bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperexcitability in Older Adults with Elevated Beta-Amyloid
Authors: Devos Hannes , Gustafson Kathleen , Liao Ke , Ahmadnezhad Pedram , Estes Bradley , Mahnken Jonathan D , Brooks William M , Burns Jeffrey M
Published: July 2021

Background: Growing evidence links beta-amyloid (Aβ) and neuronal hyperexcitability in preclinical mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of this study was to compare neuronal excitability between cognitively normal amyloid positive (CNAβ+) and those without elevated amyloid (CNAβ-) older adults. We hypothesized CNAβ+ participants would show hyperexcitability, indexed by greater peak P3 event-related potential peak amplitude, shorter peak latency, and changes in event-related power, compared to CNAβ-.Methods: CNAβ+ participants (n = 17, age: 73 ± 5, 11 women, MOCA scores 26 ± 2) and 17 CNAβ- participants group-matched for age, sex, and MOCA completed the a working memory task (n-back with n = 0, 1, 2) test while wearing a 256-channel EEG net. P3 peak amplitude and latency of the nontarget, target and task difference (nontarget – target), and event-related power, extracted from Fz (main outcome), Cz, and Pz were compared between groups using linear mixed models. Mean Aβ standard uptake value ratios (SUVR) were correlated with P3 amplitude and latency using Pearson r.Results: P3 peak amplitude of the task difference (p = 0.048) and P3 peak latency of non-targets trials (p = 0.006) at Fz differed between groups. Similarly, power was lower in the delta band (p = 0.04) for nontargets at Fz in CNAβ+ participants. CNAβ+ participants also demonstrated higher theta and alpha power in channels at Cz and Pz, but no changes in P3 ERP. Strong correlations were found between mean Aβ SUVR and latency of the 1-back (r = -0.69; p = 0.003) and 2-back (r = -0.69; p = 0.004) of the task difference at channel Fz in the CNAβ+ group.Conclusions: Our pilot data suggests that elevated amyloid in cognitive normal older adults is associated with hyperexcitability in P3 ERP. Further research is warranted to determine the validity of ERP in predicting clinical, neurobiological, and functional manifestations of AD.
NADH-Dependent Flavin Oxidoreductase of Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae Functions as a Potential Novel Virulence Factor and not Only as a Metabolic Enzyme
Authors: Xie Xing , Hao Fei , Chen Rong , Wang Jingjing , Wei Yanna , Liu Jin , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Bai Yun , Shao Guoqing , Xiong Qiyan , Feng Zhixin
Published: July 2021

Background: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is the main pathogen of enzootic pneumonia, pigs infected with Mhp demonstrate mainly poor growth and a reduced feed conversion rate, a disease that has a significant impact on the pig industry and pock production worldwide. The pathogenesis, especially possible virulence factors of Mhp, has still not been fully clarified.Results: The transcriptome and proteomic analysis of Mhp strains differed in virulence based on reported literature, and RNA transcription expression levels between high- and low-virulence strains initially indicated that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent flavin oxidoreductase (NFOR) was related to Mhp pathogenicity. Prokaryotic expression and purification of the NFOR protein of Mhp were performed, a rabbit-origin polyclonal antibody of NFOR was prepared, and multiple sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis of Mhp NFOR were performed. For the first time, it was found that the NFOR protein was conserved among all Mhp strains, and NFOR was localized on the cell surface and could adhere to immortalized porcine bronchial epithelial cells (hTERT-PBECs). Adhesion to hTERT-PBECs could be specifically inhibited by an NFOR polyclonal antibody, and the adhesion rates of both high- and low-virulence strains, 168 and 168L, significantly decreased by more than 40%. Moreover, Mhp NFOR could not only recognize and interact with host fibronectin and plasminogen but could also induce cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis in hTERT-PBECs. Lactate dehydrogenase release of Mhp NFOR in hTERT-PBECs was significantly positively correlated with the virulence of Mhp.Conclusions: Overall, in addition to being a metabolic enzyme related to oxidative stress, NFOR may also function as a potential novel virulence factor of Mhp, thus contributing to the pathogenesis process of Mhp, providing new ideas and theoretical support for studying the pathogenic mechanisms of other mycoplasmas.
The Clinical Value of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT on Detection of Lymph Node Metastasis and Staging for Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Xiao , You Zhouxiang , Liu Lin , Lei Lei , Mou Chungru , Dai Tianyang , Wang Li , Chen Yue , Hu Zhi , Liu Huipan
Published: July 2021

Purpose To observe the clinical application value of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT in the preoperative detection of lymph node metastasis and staging of esophageal cancer.Methods A prospective analysis of 29 surgical patients was performed. 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT was performed within 1 week before the operation. All patients received enhanced CT during the same period. None of these patients had received preoperative treatment before the operation. The value of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and enhanced CT in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis and preoperative staging of esophageal cancer was compared according to postoperative pathology.Results Both 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT and CT detected the primary tumor (29/29 cases). 637 lymph nodes were surgically removed, of which 37 lymph nodes were metastasized. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PET/CT for lymph node metastasis detection were 71.1%, 99.4%, 97.8%, 90.0%, and 98.2%; The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CT for lymph node metastasis detection were 36.8%, 98.9%, 95.3%, 70.0%, and 96.1%, respectively.Conclusion 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT is better than enhanced CT in diagnosing lymph node metastasis and determining lymph node staging in esophageal cancer.
PD-1 Knockout Aggravates Motor Dysfunction In The MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease By Inducing Microglial Activation And Neuroinflammation In Mice
Authors: Cheng Ying-Ying , Chen Bei-Yu , Bian Gan-Lan , Ding Yin-Xiu , CHEN Liang-Wei
Published: July 2021

