bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infectious diseases, comorbidities and outcomes in hospitalized people who inject drugs (PWID)
Authors: Lim Jacqueline , Pavalagantharajah Sureka , Verschoor Chris P , Lentz Eric , Loeb Mark , Levine Mitchell , Smieja Marek , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Kalina Dale , Tarride Jean-Eric , O’Shea Tim , Cvetkovic Anna , van Gaalen Sarah , Findlater Aidan Reid , Lennox Robin , Bassim Carol , Lokker Cynthia , Alvarez Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Injection drug use poses a public health challenge. Clinical experience indicates that people who inject drugs (PWID) are hospitalized frequently for infectious diseases, but little is known about outcomes when admitted. Charts were identified from local hospitals between 2013–2018 using consultation lists and hospital record searches. Included individuals injected drugs in the past six months and presented with infection. Charts were accessed using the hospital information system, undergoing primary and secondary reviews using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparisons between outcome categories. Categorical data were summarized as count and frequency, and compared using Fisher’s exact test. Of 240 individuals, 33% were admitted to the intensive care unit, 36% underwent surgery, 12% left against medical advice (AMA), and 9% died. Infectious diagnoses included bacteremia (31%), abscess (29%), endocarditis (29%), cellulitis (20%), sepsis (10%), osteomyelitis (9%), septic arthritis (8%), pneumonia (7%), discitis (2%), meningitis/encephalitis (2%), or other (7%). Sixty-six percent had stable housing and 60% had a family physician. Fifty-four percent of patient-initiated discharges were seen in the emergency department within 30 days and 29% were readmitted. PWID are at risk for infections. Understanding their healthcare trajectory is essential to improve their care.
Bacterial DNA load in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is significantly higher in intravascular infections
Authors: Nieman An-Emmie , Rozemeijer Wouter , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Schade Rogier P.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Determination of pathogen-specific bacterial DNA load (BDL) in blood has been shown to be directly correlated with severity of infection in patients with bacteremia. In the diagnostic work-up of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), determination of the primary focus is imperative, because of implications for treatment duration, and ultimately prognosis. Here we investigate whether measurement of BDL in patients with SAB can distinguish between intravascular and extravascular foci of infection.

Methods

In a consecutive cohort of 43 patients with positive blood cultures with Staphylococcus aureus, we performed a quantitative PCR on whole blood to detect the bacterial DNA load. Infections were classified into 3 categories: i) soft tissue infections and phlebitis, ii) deep-seated infections and iii) endocarditis and other intravascular infections. Bacterial DNA loads and inflammatory parameters in the three categories were analyzed and compared.

Results

Median BDL in patients with endocarditis and other intravascular infections was 1015 cfu/ml, significantly higher than BDL in the other two categories (28 and 31 cfu/ml respectively). In contrast, CRP and leukocytes were not significantly different between the three patient categories. BDL could be detected in all patients with intravascular causes and levels were generally 10–30 times higher than in the other infection categories. Median BDL in non-survivors was 85 cfu/ml, which was higher than in survivors with a median BDL of 29 cfu/ml, although not significant.

Conclusions

In Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia pathogen-specific BDL is distinctly higher in patients with intravascular infections compared to extravascular origins. As measurement of BDL by PCR can easily be implemented in routine diagnostics, it can improve the diagnostic work-up of SAB by rapidly identifying the subset of patients who need higher dosages of antibiotics and additional measures to improve outcome.
An unsupervised machine learning approach to evaluate sports facilities condition in primary school
Authors: Xia Jun , Wang Jihong , Chen Hua , Zhuang Jie , Cao Zhenbo , Chen Peijie
Published: April 2022

Sports facilities have been acknowledged as one of the crucial environmental factors for children’s physical education, physical fitness, and participation in physical activity. Finding a solution for the effective and objective evaluation of the condition of sports facilities in schools (SSFs) with the responding quantitative magnitude is an uncertain task. This paper describes the utilization of an unsupervised machine learning method to objectively evaluate the condition of sports facilities in primary school (PSSFC). The statistical data of 845 samples with nine PSSFC indicators (indoor and outdoor included) were collected from the Sixth National Sports Facility Census in mainland China (NSFC), an official nationwide quinquennial census. The Fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithm was applied to cluster the samples in accordance with the similarity of PSSFC. The clustered data were visualized by using t-stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE). The statistics results showed that the application of t-SNE and FCM led to the acceptable performance of clustering SSFs data into three types with differences in PSSFC. The effects of school category, location factors, and the interaction on PSSFC were analyzed by two-way analysis of covariance, which indicated that regional PSSFC has geographical and typological characteristics: schools in the suburbs are superior to those in the inner city, schools with more grades of students are configured with better variety and larger size of sports facilities. In conclusion, we have developed a combinatorial machine learning clustering approach that is suitable for objective evaluation on PSSFC and indicates its characteristics.
The meaning of momentary psychotic-like experiences in a non-clinical sample: A personality perspective
Authors: Knežević Goran , Lazarević Ljiljana B. , Zorić Aleksandar
Published: April 2022

