bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El derecho a la educación: definiciones constitucionales comparadas en América del Sur
Authors: Ruiz Guillermo Ramón
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCCIÓN. El análisis del derecho a la educación en contextos como América del Sur puede adoptar diferentes enfoques dado que se trata de una región que, por un lado, ha legislado profusamente en materia educativa y, por otro lado, ha experimentado recurrentes procesos de reformas de sus sistemas escolares en las últimas décadas. MÉTODO. En este artículo se analizan las cláusulas constitucionales sobre el derecho a la educación en cuatro países que integran el Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR): Argentina, Brasil, Uruguay (tres de los países miembros) y Chile (uno de los Estados asociados). Se presenta un análisis de las definiciones constitucionales sobre el derecho a la educación en cada uno de los países seleccionados, a la luz de las definiciones conceptuales que tiene este derecho humano. El análisis de las bases constitucionales de la educación permite estudiar de forma comparativa los significados que se le otorgan a este derecho en cada caso. RESULTADOS. En primer lugar, se realiza una definición de este concepto. En segundo lugar, se analizan las constituciones nacionales de cada país para identificar las definiciones que tienen en esta materia. DISCUSIÓN. Se realiza una discusión comparativa de las definiciones normativas que sobre el derecho a la educación se evidencian. Finalmente, se plantean los alcances que los textos constitucionales de estos países tienen sobre el derecho a la educación. Ello presenta líneas para interpretar los procesos de reformas escolares, que se han ejecutado durante las últimas décadas, y que han tenido al derecho a la educación como objeto de regulación, lo cual admite pensar en la potencial conformación de un laboratorio normativo en estos países emergentes.
Optimism Beyond the Problems: BRICS Higher Education Cooperation from a Chinese Perspective
Authors: Sun Jin , Yang Aiyi
Published: July 2021

Multilateral cooperation in higher education among BRICS countries has been under way for 7 years, since 2013. Scholars have different views and judgments, some positive and optimistic, some negative and pessimistic, regarding the significance, progress and prospects of BRICS higher education cooperation (BRICS HEC). What are the views and judgments of participants from Chinese universities? This question has not yet been answered due to a lack of relevant empirical research. To answer this question, six experts in Chinese universities who are involved in organizing or/and researching BRICS HEC were interviewed in this study. The study found that the six experts clearly recognized the necessity and significance of BRICS HEC. They identified the main achievements of this cooperation, including the establishment of two cooperation platforms (i.e., the BRICS Network University and the BRICS University League) and the development of a series of collaborations in student exchanges and research. They also pointed out existing problems, such as the difficulty of achieving multilateral cooperation, difficulty of establishing the mutual recognition of credits and qualifications, and the insufficient enthusiasm among potential participants. Despite these problems, five of the six experts evaluated the progress of such cooperation positively and were optimistic about its prospects. The positive and optimistic views of Chinese experts are contrasted with the problems, obstacles and pessimistic expectations dominant in previous studies, indicating that BRICS HEC is not only supported by the Chinese government but also accepted by Chinese participants. This constitutes an important driving force for the sustainable development of BRICS HEC in the future.
The Role of Online Social Media to Support Seaweed Farmers in Indonesia: A Conflict Resolution Strategy
Authors: Pulubuhu Dwia Aries Tina , Sutinah  , Seniwati
Published: July 2021

The current study aims to introduce online social media to support seaweed farmers and as a conflict resolution strategy. Seaweed farmers have the power to develop seaweed because the product has a positive impact on the socioeconomic. This study observes the roles of online media in supporting seaweed production. This research found that an increase in seaweed production can improve the economic conditions of the community. The weaknesses of seaweed farmers are their low capital, low skills, low level of education, and low support for infrastructure. One skill required is the mastery of technology, especially online media. Online media are one of the vital tools that can help seaweed business processes. Therefore, seaweed farmers should know how to use online social media. The potential cultivation of seaweed is very much enhanced by a pattern of cooperation between seaweed farmers, other farmers, and other collaborations. The threats faced by the research area include the diminishing desire of the younger generation to cultivate seaweed, the very low skill related to using online social media, and extreme weather as an annual problem. We find that the role of online media is crucial to minimizing the risk factors for conflict.
Analysing Corruption in Public Investment in Vietnam: A Multiple-Government Official’s Survey
Authors: Ta Jack , Nguyen To Thanh
Published: July 2021