Background: Abundant microglial reaction and neuroinflammation are typical pathogenetic hallmark of brains in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, but regulation mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the promoting effects of PD-1-difficiency on microglial activation, neuroinflammation and motor dysfunction were identified using PD animal model.Methods: Using C57 wild-type (WT), PD-1 knockout (KO) and MPTP model, we designed WT-control, KO-control, WT-MPTP and KO-MPTP groups. Motor dysfunction of animal, distribution of PD-1-positive cells, dopaminergic neuronal survival, glial cell activation and generation of inflammatory cytokines in midbrains were observed by behavior detection, immunohistochemistry and western blot methods. Results: Microglial cells showing PD-1/Iba1 double-positivity were numerously distributed in the substantia nigra of control whereas they decreased in MPTP model. Compared with WT-MPTP, KO-MPTP mice exacerbated in their motor dysfunction, decreased level of TH expression and decreased TH-positive neuronal protrusions. Microglial cell activation and expression of proinflammatory cytokine iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 significantly increased, and levels and phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 were also elevated in KO-MPTP mice. Conclusions: PD-1 knockout could aggravate motor dysfunction of MPTP mouse model by promoting microglial activation and neuroinflammation in midbrains, suggesting that PD-1 signaling abnormality might be involved in PD pathogenesis or progression.
Empirical Spectral Amplification Function for a Reference Site Near Keddara Dam in Algeria using Strong Motion Data.
Authors: Gherboudj Faouzi , Ouzandja Toufiq , Bensalem Rabah
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with empirical spectral amplification function for a reference site (STK) near Keddara dam in Algeria using local strong ground motion of earthquakes of magnitudes Mw 4.0-6.8. Amplification function is obtained as the 5% damped mean spectral ratio of surface observed and the rock predicted ground motions and it is compared to the ambient vibration HVSR which shows a good agreement in terms of fundamental frequency and curve tendency. In addition, recorded ground motions are compared to surface predicted motion with modified GMPE, the site term of the local ground motion prediction equation is adjusted based on the obtained amplification function of the free field STK site. Examples of the M 6.8, M5.4 and M4.7 earthquakes show clearly the advantage of using the adjusted Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPE) for predicting surface ground motion. Site effect characterization and the adjusted GMPE presented in this study provide the basis elements toward partially non ergodic site specific-Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) application based on local strong motion data in Algeria.
A Count-Based Binary Decision Method For Target Blood Pressure Achievement in Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Data Interpretation For Clinical Practices
Authors: Shin Jinho , Lee Yonggu , Lim Sang Hyun , Shin Jeong-Hun , Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Byung-Sik , Park Hwan-Cheol , Lim Young-Hyo , Park Jin-Kyu , Heo Ran , Kim Woo-Hyun
Published: July 2021

Home blood pressure (HBP) is useful to decide whether blood pressure (BP) is controlled. However, applying HBP to daily clinical practices is still challenging without easy access to the average HBP. Therefore, we developed a simple method to make a binary decision for the control of HBP through high BP counts. We simulated 100 cases of HBP series for each combination of 3 numbers of BP readings (K = 16, 20, 24) and 4 levels of the standard deviations (SDs = 5, 10, 15, 20). A high BP was defined as an individual BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg, and an uncontrolled HBP was defined as a mean HBP ≥ 135/85 mmHg. Validation for the decision method was conducted using actual HBP data. The C-statistics and the accuracy of the high BP counts for the uncontrolled HBP were generally high (> 0.85) for all combinations of Ks and SDs but decreased as SDs increased but remained steady as Ks increased. In the validation, the C-statistic of the high BP count-to-total BP reading (C-T) ratio was 0.985, and a C-T ratio ≥ 0.5 showed a sensitivity of 0.957, a specificity of 0.907 and an accuracy of 0.927. The count-based decision method can provide an accurate quick assessment of the controlledness of HBP.
Essential Oil from Lavandula Angustifolia Elicits Expression of Three SbWRKY Transcription Factors Against Sorghum Damping-off and Induces Ultrastructural Alterations in Fusarium Solani
Authors: Rashad Younes M. , Razik Elsayed S. Abdel , Darwish Doaa B.
Published: July 2021

