bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Learning via Microsoft TEAMS During the Covid-19 Pandemic as Perceived by Kuwaiti EFL Learners
Authors: AlAdwani Amel , AlFadley Anam
Published: January 2022

Covid-19 pandemic made a sudden shift of all ages to online learning and distance learning instructions. However, there is a paucity of research to address the possible impacts of the pedagogical shift integrated into new online platforms on learning, interaction, and assessment, especially in higher education settings from the vantage point of EFL students. Framed in a descriptive quantitative study, the main objective of this study includes two folds: a) to identify the possible effects of online learning via Microsoft TEAMS platform during the COVID-19 pandemic on assessment, interaction, and learning English as a foreign language from EFL students’ perception and b) to reveal the possible significant correlation between learning, interaction and online assessment via Microsoft TEAMs. Data were collected using a developed questionnaire consisting of 30 items focusing on three dimensions: interaction, learning, and assessment among 440 EFL students whose major was English at the College of Basic Education in Kuwait. At the significance level of 0.01, the results revealed the effect of online learning via Microsoft TEAMS during the COVID-19 pandemic on learning of English skills, students’ interaction and achievement assessment as perceived by the EFL students in the English Language Department in the CBE was rather high, moderate and moderate and moderate respectively. There is a strong/high statistically significant correlation between Interaction and Assessing (r = 0.538), interaction and Learning (r = 0.747). There is a statistically significant moderate correlation between Assessing and Learning (r = 0.467). This study is of some pedagogical and assessment ramifications for EFL contexts in the pandemic era.
Rockets and Feathers Revisited: Asymmetric Retail Gasoline Pricing in the Era of Market Transparency
Authors: Asane-Otoo Emmanuel , Dannemann Bernhard C.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we revisit the empirical observation that prices rise like rockets when input costs increase but fall like feathers when input costs decrease. The analysis draws on a novel data set that includes daily retail prices of gasoline from 12,804 stations in Germany from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. Our findings based on pooled-panel asymmetric error correction models indicate that the pattern of rockets and feathers is the norm rather than the exception. Our results further show that temporal aggregation of station-level price data leads to inaccurate inferences and could account for the inconclusive findings in the literature.
Green Growth, Carbon Intensity Regulation, and Green Total Factor Productivity in China
Authors: Shen Xiaobo , Lin Boqiang
Published: January 2022

Based on input-oriented Malmquist productivity index and parametric decomposition approach, this paper measures China’s green total factor productivity (TFP) index and its growth sources using a panel dataset of 30 provinces of China mainland from 1997 to 2014, and assesses the effect of CO2 intensity regulation on the green TFP growth in China. The results show that the green TFP has been growing at a yearly averaged rate of -1.51% during this period. The results also indicate that the policy of CO2 intensity regulation does not generate significant effect on the green total factor productivity of China’s provinces when using the two stage least squares (2SLS) estimator to control for the potential endogeneity biases. On the other hand, there exists significant heterogeneity in the effect of the CO2 intensity regulation on the green TFP of China’s provinces. Specifically, the CO2 intensity regulation promotes the green development performance of provinces in the eastern area, while it does not generate obvious impacts on the green TFP of provinces in both central and western areas.
CONTRIBUIÇÃO DOS PONTOS DE ENTREGA VOLUNTÁRIA COMO INSTRUMENTO PARA O FORTALECIMENTO DA GESTÃO MUNICIPAL E PRÁTICAS DE COLETA SELETIVA: uma análise bibliométrica
Authors: Viña Franciele Stoffel , Kipper Liane Mahlmann , Moraes Jorge André Ribas
Published: January 2022

Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU) necessitam de uma gestão adequada, por ser um tema complexo que envolve o cuidado com o meio ambiente e a saúde da população. O objetivo da pesquisa é mapear a evolução do conceito de ponto de entrega voluntária (PEV) e suas relações com o processo de reciclagem dos RSU; avaliar como a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS) contribuiu para a disseminação das Cooperativas de Materiais Recicláveis e como a gestão municipal pode utilizar os PEVs como instrumentos para o fortalecimento das práticas da coleta seletiva no Brasil. A gestão municipal, utilizando os 16 indicadores selecionados, poderá estruturar PEVs, atendendo a PNRS, e qualificar a gestão dos RSU. Essa ação contribuirá para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos catadores de materiais recicláveis, elevará a educação ambiental de toda a população afetada e reduzirá desperdícios de materiais que podem ser reintroduzidos na cadeia de produção e consumo.
Transmission of Q-signaling by the tunneling procedure in the automatic telephone network of integrated services of the Serbian Armed Forces
Authors: Svrzić Slađan , Bojanov Julijan
Published: January 2022

