , Issa Gloria
Published: September 2022

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) is a mixed industrial waste, which often contains combustible materials (cellulose, polymers, rubber, biomass, etc.). The RDF waste precursor is subjected to thermo-oxidation treatment at 300℃, followed by carbonizations at 600℃, and high temperature hydropyrolysis at 800℃. The obtained nanoporous carbon material was subjected to detailed characterization by low temperature nitrogen sorption, elemental analysis, etc. Carbon derived from RDF is distinguished by micro/mesoporous texture and moderately high surface area (650 m2 g-1). The catalyst obtained is tested in the process of methanol decomposition, leading to production of hydrogen as a fuel. The influence of the physico-chemical characteristics of the synthesized carbon on the catalytic activity of carbon-based cobalt catalyst is studied.
Resveratrol Alters Sphingolipid Metabolism in ras-transformed 3T3 Fibroblasts
Authors: Momchilova Albena , Staneva Galya , Pankov Stefan , Krastev Nikolai , Markovska Tania , Vassileva Evgenia , Nikolova Biliana , Krastev Dimo , Pankov Roumen
Published: September 2022

The effect of resveratrol on the sphingolipid metabolism has been investigated in ras-transformed 3T3 fibroblasts. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin of a great medico-biological significance, which has been reported to exhibit significant beneficial effects such as antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anti-neoplastic, etc. Sphingolipids are functionally active lipid molecules, which are implicated in important cellular processes, such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis and transmembrane signalling, among others. Although there are many investigations devoted to the influence of resveratrol on the lipid metabolism of various types of cancer cells, the mechanism of this effect on the sphingolipid pathway remains unclear. The present studies showed that the major sphingolipid, sphingomyelin, was decreased in membranes from resveratrol-treated ras-transformed 3T3 fibroblasts, whereas ceramide, which is a pro-apoptotic factor, was elevated due to neutral sphingomyelinase up-regulation. In addition, the level of sphingosine, a product of ceramidase, was increased and the content of sphingosine-1-phosphate, which is related to cell proliferation, was lowered due to resveratrol treatment, which is an important finding especially for cancer cells. The balancing enzyme in the sphingolipid pathway, sphingosine kinase, which produces sphingosine-1-phosphate, was down-regulated in resveratrol-treated oncogene-transformed fibroblasts. In conclusion, the present results clearly show that treatment of ras-transformed fibroblasts with resveratrol induces changes in the major representatives of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway shifting the “sphingolipid rheostat” towards prevalence of the proapoptotic factor ceramide. The reported observations can be applied in the development of complex anti-tumour therapeutic strategies.
The Influence of Substrate Materials on the Microstructure, Microhardness and Wear Resistance of Nickel-base Plasma Spray Coatings
Authors: Skulev Hristo , Veselinov Deyan
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the influence of the substrate material on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of Ni-Cr-BSi-WC (Ni95Al5) coatings. Three types of substrates were studied, AISI 5060 Steel, SAE J431 automotive gray cast iron, and Ti-6Al-4V. It has been found that in the as-coated condition the surface layers have a phase composition of crystalline ɣ-Ni solid solution, amorphous, Ni3B, CrB, and Cr23C6. There are different changes of the surface after 80 min abrasive wheel.
Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in Breeding Flocks, Laying Hens and Broilers in Different Regions of Bulgaria in 2016
Authors: Dimitrova Albena
Published: September 2022

