bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speech Analysis Classification and the Form of Commissive Speech Act Used in the Song "Beautiful Day" by Jermaine Edwards
Authors: Ramadhani Devy Yuniastuti
Published: February 2024

A speech act is an action performed when saying something. Without taking into account both the hearers and the speakers, speech acts cannot be properly comprehended. Speech acts are intended for real people, whose capacity for recognition places restrictions on the expressiveness of the lyrics. This research aimed to analyze the speech act classifications and the forms of commissive speech act used in Jermaine Edwards' song "Beautiful Day". This research used a qualitative method. The object of the research was Jermaine Edwards' song "Beautiful Day." The data were collected by using the observational method, followed by listening and note-taking techniques. Then the data were analyzed by using a descriptive approach to describe the types and forms of descriptive speech acts found in the song lyrics. The researcher used the theory of  Searle (1969) to analyze the speech act classifications and the forms of commissive speech acts. After analyzing the data, it was found five types of speech acts: representative, declarative, directive, expressive, and commissive. The forms of commissive speech act in the song "Beautiful Day" by Jermaine Edwards were promise, warn, and threat.
Summary of the First Thailand-China Youth Scholars Forum on Art and Culture Research
Authors:   Krirk University, Bangkok,10220,Thailand, ZHOU Aihe
Published: February 2024

On the eve of the implementation of the permanent visa-free policy between China and Thailand, young scholars in the field of arts and culture research from Thailand and China gathered in Bangkok and actively participated in the first Thailand-China Arts and Culture Research Forum held at Guelph University in Thailand in order to strengthen the research and exchange of arts and culture between China and Thailand and achieve the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind. The relevant scholars conducted in-depth research in their respective fields and had extensive exchanges at the conference, which played an important role in enhancing the cultural confidence, institutional confidence, and academic confidence of scholars from both countries.
Reform and practice of online and offline integrated teaching based on "industry-university cooperation and collaborative education": Taking the course of international settlement of GDUFS as an example
Authors: CHEN Lin
Published: February 2024

"Industry-university cooperation and collaborative education" is a innovation teaching mode under the "Internet plus" form. It is a key way to improve the level of curriculum construction, the connotation of professional talent training and the quality of higher education. The course of international settlement is closely combined with theory and practice, and focusing on the cultivation of students' practical operation ability. With the help of the collaborative education project of industry-university cooperation, we carry out in-depth cooperation with enterprises, build an online experimental course platform, and deeply integrate modern information technology and course teaching, so as to change the traditional mode of "teachers' teaching" to the mode of "students' Autonomous Learning". It will further promote the reform of curriculum system and teaching content, organically unify knowledge transfer, ability training and value guidance, and realize the organic integration of knowledge, ability and quality.
APPLICATION OF THE METHOD OF FOCCULATION AND SELECTIVE FLOCCULATION METHODS IN THE TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL SLUDGE FROM THE IRON ORE CONCENTRATION PROCESS
Authors: Tankosić Ljiljana , Sredić Svjetlana
Published: February 2024

The paper presents research on the use of flocculation and selective flocculation methods in the treatment of industrial sludge, generated in the processing of iron ore minerals. The large quantity of fine sized sludge disposed as final waste still contains a relatively high concentration of iron minerals, as well as quartz and clay minerals, as tailings. It is both an environmental and an economic problem. In both cases it is useful to use flocculants to accelerate settling of fine particles. The action of flocculants, which accelerate settling, can be selective or non-selective. The research was aimed at determining the conditions under which selectivity can be achieved when using some commercial flocculants.
NEWTON’S SECOND LAW IN THE SERVICE OF CLIMATE CHANGE – TEMPERATURE TREND ANALYSIS
Authors: Malivuk Gak Dragana , Rajilić Zoran
Published: February 2024