Sorghum damping-off, caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., is a momentous disease which causes economic loss in sorghum production. In this study, antagonistic activity of lavender essential oil (EO) against F. solani was studied in vitro. Their effects on regulation of three transcription factors SbWRKY, the response factor JERF3 and eight defense-related genes, which mediate different signaling pathways, in sorghum were investigated. Their application under greenhouse conditions was also evaluated. The obtained results showed that lavender EO possessed potent antifungal activity against F. solani. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed that their antifungal activity is mainly attributed to linalyl anthranilate, α-terpineol, eucalyptol, α-Pinene, and limonene. Observations using transmission electron microscope exhibited many abnormalities in the fungal ultrastructures as a response to treating with lavender EO indicating that multi-mechanisms were contributed to their antagonistic behavior. Results obtained from the Real-time PCR investigation demonstrated that all studied genes were overexpressed, at varying extents, in response to lavender EO, however, SbWRKY1 was the highest expressed gene followed by JERF3, which suggest their probable primary role(s) in synchronously organizing the transcription-regulatory-networks enhancing the plant resistance. Under greenhouse conditions, treating of sorghum grains with lavender EO at 1.5% prior to the infection significantly reduced the disease severity. Moreover, the evaluated growth parameters, activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were enhanced. In contrast, lipid peroxidation was highly reduced. Results obtained from this study results support the high possibility of using lavender EO for control of sorghum damping-off, however, the field evaluation was highly needed prior to the usage recommendation.
Optimal Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting System at Remote Seismic Node
Authors: Duncan Dauda , Zungeru Adamu Murtala , Mangwala Mmoloki , Diarra Bakary
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Construction of a Quantitative Genomic Map Gives Insight on Rapeseed Genetic Characteristics and Direction for Future Breeding
Authors: Raboanatahiry Nadia , Chao Hongbo , He Jianjie , Li Huaixin , Li Maoteng
Published: July 2021

Background

Rapeseed is the second most important oil crop in the world. Improving seed yield and seed oil content are the two main highlights for researches. Unfortunately, rapeseed development is frequently affected by different diseases. Extensive researches have been made through many years to develop elite cultivars which could produce high oil, high yield or be resistant to disease. QTL analysis has been one of the most important strategy in genetic deciphering of agronomic characteristics. In order to comprehend the distribution of these QTLs and to uncover the key regions that could simultaneously control multiple traits, 4555 QTLs that have been identified during the last 25 years were aligned in one unique map, and a quantitative genomic map which involved 128 traits from 79 populations developed in 12 countries was constructed.
Results

The present study revealed 517 regions of overlapping QTLs which harbored 2744 candidate genes and might affect multiple traits, simultaneously. They could be selected to customize super-rapeseed cultivars, including the cultivars which produce high oil content for biofuels production. The gene ontology and the interaction network of those candidates revealed genes which highly interacted with the other genes and might have strong influence on them. The expression and structure of these candidate genes were compared in eight rapeseed accessions and revealed genes of similar structure which were expressed differently.
Conclusion

The present study enriches our knowledge on rapeseed genome characteristic and diversity, and it also provided indications for rapeseed molecular breeding improvement in the future.
Antineoplastic Efectiveness of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Onopordum Acanthium L. extract (AgNPs-OAL) toward MDA-MB231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Delalat Romina , Shandiz Seyed Ataollah Sadat , Pakpour Bahareh
Published: July 2021

The present research was done to investigate the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated using bioactive extract of Onopordum acanthium L. (AgNPs-OAL) against breast cancer cell MDA_MB231 in vitro. The determination studies of AgNPs-OAL were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Interestingly, FESEM image observed the spherical shape of AgNPs-OAL with the range of 1–100 nm. As AgNP-OAL exhibited significant cytotoxicity properties on breast cancer MDA_MB231 cells with IC50 values of 66.04 μg/mL, while lowing toxicity toward normal human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells with IC50 values of 101.04 μg/mL was evaluated. Further, up-regulation of apoptotic Bax and CAD genes expressions were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) technique results. Moreover, enhanced cell cycle population (sub-G1), annexin V/PI staining, acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, Hoescht 33258 dye, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) observed in AgNP-OAL-treated MDA_MB231 cancer cells. The green-synthesized AgNP-OAL has promising anticancer efficiency that can trigger apoptosis pathway in the MDA_MB231 breast cancer cells.
Low Energy Electrodynamics of CrI3 Layered Ferromagnet
Authors: Tomarchio Luca , Macis Salvatore , Mosesso Lorenzo , Nguyen Loi T. , Grilli Antonio , Guidi Mariangela Cestelli , Cava Robert J. , Lupi Stefano
Published: July 2021

We report on the optical properties from terahertz (THz) to Near-Infrared (NIR) of the layered magnetic compound CrI3 at various temperatures, both in the para- magnetic and ferromagnetic phase. In the NIR spectral range, we have observed an insulating electronic gap around 1.1 eV which strongly hardens with decreasing temperature. The blue shift observed represents a record in insulating materials and it is a fingerprint of a strong electron-phonon interaction. Moreover, a further gap hardening is observed below the Curie temperature, indicating the establishment of an effective interaction between electrons and magnetic degrees of freedom in the ferromagnetic phase. This interaction is confirmed by the disappearance of some phonon modes in the same phase as expected from a spin-lattice interaction theory. Therefore, the optical properties of CrI3 reveal a complex interaction among electronic, phononic and magnetic degrees of freedom, opening many possibilities for its use in 2-Dimensional heterostructures.
New approaches to the action of silicon to enable the cultivation of Panicum maximum in soil with water restriction
Authors: Rocha Juan Ricardo , Prado Renato Mello , Piccolo Marisa Cássia
Published: July 2021