In 2016 a total number of 297 samples were tested in the frame of Salmonella control programmes in Bulgaria including official control (n = 101) and control by the business operators (n = 196). The samples originated from 3 categories of hen flocks: 48 pcs. samples from breeding flocks, 175 pcs. from laying hens and 74 pcs. from broilers. The samples belonged to 3 different groups: I – fresh feces, boot swabs and fabric socks swabs (n = 281), II – dust samples (n = 10), and III – egg shells (n = 6). The laboratory tests were performed in accordance with EN ISO 6579: 2003/À1:2007. Salmonella positives were found in 40% of dust samples (n = 10) and 2.09% of fresh feces, boot swabs, fabric socks swabs, and egg shells (n = 287). The percentage of Salmonella spp. positive samples was 3.37%, including 0.67% of breeding flocks and 2.69% of laying hens. The prevalence of Salmonella in breeding flocks was 4.17% and among laying hen herds – 4.57%. There was no Salmonella spp. detected in broilers.
The ratio of isolated Salmonella serovars was: Enteritidis – 60%, Senftenberg – 20%, and Corvallis and Infantis – 10%. In total 6.93% of the samples tested for official controls (n = 101) and 1.53% for business operator control (n = 196) were positive for Salmonella. It is recommended the replacement of dust samples with another type of sample to be solely as an exception and the control of Salmonella spp. in samples from the primary production to be as much as possible under the official control.
Palmar Dermatoglyphic Traits of Schizophrenic Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Petrova Nadezhda , Sivkov Stefan , Andreenko Emilia , Atanasov Todor , Mladenova Tsvetelina , Dzhambov Angel , Vachev Tihomir
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study is to examine the differences in palmar dermatoglyphic traits between healthy controls and schizophrenic patients, thus to investigate their possible diagnostic significance in relation to the disease. The study included 344 subjects of Bulgarian ethnicity, aged 18–64 years, 285 mentally healthy and 59 schizophrenic patients. The patients met DSMV criteria for schizophrenia. Palmar prints were obtained by the typographic method, in a rotating manner. Palmar dermatoglyphic traits are determined according to the rules of Cummins and Midlo [18]. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0.
Our results showed that on the right hand the differences of palmar patterns between healthy and diseased males in interdigital area IV reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). On the left hand, the differences between healthy and diseased males in interdigital area IV reached high statistical significance (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the frequency of Line A ending in the fields 5I and 5II on both hands of diseased males, while in diseased females – in fields 3 and 4 only on the left hand. A higher frequency of accessorytriradii in diseased males was found on both hands compared to the healthy ones, as the frequency differences of accessory triradii for the left hand were significant (p < 0.01).
The study confirms the presence of palmar dermatoglyphic dissociations in psychiatric patients, the differences with the healthy are in the palmar patterns, accessory triradii, and in the ending fields of the main Line A.
Effects of Dietary Lipase Supplementation on Digestive Enzyme Activity and Growth Metrics of Juvenile Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
Authors: Özcan Filiz , Taşbozan Oğuz
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of exogenous lipase supplementation on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and body chemical composition of Sparus aurata L. A total of 840 Sparus aurata (7.72 ± 0.05g) were fed eight diets for 60 days. Diets were coded Group 1: Control 1 (G1–14% Lipid); Group 2: Control 2 (G2–22% Lipid); Group 3: 14% Lipid + 0.5 g lipase (G3– 0.5 g/kg); Group 4: 14% lipid + 1.0 g lipase (G4–1 g/kg); Group 5: 14% Lipid + 1.5 g lipase (G5–1.5 g/kg); Group 6: 22% lipid + 0.5 g lipase (G6–0.5 g/kg); Group 7: 22% Lipid + 1.0 g lipase (G7 1 g/kg) and Group 8: 22% Lipid + 1.5 g lipase (G8–1.5 g/kg). There were 8 dietary treatments that included a protein and lipid diet containing (14% and 22%), crude protein (50%) and supplemented with graded levels of exogenous lipase supplementation activity at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg diet. As a result of the study, G3 group was better in the final weight (64.42 ± 1.06 g), the specific growth rate (3.55 ± 0.01) and the feed conversion rate (1.20 ± 0.18) compared to other groups (P <0.05). Protease, trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activity support growth and their activity increased during the trial. As regards amylase, lipase and aminopeptidase, a decrease in their activity was detected during the research.
Traversing missing links in the spread of HIV
Authors: Brintnell Erin , Poon Art
Published: September 2022

Combining clinical and genetic data can improve the effectiveness of virus tracking with the aim of reducing the number of HIV cases by 2030.
Connective Enactment and Collective Accomplishment in Professional Practices
Authors: Kemmis Stephen , Hopwood Nick
Published: September 2022

Working with others is key to professionalism but little attention has been given to how specific actions contribute to collective practices to secure shared ends in work. This essay considers how professionals’ actions connect with one another in distributed (multi-participant) work practices. Recently, Hopwood, Blomberg, Dahlberg and Abrant Dahlgren identified a new way of viewing how professionals in distributed practices coordinate their actions to accomplish shared ends, in terms of phenomena they describe as “connective enactments” and “collective accomplishments”. In this essay, we explore the possibility that these phenomena have far more general application than the cases studied by Hopwood et al. We use the theory of practice architectures to outline this more general account and test its viability in by examining a case of culinary services practices. This more generalised account may offer new ways to understand features of distributed work practices and enhance professional practice and learning.
Entre un gueto de terciopelo y un techo de cristal: situación de las creativas en España
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla (España), Ramos-Serrano Marina , Miguélez-Juan Blanca ,   Universidad del País Vasco (España), Hernández-Santaolalla Víctor ,   Universidad de Sevilla (España)
Published: September 2022