New approach of using Newton’s Second Low in the analysis of a non-mechanical system is pre- sented. A force that satisfies Newton’s second law is introduced, where real time series of average monthly temperatures are transformed into time-dependent force parameters. The force acts on a point in data space. This method of data analysis can be considered as a type of information filtering. Extreme values of certain force parameters were analyzed as potential predictors of temperature trend emergence. Specific force pa- rameters were calculated based on the average monthly temperatures values for several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A review and discussion of possible changes in average monthly temperatures in the future are provided, based on the values of the obtained force parameters.
TREATMENT OF SEVERE CROWDING WITH SELF-LIGATING FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE
Authors: Stamenković Zorana , Nedeljković Nenad , Mirjanić Vladan , Stojić Vanja , Marinković Nemanja , Arsić Ivan , Marković Jovan , Krčić Vanja
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Crowding in orthodontics presents a discrepancy between tooth size and dental arch length. Crowding of teeth is more often diagnosed in mandibular dental arch. Crowding was classified as moderate (-5.1 mm or more of discrepancy), mild (-0.1 and -5 mm) of discrepancy, and no crowding (zero or a positive discrepancy) by W. Proffit. Over the last few years, the use of self-ligating brackets in orthodontics has progressed considerably. According to some authors, selfigating appliances are more ef- fective in treating moderate crowding. Aim: To present the treatment of cevere crowing of both dental arches without premolar extractions, using self-ligating fixed orthodontic appliance. Material and method: Male patient 12 years old was diagnosed with severe crowding in both upper and lower dental arches. Study cast analysis showed severe crowding of 8 mm in the upper and 9 mm in the lower dental arch with dental class I. Lateral cephalometric analysis showed slight mandibular retrogna- thism (SNB 78°) with skeletal class I (ANB 4°). There were no significant vertical skeletal deviations (SpP/ MP 20°, Bjork’s sum 389°, Jarabak 67,7%). Both upper and lower central incisors were retroinclined (I/SpP 102°, IMPA 95°). There were no deviations in maxillar corpus and mandibular corpus and ramus length. Treatment with self-ligating fixed orthodontic appliance was indicated. The active phase of the treatment lasted 26 months. During the treatment, interproximal reduction (IPR) was performed on upper and lower front teeth. Results and conclussion: Stable class I occlusion was acheieved. Both upper and lower dental arches were slightly expanded. Severe crowding was treated successfully Treatment result was stable, with no signs of relapse, with the overjet of 2 mm and overbite of 3 mm. Severe crowding in young patients can be succsess- fully treated without extractions with self-ligating fixed orthodontic appliance in cases of horizontal growth pattern ,with retroinclined upper and lower incisors.
APPLICATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS IN PROSTHETIC RESTORATION ON IMPLANTS
Authors: Jovanović Milica , Milojević Šamanović Anđela , Zdravković Dejan , Krstičević Dea , Ivković Nedeljka , Milosavljević Marko
Published: February 2024

For prosthetic hybrid restorations on implants, different combinations of materials are used, from metal alloys, titanium, ceramics, polymers or composites. The aim of this paper is to summarize the char- acteristics and advantages of certain polymers in the production of hybrid restorations, as well as to present the protocol for treating patients with this type of restoration. Polymers based on poly-ether-ether-ketone have gained great popularity and success in the field of implant-prosthetic therapy. Among them, the most famous high-performance polymers developed by Bredent (Bredent group, Senden Germany) are BioHPP (containing 20% ceramic fillers) and breCAM.HIPC (highly cross-linked polymer composite material). Both polymers are machinable and are used to make temporary and permanent resaturations in prosthetics. They are biocompatible and non-allergenic, do not contain metal, oxide and monomer components, and also do not discolor the gingiva. They are characterized by excellent workability and elasticity, which is greater than zirconium ceramics and metal alloys, different shades of color is characteristics for breCAM. HIPC, unlike BioHPP, which is monolithic and monochromatic. Due to their characteristics, these high-per- formance polymers can be exceptional “allies” for the restorations on implants.
Exploration of Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in a Microfluidic Device and Patient Tissues
Authors: Lim Wanyoung , Hwang Inwoo , Zhang Jiande , Chen Zhenzhong , Han Jeonghun , Jeon Jaehyung , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Kim Sangmin , Lee Jeong Eon , Kim Youngkwan , Pienta Kenneth J. , Amend Sarah R. , Austin Robert H. , Ahn Jee-Yin , Park Sungsu
Published: February 2024

Chemoresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in many cancers. However, the life cycle of cancer cells as they respond to and survive environmental and therapeutic stress is understudied. In this study, we utilized a microfluidic device to induce the development of doxorubicin-resistant (DOXR) cells from triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells within 11 days by generating gradients of DOX and medium.
In vivo
chemoresistant xenograft models, an unbiased genome-wide transcriptome analysis, and a patient data/tissue analysis all showed that chemoresistance arose from failed epigenetic control of the nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1)/histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) axis, and high
Nupr1
expression correlated with poor clinical outcomes. These results suggest that the chip can rapidly induce resistant cells that increase tumor heterogeneity and chemoresistance, highlighting the need for further studies on the epigenetic control of the NUPR1/HDAC11 axis in TNBC.
Glutamate neurotransmission from leptin receptor cells is required for typical puberty and reproductive function in female mice
Authors: de Miera Cristina Sáenz , Bellefontaine Nicole , Allen Susan J. , Myers Martin G. , Elias Carol F.
Published: February 2024

The hypothalamic ventral premammillary nucleus (PMv) is a glutamatergic nucleus essential for the metabolic control of reproduction. However, conditional deletion of leptin receptor (LepRb) in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) expressing neurons results in virtually no reproductive deficits. In this study, we determine the role of glutamatergic signaling from leptin responsive PMv neurons on puberty and fertility. We first assessed if stimulation of PMv neurons induces LH release in fed adult females. We used the stimulatory form of designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) in LepRb-Cre mice. We collected blood sequentially before and for 1h after iv. clozapine-N-oxide injection. LH level increased in animals correctly targeted to the PMv, and LH level was correlated to the number of cFos immunoreactive neurons in the PMv. Next, females with deletion of
Vglut2
in LepRb neurons (LepR