Three decades after the Renovation Period in 1986 (Doi Moi in Vietnamese), although Vietnam is a fully integrated member of the globalized capitalist economy, they are still facing several difficulties to anti-corruption as one of the most challenging concerns to communist party and government. Amongst of several types of corruption, our paper using corruption frequency in public investment in the Period 2009–2014 is to examine and evaluate effectiveness and accountabilities of anti-corruption in public investment in Vietnam. They include three main bodies, namely the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam, the People’s Procuracy of Vietnam and the People’s Public Security Forces of Vietnam. Using a survey questionnaire with 150 participants from three those agencies, this paper examines corruption and criminal behaviour in public investment in Vietnam as well as evaluates the effectiveness and accountabilities of anti-corruption in public investment in Vietnam. Current findings show the limited qualifications of anti-corruption officers affected the investigation of cases meanwhile offenders are often high-level and powerful officers that have greatly hindered the investigation of corruption cases in the field of public investment. Yet, lacking transparency in management little information on public investment projects available and its related monitors led to ideal conditions for corruption. Besides that, the provisions on the handling of responsibilities of heads of agencies, organisations or units when corrupt acts occur in their agencies, organisations or units are not yet specific and clear.
Alcohol Abuse as a Militating Factor against Quality of Life for Migrants’ Youth Population in Selected Provinces of South Africa
Authors: Matlakala F.K. , Makhubele J.C. , Masilo D.T. , Kwakwa M.M. , Baloyi T.V. , Mabasa A. , Rabotata N.E. , Mafa P.
Published: July 2021

Migrants’ youth are seen as one of the vulnerable populations in South Africa. This is largely due to the fact that they are seen as people who come to take job opportunities of the youth in the host country. In order to cope with their fear and stress, migrants indulge in binge consumption of alcohol. It is in light of that that in this paper researchers aimed to accentuate alcohol abuse as a militating factor against the quality of life for migrants’ youth population in selected provinces of South Africa. The study adopted qualitative approach and case study design to highlight how alcohol is seen as a militating factor against quality of life. The study population was drawn from three provinces in South Africa using convenient sampling technique to sample three participants. Moreover, the data was collected telephonically in three selected provinces and analysed thematically. The findings indicate that due to the accessibility, availability, affordability and stress migrants’ youth indulge in binge consumption. Thus, researchers recommend that policymakers should make guidelines that will restrict mushrooming of alcohol outlets – be regulation to prohibit overcrowding of outlets in selected provinces of South Africa.
PROFITABILITY OF AUDIT COMPANIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN THE PERIOD 2010-2019
Authors: Jovković Biljana , Karapavlović Nemanja , Radojević Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

The subject of the research in the paper is profitability assessment of audit companies operating in the Republic of Serbia. The objective of the research is to provide the answer to professional and scientific public whether the profitability of audit companies is conditioned by the impact of the size of audit company, origin of its equity or the existing market participation? The research included the entire population of active audit companies in the Republic of Serbia in the period from 2010 to 2019. Data analysis was performed in the statistical program SPSS, and non-parameter tests Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. The research will give the answer to the question whether the profitability of an audit company depends on the source of its equity, the size or market participation it has in provision of audit services. The results of the research have shown that there is an impact of the size of the company, the origin of its equity and market participation on the profitability of audit companies measured by net income and return on total assets.
Enhancement of magnetic detection by ensemble NV color center based on magnetic flux concentration effect
Authors: Li Zhong-Hao , Wang Tian-Yu , Guo Qi , Guo Hao , Wen Huan-Fei , Tang Jun , Liu Jun ,   Institute of Instrument and Electronics, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China,   Key Laboratory of Instrument Science and Dynamic Testing, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China,   Key Lab of Quantum Sensing and Precision Measurement, Shanxi Province, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Published: July 2021

The high-sensitivity magnetic sensor is the key to the weak magnetic and extremely weak magnetic detection imaging. In this paper, based on ensemble nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center in diamond, a wide-field magnetic field distribution imaging system combined with the magnetic flux concentrator (MFC) is built for enhancing the magnetic detection. The paired T-shape chip MFC structures are designed and prepared based on the simulation of magnetic flux concentration effect, and the enhancement of magnetic field of MFC is verified by continuous wave optical detection magnetic resonance (CW-ODMR) imaging technology. When the gap width between the MFCs is 1.0 mm, the magnetic enhancement factor is about 10.35. To verify the effectiveness of the magnetic enhancement effect of the MFC, The magnetic enhancement effects are also measured under different magnetic field strengths and different gap widths. The magnetic sensitivity of the system increases from 1.10 nT/Hz1/2 to 0.30 nT/Hz1/2. By comparing the simulations with the measurements, the relationship between the measured magnetic enhancement multiple and the gap width can be obtained, and the better magnetic enhancement capability and sensitivity of the experimental system are also estimated. When the MFC’s gap width is 0.5 mm, the corresponding magnetic enhancement factor is increased to 18.21, and the corresponding magnetic sensitivity is 0.25 nT/Hz1/2. These results show that the magnetic detection sensitivity of the ensemble NV in diamond can be effectively improved based on magnetic flux concentration effect, which provides a reference for the applications of precision quantum measurement technology in weak magnetic and extremely weak magnetic detection.
Tracking the relation between gist and item memory over the course of long-term memory consolidation
Authors: Zeng Tima , Tompary Alexa , Schapiro Anna C , Thompson-Schill Sharon L
Published: July 2021

