bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uropathogens’ Antibiotic Resistance Evolution in a Female Population: A Sequential Multi-Year Comparative Analysis
Authors: Mareș Cristian , Petca Răzvan-Cosmin , Popescu Răzvan-Ionuț , Petca Aida , Geavlete Bogdan Florin , Jinga Viorel
Published: May 2023

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) represent a common finding among females and an important basis for antibiotic treatment. Considering the significant increase in antibiotic resistance during the last decades, this study retrospectively follows the incidence of uropathogens and the evolution of resistance rates in the short and medium term. The current study was conducted at the “Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele” Clinical Hospital, including 1124 positive urine cultures, in three periods of four months between 2018 and 2022. Escherichia coli was the most frequent uropathogen (54.53%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (16.54%), and Enterococcus spp. (14.59%). The incidence of UTIs among the female population is directly proportional to age, with few exceptions. The highest overall resistance in Gram-negative uropathogens was observed for levofloxacin 30.69%, followed by ceftazidime 13.77% and amikacin 9.86%. The highest resistance in Gram-positive uropathogens was observed for levofloxacin 2018-R = 34.34%, 2020-R = 50.0%, and 2022-R = 44.92%, and penicillin 2018-R = 36.36%, 2020-R = 41.17%, and 2022-R = 37.68%. In Gram-negative uropathogens, a linear evolution was observed for ceftazidime 2018-R = 11.08%, 2020-R = 13.58%, and 2022-R = 17.33%, and levofloxacin 2018-R = 28.45%, 2020-R = 33.33%, and 2022-R = 35.0%. The current knowledge dictates the need to continuously assess antimicrobial resistance patterns, information that is necessary for treatment recommendations. The present study aims to determine the current situation and the evolution trends according to the current locoregional situation.
Metallic Supported Pd-Ag Membranes for Simultaneous Ammonia Decomposition and H2 Separation in a Membrane Reactor: Experimental Proof of Concept
Authors: Cechetto Valentina , Agnolin Serena , Di Felice Luca , Pacheco Tanaka Alfredo , Llosa Tanco Margot , Gallucci Fausto
Published: May 2023

The use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier requires efficient cracking technology. A promising solution is the use of a membrane reactor (MR), which enables both ammonia decomposition and hydrogen separation to take place within the same device, providing advantages in terms of efficiency and compactness compared to conventional systems. The literature reports that ceramic-supported double-skinned Pd-Ag membranes show outstanding performance for hydrogen separation as well as good stability of the separation layer during ammonia decomposition. However, their sealing in the reactor may result in leakage increase, while their mechanical stability remains an unresolved issue. To circumvent these limitations, the use of metallic supported Pd-based membranes is recommended, due to their higher mechanical stability and ease of sealing and integration in the reactor. In this work, we propose the development of robust metallic supported hydrogen-selective membranes for integration in membrane reactors for ammonia cracking. A conventional Pd-Ag membrane was prepared on a low-cost porous Hastelloy X tubular filter, modified with α-Al2O3/γ-Al2O3 to reach the desired surface quality. The membrane was then tested for ammonia decomposition in a MR configuration, showing the ability to reach >99% NH3 conversion above 475 °C with H2 feed recovery >60%. The results achieved pave the way towards a possible substitute for the ceramic-supported alternatives.
Fe Doping Enhances the Peroxidase-Like Activity of CuO for Ascorbic Acid Sensing
Authors: Yan Boyu , Yang Ying , Xie Yinyun , Li Jinzhao , Li Kun
Published: May 2023