Introduction/purpose: To specify the practical application of ECMA355 and ECMA-336 Standards for Q-SIG tunneling and the implementation of mapping functions via the existing IP (Internet Protocol) network of the Serbian Armed Forces (Intranet SAF), in the Private Automatic Telephone Network SAF (PATN SAF), as the main part of the Private telecommunication-information networks of integrated services SAF (PISN SAF). Methods: Description of the implemented solution and analysis of the software parameters of the established transmission SIP route, with the display of the results obtained in the fight with jitter and echo in the network. Results: With such a solution, it was achieved that participants from the peripheral parts of the PISN SAF, which operate on the principle of transmission and circuit switching by TDM (Time Division Multiplexing), can connect with each other via the newly established central IP network SAF (Core network) which operates on the principle of transmission and switching packets with the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), without losing the functionality of QSIG from the framework of the digital telecommunication network of integrated services ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Conclusion: The article deals with the modern IP PINX (Private Integrated Services Network Exchange) manufactured by Mitel, type MX-ONE Service Node 6.0, which is implemented at the transit level PATN SAF and which successfully implements the process of tunneling Q-SIG through the IP network and the necessary functions for mapping the transmission of tunneled QSIG messages and mapping voice (and other audio) information to VoIP (Voice over IP) communication media streams through that network. Also, the basic elements for its software preparation during the introduction of a new SIP route, with a capacity of 30 IP trunks in a transmission beam realized with 100 Mb/s-T Ethernet, are given, and the fight with the present jitter and echo in the network is described. Finally, the paper presents the experience-based values of the parameters for reducing the influence of jitter and suppressing echo.
Endoscopic internal drainage with double pigtail stents for upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks: suitable for all cases?
Authors: Toh Bin Chet , Chong Jingli , Yeung Baldwin PM , Lim Chin Hong , Lim Eugene KW , Chan Weng Hoong , Tan Jeremy TH
Published: January 2022

Background/Aims: Surgeons and endoscopists have started to use endoscopically inserted double pigtail stents (DPTs) in the management of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) leaks, including UGI anastomotic leaks. We investigated our own experiences in this patient population.Methods: From March 2017 to June 2020, 12 patients had endoscopic internal drainage of a radiologically proven anastomotic leak after UGI surgery in two tertiary UGI centers. The primary outcome measure was the time to removal of the DPTs after anastomotic healing. The secondary outcome measure was early oral feeding after DPT insertion.Results: Eight of the 12 patients (67%) required only one DPT, whereas four (33%) required two DPTs. The median duration of drainage was 42 days. Two patients required surgery due to inadequate control of sepsis. Of the remaining 10 patients, nine did not require a change in DPT before anastomotic healing. Nine patients were allowed oral fluids within the 1st week and a soft diet in the 2nd week. One patient was allowed clear oral feeds on the 8th day after DPT insertion.Conclusions: Endoscopic internal drainage is becoming an established minimally invasive technique for controlling anastomotic leak after UGI surgery. It allows for early oral nutritional feeding and minimizes discomfort from conventional external drainage.
Correlation Between the Calculated and On-board Measured Vibration and Noise Levels for a Passenger Ship
Authors: Cergol Valter , Toson Alessandro , Di Giovanni Romualdo
Published: January 2022

A comparative analysis is performed between the numerical calculations and the measurements carried out on board regarding noise and vibration levels on passenger ships. Based on the comparison, the accuracy of the results obtained with the numerical calculations is assessed and discussed.
A High Speed Boat for the Hydrodynamic Testing of Fouling Control Coatings
Authors: Hunsucker J. Travis , Gardner Harrison , Swain Geoffrey
Published: January 2022

An 8.2 m high speed boat was modified to measure the drag and to provide real time video of ship hull fouling control coatings under boundary layer conditions that developed at speeds up to 15 m/s. It consists of a through hull Hydrodynamic Drag Meter (HDM) placed in a wet-well built into the aft section of the boat. The HDM consists of a load cell attached to a floating element balance and a high definition video camera to observe fouling. Test panels are attached to the load cell such that they remain flush with the hull. Fouled test panels are placed in the facility to observe the velocities required for fouling removal and changes in drag forces associated with different fouling community structure. Characterization studies of the HDM were undertaken to understand the overall accuracy of the novel testing system. These experiments included 1) Smooth acrylic drag measurement with the HDM and a Preston tube and 2) Drag measurements with the HDM on panels with 60- grit and 220-grit sandpaper. Smooth panel wall shear stress values obtained using the HDM were within experimental uncertainties of results from Preston tube. Roughness function values for 60-grit and 220-grit sandpaper agree within the experimental uncertainty of the Nikuradse-type roughness function for uniform roughness. Skin friction coefficients of a smooth panel determined on the HDM had an experimental uncertainty of around 5% for Froude numbers greater than 1. Roughness function values for a 220-grit and 60-grit sandpaper surface had maximum uncertainties of 11% and 13% respectively.
Benchmark Testing of Generic Prismatic Planing Hull (GPPH) for Validation of CFD Tools
Authors: Lee Evan J. , Schleicher Christine C. , Merrill Craig F. , Fullerton Anne M. , Geiser Jayson S. , Weil Charles R. , Morin Jason R. , Jiang Minyee J. , Stern Frederick , Mousaviraad S. Maysam , Judge Carolyn Q.
Published: January 2022

