bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pendidikan Dan Pengentasan Kemiskinan Dalam Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (SDGs)
Authors: Zulyanto Aan
Published: August 2022

The aim of the research is to provide an overview of how education and expenditure on education functions can alleviate poverty as an effort to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The method used is documentation with sources of information derived from previous research articles. Result show that Educational capacity building and poverty alleviation are still the main goals of sustainable development/SDGs. In several countries, especially poor countries, the achievement of educational capacity to achieve the MDGs has not been achieved and is the main agenda in the SDGs. Keywords: Education, Poverty, Sustainable Development Goals
PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER KEBANGSAAN MELALUI MATA PELAJARAN PKN (Penelitian di SDS Muhammadiyah 2 Kabupaten Garut)
Authors: Supriyanto Irwan
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini merupakan suatu kajian kritis berdasarkan mata pelajaran PKN di sekolah yang umumnya mampu membentuk karakter kebangsaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif. Penulis yang menetapkan fokus dari penelitian, mencari sumber teori dan konsep, kemudian menganalisis teori tersebut dan teknik pengumpulan data yang diperoleh, dengan mencari variable dari berbagai sumber dimana akhirnya akan ditafsirkan dan dibuat dari berbagai referensi yang sudah disebutkan sebelumnya yang relevan dan adanya keterkaitan mengenai pendidikan karakter melalui pembelajaran PKn di Sekolah Dasar Swasta Muhammadiyah 2 Garut. Kecenderungan globalisasi mengikis nilai-nilai luhur bangsa. Kondisi keberagaman yang dialami bangsa Indonesia saat ini merupakan dampak adanya kultur yang terus menerus (globalisasi). Kenyataan keberagaman ini rentan konflik baik vertikal maupun horiontal. Oleh karenanya warga negara muda Indonesia harus mempunyai kompetensi dan sikap untuk mampu berfikir, mampu mendengarkan, kecakapan sosial, mampu mengungkapkan pendapat dan pengendalian diri. Sebab kemajuan suatu bangsa terletak pada karakter yang dimiliki bangsa tersebut. Karakter merupakan hal yang sangat penting dan mendasar. PKN merupakan mata pelajaran yang memfokuskan pada pembentukan warga negara yang memahami dan mampu melaksanakan hak-hak dan kewajbannya untuk menjadi warganegara yang cerdas, terampil, dan berkarakter yang diamanatkan oleh Pancasila dan UUD 1945.
On Some Fixed Point Theorems for $\mathcal{G} (\Sigma, \vartheta, \Xi )-$Contractions in Modular $b-$Metric Spaces
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Mahpeyker , BÜYÜKKAYA Abdurrahman
Published: August 2022

This article aims to specify a new $C-$class function endowed with altering distance and ultra altering distance function via generalized $\Xi -$contraction, which is called the $\mathcal{G}\left( {\Sigma ,\vartheta ,\Xi } \right) - $contraction in modular $b-$metric spaces. Regarding these new contraction type mappings, the study includes some existence and uniqueness theorems, and to indicate the usability and productivity of these results, some applications related to integral type contractions and an application to the graph structure.
Estudo Prospectivo de Patentes sobre Revestimento Comestível em Pescado
Authors: Reis Clarita Silveira , Santos Jilcleide Nascimento , Santos Joemille Silva , Silva Tamiris Natalice Santos , Ferreira Mariza Alves , Evangelista-Barreto Norma Suely
Published: August 2022

Este estudo prospectivo tem por objetivo quantificar documentos de patentes e tecnologias correlatas sobre o revestimento comestível em pescado, na base de dados do Espacenet. As buscas foram realizadas em abril de 2021 no banco de dados do Espacenet. A partir dos resultados integrais obtidos foram combinados os termos “edible coating”, fish e antimicrobial seguidos por um conectivo integrativo AND entre as palavras, para posterior seleção do CIP adequado, onde uma nova busca foi realizada utilizando o campo de “busca avançada”, incorporando o CIP e os termos relacionados. A análise por meio da tabela de escopo geral permitiu selecionar o código A23P20/10, que se refere ao revestimento com revestimentos comestíveis, formando o termo de busca “edible coating” AND fish AND A23P20/10. Foram selecionados 29 documentos, dos quais, seis tratavam diretamente do pescado e seu revestimento, distribuídos nos anos de 1998 (2), 1999 (1), 2005 (1), 2009 (1) e 2011 (1), sendo, portanto, 23 dos registros obtidos, referentes as tecnologias correlatas. O maior detentor de patentes foram os EUA, com sete patentes. Entre o total de documentos avaliados, 66% foram requeridos por empresas.
Polimerando a química: jogo da roleta como facilitador do processo de ensino e aprendizagem de polímeros
Authors: Sobrinho Grace Kelly Lima , Silva José Ilson da , Pereira Junior José Marcelino , Santos Magnólia Carla Conceição dos , Sobrinho Fernanda Stefanny Lima , Cunha Amanda Lima , Sobrinho Graciele Lima , Silva Mayara Camila Santos , Santos Aldenir Feitosa dos
Published: August 2022

