bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfusability and immunogenicity of implantable pre-vascularized tissues recapitulating native capillary network
Authors: Zhao Feng , Sharma Dhavan , Sharma Archita , Hu Linghao , Chen Te-An , Voon Sarah , Bayless Kayla , Goldman Jeremy , Walsh Alex
Published: December 2022

Vascularization is a key pre-requisite to engineered anatomical scale three dimensional (3-D) constructs to ensure their nutrient and oxygen supply upon implantation. Presently, engineered pre-vascularized 3-D tissues are limited to only micro-scale hydrogels, which meet neither the anatomical scale needs nor the complexity of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) environments. Anatomical scale perfusable constructs are critically needed for translational applications. To overcome this challenge, we previously developed prevascularized ECM sheets with long and oriented dense microvascular networks. The present study further evaluated the patency, perfusability and innate immune response toward these pre-vascularized constructs. Macrophage-co-cultured pre-vascularized constructs were evaluated in vitro to confirm micro-vessel patency and perturbations in macrophage metabolism. Subcutaneously implanted pre-vascularized constructs remained viable and formed a functional anastomosis with host vasculature within 3 days of implantation. This completely biological pre-vascularized construct has a great potential to serve as a building block to engineer perfusable anatomical scale tissues.
A Framework for Imbalanced Modelling in Disaster Management: A Case Study Involving Global Landslide Susceptibility
Authors: Liu Junfei , Liu Kai , Wang Ming
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a modelling framework for imbalanced problems in the field of disaster management. Global landslide susceptibility was used as a case study. After investigating metrics for imbalanced classifiers, six metrics were selected: AUC, F1, Precision, Recall, G-mean and Kappa. A comparison was made between methods in the imbalanced learning domain and commonly used strategies in the disaster domain. Ten supervised learning classifiers were built, and the extra Tree classifier outperformed other classifiers according to the post hoc test. The ET classifier built by the SMOTE & ENN hybrid sampling dataset outperformed the other classifiers, and the AUC and F1 were 0.9533 and 0.1049, respectively, on the five validation sets. Such a result indicates that the model has strong robustness and outstanding performance. It was found that the imbalanced learning framework can significantly improve the performance of disaster classifiers even at a global scale.
A spatially guided machine learning method to classify and quantify glomerular patterns of injury in histology images
Authors: Besusparis Justinas , Morkunas Mindaugas , Laurinavicius Arvydas
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION
Pathology diagnosis of glomerular diseases is primarily based on visual assessment of histologic patterns. Semi-quantitative scoring of active and chronic lesions is often required to assess individual characteristics of the disease. Reproducibility of the visual scoring systems remains debatable while digital and machine learning technologies open opportunities to detect, classify and quantify glomerular lesions, also considering their inter- and intraglomerular heterogeneity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a cross-validated comparison of three modifications of a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based approach for recognition and intraglomerular quantification of nine main glomerular patterns of injury. Reference values provided by two nephropathologists were used for validation. For each glomerular image, visual attention heatmaps were generated with a probability of class attribution for further intraglomerular quantification. Quality of classifier-produced heatmaps was evaluated by an intersection over union metrics (IoU) between predicted and ground truth localization heatmaps.
RESULTS
A proposed spatially guided modification of CNN classifier achieved the highest glomerular pattern classification accuracies with AUC values up to 0.981. With regards to heatmap overlap area and intraglomerular pattern quantification, spatially guided classifier achieved significantly higher generalized mean IoU value, compared with single-multiclass and multiple-binary classifiers.
CONCLUSIONS
We propose a spatially guided CNN classifier which in our experiments reveals the potential to achieve high accuracy for intraglomerular pattern localization.
Room Temperature Optically and Magnetically Active Edges in Phosphorene Nanoribbons
Authors: Pandya Raj , Ashoka Arjun , Clancy Adam , Panjwani Naitik , Popiel Nicholas , Eaton Alexander , Parton Thomas , Picco Loren , Feldmann Sascha , Shutt Rebecca , Carey Remington , Aw Eva , Macdonald Thomas , Severijnen Marion , Kleuskens Sandra , de Aguiar Hilton Barbosa , Friend Richard , Behrends Jan , Christianen Peter , Howard Christopher , Rao Akshay
Published: December 2022

