bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El nivel del mar y la erosión de playas en el Perú
Authors: Tavares Corrêa Carlos
Published: April 2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar la relación entre el aumento del nivel del mar y la erosión de playas en el Perú. A partir del análisis bibliográfico sobre las tendencias del nivel del mar y los estudios sobre las variaciones de la línea de costa, se ha identificado que solamente el 15% de las playas del país retroceden por erosión. En la mayoría de los casos, la erosión se debe a la alteración del balance de sedimentos causado por la presencia de estructuras costeras de protección. Por otra parte, el 85% de la línea de costa se mantiene estable o avanza hacia el mar. Al contrario de lo que se esperaba, el aumento del nivel medio del mar parece tener poca influencia sobre la erosión de playas en el Perú.
Los retos de las ciudades del Perú frente al cambio climático. Aproximaciones desde la Justicia Ambiental
Authors: Ortiz Sánchez Iván , Mayo D’Arrigo Maritza , Alvarez Cueva Jessica , Espinoza Bardales Carlos , Garaycochea Castañón Antonio , Illanes Calderón Christian , Vivas Huaccho Diego , Vásquez Pascuala , Ramos Díaz Lorena
Published: April 2022

Frente al llamado urgente a la acción planteado en el último reporte del Panel Intergubernamental sobre el Cambio Climático (IPCC, por sus siglas en inglés), el presente artículo realiza una mirada panorámica de la problemática general de las ciudades del Perú frente al cambio climático, revelando que el reto es doble: generar resiliencia frente a los trastornos climáticos, pero sobre todo superar las causas estructurales que producen altos niveles de vulnerabilidad social y ecológica. Se concluye que las cuatro dimensiones de justicia ambiental —distribución, reconocimiento, participación, capacidades— permiten un análisis más completo de las vulnerabilidades a superar y alcanzar una resiliencia justa encontrándose, asimismo, avances en este sentido.
Agua y desarrollo. El caso del Proyecto Olmos Tinajones (Lambayeque, Perú)
Authors: Urteaga Crovetto Patricia
Published: April 2022

Desde principios del siglo XX una ola desarrollista se va expandiendo en el Perú en un intento de movilizar tanto la ayuda externa como el capital; uno de los sectores intervenidos mediante proyectos tecnológicos y cambios institucionales es el agrícola. Para fomentar la inversión privada se plantean cambios legales e institucionales en el sistema de gestión del agua y se promueve la construcción de grandes proyectos hidráulicos. Un ejemplo de ello es el Proyecto Olmos Tinajones para Riego e Hidroenergía que condensa casi un siglo de la historia sobre el agua y el desarrollo en el país. A partir del análisis de este caso, en este artículo se esbozan dos argumentos centrales para la discusión sobre agua y desarrollo: las transformaciones institucionales y físicas que se producen en el sector del agua encriptan de manera encubierta las asimetrías, y, el discurso del bien común que aspiran a legitimar grandes proyectos hidráulicos es eventualmente capturado por esquemas de corrupción que benefician prioritariamente a empresas privadas.
Genetic Diversity Estimation of Six Goat Populations from Chongqing, China using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Pan X. , Zhou L.P. , He S.S. , Tang L.H.
Published: April 2022

Goats are an important domestic animal for animal husbandry that has attracted considerable research attention worldwide. Genetic diversity assessment and population genetic structure of indigenous goats can provide valuable conservation strategies. The current study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of six goat populations from Chongqing, China. A total of 145 animals from five local goat populations, namely, Youzhou black (UZG), Jianzhou (JZG), Banjiao (BJG), Dazu (DZG) and Hechuan white goat (HCG) and an introduced breed called Nubia goat (NBG) located in Chongqing, China were genotyped with 18 autosomal microsatellite markers. A series of genetic diversity parameters and population phylogeny were estimated and constructed. This study preliminarily showed that the six goat populations present rich genetic diversity and significant genetic divergence among them. Furthermore, material exchanges were observed between the introduced and local goat populations in Chongqing. This result will further explain the diversity conservation of Chongqing goat populations.
In vitro Regeneration of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] through Nodal and Shoot Apex Explants
Authors: Belkhodja Leila , Belkhodja Moulay , Ghomari Samia
Published: April 2022

Background: Okra is an economically important crop grown in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean countries. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. This study aims to propagate this plant on a large scale by its in vitro regeneration and obtain healthy plants. Methods: Okra is micropropagated from nodal and shoot apex explants excised from 21-day-old seedlings. Isolated explants were then cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium without plant growth regulators at a temperature of 27°C, a photoperiod of 16-h light/8-h dark and a light intensity of 3000 lux. Leaves formation occurred after one week of culture, followed after 10 days by rooting formation. Result: The plantlets formed, grew and developed and after one month of cultivation under the same conditions, a difference in the length of the shoot was recorded, measuring 10.12 cm in the plantlets obtained from nodal segments and 7.37 cm in the plantlets from shoot apices. There was also a minimal difference in rooting, which was well observed in plantlets regenerated from nodal explants. Both types of explants developed into complete plantlets in only one month. Then, they were transferred to the greenhouse for acclimatisation. Using this technique, the in vitro production of plants is relatively simple, fast and less expensive.
Abordagens tradicionais e centradas no jogo para o ensino dos esportes coletivos de invasão
Authors: Aquino Rodrigo Leal de Queiroz Thomaz de , Menezes Rafael Pombo
Published: April 2022

