bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Genetic Structure and Hybridization of Schistosoma haematobium in Nigeria
Authors: Onyekwere Amos Mathias , Rey Olivier , Allienne Jean-François , Nwanchor Monday Chukwu , Alo Moses , Uwa Clementina , Boissier Jerome
Published: April 2022

Background: Schistosomiasis is a major poverty-related disease caused by dioecious parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma with a health impact on both humans and animals. Hybrids of human urogenital schistosome and bovine intestinal schistosome have been reported in humans in several of Nigeria’s neighboring West African countries. No empirical studies have been carried out on the genomic diversity of Schistosoma haematobium in Nigeria. Here, we present novel data on the presence and prevalence of hybrids and the population genetic structure of S. haematobium. Methods: 165 Schistosoma-positive urine samples were obtained from 12 sampling sites in Nigeria. Schistosoma haematobium eggs from each sample were hatched and each individual miracidium was picked and preserved in Whatman® FTA cards for genomic analysis. Approximately 1364 parasites were molecularly characterized by rapid diagnostic multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RD-PCR) for mitochondrial DNA gene (Cox1 mtDNA) and a subset of 1136 miracidia were genotyped using a panel of 18 microsatellite markers. Results: No significant difference was observed in the population genetic diversity (p > 0.05), though a significant difference was observed in the allelic richness of the sites except sites 7, 8, and 9 (p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed two clusters of populations: west (populations 1–4) and east (populations 7–12). Of the 1364 miracidia genotyped, 1212 (89%) showed an S. bovis Cox1 profile and 152 (11%) showed an S. haematobium cox1 profile. All parasites showed an S. bovis Cox1 profile except for some at sites 3 and 4. Schistosoma miracidia full genotyping showed 59.3% of the S. bovis ITS2 allele. Conclusions: This study provides novel insight into hybridization and population genetic structure of S. haematobium in Nigeria. Our findings suggest that S. haematobium x S. bovis hybrids are common in Nigeria. More genomic studies on both human- and animal-infecting parasites are needed to ascertain the role of animals in schistosome transmission.
MeNINV1: An Alkaline/Neutral Invertase Gene of Manihot esculenta, Enhanced Sucrose Catabolism and Promoted Plant Vegetative Growth in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Ya-Jie , Zhen Xing-Hou , Zhou Yang-Jiao , Wang Yun-Lin , Hou Jing-Yi , Wang Xin , Li Rui-Mei , Liu Jiao , Hu Xin-Wen , Geng Meng-Ting , Yao Yuan , Guo Jian-Chun
Published: April 2022

Alkaline/neutral invertase (A/N-INV) is an invertase that irreversibly decomposes sucrose into fructose as well as glucose and plays a role in plant growth and development, starch synthesis, abiotic stress, and other plant-life activities. Cassava is an economically important starch crop in tropical regions. During the development of cassava tuber roots, A/N-INV activity is relatively high, which indicates that it may participate in sucrose metabolism and starch synthesis. In this study, MeNINV1 was confirmed to function as invertase to catalyze sucrose decomposition in yeast. The optimal enzymatic properties of MeNINV1 were a pH of 6.5, a reaction temperature of 40 °C, and sucrose as its specific catalytic substrate. VB6, Zn2+, and Pb2+ at low concentrations as well as EDTA, DTT, Tris, Mg2+, and fructose inhibited A/N-INV enzymic activity. In cassava, the MeNINV1 gene was mainly expressed in the fibrous roots and the tuber root phloem, and its expression decreased as the tuber root grew. MeNINV1 was confirmed to localize in chloroplasts. In Arabidopsis, MeNINV1-overexpressing Arabidopsis had higher A/N-INV activity, and the increased glucose, fructose, and starch content in the leaves promoted plant growth and delayed flowering time but did not change its resistance to abiotic stress. Our results provide new insights into the biological function of MeNINV1.
Unravelling the Genetic Architecture of Rust Resistance in the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by Combining QTL-Seq and GWAS Analysis
Authors: Wu Xinyi , Wang Baogen , Xin Yan , Wang Ying , Tian Shuo , Wang Jian , Wu Xiaohua , Lu Zhongfu , Qi Xinjiang , Xu Liming , Li Guojing
Published: April 2022