Nanoribbons – nanometer wide strips of a two-dimensional material – are a unique system in condensed matter. They combine the exotic electronic structures of low-dimensional materials with an enhanced number of exposed edges, where phenomena including ultralong spin coherence times1–4, quantum confinement5 and topologically protected states6–8 can emerge. An exciting prospect for this new material concept is the potential for both a tunable semiconducting electronic structure and magnetism along the nanoribbon edge. This combination of magnetism and semiconducting properties is the first step in unlocking spin-based electronics such as non-volatile transistors, a route to low-energy computing9, and has thus far typically only been observed in doped semiconductor systems and/or at low temperatures10–15. Here, we report the magnetic and semiconducting properties of phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs). Static (SQUID) and dynamic (EPR) magnetization probes demonstrate that at room temperature, films of PNRs exhibit macroscopic magnetic properties, arising from their edge, with internal fields of ~ 240 to 850 mT. In solution, a giant magnetic anisotropy enables the alignment of PNRs at modest sub-1T fields. By leveraging this alignment effect, we discover that upon photoexcitation, energy is rapidly funneled to a dark-exciton state that is localized to the magnetic edge and coupled to a symmetry-forbidden edge phonon mode. Our results establish PNRs as a fascinating system for studying the interplay of magnetism and semiconducting ground states at room temperature and provide a stepping-stone towards using low-dimensional nanomaterials in quantum electronics.
The Crystalline Quartz-rich Raw Material from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania): Why is it called quartzite when it should be called quartz?
Authors: Tarriño Antonio , Ábalos Benito , Puelles Pablo , Eguiluz Luis , Mabulla Audax , Baquedano Enrique , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel , Díez-Martín Fernando
Published: December 2022

The major raw material documented in the archaeological sites of Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania) is a geological material with crystalline appearance, white or colorless, foliated or seemingly massive only at the outcrop scale, with a very high quartz-rich composition, and apparently bearing a metamorphic origin (CQRM). Since the early days of research in Olduvai Gorge, a long-lasting terminological imprecision has allowed defining this material in a confused way as quartz or quartzite. Stubbornness in terminological imprecision reflects the complexity and specificity of CQRM related to a protracted and complex geological history composed by quartz-bearing metamorphic rocks of varied types and origins from recycling and/or tectonic reworking of much older Precambrian orogens and cratons. Currently the term quartzite is preferred by most researchers, despite being materials that have an appearance macro and microscopic similar to quartz and show a response to fracture mechanics and cutting-edge functional response is closer to quartz. In our view it is crucial to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the CQRM from the structural, metamorphic and petrological perspectives. Bearing this in mind, the main objective of the present study is to build a robust and conclusive background that will enable an accurate identification and classification of this quartz-rich mineral resource. This geological material should be identified as “Quartz” and he most diagnostic features supporting this interpretation can be summarized as: some of the microstructural relics identified concur undoubtedly with a hydrothermal origin, and the recognition of special deformational structures/microstructures point to tectono-metamorphic processes under granulite-facies conditions.
On the log-concavity of the n-th root of a sequence
Authors: Xia Ernest X. W. , Zhang Zuo-Ru
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the log-concavity of the $n$-th root of a sequence $\{\sqrt[n]{S_n}\}_{n\geq 1}$ has been received a lot of attention. Very recently, Sun posed the following conjecture in his new book: the sequences $\{ \sqrt[n]{a_n}\}_{n\geq 2}$ and $\{ \sqrt[n]{b_n}\}_{n\geq 1}$ are log-concave, where \[a_n:= \frac{1}{n}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1} \frac{{n-1\choose k}^2{n+k\choose k}^2 }{4k^2-1} \]and \[b_n:= \frac{1}{n^3}\sum_{k=0}^{n-1} (3k^2+3k+1){n-1\choose k}^2 {n+k\choose k}^2. \]In this paper, two methods, semi-automatic and analytic methods, are used to confirm Sun's conjecture. The semi-automatic method relies on a criterion on the log-concavity of $\{\sqrt[n]{S_n}\}_{n\geq 1}$ given by us and a mathematica package due to Hou and Zhang, while theanalytic method relies on a result due to Xia.
2010 Mathematics subject classification: 05A20; 05A10.
Mental and physical health in children of women with a history of anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dobrescu Sandra Rydberg , Dinkler Lisa , Gillberg Carina , Gillberg Christopher , Råstam Maria , Wentz Elisabet
Published: December 2022

Few studies have investigated the offspring of women with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of this study was to examine perinatal status, mental and physical health in the offspring of mothers with a history of AN. Fifty-one individuals with adolescent-onset AN and 51 matched controls (COMP) have been followed prospectively. Presently, 30 years after AN onset, at a mean age of 44 years, female participants who had given birth (nAN = 40, nCOMP = 40) were interviewed regarding psychiatric health in their offspring using the Developmental and Well-Being Assessment and the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition, information on the offspring’s perinatal status, psychiatric- and physical health was obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and The Swedish National Patient Register. Data regarding mental and physical health were available for 83 and 86 offspring in the AN and COMP groups, respectively. At birth, all of weight, length, head circumference and ponderal index were significantly reduced in the offspring of mothers with a history of AN. In adolescence, parental interviews indicated an overrepresentation of current psychiatric diagnoses in the offspring of mothers with AN. Compared with the offspring in the COMP group, endocrinological, immune and metabolic disorders were much more common in the offspring of the AN group. In conclusion, a history of AN increases the risk of worse perinatal outcome of the offspring. Later on, in childhood and adolescence, psychiatric and physical morbidity may be overrepresented in the offspring of women with AN.
Reset Time Extended CDS for low noise hyperspectral infrared focal plane readout circuits
Authors: Wu Shuang , Ding Ruijun , Chen Honglei , Liang Qinghua
Published: December 2022