Esta investigación analiza la situación profesional de las creativas en las agencias de publicidad españolas y las barreras que ponen freno al ascenso de las mujeres publicistas en los departamentos creativos, con foco en tres áreas: pink ghettos y promoción, sesgos inconscientes, y maternidad. Se aplicó un cuestionario que fue respondido por 252 creativas de edades entre 21 y 59 años. Se observa, dentro de los departamentos, una adjudicación sesgada de las cuentas, esto es, un reparto no equitativo de clientes y briefings que las condena a trabajar continuamente con cuentas altamente feminizadas. Los sesgos inconscientes quedaron resumidos en términos de rechazo y exclusión, autoconfianza y competencia. Con respecto a la maternidad, se sigue constatando la dificultad de las creativas por conciliar la vida en familia con el trabajo, lo que hace que se suela decantar la balanza en favor de la trayectoria profesional. Se evidencia, en definitiva, que la creatividad es una profesión masculinizada en la que se necesita acabar con los sesgos de género.
Influencia autoreportada de las encuestas en la intención de voto y factores explicativos
Authors:   Universidad de las Américas Puebla (México), Bellia Lorella , Echeverría Martín ,   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (México)
Published: September 2022

Esta investigación analiza la importancia que los ciudadanos le otorgan a las encuestas electorales en su intención de voto, considerando su intensa mediatización propagandística y noticiosa en México. Se contrastaron los factores tradicionales de comportamiento electoral como variables independientes –identificación partidista, las propuestas de los candidatos, los grupos de referencia y la sofisticación política– que predicen la influencia de las encuestas. Dado los escasos estudios precedentes en la región, se realizó un ejercicio exploratorio de naturaleza mixta y de caso, utilizando una encuesta analítica en línea (n=209) y cinco grupos focales en cinco municipios (n=40 participantes). Los resultados arrojaron que las encuestas son muy consultadas, pero poco consideradas para formular el voto, en términos absolutos y con relación a otros factores de comportamiento electoral, en parte por una desconfianza hacia ellas. No obstante, se confirmó que los votantes informados, es decir, con mayores niveles de sofisticación política, de nivel socioeconómico más alto y que prestan más atención a la campaña, son quienes manifiestan una mayor influencia de las encuestas. La investigación busca sentar las bases para estudios posteriores sobre este fenómeno, poco abordado en la literatura actual sobre comportamiento electoral.
Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Parameters around Microthread Implants in Patients with and without History of Treated Periodontitis
Authors: Ramananda Swathi , Vamsianegundi Raghavendra , Talwar Avaneendra , Shenoy Santhosh B , Rao Kumuda
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Maintenance of crestal bone level is crucial for the success of implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation. Implant neck design plays an important role in maintaining crestal bone levels. The microring neck design is known to counteract the marginal bone loss and improving bone-to-implant contact by providing optimal load distribution as reported by the finite element studies and animal studies. Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate dental implants’ short-term (12 months) clinical and radiographic parameters in periodontally healthy patients versus those with history of treated periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The current prospective interventional study was performed at AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India from 2016 to 2018. In the study, 24 microthreaded implants were placed in periodontally healthy patients (group A, n=12) and patients with a history of treated periodontitis (group B, n=12). Peri-implant radiographic crestal bone loss, clinical measurements like probing pocket depths, bleeding on probing, and soft tissue complications were assessed around implants at time of implant loading, and 3, 6, and 12 months postloading. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: At the end of one-year postloading, peri-implant crestal mean bone loss of 2.317±0.914 mm (mesial), 2.37±1.276 mm (distal) and 2.673±1.178 (mesial), 2.87±1.075 (distal) mm were observed in groups A and B, respectively. The probing pocket depths were 3.729±0.95 mm and 4.017±0.67 mm in groups A and B, respectively at the end of the study period. However, there was no statistical significance for probing depths among both groups. At the end of the study period, soft tissue complications were 16.67% in group B, while no complications were noted in group A. None of the groups showed any technical or mechanical complications. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that crestal bone loss and pocket depths around implants are similar in both groups at various follow up periods. However, the incidence of peri-implant soft tissue complications is higher in patients with history of treated periodontitis.
Profile of Farm Women of Western Vidarbha region, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sawandkar D. N. , Wakle P. K. , Lambe S. P.
Published: September 2022

