bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El concepto de liderazgo en los espacios educativos: alcances y límites de un término elástico
Authors: Cuesta Oscar , Moreno Mosquera Emilce
Published: June 2021

Se presentan los resultados de una revisión documental sobre las definiciones de liderazgo educativo presentes en los trabajos publicados sobre el tema en Iberoamérica. Se realizó una consulta en bases de datos digitales. Tras analizar 87 documentos, se estableció que ambigüedad conceptual entre el liderazgo educativo, pedagógico y escolar. Además, que el liderazgo está enmarcado administrativamente pero que no se restringe a estos espacios. Se concluye que es necesario formular teorías que constituyan al liderazgo educativo como objeto de estudio con rasgos ontológicamente definidos, para evitar distorsiones epistemológicas y acumular conocimiento sobre este tema.
Syrup Hedera helix Extract Poisoning in Dog: a Clinical Report
Authors: Gülersoy Erdem , Kaan Durgut Murat , Serhat İyigün Süleyman , Sevinç Mutlu
Published: June 2021

This clinical report describes a 1-year-old Golden Retriever dog weighing 24 kg that developed gastroenteritis as a result of the unprescribed and random use of a syrup Hedera helix extract, which is for human use only. Diagnosis was made after ruling out other factors that could cause gastroenteritis. An improvement in clinical findings was observed as a result of supportive treatment. It is already widely recognized that triterpene saponins, biological active compounds of Hedera helix, cause gastroenteritis in dogs and it is considered that unprescribed and random use of syrup Hedera helix at high doses, may cause severe gastroenteritis symptoms that will endanger life. It is concluded that successful management of Hedera helix extract poisoning depends on a good anamnesis, physical exams, and laboratory tests, rapidly ruling out other causes of gastroenteritis, quitting the use of syrup immediately and a supportive treatment.
Trending Dietary Supplements
Authors: DALBUDAK SANSAR Deran , YAVUNÇ YEŞİLKAYA Burcu
Published: June 2021

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, dietary fibers and the other so many chemicals are called as dietary supplements. They are widely used worldwide. Across all major categories overall dietary supplement use has increased year by year. By definition, they should maintain nutrients otherwise that may not be consumed in adequate amounts. So much dietary supplements are simply taken for healthy life, but some are used for reduce and modulate risk factors for chronic diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular diseases or birth defects. There are some other supplements which are used for benefits such as management of sleep, improving physical performance or weight management. They are not drugs and therefore they are not intended to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure diseases. Nevertheless, there are so much dietary supplements selled as self-medication substances that promotes health related issues. But some of them may cause toxic reactions, interact with pharmaceuticals or other supplements and they may have been contaminated with heavy metals or do not contain the anticipated amount of ingredients. Also redundant of several nutrients may increase cancer risk. Generally, if there is no deficiencies or special conditions, there is no need to take supplements. In this review, we aimed to examine biological benefits of dietary supplements such as glutathione, pycnogenol, resveratrol, quercetin, chlorella pyrenoidosa, beta-glucan, α-lipoic acid and bromelain. We called them as trending dietary supplements due to their improving effects on human health.
Women political leaders in pandemic times: comparing Jacinda Ardern’ and Donald Trump’s representation of the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Saccà Flaminia , Selva Donatella
Published: June 2021

In the context of the Covid-19 meta-crisis, leadership styles have emerged as a key factor for determining a country’s ability to contain the contagion and recover. In what follows, we want to explore the features of such leadership styles by taking a gender perspective. This article argues that women leaders have successfully governed the crises originated by the pandemic not only because of their inherent ability to build relationships, enhance community bonds, and “tune” with the anxieties of citizens; the women leaders’ approach to science has proven to be decisive as well. Contrarily to common-sense expectations, when compared with men leaders, women have demonstrated to be more responsive and attentive to scientific advice, and to use their understanding of science as a factor of legitimacy. Our data are based on a wider research project granted by the Italian Ministry of Research and coordinated by prof. Saccà. We have analyzed the discourses of two case studies, Donald Trump and Jacinda Ardern, as they identify ideal-typical features of two opposing leadership styles as far as science is concerned. The analysis of rhetorical formulas and frames highlight the differences in their discourses and approaches and proves how the women leaders’ ability of listening to experts’ advice and the needs of specific sectors of the population has been decisive for the success of the measures of containment of the virus.
PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS IN FEMALE STUDENTS’ LIFE AT PONDOK PESANTREN PPAI AN-NAHDLIYAH KABUPATEN MALANG
Authors: Hapsari Regina Rachmayanti
Published: June 2021