Low noise is a significant performance requirement of Hyperspectral Shortwave Infrared Focal Plane Arrays Readout Circuit (ROIC) for its low radiation. And the current Correlated Double Sampling (CDS) technology for noise reduction needs to be further improved. The mechanism of extended reset time CDS, which has an impact on noise, is analyzed; By establishing the "first-order low-pass filter, delay-subtractor, sample-hold" model, the output noise power spectral density of image pixel ROIC as a function of CDS extended reset time is analyzed. To verify the analysis, a pixel integrated with low-noise Capacitive trans-impedance amplifiers (CTIA) and adjustable reset time CDS is designed. By extending the CDS reset time, the simulation result is consistent with the analysis. The number of noise electrons reaches 24.42e-, which is better than 50.11e-without CDS and 34.45e-without extending the reset time. The design of Reset Time Extended CDS can improve the noise performance of hyperspectral readout circuits, and can be widely used.
Fungi associated with hives and castes of the Amazonian stingless bees Melipona interrupta and Melipona seminigra
Authors: Tiago Michael Rubem Miranda , Cortez Ana Cláudia Alves , Souza João Vicente Braga , Brito Diana Vieira , Carvalho-Zilse Gislene Almeida
Published: December 2022

The stingless bees Melipona interrupta and Melipona seminigra have great ecological importance as pollinators and economical importance for its honey production. They are associated with a great diversity of entomofauna and microbiota. To understand more about the microbiota associated with these species, this study carried out the morphological and molecular identification of fungi present in the internal hive environment and the brood cells of larvae and pupae (queen and workers) of M. interrupta and M. seminigra, during rainy and dry seasons. Isolated fungi were identified by two methods: analysis of morphological structures and sequencing of the rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. A total of 1.542 isolates were obtained. The filamentous fungi found were: Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Monascus ruber and Penicillium citrinum. The yeasts found were: Cystobasidium minutum, Debaryomyces hansenii, Starmerella apicola, Starmerella etchellsii and Wickerhamiella versatilis. Yeasts were found only in brood cells. The greatest diversity of fungi was observed in the rainy season for M. seminigra, and in the dry season for M. interrupta. There was a high overlap of fungi species associated with both species, but there were also specific associations. Starmerella etchellsii was found only in worker cells of M. interrupta, while Cystobasidium minutum in worker cells of M. seminigra. These findings raise questions about the different types of relationships that microbial communities have with bees in their different microenvironments, as well as with their castes, opening new and intriguing avenues of investigation.
Assessing the Extent of Electronic Procurement Adoption Challenges in the Public Sector of Ghana
Authors: Salifu Zaruk , Nangpiire Clement , Dawdi Abdul-Aziz , Yussif Fatawu
Published: December 2022

Electronic procurement implementation challenges are highly noticed in many African countries including Ghana despite the enormous benefit seen in nations that have adopted e-procurement. This study is quantitative by design and seeks to examine the extent of challenges that affect the implementation of electronic procurement. Knowledge of the extent of the challenges is essential to policy implementers to identify the significant challenges and the less significant challenges and prioritize their spending thereof due to the limited availability of resources. A total of three hundred and thirty-three (333) respondents’ whose schedules are procurement related in public institutions views were considered. The one-way analysis of variance is adopted to analyze the extent of e-procurement implementation challenges in public institutions and coefficients were reported at 95% CI and 5% significance level using (SPSS v20.0). The overall finding indicates that ICT contributes more to the implementation challenges of e-procurement than the institutional, employee, and supplier factors. Based on the finding, we recommend that regular training or seminars should be organized to equip employees with the necessary knowledge about e-procurement processes and procedures; ICT infrastructure needs of the public institutions must be given priority to ensure the smooth adoption of electronic procurement; there should also be an inclusion in the current procurement law through amendment, elements of e-procurement processes to facilitate the smooth adoption and e-procurement implementation.
Lookback options pricing model based on uncertain fractional differential equation
Authors: Wang Xiandong
Published: December 2022

Uncertain fractional differential equation is an excellent tool for modelling the uncertain dynamic process of stock price. This paper focuses on pricing lookback options, presents the fixed strike and floating strike lookback options pricing formulas for uncertain fractional differential equation with geometric canonical process and mean-reverting process, respectively. Besides, some numerical examples are also illustrated with respect to different fractional order.
FONTE OU SUMIDOURO? UMA REVISÃO SOBRE OS FLUXOS DE CO2 NA PLATAFORMA CONTINENTAL BRASILEIRA
Authors: Oliveira Raquel , Affe Helen , Avelina Raquel , Pinho Luana , Franklin Thiago , Miguel Gizyelle , da Cunha Leticia
Published: December 2022

