bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Face-to-Face Principle: Science, Trust, Democracy and the Internet
Authors: Collins Harry , Evans Robert , Innes Martin , Kennedy Eric B. , Mason-Wilkes Will , McLevey John
Published: May 2022

The internet is changing the way that knowledge is made and shared. Knowledge-making in face-to-face settings is being replaced by information gathering from remote sources, whose origins may be concealed but which can create an illusion of intimacy. Though remote communication is beneficial in many ways – modern societies would fail without it -- and though the tight boundaries of the face-to-face can be used for evil purposes such as criminal conspiracy, if the overall trend to remote communication continues unchecked, it could be disastrous for the future of democracy and the very idea of truth itself. Too much reliance on remote communication threatens the core institutions of democratic societies. We explain the change in technical detail, from a systematic analysis of the workings of the face-to-face to a high level setting-out of its dangerous political implications. The analysis includes field studies, reflexive examination, drawing on the wide experience of the authors, of the stickiness of the face-to-face in our own work and other institutions, and network analysis which explains the illusion of intimacy that can be generated inadvertently or maliciously. We look at the apparent effectiveness of techniques such as blockchain and the limits of their domain. New information is provided about the malicious use of disinformation by foreign powers. We dramatise the dangers to Western pluralist democracy through a personal accounting of the 2020 American election. By drawing out the special features of face-to-face interaction and its constitutive role in creating societies, with science as the icon, the book sets out an agenda for civic education that can protect democratic institutions from the erosion of pluralism and the facile abandonment of trustworthy expertise. The authors conclude by returning to the themes set out at the start of the book, namely the crucial role played by trust in modern societies and the importance of face-to-face interactions in reproducing that trust, and the democratic institutions in which it should be invested.
A Comprehensive Review on Analytical Applications of Hydrazone Derivatives
Authors: JABEEN Mussarat
Published: May 2022

This review covers a summary of analytical applications of hydrazone derivatives in a systematic manner (1961-2021), which will help researchers in the design and development of hydrazone derivatives as potential candidates in medicinal, pharmaceutical, catalytic, and analytical chemistry, especially in the separation, identification, and detection of several metal ions, anions, organic molecules, and water in various real and synthetic samples. In addition to these, hydrazone derivatives may be used as light emitting diodes, for synthesis of DSSC, nanoparticles and polymers, as corrosion inhibitors, as dyes, etc. This review does not include all papers in this field, but it does synthesize all significant works on the subject.
Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Nitrogen Supply in Native Sheep Fed Crop Residue based Densified Feed Blocks Varying in Particle Size of Roughage
Authors: Vidya B. , Venkateshwarlu M. , Nagalakshmi D. , Chandra A. Sarat , Preetham V. Chinni , Kumari N. Nalini
Published: May 2022

Background: Roughages with an appropriate particle size are required to maintain the optimum rumen health, fermentation and nutrient digestibility. In this regard, the present study was conducted in sheep to determine the optimum particle size for preparation of complete feed blocks. Methods: Twenty-one adult Deccani rams (19.45±0.80 kg) of 2-3 yrs age were used in a complete randomized design to assess the effect of particle size (PS) of sorghum stover (SS) on rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial nitrogen supply. Rams were divided into 3 groups consisting of 7 animals each and fed complete feed blocks containing 8 mm (SSCFB-8), 12 mm (SSCFB-12) and 16 mm (SSCFB-16) particle sizes of the stover. Rumen liquor was collected using stomach tube from each animal at 0, 2, 4 and 6 h after feeding to assess rumen fermentation pattern. Result: Mean rumen pH was increased (P less than 0.001) with increased PS of the SS in the CFBs and the rams fed SSCFB-12 and SSCFB-16 diets were shown highest (P less than 0.001) pH values. Average ammonia nitrogen concentrations were lower (P less than 0.01) in rams fed SSCFB-16 diet compared to those fed SSCFB-12 or SSCFB-8 diets. The average total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration was decreased with increase in PS of SS in the feed blocks. The rams fed SSCFB-8 diet had shown higher (P less than 0.05) TVFA mean values than those fed SSCFB-12 or SSCFB-16 diets. Microbialnitrogen (g/day, g/kg W0.75) and protein supply (g/day, g/kg W0.75 and g/kg DOMI) was not affected by the PS of sorghum stover in complete feed blocks.Based on the results of the current study the SS ground to 8 mm can be considered as optimum for sheep fed SS based diets.
Effect of Diversification on Smallholder Cocoa Farmers’ Livelihood: Evidence from Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Anang Samuel Afotey , Tarkoh Bernard , Mensah Nicholas Oppong , Nakuja Tekuni
Published: May 2022

