bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotenone Disrupts Meiotic Maturation via Inhibition of Mitochondrial Function in Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Heo Geun , Sun Ming-Hong , Jiang Wen-Jie , Li Xiao-Han , Lee Song-Hee , Guo Jing , Zhou Dongjie , Cui Xiang-Shun
Published: June 2022

Background: Rotenone is a commonly used insecticidal chemical in agriculture and it is an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex 1. Previous studies have found that rotenone induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inhibiting electron transport in the mitochondria of somatic and germ cells. However, there is little precise information on the effects of rotenone exposure in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation, and the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been determined.Results: First, we found that the maturation rate and expansion of cumulus cells was significantly reduced in the 3 and 5 μM rotenone-treated groups. Further experiments showed that rotenone treatment induced mitochondrial dysfunction and failure of mitochondrial biogenesis by repressing the levels of PGC1-α and SIRT1 during in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. In addition, rotenone treatment reduced the ratio of active mitochondria to total mitochondria, increased ROS production, and decreased ATP production. The levels of LC3 and active-caspase 3 were significantly increased by rotenone treatment, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by rotenone increased mitophagy but eventually led to apoptosis.Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that rotenone interferes with porcine oocyte maturation by inhibiting mitochondrial function.
Lead equivalence testing using a custom-built testing kit.
Authors: Maddox Lesley , Parin Robert , Khoo Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Radiation protective garments should undergo a quality assurance regime comprising of an acceptance test of the lead equivalence before the garment is introduced into clinical service, followed by routine periodic visual and fluoroscopic inspections throughout its remaining clinical lifespan. The IEC 61331-1:2014[1] is the leading standard outlining the methodology for testing of lead equivalence of these garments and forms the basis of the Australian/New Zealand Standards(1999)[2]. This study outlines the design and development of an IEC compliant broad beam lead equivalence testing setup, using an in-house custom-built testing kit (CBTK). The practicality and robustness of this kit was performance tested using lead equivalence measurements on 97% pure lead sheets. Hospital radiation protective garments are predominantly made of lead-free or lead-composite materials due to their light weight, as such, a set of lead-free (N-Pb) samples was also performance tested. These samples were tested using two different beam qualities; a total filtration of 2.5 mmAl and 0.25 mmCu added filtration, both at 102 kVp. Samples with thicknesses of 0.25 mm, 0.35 mm and 0.50 mm were used. The differential between labelled and measured lead equivalence averaged 3% for both the ‘pure-lead’ samples and N-Pb samples, with uncertainty of less than 7%. At 102 kVp, the use of Cu or Al filtration has marginal effect on measured lead equivalence for pure lead or N-Pb samples. The efficacy of utilizing the CBTK with a solid-state detector for lead equivalence testing was demonstrated through its ease of use, consistency and precision.
Comprehensive analysis of microsatellite polymorphisms in human populations
Authors: Gochi Leo , Kawai Yosuke , Fujimoto Akihiro
Published: June 2022

Microsatellites (MS) are tandem repeats of short units and have been used for population genetics, individual identification, and medical genetics. However, studies of MS on a whole genome level are limited, and genotyping methods for MS have yet to be established. Here, we analyzed approximately 8.5 million MS regions using a previously developed MS caller (MIVcall method) for three large publicly available human genome sequencing data sets: the Korean Personal Genome Project (KPGP), Simons Genome Diversity Project (SGDP), and Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP). Our analysis identified 253,114 polymorphic MS. A comparison among different populations suggests that MS in the coding region evolved by random genetic drift and natural selection. In an analysis of genetic structures, MS clearly revealed population structures as SNPs and detected clusters that were not found by SNPs in African and Oceanian populations. Based on the MS polymorphisms, we selected an effective MS set for individual identification. We also showed that our MS analysis method can be applied to ancient DNA samples. This study provides a comprehensive picture of MS polymorphisms and application to human population studies.
Towards school-based mental health programs in Nigeria: The immediate impact of a depression-literacy program among school-going adolescents and their teachers
Authors: Atilola Olayinka , Ayinde Olatunde , Obialo Felix-Kingsley , Adeyemo Sunday Oladotun , Adegbaju Adedapo , Anthony Robert
Published: June 2022

