bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Web Based Document Encryption Application Software for Information Security in Tertiary Institutions
Authors:   Graduate Assistant, Department of Cybersecurity, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT), Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Livina Ibeneme-Sabinus Ifeoma ,   Lecturer II, Department of Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT), Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria,   Senior Lecturer, Department of Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT), Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria,   Senior Lecturer, Department of Geology, School of Physical Sciences (SOPS), Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria,   Technologist, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS), Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Nigeria,   Lecturer I, Department of Information Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT), Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, Nnanna Ekedebe , Obi Nwokonkwo , Ikechukwu Ibeneme Sabinus , Ogonnaya Ajah Benjamin , Chukwudi Amadi Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

A web based user friendly document encryption application software was developed as a better cryptographic online system used in securing important tertiary institutions’ documents such as students' Official Grade Report (OGR) sheets, computed and approved results, transcripts, examination and test question papers, Senate/Council documents and any other sensitive or important document needed to be secured from unauthorized users. It is a known fact that problems like unsecured information, information misuse, tampering of sensitive documents by unauthorized persons, stress of hiding sensitive documents from unauthorized persons and locating hidden sensitive documents exist in any system/unit where proper data security mechanism is not in place. In this research work, an online cryptographic system was designed, using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm, to secure important documents. The Analysis and Design of this system followed the Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) using web tools. The output of the software shows that the application can encrypt files and save in the database and can only be decrypted using a cipher key automatically generated by the system. With this software, sensitive information can be easily accessed without stress or fear and it has created a more reliable and safer platform to secure such sensitive documents other than the primitive method of using username and password.
Survey on Deep Learning Approaches for Aspect Level Opinion Mining
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Informatics, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt, .. AHMED R. ,   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Informatics, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt,   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Informatics, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt,   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Informatics, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt, .. IBRAHIM EL , ABDELLATIF AMR , MOHAMED HOSSAM
Published: October 2021

The the task of Aspect-based opinion mining (AbOM) is an emeraging research area, where aspects are mined, the corresponding opinion are scrutinized and sentiments are continuously changed, is gaining increased attention with growing feedback of clients and community across various social media streams. The gigantic improvements of deep learning (DL) techniques in natural language processing (NLP) tasks motivated research community to introduce a novel DL models and for AbSA, each investigate a diverse research points from different perspective, that cope with imminent problems and composite circumstances of AbOM. Consequently, in this survey paper, we concentrate on the limitations of the current studies and challenges relevant to mining of various aspects and their pertinent opinion, interrelationship delineations among different aspects, interactions, dependencies and contextual-semantic associations among various entities for enhanced opinion precision, and estimation of the automaticity of opinion polrity development. A laborious investigation of the later advancement is discussed depending on their contribution in the direction of spotlighting and alleviating the shortcomings related to Aspect Extraction (AE), AbOM, opinion progression (OP). The reported performance for each scrutinized study of Aspect Extraction and Aspect opinion Analysis is also given, revealing the numeriacal evaluation of the presented approach. Future research trends are introduce and delibrated by critically analysing the existing recent approaches, that will be supportive for researchers and advantageous for refining aspect based opinion classification.
MODEL PEMBELAJARAN QUANTUM LEARNING TERHADAP BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN PPKN
Authors: Hasrul Muftahid  , Iroh Napiroh
Published: October 2021

Pendidikan dapat  diartikan sebagai suatu proses atau aktivitas yang bertujuan agar tingkah laku manusia yang mengalami Pendidikan terjadi perubahan-perubahan. Belakangan ini Pendidikan telah banyak melakukan perbaharuan atau inovasi Pendidikan. Inovasi Pendidikan yang terjadi dalam bidang Pendidikan tersebut, antara lain adalah dalam management Pendidikan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Peningkatkan berpikir kritis siswa. Peneltian ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan ( Library Research ), Pengumpulan data peneliti menggunakan Paper dari Journal Ilmiah, Thesis dan Desertasi, Paper dari conference, Skripsi terdahulu dan buku textbook.  Hasil analisis data secara klasikal menunjukan peningkatan dari yang terendah 6,18% sampai dengan yang tertinggi 16,3% dengan rata-rata 34,08%. Rata-rata hasil belajar siswa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran quantum learning sebelum menggunakam model pembelajaran quantum learning yaitu 70,04% dan sesudah menggunakan model pembelajaran quantum learning meningkat menjadi 81,55%. Hal ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa model pembelajaran quantum learning dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar dan berpikir kritis siswa pada mata pelajaran PPKn.
Paratext Translation Quality Assessment: The Annals of Imperial Rome as a Case Study
Authors: Yin Haihong
Published: October 2021

Genette (1987) describes a paratext as the threshold between a reader and a text, which presents the text to the readers, and influences how the text is received. Based on Genette’s definition, this study makes further exploration of paratext translation and proposes that paratexts in translated works are constituted of the paratext in the original text and the additional parts from the translator and other participants. Mainly based on the translation assessment model proposed by Katharina Reiss, this essay suggests a three-principle model for the paratext translation quality assessment in historical text. Then mainly taking footnotes in The Annals as a case study, the essay explores the fundamental factors that influence the paratext translation quality in the historical text, and suggests taking the principles of completeness, preciseness, and conciseness into consideration.
Review of Options for Horticultural Research and Development: A Case of Zambia
Authors: Mataa M.
Published: October 2021