The relationships between Momentary Psychotic-Like Experiences (MPLEs) and HEXACO—complemented by the proneness to PLEs conceptualized as a basic personality trait (Disintegration), and a maladaptive trait (PID-5 Psychoticism)—were investigated in a prospective study that includes experience-sampling methodology (ESM). The main goal was to investigate whether MPLEs are better predicted by HEXACO or measures of the dispositional proneness to PLEs. A sample of 180 participants assessed MPLEs and affective states they experienced in the previous two hours, twice per day, with semi-randomly set assessment time-points, during seven days, by using ESM. Personality inventories were administered 1–2 months earlier. MPLEs were better predicted by the measures of dispositional tendencies toward PLEs than by the HEXACO, no matter whether it was broadly defined as the nine-faceted general tendency toward PLEs (Disintegration), or narrowly as three-faceted positive psychotic-like symptoms of maladaptive personality tendencies (PID-5—Psychoticism).
Language barriers in global bird conservation
Authors: Negret Pablo Jose , Atkinson Scott C. , Woodworth Bradley K. , Corella Tor Marina , Allan James R. , Fuller Richard A. , Amano Tatsuya
Published: April 2022

Multiple languages being spoken within a species’ distribution can impede communication among conservation stakeholders, the compilation of scientific information, and the development of effective conservation actions. Here, we investigate the number of official languages spoken within the distributions of 10,863 bird species to identify which species might be particularly affected by consequences of language barriers. We show that 1587 species have 10 languages or more spoken within their distributions. Threatened and migratory species have significantly more languages spoken within their distributions, when controlling for range size. Particularly high numbers of species with many languages within their distribution are found in Eastern Europe, Russia and central and western Asia. Global conservation efforts would benefit from implementing guidelines to overcome language barriers, especially in regions with high species and language diversity.
Increased functional connectivity between limbic brain areas in healthy individuals with high versus low sensitivity to cold pain: A resting state fMRI study
Authors: Grouper Hadas , Löffler Martin , Flor Herta , Eisenberg Elon , Pud Dorit
Published: April 2022

Background

The representation of variability in sensitivity to pain by differences in neural connectivity patterns and its association with psychological factors needs further investigation. This study assessed differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and its association to cognitive-affective aspects of pain in two groups of healthy subjects with low versus high sensitivity to pain (LSP vs. HSP). We hypothesized that HSP will show stronger connectivity in brain regions involved in the affective-motivational processing of pain and that this higher connectivity would be related to negative affective and cognitive evaluations of pain.

Methods

Forty-eight healthy subjects were allocated to two groups according to their tolerability to cold stimulation (cold pressor test, CPT, 1°C). Group LSP (N = 24) reached the cut-off time of 180±0 sec and group HSP tolerated the CPT for an average of 13±4.8 sec. Heat, cold and mechanical evoked pain were measured, as well as pain-catastrophizing (PCS), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21). All subjects underwent resting state fMRI. ROI-to-ROI analysis was performed.

Results

In comparison to the LSP, the HSP had stronger interhemispheric connectivity of the amygdala (p = 0.01) and between the amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NAc) (p = 0.01). Amygdala connectivity was associated with higher pain catastrophizing in the HSP only (p<0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that high sensitivity to pain may be reflected by neural circuits involved in affective and motivational aspects of pain. To what extent this connectivity within limbic brain structures relates to higher alertness and more profound withdrawal behavior to aversive events needs to be further investigated.
Comparing the cost-effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Programme among older women and men: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Davis Jennifer C. , Hsu Chun Liang , Barha Cindy , Jehu Deborah A. , Chan Patrick , Ghag Cheyenne , Jacova Patrizio , Adjetey Cassandra , Dian Larry , Parmar Naaz , Madden Kenneth , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: April 2022

Objective

Using stratified analyses, we examined the cost-effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP), from a health care system perspective, among older women and men who have previously fallen.

Methods

This study was a secondary stratified analysis (by women and men), of a 12-month prospective economic evaluation of a randomized clinical trial (OEP compared with usual care). Three hundred and forty four community-dwelling older adults (≥70; 172 OEP (110 women; 62 men), 172 usual care (119 women; 53 men)) who sustained a fall in the past 12 months and received a baseline assessment at the Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic, Canada were included. A gender by OEP/usual care interaction was examined for the falls incidence rate ratio (IRR). Outcome measures stratified by gender included: falls IRR, incremental cost-per fall prevented (ICER), incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY, ICUR) gained, and mean total health care resource utilization costs.

Results

Men were frailer than women at baseline. Men incurred higher mean total healthcare costs $6794 (SD: $11906)). There was no significant gender by OEP/usual care interaction on falls IRR. The efficacy of the OEP did not vary by gender. The adjusted IRR for the OEP group demonstrated a 39% (IRR: 0.61, CI: 0.40–0.93) significant reduction in falls among men but not women (32% reduction (IRR: 0.69, CI: 0.47–1.02)). The ICER showed the OEP was effective in preventing falls and less costly for men, while it was costlier for women by $42. The ICUR showed the OEP did not impact quality of life.