Background: Depression-literacy, which is the foundational requirement for symptom recognition, positive attitude and help-seeking, is poor among adolescents in Nigeria. This study, therefore, aims to determine the impact of a school-based training program on depression-literacy among a cohort of high-school students and their teachers in South-West Nigeria. Methods: An adapted version of the Break Free from Depression, a 4-module depression awareness curriculum for staff and students, was implemented among students and their teachers. Paired-sample T-test was used to assess the domain-specific (knowledge, attitude, and confidence) impact of the training by comparing the baseline and immediate (within the week of the training) post-scores. Results: A total of 3,098 students and 294 teachers from 21 schools across three states in South-West Nigeria successfully completed the training. There was a significant positive difference (p<.05), at post-test, in the knowledge, attitude, and confidence among the students. The same was observed among teachers except for attitude where positive change did not reach significant level (p=.06). When statistically significant, the calculated effect size (eta squared) was highest for knowledge (students: .07, p=.001; teachers: .08, p<.000) and least for attitude (students: .003, p=.002 teachers: .085, p=.06). Multiple regression analyses result showed that the level of pre-scores predicted the magnitude of change in all domains of depression-literacy (p<.05) after controlling for age, gender, and type of school among the students, but not for teachers. Conclusions: School-based depression-literacy programs can lead to significant positive change in knowledge, attitude, and confidence of students and teachers.
Fuzzy PID Controller for Ride Comfort Enhancement of Tractor Operator during Tillage
Authors: Singh Harbhinder , Mehta Munish
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mindfulness training, a learning process towards three directions: oneself, others, the academic system in medical education: a qualitative study
Authors: Brami Cloé , Sultan Serge , Londes Julie Gilles de la , Piot Marie-Aude , Robieux Léonore , Zenasni Franck
Published: June 2022

Research suggests that well-being in medical students can be enhanced through participation in targeted educational programs such as mindfulness. However, research has largely adopted a quantitative design, which appears limited in its ability to capture the complexity of the learning and teaching process of mindfulness.
The purpose of the study was to obtain an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of medical students just after completing an 8-week Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program within an optional. Eighteen medical students from beginning to residency were interviewed using a semi-structured face to face interview. Transcripts were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis method.
Seven themes were described and organized into three superordinate themes describing a learning process towards three directions: oneself(1), others(2), the academic system(3). (1) It’s an experience lived as an intimate and sensitive encounter through the awareness and discovery of body sensation. The healing dimension is found including behavioral changes and emotional regulation. (2) The teaching highlights a new listening attitude and offers a way of experiencing empathy. Learning mindfulness appeared as a dynamic process, sometimes uncomfortable that can lead to confusion. (3) Finally, being supported by the university in this caring proposition seems to be an important confidence-building dimension.
The MBSR program appeared as a pedagogical resource for learning self-care skills and caring for others in medical education using a multidimensional learning process. Further work would be useful to clarify process variables and risk factors in order to continue to promote student well-being.
Perception of Local Communities on the Environmental and Socio-economic Benefits and Management Systems of the Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Gulte Endaylallu , Tadele Hadis , Haileslassie Amare , Mekuria Wolde
Published: June 2022

Assessing the perception of local communities on the benefits and disbenefits of protected areas is crucial to ensure the sustainability of their multiple benefits to people’s livelihood. This study was conducted in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia to assess the perceptions of local communities on the benefits and benefit-sharing mechanisms as well as on the existing shared management of the park. Household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were tools used to collect data. The results indicated that most local communities exhibited a negative attitude toward the management systems in place though local authorities claim that 60% of the benefits from the BMNP goes to the local communities. This could be attributed to the lack of communication among stakeholders and limited access to the tangible economic benefits at household level. In addition, the focus of existing benefit sharing mechanisms to only known community-based organizations and ecotourism associations, and lack of meaningful participation as well as unhealthy relationships between local communities and the management team could contribute to the development of negative attitudes. Further, the additional costs due to crop damage by wild animals and relocation costs due to the implementation of key strategic plans of the park could contribute to the negative attitudes. Improving the participation of local communities in managing natural resources in the park and local communities’ access to the economic benefits could help improve the engagement of local communities and consequently help reduce the observed negative attitudes. Compensation might help to reduce the additional costs incurred to local communities due to crop and livestock damages caused by wild animals. The park management should be transparent to the communities about the revenue of protected areas and engage them when establishing community-based organizations and ecotourism associations.
Response-surface optimization of anti-pathogenic activity of metabolic extracts obtained from rhizobacteria of Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad , Ibrahim Muhammad , Nawaz Haq , Jabeen Raheela , Nawaz Mubashir , Kashaf Maria
Published: June 2022

The anti-pathogenic activity (APA) of the metabolic extracts obtained from rhizobacteria of Parthenium hysterophorus was optimized by constructing a tri-factorial central composited design in the response surface methodology. The colonies of the rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizospheric soil of P. hysterophorus were identified microscopically. The pink and yellow-colored colonies were cultured at five levels of three culture variables including pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), incubation temperature (IT: 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40°C), and incubation time (It: 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h). The bacterial metabolites were extracted in methanol and analyzed for their APA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A statistically significant linear positive effect of pH was observed on the APA of both of the bacterial extracts and quadratic negative effect on APA of yellow-colored extracts against each of the selected pathogens. The It showed a significant linear positive effect on APA of the pink-colored extract against E. coli and that of the yellow-colored extract against the selected pathogens. It also showed quadratic negative effects on the APA of both of the bacterial extracts against the selected pathogens. However, the IT in the selected range showed no significant effect on the APA of the selected bacterial metabolites against the selected pathogens.
Assessment of Cactus Biosorption Potential of Cr (VI) ions Removal from Synthetic and Tannery wastewater
Authors: Temesgen Getahun Mebrat , Gebrie Geremew Sahilu
Published: June 2022