Our experiences in the world support memories not only of specific episodes but also of the generalities (the ‘gist’) across related experiences. It remains unclear how these two types of memories evolve and influence one another over time. In two experiments, 173 human participants encoded spatial locations from a distribution and reported both item memory (specific locations) and gist memory (center for the locations) across 1–2 months. Experiment 1 demonstrated that after 1 month, gist memory was preserved relative to item memory, despite a persistent positive correlation between them. Critically, item memories were biased toward the gist over time. Experiment 2 showed that a spatial outlier item changed this relationship and that the extraction of gist is sensitive to the regularities of items. Our results suggest that the gist starts to guide item memories over longer durations as their relative strengths change.
Role of ferroptosis-related genes in prognostic prediction and tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chao , Huang Shuoyang , Cao Fengyu , Zheng Yongbin
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of programmed cell death different from other, raises promising novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention of CRC. This study intended to systematically assess the prognosis value and multiple roles of the ferroptosis-related genes in the tumor immune microenvironment of CRC.

Materials and Methods

Of 1,192 CRC patients with complete information from the public datasets (TCGA CRC, GEO GSE39582 and GSE17538 cohorts) were selected for analysis. Firstly, K-means consensus clustering was performed to identify ferroptosis-associated subtypes in CRC patients. Subsequently, we constructed a risk signature based on ferroptosis-related genes in TCGA cohort and acquired its validation in two GEO cohorts. Additionally, we established a nomogram integrating the risk signature and clinical factors to improve risk assessment of CRC patients.

Results

Five molecular subtypes were identified by consensus clustering for ferroptosis-related genes. There were significant differences in the overall survival, immune cells infiltration status and PD1/PD-L1 mRNA among the five clusters. Then, a risk signature based on the ten-gene was constructed which could distinguish effectively high-risk group among CRC patients in both training and validation sets. The high-risk patients were more likely to have an inhibitory immune microenvironment and lower stemness features. A prognostic nomogram integrated risk signature and clinicopathological features could be used as a more accurate prognostic prediction visualization tool than TNM stage alone.

Conclusion

This ferroptosis risk signature may accurately differentiate between different risk populations and predict the prognosis of CRC. Besides, this study elucidated the crucial role of ferroptosis in tumor immune microenvironment.
Molecular phylogenetic assessment ofSpirobranchus kraussii-complex (Annelida: Serpulidae) from the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: Kobayashi Genki , Goto Ryutaro
Published: July 2021

Spirobranchus kraussii(Annelida: Serpulidae) was recognized as being widely distributed both in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. However, the sampling records far from its type locality (South Africa) have been questioned. Actually, recent molecular phylogenetic studies showed thatS. kraussiicontains genetically distinct species. In this study, we performed molecular phylogenetic analyses ofS.cf.kraussiicollected from Japan using the nucleotide sequences of a mitochondrial gene and two nuclear genes. Three lineages were recovered withinSpirobranchus kraussii-complex in Japan, and one (Spirobranchussp. 6) showed moderate genetic difference (approximately 4%) in the mitochondrial cytb gene sequence fromSpirobranchussp. 1, an undescribed sequenced species from Honshu Island, Japan. However, the nucleotide sequences of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2 region were nearly indistinguishable. The other lineage was clearly distinct from the other previously sequenced species and is thus considered to be another distinct species of this species complex (Spirobranchussp. 5). Although detailed morphological assessment of these lineages is necessary to define their taxonomic status, the present study provided further implications for the species diversity within theS.kraussii-complex.
Association of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide and Inflammatory Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Badade Zunjarrao Ganpat , Shinde Yogita Mahendra , Kaul Shibban K , Rai Sandeep , Kadam Sameer
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) is co-synthesised and co-secreted with insulin by islets of pancreatic β-cells, its increased concentration in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, may involve in inflammatory processes. Aim: To study and find the association of IAPP with inflammatory markers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-a and Interleukin(IL)-6 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted from, December 2015 to December 2019, on 262 subjects (30-60 years, 147 males and 115 females), including 131 healthy controls and 131 known cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin(HbA1c) was estimated by commercially available kit, and serum fasting insulin, IAPP, hsCRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 were analysed by ELISA. Insulin Resistance (IR) and insulin sensitivity were calculated. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 the descriptive statistics were expressed as Mean±SD, Student t-test was applied, and p≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant and highly significant at ≤0.01 at 95% CI. The relationship between IAPP and other variables were done by using Spearman Rank correlation (r). Results: Circulatory level of IAPP was positively associated with serum hsCRP (r=0.312, p≤0.05) in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The elevated levels of IAPP (21.3±10.54pmol/l), insulin (11.74±3.91μU/ml), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (5.11±2.01) and inflammatory markers including hsCRP (3.44±1.77mg/l), TNF-α (29.5±4.7pg/ml) and IL-6 (20.2±5.2pg/ml) p≤0.05 with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c 8.78±2.30%, p<0.001), and reduced insulin sensitivity {Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) 0.31±0.02, p≤0.05} were compared with healthy control; indicates that hyperamylinemia may induce inflammation in individuals with T2DM. Conclusion: Elevated degree of IAPP can be an important predictor and indicator of inflammatory processes and IR in uncontrolled diabetes.
Assessment of Salivary Lipid Profile Parameters in Healthy and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Choudhry Afreen Arshad , Sharma Preeti , Mohapatra Tapan , Prasad Mahendra , Kumar Pradeep
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Recent studies suggest that saliva could be functionally equivalent to serum in reflecting the physiological state of the body. Studies are being conducted to develop saliva as a tool for the screening and monitoring of chronic systemic diseases like Diabetes mellitus. Dyslipidaemia is most commonly assessed by laboratory lipid profile analysis in serum sample. This study is a step towards validation of saliva as a tool for the screening and monitoring of dyslipidaemia. Aim: To measure, compare and correlate the serum and salivary lipid profile parameters {Total Cholesterol (TC), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)} in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The case control study was carried out for a period of one year i.e., from March 2019 to February 2020. The study comprised of 200 participants between the ages 31-70 years. The participants included 100 diabetic subjects with a history of diabetes for at least three years and 100 age matched subjects as controls. TC, HDL and LDL was estimated by using kits based on spectrophotometric principle. Statistical analysis was done on Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 16.0. Mean, Standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, along with regression analysis was carried out and compared between the groups. Results: There is a significant difference between the salivary TC, HDL and LDL levels in healthy individuals and diabetics. A strong and significant positive correlation of serum TC (Pearson correlation coefficient ‘r’=0.87 for controls, 0.66 for diabetics, p<0.01), HDL (Pearson correlation coefficient ‘r’=0.78 for controls, 0.88 for diabetics, p-value <0.01) and LDL (Pearson correlation coefficient ‘r’= 0.81 for controls, 0.87 for diabetics, p-value <0.01) levels with its respective salivary levels was obtained in all the participants (controls and diabetics) of the study. The regression coefficient was calculated and a formula was derived for prediction of serum lipid profile parameters using their respective salivary levels. Conclusion: Standardisation of the techniques for the estimation of salivary lipid profile parameters, including triglycerides and Very LDL (VLDL) and setting up a reference range will also make it useful in clinical practice.
The Global Response to Abortion – with Special Focus on India’s Medical Termination of Pregnancy Bill
Authors: Deshpande Asawari , Gurpur Shashikala , Arya Sujata , Shambhulinganand Shireshi
Published: July 2021