This review focused on horticultural development as a key economic subsector sector. Although practiced by more than 60 % of the population, agriculture and horticulture largely remain small scale in Zambia. Partly due to the relatively high income generation potential of commodities, the horticultural sector holds immense potential to make significant contribution to the poverty reduction. It has been estimated that since 1960, worldwide demand for fresh produce has more than doubled compared to a 20 % increase in demand for cereals. However, in Africa per capita supply of fresh produce has been declining since 1970. The key challenge therefore remains how to expand horticultural production in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial to all players throughout the food system. A vision of ‘An efficient and dynamic horticulture sector responsive to changing needs of society’ is advanced. This article reviews the emergence of horticulture sub sector contributing significantly to the agricultural GDP and poverty reduction, outlines its limitations and explores options for improving the sector. While the traditional biotic and abiotic approaches are the primary focus (improved research and development to drive production, and reduce postharvest losses), emerging challenges such as globalization, and climate change are considered. The findings suggest poor production technologies, limited crop varietal choices, high postharvest loses and inadequate marketing infrastructure and low smallholder participation horticultural markets contributing to overall poor sector performance. To achieve sustained and environmentally safe horticultural performance there is need to establish effective linkages, networks and partnerships among different players throughout the horticulture value and supply chains, both from private and public sectors.
Aspectos Fundamentais da Recepção de Kierkegaard em Portugal
Authors: de Sousa Elisabete M. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

O artigo apresenta uma análise cronológica da recepção de Kierkegaard em Portugal. Na primeira parte, analisam-se as traduções até agora publicadas em língua portuguesa, contextualizando-as no panorama filosófico e literário em que vieram a lume; na segunda parte, comentam-se os artigos de diversos quadrantes que, sensivelmente, desde a década de quarenta do século passado foram publicados em Portugal, realçando-se ainda o papel desempenhado por alguns desses comentadores na divulgação de Kierkegaard. É dado particular relevo às mais recentes traduções realizadas a partir do original dinamarquês, bem como ao lugar ocupado na actualidade pelo filósofo, na investigação e no ensino, nas universidades portuguesas.
Albert Camus, Leitor de Søren Kierkegaard
Authors: Pérez José Luis ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

Le présent article offre une brève réflexion sur la présence de la pensée de Søren Kierkegaard dans le cycle de l’Absurde de l’oeuvre d’Albert Camus. On essayera demontrer comment, en partageant un climat philosophique marqué par l’exaltation du paradoxe et la contradiction entant que signes distinctifs de l’existence concrète de l’individu, les deux auteurs se séparent en ce qui concerne les conséquences qui découlent de la considération de l’absurdité de la condition humaine. En prenant Camus en tant que lecteur de Kierkegaard, le propos de cette étude sera donc, plutôt qu’une exposition étendue des deux pensées, celui de dévoiler les principaux thèmes de la réflexion kierkegaardienne qu ’il faut tenir en compte pour comprendre, en contraposition à celle-ci, toute l ’originalité de la pensée camusienne.
A Pessoa Vive no Ser Humano
Authors: Pereira Marques Joana ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

Backing his theory on a consequencialist doctrine, Peter Singer has fought for animal rights, pointing human beings as primarily responsible for animal suffering. Defending his position to the limit, Singer claims that some animals should be considered as persons. Likewise he argues that some human beings, such as babies, young children and disabled individuals, are not persons. Rejecting his point of view and supporting my position in a specist perspective, it seems obvious to me the difference between animals and humans and the consequent difference of status. I wonder how we can consider a chimpanzee as a person. And how is it possible to say that a child is not? Evaluating these issues and challenging Peter Singer we will discover what it takes to be a person.
Alergologias. De Uma Analogia da Soberania aos Atributos da Violência
Authors: Bojanić Petar ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

This paper is a reconstruction of Levinas’ reading of Hegel and his understanding of violence (of the enemy and the war). Combining Franz Rosenzweig’s reflections which concem the sick philosopher and Hegel’s State, as well as Derrida’s interpretation of the different attributes of violence, our aim is also to give full evidence of Derrida’s critical reading of Levinas. The first part illustrates the various classifications of the figures of violence from the different periods of Hegel’s life and the traces that these figures have left in Levinas’ texts beginning with „Liberté et commandement” in 1953. In the second part we discuss Hegel’s well-known analogy from his Rechtsphilosophie on sovereignty and the organism - that is to say the parallel reading of some paragraphs of Naturphilosophie too - and the relation between totality and violence, in Levinas’ “ontology as allergy” and in Derrida’s autoimmunology.
Teaching for Mastery of Multiplication
Authors: Wallace Ann H. , Gurganus Susan P.
Published: October 2021

Why students may fail to master multiplication facts, as well as how multiplication concepts can be introduced to help with mastery. The authors also make recommendations for effective learning and teaching strategies to be used in the classroom, including those for students with special needs, to help improve mastery.
In My Opinion: Using Calculators in Elementary School
Authors: Seeley Cathy , Hagelberger Bonnie , Schielack Jane , Krehbiel Ken
Published: October 2021

