bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of transient neurological deficits and perioperative stroke after Revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: zhang xincheng , Yang Yiping , Gan Chao , He Xuejun , Liu Yanchao , Huang Yimin , Ma Xiaopeng , Shu Kai , Lei Ting , Wang Sheng , zhang huaqiu
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of transient neurological deficits (TND) and perioperative stroke in patients with MMD after extracranial-intracranial revascularization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 183 patients with MMD undergoing 203 procedures EC-IC bypass operation from January 2018 to August 2020. According to whether TND and stroke occurred within 14 days after operation, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. RESULTS: TND occurred in 26 cases (12.8%) of revascularization. The results of the univariate analysis showed that history of diabetes, multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and high postoperative blood pressure are the risk factors of TND. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms (P=0.016) and lesions involving the posterior circulation (P=0.014) are the independent risk factors for TND. Perioperative stroke occurred in 12 cases (5.9%). The results of the univariate analysis showed that older age, history of hypertension, preoperative cerebral infarction as the main symptom, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and High perioperative blood pressure are the risk factors of the perioperative stroke. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative cerebral infarction as the main symptom (P=0.015) is an independent risk factor for perioperative stroke. Whether perioperative complications occurred was not related to the improvement of follow-up mRS score and long-term cerebral rehemorrhage.CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, patients with MMD have multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and preoperative cerebral infarction should be attached when undergoing revascularization.
Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes attending Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital, Egypt
Authors: El-Eshmawy¹ Mervat M , Sabri Ghada , Magdy Hend , Nasr¹ Amira A , Mahsoub Nancy
Published: February 2022

Background/Aim: Diabetes is a major contributor to global mortality. Poor glycemic control is the major risk factor of diabetes-related complications and deaths. The implicated risk factors of poor glycemic control vary between countries and different ethnic groups. In Egypt, limited data are currently available therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in patients with T2DM attending Outpatient Diabetes Clinic at Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 patients with T2DM. Glycemic status was detected via glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and suboptimal glycemic control” was defined as HbA1c level ≥7%. Predictors of suboptimal glycemic control were identified using a multivariate regression analysis.Results: Of the total T2DM participants, 80.4% had suboptimal glycemic control. Irregular anti-diabetic drug intake was detected in 52.9% of patients. With multivariate analysis, earlier age at diabetes diagnosis, inadequate physical activity and increased body mass index (BMI) were the independent predictors of suboptimal glycemic control. Conclusion: A high proportion of the analyzed study population has suboptimal glycemic control. Among all the studied sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, earlier age at diabetes diagnosis, inadequate physical activity and increased BMI are the independent predictors of suboptimal glycemic control.
Identification of the ataxin-1 interaction network and its impact on spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Authors: Chen Jiu-Ming , Chen Shi-Kai , Jin Pei-Pei , Sun Shun-Chang
Published: February 2022

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein. The pathogenic mechanism resulting in SCA1 is still unclear. Protein-protein interactions affect the function and stability of ataxin-1.Methods: Wild type and mutant ataxin-1 were expressed in HEK-293T cells. The levels of expression were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blots. Co-immunoprecipitation was done in HEK-293T cells expressing exogenous wild type and mutant ataxin-1 using anti-Flag antibody following by tandem affinity purification in order to study protein-protein interactions. The candidate interacting proteins were validated by immunoprecipitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing were performed using HEK-293T cells expressing wild type or mutant ataxin-1.Results: In this study using HEK-293T cells, we found that wild type ataxin-1 interacted with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206, while mutant ataxin-1 lost its interaction with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206. Two ataxin-1 binding targets containing the core GGAG or AAAT were identified in HEK-293T cells using ChIP-seq. Gene Ontology analysis of the top ataxin-1 binding genes identified SLC6A15, NTF3, KCNC3, and DNAJC6 as functional genes in neurons in vitro. Ataxin-1 also was identified as an RNA binding protein in HEK-293T cells using RIP-seq, but the polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 had no direct effects on the RNA binding activity of ataxin-1.Conclusions: An expanded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 might interfere with protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions but had little effect on protein-RNA interactions. This study suggested that the dysfunction of protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions is involved in the pathogenesis of SCA1.
The relationships between parents’ and children’s screen times on weight status: A cross-sectional path analysis
Authors: Ishii Kaori , Shibata Ai , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro
Published: February 2022