Hexachromium Cr (VI) is environmentally mobile and causes ecotoxicological hazard. Chrome utilizing industries are a major source of Cr (VI) pollution. Adsorption using activated carbon prepared from biomaterials is a new technology for the treatment of heavy metals rich industrial effluents. Opuntia Ficus Indicus (OFI) activated with H3PO4 (45%) was evaluated for Cr (VI) removal capability from synthetic and tannery wastewater. The study employed batch experiment and residual Cr (VI) concentrations were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. FTIR spectroscopy suggested contributions of hydroxyls and carboxyls in Cr (VI) adsorption. Maximum Cr (VI) removal efficiency of 99.5% was achieved by OFI. The % removal of Cr (VI) onto OFI increased with increase of the amount of sorbent, contact time, agitating speed, while observed increased at lower values of initial concentration of Cr (VI) and PH. Optimized values of sorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, pH, contact time and stirring speed were 0.125g, 6mg/L, 2, 60minuets and 150rpm at a temperature of 250C, respectively. Langmuir isotherm with higher R2 was best fitted to the experimental values with monolayer adsorption capacity of 4.587mg/g. RL values were in range of 0 < RL < 1, confirmed the favorability of adsorption process. About 88.7% Cr (VI) removal was detected when applied to the real wastewater. The reduction in percentage of removal might be due the matrix effect of the competing ions. The study revealed; activated OFI carbon is potent biosorbent of plant origin that holds distinct position for complete removal of Cr (VI)) from aqueous solution.
Generalization of Grothendieck duality over Serre duality in 𝘥𝘦𝘨ₙ Cohen-Macauly schemes representing Calabi–Yau 3-fold on Bogomolov–Tian–Todorov Theorem
Authors: Bhattacharjee Deep
Published: June 2022

Any induced isomorphism over the chain-complex of homology can be the abelian 𝘟 defined for the functors of hypercohomology is a derived category for all the locally defined commutative algebra in coherent sheaves as (𝘟c). Regards to the schemes Ω going through the morphisms on field 𝘧 relates to scheme Ω in fiber projections *y : 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜(𝘧) ← 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺(ρ) : The closed domain can be extended over Serre via Relative Grothendieck where categorically expressed (𝘊) the change to 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚 B viewing morphism 𝐵→𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘧^ from (𝘊)ₓ→𝘧𝘪𝘹𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘧^ considering the class (ω)cₓ [𝘥𝘦𝘨ₙ] ∃ 𝘯 implies Cohen-Macauly degree. 𝐒𝐩𝐞(𝘧) on field 𝘧 with 𝘥𝘦𝘨 (finite) shows a smooth Serre functor Ωᵇ cₒₕ(𝑿) operating smoothly over field 𝘧. Thereby, applying over the Bogomolov–Tian–Todorov Theorem with Gorenstein formulations one can find Kähler moduli, Complex moduli, Calabi–Yau 3-fold having Euler characteristics 𝒳 = -200 in quintic ℂℙ⁴ over monoidal symmetric 𝗞 –module. It’s been shown that a Chern-Weil form exists in dimension 𝘥/2 over algebraically defined K–3 surfaces taking a ℓ - 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤 é𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 for elliptic curve ℚ representing Galois transformation for 2–𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 holomorphic having an isometry over Cartan matrix 𝑬₈ suffice 𝘒ₓ ≃ 𝒪ₓ for 𝘟c ⊂ℙⁿ.
Unterrichtsbezogene Lehrpersonenkooperationen im Zeitalter der digitalen Transformation
Authors: Drossel Kerstin , Heldt Melanie
Published: June 2022

Unterrichtsbezogene Lehrpersonenkooperationen im Zeitalter der digitalen Transformation gelten als wesentliche Gelingensbedingung für eine zeitgemässe Schul- und Unterrichtsentwicklung (Gräsel, Schledjewski, und Hartmann 2020) und können zugleich als wichtiges Schulqualitätsmerkmal auf der schulischen Prozessebene verortet werden (Ditton 2017). Bislang ist allerdings unklar, wie sich die aktuelle Kooperationspraxis an Schulen der Sekundarstufe I in Deutschland ausgestaltet, da Grund zur Annahme besteht, dass sich Kooperationen unter den Einflüssen der digitalen Transformation selbst verändern. Auf Grundlage einer repräsentativen bundesweiten Stichprobe wird ein Instrument zur Erfassung unterrichtsbezogener Lehrpersonenkooperationen im Zeitalter der digitalen Transformation vorgestellt und aufgezeigt, in welchem Ausmass Kooperationen stattfinden. Zudem wird beleuchtet, ob digitale Medien in diesem Rahmen genutzt werden. Klassische Kooperationsformen sind nach wie vor zu finden; medienbezogene Formen gewinnen allerdings an Bedeutung. Das Instrument kann (angehenden) Lehrpersonen ebenso wie der Wissenschaft Möglichkeiten zur Reflexion und Erfassung des medienbezogenen Kooperationsverhaltens unter Berücksichtigung unterschiedlicher Kooperationsformen bieten und somit Schulentwicklungsprozesse unterstützen. Die kriterienorientierte Entwicklung kann eine anschliessende Adaption auf weitere medienbezogene Kooperationskontexte im Bildungsbereich ermöglichen, beispielsweise im Hinblick auf die Zusammenarbeit von Akteur:innen in schulischen Netzwerken (s. z. B. Endberg et al. 2020).
Effectiveness of Oral Hygiene Instruction on the Periodontal Health Among Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors:   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Chan Jia Le , Ahmad Basaruddin ,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Sanusi Sarliza Yasmin ,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Sinor Mohd Zulkarnain ,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: June 2022