The present study focuses on farm women as an integral part of rural society; hence the research objective was formulated to study the profile of Farm women of, Western Vidarbha region. An exploratory research design of social science was used for the investigation. Study was conducted in Akola and Washim districts in the year 2021, with 240 respondents. The findings of the study indicated that, nearly half (47.50 %) of the farm women were from middle age group i.e. 36 to 50 year, quarter of the respondent (27.50 %) were educated up to secondary school (8th to10th), 40.42 per cent respondent belonged to medium family size (5 to 6), majority respondent (67.92 per cent) of the belonged to joint family, the respondent 36.25 per cent of the respondent belonged to marginal land holding category i.e. Up to 1.00 ha, (34.58 %) of the respondent had agriculture as their family occupation. Almost half 50.83 per cent of the respondent belonged to medium annual income of Rs. 450001 to 9, 00,000. Less than half 42.08 per cent of the farm women belonged to medium farming experiences, and similar percentage (47.08 %) belonged to medium mean man days i.e. up to 156 days. Nearly half (49.58%) of the respondent had medium level of achievement motivation. While 45.83 per cent of the had low risk orientation and nearly half (49.58 %) of the respondent had medium economic motivation, Majority of the respondent i.e. 63.33 per cent had moderate time use pattern i.e. up to 6-8 hours. Less than half the farm respondent (45.00 %) are from low decision making category. A large majority 83.75 per cent of respondent did not undergo any training. Majority of the respondent i.e. 48.33 per cent were using medium source of information and 42.92 per cent of the farm women had low market orientation.
Can the Physical Parameters with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) Method Able to Classify Benign and Malignant Breast Cancer?
Authors: Gunawan Anak Agung Ngurah , Wibawa I. Made Satriya , Mahendra Anak Agung Ngurah Surya , Negara Anak Agung Ngurah Franky Kusuma , Negara Anak Agung Ngurah Frady Cakra
Published: September 2022

Objective: Evaluating the diagnostic performance of SVM to classify benign and malignant by performing a meta-analysis.

Methods: The data used for this study were secondary data. It consisted of 221 mammogram images (mean age 57.5 years) with 164 malignant and 57 benign, taken from a radiological database that has been examined by a radiologist with more than 20 years of experience. Also, histopathological record data that had been examined by an oncologist with more than 20 years of experience. Mammograms were taken from January 2022 to June 2022. In all, 221 mammograms consisting of 164 malignant and 57 benign were used as SVM method training, and 20 mammograms consisting of 10 malignant and 10 benign were used to test the performance of the SVM method. It was then evaluated using pathology results as the gold standard.

Results: Benign had a significantly lower deviation (an average of 29.2661230 ± 10.14916673) than malignant (an average of 33.1841234 ± 11.70238757). The SVM method performance value obtained the values ​​of TP, FP, TN, FN, accuracy, sensitivity, Specificity, and Precision, respectively 7,7, 3, 3, 50%, 70%, 30%, and 50%.

Conclusion: A proper performance to distinguish benign and malignant can be obtained using the physical deviation parameters with the SVM classification approach. However, these findings should be proven in larger datasets with different mammographic scanners. Our meta-analysis shows that the physical parameters and SVM have high sensitivity but low specificity. Of the nine physical parameters in the mammogram, only the parameter deviation was significant to distinguish between benign and malignant. The SVM method proved to be able to differentiate between benign and malignant.
Hepatocellular Injury Ameliorated by a Common African Food, Parkia biglobosa
Authors: Onyekachi O. I. N. , Orji S. F. , Ugwu C. N. , Igwenyi C. , Uche C. L. , Abali I. O. , Nwobodo M. U. , Iwuoha C. E. , Chika-Igwenyi N. M. , Onyeaghala C. A. , Agu F. U. , Airaodion A. I.
Published: September 2022

Background: Parkia biglobosa seed has been reported to possess hepatoperotective potential. Therefore, this study sought to investigate its ability in ameliorating KBrO3-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methodology: P. biglobosa was extracted with soxhlet extractor with 95% ethanol as the solvent. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were acclimatized under laboratory conditions and were randomly grouped into A, B, C and D. Group A was given distilled water orally. Animals in groups B, C and D were administered 100 mg/kg body weight of potassium bromate, but groups C and D were also treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of P. biglobosa respectively. Both potassium bromate and P. biglobosa were freshly prepared on daily basis and administered to rats by oral gavage. After 28 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed under mild diethyl ether anaesthetization 24 hours after cessation of last treatment. Blood and liver tissue were collected.

