bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ПАТОЛОГІЯ ДИХАЛЬНИХ ШЛЯХІВ ПОРОСЯТ У РАЗІ ВПЛИВУ ІНФЕКЦІЙНИХ ЗБУДНИКІВ
Authors: Коваленко Л. М. , Коваленко О. І.
Published: February 2022

За результатами низки досліджень встановлено, що одними з проблем, які спричиняють зниження рентабельності тваринництва, стають респіраторні хвороби молодняку. З розвитком свинарства, оскільки це найбільш прибуткова галузь, ці хвороби поширені у багатьох країнах світу і посідають провідне місце в патології свиней (Grechukhin, Shafiev, 2012; Kovalishin, Kanypina, Byadovskaya, 2016). За останній період численними дослідженнями в нашій країні та за її межами встановлено, що хворобам молодняку сприяють технологічні стрес-фактори, які знижують загальну неспецифічну резистентність та мають як неінфекційну, так і інфекційну природу. Велику питому вагу становлять респіраторні хвороби. Незважаючи на те, що епізоотологічна роль збудників інфекційної етіології досить вивчена, але у виникненні респіраторного синдрому у поросят залишається однією з гострих проблем. Різна видова належність в етіології захворювань шляхів дихання у молодняку забезпечує їх більш продовжене перебування в організмі. Упереджені господарські фактори впливу утворюють бар’єр, який не дозволяє формуванню специфічного захисту у разі інфекційних хвороб тварин, а імунопрофілактика факторним інфекціям, особливо без створення належних умов утримання і годівлі тварин. Науковцями доведено, що комплекс заходів боротьби з респіраторними хворобами поросят, окрім застосування засобів специфічної профілактики, проведення технологічних та ветеринарно-санітарних заходів, потребує застосування препаратів-імуностимуляторів та з антимікробною дією на супутні патогенні бактерії (Zuev, 2012; Bednarek, Pejsak, 2014). За даними дослідницьких робіт визначено, що специфічна профілактика великої кількості інфекційних хвороб не є ефективною, тому напрям у боротьбі з ними належить застосуванню комплексної терапії. Респіраторні захворювання мають асоційовану форму, тому стає необхідністю застосування препаратів широкого спектра дії, одночасно впливаючи на декілька збудників. На сучасному рівні використовується антибіотикотерапія. Комплекс препаратів включає синергідний ефект, який дозволяє зменшити дозу того чи іншого препарату і тим самим удосконалити схему лікування інфікованих тварин.
МІКРОЕЛЕМЕНТИ ТКАНИН ОРГАНІЗМУ БДЖІЛ ЗА ПІДГОДІВЛІ НАНОТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИМИ ЦИТРАТАМИ КОБАЛЬТУ І ГЕРМАНІЮ
Authors: Ковальчук І. І. , Кикіш І. Б. , Федорук Р. С. , Цап М. М.
Published: February 2022

Досліджено вплив нанотехнологічних цитратів кобальту (30мкг/ 300 мл) цукрового сиропу (ц. с.) i германію (60 мкг/ 300 мл ц. с.), та їхньої суміші у водному розчині на вміст окремих елементів у тканинах різних анатомічних відділів і всього організму бджіл карпатської породи. Сформовано чотири групи бджіл-аналогів: 1) контрольна (300 мл ц. с. на бджолосім’ю/ тиждень); 2) дослідна ( 30мкг Со/ 300 мл ц. с.); 3) дослідна (60мкг Ge /300мл ц. с.); 4) дослідна (30мкг Со+ 60 мкг Ge/ 300 мл ц. с.). Бджіл утримували у садках в умовах 300С у лабораторному термостаті впродовж 30 діб із визначенням умісту Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb i Cd у гомогенатах тканин голови, грудей, черевця і всього організму. Дослідження мікроелементів проведено на атомно-абсорбційному спектрофотометрі СФ-115 ПК у сухому мінералізаті гомогенату тканин. Установлено вірогідно вищий уміст феруму у тканинах грудного відділу за дії 60мкг германію і суміші цитратів із 30мкг Со та 60мкг Ge на тлі вищого рівня кобальту у тканинах бджіл усіх трьох дослідних груп, але нижчого – стосовно свинцю за тенденції до зниження кадмію та нікелю. У тканинах голови бджіл дослідних груп знижувався вміст Fe, Ni, Pb i Cd, a Cu – тільки у дослідній IV групі із невірогідним підвищенням рівня кобальту. Встановлені зміни у тканинах голови відзначено як для черевця, так і для всього організму бджіл дослідних груп порівняно із контрольною, що вказує на певні фізіологічні особливості кумуляції і розподілу досліджених мікроелементів у тканинах та органах бджіл у період підгодівлі нанотехнологічними цитратами кобальту і германію. Важливою є виражена детоксикаційна дія нанотехнологічних цитратів кобальту і германію та їхніх сполук, що забезпечує зниження концентрації свинцю, кадмію і нікелю у тканинах як окремих анатомічних відділів бджіл, так і всього організму. Обговорено антагоністичну та синергічну залежність досліджених мікроелементів із іншими мінеральними елементами у фізіологічних процесах живлення бджіл і вмісту у тканинах організму.
ЕПІЗООТОЛОГІЧНІ ТА ЕПІДЕМІОЛОГІЧНІ АСПЕКТИ КИШКОВОГО ІЄРСИНІОЗУ В УКРАЇНІ (ОГЛЯД)
Authors: Труба О. О.
Published: February 2022