Este ensaio teve como objetivo identificar, comparar e discutir os princípios pedagógicos tradicionais e modelos contemporâneos de ensino dos jogos coletivos esportivizados (JCE). Os JCE podem ser representados como sistemas complexos e dinâmicos, nos quais as equipes são entendidas como um microssistema social. Tradicionalmente, o ensino dos JCE foi sustentado por uma visão de mundo racionalista, com propostas centradas no professor/treinador e pautadas em abordagens e princípios pedagógicos tecnicistas e comportamentalistas. Nessa perspectiva, a reprodução (receita) sobrepõe-se à criatividade (adaptação funcional). Com a mudança de paradigma de ensino dos JCE, surgiram abordagens e modelos centrados nos jogadores/alunos e pautadas no jogo. Neste ensaio, foram discutidas as fundamentações teóricas e as implicações práticas de quatro propostas: i) Ensino de Jogos para Compreensão (Teaching Games for Understanding - TGfU); ii) Modelo de Educação Esportiva (Sport Education - SE); iii) Pedagogia Não-Linear (PNL) e; iv) Pedagogia do Jogo (entendida enquanto abordagem e modelo). Por meio dos princípios pedagógicos do TGfU (seleção do tipo de jogo, modificação-representação, modificação-exagero, ajuste da complexidade tática), da PNL (representação, manipulação de restrições, acoplamento informação-movimento, aprendizagem exploratória, redução do controle consciente do movimento), do SE e/ou da Pedagogia do jogo (pedagogia da rua, ambiente de aprendizagem e ambiente de jogo, incluindo características de desafio, desequilíbrio, imprevisibilidade, representação), é possível que os jogadores/alunos aprendam jogando, podendo inclusive interferir e criar sua aula/treino. O professor/treinador, portanto, é um mediador ativo e passivo que gerencia e medeia as situações-problema e as trocas de conhecimento.
PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, RASIOLIKUIDITAS, DAN UMUR PERUSAHAANTERHADAP KETEPATANWAKTU PENYAMPAIAN PELAPORANKEUANGAN
Authors: Nisa Thoyibatun
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh profitabilitas, ukuran perusahaan, likuiditas, dan umur perusahaan terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan pada perusahaan sektor infrastruktur, utilitas dan transportasi, sektor konsumsi, sektor pertambangan, dan sektor aneka industriyang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) Periode 2017-2019. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah perusahaan- perusahaan yang terdapat pada sektorinfrastruktur, utilitasdantransportasi, sector konsumsi, sector pertambangan, dan sektor aneka industry yang  terdaftar di Bursa Efek  Indonesia selama 5 periode dari tahun (2017-2019). Total populasi sebanyak 26 perusahaan dari (130 pengamatan). Pemilihan populasi penelitian dilakukan  dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Metode analisis yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah model analisis regresi logistik (logisticregression). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa profitabilitas dan rasio likuiditas berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu, sedangkan ukuran perusahaan,  dan umur perusahaan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan.

 

Kata Kunci: Ketepatan Waktu, Profitabilitas, Ukuran Perusahaan, Likuiditas,

dan Umur Perusahaan.
PENERAPAN ETIKA BISNIS ISLAM YANG MENIMBUN MASKER SAAT DITENGAH WABAH COVID-19
Authors: Rahayu Putri
Published: April 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis etika bisnis islam yang suatu perusahaan yang menimbun masker yang mencari keuntungan besar. Etika bisnis itu untuk menilai suatu sikap perilaku dalam perusahaan islam. Dengan adanya pandemi yang terdampak tidak hanya dikalangan kecil tetapi semua merasakan dampaknya. Etika bisnis islam adalah suatu kebiaasan budaya moral yang berkaitan dengan perusahaan yang telah melalui tahap yang telah diselesaikan. Selain itu, baik buruknya suatu seseorang dan tindakan dalam hubungan bisnis. Ditengah wabah yang semakin menyebar luas, dengan cara apapun yang telah dilakukan oleh semua pihak, tetapi bagaimana lagi seseorang harus memilih jika kita mengambil Kesehatan maka perekonomian semakin menurun. Bagaimanapun perusahaan mempunyai kebijakan tertentu bagi karyawan maupun staf-stafnya seperti itu etika bisnis islam ini penting untuk peranan mengambil keputusan apapun agar tetap berjalan dengan target keinginan. Namun, penulis menyarankan agar pihak cepat-cepat menindak lanjuti hukuman dan dihukum seberat berat para pelaku yang menimbun masker itu.
COMPARISON OF THE AUCTION PROCESS FOR COLLATERAL AT BNI SHARIA AND BNI BRANCH OF PONTIANAK
Authors: Bahtiar Eko
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this research is to reveal: The Mechanism of the Implementation Process of Collateral Auction at Bank BNI Syariah Pontianak Branch and Comparison of he Implementation Process of Collateral Auction at Bank BNI Syariah and Bank BNI Branch of Pontianak.