Δ
VGlut2

) showed delayed age of puberty, disrupted estrous cycles, increased GnRH concentration in the axon terminals and disrupted LH responses, suggesting impaired GnRH release. To assess if glutamate is required for PMv actions in pubertal development, we generated a Cre-induced reexpression of endogenous LepRb (LepR

loxTB
)

with concomitant deletion of Vglut2 (
Vglut2
-floxed) mice. Rescue of Lepr and deletion of Vglut2 in the PMv was obtained by stereotaxic injection of an adeno-associated virus vector expressing Cre recombinase. Control LepR

loxTB

mice with PMv LepRb rescue showed vaginal opening, follicle maturation and became pregnant, while LepR

loxTB

;

Vglut2
flox

mice showed no pubertal development. Our results indicate that glutamatergic signaling from leptin sensitive neurons regulates the reproductive axis, and that leptin action on pubertal development via PMv neurons requires Vglut2.Age of puberty and reproductive function are strongly influenced by energy balance. Leptin is the primary metabolic hormone in reproductive control, but the neural circuitry involved is not fully understood. Previous studies have suggested that GABAergic but not glutamatergic neurotransmission is required for leptin action on reproduction. However, the PMv, a nucleus essential for the metabolic control of the reproductive function, densely expresses
Lepr
and is essentially glutamatergic. Here we show that remote activation of leptin-responsive neurons in the PMv induces LH secretion, while deletion of glutamatergic neurotransmission in LepR (or PMv) neurons disrupts pubertal development and impairs the reproductive function in female mice. Our findings indicate that glutamate in LepR, and specifically in PMv, neurons is required for reproductive maturation and function.
Dual engagement of the nucleosomal acidic patches is essential for deposition of histone H2A.Z by SWR1C
Authors: Baier Alexander S. , Gioacchini Nathan , Eek Priit , Leith Erik M. , Tan Song , Peterson Craig L.
Published: February 2024

The SWR1C chromatin remodeling enzyme catalyzes the ATP-dependent exchange of nucleosomal histone H2A for the histone variant H2A.Z, a key variant involved in a multitude of nuclear functions. How the 14-subunit SWR1C engages the nucleosomal substrate remains largely unknown. Numerous studies on the ISWI, CHD1, and SWI/SNF families of chromatin remodeling enzymes have demonstrated key roles for the nucleosomal acidic patch for remodeling activity, however a role for this nucleosomal epitope in nucleosome editing by SWR1C has not been tested. Here, we employ a variety of biochemical assays to demonstrate an essential role for the acidic patch in the H2A.Z exchange reaction. Utilizing asymmetrically assembled nucleosomes, we demonstrate that the acidic patches on each face of the nucleosome are required for SWR1C-mediated dimer exchange, suggesting SWR1C engages the nucleosome in a “pincer-like” conformation, engaging both patches simultaneously. Loss of a single acidic patch results in loss of high affinity nucleosome binding and nucleosomal stimulation of ATPase activity. We identify a conserved arginine-rich motif within the Swc5 subunit that binds the acidic patch and is key for dimer exchange activity. In addition, our cryoEM structure of a Swc5-nucleosome complex suggests that promoter proximal, histone H2B ubiquitinylation may regulate H2A.Z deposition. Together these findings provide new insights into how SWR1C engages its nucleosomal substrate to promote efficient H2A.Z deposition.
Exploring surface structures
Authors: Schuster Bernhard
Published: February 2024

The surface layer of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius consists of a flexible but stable outer protein layer that interacts with an inner, membrane-bound protein.
CNN-based noise reduction for multi-channel speech enhancement system with discrete wavelet transform (DWT) preprocessing
Authors: Cherukuru Pavani , Mustafa Mumtaz Begum
Published: February 2024

Speech enhancement algorithms are applied in multiple levels of enhancement to improve the quality of speech signals under noisy environments known as multi-channel speech enhancement (MCSE) systems. Numerous existing algorithms are used to filter noise in speech enhancement systems, which are typically employed as a pre-processor to reduce noise and improve speech quality. They may, however, be limited in performing well under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) situations. The speech devices are exposed to all kinds of environmental noises which may go up to a high-level frequency of noises. The objective of this research is to conduct a noise reduction experiment for a multi-channel speech enhancement (MCSE) system in stationary and non-stationary environmental noisy situations with varying speech signal SNR levels. The experiments examined the performance of the existing and the proposed MCSE systems for environmental noises in filtering low to high SNRs environmental noises (−10 dB to 20 dB). The experiments were conducted using the AURORA and LibriSpeech datasets, which consist of different types of environmental noises. The existing MCSE (BAV-MCSE) makes use of beamforming, adaptive noise reduction and voice activity detection algorithms (BAV) to filter the noises from speech signals. The proposed MCSE (DWT-CNN-MCSE) system was developed based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) preprocessing and convolution neural network (CNN) for denoising the input noisy speech signals to improve the performance accuracy. The performance of the existing BAV-MCSE and the proposed DWT-CNN-MCSE were measured using spectrogram analysis and word recognition rate (WRR). It was identified that the existing BAV-MCSE reported the highest WRR at 93.77% for a high SNR (at 20 dB) and 5.64% on average for a low SNR (at −10 dB) for different noises. The proposed DWT-CNN-MCSE system has proven to perform well at a low SNR with WRR of 70.55% and the highest improvement (64.91% WRR) at −10 dB SNR.
Treemendous: an R package for integrating taxonomic information across backbones
Authors: Specker Felix , Paz Andrea , Crowther Thomas W. , Maynard Daniel S.
Published: February 2024