SOURCE OR SINK? A REVIEW OF THE CO2 FLUXES AT THE BRAZILIAN CONTINENTAL SHELF. Studies of global carbon balance estimates are still incipient in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, mainly in coastal areas and continental shelf. Even in Brazil, despite its continental proportion coastline, there is still a great inconsistency in studies on the marine carbonate system and CO2 fluxes at the air-sea interface. This article presents a review of studies on CO2 fluxes on the coast of Brazil, published between the years 2000 and 2022, aiming to map the distribution of CO2 fluxes on the Brazilian continental shelf, to understand its role as a source or sink of CO2. In general, large-scale studies show that the Brazilian shelf exhibits a latitudinal variation of air-sea CO2 fluxes, behaving mainly as a source in the north, where there is no influence of the Amazon River plume, and as a sink in the south portion. We also identified there is a strong influence on the occurrence of mesoscale and synoptic oceanographic and meteorological events, and the presence of different ecosystems, which can change the behavior of CO2 fluxes locally. However, there are still many data gaps along the continental shelf, as well as in different seasons for the entire coast.
Sensitive Detection of BRCA1 Gene Based on Target Proximity Induced Quenching of the Fluorescence of Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Hu Jing , Yang Tong , Li Zhengjia , Xiao Bo , Yu Peng
Published: December 2022

The mutations of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) play an important role in inherited breast cancers. Thus, the sensitive assay of the BRCA1 gene is extremely important for disease diagnosis and human health. Herein, a fast, sensitive and selective assay technique has been constructed based on fluorescent copper nanoclusters (CuNCs). The CuNCs were successfully formed with poly(AT-TA) double stranded DNA (dsDNA) as template. In the absence of the target, a strong red emission was observed under 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) lamp and a big fluorescence response was obtained. However, in the presence of BRCA1 gene, there was only weak red emission and a low response signal was produced because of the target-proximity induced quenching of the fluorescence of CuNCs. The linear range for the BRCA1 gene assay was 2-600 nM, and the limit of detection was 2 nM. The assay technique showed good selectivity, good stability and satisfactory recoveries for the detection of BRCA1 gene in diluted serum samples. Moreover, by integrating a UV lamp and a smartphone, the fluorescence sensor would be transferred to a microfluidic chip, providing a prospective application in point-of-care for monitoring breast cancer risk.
Nomes geográficos das formas de relevo submarino na margem continental brasileira
Authors: Sampaio Lorena da Fonseca , Alberoni Ana Angélica Ligiéro
Published: December 2022

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar as toponímias do relevo submarino da margem continental brasileira e foi desenvolvido pela Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação (DHN), junto ao Subcomitê de Nomenclatura de Feições Submarinas (SCUFN), da Carta Geral dos Oceanos (GEBCO). Ao longo dos últimos dez anos, mais de uma centena de propostas de nomes de feições submarinas foram confeccionadas e encaminhadas ao SCUFN, de acordo com a metodologia preconizada pelo Subcomitê. Diversos dados de profundidade, adquiridos com equipamentos monofeixe e multifeixe, por navios de instituições nacionais e internacionais, foram utilizados na identificação de novas feições e, consequentemente, na preparação das propostas que levaram nomes da cultura nacional, de cientistas, navios e personalidades brasileiras.
Numerical simulation of herringbone gear abrasive flow machining
Authors: Wang Tiancheng , Li Junye , Cao Xinrui , Wang Chunyu , Yang Shengqiang
Published: December 2022

The Eulerian-Eulerian method is used to numerically simulate herringbone teeth using the precision machining technique of abrasive flow. The effects of inlet velocity and abrasive concentration factors on abrasive flow machining are investigated separately for numerical analysis to reveal the effects of dynamic pressure and wall shear on abrasive flow machining under different machining parameters. The simulation results show that increasing the inlet velocity can improve the processing efficiency and the processing effect of abrasive flow processing. Increasing the abrasive concentration increases the processing cost and predicts a weakening of the abrasive flow, allowing for the use of lower concentrations of abrasive flow for actual processing.
Evaluation of structural performance of steel-concrete joints in Hybrid Girder Bridges
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Li Bin , Liu Pei , Wang Zhen , He Shaohua
Published: December 2022

The steel-concrete joint, serving as a transition zone between the steel and concrete girders, is the key component for transferring force among the hybrid girder systems. Despite the expected smooth transition of stiffness, high strength, easy fabrication, and verified static resistance, the structural performance of the steel-concrete joint under service loadings in a long-term period remains unclear. In this study, a FE model of a 1/2 steel-concrete joint from a real bridge is established to explore the long-term performance of the structure. Numerical results show that the minimal relative slip between the concrete infill and steel girder indicated the reliable capability of the steel-concrete joint, and the maximum concrete and steel stresses are 8.8 MPa and 192.8 MPa, respectively, which are far less than the material’s ultimate strength. The outcomes of this study can serve as a reference for analyzing the long-term performance of steel-concrete joints in hybrid girder bridges.
Equivalent stiffness calculation of composite hat stiffened laminate
Authors: Qiu Jiabo
Published: December 2022