Background: Cocoa is a very important economic crop to the world industries as many products are born out of it. Ghana makes significant contribution to the world cocoa production. Higher temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, unpredictable and more severe droughts have threatened agricultural livelihoods especially for the smallholder cocoa farmers. In view of this, many smallholder farmers have diversified into several activities to enhance and improve livelihoods. The study therefore examines the effect of diversification on smallholder cocoa farmers’ livelihood in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana. Methods: The study employed the cross-sectional survey approach of data gathering. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and fifty (150) respondents for the study. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Stata. Result: The findings of the study revealed that smallholder cocoa farmers have diversified into several economic activities and diversification strategies were influenced by household head, household size (4-6), income and business opportunity.
Innovation Techniques to Assess Adulterated Ghee: A Review
Authors: Kauser Heena , Shilpashree B.G. , Praveen A.R. , Pushpa B.P. , Naik H. Devaraja , Ali Parwez
Published: May 2022

Adulteration in dairy products is not only serious trouble to mortal health but also causes profitable losses. Ghee, the most precious fat, is vented at a high price over other fats and oil. Unethical vendors take advantage of this by mixing ghee with inexpensive fats or oils. Adulteration of ghee could be estimated through its physical-chemical constants such as Butyro-Refractometer reading, Reichert-Meissl value, Polenske value, Iodine value, saponification value, which are time-consuming, Therefore, researchers nowadays adopted novel techniques. The addition of coconut oil in ghee is detected using Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and chemometrics. Analysis of the adulteration in cow ghee with soybean oil by olfactory machine system, electronic nose (E-nose) tool is used as a rapid technique. Analysis of adulteration in cow ghee with vanaspati by using an image analysis technique called particle analysis and colour measurement and a rapid and accessible protocol based on β-sitosterol using Reversed-phase thin layer chromatography (RP-TLC) is developed to check the purity of milk fat. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) based chromogenic assay is a rapid method that has been used to identify the presence of palm oil in ghee.
Evaluation of Cytocompatibility as Assessed by Genomic Stability of Canine induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Propagated on Carbon Nanotube Substrates
Authors: Mondal Tanmay , Konda Pranay , Das Kinshuk , Kumar Kuldeep , Bag Sadhan
Published: May 2022

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are a type of pluripotent stem cell derived from adult somatic cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem (ES) cell-like state through the forced expression of genes and factors important for maintaining the defined properties of ES cells. So far there are very few experiments that have been able to prove that nanomaterial-based scaffold can cultivate and maintain the iPSC as an alternative to feeder-free maintenance of iPSC. Methods: The present experiment has given us fundamental information on ex vivo canine iPSC behavior on -OH functionalized single and multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold. Here in we evaluated the cytocompatibility of iPSC cultured on MEF feeder, OH-SWCNT and OH-MWCNT. Result: We have seen very wonderful growth of ciPSC on CNTs similar to feeder. The cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase staining and expressed pluripotent markers. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed that -OH functionalized CNTs provide a milieu of low cytotoxicity. With this test we can interpret that -OH functionalized CNT can be used as xeno-free substrate to support the maintenance of iPSC in an undifferentiated state.
Influence of Organic Nutrients and Bioinoculants on Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under Semi-arid Conditions of Rajasthan
Authors: Sharma Seema , Sharma L.D. , Singh Surendra , Gupta Shweta , Singh Pratibha
Published: May 2022

Background: Pearl millet is also called as the “Powerhouse of Nutrition” as it consists of most of the important nutrients in good quantity and quality which are required for maintaining healthy life. Indiscriminate use of high analysis chemical fertilizers results in the environment pollution which is detrimental to the sustainability; there is an urgent need for adoption of farming practice which ensures sustainability, good soil, human and environmental health. Method: A field experiment was taken for three consecutive years during kharif season of 2018 to 2020 at Agronomy Research Farm, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan to study the impact of various sources of organic nutrients and bioinoculants on growth and productivity of pearl millet. The treatments were comprised of chemical fertilizers, organic manures and microbial biofertilizer consortia (consisting of Azotobactor, Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) commercially branded as Biomix, which were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Result: All the treatments including farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost with and without Biomix had significant effect on soil properties, growth andyield parameters and yield of pearl millet. The pooled data clearly showed that recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher grain (3494 kg/ha) and stover (8612 kg/ha) yields of pearl millet and found at par with treatments T6: 100% RDN through FYM + Biomix; T7: 75% RDN through FYM + Biomix; T8: 100% RDN through vermicompost + Biomixand T9: 75% RDN through vermicompost + Biomixover rest of the treatments. With respect to economics T6 (100% RDN through FYM + Biomix) recorded highest net returns of Rs. 75602 and B:C ratio (4.14) followed by treatment T7 (75% RDN through FYM + Biomix). Continuous application of organic manures with biofertilizers had also significant improvement on soil OC (0.39%), phosphorus (54 kg/ha), potash (310 kg/ha), Zn (0.92 ppm) and Fe (6.92 ppm) over initial soil status.
Institución educativa con espacios comunitarios en San Juan de Lurigancho
Authors:   , Vidal Panduro Viviana Arlet
Published: May 2022