Стаття містить аналітичні відомості про сучасний епідеміологічний стан поширення кишкового ієрсиніозу серед тварин і людей як за кордоном, так і в Україні. На підставі аналізу національних і закордонних наукових джерел у статті представлено інформацію щодо поширення ієрсиніозу серед людей і тварин. Охарактеризовано сучасні підходи до ідентифікації патогенних штамів. Проведено огляд інформації і порівняльну характеристику методів виявлення і дослідження Yersinia enterocolitica. Встановлено наявні нині методи диференціації патогенних і непатогенних штамів Y.enterocolitica різних сероварів, які можна умовно поділити на 4 групи: біологічні, генетичні, фенотипічні, імунологічні. Базуючись на отриманих даних і власному дослідженні, можна стверджувати, що найбільш достовірні результати досліджень можна отримати, використовуючи тільки повну комбінацію методів. Під час аналізу показників визначено головні серовари збудника кишкового ієрсиніозу, які є патогенними як для людей, так і для тварин. На основі аналізу літературних джерел в останні роки територію України можна умовно поділити на області, що відповідають трьом рівням ураження: низькому, середньому і високому. Низький рівень захворюваності встановлюють у разі виявлення від 0,01 до 0,11% випадків на 100 тисяч населення, середній рівень - 0,12-0,58% випадків на 100 тисяч населення, високий рівень - 0,59% спалахів і вище на 100 тисяч населення. Хоча Yersinia enterocolitica є загальним ентеропатогеном, який зазвичай спричинює відносно легкий перебіг хвороби, проте він може бути основною причиною небезпечної для життя інфекції, що виникає після гемотрансфузії, спричиняючи сепсис, а також може призводити до тяжких постінфекційних ускладнень, таких як артрит. Унаслідок здійснення власних досліджень установлено, що одним із досить простих, економічно доцільних та інформативних методів діагностики ієрсиніозу у котів є посів на ієрсиніозне поживне середовище, на якому бактеріальна культура росте досить швидко і специфічно. Із використанням літературних джерел проведено вибірку основних комплексів дослідження Yersinia enterocolitica. Проведено економічну оцінку їх застосування. Піднято питання про біологічну безпеку людини і дрібних домашніх тварин щодо поширення збудника кишкового ієрсиніозу.
Determinants of Studying at “Home” while Living “Abroad”: A Grounded Theory Study on College-Choice among Western Expatriate and Transnational Distance Students in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Stewart William H.
Published: February 2022

Since the mid 1980s to today, the Republic of Korea has experienced significant immigration. The influx of various forms of migrants has started changing the makeup of an otherwise ethnically homogenous society. Despite such demographics changes, commensurate adjustments to government policies or institutional services have not necessarily occurred. Globalization and related technological advancements, however, have made it possible to sidestep limitations/obstacles resulting from a lack of recognition or change. In the case of education, the Internet has enabled, at least for some, the ability to continue pursuing education “home”, while continuing to work and live “abroad”. Nevertheless, the determinants of distance education in such instances has not been adequately investigated. Though college choice literature is plentiful, it is largely traditional student oriented and based on face-to-face instruction. Few studies have investigated distance education college choice, which is largely composed of non-traditional student groups. As a result, the motivations and influences on this population’s college enrollment are poorly understood. This grounded theory study investigated the college choice process of long-term foreign residents in Korea who were enrolled in distance education programs in their home countries or abroad elsewhere. Eight expatriate and two transnational distance students participated in interviews where themes of repatriation as a determinant for the impetus to study surfaced, with local educational ecosystem inaccessibility, and home country ecosystem convenience as mediating factors. Implications for policy and directions for local Korean educational institutions are discussed as well as for institutions “abroad”.  Future areas of research are suggested.
BOOK REVIEW: East. M. (2021). Foundational Principles of Task-based Language Teaching, 1st Edition. New York: Routledge, 198 pp., ISBN: 978-0-367-47906-0.
Authors: Korucu Kış Saadet
Published: February 2022

BOOK REVIEW: East. M. (2021). Foundational Principles of Task-based Language Teaching, 1st Edition. New York: Routledge, 198 pp., ISBN: 978-0-367-47906-0.
Blogging About Current Global Events in the EFL Writing Classroom: Effects on Skill Improvement, Global Awareness and Attitudes
Authors: Al-Jarf Reima
Published: February 2022

A class blog was created and used as a supplement to in-class EFL writing instruction for freshman students. Topics that focused on current global events such as Ramadan in Islamic countries, the Tsunami in Japan, the Royal wedding, and refugees in Europe were posted by the instructor. The students were required to look for videos, photos or articles related to the assigned event and write a short paragraph (blog post) that describes the photo, summarizes the video and article content, or talk about the event in their own words. They also had to write their reaction to the event, and post comments and feedback on their classmates’ blog posts. The students worked on their blog posts individually, in pairs or small group. Comparisons of the posttest scores of students who blogged about current global events and those who used paper-and-pencil assignments on the same topics showed significant differences in writing improvement in favor of the blog group. In addition, students in the blog group had positive attitudes towards the blogging activity. They enjoyed interacting and collaborating with their classmates and reflecting on their own writing in response to the feedback and comments they received from other blog members. Blogging about current global events proved to be effective in raising students’ global awareness and enhancing their writing skills in EFL.
The Process of Translating and Culturally Adapting a Digital Elder Abuse Intervention
Authors: Garcia Maripaz , Pena-Solorzano Dalia , Edwards Chelsea , Abujarad Fuad
Published: February 2022