Background: Understanding factors that contribute to an individual reducing his/her screen time is important for promoting a healthy weight. Parents’ and guardians’ behavior affects children as they influence their daily decision-making through modeling, rules or restrictions, social support, and co-participation. The present study examined how the direct and indirect effects of parents’ and children’s behaviors regarding screen time influenced body mass index among Japanese elementary school children.Methods: The participants included 283 Japanese children aged 6-12 years who were randomly selected from resident registries of two cities. Screen time and sociodemographic attributes, including gender, age, employment status, height, and weight, were assessed using a mail-based survey. Path analyses were conducted to determine associations among children’s, fathers’, and mothers’ variables. It was hypothesized that after controlling for household income and children’s sex and age, mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on weekdays and at the weekend would be related to children’s weekday and weekend screen time, respectively. In addition, the present study hypothesized that children’s weekday and weekend screen time was related to children’s weight status.Results: Both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times were associated with children’s weekday and weekend screen times. Body mass index was affected by children’s weekday screen time (0.117). The path coefficients for the indirect effects of mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on children’s body mass index through children’s weekday screen time was 0.016 from the fathers’ weekday screen time and 0.024 from the mothers’ weekday screen time (goodness-of-fit statistic = .980, adjusted goodness-of-fit statistic = .953, root mean square error of approximation = .030, Akaike information criterion = 93.030).Conclusions: The present study indicated that both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times had indirect effects on children’s weight status through children’s weekday screen time among Japanese elementary school children. The strongest indirect effects could be seen by examining the paths of a mother’s weekday screen time through children’s screen time to weight status. The findings imply that intervention strategies to reduce screen time in children should focus on modeling of the mothers’ behavior.
A Comparative Study of the Right Heart Echocardiography Findings in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Pneumonia in a South African Population
Authors: Blydenstein Sarah Alexandra van , Omar Shahed , Jacobson Barry F , Menezes Colin Nigel , Meel Ruchika
Published: February 2022

Introduction The right ventricle is affected by Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) via multiple mechanisms, which can result in right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), portending a poorer prognosis than those without RVD. There is a paucity of data regarding right ventricular function in COVID-19 pneumonia from Africa and therefore in this comparative study of COVID-19 and non- COVID-19 pneumonia, we aimed to provide a detailed assessment of right heart function using conventional echocardiography and advanced strain imaging. Methods This study was an observational, prospective, single-centre study, including adults with hypoxic pneumonia, in two groups: COVID-19 pneumonia; and non-COVID-19 community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Bedside echocardiography was performed according to a pre-specified protocol and all right heart measurements were done as per standard guidelines. Right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS) was measured using Philips® QLAB 11.0 speckle tracking software. Results We enrolled 48 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and 24 with non-COVID-19 CAP. COVID-19 patients were significantly older, with a median age of 52 years (IQR 42-62.5, p=0.006), with fewer HIV positive patients, 25% versus 54% (p=0.01), and a higher frequency of hypertension and diabetes. There was a trend towards a lower severity of illness score (SAPS II). Median Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and RVS’ were not significantly different between COVID-19 and CAP . Mean RVFWS yielded the highest estimates for prevalence of RVD; 81% (CI 75-87%, n=43) amongst COVID-19 pneumonia patients and 79% (CI 71-87%, n=24) for CAP. Non-COVID patients with moderate to severe hypoxemia (PF<150) were at greater risk of an elevated RVSP >30mmHg RR= 3.25 (CI 1.35-7.82) on admission.Conclusion Despite a clinically significantly lower severity of illness score, patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had a similar admission prevalence of RVD when compared to patients with non-COVID CAP. COVID-19 pneumonia patients had mortality that was significantly higher than predicted mortality. Additionally, despite preserved traditional parameters of RV systolic function, RVFWS was diminished in both groups, thus RVFWS served as an important marker of subclinical disease of RV.
Study on collaborative management of sustainable supply chain in water diversion Project
Authors: LU Yali , LIU Meng , Ding Wenwen
Published: February 2022

Measuring the collaboration of the sustainable supply chain of water diversion projects is of great significance to the sustainable operation of the project. To achieve this, it needs to develop a scientific and reasonable collaboration measurement method. Given the economic, environmental and social benefits of water diversion projects, and based on the theory of the sustainable supply chain, an order parameter index system for collaboration measurement was constructed in this study. The Dematel and Analytic Network Process methods were used to compute the local and global weights of each order parameter. A total of 161 valid questionnaires were collected from residents along the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Middle Route to measure its collaboration from 2018 to 2020. Results showed that the orderliness of the four flow subsystems of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Middle Route increases year by year. Compared with the other three flow subsystems, the knowledge flow subsystem has a lower level of orderliness, suggesting that communication and exchanges among people along the route should be strengthened. Such findings can help identify the weak link in the collaborative management of the sustainable supply chain of water diversion projects and improve it in a targeted manner.
Supporting Task Shifting and Task Sharing in Nigeria: An Assessment of Family Planning Knowledge Retention of Community Pharmacists and Patent Proprietary Medicine Vendors
Authors: Baruwa Sikiru , Tobey Elizabeth , Okafor Emeka , Afolabi Kayode , Akomolafe Toyin O. , Ubuane Innocent , Anyanti Jennifer , Jain Aparna
Published: February 2022