Un centro educativo es una de las instituciones más importes de la sociedad, ya que este es el lugar donde las nuevas generaciones adquieren todo tipo de conocimiento que les servirá para la vida adulta. Sin embargo, la arquitectura de las Instalaciones Educativas en el Perú es la menos desarrollada, encontrándose estancada en los modelos arquitectónicos del siglo XX. El propósito de este documento es presentar las bases necesarias para diseñar una Institución Educativa de inicial, primaria y secundaria en el distrito de San Juan de Lurigancho que responda a las metodologías educativas actuales y, al mismo tiempo, responda a la normatividad correspondiente que el Ministerio de Educación busca implementar. Asimismo, se trata de demostrar la importancia de incluir equipamiento complementario de uso compartido, ya sea con fines educativos, deportivos o culturales, que integren y refuercen el vínculo del colegio con el resto de la ciudad.
EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENGLISH TEACHER’S TEACHING STRATEGIES
Authors: Nuraidah Enung , Nugroho Agus Sapto , Andini Novita Pri
Published: May 2022

This research-based article is anchored on the investigation of the implementation of English teacher’s teaching strategies. It was aimed to find out what teaching strategies that the teacher used and how they were implemented in the classroom. This qualitative study used a descriptive approach. The participant and the subject was an English teacher teaching grade 8 in senior high school in Purwokerto. The data were collected through observation, interview, and documentation. They were analyzed using a triangulation method. The results show that the English teacher used such strategies as indirect instruction, interactive study, and direct instruction in their teaching learning process. The implementation of direct instruction was rarely used. On the reverse, the realization of indirect instruction was quite frequently used in the form of problem-solving. Meanwhile, the actualization of interactive instruction strategy covered brainstorming, group work, and role-play. The conclusive finding suggests that the implementation of those teaching strategies create enjoyable and effective learning atmosphere and therefore facilitate to achieve favorable learning objectives.
Biodiversity Conservation of National Parks and Nature-protected Areas in West Africa: The Case of Kainji National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Tang Xiao-lan , Adesina John Adekunle
Published: May 2022

Due to rising global warming and climate change, biodiversity protection has become a critical ecological concern. The rich biodiversity zones are under threat and are deteriorating, necessitating national, regional, and provincial efforts to safeguard these natural areas. The effective conservation of National Parks and Nature-protected Areas helps to improve biodiversity conservation, forest, and urban air quality. The continuous encroachment and abuse of these protected areas have degraded the ecosystem over time. While exploring the geophysical ecology and biodiversity conservation of these areas in West Africa, Kainji National Park was selected for this study because of its notable location, naturalness, rich habitat diversity, topographic uniqueness, and landmass. The conservation of national parks and nature-protected areas is a cornerstone of biodiversity conservation globally. This study is aimed at the target of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, 2030- Climate Action, targeted at taking urgent action towards combating climate change and its impacts. The study captures both flora and fauna that are dominant in the study area. The 15 identified tree species were selected from over 30 species with 563,500,000 (an average of 3,700,000 in each sample frame) trees for every tree species/type with a total of 63% tree green canopy cover. The study areas divided into three zones were randomly sampled within a stratum of 25x25km frames divided into 150 sample frames for proper analyses using the i-Tree Eco v6.0.23. The following microclimatic data were captured and analyzed; photosynthetically active radiation, rain/precipitation, temperature, transpiration, evaporation, water intercepted by trees, avoided a runoff by trees, potential evaporation by trees, isoprene and monoterpene by trees. This study also further discusses the tree benefits of a green, low carbon, and sustainable environment within the context of biodiversity conservation considering carbon storage, carbon sequestration, hydrology effects, pollution removal, oxygen production, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There is a quick need for remotely-sensed information about the protected areas at regular intervals and government policies must be strict against illegal poaching, logging activities and other hazardous human impacts.
The Membrane Potential has a Primary Key Equation
Authors: Tamagawa Hirohisa , Nakahata Toi , Sugimori Ren , Delalande Bernard
Published: May 2022

Although there is a common physiological notion that the origin of the membrane potential is attributed to transmembrane ion transport, it is theoretically possible to explain its generation by the mechanism of ion adsorption. It was previously suggested that the ion adsorption mechanism led even to the potential formulas which are even identical to either the famous Nernst equation or Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. Our further analysis shown in this paper indicates that the potential formula based on the ion adsorption mechanism leads to one equation which is the function of material surface charge density and the material surface potential. Furthermore, we confirmed that the equation holds in all the different experimental systems we studied. Although we have not succeeded in elucidating why such an equation is established, the equation appears to be the key equation governing the characteristics of the membrane potential regardless of the systems in question.
Safety of Handover: A Global Online Survey of Clinical Practitioners and Leaders Regarding Patient Safety during Transitions of Care
Authors: Hamblin-Brown D.J. , Craggs Julia , Wright David , Grundlingh Johann , Ingram Judi
Published: May 2022