Elder Abuse is a national public health problem affecting one in ten older adults. It is estimated that only 4% of cases are reported to authorities. Latino populations that reside in the U.S. are less likely to report abuse, and language barriers may limit access to resources and prevent seeking help. There is a need for tools and services to not only be translated but culturally adapted to ensure the integrity and comprehension of the translated product. We conducted an extensive literature review that informed our multi-step language translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the VOICES digital health elder abuse intervention from English to Spanish. This process involved a team of independent translators for an iterative, step-by-step approach that included synthesis and review at each step of the process. Translations were individually rated by the review team based on a 7-point Likert scale. The review team found the translations appropriate and highly satisfactory. Comparison of separate versions of translated items highlighted key linguistic variations and issues that informed the team when producing the final translated product. Challenges found during the translation process were categorized as a posteriori. Examples are included. Following a multi-step, iterative framework for the translation and cultural adaptation provided a highly accurate product. Involving multiple translators from varying backgrounds reduced the risk for translation bias and flagged cultural nuances that allowed the research team to identify areas that needed more attention and care. The product will be further culturally adapted with the help of the community via cognitive interviews with Spanish-speaking individuals relevant to the intervention's intended target population before following up with a study to compare with the original findings of the intervention's parent study.
The Basic Factors Driving The Intention To Pay Zakat
Authors: Mariyanti Tatik , Zaenul Basri Yuswar , Jazuli Jozi
Published: February 2022

The role of zakat is significant not only as a means of worship but also zakat has a powerful social and economic aspect. Many previous studies have found that zakat that can be appropriately managed will solve social problems such as the gap between the rich and the poor, social jealousy, etc. In addition, zakat in economic terms was also found to reduce poverty rates, encourage economic growth and increase welfare. In this study, the factors considered are knowledge, attitudes, moral norms, and descriptive norms. Knowledge is related to the ability that is generally owned by someone pertaining to tithe activities. The research method that will be used is using the structural equation model method. With this method, it is hoped that the impact, both direct and indirect, will be seen in detail. This study indicates that the knowledge of a muzzaki and the moral norms he adheres to influence the person's intention to pay zakat significantly. Furthermore, in this study, it is also known that moral norms have a stronger impact between the two, namely knowledge and moral norms. In addition, this study also found that descriptive norms and attitudes did not significantly affect the intention to pay zakat on muzakki. The results of this study can be used in building tithe intentions, especially for zakat institutions, in terms of creating and building messages and appeals that are more appropriate for muzzaki.
Effect Of Training On Employee Performance With Competence And Commitment As Intervening
Authors: Pramono Abdul Chatim , Prahiawan Wawan
Published: February 2022

The higher the level of competition in the steel manufacturing sectors, it is necessary for the company's efforts to survive by carrying out internal strategies in the form of improving employee performance. Training is found to be one of the factors that can affect employee performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of training on employee performance with competence and commitment as intervening variables. The novelty in this research is that no previous research has been found that discusses the effect of training on employee performance with the competence and commitment as intervening employees of the Chemical Recovery Plant (CRP) Coke Oven factory at a steel industry company in in Cilegon. The population in this study were employees of Dinas CRP coke oven factory at a steel industry company in Cilegon. From a total population of 63 people with the characteristics of being organic employees and having gone through two years of service, the number of samples taken is 60 people. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the statistical significance of the path coefficients. The research findings explain that training has a positive and significant effect on competence. Training has a positive, but not significant, effect on employee performance. Competence has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, while commitment has a positive, but not significant, effect on employee performance.
AI Based Assistance To Reduce Suicidal Tendency Among Youngsters
Authors: Rawat Bhupesh , Bist Ankur Singh , Mulyati  , Fakhrezzy Muhammad , Octavyra Regina Dinda
Published: February 2022

Suicidal tendency among youngsters is one of emerging issue in society.This not only results in loss of life but also has disruptive psychosocial and adverse socio-economic effects. It accounts for 1.4% of all deaths. It is also reported that men die more than women. If we look at male to female ratio regarding suicide death, then it is 1.5 to 1 and is highest in richest countries. Each year, approximately 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide. Fast life style, academic pressure, relationships, drug addiction etc, are major causes of this. This is exacerbated by the presence of new factors that arise as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, which puts new pressures on society, which of course worsens the mental condition of today's society.Governments and NGOs are highly concerned about it. In this paper, we are concerned about the role of technology to prevent it. We will discuss how artificial intelligence can help in keeping the wellbeing of the mental state of human beings. Our focus would be on use of artificial intelligence in predicting and preventing suicide attempt. We will share our perspective on how other techniques excluding AI can help to alleviate this menace.AI based applications are playing a vital role to assist mental health. Our purpose is to study the role of AI in mental health.
Penerapan Metode K-Means Dan Apriori Untuk Pemilihan Produk Bundling
Authors: Aryanti Syifa , Mahdiana Deni , Setiadi Ade
Published: February 2022