The 2020 Amendment Act, of Medical Termination of Pregnancy has reinvigorated the discussion with regards to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights in India. This comes at a juncture of time, where the discussion regarding reproductive rights is an important part of the global socio-political narrative. The aim of this paper is to study the developmental trajectory of reproductive rights by gauging how the right to abortion has fared in various countries across the world by analysing specific legislations, judicial precedents and statistical data. We examine how one may secure the reproductive health rights of a woman better by analysing the two functional methods adopted thus far - either through liberal legislations that guarantee full autonomy to the woman or more restrictive laws that permit abortions only in certain circumstances - a major. The second half of this paper focuses on India, a country whose culture is traditionally perceived to be deeply rooted in orthodoxy and conservatives. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act was enacted in 1971, and the 2020 Amendment has garnered acclaim for its more progressive outlook and direction. Even though the amendment has addressed some of the major concerns voiced out by reproductive rights’ activists, there are still a few systemic and practical dogmas that are still pervasive in the reproductive rights domain. The paper discusses these prevalent lacunae at play at length and emphasizes on the need for comprehensive and quick solutions. These will contribute to the prevention of unwanted pregnancies while simultaneously reducing the physical and psychological harm that is caused to vulnerable women across the country.
Identification of Phytoconstituents using GC-MS and Determination of Antimicrobial and Antimycobacterial Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. Leaves
Authors: Sharma Rahul Kumar , Singh Veer Inder
Published: July 2021

Background: To identify bioactive phytoconstituents and evaluate antimicrobial and antimycobacterial potential of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves against selective human pathogens.

Methods: The extract of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves was carried out by using methanol. Bioactive compounds was identified by GC-MS. Antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity of methanolic extract Boerhaavia diffusa leaves was tested in vitro by Kirby-Bauer well diffusion method and rapid culture - MGITTM DST method against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida, Aspergillus and M. tuberculosis (H37RV ) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to Isoniazid & Rifampicine.

Results: The obtained results of the GC-MS of Boerhavia diffusa led to the identity of 16 bioactive compounds. The crude extract showed antimicrobial activity against E.coli (Sensitive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sensitive and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Sensitive) but extract did not show antimicrobial effect against, E.coli (ESBL), Klebsiella pneumonia (Sensitive), Klebsiella pneumonia (ESBL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Resistant), Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigates. The result of anti-mycobacterial activity showed that extract not showed antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis (H37RV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to Isoniazid & Rifampicine.