Background: Islamic boarding school dormitory has a high population density. This has resulted in high-potential of Islamic boarding schools in transmitting Pediculosis. All age groups can suffer from this disease, but children are more susceptible to the condition.Objective: The aims of this study was to analyze the relationship between the level of knowledge, personal hygiene, and characteristics of female students towards the presence of Pediculus humanus var. capitis in Islamic Boarding School An-Nahdliyah, Malang Regency.Methods: This research was quantitative research method, used observational analytic research with cross sectional design. The research sampe was 48 female students living in the dormitory, taken by simple random sampling. Data found at the time of the study was collected through questionnaires, observations, and laboratory tests. Determination of the type of flea species was tested at the Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University. The sample in this study amounted to 48 female students living in dormitory of Islamic Boarding School An-Nahdliyah Malang Regency. This study has been declared to meet the ethical eligibility of the Medical Research Ethics Commission of the Faculty of Dentistry, Airlangga University with certificate number 161/ HRECC.FODM/ IV/ 2019.Result: The results showed that more than half of the sample (31 respondents) experienced Pediculus humanus var. capitis infestation. The results of this study indicate that there is no relationship between the level of education (p = 0,393), knowledge (p=0,55), length of stay (p=0,181), and hair type (p=0,464) on the existence of Pediculus humanus var. capitis. Though there is a relationship between personal hygiene (p = 0,001), age (p = 0,035), and hair length (p = 0,021).Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is personal hygiene, age, and hair length have a significant relationship to the Pediculus humanus var. capitis. Female students who experience Pediculus humanus var. capitis infestations can suffer from itching on the scalp as well as scalp irritation. It is  recommended to improve female students’ personal hygiene by routine shampooing three times a week, and using personal sleeping mats.
Analisis Faktor Sosiokognitif Terhadap Kepatuhan Bidan Dalam Penerapan Standar Operasional Prosedur (SOP) Deteksi Dini Pre Eklamsia (Di Kecamatan Kenjeran, Semampir, dan Tambaksari)
Authors: Novayanti Riphyana , Goemawati Efvina
Published: June 2021

Latar Belakang: Pre eklamsia menjadi salah satu penyebab utama kematian ibu di Provinsi Jawa Timut dengan Angka Kematian Ibu (AKI) Provinsi Jawa Timur pada tahun 2017 mencapai 91,92 per 100.000 kelahiran penduduk. Kota Surabaya tercatat memiliki 72,99 per 100.000 kelahiran penduduk dengan pre eklamsia menjadi salah satu penyebab tingginya Angka Kematian Ibu (AKI). Peran tenaga kesehatan diperlukan untuk menurunkan jumlah kematian ibu di Kota Surabaya.Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis faktor sosiokognitif yang mempengaruhi kepatuhan bidan dalam penerapan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia di Kecamatan Kenjeran, Semampir, dan Tambaksari..Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan crossectional study dengan variabel independen yang terdiri dari individual constraint, intention, organizational constraint, social influence, exemplary behavior, dan facilitating organization serta kepatuhan bidan terhadap penerapan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia sebagai variabel dependen. Analisis hubungan penelitian menggunakan cross tabulation dan analisis data menggunakan analisis binary logistic regression.Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan variabel individual constraint dan exemplary behavior berpengaruh terhadap kepatuhan penerapan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia. Variabel tersebut memiliki p-value α<0,05. Selain itu, 28,9% dari 38 bidan yang dipilih kepatuhannya memiliki kepatuhan rendah terhadap penerapan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia, sedangkan 71,1% lainnya memiliki tingkat kepatuhan tinggi.Kesimpulan: Faktor sosiokognitif yang berpengaruh dalam penerapan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia ialah individual constraint dan exemplary behavior. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya pembentukan tim pengendali mutu untuk memantau pelaksanaan SOP deteksi dini pre eklamsia agar ketidakpatuhan pada bidan tidak mengalami peningkatan.Kata kunci:deteksi dini pre eklamsia, faktor sosiokognitif, kepatuhan bidan.
The grouping of industrial enterprises by capacity utilization rate and level of debts to banks (II Quarter of 2020)
Authors: Aukutsionek S. , Dyomina N. , Bashirova I. , Serzhantova T. , Belyakov S.
Published: June 2021

Russian industrial enterprises, examined by the Russian Economic Barometer are grouped according to two criteria: the level of capacity utilization rate, as well as the level of debts to banks. This grouping allows you to see how key characteristics of enterprises differ depending on how their production capacities are loaded and what level of debts to banks they have. Data are presented for the second quarter of 2020.
Intermediarios protésicos en implantología oral. Revisión de la literatura
Authors: Padilla-Avalos César-Augusto , Marroquín-Soto Consuelo
Published: June 2021