Model tank testing with the intent for verification and validation of numerical simulations carries its own unique set of challenges. As a part of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) project to obtain better physical understanding of the dynamic response of high speed craft, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, (NSWCCD), United States Naval Academy (USNA) and University of Iowa have been comparing experimental results and CFD predictions of planing hulls. To obtain a comprehensive set of model scale experimental data for assessing of CFD tools, a representative planing hull with a realistic bow shape, the Generic Prismatic Planing Hull (GPPH), was designed by NSWCCD. The GPPH is based on a notional full–scale hull about 12.8 m (42.8 ft) long with a 15.9 metric ton (35,000 lb) displacement. A detailed study of the model performance in calm water was conducted at NSWCCD. These calm water tests were used for the verification and validation of the CFD tools. Uncertainty analysis was conducted to provide confidence intervals on the experimental results. Uncertainty analysis was also performed on the mass property measurements, demonstrating the level of bias uncertainty associated with establishing the model baseline. The experimental uncertainty was combined with the numerical uncertainty to determine the validation uncertainty, which provides a benchmark for validating CFD tools. The calm water CFD predictions show agreement with the experimental results.
Assessment of Hydrodynamic Tools for R/V Athena Model 5365 in Calm Water
Authors: Fullerton Anne , Weil Charles , Lee Evan , Jiang Minyee , Stern Fredrick , Mousaviraad Maysam
Published: January 2022

Current structural design methods for high speed naval craft rely heavily on empirical methods. Though these methods have been employed reliably for a number of years, it is likely that an unknown level of conservatism exists in the prediction of impact loads. A better physical understanding of the dynamic response of high speed craft in seas would allow for increased structural optimization. The publicly releasable hull form Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD) Model 5365 (R/V Athena) was chosen to facilitate release of results to various computational teams. Model 5365 was tested in calm water, regular waves, and irregular waves. After reviewing data from the first test in 2014, it was determined that the model should be modified to enable towing from the longitudinal center of gravity. Model 5365 was then modified and re-tested using with added calm water speeds, and additional wave conditions. Calm water results from this test are presented with uncertainty analysis for resistance, heave, and trim.
An Evaluation of Planing Boat Trim Measurements
Authors: Judge Carolyn , Beaver Bill , Zseleczk John
Published: January 2022

The resistance of a planing hull is known to be highly dependent on trim angle. For several reasons, trim is difficult to measure to the level of accuracy normally attained with other towing tank measurements such as resistance or speed. In a recent study intended to validate CFD methods for planing hulls, 4’ and 8’ long geosim models of the Generic Prismatic Planing Hull (GPPH) were built and tested at USNA. Significant differences were found between the trim of the two models so a separate test program was conducted which focused specifically on the trim measurement of these two models in calm water. Five different trim measurement methods were used simultaneously on one model and then used again on the other model. Trim angles were compared between measurement methods and between models. Trim measurements with the same model agreed well and are the basis for an evaluation of measurement methods. The trim measured on the two different size models did not agree well even though the same instruments were used in most cases. The paper discusses reasons for the confirmed differences in calm water running trim of the two models and suggests ways to take advantage of this knowledge to make the best use of towing tank tests for planing boat performance prediction.
The Influence of Towing Method on Planing Boat Accelerations in Waves
Authors: Judge Carolyn , Beaver Bill , Zseleczk John
Published: January 2022

TRACT Vertical acceleration measurements are often used to evaluate the “rigid body” response of a planing hull to hydrodynamic forces in waves. Unfortunately accelerometers respond to both the rigid body hull motions of interest and to unwanted vibrations, which if not addressed, produce artificially higher peak acceleration values (Riley, et.al, 2010). In full scale hulls, vibrations from the propulsors are telegraphed through the hull structure to the accelerometer. In towing tank models vibrations from the carriage are transmitted by the tow post through the hull and to the accelerometer. Historically, different methods have been used to eliminate the unwanted acceleration components including engineering judgement, electronic low-pass filtering of analog signals and postprocessing of digital measurement records using computational filtering techniques.