Although significant advances have been witnessed in the application of nanozymes in recent years, exploring new strategies to enhance the enzyme-like activity of nanozymes is of urgent importance. Herein, we investigate the feasibility of accelerating the peroxidase-like reaction rate of CuO nanostructures through Fe doping. The coprecipitation method was used to synthesize Fe-doped CuO (Fe-CuO) nanozymes, and the results indicate that the diversified valence of Fe benefits the redox reaction driven by CuO-based nanozymes. With the improved peroxidase-like activity, the Fe-CuO nanozyme enables the significant chromogenic oxidation reaction of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), facilitating the construction of a visual sensing platform for the sensitive and selective determination of ascorbic acid. Under optimal conditions, the absorbance at 652 nm decreases linearly with the concentration of ascorbic acid in the range of 5–50 μM, with a limit of detection as low as 4.66 μM. This work exemplifies the activity enhancement for peroxidase-mimicking nanozymes with a metal-doping strategy and provides a broad prospect for the design of more high-performance nanozymes for biosensing applications.
Surgical Treatment of Lung Abscess Due to an Awn Aspiration in a 9-Year-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Vlahova Angelina , Antonova Zdravka , Rangelov Edmond , Kartulev Nikola , Oparanova Velichka , Gabrovska Natalia , Spasova Albena , Velizarova Svetlana , Shivachev Hristo
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Foreign body aspiration is a common condition in the child population and is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in children. The aspiration of an awn (grass inflorescences) is extremely rare. Aim of the study: This study aims to describe the symptoms, diagnosis, therapeutic difficulties, and results of the aspiration of grass inflorescence. They are all related to the shape of the awn’s head and its behavior in the tracheobronchial tree. Case description: We present a 9-year-old boy with a history of an awn aspiration and recurrent respiratory infections. After antibiotic and symptomatic treatment, two bronchoscopies were performed, and both showed stenosis and obturation of the segmental and subsegmental bronchi of the left posterior basal segment, but no foreign body was found. After recanalization and continuous medicamentous treatment, a computed tomography (CT) verified the lung abscess. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed, and an atypical lung resection was conducted. During the surgery, a foreign body—grass inflorescence from the species Hordeum murinum—was found in the resected tissue. The patient recovered uneventfully after the surgery. Conclusions: Grass inflorescence aspiration in the child population is an extremely rare event, and it represents a diagnostic and therapeutic issue. The exact timing of surgery is very important to reduce complications and avoid death.
Validity and Validation of Computer Simulations—A Methodological Inquiry with Application to Integrated Assessment Models
Authors: Randall Alan , Ogland-Hand Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Our purpose is to advance a reasoned perspective on the scientific validity of computer simulation, using an example—integrated assessment modeling of climate change and its projected impacts—that is itself of great and urgent interest to policy in the real world. The spirited and continuing debate on the scientific status of integrated assessment models (IAMs) of global climate change has been conducted mostly among climate change modelers and users seeking guidance for climate policy. However, it raises a number and variety of issues that have been addressed, with various degrees of success, in other literature. The literature on methodology of simulation was mostly skeptical at the outset but has become more nuanced, casting light on some key issues relating to the validity and evidentiary standing of climate change IAMs (CC-IAMs). We argue that the goal of validation is credence, i.e., confidence or justified belief in model projections, and that validation is a matter of degree: (perfect) validity is best viewed as aspirational and, other things equal, it makes sense to seek more rather than less validation. We offer several conclusions. The literature on computer simulation has become less skeptical and more inclined to recognize that simulations are capable of providing evidence, albeit a different kind of evidence than, say, observation and experiments. CC-IAMs model an enormously complex system of systems and must respond to several challenges that include building more transparent models and addressing deep uncertainty credibly. Drawing on the contributions of philosophers of science and introspective practitioners, we offer guidance for enhancing the credibility of CC-IAMs and computer simulation more generally.
The Mid-Upper Arm Circumference as a Substitute for Body Mass Index in the Assessment of Nutritional Status among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Salih Yasir , Omar Saeed M. , AlHabardi Nadiah , Adam Ishag
Published: May 2023

To compare mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) with body mass index (BMI) and propose MUAC cut-off points corresponding to BMIs of <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight) and ≥30.0 kg/m2 (obesity) for pregnant Sudanese women, a cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the city of New Halfa, Sudan. Healthy pregnant women were recruited. Body parameters such as height, weight, and MUAC were measured. The MUAC (cm) cut-off values for underweight and obesity were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Of 688 pregnant women, 437 were in early pregnancy (<20 weeks of gestation) and 251 were in late pregnancy (≥20 weeks of gestation). There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and MUAC among women in both early pregnancy (r = 0.734) and late pregnancy (r = 0.703). The cut-off points of MUAC for detecting underweight and obesity were found to be 24.0 cm and 29.0 cm, respectively, for women in early pregnancy, with good predictive values. For women in late pregnancy, the cut-off points for detecting underweight and obesity were 23.0 cm and 28.0 cm, respectively. We concluded that for Sudanese pregnant women, the MUAC cut-off points identified in the study for diagnosing underweight and obesity are both sensitive and specific.
A Quick Method to Synthesize Extrachromosomal Circular DNA In Vitro
Authors: Zuo Shanru , Li Xueguang , Yang Yide , Zhou Junhua , He Quanyuan
Published: May 2023

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is a special class of circular DNA in eukaryotes. Recent studies have suggested that eccDNA is the product of genomic instability and has important biological functions to regulate many downstream biological processes. While NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing)-based eccDNA sequencing has led to the identification of many eccDNAs in both healthy and diseased tissues, the specific biological functions of individual eccDNAs have yet to be clearly elucidated. Synthesizing eccDNAs longer than 1 kb with specific sequences remains a major challenge in the field, which has hindered our ability to fully understand their functions. Current methods for synthesizing eccDNAs primarily rely on chemical oligo synthesis, ligation, or the use of a specific gene editing and recombination systems. Therefore, these methods are often limited by the length of eccDNAs and are complex, expensive, as well as time-consuming. In this study, we introduce a novel method named QuickLAMA (Ligase-Assisted Minicircle Accumulation) for rapidly synthesizing eccDNAs up to 2.6 kb using a simple PCR and ligation approach. To validate the efficacy of our method, we synthesized three eccDNAs of varying lengths from cancer tissue and PC3 cells and confirmed successful circularization through sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion. Additional analyses have demonstrated that this method is highly efficient, cost-effective, and time-efficient, with good reproducibility. Using the method, a well-trained molecular biologist can synthesize and purify multiple eccDNAs within a single day, and it can be easily standardized and processed in a high-throughput manner, indicating the potential of the method to produce a wide range of desired eccDNAs and promote the translation of eccDNA research into clinical applications.
Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract
Authors: Hasan Hazem S. , Shakya Ashok K. , Al-Jaber Hala I. , Abu-Sal Hana E. , Barhoumi Lina M.
Published: May 2023