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo incentivar de forma dinâmica o processo de ensino-aprendizagem do conteúdo de polímeros para o ensino médio. O jogo da roleta “Polimerando a química” sobre o conteúdo de polímeros, foi aplicado em turmas dos 3º anos da Escola Estadual Manoel André, município de Arapiraca - AL. A pesquisa-ação foi desenvolvida em 5 fases: 1) questionário de sondagem; 2) aula expositiva-dialogada; 3) construção do jogo; 4) aplicação do jogo; 5) reaplicação de questionário de sondagem. A aplicação do jogo da roleta proporcionou aos alunos uma aula dinâmica, fora do padrão de ensino tradicional, do qual estavam acostumados. Após a aplicação do jogo “Polimerando a química”, 94% dos alunos souberam identificar o que seriam os polímeros. Quanto ao questionamento do que seriam os plásticos, houve aumento de 56% no número de acertos dos estudantes. Na terceira indagação, a respeito da origem dos polímeros, 78% dos alunos obtiveram exatidão nas respostas. Por fim, quando tratado sobre os conhecimentos básico acerca do conteúdo polímeros, 94% dos alunos demonstraram assimilação de assunto. É nítida a influência positiva que a atividade lúdica proporcionou para essas turmas, os resultados evidenciaram que houve entendimento dos alunos acerca do assunto polímeros, bem como, houve melhoria no desempenho e no rendimento das atividades realizadas
O Currículo na Educação Infantil: os campos de experiência e a linguagem escrita
Authors: Vituriano Hercília Maria de Moura , Dourado Inara Sydia dos Santos , Abreu Neto Raimundo Simas , Vaz Laydyanne Maciel Corrêa , Batalha Tyciana Vasconcelos
Published: August 2022

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo compreender as bases constituintes que fundamentam a organização curricular por meio dos campos de experiência da BNCC e dos pressupostos orientadores do trabalho pedagógico na Educação Infantil, em particular os que fazem referência à linguagem escrita. Insere-se na abordagem qualitativa, a partir dos pressupostos da pesquisa bibliográfica. Para tanto, utilizam-se trabalhos de autores como Barbosa e Richter, Gimeno-Sacristán e Silva, para tratar sobre currículo. Vygotsky, Baptista, Leontiev, Jolibert, Lugle & Mello, para sustentar a discussão acerca da linguagem escrita. Necessário se faz, lançar o olhar sobre os documentos curriculares, tais como: Referenciais Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Infantil (RCNEI), Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Infantil (DCNEI) e Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) para compreensão do percurso histórico do currículo na Educação Infantil. Aprofundamos a questão da Linguagem Escrita no contexto da BNCC na perspectiva de sua organização por Campos de Experiência. Entendemos que evidenciar essa questão contribui significativamente, com o trabalho dos professores da Educação Infantil.
Cirurgia de urgência durante a Pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Gonçalves Hélder Santos , Matos Ana Caroline Gusmão de , Silveira Luíza Teixeira , Leal Roberta Kayane Silva , Jesus Gleidson Felipe Hilario de , Gomes Rebeca Soares , Jesus Carla Viviane Freitas de , Jesus Yan Vitor Gomes Silva de
Published: August 2022

Desde 11 de março de 2020, o mundo vive uma nova pandemia do coronavírus, causada pela doença COVID-19, o que resultou em diversas mudanças no cotidiano. A preocupação de sobrecarregar o sistema de saúde e o medo de contrair o vírus podem ter levado a apresentações tardias e piores desfechos para pacientes com quadros agudos. O objetivo do estudo é identificar e relatar os efeitos da pandemia nos serviços de cirurgias de urgência. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com abordagem descritiva. A pesquisa bibliográfica teve como questão norteadora “Quais os impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 nos serviços de emergência cirúrgica?”. As bases de dados utilizadas foram: SciELO, PubMed e LILACS, com base nos descritores "COVID-19" e "Serviços Médicos de Emergência", utilizando o operador booleano AND. Não houve alterações significativas em relação ao sexo e à idade. O número de atendimentos reduziu em 21%. As taxas de complicações aumentaram 48%, juntamente com a taxa de mortalidade, que aumentou 12%, e a taxa de apresentação tardia aos serviços de emergência em 37,4%. A pandemia do novo SARS-CoV 2 influenciou significativamente a assistência dos sistemas de saúde. Nesse período, houve redução dessas cirurgias e do número de eventos agudos, como traumas. Várias hipóteses têm sido postuladas para explicar esse comportamento, incluindo o isolamento social e as informações veiculadas pela mídia sobre a situação nos hospitais, o que aumenta a demora na procura por serviços de emergência e aumenta a taxa de mortalidade.
A Product Attribute Influencing Halal Product Purchase Decisions: A Field Study In Bogor
Authors: Budiman Andika Nuraga , Suyana Hilma
Published: August 2022

