bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feynman path-integral strong-field dynamics calculation method
Authors: Liu Xi-Wang , Zhang Hong-Dan , Ben Shuai , Yang Shi-Dong , Ren Xin , Song Xiao-Hong , Yang Wei-Feng ,   School of Physics and Optoelectronic engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China,   College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China,   Center for Theoretical Physics, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Published: June 2023

The emergence and development of ultrafast intense lasers and attosecond measurement techniques have made it possible to observe and control the motions of electrons on a timescale of attoseconds and a spatial scale of atoms. With the improvement of experimental measurement accuracy, higher requirements are put forward for the accuracy of theoretical calculation methods. Extracting temporal and spatial information about ultrafast dynamics from experimental results through using theoretical models presents a significant challenge. Compared with the exact solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, the Feynman path-integral method for strong-field dynamics calculations offers a simpler model and higher computational efficiency. The electronic wave packet is regarded as a particle with different initial states, and by analyzing the motion of the particle, the causes of various nonlinear physical phenomena in strong fields can be clarified. This work introduces the saddle point approximation into strong field dynamics calculations based on the strong field approximation theory. Furthermore, the Coulomb-corrected strong field approximation method, trajectory-based Coulomb-corrected strong field approximation method, and Coulomb quantum trajectory strong field approximation method are presented in detail. This review aims to provide relevant methods and literature references for studying strong field dynamics theoretical calculations and also to present some ideas for developing new algorithms.
Hybrid numerical simulation on fast particle transport induced by synergistic interaction of low- and medium-frequency magnetohydrodynamic instabilities in tokamak plasma
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Long , Chen Wei , Wang Feng , Wang Zheng-Xiong ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams, School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China,   Southwestern Institute of Physics, Chengdu 610041, China
Published: June 2023

In tokamak experiments, various magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities usually co-exist and interact with fast particles. It can cause the fast particles to significantly transport and lose, which results in damaging the first wall and quenching discharge in tokamak. Therefore, the understanding of the physical mechanism of fast particle transport caused by MHD instabilities is crucial and this physical problem needs solving urgently for the steady-state long pulse operation of future reactor-graded devices. According to the phenomenon of synergy between non-resonant internal kink mode and tearing mode, observed experimentally on NSTX, a spherical tokamak device, we utilize the global nonlinear hybrid-kinetic simulation code M3D-K to study and compare the characteristics of loss, transport and redistribution of fast particles in the two cases: 1) the synergy between the non-resonant internal kink mode and tearing mode and 2) only non-resonant internal kink modes. The physical mechanisms of transport, loss, and redistribution of fast particles caused by such synergy are studied, respectively. The results show that the synergy between the non-resonant internal kink mode and the tearing mode can significantly enhance the loss and transport of fast particles. The main reason is that such a synergy can provide a radial channel for fast particles to migrate from the plasma core to the plasma boundary accompanied with the total stochasticity of the magnetic topology. These results can help understand the physical mechanism of the transport and loss of fast particles caused by the synergy of low-frequency MHD instabilities in future fusion reactors, and provide some new ideas for finding strategies to control and mitigate the loss and transport level of fast particles in future fusion reactors.
Improvement of performance of CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells by polyvinylidene fluoride additive
Authors: Yang Mei-Li , Zou Li , Cheng Jia-Jie , Wang Jia-Ming , Jiang Yu-Fan , Hao Hui-Ying , Xing Jie , Liu Hao , Fan Zhen-Jun , Dong Jing-Jing ,   School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Published: June 2023

Recently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells has been enhanced rapidly from 3.8% to 25.8%, which is a top research topic in the field of photovoltaic power generation. However, the preparation of the hybrid perovskite solar cells has high environmental requirements, and the absorber layer is easily caused by the environmental influence and decomposition, resulting in the degradation of device performance. The all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite material has good stability, can be prepared directly in air, and is more economical, showing great potential applications. However, the PCE of all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells is not high, and at this stage, there is still much room for exploring high-quality controllable preparation of CsPbBr3 films. In this paper, we aim to prepare efficient and stable CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells with additive engineering.

Polymer is one of the most effective additives in perovskite solar cells. The use of polymer additive in perovskite layer can improve the shape-form, structure, and band gap of the film, thus improving the quality of perovskite film. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a cheap polymer with hydrophobic F ions and long flexible polymer chains, and can be used to prepare efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.