In this article, we present the first detailed analysis of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) of the inflorescence heads of Echinops polyceras Boiss. (Asteraceae) from the flora of Jordan, offering observations at different growth (pre-flowering, full-flowering and post-flowering) stages. Additionally, we investigated the methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant material at the full flowering stage in order to determine its inhibitory activity in terms of COX and protein denaturation and evaluate its antimicrobial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Performing GC/MS analysis of HDEO, obtained from the fresh inflorescence heads at the different growth stages, resulted in the identification of 192 constituents. The main class of compounds detected in these three stages comprised aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which amounted to 50.04% (pre-flower), 40.28% (full-flower) and 41.34% (post-flower) of the total composition. The oils also contained appreciable amounts of oxygenated terpenoids, primarily sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids. The pre-flowering stage was dominated by (2E)-hexenal (8.03%) in addition to the oxygenated diterpene (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.54%). The full-flowering stage primarily contained (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.84%), β-bisabolene (7.53%, SH) and the diterpene hydrocarbon dolabradiene (5.50%). The major constituents detected in the HDEO obtained at the post-flowering stage included the oxygenated sesquiterpenoid intermedeol (5.53%), the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (E)-caryophyllene (5.01%) and (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (4.47%). The methanolic extract obtained from air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras displayed more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition at a concentration level of 200 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a capacity to inhibit protein denaturation that was comparable with respect to the activity of diclofenac sodium and displayed moderate levels of antimicrobial activity against both bacterial species. The current results demonstrate the need to perform further detailed phytochemical investigations to isolate and characterize active constituents.
The Genus Capsicum: A Review of Bioactive Properties of Its Polyphenolic and Capsaicinoid Composition
Authors: Alonso-Villegas Rodrigo , González-Amaro Rosa María , Figueroa-Hernández Claudia Yuritzi , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid Mayanin
Published: May 2023

Chili is one of the world’s most widely used horticultural products. Many dishes around the world are prepared using this fruit. The chili belongs to the genus Capsicum and is part of the Solanaceae family. This fruit has essential biomolecules such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, and lipids. In addition, chili has other compounds that may exert some biological activity (bioactivities). Recently, many studies have demonstrated the biological activity of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids in different varieties of chili. Among all these bioactive compounds, polyphenols are one of the most studied. The main bioactivities attributed to polyphenols are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive. This review describes the data from in vivo and in vitro bioactivities attributed to polyphenols and capsaicinoids of the different chili products. Such data help formulate functional foods or food ingredients.
Leocarpinolide B Attenuates Collagen Type II-Induced Arthritis by Inhibiting DNA Binding Activity of NF-κB
Authors: Linghu Ke-Gang , Zhao Guan-Ding , Zhang Dai-Yan , Xiong Shi-Hang , Wu Guo-Ping , Shen Li-Yu , Cui Wen-Qing , Zhang Tian , Hu Yuan-Jia , Guo Bing , Shen Xiang-Chun , Yu Hua
Published: May 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease triggered by a cascading inflammatory response. Sigesbeckia Herba (SH) has long been utilized as a traditional remedy to alleviate symptoms associated with rheumatism. Our previous study found that leocarpinolide B (LB), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the whole plant of SH, possesses potent a anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages. This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of LB on RA, and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. In collagen type II-induced arthritic mice, LB was demonstrated to decrease the production of autoimmune antibodies in serum and inflammatory cytokines in the joint muscles and recover the decreased regulatory T lymphocytes in spleen. Moreover, LB significantly suppressed the inflammatory infiltration, formation of pannus and bone erosion in the paw joints. In vitro testing showed that LB inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in IL-1β-induced human synovial SW982 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested NF-κB p65 could be the potential target of LB on RA treatment, subsequent experimental investigation confirmed that LB directly interacted with NF-κB p65 and reduced the DNA binding activity of NF-κB in synovial cells. In conclusion, LB significantly attenuated the collagen type II-induced arthritis, which was at least involved in the inhibition of DNA binding activity of NF-κB through a direct binding to NF-κB p65. These findings suggest that LB could be a valuable lead compound for developing anti-RA drugs.
Effect of Heating Temperature of High-Quality Arbequina, Picual, Manzanilla and Cornicabra Olive Oils on Changes in Nutritional Indices of Lipid, Tocopherol Content and Triacylglycerol Polymerization Process
Authors: Kmiecik Dominik , Fedko Monika , Małecka Justyna , Siger Aleksander , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the stability and heat resistance of extra premium olive oil. The study material consisted of six extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) obtained from Spain. Four samples were single-strain olive oils: Arbequina, Picual, Manzanilla, and Cornicabra. Two samples were a coupage of Arbequina and Picual varieties: Armonia (70% Arbequina and 30% Picual) and Sensation (70% Picual and 30% Arbequina). Olive oil samples were heated at 170 °C and 200 °C in a pan (thin layer model). In all samples, changes in indexes of lipid nutritional quality (PUFA/SFA, index of atherogenicity, index of thrombogenicity, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio), changes in tocopherol, total polar compounds content, and triacylglycerol polymers were determined. Heating olive oil in a thin layer led to its degradation and depended on the temperature and the type of olive oil. Increasing the temperature from 170 to 200 °C resulted in significantly higher degradation of olive oil. At 200 °C, deterioration of lipid nutritional indices, total tocopherol degradation, and formation of triacylglycerol polymers were observed. A twofold increase in the polar fraction was also observed compared to samples heated at 170 °C. The most stable olive oils were Cornicabra and Picual.
Detection of Hazelnut and Almond Adulteration in Olive Oil: An Approach by qPCR
Authors: Ramos-Gómez Sonia , Busto María D. , Ortega Natividad
Published: May 2023