This research uses qualitative research in which data is obtained from PT. BNI Tbk Pontianak Branch, the Pontianak Branch of the BNI Syariah bank and the Pontianak State Wealth and Auction Service Office (KPKNL). Meanwhile, secondary sources are documents and data at PT. BNI Tbk Pontianak Branch, Bank BNI Syariah Pontianak Branch and Pontianak State Wealth and Auction Service Office (KPKNL).

Based on the analysis conducted, the researchers concluded that the differences in the auction process at BNI and BNI Syariah banks, in general, have similarities, such as a listing of collateral auctions at the State Wealth and Auction Service Office (KPKNL), announcement 1 (one) time, announcement II (two) in mass media, auctions, the winner with the highest bid price, after the auction is held, the proceeds from the sale of collateralwill be paid to pay off the debt. If the proceeds from the sale of collateral are less than the total debt of the customer, the bank will collect until the debt is paid off, on the other hand, if the sale of collateral is more than the total debt of the customer, the bank is obliged to collect it. return the auction results to the customer, this is done by all banks, both Islamic banks, and banks. conventional.

As for what distinguishes between BNI and BNI Syariah banks, there are 2, namely the first process before submitting the auction, namely the BNI Syariah bank there are more warning periods and the persuasion approach period is more widely applied in the BNI Syariah bank, as well as the eggs higher. Second, the process of resistance or lawsuits for the auction, which is when there is a problem between the bank and the debtor orcustomer refusal when there is dissatisfaction with the auction results.
COVID-19: the economic collapse in India
Authors: Arora Rakhi , Purohit Sonal , Agarwal Shikha
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 has upended societies and dramatically altered everyday life across the globe. The outbreak of COVID-19 in different parts of the world is a major concern for all the administrative units of respective countries. India is also facing this very tough task of spreading virus. COVID-19 impacts have been outlined and clarified in depth in this study. It has been explored that how corona virus, originated in Wuhan, China has resulted in economic collapse in India affecting the individual lives and business firms, in fact every sector of the country, due to which economic growth of every country in the world is hampered. This has been explained by reviewing the facts and information taken from secondary sources. The responsible factors for economic disruption have also been stated in this study with the economic outlook of Indian economy.
The influence of interests, attitudes, and knowledge on entrepreneurial skills of Hamzanwadi University students
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Nurji Nurji
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of interests, attitudes, and knowledge on the entrepreneurial skills of Hamzanwadi University students. The analysis technique used in this research is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, using a saturated sample, that is, the number of population is equal to the number of samples. The results of this study indicate that the interest variable has no significant effect on entrepreneurship skills seen from the observation t value (0.032) < t-table (1.98), then the attitude variable has a significant effect on entrepreneurship skills because the observation t value (0.232)> t-table (1.98), and the knowledge variable has a significant effect on entrepreneurial skills as seen from the observation t value of (0.267)> t-table (1.98).
Empirical study on international tourism and economic growth of Thailand: an ARDL - ECM bounds testing approach
Authors: Pashtoon Rahmatullah , Zaki Zakirullah , Haqbin Naqibullah
Published: April 2022

Purpose — To examine the impact of tourism on economic growth in Thailand.Research method — This study was conducted using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach, performed between 1995 and 2018.Result — The analysis finds out that there is a long-run cointegration in the data. The ECM approach is applied, and the results conclude that the long-run cointegration exists. However, the model depicts that there is not any significant positive relation between FDI and economic growth. The study results showed that the positive impact of tourism in the short term is extremely low, relative to that of the long term. The study results indicate that tourism's optimistic short-term effect is slightly smaller than in the long-term. This can be because certain government restrictions and other exogenous factors hinder the arrival of visitors in Thailand in the short term. Therefore, the government needs to resolve these constraints concerning trade, transportation, taxes, allocation of capital, and environmental risks to attract further tourism visitors and thus improve Thailand's economic growth.
Legal aspects of Shariah governance practices in Sri Lankan Islamic Financial Institutions: a literature review
Authors: Hilmy Hayathu Mohamed Ahamed , Hassan Rusni , Moujooth Hayathu Mohamed Abdul , Rooly M.S.A. Riyad , Nimzith S. Issath
Published: April 2022

Purpose — This study intends to examine the legal aspects and the actual practices of Shariah governance in Sri Lanka’s IFIs. Further, it examines the law and regulations on Shariah governance as well as identifies the macro and micro level application of Shariah governance in Sri Lanka.Research method — The literature observation and document analysis were applied to explore the relevant domestic and international regulation on Shariah governance in the country. As a qualitative study, the data were gathered through the primary sources such as the information derived from the interview with experts, legislations, international Shariah standards, annual reports and other institutional documents from the IFIs; and supported by the secondary data available in the literatures such as articles in journals, books, newspaper reports, the IFIs websites, and other sources.Result — The findings of this study indicate that there is no legislation in Sri Lanka that legally enforces on Shariah governance framework at macro level. But, each IFIs has setup Shariah governance institutionally at micro level.Recommendation — The recommendations are put forward to fill the gap found and to improve the legal status of Shariah governance in Sri Lankan Islamic financial industries.
Physicochemical Characteristics, Stability, and Irritability of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier System Stabilized with Different Surfactant Ratios
Authors: Rahmasari Dyah , Rosita Noorma , Soeratri Widji
Published: April 2022

