bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KDM6B protects T-ALL cells from NOTCH1-induced oncogenic stress
Authors: Issa Nancy , Bjeije Hassan , Wilson Elisabeth , Krishnan Aishwarya , Dunuwille Wangisa , Parsons Tyler , Zhang Christine , Han Wentao , Young Andrew , Ren Zhizhong , Ge Kai , Wang Eunice , Weng Andrew , Cashen Amanda , Spencer David , Challen Grant
Published: November 2022

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematopoietic neoplasm resulting from the malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors. While activating NOTCH1 mutations are the dominant genetic drivers of T-ALL, epigenetic dysfunction plays a central role in the pathology of T-ALL and can provide alternative mechanisms to oncogenesis in lieu of or in combination with genetic mutations. The histone demethylase enzyme KDM6A (UTX) is also recurrently mutated in T-ALL patients and functions as a tumor suppressor. However, its gene paralog, KDM6B (JMJD3), is never mutated and can be significantly overexpressed, suggesting it may be necessary for sustaining the disease. Here, we used mouse and human T-ALL models to show that KDM6B is required for T-ALL development and maintenance. Using NOTCH1 gain-of-function retroviral models, mouse cells genetically deficient for Kdm6b were unable to propagate T-ALL. Inactivating KDM6B in human T-ALL patient cells by CRISPR/Cas9 showed KDM6B-targeted cells were significantly outcompeted over time. The dependence of T-ALL cells on KDM6B was proportional to the oncogenic strength of NOTCH1 mutation, with KDM6B required to prevent stress-induced apoptosis from strong NOTCH1 signaling. These studies identify a crucial role for KDM6B in sustaining NOTCH1-driven T-ALL and implicate KDM6B as a novel therapeutic target in these patients.
Novel Plasmodium falciparum K13 Gene Polymorphisms from Kisii County, Kenya during an era of Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) deployment
Authors: Maniga Josephat Nyabayo , Adeyemo Rasheed Omotayo , Samuel Mong’are , John Odda , Rael Masai , Bwogo Pacifica , Martin Odoki , Sankarapandian Vidya , Wilberforce Mfitundinda , Muchiri Jacqueline Njeri , Albert Ochweri , Onkoba Sarah Kemuma , Adebayo Ismail Abiola , Akinola Saheed Adekunle
Published: November 2022

Background
Currently, Chemotherapy stands out as the major malaria intervention strategy, however, antimalarial resistance may hamper global elimination programs. Artemisinin Combined Therapies (ACTs) stands as the drug of choice for treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. P. falciparum Kelch13 gene mutations are associated with artemisinin resistance. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the circulation of P. falciparum K13 Gene Polymorphisms from Kisii County, Kenya during an era of ACTs deployment.
Methods
Participants suspected to have malaria were recruited. P. falciparum was confirmed using microscopy method. Malaria-positive patients were treated with Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL). Blood was withdrawn from participants who tested positive for parasites after day 3 and kept in blood filter papers (ET31CHR; Whatman Limited, Kent, UK). DNA was extracted using chelex-suspension method. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted and the second-round products were sequenced using Sanger’s method. Sequenced products were analyzed using DNAsp 5.10.01 software and then blasted on to the NCBI for K13 propeller gene sequence identity using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). To assess the selection pressure in P. falciparum parasite population, Tajima’ D statistic and Fu & Li’s D test in DnaSP software 5.10.01 was used.
Results
Out of 275 enrolled participants, 231 completed the follow-up schedule. 13 (5.6%) had parasites on day 28 hence characterized for recrudescence. Out of the 13 samples suspected for recrudescence, 5 (38%) samples were positively amplified as P. falciparum, with polymorphisms in the K13-propeller gene detected. Polymorphisms at codon 539, 458, 561, 431 and 671 were detected. The sequences have been deposited in NCBI with bio-project number PRJNA885380 and accession numbers SAMN31087430, SAMN31087431, SAMN31087432, SAMN31087433, and SAMN31087434 for Marani, Nyamache, and Bonchari samples, respectively.
Conclusions
Validated WHO resistant Polymorphisms in the K13-propeller gene previously reported to be associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected in the P. falciparum isolates from Kisii County, Kenya. However, some previously reported un-validated K13 resistant Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms were reported in this study but with limited occurrences. The study has also reported new SNPs. More studies need to be carried out in the entire country to understand the association of reported mutations if any, with ACTs resistance.
Feature Correlation Transformer for Estimating Ambiguous Optical Flow
Authors: Fang Guibiao , Chen Junhong , Liang Dayong , Reeth Frank Van , Claesen Luc , Yang Zhenguo , Liu Wenyin
Published: November 2022