The stiffness is the main reason that restricts the large-scale of composite ships, the basis to solve this problem is to solve the stiffness of composite ships’ skeleton structure. Based on classical laminates theory, this paper calculated the equivalent in-plane stiffness and bending stiffness of composite hat stiffened laminate using equivalent stiffness principle. The hat stiffened laminate can be simplified and equivalent to orthotropic laminates using this solution idea, which solves the problem that it is difficult to obtain the analytical solutions of deformation, stress and strain of stiffened laminate. The research results can be used to calculate the stiffness of composite stiffened laminate and the local or global stiffness of the hull girder with such a skeleton structure.
Modelling and experimental investigation of the vibratory conveyor operating conditions
Authors: Korendiy Vitaliy , Kachur Oleksandr , Hurey Ihor , Predko Rostyslav , Palash Roman , Havrylchenko Oleksandr
Published: December 2022

The paper’s objective is to study the dynamic parameters and operating conditions of the vibratory conveyor, which is based on the double-mass oscillatory system and equipped with the pull-type (single-cycle) electromagnetic exciter. The scientific novelty consists in substantiating the conveying capacity of various standard sizes of bolts at different operating conditions defined by the input parameters, particularly supplied voltage. In order to describe the conveying tray vibrations, the simplified mathematical model of the conveyor’s double-mass oscillatory system is developed using the Euler-Lagrange equations and is numerically solved in the Mathematica software with the help of the Runge-Kutta methods. The experimental investigations are carried out at the Vibroengineering Laboratory of Lviv Polytechnic National University and are focused on testing the conveying speed of various bolts at different motion conditions: detachable (bouncing, hopping, jumping over the conveying surface) and non-detachable (sliding along the conveying surface). The obtained results show the basic kinematic parameters of the conveying tray motion at different voltages supplied to the actuating electromagnet and the dependencies of the conveying speeds of various bolts at different motion conditions mentioned above. The paper may be useful for designers and researchers while improving and implementing similar vibratory equipment in various industries.
Advantages of Russian-to-English Translation Exercises: Developing Grammar Skills in University Students of Linguistics
Authors: Dashkina Alexandra , Soloshenko Margarita
Published: December 2022

The article deals with the grammar translation method in teaching English to university students. The constantly developing English language syllabus requires additional didactic materials, and the grammar translation method can be an excellent source of Russian-to-English translation exercises. The authors highlighted the relevance of certain competences for university students that major in foreign languages, as well as the related teaching approaches. They reviewed various definitions of grammar competence and its criteria. The article introduces a typology of mistakes, each type provided with a list of exercises. Some mistakes result from the difference in the linguistic worldviews and grammar. The effectiveness of the grammar translation method was proved experimentally.
Age Gradation in the Criminal Law of the Soviet Period (1917–1991)
Authors: Sinyaeva Mariya
Published: December 2022

The article features the formation and development of age gradations in the Soviet criminal law. The research covered various legal acts. e.g., Decrees of the Council of People's Commissars, Instructions, Decrees of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee and Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR, etc. The analysis made it possible to identify the emergence of a two-stage age threshold for criminal liability. The Criminal Codes of the RSFSR (1922, 1926, 1960) and Soviet criminal legislation were studied for the legal regulation of both the age of the subject of crime and the age of the victim, as well as other actors who affected the crime typology and sentence. The author identified the maximal age threshold for criminal liability. This innovation appeared during war time and was applied to dodging conscription in production, construction, and agriculture, as well as to unauthorized absence from work, which were considered criminal liability. The article also features the historical dynamics of the age criminal responsibility.
Cellular senescence in cancer: a brief review
Authors: Niewinski Patryk , Golusiński Wojciech
Published: December 2022

Certain cancer treatments cause an increase in the number of senescent cells in cancer and nonmalignant cells. Senescence which is characterized by telomere shortening, DNA damage, and improper expression of oncogenes are all examples of triggers that cause cellular senescence.  Failure to rejoin the cell cycle after mitotic stimulation, resistance to cell death, and an increased secretory phenotype are all signs of senescence. A rising number of studies point that spontaneous senescence and therapy-induced senescence (TIS) play a strong role in cancer aggressiveness. Senescent cells may have a role in oncogenesis mainly through the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which produces an immunosuppressive environment. This aids in tumor development and relapse by secreting factors such as IL-6, IL-8, CCL5, VEGF, and CXCL5 that contribute to cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as immune-mediated clearance.
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING AND PARTICIPATION LIMITATION IN ADOLESCENTS WITH OBESITY
Authors: İSKENDEROĞLU Ceren , SONBAHAR-ULU Hazal , İNCE Deniz , SAGLAM Melda , VARDAR YAGLI Naciye , DİK Jan , PEHLİVANTÜRK-KIZILKAN Melis , ÇALIK KÜTÜKCÜ Ebru
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Childhood obesity is one of the most severe public health problems in recent years. We aimed to compare physical fitness and activities of daily living (ADL)-participation limitations in adolescents with obesity and peers without obesity and investigate whether the differences in these parameters are affected by gender in this study.

Methods: Fifteen adolescents with obesity and 16 adolescents without obesity included in this cross-sectional study. Physical fitness was determined using the Munich Physical Fitness Test (MFT) and Modified Shuttle Walk test (MSWT). ADL were determined using the TGlittre-P test, quality of life and participation was assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI).