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume crop directly used for human consumption worldwide. Bean rust, caused by Uromyces appendiculatus, is a devastating disease and usually causes severe loss of seed yield and pod quality. Deployment of resistant cultivars is the best strategy to combat this disease. However, despite being the largest snap bean-producing country, the genetic basis research of rust resistance has largely lagged in China. In this study, an RIL population and a diversity panel were evaluated for rust resistance against a purified rust isolate Cua-LS using a detached leaf assay. Deploying a QTL-Seq analysis in the RIL population, a 1.81 Mb interval on chromosome 4, a 2.73 Mb interval on chromosome 5 and a 1.26 Mb interval on chromosome 6 were identified as major QTLs for rust resistance, designated as Qur-1, Qur-2 and Qur-3, respectively. Through a GWAS diversity panel, 64 significant SNPs associated with rust resistance were detected, distributed in all 11 chromosomes and explaining 19–49% of the phenotypic variation. Synteny analysis showed that Qur-2 was validated in GWAS, but the rust QTL/SNPs detected in our study were different from the known genes, except Ur-11. A total of 114 candidate genes, including the typical NBS-LRR genes, protein kinase superfamily proteins and ABC transporter family proteins, were identified and proposed as the likely candidates. The identified 17 resistant accessions will enrich the resistant germplasm resources, and the detected QTLs/SNPs will facilitate the molecular breeding of rust resistance in the common bean.
Control of Erwinia amylovora Growth by Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts: In Vitro and in Planta Effects
Authors: Fontana Riccardo , Macchi Giovanna , Caproni Anna , Sicurella Mariaconcetta , Buratto Mattia , Salvatori Francesca , Pappadà Mariangela , Manfredini Stefano , Baldisserotto Anna , Marconi Peggy
Published: April 2022

Erwinia amylovora (EA) is a phytopathogenic bacterium, the causative agent of bacterial fire blight, a disease that affects Rosaceaes. In order to replace antibiotics and copper, the antimicrobial activity of three extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam., methanolic (MeOH-MOE), hydroalcoholic (HA-MOE) and hydroalcoholic with maltodextrins (HAMD-MOE), was tested on eleven strains of EA isolated from apple trees by the Emilia-Romagna Phytosanitary Department. MIC and MBC have been evaluated; biofilm formation, swarming motility and amylovoran production were performed with the crystalviolet, soft-agar assay and the amylovoran method. All extracts demonstrated bacteriostatic activity at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, resulting in a 80% reduction in biofilm formation. HAMD-MOE, MeOH-MOE and HA-MOE caused an inhibition of motility of 60%, 65% and 30% after 6 days and a decrease in amylovoran synthesis of 84%, 63% and 93%, respectively. In planta results showed how the compounds were able to inhibit EA virulence on apple trees, mainly if they were applied as a preventive treatment, although the treatment showed a significant reduction in fire blight symptoms progression. The antibacterial activity of the extracts is mainly due to the high concentration of polyphenolic compounds detected in the extracts that was able to alter the permeability of bacterial membrane, resulting in slowing the synthesis of ATP and consequently of all ATP-dependent functions, such as motility and less selectivity towards harmful compounds, which can, thus, enter the cytoplasm and inhibit enzymes involved in replication and quorum sensing. The efficacy, eco-compatibility and low cost make such extracts a potential tool for the control of bacterial fire blight.
A Review of the Application of Resorcinarenes and SBA-15 in Drug Delivery
Authors: Galindres Diana M. , Cifuentes Diego , Tinoco Luz Elena , Murillo-Acevedo Yesid , Rodrigo M. Melia , Ribeiro Ana C. F. , Esteso Miguel A.
Published: April 2022

Due to the diseases that people face today, scientists dedicate a part of their research to the synthesis, characterization, and study of functional compounds for controlled drug delivery. On the one hand, resorcinarenes are macrocycles obtained by condensation reactions of resorcinol and aldehyde. They include an upper and a lower rim functioning with different groups that confer solubility to the macrocycle and favor interactions with other compounds, therefore the hydroxyl groups on the upper rim improve the formation of hydrogen bonds. Additionally, resorcinarenes feature a cavity studied for forming host-guest complexes. SBA-15, on the other hand, is a mesoporous silica characterized by ordered pores in its structure and a large surface area. As a result of its properties, it has been used for several purposes, including absorbents, drug delivery, catalysis, and environmental processes. This review shows the recent advances in synthesis methods, characterization, micelle formation, interaction with other compounds, and host-guest procedures, as well as techniques for evaluating toxicity, drug retention, and their preliminary uses in pharmacology for macrocycles, such as resorcin[4]arenes and SBA-15.
Study on Calculation Method for Wellbore Pressure in Gas Wells with Large Liquid Production
Authors: Cheng Yang , Wu Ruidong , Liao Ruiquan , Liu Zilong
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the inaccuracy in the calculation of the wellbore pressure distribution caused by large liquid production in the Donghai gas field, the gas–liquid production conditions of the Donghai gas field were simulated with indoor experiments, and the flow patterns for different pipe diameters, different inclinations, and different flow patterns were systematically analyzed using a flow pattern discrimination method, liquid holdup calculation method, and pressure drop calculation method. Using the experimental data, the division methods for different flow patterns were screened. Finally, based on the fact that the change trend for the flow patterns was consistent, the Kaya–Sarica–Brill method was selected to establish the flow pattern discrimination formula. According to the calculation method for the Mukherjee and Brill (M–B) liquid holdup, the M–B model was re-established according to a 75 mm pipe diameter and 60 mm pipe diameter using the instantaneous liquid holdup measured in the laboratory. Through the comparison and analysis of the measured data and the calculated data for the Beggs and Brill (B–B_ pressure drop model under the same working conditions, it was found that when the B–B model was applied to different angles and different gas–liquid ratios, the error decreased with an increase in the angle and increased with a decrease in the gas–liquid ratio. After verifying the correlation of different dimensionless numbers that can characterize the gas–liquid ratio, it was considered that the introduction of the Reynolds number into the original model could greatly improve the accuracy of the calculation, so a new pressure drop calculation model was established. The new pressure drop calculation model takes into account the two parameters of the well deviation angle and gas–liquid ratio. The accuracy was greatly improved, as verified by field measurements in four wells.
Paracetamol-Induced Hypothermia in Rodents: A Review on Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Coman Laurențiu , Păunescu Horia , Ghiță Cristina Isabel Viorica , Țincu Radu Ciprian , Vasile Sorina , Cinteza Delia , Fulga Ion , Coman Oana Andreia
Published: April 2022