The decision support system is very influential on the company's strategy in deciding a recommendation program that can overcome sales competition that changes according to trends every time and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a drastic decline in sales and consumer attractiveness in the period January - March 2020, this is a a warning and a threat to the company that sales competition is getting bigger. PT. MSD is a distributor of kitchen utensils and middle-up fashion products from various well-known brands such as Jansport, Butterfly Twist, Thermos, Serena, Bodum, Arcoroc Luminarc and so on. Sales competition factors and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak faced by PT. MSD triggers the company to prepare a new sales program with a product bundling strategy as an innovative promotion. The application of the K-Means and Apriori methods to the product bundling strategy was obtained from the results of Market Basket Analysis and sales data of PT. MSD to produce selected product recommendations that are clustered systematically and measurably so that PT. MSD can increase sales and consumer attractiveness with a choice of recommended products that consumers need.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Informasi Data Kebudayaan Pada Instansi Pemerintahan Menggunakan Framework CodeIgniter
Authors: Maulani Giandari , Yusup Muhamad , Amarulloh Amarulloh
Published: February 2022

This research was made with the aim of building an information system for processing cultural data in government agencies. The case study of this research is at a special government agency for the Tangerang area, to be precise at the Disporabudpar (Department of Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism) Tangerang Regency. This service has important tasks, namely preparing policies, coordinating, fostering and controlling in the field of Culture. In carrying out their duties, both in programs and in cultural activities, they usually include the activities of compiling, collecting and analyzing data and information. For now, this Tangerang Regency Disporabudpar government agency does not yet have a computerized information system in managing cultural data and there is no use of a database system regarding cultural data, so that the data storage process is still manual and still not effective in terms of security. These data are only stored in ordinary documents, so they are less than optimal and ineffective in the processing of cultural data. In this study, the CodeIgniter Framework is used, which is a powerful PHP framework that is elegantly built to create a full-featured Web application. For the analytical method, this study applies the PIECES (Performance, Information, Economy, Control, Efficiency and Services) method in order to create a more optimal design of information systems in presenting data and information, especially Cultural Data in government agencies.
Analisis Pengalaman Penggunaan Dompet Digital (Studi Kasus : Shopeepay)
Authors: Nugroho Tri Cahyo , Pubra Eduard Hotman , Helwani Rayhan Mustafa Kamal
Published: February 2022

A digital wallet is an electronic application on a smart phone that can be used to transact online.One example of a digital wallet application is shopeepay. The shopee pay applications is increasingly being used because of the Covid-19 wich has diverted people to transact online. This research was conducted on the shopeepay digital wallet wich aims to find out what is the attraction of shopeepay so that people use shopeepay more than other digital wallets in payment transactions. This study use a qualitative method using questionnaire data source.
Does Tax Avoidance Make Do Earning Opacity?
Authors: Arman Andi , Mira Mira
Published: February 2022

This study examines and analyzes the effect of earning opacity on tax avoidance with leverage and company size as control variables in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research is quantitative research with an approach explanatory research involving 42 companies from 187 companies engaged in the manufacturing sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2017-2019. Determination of the sample using a purposive sampling technique. The data in this study were collected using literature study and documentation study methods. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, classical assumption tests (normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, and autocorrelation test), multiple linear regression, determination test, and hypothesis test (t-test). The results showed that earning opacity hurts tax avoidance and is proven to be significant. This is because the company is less likely to minimize the tax burden. After all, the company no longer needs to carry out or take advantage of existing tax regulatory loopholes to minimize tax burden because its profit information has been obscured by management. Furthermore, the earning opacity carried out by company management is behavior opportunistic to maximize individual profits so that it is believed that there is less tax avoidance. This is because tax avoidance is done for the benefit of the company.
Re-visiting the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on neurosurgical practice and training in a large UK neurosurgery unit: a retrospective review
Authors: Ali Ahmad M. S. , Tajsic Tamara , Khan Muhammad S. , Irwin George H. , Owen Nicola , Price Stephen J. , Mannion Richard J. , Joannides Alexis , Hutchinson Peter J. , Trivedi Rikin , Barone Damiano G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The response throughout the National Health Service (NHS) to the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was substantial. With repeat winter waves of COVID-19 or other viral pathogens in the future being likely, we sought to review the impact of the response to the first wave on the delivery and training of neurosurgery in a large tertiary neurosurgical centre.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review over the three-month period of 8th March to 7th June 2020 as indicative of the peak of the pandemic in the UK. For referrals, our online referral portal was reviewed (ORION). For admissions and operations, electronic patient records were reviewed (EPIC systems). Trust wide update emails and policies were also reviewed. 