Background: Handover is a critical process for ensuring quality and safety in healthcare. Considerable research suggests that poor handover results in significant morbidity, mortality, dissatisfaction, and excess financial costs. Despite this, little formal attention, education, and evaluation has been given to handover. There is also paucity of data on the opinions of practitioners on the safety of handover.Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the perceived risk, degree of patient harm and the systems used to support handover, and to understand how this varied by care setting, type of clinical practice, location, or level of experience. Methods: An open, anonymous and confidential online questionnaire covering: (a) respondent characteristics; (b) peer-to-peer handover; (c) internal referrals; (d) discharges and transfers between organisations; and (e) leading and improving handover was conducted with healthcare practitioners and managers from various settings. Results: We gathered a total of 432 completed responses from 26 countries. The average reported performance of handover was rated as 3.9 out of 5.For each type of handover, 12 - 14% reported errors occurring more than weekly. Of those that knew the outcome of such errors, between 29% and 34% reported that they had witnessed moderate or severe harm. 12% and 17% of respondents believed that handover was high or very high risk (See table 4). These respondents were more likely to have witnessed moderate or severe harm, or to be more senior.A wide combination of handover systems was utilised by respondents. 28% - 32% relied exclusively on EPRs (with or without face-to-face contact). 21% used Office documents such as Word and Excel for peer-to-peer handover, and over 30% used hand-written or manual systems. Conclusions: This study suggests the need to do more — and go further — to improve communication and reduce risk during all types of handovers. Clinical leaders should find ways to train and support handover with effective systems, with less experienced staff being the primary focus. More research is needed to demonstrate the interventions that improve the safety of handover.
“Se te agarro com outro, te mato! Te mando algumas flores e depois escapo”: cenários da violência contra a mulher na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ferreira Baptista Vinicius
Published: May 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é, a partir de uma caracterização da violência contra a mulher na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro (RMRJ), proceder ao confronto teórico-empírico referente ao tema, considerando a leitura local. Dessa forma, foi cotejada a literatura que consolidasse a pertinência de políticas e leis no tocante à violência, ao passo que se ponderou acerca de estudos de viés quantitativos em seus alcances. Em termos metodológicos, o estudo restringiu-se espacialmente à tabulação dos bancos de dados de violência contra a mulher na Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro (RMRJ), que foram analisados a partir da literatura sopesada para sustentar ou refutar axiomas indicados sobre violência. Entre os resultados encontrados na RMRJ, alguns ratificam estudos: a violência contra a mulher envolve um agressor de conhecimento da vítima e é praticada em ambiente doméstico ou familiar. Ao mesmo tempo, alguns resultados põem em dúvida certos axiomas, a exemplo de a violência física ser explicitamente preponderante, ou que a violência sexual seja praticada em local não residencial. Outros resultados indicam novos elementos: o tipo da violência se altera de acordo com a idade e escolaridade da vítima, em especial marcadores que fragilizem a mulher. Como limites, destaca-se a necessidade de estudos estratificados que observem as particularidades territoriais.
Mangala Polymer Flood Performance: Connecting the Dots Through In-Situ Polymer Sampling
Authors: Shankar Vivek , Shekhar Sunit , Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Brown Alasdair , Veerbhadrappa Santhosh , Nakutnyy Petro
Published: May 2022

The Mangala field contains medium-gravity viscous crude oil. Notably, it is the largest polymer flood in India and 34% of the stock tank oil initially in place (STOIIP) has been produced in 11 years. Mangala was put on full field polymer flood in 2015, 6 years after the start of field production on waterflood in 2009. Polymer flood added nearly 93 million barrels above the anticipated waterflood recovery in 6 years. Reservoir simulation models could replicate the initial Mangala polymer flood performance. However, the performance of the lower layers of Mangala (FM-3 and FM-4) continued to progressively deviate from modeling estimates. Importantly, the observed polymer breakthrough deviated significantly from predictions.

As the polymer flood matured, the trend of field water cut with time indicated that in-situ polymer viscosity was equivalent to only 50 to 60% of the surface polymer viscosity. For better predictions and corrective actions, it was necessary to understand the nature of degradation, the progressively deteriorating field performance, especially of the lower layers, and the deviation of polymer breakthrough trends from predictions. Carefully designed in-situ polymer sampling, laboratory studies, and reservoir modeling studies helped connect the dots to understand the field performance.