Virgin olive oil (VOO), characterized by its unique aroma, flavor, and health benefits, is subject to adulteration with the addition of oils obtained from other edible species. The consumption of adulterated olive oil with nut species, such as hazelnut or almond, leads to health and safety issues for consumers, due to their high allergenic potential. To detect almond and hazelnut in olive oil, several amplification systems have been analyzed by qPCR assay with a SYBR Green post-PCR melting curve analysis. The systems selected were Cora1F2/R2 and Madl, targeting the genes coding the allergenic protein Cor a 1 (hazelnut) and Pru av 1 (almond), respectively. These primers revealed adequate specificity for each of the targeted species. In addition, the result obtained demonstrated that this methodology can be used to detect olive oil adulteration with up to 5% of hazelnut or almond oil by a single qPCR assay, and with a level as low as 2.5% by a nested-qPCR assay. Thus, the present research has shown that the SYBR-based qPCR assay can be a rapid, precise, and accurate method to detect adulteration in olive oil.
Radical Decarboxylative Carbon–Nitrogen Bond Formation
Authors: Li Xiangting , Yuan Xiaobin , Hu Jiahao , Li Yajun , Bao Hongli
Published: May 2023

The carbon–nitrogen bond is one of the most prevalent chemical bonds in natural and artificial molecules, as many naturally existing organic molecules, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials contain at least one nitrogen atom. Radical decarboxylative carbon–nitrogen bond formation from readily available carboxylic acids and their derivatives has emerged as an attractive and valuable tool in modern synthetic chemistry. The promising achievements in this research topic have been demonstrated via utilizing this strategy in the synthesis of complex natural products. In this review, we will cover carbon–nitrogen bond formation via radical decarboxylation of carboxylic acids, Barton esters, MPDOC esters, N–hydroxyphthalimide esters (NHP esters), oxime esters, aryliodine(III) dicarboxylates, and others, respectively. This review aims to bring readers a comprehensive survey of the development in this rapidly expanding field. We hope that this review will emphasize the knowledge, highlight the proposed mechanisms, and further disclose the fascinating features in modern synthetic applications.
Correction: Monaco et al. Chiral Phase Transfer Catalysis in the Asymmetric Synthesis of a 3,3-Disubstituted Isoindolinone and Determination of Its Absolute Configuration by VCD Spectroscopy. Molecules 2020, 25, 2272
Authors: Monaco Guglielmo , Tiffner Maximilian , Di Mola Antonia , Herrebout Wouter , Waser Mario , Massa Antonio
Published: May 2023

In this note, we report a correction to the published article, Molecules 2020, 25, 2272 [...]
Nanoemulsion-Based Multilayer Films for Ground Beef Preservation: Antimicrobial Activity and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Baghi Fatemeh , Ghnimi Sami , Dumas Emilie , Chihib Nour-Eddine , Gharsallaoui Adem
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to improve the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of a monolayer pectin (P) film containing nanoemulsified trans-Cinnamaldehyde (TC) by incorporating it between inner and outer layers of ethylcellulose (EC). The nanoemulsion had an average size of 103.93 nm and a zeta potential of −46 mV. The addition of the nanoemulsion increased the opacity of the film, reduced its moisture absorption capacity, and improved its antimicrobial activity. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the pectin films decreased after the incorporation of nanoemulsions. Multilayer films (EC/P/EC) showed a higher resistance to breaking and better extensibility compared to monolayer films. The antimicrobial activity of both mono and multilayer films was effective in inhibiting the growth of foodborne bacteria during storage of ground beef patties at 8 °C for 10 days. This study suggests that biodegradable antimicrobial multilayer packaging films can be effectively designed and applied in the food packaging industry.
Review of Recent Developments in the Fabrication of ZnO/CdS Heterostructure Photocatalysts for Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Nadikatla Santhosh Kumar , Chintada Vinod Babu , Gurugubelli Thirumala Rao , Koutavarapu Ravindranadh
Published: May 2023

Researchers have recently paid a lot of attention to semiconductor photocatalysts, especially ZnO-based heterostructures. Due to its availability, robustness, and biocompatibility, ZnO is a widely researched material in the fields of photocatalysis and energy storage. It is also environmentally beneficial. However, the wide bandgap energy and quick recombination of the photoinduced electron–hole pairs of ZnO limit its practical utility. To address these issues, many techniques have been used, such as the doping of metal ions and the creation of binary or ternary composites. Recent studies showed that ZnO/CdS heterostructures outperformed bare ZnO and CdS nanostructures in terms of photocatalytic performance when exposed to visible light. This review largely concentrated on the ZnO/CdS heterostructure production process and its possible applications including the degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evaluation. The importance of synthesis techniques such as bandgap engineering and controlled morphology was highlighted. In addition, the prospective uses of ZnO/CdS heterostructures in the realm of photocatalysis and the conceivable photodegradation mechanism were examined. Lastly, ZnO/CdS heterostructures’ challenges and prospects for the future have been discussed.
High-Performance Dual-Ion Battery Based on Silicon–Graphene Composite Anode and Expanded Graphite Cathode
Authors: Liu Guoshun , Liu Xuhui , Ma Xingdong , Tang Xiaoqi , Zhang Xiaobin , Dong Jianxia , Ma Yunfei , Zang Xiaobei , Cao Ning , Shao Qingguo
Published: May 2023

Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) are a new kind of energy storage device that store energy involving the intercalation of both anions and cations on the cathode and anode simultaneously. They feature high output voltage, low cost, and good safety. Graphite was usually used as the cathode electrode because it could accommodate the intercalation of anions (i.e., PF6−, BF4−, ClO4−) at high cut-off voltages (up to 5.2 V vs. Li+/Li). The alloying-type anode of Si can react with cations and boost an extreme theoretic storage capacity of 4200 mAh g−1. Therefore, it is an efficient method to improve the energy density of DIBs by combining graphite cathodes with high-capacity silicon anodes. However, the huge volume expansion and poor electrical conductivity of Si hinders its practical application. Up to now, there have been only a few reports about exploring Si as an anode in DIBs. Herein, we prepared a strongly coupled silicon and graphene composite (Si@G) anode through in-situ electrostatic self-assembly and a post-annealing reduction process and investigated it as an anode in full DIBs together with home-made expanded graphite (EG) as a fast kinetic cathode. Half-cell tests showed that the as-prepared Si@G anode could retain a maximum specific capacity of 1182.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, whereas the bare Si anode only maintained 435.8 mAh g−1. Moreover, the full Si@G//EG DIBs achieved a high energy density of 367.84 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 855.43 W kg−1. The impressed electrochemical performances could be ascribed to the controlled volume expansion and improved conductivity as well as matched kinetics between the anode and cathode. Thus, this work offers a promising exploration for high energy DIBs.
Human Middle Ear Anatomy Based on Micro-Computed Tomography and Reconstruction: An Immersive Virtual Reality Development
Authors: Cheng Kai , Curthoys Ian , MacDougall Hamish , Clark Jonathan Robert , Mukherjee Payal
Published: May 2023

Background: For almost a decade, virtual reality (VR) has been employed in otology simulation. The realism and accuracy of traditional three-dimensional (3D) mesh models of the middle ear from clinical CT have suffered because of their low resolution. Although micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging overcomes resolution issues, its usage in virtual reality platforms has been limited due to the high computational requirements. The aim of this study was to optimize a high-resolution 3D human middle ear mesh model suitable for viewing and manipulation in an immersive VR environment using an HTC VIVE VR headset (HTC and Valve Corporation, USA) to enable a seamless middle ear anatomical visualisation viewing experience in VR while preserving anatomical accuracy. Methods: A high-resolution 3D mesh model of the human middle ear was reconstructed using micro-CT data with 28 μm voxel resolution. The models were optimised by tailoring the surface model polygon counts, file size, loading time, and frame rate. Results: The optimized middle ear model and its surrounding structures (polygon counts reduced from 21 million polygons to 2.5 million) could be uploaded and visualised in immersive VR at 82 frames per second with no VR-related motion sickness reported. Conclusion: High-resolution micro-CT data can be visualized in an immersive VR environment after optimisation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on overcoming the translational hurdle in middle ear applications of VR.
Breaking the Body of Evangelical Whiteness: A Womanist Ethic of Encounter for Faith-Based Anti-Trafficking Work
Authors: Symmonds Nicole S.
Published: May 2023

For the last thirty years, white evangelical Christians have been one of the most prominent groups in the anti-trafficking movement in North America. Whether advocating for policy changes on behalf of survivors, interacting with populations vulnerable to sexual exploitation, or staging rescues, these moral actors use Christian religious practices and values to respond to trafficking and commercial sex work. Anti-trafficking work is coated with and coded by evangelical whiteness, which uses the norms of sexual, social, and racial purity in their interactions with and recovery of trafficking victims and survivors. In response to the white evangelical stronghold on anti-trafficking interventions, the womanist ethic of encounter utilizes womanist frameworks to center the historical realities lived experience of Black women and talk back to the history of evangelical whiteness in anti-trafficking work. Secondly, it focuses on how to interact with the holistic body of Black women in the urban mission field of anti-trafficking. Finally, the womanist ethic of encounter seeks to bridge the gap between the Protestant moralistic centering of the word of the Gospel that coats rescue and recovery efforts and asserts a Catholic centering of the Eucharist to clarify the power of sacrificing and breaking the body of whiteness in anti-trafficking work.
Unsilencing the Echoes of Historical Trauma: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Riley Lorinda , Suʻesuʻe Anamalia , Ravida Meldrick
Published: May 2023

Indigenous communities in North America have distinct colonial histories with their own story of how their ancestors were able to survive the mass effort to take their land, resources, language, culture, and sometimes even their lives. These stories have been passed down orally and through the DNA of the descendants of survivors via epigenetics. The Historical Loss Scale (HLS) and Historical Loss Associated Symptoms Scale (HLASS) are two validated scales that measure historical trauma among Native Americans. However, as different Indigenous communities have different colonial histories, it is critical to ensure that tools used to measure historical trauma are valid for that specific communities. When these scales are applied to Native Hawaiians, these measures may not provide an accurate picture of the historical trauma experienced by Native Hawaiians. As part of the effort to adapt the HLS for Native Hawaiians, we conducted a crosswalk analysis of the HLS and HLASS with a recent study on Native Hawaiian historical trauma (NHHT) to identify areas of overlap and divergence. We found that while there was significant overlap, several areas of divergence emerged likely stemming from the unique colonial histories of different Indigenous communities.
Münîb Efendinin el-Kavlü’s-Sedîd fî Ahkâmi’t-Taklîd Adlı Eserinin Tahkiki
Authors: ERGİN Burak
Published: May 2023