Results

In response to the pandemic, neurosurgical service provision was severely restricted in the early days of the pandemic in the form of reduced beds, medical and nursing staff and theatres. This was rapidly realised to be unsustainable, and resources were slowly reopened although not to pre-COVID-19 levels. Although referrals did not substantially reduce, the number of elective and emergency admissions, length of stay, theatre efficiency and operative numbers (by pathology and grade of operating surgeon) did significantly reduce except for emergencies performed by consultants. If similar trainee operating numbers would have persisted, this would lead to a significant delay to completion of training. 

Conclusions

All aspects of neurosurgical provision were detrimentally affected due to the rapid response to the first wave of COVID-19 in our institution. Such repeated reductions in acute services such as neurosurgery would be unsustainable. It is pertinent to re-visit these effects in preparation for future infection waves to better protect acute neurosurgical services.
The NADPH oxidase NOX2 is a marker of adverse prognosis involved in chemoresistance of acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Paolillo Rosa , Boulanger Mathias , Gâtel Pierre , Gabellier Ludovic , De Toledo Marion , Tempé Denis , Hallal Rawan , Akl Dana , Moreaux Jérôme , Baik Hayeon , Gueret Elise , Recher Christian , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel , Cartron Guillaume , Piechaczyk Marc , Bossis Guillaume
Published: February 2022

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a major cause of treatment failure in acute myeloid leukemias (AML). To better characterize the mechanisms of chemoresistance, we first identified genes whose expression is dysregulated in AML cells resistant to daunorubicin or cytarabine, the main drugs used for induction therapy. The genes found to be activated are mostly linked to immune signaling and inflammation. Among them, we identified a strong upregulation of the NOX2 NAPDH oxidase subunit genes (CYBB, CYBA, NCF1, NCF2, NCF4 and RAC2). The ensuing increase in NADPH oxidase expression and production of reactive oxygen species, which is particularly strong in daunorubicin-resistant cells, participates in the acquisition and/or maintenance of resistance to daunorubicin. Gp91phox (CYBB-encoded Nox2 catalytic subunit), was found to be more expressed and active in leukemic cells from patients with the French-American-British (FAB) M4/M5 subtypes of AML than in those from patients with the FAB M0-M2 ones. Moreover, its expression was increased at the surface of patients’ chemotherapy-resistant AML cells. Finally, using a gene expression based score we demonstrated that high expression of NOX2 subunit genes is a marker of adverse prognosis in AML patients. The prognostic NOX score we defined is independent of the cytogenetic-based risk classification, FAB subtype, FLT3/NPM1 mutational status and age.
Los estereotipos y su influencia en el proceso de comunicación intercultural para el fortalecimiento de la enseñanza del idioma inglés
Authors: Herrera Andrade Zoila Victoria , Guano Merino Daniela Fernanda , Martínez Paredes Leonardo Mauricio
Published: February 2022

Introducción: El artículo aborda la problemática de los estereotipos y su papel en la enseñanza de la comunicación intercultural. Objetivo: examinar las características de la enseñanza de una lengua extranjera, así como las condiciones pedagógicas necesarias para el aprendizaje productivo de una lengua extranjera por parte de los estudiantes universitarios aplicando el estilo del discurso científico sobre el ejemplo de la esfera social y política. Metodología: Este material lingüístico permitirá formar y desarrollar la competencia lingüística y comunicativa entre los estudiantes universitarios priorizando la formación en el área de ingeniería mediante categorías y descriptores lógico-semánticos, con particular atención al funcionamiento de los modelos sintácticos. Resultados: Se ha demostrado que los estereotipos pueden conducir a la discriminación, que convierte los sentimientos inexactos y negativos en acciones injustas hacia determinadas personas o grupos. Conclusión: Los aspectos de la comunicación intercultural se agregan correctamente al plan de estudios en el currículo de formación por áreas de conocimiento para evitar un choque cultural durante la comunicación.
L'agobiopsia Renale Ecoguidata
Authors: Campobasso N. , Pannarale G. , Schena F.P.
Published: February 2022

Abstract non disponibile
La Regolazione Dell'Equilibrio Acido-Base Nei Pazienti in Trattamento Emodialitico
Authors: Cresseri D. , Ravasi B. , Valenti G. , Buccianti G.
Published: February 2022

Abstract non disponibile
Neurotoxicity of Paclitaxel and Rapamycin in a Rat Model with Transient Blood-Brain Barrier Opening
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Choi Jung Hoon , Kwon O-Ki
Published: February 2022

Objective : Drug-eluting stents and balloons are occasionally used to reduce restenosis in medically intractable intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. The authors aimed to determine whether such drugs can cause neurotoxicity due to local effects in a rat model.Methods : Intra-arterial catheters were placed in the right common carotid artery of rats. Mannitol was injected to transiently open the brain-blood barrier (BBB), followed by high-dose drug (paclitaxel and rapamycin) injection. The optimal time interval of transient BBB opening for maximal drug penetration was determined to be 10 minutes. Paclitaxel and rapamycin were intraarterially administered in various doses. All the rats were neurologically evaluated, and their brain tissues were histologically examined.Results : Neither neurological deficits nor histological abnormalities were observed in all the rats.Conclusion : Paclitaxel and rapamycin did not cause neurotoxicity in a rat model with transient BBB opening.
Wstęp / Introduction
Authors: Tomczak Eugeniusz , Szczepanek Anita , Jarosz Paweł
Published: February 2022