Paracetamol can induce hypothermia in humans and rodents. The study’s aim is to review the mechanisms of paracetamol-induced hypothermia in rodents or the results issued from in vitro studies on the same species’ tissues (in doses that do not produce hepatic impairment) using the latest developments published in scientific journals over the last 15 years. Available human studies are also analysed. An extensive search in PubMed databases exploring the hypothermic response to paracetamol was conducted. 4669 articles about paracetamol’s effects on body temperature in mice or rats were found. After applying additional filters, 20 articles were selected for review, with 9 of them presented in tabular forms. The analysis of these articles found that the hypothermic effect of paracetamol is due to the inhibition of a cyclooxygenase-1 variant, is potentiated by endothelin receptor antagonists, and can be mediated through GABAA receptors and possibly through transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 via N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine in the central nervous system. Human studies confirm the in vivo and in vitro experiments in rodents regarding the presence of a hypothermic effect after high, non-toxic doses of paracetamol. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind paracetamol’s hypothermic effect in humans.
The Use and Reception of the Prophets in the New Testament
Authors: Moyise Steve
Published: April 2022

This article explores the use of the Prophets in the New Testament by looking at explicit quotations, clusters of allusions and narrative patterns. It shows that the NT authors applied the Prophets to a range of issues, such as God’s inclusion of the Gentiles, as well as key events in Jesus’ life. It also demonstrates that they generally used a Greek translation of the Prophets, though sometimes a revised or indeed Christian version of the text. Like the Jews of Alexandria, they believed that this was inspired by God, though that did not prevent them modifying the text to make the application seem more obvious to the readers.
Asymmetry in Confession as a Cause of Sexual and Spiritual Violence—Dogma Historical Resources for Making Changes to Confession in Terms of Clerical and Sacramental Theology
Authors: Werner Gunda
Published: April 2022

The dynamic and asymmetry of a pastoral situation is intensified by the Catholic theological rules to the extent that the confession may only be heard by an ordained man. It is particularly the priest’s sole right to pronounce absolution that compounds spiritual dependency in terms of the personal relationship with God that the sin fundamentally impairs. I shall take dogmatic decisions and attrition—to indicate potential for change that could make the confessional, which is still an important place for some women, a possibly less dangerous place. These changes would be: Precisely, because the pastoral system, in its asymmetrical relationship in confession, is a place for passive, suffered and active vulnerability, it is essential for the priest to be aware of his own weaknesses and vulnerability. The liturgy could be used to change the concentration on the one form of confession and with it the focus on the priest. Making dogmatic changes to confession should aim to compensate for the asymmetry and vulnerability of the situation as such, thus focusing on protecting the person, rather than on the sacrament.
Early Religious Zionism and Erudition Concerning the Temple and Sacrifices
Authors: Hershkowitz Isaac
Published: April 2022

Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalisher’s messianic innovations asserted the centrality of a renewal of offerings on the altar to the creation of a linear path to redemption. Despite the common convention, his ideas were not disregarded by his peers and followers. In fact, while his ideas did not predetermine the rabbinic discourse, halakhic questions concerning the rebuilding of the Temple and its laws became quite popular and common. Surprisingly, lay figures, as well as several Talmudic scholars, kept this messianic idea alive. Indeed, from the second half of the nineteenth century onwards, such figures published numerous works calling for concrete efforts to rebuild the Temple and renew the offerings. These findings shed light on the renewed religious Zionist interest in this method of reconnecting with God and promoting the final redemption, which is neither new, nor does it deviate from known and publicly articulated ideas.
Physiological and Behavioral Reactions of Simmental Dairy Cows to Increasing Heat Load on Pasture
Authors: Schmeling Lara , Thurner Stefan , Erhard Michael , Rauch Elke
Published: April 2022