Cost volume is widely used to establish correspondences in optical flow estimation. However, when dealing with low-texture and occluded areas, it is difficult to estimate the cost volume correctly. Therefore, we propose a replacement: feature correlation transformer (FCTR), a transformer with self-and cross-attention alternations for obtaining global receptive fields and positional embedding for establishing correspondences. With global context and positional information, FCTR can produce more accurate correspondences for ambiguous areas. Using positional embedding allows the removal of the context network; the positional information can be aggregated within ambiguous motion boundaries, and the number of model parameters can be reduced. To speed up network convergence and strengthen robustness, we introduce a smooth L1 loss with exponential weights in the pre-training step. At the time of submission, our method achieves competitive performance with all published optical flow methods on both the KITTI-2015 and MPI-Sintel benchmarks. Moreover, it outperforms all optical flow and scene flow methods in KITTI-2015 foreground-region prediction.
Controllable transmission of chirped cosh-Gaussian beams in parabolic potential
Authors: Song Lijun , Fang Lizhi , Liu Shujie , Chen Shengjie
Published: November 2022

In our study, based on the normalized linear Schrödinger equation, we have analytically and numerically investigated the propagation dynamics of chirped cosh-Gaussian beams in a medium with parabolic potential. The obtained results show that cosh-Gaussian beams perform a periodic auto-focusing behavior and the parabolic potential determines the focusing ability, including the focal distance as well as peak intensity at the focus. Especially, the intensity distributions and waveform of cosh-Gaussian beam are related to the initial parameter of cosh function. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the effect of chirp factors on the beam and find that the periodic oscillating behavior caused by linear chirp can be used to manipulated the propagation trajectory of beam, but linear chirp does not affect the focal intensity. While the quadratic chirp can enhance the focusing ability and peak intensity of beam on the axis, which indicates that the quadratic chirp factor plays a significant role in the modulation of the energy localization.
Effect of osmotic and salt stresses on germination and phenolic compounds of Eruca vesicaria subs. sativa L.
Authors: Barris Selma , TOUMI Mohamed , BELKEBIR Aicha
Published: November 2022

Rocket is a plant well adapted to the different climates in Algeria. It is known for its ability to grow in marginal conditions. It produces protein- and oil-rich seeds as well as edible leaves. Rocket and other members of the Brassicaceae plant family have been shown to contribute beneficial, health promoting phytochemicals to the human diet. However, little is known about its physiological response to water and salt stress. In this study, we sought to investigate the osmotic and salt stress effect on rocket seeds at the germination level and monitor phenolic compounds accumulation during this process. Our findings show that at an osmotic potential of -0.75 MPa, 33.33% of the seeds exposed to polyethylene glycol germinated which suggests that rocket seeds displayed tolerance to water stress. When decreasing the osmotic potential to -1.44 MPa of sodium chloride, the seed germination rate decreased to 21.33% which indicates that rocket seeds were resistant to salt stress. Quantitative analysis of seed’s phenolic compounds showed an increase in polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins content. As expected, the biggest increases were observedin the highest levels of osmotic and salt stress exposures. This accumulation during germination could explain rocket seed’s ability to resist drought and salinity.
The closed-form solutions of a compartmental epidemic model for Covid-19 with the Asymptomatic population
Authors: Naz Rehana , Torrisi Mariano
Published: November 2022

We developed a Susceptible-Asymptomatic-Infectious-Quarantined (SAIQ) model with a Quarantine-Adjusted (QA) incidence to investigate the emergence and containment of COVID-19. The closed-form solutions of system of four nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are established. The Epidemic Peak (EP), Force of Infection (FOI) and Rate of Infection (ROI) are the important indicators for the control and prevention of disease.We examined these indicators using closed-form solutions and particular parameter values. Different disease-control scenarios are thoroughly examined.
Polarización y creencias sociales en algunos militantes de dos partidos políticos ideológicamente antagónicos en el marco del posconflicto en Colombia
Authors: Villa Gómez Juan David , Sarmiento Rojas Juan Camilo
Published: November 2022

La presente investigación explora lógicas de polarización política entre ocho militantes de dos partidos antagónicos: Centro Democrático (CD) y Colombia Humana (CH), significativos exponentes de derecha e izquierda en la política colombiana. Los objetivos se centran en comprender las creencias sociales del grupo político y el partido contrario respecto a determinados temas, sobre la agrupación adversaria y sus militantes, al igual que la orientación emocional en relación con el contrario. La mirada teórica se desarrolla desde el realismo crítico y la psicología social y política, en perspectiva emancipatoria, además, es guiada por los trabajos de Bar-Tal (2007, 2013, 2017), Blanco (2007), Martín-Baró (1990, 2003), Mouffe (2007), Tajfel (1984) y el marco de la macroinvestigación “Barreras psicosociales para la construcción de la paz y la reconciliación en Colombia”. A partir del método cualitativo con enfoque hermenéutico, se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a militantes de ambos partidos (cuatro de cada uno), haciendo un análisis de contenido a través de matrices intertextuales y una codificación teórica de primero y segundo nivel. De este modo, se comprende la forma como se tejen y desarrollan las creencias sociales sobre el adversario político, leído como enemigo, en un entramado de significación que lo interpreta de manera negativa, en términos morales y políticos, a partir de estereotipos, prejuicios y estigmas que obturan las posibilidades de diálogo y consenso, fortaleciendo perspectivas que invitan a su silenciamiento, dilución, cooptación, derrota y exclusión. Todo ello acentúa la polarización como expresión del trauma psicosocial dejado por décadas de conflicto armado en Colombia, convirtiéndose en barrera para la construcción de la paz y la reconciliación.
Desigualdad socioambiental: una aproximación al caso del departamento de Antioquia a escala municipal
Authors: Cárdenas Agudelo Maria Fernanda
Published: November 2022