Oral health professionals frequently provide oral hygiene instruction (OHI) during dental visits, yet the evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive. The main objective of this study was to examine the evidence on the effectiveness of various oral hygiene teaching approaches on periodontal health in adults. The study searched the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases for reports published between January 2000 and June 2020 in the English language. The quality of the selected papers was evaluated using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines by two authors. Overall, five reports met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The heterogeneity of outcome measurements across studies did not allow for direct comparison. Verbal and brochures were among the methods used in the studies. OHI was found to have short-term (up to 13 weeks) effects on dental plaque levels and/or gingiva bleeding. No significant differences were noted among the different oral hygiene methods affecting periodontal health. There is evidence that OHI is effective in reducing plaque and gingival bleeding scores in adult individuals, but it is still unclear if the effect continues beyond 13 weeks. No single method can be highlighted as the best medium of instruction.
Changes in the smoltification age of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) of the Yokanga, Kharlovka and Vostochnaya Litsa Rivers (the Murmansk Region)
Authors: Dolotov S. I. , Kuzmin D. O.
Published: June 2022

Throughout the world, in recent decades, there has been a decrease in the abundance of Atlantic salmon, the main reason for which is a decrease in its survival rate during life at sea. Its value has a direct dependence on the length and, accordingly, the age of the smolts. Foreign researchers have found that the nature of long-term changes in the age structure of smolts can vary significantly by region. At the same time, the age of Atlantic salmon in Russian rivers, which account for a significant part of the area of the range of this species, was not considered. In this regard, the analysis of long-term data characterizing the age composition of salmon smolts of some rivers of the Murmansk region has been carried out. It has found been that in the first years of the period 2000-2018, the age structure of Atlantic salmon smolts was transformed in the rivers Yokanga, Kharlovka and Vostochnaya Litsa. As a result, fish at the age of 6 ceased to occur among them, the abundance of fish at the age of 5+ significantly decreased and the abundance of fish in the age groups of 3+ or 4+ significantly increased. The most likely reason for this is the change in the temperature regime of rivers since the mid-1990s, as a result of which the life time in the rivers of juvenile salmon has been reduced. Rejuvenation of the smolt population may have ambiguous consequences for the abundance of adult salmon, which are determined by the cumulative effect of reducing natural mortality at the stage from eggs to smolts, increasing their abundance and reducing their length, and reducing the survival rate during salmon life in the sea.
Matchmakereft: automated tree-level and one-loop matching
Authors: Carmona Adrian , Lazopoulos Achilleas , Olgoso Pablo , Santiago Jose
Published: June 2022

We introduce matchmakereft, a fully automated tool to
compute the tree-level and
one-loop matching of arbitrary models onto arbitrary effective
theories.
Matchmakereft performs an off-shell matching, using diagrammatic methods and the
background field method (BFM) when gauge theories are involved.
The large redundancy inherent to the off-shell matching together with
explicit gauge invariance offers a significant number of non-trivial checks
of the results provided.
These results are given in the physical basis but several intermediate
results, including the matching in the Green basis before and after
canonical normalization, are given for flexibility and the possibility
of further cross-checks. As a non-trivial example we provide the complete matching
in the Warsaw basis up to one loop of an extension of the Standard Model with a charge
$-1$ vector-like lepton singlet. Matchmakereft has been built with generality,
flexibility and efficiency in mind. These ingredients allow matchmakereft to
have many applications beyond the matching between models and
effective theories. Some of these applications include the
one-loop renormalization of arbitrary theories (including the calculation of
the one-loop renormalization group equations for arbitrary
theories); the translation between different Green bases for a fixed
effective theory or the check of (off-shell) linear independence of
the operators in an effective theory. All these applications are
performed in a fully automated way by matchmakereft.
Optomechanical damping as the origin of sideband asymmetry
Authors: Machado João , Blanter Yaroslav
Published: June 2022

Sideband asymmetry in cavity optomechanics has been explained by particle creation and annihilation processes, which bestow an amplitude proportional to 'n+1' and 'n' excitations to each of the respective sidebands. We discuss the issues with this as well as other interpretations, such as quantum backaction and noise interference, and show that the asymmetry is due to the optomechanical damping caused by the probe and the cooling lasers instead.
Use of Smartphones to Increase Safe Sexual Behavior in Youths at Risk for HIV
Authors: Hernández-Torres José L. , Benavides-Torres Raquel A. , Moreno-Monsiváis María G. , Rodríguez-Vázquez Nancy , Martínez-Cervantes Roxana , Cárdenas-Cortés Adriana M.
Published: June 2022