Climate change is accompanied by temperatures exceeding the thermal comfort zone of dairy cows, resulting in numerous consequences for production and welfare. Early detection of heat load enables taking countermeasures and can be realized using monitoring systems. We aimed at investigating heat load-induced changes in the behavior and physiology of grazing Simmental cows. Data were collected on five (round 1; r1) and eight (round 2; r2) consecutive days on a dairy farm combining a freestall barn with permanent access to pasture. Weather data, respiration rate, milk yield, milk composition, and fecal cortisol of eleven (r1) and thirteen (r2) cows were collected. The behavior of five animals was recorded with collar-based monitoring systems. Previously reported thresholds of different weather indices were exceeded on two days in r1 and on four days in r2. Under heat load, respiration rate and somatic cell count increased. Fecal cortisol did not change in r1 but increased steadily in r2. Grazing time decreased in r1. Rumination mainly occurred at night in both rounds, and its synchrony decreased in r2. Although limited by sample size, our results give a first impression on heat load induced physiological and behavioral reactions of Simmental dairy cows on pasture.
Effect of Internal Vortex-Finder on Classification Performance for Double Vortex-Finder Hydrocyclone
Authors: Zhang Yuekan , Ge Jiangbo , Jiang Lanyue , Wang Hui , Duan Yaoxu
Published: April 2022

The double vortex-finder hydrocyclone formed by a coaxial insertion of an internal vortex-finder with a smaller diameter inside the conventional single vortex-finder used to obtain two kinds of products from the internal and external overflows in one classification has attracted wide attention. To further improve the classification performance of the hydrocyclone, the effects of the internal vortex-finder diameter and length on the classification performance were studied by numerical simulation and response surface modeling with the behavior of fluid and particle motion in the double vortex-finder hydrocyclone as the research object. The results showed that the split ratio and pressure drop of internal and external overflow increased with the diameter of the internal vortex-finder. The classification performance was optimal when the diameter ratio of internal and external overflow was 0.88, the yield of −20 μm particles was more than 80.0%, and the highest was 95.0%. Increasing the internal vortex-finder length could reduce the coarse particle content and improve the classification accuracy of the internal overflow product. When the length of the internal vortex-finder is larger than 80 mm, the +30 μm yield was lower than 20.0%, and the maximum k value was 16.3%; the k is the significant factor used to characterize the effectiveness of −20 μm particle collection. The response surface modeling revealed that the internal vortex-finder diameter was the most important factor affecting the distribution rate of internal overflow. This paper is expected to advance the development of the classification industry.
Sustainable Management of High School Athletics: A Comparative Study of the U.S. and South Korea
Authors: Lee Youngjik , Hums Mary , Kang Minuk
Published: April 2022

Positive and strong relationships among various stakeholders are essential for the sustainable management of an organization. Despite growing interest in how various sport organizations manage stakeholders to promote social sustainability, there remains a gap in stakeholder and sustainability research in high school athletics. The purpose of this study was to examine how the social sustainability of sport organizations (i.e., high school athletics) were maintained during decision-making processes. Specifically, this study used a qualitative case study framed by stakeholder theory to investigate how the relevant decision-makers in high school athletics (i.e., principals and athletic directors) manage other stakeholders in their departmental decision-making processes to promote the sustainability of their athletic department. Two high schools from the US and South Korea, one from each country, were selected as the cases for the current study. Semi-structured interviews regarding stakeholder management in departmental decision-making processes were conducted with four individual interviewees, including the principals and athletic directors of each high school. The results of this study illustrated that both the US and the South Korean high school athletic departments utilized stakeholder engagement strategy in their departmental decision-making processes. The principals and athletic directors recognized the importance of communicating with other stakeholders and engaging them in athletic department decisions. Specifically, the organizational decisions of both high school athletic departments were made in consultation with the main internal stakeholders of the athletic department (i.e., the principal and athletic director) as well as other various stakeholders (e.g., parents, coaches, alumni association).
A Critical Scoping Review of Pesticide Exposure Biomonitoring Studies in Overhead Cultures
Authors: Willenbockel Christian Tobias , Prinz Julia , Dietrich Stefan , Marx-Stoelting Philip , Weikert Cornelia , Tralau Tewes , Niemann Lars
Published: April 2022

The exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders to pesticides is of high potential concern. Yet, reports on pesticide residues in the environment and near treated fields often spark debates if such findings might indicate a health risk. Although the underlying models are considered conservative, there are only limited field data on systemic exposure available. As a first step to improve the situation, we conducted a scoping review of state-of-the-art pesticide exposure biomonitoring studies in operators, workers, residents or bystanders. In contrast to existing reviews, we focused on target cultures of potential high pesticide exposure such as tree-grown produce, vine or hops. The search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed. Out of 17 eligible articles, a total of 11 studies met our search criteria, and 6 of them quantified the systemic exposure of humans. The analysis revealed that exposure was mainly driven by application of pesticides and reentry work, resulting in a higher exposure of operators and workers than of residents and bystanders. In nearly all cases, the systemic exposure was below the relevant toxicological reference values. The studies were subsequently analyzed to identify key criteria for a reliable design of a biomonitoring study on pesticide exposure.
TP53 Gene Therapy as a Potential Treatment for Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Harford Joe B. , Kim Sang Soo , Pirollo Kathleen F. , Chang Esther H.
Published: April 2022