Conclusion: The study result proved that methanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa leaves has antimicrobial potential due to the presence of the bioactive compounds.
Study of Cigarette Smoking on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profile in Vidharbha Region, India
Authors: Bhadarge Gangaram , Ambad Ranjit , Bankar Nandkishor , Kotecha Raunak
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Cigarette smoke increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke are also examples of ischaemic heart disease. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 substances that have a negative or minimal effect on human health, including free radicals, nicotine, and the most important carbon monoxide in the pharmacy. Tobacco smoke kills 6 million people a year, many from lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). When opposed to never-smokers, smokers lose 10–15 years of life on average, and they begin to develop tobacco-related disorders such as coronary disease.

Aim: Study of Cigarette Smoking on Haematological parameters and Lipid Profile in Vidharbha Region

Material and Method: 25 subjects were smokers and 25 subjects were non-smokers. Patients went directly to the Observed Treatment Short-course focus in the Dept. of Medicine and Dept. of Respiratory, Datta Meghe Medical College and Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Center.

Result: Patients who were non-smokers and smokers were compared. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL are statistically higher in smokers than non-smokers, but the same is true for HDL-cholesterol. Smokers had slightly lower HDL cholesterol than non-smokers.

Conclusion: The smokers in this sample had dyslipidaemia as well as a large rise in haemoglobin and haematocrit. The RBC count rises as the rate of smoking rises, as it does in heavy smokers, and the altered lipid profile worsens. This dyslipidaemia in smokers can expose the vascular endothelium to potentially atherogenic lipoproteins, placing smokers at higher risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques and heart disease. As a result, quitting smoking early can alter these processes, which may prevent any major health risks.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Extracts of Terminalia chebula and Piper nigrum against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bellamkonda Pavani , Koothati Ramesh Kumar , Bee Aamina , Desai Abhishree , Aarthi G. K. , Aarthi R.
Published: July 2021

Objective: Dental caries is an infectious disease in which S. mutans plays a key role. Haphazard and irrational use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and fatal diarrhoeal diseases in children. Antimicrobial potency of Terminalia chebula and Piper nigrum extracts against several bacterial strains have been documented. The aims of this study were to assess and compare the antimicrobial activities of T. chebula and P. nigrum extracts against S. mutans with Ciprofloxacin as the positive control.

Materials and Methods: For this purpose, S. mutans was isolated from plaque samples of people with active caries lesions.  Antimicrobial potency of both T. chebula and P.nigrum were tested using agar well diffusion method.

Results: All the tested extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans bacteria. Regarding the two tested herbs extracts, a higher antimicrobial activity was shown by the methanol extract of T. chebula with a mean diameter of inhibition zone was 26.75mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 25mg /ml concentration followed by acetonic extract.

Conclusion: These findings confirm the Antimicrobial potency of T. chebula which can be used as an alternative antibiotic and/or in combination with allopathic antibiotics to prevent the antibiotic resistance.
Clinical, Socioeconomic, and Psychosocial Profile of COVID 19 Patients at a Tertiary COVID Designated Hospital in Pune, India
Authors: Bansode Madhu , Bansode Pankaj , Nagarkar Manasi
Published: July 2021

The COVID 19 pandemic continues its havoc over the last six months in India. The present study of the initial phase of illnesses in mild to moderate cases of SARS-COVID is the rampant community transmission. This observational and cross-sectional study aimed to analyse and correlate the socioeconomic and demographic parameters with clinical and psychosocial presentations of the COVID disease through a questionnaire-based interaction Mild and moderate COVID positive patients with stable hemodynamic were enrolled for the study. The findings revealed that of the 179 patients, the majority of patients were adults below 60 years of age group, followed by the older age group above 60. Males had a slightly higher preponderance than females. The majority of people in their families were medium to big and overcrowded, lacked social distance and poor hygiene practises were partially attributable to bad social economic conditions. Most of the patients originated from the red area, i.e. high-risk zone, as well as the high level of transmission of COVID illnesses to human beings. The majority of patients were in the poor and lower middle classes (Kuppuswamy modified scale).Most of the occupations of COVID patients involved the lower strata labour jobs. Fifty percent of patients had no symptoms at onset and remained asymptomatic throughout the illness. There were many issues and insecurities in most patients relating to the current illness, future well-being of families, job and financial concerns that warrant strategies to be implemented during and in post COVID era.
Private Ownership Structure and Firm Productivity: A Firm - Level Empirical Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: UGWU Michael Okike , OMEJE Ambrose Nnaemeka
Published: July 2021