Background: One of the vital variables affecting the stability and the characteristics of the Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) is the surfactant concentration. Using the two combinations of surfactants can cause higher stability and a better characteristic of NLC. Tween 80 and Span 20 are anionic surfactants whose combination has not been studied for use in NLC systems. Objective: Determine the effect of different surfactant ratios of Tween 80 and Span 20 on the physicochemical characteristics, stability, and irritability of NLC using the High Shear Homogenization (HSH) method. Methods: Four different surfactant ratios were used in the NLC formulation, in which the ratio of Tween 80:Span 20 were 5:5, 6:6, 7:7, and 8:8, respectively. In this NLC system, cetyl palmitate served as solid lipid, medium-chain triglyceride (CrodamolTM) as liquid lipid, Tween 80, and Span 20 as surfactant components. NLC was characterized for organoleptic, viscosity, pH, zeta potential, particle morphology, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI), then evaluated for stability using the real-time and freeze-thaw method, and irritability effect. Results: The different ratios of Tween 80 and Span 20 had no significant effect on the particle size, PI, and irritation score of the NLC system. On the other hand, it influenced all formulas' pH value, viscosity, zeta potential, and stability. Conclusions: The different ratios of surfactant combination affect the characteristics and stability of the NLC system.
Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Authors: Kusumawardianingrum Afdrian , Lindawati Novena Yety
Published: April 2022

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a disease caused by a disruption of the pancreas in producing insulin. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organization identified ten countries that have the highest cases of Diabetes Mellitus. Indonesia is ranked 7th out of 10 countries and is the only Southeast Asian country included in the list. Prevention of diabetes mellitus is a solution that must be done to reduce cases of diabetes mellitus in Indonesia., one of which is by consuming vegetables that have antidiabetic activity. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the activity of kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) extract in reducing glucose levels. Methods: The qualitative test results showed that the kale extract contained positive flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins and phenols. The antidiabetic activity test was carried out using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the Nelson Somogyi method. This test is carried out at the 25th minute operating time and a maximum λ of 745 nm. Results: The decrease in glucose levels in kale extract concentration of 4 ppm was 2.23% ± 0.46, 6 ppm of 16.47% ± 0.27.8 ppm of 30.62% ± 0.46, 10 ppm of 41.88 ± 0.27, 12 ppm of 55.50 ± 0.20. The concentration of kale extract in reducing glucose up to 50% (EC50) was 11.13 ppm. Conclusion: Kale extract (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) can reduce glucose levels or have antidiabetic activity.
O USO DO SIMULADOR PhET PARA O ENSINO DA MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Silva de Camargos Heverton , Lorrany Viturina de Sousa Igreja Crisllem
Published: April 2022

A simulação é uma importante ferramenta pedagógica, a disposição do professor, que pode auxiliar no processo de ensino aprendizagem dos conceitos relacionados à Matemática. Além disso, faz parte das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação, cuja utilização é estimulada dentro da BNCC. Atualmente existem vários programas desenvolvidos nesta linha, mais esse trabalho focou em apresentar o simulador PhET e propor uma metodologia ativa para a utilização desse recurso. Com isso mostra ao docente a importância do planejamento das atividades e como o simulador pode facilita o processo de aprendizagem e instiga os tutores a potencializar suas aulas de forma lúdica com o uso do computador.
Heat and Photon Energy Phenomena: Dealing with Matter at Atomic and Electronic Level
Authors: Ali Mubarak
Published: April 2022

Misconception in using the terms photon and electron exists in science. When the electron of the outer ring in the silicon atom executes interstate dynamics for only one cycle, it generates force and energy for the unit photon. Interstate electron dynamics for one forward and reverse cycle generate the overt photon having the least measured length. When the photon of suitable length interacts with the side of the laterally orientated electron of an atom, it converts into heat energy. Under the approximate angle of 90º, when a photon interacts with the tip of a laterally orientated electron, it divides into bits of energy having a shape like integral symbols. In the neutral state silicon atom, the centre acts as the reference point for electrons executing interstate dynamics, and the lateral lengths of the electrons remain along the north-south poles. Under the availability of energy and force, the energy wraps around the force shaping along the tracing trajectory of electron dynamics in a silicon atom. A shaping force due to two poles is from those sides of the electron, not dealing with the force of the remaining two poles. In interstate dynamics, the electron of the outer ring first reaches the maximum limit point, where the energy of one bit is shaped. Electron completes the second half cycle dealing with relevant forces from the maximum limit point, where the energy of one bit is shaped. The shape of the unit photon is like Gaussian distribution having turned ends. When there is an uninterrupted supply of heat energy to the silicon atom, electron dynamics generate the photon having a shape-like wave. Path independent but interstate dependent forces take over the control of an electron. That electron executes dynamics nearly at the speed of light. In confined interstate dynamics, naturally viable conservative forces exert on the position-acquiring electron. A photon can be in the unending length if the electron dynamics remain uninterrupted. Having not made contact with states limiting the forces at work, the changing aspect of the electron recalls the auxiliary moment of inertia at each point of turning. By executing electron dynamics, atoms under neutral states generate photons of different shapes, revealing heat and photon energy phenomena.
Quantifying Nature Positive
Authors: Vlieg Anna-Mieke Mathilde , Moazzem Shadia , Naiker Direshni , Jones Delwyn Gloria
Published: April 2022