Appropriate use of calculators is an important part of a balanced mathematics education at all levels, including elementary. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has elaborated this position in its public statement, Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000).
Nothing Basic about Basic Facts: Exploring Addition Facts with Fourth Graders
Authors: Crespo Sandra , Kyriakides Andreas , McGee Shelly
Published: October 2021

This investigation involves first assessing and then designing instruction to resolve student difficulties with addition facts. The ultimate goal was improving students' computational fluency. Teachers will learn ways to teach, design, and assess tasks to teach addition that will improve student learning.
Exploring Mayan Numerals
Authors: Farmer Jeff D. , Powers Robert A.
Published: October 2021

An exploration activity involving Mayan numerals, which can be adapted by teachers at various levels to help students better understand the concept of place value and appreciate contributions to mathematics made by an indigenous Central American culture.
Early Childhood Corner: Sorting and Patterning in Kindergarten: From Activities to Assessment
Authors: Ziemba Elizabeth J. , Hoffman Jo
Published: October 2021

Despite what is currently known about the most effective ways to assess what young children know about mathematics, the use of worksheets is as alive and well today in many early childhood classrooms as it was forty years ago. I clearly remember the worksheets that had the pictures of coins to count, or objects in boxes to sort; and readers probably remember the bundles of “tens” that looked like little stacks of dynamite. Unfortunately, in the last four years as a university professor and field supervisor, I continue to see children in many of the kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade classrooms I visit completing worksheets that are similar to what I remember from years ago.
Putting Fun into Functions
Authors: Reeves Charles A. (Andy)
Published: October 2021

Examples of elementary teachers using physical models of function machines with their K-5 students. Teachers will learn how to make function machines and use them in the classroom to introduce students to algebra functions
Innovación y exportación: claves para el éxito de la empresa.
Authors: Piñera Salmerón José , Sanz Valle Raquel
Published: October 2021

El objetivo principal de este libro es describir la actividad exportadora y de innovación de las empresas industriales murcianas, estudiar si el realizarlas se asocia a que la empresa obtenga mejores resultados y si existe relación entre esas dos estrategias empresariales. Para abordar el objetivo propuesto, este trabajo se estructura en dos partes. En la primera, que consta de tres apartados, se definen los conceptos de exportación e innovación, se presentan algunas estadísticas sobre la situación de las empresas españolas y murcianas en estos aspectos, y se sintetizan las conclusiones obtenidas en investigaciones previas sobre el impacto que tienen estas actividades en los resultados de las empresas y sobre la posible relación entre ellas. La segunda parte del trabajo se divide en dos apartados en los que se describen, respectivamente, la metodología seguida en un estudio de campo realizado en los meses de mayo y junio de 2020 para dar respuesta al principal objetivo de este trabajo, y los resultados obtenidos en dicho estudio. Para tener alguna referencia de comparación, en la muestra utilizada en este estudio se incluyen, además de empresas exportadoras murcianas, otro grupo formado por empresas de dos provincias limítrofes, Alicante y Almería. El trabajo finaliza con la exposición de las principales conclusiones que se derivan del mismo.
miR‐221/222 suppression induced by activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB1 pathway is required for cAMP‐induced bidirectional differentiation of glioma cells
Authors: Liu Qian , Tian Ruotong , Yu Panpan , Shu Minfeng
Published: October 2021

Factors that increase cAMP levels can induce lineage‐specific differentiation of glioma cells into astrocyte‐like cells. However, the differentiation pattern and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we find that cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1)‐induced miR‐221/222 suppression contributes to the neuron‐like differentiation of gliomas. cAMP agonists selectively induced neuron‐ and astrocyte‐like but not oligodendrocyte‐like differentiation of C6 glioma cells. PKA inhibitors and CREB1 knockout blocked neuron‐like differentiation of glioma cells. cAMP inhibited miR‐221/222 in a PKA/CREB1‐dependent manner. Importantly, both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that transcriptional suppression of miR‐221/222 is required for neuronal differentiation of glioma cells. Our findings suggest that increasing cAMP levels can induce bidirectional differentiation of glioma cells. Furthermore, the miR‐221/222 cluster acts as an epigenetic brake during glioma differentiation.
Bioinspired Integration of Naturally Occurring Molecules towards Universal and Smart Antibacterial Coatings
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Changping , Li Lin , Zhu Fang , Ren Xiancheng , Huang Quan , Cheng Yiyun , Li Yiwen
Published: October 2021

Surface‐independent smart antibacterial coatings with on‐demand antibiotics release profiles have attracted increasing attention in medical instruments, antibiotics delivery platforms, and implanted devices. Although several approaches have been well documented, the facile preparation of antibacterial coatings onto universal substrates with high antibiotics loading efficiencies, tunable drug release profiles, and excellent antibacterial performances is still met with many challenges, especially related to the redundant coating material synthesis and selective substrate fabrication process. To resolve this issue, the authors report a facile and robust fabrication method towards smart antibacterial coating surfaces on various substrates via a one‐pot integration of two types of naturally occurring building blocks, aminoglycosides and protocatechualdehyde in the presence of plant enzyme horseradish peroxidase. The simultaneous dynamic imine bonds formation and enzymatic polymerization within the system during the one‐pot reaction enable the facile fabrication of diverse surface‐independent smart antibacterial coatings, which can demonstrate several promising features including high drug loading and dynamic (i.e., pH‐responsive) properties, tunable and on‐demand antibiotics release behaviors, and efficient antibacterial activities both in vitro and in vivo. This work may offer new opportunities towards the robust and universal antibacterial coating materials by the bioinspired integration of all natural building blocks.
Breaking the Efficiency Limit of Deep‐Blue Fluorescent OLEDs Based on Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: Lim Hyoungcheol , Woo Seung‐Je , Ha Yeon Hee , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: October 2021