There are several excellent publications on accelerated aging studies and some on polymer sampling. This paper offers an opportunity to directly compare experimental results with field data. The procedures used and lessons learned during field sampling can be useful for other operators for management of polymer floods.
Sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A secondary analysis of the 2017 Global school health survey
Authors: James Peter Bai , Osborne Augustus , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Margao Emmanuel Kamanda , Conteh-Barat Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Background: There is very little information on sexual risk behaviour among Sierra Leone and Liberia school-going adolescents. The present study assessed the prevalence and determinants of sexual risk behaviours among school-aged adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Method: We used publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional datasets of the 2017 Sierra Leone and Liberia Global school health survey. The sample consisted of 2798 and 2744 school-going adolescents from Sierra Leone and Liberia, respectively. Results: The majority of adolescents in the two countries were involved in multiple sexual risk behaviour (80.2%), with higher prevalence observed in Sierra Leone (85.2%) than in Liberia (75.3%), Liberian adolescents showed lesser odds of indulging in multiple sexual risk behaviours than their Sierra Leonean counterparts (AOR=0.572; 95%CI: 0.345-0.946). Male compared to females were more likely to engage in multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=2.310;95%CI:1.543-3.458), with a similar pattern observed in both countries. Alcohol use was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=3.064; 95%CI: 2.137-4.392). Also, in Sierra Leone and Liberia, adolescents with one and two or more forms of psychological distress were more likely to have ever had sex than those who do show any form of psychological distress. Missing class/school was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=1.655; 95%CI:1.133-2.418). Peer support was only found to be a protective factor against no condom use among Liberian adolescents (AOR=0.608; 95%CI: 0.435-0.850). Less parental support was only associated with ever had sex more likely to have ever had sex as seen among adolescents in Sierra Leone (AOR=2.027; 95%CI: 1.322-3.107) but not Liberia (1.034(0.650-1.644). Conclusion: Our study found a high sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Our finding highlights the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities that incorporate mental health promotion activities tailored to this group.
PepYLCIV and PepYLCAV resistance gene Pepy-2 encodes DFDGD-Class RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in Capsicum
Authors: Koeda Sota , Mori Namiko , Horiuchi Ryo , Watanabe Chiho , Nagano Atsushi J. , Shiragane Hayato
Published: May 2022

In several countries throughout the world, the whitefly-transmitted begomovirus causes massive yield losses in pepper (Capsicum spp.) production. Although introgression of the genetic resistance against begomovirus to commercial cultivars is strongly required, the recently discovered recessive resistance gene pepy-1, which encodes the messenger RNA surveillance factor Pelota, is the only begomovirus resistance gene identified in Capsicum so far. In this study, we fine-mapped another begomovirus resistance gene from PG1-1 (C. annuum), which is resistant to pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV) and pepper yellow leaf curl Aceh virus (PepYLCAV), to further speed up the marker-assisted breeding of begomovirus resistance in peppers. A single dominant locus, Pepy-2, conferring resistance against PepYLCIV in PG1-1 was identified on chromosome 7 by screening recombinants from the F2 and F3 segregating populations derived from a cross between PG1-1 and begomovirus susceptible SCM334. In the target region spanning 722 kb, a strong candidate gene, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 3a (CaRDR3a), was identified. The whole-genome and transcriptome sequences of PG1-1 and SCM334 revealed a single Guanine (G) deletion in CaRDR3a first exon, causing a frameshift resulting in loss-of-function in SCM334. In addition, multiple loss-of-function alleles of CaRDR3a were identified in the reference sequences of C. annuum, C. chinense, and C. baccatum in the public database. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing of CaRDR3a in PG1-1 resulted in the loss of resistance against PepYLCIV. PG1-1 and the DNA marker developed in this study will be useful to breeders using Pepy-2 in their breeding programs.
MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P. falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum. A case report.
Authors: Scalisi Michela , Giordano Salvatore , Canduscio Laura Antonella , Failla Maria Concetta , Messina Luca , Sferrazza Elisa , Rubino Raffaella , Siracusa Lucia , Vanella Veronica , Cascio Antonio , Colomba Claudia
Published: May 2022

Background: the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas.Case presentation: we present the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and Plasmodium vivax-falciparum and SARS-CoV2 coinfection in children. Despite clearance of parassitaemia and a negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal PCR, the patient’s clinical conditions worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make the diagnosis of MIS-C. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone was effective.Conclusions: this case emphasizes the importance of considering malaria diagnosis in patients returning from endemic areas, even in the COVID 19 era. Malaria and SARS-CoV2 co-infection may increase the risk of MIS-C, for which early detection is critical for proper management.
Classification of Covid-19 Effected CT Images using a Hybrid Approach Based on Deep Transfer Learning and Machine Learning
Authors: Al-jumaili Saif , Duru Dilek Göksel , Ucan Bengisu , Uçan Osman Nuri , Duru Adil Deniz
Published: May 2022

Recently, several studies attempt to classify the non-invasive medical images in the case of Covid-19. Among them, many research endeavors started to classify Covid-19 using Computed Tomography (CT) scans. To this end, we have proposed a hybrid method that integrates Deep transfer learning and Machine learning. Five types of pre-trained models are used to extract the hidden features from images and then we applied two supervised machine learning algorithms. In the first step, we have applied pre-processing to resize the image for compliance with pre-trained models. Then, we computed the features through the use of CNN models and, finally fed them into SVM and KNN. For the evaluation, we computed the metrics as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, Negative Predictive Value (NPV), F1-Score, and Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC). Our best results stand for both of the classifiers that used the features of ResNet-50 (98.2%, 98.1%, 98.3%, 98.3%, 98.1%, 98.2%, and 96.5%). It has been shown that the performance of our methodology was better than the ones reported in the literature.
Error related brain state analysis using electroencephalography in conjunction with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during a complex surgical motor task
Authors: Walia Pushpinder , Fu Yaoyu , Schwaitzberg Steven D. , Intes Xavier , De Suvranu , Cavuoto Lora , Dutta Anirban
Published: May 2022