Los intermediarios protésicos en implantología oral son los aditamentos que permiten la conexión entre el implante y la prótesis propiamente dicha. Aunque dicha rehabilitación posee una alta tasa de éxito, la selección del pilar protésico representa una fase importante en el tratamiento implantológico. Actualmente, existe una gran variedad de pilares intermediarios, que corresponden a las diversas técnicas y materiales. Los intermediarios protésicos se podrían clasificar según el tipo de conexión, su retención a la prótesis, su relación axial con el cuerpo del implante, su material de fabricación, su tipo de fabricación o si son para rehabilitación unitaria o múltiple. Esta situación puede generarle dudas al rehabilitador al momento de elegir los aditamentos implantológicos idóneos para cada caso en particular, lo que genera un escenario de dilema al seleccionar el aditamento protésico que permita lograr una rehabilitación satisfactoria: funcional, estética y que preserve los principios biológicos. En efecto, la implantología oral ha revolucionado la odontología y seguirá ampliando el abanico de posibilidades; por ello, es importante clasificar las opciones protésicas disponibles. La presente revisión de la literatura tiene como objetivo evidenciar las diferentes alternativas y opciones de pilares intermediarios más utilizados en prótesis sobre implantes.
Technical and Economic Feasibility Study for Implementing a Novel Mooring-Assisting Methodology in Offloading Operations Using Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Ramos G. S. , Pinto M. F. , de Souza E. S. S. , Machado G. B. , de Castro G. G. R.
Published: June 2021

As oil and gas exploration goes toward deeper fields in the Brazilian industry scenario, offloading operations emerge as the most viable option to drain production. However, these operations demand expensive resources, such as shuttle tankers and support boats; operational risks, which despite being managed, limited, and mitigated to be as low as reasonably possible, are still present in some stages (i.e., ship’s approximation to the oil rig, mooring, hose connection, and so forth); and environment limiting parameters (i.e., wave height, surface-current direction, wind speed and direction, and so forth). Therefore, in this paper, we propose using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in an autonomous mode to carry out the messenger line from the shuttle tanker to the floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit or the floating storage and offloading unit (FSO) instead of line-handling (LH) boats (for conventional operations that use those resources) or the messenger-cable-launching guns (for dynamic positioning operations). This represents a viable alternative solution to reducing costs and risks in these tasks and a possibility to eliminate some meteorologic and oceanographic limiting conditions to operations, because the UAV will be susceptible only to wind conditions, and not to sea and visibility conditions, like LHs are. We present the simulated results of the proposed methodology using a robotic operating system (ROS) and the economic gain [derived from cash-flow-cost reducing of operations, payoff time of the investment, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return] of applying this technology, evaluating its use in a realistic scenario based on a real deepwater oil field in Brazil. The developed controller behaves very well, and simulations showed robust results. In addition, the economic study presents the proposal’s attractiveness.
WITHDRAWN: Proxalutamide (GT0918) Reduces the Rate of Hospitalization for COVID-19 Male Outpatients: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Authors: McCoy John , Goren Andy , Cadegiani Flavio Adsuara , Vaño-Galván Sergio , Kovacevic Maja , Fonseca Daniel , Dorner Edinete , Onety Dirce Costa , Zimerman Ricardo Ariel , Wambier Carlos Gustavo
Published: June 2021

Background: Antiandrogens have demonstrated a protective effect for COVOD-19 patients in observational and interventional studies. The goal of this study was to determine if proxalutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, could be an effective treatment for men with COVID-19 in an outpatient setting. Study design and methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at two outpatient centers (Brasilia, Brazil). Patients were recruited from October 21 to December 24, 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04446429). Male patients with confirmed COVID-19 but not requiring hospitalization (COVID-19 8-point ordinal scale <3) were administered proxalutamide 200mg/day or placebo for up to 7 days. The primary endpoint was hospitalization rate at 30 days post-randomization.Results: A total of 268 men were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. 134 patients receiving proxalutamide and 134 receiving placebo were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The 30-day hospitalization rate was 2.2% in men taking proxalutamide compared to 26% in placebo, P<0.001. The 30-day hospitalization risk ratio was 0.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.27. Patients in the proxalutamide arm more frequently reported gastrointestinal adverse events, however, no patient discontinued treatment. In placebo group, 6 patients were lost to follow-up, and 2 patients died from acute respiratory distress syndrome.Conclusion: The hospitalization rate in proxalutamide treated men was reduced by 91% compared to usual care. Trial Registration: NCT04446429
Study on the preparation and properties of polyamide/chitosan nanocomposite fabricated by electrospinning method
Authors: Fazeli Mahyar , Fazeli Faegheh , Nuge Tamrin , Abdoli Omid , Moghaddam Shokooh
Published: June 2021