Triplet harvesting is important for the realization of high‐efficiency fluorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) is one triplet‐harvesting strategy. However, for blue‐emitting anthracene derivatives, the theoretical maximum radiative singlet‐exciton ratio generated from the TTA process is known to be 15% in addition to the initially generated singlets of 25%, which is insufficient for high‐efficiency fluorescent devices. In this study, nearly 25% of the radiative singlet‐exciton ratio is realized by TTA using an anthracene derivative, breaking the theoretical limit. As a result, efficient deep‐blue TTA fluorescent devices are developed, exhibiting external quantum efficiencies of 10.2% and 8.6% with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color coordinates of (0.134, 0.131) and (0.137, 0.076), respectively. The theoretical model provided herein explains the experimental results considering both the TTA and reverse intersystem crossing to a singlet state from higher triplet states formed by the TTA, clearly demonstrating that the radiative singlet ratio generated from TTA can reach 37.5% (total radiative singlet‐exciton ratio: 62.5%), well above 15% (total 40%), despite the molecule having S1, T2 < 2T1 < Q1 energy levels, which will lead to the development of high‐efficiency fluorescent OLEDs with external quantum efficiencies exceeding 28% if the outcoupling efficiency is 45%.
Responsive Interfacial Assemblies Based on Charge‐Transfer Interactions
Authors: Sun Shuyi , Xie Chenxia , Chen Jie , Yang Yang , Li Hui , Russell Thomas P. , Shi Shaowei
Published: October 2021

Charge transfer (CT) interactions have been widely used to construct supramolecular systems, such as functional nanostructures and gels. However, to date, there is no report on the generation of CT complexes at the liquid–liquid interface. Here, by using an electron‐deficient acceptor dissolved in water and an electron‐rich donor dissolved in oil, we present the in situ formation and assembly of CT complex surfactants (CTCSs) at the oil–water interface. With time, CTCSs can assemble into higher‐order nanofilms with exceptional mechanical properties, allowing the stabilization of liquids and offering the possibility to structure liquids into nonequilibrium shapes. Moreover, due to the redox‐responsiveness of the electron‐deficient acceptor, the association and dissociation of CTCSs can be reversibly manipulated in a redox process, leading to the switchable assembly and disassembly of the resultant constructs.
Boosting the Photoactivity of BiVO4 Photoanodes by a ZnCoFe‐LDH Thin Layer for Water Oxidation
Authors: Wen Xiaojiang , Fan Mengmeng , Zhao Qiang , Li Jinping , Liu Guang
Published: October 2021

Monoclinic bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has been used as an efficient photoanode material for photoelectrochemical water oxidation owing to its suitable band gap and nontoxicity. Nevertheless, the practical application of BiVO4 photoanode has been severely limited by the surface charge recombination and sluggish kinetic, which leads to the obtained photoactivity of BiVO4 is much lower than its theoretical value. In this case, ZnCoFe‐LDH thin layer is conformally decorated on the porous BiVO4 photoanode through a simple electrodeposition process. The results show that a boosted photoactivity and a remarkably enhanced photocurrent density (3.43 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE) are attained for BiVO4/ZnCoFe‐LDH. In addition, the optimized BiVO4/ZnCoFe‐LDH photoanode exhibits significant negative shift in the onset potential (0.51 VRHE to 0.21 VRHE), promotes charge separation efficiency (49.3% to 60.4% in the bulk, 29.6% to 61.9% on the surface at 1.23 VRHE) and enhanced IPCE efficiency (25.5% to 54.7% at 425 nm) compared with that of bare BiVO4 photoanode. It is demonstrated that the boosted photoactivity of BiVO4/ZnCoFe‐LDH photoanode is mainly ascribed to the synergy effects of the formation of p‐n heterojunction between ZnCoFe‐LDH and BiVO4 to accelerate the photogenerated charge transfer and separation, broaden light absorption, as well as promote the surface water oxidation kinetics.
Effects of orphan histidine kinases on clostridial sporulation progression and metabolism
Authors: Du Guangqing , Zhu Chao , Wu Youduo , Kang Wei , Xu Mengmeng , Yang Shang‐Tian , Xue Chuang
Published: October 2021