In Mexico, young people continue to experience problems due to a lack of correct and consistent condom use during sexual intercourse. Objective: to evaluate the effect of a randomized controlled clinical trial with the use of smartphones to increase safe sex intentions and safe sexual behavior. Methods: experimental design with two treatment groups with 177 young people who requested the rapid HIV test in a non-governmental organization in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. The experimental group was given Respect M-Health with the use of mobile devices; the control group was given similar counseling without the use of mobile technology and 8 pencil and paper instruments were used. Results: the effect of the experimental group was greater in safe sexual behavior reflected in the means at pre-test M=64.80 (SD=1.86), post-test M=85.33 (SD=1.54), and at 30 days M=87.40 (SD=1.52), and in the safe sex intentions factor at pre-test M=78.50 (SD=3.07), post-test M=94.70 (SD=2.46), and at 30 days M=95.74 (SD=2.29). Conclusions: Smartphone use was an effective tool as a support to increase safe sexual behavior in youth.
The Price of Happiness in Modernity: A Question of the State or Individuals...?
Authors: Cuartas-Arias Mauricio
Published: June 2022

Editorial.
Optimización de un sistema de tratamiento mediante ensayos de tratabilidad para la remoción de materia orgánica en aguas residuales de alta complejidad
Authors: Rodriguez Loaiza Diana Catalina
Published: June 2022

La implementación de sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales eficientes se hace cada día más indispensable para evitar el deterioro ambiental, desequilibrio de los procesos biogeoquímicos, problemas de salud pública, variación en las características fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas del agua, entre otros. Para ello existen diversos métodos de tratamiento que pueden involucrar componentes biológicos y fisicoquímicos. Realizar una caracterización de las aguas residuales es importante, no solo para conocerla, sino también para seleccionar el tren de tratamiento más adecuado y de esta manera garantizar una adecuada remoción de los contaminantes presentes en dicha agua. Se realizó el seguimiento a un sistema de tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas, provenientes de un restaurante en el que sólo se sirven los alimentos previamente preparados en otras instalaciones y funciona una vez al día durante el período comprendido entre las 12:00 y las 2:00 pm. Se encontró que dichas aguas presentan altos contenidos de detergentes, grasas y aceites, y poca cantidad de materia orgánica biodegradable, por lo cual, se realizaron ensayos de tratabilidad tanto fisicoquímicos como biológicos, con el fin de determinar la manera más eficiente de tratar estas aguas residuales y poder cumplir con la resolución vigente en Colombia para aguas residuales.
Obtención del espectro de energía de un haz de electrones a partir del método de mínimos cuadrados
Authors: Wilches Visbal Jorge Homero , Apaza Veliz Danny Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

Los haces de electrones en radioterapia engloban electrones primarios, secundarios y fotones de frenado. El espectro de energía de electrones es relevante para el cálculo preciso de la dosis. Los tres métodos más utilizados para encontrar el espectro de energía de los electrones son: i) simulación de la fuente; ii) medición directa y iii) reconstrucción inversa. La reconstrucción inversa se considera un método sencillo, fiable y rápido que consiste en extraer el espectro de energía de las curvas de dosis profundas mediante un modelo matemático adecuado. En este artículo, se propone utilizar el método de mínimos cuadrados no lineales, embebido en la función “lsqnonlin” de MATLAB, para determinar el espectro de energía de un haz de electrones y la dosis de los fotones que lo acompaña. Los resultados muestran una concordancia entre la PDP reconstruido (simulada en Monte Carlo mediante el espectro obtenido) y la PDP simulado (la extraída del sistema de planificación de tratamiento) superior al 95% con una precisión de 2% / 2 mm. Finalmente, se puede concluir que la función “lsqnonlin” es capaz de reconstruir el espectro de energía de un haz de electrones de manera eficaz y rápida.
The role of operational innovation and external environment on the relationship between service quality and marketing performance in the hotel business
Authors: Hakim Akhorshaideh Abdel , Al-Gasawneh Jassim , Zeglat Dia , Nusairat Nawras , Judeh Mahfuz
Published: June 2022

Economic sustainability allows hotel customers and other stakeholders to profit from hospitality services. Hotels can improve their marketing success by leveraging technologies and innovation strategy initiatives to suit guests’ ever-changing needs. Thus, this paper investigated the effect of service quality on marketing performance among hotels in Jordan. In addition, it analyzed the moderating role of operational innovation and external environment on the relationship between service quality and marketing performance among Jordanian hotels. This study was quantitative and used the pretested questionnaire by interviewing general managers. The valid questionnaires were distributed stratified randomly to general hotel managers. The analyzed data were from 162 completed questionnaires, employing partial least squares analysis software. The results demonstrate a positive relationship between service quality and marketing performance. Moreover, this relationship was moderated by operational innovation and external environment. Clearly, the managers in Jordanian hotels might find and draw business strategies by linking the marketing performance with the service quality specifically (SERVQUAL) and employing management and technologies strategies through its operational innovation and external environment.
Genoprotective, antimutagenic, and antioxidant effects of methanolic leaf extract of Rhamnus alaternus L. from the Bissa mountains in Algeria
Authors: Gadouche Leila , Zerrouki Khayra , Zidane Azdinia , Ababou Adda , Bachir Elazaar Ibtissem , Merabet Dounya , Henniche Wissam , Ikhlef Samah
Published: June 2022

Rhamnus alaternus L. is a Rhamnaceae shrub and a popular traditional medicine in Algeria. The present research objective was to investigate the antioxidant, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic properties of R. alaternus methanolic leaf extract.