Standardizing and translating species names from different databases is key to the successful integration of data sources in biodiversity research. There are numerous taxonomic name-resolution applications that implement increasingly powerful name-cleaning and matching approaches, allowing the user to resolve species relative to multiple backbones simultaneously. Yet there remains no principled approach for combining information across these underlying taxonomic backbones, complicating efforts to combine and merge species lists with inconsistent and conflicting taxonomic information. Here, we present Treemendous, an open-source software package for the R programming environment that integrates taxonomic relationships across four publicly available backbones to improve the name resolution of tree species. By mapping relationships across the backbones, this package can be used to resolve datasets with conflicting and inconsistent taxonomic origins, while ensuring the resulting species are accepted and consistent with a single reference backbone. The user can chain together different functionalities ranging from simple matching to a single backbone, to graph-based iterative matching using synonym-accepted relations across all backbones in the database. In addition, the package allows users to ‘translate’ one tree species list into another, streamlining the assimilation of new data into preexisting datasets or models. The package provides a flexible workflow depending on the use case, and can either be used as a stand-alone name-resolution package or in conjunction with existing packages as a final step in the name-resolution pipeline. The Treemendous package is fast and easy to use, allowing users to quickly merge different data sources by standardizing their species names according to the regularly updated database. By combining taxonomic information across multiple backbones, the package increases matching rates and minimizes data loss, allowing for more efficient translation of tree species datasets to aid research into forest biodiversity and tree ecology.
Knowledge and Awareness of Various Physical Restraints and Protective Stabilisation Methods: Parent’s Perception towards their Use in Children: A Multimedia Pre- and Post-test Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Thimmegowda Umapathy , Geetha Adarsh Narayana , Sathyendra Suraj , Nahyan Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Physical restraints are often a debatable and misunderstood aspect of dental healthcare practice. They are frequently used in dental care settings to immobilise children and reduce the risk of injury during procedures. It is essential to assess parents' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards physical restraints and provide accurate information about them. This is important to ensure that they are used appropriately and ethically. Aim: To assess parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards physical restraints in dental care settings before and after a multimedia intervention, and to provide precise information about the same. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India using a pretest and post-test quasi-experimental study design on 400 parents whose children were between 3 and 16 years of age. The survey was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023. The data collection methods used in the present study consisted of a pre-education questionnaire and a post-education questionnaire administered after a multimedia educational intervention. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis, including measures such as mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Chi-square goodness of fit test, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: When questioned about various stabilisation methods like direct and indirect methods, 379 (94.8%) of the study parents were unaware of them. However, after education, the majority of parents, 393 (98.3%), became aware that there were two types of stabilisation methods. Initially, 294 (73.5%) of parents refused to provide permission for doctors to treat their children using various stabilisation techniques. However, after being thoroughly educated about the various methods and their benefits, 383 (95.8%) agreed to let the dentist employ different stabilisation techniques when treating their children. This assurance helped alleviate concerns about potential harm to the child caused by using these stabilisation methods. Conclusion: The study suggests that there is a significant knowledge gap among parents. However, the implementation of multimedia educational intervention methods during dental visits by dentists played a crucial role in increasing their knowledge and resulted in a significant improvement in their attitude towards stabilisation methods.
Chondromyxoid Fibroma of the Metatarsal Head: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Gupta Pradheer , Vardhan N Vishnu , Ravindran Biju , Durga Kharidehal , Marthathi Sahaj
Published: February 2024