The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) training module is designed to provide essential surgical skills. During skill training of the FLS "suturing and intracorporeal knot-tying" task (FLS complex task) – the most difficult among the five psychomotor FLS tasks, the error-related chain of mental processes is postulated to depend on the skill level leading to a difference in the contextual switching of the brain states on error commission between experts and novices. So, this study investigated changes in the brain states using simultaneously acquired functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) signals during FLS complex task and following motor errors in thirteen right-handed novice medical students and nine expert surgeons. A brain state analysis of the quasi-stable EEG scalp topography (called microstates) changes was performed using 32-channel EEG data acquired at 250Hz (high temporal resolution). Six microstate prototypes were identified from the combined EEG data from experts and novices during the FLS complex task that explained 77.14% of the global variance. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) found that the proportion of the total time spent in different microstates during the 10-sec error epoch was significantly affected by the skill level (p < 0.01), the microstate type (p < 0.01), and the interaction between the skill level and the microstate type (p < 0.01). Brain activation based on the slower oxyhemoglobin (HbO) changes corresponding to the EEG band power (1-40Hz) changes were found using the regularized temporally embedded Canonical Correlation Analysis of the simultaneously acquired fNIRS-EEG signals. We found that the HbO signal from the fNIRS channels overlying left inferior frontal gyrus – opercular part, left superior frontal gyrus – medial orbital, left postcentral gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus – medial orbital cortical areas showed significant (p < 0.05) difference between experts and novices in the 10-sec error epoch. Here, the left superior and inferior frontal gyrus areas are postulated to be related to the error perception, while the activation of the primary somatosensory cortex at the postcentral cortical area can be associated with the error-related corrective action underpinning the perception-action coupling model.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica (SBA-15) Anchored Tungsten and Molybdenum Aminophenolate Complexes: as Efficient and Reusable Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Sulfides with H2O2
Authors: Saberikia Iraj , Safaei Elham , Karimi Babak
Published: May 2022

An efficient, selective and reusable approach for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones with H2O2 at room temperature is reported. The reaction is performed in the presence of tungsten or molybdenum complex of proline-based mono(phenol) amine (HLPro) immobilized in SBA-15, these have been synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), N2 adsorption–desorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis. These catalysts were easily recovered by a simple filtration and was subsequently reused in the five reaction cycles.
Sugar-based activated carbon regulated BiOBr nanosheets composite for considerably improved photocatalytic capability
Authors: Ye Huilan , Wu Yiting , Zhou Weiming , Lin Ming , Wang Liwei , Yuan zhanhui
Published: May 2022

In this work, the sugar-based activated carbon-BiOBr composite was designed and synthesized via one-step facile method. The photocatalytic performance of catalysts was evaluated by decolorizing Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated solar light irradiation. It was found that the degradation rate of RhB by 10wt%SAC/BiOBr was dramatically increased about 3.6 times compared with that of pure BiOBr. The enhanced photocatalytic performance might be attributed to the enhanced light-harvesting ability and effective separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the mechanism upon SAC/BiOBr composite photocatalyst was investigated in detail, hoping this work could bring new insight into the theoretical study and application of semiconductors materials as photocatalysis.
A Simple Approach for the Study of the Relationship Between Temperature and Precipitation
Authors: Rodrigo Fernando S.
Published: May 2022

The relationship between temperature and precipitation is not simple. Several physical processes can determine whether this relationship is positive or negative, depending on the geographic location and the season. This paper proposes new indices for studying this relationship at a seasonal level, based on daily data of accumulated precipitation and mean temperature: the Rt(T75) index is defined as the percentage of precipitation corresponding to warm days in the year t, and Rt(T25) the one corresponding to cold days. The so-called "contribution index" is defined as the measurement and extent in which the Rt(T25) and Rt(T75) indices contribute to the each interval of percentage precipitation values. To synthesize the behavior of these indices the index IRt = Rt(T75)-Rt(T25) is proposed and compared to the ITt index, defined as the difference between the average temperature of wet days and that of dry days. These indices are analyzed for four meteorological stations that represent the main climatic domains of the Iberian Peninsula from 1951 to 2019. The results show a negative relationship between temperatures and precipitation, except for the two westernmost stations in winter. The role of atmospheric circulation in this result, particularly the NAO, EA, and WeMO teleconnection patterns, is discussed. Finally, future avenues of research are proposed.
Mask-Associated Dry Eye During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Karakose Bengisu , Seker Mustafa Ege , Egriboyun Sebnem , Celebi Ali Riza Cenk
Published: May 2022