Conclusion

Future studies should explore gender factors (i.e., health seeking behaviours, gender related frailty) that may explain observed variation in the cost-effectiveness of the OEP as a secondary falls prevention strategy.

Trial registrations

ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System

Identifier: NCT01029171; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01029171

Identifier: NCT00323596; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00323596
Effects of experimental situation on group cooperation and individual performance: Comparing laboratory and online experiments
Authors: Ozono Hiroki , Nakama Daisuke
Published: April 2022

With the spread of online behavioral experiments, estimating the effects of experimental situations and sample heterogeneity is increasing in discussions of the generalizability of data. In this study, we examined how the experimental situations (laboratory/online) affected group cooperation and individual performances. The participants were Japanese university students, randomly assigned to laboratory or online experiments. For the group cooperation task, they were asked to perform the public goods game with or without punishment, but no effect of the experimental situation was found both for cooperative and punitive behaviors. For the individual tasks, participants were asked to perform tasks including a creative task and a dull task. We manipulated the presence or absence of an external incentive. As a result, there was no significant difference between the experimental situations with one exception: only in the laboratory situation was the performance of the difficult creative task lower in the presence of an external incentive. Furthermore, we conducted as an additional experiment using the same treatments for a Japanese online-worker sample. This sample was less cooperative in the public goods game than the student sample, both with and without punishment. In addition, the presence of external incentives facilitated performance of the online-worker sample only for the dull task. We discuss the similarities and differences with previous studies that examined the effects of experimental situations and sample heterogeneity, and the implications for remote work in the real world.
Ultrasound stimulation of the motor cortex during tonic muscle contraction
Authors: Heimbuch Ian S. , Fan Tiffany K. , Wu Allan D. , Faas Guido C. , Charles Andrew C. , Iacoboni Marco
Published: April 2022

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tUS) shows potential as a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique, offering increased spatial precision compared to other NIBS techniques. However, its reported effects on primary motor cortex (M1) are limited. We aimed to better understand tUS effects in human M1 by performing tUS of the hand area of M1 (M1hand) during tonic muscle contraction of the index finger. Stimulation during muscle contraction was chosen because of the transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced phenomenon known as cortical silent period (cSP), in which transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of M1hand involuntarily suppresses voluntary motor activity. Since cSP is widely considered an inhibitory phenomenon, it presents an ideal parallel for tUS, which has often been proposed to preferentially influence inhibitory interneurons. Recording electromyography (EMG) of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle, we investigated effects on muscle activity both during and after tUS. We found no change in FDI EMG activity concurrent with tUS stimulation. Using single-pulse TMS, we found no difference in M1 excitability before versus after sparsely repetitive tUS exposure. Using acoustic simulations in models made from structural MRI of the participants that matched the experimental setups, we estimated in-brain pressures and generated an estimate of cumulative tUS exposure experienced by M1hand for each subject. We were unable to find any correlation between cumulative M1hand exposure and M1 excitability change. We also present data that suggest a TMS-induced MEP always preceded a near-threshold cSP.
Hyperspectral and genome-wide association analyses of leaf phosphorus status in local Thai indica rice
Authors: Pinit Sompop , Ruengchaijatuporn Natthanan , Sriswasdi Sira , Buaboocha Teerapong , Chadchawan Supachitra , Chaiwanon Juthamas
Published: April 2022

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral nutrient and one of the key factors determining crop productivity. P-deficient plants exhibit visual leaf symptoms, including chlorosis, and alter spectral reflectance properties. In this study, we evaluated leaf inorganic phosphate (Pi) contents, plant growth and reflectance spectra (420–790 nm) of 172 Thai rice landrace varieties grown hydroponically under three different P supplies (overly sufficient, mildly deficient and severely deficient conditions). We reported correlations between Pi contents and reflectance ratios computed from two wavebands in the range of near infrared (720–790 nm) and visible energy (green-yellow and red edge) (r > 0.69) in Pi-deficient leaves. Artificial neural network models were also developed which could classify P deficiency levels with 85.60% accuracy and predict Pi content with R2 of 0.53, as well as highlight important waveband sections. Using 217 reflectance ratio indices to perform genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 113,114 SNPs, we identified 11 loci associated with the spectral reflectance traits, some of which were also associated with the leaf Pi content trait. Hyperspectral measurement offers a promising non-destructive approach to predict plant P status and screen large germplasm for varieties with high P use efficiency.
Neurologic music therapy: Supporting school-readiness skills in children with hearing loss
Authors: DuBois Glynnis , Thaut Michael , Hurt-Thaut Corene , DeLuzio Joanne , Nixon Stephanie
Published: April 2022