SGT-53 is a novel investigational agent that comprises an immunoliposome carrying a plasmid vector driving expression of the human TP53 gene that encodes wild-type human p53. SGT-53 is currently in phase II human trials for advanced pancreatic cancer. Although p53 is best known as a tumor suppressor, its participation in both innate and adaptive immune responses is well documented. It is now clear that p53 is an important component of the host response to various viral infections. To facilitate their viral life cycles, viruses have developed a diverse repertoire of strategies for counteracting the antiviral activities of host immune system by manipulating p53-dependent pathways in host cells. Coronaviruses reduce endogenous p53 levels in the cells they infect by enhancing the degradation of p53 in proteasomes. Thus, interference with p53 function is an important component in viral pathogenesis. Transfection of cells by SGT-53 has been shown to transiently produce exogenous p53 that is active as a pleiotropic transcription factor. We herein summarize the rationale for repurposing SGT-53 as a therapy for infection by SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Because p53 regulation was found to play a crucial role in different infection stages of a wide variety of viruses, it is rational to believe that restoring p53 function based on SGT-53 treatment may lead to beneficial therapeutic outcomes for infectious disease at large including heretofore unknown viral pathogens that may emerge in the future.
Life-Cycle CO2-Equivalent Emissions of Cars Driven by Conventional and Electric Propulsion Systems
Authors: Hirz Mario , Nguyen Thu Trang
Published: April 2022

As an important trend in the automotive industry, electrification of propulsion systems has potential to significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions of the transportation sector. Whereas electric vehicles do not produce exhaust emissions during driving, the impact of electricity provision for charging batteries, as well as the impact of vehicle production play an essential role in a holistic consideration of the carbon footprint. The paper introduces a comprehensive evaluation of greenhouse gas-emission-related factors of cars driven by different propulsion technologies, considering the entire product life cycle. This comprises vehicle production, including battery system, electric powertrain and other relevant components, the car’s use phase under consideration of different electricity mixes and the end-of-life phase. The results of the study give insights of influencing factors on life-cycle-related carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions of cars driven by combustion engines, hybrid powertrains and battery-electric propulsion systems. In addition, a comparison of actual mass-production cars is made and the total life-cycle carbon footprints are discussed under different boundary conditions of electric power supply. In this way, the article comprehensively introduces an automotive life-cycle assessment and provides fundamental information, contributing to an objective discussion of different propulsion technologies.
A percepção ambiental na aplicação da Educação Ambiental em escolas
Authors: Marques Welington Ribeiro Aquino , Rios Diego Lisboa , Alves Kerley dos Santos
Published: April 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção ambiental dos estudantes da educação do ensino médio, profissional e de instituições públicas e privadas como instrumento metodológico possível para a aplicação da Educação Ambiental. A metodologia utilizada foi um estudo exploratório quali-quantitativo, baseado nas análises das respostas obtidas pela aplicação de questionários e no desenvolvimento das oficinas. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que ambos os estudantes da escola pública e privada apresentaram grande interesse pelas questões ambientais, indicando ainda uma percepção individual do meio ambiente em que vivem, além de demonstrarem consciência voltada para a necessidade de preservação ambiental.
A importância da noção de organismo em Hans Jonas para a fundamentação ética da Educação Ambiental
Authors: Santos Filho Andrelino Ferreira dos , Campos Andréa Padovani
Published: April 2022

A pesquisa pretende explicitar o conceito de organismo empregado por Hans Jonas como norte para a Educação Ambiental. Trata-se de problematizar a relação mecanicista e instrumental entre ser humano e natureza, sobretudo o uso da técnica, considerando a concepção organicista do mundo com uma visão ética. A investigação é fundamentada através da preocupação dos teóricos da ecologia, antropologia e afins contemplar a problemática da dominação da natureza na perspectiva mais epistemológica que ética. O reconhecimento da vida planetária como o grande organismo instaura o dever pelo futuro como princípio (bio)ético universal. Sugere-se a bioética como fundamento da Educação Ambiental.
Factor 30 Pulse Compression by Hybrid Multipass Multiplate Spectral Broadening
Authors: Seidel Marcus , Balla Prannay , Li Chen , Arisholm Gunnar , Winkelmann Lutz , Hartl Ingmar , Heyl Christoph M.
Published: April 2022