La separación entre sociedad y naturaleza tiene reflejos visibles en la expresión espacial de fenómenos socioambientales. Los territorios, en general, han venido especializando su base económica, ya sea producto de estrategias planeadas o por dinámicas que atienden a lógicas de uso y apropiación de la naturaleza, generando desigualdades socioambientales. Este ejercicio indaga por la relación espacial entre las condiciones prevalentes de pobreza multidimensional y las coberturas del suelo asociadas con la conservación y producción agraria. Dicha conexión busca expresar la diferenciación entre los municipios con mejores condiciones socioeconómicas y aquellos que soportan parcialmente su sostenibilidad, en tanto proveen de bienes y servicios ecosistémicos, tomando el departamento de Antioquia como caso de estudio. El vínculo entre las variables socioambientales se evalúa por medio de un análisis de correlación espacial. Los resultados indican que es posible distinguir espacialmente los municipios proveedores de servicios ambientales y aquellos con las mejores condiciones socioeconómicas promedio, diferencia que se mantiene en el período evaluado (2005-2017). Aunque los índices de correlación espacial resultantes (índice de Moran) son más cercanos a cero que a uno, señalando una aleatoriedad en su distribución, estos tienden a alejarse del cero en el período evaluado, lo que podría interpretarse como una acentuación de la separación espacial entre las áreas con menos pobreza y las áreas más naturales o más agrarias. A manera de conclusión, se reflexiona sobre la necesidad de implementar medidas que propendan por cerrar brechas, por promover la equidad y la justicia social y ambiental.
Experiencias empresariales del sector lácteo de la provincia de Pamplona: una mirada desde la pospandemia
Authors: Ortega-Sánchez Yuly-Xiomara , Santafé-Rojas Akever-Karina
Published: November 2022

Los cambios que enfrentan actualmente las organizaciones a nivel mundial producto de los diferentes paradigmas del entorno conducen a reflexionar sobre la dinámica de las empresas del sector lácteo. El propósito de la presente investigación es develar las experiencias empresariales pospandemia del sector lácteo de la provincia de Pamplona (Colombia). Para ello, se evaluó el paradigma interpretativista, el enfoque cualitativo y el método historia de vida, aplicado a cinco empresarios del sector. Como resultado se observó que el sector empresarial de los lácteos de la provincia de Pamplona se ha adaptado a las contingencias que ha impuesto el mercado, dinamizando la producción y comercialización de sus productos en el marco de la pospandemia. Además, en su mayoría, las experiencias de los empresarios han sido positivas, específicamente en la capacidad estratégica financiera al mantener o aumentar la venta de los productos; de igual manera, la capacidad estratégica de gestión permitió sacar a flote el espíritu emprendedor para continuar en el proceso empresarial a pesar de las adversidades. Sin embargo, se evidenció una afectación en la capacidad estratégica dinámica debido a los cambios en el estilo de vida y su impacto a nivel emocional. Finalmente, el conjunto de capacidades empresariales permitió el desarrollo de estrategias para el sector lácteo contribuyendo a la competitividad de la región.
Aproximaciones al estudio de la deprivación sociocultural desde los sistemas: escuela, familia y comunidad
Authors: Chaves López Lizeth Daniela , Narváez-Burbano Jonnathan Harvey
Published: November 2022

La deprivación sociocultural es un fenómeno multicausal que surge como consecuencia de la deficiente estimulación en los sistemas nucleares familia, escuela y comunidad, lo cual repercute en el desarrollo de los NNA. El presente estudio se orienta desde el paradigma cualitativo con enfoque biográfico-narrativo. Las técnicas de recolección de información fueron las entrevistas semiestructuradas y el grupo de discusión. Además, contó con la participación de 20 adolescentes entre los 14 y 17 años de establecimientos educativos de la ciudad de Pasto, Colombia. Como resultados, se resalta que las narrativas de los participantes dan cuenta de deficiencias en la fuentes de estimulación en los tres sistemas nucleares: en el sistema familiar, los estilos parentales permisivos dificultan los procesos efectivos de regulación al no proveer reglas claras; en el sistema escolar, se imponen modelos de enseñanza tradicional, donde los vínculos docente-estudiante tienden a ser distantes, lo que obstaculiza una oportuna mediación del aprendizaje; mientras que en el sistema comunitario al no existir procesos de integración vecinal, los participantes perciben vínculos afectivos débiles y la ausencia de soporte social comunitario. En conclusión, las vivencias de los adolescentes en los sistemas nucleares están permeadas por experiencias de estimulación inadecuadas, lo que influye de manera negativa sobre el desarrollo cognitivo, afectivo y social de los jóvenes tanto en la modificación de sus estructuras intelectuales como en la adaptación positiva en los ambientes normativo sociales.
Exploring Household Financial Self-Efficacy Amid MCO
Authors: Ong Hway-Boon
Published: November 2022

The outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic had forced economies to implement movement restrictions that resulted in income shock to households. This study aims to gauge the impact of income shock due to movement control order (MCO). This study examined the factors that affect Malaysian household financial self-efficacy due to movement restrictions. A survey was conducted online from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2020 to gather responses from households. Data collected were analysed using the KMO sampling adequacy test, Bartlett’s test, reliability, and factor analysis. More than 46% of the respondents’ income was significantly decreased or somewhat decreased due to MCO. Financial tools, lifestyle adaptation, contingency plan and realisation of the impact of MCO had significantly affected household financial efficacy.
Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on Agricultural Production
Authors: Meena Akshay , Meena Anita
Published: November 2022

This study aims to assess the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the agricultural crop production in India and identify the factors affecting the agricultural crop production in India during the lockdown period. Due to the pandemic, production of Rabi crops such as Jowar and coarse cereals have declined, and the growth rate of Kharif crops such as Bajra and coarse cereals production have also been dropped. Among the horticulture crops, the growth rate of fruit production has been adversely affected by the restrictions imposed during the lockdown. The fertilizer consumption, annual rainfall, pesticides consumption and storage capacity are identified as major determinants affecting the agricultural crop production in the country during the lockdown period.
Non-Financial Reporting Research in Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Khan Muzammal Ahmad , Chinnasamy Jayakumar
Published: November 2022

Non-financial reporting is a disclosure of a company’s social, environmental, and human rights information. It is also known as environmental, social, and governance information. This study attempts to assess the main content and future research suggestions reported in previous non-financial reporting studies and aims to offer recommendations for future research. Nine major databases over a decade (2005-2016) were explored using specific keywords, 183 articles were identified to be exclusively dealt with non-financial reporting in both developed and developing nations. The finding indicates that there is a variation in the content focusing on the non-financial reporting research in both developed and developing countries. Several selected articles have recommended that further research be focus on the in-depth qualitative inquiries in the field to better support the practice of non-financial reporting.
The Predominant Elements for Strategic CSR Implementation in SMEs
Authors: Gunawan Sandy , Syarief Rizal , Nurhayati Popong , Asnawi Yudha Heryawan , Joewono Handito Hadi
Published: November 2022

Research on strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is still not many in number, particularly, in developing countries. Although SMEs play an important role in economic development, this sector has received less attention in research on its competitiveness through social responsibility. According to previous literature, SMEs have unconsciously practiced social responsibility but have not been integrated in their strategy. The same condition has also occurred to SMEs in Badung district, Bali, where they practice social responsibility in running their business as an embodiment of a philosophy based on religious teachings. However, this type of CSR has not yet made a positive contribution to their competitiveness. This study attempts to answer what elements are required to obtain CSR as strategy. Interpretive Structural Modeling methodology was implemented to the SMEs located in Badung Regency, Bali . The study finds that the integration of strategic CSR into SMEs’ strategy was focused on new paradigm improve SMEs’ competitiveness. This new way of thinking can be achieved by intensively socializing the benefits of strategic CSR through education, relevant policy and collaboration between related stakeholders.
Family Ownership Concentration and Debt in Dividends Policies
Authors: Roida Herlina Yoka , Yahya Resty Fauzyah , Sunarjanto N. Agus
Published: November 2022

This study aims to examine whether or not family control benefiting the internal and external governance mechanism to mitigate to agency problems affecting dividends in a capital market environment to improve investor protection such as Indonesia. The quantitative analysis model was used to test the hypotheses based on the panel data analysis of 58 family firms listed from 2012 to 2019, and the random effect technique (pooled EGLS). The findings indicate that internal governance mechanism (family ownership and family board representation) are irrelevant to the dividend policy. However, external governance mechanism (debt) negatively affects dividends. This means that debt plays a significant role in influencing dividend policies. In addition, it provides the issue from institutional setting, when legal protection for minority shareholders is improving, the governance role of families become less effective to monitor the firms.
Crystallization and preliminary x-ray analysis of β-amylase from bacillus cereus var. mycoides
Authors: Oyama Takuji , Kusunoki Masami , Kishimoto Yoji , Takasaki Yoshiyuki , Nitta Yasunori
Published: November 2022