Antiradical scavenging activity was tested by α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and β-carotene bleaching method. DNA damage and repair were measured by the Allium cepa test with sodium azide as a mutagenic agent. Mitotic index and chromosomal aberrations were calculated by microscopy of meristem roots stained with 2% carmine acetic.

The methanolic extract of R. alaternus leaves inhibited the free radical DPPH (IC50 = 0.74 ± 0.30 mg/mL) and prevented the oxidation of β-carotene (50.71 ± 4.17%). The root phenotyping showed that sodium azide changed their color and shape, decreased their stiffness, and significantly reduced their length. The roots treated with both R. alaternus leaf extract and sodium azide demonstrated a better root growth. The roots treated with the methanolic extract were much longer than the control roots (P < 0.001). The microscopy images of root meristem treated with the sodium azide mitodepressant agent showed significant chromosomal aberrations, which indicated a disruption of the cell cycle.

The R. alaternus leaf extract appeared to have a beneficial effect on cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of R. alaternus L. makes this plant an excellent genoportector.
Formulating anti-diabetic nutraceutical tablets based on edible plants from Tripura, India
Authors: Debnath Bikash , Manna Kuntal
Published: June 2022

Nutraceuticals are food-based drugs that are used as dietary supplements to minimize chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases all over the world. Recently, herbal nutraceuticals have taken a promising role in treating diabetes.

We aimed to develop herbal nutraceutical tablets and evaluate its anti-diabetic activity using ob/ob mice. Five plant species were collected by field survey methods based on oral interviews with traditional healers of Tripura. The wet granulation method was applied to formulate the herbal nutraceutical tablet. Water- and fat-soluble vitamins were determined by reversed-phase highperformance liquid chromatography. Trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. To evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the herbal tablets, we determined serum hemoglobin, glycosylated serum protein, and oral glucose tolerance.

The newly formulated herbal nutraceutical tablets provided the optimal energy level. It contained sufficient amounts of essential minerals, such as iron (74.6 ± 2.7 mg/g), sodium (4.4 ± 0.4 mg/g), potassium (5.3 ± 0.7 mg/g), calcium (163.1 ± 2.2 mg/g), magnesium (39.2 ± 1.7 mg/g), and phosphorus (14.6 ± 2.1 mg/g). We also found optimal quantities of water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C (27.2 ± 4.3 mg/g), vitamin B1 (0.6 ± 0 mg/g), vitamin B3 (0.6 ± 0.2 mg/g), vitamin B6 (1.1 ± 0.2 mg/g), vitamin B12 (0.6 ± 0.2 μg/g), and folic acid (82.6 ± 7.6 μg/g), as well as fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A (287.4 ± 6.3 μg/g), vitamin D3 (2.6 ± 0.6 μg/g), and vitamin E (0.7 ± 0 ng/g). Finally, the herbal nutraceutical tablet (200 mg/kg) significantly improved the antihyperglycemic effect on ob/ob mice (type 2 diabetes), compared to the standard drug, metformin (200 mg/kg).

The results suggest that the newly formulated herbal tablet may be recommended as an anti-diabetic nutraceutical drug.
MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT Y LA VINDICACIÓN DE LOS DERECHOS FEMENINOS
Authors:   Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile, Peña Vallejos Rosa , Colarte Olivares Rodrigo ,   Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo aborda la crítica de Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) a la visión educativa que propone Rousseau en su obra El Emilio. El debate en cuestión es un episodio relevante en la histórica lucha reivindicativa de las mujeres, en la cual Wollstonecraft demanda, como derecho, un espacio público integral femenino. El tema que interesa tratar es si la propuesta de la autora de cambiar el paradigma de la esclava doméstica por el de una ciudadana ilustrada, supone el reconocimiento de la responsabilidad moral y cívica a las mujeres; y si el camino de otorgarles dignidad, por la vía de una educación equivalente entre los miembros de ambos sexos, supone necesariamente el abandono femenino de su papel formativo en los hogares como educadoras de sus hijos. Del mismo modo interesa determinar si, en el pensamiento de Wollstonecraft, la transformación de la maternidad como una tarea cívica y el reconocimiento de la mujer como sujeto racional sexuado, genera una visión de la racionalidad distinta que rompe con la masculina.
DEL MUNDO AL BUEN VIVIR: CAMBIOS Y CONTINUIDAD EN LA PROPUESTA ÉTICA DE ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Schutijser De Groot Dennis
Published: June 2022