This paper documents a study of the effects of different towing methods on planing boat model accelerations. A four foot long planing hull was tested in calm water and in waves using three different towing methods:

- Traditional heave post with model towed at constant velocity

- Self-propelled model mounted on a lightweight free-in-surge sub-carriage

- String tow bridal with spring as proposed by Savitsky 2016

Tests were conducted in regular waves which made it possible to overlay accelerations peaks from a large number of nearly identical hull slams and make direct comparisons of the magnitude and shape of acceleration peaks measured with each towing method. Details of the three towing methods and the pros/cons of each are presented. The string tow method produced significantly cleaner acceleration THE 30th AMERICAN TOWING TANK CONFERENCE WEST BETHESDA, MARYLAND, OCTOBER 2017 2 records. The plots presented make a strong case for this simple and unconventional towing method and may encourage other towing tank facilities to experiment with it in the future.
Model Calm Water Resistance and Motion – Simulations, Experiments and Verification
Authors: Santana Pelícia Renan , Dozzi Dantas João Lucas
Published: January 2022

To assess the impact of each bow design on motion and drag, two platform supply vessel models (PSV) of same parallel middle body and stern were tested in deep water regime on the Towing Tank of the Institute for Technological Research of the State of São Paulo (IPT). Calm water resistance was measured for different operating condition (draft and speed). One of the models was also tested in waves. Moreover, the same Towing Tank tests conditions were re-created in Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation and the results of resistance, sinkage and trim were compared to appraise the reliability of the simulation method. Seeking a competitive performance compared to Towing Tank tests, the simulations’ mesh size was kept below 5 million cells and executed on the software STAR-CCM+ using a multiphase model (VOF) and the K-Omega turbulence model. As expected, the desired performance was achieved while providing consistent outcomes as most cases reached resistance errors below 5%, with better adherence at lower speeds.
Statistical Perspectives on Some Problems Arising in Naval Engineering
Authors: Glotzer Dylan , Pipiras Vladas
Published: January 2022

This paper reviews several statistical problems arising in Naval Engineering that the authors were involved with professionally or at NSWCCD over the past several years. The considered problems relate to statistical uncertainty, characterizing rare events, and ocean modeling, and naturally involve a stochastic component which needs to be accounted for through statistical methods. In statistical uncertainty, for example, one problem consists of constructing confidence intervals for measured quantities of interest (e.g. the variance of a ship motion) when temporal dependence in a signal needs to be taken into account. In characterizing rare events (e.g. ship capsizing or broaching to), a common problem is to estimate their frequency, which can be carried out under the umbrella of the statistical Extreme Value Theory. In ocean modeling, spatiotemporal statistical modeling of significant wave height has attracted much attention, especially in the context of modern treatments of “big data.” The focus throughout this work is on the theoretical underpinnings of these statistical problems, related work in the Statistics literature, and some open future directions.
A New Method for Scaling Submarine Resistance Model Data
Authors: Shen Young T. , Hughes Michael J.
Published: January 2022

A new method is presented for obtaining full-scale resistance predictions from model-scale submarine resistance tests. Traditionally, model-scale submarine resistance data is scaled using Froude’s Hypothesis, where the resistance is decomposed into frictional resistance and residual resistance. The frictional resistance is computed from a flat plate friction line formula at both model- and full-scale. The residual resistance coefficient is measured model-scale and is assumed to be independent of Reynolds number. Since the flow is assumed to be turbulent at fullscale, turbulence stimulators are placed at about 5% x/L to trip the flow in the model tests. The parasitic drag from the turbulence stimulators must be measured and subtracted from the model-scale resistance.

In the new approach a momentum thickness simulator is used in place of a traditional turbulence stimulator. The purpose of the momentum thickness simulator is to achieve similarity for model-scale and full-scale normalized momentum thickness of the boundary layer at the stern of the vessel as momentum thickness is directly related to ship resistance. The size and location of the momentum thickness simulator is computed to assure the flow is turbulent downstream of the simulator and to produce similar momentum thickness on the body downstream of the simulator. With this approach the total resistance is scaled from model-scale to full-scale without decomposing the resistance into frictional resistance and residual resistance. The parasitic drag is not measured and subtracted, as the additional drag from the momentum simulator is computed to produce the correctly scaled momentum thickness. In the new approach the physics associated with resistance is more clearly expressed and improved accuracy of resistance predictions is expected.
Aldersro wetland-settlement complex
Authors: Roborg Astrid Storgaard , Løvschal Mette
Published: January 2022