Private-owned firms make up a large chunk of the firms existing in different countries of the world, especially Nigeria, and as such, contribute its quota to economic activities and growth of the economy. This study examined private ownership structure and firm productivity from the angle of firm - level empirical evidence from Nigeria using World Bank, Nigeria enterprise survey 2014 data and applied econometric model based on OLS technique. It was found among others by the study that a percentage increase in firms owned by private domestic individuals, companies or organizations (private domestic owned firms), would on the average have a significant positive impact on firm productivity in Nigeria by about 0.217276 units. In line with this, the study concludes that private domestic owned firms has positive significant impact on firm productivity in Nigeria. The study recommended among others that government should create more enabling/conducive business environment for private domestic firms to thrive and contribute more to overall economic growth and development. When this done, it will significantly increase employment, especially youth employment, reduce poverty and the menace of insecurity, increase per capita incomes, raise overall standard of the living of the people, and finally contribute significantly to economic growth and development of not only Nigeria, but Africa at large.
Code Wisely: Risk assessment and mitigation for custom clinical software
Authors: Cardan Rex A. , Covington Elizabeth L. , Popple Richard A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The task of software development has become an increasing part of the medical physicist's role. Many physicists who are untrained in the best practices of software development have begun creating scripts for clinical use. There is an increasing need for guidance for both developers and medical physicists to code wisely in the clinic.

Materials and Methods

We created a novel model for assessing risk for custom clinical software analogous to failure modes and effects analysis and propose minimum best practices that should be followed to mitigate the risks. Using this risk model, we integrated a literature review and institutional experience to form a practical guide for risk mitigation.

Results

Using this new risk assessment model, we outlined several risk mitigation techniques including unit testing, code review, source control, end‐user testing, and commissioning from the literature while sharing our institutional guidelines for evaluating software for risk and implementing these strategies.

Conclusion

We found very little literature for custom software development guidelines targeted at medical physicists. We have shared our institutional experience and guidelines to help facilitate safe software development for the evolving role of the medical physicist.
Clinical implementation of automated treatment planning for whole‐brain radiotherapy
Authors: Han Eun Young , Cardenas Carlos E. , Nguyen Callistus , Hancock Donald , Xiao Yao , Mumme Raymond , Court Laurence E. , Rhee Dong Joo , Netherton Tucker J. , Li Jing , Yeboa Debra Nana , Wang Chenyang , Briere Tina M. , Balter Peter , Martel Mary K. , Wen Zhifei
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the study was to develop and clinically deploy an automated, deep learning‐based approach to treatment planning for whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT). We collected CT images and radiotherapy treatment plans to automate a beam aperture definition from 520 patients who received WBRT. These patients were split into training (n = 312), cross‐validation (n = 104), and test (n = 104) sets which were used to train and evaluate a deep learning model. The DeepLabV3+ architecture was trained to automatically define the beam apertures on lateral‐opposed fields using digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs).

For the beam aperture evaluation, 1st quantitative analysis was completed using a test set before clinical deployment and 2nd quantitative analysis was conducted 90 days after clinical deployment. The mean surface distance and the Hausdorff distances were compared in the anterior‐inferior edge between the clinically used and the predicted fields. Clinically used plans and deep‐learning generated plans were evaluated by various dose–volume histogram metrics of brain, cribriform plate, and lens.

The 1st quantitative analysis showed that the average mean surface distance and Hausdorff distance were 7.1 mm (±3.8 mm) and 11.2 mm (±5.2 mm), respectively, in the anterior–inferior edge of the field. The retrospective dosimetric comparison showed that brain dose coverage (D99%, D95%, D1%) of the automatically generated plans was 29.7, 30.3, and 32.5 Gy, respectively, and the average dose of both lenses was up to 19.0% lower when compared to the clinically used plans. Following the clinical deployment, the 2nd quantitative analysis showed that the average mean surface distance and Hausdorff distance between the predicted and clinically used fields were 2.6 mm (±3.2 mm) and 4.5 mm (±5.6 mm), respectively.

In conclusion, the automated patient‐specific treatment planning solution for WBRT was implemented in our clinic. The predicted fields appeared consistent with clinically used fields and the predicted plans were dosimetrically comparable.
Beneficial effects of the 30‐minute door‐to‐needle time standard for alteplase administration
Authors: Rajan Suja S. , Decker‐Palmer Marquita , Wise Jessica , Dao Thanh , Salem Cindy , Savitz Sean I.
Published: July 2021

Objective

The American Heart Association recently raised the bar on the timely treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with intravenous alteplase. Our study looks at the effectiveness of this new standard, by examining the effect of varying door‐to‐needle times of alteplase initiation on the clinical, quality of care, and efficiency of care outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study examined 752 AIS patients treated with intravenous alteplase in a large academic health system during 2015–2018, and compared their outcomes after treatment within 30, 45, and 60 min of arrival. The outcomes compared were: (1) clinical – discharge and 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and post‐intravenous alteplase (24‐h) NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS); (2) quality of care – inpatient mortality, 30‐day readmission, discharge to home, and disability at discharge; (3) efficiency of care – length of stay (LOS) and index stroke hospitalization costs. Adjusted logistic and linear regression analyses were used to estimate the effects, after controlling for baseline characteristics.

Results

Based on the adjusted regression analyses, treatment within 30 min of arrival was associated with better post‐treatment mRS and NIHSS scores, and the clinical benefits were reduced when the windows were expanded to within 45 or 60 min. An important finding of the study was that treatment within 30 min of arrival significantly reduced the average LOS.