As ultrafast laser technology advances towards ever higher peak and average powers, generating sub-50 fs pulses from laser architectures that exhibit best power-scaling capabilities remains a major challenge. Here, we present a very compact and highly robust method to compress 1.24 ps pulses to 39 fs by means of only a single spectral broadening stage which neither requires vacuum parts nor custom-made optics. Our approach is based on the hybridization of the multiplate continuum and the multipass cell spectral broadening techniques. Their combination leads to significantly higher spectral broadening factors in bulk material than what has been reported from either method alone. Moreover, our approach efficiently suppresses adverse features of single-pass bulk spectral broadening. We use a burst-mode Yb:YAG laser emitting pulses with 80 MW peak power that are enhanced to more than 1 GW after postcompression. With only 0.19% rms pulse-to-pulse energy fluctuations, the technique exhibits excellent stability. Furthermore, we have measured state-of-the-art spectral-spatial homogeneity and good beam quality of

M

2

=
1.2

up to a spectral broadening factor of 30. Due to the method’s simplicity, compactness, and scalability, it is highly attractive for turning a picosecond laser into an ultrafast light source that generates pulses of only a few tens of femtoseconds duration.
Enhanced risk of multiple sentinel lymph node basins in truncal and head and neck melanoma
Authors: Bhullar Harmeet K , Shukla Lipi , Shayan Ramin , Bruschino-Raiola Frank
Published: April 2022

# IntroductionTruncal and head and neck head and neck melanomas have a greater propensity to drain to multiple lymph node basins (MLNB) compared to extremity melanomas, which drain predominantly to a single lymph node basin (SLNB). The objective of this study was to compare the lymphatic drainage patterns and characteristics of truncal and head and neck melanoma, to assess their clinical usefulness in areas of unpredictable drainage. # MethodsA retrospective review of 143 patients with head and neck or truncal melanoma from 2014–2018 treated at the Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Patients scheduled for a wide local excision (WLE) and SeNBx, and those whose initial biopsy results stated melanoma type, cell type and BT, were included. Patients were excluded if they underwent nodal biopsy alone.# ResultsWe identified 95 patients with truncal and 48 with head and neck melanoma. Drainage to MLNB was significantly higher in the truncal melanoma group (36.8%) compared to the head and neck group (10.4%) (_p_ = 0.001). Patients with drainage to MLNB had a higher positive sentinel node biopsy (SeNBx) rate compared to those with SLNB (40.0% verus. 12.6%, _p_ <0.0001). Truncal melanomas that drained to MLNB were associated with a significantly higher Breslow thickness (2.1 versus. 1.5, _p_ = 0.02), ulceration (40.6% vs. 20.7%, _p_ = 0.043) and mitotic rate (3.0 versus. 2.0, _p_ = 0.045) compared to equivalent melanomas that drained to SLNB. # ConclusionPatients with melanomas occurring in the trunk exhibit higher rates of drainage to MLNB compared to melanomas arising in the head and neckhead and neck. Patients with drainage to MLNB also demonstrate a higher rate of positive SeNBx than those with SLNB drainage. This may represent more aggressive disease pathology or later diagnosis of lesions within these locations, or a lymphatic system that is more facilitatory of spread.
Inaugural roundtable on breast reconstruction practice in Australia: background, process and recommendations
Authors: Dempsey Kathy , Brennan Meagan E , Spillane Andrew
Published: April 2022

**Introduction** In 2019, forty-five experts and stakeholders attended the inaugural roundtable on breast reconstruction (BR) practice in Australia to discuss ways of addressing documented inequities in access to BR. The roundtable resulted in 10 final recommendations regarding ways of improving informed decision-making and eight recommendations for increasing funding to support wider, more timely access to BR. These recommendations have major implications for changes to operating theatre management, clinician allocations, training and education, referral processes, patient education and empowerment, transparent allocation of resources, and greater linkage between tertiary and non-tertiary hospitals and metropolitan and non-metropolitan facilities. Novel methods of funding surgical services will be needed.
Facial artery myomucosal flap reconstruction of a hemilaryngectomy defect: a case report
Authors: Adamson Sarah R , Lyons Bernard , Grinsell Damien
Published: April 2022

A case report of a pedicled facial artery myomucosal (FAMM) flap for the reconstruction of the hemilarynx with excellent functional results and no donor site morbidity.
Experiences of women undergoing abdominoplasty in the public sector: a qualitative study
Authors: Dean Nicola R , Foley Kristen , Long Randall , Ward Paul
Published: April 2022

**Introduction** This study was designed to improve understanding of the experiences of women undergoing abdominoplasty in a public hospital setting, including their experience of processes of care, surgical treatment and outcomes of surgery. **Methods** This was a prospective, qualitative study, with one-to-one interviews with women, transcription of interviews and development of themes. **Results** Twenty interviews were carried out with 16 women, with four women being interviewed before and after surgery and the remaining 12 being interviewed one time only. Messages emerging from the interviews included gratitude for treatment in the public sector, uncertainty associated with waiting times and surgeon allocation, and varied satisfaction with outcomes. This article also explores the evidence for the association between physical symptoms and rectus diastasis (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) as well as mental health improvement. **Conclusion** Women undergoing abdominoplasty in the public sector are not a homogenous group, either in their motivations for surgery or their reported outcomes. This qualitative study found evidence for improvement in physical symptoms and psychological wellbeing in women undergoing abdominoplasty, which supports existing quantitative studies, but also highlights a need for clear information for public sector patients, especially relating to scars, and for liaison psychiatry. Criteria-based assessment contributes an additional burden for these patients.
Categories
Authors: Lee Mark , Ashton Mark
Published: April 2022