Results: The findings demonstrated that, when compared to the control group, KBrO3 caused a significant increase (P˂0.05) in ALT, AST, LDH, ALP, total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), and unconjugated bilirubin (UB) levels, but decreased total protein, albumin and globulin in the serum of animals. In the liver cells, KBrO3 reduced hepatic biomarkers. These perturbations were neutralized in the groups treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively.

Conclusion: The result of the present study revealed that KBrO3 is hepatotoxic at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The result further suggests that P. biglobosa possesses hepatoprotective properties in rats in vivo. This study can be replicated in human trial.
Evaluation of the Lipid Profile of Plasmodium berghei Infected Rats Treated with Aqueous Bark Extract of Cassia spectabilis
Authors: Kingsley Okoyomoh , Uche Elendu Melford , Chinonye Obioha Kennedy , Wariso Chris Akunne
Published: September 2022

The aim of this work was to evaluate the lipid profile of Plasmodium berghei infected rats treated with aqueous extract of Cassia spectabilis. Twenty five (25) adult male wistar rats were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) rats per group. Group I was the normal control fed only rat chow and water, Group II was infected with the parasite without treatment. Groups III and IV were infected with Plasmodium berghei and afterwards treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Cassia spectabilis respectively, while Group V was infected and treated with a standard drug (chloroquine). Treatment lasted for 7 days after which animals were sacrificed and blood sample collected. Evaluation of lipid profile was performed by standard procedures. Plasmodium berghei infection significantly (P<0.05) increased Total Cholesterol (TC), Triacylglyceride (TG) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) but significantly (P<0.05) decreased High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) an observation which was reversed following treatment with the aqueous extract of Cassia spectabilis in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, extract of the said plant wields the potential to recover a stable lipid profile in Plasmodium berghei infected rats.
Field Control of Maize Borers Using Aqueous Seed Extracts of Thevetia Peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum
Authors: Mboussi Serge Bertrand , Nsangou Abdou Nourou Kone , Heu Alain , Belibi Marlyse Zita Mboudou , Zemko Patrice Ngatsi , Dooh Jules Patrice Ngoh , Ambang Zachée
Published: September 2022

Aims: In order to find an alternative to chemical control, the insecticidal potential of aqueous extracts of Thevetia peruviana seeds formulated at 16.66 g/l were tested in the field on the maize stalk borer species.

Study Design:  The factorial design in subdivided plots or "split-plot" with four replicates and two factors studies was used on an area of 250 m2.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in a field located in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon where cassava was grown beforehand, between July and October 2021.

Methodology: The extracts at 250 g per 15 l of water were tested against a synthetic insecticide Cypercal at 37.5 ml per 5 l of water and an absolute control (untreated) in a four replicate split-plot device. Two maize varieties (V1: CMS 8704; V2: local) and three treatments (T1: control; T2: T. peruviana seed extract; T3: Cypercal 12 EC) were used. The aqueous extract of T. peruviana was applied by spraying on stems, leaves and leaf cones from 5th to 9th weeks after sowing (SAS). Data were recorded on growth parameters, stem borer density, and maize grain yield.

Results: The results show that the application of the treatments resulted in a good development of the growth parameters in the two maize varieties used. Two species of borer Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis belonging to the order Lepidoptera were identified. The density of maize stalk borers was significantly reduced (T2: 3 borers) in the subplots treated with aqueous extracts compared to the control (T1: 10 borers). Treatment T2 (2.05 t/ha) gave higher grain yield than the control (1.41 t/ha).

Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of T. peruviana seeds having thus shown a strong insect repellent potential in the field can therefore be integrated into the framework of biological control that protects the environment and human health.
Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies for Yield and Yield Traits in French Marigold (Tagetes Patula L.)
Authors: Sodhi Amanjeet Singh , Laishram Nomita , Singh Arvinder , Pandey R. K.
Published: September 2022

Twelve growth and flowering traits to study their genetic variability, correlation and path coefficients from twenty-five genotypes of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) were evaluated in the growing season 2016/17. The analysis of variance for all the traits showed significant differences among genotypes for all the growing plants and flowering traits. The range in mean performance was observed for plant height (34.33-94.33 cm), plant spread (31.33-73.43 cm), number of flowers per plant (53.33-104.67), carotenoid content (19.43-74.57 mg/100 g), days to 50% of flowering (49.43-82.40 days) and flower yield per plant (142.56 g - 526.15 g). The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was observed for flower yield per plant, days to 50% of flowering and plant height. Flower yield per plant had a positive and highly significant correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels with the number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, plant height and shelf life. Path coefficient analysis revealed that traits like number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flowers, plant height, number of primary branches per plant and the lifespan of flowering had positive effects on flower yield per plant. Hence, selection for these traits would be effective for flower yield in French marigold.
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL RESILIENCE STUDY ON THE YOUNG NASCENT ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: Santoso Dimitri Marcello , Indudewi Yuanita Ratna
Published: September 2022