Background: CPs and PPMVs are an important source of modern contraceptives in Nigeria, yet many lack the requisite knowledge and skills to capably provide these services. This skills gap might be addressed through targeted family planning training. This study measures family planning knowledge retention of CPs and PPMVs after receiving training in FP counseling and services in Kaduna and Lagos States, in Nigeria. Methods: As part of the evaluation study, 559 CPs and PPMVs completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge related to the provision of FP counseling, and injectable and implant contraceptive services at three points in time: 1) before the training; 2) immediately after the training; and 3) 9-months after the training. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of provider characteristics and receipt of job aids on FP knowledge retention 9 months after the trainingResults: The study revealed the importance of jobs aids as influence on knowledge retention. CPs and PPMVs who reported having the Balanced Counseling Strategy plus (BCS+) counseling cards, were more likely to retain knowledge (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.01-8.40) at 9 months follow-up. Similarly, in terms of injectable knowledge, CPs and Tier 2 PPMVs who reported receiving the Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) Wheel were 2.1 times more likely to retain injectable knowledge 9-months later on (95% CI: 1.14-3.99). Conclusion: CPs and PPMVs can be trained to offer FP counseling and injectable and implant services. Their knowledge can be supported through job aids, suggesting that they offer accurate information and quality services. For Nigeria, including Family planning job aids in the roll out of the task shifting and task sharing policy will be critical to a successful implementation.
Reduction of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Antiscolic Herbal Compounds by Bacilli Probiotics
Authors: Liu Hao , Gong Xiaobei , Peng Yangyang , Sun Chengwu
Published: February 2022

Antiscolic herbal compounds (AHCs) are fast-growing biopesticides but must be removed afterwards from harvested crops due to their potential toxicities towards animal acetylcholine esterase (AchE). In this work, we investigated the inhibitory effect of several typical AHCs on AchE as well as their detoxification by bacilli probiotics, another group of green agricultural additives. Results showed the AchE inhibition activity of studied AHCs follows an order of berberine (IC50 = 12.16 μmol/L) > osthole (233.21 μmol/L) ≈ matrine (262.41 μmol/L) >> trigonelline (no inhibition). Molecular simulation predicted that berberine, matrine and osthole combine with AchE preferentially in the catalytic channel for acetylcholine (Trp84 and His440), but forming more stable complexes. At the IC50 dosage, the addition of Bacillus subtilis (106~107 CFU/mL) or several other bacilli species detoxified osthole from 50% AchE inhibition to around 30%. Slight detoxification of matrine was also observed but the toxicity of berberine was not influenced after incubated with bacilli probiotics. Conversely, the three AHCs could completely inhibited the growth of B. subtilis following an order of berberine (0.15 mmol/L) > Matrine (9 mmol/) > osthole (1.5 mmol/L). B. subtilis Ruizhen@ exhibited stronger tolerance to AHCs than other commercial strains. Among other tested species, B. mucilaginosus was less sensitive than B. subtilis while B. laterosporus and P. polymyxa were resistant to AHCs. The potential antagonistic actions between AHCs and bacilli probiotics maybe useful in removal of residual herbal toxicity with green bacterial sweeper.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for At-Risk Adolescents in Residential Care
Authors: Weiss-Dagan Shlomit , Naim Nofar , Brafman Dorit
Published: February 2022

Background: Over the past two decades, a large body of studies has focused on the contribution of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) to adolescents. The current study aimed to explore what makes this kind of intervention an effective positive psychological transformer. Methods: This qualitative study focused on at-risk adolescents living in residential care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 adolescents. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: participants’ presentation; relationship with the horse, including three basic needs, as defined in self-determination theory (SDT), that emerged from the data (competence, autonomy, and relatedness); and THR’s influence as described by the adolescents. Results: Our findings emphasize horsemanship as the core element of the THR interventions with youth at the social margins. This study contributes to SDT by demonstrating the significant role of relatedness in enhancing competence and healthy autonomy. Conclusions: The study’s findings illustrate the significant impact of THR intervention on various aspects of at-risk adolescents’ lives.
IRX1 Promotes Loss of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue by Inhibiting Adipocyte Differentiation in Cachectic Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Han Jun , Ding Zuoyou , Zhuang Qiulin , Shen Lei , Yang Fan , Sah Szechun , Wu Guohao
Published: February 2022