Climate change increases the occurrence of droughts, decreasing the production of tropical forages through the induction of physiological stress. Si is expected to broaden the limit from physiological stress of forages grown under water restriction, which may come from an improvement in the stoichiometric homeostasis of Si with N and C, favoring physiological aspects. This study assessed whether Si supply via fertigation improves physiological aspects and the water content in the plant by means of an antioxidant defense system and changes in the C:N:Si stoichiometry during the regrowth of two cultivars of Panicum maximum grown under two soil water regimes (70 and 40% of the soil’s water retention capacity). The forages studied are sensitive to water deficit without silicon supply. The application of Si via fertigation attenuated the water deficit, favoring plant growth by stabilizing the stoichiometric homeostasis C:N and C:Si, which are responsible for increasing the plant capacity of converting accumulated C in dry mass, favoring the water content of the plant tissue and the photosynthetic efficiency. This study highlights the importance of the physiological function of Si, and effects on the stoichiometry of C and N, which are neglected in most research on forages grown under water restriction.
Characterization of Long Non-coding RNA Profile in RD and SH-SY5Y Cells Infected by CV-B5 using RNA Sequencing
Authors: Chen Wei , Teng Peiying , Yang Heng , Li Jing , Yang Fan
Published: July 2021

Hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by Coxsackievirus B5 (CV-B5) poses considerable threats to the health of infants especially in neurological damage. And the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act pivotal factors in regulating and participating in virus-host interactions. However, the role of lncRNAs in CV-B5-host interactions has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we used the RNA sequencing to determine the expression profiles of lncRNAs in CV-B5 infected human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and SH-SY5Y cells. Our results identified that in the differentially expressed lncRNAs a total of 508 up-regulated and 760 down-regulated lncRNAs in RD cell, with 46.2% were lincRNAs, 28.6% were anti-sense lncRNAs, 24.1% were sense overlapping lncRNAs, and 1.0% were sense intronic lncRNAs. Moreover, 792 lncRNAs were significantly increased and 811 lncRNAs were greatly decreased in SH-SY5Y cell including 48.6% were lincRNAs, 34.7% were anti-sense lncRNAs, 16.0% were sense overlapping lncRNAs, and 0.8% were sense intronic lncRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway showed that the differentially expressed lncRNAs participated in the occurrence of disease in RD cell and associated with signaling pathway in SH-SY5Y cell after CVB5 infection respectively. In addition, similar results were obtained when seven lncRNAs were selected for validation using RT-qPCR assays. Moreover, we conducted the candidate lncRNA-IL12A secondary structures and found that it inhibits viral replication through Wnt signaling pathway. Our results reveal that lncRNAs can become a possible novel molecular target for the prevention and treatment of CV-B5 infection, and provided information for distinguishing neurogenic CV-B5 disease.
Production of Hydroxyl Radicals From Oxygenation of Simulated AMD In Presence of Extracellular Polymers Substances
Authors: Zhong Xuewen , Liu Fang , Fan Feifei , Zhu Jian
Published: July 2021

While the reaction mechanisms Fe(II) abiotic oxidation produce ·OH by CaCO3-induced in AMD are well-documented, little is known about the influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by microorganisms on Fe(II) oxidation in AMD. Given the recent finding, this study experimently measured the cumulative concentrations of ·OH produced from oxygenation of simulated AMD in the presence of EPS. Results of this study show that the cumulative ·OH increased from 56.75 to 158.70 μM within 24 h at pH 3 with the increase in EPS concentration from 0 to 12 mg/L. An appropriate pH (about 6) and EPS (6 mg/L) concentration were required for the moderate rate of Fe(II) oxidation, corresponding to the maximum production of ·OH. The presence of EPS enhanced the ·OH production from Fe(II) oxidation in simulated AMD under acid conditions. In the presence of EPS, ·OH production is attributed mainly the complexation of Fe(II) with EPS, of which is rich of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Besides, the yield of ·OH increased remarkably with the addition of Fe3+. It is most likely that EPS can contribute to reduce Fe(Ⅲ) to Fe(II), which is beneficial to the production of ·OH. The findings reveal from this study supplement the fundamental of ·OH production from Fe(II) oxidation by microorganisms in natural AMD.
Efficacy and Safety of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for The Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria and Prevalence of Molecular Markers Associated With Artemisinin and Partner Drug Resistance in Uganda
Authors: Ebong Chris , Sserwanga Asadu , Namuganga Jane Frances , Kapisi James , Mpimbaza Arthur , Gonahasa Samuel , Asua Victor , Gudoi Sam , Kigozi Ruth , Tibenderana James , Bwanika John Baptist , Agaba Bosco , Rubahika Denis , Kyabayinze Daniel , Opigo Jimmy , Damian Rutazana , Sebikaari Gloria , Belay Kassahun , Niang Mame , Halsey Eric S. , Moriarty Leah F. , Lucchi Naomi W. , Souza Samaly S. Svigel , Nsobya Sam L. , Kamya Moses R. , Adoke Yeka
Published: July 2021