Münîb Efendi (1854-1925) Ezher’de eğitimini tamamlısının ardından İstanbul’a gitmiş, burada Meşihattaki Osmanlı uleması ile tanıştıktan sonra Meclis-i Tedkikat-ı Şer‘iyye komisyonunda aza olarak göreve başlamıştır. Bu görevi esnasında, ilmiyeye mensub Tevfik Efendi kendisinden taklitle ilgili bir risale kaleme almasını istemiştir. Bu talebe olumlu cevap veren Münîb Efendi, risalesini Osmanlı devletinde kanunlaştırma faaliyetlerinin ve bu kanunlarda farklı mezheplerden istifade edilip edilemeyeceğine dair tartışmaların bulunduğu bir atmosferde yazmıştır. Dolayısıyla risale, o günkü tartışmalara mütevazı bir katkı sağlamıştır. Onun risalesi, taklidin şartları başlığı altında zayıf görüşle amel, mezhepler arası intikal, ruhsatlara tabi olma ve telfik konularını içermektedir. Farklı mezheplerin taklidi, tetebbuu’r-ruhas konularına olumlu bakan Münîb Efendi, icmâya muhalif olmadığı müddetçe telfike de izin vermiştir. Biz bu çalışmamızda hala yazma halinde bulunan Münîb Efendinin el-Kavlü’s-Sedîd fî Ahkâmi’t-Taklîd adlı eserini tahkik edeceğiz. Her ne kadar yazma kataloglarında risalenin iki nüshasından bahsedilse de bunlara ulaşamadığımız için bu tahkiki tespit edebildiğimiz tek bir nüshadan yapacağız.
Med Miktarlarının Takdirinde Kullanılan Ölçü Birimleri ve Bunlara Dair Farklı Yaklaşımların İncelenmesi
Authors: PİLGİR Muhammed
Published: May 2023

Bu makalede, med süreleri için takdir edilen ölçü birimleri hakkında kıraat literatüründe ortaya çıkan farklı yaklaşımlar tetkik edilmiştir. Muteber med ekollerinden “üç elif ekolü” ile “beş elif ekolü”nün uygulamaları zahiren farklı sonuçlar vermesine rağmen bunlar keyfiyet itibarıyla ayniyet arz etmektedir. Fakat bu konudaki farklı uygulamalar, kıraat ilmiyle iştigal edenler de dâhil olmak üzere, zihinleri bulandıran bir meseledir. Bundan hareketle mezkûr konunun aydınlatılması ve hakkındaki muğlaklıkların giderilmesi çalışmanın hedeflerindendir. Nitekim bu çalışmada med ölçü birimleri hakkındaki farklılıkların ve bunların mahiyetleri bakımından durumlarının izah edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçlar doğrultusunda konunun kıraat literatüründeki panoraması resmedilmeye çalışılmıştır. Yapılan çalışma neticesinde üç farklı med ekolü belirlenmiş ve ulema nezdinde bu üç ekolden “üç elif ekolü” ile “beş elif ekolü”nün muteber olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Her ne kadar bu ekollerin kullanımlarında maddi farklılıklar olsa da bunların mahiyet itibarıyla ayniyet arz ettikleri saptanmıştır.
Educational activities on medical issues for the population in Ekaterinoslav province zemstvo territories
Authors: Arzamanov Oleksii ,   Mariupol State University
Published: May 2023

The article studies educational activities on medical issues for the population on the territories of Ekaterinoslav province at the time of zemstvo reform functioning. The sources of the study are reports on medical and sanitary situation from different levels of zemstvo administration, materials of the doctors’ conventions and assemblies at that time and reports of civilian organizations that carried out educational activities. It is stated, that zemstvo reform educational activities for the people on medical issues went through several stages. This process started from personal consultations by doctors and publishing orders for decease prevention and later developed, despite difficulties, into more active forms such as organization of the periodical lectures and exhibitions, which remained popular with the populace. Educational activities were also carried out through other means, with the help of daycares and medical and food stations. Zemstvo also supported financially civilian organizations. Ekaterinoslav province was one of the first that implemented new methods of medical education for the populace and was relatively successful in that regard. However, we cannot assess statistical result of these educational activities, because of their late implementation and canceling of the zemstvo system, which followed soon after that.
Mapeamento e classificação da mancha urbana da cidade de Feira de Santana-BA com uso de imagens SENTINEL-2 e aprendizagem de máquina
Authors: Da Silva Lorena Souza , Peixoto João Paulo Just , Fernandez Basílio , Lima Thyago Anthony Soares , Sampaio Diane de Oliveira , Rosa Marcos Reis , Vasconcelos Rodrigo de Nogueira
Published: May 2023