Solventogenesis and sporulation of clostridia are the main responsive adaptations to the acidic environment during acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation. It was hypothesized that five orphan histidine kinases (HKs) including Cac3319, Cac0323, Cac0903, Cac2730, and Cac0437 determined the cell fates between sporulation and solventogenesis. In this study, the comparative genomic analysis revealed that a mutation in cac0437 appeared to contribute to the nonsporulating feature of ATCC 55025. Hence, the individual and interactive roles of five HKs in regulating cell growth, metabolism, and sporulation were investigated. The fermentation results of mutants with different HK expression levels suggested that cac3319 and cac0437 played critical roles in regulating sporulation and acids and butanol biosynthesis. Morphological analysis revealed that cac3319 knockout abolished sporulation (Stage 0) whereas cac3319 overexpression promoted spore development (Stage VII), and cac0437 knockout initiated but blocked sporulation before Stage II, indicating the progression of sporulation was altered through engineering HKs. By combinatorial HKs knockout, the interactive effects between two different HKs were investigated. This study elucidated the regulatory roles of HKs in clostridial differentiation and demonstrated that HK engineering can be effectively used to control sporulation and enhance butanol biosynthesis.
A case of paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block in a COVID‐19 patient
Authors: Kim Hong Nyun , Bae Myung Hwan , Park Bo Eun , Lee Jaehee
Published: October 2021

Many types of cardiac arrhythmias can occur in people with COVID‐19, and these arrhythmias can affect the patient's outcomes. We have experienced paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block in a patient with COVID‐19 and would like to share the course of treatment.
Undifferentiated shock in a cirrhotic patient: Ascites matters
Authors: Xenou Antigoni , Vranou Eugenia , Boulas Konstantinos A. , Nathanailidou Maria , Kyriakidou Eytyxia , Sitaridis Konstantinos , Filippidis Isaac , Hatzigeorgiadis Anestis
Published: October 2021

In cirrhotic patients with undifferentiated shock, early CT with emphasis in ascitic fluid density should be performed to exclude rare causes of shock such as secondary peritonitis or hemoperitoneum.
A rare case of foreign body aspiration presenting as subglottic stenosis: A case report
Authors: Paudel Deepak , Dahal Raunak , Sah Bajarang Prasad , Chettri Shyam Thapa , Gajurel Pravid
Published: October 2021

In rare cases, foreign body aspiration may present with similar clinical features and CT findings to subglottic stenosis. A high index of suspicion and additional diagnostic techniques may be required to distinguish them.
AHI1 gene mutation in a consanguineous Iranian family affected by Joubert syndrome: A case report
Authors: Neissi Mostafa , Mabudi Hadideh , Mohammadi‐Asl Javad
Published: October 2021

This point of detected mutation could be considered as a novel mutational hotspot point that carried in patient ancestors. Moreover, the obtained results and family history suggest a precise genetic consulting and molecular prenatal evaluation for suspect individuals with a family history of mental and physical abnormalities.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Probability of Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment for Ceftazidime‐Avibactam in Pediatric Patients Aged 3 Months and Older
Authors: Franzese Richard C. , McFadyen Lynn , Watson Kenny J. , Riccobene Todd , Carrothers Timothy J. , Vourvahis Manoli , Chan Phylinda L.S. , Raber Susan , Bradley John S. , Lovern Mark
Published: October 2021

Increasing prevalence of infections caused by antimicrobial‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria represents a global health crisis, and while several novel therapies that target various aspects of antimicrobial resistance have been introduced in recent years, few are currently approved for children. Ceftazidime‐avibactam is a novel β‐lactam β‐lactamase inhibitor combination approved for adults and children 3 months and older with complicated intra‐abdominal infection, and complicated urinary tract infection or hospital‐acquired ventilator‐associated pneumonia (adults only in the United States) caused by susceptible gram‐negative bacteria. Extensive population pharmacokinetic (PK) data sets for ceftazidime and avibactam obtained during the adult clinical development program were used to iteratively select, modify, and validate the approved adult dosage regimen (2,000–500 mg by 2‐hour intravenous (IV) infusion every 8 hours (q8h), with adjustments for renal function). Following the completion of one phase I (NCT01893346) and two phase II ceftazidime‐avibactam studies (NCT02475733 and NCT02497781) in children, adult PK data sets were updated with pediatric PK data. This paper describes the development of updated combined adult and pediatric population PK models and their application in characterizing the population PK of ceftazidime and avibactam in children, and in dose selection for further pediatric evaluation. The updated models supported the approval of ceftazidime‐avibactam pediatric dosage regimens (all by 2‐hour IV infusion) of 50–12.5 mg/kg (maximum 2,000–500 mg) q8h for those ≥6 months to 18 years old, and 40–10 mg/kg q8h for those ≥3 to 6 months old with creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Long‐lasting implications of embryonic exposure to alcohol: Insights from zebrafish research
Authors: Cararo José Henrique , Rico Eduardo Pacheco
Published: October 2021

The harmful consumption of ethanol is associated with significant health problems and social burdens. This drug activates a complex network of reward mechanisms and habit formation learning that is supposed to contribute to the consumption of increasingly high and frequent amounts, ultimately leading to addiction. In the context of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a consequence of the harmful use of alcohol during pregnancy, which affects the embryonic development of the fetus. FAS can be easily reproduced in zebrafish by exposing the embryos to different concentrations of ethanol in water. In this regard, the aim of the present review is to discuss the late pathological implications in zebrafish exposed to ethanol at the embryonic stage, providing information in the context of human fetal alcoholic spectrum disorders. Experimental FAS in zebrafish is associated with impairments in the metabolic, morphological, neurochemical, behavioral, and cognitive domains. Many of the pathways that are affected by ethanol in zebrafish have at least one ortholog in humans, collaborating with the wider adoption of zebrafish in studies on alcohol disorders. In fact, zebrafish present validities required for the study of these conditions, which contributes to the use of this species in research, in addition to studies with rodents.
Regioselective Anomeric O‐Benzyl Deprotection in Carbohydrates
Authors: Sridhar Perali Ramu , Anjaneyulu Bandi , Rao Boddu Umamaheswara
Published: October 2021