In this paper, CsPbBr3 perovskite films are prepared by multi-part spin-coating method. PVDF with enriched hydrophobic F is added into the PbBr2 precursor solution as an additive to adjust the crystalline quality of the perovskite film, and the effects of PVDF on the growth process and device performance of the perovskite film are systematically studied. The results show that the PVDF can be used as a template to promote the growth of perovskite crystals, improve the crystal structure and film shape, thus reducing the defect density and charge recombination, and increasing the PCE of the device to 8.17%. The original efficiency of more than 90% can be maintained after 1400 h of storage under unencapsulated condition. Finally, high-efficiency, stable and low-cost CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells are obtained, which is important in further expanding the optimized design ideas of CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells. The PVDF can form hydrogen bonds with perovskite or interact with lead ions to improve the structural stability of perovskite, and the F ions in PVDF can improve the moisture stability of perovskite layers.
Silicon-based compact mode converter using bricked subwavelength grating
Authors: Lu Meng-Jia , Yun Bin-Feng ,   Advanced Photonics Center, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Published: June 2023

Facing the increasing capacity requirements of on-chip optical interconnects, mode division multiplexing technology (MDM), which fully uses the different spatial eigenmodes at the same wavelength as independent channels to transmit optical signals, has attracted tremendous interest. Mode-order converter that can convert the fundamental mode into high-order mode is a key component in MDM system. However, it is still very challenging to achieve compact mode-order converters with high performances. Subwavelength grating (SWG) can be equivalent to homogenous material, which has the prominent advantages such as controlling over birefringence, dispersion and anisotropy, thus making photonic devices possess high performance. Wheras the conventional SWG only needs single-etch step, but the implementation of SWG structure usually requires a fabrication resolution on the order of 100 nm and below, which is difficult for current wafer-scale fabrication technology. The anisotropic response of SWG can be further engineered by introducing bricked topology structure, providing an additional degree of freedom in the design. Meanwhile, the requirement for fabrication resolution can also be reduced (> 100 nm). In this work, we experimentally demonstrate compact TE0-TE1 mode-order converter and TE0-TE2 mode-order converter by using a bricked subwavelength grating (BSWG) based on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) with the BSWG having a minimum feature size of 145 nm. In the proposed mode-order converter, a quasi-TE0 mode is generated in the BSWG region, which can be regarded as an effective bridge between the two TE modes to be converted. Flexible mode conversion can be realized by only choosing appropriate structural parameters for specific mode transitions between input/output modes and the quasi-TE0 mode. By combining three-dimensional (3D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) method, TE0-TE1 mode-order converter and TE0-TE2 mode-order converter are optimally designed. They can convert TE0 mode into TE1 and TE2 mode with conversion length of 9.39 µm and 11.27 µm, respectively. The simulation results show that the insertion loss of < 1 dB and crosstalk of < –15 dB are achieved for both TE0-TE1 mode-order converter and TE0-TE2 mode-order converter, their corresponding working bandwidths being 128 nm (1511–1639 nm) and 126 nm (1527–1653 nm), respectively. The measurement results indicate that insertion loss and crosstalk are, respectively, less than 2.5 dB and –10 dB in a bandwidth of 68 nm (1512–1580 nm, limited by the laser tuning range and grating coupler).
Precision RNAi using synthetic shRNAmir target sites
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Hörmann Alexandra , Corcokovic Maja , Zmajkovic Jakub , Hinterndorfer Matthias , Salkanovic Jasko , Spreitzer Fiona , Köferle Anna , Gitschtaler Katrin , Popa Alexandra , Oberndorfer Sarah , Andersch Florian , Schäfer Markus , Fellner Michaela , Budano Nicole , Ruppert Jan G. , Chetta Paolo , Wurm Melanie , Zuber Johannes , Neumüller Ralph A.
Published: June 2023

Loss-of-function genetic tools are widely applied for validating therapeutic targets, but their utility remains limited by incomplete on- and uncontrolled off-target effects. We describe artificial RNA interference (ARTi) based on synthetic, ultra-potent, off-target-free shRNAs that enable efficient and inducible suppression of any gene upon introduction of a synthetic target sequence into non-coding transcript regions. ARTi establishes a scalable loss-of-function tool with full control over on- and off-target effects.
Alternative paths to immune activation: the role of costimulatory risk genes for polygenic inflammatory disease in T helper cells
Authors: Voda Alexandru-Ioan , Correa Kristina , Hamp Jonathan , Moscrop Chloe , Dustin Michael , Jostins-Dean Luke
Published: June 2023