Children with hearing loss (HL) who use listening and spoken language as their methods of communication are now being integrated into classrooms with typically hearing peers upon school entry due to the development of sophisticated hearing technology. However, areas in overall development may lag as the delay in accessibility to speech and language makes it difficult to reach age-appropriate levels in time for kindergarten. Supporting development in these areas of the challenge requires explicit teaching of, and experience with, listening, language, social and executive function, literacy and balance. Participating in a group music and movement class with a focus on areas of challenge for children with HL using neurologic music therapy techniques allows for goal-directed therapy and practice, along with the opportunity to interact with peers in a supportive environment. An overview of the specific techniques for each area of interest and how they can be used is discussed along with a sample curriculum.
Optional music interactions with young children: Narratives from preservice music educators
Authors: Waters Heather D.
Published: April 2022

Young children are best supported when adults engage in behaviours that acknowledge and extend their unique musical capabilities via an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices. However, preservice music educators may receive few opportunities to interact with the youngest musical learners as part of their fieldwork experiences within formal degree requirements. This narrative inquiry explores the collective experiences of one teacher educator and five preservice music education majors as they interacted musically with young children during an optional programme designed to supplement existing fieldwork requirements. Specifically, we uncovered tensions related to balancing teacher educator support with students’ freedom, perceptions of teaching skills and perceptions of young children’s musical capabilities. These tensions promoted growth via reflection and uncovered expanded perceptions of teaching competencies and identities.
Adult Perspectives on Children and Music in Early Childhood, Aleksandra Acker and Berenice Nyland (2020)
Authors: Calì Claudia , Minerva Diana
Published: April 2022

Review of: Adult Perspectives on Children and Music in Early Childhood, Aleksandra Acker and Berenice Nyland (2020)

Cham: Springer Nature, 163 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03057-698-1, e-book, USD 89.00
Human Traffickers’ Fair Trial Rights and Transnational Criminal Law
Authors: Harré Thomas
Published: April 2022

The right to a fair trial is enshrined in international and domestic law around the world. This article makes the simple argument that the focus on the rights of victims of human trafficking and efforts to increase the rate of prosecutions of human traffickers should not come at the cost of alleged traffickers’ rights to a fair trial, as a failure to uphold fair trial rights places them at risk of unfair prosecution. I consider the extent to which the transnational criminal legal regime regulating human trafficking at the international level provides for these fair trial rights, suggest that the fundamental purposes of transnational criminal law exist in a state of tension against the aims of the international human rights regime, and conclude that further empirical research on the legal experiences of human traffickers is necessary.
Trafficker Profile According to US Federal Prosecutions
Authors: Currier Wheeler Alyssa
Published: April 2022

This article presents data on defendants in US federal human trafficking prosecutions between 2000 and 2020. Through an exhaustive analysis of court documents, press releases, and news articles, it shows who is implicated in trafficking crimes, how they are connected to their victims, and at what point they become traffickers. It concludes that, while there is no universal trafficker profile, traffickers often exploit a position of trust with their victims, either by taking advantage of a child’s age or by employing coercive tactics. Cycles of such exploitation can even lead victims to begin abusing other victim
Interview: Raised in Pimp City: Urban insights on traffickers, trafficking, and the counter-trafficking industry
Authors: King Armand , Gerasimov Borislav , McAdam Marika
Published: April 2022

Armand King was involved in human trafficking for over a decade. The journal Editor, Borislav Gerasimov, and the Special Issue Guest Editor, Marika McAdam, conducted this interview with him to better understand his motivations and experiences during this period of his life as well as his views on counter-trafficking.
Chasing Geographical and Social Mobility: The motivations of Nigerian madams to enter indentured relationships
Authors: Rizzotti Milena
Published: April 2022

This article draws from interviews with Nigerian women convicted of trafficking for sexual exploitation in Italy to challenge the simplistic public narrative of traffickers as ruthless foreign men who coerce naïve women into migration and sex work. Madams’ narratives shed light on a reality of trafficking where both traffickers and victims share similar desires to overcome constraints imposed on their geographical and social mobility through their migration to Europe. Therefore, the article calls for the inclusion of traffickers’ perspectives into the knowledge on human trafficking, which is mainly victim-centred and justifies the current anti-trafficking approach aimed at victims’ protection and traffickers’ punishment. In the research context, taking into consideration the perspectives of all trafficking actors involved suggests the need to rethink Nigerian women’s indentured migration to Europe through sex work (and policies around it) in terms of attempts to achieve geographical and social mobility rather than transnational criminal activities. Finally, the article provides recommendations on how to address these issues both within the current anti-trafficking policy domain and beyond it, by calling for more open borders.
Propuesta de política público-privada para el despliegue de la banda ancha en entornos rurales de Castilla y León
Authors: Durán Barroso Ramón J. , Anzola-Rojas Camilo , Merayo Noemí , Miguel Ignacio de , Aguado Juan Carlos , Pérez-Pons María-Eugenia , Parra-Domínguez Javier , Plaza-Hernández Marta
Published: April 2022