In southern Scandinavia, the Early Iron Age transition is characterised by radical ideological and organisational changes involving new material practices of sorting, delimiting, depositing and discarding artefacts, humans and nonhumans, in both wetlands and drylands. However, settlements and wetland areas are mostly excavated separately, and the deeper relationship between these practices and associated spheres remains somewhat inconclusive. Aldersro, Eastern Jutland, provides an exceptional opportunity to revisit this relationship. A juxtaposed settlement and wetland activity area spanning more than 1.4 hectares were excavated in 2002-2003. The excavations exposed the structural remains of houses, fences, storage buildings, pits and peat graves. Moreover, they disclosed extensive archaeological remains of more than 800 ceramic vessels, processed wood, stones, burnt organic material, human and animal bones subject to 14C, pollen, archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, osteology, and ceramic analyses. The site has provided vital new insights into the diachronic dynamics of depositional and mortuary practices in the Early Iron Age. The highly fragmented remains of more than eight human individuals were mixed and deposited together with typical settlement debris, and would have been exposed right next to a settlement area.
Human monoclonal antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus surface antigens recognize in vitro and in vivo biofilm
Authors: de Vor Lisanne , van Dijk Bruce , van Kessel Kok , Kavanaugh Jeffrey S , de Haas Carla , Aerts Piet C , Viveen Marco C , Boel Edwin C , Fluit Ad C , Kwiecinski Jakub M , Krijger Gerard C , Ramakers Ruud M , Beekman Freek J , Dadachova Ekaterina , Lam Marnix GEH , Vogely H Charles , van der Wal Bart CH , van Strijp Jos AG , Horswill Alexander R , Weinans Harrie , Rooijakkers Suzan HM
Published: January 2022

Implant-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections are difficult to treat because of biofilm formation. Bacteria in a biofilm are often insensitive to antibiotics and host immunity. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could provide an alternative approach to improve the diagnosis and potential treatment of biofilm-related infections. Here, we show that mAbs targeting common surface components of S. aureus can recognize clinically relevant biofilm types. The mAbs were also shown to bind a collection of clinical isolates derived from different biofilm-associated infections (endocarditis, prosthetic joint, catheter). We identify two groups of antibodies: one group that uniquely binds S. aureus in biofilm state and one that recognizes S. aureus in both biofilm and planktonic state. Furthermore, we show that a mAb recognizing wall teichoic acid (clone 4497) specifically localizes to a subcutaneously implanted pre-colonized catheter in mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate the capacity of several human mAbs to detect S. aureus biofilms in vitro and in vivo.
Plant Trans-Golgi Network/Early Endosome pH regulation requires Cation Chloride Cotransporter (CCC1)
Authors: McKay Daniel W , McFarlane Heather E , Qu Yue , Situmorang Apriadi , Gilliham Matthew , Wege Stefanie
Published: January 2022

Plant cells maintain a low luminal pH in the trans-Golgi-network/early endosome (TGN/EE), the organelle in which the secretory and endocytic pathways intersect. Impaired TGN/EE pH regulation translates into severe plant growth defects. The identity of the proton pump and proton/ion antiporters that regulate TGN/EE pH have been determined, but an essential component required to complete the TGN/EE membrane transport circuit remains unidentified − a pathway for cation and anion efflux. Here, we have used complementation, genetically encoded fluorescent sensors, and pharmacological treatments to demonstrate that Arabidopsis cation chloride cotransporter (CCC1) is this missing component necessary for regulating TGN/EE pH and function. Loss of CCC1 function leads to alterations in TGN/EE-mediated processes including endocytic trafficking, exocytosis, and response to abiotic stress, consistent with the multitude of phenotypic defects observed in ccc1 knockout plants. This discovery places CCC1 as a central component of plant cellular function.
Synaptic mechanisms of top-down control in the non-lemniscal inferior colliculus
Authors: Oberle Hannah M , Ford Alexander N , Dileepkumar Deepak , Czarny Jordyn , Apostolides Pierre F
Published: January 2022

Corticofugal projections to evolutionarily ancient, subcortical structures are ubiquitous across mammalian sensory systems. These ‘descending’ pathways enable the neocortex to control ascending sensory representations in a predictive or feedback manner, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we combine optogenetic approaches with in vivo and in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology to study the projection from mouse auditory cortex to the inferior colliculus (IC), a major descending auditory pathway that controls IC neuron feature selectivity, plasticity, and auditory perceptual learning. Although individual auditory cortico-collicular synapses were generally weak, IC neurons often integrated inputs from multiple corticofugal axons that generated reliable, tonic depolarizations even during prolonged presynaptic activity. Latency measurements in vivo showed that descending signals reach the IC within 30 ms of sound onset, which in IC neurons corresponded to the peak of synaptic depolarizations evoked by short sounds. Activating ascending and descending pathways at latencies expected in vivo caused a NMDA receptor-dependent, supralinear excitatory postsynaptic potential summation, indicating that descending signals can nonlinearly amplify IC neurons’ moment-to-moment acoustic responses. Our results shed light upon the synaptic bases of descending sensory control and imply that heterosynaptic cooperativity contributes to the auditory cortico-collicular pathway’s role in plasticity and perceptual learning.
Regulation of immune receptor kinase plasma membrane nanoscale organization by a plant peptide hormone and its receptors
Authors: Gronnier Julien , Franck Christina M , Stegmann Martin , DeFalco Thomas A , Abarca Alicia , von Arx Michelle , Dünser Kai , Lin Wenwei , Yang Zhenbiao , Kleine-Vehn Jürgen , Ringli Christoph , Zipfel Cyril
Published: January 2022