Crystals of the P-amylase from Bacillus cereus var. mycoides were grown by the vapor diffusion method with polyethylene glycol 6000 as the precipitant. These crystals belong to the monoclinic system, space group C2 with a=177.9 A, b = 112.9 A, c = 146.2 A and /J=105.8 °. They diffracted well to 2.0 A resolution on a
synchrotron radiation source, a full data set being collected to 2.2 A resolution. On the basis of the Matthews'
parameter (Vm), at least four molecules are estimated to be in the asymmetric unit.
Insights into the Structural Complexities of SARS-CoV-2 for Therapeutic
and Vaccine Development
Authors: AlMatar Manaf , Mazila Ramli Aizi Nor , Albarri Osman , Yi Choong Xin
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is a disease that endangers both human life and the economy. There was an 11-
month period of relative evolutionary standstill following the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019.
However, the emergence of clusters of mutations known as' variants of concern 'with variable viral properties
such as transmissibility and antigenicity defined the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Several efforts
have been made in recent months to understand the atomic level properties of SARS-CoV-2. A review
of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 mutations is offered in this paper. The critical activities performed by
different domains of the SARS-CoV-2 genome throughout the virus's entry into the host and overall viral
life cycle are discussed in detail. These structural traits may potentially pave the way for the development
of a vaccine and medication to combat the SARS-CoV-2 sickness.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Specific Ring Hydroxylating Dioxygenases:
Diversity, Structure, Function, and Protein Engineering
Authors: Sharma Pushpender Kumar , Kaur Tanjot , Lakhawat Sudarshan Singh , Kumar Vikram , Sharma Vinay , Neeraj Ravi Ranjan Kumar
Published: November 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitously present in the environment. These
compounds have demonstrated both mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. In the past few decades,
scientists have constantly been looking for a possible route to their biological degradation. Bacterial
ring hydroxylating dioxygenases (RHDs) implicated in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation
comprise a large family of enzymes. RHD catalyzes the stereospecific oxidation of PAHs by incorporating
molecular oxygen into inert aromatic nuclei. These biocatalysts hold the potential to completely
transform and mineralize toxic forms of these compounds into non-toxic forms. RHDsmediated
oxygenation produces cis-dihydrodiols, a chiral compound used in pharmaceutical industries.
The Molecular investigation of 16S rRNA and key functional genes involved in pollutant degradation
have revealed the dominant occurrence of phylum proteobacteria and actinobacteria in hydrocarbonpolluted
environments. The present review is aimed at narrating the diversity, distribution, structural
and functional characteristics of RHDs. The review further highlights key amino acids participating in
RHDs catalysis. It also discusses the robustness of protein engineering methods in improving the structural
and functional activity of the ring hydroxylating dioxygenases.
Co-administration of Pterocarpus marsupium Extract and Glibenclamide
Exhibits Better Effects in Regulating Hyperglycemia and Associated
Changes in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sharma Neha , Kar Anand , Panda Sunanda , Yadav Dhananjay
Published: November 2022

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known global metabolic disorder. For its treatment, glibenclamide (GLB) is very often prescribed. However, herbal drugs are considered effective and better alternatives due to their low risk of side effects. This study was conducted to determine the combined effects of GLB and Pterocarpus marsupium (PM, a commonly available Indian herb) extract for the effective and safe treatment of hyperglycemia in the mouse model.

Methods:

Healthy adult male mice were distributed into five groups (n=7 in each group). Group I acted as the control, whereas groups II, III, IV, and V were considered experimental groups which received a single dosage (150 mg/kg body weight) of alloxan (ALX) intraperitoneally (i.p.). In addition, groups III, IV, and V received a pre-standardized dose of GLB (500 µg/kg body weight), PM extract (150 mg/kg body weight), and GLB+PM, respectively, at the same doses as used in individual treatment, after the seventh day of ALX administration for 15 days and the alterations in different DM related parameters were evaluated.

Results:

ALX-induced hyperglycemia and other adverse effects were nearly normalized by GLB and PM co-treatment as evidenced by marked suppression in glucose, triglyceride, total-cholesterol, lipid-peroxidation, and lipid-hydroperoxides with an increase in antioxidants status and liver glycogen content. The positive effects were more pronounced when both GLB and PM were given, as compared to that of either of the drugs, administered alone. Liver ultra-structure, analyzed through histology and transmission electron microscopy revealed normalization of the ALX-induced damaged hepatocytes. The presence of epicatechin, the major phytoconstituent of the PM extract, as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is responsible for its antioxidative and glucose-lowering activities.

Conclusion:

These findings reveal that PM, along with GLB, exhibits synergistic and better effects than the individual drug in regulating hyperglycemia and associated changes in alloxan-induced mice.
New Strategies in the Treatment of Diseases Caused by Acanthamoeba
Based on Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shakib Pegah , Kalani Hamed , Tahir Aleem Muhammad , Faridnia Roghiyeh , Zebardast Pour Mustafa , Moradpour Kobra , Cheraghipour Kourosh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Acanthamoeba is one of the opportunistic parasites with a global prevalence.
Currently, due to the side effects and the emergence of drug resistance to this parasite, much research
has been performed on the use of nano-drugs to treat Acanthamoeba-caused diseases. Therefore, this
systematic review study aims to evaluate new strategies for treating diseases caused by Acanthamoeba
based on nanoparticles (NPs).