Every consumer, especially Muslim consumers, demands that a product be halal. Whether it's food, medicine, or consumer products. However, the application of Islamic teachings in laws and regulations governing the provision of halal guarantees on food creates a challenge in the regulation governing the provision of halal labels on food. Due to the lack of tenacity in existing rules and regulations governing the use of halal labeling on food, haram food products continue to circulate in Indonesia. Halal products are the most important to Muslim consumers. We investigated Muslims’ attitudes toward halal products in the Bogor area. This study involved 155 respondents who consume halal products. Data for this study was gathered by by using an interview as the primary data collection method, through a personality-administered questionnaire. The respondents are Muslim consumers who only purchase and consume halal products. The regression approach was used in this study, which aimed to connect cause-effect linkages through each variable, primarily to investigate the impact of product qualities on purchase decisions. The results reveal that the quality of Halal products obtained is encouraging for responders in Bogor. This leads to our research finding that the halal product is of such high quality that consumers desire to buy it. Meanwhile, according to the findings on perceived price, consumers do not consider or object to the prices supplied by halal items, despite that generally pricing is one of attributes for consumer’s purchasing decision
Implementation of the Preventive Function of UN Security Council Sanctions — Contemporary Challenges
Authors: Budnik Yuliya
Published: August 2022

In the article the author assesses the transition of the United Nations Security Council from comprehensive to targeted sanctions in connection with the transformation of the sources of threats to international peace and security; comprehensively analyses the consequences of this transition in the practice of the Council: the changing of the role of sanctions, problems of targeted sanctions, the formation of a mechanism for sanctions monitoring. The author concludes that since the 2000s the Security Council begins to apply targeted sanctions not only because of the negative humanitarian effect of comprehensive, but primarily because of the change in threats to international peace and security, the sources of which are non-state actors. Primarily within the framework of the prevention of terrorist threats, targeted sanctions take on a new role and are applied as an instrument of a preventive nature. In turn, the use of sanctions as a preventive measure against individuals entails serious challenges in the area of human rights law. Above all, this relates to ensuring effective legal protection and a fair trial in the case of listing, limitation and deprivation of a wide range of rights while on the list, considerable difficulty or impossibility of de-listing. Because of the significant negative effects of sanctions, a new sanctions monitoring mechanism is gradually being established within the UN Security Council, which today represents a set of additional Council bodies on the technical issues of implementing sanctions regimes.
Tools for the analysis and visualisation of distributions and vector fields in surface forest fires modelling
Authors: Barovik Dmitry V. , Taranchuk Valery B.
Published: August 2022

The problem of computer modelling of the spread of surface forest fires in a two-dimensional formulation is herein considered. We describe the initial-boundary value problem in the form of a system of partial differential equations in the accepted approximation of the corresponding physical and chemical processes with refinements of the mutually agreed defining functions and the coefficients included in the equations. The Wolfram Mathematica computer algebra system is used as a platform for developing the computer model, performing calculations, and creating a database with the outcomes of computations. The results of numerical experiments investigating possible scenarios of how a fire zone spreads in different directions and its behaviour near the fuelbreaks are presented. Several qualitative features of the structure, the evolution of the temperature front, and the vector fields of the oxygen concentration gradient over the forest area are identified and illustrated with multidimensional graphics in the presence of areas of the low content of combustible materials of various shapes and sizes, including the demonstration of the influence of the equilibrium wind speed in the forest canopy. Possible variants of the fire front movement in the direction of the wind velocity and against it are identified and explained using representative examples.
Fronteiras em movimento - os desafios da ciência na era digital
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal
Published: August 2022

In this review text, our objective is to present the reader with a sociocultural panorama, in which the theoretical intertwining of media and educational issues play the same scenario. Applying the method of bibliographic review in physical and digital collections, this study proposal is justified, as technological advances are generally lighter than scientific production can register their progress and setbacks, which, per se, It already suggests a continuous visitation to the postulates and state of the art of such a volatile theme. As a result of this investigation, we were able to detect that education, in its current interface with technological platforms, has been the target of many research works, which, on the one hand, reassures us, but on the other hand, worries us. Then two problem situations arose: if it calms us down, is it because many have been observing contemporary facts? And, if it provokes us, it would be due to the amazement that arises around such fertile themes as ours.
A global study to identify a potential basis for policy options when integrating animal welfare into the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Keeling Linda J. , Marier Elizabeth A. , Olmos Antillón Gabriela , Blokhuis Harry J. , Staaf Larsson Birgitta , Stuardo Leopoldo
Published: August 2022