Background: Loss of adipose tissue is one of the most important characteristics of cancer cachexia. The loss degree of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is different in the same cachectic patient. However, it is unclear which genes lead to the differential fat loss in cancer cachexia. The purpose of this study is to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) profile of SAT and VAT and clarify its function in cancer cachexia. Methods: We screened the DEGs of SAT and VAT in cachectic patients with gastric cancer by RNA sequencing. Gene enrichment analyses were preformed to analyze the biological function of DEGs. Interaction network was constructed to illustrate the relationship among key genes. Clinical significance of IRX1 related to cancer cachexia was illustrated by Spearman’s correlation analysis. SAT and VAT samples were collected and performed histomorphology analyses. Mouse model of cancer cachexia was established and differences between SAT and VAT were compared. The function of IRX1 on lipid metabolism was clarified by Oil Red O staining, qPCR, and western blotting in adipocytes. Results: A total of 455 DEGs were screened between SAT and VAT in cachectic patients with gastric cancer. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the immune response might contribute to the pathological difference of SAT and VAT in caner cachexia. Patients with higher expression of IRX1 in SAT than VAT revealed significantly higher weight loss, IL-6 and TNFa concentration, as well as lower BMI, apoE, SAT and VAT area. A greater loss in SAT was observed in cachectic mice comparing to non-cachectic mice while the expression of IRX1 in SAT of cachectic mice was significantly higher. Oil Red O staining showed that IRX1 inhibited lipogenesis in adipocytes. Significant changes in the genes related to adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis were observed in both the cases of IRX1 overexpression and knockdown. Conclusion: Higher expression of IRX1 was observed in SAT than VAT in gastric cancer patients with cachexia and thus IRX1 promotes loss of SAT by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. IRX1 is expected to be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of SAT loss in cancer cachexia.
Impact of strabismus management on the retinal microstructure
Authors: Shah Shreya , Shah Mehul , Thorat Deeksha
Published: February 2022

Aim: To examine whether change in retinal structure can improve vision and stereoacuity following strabismus management.Methods: We recruited patients who presented with strabismus from 2017 to 2019. Information on demographics, posterior and anterior segment findings, and strabismus surgery was collected using a pretested online form. Patients’ stereoacuity was examined by employing the Titmus test. The central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of all the eyes were evaluated through SD-OCT. Stereoacuity examination and OCT were performed again 3 months postoperatively. Result: We recruited 54 patients (mean age: 19.74 ± 9.2 years). Stereoacuity and vision exhibited significant improvements after treatment. Both eyes showed improvement in RNFL thickness but not CMT. Conclusion: Functional stereoacuity changes and structural RNFL changes were noted following appropriate treatment for strabismus.
A Robust Fractional Model for Improving Industrial Park Water Use Efficiency Under Dual Uncertainties
Authors: Lan Zhuoling , Wang Shuping , Tan Qian , Zhang Tianyuan , Cao Yini
Published: February 2022

As an existing form of high aggregation of industries, industrial parks, have problems with a large demand for water and sewage discharge. Therefore, developing an effective approach to improve the efficiency of industrial park water use is urgently needed. Originating from internal and external changes, complicated uncertainties may coexist in multiple system components and their correlations within industrial park water resource management. Previous studies ignored the uncertain probability related to water inflow, which is difficult to estimate for long-term decision-making problems. This research describes the exploitation of an inexact two-stage stochastic partial fractional programming (ITSPF) method for sustainable industrial park water supply, under dual uncertainties. ITSPF is developed via the synthesis of linear partial information, interval programming, two-stage stochastic programming, and fractional programming techniques. It could improve conventional industrial park water resource optimization by solving the uncertain probability of water inflow levels while optimizing the ratio issues. The results show that various water allocation plans within different inflow level probabilities can be generated by handling the trade-off between water consumption and system benefit. And the amount of reclaimed water would be increased under the higher risk of water shortage. The comparisons of ITSPF results against the least-cost model and model with deterministic probability of water inflow levels demonstrated that ITSPF could not only result in higher resource-use efficiency, but also avoid missing possible solution sets and offer a pragmatic way for obtaining satisfactory alternatives by providing wider adjustable ranges.
Elevated CO2 concentration enhance Oryza sativa seed shattering and affects seed-shattering gene expression
Authors: de Avila Luis Antonio , Balbinot Andrisa , Viana Vívian Ebeling , Feijó Anderson da Rosa , Fipke Marcus Vinicius , Heck Tamara , Ziska Lewis H , Markus Catarine , Merotto Aldo
Published: February 2022