Excavations at the site were conducted in 1972 by E. Tomczak, and were financed by the Provincial Conservator of Heritage in Opole. The total excavated area was approximately 435 m2. Publication of the results and the isotopic analyses were financed by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage project No. 17700/20 entitled “Bi-ritual cemetery of the Lusatian culture in Gogolin in the Silesian Upland. Interdisciplinary research perspectives”. The site is located within the Chełm mesoregion, which is the westernmost part of the Silesian Upland. It is covered with Quaternary sediments in the form of clay and sand. The cemetery is located about 4 km east of the Oder River, at the northern slope of a small hump. In 1972, this area administratively belonged to Strzebniów, but soon after it became part of Gogolin.
Analiza zabytków / Analysis of grave inventories
Authors: Tomczak Eugeniusz , Szczepanek Anita , Jarosz Paweł
Published: February 2022

The furnishings of the burials consisted mainly of ceramic vessels and relatively few bronze artefacts. According to the shapes of vessels, the following types were distinguished: vases, pots, bowls, cups, mugs and goblets. All of them were hand-made and represent two groups – thick-walled and thin-walled forms. Only a few metal artefacts were found at the cemetery in Gogolin, all of them being made of copper alloys. Moulds were found in grave 24. They are made of sandstone or clay, indicating considerable skills of the craftsman.
A Study on Graphene Structure Control Using Ammonia Gas for a Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensor
Authors: Jung Yeon Wook , Jo Seung Geun , Moon Hae-In , Kim Young Won , Shin Yujin , Park Gil-Ryeong , Lee Jung Woo
Published: February 2022

Graphene has been used in various fields because of its excellent mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal properties. However, its intrinsic low sensitivity to pressure limits its sensor applications. To overcome this drawback, many researchers have tried to improve the sensitivity by controlling the defects on the graphene, but have yet to report a significant increase in sensitivity compared to the pristine graphene. Herein, we fabricated a graphene-based highly sensitive pressure sensor by flowing ammonia gas during chemical vapor deposition. The ammonia gas assisted the generation of nano-sized defects due to nitrogen doping in the graphene lattice, as well as macro-sized cracks in the graphene layer, due to the corrosion of the Cu surface. We regulated the concentration ratio of ammonia gas and methane gas during the graphene synthesis, which controlled the crack generation. These cracks weakened the in-plane force of the networks in the geometric structure of the graphene, thereby allowing them to deform more easily under external force, and changing the resistance of the sensor dramatically. As a result, the sensitivity of the pressure sensor increased about 10,000 times higher than that of the pristine graphene. These results suggest that controlling defects to improve graphene’s mechanical sensitivity provides a promising route to pressure sensor applications.
Thermoelectric Properties of Ta-doped Zr0.6-xTi0.4TaxNiSn n-type Half-Heusler Materials
Authors: Joo Sung-Jae , Son Ji-Hee , Jang JeongIn , Min Bok-Ki , Kim Bong-Seo
Published: February 2022

Half-Heusler (HH) thermoelectric materials are promising for mid- to high-temperature applications, and MNiSn (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) is a representative n-type HH alloy. In general, the M sites are mixed with isoelectronic elements Ti, Zr, and Hf, to lower the lattice thermal conductivity, and the Sn sites are doped with Sb to adjust the electron concentration. However, Hf is a rare element in earth’s crust, and the volatility of Sb makes it difficult to maintain the initial Sb amount during material synthesis. In this study, as an alternative, Ta was added in the M sites along with the host elements Ti and Zr to produce Hf-free Zr0.6-xTi0.4TaxNiSn alloys (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04), and the effects of Ta doping on the thermoelectric properties were analyzed. The electrical conductivity of Zr0.6-xTi0.4TaxNiSn increased with Ta content, and the electron concentration increased almost linearly, reaching 5.6 × 1020 cm -3 at x = 0.04. By adding Ta, the maximum power factor also increased by approximately 17% to 3.94 × 10-3 W m-1K-2 at x = 0.02. The lowest lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) was observed at x = 0.02, reaching approximately 1.9 W m-1K-1 at 723 K, but overall, a dramatic decrease in κlat was not observed with Ta doping in Zr0.6-xTi0.4TaxNiSn. This is probably due to the existing effect of Zr/Ti mixing at the M sites, which enhances phonon scattering. A maximum figure of merit (zT) of 0.91 was obtained in Zr0.58Ti0.4Ta0.02NiSn at 873 K, which is a high value for ZrNiSn-based Hf-free HH materials. In conclusion, Ta doping is a viable method to replace Sb doping in ZrNiSn-based HH alloys.
We’ve always been antagonistic: Algorithmic resistances and dissidences beyond the Global North
Authors: Pereira Gabriel , Moreschi Bruno , Mintz André , Beiguelman Giselle
Published: February 2022