A previously developed methodology to rate the strength of the impact of improving animal welfare on achieving each of the 17 SDGs and the impact of achieving each SDG on animal welfare was used at the third Animal Welfare Global Forum of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Data from 95 participants from key stakeholder categories and organisations involved in animal welfare were analysed. The resulting ‘map’ of the relative strengths of these associations confirmed the expected co-benefits of improving animal welfare and achieving the SDGs. Differences at regional level and according to the economic classification of the country were also identified. This paper focuses on using this ‘map’ as a potential guide for how organisations interested in improving animal welfare could identify potential new allies for strategic partnerships to facilitate the implementation of different policy options. For example, a strategy can be to collaborate with those organisations where the impact is of similar mutual benefit, e.g. between improving animal welfare and achieving SDG 3 (Good health and well-being). Organisations in these two areas are already aligning themselves in the ‘One Health’ movement. Another strategy can be to align with organisations for whom achievement of their goal has the greatest impact on animal welfare, even if the impact is not mutual e.g. by collaborating with organisations working to achieve SDG 16 (Peace justice and strong institutions) and SDG 4 (Quality education). Achieving these goals was considered to have a large impact on improving animal welfare, equivalent to that of achieving SDG 3. In summary, this study can help organisations working in the area of animal welfare identify previously untapped areas of potential support, so tailoring their efforts efficiently, while at the same time themselves supporting movement towards the Agenda 2030. Simply put, the co-benefits make collaboration worthwhile, potentially opening up opportunities that would be unavailable when organisations are working independently towards their own respective goals.
Microporous structures on mineralized collagen mediate osteogenesis by modulating the osteo-immune response of macrophages
Authors: Li Jun , Luo Xin , Lv Zhao-Yong , Qiang Hui-Fen , Hou Cai-Yao , Liu Kun , Meng Chun-Xiu , Zhang Yu-Jue , Liu Feng-Zhen , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2022

It is a new hot pot in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to study the effects of physicochemical properties of implanted biomaterials on regulating macrophage polarization to promote bone regeneration. In this study, we designed and fabricated mineralized collagen (MC) with different microporous structures via in vitro biomimetic mineralization method. The microporous structures, mechanical properties, shore hardness and water contact angle measurements were tested. Live/dead cell staining, CCK-8 assay, phalloidine staining, staining of focal adhesions were used to detect cell behavior. ELISA, qRT-PCR, ALP, and alizarin red staining (ARS) were performed to appraise osteogenic differentiation and investigated macrophage response and their subsequent effects on the osteogenic differentiation. The results showed that RAW264.7 and MC3T3-E1 cells were able to survive on the MC. MC with the microporous structure of approximately 84 μm and 70%–80% porosity could promote M2 macrophage polarization and increase the expression level of TGF-β and VEGF. Moreover, the gene expression of the osteogenic markers ALP, COL-1, and OCN increased. Therefore, MC with different microporous structures mediated osteoimmunomodulation in bone regeneration. These data will provide a new idea of biomaterials inducing bone repair and direct the optimal design of novel immune biomaterials, development, and rational usage.
Application of aptamers in regenerative medicine
Authors: Luo Zhaohui , Chen Shimin , Zhou Jing , Wang Chong , Li Kai , Liu Jia , Tang Yujin , Wang Liqiang
Published: August 2022

Regenerative medicine is a discipline that studies how to use biological and engineering principles and operation methods to repair and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Until now, regenerative medicine has focused mainly on the in-depth study of the pathological mechanism of diseases, the further development and application of new drugs, and tissue engineering technology strategies. The emergence of aptamers has supplemented the development methods and types of new drugs and enriched the application elements of tissue engineering technology, injecting new vitality into regenerative medicine. The role and application status of aptamers screened in recent years in various tissue regeneration and repair are reviewed, and the prospects and challenges of aptamer technology are discussed, providing a basis for the design and application of aptamers in long-term transformation.
Two copper(II) compounds derived from tetrazole carboxylates for chemodynamic therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Shi Xinya , Gu Yulan , Wan Chuandan , Jiang Xin , Shen Lei , Tan Litao , Zhong Yujie , Zou Dengfeng
Published: August 2022

Two Cu(II) compounds based on tetrazole-carboxylate ligands, [Cu(phtza)2(H2O)2]∙3H2O (1) and [Cu(atzipa)2]∙2H2O (2) (phtza = 2,2'-(5,5'-(1,3-phenylene)bis(2H-tetrazole-5,2-diyl))diacetate, atzipa = 3-(5-amino-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)isopropanoic anion), were designed and synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. The X-ray diffraction results show that the two compounds show two-dimensional (2D) layer structures. Nanoprecipitation with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG-2000) contributes to the formation of the nanoparticles (NPs) with excellent water dispersity. In vitro study indicates that the two NPs exert considerable cytotoxicity toward human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2 and Huh7) with low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). However, the cytotoxicity of such NPs is negligible in normal cells (HL-7702). The cytotoxicity of these NPs was also investigated by the flow cytometry and Calcein-AM/PI (live/dead) co-stained experiments. The results promise the great potential of these NPs for chemodynamic therapy against cancer cells.
Evaluating the performance of ReaxFF potentials for sp2 carbon systems (graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes) and a new ReaxFF potential
Authors: Fthenakis Zacharias G. , Petsalakis Ioannis D. , Tozzini Valentina , Lathiotakis Nektarios N.
Published: August 2022