A highly regioselective hydrogenolysis of the anomeric benzyl group is reported. The reaction involves selective acetolysis of benzyl acetals of various mono‐ and di‐saccharides using 10 % Pd/C under hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of Na2CO3. The generality of the methodology is evaluated by applying it to a number of perbenzylated/orthogonally protected benzyl glycosides.
Locoregional recurrence in skin‐sparing and nipple‐sparing mastectomies
Authors: Costeira Beatriz , da Silva Francisca B. , Oom Rodrigo , Costa Cristina , Moniz João V. , Abecasis Nuno , Santos Catarina R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Skin‐ and nipple‐sparing mastectomies (SSMs/NSMs) present as an alternative for patients requiring mastectomy, with better aesthetic results. We aimed to evaluate the locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate and its predictive factors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all consecutive cases of SSM and NSM for a primary diagnosis of in situ or invasive breast cancer, at a national cancer center, from January 1st, 2013 to May 31st, 2019. The primary outcome was LRR. Secondary outcomes included LRR predictive factors, overall survival (OS), and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

There were included 461 patients; 402 (87%) with invasive carcinoma. The median age was 46 (interquartile range [IQR]: 40–53) years. Ninety (20%) patients had locally advanced disease. LRR rate was 3.0%, with a median follow‐up time of 39 (IQR: 21–59) months. The median time to recurrence was 22 (IQR: 10–45) months. Factors independently associated with LRR were high histological grade, negative estrogen receptor status, and high Ki67 (p < 0.05). OS was 94.8% and DFS was 92.8%. LRR was associated with decreased OS.

Discussion

SSM and NSM present as a safe approach to breast cancer requiring mastectomy, including selected patients with a locally advanced tumor. The associated LRR rate is 3.0%, with risk factors being high grade, negative estrogen receptor status, and high Ki67.
Numerical analysis for a class of coupled system of singularly perturbed time‐dependent convection‐diffusion equations with a discontinuous source term
Authors: Rao S. Chandra Sekhara , Chawla Sheetal , Chaturvedi Abhay Kumar
Published: October 2021

In this article, we present a parameters‐uniform numerical method for a time‐dependent weakly coupled system of two convection‐diffusion equations that has a discontinuity, along the line in the source term. The second order term of each equation is multiplied by a small singular perturbation parameter and these parameters are assumed to be different in magnitude. On an appropriate Shishkin mesh, the considered problem is discretized using an upwind central difference scheme away from the line of discontinuity, and a particular upwind central difference scheme along the line of discontinuity. The numerical approximations produced by this scheme are uniformly convergent of first‐order in time and almost first‐order in space with respect to both perturbation parameters. Numerical results are presented to validate the theoretical results.
Clinical characteristics of people with cystic fibrosis and frequent fungal infection
Authors: Poore T. Spencer , Meier Maxene , Towler Elinor , Martiniano Stacey L. , Brinton John T. , DeBoer Emily M. , Sagel Scott D. , Wagner Brandie D. , Zemanick Edith T.
Published: October 2021

Background

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and fungal airway infection may present with fungal bronchitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or may appear unaffected despite fungal detection. We sought to characterize people with CF with frequent detection of fungi from airway samples and determine clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included individuals with CF with ≥4 lower airway cultures over a 2‐year baseline period and ≥2 years of follow‐up. We defined two groups: ≤1 positive fungus culture (rare) or ≥2 positive cultures during baseline (frequent). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were determined.

Results

Between 2004 and 2016, 294 individuals met inclusion with 62% classified as rare and 38% as frequent fungi during baseline. Median follow‐up was 6 years (range: 2–9 years). Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common fungal species detected. Individuals with frequent fungi were older (13.7 vs. 11.7 years, p = .02) and more likely to have Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (35% vs. 17%, p < .001) at baseline, but did not differ in lung function or ABPA diagnosis. During follow‐up, those with frequent fungi were more likely to have chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. maltophilia. Individuals with ABPA and frequent fungi had the highest rates of co‐infection and co‐morbidities, and a trend towards more rapid lung function decline.