Chondromyxoid Fibroma (CMF) is an uncommon non malignant cartilage tumour with a greater predilection for the legs, with about a quarter of cases involving the metatarsals. It accounts for less than 0.5% of all bone tumours and mostly occurs in patients aged 10 to 30 years old. Patients typically present with complaints of pain and swelling in the affected region. Radiologically, a lytic lesion with well-defined margins is observed in the metaphysis. The present case is about an 11-year-old male who presented to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department (OPD) with a history of pain and swelling over his left foot. Upon examination, a discrete swelling was noted over the lateral aspect of the foot, extending from the head to the shaft of the 4th metatarsal. Upon palpation, the swelling was found to be tender and firm in consistency, accompanied by restricted foot movement. Initially, a giant cell tumour of the 4th metatarsal bone in the left foot was suspected based on radiography. However, histopathological examination led to the diagnosis of CMF. The lesion was curetted, and a below-knee Plaster of Paris (POP) was applied for one month. No recurrence of the lesion has been observed after five months of follow-up.
Awareness on Recent Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis among Healthcare Professionals in Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh, India: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pradhan Murchhana , Singh Sandeep , Jain Chakresh , Marathe Neera , Sharma Anshuman , Namdeo Priyanshi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Rabies is a zoonotic disease that can be fatal and continues to impose a significant financial burden on developing countries. Recently, there have been advancements in the introduction of cell culture vaccines and immunoglobulin, as well as the approval of Intradermal (ID) schedules for vaccine administration. Aim: To assess the knowledge of doctors in Rewa District regarding the National Guidelines for Rabies Prophylaxis in 2019. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving doctors from tertiary healthcare centres, district hospitals, and private practices. Data were collected over a period of one month from 206 doctors using a Google form, which included information about their field of practice and their knowledge of recent guidelines on Rabies prophylaxis. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 206 doctors surveyed, 92 (44.7%) were male. A 56.7% of the doctors were aware of the regimen and dosage for ID administration of the Anti Rabies Vaccine, (ARV) and 44.6% were knowledgeable about the modification of PostExposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in the Essen regimen. Furthermore, 70.9% of the doctors were familiar with the dosage of Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG), while 42.7% knew how to manage animal bites in immunocompromised patients. Conclusion: The study revealed a lack of sufficient knowledge on various aspects of rabies management among the doctors surveyed. This underscores the need for reorientation programs and Continuing Medical Education (CMEs) training to be provided to doctors to enhance their knowledge of rabies and improve the effective management of animal bites.
Childhood Health Risks and Vulnerabilities Associated with Climate Change in the Philippines: Basis for Child Health Vulnerability Framework
Authors: Gulle Jonne Rey L. , Casser Mohammad H. , Rakim Ainie P. H. , Alipio Mark M.
Published: February 2024

Rising temperatures and intensifying storms have characterized the past decade in Iligan City, Philippines, demonstrably increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This poses a growing threat to children's health and well-being. To gain an in-depth understanding of local experiences, a qualitative study was employed using purposive sampling of 15 parents and barangay health workers. Extreme heat, heavy rain, flooding and landslides were identified as the most frequent climate-related disasters, leading to injuries, displacement, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases among children. Vulnerabilities stem from living in flood-prone areas, children's underdeveloped immune systems, and existing health issues, amplifying their risks. The proposed framework emphasizes early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure (e.g., flood protection measures) to address geographic vulnerabilities. It also incorporates nutrition programs, child-friendly health services, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to tackle children's physical and mental health needs. By implementing these interventions based on local needs and vulnerabilities identified in this study, the Local Government Unit (LGU) can effectively mitigate the impact of climate change on children's health in Iligan City.
Can International Business Perspective Measure Sustainable Development of BRICS Countries? A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Chowdhury Piyali Roy , Ghosal Indrajit , Arora Monika
Published: February 2024

The level of international business is highly dependent on the numerous macroeconomic and sustainable development factors that play their respective roles in defining a developing nation's economic progress. While examining the long-term growth of an economy, the consistency of the performance of the various elements in terms of their sustainability is a crucial matter to investigate. Moreover, it is known that the sustainable development of an economy is strongly associated with environmental impacts. Finally, the focus on new development patterns must be the highest concern for emerging economies. Considering this, the current study speculates on the relationship between foreign direct investment and the interaction effect of carbon emissions and poverty with control variables such as per capita income and education in BRICS economies. It concentrates on panel data ranging from 1993 to 2019 to explore the association among the said variables.  It identifies the unique and definite macroeconomic parameters that are crucial for encouraging foreign direct investment in different countries. Applying the Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag Model, the study finds a positive interaction effect between carbon emissions and poverty that focuses on improving foreign direct investment in the long run. In the short run, an increase in per capita income always proves that BRICS will demonstrate less dependence on FDI net flows. The study also concentrates on the unit root measurement of the data by applying Panel Unit Root Test.  Finally, to check the direction of causality, Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Tests have been performed. The most recent update from these countries demonstrates that the strategy for achieving future sustainable economic growth is clear and swift. Hence, it emphasises the requirement of separate and exclusive policy-making to promote long-term sustainable economic growth in BRICS.
The Relationship between the Wash, Morbidity, and Childhood Undernutrition among the Wogo, an Island Community in Western Niger
Authors: Djelifa Hamidou , Chaibou Yaou , Ibrahim Alkassoum , Alio Almou Abdoulaye , Maimouna Garba Ballarabe , Almoustapha Ittina Rabiou , Zouleyha Dodo Hambali , Mamadou Lewami , Sabo Haoua , Sadou Hassimi
Published: February 2024

In Niger, diseases linked to poor WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) practices are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between WASH and morbidity and the nutritional status of children aged 0 to 59 months in the rural island commune of Wogo de Sinder, located in the Tillabéry region in the West. of Niger.