The needs for environmental reporting to include positive outcomes considering differences between creation of less harm, benefits and net benefits are explored. To become mainstream, nature-positive development needs positive messaging, measures and metrics to guide, plan and assess urban outcomes. With the accelerating climate crisis and negative messages getting the upper-hand, it’s important to avoid paralysis by bad news. Whilst striving for a nature-positive world, more effort should be on moving beyond zero to qualify and quantify benefits, gains, and regenerative outcomes instead of oscillating around damage and loss sticking points. Life Cycle Benefit Assessment (LCBA) is a method to measure gains in accelerating restoration and climate security. It enables a good news focus as its reach is to quantify and show positive gains beyond the negative and zero loss outcomes. The paper aims to clarify concepts, challenges and quantitative methods then review real-world third-party-certified case studies. Climate security, human wellness and resource viability gains inside safe operating space within planetary boundaries are quantified as positive benefits. Contrary to conventional Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) LCBA assigns damage and loss as negative debts and benefit as positive gains. It concludes that LCBA offers business and design a new environment assessment tool, with research needed on economic and other outcomes.
Three-Dimensional Theoretical Model for Soil Arching with Inclined Slip Surfaces
Authors: Chen Qizhi , Liang Luju , Xu Changjie , Zou Baoping
Published: April 2022

Terzaghi proposed two-dimensional (2D) arching theory through trapdoor tests based on the assumption of a vertical slip surfaces. However, the original 2D assumption is different from a real three-dimensional (3D) excavation condition and an actual slip surfaces caused by downward movement of a trapdoor is an inclined surface. Therefore, a 3D theoretical model was proposed in this study considering inclined slip surfaces. Horizontal thin layer differential element method was used to obtain the loosening soil pressure. Using the 3D theoretical model, the effects of buried depth ratio of loose area, length of loose area, soil parameters, and lateral earth pressure coefficient were investigated. The loosening earth pressure was highly affected by inclination angle of slip surface, buried depth ratio and length of loose area. Neglecting the inclined slip surface will underestimate the value of the loosening earth pressure, which will lead to the insecurity of the design. Loosening earth pressure calculated by this study was also compared with trapdoor tests. Results from this study was in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with the traditional 2D solution, results from this study can more accurately analyze the soil arching effect in 3D excavation cases.
Omicron Sublineages Current Status in Ecuador
Authors: Carrazco-Montalvo Andrés , Herrera-Yela Andrés , Alarcón-Vallejo Damaris , Gutiérrez-Pallo Diana , Armendáriz-Castillo Isaac , Andrade-Molina Derly , Muñoz-Mawyin Karen , Fernández-Cadena Juan Carlos , Morey-León Gabriel , Cárdenas Paúl , Armas-Gonzalez Rubén , Patiño Leandro
Published: April 2022

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the latest pandemic lineage causing COVID-19. Despite having a vaccination rate ≥ 85% Ecuador recorded a high incidence of Omicron from December 2021 to March 2022. Since Omicron emerged it is evolving into multiple sublineages with distinct prevalence in different regions. In this work, we use all Omicron sequences from Ecuador available at GISAID until March 2022 and the software Nextclade and Pangolin to identify which lineages circulate in this country. We detected 12 different sublineages (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.1.1.1, BA.1.1.14, BA.1.1.2, BA.1.14, BA.1.15, BA.1.16, BA.1.17, BA.1.6, BA.2, BA.2.3), which has been reported in Africa, America, Europe, and Asia suggesting multiple introduction events. Sublineages BA.1.1 and BA.1 were the most prevalent. Genomic surveillance must continue to evaluate the dynamic of current sublineages, early introduction of new ones and vaccine efficacy against evolving SARS-CoV-2.
Nano-Structured Na2CaP2O7: a New and Efficient Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Amino-3-Cyanopyridine Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Achagar Redouane , Elmakssoudi Abdelhakim , Thoume Abderrahmane , Dakir Mohamed , Elamrani Abdelaziz , Zouheir Yassine , Zahouily Mohamed , Ait-Touchente Zouhair , Jamaleddine Jamal , Chehimi Mohamed M. M.
Published: April 2022

A facile and novel synthesis of thirteen 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives 5(a-m), by a one-pot multicomponent reaction (MCRs), is described for the first time, starting from aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, methyl ketones, or cyclohexanone and ammonium acetate in the presence of the nanostructured diphosphate Na2CaP2O7 (DIPH) at 80 °C, under solvent-free conditions. These compounds were synthesized in short reaction times with good to excellent yields (84-94%). The diphosphate Na2CaP2O7 is used as an efficient catalyst, environmentally, easy handling, non-toxic, stable, and reusable. Our study was strengthened by the synthesis of five new pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives 6(b, c, g, h, j) by intramolecular cyclization of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridines 5(b, c, g, h, j), with formamide. The synthesized products were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, TEM, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, TLC, and BET. The operating conditions were optimized using a model reaction in which the catalyst amount, temperature, time, and solvent effect were evaluated. The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains for the synthesized compounds.
Giving Drugs A Second Chance: Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects of Ciclopirox and Ribavirin Against Cystic Fibrosis Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Strains
Authors: Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Lupetti Veronica , De Fabritiis Simone , Piccirilli Alessandra , Porreca Annamaria , Di Nicola Marta , Pompilio Arianna
Published: April 2022

Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy for developing new antibacterial molecules. Herein, we evaluated the in vitro antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activities of eight FDA-approved “non-antibiotic” drugs, comparatively to tobramycin, against selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from cystic fibrosis patients. MIC and MBC values were measured by broth microdilution methods. Time-kill kinetics was studied by the macro dilution method, and synergy studies were performed by checkerboard microdilution assay. The activity against preformed biofilm was measured by crystal violet and viable cell count assays. The effects on gene expression were studied by real-time quantitative PCR, while the cytotoxic potential was evaluated against IB3-1 bronchial CF cells. Ciclopirox, 5-fluorouracil, and actinomycin D showed the best activity against P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and, therefore, underwent further evaluation. Time-kill assays indicated actinomycin D and ciclopirox, contrarily to 5-fluorouracil and tobramycin, have the potential for bacterial eradication, although with strain-dependent efficacy. Ciclopirox was the most effective against the viability of the preformed biofilm. A similar activity was observed for other drugs, although they stimulate EPS production. Ribavirin showed a specific antibiofilm effect, not dependent on bacterial killing. Exposure to drugs and tobramycin generally caused hyperexpression of the virulence traits tested, except for actinomycin D, which downregulated the expression of alkaline protease and alginate polymerization. Ciclopirox and actinomycin D revealed high cytotoxic potential. Ciclopirox and ribavirin might provide chemical scaffolds for anti-P. aeruginosa drugs. Further studies are warranted to decrease ciclopirox cytotoxicity and evaluate the in vivo protective effects.
Optimal Balance between Heating, Cooling and Environmental Impacts: a Method for Appropriate Assessment of Building Envelope’s U-Value
Authors: Ounis Safieddine , Aste Niccolo' , Butera Federico , Pero Claudio Del , Adhikari Rajendra S. , Leonforte Fabrizio
Published: April 2022

In Europe, the recent application of regulations oriented to zero-energy buildings and climate neutrality in 2050 has led to a reduction in energy consumption for heating and cooling in the construction sector. The thermal insulation of the building envelope plays a key role in this process and the requirements about the maximum allowable thermal transmittance are defined by country-specific guidelines. Typically, high insulation values provide low energy consumption for heating, however, they may paradoxically imply the risk of overheating in summer period and thus negatively affect the overall performance of the building. In addition, the embodied energy and related emissions caused by the manufacturing and transportation processes of thermal insulation cannot be further neglected in the evaluation of the best optimal solution. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the influence in terms of embodied and operational energy of various walls’ thermal insulation thicknesses on residential buildings in Europe. To this end, the EnergyPlus engine was used for the energy simulation within Ladybug & Honeybee tools, by parametrically conducting multiple iterations; 53 variations of external wall U-value, considering high and low thermal mass scenarios, were simulated for 100 reference cities of the European context, using a representative multifamily building as a reference. The results demonstrate that massive walls generally perform better than lightweight structures and, of course, the best solution in terms of energy varies according to each climate. The optimal values are graphically reported on the map of Europe according to specific climatic features, providing a guidance for new constructions and building retrofit.
Preliminary Landscape Analysis of Deep Tomographic Imaging Patents
Authors: Wang Ge , Yang Qingsong , Cong Wenxiang , Donna Donna
Published: April 2022

Over recent years, the importance of patent literature has become more recognized in the academic setting. In the context of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and data sciences, patents are relevant to not only industry but also academe and other communities. In this article, we focus on deep tomographic imaging and perform a preliminary landscape analysis of the related patent literature. Our search tool is PatSeer . Our patent bibliometric data is summarized in various figures and tables. In particular, we qualitatively analyze key deep tomographic patent literature.
Enhanced Spectral Broadening with Femtosecond Optical Pulses in Silicon Nanowires with Integrated 2D Graphene Oxide Films
Authors: Moss David , Wu jiayang , Zhang Yuning , Yang Yunyi , Qu Yang , jia linnan , jia baohua
Published: April 2022

We experimentally demonstrate enhanced spectral broadening of femtosecond optical pulses after propagation through silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanowire waveguides integrated with two-dimensional (2D) graphene oxide (GO) films. Owing to the strong mode overlap between the SOI nanowires and the GO films with a high Kerr nonlinearity, the self-phase modulation (SPM) process in the hybrid waveguides is significantly enhanced, resulting in greatly improved spectral broadening of the femtosecond optical pulses. A solution-based, transfer-free coating method is used to integrate GO films onto the SOI nanowires with precise control of the film thickness. Detailed SPM measurements using femtosecond optical pulses are carried out, achieving a broadening factor of up to ~4.3 for a device with 0.4-mm-long, 2 layers of GO. By fitting the experimental results with theory, we obtain an improvement in the waveguide nonlinear parameter by a factor of ~3.5 and the effective nonlinear figure of merit (FOM) by a factor of ~3.8, relative to the uncoated waveguide. Finally, we discuss the influence of GO film length on the spectral broadening and compare the nonlinear optical performance of different integrated waveguides coated with GO films. These results confirm the improved nonlinear optical performance for silicon devices integrated with 2D GO films.
An Environmentally-Friendly Approach for the Release of Essential Fatty Acids from Cereal By-products Using Cellulose-Degrading Enzymes
Authors: Radenkovs Vitalijs , Juhnevica-Radenkova Karina , Kviesis Jorens , Valdovska Anda
Published: April 2022