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is widely recognized as a major constraint in cultivated rice systems globally. Seed shattering is related to the invasiveness and persistence of weedy ecotypes in field and exacerbates its control in cultivated rice systems. Shattering traits are controlled genetically and by different environmental conditions. At present, a rapidly changing environment, including rising levels of carbon dioxide [CO2], could alter shattering frequency, with subsequent effects on weed seed input and competition. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the interaction between weedy rice seed shattering and the transcriptional seed shattering-regulation genes as affected by weedy rice genotypes and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. We examined seven biotypes and two atmospheric CO2 concentrations: ambient {a[CO2]} and enhanced {e[CO2]} concentration, 400 and 700 µmol mol-1 respectively. Our results indicate that e[CO2] increases weedy rice seed shattering. The gene expression analysis demonstrates an effect of [CO2] in the expression of all gene shattering-related genes (OsCPL1, qSH1, Sh4, SHAT1, OsXTH8, OSH15, and SH5), with high variability observed between genotypes. Here we showed that increased CO2 concentration affects greatly seed shattering in weedy rice and in minor effect cultivated rice, by modulation of seed shattering-related genes and weedy genotypes showed the highest upregulation level of this genes. Thus, increased CO2 concentration positively affect panicle number and grain yield mainly in cultivated rice.
RPS15A promotes the proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Bian Jin , Niu Yan , Lv Cao
Published: February 2022

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial squamous cell carcinoma arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal lining. Ribosomal protein S15a (RPS15A) plays vital role in protein translation and was recently reported to be an oncogene in numerous tumor types. However, its biological role in NPC is remain largely unclear.Methods: In this study, we explored the expression of RPS15A in NPC tissues by immunofluorescence histochemical staining (IHC) staining of human tissue microarray. The C666-1 and CNE-2Z NPC cell lines with RPS15A depletion were used to investigate the effects of RPS15A on NPC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. In vivo tumor growth of NPC cells was observed by subcutaneous xenograft mice model. The potential mechanism was explored by Human Apoptosis Antibody Array analysis and WB experiments. Results: RPS15A was significantly up-regulated in NPC and RPS15A knockdown remarkably suppressed NPC cells proliferation, migration and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, RPS15A silencing also impaired tumor growth of xenograft mice. Further Human Apoptosis Antibody Array analysis indicated that depletion of RPS15A could promote several apoptosis-related proteins expression, and results of WB experiments confirmed the inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusion: RPS15A knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration and increased apoptosis of NCP cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RPS15A may serve as a promising therapeutic target for NPC patients.
Migrating solar diurnal tidal variability during Northern and Southern Hemisphere Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Siddiqui Tarique Adnan , Chau Jorge L. , Stolle Claudia , Yamazaki Yosuke
Published: February 2022

In this study, the variability of the migrating solar diurnal (DW1) tide in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) region during Northern and Southern Hemisphere (NH & SH) Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) is investigated using Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature observations and reanalysis-driven Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension (WACCM-X) simulations. The periods examined include four major NH SSWs that occurred in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013 and two SH SSWs that were observed in 2002 and 2019. Our analysis shows that the DW1 tide in both observations and simulations displays a reduction of amplitude at low-latitudes after the onset of NH and SH SSWs. As WACCM-X simulations qualitatively reproduce this feature of DW1 tidal variability common to both NH and SH SSWs, they have been used to examine the possible mechanism that could explain these observations in DW1 tide. It is known that changes in the latitudinal shear of zonal winds at low-latitudes strongly affect the seasonal variation of DW1 tide in the MLT. We show that SSW-associated changes in the latitudinal shear in the MLT could explain the observed variability of DW1 tide during NH and SH SSWs.
Primordial Initiation, Yield and Yield Component Traits of Two Genotypes of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) as Affected by Various Rates of Lime
Authors: Chukwu Samuel C. , Ibeji Chidiebere A. , Ogbu Chigozie , Oselebe Happiness O. , Okporie Emmanuel O. , Rafii Mohd Y. , Oladosu Yusuff
Published: February 2022