Interpretation

Early intravenous alteplase treatment significantly improved clinical and efficiency of care outcomes. This study provides evidence that meeting the new AHA Target Stroke recommendations will help hospitals improve patient clinical outcomes and reduce LOS, thereby improving the efficiency of care standards.
Diaphragm dysfunction in severe COVID‐19 as determined by neuromuscular ultrasound
Authors: Farr Ellen , Wolfe Alexis R. , Deshmukh Swati , Rydberg Leslie , Soriano Rachna , Walter James M. , Boon Andrea J. , Wolfe Lisa F. , Franz Colin K.
Published: July 2021

Many survivors from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) suffer from persistent dyspnea and fatigue long after resolution of the active infection. In a cohort of 21 consecutive severe post‐COVID‐19 survivors admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, 16 (76%) of them had at least one sonographic abnormality of diaphragm muscle structure or function. This corresponded to a significant reduction in diaphragm muscle contractility as represented by thickening ratio (muscle thickness at maximal inspiration/end‐expiration) for the post‐COVID‐19 compared to non‐COVID‐19 cohorts. These findings may shed new light on neuromuscular respiratory dysfunction as a contributor to prolonged functional impairments after hospitalization for post‐COVID‐19.
Metabolism‐based therapies for epilepsy: new directions for future cures
Authors: Cervenka Mackenzie , Pascual Juan M. , Rho Jong M. , Thiele Elizabeth , Yellen Gary , Whittemore Vicky , Hartman Adam L.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Thousands of years after dietary therapy was proposed to treat seizures, how alterations in metabolism relates to epilepsy remains unclear, and metabolism‐based therapies are not always effective.

Methods

We consider the state of the science in metabolism‐based therapies for epilepsy across the research lifecycle from basic to translational to clinical studies.

Results

This analysis creates a conceptual framework for creative, rigorous, and transparent research to benefit people with epilepsy through the understanding and modification of metabolism.

Interpretation

Despite intensive past efforts to evaluate metabolism‐based therapies for epilepsy, distinct ways of framing a problem offer the chance to engage different mindsets and new (or newly applied) technologies. A comprehensive, creative, and inclusive problem‐directed research agenda is needed, with a renewed and stringent adherence to rigor and transparency across all levels of investigation.
New Phenothiazine Derivatives That Exhibit Photoinduced Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Yunsheng , Yang Jie , Fang Manman , Gong Yanxiang , Ren Jia , Tu Liangjing , Tang Ben Zhong , Li Zhen
Published: July 2021

The research of purely organic room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials with stimulus response characteristic has drawn increasing attention for their broad application prospects. However, these kinds of materials are really scarce now, especially for those with efficient RTP emissions, which have largely limited their practical applications. Here, an all‐around‐type player in the field of photoinduced phosphorescence material appears, whose RTP efficiency can increase from near 0 to 22% after continuous UV irradiation. Correspondingly, the UV‐written patterns based on them can be clearly observed by the naked eye in daytime or even under sunlight. Moreover, these materials are found to show excellent photostability, and the strong RTP emission can still be observed after repeated activation for more than 50 times. The high RTP efficiency and good photostability make these photoinduced RTP materials exhibit an attractive prospect for potential applications in many fields, including leak test, microcrack detection, programmable information storage, and encryption.
Jammed Emulsions with Adhesive Pea Protein Particles for Elastoplastic Edible 3D Printed Materials
Authors: Sridharan Simha , Meinders Marcel B. J. , Sagis Leonard M. , Bitter Johannes H. , Nikiforidis Constantinos V.
Published: July 2021

3D printed materials are of great relevance to produce medicinal scaffolds and specialized foods. An approach to forming 3D printable materials is to use jammed oil droplets. Jammed oil droplets are highly viscous and can be extruded through the nozzle of a 3D printer, while after chemical cross‐linking they acquire a self‐standing ability. However, the molecules currently used to stabilize and cross‐link the oil droplets have questionable biocompatibility. Therefore, this study aims to produce a 3D printable jammed emulsion using pea proteins. This jammed oil‐in‐water emulsion is remarkably stable and viscoelastic enough to be extruded through the printer nozzle. Adhesive pea protein particles formed by pH adjustment act as physical cross‐links between the oil droplets, forming a scaffold with elastoplastic rheological properties that flows above critical stress while, without any additional treatment, exhibits the required self‐standing properties for 3D printing. By understanding the properties of pea proteins and their behavior in bulk and on interfaces, pea protein‐based 3D printable material is created for the first time.
4D Printing of Multi‐Responsive Membrane for Accelerated In Vivo Bone Healing Via Remote Regulation of Stem Cell Fate
Authors: You Dongqi , Chen Guancong , Liu Chao , Ye Xin , Wang Shaolong , Dong Minyi , Sun Mouyuan , He Jianxiang , Yu Xiaowen , Ye Guanchen , Li Qi , Wu Junjie , Wu Jingjun , Zhao Qian , Xie Tao , Yu Mengfei , Wang Huiming
Published: July 2021