We study the performance of eleven reactive force fields (ReaxFF), which can be used to study sp2 carbon systems. Among them a new hybrid ReaxFF is proposed combining two others and introducing two different types of C atoms. The advantages of that potential are discussed. We analyze the behavior of ReaxFFs with respect to 1) the structural and mechanical properties of graphene, its response to strain and phonon dispersion relation; 2) the energetics of (n, 0) and (n, n) carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their mechanical properties and response to strain up to fracture; 3) the energetics of the icosahedral C60 fullerene and the 40 C40 fullerene isomers. Seven of them provide not very realistic predictions for graphene, which made us focusing on the remaining, which provide reasonable results for 1) the structure, energy and phonon band structure of graphene, 2) the energetics of CNTs versus their diameter and 3) the energy of C60 and the trend of the energy of the C40 fullerene isomers versus their pentagon adjacencies, in accordance with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and/or experimental data. Moreover, the predicted fracture strain, ultimate tensile strength and strain values of CNTs are inside the range of experimental values, although overestimated with respect to DFT. However, they underestimate the Young’s modulus, overestimate the Poisson’s ratio of both graphene and CNTs and they display anomalous behavior of the stress - strain and Poisson’s ratio - strain curves, whose origin needs further investigation.
Molecular identification and subtype analysis of Blastocystis in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in China’s Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces
Authors: Zhou Yuting-Li , Zhao Nairui , Yang Yilei , Li Yueqi , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Jiani , Peng Xiang , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2022

Blastocystis sp. is the most isolated enteric protozoan in parasitological surveys of humans. A substantial percentage of human infections is attributed to zoonotic transmissions. However, the contribution of each animal source to human infections with blastocystis is not yet fully understood. This study thus aimed to determine the infection rates and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in captive Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in China’s Heilongjiang and Fujian provinces. A total of 218 fresh fecal specimens were collected from captive Asiatic black bears in Heilongjiang (n = 36) and Fujian (n = 182) between May 2015 and December 2017. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and then examined for Blastocystis through SSU rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing. A phylogenetic tree based on the Blastocystis positive sequences was reconstructed using the Mega X program. Eleven percent (24/218) of the animals had Blastocystis and six Blastocystis subtypes, including ST4 (n = 14), ST10 (n = 3), ST1 (n = 2), ST2 (n = 1), ST5 (n = 1), and ST12 (n = 1) were identified. A total of 14 representative sequences, including seven sequences that have been described previously and seven novel sequences comprising ST10 (n = 2), ST5 (n = 1), and ST4 (n = 4), were obtained from the six subtypes of Blastocystis. This study is the first to report the presence of Blastocystis in captive Asiatic black bears in Fujian, China. It provides baseline data for controlling and preventing Blastocystis infection in farm communities. Zoonotic infections in bears with ST1, ST2, ST4, ST5, ST10, and ST14 should be considered potential public health threats. The novel ST sequences of Blastocystis generated in this study provide novel insights into the genotypic variation within the Blastocystis sp.
Lessons learned: A neuroimaging research center's transition to open and reproducible science
Authors: Bush Keith A. , Calvert Maegan L. , Kilts Clinton D.
Published: August 2022

Human functional neuroimaging has evolved dramatically in recent years, driven by increased technical complexity and emerging evidence that functional neuroimaging findings are not generally reproducible. In response to these trends, neuroimaging scientists have developed principles, practices, and tools to both manage this complexity as well as to enhance the rigor and reproducibility of neuroimaging science. We group these best practices under four categories: experiment pre-registration, FAIR data principles, reproducible neuroimaging analyses, and open science. While there is growing recognition of the need to implement these best practices there exists little practical guidance of how to accomplish this goal. In this work, we describe lessons learned from efforts to adopt these best practices within the Brain Imaging Research Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences over 4 years (July 2018–May 2022). We provide a brief summary of the four categories of best practices. We then describe our center's scientific workflow (from hypothesis formulation to result reporting) and detail how each element of this workflow maps onto these four categories. We also provide specific examples of practices or tools that support this mapping process. Finally, we offer a roadmap for the stepwise adoption of these practices, providing recommendations of why and what to do as well as a summary of cost-benefit tradeoffs for each step of the transition.
Trench topography in subduction zones: A reflection of the plate decoupling depth
Authors: Dasgupta Ritabrata , Mandal Nibir
Published: August 2022

Subduction of lithospheric plates produces narrow, linear troughs (trench) in front of the overriding plates at the convergent boundaries. The trenches show a wide variation in their topographic characteristics, such as width, vertical depth, and bounding surface slopes. Benchmarking their controlling factors is thus a crucial step in the analysis of trench morphology. This article identifies the mechanical coupling between the subducting and overriding plates as a leading factor in modulating the topographic evolution of a trench. The maximum depth of decoupling (MDD) is used to express the degree of decoupling at the plate interface. We simulate subduction zones in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models to show the topographic elements (maximum negative relative relief: D; fore- and hinter-wall slopes: θF and θH; opening width: W) of trenches as a function of the MDD within a range of 30–120 km. Both D and θ strongly depend on the MDD, whereas W is found to be relatively less sensitive to the MDD, implying that the narrow/broad width of a trench can change little with the plate decoupling factor. We also show that the MDD critically controls the fore-arc stress fields of a trench, switching a compressive to tensile stress transition with increasing MDD. This study finally validates the model findings with well-constrained natural trench topography.
The study of ground motion amplification based on an SMASS array site
Authors: Li Ping , Zhou Kai
Published: August 2022