The principal intention of this work is to fabricate and characterize the polyamide/chitosan nanocomposite by a novel single solvent method through the electrospinning procedure. The thermal properties and morphology of prepared nanocomposite are studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). TGA exposed that the primary decomposition temperature is reduced with rising of chitosan content in the nanocomposites and origin disintegration temperature for polyamide/chitosan nanocomposites is perceived to be in the range from 300 to 500°C. Also, FE-SEM images demonstrated that the nanofibers of chitosan have good adhesion on the matrix and are well-oriented. Besides, the crystallinity and structural characteristics of the polyamide/chitosan nanocomposites are investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), respectively. The results of XRD proved that the successful blending of chitosan in polyamide is achieved via the electrospinning method. FT-IR results demonstrate that the nanofibers are consist of amine groups. Also, the electrical properties of the nanocomposite improved with the increasing content of chitosan and the conductivity of the polyamide/chitosan 5 wt% demonstrates the maximum current of 0.3 nA. Besides, the sheet resistance of the composite reduced 118 to 20 × 109 Ω with raising the chitosan volume from 0 to 5 wt%.
Spontaneous Generated Convective Anticyclones in Low Latitude --- A Model for the Great Red Spot
Authors: Cai Tao , Chan Kwing L. , Chow Kim-Chiu
Published: June 2021

The Great Red Spot at about latitude 22oS of Jupiter has been observed for hundreds of years, yet the driving mechanism on the formation of this giant anticyclone still remains unclear. Two scenarios were proposed to explain its formation. One is a shallow model suggesting that it might be a weather feature formed through a merging process of small shallow storms generated by moist convection, while the other is a deep model suggesting that it might be a deeply rooted anticyclone powered by the internal heat of Jupiter. In this work, we present numerical simulations showing that the Great Red Spot could be naturally generated in a deep rotating turbulent flow and survive for a long time, when the convective Rossby number is smaller than a certain critical value. From this critical value, we predict that the Great Red Spot extends at least about 500 kilometers deep into the Jovian atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that the Great Red Spot is likely to be a feature deep-seated in the Jovian atmosphere.
Effectiveness of the Tailored, Early Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program (t-ECRP) Based on ERAS in Improving the Physical Function Recovery for Patients Following Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Funa , Li Lijuan , Mi Yanzhi , Zou Limin , Chu Xiaofei , Sun Aiying , Sun Haibo , Liu Xianben , Xu Xiaoxia
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPerioperative rehabilitation management is essential to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Few reports, however, focused on quantitative, detailed early activity plans for patients after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The purpose of this research was to estimate the Tailored, Early Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program (t-ECRP) based on ERAS inthe recovery of bowel function andphysical functionfor patients undergoingMIE. MethodsIn this single-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized pilot clinical trial, patients were selectedfrom June 2019 to February 2020 and assigned to the intervention group (IG) or the controlgroup(CG)randomly.The participants inIGreceived at-ECRPstrategy during theperioperative period, and the CG received routine care. The recovery of bowel andphysical function, readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and postoperative hospital stay evaluated on the day of discharge. Results215 cases were enrolled and randomized to theIG (n=107)orCG (n=108). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and clinicalcharacteristics and baseline physical function.After the t-ECRP intervention,the IG group presented a significantly shorter time tofirst flatus(P<0.001) and to first bowel movement postoperative (P=0.024),and a better physical function recovery (P＜0.001), compared with theCG group.The analysis also showed thatparticipants in the IG have higherscores of RHD and shorter length of postoperative stay than the CG (P＜0.05).Conclusions The findings suggest that the t-ECRP can improve bowel andphysical functionrecovery,amelioratepatients'RHD, and shorten postoperative hospital stayfor patients undergoing MIE.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01998230)
Potentials for future reductions of global GHG and air pollutant emissions from circular municipal waste management systems
Authors: Sanabria Adriana Gomez , Kiesewetter Gregor , Klimont Zbigniew , Schöpp Wolfgang , Haberl Helmult
Published: June 2021

Recent trajectories of production and consumption patterns have resulted in massively rising quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW). Building on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, we build two sets of global scenarios until 2050, namely baseline and mitigation scenarios. We assess trajectories of future MSW generation and the impact of MSW management strategies on methane and air pollutant emissions. In 2050, the adoption of mitigation strategies in the sustainability-oriented scenario yields earlier, and major, co-benefits compared to scenarios in which inequalities are reduced but that are focused solely on technical solutions. In 2050, the GHG emissions in the sustainability-oriented scenario amount to 182 Gg CO2eq/yr of CH4, to be released while particulate matter, and air pollutants from open burning of MSW can be virtually eliminated. We demonstrate that the 6.3 target of the SDG 6 can only be achieved through more ambitious sustainability-oriented scenarios that limit MSW generation and improve management.
3D Modelling of a Hydrothermal System in a Densely Populated Urban Area – the Alfama Springs Case-Study (Lisbon, Portugal)
Authors: Marrero-Diaz Rayco , Ramalho Elsa Cristina , Carvalho João , Dias Ruben , Ramada Ana , Pinto Cláudia
Published: June 2021