Discussion

Fungal infection in CF was associated with frequent P. aeruginosa and S. maltophilia co‐infection even in those without ABPA. Individuals with frequent fungi and ABPA had worse outcomes, highlighting the potential contribution of fungi to CF pulmonary disease.
Substitution Site Selection and Thermoelectric Performance‐Enhancing Mechanism of Cu12Sb4S13 Doped with Pb/Ge/Sn
Authors: Liu Mian , Qin Xiaoying , Liu Changsong
Published: October 2021

Tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13 has attracted much attention as an earth‐abundant and ecofriendly thermoelectric material with intrinsic low thermal conductivity. Herein, the effects of carbon group elements Pb, Ge, and Sn on the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of Cu12Sb4S13 are extensively investigated based on first‐principles electronic structure calculations and Boltzmann transport theories. It is found that the most energetically favorable sites for the elements Pb and Ge are the Cu(1) sites, while for Sn atoms they are the Cu(2) sites. And the engineered electronic density of states by Pb/Ge/Sn doping results in a sharp increase of the Seebeck coefficient and a great decrease in carrier thermal conductivity of the host. In addition, the Cu12Sb4S13 compounds substituted with Pb/Ge at Cu(2) sites and Sn at Cu(1) sites have a preferable optimizing thermoelectric performance in a whole. Especially, the optimizing ZT of the host could get an about 15‐time improvement at T = 470 K upon Sn substituting at Cu(1) sites.
Applying Biostatistics in Medical Research
Authors: Sapra R. L.
Published: October 2021

A retrospective study is based on information collected in the past, say about a disease that has already occurred and the study aims to investigate its association with the risk factors or exposure, for example, studying the association between lung cancer and those who smoke. The most common example of a retrospective study is a case–control study. However, all retrospective studies are not case–control ones. Retrospective studies are relatively inexpensive, easy to perform, and require less time to draw inferences from data. Their major disadvantage is that the investigator has to depend on the available information which has been collected and maintained in the past by others and maybe incomplete or lacking in some aspects, like confounding factors.
Ethics in Genetic Research
Authors: Verma Ishwar , Arora Veronica , Verma Kusum
Published: October 2021

The reader must be wondering about the need for this chapter in a book on pursuing academic medicine in developing countries, as the authors did when asked to write it. The foremost reason is that informing readers about ethics in a predominantly unethical world is not out of place. It is a reminder of the inherent good in man. Secondly, genetics, which was considered a luxury in developing countries has in recent years assumed importance in clinical practice. The completion of the project on the sequencing of the human genome also provided the impetus for the development of faster and cheaper sequencing technology, which came to be known as the next generation sequencing (NGS). To illustrate, the Human Genome Project (HGP) took 13 years to complete at a cost of US $2.7 billion (US contribution). It involved the sequencing of 3 billion base pairs. The same could be carried out in a few days for US 1500 in 2016 [1]. Indeed Hennekam and Bieseker (2012) have called NGS as ‘the most powerful diagnostic tool developed in medicine since the roentgenogram. Its value and utility in clinical medicine will be enormous’ [2]. Numerous perplexing disorders were unravelled by NGS, and in many patients it resulted in life-saving therapy, ushering in the era of precision medicine. Medical therapy, from a position of ‘one size, fits all’ changed to “the right size for each patient.
Crossing-symmetric twist field correlators and entanglement negativity in minimal CFTs
Authors: Ares Filiberto , Santachiara Raoul , Viti Jacopo
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study conformal twist field four-point functions on a ℤN orbifold. We examine in detail the case N = 3 and analyze theories obtained by replicated N-times a minimal model with central charge c < 1. A fastly convergent expansion of the twist field correlation function in terms of sphere conformal blocks with central charge Nc is obtained by exploiting covering map techniques. We discuss extensive applications of the formalism to the entanglement of two disjoint intervals in CFT, in particular we propose a conformal block expansion for the partially transposed reduced density matrix. Finally, we refine the bounds on the structure constants of unitary CFTs determined previously by the genus two modular bootstrap.
Handlungsbedarfe und Reformoptionen nach der Bundestagswahl
Authors:   ZG Überblick
Published: October 2021

Anlässlich der Bundestagswahl vom 26. September 2021 widmet sich dieses Zeitgespräch den Herausforderungen für die zukünftige Bundesregierung. Das Themenspektrum ist ähnlich vielfältig wie es die Vorstellungen der Parteien sind. Neben den Themen Digitalisierung, Dekarbonisierung sowie Aus- und Fortbildung von Fachkräften steht die Finanzpolitik im Fokus. Auch Gleichberechtigung spielt eine zentrale, im Wahlkampf häufig vernachlässigte Rolle. Welche Schritte sollte die nächste Bundesregierung tun, um den anstehenden Herausforderungen zu begegnen? Die inhaltlichen Unterschiede der Wahlprogramme von FDP und Grünen sowie mögliche Kompromisslinien werden aufgezeigt. Schließlich wird erörtert, welche Maßnahmen zur Steigerung der Produktivität ergriffen werden sollten, um den Strukturwandel — hervorgerufen durch Digitalisierung und Energiewende — zu gestalten.
Gemeinschaftsdiagnose: Die Krise wird allmählich überwunden
Authors: Gornig Martin , Holtemöller Oliver , Kooths Stefan , Schmidt Torsten , Wollmershäuser Timo
Published: October 2021

Die führenden Wirtschaftsforschungsinstitute senken ihre BIP-Wachstumsprognose für 2021 von 3,7 % auf 2,4 %. Dafür ist insbesondere die schwächelnde Industrieproduktion verantwortlich, die unter Lieferengpässen leidet. Die internationale Konjunktur erholt sich zwar von den Verwerfungen der Corona-Pandemie, aber nur langsam, da die Impffortschritte regional unterschiedlich sind. Die Verbraucherpreise haben sich 2021 stark erhöht.
IT-Sektor: Chancen für die deutsch-nigerianische Wirtschafts- und Entwicklungspartnerschaft
Authors: Paha Johannes , Wolter Lydia
Published: October 2021