Background
In Uganda, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is the first-line therapy and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) the second-line therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of AL and DP in the management of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and measured the prevalence of molecular markers of resistance in three sentinel sites from 2018–2019 in Uganda.
Methods
This was a randomized, open-label, phase IV clinical trial. Children aged 6 months to 10 years with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomly assigned to treatment with AL or DP and followed for 28 and 42 days, respectively. Genotyping was used to distinguish recrudescence from new infection, and a Bayesian algorithm was used to assign each treatment failure a posterior probability of recrudescence. For monitoring resistance, Pfk13 and Pfmdr1 genes were Sanger sequenced and plasmepsin-2 copy number was assessed by qPCR.
Results
There were no early treatment failures. The uncorrected 28-day cumulative efficacy of AL ranged from 41.2–71.2% and the PCR-corrected cumulative 28-day efficacy of AL ranged from 87.2–94.4%. The uncorrected 28-day cumulative efficacy of DP ranged from 95.8–97.9% and the PCR-corrected cumulative 28-day efficacy of DP ranged from 98.9–100%. The uncorrected 42-day efficacy of DP ranged from 73.5–87.4% and the PCR-corrected 42-day efficacy of DP ranged from 92.1–97.5%. There were no reported serious adverse events associated with any of the regimens. No resistance-associated mutations in the Pfk13 gene were found in the successfully sequenced samples. In the AL arm, the NFD haplotype (N86Y, Y184F, D1246Y) was the predominant Pfmdr1 haplotype, present in 78 of 127 (61%) and 76 of 110 (69%) of the day 0 and day of failure samples, respectively. All the day 0 samples in the DP arm had one copy of the plasmepsin-2 gene.
Conclusions
DP remains highly effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Uganda. Recurrent infections with AL were common. In Busia and Arua, the 95% confidence interval for PCR-corrected AL efficacy fell below 90%. Further efficacy monitoring for AL, including pharmacokinetic studies, is recommended.
Trial registration:
The trail was also registered with the ISRCTN registry with study Trial no PACTR201811640750761.
The Attitudes and Motivation of University Learners Towards Learning English
Authors: Hajeb Mohammed , Masoud Mohammed , Al-Deen Bedoor Sharaf
Published: July 2021

This study examines the Yemeni students’ attitudes and motivation towards learning English. It tries to find out the types of motivation the subjects have towards learning English. Two types of motivations were investigated in this research, instrumental motivation that refers to the utilitarian and academic causes, and integrative motivation, which refers to the social and cultural causes. Moreover, the current survey sheds some light on the students’ anxiety about the English language and their attitude towards learning English and using it in India. The quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 107 students. The data analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results revealed that Yemeni students in India have a high positive attitude towards learning English. Moreover, they are instrumentally and integratively motivated to learn English. Their attitude towards the anxiety of English, learning English, and using it in India was moderate. The results also showed a significant difference in the students’ attitude towards learning English, where the postgraduate students have a higher positive attitude than undergraduates. According to the gender, the results revealed no significant difference between males and females regarding the attitude and motivation towards learning English. The present survey recommended teaching the English language intensively in Yemen, whether in schools or universities. The English language anxiety has to be manipulated by teachers using the courses that enhance the students’ confidence in using English.
Untangling Potential Links between Childhood Trauma and the Psychological Response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Prospective Study Testing Multiple Mediation
Authors: Rek Stephanie V. , Reinhard Matthias A. , Bühner Markus , Freeman Daniel , Adorjan Kristina , Falkai Peter , Padberg Frank
Published: July 2021