PurposeConcerns about limiting viral spread during the Covid-19 pandemic have led to a worldwide increase in the use of face masks. It was proposed that the use of face masks has increased the prevalence of dry eye symptoms. This study was aimed to investigate whether regular face mask use as a key measure against Covid-19 could be associated with development of dry eye- the "Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE)".MethodsA total of 27145 patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital ophthalmology clinic were included in this study. Hospital admission rates due to dry eye before and during Covid-19 pandemic were noted and the mean differences were calculated with a two proportion Z-test.ResultsThe mean difference of hospital admission rates due to dry eye was found to be statistically significant (p< 0.01). Before the Covid-19 pandemic, dry eye admission rate proportions were found significantly lower than during Covid-19 pandemic dry eye admission rate proportions (p<0.01). ConclusionsIt was demonstrated an association between face mask use and increased prevalence of dry eye patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the global impact the Covid-19 pandemic has, further research is necessary to determine the significance of MADE and inform patients about potential preventative measures from mask associated dry eye disease.
Variability studies on Fusarium sp. complex causing Pigeonpea wilt in India
Authors: Reddy B. Deepak , Kumar B. , Yashaswini Gummudala , Karthik Somala , M.S. Sai Reddy
Published: May 2022

A total of 50 Fusarium isolates were collected from major pigeonpea growing states of India and studied for cultural and morphological characteristics. Among 50 isolates, a total of 30 isolates were selected based on their cultural and morphological characteristics and studied for pathogenic variability on eight pigeonpea (ICP8858, ICP 8859, ICP 8862, BDN-2, ICP 9174 ICP 8863, ICP 2376 and BAHAR) differential genotypes. Among the eight genotypes, the four genotypes, namely, ICP8858, ICP 8859, ICP 8862, BDN-2 reacted differentially to isolates and were not consistent in their pathogenicity; however, two genotypes, ICP 9174 and ICP 8863, exhibited resistance reactions, and two genotypes, ICP 2376 and BAHAR, exhibited consistent susceptibility to wilt disease and could diﬀerentiate the 30 Fusarium isolates into six pathogenic variants (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). Among the 6 variants, the maximum distribution of Fusarium variants was observed in Bihar and Telangana (4 variants in each state), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra (2 variants) and one variant each in New Delhi and Jharkhand states. ITS-rDNA sequencing of 23 Fusarium isolates revealed that Fusarium udum (65.21) was the dominant species causing pigeonpea wilt in India, followed by Fusarium solani (21.7) and Fusarium equiseti (13.04). The results of the present study were notable in terms of Fusarium variants, which might be used to deploy location specific wilt-resistant cultivars for improved disease management tactics. This study will also aid in the development of broad-based pigeonpea wilt resistant varieties to suppress potential epidemics.
Chilblain-like lesions onset during SARS-CoV-2 infection in a COVID-19-vaccinated adolescent: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Paparella Roberto , Tarani Luigi , Properzi Enrico , Costantino Francesco , Saburri Chiara , Lucibello Roberta , Richetta Antonio , Spalice Alberto , Leonardi Lucia
Published: May 2022

Background: COVID toes or chilblain-like skin lesions have been widely reported during COVID-19 pandemic. Most cases were described in patients with negative microbiological tests for SARS-CoV-2, therefore the possible relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as with the nowadays broadly available mRNA-based vaccination, has not been fully elucidated.Case presentation: We here describe the case of a 14-year-old male who developed chilblain-like skin eruptions during SARS-CoV-2 infection despite two mRNA-based vaccine doses and review the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of chilblain-like lesions as a cutaneous presentation of COVID-19 in children.Conclusions: Most children and adolescent with COVID toes have a mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our report aims to highlight the possible onset of these skin lesions in vaccinated children, if infection has occurred, and the potential use of systemic corticosteroids as a first line treatment. Additional evidence is required to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and cutaneous manifestations in children and determine the relationship between chilblain-like lesions and COVID-19 vaccination.
Predefined-time stability for a class of dynamical systems and its application on the consensus control for nonlinear multi-agent systems
Authors: Guo Wanli , Wang Lu , Shi Lili , Sun Wen , Jahanshahi Hadi
Published: May 2022