Die Entstehung und das Wachstum des größten afrikanischen Markts für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (IKT) in Lagos beruhen auf Agglomerationseffekten und dem Zusammenspiel komplementärer Erfolgsfaktoren, die mit positiven externen Effekten behaftet sind. Notwendige Reformen, die sowohl durch nationale Maßnahmen zur Beseitigung von Marktversagen als auch durch internationale Maßnahmen der Entwicklungsarbeit implementiert werden sollen, erfordern eine Überführung des Marktes in den formellen Sektor. Dabei besteht die Gefahr, das Zusammenspiel der Erfolgsfaktoren zu zerstören. Die Chancen und Risiken dieser Aspekte für die deutsch-nigerianische Wirtschafts- und Entwicklungszusammenarbeit werden aufgezeigt.
A pair of transporters controls mitochondrial Zn2+ levels to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Zhao Liyuan , Zhang Jie , Tang Ruofeng , Wang Xin , Liu Nan , Zhang Qian , Wang Fengyang , Li Meijiao , Shan Qian , Yang Yang , Yin Qiuyuan , Yang Limei , Gan Qiwen , Yang Chonglin
Published: October 2021

Zn2+ is required for the activity of many mitochondrial proteins, which regulate mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis and mitophagy. However, it is not understood how the proper mitochondrial Zn2+ level is achieved to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we reveal here that a pair of mitochondrion-localized transporters controls the mitochondrial level of Zn2+. We demonstrate that SLC-30A9/ZnT9 is a mitochondrial Zn2+ exporter. Loss of SLC-30A9 leads to mitochondrial Zn2+ accumulation, which damages mitochondria, impairs animal development and shortens the life span. We further identify SLC-25A25/SCaMC-2 as an important regulator of mitochondrial Zn2+ import. Loss of SLC-25A25 suppresses the abnormal mitochondrial Zn2+ accumulation and defective mitochondrial structure and functions caused by loss of SLC-30A9. Moreover, we reveal that the endoplasmic reticulum contains the Zn2+ pool from which mitochondrial Zn2+ is imported. These findings establish the molecular basis for controlling the correct mitochondrial Zn2+ levels for normal mitochondrial structure and functions.
Evaluation of a multiplex PCR screening approach to identify community-acquired bacterial co-infections in COVID-19: a multicenter prospective cohort study of the German competence network of community-acquired pneumonia (CAPNETZ)
Authors: Rothe Kathrin , Spinner Christoph D. , Panning Marcus , Pletz Mathias W. , Rohde Gernot , Rupp Jan , Witzenrath Martin , Erber Johanna , Eberhardt Frank , Essig Andreas , Schneider Jochen ,   Members of the CAPNETZ study group, Dreher M. , Cornelissen C , Knüppel W. , Stolz D. , Suttorp N. , Creutz P. , Mikolajewska A. , le Claire A. , Benzke M. , Bauer T. , Krieger D. , Prediger M. , Schmager S. , Kolditz M. , Schulte-Hubbert B. , Langner S. , Degen O. , Hüfner A. , Hoffmann C. , Welte T. , Freise J. , Barten-Neiner G. , Nawrocki M. , Fuge I. , Naim J. , Kröner W. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Kroegel C. , Moeser A. , Schleenvoigt B. , Forstner C. , Drömann D. , Parschke P. , Franzen K. , Rupp J. , Käding N. , Wouters E. , Walraven K. , Braeken D. , Spinner C. , Buschmann H. , Zaruchas A. , Schaberg T. , Hering I. , Albrich W. , Waldeck F. , Rassouli F. , Baldesberger S , Panning M. , Wallner M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Thorough knowledge of the nature and frequency of co-infections is essential to optimize treatment strategies and risk assessment in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening approach for community-acquired bacterial pathogens (CABPs) at hospital admission, which could facilitate identification of bacterial co-infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Clinical data and biomaterials from 200 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from the observational cohort of the Competence Network for community-acquired pneumonia (CAPNETZ) prospectively recruited between March 17, 2020, and March 12, 2021 in 12 centers in Germany and Switzerland, were included in this study. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were analyzed on hospital admission using multiplex real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for a broad range of CABPs.

Results

In total of 200 patients Staphylococcus aureus (27.0%), Haemophilus influenzae (13.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (5.5%), Moraxella catarrhalis (2.5%), and Legionella pneumophila (1.5%) were the most frequently detected bacterial pathogens. PCR detection of bacterial pathogens correlated with purulent sputum, and showed no correlation with ICU admission, mortality, and inflammation markers. Although patients who received antimicrobial treatment were more often admitted to the ICU and had a higher mortality rate, PCR pathogen detection was not significantly related to antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusion

General CABP screening using multiplex PCR with nasopharyngeal swabs may not facilitate prediction or identification of bacterial co-infections in the early phase of COVID-19-related hospitalization. Most patients with positive PCR results appear to be colonized rather than infected at that time, questioning the value of routine antibiotic treatment on admission in COVID-19 patients.