This cross-sectional descriptive study involved a representative and random sample of mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months. A questionnaire was completed through a structured interview. The data were collected with ODK software and then analysed with SPSS and Epi Info version 7.2.

A total of 250 mothers were enrolled. The study shows that most mothers surveyed used surface water (90%) for drinking water, while 10% used groundwater. Around 49.2% of mothers said that their home is on the banks of the river, compared to 36.8% who lived less than 30 minutes away. Their main water storage containers are jars and buckets, with 42.4% and 36.6%, respectively. Among the respondents, 40.4% did not practice any water treatment, 53.2% filtered the water with a cloth, and 6.4% treated the water with bleach. Only 21.6% of mothers washed their hands with soap after using the toilet or feeding the infant. About 72% of households did not have a latrine. Wasting, underweight and stunted growth affected 31.2%, 41.6%, and 43.2% of children whose mothers did not wash their hands with soap. Morbidity affected 35.2% of children whose mothers used surface water for drinking water.

WASH knowledge and practices remain inadequate in the rural commune of Sinder and negatively affect the nutritional and health status of children under 5.
Microbial Populations of Agricultural Soil Polluted With Crude Oil
Authors: Soludo, O. C.  , Orji, M. U.  , Anaukwu , C. G.  , Anyaoha, V. I.  , Ajogwu, T. M. C.  , Eze, H. C.
Published: February 2024

Crude oil pollution of the soil has become a public health and environmental concern. It impacts soil microbial diversity and population. In this study, the microbial population of crude oil polluted soil and unpolluted were determined. The potential for the indigenous organisms to utilize hydrocarbon as a source of carbon was also determined. A soil sample was obtained from an agricultural field and polluted with a defined amount of crude oil for 12 weeks. The microbial population in the polluted soil and unpolluted soil were estimated and characterized following standard microbiological methods. The heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts in the unpolluted and polluted soil were 6.5 x 104CFU/g and 4.7 x 104 CFU/g, and 6.3 x104 CFU/g and 3.5 x104 CFU/g respectively. Total hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial and fungal counts in the polluted soil was 4.6 x 104 CFU/g and 2.8 x 104 CFU/g. The genera of bacteria and fungi identified in the soil samples were Bacillus, Enterococcus, Micrococcus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Serratia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Arthrobacter, Aspergillus, Candida, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichoderma, Cladosporium and Hyphopichia. The preliminary screening for hydrocarbon utilization shows that Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger and Hypopichia burtonii were excellent hydrocarbon utilizers and can be used in bioaugmentation.
Responses of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Candida glabrata Isolated from Retted Cassava to Acid Stress and Their Influence on Substrate Fermentation for Gari Production
Authors: Adewara O. A. , Ogunbanwo S. T. , Adegoke C. O.
Published: February 2024

Aim: Fermentation subject microbial cells to stress, such as, acid stress which can lead to inactivation of cells and consequently death. Microbial cells have developed mechanisms of adapting to these stress conditions. In this study therefore, the physiological and proteomic responses of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLC03 and Candida glabrataYC02 to acid stress and their influence on substrate fermentation for Gari production has been investigated.

Methodology: Using the turbidimetry method and SDS-PAGE; LC-MS/MS, the physiological and proteomic responses of the LAB and yeast to acid stress were assessed. Analysis of the physiocochemical and organoleptic properties of the fermented cassava using the LAB and yeast alone and in combination was conducted by means of standard methods.

Results: Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLC03 and Candida glabrataYC02 had growth at pH 1, 2 and pH 3 respectively with an increased protein intensity of Type I glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase 2 respectively. The lowest cyanide content (6.49d), highest protein content (0.94c) and improved organoleptic acceptability (7.92a) was observed in Gari produced with the combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLC03 and Candida glabrataYC02 as starters with significant differences in Gari produced with single starters of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLC03 and Candida glabrataYC02 and control.

Conclusion: Increased protein intensity during acid stress conditions enhanced the survival of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLC03 and Candida glabrataYC02 (starters), thereby, improving the quality (improved sensory properties, nutritional and reduced anti-nutrient contents) of Gari produced.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Srivastava Mitali , Manojkumar HG  , Singh Atar
Published: February 2024