Changes occur in human existence, particularly in lifestyle, during this pandemic. Changes occur in the workplace on a daily basis. Workers and companies are facing difficulties in surviving the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to assess the link between entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial passion, and entrepreneurial resilience in young nascent entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 216 sampels of young nascent entrepreneurs of age 19 to 22 to support this research. SPSS Software was used for data analysis and processing. The result showed during the pandemic, the entrepreneurial self-efficacy variable had a positive significant influence on the entrepreneurial resilience, and the entrepreneurial passion had a positive significant influence on the entrepreneurial resilience. Based on the study and analysis, hypotheses 1 and hypothesis 2 were accepted since they had a substantial effect on the entrepreneurial resilience variable, either partially or simultaneously. During the pandemic, a young nascent entrepreneur needed to remain inventive and able to create opportunities in operating their businesses. Further study on other aspects that can affect entrepreneurial resilience was adviseable.
Exit Rates of Accountable Care Organizations That Serve High Proportions of Beneficiaries of Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Authors: Lin Sunny C. , Maddox Karen E. Joynt , Ryan Andrew M. , Moloci Nicholas , Shay Addison , Hollingsworth John Malcolm
Published: September 2022

Importance

The Medicare Shared Savings Program provides financial incentives for accountable care organizations (ACOs) to reduce costs of care. The structure of the shared savings program may not adequately adjust for challenges associated with caring for patients with high medical complexity and social needs, a population disproportionately made up of racial and ethnic minority groups. If so, ACOs serving racial and ethnic minority groups may be more likely to exit the program, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of potential benefits from health care delivery reform efforts.

Objective

To evaluate whether ACOs with a high proportion of beneficaries of racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to exit the Medicare Shared Savings Program and identify characteristics associated with this disparity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective observational cohort study used secondary data on Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs from January 2012 through December 2018. Bivariate and multivariate cross-sectional regression analyses were used to understand whether ACO racial and ethnic composition was associated with program exit, and how ACOs with a high proportion of beneficaries of racial and ethnic minority groups differed in characteristics associated with program exit.

Exposures

Racial and ethnic composition of an ACO’s beneficiaries.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Shared savings program exit before 2018.

Results

The study included 589 Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs. The ACOs in the highest quartile of proportion of beneficaries of racial and ethnic minority groups were designated high-proportion ACOs (145 [25%]), and those in the lowest 3 quartiles were designated low-proportion ACOs (444 [75%]). In unadjusted analysis, a 10–percentage point increase in the proportion of beneficiaries of racial and ethnic minority groups was associated with a 1.12-fold increase in the odds of an ACO exit (95% CI, 1.00-1.25; P = .04). In adjusted analysis, there were significant associations among high-proportion ACOs between characteristics such as patient comorbidities, disability, and clinician composition and a higher likelihood of exit.

Conclusions and Relevance

The study results suggest that ACOs that served a higher proportion of beneficaries of racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to exit the Medicare Shared Savings Program, partially because of serving patients with greater disease severity and complexity. These findings raise concerns about how current payment reform efforts may differentially affect racial and ethnic minority groups.
Trends in Enrollment in Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance in the US Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, January 2019 to June 2021
Authors: Parikh Ravi B. , Navathe Amol S. , Zhao Yueming , Pagnotti David , Emanuel Ezekiel J.
Published: September 2022

This cross-sectional study compares trends in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage in the US before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locally Adapted Microstructures in an Additively Manufactured Titanium Aluminide Alloy Through Process Parameter Variation and Heat Treatment
Authors: Moritz Juliane , Teschke Mirko , Marquardt Axel , Stepien Lukas , López Elena , Brueckner Frank , Walther Frank , Leyens Christoph
Published: September 2022

Electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF‐EB/M) has been attracting great research interest as a promising technology for additive manufacturing of titanium aluminide alloys. However, challenges often arise from the process‐induced evaporation of aluminum, which is linked to the PBF‐EB/M process parameters. This study applies different volumetric energy densities during PBF‐EB/M processing to deliberately adjust the aluminum contents in additively manufactured Ti–43.5Al–4Nb–1Mo–0.1B (TNM‐B1) samples. The specimens are subsequently subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and a two‐step heat treatment. The influence of process parameter variation and heat treatments on microstructure and defect distribution are investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X‐ray computed tomography (CT). Depending on the aluminum content, shifts in the phase transition temperatures can be identified via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is confirmed that the microstructure after heat treatment is strongly linked to the PBF‐EB/M parameters and the associated aluminum evaporation. The feasibility of producing locally adapted microstructures within one component through process parameter variation and subsequent heat treatment can be demonstrated. Thus, fully lamellar and nearly lamellar microstructures in two adjacent component areas can be adjusted, respectively.
Zwitterionic Polymer/Polydopamine Coating of Electrode Arrays Reduces Fibrosis and Residual Hearing Loss after Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Chen Anning , Chen Dongxiu , Lv Kai , Li Guowei , Pan Jing , Ma Dong , Tang Jie , Zhang Hongzheng
Published: September 2022

Since the first surgery 50 years ago, cochlear implantation (CI) is the major treatment for patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss. However, unexpected foreign body reactions (FBRs) after surgery are reported in 90% of CI recipients, resulting in the formation of fibrosis in the cochlea and progressive residual hearing loss. Zwitterion modification is universally used to reduce bio‐fouling and suppress FBRs but never for CI. In the present study, a zwitterionic coating is developed, which is composed of poly sulfobetaine methacrylate (PSB) and polydopamine (PDA) for cochlear implants. The PSB‐PDA coating shows a series of characters for an ideal anti‐FBRs material, including super‐hydrophilicity, low protein and cell adsorption, long‐term stability, and high biocompatibility. Compared to the uncoated controls, PSB‐PDA coating inhibits the activation of macrophages and reduces the release of inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, NO) and fibrosis‐related factors (TGF‐β1, α‐SMA, collagen I). PSB‐PDA coated electrode arrays suppress fibrosis completely and preserve residual hearing significantly in rat CI models. These results suggest that PSB‐PDA coating is a novel strategy for anti‐fibrosis to improve the outcomes of CI.
Squid Suckerin‐Spider Silk Fusion Protein Hydrogel for Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome to Chronic Wounds
Authors: Koh Kenrick , Wang Jun Kit , Chen James Xiao Yuan , Hiew Shu Hui , Cheng Hong Sheng , Gabryelczyk Bartosz , Vos Marcus Ivan Gerard , Yip Yun Sheng , Chen Liyan , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Chua Damian Kang Keat , Tan Nguan Soon , Tay Chor Yong , Miserez Ali
Published: September 2022

Chronic wounds are non‐healing wounds characterized by a prolonged inflammation phase. Excessive inflammation leads to elevated protease levels and consequently to a decrease in growth factors at wound sites. Stem cell secretome therapy has been identified as a treatment strategy to modulate the microenvironment of chronic wounds via supplementation with anti‐inflammatory/growth factors. However, there is a need to develop better secretome delivery systems that are able to encapsulate the secretome without denaturation, in a sustained manner, and that are fully biocompatible. To address this gap, a recombinant squid suckerin‐spider silk fusion protein is developed with cell‐adhesion motifs capable of thermal gelation at physiological temperatures to form hydrogels for encapsulation and subsequent release of the stem cell secretome. Freeze–thaw treatment of the protein hydrogel results in a modified porous cryogel that maintains slow degradation and sustained secretome release. Chronic wounds of diabetic mice treated with the secretome‐laden cryogel display increased wound closure, presence of endothelial cells, granulation wound tissue thickness, and reduced inflammation with no fibrotic scar formation. Overall, these in vivo indicators of wound healing demonstrate that the fusion protein hydrogel displays remarkable potential as a delivery system for secretome‐assisted chronic wound healing.
Visualized Gallium/Lyticase‐Integrated Antifungal Strategy for Fungal Keratitis Treatment
Authors: He Jian , Ye Yang , Zhang Dongxiao , Yao Ke , Zhou Min
Published: September 2022