Os estudos de áreas urbanas tornam-se cada vez mais importantes com o crescimento populacional vertiginoso e consequentemente o aumento da malha urbana para supri-lo  com o aumento de suas populações. Investigar estes locais através do sensoriamento remoto exige não somente o habitual conhecimento do objeto de estudo, mas também o uso de ferramentas estatísticas que apresentem uma validação confiável dos resultados obtidos. Com o objetivo de detectar as mudanças na mancha urbana da cidade de Feira de Santana, BA, este artigo faz uso do algoritmo de aprendizado de máquina Random Forest aplicado a uma coleção de imagens do satélite Sentinel-2 entre 2019 e 2021, para classificar a área construída dentro do perímetro dos bairros da cidade em prédios e residências. O script desenvolvido no Google Earth Engine (GEE) obteve uma acurácia global de 86%, que resulta em uma imagem satisfatória da mancha urbana da cidade.
Avaliações externas e administração escolar: controle e emancipação
Authors: De Carvalho Lilian Silva , Nascente Renata Maria Moschen
Published: May 2023

Este artigo objetiva analisar os efeitos das avaliações externas na administração de escolas públicas brasileiras de educação básica. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, documental, com a metodologia de análise de conteúdo das publicações da Revista Brasileira de Política e Administração da Educação – RBPAE, entre 2000 e 2019. Os resultados evidenciaram que as avaliações externas regulam as práticas de administração escolar, podendo estar a serviço da emancipação ou do controle.
Salimenaea and Troncosoa (Verbenaceae, Lantaneae), Two New Monotypic Genera from Southern South America
Authors: O'Leary Nataly , Moroni Pablo , Lu-Irving Patricia , Mirra Fabiana , Olmstead Richard G.
Published: May 2023

Salimenaea N. O’Leary & P. Moroni and Troncosoa N. O’Leary & P. Moroni (Verbenaceae), two new monotypic genera containing species historically treated under Lippia L. and Acantholippia Griseb., respectively, are described here. These new genera reconcile the taxonomy of tribe Lantaneae with the evidence so far reached by morphological studies and molecular phylogenetics. Consequently, the combinations S. integrifolia (Griseb.) N. O’Leary & P. Moroni and T. seriphioides (A. Gray) N. O’Leary & P. Moroni are here proposed for two species endemic to Argentina–Bolivia and to Argentina, respectively. Complete generic and species descriptions are included, plus a geographic distribution map, photographs, and line art illustrations. Additionally, the morphological features distinguishing the new genera from other closely related taxa are discussed, and a key to currently recognized genera of Lantaneae is presented.
Detección molecular de Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus en naranjo agrio (Citrus aurantium L.) en el norte de Tamaulipas, México
Authors: Ojeda María Genoveva Álvarez , Quibrera Cynthia Guadalupe Rodríguez , Arreola Roberto Omar Castañeda , León Isidro Humberto Almeyda
Published: May 2023

El Huanglongbing (HLB), es una de las enfermedades más devastadoras de los cítricos a nivel mundial, el agente causal es una bacteria del género Candidatus Liberibacter spp., y afecta a todas las especies de cítricos, especialmente los cítricos agrios. Actualmente se han confirmado tres especies de la bacteria: Ca. L. asiáticus, Ca. L. americanus y Ca. L. africanus. Esta bacteria es transmitida por dos insectos vectores: Diaphorina citri (América y Asia) y Trioza erytrae (África), lo que favorece su rápida y eficaz diseminación, ocasionando cuantiosas pérdidas económicas, así como problemas sociales y ambientales. En este trabajo se realizó la optimización de la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa punto final y Tiempo Real (PCR punto final y PCR-TR) para la detección de HLB en naranjo agrio en la zona norte del estado de Tamaulipas, México. Se procesaron 178 muestras (168 fueron de nervadura central de la hoja, ocho de raíz y dos muestras del vector). Mediante PCR punto final se detectó a la bacteria a partir del DNA extraído de hoja, pero no se detectó en el DNA extraído a partir de raíz y del vector. Mediante la PCR-TR se detectó a la bacteria a partir del ADN extraído de hoja y raíz de naranjo agrio y del insecto vector. Estos resultados demuestran que la PCR-TR es más eficiente que la PCR punto final para la detección de la bacteria en diferentes tejidos de la planta de naranjo agrio y en el insecto vector.
Densidade populacional de perfilhos em Brachiaria spp submetidos a fontes e doses de adubação nitrogenada
Authors: De Lucena Márcia Atauri Cardelli , Gutmanis Gunta
Published: May 2023

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de fontes e doses de nitrogênio aplicadas em quatro genótipos de braquiária: Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã e dois híbridos múltiplos, intra e interespecíficos apomíticos de Brachiaria spp sobre a densidade populacional de perfilhos. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos completos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 2 x 4, quatro genótipos de braquiária, duas fontes (ureia e nitrato de amônio) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 75, 150 ou 225 mg/dm3), com cinco repetições, totalizando 160 vasos de cerâmica com capacidade para 3,34 dm3 de terra. A densidade populacional de perfilhos foi influenciada positivamente pelo uso da adubação nitrogenada, que pode alterar padrões de crescimento e estrutura do dossel. Os híbridos H69 e H12 apresentaram características estruturais em relação ao perfilhamento que os validam positivamente como novas opções para as pastagens. O nitrato de amônio foi mais eficiente que a ureia, por proporcionar maior perfilhamento basal para os híbridos H69 e H12 no primeiro corte e na rebrota de Piatã e Marandu.
Expresión de la proteína B8Y674 Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus mediante electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida (page) y dot blot
Authors: Ojeda María Genoveva Álvarez , Quibrera Cynthia Guadalupe Rodríguez , Arreola Roberto Omar Castañeda , León Isidro Humberto Almeyda
Published: May 2023