Results: The MSWT distance, peak oxygen consumption, and MFT total score were decreased in adolescents with obesity regardless of gender (p
SPATIOTEMPORAL GAIT PARAMETERS, PELVIC MOVEMENTS AND PELVIC SYMMETRY DURING WALKING WITH SINGLE AND DUAL-TASKS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC NECK PAIN
Authors: AYAN KARATAŞ Hatice , KARA Bilge , ERBAYRAKTAR Reşat Serhat
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Neck pain is associated with gait disturbances. The first aim of this study was to examine spatiotemporal gait parameters, pelvic movements and pelvic symmetry during single and dual task conditions in persons with Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain (CINP) compared to healthy subjects (HS). The second aim was to investigate the relationship between disability and gait in persons with CINP.
Methods: Thirty-one individuals with CINP (mean age 22.06±1.38 years, range 18-56 years) and 24 HS (mean age 22.60±1.51 years, range 18-43 years) participated in the study. CINP group completed Neck Disability Index. All participants performed 10-meter walking test in two conditions: (1) walking with head straight at usual speed, (2) walking with head straight at usual speed while carrying a tray. The BTS G-Walk wearable sensor was used to assess spatiotemporal parameters (speed, cadence, step length), pelvic movements (tilt, obliquity, rotation), and pelvic symmetry.
Results: During single task gait, the CINP group had significantly lower walking speed, shorter stride length and worse pelvic tilt symmetry (p
PANDEMİ DÖNEMİNDE UZAKTAN EĞİTİM VE YÜZ YÜZE EĞİTİM ALAN ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN COVİD-19 KORKUSU, FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE DÜZEYİ, MENTAL SAĞLIK, AKADEMİK MOTİVASYON VE UYKU KALİTESİNİN KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: GÜNAY UÇURUM Sevtap , AKDENİZ Sevinç , ŞAHİN Aynur , ÖZER KAYA Derya
Published: December 2022

Amaç: Covid-19 pandemisinin neden olduğu ani kısıtlamaların en çok etkilediği alanlardan biri de eğitim sistemi ve öğrenciler olmuştur. Bu çalışmanın amacı pandemi döneminde uzaktan eğitim ve yüz yüze eğitim alan öğrencilerin Covid-19 korkusu, fiziksel aktivite düzeyleri, mental sağlık, akademik motivasyon ve uyku kalitesinin karşılaştırılmasıydı.
Yöntem: Çalışmamıza uzaktan eğitim alan 93 öğrenci (yaş: 20,33±1,82 yıl, boy: 167,08±8,86 cm, kilo: 61,41±12,08 kg) ve yüz yüze eğitim alan 110 öğrenci (yaş: 20,13±0,98 yıl, boy: 167,62±8,12 cm, kilo: 62,20±13,32 kg) dahil edilmiştir. Fiziksel aktivite düzeyleri Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi, akademik motivasyonları Akademik Güdülenme Ölçeği, mental sağlıkları Depresyon Anksiyete Stres Ölçeği, uyku kaliteleri Pittsburg Uyku Kalite İndeksi ve Covid-19 korkuları Covid-19 Korkusu Ölçeği ile değerlendirildi. İstatistiksel değerlendirmede Mann Whitney U testi kullanıldı.
Sonuçlar: Mental sağlık (p=0,335), akademik motivasyon (p=0,629) ve uyku kalitesi (p=0,230) parametrelerinde iki grup arasında fark bulunmadı. Uzaktan eğitim alan öğrencilerin yüz yüze eğitim alanlara göre Covid-19 korkularının (p=0,001) ve fiziksel aktivite düzeylerinin daha düşük olduğu (p=0,023) oturma sürelerinin ise yüksek olduğu (p=0,001) görüldü.
Tartışma: Covid-19 pandemiside ön plana çıkan uzaktan eğitim ile yüz yüze eğitim arasında mental sağlık, akademik motivasyon ve uyku kalitesi açısından bir fark olmadığı görülmüştür. Ancak uzaktan eğitim alan öğrencilerin oturma sürelerinin azaltılması ve fiziksel aktivite düzeylerinin arttırılmasına yönelik planlama yapılmasının önemli olduğunu düşünmekteyiz.
Blue Green Systems for urban heat mitigation: mechanisms, effectiveness and research directions
Authors: Probst Noëmie , Bach Peter M. , Cook Lauren M. , Maurer Max , Leitão João P.
Published: December 2022