The main intention of the present work was to investigate the ability of cellulose-degrading enzymes (C-DE) to release fatty acids (FAs) from complex matrices of cereal by-products during enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). For this purpose, three types of cereal bran (CB), i.e., wheat, rye, and oat were used as a lignocellulose substrate for three commercially available hydrolytic enzymes, i.e., Viscozyme L, Viscoferm, and Celluclast 1.5 L. The yield and composition of FAs after EH was assessed and confronted with the yield obtained after either conventional Soxhlet extraction or alkaline-assisted hydrolysis (A-AH) with 10% KOH in 80% MeOH and subsequent liquid-liquid extraction. The experimental results demonstrated that up to 6.3% and 43.7% higher total FAs yield can be achieved within EH of rye bran using Celluclast 1.5 L than by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. However, the application of Viscoferm for EH of wheat bran ensured up to 7.7% and 13.4% higher total FAs yield than A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. The concentration of essential linolenic acid (C18:3) in lipids extracted after EH of rye bran with Celluclast 1.5 L was up to 24.4% and 57.0% higher than in lipids recovered by A-AH and Soxhlet extraction, respectively. In turn, the highest content of linolenic in wheat bran lipids was observed after EH with Viscoferm and Viscozyme L, ensuring 17.0 and 13.6% higher yield than after A-AH, respectively. SEM analysis confirmed substantial degradation of CB matrix promoted by the ability of C-DE to act specifically on 1,4-β-D-glycosidic bonds in cellulose and on 1,2-α-,1,3-α-, and 1,5-α-L- arabinofuranoside and 1,4-β-D-xylosidic bonds in arabinoxylans, arabinans, and other arabinose-containing hemicelluloses. Structural alteration in cells integrity greatly contributed to the release of bound FAs and their better transfer into the extraction solvent. It has been shown that the proposed process of EH can be used for the efficient release of FAs from the CB matrix more sustainably and with a safer profile, thereby representing the further sustainable production of FAs for certain purposes.
Adaption of the Meat Attachment Scale (MEAS) to Germany - Interplay with Food Neophobia, Preference for Organic Foods, Social Trust and Trust in Food Technology Innovations
Authors: Kühn David , Profeta Adriano , Krikser Thomas , Mehlhose Clara , Kircher Christian , Heinz Volker
Published: April 2022

Meat-based diets are still the norm and vegans and vegetarians represent only a small minority of the population. A transition respectively behavioural change towards a diet with less meat can only occur with the adoption of a positive attitude towards dietary changes based on reasons and motivations. The main aim of this study is to validate the so-called meat attachment scale (MEAS) for Germany in order to analyse if this construct is a barrier towards a diet with less meat in this country. The findings show that the MEAS can be applied in Germany and a similar structure as reported for Spain and other countries could be found. Furthermore, a correlation analysis demonstrated that food neophobia and MEAS are not correlated with each other. That is, that meat attachment represents an independent and single predictor for trust in food (processing) technologies as e.g. plant-based proteins or cultured meat.
Joint Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Prevails Biological Mechanisms Underlying the Prosurvival Fight in Heat Stressed Granulosa Cells
Authors: Sammad Abdul Sammad , Luo Hanpeng , Hu Lirong , Khan Adnan , Zhu Huabin , Wang Yachun
Published: April 2022

Previous studies reported the physical, transcriptomics and metabolomics changes in in-vitro acute heat stressed bovine granulosa cells. Granulosa cells exhibited transient proliferation senescence, oxidative stress, increased rate of apoptosis, and decline in steroidogenic activity. This study performs joint integration and network analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics data to further narrow down and elucidate the role of differentially expressed genes, important metab-olites and relevant cellular and metabolic pathways in acute heat-stressed granulosa cells. Among significant (Raw P-value <0.05) metabolic pathways where metabolites and genes did converge, this study found Vitamin B6 metabolism, Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, Phenylalanine metabo-lism, Arginine biosynthesis, Tryptophan metabolism, Arginine and proline metabolism, Histidine metabolism, and Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Important significant convergent bio-logical pathways included, ABC transporters and Protein digestion and absorption, while func-tional signaling pathways included cAMP, mTOR, and AMPK signaling pathways together with Ovarian steroidogenesis pathway. Among caner pathways, the most important pathway was Central carbon metabolism in cancer. Through multiple analysis query, Progesterone, Serotonin, citric acid, Pyridoxal, L-Lysine, Succinic acid, L-Glutamine, L-Leucine, L-Threonine, L-Tyrosine, Vitamin B6, Choline, and CYP1B1, MAOB, VEGFA, WNT11, AOX1, ADCY2, ICAM1, PYGM, SLC2A4, SLC16A3, HSD11B2 and NOS2 appeared to be important enriched metabolites and genes, respectively. These genes, metabolites, metabolic, cellular and cell signaling pathways com-prehensively elucidate the mechanisms underlying the intricate fight between death and survival in acute heat-stressed bovine granulosa cells, and essentially help further our understanding and future quest of research in this direction.
The Effect of Elemental Abundances on Fitting Supernova Remnant Models to Data
Authors: Leahy Denis Alan
Published: April 2022