Los nuevos servicios y aplicaciones disruptivas requieren la utilización de redes de comunicaciones de banda ancha. En el segmento de acceso, las redes de acceso ópticas pasivas (PON) se están consolidando como la mejor alternativa para este despliegue dado que las tecnologías de acceso tradicionales (cable coaxial, cobre) ya han dejado de ser capaces de soportar el creciente volumen de tráfico. Sin embargo, el despliegue actual de estas redes PON es muy desigual estando únicamente presentes en las áreas de mayor densidad de población donde el coste por conexión para los operadores se mantiene bajo. En este artículo presentamos una propuesta de política público- privada que permitirá incentivar a los operadores para el despliegue de redes PON en entornos de baja densidad de población (entornos rurales). Para demostrar su eficacia, se presenta un caso de uso en la provincia de Valladolid (Castilla y León, España). Los resultados de este estudio muestran que, gracias a la utilización de la política propuesta, los operadores pueden encontrar atractivo dar un servicio a todos los usuarios y poblaciones que lo deseen.
Review on the applications of Multi-Agent Systems in Agriculture
Authors: Pérez-Pons María-Eugenia , Parra-Dominguez Javier , Manuel Corchado Juan , Meira Jorge , Marreiros Goreti
Published: April 2022

Recent technological advances have led to the development of numerous platforms for precision agriculture, which help farmers access detailed information and make the right decisions regarding the management of their farm. Adapting the application of chemicals to crop demands or estimating optimal irrigation duration, are just some possibilities offered by multi-agent systems. Numerous multi-agent systems have been developed for use in precision agriculture. This article reviews state-of-the-art multi-agent systems and their uses in agriculture.
Route Optimization For A Beer Deliver Decision Support System
Authors: Meira Jorge , Pérez-Pons María-Eugenia , Parra-Domínguez Javier , Ramos Carlos , Marreiros Goreti
Published: April 2022

In this paper we present a brief literature review on routing problems and decision support systems for fleet management. Problems such as the Travelling Salesman Problem and the Vehicle Routing problem are presented along with their most common solution methods. We also propose a decision support system prototype for the fleet management of a beer delivery organization.
The role of DIHs in the implementation of the European and National Digitalisation Programmes
Authors: Samúdio Maria João , Azevedo Maria Manuela , Marreiros Goreti , Ramos Carlos , Molpeceres Victoria
Published: April 2022

Digitalisation is key to increase competitiveness. This paper surveys the Digital Europe Programme as well as the Portuguese and Spanish national strategies. The role of the Digital Innovation Hubs to support the digital transition, as orchestrators and access points for the latest digital capacities, and the process to establish the European network of hubs is addressed. Finally, two case study of DIH are presented, PRODUTECH DIH and DIGIS3.
Effect of a probiotic containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria on the metabolic processes, litter microbiocenosis, and production indicators of broiler Pekin ducklings
Authors: Khabirov Ayrat , Avzalov Ruzil , Tsapalova Gulnara , Andreeva Alexandra , Basharov Almaz
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: The use of antibiotics is prohibited in poultry feeding in many countries worldwide, which has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a good alternative in these circumstances. Probiotics, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce the development of resistance and stimulate the growth of broiler ducklings. This study aimed to evaluate properties of the probiotic supplement containing these bacteria.

Materials and Methods: We studied the response of broiler ducklings to the addition of a dietary probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria until they reached 7 weeks of age. All birds participating in the experiment received probiotic supplements on days 1-7, 15-21, 29-35. The state of the ducklings was assessed on day 21. At the age of 21 and 42 days, 4-5 ml of blood was drawn from the wing vein of 10 randomly selected birds (5 in each group). Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, concentration of glucose, hemoglobin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, as well as the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Enzymatic calorimetric method, molybdate method, and haemocytometry according to Nutt method and haemoglobin cyanide method were used to analyze blood samples.

Results: The live weight of the experimental ducklings increased by 5.0%, showing a positive effect of probiotic supplementation, whereas their feed consumption per kilogram of weight gain decreased. Their hemoglobin content and red blood cell count increased. Although the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased, the number of Escherichia coli cells decreased 2.15-fold (p<0.05). The addition of the probiotic supplement contributed to improving the digestibility of protein and fat by 1.6%, fiber by 3.4%, and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 4.7%. The broiler ducklings had high meat quality indicators, including dressing percentage, which increased by 5.4%, whereas the fat content decreased by 1.3%.