Reflected in the growing body of literature, urban heat mitigation is increasingly relevant as cities experience extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanisation. Most studies focus on urban–rural temperature differences, known as the Urban Heat Island, which does not provide insight into urban heat dynamics. Here, we synthesise current knowledge on spatio-temporal variations of heat sources and sinks, showing that a targeted and absolute understanding of urban heat dynamics rather than an urban–rural comparison should be encouraged. We discuss mechanisms of heat sinks for microclimate control, provide a clear classification of Blue Green Systems and evaluate current knowledge of their effectiveness in urban heat mitigation. We consider planning and optimisation aspects of Blue Green Infrastructure (greenery and water bodies/features), interactions with hard surfaces and practices that ensure space and water availability. Blue Green Systems can positively affect urban microclimates, especially when strategically planned to achieve synergies. Effectiveness is governed by their dominant cooling mechanisms that show diurnal and seasonal variability and depend upon background climatic conditions and characteristics of surrounding urban areas. Situationally appropriate combination of various types of Blue Green Systems and their connectivity increases heat mitigation potential while providing multiple ecosystem services but requires further research.
DBU Mediated Efficient Synthesis of New N-(furan/thiophene/pyrrole-2-yl-
(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl)acetamides
Authors: Raju Rudraraju Ramesh , Maram Kalyan , Anitha Kowthalam , Sreenivasulu Reddymasu
Published: December 2022

series of N-(furan/thiophene/pyrrole-2-yl-(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl) acetamide
derivatives 4 has been depicted by one-pot three-component synthesis using 2-
naphthol 1 with aldehydes 2 and amides 3 in the presence of DBU as a catalyst in ethanol as
solvent under reflux condition for 110-120 min. This method has the advantages of good
yields, being environmentally friendly, straightforward protocol, short reaction times, and mild
reaction conditions.
Ammodaucus leucotrichus Acts as an Antihypertensive and Vasorelaxant
Agent Through sGC and Prostaglandin Synthesis Pathways
Authors: Amtaghri Smail , Slaoui Miloudia , Eddouks Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background:

Ammodaucus leucotrichus is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine
to treat various ailments, including hypertension.

Aims:

The study aimed to determine the antihypertensive activity of Ammodaucus leucotrichus.

Objective:

The study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activities of the
aqueous extract of Ammodaucus leucotrichus fruits (ALAE) in rats.

Methods:

ALAE was prepared to study its antihypertensive effect in L-NAME (Nω-L-arginine methyl
ester)-induced hypertensive rats and its vasorelaxant activity in isolated thoracic aortas of rats.
The acute and subchronic effects of ALAE on systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure, and heart
rate (HR) were evaluated after oral administration of ALAE (60 and 100 mg/kg body weight) for 6 h
for the acute experiment and over 7 days for the subchronic test. Isolated thoracic aortic rings were
prepared to examine the vasorelaxant action of ALAE. Several common pharmacological agents
were used to test potential pathways implicated in vasorelaxant action.

Results:

The results showed that ALAE reduced blood pressure parameters (systolic, mean, and
diastolic blood pressure) in L-NAME-induced hypertension rats after repeated oral treatment over
seven days without affecting normotensive rats. Furthermore, in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted
with epinephrine (EP) (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM), ALAE (0.250-1.625 mg/ml) showed a vasorelaxant
effect. In isolated rat thoracic aortas, blockage of soluble guanylyl cyslase with blue methylene
(P < 0.01) partially decreased this vasorelaxant effect. In addition, blockage of the prostaglandin
synthesis pathway with indomethacin (P < 0.05) also reduced the vasorelaxant activity of ALAE.
Pretreatment of aortic rings with glibenclamide, propanolol, L-NAME, MLN-4760, or nifedipine
did not affect ALAE-induced vasorelaxation.

Conclusion:

Ammodaucus leucotrichus is a prescient medicinal plant, able to act as an antihypertensive
agent. Moreover, the results suggest that the extract increased cGMP in NO-independent manner.
Recent Progress in Palladium Catalysed Sustainable Synthesis of
Heterocycles
Authors: Saha Debasree , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: December 2022

Background:

Palladium metal has been extensively used in the synthesis of organic molecules
for the last few decades. Heterocyclic ring synthesis being a significant part of organic synthesis,
transition metal catalysis, especially catalysis by palladium, has been actively employed in heterocyclic
synthesis. However, since palladium is an expensive metal, there has always been an urge to
reuse or recycle the palladium catalyst to make the process economically viable. Modern synthetic
chemists are also in constant search for newer sustainable strategies for molecular synthesis, which
will lead to eco-friendly synthetic protocols. Thus, in the last few years, palladium catalysed green
synthesis of heterocycles has gained importance as these aim to make the synthetic organic chemical
world slightly more sustainable.

Methods:

This review comprises palladium catalysed synthetic strategies that proceed in a sustainable
fashion. A few protocols included here involve either organic solvent-free or greener solvents as
reaction medium, which is one of the modes adopted towards sustainability. Other modes of sustainability
included in this review are recyclability of the palladium catalyst, one pot tandem reaction
strategy, use of air as oxidant, etc. All these modes aim at achieving one or the other green chemistry
principles like reduction of waste and by-products, increasing atom economy, reduction of cost and
use of safer solvents.

Results:

The review aims to reflect the scope of sustainability in palladium catalysed synthesis of
heterocycles so that economically and environmentally viable synthetic methodologies may be selectively
identified and applied in academia and industries.