The current study titled “Analysis of genetic diversity in green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]” was carried out at Center for Crop Research (C.R.C.), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut. A set of twenty five mungbean genotypes were examined to investigate the essence and extend of divergence of genes using Mahalanobis’s D2 Statistics on twelve critical quantitative attributes. The study material was assessed using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replication plots of two rows of 4 meter length. Out of every replication, five plants were selected at random, marked, and observations were recorded for twelve quantitative attributes. Analysis of variance showed that there was significant variation among all characters examined. The twenty-five genotypes of mungbean have been split into seven distinct clusters. With seven genotypes apiece, Cluster I and Cluster IV were determined to be the largest. The intra cluster distance was maximum for Cluster IV. The maximum inter cluster distance between cluster V and cluster II suggests that the genotypes in these clusters doesn't correlate with one another and the minimal inter-cluster distance between cluster V and cluster IV demonstrates a high degree of connection between the genotypes in these clusters. Based on high inter cluster distances, hybridization programme could be taken up between the varieties of cluster II (Pusa Vaishali, IPM-02-19, IPM 02-19, OMG-1045, VBG-04-008) and cluster V (Pusa-0871, Pusa-0891, SMM-15-72, PDM-262).Hence, these nine genotypes are recognized as promising progenitors and can be employed in further breeding programme. Plant height, number of branches/plants, number of pods/plant, number of pods/clusters, pod length, biological yield, harvest index and seed yield per plant are vital for genetic diversity and were recognized as significant contributors to genetic divergence.
Improving the performance of one column analogs to SMBs
Authors: Abunasser N. , Wankat P. C.
Published: April 2006

A simple unmixed reservoir was developed for the one column chromatograph with recycle analogous to an SMB (Analog) to replace mixed tanks or a complicated unmixed reservoir. Separation of the 1,1′ bi‐2‐naphthol enantiomers was studied. In the linear range the purity index (PI) of the Analog with mixed tanks is 87.5, PI = 94.8 for the unmixed reservoir Analog, and PI = 96.9 for the SMB. SMB scaling rules, extended to Analogs, are used to increase the product purities of the unmixed reservoir Analog to match SMB purities but with lower productivity. Then productivity is increased at constant purity by operating at the maximum allowable pressure drop (15 bar) in each step. After scaling, the unmixed reservoir Analog's productivity was higher than the productivity of a standard SMB (one recycle pump) at the same purities (PI = 96.9), and the mixed tanks Analog's productivity was 3.5 times higher than the standard SMB, but with a significantly lower purity. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Impaired proliferation and migration in human Miller‐Dieker neural precursors
Authors: Sheen Volney L. , Ferland Russell J. , Harney Megan , Hill R. Sean , Neal Jason , Banham Alison H. , Brown Philip , Chenn Anjen , Corbo Joseph , Hecht Jonathan , Folkerth Rebecca , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: April 2006

Objective

Miller‐Dieker syndrome (MDS) is a malformation of cortical development that results in lissencephaly (meaning smooth brain). This disorder is caused by heterozygous deletions on chromosome 17p13.3, including the lissencephaly 1 (LIS1) gene. Various mouse models have been used as an experimental paradigm in understanding human lissencephaly, but clear limitations exist in these studies, particularly because mice are naturally lissencephalic. Thus, the objective of this article was to establish human neural precursor cell lines from postmortem MDS tissue and to characterize the pathological cellular processes that contribute to the human lissencephalic phenotype.

Methods

Human neural precursors were isolated and expanded from the frontal cortices of a 33‐week postmortem fetus with MDS and an age‐matched control subject. Relative rates of proliferation and cell death were assessed in vitro, whereas the migration of precursors was examined after transplantation in vivo.

Results

Precursors showed haploinsufficiency of the LIS1 gene and a reduction in LIS1 protein. Precursors could also differentiate into both neurons and glia. MDS precursors demonstrated impairments in neuronal migration, diminished rates of cell proliferation, and increased cell death.

Interpretation

These results suggest that, in addition to migration, disruption in cell proliferation could play a more important role in the development of lissencephaly than previously suspected. Ann Neurol 2006
Relationship between nanostructure and deformation behavior of microphase‐separated styrene/butadiene systems
Authors: Adhikari Rameshwar , Lebek Werner , Godehardt Reinhold , Michler Goerg H. , Esperanza Cagiao M. , Baltá Calleja Francisco J. , Knoll Konrad
Published: April 2006

The relationship between the morphology and the mechanical properties of nanostructured blends, comprising an asymmetric styrene/butadiene star block copolymer, exhibiting cocontinuous‐like morphology and low molar mass homopolymers, was studied by electron microscopy, microindentation hardness, and tensile testing methods. Results show that the deformation behavior of these systems is significantly modified by the presence of unentangled homopolymer chains, leading partly to a decrease in mechanical properties. In contrast to common polymer blends, in which usually, the hardness values do not markedly deviate from the additivity law, theH‐values in the system investigated show large deviations from the linear additivity behavior. The observed anomalous behavior is discussed in terms of the enhanced local flow processes induced by the phase‐separated morphology at a nanometer scale. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 998–1006, 2006
Low‐density polyethylene/silica compound modified asphalts with high‐temperature storage stability
Authors: Ouyang Chunfa , Wang Shifeng , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yinxi
Published: April 2006