There is a consensus in earthquake engineering that different soil structures have significant effects on ground motion. Three main methods can be used to study this issue: theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and earthquake records analysis. Notably, the combined analysis of strong-motion records and station site information appears to be the most effective and reliable approach. In this study, we used site information from the Seismic Monitoring Array of Site and Structure (SMASS) of the Institute of Disaster Prevention and a record of the earthquake that occurred in Guye, China: a point on the bedrock was considered as reference for studying the amplification effect of the soil structure on ground motion through traditional spectral ratio analysis. Our main conclusions are the following. (1) The SMASS array data indicated that the shallow soil had an amplifying effect on ground motion: the frequency bands amplifying the horizontal ground motion were mainly those between 3.4 and 6.8, 11.3–13, and 15–20.8 Hz, while the frequency bands amplifying the vertical ground vibration were mainly those between 5 and 9.9, 13.5–15.9, and 18.5–21.9 Hz (2) The SMASS array data indicated that the influence of the deep soil on the horizontal ground motion frequency component was more significant than that of vertical ground motion. (3) Overall, the SMASS array site amplified the effects of both the high (3.4–20.8 Hz) and low (0.4–2.2 Hz) frequency components of ground motion with the depth decreases of buried depth; notably, the amplification effect of the high-frequency components grew much faster than that of the low-frequency components. (4) The groundwater table had an amplification effect on the vertical ground motion; therefore, its influence is also important to consider.
Adaptability of hydraulic fracturing packers and optimization of their sealing performance for three common clastic rock reservoirs based on finite element analysis
Authors: Kang Yusen , Long Zhilin , Kang Tengfang , Ren Zhuohang , Shi Tianzi , Zhang Xinrui
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the adaptability characteristics of the packer to three types of common clastic rock reservoirs (mudstone, shale, sandstone) are analyzed systematically. Moreover, the identification and structural design of the packer in hydraulic fracturing are systematically conducted based on the finite element calculation. Finally, the nonlinear mathematical models of the packing safety factor and the pressure under the packer and the conditions of casing, mudstone, shale and sandstone are obtained. The results show that the maximum stress of the rubber cylinder in the three formation models of mudstone, shale and sandstone is lower than the compression set strength of the rubber cylinder, indicating that the rubber cylinder will not cause stress damage. At the same time, by analyzing the common rubber materials and constitutive models of the packers, the structure of the packer rubber cylinder and a new anti-shoulder protrusion device were redesigned. The Nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) meets the performance requirements of the rubber tube under the allowable pressure difference and temperature difference. The designed new anti-protrusion device can ensure the structural integrity and stress uniformity of the rubber tube, thereby ensuring good sealing performance. Under the three formation conditions of mudstone, shale and sandstone, the rubber cartridge can be in a safe working state, and its sealing width is close to the contact length of the rubber cartridge. In addition, the rubber cartridge is in a good elastic deformation range. The design of the packer in this study satisfies the third strength theory and the safety requirements. The deformation and sealing performance of the rubber cylinder are relatively stable, and the size of the rubber cylinder also meets the field requirements.
Saudi English for specific purpose students’ attitudes toward the learning of English language: An investigative study
Authors: Alharbi Bader
Published: August 2022

Students’ attitudes are usually consulted before launching any learning/teaching program since they are the center of the learning process. This study is also motivated by such an aim as it gauges the attitudes of Saudi health track students on learning English for specific purpose (ESP). Furthermore, the students’ perceptions toward the culture of English are sought. It also explores the factors that impact the students in their endeavors. The study applies mixed methods by conducting a survey and follow-up interviews to gather information from 57 Saudi students enrolled at the preparatory year program (PYP), and interviews with 25 students. Findings show that the students have a moderately positive attitude toward learning English. Further, students’ responses aggregate toward moderate attitudes toward learning the target culture. In addition to that, the study reports some factors which shape the students’ positive attitudes toward learning English: (1) teaching quality, (2) classroom scenario, and (3) classroom environment. The study indicates the necessity of engaging students in a relaxed learning environment. As far as the English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers are concerned, they need to take into consideration their students’ interests while preparing and delivering the lectures.
Comparison of the impact of autologous cell therapy and conservative standard treatment on tissue oxygen supply and course of the diabetic foot in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dubský Michal , Husáková Jitka , Bem Robert , Jirkovská Alexandra , Němcová Andrea , Fejfarová Vladimíra , Sutoris Karol , Kahle Michal , Jude Edward B.
Published: August 2022

Background

Autologous cell therapy (ACT) is a new treatment method for patients with diabetes and no-option chronic limb-threatening ischemia (NO-CLTI). We aimed to assess the impact of ACT on NO-CLTI in comparison with standard treatment (ST) in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Diabetic patients with NO-CLTI were randomized to receive either ACT (n=21) or ST (n=19). After 12 weeks, those in the ST group, who did not improve were treated with ACT. The effect of ACT on ischemia and wound healing was assessed by changes in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) and the number of healed patients at 12 weeks. Pain was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Amputation rates and amputation-free survival (AFS) were assessed in both groups.