Spatial partitioning is a propensity of biological systems orchestrating cell activities in space and time. The dynamic regulation of plasma membrane nano-environments has recently emerged as a key fundamental aspect of plant signaling, but the molecular components governing it are still mostly unclear. The receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) controls ligand-induced complex formation of the immune receptor kinase FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2) with its co-receptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1-ASSOCIATED KINASE 1 (BAK1), and perception of the endogenous peptide hormone RAPID ALKALANIZATION FACTOR 23 (RALF23) by FER inhibits immunity. Here, we show that FER regulates the plasma membrane nanoscale organization of FLS2 and BAK1. Our study demonstrates that akin to FER, leucine-rich repeat (LRR) extensin proteins (LRXs) contribute to RALF23 responsiveness and regulate BAK1 nanoscale organization and immune signaling. Furthermore, RALF23 perception leads to rapid modification of FLS2 and BAK1 nanoscale organization, and its inhibitory activity on immune signaling relies on FER kinase activity. Our results suggest that perception of RALF peptides by FER and LRXs actively modulates plasma membrane nanoscale organization to regulate cell surface signaling by other ligand-binding receptor kinases.
Unique structure and positive selection promote the rapid divergence of Drosophila Y chromosomes
Authors: Chang Ching-Ho , Gregory Lauren E , Gordon Kathleen E , Meiklejohn Colin D , Larracuente Amanda M
Published: January 2022

Y chromosomes across diverse species convergently evolve a gene-poor, heterochromatic organization enriched for duplicated genes, LTR retrotransposons, and satellite DNA. Sexual antagonism and a loss of recombination play major roles in the degeneration of young Y chromosomes. However, the processes shaping the evolution of mature, already degenerated Y chromosomes are less well-understood. Because Y chromosomes evolve rapidly, comparisons between closely related species are particularly useful. We generated de novo long-read assemblies complemented with cytological validation to reveal Y chromosome organization in three closely related species of the Drosophila simulans complex, which diverged only 250,000 years ago and share >98% sequence identity. We find these Y chromosomes are divergent in their organization and repetitive DNA composition and discover new Y-linked gene families whose evolution is driven by both positive selection and gene conversion. These Y chromosomes are also enriched for large deletions, suggesting that the repair of double-strand breaks on Y chromosomes may be biased toward microhomology-mediated end joining over canonical non-homologous end-joining. We propose that this repair mechanism contributes to the convergent evolution of Y chromosome organization across organisms.
The effect of ISO/IEC 27001 standard over open-source intelligence
Authors: Qusef Abdallah , Alkilani Hamzeh
Published: January 2022

The Internet’s emergence as a global communication medium has dramatically expanded the volume of content that is freely accessible. Through using this information, open-source intelligence (OSINT) seeks to meet basic intelligence requirements. Although open-source information has historically been synonymous with strategic intelligence, today’s consumers range from governments to corporations to everyday people. This paper aimed to describe open-source intelligence and to show how to use a few OSINT resources. In this article, OSINT (a combination of public information, social engineering, open-source information, and internet information) was examined to define the present situation further, and suggestions were made as to what could happen in the future. OSINT is gaining prominence, and its application is spreading into different areas. The primary difficulty with OSINT is separating relevant bits from large volumes of details. Thus, this paper proposed and illustrated three OSINT alternatives, demonstrating their existence and distinguishing characteristics. The solution analysis took the form of a presentation evaluation, during which the usage and effects of selected OSINT solutions were reported and observed. The paper’s results demonstrate the breadth and dispersion of OSINT solutions. The mechanism by which OSINT data searches are returned varies greatly between solutions. Combining data from numerous OSINT solutions to produce a detailed summary and interpretation involves work and the use of multiple disjointed solutions, both of which are manual. Visualization of results is anticipated to be a potential theme in the production of OSINT solutions. Individuals’ data search and analysis abilities are another trend worth following, whether to optimize the productivity of currently accessible OSINT solutions or to create more advanced OSINT solutions in the future.
Perceived Effect of COVID-19 on the Health of Charcoal Producers in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Eniola P.O.
Published: January 2022