T cell activation pathways have been repeatedly implicated by genetic studies as being enriched for risk genes for immune and inflammatory diseases. Many of these risk genes code for costimulatory receptors or ligands. Costimulatory receptors are cell surface proteins on T cells, which are engaged by costimulatory ligands on antigen-presenting cells. Both costimulation and antigen binding are required to trigger T cell activation. In order to study the different pathways activated by these costimulatory risk molecules, and the role they may play in inflammatory disease genetics, we carried out gene expression (RNA-seq) and chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) profiling of naive and memory CD4+ T cells (N=5 donors) activated via four different costimulatory receptors: CD28 (the standard molecule used for
in vitro
activation studies), along with alternative costimulatory molecules ICOS, CD6, and CD27.Most, but not all, activation genes and regions are shared by different costimulation conditions. Alternative costimulation induced lower proliferation and cytokine production, but higher lysosome production, altered metabolic processing, and indications of “signal seeking” behaviour (homing and expression of costimulatory and cytokine receptors). We validated a number of these functions at the surface protein level using orthogonal experimental techniques. We found the strongest enrichment of heritability for inflammatory bowel disease in shared regions upregulated by all costimulatory molecules. However, some risk variants and genes were only induced by alternative costimulation, and the impact of these variants on expression were less often successfully mapped in studies of T cells activated by traditional CD28 costimulation. This suggests that future genetics studies of gene expression in activated T cells may benefit from including alternative costimulation conditions.
Is tumor mutational burden predictive of response to immunotherapy?
Authors: Gurjao Carino , Tsukrov Dina , Imakaev Maxim , Luquette Lovelace J , Mirny Leonid A
Published: June 2023

Cancer immunotherapy by checkpoint blockade (ICB) is effective for various cancer types, yet its clinical use is encumbered by a high variability of patient response. Several studies have reported that the number of non-synonymous mutations (Tumor Mutational Burden, TMB), can predict patient response to ICB. This belief has become widespread and led to the FDA approval of immunotherapy patient prioritization based on TMB levels. The notion that TMB is predictive of response to immunotherapy is rooted in the neoantigen theory. It stipulates that cancer-specific mutations can form neoantigens recognized by the immune system; the more mutations a tumor has, the more likely the immune response is triggered. Here we revisit the data underlying the reported association of TMB with response, and the neoantigen theory. First we assembled the largest pan-cancer dataset of immunotherapy patients with sequencing and clinical data. Surprisingly, we find little evidence that TMB is predictive of response to ICB. We demonstrate that associations similar to the ones reported previously can be observed in shuffled data, suggesting that previous studies suffered from a lack of correction for multiple hypotheses testing and confounding disease subtypes.Second, we develop a model that expands the neoantigen theory and can be consistent with both immunogenicity of neoantigens and the lack of association between TMB and response. Our analysis shows that the use of TMB in clinical practice is not supported by available data and can deprive patients of treatment to which they are likely to respond.
Sibling similarity can reveal key insights into genetic architecture
Authors: Souaiaia Tade , Wu Hei Man , Hoggart Clive , O'Reilly Paul F
Published: June 2023

The use of siblings to infer the factors influencing complex traits has been a cornerstone of quantitative genetics. Here, we utilise siblings for a novel application: the inference of genetic architecture, specifically that relating to individuals with extreme trait values (e.g. in the top 1%). Inferring the genetic architecture most relevant to this group of individuals is important because they are at the greatest risk of disease and may be more likely to harbour rare variants of large effect due to natural selection. We develop a theoretical framework that derives expected distributions of sibling trait values based on an index sibling’s trait value, estimated trait heritability, and null assumptions that include infinitesimal genetic effects and environmental factors that are either controlled for or have combined Gaussian effects. This framework is then used to develop statistical tests powered to distinguish between trait tails characterised by common polygenic architecture from those that include substantial enrichments of de novo or rare variant (Mendelian) architecture. We apply our tests to UK Biobank data here, although we note that they can be used to infer genetic architecture in any cohort or health registry that includes siblings and their trait values, since these tests do not use genetic data. We describe how our approach has the potential to help disentangle the genetic and environmental causes of extreme trait values, and to improve the design and power of future sequencing studies to detect rare variants.
Spatial and temporal population genetic analysis of Semaprochilodus insignis (Prochilodontidae), an overexploited fish from the Amazon basin
Authors: Nunes Ingrid , Passos Kelmer , Mourão Ximenes Aline , Hrbek Tomas , Farias Izeni Pires
Published: June 2023

Background

Semaprochilodus insignis is a migratory fish of commercial and subsistence importance to communities in the Amazon. Despite the high intensity of exploitation, recent studies have not been carried out to assess the genetic status of its stocks.

Methods

This study is the first to estimate genetic diversity and to test the existence of spatial and temporal structuring of S. insignis through sequencing of the mtDNA control region (n = 241) and eight microsatellite loci (n = 180) of individuals sampled at 11 sites distributed in the Brazilian Amazon basin.

Results

Results for both markers were congruent, revealing a homogeneous genetic diversity in all the sampled locations, in addition to the absence of spatial and temporal genetic structure, indicating that the species forms a large panmictic population in the Brazilian Amazon.