Conclusion: The introduction of the probiotic supplement in the diet of broiler ducklings improved their growth indicators and increased the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria while decreasing the number of E. coli cells in the intestine. It not only improved the meat quality but also increased the profit from $0.392 per bird in the control group to $0.472 per bird in the experimental group. Therefore, this probiotic supplement is a good alternative for raising ducklings in large enterprises and farms. The study limitations may be that the results are only applicable to broiler ducklings. The use of lactobacilli may yield different results in other bird breeds or broiler ducklings in different age groups.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking Studies, Antimicrobial, Anticancer and
Antioxidant Activity of Some Novel Mannich Bases of Isatin Scaffold
Authors: Deepthi Kurni Lakshmi , Subhashini N.J.P. , Maneshwar T.
Published: April 2022

A series of novel Mannich bases of isatin derivatives (VIIIa-VIIIt) was synthesized and evaluated as
potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer activities and molecular docking studies. Structure of
all the isatin derivatives was evaluated by IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral analysis. The antimicrobial
activity results indicated that compounds VIIIb, VIIIi, VIIIm and VIIIo showed good activity in
comparison to the activities of the standard molecules. Further, all isatin derivatives (VIIIa-VIIIt)
have studied for their antioxidant activity by using ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP)
method. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited the significant antioxidant activities. The
anticancer activity results suggested that the isatin derivatives VIIIm and VIIIg show the more activity
against MCF-7 cells in comparison with doxorubicin as standard drug. Furthermore, the molecular
docking studies of Mannich bases of isatin derivatives showed good agreement with the biological
results when their binding pattern and affinity towards the active site of EGFR was inquisition.
in vitro Analysis of Citric Acid Crosslinked and Juglans regia
Extract Loaded Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Qureshi Mohammad Amir , Nishat Nahid , Khatoon Fehmeeda
Published: April 2022

Herbal medicines are a familiar source of therapeutic agents for the medicaments of infections in
various countries these days. In this work, biological study of citric acid crosslinked hydrogel loaded
with Juglans regia leaves extract against 5 standard bacterial and fungal strains. The FTIR and FESEM
results exhibited that leaves extract stick on the surface of hydrogel and it does not reacted with the
functional groups of used polymers. The obtained results of MTT assay against L929 mouse fibroblasts
cell line showed that hydrogel was biocompatible. Highest minimum inhibitory concentration was
found in case of S. typhi, E. coli and C. albicans. P. aeruginosa and C. albicans were the most susceptible
strains, while E. coli and S. typhi were the most resistant strains.
Selection of Some Plant Species Suitable for Green Belt Expansion in
Mumbai Industrial Area - A Baseline to Alleviate Global Air Pollution
Authors: More Smita N. , Singare Pravin U.
Published: April 2022

The air quality and global environment is immensely affected due to the industrial as well as urban
expansion. The present study aims to identify the natural tolerance of six plant species towards the air
pollution, which are growing along the Chembur industrial area of Mumbai. The plant’s air pollution
tolerance level was identified by evaluating Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated
Performance Index (API). The estimation of APTI was done based on the measurement of
physico-chemical parameters like pH, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll content and the relative leaf
water content of the fresh leaves of plant species grown along the industrial and non-industrial areas.
The higher API values obtained for the Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. excorrea, Polyalthia longifolia
and Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr plant species growing in the industrial zone indicate a good tolerance
towards polluted air and hence are suggested for green zone development in the Chembur industrial
area. The present work can be extended for the selection of the most air pollution tolerant plant species
for the development of green zone along the industrial belt across the world. It will facilitate healthy
atmosphere for the nearby population.
Evaluation of Cu-Ag Bimetallic Nanoalloys as Antibacterial,
Antidiabetic, Anticancerous Drug Biosynthesized from Curcuma aromatica
Authors: Jacob Jasmine , Arul Prasad T. Augustine , Mary Vithiya B. Scholastica , Thomas Bindhu , Vasanthi R.
Published: April 2022

Drug resistant strains are formed due to unsuitable uses of antibiotics and insufficient check of infections.
In present years, due to the extensive antimicrobial properties, metallic nanoparticles and
metallo-pharmaceutics are highly proposed. Therefore, the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles are
exploring towards the evolution of more productive amalgamative antimicrobials composed of combined
metals. In this study, the green synthesis of Cu-Ag bimetallic nano-alloys using aqueous extract from
the leaves of Curcuma aromatica is carried out. Synthesized Cu-Ag nano-alloys were characterized
by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscope
(TEM-EDAX), cyclic voltammogram (CV). The characterization studies reveals that the biosynthesis
produced core-shell Cu-Ag nano-alloys with spherical shape and average diameter size of 15 nm. The
synthesized Cu-Ag nanoalloys exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and
Gram-negative bacteria. The antidiabetic potential of Cu-Ag nanoalloys shows an effective inhibition
against α-glucosidase. Anticancerous activity of Cu-Ag nanoalloys indicates its greater efficacy in
destroying cancer cells. The biosynthesis of Cu-Ag nanoalloys can be employed in medical and
industrial fields on a large scale with cost reductive method.
Optimization Studies on Ohmic-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Garlic
Authors: Poojitha P. , Gurumoorthi P. , Athmaselvi K.A.
Published: April 2022