In the XIX th century, the Alfama thermal and non-thermal springs were qualified as “mineral water” by the governmental authorities. But after a few years of legal usage in balneotherapy, all of them knew a constant and progressive definitive decay, and the last balneotherapic facility was abandoned and sealed more than 40 years ago. Despite their significant influence in Lisbon life along the History, their exact location is now only approximate. Nowadays, they are all buried below the city buildings, squares and streets. Since some of the Alfama springs reached temperatures up to 34 °C, groundwater from these springs can be used in a new modern spa or in district heating facilities in the heart of the city of Lisbon, if adequately recovered. But priorly, to carry out this task, a global understanding of the conceptual hydrogeological model is needed. However, the springs are located in a densely urbanized and touristic area, where geological outcrops are no longer visible and old springs’ location is unknown; therefore, a review of geological and hydrogeological data and geotechnical reports was carried out to plan further research works. Adding to this exhaustive bibliographic review and data integration, new seismic reflection data were acquired, and brought some new insights on the groundwater circulation system. All these data interpretations contributed significantly to achieve a better knowledge on the main and secondary faults that control the occurrence of Alfama springs and framed them into the complex regional tectonic framework. The entire set of historical hydrogeological data, geotechnical information, and newly acquired data lead to a reasonably accurate and data supported 3D geological and hydrogeological conceptual model of the deep groundwater flow circuit. This paper describes the research work that led to the conception of the local and complex 3D hydrogeological model of the Alfama springs system. With this 3D model, the best location for a dipped well can now be envisaged, keeping in mind the narrow local urban constraints, possible future users, and stakeholders.
Automatic Detection of Osteosarcoma Based on Integrated Features and Feature Selection Using Binary Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Bansal Priti , Gehlot Kshitiz , Singhal Abhishek
Published: June 2021

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumor mostly found in children and teenagers. Manual detection of osteosarcoma requires expertise and is a labour-intensive process. If detected on time, the mortality rate can be reduced. With the advent of new technologies, automatic detection systems are used to analyse and classify images obtained from different sources. Here, we propose an automatic detection system Integrated Features-Feature Selection Model for Classification (IF-FSM-C) that detect osteosarcoma from the high-resolution whole slide images (WSIs). The novelty of the proposed approach is the use of integrated features obtained by fusion of features extracted using traditional handcrafted feature extraction techniques and deep learning models. It is quite possible that the integrated features may contain some redundant and irrelevant features which may unnecessarily increases the computation time and leads to wastage of resources. To avoid this, we perform feature selection (FS) before giving the integrated features to the classifier. To perform feature selection, we propose two binary variants of recently proposed Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) known as BAOA-S and BAOA-V. The selected features are given to a classifier that classifies the WSIs into Viable tumor (VT), Non-viable tumor (NVT) and non-tumor (NT). Experiments are performed and the results prove the superiority of the proposed IF-FSM-C that uses integrated features and feature selection in classifying WSIs as compared to the classifiers which use handcrafted or deep learning features alone as well as state-of-the-art methods for osteosarcoma detection.
Detection of a Major QTL and Development of KASP Markers for Seed Weight by Combining QTL-seq, QTL-mapping and RNA-seq in Peanut
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Yan Liying , Chen Yuning , Wang Xin , Huai Dongxin , Kang Yanping , Jiang Huifang , Lei Yong , Liao Boshou
Published: June 2021

Seed weight is a major target of peanut breeding as an important component of seed yield. However, relatively little is known about QTLs and candidate genes associated with seed weight in peanut. In this study, three major QTLs on chromosomes A05, B02 and B06 were determined by applying NGS-based QTL-seq approach for a RIL population. These three QTL regions have been successfully narrowed down through newly developed SNP and SSR markers based on traditional QTL mapping. Among these three QTL regions, qSWB06.3 exhibited stable expression with large contribution to phenotypic variance across all environments. Furthermore, RNA-seq were applied for early, middle and late stages of seed development, and differentially expression genes (DEGs) were identified in ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, serine/threonine protein pathway and signal transduction of hormones and transcription factors. Notably, DEGs at early stage were majorly related to regulating cell division, whereas DEGs at middle and late stages were mainly associated with cell expansion during seed development. Through integrating SNP variation, gene expression and functional annotation, candidate genes related to seed weight in qSWB06.3 were predicted and distinct expression pattern of those genes were exhibited using qRT-PCR. In addition, KASP-markers in qSWB06.3 were successfully validated in diverse peanut varieties and the alleles of parent Zhonghua16 in qSWB06.3 was associated with high seed weight. This suggested that qSWB06.3 was reliable and the markers in qSWB06.3 could be deployed in marker-assisted breeding to enhance seed weight. This study provided insights into the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms of seed weight in peanut.
Bioaccumulation and Transfer of Zinc in Soil Plant and Animal System: A Health Risk Assessment for the Grazing Animals.
Authors: Chen Fu , Muhammad Fatima Ghulam , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Ahmad Kafeel , Malik Ifra Saleem , Ashfaq Asma , Naeem Majida , Nadeem Muhammad , Ma Jing , Awan Muhammad Umer Farooq , Mahpara Shahzadi , Mehmood Shahid
Published: June 2021