Childhood maltreatment (CM)has been associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes during the pandemic, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In a prospective online study using baseline and 10-week follow-up data of 391 German participants, we applied multiple mediation analyses to test to what extent COVID-19 perceived stressors mediate the association between CM and later adverse psychosocial outcomescompared to established mediators of rumination and insecure attachment. We also explored the relative importance of different COVID-19 related stressors in predicting adverse psychological trajectories using elastic net regression.Results showed that CM was longitudinally associated with all adverse psychosocial outcome. COVID-19 perceived stressors, rumination, and insecure attachment mediated this relationship and full mediation was observed for the outcomes anxiety, stress and psychological well-being. COVID-19-related concerns about the future wasmost strongly and consistently associated with adverse psychosocial functioning.These findings provide preliminary evidence that COVID-19 perceived stressors, in particular concerns about the future, may be a key mechanismunderlying the development of adverse psychosocial outcomes in individuals with a CM history. Thus, COVID-19 perceived stressors may require a higher priority for prevention and treatment efforts in vulnerable groups.Our results warrant replication in more representative cross-cultural samples.
Identifying Social Perceptions of People Ignoring COVID-19 warnings: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Halvaiepour Zohreh , Nosratabadi Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Objective:The coronavirus pandemic has had various impacts on people's social life and daily activities in most countries around the world, including Iran. Hygiene precautions like masking and social distancing have been suggested in order to reduce the spread of the COVID- 19 virus. There are, however, individuals in society who do not consider and ignore these health issues. The present study aims to identify the sociological perceptions of people who ignore the warnings about coronavirus infection. The qualitative research was carried out from May till July 2020. The interviewees were purposefully selected from among the individuals who avoided paying attention to coronavirus warnings in Isfahan. In 20 semi-structured interviews saturation point was obtained. The thematic analysis approach was used with MAXQDA software (version 12) to interpret the transcribed documents.Results: The results showed 2 themes and 4 subtopics related to the sociological perceptions of people who ignored warnings about Corona. Themes and subtopics included: feelings of social anomie (disruption and social unrest, social distrust), unmet social relationship needs (intention to maintain social participation, Feeling of reduced social support). The findings indicate that, in order to tackle social perceptions contrary to health observance during the coronavirus epidemic, educational resources such as mass media, cyberspace and social programs on the necessity and importance of health observance need to be used. Policies should also be implemented in the social, cultural and legislative contexts to enhance the degree of individuals ' social responsibility for each other's health.
Cardiac and autonomic dysfunctions assessed through Recurrence Quantitative Analysis of electrocardiogram signals and an application to the 6-OHDA Parkinson’s Disease animal model
Authors: Shinoda Lucas , Damasceno Laís , Freitas Leandro , Cravo Sergio , Campos Ruy , Scorza Carla , Scorza Fúlvio , Faber Jean
Published: July 2021

A classic method to evaluate autonomic dysfunction is through the evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV). HRV provides a series of coefficients, such as SDNN (Standard Deviation of n-n intervals) and RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences), which have well-established physiological associations. However, using only electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, it is difficult to identify proper autonomic activity, and the standard techniques are not sensitive and robust enough to distinguish pure autonomic modulation in heart dynamics from cardiac dysfunctions. By using Poincaré mapping and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), we were able to identify and characterize stochasticity and chaoticity dynamics in ECG recordings, using them to describe autonomic and heart dynamics. By applying these nonlinear techniques in the ECG signals recorded from a set of Parkinson disease animal model (6-OHDA), we show they present less variability in long time epochs and more stochasticity in short-time epochs, in their autonomic dynamics, when compared with those of the sham group. These results indicate that PD (Parkinson’s Disease) animal models present more “rigid heart rate” associated with “trembling ECG” and bradycardia, which are direct expressions of Parkinsonian symptoms. We also compared the RQA factors calculated from the ECG of animal models using four computational ECG signals under different noise and autonomic modulatory conditions, emulating atrial fibrillation and QT-long syndrome. We concluded, from Poincaré Map and RQA techniques, that PD animal models are more correlated with atrial fibrillation, with high variation according to autonomic modulation. As the Abstract should be able stand independantly of the main text, please do not abbreviate terms used only once in the Abstract.
Hybridizing ANN-NSGA-II Model with Genetic Programming Method for Reservoir Operation Rule Curve Determination (Case Study Zayandehroud Dam Reservoir)
Authors: moeini ramtin , nasiri kamran
Published: July 2021

One of the most important and effective works of water resource planning and management is determining the specific, applicable, regulated operating policies of the Zayandehroud dam reservoir, as a case study, in which it should be user-friendly and straightforward for the operator. For this purpose, different methods have been proposed in which each of them has its limitations. Due to the unique capabilities of the genetic programming (GP) model, here, this method is used to determine the operating rule curves and policies of the dam reservoir. For this purpose, here, two cases are proposed in which, in the first case, each month is individually simulated and modeled. However, in the second case, all months are simulated simultaneously. A second case is proposed here to determine simple and more applicable operation rule curves. In addition, two approaches are suggested for each case in which in the first approach, the influential input variables are selected by presenting the hybrid method. In the proposed hybrid method, the artificial neural network (ANN) model is equipped with non dominated sorting genetic (NSGA-II) algorithm leading to a hybrid method named the ANN-NSGA-II method. However, in the second approach, the influential input variables are selected automatically using the GP method. Here, the hybrid method is proposed and used to overcome the limitations of existing usual method. In other words, it is proposed to reduce the number of influential input variables of data-driven methods and select the effective ones. The obtained results of all proposed cases and approaches are presented and compared with the standard operation policy (SOP) method, stochastic dynamic programming (SDP), ANN model and, NLP method. Comparison of the results shows the acceptable performance of the proposed cases and approaches. In other words, the best- obtained values of (stability index) SI index and water deficit (objective function value) are 49.3% and 32, respectively.
Implementation of P-type black silicon with high aspect ratio for optoelectronics applications
Authors: Hwail Hussam Muhsin , Abdullah Manal Midhat
Published: July 2021