El Huanglongbing (HLB), es una de las enfermedades más devastadoras de los cítricos a nivel mundial y representa una seria amenaza para la citricultura mexicana. El agente causal es una bacteria incultivable que pertenece al género Candidatus Liberibacter spp. y afecta a todas las especies de cítricos, especialmente los cítricos agrios. Para su detección, se emplean técnicas moleculares como es la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (QT-PCR), técnicas serológicas y espectrofotométricas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue expresar la proteína recombinante BY8743 de Candidatus Liberibacter mediante electroforesis en geles de poliacrilamida al 12 % (PAGE) y Dot Blot. Para obtener la secuencia se acudió a la base de datos del National Center Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Una vez obtenida la secuencia, se revisó y modificó el marco de lectura abierto, por sus siglas en ingles Open Reading Frame (ORF) mediante el programa CLC Main Workbench 7 y se procedió a sintetizar el vector pET22b+, también se verificó el codón de inicio y de termino acoplado al vector. Para la transformación se usaron células comerciales One Shot® TOP10 Chemically Competent (InvitrogenTM), posteriormente fueron subclonadas en células de E. coli BL21. Se realizaron minipreparaciones usando un método de lisis alcalina y además se realizó una cinética de crecimiento, observando que en tres horas se alcanza la fase estacionaria. Se aplicaron concentraciones de 0.5, 0.8 y 1 mM del inductor metabólico isopropil-β-D-1-tiogalactopiranósido (IPTG) y la mejor concentración fue 1 mM, ya que a las cuatro horas después de su aplicación se pudo visualizar una proteína sobreexpresada de 38 kDa. Cuando se realizó el Dot Blot se obtuvieron resultados sobresalientes de inmunoexpresión en las tres concentraciones del inductor utilizado a diferencia del control y de las células sin transfectar.
A Study on Knowledge and Awareness of M-Learning among the Teachers of Higher Education
Authors: Murugesan B
Published: May 2023

Higher education is tertiary education leading to award of an academic degree. Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after completion of secondary education. It represents levels 6, 7 and 8 of the 2011 version of the International Standard Classification of Education structure. Tertiary education at a non-degree level is sometimes referred to as further education or continuing education as distinct from higher education. Nowadays, m-learning services are interesting and very recent addition as a new vital platform for the higher education environment. This study explored the requirement for utilizing m-learning services in the higher education environment. Moreover, it provided the knowledge base about the current state of students’ awareness about m-learning services. Both of the environment and the infrastructure are appropriate to diffuse m-learning in the higher education environment. The results indicate that the higher education environment has the required infrastructure to utilize m-learning services. Furthermore, the results show that the teachers have adequate knowledge and awareness to use such technology in their education environment. However, the barriers and obstacles that could be faced during the actual use of mobile learning should be considered. Literature shows that while the limitations of mobile technology are reducing over time, the capabilities are going on increasingly. This study shows that the limitations of m-learning for education are well concerned by teachers. However, Mobile wirelesses technology use in higher education will keep growing and will become the choice of the learning environment. This study is part of research to investigate adoption and diffusion of m-learning services among teachers in the higher education environment.
Techno-pedagogical Skills of Prospective Teacher Educators
Authors: Rajalakshmi R
Published: May 2023

In teacher education, Techno-pedagogical skills involves the development of knowledge and skills for using general computer applications, learning specific software programs and internet tools confidently and competently. Directly or indirectly teacher education programme will benefit from techno pedagogical skills. Technological pedagogical content knowledge extends beyond proficiency with technology for personal use to an understanding of how technology can be integrated with subject matter and the technology itself. Therefore, the teachers of the present generation should not only have content and pedagogy knowledge, they also should be well versed in technology and to transact knowledge to the students of the current digital society. In the present study the investigator is intended to study the Techno-pedagogical skills of Prospective Teacher Educators. The investigator used purposive random sampling technique for selecting the sample. The sample of the study is Prospective Teacher Educators studying in the M. Ed. colleges affiliated to Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, Chennai, Tamil Nādu. The percentage analysis shows that the Level ofT echno-Pedagogical skills of Prospective Teacher Educators is average. The ‘t’ test results reveal that there is no significant difference in the Techno-Pedagogical skills of the Male and Female Prospective Teacher Educators, but the female Prospective Teacher Educators are slightly better than the male Prospective Teacher Educators. It is also found out there is no significant difference in the Techno-Pedagogical skills of the Under-graduate and Post-graduate Prospective Teacher Educators. Further, it is therefore concluded that the Under-graduate Prospective Teacher Educators are slightly better than the Post-graduate Prospective Teacher Educator sintheir Techno-Pedagogical skills. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers should be competent enough to use ICT effectively in the classroom situation. Digital technology helps a teacher for being an effective technology user, a lifelong learner in advanced ways, make effective technological pedagogical content knowledge as well as an effective mentor and facilitator.