This paper mainly focuses on the predefined-time stability for a class of fixed-time stable systems with the least upper bound of the settling time as an explicit parameter. It is mathematically proved that the considered systems can reach stability before any desired time rather than the overestimation of convergence time by previous fixed-time control methods. Furthermore, the comparison shows that our studied systems are more general, and many existing results can be derived. As an application of the exposed stability analysis, a predefined-time control algorithm is designed to study the average consensus problem for nonlinear leader-less multi-agent systems. Numerical simulations are always given to support our theoretical results. Keywords: Predefined-time stability; Fixed-time stable systems; Average consensus; Predefinedtime control algorithm; Multi-agent systems
Identification of in vivo roles of ErbB4-JMa and its direct nuclear signaling using a novel isoform-specific knock out mouse
Authors: Doherty Robert , MacLeod Brenna L. , Nelson Megan M. , Ibrahim Mostafa MH , Grande Beatriz de Carvalho Borges Del , Jaradat Nada , Finneran Matthew , Giger Roman , Corfas Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Like all receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), ErbB4 signals through a canonical signaling involving phosphorylation cascades. However, ErbB4 can also signal through a non-canonical mechanism whereby the intracellular domain is released into the cytoplasm by regulated intermembrane proteolysis (RIP) and translocates to the nucleus where it regulates transcription. These different signaling mechanisms depend on the generation of alternative spliced isoforms, a RIP cleavable ErbB4-JMa and an uncleavable ErbB4-JMb. Non-canonical signaling by ErbB4-JMa has been implicated in the regulation of brain, heart, mammary gland, lung, and immune cell development. However, most studies on non-canonical ErbB4 signaling have been performed in vitro due to the lack of an adequate mouse model. We created an ErbB4-JMa specific knock out mouse and demonstrate that RIP-dependent, non-canonical signaling by ErbB4-JMa is required for the regulation of GFAP expression during cortical development. We also show that ErbB4-JMa signaling is not required for the development of the heart, mammary glands, sensory ganglia. Furthermore, we identify genes whose expression during cortical development is regulated by ErbB4, and show that the expression of two of them, CRYM and DBi, depend on ErbB4-JMa. Thus, we provide the first animal model to study the roles of non-canonical RTK in vivo.
Urban Drainage Decision Model for Storm Emergency Management Based on Multi-objective Optimization
Authors: Bao Shitai , Lai Zehui , Chen Biao , Chen Shunqing
Published: May 2022

Urban water-logging is a challenging environmental issue in most urban areas. Effective, process-oriented water-logging simulation and drainage optimization models have become imperative for urban storm water and emergency management. This research provides a solution to urban water-logging through integrating water-logging prediction and drainage optimization schemes based on theories of cellular automaton and multi-objective optimization. An urban water-logging model for uncertain flow is constructed by using cellular automaton and rules in consideration of urban surface fragmentation and space complexity instead of definite mathematical equations. For dynamic simulation, outputs of water depth and flooded areas are projected with inputs of rainfall, soil infiltration, plant interception, gully discharge, and outflow to its neighbors in each cell, at any moment. The drainage decision model for optimal solutions is designed to calculate the maximal amount of water to be pumped from flooded zones to candidate reservoirs with minimal energy cost by using a multi-objective optimization approach. This integrated approach was successfully applied in the DongHaoChong catchment (11 km2) watershed, a central urban area of Guangzhou, southern China, to forecast urban water-logging and optimize drainage decision-making. The results shows that the simulation model in this study is reliable as a whole and is capable of simulating uncertain flow at any position at any moment with minimal data input and parameters in an urban environment. An integrated solution to urban water-logging prediction and drainage optimization can optimize decision-making to alleviate urban water-logging.
Lactobacilli displacement and Candida albicans inhibition on initial adhesion assays: A probiotic analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Arias Robert Josue , Guachi-Álvarez Bryan Omar , Montalvo-Vivero Dominique Esther , Machado António
Published: May 2022

Objective
This study evaluates the probiotic activity of three vaginal Lactobacillus gasseri (H59.2, IMAUFB014, and JCM1131) and one non-vaginal L. plantarum ATCC14917 against three Candida albicans (ATCC10231, candidiasis, and healthy vaginal microbiota). Displacement of lactobacilli and adhesion inhibition of C. albicans were evaluated on an abiotic surface through adhesion assays with different experimental settings (ES) through low (1.0E + 03 CFU/ml) and high (1.00E + 09 CFU/ml) levels of colonization. ES simulated dysbiosis (ES1 and ES4), candidiasis (ES2), and healthy vaginal microbiota (ES3).
Results
At ES2 and ES3, L. gasseri H59.2 showed discrepant inhibition values among C. albicans isolates (ES2: P = 0.008, ES3: P = 0.030; two-way ANOVA). L. plantarum was only displaced by 23%, 31%, 54%, and 94% against low and high levels of C. albicans ATCC10231. L. plantarum was less displaced, when compared to L. gasseri strains (ES1: 61–84%, ES2: 82–96%, ES3: 83–95%, and ES4: 73–97%), showing multiple statistical differences (ES1: P = < 0.001, ES2: P = 0.003, and ES3: P = < 0.001; two‐way ANOVA). L. plantarum also showed a superior inhibition of C. albicans ATCC10231 in ES1 (81%) and ES2 (58%) when compared to L. gasseri strains (ES1: 27–73%, P < 0.001; and ES2:1–49%, P < 0.001; two‐way ANOVA).