Discussion

Although overfishing does not yet appear to have affected the levels of genetic variability of S. insignis, signals of reduction of the effective population size and a bottleneck provide an early alert to the effects of overfishing. Thus, the ever-decreasing populations may threaten S. insignis in the future. Therefore, it is hoped that the results of this study may contribute to the elaboration of management plans or any other measures that aim at the management and conservation of this species of great importance for the Amazon basin.
Revisiting the evolutionary trend toward the mammalian lower jaw in non-mammalian synapsids in a phylogenetic context
Authors: Harano Tomohiro , Asahara Masakazu
Published: June 2023

The mammalian lower jaw comprises a single bone, the dentary, which is a unique feature among vertebrates. The lower jaws of extinct non-mammalian synapsids were composed of the dentary and several postdentary bones. Synapsid fossils exhibit variation in the dentary size relative to the overall lower jaw. An evolutionary trend toward dentary enlargement and postdentary reduction in non-mammalian synapsids has long been documented but has not been established using modern phylogenetic comparative methods. In this study, we examine the evolutionary pattern of dentary size relative to the lower jaw through phylogenetic analyses of measurements in a broad range of non-mammalian synapsid taxa. Our analyses revealed an evolutionary trend toward dentary area enlargement relative to the overall lower jaw in the lateral view across all non-mammalian synapsids. This trend is likely due to vertical expansion of the dentary given that the same trend is not evident when looking at anterior to posterior measurements of the dentary relative to the lower jaw as a whole in lateral view. Ancestral character reconstructions revealed that the evolution of the measurements was not unidirectional in non-mammalian synapsids. Our results provide no evidence of an evolutionary trend toward the dentary enlargement at the expense of postdentary bones across non-mammalian synapsids. This implies that the evolutionary origin of the mammalian lower jaw is not adequately explained by the evolutionary trend of dentary enlargement throughout non-mammalian synapsids. Instead, selection that occurred during the transition from non-mammalian cynodonts to early mammals may have produced the mammalian lower jaw.
Self-reported depression and anxiety rates among females with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Hubuna, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elfaki Nahid , Alzahrani Mohammed , Abdalla Yahya Hussein Ahmed , Alkhadher Mugahed Ali , Osman Abdalla MohamedAhmed , Taha Wargaa , Alghamdi Wael , Alshameri Faroq Abdulghani , Ahmed Waled A. M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies, causing disfiguring skin lesions and a range of physical symptoms. However, the psychological impact of CL is often overlooked despite the significant burden it imposes on the affected individuals and communities. This is especially true in Saudi Arabia, where limited research exists on the psychological consequences of CL, particularly among females. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by investigating the perceived psychological problems associated with CL among females living in the Hubuna area of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 213 females with CL in the Hubuna area of Saudi Arabia using purposive sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered electronic questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and measures of depression and anxiety using the BDI and GAD-7 tools. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the psychological impact of CL, including means and standard deviations for the BDI and GAD-7 scores, as well as frequencies and percentages for other variables of interest. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of anxiety and depression, including variables such as age, marital status, education, occupation, number and location of lesions. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at p < 0.05. The study was carried out between September and December of 2022.

Results

The study found that the mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores among the participants were 8.67 ± 4.82 out of 63 and 8.20 ± 7.08 out of 21, respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of depression and anxiety was 55.9% and 68.1%, respectively, indicating a significant psychological burden associated with CL in the study population. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety and depression were significantly associated with age, marital status, number of lesions, and location of the lesions on the body, highlighting the importance of considering these factors when designing interventions aimed at improving the mental health of CL patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant psychological impact of CL among females in the Hubuna area of Saudi Arabia, calling for urgent action to address this neglected aspect of the disease. By integrating mental health considerations into CL prevention and management efforts, healthcare providers can improve the overall well-being of affected individuals and contribute to the broader goal of eliminating CL as a public health concern.
A percepção sobre a aprendizagem da contabilidade ambiental em instituições de ensino superior do RN
Authors: Da Silva Kennedy Paiva , Morais Maria Auxiliadora de Oliveira , Da Silva Taynara Milene , De Moura Rosalynn Rebouças , Holanda Sandra de Souza Paiva , Martins Joana Darc Medeiros , De Sousa Neto Pedro Balduino , De Souza Rafael Demetrius Rodrigues
Published: June 2023

A sociedade como o passar do tempo está sentindo a necessidade de tomar mais cuidado com questões ambientais, tendo em vista que os impactos ambientais estão afetando todo o planeta, nesse contexto a Contabilidade Ambiental é considerada uma ferramenta de gestão de considerado de suma importância. Diante disso, o presente estudo visa investigar qual a percepção dos discentes sobre a aprendizagem da contabilidade ambiental em algumas instituições de ensino superior do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. O estudo se enquadra como uma pesquisa do tipo exploratório-descritiva, cuja coleta se deu mediante a adoção de um questionário de 5 questões onde foi utilizado a escala de Likert para obtenção a fundamentação de dos resultados obtidos, ao modo que  percebeu-se que os alunos dos Cursos de Ciências Contábeis da UERN, MARTER CHRISTI e UFERSA, não se sentem preparados para atuar neste campo, ao modo que, o estudo relata que a disciplina não tem sido trabalhada com excelência por parte do professor.
Impactos da implantação da Ferrovia de Integração Oeste Leste nas áreas urbanas dos municípios baianos
Authors: De Jesus Claudemiro Almeida , De Paula Gustavo Vergilio , Guzman Sócrates Jacobo Moquete
Published: June 2023