Mushrooms are fleshy fungi valued globally for their nutritional and medical benefits. The study was conducted at Ebonyi State University Mushroom Center, Abakaliki, with the aim to determine an optimum level of limestone (CaCO3) on the genotypes for maximum growth and yield. The experiment was carried out as a split plot experiment in completely randomized design. The two genotypes were placed in the whole plot while limestone was placed in the sub–plot which consisted of five rates of CaCO3 (Og, 5g, 10g, 15g and 20g). Saw dust and rice husk substrates were used at the ratio of 60:40 and sterilized for six hours at 1210C using the steam sterilization cylinder. The media bags were off–loaded after one day and allowed to further cool for another day before inoculation. The cultured spawn were used to inoculate the media upon cooling at room temperature. Data were collected on agro–morphological parameters such as primordial initiation, stalk height, stalk diameter, number of branches, number of fruits, number of productive bags, fresh and dry weights, and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result obtained indicated that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two genotypes studied in all parameters except dry weight of mushroom. Also, the various rates of CaCO3 had significant difference (P < 0.05) in most agro-morphological traits except stalk diameter, number of fruits and fresh weight. However, the interaction of whole plot (genotype) and sub-plot (lime rates) showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in all parameters evaluated except the stalk diameter. Genotype I initiated more primordial compared to primordial initiation in genotype II and they differed significantly (p < 0.05) from each other. More so, the result showed that increasing the rate of CaCO3 from 0g to 5g significantly increased the primordial initiation from 17 to 22. However, further increase in lime rates above 5g significantly reduced the primordial initiation from 22 to 15. It was concluded that 5g rate of limestone produced the best primordial initiation. Therefore, genotype I and 5g of CaCO3 were recommended. There was also a strong relationship between the primordial initiation and most growth and yield components traits studied. There was a significant positive correlation between primordial initiation and stalk height (r = 0.799*), stalk diameter (r = 0.692*), number of mushroom branches (r = 0.773*), number of productive bags (r = 0.888*), number of fruits (r = 0.810*), fruit weight (r = 0.918*) and dry weight (r = 0.916*). Ideal conditions that would guarantee more primordial initiation for higher yield were recommended.
APuML: An Efficient Approach To Detect Mobile Phishing Webpages Using Machine Learning
Authors: Jain Ankit Kumar , Debnath Ninmoy , Jain Arvind Kumar
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, the growth of mobile phones users has gained a significant increase because of the features offered by them in abundant amounts. These devices are being used rapidly for accessing the web and many online services. However, the security mechanisms that are available in smartphones are not yet mature. Therefore, smartphones are vulnerable to various types of attacks, such as phishing. The browsers on smartphones are very trivial and the smartphones security abilities have been lessened, to match the smartphone's capabilities. Therefore, detection of the malicious website is different from the previously known technique, which is used on the desktop. Many anti-phishing techniques for mobile devices have been developed but still, there is a lack of a full-fledged solution. Therefore, this paper presents an efficient approach to detect malicious mobile webpages. The proposed approach APuML (Anti Phishing using Machine Learning) extracts all the static and site popularity features from the given URL to create a feature vector. An appropriate machine learning classification algorithm is then applied on the feature set to obtain the result and update the database accordingly. In our approach, the Random Forest classifier outperforms over other classifiers and achieved detection accuracy of 93.85 %. We have also created an endpoint application for the users to interact with our system using his/her mobile devices. Moreover, the proposed approach can identify drive-by downloads attack, zero-day attack and clickjacking attack with high accuracy.
Field Theories for type-II fractons
Authors: Fontana Weslei , Gomes Pedro , Chamon Claudio
Published: February 2022

We derive an effective field theory for a type-II fracton
starting from the Haah code on the lattice. The effective
topological theory is not given exclusively in terms of an action;
it must be supplemented with a condition that selects physical
states. Without the constraint, the action only describes a type-I
fracton. The constraint emerges from a condition that cube operators
multiply to the identity, and it cannot be consistently implemented
in the continuum theory at the operator
level, but only in a weaker form, in terms of matrix elements of
physical states. Informed by these studies and starting from the opposite end, i.e., the continuum, we discuss a
Chern-Simons-like theory that does not need a constraint or
projector, and yet has no mobile excitations. Whether this continuum
theory admits a lattice counterpart remains unanswered.
PREFERENCES OF UNIPIN MOBILE APPLICATION USING CONJOINT ANALYSIS (CASE STUDY: PT. DUA PULUH EMPAT JAM ONLINE
Authors: Marliana Marliana , Natalia Natalia
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the customers preferencesin developing UNIPIN’s mobile application that can help PT. Dua Puluh Empat Jam Online increases their sales of mobile games vouchers. Data collection methods using questionnaires and interviews on 100 gamers of UNIPIN. The research method used in this study is conjoint analysis which was preceded by Cochran Q-test to test the validity of application attributes and conjoint analysis to know the utility value of each attribute that became the main preference of gamers. The attributes tested include the attributes contained in the 7C Framework such as context, content, community, customization, communication, connection, and commerce. The results of this study are application attributes that can be applied by UNIPIN to increase their sale of mobile game vouchers which are context, content, communication, and commerce attributes. The resultsof this study are attributes that meet the need to develop UNIPIN’s mobile application in order to increase sales in the mobile gaming market are the integrated level of the contex attribute, the product-dominant level of the content attribute, the one-to-one non responding user level of the communication attribute, and high level of commerce.
THE MENACE OF COVID-19: SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUMSCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Essien Michael Okon , Ukpong Emmanuel Sunday , Nseobot Ime Robson , Okon Clement Efiong , Simeon Ikoroha Innocent , Effiong Anietie Imo , Dinnoo Vinesh , Eyo Uduakabasi Ana
Published: February 2022