Results

During the first 12 weeks, TcPO2 increased in the ACT group from 20.8 ± 9.6 to 41.9 ± 18.3 mm Hg (p=0.005) whereas there was no change in the ST group (from 21.2 ± 11.4 to 23.9 ± 13.5 mm Hg). Difference in TcPO2 in the ACT group compared to ST group was 21.1 mm Hg (p=0.034) after 12 weeks. In the period from week 12 to week 24, when ST group received ACT, the TcPO2 in this group increased from 20.1 ± 13.9 to 41.9 ± 14.8 (p=0.005) while it did not change significantly in the ACT in this period. At 24 weeks, there was no significant difference in mean TcPO2 between the two groups. Wound healing was greater at 12 weeks in the ACT group compared to the ST group (5/16 vs. 0/13, p=0.048). Pain measured using VAS was reduced in the ACT group after 12 weeks compared to the baseline, and the difference in scores was again significant (p<0.001), but not in the ST group. There was no difference in rates of major amputation and AFS between ACT and ST groups at 12 weeks.

Conclusions

This study has showed that ACT treatment in patients with no-option CLTI and diabetic foot significantly improved limb ischemia and wound healing after 12 weeks compared to conservative standard therapy. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to study the benefits of ACT in patients with NO-CLTI and diabetic foot disease.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the National Board of Health (EudraCT 2016-001397-15).
Photoperiods induced the circRNA differential expression in the thyroid gland of OVX+E2 ewes
Authors: Wang Wei , He Xiaoyun , Di Ran , Wang Xiangyu , Chu Mingxing
Published: August 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs newly identified and play important roles in RNA regulation. However, little is known regarding photoperiods induced circRNAs in the thyroid gland. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of circRNA profiles in the thyroid gland of OVX+E2 ewes at different photoperiods by whole transcriptome sequencing. A total of 37,470 novel circRNAs were detected in different photoperiods (42 days of short photoperiod treatment, SP42; 42 days of long photoperiod treatment, LP42; SP42 transfer to LP42, SPLP42), with a total of 817 circRNAs for SP42-LP42 (down: 132; up: 114), LP42-SPLP42 (down: 136; up: 112) and SP42-SPLP42 (down: 182; up: 141) having differentially expressed. Functional enrichment annotation analysis of DE-circRNAs for GO and KEGG by R package, features that influence photoperiod response in Sunite ewes through the Inositol phosphate metabolism, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Oocyte meiosis. In addition, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis revealed target binding sites for identified miRNAs in DE-cirRNAs such as oar-miR-10b, oar-miR-200c, oar-miR-21, oar-miR-370-3p, oar-miR-377-3p, oar-miR-181a, oar-miR-432, and oar-miR-495-3p. These results of this study will provide some new information for understanding circRNA function as well as the changes in the sheep thyroid gland under different photoperiods.
Acupuncture combined with metformin versus metformin alone to improve pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Lan Ying , Yang Lijie , Liu Yang , Li Hongyu , Zhu Xinyun , Zhao Yuemeng , Long Caiyi , Wang Mengjing , Xie Qingling , Li Zhao , Wu Jie
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparison between acupuncture combined with metformin versus metformin alone in improving the pregnancy rate of people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A literature search of eight databases resulted in nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of acupuncture combined with metformin on pregnancy rate in PCOS patients compared with metformin alone. Subsequently, data extraction and analysis were conducted to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of the methodological design of the study, and meta-analysis was conducted on the RCT data.

Results

Nine RCTs and 1,159 women were included. Acupuncture can improve pregnancy rate. It was analyzed according to the diagnostic criteria of PCOS [Z = 2.72, p = 0.007, relative risk (RR) 1.31, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.60, p = 0.15, I2 = 41%]. Analysis was performed according to different diagnostic criteria of pregnancy (Z = 3.22, p = 0.001, RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.63, p = 0.12, I2 = 42%). Acupuncture can improve ovulation rate. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the number of ovulation patients (Z = 2.67, p = 0.008, RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.59, p = 0.04, I2 = 63%) and ovulation cycle (Z = 3.57; p = 0.0004, RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29, p = 0.57, I2 = 0%). Statistical analysis also showed that acupuncture combined with metformin could improve homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [mean difference (MD) −0.68, 95% CI −1.01 to −0.35, p = 0.003, I2 = 83%].

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, compared with metformin alone, acupuncture combined with metformin has a positive effect on pregnancy rate, ovulation rate, and insulin resistance in PCOS. However, due to the limitations regarding the number and quality of the included studies, the above conclusions need to be verified by further high-quality studies.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero.
Sphingolipid metabolism is associated with osteosarcoma metastasis and prognosis: Evidence from interaction analysis
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Zhou Xin , Zhang Jue , Li Liangliang
Published: August 2022

Background

Metabolism is widely involved in the occurrence and development of cancer. However, its role in osteosarcoma (OS) has not been elucidated.