A Ferrovia de Integração Oeste Leste foi idealizada e está sendo implementada como instrumento de promoção do desenvolvimento, melhorando a infraestrutura logística do transporte de grãos e de minérios. Destarte, o modal de transporte fornece condições para o aumento do PIB dos entes federativos e da própria nação por meio da comercialização dos produtos, emprego e renda. No entanto, destacam-se alguns impactos negativos como desapropriações, deslocamentos involuntários e efeito barreira que precisam ser planejados pelo poder público, especialmente para os Munícipios de Jequié, Itagibá e São Félix do Coribe, Estado da Bahia, em que a Ferrovia impacta seus perímetros urbanos. Assim, esses Municípios precisam direcionar atenções específicas nos seus instrumentos de planejamento como o Plano Diretor, Plano Plurianual e Lei Orçamentária Anual em ações voltadas para problemas sociais e urbanísticos. A construção efetiva democrática do Plano Diretor, como previsto no Estatuto da Cidade, é especialmente importante, por garantir mecanismos mitigadores de problemas como ocupações irregulares, segregação espacial, entre outros.
Role of C-reactive Protein and Mean Platelet Volume in Predicting COPD Severity and its Association with Cardiac Abnormalities among the Southern Indian Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sagadevan Suresh , Sharma Radhika , Shanmuganathan Aruna , Narasimhan Meenakshi
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of disease and mortality worldwide. In individuals with mild-to-moderate COPD, serum C-reactive Protein (CRP) corresponds with disease severity and poor health outcomes. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is also linked to an elevated degree of inflammation in the body, as well as the severity and acute exacerbation of COPD. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between serum CRP levels and MPV and its association with COPD disease severity and the patient’s cardiac abnormality. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between January 2015 and January 2016. Study was carried out among 55 patients who were diagnosed with COPD in accordance with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2014 (GOLD) and who were within the age range of 40-70 years were included in the investigation. Severity of airflow obstruction was confirmed by Spirometry using True Flow Easy on PC sensor Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) machine with bronchodilator reversibility testing, as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines 2014 and abnormality was evaluated by clinical and radiological assessment. A 3 mL of blood was collected into a clot vial and sent for analysis of CRP using an immunoassay system based on antigen-antibody reaction and fluorescence technology and MPV using the impedance count technique. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to find out the sensitivity and specificity of MPV and CRP levels with cardiac abnormality. The study was statistically analysed by Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: Out of total sample, majority (n=25, 45.5%) were between 51-60 years age group and, there were 35 (63.63%) males and 20 (36.37%) females. The mean CRP levels of mild COPD patients were found to be 6.980±0.7328 mg/dL, moderate and severe COPD patients were found to be 7.243±0.5324 mg/ dL and 7.550±0.4950 mg/dL, respectively and it was statistically significant (p-value <0.0001). In the present study, the mean CRP levels and mean MPV were found to be significantly higher in patients with cardiac abnormality than the patients without cardiac abnormality (p-value <0.0001). Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that systemic inflammation is common in COPD patients and that CRP and MPV are significant COPD biomarkers for assessing disease severity, predicting cardiac abnormalities, and predicting patient prognosis.
Minimal Surveillance of MRSA in a Highly Polluted Region: A Cross-sectional Study on Prevalence in National Capital Region, India
Authors: Singh Prachee
Published: June 2023