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been considered as the engine of economic growth and for promoting equitable development all over the world. The Coronavirusdisease(COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented panic, disruptions and lossesfor businesses. This is why this paper investigatesthe survival strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria after COVID-19 pandemic.The concept of Small and Medium Enterprises,history and advances of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, Small and Medium Scale SMEs capacity building in Nigeria, government’sresponse to the pandemic: a global perspective and steps SMEs must take to survive post COVID-19 were discussed. The study concluded that there is no gainsaying that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy globally. This subject has been resounded everywhere throughout the world! The time is now to step up and do what we allknow is the appropriate course of action.The paper recommended among others thatSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should approach commercial banks, or the Bank of Industry for loans to keep them afloat, at reduced interest rates.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING ON CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT FOR JAKARTA SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Authors: Safitri Yulianne , Evelina Lidya Wati , Syahputra Naufal Egha
Published: February 2022

The researchaimedto understand the relationship and influence of Instagram @mrtjkt social media branding on customer engagement as an effort to increase the use of MRT as sustainable green transportation to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in Jakarta. The quantitative research approach with a survey method was carried out to 100 respondents from the total population on Instagram Followers @mrtjkt. The quantitative analysis was implemented using correlation test, coefficient determination test, and simple regression analysis. The data validity techniqueswerethe validity test, reliability test and normality test. Research resultshows thatH0isrejected and H1is acceptedsince it shows relationships and influences between Instagram social media branding on MRT Jakarta customer engagement.
UNDERSTANDING MILLENNIALS INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR IN PEER-TO-PEER LENDING: CASE STUDY FROM INDONESIA
Authors: Natalia Natalia , Matthew Matthew
Published: February 2022

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending has become alternative investment option that expected to experience tremendous growth with the evolvement of technology solutions as people become more and more digitally connected. Millennials becomes the most interesting target generations for P2P Lending platform as this generations highly exposed by digital technology. Due to different characteristics and behavior of millennials dealing with financial and investment products, the research aims to distinguish these characteristics and behaviors and group them into several groups. The purpose of this research is to study Millennials investment behavior in P2P Lending platform based on demography, financial behavior and marketing media preference. Online survey was conducted to 205 respondentsin Indonesia who have understand or have invested in Peer to Peer Lending platform. Cluster Analysis is to analyze the data and categorized given sample into several groups who have similar characteristics and behavior. The results show 4 distinctive segments, they are Budding Millennial Investors, Confident Millennial Investors, Financially Oblivious Millennials and Pragmatic White-Collar Millennial Investors. By distinguishing distinctive groups within given population, can provide better understanding towards millennials investment behavior in P2P lending platform and therefore can help marketing managers and decision maker to develop better marketing strategy in targeting millennials investor.
Teaching Academic Skills to Children with Autism During Small Group Instruction with Typically Developing Peers
Authors: DOĞAN Serap , ÖZEN Arzu
Published: February 2022

Introduction: In this study, pre-school aged children with autism were taught to answer verbally to five different questions about professions through the constant time delay procedure when presented in heterogeneous small group instruction in inclusive settings. The study also aimed to investigate skill maintenance, generalization and observational learning. Also it is observed that what kind of social interaction behaviors that children with autism learned from their peers without disabilities during the teaching of the targeted skills.Method: The participants of the study were three preschool children with autism and six of their peers without disabilities. Multiple probe design with probe trials across subjects was used in the study.Findings: Results showed that all participants learned target skills, generalized them across different settings and materials, and maintained the acquired skills one, two and four weeks after the study. Observational learning data showed that children with autism learned at least some of their peers’ target professions and social behaviors. Social comparison showed that the children with autism reached the same level of the performance with their peers. Social validity data collected from parents and teachers were positive in general.Discussion: The constant time delay procedure presented in a small group arrangement was found to be effective in teaching to answer verbally five different questions about professions. Similar results supporting these findings are available in the literature. It is thought that observational learning data are derived from target skills and student characteristics. Other points that need to be discussed are included in detail.
Impacts of floating urbanization on water quality and aquatic ecosystems: a study based on in situ data and observations
Authors: de Lima Rui L. Pedroso , de Graaf-van Dinther Rutger E. , Boogaard Floris C.
Published: February 2022