Black Silicon (BSi) is a semiconductor with a surface modified to get a very low reflectivity and correspondingly high absorption of visible light. P-type <100> silicon wafers were used to prepare very low reflecting samples. These samples may use as substrates in optoelectronic applications. Electrochemical etching at different etching current, and time were applied. B-silicon is chemically equal to normal silicon, differs in surface treatment that changes a morphology. This special morphology is demanded for absorption enhancement which involves maximum light absorption. Surface roughness is done by texturing or trenching a silicon wafer surface. As these structures are in place, and as they are small enough, incident light will be more absorbed and less reflected, this is what gives black silicon its name. BSi was characterized by (FESEM), structural analysis indicates that BS layers were formed. The porosity was in the range of (10–40) % and it is dependent on etching time and etching current value. Etching density is 0.1073/mm2. Reflection analysis shows satisfying minimum reflectivity spectrum with the intensity of peaks decrease and red shifted with increasing the etching current. A peak of the Photoluminescence ranges about 360 nm, PL peaks are blue shifted and proportional to etching current. The band gap energy ranged from 2 to 3.4 eV, it is affected with porous morphology and directly proportional to etching current values
Research of the problem of optimization and development of a calculation method for two-stage chain drives used in heavy industrial vehicles in conditions of economic efficiency
Authors: Aliyeva Sevda , Damirova Javida , Abasova Sevinc
Published: July 2021

The article is dedicated to the problem of optimization of chain drives of the drilling unit. At present, increasing the power per machine to the optimal limits, reducing the material and energy consumption per unit capacity of the machine, as well as operating costs are considered topical issues. The machines that are designed and constructed to optimal limits must be very powerful and productive. The machines that are applied to perform drilling works in the oil and gas industry must be easy to operate, reliable and have ability to operate for a long time. When constructing such machines, their being lightweight, economical, as well as their preparation in a short time and at low cost should be taken into account in advance. In order to ensure the reliable operation of drilling rigs, it is more expedient to apply chain drive in their mechanical transmission. First of all, the application of chain drive in drilling units and hoisting mechanisms is considered. Then a calculation method was developed for the chain drives of the drilling unit used in deep exploration wells and the exploitation of wells, and, accordingly, the calculation of the chain drive was carried out. The chain drive consists of drive and driven sprockets and a chain that encompasses the sprockets and engages in their teeth. Chain drives with several driven sprockets are also used. In addition to the basic listed elements, chain drives include tensioners, lubricating device and guards. The chain consists of hinged links that provide mobility or “flexibility” of the chain. Chain drives can be performed in a wide range of parameters. The calculation took into account the quality of the material, the service life and durability of the chain drive construction
Development of a procedure for determination of damage to seeds and cotton fibers in cotton cleaning machines
Authors: Veliev Fazil , Mustafayeva Esmira , Mamontov Anatoliі , Shevtsov Vadim , Zinchenko Sergii , Rud Anatoliy
Published: July 2021

Studies on the dynamic state of cotton raw materials when introducing working bodies of processing machines into it allow to draw the following proposition. Depending on the rate of penetration of the working body into the cotton medium and the density of the medium, in the formulas used to describe the state of the medium, the exponent у ρ can vary from 1.5 to 3. The exponent for density ρ is a measure of the compression and compaction of raw materials on the surface of the working body. The exponent of ρ is also related to the amount of damage to cotton fibers and seeds. For the first time, a cotton mass is considered as a compressible porous two-component medium consisting of a mixture of cotton fibers and air included in the composition of a porous medium, which is essential in dynamic processing processes, and it must be taken into account when planning technological modes. From experiments on the penetration of a splitter with a peripheral speed u=3.5 m/s into a cotton medium with a density of ρ=150–350 kg/m3, it can be seen that a locally located “air cushion” appears in the close vicinity of the split end. The pressure in it increases by 1.5–2 times in comparison with the pressure of statistical compression of cotton fibers alone, without taking into account the influence of the air located in the pores of the system. The forces of compression of cotton fibers from the action of the splitter and the force of volumetric action on the fibers are comparable in the area of the "air cushion".

Using the general equations of the mechanics of the compressed medium, as well as experimental data, the fundamental equation of the dynamic state of the mass of raw cotton when the working body of the processing machine is introduced into it, such as the density of the medium, the speed of the working body, its external shape and the degree of surface treatment, is derived. The resulting equation can be used to describe the power stresses in a cotton environment in the technological processes of roller and saw ginning, and during cotton cleaning
Morphological and molecular characterization ofIotonchus lotilabiatusn. sp. (Nematoda: Iotonchidae) from Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Authors: Vu Tam T. T. , Le Thi Mai Linh , Nguyen Thi Duyen
Published: July 2021

The new speciesIotonchus lotilabiatusn. sp. from Bat Xat Nature reserve in Lao Cai Province, Vietnam is described and the molecular data (18S and 28S rDNA) are given. Females of the new species are characterized by large body size (L = 3.8-5.2 mm); barrel shaped buccal cavity of large size (41–54×70–89 µm) with dorsal tooth apex located 22 to 23.5% of buccal cavity length from its base; reproductive system didelphic-amphidelphic, vagina long, corresponding almost half of body width at the vulva with distinctparrefringens vaginae, sclerotized and triangulated pieces in optical section; tail long filiform, ventrally arcuate, with three small caudal glands in tandem and prominent terminal spinneret. Males with spicules 119 to 148 µm in length, and slender, slightly curved gubernaculum, 39 to 44 µm long and with 13 to 14 ventromedian supplements. The new speciesIotonchus lotilabiatusn. sp. is closest toI. miamaensis(Khan and Araki, 2002), but differs by having larger size of body length and buccal cavity, lower position of dorsal tooth apex; longer female tail with lowercbut higherc′ratios and the presence of advulval cuticular structures.
Analysis of institutional factors that cause gender pay gaps in Ukraine
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana , Volkovska Anna
Published: July 2021