Introduction: In India, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes both community infection as well as hospital acquired infection. The infection mostly is endemic in nature. Aim: To find out the prevalence of MRSA in the NCR region. Materials and Methods: The present study was a crosssectional analysis in which 653 samples were screened for MRSA in the laboratory. Isolates were tested against cefoxitin using disk diffusion method from October 2022 to December 2022 in Department of Microbiology, Rama Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre Hapur, National Capital Region (NCR), India. A total of 46 isolates were found to be MRSA positive. All 46 specimens of MRSA were put to test for Antimicrobial testing to know the susceptibility of antibiotic individually. All positive specimens were segregated based on gender, type of specimen, indoor verses outdoor patients. The data of the study was analysed by Excel software on different parameters as per objectives of the study. Results: The positive MRSA specimens were 46 (7.04%) out of 653 different category of specimens tested. More positivity (8.56%) was recorded in female patients than 5.52% in male patients. The share of male positive was 39.13% and for female, the share among positive sample was 60.87%. Among male positive samples, 7.96% samples (maximum) were from 21-40 years age. The female patients above the age of 60 years had maximum (15.78%) share of positive cases. Inpatient Department (IPD) recorded more (54.35%) of MRSA positive cases. Vancomycin showed highest susceptibility (97.82%) to MRSA. The lowest susceptibility (4.34%) was shown by erythromycin. Conclusion: This study establishes only 7.04% MRSA which was found on lower side comparing the average ratio of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and perhaps the lowest in the country according to various studies carried out across India. Region wise epidemiological study of MRSA is required periodically. The MRSA infection can be controlled by preventing its spread and minimising the emergence of drug resistance by following a robust antimicrobial stewardship.
Clinical Profile of Squamosal Chronic Otitis Media among Paediatric and Adult Patients in Rural Population of Central India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Vijayappan Aishwarya , Deshmukh Prasad T , Gaurkar Sagar
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Chronic Otitis Media (COM) is one of the major preventable causes of hearing impairment, especially in children. Hearing loss in children affects speech, language, communication, auditory processing, psychosocial and cognitive development, and academic progress. Since studies addressing and comparing COM in the paediatric and adult population are few and far between, present study attempted to fill this research hiatus. Aim: To analyse and compare the clinical profile of squamosal COM in paediatric and adult populations. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Acharya Vinod Bhave Hospital, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from December 2020 to December 2022. All the selected patients with squamosal COM (active or inactive) in the paediatric age group (0-15 years) and adult age group (16-60 years) was considered in this study. The study included 26 patients and was evaluated based on intraoperative and radiological findings such as grades of retraction pocket, extent of ossicular erosion, extent, and spread of granulation and cholesteatoma, and pneumatisation pattern among both age groups were carefully analysed. Chi-square test (χ2 ) of independence was used to compare data between the two groups. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Erosion of scutum was predominantly noted in 6 (42.9%) paediatric patients. In both age groups, attic perforation were more common than marginal perforation, which was found to be statistically significant (p-value=0.045). Grade-2 Posterosuperior Retraction Pocket (PSRP) in paediatric (2, 14.2%) and Grade-4 PSRP in adults (4, 33.3%) were commonest whereas none of the paediatric patients showed Grade-4 PSRP. This difference in PSRP grade in both age groups was found statistically significant (p-value=0.038). Short process of incus was more frequently involved in 3 (25.0%) paediatric and long process of incus in 6 (60%) adult (p-value=0.040). There was frequent involvement of protympanum in 7 (50%) paediatric patients (p-value=0.035). Diploic pattern of pneumatisation was least common in both age groups. Conclusion: Greater grades of PSRP were found among adult patients. This might be contributed to the longer duration of exposure to disease pathogenesis in adults. One of the vital features in the ossicular involvement is the total absence of incus and malleus more frequently in paediatric patients indicating its extensiveness
Evaluation of Spinopelvic Parameters in Patients with Different Grades of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Lumbosacral Spine vs Normal Asymptomatic Population: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kaur Antarpreet , Chandak Shruti , Panda Subhasish , Agarwal Arjit , Malhotra Ankur , Singh Priyanka
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Spinopelvic malalignment causes continual backache. Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD) is a leading cause of low backache. Understanding the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and IDD can help with better diagnosis and treatment and avoid unnecessary investigations. Aim: To measure radiographic spinopelvic parameters of patients diagnosed with varying grades of IDD in the lumbosacral spine on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and to compare them with radiographs of the asymptomatic population (controls). Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective observational study was done from January 2021 to August 2022 at a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India with 80 patients diagnosed with IDD on MRI and 80 controls. Cases were defined as patients diagnosed to have IDD on MRI and controls were those individuals who did not have disc degeneration on MRI. Lateral lumbosacral spine radiographs were taken, and spinopelvic parameters {Pelvic Tilt (PT), Sacral Slope (SS), Pelvic Incidence (PI), Lumbar Lordosis (LL), lumbo-sacral angle, and sacral horizontal angle} were measured using Surgimap Spine Software. T-test and Chi-square test were used for comparison between cases and controls. Results: Six patients had asymmetric disc bulge, 11 had symmetric disc bulge, 18 had disc extrusion and 45 had disc protrusion. Mean PT in patients with IDD was 11.05±3.84°, and control was 8.65±3.19°, p-value=0.009. Mean SS in case group was 38.38±3.03° and control was 36.56±3.43°, p-value=0.031. The mean PI of cases was 49.44±8.39° and control 46.19±9.01°, p-value=0.02. LL angle was higher in IDD at 46.34°, and was 45.36° in healthy individuals, without statistically significant difference. The mean lumbo-sacral angle in both study groups was similar. The mean Sacral Inclination Angle (SIA) was found to be 43.99° and 44.96° in the case and control group respectively without showing significant differences. A statistically significant difference was found only for the comparison of PT between different grades of IDD (p-value=0.039). Conclusion: Using Surgimap Spine Software, one can predict the individuals that possess a greater propensity of developing degeneration of disc and chronic low back pain in a more costeffective manner.
Study on Brand Promotion Strategy of Pre-emergence (Herbicide) in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab, India
Authors: Vivek  , Barker Nitin , Zechariah Jayant
Published: June 2023