In this article we suggest that otherwise unacknowledged histories of technological antagonism can help us (artists, activists, and researchers) to more deeply appreciate the foundations on which we develop activist resistances to contemporary computing. Departing from the case of Brazil, our goal is to bridge historical and contemporary perspectives by: 1) discussing the everyday practices of technological dissidence in the country, and how appropriation has been used to resist unequal power structures; 2) presenting how particular tactical ruptures in the history of art and media activism have sought to contaminate and re-envision networked technologies; 3) exploring the particular notions of algorithmic antagonism that two contemporary projects (PretaLab/Olabi and Silo/Caipiratech) advance, and how they relate to their historical counterparts. In sum, these different threads remind us that we’ve always been antagonistic, and that recognizing a longer genealogy of technological dissidences and ruptures can strengthen current practices against algorithmic oppressions.
Design of Pressure Control for Optimal Damping in Individual Metering Systems
Authors: Rath Gerhard , Zaev Emil , Stojanoski Goran , Babunski Darko
Published: February 2022

Modern oil-hydraulic systems for moving heavy payloads are designed for optimised motion, but also for minimal energy loss. Individual metering technique, using separate control of the two actuator chambers, offers some advantages. A common strategy when moving the load is to control the incoming oil flow to obtain a desired speed, and the pressure at the downstream side for good efficiency. In this work analysis and design of PI (proportional-integral) pressure control is done. The adjustment of the control parameters of this loop is usually uncritical. In the worst case, the damping of the mechanical system is the only contribution. It is shown in this work, that pressure control can increase the damping of load oscillations. The influence of the P and I parameters to the system properties is investigated using the poles of the transfer function of the system. It is shown, that there is a point, where the damping factor of the system has its maximum value, and a design method for this optimisation is given. The problem ends up in a system of two equations of fourth order. A method is shown how to reduce the problem to solving one third-order equation, which is done numerically. Finally, the results are verified using simulation.
Simulating a high frequency piezo pump with disc reed valves
Authors: Sell Nathan , Plummer Andrew , Johnston Nigel , Du Bois Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Piezo pumps provide an attractive alternative for driving small actuators (e.g. less than 100W) compared to traditional valve controlled cylinders powered by a central hydraulic supply. This provides the ability to distribute power electrically rather than hydraulically, which can bring both weight and efficiency savings. Currently the use of piezo pumps is severely limited by the maximum power and flows that can be provided. This paper documents the simulation of a new pump which makes use of disc type reed valves to rectify the flow generate by a single piezostack-driven piston. The proposed valves have the potential to overcome frequency limitations of more conventional poppet or ball type check valves. This enables the pump to operate at higher frequencies and thereby produce larger flows. Simulation results suggest that a pump capable of producing a no load flow in excess of 1L/min would be possible using an off-the-shelf piezo stack.
Multidimensional Trajectory Tracking for Numerically Stiff Independent Metering System
Authors: Stojanoski Goran , Ninevski Dimitar , Rath Gerhard , Harker Matthew
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a new approach for solving an optimal control problem in a hydraulic system, using a variational calculus method. It uses a path tracking method of two different states with different units and of different magnitude. To ensure the uniqueness of the solution, two regularization terms were introduced, whose influence is regulated by regularization parameters. The system of differential equations, obtained from the Euler-Lagrange equations of the variational problem, was solved by a mass matrix method and discretized with linear differential operators at the interstitial points for numerical stability. This enabled the calculation of the control variables, despite the stiffness of the numerical problem. The results obtained show an energy-efficient performance and no oscillations. Finally, a Simulink model of the hydraulic system was created in which the calculated control variables were inserted as feed-forward inputs, to verify the results.
Early-Life Environment Influence on Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gauvrit Thibaut , Benderradji Hamza , Buée Luc , Blum David , Vieau Didier
Published: February 2022

With the expand of the population’s average age, the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders has dramatically increased over the last decades. Alzheimer disease (AD) which is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease is mostly sporadic and primarily characterized by cognitive deficits and neuropathological lesions such as amyloid -β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyper- and/or abnormally phosphorylated Tau protein. AD is considered a complex disease that arises from the interaction between environmental and genetic factors, modulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Besides the well-described cognitive decline, AD patients also exhibit metabolic impairments. Metabolic and cognitive perturbations are indeed frequently observed in the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD) field of research which proposes that environmental perturbations during the perinatal period determine the susceptibility to pathological conditions later in life. In this review, we explored the potential influence of early environmental exposure to risk factors (maternal stress, malnutrition, xenobiotics, chemical factors … ) and the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms on the programming of late-onset AD. Animal models indicate that offspring exposed to early-life stress during gestation and/or lactation increase both AD lesions, lead to defects in synaptic plasticity and finally to cognitive impairments. This long-lasting epigenetic programming could be modulated by factors such as nutriceuticals, epigenetic modifiers or psychosocial behaviour, offering thus future therapeutic opportunity to protect from AD development.
Targeted Deletion of Centrin in Leishmania braziliensis Using CRISPR-Cas9-Based Editing
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Avendaño Rangel Francys , Reis-Cunha João Luís , Marques Larissa Pinheiro , Figueira Claudio P. , Borba Pedro B. , Viana Sayonara M. , Beneke Tom , Bartholomeu Daniella C. , de Oliveira Camila I.
Published: February 2022