Methods:

We designed a systematic review based on the articles published in English between 2000
and 2022. Our search strategy was based on syntax and specific tags for each database, including ScienceDirect,
PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane. From the articles, those that had inclusion criteria
were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed.

Results:

In this study, 26 studies were selected. Metallic nanoparticles were mostly used against the
Acanthamoeba species (80.7%). 19.2% of the studies used polymeric nanoparticles, and 3.8% used
emulsion nanoparticles. Most studies (96.1%) were performed in vitro, and only one study (3.8%) was
carried out in vivo. Silver NPs were the most used metallic nanoparticles in the studies. The best effect
of the anti-Acanthamoeba compound was observed for green synthesized nanoparticles based on
stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG)
with a 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/mL.

Conclusion:

This study showed that chlorhexidine and other plant metabolites loaded with silver and
gold nanoparticles increase the anti-Acanthambae activity of these nanoparticles. However, green
synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids
hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG), showed the best anti-Acanthambae effect. Nevertheless, further
studies should be performed to determine their safety for human use.
Carbon Nanostructures-based Polymer Nanocomposites for EMI Shielding Applications
Authors: Gupta Tejendra K. , Kumar Rajeev , Goyat Manjeet Singh , Gupta Deepshikha
Published: November 2022

We have seen a rapid surge in the growth and subsequent drive-in scaling down electronic interfaces with intelligent electronic devices. Any electronic gadget that transmits, distributes, or uses electrical energy produces electromagnetic interference (EMI), which has harmful effects on device performance, human health, and the surrounding environment. This increase in unrestricted EM pollution can also affect human well-being and the surrounding environment if proper shielding is not provided. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for EMI shielding materials due to the rapid increase in EM radiation sources. EMI shielding materials must have the capability to absorb and reflect EM radiation at very high frequencies and act as a shield against the penetration of radiation through them. The polymer matrices are generally electrically insulating; therefore, they cannot provide shielding against EM radiations. Thus, the use of electrically conducting fillers enables the path in polymer composites to shield the EM radiations. This chapter covers the up‐to‐date research activities targeting EMI shielding based on thermoplastic, and thermoset polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) reinforced with carbon-based nanostructures (CBNS). The first section of this chapter gives a brief overview of the fundamentals of EMI shielding, theoretical aspects of shielding, and different strategies for controlling EM radiations. Other synthesis methods are discussed in the next section, which deals with the preparation of PNCs. Comprehensive justification of potential materials for controlling EMI is also described with nanocomposites based on thermoplastic and thermoset polymer matrices incorporated within CBNS, magnetic, dielectric, and hybrid materials. The synergistic effects of the hybrid fillers may render tunable electrical conductivity and electrical percolation phenomenon in nanocomposites.
Examining people's shopping behavior in society 5.0 era
Authors: Mertanti Ni Made Rahayu Agustini , Sanica I Gede
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this research is to find out people's shopping behavior in the era of society 5.0. This research is expected to provide insight into the development of science in the field of management and marketing science, besides that it is hoped that this research can be used as a reference for further researchers. Provide management expertise in achieving goals in knowing people's spending behavior in the era of society 5.0. This research is expected to be a reference material and a comparison for future researchers and fulfill the requirements for obtaining a Master of Management degree at the University of National Education Graduate School. This research is expected to be useful to provide information, knowledge and add insight for students about marketing management. The results of this study can be concluded that Fashion is the type of product that is most sought after by millennials. Fashion products offered online also have more affordable prices when compared to selling prices in offline stores. Most consumers use online marketplaces (such as Zalora, Tokopedia, Lazada and Shope) and social media (such as Tiktokshop) to shop online.
New records of urban cockroaches in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico (Insecta: Blattodea)
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Sergio , Ortega-Morales Aldo I. , Valdés-Perezgasga Ma. Teresa , Sánchez-Ramos Francisco Javier , López-Hernández Javier , Santillán-Santana Jaime
Published: November 2022

We conducted a study to determinate the richness of cockroaches in the urban area of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. Six species were recorded, which result new regional records. Interspecific relationships of these species are also documented.
New records of birds at National Park La Malinche, Tlaxcala, México
Authors: Loranca-Bravo Salvador J. , Rodríguez-Estrella Ricardo , Bautista Ortega Amando
Published: November 2022

We report three new bird records for the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, particularly for the National Park La Malinche, probably a resident and overwintering population of Falco peregrinus and an overwintering population of F. columbarius, and one species that is probably a new breeding species for the area, Corvus corax.
Examining Perspectives of People Living with HIV in Jordan (Preprint)
Authors: Alsouri Ruba , Khader Yousef , Wilson Nevin , Abaza Hiba , Satyanarayana Srinath
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Jordan is considered a low HIV epidemic country with prevalence rates of 0.02% among the general population and 0.05% among key populations at higher risk of HIV exposure. Studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) help design public health policies and plan health interventions targeting community needs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP), perceived stigma and discrimination, adherence to medication, and satisfaction of health services among People Who Live With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among PLWHAs in Jordan in 2021. The study included 152 PLWHA who receive services from the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