Based on information gathered from 120 respondents, a study carried out in the Hoshiarpur area of the Punjab state discovered numerous Rifit Plus herbicide promotional methods. Henry Garrett's ranking test was employed in the study's analysis. The study's main goal was to determine how best to market herbicides to farmers. According to the study, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh-ranked methods were farmer meetings, demonstrations, company person visits, wall posters, literature displays, phone calls, and van campaigns. Which shows that the respondents' preferred major advertising technique is farmers' meetings.
Myocarditis and Autoimmune Disease Development Following Bariatric Surgery: A Possible Nutritional Deficiency Link
Authors: Bahrani Zainab Al , Sarawi Abdulaziz , Shanab Hani Abu , Soliman Ayman F. , Qarni Ali A. Al
Published: June 2023

Post bariatric surgery induced myocarditis in setting of autoimmune disease is rarely encountered in clinical practice. However, till date only few data of bariatric surgery induced myocarditis in setting of connective tissue disease (CTD) have been available. The following report illustrates the case of a 39-year-old female suffering from myositis who exhibited a nutritional deficiency myocarditis following biliopancreatic diversion surgery (BPD). The mechanism of myocarditis in patients suffering from CTD is incompletely understood. In this case we are going to try to found a relation between bariatric surgery, myocarditis and connective tissue disease and urges cautious action before surgery performance in the setting of suspected nutritional deficiencies and in connective tissue disease (CTD) as injudicious act might increase the risk of deleterious myocarditis and increase the mortality.
Modeling the Effect of Mediation on HIV Prevalence in Kenya using a Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Wanga Ruth Naomi , Alila David , Odero Everlyne Akoth , Keli Robert
Published: June 2023

The control of HIV/AIDS demands different interventions based on various HIV risk factors directly orindirectly affecting HIV prevalence through a mediator variable. There is however limited literature on how these risk factors interact with each other and in turn affect HIV/AIDS prevalence in presence of mediator factors [1]. A logistic regression model formulated in presence of mediation was found to fit both simulted and real data from 2018 Kenya Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (KENPHIA) survey well and had a higher predictive power as compared to the model formulated in absence of mediation. This was accomplished by using Binary logistic regression to fit the models and estimating the model parameters using Maximum Likelihood Estimation in R. Akaike’s Information Criterion was used to determine amount of data lost by respective models and McFadden’s \(R_2\) to evaluate the adequacy of the model fit.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Crop Water Requirement of Mulberry (Morus spp., Moraceae) Crop in Yadgir District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Kambale J. B. , Barikara Umesh , Hadimani D. K.
Published: June 2023

This study was carried out to examine trends in crop water requirement under several climate change scenarios to provide projections of changes in crop water requirement of mulberry. According to Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) and Inter-Governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), scenarios which may be included for assessment were developed from their reports. A CROPWAT-8.0 model was utilized to determine the required water requirements for crops in a variety of climate change scenarios. The estimated and demonstrated growing and reducing trend in crop water requirements of Mulberry over the last 35 years was seen in the Yadgir district in overall displayed. As regards Mulberry, there has been a rising ETc tendency in all study area even if different climate change scenarios are used. It was found that climate variability has an impact on the Mulberry crop's water needs. To help address this, it was suggested that to reduce the risk of yield loss due to changing water availability, water conservation efforts such as rainwater harvesting, soil and water conservation, and increased ground water recharge should be implemented in the study area.
JAK2 V617F Mutation in Patients with Thrombosis
Authors: Raslan Azza Ibrahim Ismail , Mourad Heba Ahmed , Ahmed Amira Youssef , Taha Atef Mohamed , Zahra Mohamed Kamal
Published: June 2023

Background: Thrombosis is a major disorder with serious complications. The JAK2V617F mutation results in constitutive phosphorylation of JAK2 and activation of the cellular proliferation cascade.

The present study aimed to clarify the prevalence of JAK2V617F mutation in patients with thrombosis.

Subjects and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 60 subjects subdivided into 2 groups: 30 healthy subjects as a control group (Group I) and 30 patients diagnosed with thrombosis (Group II). All subjects were subjected to full history taking, and clinical examination and investigated for Molecular detection of JAK2V617F mutation, FV (Factor V Leiden) – PTH (Prothrombin), and MTHFR (Methylene tetrahydro-folate reductase).