Nowhere are the limitations of categorisation more apparent than in our outdated and overly simplistic surgical elective surgery categories, writes Mark Lee.
Future development of plastic and reconstructive surgery in Australasia
Authors: Adams Christopher
Published: April 2022

Plastic surgeons and plastic surgery services must be visible, accessible and available for patients in regions and across metropolitan centres if the specialty is to remain relevant, writes Christopher Adams.
Impacts of elective surgery restrictions on training, service to the community and public
Authors: Blake William , Morgan David J
Published: April 2022

William Blake and David Morgan examine the impacts of elective surgery restrictions in response to COVID-19 on the Australian PRS trainee program, service to the community and public.
Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window Constrain using KMeans Clustering to Obtain the Closest Customer
Authors: Chowlur Revanna Jai Keerthy , B.Al-Nakash Nushwan Yousif
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the problem statement is solving the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window constraint using the Ant Colony Algorithm with K-Means Clustering. In this problem, the vehicles must start at a common depot, pickup from various warehouses, deliver to the respective nodes within the time window defined by the customer and return back to the depot.The objectives defined are to reduce number of vehicles employed, the total logistics cost and to reduce carbon emissions. The mathematical model described in this paper has considered multiple pickup and multiple delivery points. The proposed solution of this paper aims to provide better and more efficient solution while minimizing areas of conflict so as to provide the best output on a large scale.
Can we start recovering from the epidemic of corruption in South Africa?
Authors: Vosser Marnus
Published: April 2022

The epidemic of corruption in South Africa and the divisions within our own government are hindering us from executing the UN Secretary-General's call for 2022 to be the year of recovery for everyone. We must first eradicate our local epidemic before tackling the larger pandemic.
Green Purchase Intention of Indonesian Young Consumers: Extending VAB Framework
Authors: Amalia Fatya Alty , Sosianika Adila , Christabel Felicia Amanda
Published: April 2022

The study aims to investigate the determinants of green purchase intention of generation Y and Z in Indonesia, more specifically on the green straws. It was carried out quantitative methodology through disseminating the online survey and analyzing the collected used PLS-SEM. Of 394 respondents, the findings showed that the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) framework was successfully applied in this study. It meant perceived green value and green attitude significantly impacted the green purchase intention. In addition, environmental concerns were proven to be the predecessor of the VAB framework as well. The moderating effect of gender only appeared on the relationships of perceived green value-green purchase intention and green attitude-green purchase intention, not the environmental concerns-green purchase intention. From the theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the extension of the VAB framework through the inclusion of environmental concerns. From the managerial perspective, it provides the specific approaches for males and females consumer groups to awake their green purchase intentions.
Consideration Analysis of Muslim Purchase Intention on Korean Beauty Products
Authors: Anisa Setiani Nurul , Najib Moh Farid , Alty Amalia Fatya , Purnamasari Dewi
Published: April 2022

This study aims to analyze the consideration of purchasing Korean beauty products. This is because many consumers prefer beauty products from South Korea or commonly called Korean Beauty compared to local products. Even though many local cosmetics are of good quality and already have halal certification, many are not yet certified halal or do not have the halal logo. This research was conducted using mixed methods. The Sample was obtained from primary data by distributing online questionnaires with 330 respondents and conducting in-depth interviews with 4 informants from West Java. Data analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 for quantitative data testing and qualitative data using three qualitative paths, namely data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The results showed that product ingredients and country of origin had a positive effect on purchase intention. while halal awareness does not affect the purchase intention of Korean beauty products.
Tourist Experiences in Creative Cultural Attractions: A Demographic Perspective
Authors: Alawi Anwar , Sosianika Adila , Setiawati Lina
Published: April 2022