The X-ray emission from a supernova remnant (SNR) is a powerful diagnostic of the state of the shocked plasma, and, given a model, can be used to determine the energy of the explosion, the age of the SNR and the density of the surrounding medium. Observed properties are shock radius, electron temperature (kTe) and emission measure (EM) of the shocked-gas. The standard and XSPEC definitions have an important difference. The XSPEC definition is superior for SNRs, which have components with low hydrogen abundance. SNR model calculations are based on hydrodynamic solutions for fluid variables of density, pressure and velocity. The relations between fluid variables and kTe or EM depend on composition, ionization state and electron-ion temperature ratio (Te/TI). Here the effects of composition, ionization and Te/TI on standard and on XSPEC versions of kTe and EM are investigated.
Modern Urban Living; Air Quality in Two Northern Greek Cities
Authors: Koukouli Maria-Elissavet , Pseftogkas Andreas , Karagkiozidis Dimitris , Skoulidou Ioanna , Drosoglou Theano , Balis Dimitrios , Bais Alkiviadis , Melas Dimitrios , Hatzianastassiou Nikos
Published: April 2022

In this article, we aim to show the capabilities, benefits, as well as restrictions, of three different air quality-related information sources, namely the Sentinel-5Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) space-born observations, the Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) ground-based measurements and the LOng Term Ozone Simulation – EURopean Operational Smog (LOTOS-EUROS) chemical transport modelling system simulations. The tropospheric NO2 concentrations between 2018 and 2021 are discussed as air quality indicators for the Greek cities of Thessaloniki and Ioannina. Each dataset was analysed in an autonomous manner and, without disregarding their differences, the common air quality picture that they provide is revealed. All three systems report a clear seasonal pattern, with high NO2 levels during winter-time and lower NO2 levels during summer-time, reflecting the importance of photochemistry in the abatement of this air pollutant. The spatial patterns of the NO2 load also showed, in both space-born observations and model simulations, the undeniable variability of the NO2 load within the urban agglomerations. The diurnal variability was furthermore clearly identified by the ground-based measurements, which also unquestionably revealed a Sunday minimum NO2 load effect, alongside the rest of the sources of air quality information. Within their individual strengths and limitations, the space-born observations, the ground-based measurements and the chemical transport modelling simulations, demonstrate unequivocally their ability to report on the air quality situation in urban locations.
Exercise Adherence in Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Toohey Kellie , Hunter Maddison , Paterson Catherine , Mortazavi Reza , Singh Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer treatment is associated with adverse physiological changes, however exercise can improve outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine exercise intervention adherence, and its effects on physiological outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing ADT. Uniquely, this review incorporates a meta-aggregation of qualitative data, providing perspectives from the men’s experiences. A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed following PRISMA Guidelines. Databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed) were searched for studies using “prostate cancer”, “exercise intervention”, and “androgen deprivation therapy”. Quantitative randomised controlled trials describing adherence to exercise interventions were selected, with qualitative articles selected based on descriptions of experiences around participation. Subgroup meta-analyses of adherence, exercise mode, and intervention duration were completed for quality of life, aerobic fitness, fatigue, and strength. Articles (n=64) articles were identified, with 29 (n=23 quantitative; n=6 qualitative) articles from 25 studies included. Exercise had no effects (p<0.05) on quality of life and fatigue. Significant effects (all p<0.05) were observed for aerobic fitness, and upper- and lower-body strength. Adherence to exercise-based interventions was 80.38%, with improvements observed in aerobic fitness and strength. Subgroup analysis revealed exercise adherence impacted fatigue and strength, with greater improvements observed in programs >12-weeks.
Climatic Extrapolations in Hydrology: The Expanded Bluecat Methodology
Authors: Koutsoyiannis Demetris , Montanari Alberto
Published: April 2022

Bluecat is a recently proposed methodology to upgrade a deterministic model (D-model) into stochastic (S-model), based on the hypothesis that the information contained in a time series of observations and the concurrent predictions by the D-model is sufficient to support this upgrade. Prominent characteristics of the methodology are its simplicity and transparency, which allow easy use in practical applications, without sophisticated computational means. Here we utilize the Bluecat methodology and expand it in order to be combined with climatic model outputs, which often require extrapolation out of the range of values covered by observations. We apply the expanded methodology to the precipitation and temperature processes in a large area, namely the entire territory of Italy. The results showcase the appropriateness of the method for hydroclimatic studies, as regards the assessment of the performance of the climatic projections, as well as their stochastic conversion with simultaneous bias correction and uncertainty quantification.