Results: There was a statistically significant difference among the studied groups as regards the JAK2V617F mutation (P value < 0.05, odds ratio = 41.216, 95% C.I. 95% = 2.302 - 738.034, relative risk = 25, 95% C.I. 95% = 1.547– 404.012). This mutation was more significantly associated with venous thrombosis than arterial thrombosis (P = < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed a significant association between JAK2V617F mutation and thrombosis with more significant evidence in the venous than the arterial thrombosis.
GOBERNANZA LINGÜÍSTICA O LA NUEVA POLÍTICA LINGÜÍSTICA INTEGRAL
Authors: Villanueva Graciana Vázquez
Published: June 2023

La gobernanza lingüística en la universidad, como lo analizamos en trabajos anteriores (VÁZQUEZ VILLANUEVA, 2019, 2020), inauguró, en Argentina, su recorrido léxico en el 2019, relacionado con la internacionalización de la educación superior, definida, como “un paradigma de abordaje integral de la cuestión de las lenguas” que convoca a la intervención y actuación de las instituciones en educación superior. Considerado como un “viejo neologismo” (TANO, 2020), la gobernanza lingüística como modelo de una política lingüística universitaria surgió en Europa, concretamente en Francia, a partir del 2015. Se lo denomina “viejo neologismo” porque fue en los años noventa, cuando las reformas financieras y administrativas del neoliberalismo iniciaban su recorrido hacia una hegemonía casi planetaria bajo los principios de la globalización económica, la mundialización cultural y la revolución tecnológica. Es con este sentido que “gobernanza” emerge en el lenguaje político, científico, educativo tanto en el ámbito público como en el privado. Sin embargo, los diversos cambios en los países que integran el Mercosur le otorgaron nuevos sentidos con una fuerte impronta territorial, socio-histórica, económica y cultural. Esto es justamente lo que orienta el presente trabajo. En este artículo proponemos analizar diversos problemas glotopolíticos relacionados con la gobernanza lingüística y en el contexto definido como la tercera etapa de los estudios de la glotopolítica.
AS ATITUDES E REPRESENTAÇÕES DO ESPANHOL NO BRASIL E A EXPANSÃO DAS INDÚSTRIAS DA LÍNGUA NO PAÍS
Authors: Bugel Talia , Santos Hélade Scutti
Published: June 2023

Este artigo analisa o contexto do ensino de língua espanhola no Brasil. Examinamos as representações e atitudes em relação ao espanhol rioplatense/argentino e ao espanhol peninsular – e aos falantes de cada uma dessas variedades – de brasileiros aprendizes de espanhol como língua estrangeira. Para contextualizar o aprendizado do espanhol no Brasil, relatamos as mudanças pelas quais passou o ensino da língua espanhola desde a década de 1990 naquele país. Usamos duas metodologias de pesquisa complementares—disfarce combinado e questionários abertos—para medir as representações e atitudes dos alunos que frequentam aulas de espanhol no estado de São Paulo. Os resultados sugerem que as atitudes foram afetadas principalmente pelos sons que caracterizam cada variedade de linguagem diferente. A partir daí os participantes avançaram em direção às suas representações do povo e suas nacionalidades. Com base nessas constatações, propomos mudanças no tratamento das variedades linguísticas em sala de aula.
A DIVERSIDADE DO ESPANHOL ATUAL NO ENSINO DA LÍNGUA NO BRASIL 30 ANOS APÓS A CRIAÇÃO DO MERCOSUL
Authors: Pinto Carlos Felipe , Carlos Valeska Gracioso
Published: June 2023

Neste texto, discutimos questões referentes ao tratamento da diversidade linguística do espanhol no ensino da língua no Brasil após 30 anos da criação do Mercosul. Na seção 1, colocamos a problemática do texto em forma de introdução. Na seção 2, fazemos uma breve conceituação da diversidade do espanhol atual. Na seção 3, apresentamos alguns conceitos-chave de onde partimos para compreender a variação linguística. Na seção 4, analisamos dois grupos de textos que discutem o ensino da variação do espanhol no Brasil: os primeiros textos que abordaram o problema e algumas dissertações de mestrado recentes que discutem a questão. Na seção 5, fazemos uma discussão geral sobre o panorama apresentando uma análise da questão e propostas para a resolução ou, pelo menos, redução do problema.
Development of Duffy Null–Specific Absolute Neutrophil Count Reference Ranges
Authors: Merz Lauren E. , Osei Miriam A. , Story Charlotte M. , Freedman Revital Yefidoff , Smeland-Wagman Robin , Kaufman Richard M. , Achebe Maureen Okam
Published: June 2023

This study establishes a Duffy null phenotype–specific absolute neutrophil count reference range to optimize care and improve health equity.