Ohmic heating technique, a high-temperature short-time process (HTST), where heat is generated by
controlling the electrical conductivity of the food components. In this study, garlic was extracted by
ohmic heating technique at different voltage gradients (13.33 to 26.66 V/cm) for different extraction
times (5, 7.5 and 10 min). Similarly, garlic was conventionally extracted in different heating rate (low,
medium, high) for different extraction times (5, 7.5 and 10 min). The process parameters were optimized
based on the physico-chemical analyses such as, total phenol content, DPPH radical scavenging activity
and diallyl disulphide content by high performance liquid chromatography. Resulted data were compared
with the data obtained from conventional extraction done at (35-82 ºC). Though there were no significant
differences (p < 0.05) found in physico-chemical properties of garlic extract, while the samples treated
with ohmic heating has significant levels of diallyl disulphide content. Diallyl disulphide content of
about 67.1% was obtained in ohmic extract whereas only 33.8% was resulted by conventional extract.
Pre-column Derivatization and Separation of Diastereomeric-Derivatives of Racemic
Mexiletine and Confirmation of Elution Order and Molecular Configuration
Authors: Ahmed T.I. , Alwera V. , Talismanov V.S. , Jaishetty N. , Sehlangia S. , Alwera S.
Published: April 2022

Present study describes the synthesis of cyanuric chloride based four active chiral reagents (ACRs)
and their application in the enantiomeric separation of (RS)-mexiletine. Herein, four cyanuric
chloride-based ACRs were prepared by introducing L-proline derivatives under nucleophilic substitution
reaction. The synthesized ACRs were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. Racemic
mexiletine hydrochloride was used for the enantio-recognition study. All the four ACRs were used to
convert (RS)-mexiletine into related diastereomeric derivatives and then separated on the C18-column
of RP-HPLC. The different parameters such as sample amount, the concentration of mobile phase,
organic modifier and pump pressure were varied to optimize separation conditions. The
energy-minimized structures of synthesized diasteromeric derivatives (DDs) were developed using
DFT calculations. The validation study was conducted for the developed method and
correlation-coefficient, calibration range, LOD and LOQ calculated. The stability and recovery were
calculated by inter and intraday assay.
Cross-Linked Ionic Polysaccharides: Insights from the Structure to
Stimuli-Sensitive Drug Delivery System Applications
Authors: Ghosh Tuhin , Mukherjee Suman
Published: April 2022

The review provides an insight regarding the state of the art of cross-linked ionic polysaccharides,
which are a part of common drug delivery systems, which are involved in the regulation of release of
drug in specific required sites. The changes in pH, ion concentration, wavelength, redox potential,
temperature, electric and magnetic field intensity are the stimuli sensitive functions, which play a major
roles. Due to their high reproducibility and better characterization from natural resources, the
polysaccharides remains as a point of interest for compiling many stimuli-responsive drug delivery
systems. The hydrogel networks are formed from ready cross-linking of ionic polysaccharides, subject
to control of internal and external variables. These hydrogel networks become operative for drug
release on-off through complex mechanisms. The polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems are
now responsive to different hybrids, composites and grafted polymers with a broad range of stimuli
functions.
Resuscitation of very preterm infants with 30% vs. 50% oxygen: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaban Risma Karina , Aminullah Asril , Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Hegar Badriul , Sukadi Abdurahman , Davis Peter Graham
Published: April 2022

Background Preterm infants are susceptible to the damaging effects of hyperoxia which may lead to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and intestinal damage. Hyperoxia also affects intestinal microbiota. The optimal initial FiO2 for the resuscitation of premature infants is unknown.

Objective To determine the effect of different initial oxygen concentrations on BPD, oxidative stress markers, damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, and the intestinal microbiome.

Methods We conducted an unblinded, randomized controlled clinical trial in premature infants requiring supplemental oxygen in the first minutes of life. Infants started at an FiO2 of either 30% (low) or 50% (moderate), which was adjusted to achieve target oxygen saturations (SpO2) of 88-92% by 10 minutes of life using pulse oximetry. The primary outcome was incidence of BPD. Secondary outcomes included markers of oxidative stress [oxidized glutathione (GSH)/reduced glutathione (GSSG) ratio and malondialdehyde (MDA)], intestinal integrity indicated by fecal alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), and intestinal microbiota on fecal examination.

Results Eighty-four infants were recruited. There was no significant difference in rates of BPD between the 30% FiO2 and 50% FiO2 groups (42.8% vs. 40.5%, respectively). Nor were there significant differences in GSH/GSSG ratios, MDA concentrations, fecal AAT levels, or changes in facultative anaerobic and anaerobic microbiota between groups.

Conclusion In premature infants resuscitated using low vs. moderate initial FiO2 levels, we find no significant differences in BPD incidence, markers of oxidative stress, intestinal mucosa integrity, or intestinal microbiota.
Exhaled carbon monoxide in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Wardani Yulia Fatma , Triasih Rina , Setyati Amalia
Published: April 2022

Background Exhaled carbon monoxide has been related to the degree of inflammation. An easy, inexpensive, and non-invasive test to measure exhaled CO levels (eCO) may help in supporting the diagnosis of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children.