Arthur Schopenhauer, el gran pesimista en la historia de la filosofía, es al mismo tiempo el precursor del reciente renacimiento de una filosofía enfocada en la pregunta por una vida feliz. Sus Aforismos sobre la sabiduría de la vida parecen estar en plena contradicción con la postura clave de su magnum opus, el Mundo como voluntad y representación, en el cuál se había declarado la imposibilidad de trabajar el carácter y la incompatibilidad entre el mundo como voluntad y representación con nuestro afán de ser felices. El presente artículo busca restablecer la unidad de su obra por encima de esta aparente contradicción, a fin de reevaluar su aporte a la filosofía del buen vivir. A pesar de (o gracias a) su pesimismo, el aporte de Schopenhauer puede brindar una importante relativización a esta rama de la filosofía contemporánea, amenazada por una sobreevaluación de la felicidad y de la maleabilidad de nuestra vida. Así, reconocer a uno de los fundadores de la filosofía contemporánea del buen vivir implica salvarle de su propia crítica, así como recordar una importante crítica a la filosofía que pretende poner la felicidad al alcance de todos
Improving the Seismic Response of Tall Buildings: From Diagrid to Megastructures and Mega-Subcontrol Systems
Authors: Faiella Diana , Argenziano Mario , Mele Elena
Published: June 2022

Background:

Diagrid structures, widely used for the tall buildings of the third millennium, are characterized by a very effective behaviour in the elastic field due to the grid triangulation. In particular, under horizontal actions, axial forces and deformations mainly arise in the structural members of the diagrid, thus resulting in the reduction of the shear lag effect and racking deformations. The response to incremental horizontal actions beyond the plastic threshold, however, shows a poor plastic redistribution capacity, with consequent low values of global ductility, in spite of a significant design overstrength.

Objective:

In this paper, it is proposed to exploit the high elastic efficiency of the diagrid type and use a vibration control system, based on mass damping mechanism with large mass ratios, to reduce a priori the inelastic demands due to seismic actions.

Methods:

Starting from the analysis of the seismic behavior of archetype diagrid buildings, a case study is selected to assess the effectiveness of the proposed motion-based design approach. For this purpose, the diagrid is first transformed into a megastructure (MS) configuration by densifying the diagonal elements at the most stressed corner areas and transfer floors, suitably chosen. Then, the exterior mega-frame is detached from interior sub-structures, thus allowing for a relative motion between the two structural portions according to a “mega-sub-structure control system” (MSCS), which activates the mass damping mechanism.

Results:

Time-history analyses carried out on simplified lumped-mass models confirm the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in reducing the seismic response.

Conclusion:

Finally, the practical feasibility of the MSCS and engineering solutions for the relevant structural organization are discussed.
Nano-surface Functionality of Zinc Ferrite: Ascorbic Acid Nanofluid Application
in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Guan Beh Hoe , Hakim Muhammad Darwisy , Hastuti Kurnia , Bin Hamid Mohamad Amin
Published: June 2022

Background:

The compromising effect of reservoir’s compositions on the acceleration of oil
towards the production center during recovery efforts in both primary and secondary applications prelude
the application of nanofluid in the oil industry.

Objective::

This study explores the efficacy of Ascorbic acid on the surface of Zinc Ferrite nanoparticles
in interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability modification.

Method:

The use of co-precipitation method for the synthesis of Zinc Ferrite nanoparticles (ZNP) was
successful at varying temperatures. Consequently, ascorbic acid NPs were coated on ZNP and their brine
based nanofluid was prepared.

Results:

The effects of calcination temperature on the morphology, structure and the crystallinity size
were investigated. In concentration influence determination, wettability alteration (W.A) was the most
affected mobility factor at 0.15M. However, at 0.25M higher concentration, the IFT, W.A and nanofluid’s
stability were relatively improved significantly.

Conclusions:

This research enhances our understanding of the ascorbic acid effect on ZNP and the fascinating
impact of their combined usage as an enhanced oil recovery agents. Ascorbic acid improved the
efficiency of the coated ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles on IFT and contact angle.
Game-Theoretic Approach Based on Zone-based Routing Protocol (GTZRP) in
Mobile Communication Networks
Authors: Geleto Tadele Degefa
Published: June 2022

Background:

A mobile communication network (MCN) consists of mobile and selfsupporting
nodes in a network that communicates over wireless links in the network. These
mobile nodes within communication range will communicate directly between them, while other
nodes in the network need to support neighboring nodes through a routing protocol (EEZRP).

Methods:

The Routing Protocol (EEZRP) is used to reduce network topology routing. However,
it leads to higher energy consumption. Since mobile nodes and self-supporting nodes have
different communication ranges, there is no centralized system to manage the energy usage of
mobile networks, and this high energy consumption in EEZR limits the successful data transfer
rate of mobile networks over wireless links. Thus, this proposed work is a game-theoretic
approach based on the zone-based routing protocol.

Results:

GTZRP for parallel conflict-driven broadcasts takes into account both energy
consumption and a second channel for flow control and complex congestion that improve
data transfer.