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) modified asphalts with improved high‐temperature storage stability are prepared by incorporating silica into the LDPE compounds. The effect of silica on the high‐temperature storage stabilities, dynamic rheological and mechanical properties, and morphologies of the modified asphalts are studied. It is found that the LDPE/silica ratio in the compound has a great effect on the high‐temperature storage stability. The modified asphalts are stable when the ratio of LDPE/silica is around 100/60 (w/w). The silica content in the modified asphalts is less than 3.2%, and it has a slight influence on the mechanical properties of the modified asphalts. Silica can improve the rheological properties of the modified asphalt to some extent. The high‐temperature storage stability can be increased by a decreasing density difference between the LDPE/silica compound and the asphalt or in terms of equalizing the polarity differences between asphalt and LDPE by silica. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 472–479, 2006
Mechanical and electrical properties of composites based on thermoplastic matrices and conductive cellulose fibers
Authors: Mičušík Matej , Omastová Mária , Prokeš Jan , Krupa Igor
Published: April 2006

Highly pure cellulose fibers were coated with polypyrrole (PPy) and subsequently used for preparation of composites, which reached a certain level of electrical conductivity. The cellulose fibers surface was entirely covered when 20 wt % of pyrrole was used for the modification, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellulose fibers covered with PPy were kneaded with thermoplastic matrices: linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and polycaprolactone (PCL). The highest electrical conductivity achieved was for composites based on the PCL matrix. PCL filled with 50 wt % of conducting cellulose fibers reached an electrical conductivity of 6.5 × 10−4 S cm−1. This electrical conductivity falls within the range required for antistatic materials. The mechanical properties of HDPE, LLDPE, and PCL matrices loaded with both treated and untreated cellulose fibers were also investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 133–142, 2006
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan blend membranes for pervaporation of benzene/cyclohexane mixtures
Authors: Lu Lianyu , Peng Fubing , Jiang Zhongyi , Wang Jianghui
Published: April 2006

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) blend membranes were prepared by mixing the two polymeric homogeneous solutions. The interaction between PVA and chitosan arising from hydrogen bond was analyzed through intrinsic viscosity determination and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and there existed an incompatibility region in the blend membranes when chitosan content was 50 wt %. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the crystalline structure of PVA and chitosan was disrupted through blending. The incompatibility of two polymers and disrupted crystalline structure led to a less compact structure. The blend membranes were used to pervaporative separation of benzene/cyclohexane (Bz/Chx) mixtures. The effects of chitosan content in blend membranes, weight fraction of benzene in feed, and operating temperature on separation performance of Bz/Chx mixtures were investigated. Compared with pure PVA and pure chitosan membranes, blend membranes showed much higher permeation flux and slightly higher benzene permselectivity. As the weight fraction of benzene in feed increased, separation factor decreased but total permeation flux increased. And it was observed that total permeation flux increased and separation factor decreased with increasing operating temperature. The total permeation flux of blend membrane with 50 wt % chitosan was 51.41 g/(m2 h) and separation factor was 49.9 for Bz/Chx mixtures with 50 wt % of benzene at 323 K. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 167–173, 2006
Resin II: Thermal degradation studies of terpolymer resins derived from 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl, urea, and formaldehyde
Authors: Jadhao Manjusha M. , Paliwal L. J. , Bhave N. S.
Published: April 2006

The terpolymer resins have been synthesized by the condensation of 2,2′‐dihydroxybiphenyl with urea and formaldehyde in the presence of 2M HCl as a catalyst and with varying molar proportions of reactants. Elemental analysis, IR, NMR and UV–Visible spectral study, and TGA–DTA analysis characterized the resins. The number average molecular weight was determined by nonaqueous conductometric titrations. Thermal studies of the resins have been carried out to determine their mode of decomposition, activation energy, order of reaction, frequency factor, entropy change, free energy, and apparent entropy change. Freeman–Carroll and Sharp–Wentworth methods have been applied for the calculation of kinetic parameters, while the data from Freeman–Carroll method have been used to determine various thermodynamic parameters. The order of thermal stabilities of terpolymers has been determined using TGA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 227–232, 2006
Biogenic silica short fibers as alternative reinforcing fillers of silicone rubbers
Authors: Silva V. P. , Gonçalves M. C. , Yoshida I. V. P.
Published: April 2006

The performance of biogenic opaline silica short fibers, natural (NF) or modified with vinyltrimethoxysilane (MF), as primary or secondary fillers in an elastomeric matrix of poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS, was evaluated in this work. Compounding was carried out on a two‐roll mill, and the PDMS matrix was peroxide crosslinked by compression molding. Characterization of these fibers was performed by BET surface area, X‐ray fluorescence, infrared spectrum, X‐ray diffractometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Bayer's test. The obtained rubbers were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, swelling measurements in cyclohexane, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile tests. As primary filler, NF and MF increased the thermal stability of the PDMS matrix, and MF also restricted the swelling of this matrix in cyclohexane. For the rubbers containing NF or MF as secondary filler, the swelling restriction was caused by both fibers. Silica short fibers were also efficient as primary filler in PDMS with regard to Young's modulus and tensile strength, and as secondary filler, NF and MF were effective reinforcing fillers in relation to storage and Young's modulus, resulting on an increase in the stiffness of the rubbers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 290–299, 2006