Methods

The open-accessed data included in this study were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (TARGET-OS project). All the analysis was performed in R environments.

Results

Based on the single sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm, we quantified 21 metabolism terms in OS patients. Among these, sphingolipid metabolism was upregulated in the metastatic OS tissue and associated with a worse prognosis, therefore aroused our interest and selected for further analysis. Our result showed that sphingolipid metabolism could activate the Notch signaling and angiogenesis pathway, which might be responsible for the metastasis ability and poor prognosis. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to illustrate the interaction of the differentially expressed genes between high and low sphingolipid metabolism. Immune analysis showed that multiple immune terms were upregulated in patients with high sphingolipid metabolism activity. Then, a prognosis model was established based on the identified DEGs between patients with high and low sphingolipid metabolism, which showed great prediction efficiency. Pathway enrichment showed the pathway of myogenesis, spermatogenesis, peroxisome, KRAS signaling, pancreas beta cells, apical surface, MYC target, WNT beta-catenin signaling, late estrogen response and apical junction was significantly enriched in high risk patients. Moreover, we found that the model genes MAGEB1, NPIPA2, PLA2G4B and MAGEA3 could effectively indicate sphingolipid metabolism and risk group.

Conclusions

In summary, our result showed that sphingolipid metabolism is associated with osteosarcoma metastasis and prognosis, which has the potential to be a therapeutic target for OS.
25(OH)VitD and human endocrine and functional fertility parameters in women undergoing IVF/ICSI
Authors: Tian Mei , Zeng Suimin , Cai Sufen , Reichetzeder Christoph , Zhang Xiaoli , Yin Chenjun , Kuang Weihong , Cheng Kexin , Jiang Yao , Tao Mingqiu , Zeng Yuan , Lin Ge , Li Jian , Gong Fei , Hocher Berthold
Published: August 2022

Background

Vitamin D plays an important role in reproduction. Evidence shown that free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VitD) was more accurate than total 25(OH)VitD in reflecting the status of 25(OH)VitD during pregnancy. However, the relationship between free 25(OH)VitD and female fertility parameters has not been reported yet. Therefore, this study aims to compare the correlation of free and total 25(OH)VitD with fertility parameters in infertility females undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Methods

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2569 infertility patients who received IVF-ET or ICSI treatment for the first time participated in this study. Five milliliter peripheral blood samples of the patients were collected on the day before embryo transfer (ET). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits was used to detect free 25(OH)VitD and total 25(OH)VitD, and clinical information was collected. Spearman’s rho was used to evaluate the association between the variables.

Results

The median (IQR) of free 25(OH)VitD was 4.71 (4.11-5.31) pg/mL and total 25(OH)VitD was 19.54 (16.52-22.83) ng/m. The correlation between them, however, was week (rho=0.311). Compared to total 25(OH)VitD, free 25(OH)VitD was slightly better correlated with basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (rho=0.041, P=0.036), basal estradiol (E2) (rho=0.089, P<0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (rho=-0.057, P=0.004), antral follicle count (AFC) (rho=-0.053, P=0.007), E2 (rho=-0.080, P<0.001), number of oocytes retrieval (rho=-0.079, P<0.001) and progesterone (P)/E2 on hCG trigger day (rho=0.081, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, there was only a rather weak correlation of free as well as total 25(OH)VitD with human endocrine and functional fertility parameters in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Neither free nor total 25(OH)VitD seems to play a major role in human embryo implantation.
Research on behavior of underground pressure in shallow coal seam with three-face goaf working face
Authors: Yin Wang , Bin Zhao , Zhigang Deng , Kun Lv , Hongwei Wang
Published: August 2022

During the mining process of coal mines, coal pillars are often formed in the goaf on three sides, and the stress behavior of coal seams has a significant impact on the safety of coal mines. The upper part of panel 3104 of Xinwang Coal Mine is the room-pillar goaf of the 2# coal seam, and the lower part is the goaf of the 7# coal seam. The same coal seam is adjacent to the goaf of panel 3102. Therefore, there are hidden dangers for safe mining in panel 3104 affected by the goaf on three sides. Through FLAC3D numerical simulation, on-site Pasat-M detection, microseismic monitoring, and support resistance measurement, the stress distribution law of surrounding rock in the working face is analyzed. The following conclusions are obtained. There are several high wave velocity stress concentration areas in the coal body of 3104 working face. During the mining of the working face, the mining influence 90m in front of the working face began to spread to the area of the left coal pillar, and the vertical stress at the left coal pillar began to increase. Stress concentration appears in 0–20m strata at the top of 3# coal seams. At the top of a 3# coal seam, the vertical stress concentration coefficient can reach 2 in the range of 4–12m. The influence range of 3104 working face mining advance can reach 200m. Under the influence of mining, a large number of microseismic events occurred at 160m above and 150m below 3# coal seam. This law has reference value for the mining strata behaviors of coal seams under similar conditions.