Charcoal producers ignored the health implications of the activity especially during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in several health disorders. Thus, the study examined perceived effect of COVID-19 on the health of charcoal producers in the derived savannah agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Data were collected through the use of structured interview scheduled. A total of 178 respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were analysed through the use of frequency, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics: chi-square and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study reveals that most of the respondents strongly agreed that they usually use local herbs to treat all ailments during COVID-19. More than 50% of them always experienced difficult breathing during COVID-19, and that high death were recorded than before COVID-19 pandemic, while 88.2% of the respondents perceived low level of the effect of COVID-19 on their health. In addition, more than 50% of them strongly agreed that COVID-19 does not exist at all, that it is a taboo, while shaking hands with customers/friends is a symbol of love and that they cannot do without touching both face and nose during COVID-19 pandemic respectively. However, 93.3% of the respondents did not comply with the COVID-19 preventive measures. The study concludes that charcoal producers did not believe in the existence of COVID-19 and this may be dangerous to their health. Hence, education awareness on the hazard of COVID-19 to the health of charcoal producers should be encouraged.
Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Variety on Physiological Indices and Nutrient Composition of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br.) in Gombe, Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria
Authors: Elemi E. D. , Ukatu P. O. , Uwak G. F. , Agah L. J.
Published: January 2022

Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br. locally known as “rizga” is an important indigenous tuber crop in Nigeria which is currently endangered. One major factor that causes disappearance of this species, is the lower agronomic recommendations developed for growers and lack of information about nutrient contents leading to loss of interest in its cultivation. A field experiment was therefore conducted during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons to determine the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and variety on physiological indices as an attempt to conserve and evaluate the potential of the crop in food security, source of income and its adaptation in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted four levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (­0, 60, 90 and 120 kg/ha), respectively and two varieties (vat Riyom and vat Loang’at). Results from analysis of variance showed that nitrogen and phosphorus applied at 90 kg/ha significantly produced higher physiological indices in both years. Beyond this rate, there was a decline in physiological indices resulting in decrease in starch content and dry matter accumulation. Harvest index indicated a positive relationship between the proportion of the biological yield and nutrient levels. Although, varietal difference was not significant on harvest index. This is an indication that HI is purely a genetic trait as affected by environmental factors. It was therefore concluded that, for high yield of livingstone potato, soils should be treated with a moderate application rate of 90 kg/ha nitrogen and phosphorus for enhanced physiological indices which are measures of growth and productivity per unit area of land in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.
Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Drug-Related Problems Classification Version 9.1: First Implementation in Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Kannan O. , Muddather Hiba F. , Yousef Bashir A.
Published: January 2022

Background: Clinical pharmacy services are an emerging specialty in Sudan. Many tools exist to document drug-related problems (DRP), such as the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification. However, none has been attempted and published in Sudan.

Objectives: The study aimed to identify the DRP and its characteristics in real hospital setting using non-modified version of PCNE.

Method: Prospective study of clinical pharmacists' interventions during the routine care work of reviewing patients over a period from December 2020 to February 2021 at the wards of National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, Sudan. Main outcome measure Using non-modified PCNE version 9.1 to identify the number, types, causes of the DRP, clinical pharmacists' interventions, acceptance, and outcomes.

Results: Five minutes (range, 3-15 minutes) was the median time spent for evaluation and intervention by the clinical pharmacists, a total of 51 DRP were discovered among 40 patients with an average of 1.3 DRP per patient, an adverse drug event (possibly) occurring (29.4%) was the main problem, no or incomplete drug treatment (27.5%) was the main causes, above one-third of the clinical pharmacists' interventions were proposed to the prescriber, these interventions were accepted in 96% and fully implemented among 72.5% of the cases. At the end of the process, the majority of DRP (72.5%) were totally solved.

Conclusion: Non-modified PCNE version 9.1 provides a suitable tool for the DRP process for Sudanese clinical pharmacists during routine work in the oncology setting. It hence can be considered as an optimal tool for further quality and policymaking.
Dental Composite Restorations Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Al Rabiah Abdulmohsen , Zahrah Alamri , Malath Tuwaym , Ebtihal Al Daghri , Daniyah Al Suhaibani , Abdullah Al Qahtani
Published: January 2022

Background: Controversy exists in the literature regarding the most optimal repair procedure for improving the adhesion between the repair resin and the existing resin composite materials. Hence the aim of the present study was to do a systematic review and to analyze the adhesion potential of resin-based composites to similar and dissimilar composites and aimed to determine the possible dominant factors affecting the bond strength results.

Materials & Methods: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort design were searched through electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) until July 2020 that compared different methods of composite restoration repair and a minimum mean follow-up time of 1 year. There were no restrictions on a particular treatment indication or outcome measures. Two authors independently conducted screening, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction of eligible trials in duplicate. We applied the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool to consider the risk of bias.

Results: We identified 10 articles; two of them were RCTs, and eight prospective cohort studies. There were 530 participants, with 990 teeth, dealing with resin-based composite (RBC) restorations. The intervention of defective restorations ranged from minimal intervention to total restoration replacement. The evaluation criteria were also varied with different evaluation protocols. The low number and heterogeneity of RCTs did not allow for meta-analyses.