Heavy metal pollution has thoroughly worldwide apprehensions due to the instantaneous growth of industries. Farming regions are irrigated mainly with wastewater which contains both municipal and industrial emancipations. Therefore, three sites irrigated with ground, canal and municipal-wastewater in the District Jhang were selected to determine the zinc accumulation and its transfer in the soil, plant and animal food-chain. Soil, forage and animal samples of cow, buffalo and sheep were selected from each site. Various pollution indices were also measured to assess the zinc exposure to grazing animals. Zinc concentration was ranged as 18.85-35.59mg/kg in the soil, 26.42-42.67 mg/kg in the forage and 0.982-2.85mg/kg in the animal samples. Investigated zinc concentration in soil and forages was found to be within the recommended WHO/FAO limits but blood samples exceeding the standards of NRC (2007). Maximum level of pollution load index (0.427-0.805mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.373-0.894 mg/kg) for zinc was noticed upon waste water irrigation. Daily intake (0.039 to 0.082 mg/kg/day) and health risk index (0.130 to 0.275 mg/kg/day) of zinc metal was higher in the buffaloes that feed on waste water irrigated forages. Bio-concentration factor (0.840 to 2.01mg/kg) for soil-forage was >1 represented that these plants accumulated the zinc concentration into their tissues and raised health issues in grazing animals on consumption of waste water contaminated forages. Overall findings of this study, suggested that animal herds should be monitored periodically to devise preventive measures regarding the toxic level of heavy metals availability to livestock.
Analysis of Long-term Rainfall Trends in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Imam Md. Hasan , Roy Sabuj , Hoque Farhana , Ahsan Urmee
Published: June 2021

The study of rainfall trends is critically important for Bangladesh whose food security and economy are dependent on the timely availability of water. Trends in monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall on the eight divisions as well as all Bangladesh were examined in this study using a monthly data series of 40 years (1981–2020). Most of the divisions showed decreasing trend in monsoon seasonal rainfall but for only three divisions namely Dhaka, Rajshahi and Rangpur were statistically significant except in Chattogram division, whereas rainfall trend showed positive but not significant. On an annual scale, all divisions also showed a decreasing trend with insignificant exceptions in Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions, which showed a statistically significant trend. For all Bangladesh, no significant trend was detected for seasonal rainfall. Annual, pre-monsoon, monsoon and winter rainfall decreased, while post-monsoon rainfall increased at the national scale but was not significant. Only annual rainfall was detected as statistically significant for all Bangladesh.
Simulating the Spatial Distribution of Pollutant Loads from Pig Farming using an Agent-based Modeling Approach
Authors: Ngo An The , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Nong Duong Huu , See Linda
Published: June 2021

This research developed an agent-based model (ABM) for simulating pollutant loads from pig farming. The behavior of farmer agents was captured using concepts from the Theory of Planned Behavior. The ABM has three basic components: the household or farmer agent, the land patches and global parameters that capture the environmental context. The model was evaluated using a sensitivity analysis, and then validated using data from a household survey, which showed that the predictive ability of the model was good. The ABM was then used in three scenarios: a baseline scenario, a positive scenario in which the number of pigs was assumed to remain stable but supporting policies for environmental management were increased, and a negative scenario, which assumed the number of pigs increases but management measures did not improve relative to the baseline. The positive scenario showed reductions in the discharged loads for many sub-basins of the study area while the negative scenario indicated that increased loads will be discharged to the environment. The scenario results suggest that to maintain the development of pig production while ensuring environmental protection for the district, financial and technical support must be provided to the pig producers. The experience and education level of the farmers were significant factors influencing behaviors related to the manure reuse and treatment, so awareness raising through environmental communication is needed in addition to technical measures.
Vision Based Supervised Restricted Boltzmann Machine Helps to Actuate Novel Shape Memory Alloy Accurately
Authors: Dutta Ritaban , Chen Cherry , Renshaw David , Liang Daniel
Published: June 2021

Extraordinary shape recovery capabilities of shape memory alloys (SMAs) have made them a crucial building block for the development of next-generation soft robotic systems and associated cognitive robotic controllers. In this study we desired to determine whether combining video data analysis techniques with machine learning techniques could develop a computer vision based predictive system to accurately predict force generated by the movement of a SMA body that is capable of a multi-point actuation performance. We identified that rapid video capture of the bending movements of a SMA body while undergoing external electrical excitements and adapting that characterisation using computer vision approach into a machine learning model, can accurately predict the amount of actuation force generated by the body. This is a fundamental area for achieving a superior control of the actuation of SMA bodies. We demonstrate that a supervised machine learning framework trained with Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) inspired features extracted from 45000 digital thermal infrared video frames captured during excitement of various SMA shapes, is capable to estimate and predict force and stress with 93% global accuracy with very low false negatives and high level of predictive generalisation.
The Value of Complete Blood Count For The Prognosis Analysis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lv Xiang , Han Songtao , Xu Bin , Deng Yuqin , Yangchun Feng
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the value of complete blood count in predicting the survival rate of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Methods