Fungal keratitis has been one of the common corneal infections that causes blindness, but an effective antifungal strategy remains a challenge. The exopolysaccharides both in the fungal cell walls and biofilms are a key that acts as a permeation barrier to weaken the therapeutic effect of antifungal agents. Herein, lyticase and gallium ions co‐integrated nanosystems (MLPGa) are presented that can degrade exopolysaccharides and then effectively eradicate both planktonic Candida albicans and mature biofilms. The potential antifungal mechanism involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and metabolic interference of antioxidant‐related genes, exopolysaccharide‐related genes, iron‐ion‐utilization‐related genes, fungal/biofilm‐development‐related genes, and virulence genes. Meanwhile, the Raman signals generated by the chelation between the nanosystems and the gallium ions provide a real‐time visualization tool to monitor Ga release. Finally, the MLPGa‐based antifungal strategy with good biocompatibility achieves a satisfactory therapeutic effect in a fungal keratitis mouse model. This study provides a unique approach to the effective treatment of fungal keratitis in clinical practice.
Benzannulation and N‐Annulation of β‐Ketoenamines for Synthesizing Aniline and Pyridine Derivatives Using DMSO as a Methine Source
Authors: Ganjan Dalai Pallaba , Panda Niranjan
Published: September 2022

Benzannulation and N‐annulation of β‐ketoenamines by the in‐situ generated methyl(methylene)sulfonium ion from the reaction of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1,2‐dibromoethane (DBE) was achieved. The β‐ketoenamines underwent N‐annulation to pyridine derivatives, while the N‐alkylated enamines were benzannulated to afford substituted anilines. The utility of the intermediate methyl(methylene)sulfonium ion was further extended for synthesizing methylene‐bridged bis‐1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds.

magnified image
Understanding the importance of farmer–NGO collaboration for sustainability and business strategy: Evidence from the coffee supply chain
Authors: Fontana Enrico , Pisalyaput Nick
Published: September 2022

Despite the attention to governance strategies based on international market intervention and product differentiation, research on how farmers and NGOs collaborate and share knowledge in production countries to help address sustainability challenges bottom‐up remains limited. Through evidence from the coffee supply chain, this article endorses a human ecology viewpoint and shows how farmer–NGO collaboration in domestic markets can help foster relevant environmental, social, and economic upgrades. More significantly, it provides evidence of the importance of farmer–NGO collaboration for business strategy and indicates how NGOs can help farmers to grow as independent business owners and build their own market channels locally. By conceptualizing a strategic framework of farmer–NGO collaboration to better overcome sustainability challenges bottom‐up and empower farmers as independent business owners, while also outlining the possible unintended consequences of such collaboration, this article finally contributes to the literature on the coffee supply chain and offers generalizable takeaways for NGO strategy.
Harnessing Split‐Inteins as a Tool for the Selective Modification of Surface Receptors in Live Cells
Authors: Ray Devin M. , Flood Julia R. , David Yael
Published: September 2022

Biochemical studies of integral membrane proteins are often hampered by low purification yields and technical limitations such as aggregation causing in vitro manipulations to be challenging. The ability of controlling proteins in live cells bypasses these limitations while broadening the scope of accessible questions owing to the proteins being in their native environment. Here we take advantage of the intein biorthogonality to mammalian systems, site specificity, fast kinetics, and auto‐processing nature as an attractive option for modifying surface proteins. Using EGFR as a model, we demonstrate that the split‐intein pair AvaN/NpuC can be used to efficiently and specifically modify target membrane proteins with a synthetic adduct for downstream live cell application.
DNA Strand Displacement with Base Pair Stabilizers: Purine‐2,6‐Diamine and 8‐Aza‐7‐Bromo‐7‐Deazapurine‐2,6‐Diamine Oligonucleotides Invade Canonical DNA and New Fluorescent Pyrene Click Sensors Monitor the Reaction
Authors: Zhang Aigui , Kondhare Dasharath , Leonard Peter , Seela Frank
Published: September 2022

Purine‐2,6‐diamine and 8‐aza‐7‐deaza‐7‐bromopurine‐2,6‐diamine 2’‐deoxyribonucleosides (1and2) were implemented in isothermal DNA strand displacement reactions. Nucleoside1is a weak stabilizer of dA‐dT base pairs, nucleoside2evokes strong stabilization. Strand displacement reactions used single‐stranded invaders with single and multiple incorporations of stabilizers. Displacement is driven by negative enthalpy changes between target and displaced duplex. Toeholds are not required. Two new environmental sensitive fluorescent pyrene sensors were developed to monitor the progress of displacement reactions. Pyrene was connected to the nucleobase in the invader or to a dendritic linker in the output strand. Both new sensors were constructed by click chemistry; phosphoramidites and oligonucleotides were prepared. Sensors show monomer or excimer emission. Fluorescence intensity changes when the displacement reaction progresses. Our work demonstrates that strand displacement with base pair stabilizers is applicable to DNA, RNA and to related biopolymers with applications in chemical biology, nanotechnology and medicinal diagnostics.