More than half of the study respondents showed low to moderate HIV/AIDS-related knowledge (n=90, 59.2%), negative attitudes (n=87, 57.3%), and moderate to high levels of stigma (n=86, 57.3%). Almost 28.7% (n=43) of patients had perceived moderate to high level of discrimination. Nonetheless, the majority (89.3%) of PLWHA reported that they were highly satisfied with VCT-offered health services. Overall, 31% (n=47) of the PLWHA were not adherent to medication. Adherence to ART was significantly higher among patients with high level of knowledge, patients who perceived moderate to high discrimination and patients who perceived low impact of stigma on accessing services.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of PLWHA in this study had low/moderate knowledge, negative attitudes, and moderate to high levels of stigma. Findings from this study provides evidence-based results for formulating multifaceted interventions and informing decisions at different levels to enhance HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitude, and practices, overcome stigma and discrimination.

CLINICALTRIAL
Study of Antibacterial Activity of Green Betel Leaf (Piper betle L.) and Red Betel Leaf (Piper Crocatum L.) Extract Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteria
Authors: Nailul Mukafiah
Published: November 2022

Green betel leaf (Piper betle L.) and red betel leaf (Piper crocatum L.) are plants commonly used for traditional medicine. The betel plant can treat infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacteria that causes nosocomial infections. This article's purpose is to describe previous research on the antibacterial activity of green betel leafextract (Piper betle L.) and red betel leaf (Piper crocatum L.) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. We used a traditional review. A search in the literature was carried out by entering the keywords: Piper betle L., Piper crocatum L., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antibacterial in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. Data sources were obtained online, then selected based on inclusion criteria, namely in the form of complete articles inIndonesian and English, explaining the extracts of green betel leaf (Piper betle L.) and red betel leaf (Piper crocatum L.) against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in single or combination from the years 2008-2021. The search results for articles obtained were 344.122 articles, and 15 articles were included from various countries. The results showed that the extracts of green betel leaf (Piper betel L.) and red betel leaf (Piper crocatum L.) were able toinhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria with strong to weak inhibition zones. Betel leaf extract (Piper betle) has been shown to have antibacterial properties and can inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria with strong to weak inhibition zones, single or combination from the years 2008-2021.
Formulation and Evaluation of Facial Wash containing Snow Mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) Extract
Authors: Putranti Astridani Rizky , Budipramana Krisyanti , Salim Mellynia Fortuna
Published: November 2022

The aims of this study were to determine and evaluate the results of the physicochemical characteristic of snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) facial wash, and to determine the acceptability of the snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) extract facial wash which has the best physicochemical characteristics. In this study, the extraction of snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) used UAE (Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction) and ethanol as solvent with various concentrations, 96% (F1), 75% (F2), and 50% (F3). Furthermore, the extract will be formulated into facial wash and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics. The parameters of physicochemical characteristics include organoleptic, pH, density, viscosity, spreadability, and foamability. The difference in the concentration of ethanol as menstruum of snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis) extraction did not significantly affect the organoleptic composition of facial wash, but it did affect the physicochemical characteristics of facial wash, where higher ethanol concentrations resulted in lower pH, higher density and viscosity, smaller spreadability, and foamability that meets specifications. The results of the evaluation of physicochemical characteristics showed that F1 had the best specifications and continued hedonic testing to determine the acceptability of snow mushroom (Tremella fuciformis) extract facial wash. The results of the hedonic test on F1 showed good acceptance regarding the parameters of appearance, foam, and effects after using facial wash; as well as sufficient acceptability related to aroma and viscosity parameters.
Building structures of thermal power plants: analysis of fire resistance limits
Authors: Puzach S. V. , Eremina T. Yu. , Portnov F. A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. The author analyzes real-life fire resistance limits of metal structures for one building of a thermal power plant. Experimental and computational methods were applied to identify the fire resistance limits of building structures. The temperature setting of the research, conducted to solve the problem, was the same as that of a real fire.

Research goal and objectives. The purpose of the analysis is to identify the fire resistance limits of structures comprising the building of a thermal power plant using the method of heat-mass exchange analysis that takes account of conditions of a real fire. The following objectives are to be attained in compliance with the pre-set goal:

to analyze the principal provisions of technical norms and regulations in terms of the fire safety of building structures of thermal power plants;

to justify the principal provisions for the method of heat-mass exchange analysis, taking into account real-life fire conditions;

to justify the need to improve the real-life fire resistance limits by fire-proofing agents with account taken of the most dangerous scenario of the real fire development.

Methods of research. The heat-transfer equation is analyzed to identify the distribution of temperatures inside a building structure for a one-dimensional case. The field-based method of analysis is applied to solve this problem. This method is generally applied to premises having complex geometric configuration, if one geometric dimension exceeds the others.

Results and their discussion. The authors have analyzed the most dangerous fire scenario characterized by the most dangerous impact on metal structures, such as the furnace oil fire spill in a boiler room.