Creative tourism is one of the sectors that is predicted to grow significantly in the future. Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU) is a creative cultural attraction that presents various Sundanese cultural performances typical of West Java, Indonesia. This study aims to determine the differences in tourist experiences with cultural attractions from SAU based on demographic factors. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed directly to tourists who had watched Sundanese cultural performances at SAU. The data collected within a period of 31 days were 419 respondents. This number consists of local, domestic and international tourists. The data obtained in this study were processed using descriptive analysis, ANOVA and T-test to examine the difference of perception between the tourists. The results reveal that there is a difference of perception among tourists based on tourist education on escape, peace of mind, involvement and interactivity dimension. Moreover, there are differences in perceptions between tourists based on the origin of the region. The results of this study give an input for creative tourism industry companies in making marketing strategies based on an understanding of the tourist experience with the creative cultural attractions.
Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje para la enseñanza de contabilidad en estudiantes de bachillerato técnico
Authors: Espinales-Alcívar Digna Solanda , Cobeña-Macias Tatiana Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Se tiene como finalidad determinar la efectividad del uso de un Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje (EVA) para la enseñanza de contabilidad a los estudiantes de Bachillerato Técnico en Contabilidad de la Unidad Educativa Fiscal “Manta”. De tipo explicativa con diseño de pre y postest para un grupo de intervención. El valor de significancia bilateral en momento de postest indica un resultado de 0,2 en comparación a 0 del momento pretest, denotándose que existió cambio estadístico entre ambos momentos, con lo cual, se afirma que el uso de un Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje (EVA) para la enseñanza de contabilidad fue efectiva. Se debe cuidar cuatro aspectos fundamentales: La publicación del material de estudio, la comunicación entre docentes y estudiantes, fomentar el trabajo colaborativo y cuidar la organización de la asignatura; para que la experiencia del estudiante sea amena y esté motivado para aprender la materia de contabilidad.
La orientación vocacional y su influencia en la elección de carreras universitarias
Authors: Murillo-Moreira José Atilio , Vallejo-Valdivieso Patricio Alfredo
Published: April 2022

La investigación tiene por objetivo determinar la relación entre la orientación vocacional (OV) y la elección de carreras universitarias (ECU). De tipo descriptiva correlacional, la población de estudio estuvo conformada por 51 estudiantes de tercero de bachillerato. La correlación de Pearson entre OV y ECU evidencia una relación positiva baja, lo cual indica que la orientación vocacional ha influido en la elección de su carrera, sin embargo, se hace necesario profundizar el trabajo de OV en la muestra estudiada. Los adolescentes que cursan el último año de bachillerato se sienten más vulnerables con respecto a su vida futura y a su toma de decisiones, en muchas ocasiones terminan en deserción en los primeros años de la carrera, algunos de ellos tienen como meta terminar los estudios de colegio y continuar su formación con una carrera universitaria, cuando las condiciones, sociales, económicas y culturales se los permite.
Incidencia de la nutrición infantil en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes
Authors: Loor-Pinargote Gissella Valentina , Vallejo-Valdivieso Patricio Alfredo
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de investigación de determinar la incidencia de la nutrición infantil en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Desde una óptica cuantitativa descriptiva correlacional de Pearson. El consumo más alto con 21% se desarrolla en hidratos de carbono, 13% frituras, dulces 16% y procesados 14%. Se evidencia un excesivo consumo de alimentos con alto porcentaje no nutricional, por lo tanto, pueden ocasionar enfermedades a causa de una alimentación no adecuada y así puede interferir en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, para adquirir una alimentación saludable se debe de considerar un buen desayuno como calidad de alimento indispensable para la asociación positiva que influye fuertemente el rendimiento académico de la población infantil.
Storytelling como estrategia formativa para el fomento de la lectura en Estudiantes de educación básica
Authors: Pilligua-Holguín Miriam Elizabeth , Hermann-Acosta Andrés
Published: April 2022

Se tiene por objetivo determinar la eficacia del Storytelling aplicada en el año lectivo 2021-2022 como estrategia formativa para el fomento de la lectura en estudiantes de educación general básica superior de la Unidad Educativa Fiscal Manta. De tipo descriptiva correlacional de Pearson. Al existir una correlación 0,131 se indica que el Storytelling ha incidido positivamente en la lectura de los estudiantes, sin embargo, al no existir significancia en la relación, se indica que es necesario seguir aplicando el Storytelling, ajustar su aplicación didáctica hasta alcanzar un nivel inferencial de lectura por parte de los estudiantes, siendo este parte del pensador crítico y reflexivo como aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida. Los estudiantes manifestaron que, los temas impartidos por parte del docente se logran aprender y casi siempre son comprendidos; por cuanto contar historias facilita el emplear la comunicación entre el docente y estudiantes.
Competencias digitales de los docentes en el proceso de enseñanza -aprendizaje
Authors: Vera-Barreiro Valeria Azucena , Mendoza-Bravo Karina Luzdelia
Published: April 2022

El objetivo fue determinar la relación que existe entre las competencias digitales de los docentes y el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje en la Unidad Educativa María Piedad Castillo de Levi. En lo cuantitativo, se empleó un diseño no experimental transversal de tipo correlacional de Pearson, la población estuvo conformada por 18 docentes entre 28 a 45 años, que cuentan con formación continua y posgradual relacionada con el uso de las TIC. La correlación se genera en 0,19 lo cual indica que las competencias digitales influyen, pero necesitan ser mejoradas en los docentes con la intención de que el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje tenga mayor efectividad y contundencia en los estudiantes. Los docentes de bachillerato de la Unidad Educativa María Piedad Castillo de Levi se encuentran en un nivel poco competente en cuanto a las competencias digitales, resultado obtenido a través de los instrumentos aplicados en la muestra seleccionada.