Conclusions: Although different repair protocols are mentioned in the literature according to the included studies, an appropriate and definitive conclusion can't be drawn. However, it seems repairs versus replacements should be considered as the first line of treatment when all factors lead to repair rather than replacement. Further randomized controlled trials with high methodological quality need to be conducted in order to establish evidence-based recommendations, particularly for RBC repair.
A Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method Validation for Simultaneous Estimation of Metformin HCl, Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Patel Darshak , Shah Ujashkumar , Patel Jayvadan , Patel Darshana , Patel Pavan
Published: January 2022

Aims: Metformin HCl, Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin is a new drug combination for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus which is one of the oldest and lethal diseases of mankind. Aim of the research work was to develop and validate novel, rapid, sensitive, specific, robust stability indicating analytical method for simultaneous estimation of: Metformin HCl, Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin in pharmaceutical dosage form as fixed dose formulation.

Study Design: Method development and validation was performed as recommended in ICH guideline “Validation of analytical procedures: Test and Methodology Q2 (R1)”.

Methodology: Method develop with chromatographic parameters as C18 column (250mm×4.6 mm, 5mm particle size), HPLC system with PDA detector and mobile phase contained a mixture of Phosphate Buffer pH 3.5 and Acetonitrile (80:20 v/v) + 1 ml triethylamine per 100 ml mobile phase. The flow rate was set to 1 ml/min with responses measured at 265 nm, injection volume was 20 µl, and run time of 15 mins.

Results: The retention time of Metformin HCl, Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin was 5.8 min, 6.8 mins and 8.4 min respectively with resolution of 3.5 between Metformin HCl and Dapagliflozin and 4.5 between Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin. Linearity was established in the range of 250-1500 µg/ml for Metformin HCl, 1.25-7.5 µg/ml for Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin with correlation coefficients more than 0.999. The percentage recoveries were between 98.39-101.66 for Metformin HCl, 99.01-101.77 for Dapagliflozin and 98.88-101.87 for Saxagliptin Validation parameters were evaluated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 R1 guidelines. The forced degradation studies were performed by using HCl, NaOH, H2O2, thermal and UV Radiation. The developed method was successfully applied for the quantification and hyphenated instrumental analysis.

Conclusion: Significance of developed method is that it can be utilize for routine or unknown sample analysis of assay of Metformin HCl, Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin in pharmaceutical dosage form developed by various Pharmaceutical Industry.
Positive Outcomes of Goal Directed Cardiac Rehabilitation for a Patient Undergone Rheumatic Heart Disease Undergone Mitral Valve Replacement: A Case Study
Authors: Ratnani Grisha , Walke Rashmi , Jain Moli Jai , Vardhan Vishnu , Yadav Vaishnavi , Bhakaney Pallavi R. , Kumbhare Ruhi
Published: January 2022

Rheumatic heart disease is one of the principal contributors that has a negative influence on a patient's quality of life and makes it challenging for them to perform their daily activities. The disorder predominantly impairs the function of heart valves, specifically the mitral valve, resulting in stenosis that can be managed by repair or replacement of the valve. The purpose of treatment is to improve the patient's quality of life. As an adjunct to that, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise therapy are used. This case study discusses a patient with mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation, who underwent mitral valve replacement. She was given with physiotherapy for a week of phase I cardiac rehabilitation and was prescribed home exercise.
KMT2A degradation is observed in decitabine‐responsive acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Brock Luisa , Benzien Lina , Lange Sandra , Huehns Maja , Runge Alexandra , Roolf Catrin , Sekora Anett , Knuebel Gudrun , Murua Escobar Hugo , Junghanss Christian , Richter Anna
Published: January 2025

Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes is a hallmark of leukemia. The hypomethylating agent decitabine covalently binds, and degrades DNA (cytosine‐5)‐methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Structural similarities within DNA‐binding domains of DNMT1, and the leukemic driver histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) suggest that decitabine might also affect the latter. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines, and xenograft models, we observed increased DNMT1, and KMT2A expression in response to decitabine‐induced demethylation. Strikingly, KMT2A protein expression was diminished in all cell lines that experienced DNMT1 degradation. Moreover, only cells with reduced KMT2A protein levels showed biological effects following decitabine treatment. KMT2A wild‐type, and rearranged cells were locked in G2 and G1 cell cycle phases, respectively, likely due to p27/p16 activation. Primary sample gene expression profiling confirmed different patterns between KMT2A wild‐type, and translocated cells. This newly discovered decitabine mode of action via KMT2A degradation evokes anti‐leukemic activity in adult ALL cells, and can act synergistically with menin inhibition. Following the successful clinical implementation of decitabine for acute myeloid leukemia, the drug should be considered a potential promising addition to the therapeutic portfolio for ALL as well.
Will upstream prevention activity finally gain its due in funding?
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2025

In an atmosphere of great uncertainty over the direction drug policy will take in a new administration in Washington, there remains at least some speculation that a likely de‐emphasis on harm reduction could result in a greater focus on primary prevention.