A total of 3587 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who were initially admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2010 to December 2017 were collected by retrospective study. The relevant clinical data were collected by the medical record system, and the patients were followed up by the hospital medical record follow-up system. The follow-up outcome was death. The survival time of all patients was obtained. The survival curve was established using the cut-off value of each index obtained by ROC curve. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis model and nomogram were established to predict the survival prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The role of each index in the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was studied
Results

The cut-off values of NLR, NMR, LMR, RDW and PDW in blood routine were 3.52, 10.22, 2.25, 13.85% and 12.05%, respectively. Survival curve analysis showed that patients aged < 60 years and NLR < 3.52 had survival. All indicators were divided into high and low groups according to ROC curve. Univariate Cox regression analysis model showed that RDW (≥ 13.85) and NLR (≥ 3.52) groups were risk factors for the prognosis of ESCC, with HR values of 1.099 (1.015–1.191; p = 0.020) and 1.340 (1.231–1.458; p < 0.001) compared with RDW (< 13.85) and NLR (< 3.52), respectively; multivariate Cox regression analysis model showed that NLR was significantly associated with the prognosis of ESCC, with HR of 1.342 (1.232–1.461; p < 0.001) for NLR (≥ 3.52) NLR (< 3.52).
Conclusion

NLR results in blood count can be used to predict the survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Demography of the enigmatic low phase in a cyclic lemming population
Authors: Fauteux Dominique , Gauthier Gilles
Published: June 2021

Deciphering the mechanism behind the lack of growth during the prolonged low abundance phase of cyclic populations represents a major challenge due to the lack of data. However, long-term capture-mark-recapture datasets can help resolve this question through demographic analyses. We analysed the demography and movements of cyclic brown lemmings on Bylot Island, Canada, with a 16-yr (2004-2019) live-trapping program and looked for inversely density-dependent factors that could contribute to a prolonged low phase. We found that the proportion of females in the population was inversely density-dependent with a strong male-biased sex ratio at low densities but not at high densities. In contrast, survival of adult females was higher than adult males, but both had lower survival at low densities than at high ones. Distances moved by both adult males and females were density-dependent, and proportion of females in reproductive condition was weakly density-dependent. Individual body condition, measured as monthly change in body mass, was not density-dependent. Overall, the strong malebiased sex ratio at very low densities suggests a loss of reproductive potential due to the rarity of females and appears to be the most susceptible demographic factor that could contribute to the prolonged low phase in cyclic brown lemmings. What leads to this sexbias in the first place is still unclear, but indirect evidence suggests that this may be due to a higher vulnerability of nesting females to predation in winter than males.
Alteration in Serum Cystatin-C and SDMA as biomarkers of early renal dysfunction associated with Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME)
Authors: Singh Anubhav , Srivast Mukesh Kumar , Gupta Kapil Kumar
Published: June 2021

Present study was carried out on 30 dogs, positive for ehrlichiosis in nested PCR. Important clinical symptoms exhibited by the canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) positive dogs were mucosal pallor, epistaxis, ascites, ecchymotic and petechial hemorrhages, corneal opacity, icterus and vomiting. All positive dogs were divided into two group (each containing 15 dogs) for the purpose of providing different therapeutic intervention. Six healthy dogs irrespective of age sex or breed were taken as control for comparison of parameters. Whole blood was collected and serum was separated by using standard protocol and serum cystatin C and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were estimated by using commercial ELISA kit. There was significant increase in serum cystatin C and serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in both the treatment groups of dogs in comparison with control. However, there was non-significant decrease in serum cystatin C and SDMA on day 14 post-treatment in both the treatment groups. Total 17 (56.67%) dogs were found to have higher serum cystatin C out of which 10 (33.33%) dogs were also having elevated serum creatinine while remaining 7 (23.33%) dogs were having normal creatinine values. Elevated serum level of SDMA was found in15 (50%) dogs of which 10 (33.33%) were also having concurrent higher creatinine while 5 (16.67%) dogs were have normal creatinine value in spite of having elevated SDMA level. Results indicate the early rise of serum cystatin C and SDMA during renal damage which may considered as better biomarkers for early screening of renal impairment associated with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME).
WITHDRAWN: Prevalence and factors associated with Perceived stress among the general population in Pakistan during Corona-virus disease 2019
Authors: Lakhdir Maryam Pyar Ali , Peerwani Ghazal , Azam Syed Iqbal , Nathwani Apsara Ali , Iqbal Romaina , Asad Nargis
Published: June 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for psychological crises, especially in resource-limited settings where mental health infrastructure is already crippled. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with perceived-stress in the Pakistani population during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1679 Pakistani residents who received the study questionnaire's Google form link. A validated tool of perceived-stress scale-10 was used to screen perceived stress levels. Multiple Ordinal Regression was used to identify the factors associated perceived stress and the results are reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean score of perceived stress was 19.32 (SD=+6.67). Most of the participants screened positive for moderate (69%) and high levels (14%) of stress, respectively. A significant interaction was seen between generalized-anxiety and the phase of the lockdown. During the complete lockdown, the odds of high-perceived stress among severely anxious participants were 44.67(95% CI: 21.33, 93.53) times than participants with no/minimal generalized anxiety. Moreover, the odds of high levels of perceived-stress among moderately anxious respondents were 15.79(95% CI: 10.19-24.28) times compared to participants with no/minimal anxiety during the smart lockdown. Conclusion: This study evidences that the pandemic was extremely distressing for the Pakistani population causing the maximum level of perceived-stress in more than half of the population. Adequate and timely interventions are needed before high-stress levels culminate into psychological disorders.
Achieving Highly Anisotropic Three-Dimensional, Lightweight, and Versatile Conductive Wood-Graphene Composite
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Xiao Tao , Wang Xi Ming , Chen Zhang Jing , Ren Yu Kun , Wang Sun Guo , Wang Zhe , Li Li Li , Yu Jian Fang , He Qin , Yao Li Hong , Hao Yi Nan , Ding Li Jun , Li Qi , Duo Hua Qiong , WHITE Marshall
Published: June 2021