Dynamic regulation of substrate micro‐structures is an effective strategy to control stem cell fate in tissue engineering. Translating this into in vivo tissue repair in a clinical setting remains challenging, which requires precise temporal control of multi‐scale structural features. Using 4D printing technique, a multi‐responsive bilayer morphing membrane consisting of a shape memory polymer (SMP) layer and a hydrogel layer, is fabricated. The SMP layer is featured with responsive surface micro‐structures, which can switch the phase between proliferation and differentiation precisely, thus promoting the bone formation. The hydrogel layer endows the membrane with the ability to digitally regulate its 3D geometry, matching the specific macroscopic bone shape in clinical scenario. The authors’ in vivo experiments show that the 4D shape‐shifting membrane exhibits over 30% improvement in new bone formation in comparison to a reference membrane with static micro‐structure. More importantly, the 4D membrane can conformally wrap a bone defect model in a non‐invasive way and this strategy can be extended to repairs involving complex tissue defects.
Customizing Multifunctional Sulfur Host Materials Via a General Anion‐Exchange Process with Metal–Organic Solid
Authors: Liang Qian , Chen Jiande , Zhou Yao , Li Jun‐Tao , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: July 2021

Fe/Co/Ni‐based discrete nanoparticles are often explored to chemically adsorb and catalytically convert polysulfides for high‐performance Li–S batteries. Herein, by manipulating the anion‐exchange process between Ni–Co acetate microcrystals and various organic anions, porous single‐ or multi‐layered hierarchically functionalized carbon nanoshells are customized. Among them, the shell‐in‐shell composite, namely C–NiCoPi@C–Ni2Co, which has an external Ni2Co‐decorated carbon nanoshell and an internal Ni3P‐anchored carbon nanoshell encapsulated within a 3D‐structured continuous NiCo‐phosphate (NiCoPi) layer, displays collective merits as a sulfur host. Particularly, compared with discrete nanoparticles, the network‐like NiCoPi layer is structurally and inherently advantageous in chemical adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, as also supported by Density Functional Theory calculations, while the metallic Ni2Co nanoparticles enable high local conductivity. Such S@C–NiCoPi@C–Ni2Co displays an initial specific capacity of 1237 mAhg–1 at 0.1 C and maintains 1010 mAhg–1 after 100 cycles; at 0.5 C, its discharge specific capacity in the 1st cycle is as high as 1038 mAhg–1 and maintains capacity retention as high as 86% after 500 cycles. This study provides a straightforward strategy in customizing multifunctional sulfur hosts for high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Fast Photothermoelectric Response in CVD‐Grown PdSe2 Photodetectors with In‐Plane Anisotropy
Authors: Li Gang , Yin Shiqi , Tan Chaoyang , Chen Lijie , Yu Mengxi , Li Liang , Yan Feng
Published: July 2021

PdSe2, a star photosensitive functional material, has been successfully used in photodetectors based on sensing mechanisms of photogating, photoconductive, and photovoltaic effects. Here, a photothermoelectric (PTE) effect is observed in photodetectors based on PdSe2 flakes grown by chemical vapor deposition. The unique photoresponse arises from an electron temperature gradient instead of electron–hole separation. Direct evidence of the PTE effect is confirmed by a nonlocal photoresponse under zero bias. Moreover, the PdSe2 photodetector shows high performance in terms of ultrafast response speed (4 µs), high air‐stability, broadband spectrum photodetection, reasonable responsivity, and anisotropic optical response. This study paves a new way for developing high‐performance photodetectors based on PdSe2 layered materials.
Expanded Phase Distribution in Low Average Layer‐Number 2D Perovskite Films: Toward Efficient Semitransparent Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Cheng , Kanda Hiroyuki , Ding Yong , Huang Hao , Chen Haibin , Ding Bin , Liang Yongri , Liu Xuepeng , Cai Molang , Dyson Paul J. , Dai Songyuan , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: July 2021

The application of low average layer‐number (〈n〉 ≤ 2) 2D perovskites in semitransparent photovoltaics (ST‐PVs) has been hindered by their strong exciton binding energy and high electrical anisotropy. Here, the phase distribution is expanded fully and orderly to enable efficient charge transport in 2D (NMA)2(MA)Pb2I7 (NMA: 1‐naphthylmethylammonium, MA: CH3NH3+) perovskite films by regulating the sedimentation dynamics of organic cation‐based colloids. Ammonium chloride is synergistically introduced to enhance the phase separation further and construct a favorable out‐of‐plane orientation. The wide and graded phase distribution well aligns the energy level to facilitate charge transfer. As a result, the first application of an average 〈n〉 = 2 2D perovskite is implemented in ST‐PVs with visible power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.52% and high average visible transmittance (AVT) of 40.5%. This study offers a new candidate and an effective strategy for efficient and stable ST‐PVs and is relevant to other perovskite optoelectronic devices.