Conclusion:

Keeping the principles of green chemistry in mind, in this review, we aim to compile
the recent advancements in palladium catalysed sustainable synthesis of heterocycles in a single platter
that may serve as a piece of reliable literature for further research in this area.
Modified Polysaccharides and their Biomedical Applications: Advancement and Strategies
Authors: Singh Shilpa , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Malviya Rishabha , Gupta Ashok
Published: December 2022

Background:

Polysaccharides are a type of natural macromolecular polymer that can be found in plants, animals, fungi, algae, and marine organisms. Its activities have piqued the interest of researchers. The internal structure, as well as their chemical and physical properties, dictate how they work. Polysaccharide functionalities are progressively being chemically changed. Using this approach, polysaccharides' structural, physicochemical, and biological properties can all be altered.

Aim and Methods:

The review sought to provide an overview of polysaccharide modification but also biological use. Recent research has shown that chemically modifying polysaccharides may increase their immunological function as well as their antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, as well as other characteristics. There are several chemical modifications, including sulfation, carboxymethylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and others. Modified polysaccharide recent developments are reviewed.

Discussion and Result:

Polysaccharide physiochemical properties and biological activity can change as their structural properties change. The structural modifications that occur depend on the source of the polysaccharides. Chemical modification has enormous promise for enhancing biomedical applications. These modified polysaccharides have made significant contributions to tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Modification of polysaccharides induces therapeutic benefits. The immunomodulation of polysaccharides and their derivatives, as well as their chemical modification, has been studied and discussed.

Conclusion:

These modified polysaccharides have the potential to be used for wound dressing, gene delivery, drug delivery, etc.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF POLAR FRACTION OF PAPAYA LEAF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT (Carica papaya Linn.) AGAINST Escherichia coli AND Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kurniasari Margaretha , Sari Kurnia Rahayu Purnomo , Purnamaningsih Nur'aini
Published: December 2022

Carica papaya is widely used as a traditional medicine society. Papaya leaves contain saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tannins which are believed to be antibacterial compounds. Objective to determine the antibacterial activities polar fraction of papaya leaf ethanol extract (Carica papaya  Linn.) against  Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Simplicia was extracted by ethanol 70% with the maceration method. Ethanolic extract was fractionated with ethanol water. Kirby Bauer diffusion method agar was used for antibacterial activities. The variable of this study was the concentration of the ethanol-water fraction of papaya leaf ethanolic extract (Carica papaya  Linn.) 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 100% and the growth inhibition zone of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The data obtained were analyzed using the One Way ANOVA statistical method. Data analysis using the One Way ANOVA statistical test showed a significant difference in the treatment group to the zone of inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria (sig=0.000). The zone of inhibition of the ethanol-water fraction against Staphylococcus aureus was the most optimum at a concentration of 100% at 14.75 mm, while the most optimum for Escherichia coli was at a concentration of 100% at 11.53 mm, but did not effective than positive control Chloramphenicol. Conclusion the ethanol-water fraction of papaya leaf ethanol extract (Carica papaya L.) could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.
Comparing Smartphone Virtual Reality Exposure Preparation to Care as Usual in Children Aged 6 to 14 Years Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Protocol for a Multicenter, Observer-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: van Spaendonck Zita , Leeuwenburgh Koen Pieter , Dremmen Marjolein , van Schuppen Joost , Starreveld Daniëlle , Dierckx Bram , Legerstee Jeroen S
Published: December 2022

Background

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure can cause preprocedural and periprocedural anxiety in children. Psychosocial interventions are used to prepare children for the procedure to alleviate anxiety, but these interventions are time-consuming and costly, limiting their clinical use. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising way to overcome these limitations in the preparation of children before an MRI scan.

Objective

The objective of this study is (1) to develop a VR smartphone intervention to prepare children at home for an MRI procedure; and (2) to examine the effect of the VR intervention in a randomized controlled trial, in which the VR intervention will be compared to care as usual (CAU). CAU involves an information letter about an MRI examination. The primary outcome is the child’s procedural anxiety during the MRI procedure. Secondary outcomes include preprocedural anxiety and parental anxiety. We hypothesize that the VR preparation will result in a higher reduction of the periprocedural anxiety of both parents and children as compared to CAU.

Methods

The VR intervention provides a highly realistic and child-friendly representation of an MRI environment. In this randomized controlled trial, 128 children (aged 6 to 14 years) undergoing an MRI scan will be randomly allocated to the VR intervention or CAU. Children in the VR intervention will receive a log-in code for the VR app and are sent cardboard VR glasses.

Results

The VR smartphone preparation app was developed in 2020. The recruitment of participants is expected to be completed in December 2022. Data will be analyzed, and scientific papers will be submitted for publication in 2023.

Conclusions

The VR smartphone app is expected to significantly reduce pre- and periprocedural anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing an MRI scan. The VR app offers a realistic and child-friendly experience that can contribute to modern care. A smartphone version of the VR app has the advantage that children, and potentially their parents, can get habituated to the VR environment and noises in their own home environment and can do this VR MRI preparation as often and as long as needed.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN20976625; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN20976625

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/41080