Despite Ukraine’s commitments regarding non-discrimination and ensuring gender equality, the issue of gender pay gaps remains relevant. The aim of the study is to identify factors that cause gender pay gaps and assess their impact on wage differences at the institutional level in Ukraine. Based on the generalization of the research results, macroeconomic and microeconomic approaches to the grouping of factors that cause gender pay gaps have been identified. Based on the analysis of statistical data, it has been determined that gender occupational segregation exists in Ukraine, as most women work in low-wage economic activities; women are more likely to lead businesses with a lower level of wages. As the result of the assessment of the impact of various factors on wage differences, it has been found that gender pay gaps are the smallest in the public sector. Part-time employment in 2018 affected gender pay gaps by 3.8%. Based on the correlation factor analysis, the positive impact of increasing the minimum wage and innovative development on reducing gender pay gaps has been substantiated. The hypothesis regarding the impact of collective bargaining on gender pay gaps at the organizational level has been refuted. Promising measures have been identified that would help to create equal opportunities and reduce gender pay gaps, and thus to fulfill Ukraine’s commitments in the context of European integration.
Synthesis of 1,8-Dioxo-octahydro-xanthene and Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran Derivatives Promoted by two Bis-imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Shirini Farhad , Shirzad Maryam , Nasiri Mitra , Daneshvar Nader , Tajik Hassan
Published: July 2021

Aim and objective:

In this work, we have prepared two bis-dicationic ionic liquids with the same cationic core (Bis-imidazole) and different counter-anions using sulfuric acid and perchloric acids. After that, the efficiency and ability of these compounds as catalysts were investigated and compared with respect to the promotion of Knoevenagel condensation and synthesis of benzo[ b] pyran derivatives to see the effect of the anionic counter-part in the reaction.

Material and method:

In a 25 mL round-bottomed flask, a mixture of aldehyde (1.0 mmol), 1,3-- cyclo dicarbonyl (2.0 mmol), and the desired amount of the above-mentioned acidic ionic liquids was heated at 90°C in the absence of solvent (Reaction A). In a 25 mL round-bottomed flask, a mixture of aldehyde (1.0 mmol), 1,3-cyclo dicarbonyl (1.0 mmol), malononitrile, (1.1 mmol) and calculated amounts of the ionic liquid in water (3.0 mL) was heated at 80°C (Reaction B) for the appropriated time. After the completion of the reaction which was monitored by TLC of (n-hexane: EtOAc; 3:1). 10 mL of water was added and the mixture was stirred for 2 minutes. Then, the products were separated by filtration and washed several times with water, after drying, the pure products were obtained.

Results:

Comparison of the obtained results from both the ionic liquids revealed that [H2- Bisim][HSO4]2, because of its more acidic structure, had shown a more catalytic activity in the preparation of 1,8-dioxo-octahydro-xanthene derivatives but [H2-Bisim][ClO4]2 was relatively more efficient for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives. Because the stronger acidic nature of [H2-Bisim][HSO4]2 may prevent the simple activation of malononitrile in the reaction media.

Conclusion:

In this study, we have introduced efficient methods for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydro- xanthene and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in the presence of catalytic amounts of [H2-Bisim][ClO4]2 and [H2-Bisim][HSO4]2. These methods have several advantages such as ease of preparation and handling of the catalysts, high reaction rates, excellent yields, eco-friendly procedures, and simple work-up.
Gjin taalsoarch yn de soarch. De rol fan Frysk en Meartaligens yn de soarch- en wolwêzenssektor yn Fryslân
Authors: Coret-Bergstra M. , Duarte J. , Günther-van der Meij M. , Veenstra S.
Published: July 2021

This article discusses how university-level healthcare and welfare course programs in the official bilingual Province of Friesland/Fryslân can best be aligned with healthcare practice regarding the use of Frisian and the inclusion of other forms of multilingualism. 15 interviews with healthcare and welfare professionals confirm previous findings on the significant role of minority languages in the healthcare and welfare sector. When minority languages, such as Frisian, are used the bond between healthcare recipient and care provider is strengthened and the patient is better able to communicate. However, the 9 interviews with lecturers, directors and team leaders of healthcare and welfare programs in Fryslân show that these pay little attention to Frisian and multilingualism in their curriculum. At the same time, it appears that those involved in the teaching understand the importance of addressing communication in Frisian and other languages and recognise that this aspect should be embedded in courses that focus on properly connecting with the personal context of the care recipient. These results will be discussed by providing recommendations for healthcare and welfare programs in higher education on how to incorporate minority languages, in particular, and multilingualism, in general.