Floating urbanization is a promising solution to reduce the vulnerability of cities against climate change, population growth or land scarcity. Although this type of construction introduces changes to aquatic systems, there is a lack of research studies addressing potential impacts. Water quality data collected under/near floating structures were compared with the corresponding parameters measured at the same depth at open water locations by (i) performing scans with underwater drones equipped with in situ sensors and video cameras and (ii) fixing two sets of continuous measuring in situ sensors for a period of several days/months at both positions. A total of 18 locations with different types of floating structures were considered in this study. Results show small differences in the measured parameters, such as lower dissolved oxygen concentrations or higher temperature measured underneath the floating structures. The magnitudes of these differences seem to be linked with the characteristics and type of water system. Given the wide variety and types of water bodies considered in this study, results suggest that water quality is not critically affected by the presence of the floating houses. Underwater images of biofouling and filter feeders illustrate the lively ecosystems that can emerge shortly after the construction of floating buildings.
Combinatorial Diels-Aider Approach to the Synthesis of Anti-tumor Anthracyclines and Analogues
Authors: Vogel Pierre
Published: February 2022

Doxorubicin has the widest spectrum of antitumor activity of all antineoplastic agents and is the most utilized anticancer drug worldwide. Unfortunately there are several tumor types that do not respond to doxorubicin and, furthermore, its effectiveness is restricted due to acute bone marrow toxicity, cardiotoxicity and drug resistance development. More
than 2000 analogues have been synthesized and tested and among them idarubicin has better in vivo activity at lower dose. In 1979 our group disclosed a combinatorial approach to the synthesis of linearly condensed six-membered ring systems, a method based on the three component condensations through two successive Diels-Aider additions. The method has been developed to generate various anthracyclinones of biological interest, including enantiomerically pure idarubicinone and a series of DNA intercalators that are mimics of anthracyclines of the type 6-(aminoalkyloxy)methyl-6,7-dideoxyidarubicinones. Since the syntheses of anthracyclines has been reviewed extensively we shall restrict ourselves to the presentation of our combinatorial approach and discuss the concepts and principles involved. We shall describe the synthetic methods developed for the preparation of the starting tetraenes, that are 2,3,5,6-tetramethylidene-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes, and for the preparation of enantiomerically pure L-daunosamine and analogues, sugars found in the bioactive anthracyclines. This work has required the development of a series of chiral auxiliaries that are monocarboxylic derivatives, the RADO(R)-CI and SADO(R)-CI which were obtained in a few steps from the readily available (R,R)- and (S,S)-tartaric acid, respectively. These chiral auxiliaries have allowed one to generate a number of new enantiomerically pure dienophiles, the Diels-Aider additions of which can lead to diastereomerically pure adducts intermediates in our syntheses.
Degradative and Synthetic Studies on Rapamycin- A Potent Immunosuppressant
Authors: Farooq Afgan , Anjum Shazia , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Atta-ur-Rahman
Published: February 2022

Rapamycin is a naturally occurring antibiotic, immunosuppressant and anti-graft-rejection agent which was isolated from broth cultures of Streptomyces hydroscopicus (NRRL 5491) endemic to the Easter Island soil samples in Japan in 1975. The review focuses on the degradative and synthetic studies of this novel and challenging structure.
Reactions of Group 6 Metal Carbene Complexes with Ylides and Related Dipolar Species
Authors: Alcaide B. , Casarrubiost L. , Dominguezt G. , Sierra M. A.
Published: February 2022

Among the amazing diversity of reactions discovered on group 6 metal carbene complexes, including now fully synthetically useful reactions, such as D6tz's benzannulation and Hegedus' photochemical ketene generation, the behavior of these complexes towards ylides has been much less studied. In this article, following a brief résumé on the common preparation methods and general reactivity of group 6 carbene complexes, their reactions with ylides and ylide-like derivatives will be reviewed. Three major reaction modes of metal carbenoids with ylides will be discussed: reactions producing new carbene complexes, reactions leading to ketenimine complexes and, finally, those reactions in which the metallic moiety is not present in the final products. The first type is exemplified by the reaction of 1,3-dipoles and a,p-unsaturated complexes. The second class is exclusive of the reactivity of these complexes and isocyanides. The remaining group of reactions is more diverse, and their outcome is determined by the nature of the ylide. So far, SO, NO, NS, NC, and PC ylides have been reported to react with Fischer carbenes. Organic products such as esters, imidates, vinyl ethers, cyclopropanes, and captodative allenes have been isolated in these processes, and their formation, a_s consequence of different reactivity patterns, will be commented through the paper.
Some Progress on Chemical Studies of Triterpenoid Saponins from Chinese Medicinal Plants
Authors: Qin Guo-Wei
Published: February 2022

China has a rich tradition of natural medicines. Among the plants employed by the general population, a large proportion is thought to contain saponins. In this review, an update is given of recent results on saponins iso­
lated from Chinese medicinal plants, particularly of the Araliaceae, Compositae, Phytolaccaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rubiaceae and Leguminosae families. Details of isolation, structure determination and pharmacological testing are reported.