Leishmania braziliensis is the main causative agent of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the Americas. However, difficulties related to genome manipulation, experimental infection, and parasite growth have so far limited studies with this species. CRISPR-Cas9-based technology has made genome editing more accessible, and here we have successfully employed the LeishGEdit approach to attenuate L. braziliensis. We generated a transgenic cell line expressing Cas9 and T7 RNA polymerase, which was employed for the targeted deletion of centrin, a calcium-binding cytoskeletal protein involved in the centrosome duplication in eukaryotes. Centrin-deficient Leishmania exhibit growth arrest at the amastigote stage. Whole-genome sequencing of centrin-deficient L. braziliensis (LbCen−/−) did not indicate the presence of off-target mutations. In vitro, the growth rates of LbCen−/− and wild-type promastigotes were similar, but axenic and intracellular LbCen−/− amastigotes showed a multinucleated phenotype with impaired survival following macrophage infection. Upon inoculation into BALB/c mice, LbCen−/− were detected at an early time point but failed to induce lesion formation, contrary to control animals, infected with wild-type L. braziliensis. A significantly lower parasite burden was also observed in mice inoculated with LbCen−/−, differently from control mice. Given that centrin-deficient Leishmania sp. have become candidates for vaccine development, we propose that LbCen−/− can be further explored for the purposes of immunoprophylaxis against American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis.
Rapid Visual Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Using Reverse Transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification–Lateral Flow Dipstick
Authors: Wang Haili , Zhang Yuhang , Zhou Jingming , Li Ming , Chen Yumei , Liu Yankai , Liu Hongliang , Ding Peiyang , Liang Chao , Zhu Xifang , Zhang Ying , Xin Cheng , Zhang Gaiping , Wang Aiping
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health threat. Reaching the World Health Organization’s objective for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 will require a precise disease diagnosis. While immunoassays and qPCR play a significant role in detecting HCV, rapid and accurate point-of-care testing is important for pathogen identification. This study establishes a reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification–lateral flow dipstick (RT-RAA-LFD) assay to detect HCV. The intact workflow was completed within 30 min, and the detection limit for synthesized C/E1 plasmid gene-containing plasmid was 10 copies/μl. In addition, the test showed good specificity, with no cross-reactivity observed for hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, HIV, syphilis, and human papillomavirus virus. Using extracted RNAs from 46 anti-HCV antibody-positive samples, RT-RAA-LFD showed 100% positive and negative concordance rates with qPCR. In summary, the RT-RAA-LFD assay established in this study is suitable for the rapid clinical detection of HCV at the community level and in remote areas.
Human Placental Allograft Membranes: Promising Role in Cardiac Surgery and Repair
Authors: Hitscherich Pamela G. , Chnari Evangelia , Deckwa Jessa , Long Marc , Khalpey Zain
Published: February 2022

Despite the immense investment in research devoted to cardiovascular diseases, mechanisms of progression and potential treatments, it remains one of the leading causes of death in the world. Cellular based strategies have been explored for decades, having mixed results, while more recently inflammation and its role in healing, regeneration and disease progression has taken center stage. Placental membranes are immune privileged tissues whose native function is acting as a protective barrier during fetal development, a state which fosters regeneration and healing. Their unique properties stem from a complex composition of extracellular matrix, growth factors and cytokines involved in cellular growth, survival, and inflammation modulation. Placental allograft membranes have been used successfully in complex wound applications but their potential in cardiac wounds has only begun to be explored. Although limited, pre-clinical studies demonstrated benefits when using placental membranes compared to other standard of care options for pericardial repair or infarct wound covering, facilitating cardiomyogenesis of stem cell populations in vitro and supporting functional performance in vivo. Early clinical evidence also suggested use of placental allograft membranes as a cardiac wound covering with the potential to mitigate the predominantly inflammatory environment such as pericarditis and prevention of new onset post-operative atrial fibrillation. Together, these studies demonstrate the promising translational potential of placental allograft membranes as post-surgical cardiac wound coverings. However, the small number of publications on this topic highlights the need for further studies to better understand how to support the safe and efficient use of placenta allograft membranes in cardiac surgery.
Glioblastoma Vasculature: From its Critical Role in Tumor Survival to Relevant in Vitro Modelling
Authors: Pacheco Catarina , Martins Cláudia , Monteiro Joaquim , Baltazar Fátima , Costa Bruno M. , Sarmento Bruno
Published: February 2022

Biochemical and biophysical cues governing glioblastoma (GBM) progression are complex and dynamic. Tumor blood vessels, often recognized only by their transport functions, are more deeply involved in this process. Vessels are involved in tumor immune evasion, matrix alterations and stem cell stimulation, contributing for tumor treatment resistance and patients’ poor survival. Given blood vessel complex and dynamic nature, they are hardly represented in conventional GBM monolayered in vitro models. However, other in vitro approaches, such as three-dimensional (3D) models, incorporating extracellular matrix (ECM), malignant and stromal cells, and promoting their communication, can resemble neovascularization, growing blood vessels in a tumor-like microenvironment. These models mimic GBM physiological architecture and key biochemical and biophysical environments, allowing the investigation of the impact of vascularization in tumor progression. For researchers in neuro-oncology field, 3D vascularized GBM models are of great interest. They are promising tools to evaluate individual driven neovascularization and identify mediators involved in those processes. Moreover, they may be used to test potential anti-GBM therapies targeting blood vessels or influenced by them. This review will discuss the significance of blood vessels in GBM and review novel 3D pre-clinical vascular models.