Conclusion:

Finally, simulation results show that the proposed GTZRP outperforms other
routing protocols.
An Analysis of the coverage of the 2008 presidential election campaign in periodical press in Cyprus
Authors: Themistokleous Antigoni
Published: June 2022

This article examines the performance of what is considered non-partisan newspaper periodicals in Cyprus during the 2008 presidential election campaign, in order to elucidate how the 21st-century periodical press engages with election campaigns and how liberal values of free speech and press freedom are put into practice in this cluster of periodicals. Implementing qualitative content analysis this article is differentiated from what has been published in JEPS and opens a new stream of thought and research with regards to the periodical press, as it sets in the centre of the examination the 21st-century newspaper periodicals and adopts a social sciences perspective and methodology. The findings provide evidence of the content of 21st-century periodicals during an election campaign and reinforce the distinctiveness of periodical press as a cultural object and not simply as a means to distribute information. The analysis illustrates that newspaper periodicals in the contemporary era constitute cultural objects that are autonomous and have certain policy lines. It further provides insights in order to understand better liberal values, such as the free speech and the freedom of the press and to clarify the understanding of the practice of journalism in the newspaper press and of the self-regulation by the press.  This article supports that newspaper periodicals remain valuable for historical research and essential in order to clarify the understanding of the functioning of the newspaper press industry. It further suggests that periodicals constitute key resources for restoring, at any time, the miscellany of conditions and circumstances that characterise different eras and various historical, social, and political moments.  
Implicit Incentives Among Reddit Users to Prioritize Attention Over Privacy and Reveal Their Faces When Discussing Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test Results: Topic and Attention Analysis
Authors: Liu Yongtai , Yin Zhijun , Wan Zhiyu , Yan Chao , Xia Weiyi , Ni Congning , Clayton Ellen Wright , Vorobeychik Yevgeniy , Kantarcioglu Murat , Malin Bradley A
Published: June 2022

Background

As direct-to-consumer genetic testing services have grown in popularity, the public has increasingly relied upon online forums to discuss and share their test results. Initially, users did so anonymously, but more recently, they have included face images when discussing their results. Various studies have shown that sharing images on social media tends to elicit more replies. However, users who do this forgo their privacy. When these images truthfully represent a user, they have the potential to disclose that user’s identity.

Objective

This study investigates the face image sharing behavior of direct-to-consumer genetic testing users in an online environment to determine if there exists an association between face image sharing and the attention received from other users.

Methods

This study focused on r/23andme, a subreddit dedicated to discussing direct-to-consumer genetic testing results and their implications. We applied natural language processing to infer the themes associated with posts that included a face image. We applied a regression analysis to characterize the association between the attention that a post received, in terms of the number of comments, the karma score (defined as the number of upvotes minus the number of downvotes), and whether the post contained a face image.

Results

We collected over 15,000 posts from the r/23andme subreddit, published between 2012 and 2020. Face image posting began in late 2019 and grew rapidly, with over 800 individuals revealing their faces by early 2020. The topics in posts including a face were primarily about sharing, discussing ancestry composition, or sharing family reunion photos with relatives discovered via direct-to-consumer genetic testing. On average, posts including a face image received 60% (5/8) more comments and had karma scores 2.4 times higher than other posts.

Conclusions

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing consumers in the r/23andme subreddit are increasingly posting face images and testing reports on social platforms. The association between face image posting and a greater level of attention suggests that people are forgoing their privacy in exchange for attention from others. To mitigate this risk, platform organizers and moderators could inform users about the risk of posting face images in a direct, explicit manner to make it clear that their privacy may be compromised if personal images are shared.
Primary caregiver considerations for developing and implementing a machine learning-based model for detecting child abuse and neglect: A qualitative study (Preprint)
Authors: Landau Aviv Y. , Blanchard Ashley , Atkins Nia , Salazar Stephanie , Cato Kenrick , Patton Desmond U. , Topaz Maxim
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Child abuse and neglect, once viewed as a social problem, is now an epidemic. The broad adoption of electronic health records (EHR) in clinical settings offers a new avenue for addressing this epidemic. To improve the development, implementation, and outcomes of machine learning-based models that utilize EHR data, it is crucial to involve members of the community in the process.

OBJECTIVE

This study elicited primary caregivers' viewpoints regarding child abuse and neglect to highlight implications for designing a machine learning (ML)-based model for detecting child abuse and neglect in emergency departments (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 20 primary caregivers whose children were cared for at a single pediatric tertiary-care ED to gain insights about child abuse and neglect and experiences with health providers.

RESULTS

Three central themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Primary caregivers perspectives on the definition of child abuse and neglect, (2) Primary caregivers experiences with health providers and medical documentation, and (3) Primary caregivers perceptions of child protective services.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight essential considerations from primary caregivers for developing an ML-based model for detecting child abuse and neglect in ED settings. This includes how to define child abuse and neglect from a primary caregiver lens. Miscommunication between patient and health provider can potentially lead to a misdiagnosis and therefore, have a negative impact on medical documentation. Additionally, the outcome and application of the machine learning-based models for detecting abuse and neglect may cause additional harm than expected to the community. Further research is needed to validate these findings and integrate them into creating an ML-based model.