Functionality of wood has to evolve with time to adapt to the emerging needs in society. In this work, endowing electrical conductivity to the insulating wood by adding graphene into the wood matrix to form a conductive wood-graphene composite (conductive wood) via a facile and environmentally benign fabrication technique. The rationale of fabricating conductive wood is of two folds: (1) The high suitability of wood as a renewable matrix due to its porous network and mechanically robust monolithic structure. (2) The need to explore reasonable strategy to adequately translate the properties of graphene from microscopic level to macroscopic level. The conductive wood is able to preserve both the natural features of wood (to function as mechanical scaffold) and the conductivity of graphene. An outstanding electrical conductivity (volume resistivity of 36.7 Ω·cm) is achieved for the conductive wood, while it can maintain a low bulk density of 0.44 g cm-1. More significantly, the conductive wood demonstrates a highly three-dimensional anisotropic conductivity that makes it a highly versatile conductor in various applications. Hence, this lightweight conductive wood may contribute towards a great electronic revolution and as an encouraging strategy to repurpose the function of wood in this new era.
Role of Modified Diet and Gut Microbiota in Metabolic Endotoxemia in Mice
Authors: Liaqat Iram , Durrani Arjumand Iqbal , Zafar Urooj , Rubab Saima , Faheem Mehwish , Mubin Muhammad , Raza Chand , Aftab Nauman
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of cultured gut microbiota (GM) from obese humans coupled HFD in inducing metabolic endotoxemia in humanized mice. In total, 30 strains were isolated from 10 stool samples of obese patients. Following morphological and biochemical characterization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of six abundant isolates identified these as Klebsiella aerogenes, Levilactobacillus brevis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis (MZ052089- MZ052094). In vivo trial using above six isolates, known as human gut microbiota (HGM), was performed for six months. Sixteen mice were distributed into four groups i.e., G1 (control) mice fed with chow diet, group 2 (G2) mice with HFD, group 3 (G3) mice with HFD + HGM and group 4 (G4) mice with chow diet + HGM. Body mass index (BMI) and plasma endotoxins were measured pre and post experiment. In vivo study revealed that HFD + HGM caused significant increase (3.9 g/cm at 20 weeks) in the body weight and BMI (0.4g/cm post experiment) of G3 mice compared to the other groups. One way ANOVA showed significantly higher level of endotoxins (2.41, 4.08 and 3.7 mmol/l) in mice groups G2, G3 and G4, respectively, indicating onset of metabolic endotoxemia. Cecal contents of experimental mice groups showed more diversified microbiota in mice groups G1 and G4 compared to G2 and G3 where high fat feeding alone and combined with obese gut microbiota caused a shift in microbial diversity as observed by all five strains belonging to either Firmicutes or Bacteriodetes phyla, respectively. In conclusion, current study reported that minor alteration in GM composition through HFD feeding and cultured GM transfer has significant impact in development of metabolic endotoxemia, possibly via modified intestinal permeability.
All-Cellulose Material Prepared by Zinc Chloride Treatment
Authors: Nemoto Junji , Nakamata Keiichi
Published: June 2021

Vulcanized fiber is an all-cellulose material made from cotton and/or wood cellulose after zinc chloride treatment. This material was invented in the UK in the mid-19th century and is used because of its excellent characteristics, such as impact resistance and electrical insulation. Recent research revealed that the vulcanized fiber strength can be attributed to the chemically defibrillated cellulose nanofibers. In this report, we describe the history and structural characteristics of vulcanized fibers and introduce a new aspect of zinc chloride treatment.