Objective To compare the eCO levels in children with asthma, AR, or both asthma and AR, to children without asthma or AR.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 450 children aged 13-14 years in Yogyakarta. Asthma and AR were determined according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) study criteria, while eCO level was examined using a Smokerlyzer®. The levels of eCO between groups were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

Results Of 450 children, 48 (10.67%) had asthma only, 91 (20.22%) had AR only, 67 (14.89%) had both asthma and AR, and 244 (54.22%) had neither asthma nor AR. The eCO levels of children with asthma or AR were not significantly different compared to those without asthma and AR (P=0.33 and P=0.19, respectively). However, children with both asthma and AR had significantly higher eCO level compared to children without asthma and AR (P< 0.001).

Conclusion The levels of eCO in children with asthma only or AR only are similar to those without both diseases. Children with both asthma and AR have significant higher eCO compared to healthy children.
Behavior of predried mature concrete beams subject to partial wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Dohnalová Lenka , Havlásek Petr , Šmilauer Vít
Published: April 2022

The presented research focuses on the behavior of predried concrete beams with 2.5 m span subjected to cycles of nonsymmetric wetting and drying. Wetting is induced by partially immersing the specimens in a water basin. The submerged portion of the specimens was relatively low (1/5 to 1/10 of their height) leading to a highly nonuniform and nonsymmetric distribution of eigenstrains due to concrete swelling. Unlike conventional experiments on the volume changes of concrete, the measured quantity is not the axial deformation but the vertical displacement instead. This paper presents the experimental data obtained within two wetting and drying cycles, running over 1 year.
Microstructure reconstruction via artificial neural networks: a combination of causal and non-causal approach
Authors: Latka Kryštof , Doškář Martin , Zeman Jan
Published: April 2022

We investigate the applicability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in reconstructing a sample image of a sponge-like microstructure. We propose to reconstruct the image by predicting the phase of the current pixel based on its causal neighbourhood, and subsequently, use a non-causal ANN model to smooth out the reconstructed image as a form of post-processing. We also consider the impacts of different configurations of the ANN model (e.g., the number of densely connected layers, the number of neurons in each layer, the size of both the causal and non-causal neighbourhood) on the models’ predictive abilities quantified by the discrepancy between the spatial statistics of the reference and the reconstructed sample.
Living in Refuge
Authors: Schiocchet Leonardo
Published: April 2022

This comparative ethnography of a Muslim and a Christian Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon focuses on contrasting social belonging processes through a ritualization approach. Leonardo Schiocchet argues that contrasts emerge out of the intersectionality of religiosity, nationhood, refugeeness and politics, and synthesizes academic research on piety and moral self-cultivation and on the everyday life of religious communities. He contributes to the literature on refugees at large, and Palestinian refugees in particular, with the unique dense socio-historical portrait of two refugee camps for which there is almost no recorded literature.
Reduction swelling mechanism of hematite fluxed briquettes
Authors: Ping Wang , Hao Wu , Tie-jun Chun , Song Zhou , Tian-bao Zhou
Published: April 2022

The reduction swelling behaviors of the fluxed briquettes with basicity (CaO/SiO2) in the range of 0.33–1.33 were determined by adding analytical-grade CaO. Results showed that with the increase of basicity, the diameter, volume, and porosity of briquettes increased gradually, whereas the diameter, volume, and porosity of briquettes decreased when the basicity was greater than 0.83. The volume and porosity of briquettes decreased gradually with the increase in firing temperature. The reduction swelling index (RSI) reached the maximum at the basicity of 0.83. The RSI of fluxed briquettes was fired at 1,230°C, and that at the basicity of 0.83 was 20.12% after 60 min of reduction. The RSI of the fluxed briquettes was 3.16% when the basicity of briquettes was 0 upon firing at 1,300°C. The reducibility and swelling were positively correlated with internal porosity. The higher the swelling of briquettes, the denser was the distribution of iron whiskers. The lower the swelling of briquettes, the more closely the iron particles connected.
The temperamental basis of humor and using humor under stress in depression: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Lau Chloe , Chiesi Francesca , Saklofske Donald H.
Published: April 2022

The temperamental basis of the sense of humor involves high cheerfulness, low seriousness, and low bad mood that would contribute to exhilaration and enjoyment of humor. In a sample of undergraduate participants (N = 946), the present study investigated whether (1) use of humor under stress (HUS) mediates the association between cheerfulness and depression and (2) seriousness moderates the cheerfulness and HUS association. HUS had an indirect effect on the negative association between cheerfulness and depression. Moreover, seriousness moderated the cheerfulness and HUS correlation. For individuals with high cheerfulness, HUS scores were comparable across seriousness scores (Mean ± 1 SD). For those with low cheerfulness, individuals with low seriousness reported greater use of HUS. Hence, low seriousness may only predict greater use of humor during stressful situations in individuals with low cheerfulness. This study informs the theoretical conceptualization of temperamental traits in predicting humor-related variables and psychological distress.