The authors also address the most dangerous fire propagation scenario in terms of the heating of bearing metal structures: the combustion of furnace oil spills in a boiler room. The computations have proven that in case of the selected fire development scenario maximal temperatures of bearing metal structures are much lower than the critical temperature of 500 °С fifteen minutes after the onset of fire.

Conclusions. Having analyzed the fire resistance computations of thermal power plant structures, including their metal constructions, the have found that in case of emergency, resistance to the most dangerous manifestations of fire exceeds the required R15 value. No fireproofing of bearing metal structures in the boiler room is needed.
Particle size influence on the aluminum combustion dynamics in 1-m3 chamber
Authors: Poletaev N. L.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. The results of a standard study of the explosibility of aluminum air suspensions (AAS) can contribute to the development of AAS combustion physics. In particular, a complex of information about the polydispersity and of the AAS low explosion limit values in a 1-m3 chamber made it possible to determine the maximum particle size of the explosive fraction of a polydisperse sample d*m,t ≈ 40–50 µm (Poletaev, 2014). In the present work, a relationship is established between the AAS combustion dynamics in a 1-m3 chamber and persion. The dispersity of sample particles is described by the mass-average particle size of its explosive fraction (d*50), in contrast to the works of other researchers who use the mass-average size of all particles (d50).

Initial data. Known information about the dispersity and explosion parameters of 15 aluminum samples studied in a 1-m3 chamber was used. The continuous particle size distribution functions necessary for calculating d*50 were represented by the Rosin – Rammler distributions filling the gaps between the discrete data of the sieve analysis of the samples.

Combustion dynamics. The dynamics of AAS turbulent combustion in a 1-m3 chamber is represented by the maximum air suspension burn-up rate Ub. Ub was calculated using the formula (Kumar, 1992) intended for gas-air mixtures by substituting the AAS explosion parameters into this formula.

Results and its discussion. A plot of the d*50 Ub complex versus d*50  is shown. The average value of the complex (≈ 33 µm·m/s) is constant in the range 10 ≤ d*50  ≤ 35 µm. The latter is typical for the product of the particle size and the normal velocity of the laminar flame in AAS (Ben Moussa, 2017) and indicates the similarity of the effect of particle dispersion on the dynamics of turbulent and laminar combustion of AAS.

Conclusions. The dispersion of an explosive polydisperse aluminum sample is determined by the average particle size of the explosive fraction of the sample d*50. The similarity of the combustion patterns indicates a relationship between the mechanisms of laminar and turbulent flame propagation in AAS.
Improving knowledge exchange with technology tools
Authors: Innis Trina
Published: November 2022

Sustainability is a major driver of a number of international instruments including the Brundtland Report, Rio Declaration, and Agenda 21. All of these instruments emphasize the need to improve our management and exchange of knowledge.Sustainable management of natural resources requires the integration of information from many sources and disciplines, as well as close collaboration between geographically dispersed team members. Natural resource managers make decisions every day—to make sound decisions, they must have access to the best available information.Knowledge management systems address a variety of factors, including generation, organization, sharing, and application of knowledge. This paper demonstrates the value and applicability of various technology tools, including collaborative workspaces, Web conferencing, mailing lists, and Internet portals/knowledge repositories. The experiences of two organizations, FORREX–Forest Research Extension Partnership and FORCAST (Coalition for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Forest Sector), are used to highlight the benefits of these tools within the natural resource sector and beyond.
Culture, worldviews, communication styles, and conflict in forest management
Authors: Morford Shawn , Parker Diane , Rogers Heather , Salituro Carla , Waldichuk Tom
Published: November 2022

This paper explores culture, worldviews, communication styles, and conflict among stakeholders in forest and natural resource management. It addresses the fact that forest managers and stakeholders often speak about forest resources very differently, and it makes suggestions for improving communication among them. It also reviews the history of the development of worldviews regarding the environment. The paper draws from studies of environmental perception, conflict, and communications. A central argument is that culture, values, and communication styles are strongly linked with conflict, and that improved understanding of other cultures-and one's own culture, values, and communication styles-can reduce the negative consequences of conflict and lead to better resource management decisions. We believe that the success of conflict prevention and resolution depends on the ability of all parties-forest managers and stakeholders-to understand and respect all worldviews.
Adaptation to climate change in forest management
Authors: Spittlehouse David L. , Stewart Robert B.
Published: November 2022

Adaptation in forestry is sustainable forest management that includes a climate change focus. Climate change over the next 100 years is expected to have significant impacts on forest ecosystems. The forestry community needs to evaluate the long-term effects of climate change on forests and determine what the community might do now and in the future to respond to this threat. Management can influence the timing and direction of forest adaptation at selected locations, but in many situations society will have to adjust to however forests adapt. Adapting to climate change in the face of the uncertain timing of impacts means we must have a suite of readily available options. A high priority will be coping with and adapting to forest disturbance while maintaining the genetic diversity and resilience of forest ecosystems. A framework for facilitating adaptation in forestry is discussed and a review of adaptive actions presented.