bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fatwa and Shari'a Supervisory Boards in Controlling the Transactions of Islamic Banks: A Study in Shari’a and the Yemeni law
Authors: الحياني أحمد سيف نعمان
Published: July 2022

The transactions of Islamic banks have recently received significant attention which indicated no difference between Islamic banks and other traditional banks in terms of financial transactions. This study aimed to identify the concept, names, importance and goals of the Fatwa and Shari'a Supervisory Board in Islamic banks as well as to assess its work in light of Shari'a and the Yemeni law; and to identify the components and functions of the Board and each component’s role in the control of Islamic banks transactions. To achieve these objectives, the inductive comparative method was used where possible. Results revealed that there are various definitions for the Fatwa and Shari'a Supervisory Board suggested by scholars, but there is no comprehensive definition. Many scholars and specialists have indicated that there should be no separation or difference between the Fatwa Boards and Shari'a Supervisory boards in Islamic banks. In reality, the job of Shari'a Boards revolves around two main roles: Fatwa and Shari'a Supervision. Yemeni Islamic Banks Law stipulates that each Islamic bank shall have a Shari'a Supervisory Board, the members of which should be qualified and their number is fixed. The law does not indicate the manner of members’ appointment but that should be defined in the statutes of the bank. It also provides for the establishment of a unit in the Central Bank to supervise the banks licensed under this law. The number of members of this unit and the conditions of their appointment are not defined although the Law stipulates providing this unit with training and development to ensure its performance to the fullest.

Keywords: Shari'a Fatwa Board, Shari'a Supervisory Board, Yemeni Islamic Banks Law, Components of Fatwa and Shari'a Supervisory Board, Shari'a Reference.
The Mental Image of the Yemeni National Security among Journalists
Authors: شادي عبدالله محمد صالح
Published: July 2022

The study aimed at developing the love of learning scale for adults. The scale consisted of 15 situations to measure three dimensions namely intimacy, passion, and commitment towards learning. The scale was standardized on a sample of 111 university male and female students from the 4th level of the Faculty of Education, Sana’a University, Yemen. The validity and reliability of the scale was (0.81) based on Cronbach’ Alpha. The results of the study showed that the level of the love of learning was of average level.
The Impact of Human Capital on Organizational Performance: A Field Study at the Mobile Phone Companies in Yemen
Authors: العنسي محمد علي , النشمي مراد محمد
Published: July 2022

The study aimed at identifying the impact of human capital on organizational performance in four mobile companies in Republic of Yemen (MTN, Yemen Mobile, SabaFon, and Y). The study used the descriptive analytical method to answer the study questions and test the hypotheses. For the purpose of data collection, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the sample of the study which is 327 employees selected from all the organizational levels. The data were analyzed using simple regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated that there is a significant impact of human capital on organizational performance at mobile phone companies in Yemen. Findings also showed that among human capital dimensions; knowledge was the most influential dimension on organizational performance. In light of the study results, it is recommended to pay great attention to human capital by improving the employees' skills and capabilities through training courses and workshops. The study also recommended engaging the employees in setting the organization’s policies and plans, and considering their suggestions and views which may improve the organization and achieve its goals.

Keywords: human capital, organizational performance, mobile phone companies in Yemen.
Constraints Yemeni Undergraduates Face in Subtitling Audiovisual Materials
Authors: Al-Mizgagi Dr. Essam Hassan
Published: July 2022

This study attempted to investigate the potential constraints that the Yemeni undergraduates face in subtitling audiovisual materials. The challenges of English-Arabic subtitling are under three domains; linguistic, technical and attitudinal. University of Science and Technology (UST) is barely the benchmarking academic institution that gives training on subtitling. UST was perceived as an ideal place to curry out the study. A triangulation was the methodology of the paper. A questionnaire along with a test were administered and given to 38 participants. The results of the study declared that the linguistic domain is still taking the lead. The second domain was the technical challenges. The emotive or attitudinal constraints were the least challenging. The paper gave recommendations to overcome these constraints. Conclusion and recommendations of the study can be taken in other countries that undergo similar conditions.

Keywords: audiovisual translation, subtitling, UST, Yemen.
The Relationship between the Criteria for Granting Bank Credit and the Quality of the Audited Financial Statements: A Field Study in Traditional Banks in the Republic of Yemen
Authors: Prof. Dr. Mohammed A. Alrubaidi  , Mohammed D. Alatifi
Published: July 2022

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the criteria for granting bank credit and the quality of the audited financial statements by conducting a field study in traditional banks in the Republic of Yemen. In order to achieve this objective, a questionnaire was used for collecting data from the study population consisted of (9) traditional banks. The complete census sampling method was used for the sample of (119) employees. The actual no. of questionnaires, valid for analysis, was 104. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS. The results of the study revealed that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between the criteria of granting credit (related to customer, bank and credit) and the quality of the audited financial statements. The study recommends that the quality of audited financial statements should be enhanced and their role should be activated in decision making.

Keywords: traditional banks, Republic of Yemen, quality of audited financial statements, credit granting criteria.
Methods of Mathematical Proof and Logic in Mathematics Courses at the Faculty of Education – Sana'a University
Authors: Khaled Al-Haded Fawzi Abdullah
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to identify the extent to which mathematical proof and logic methods are achieved in mathematics courses for student-teachers at the University of Sana'a. To achieve this objective, the descriptive and analytical method was used. Checklists for analyzing mathematical content according to methods of mathematical proof and logic were developed, and a questionnaire was used to verify the validity of the checklists. The tools were validated by a jury of experts, and the degree of agreement was (98.1%) (85.82%). The tools were applied to a sample of mathematics courses, including mathematical analysis, real analysis and abstract algebra (1), (2). The findings revealed that the most frequent proof methods found in mathematical courses were proof by deduction and transgression (65.86%) of the total methods, followed by proof by mathematical induction (11.75%), and the least frequent was proof by contradiction (9.61%). The courses did not include method of evaluative, critical and reversed proof. The direct method of proof was (82.93%), whereas the occurrence of the indirect proof method was (17.07%). The course content also did not include method of evaluative, critical and reversed proof, and there were statistically significant differences at (0.01), between the weights of the methods of mathematical proof and logic, which were included in the current courses, and the weights that should be included.
Path of the Palestinian Issue between the Nakba (Exodus- 1948) and the Deal of the Century (2020): An Analytical Study
Authors: Al Raidi Ahmed Hussein
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to examine the path of the Palestinian issue between the Nakba in 1948 and the deal of the century in 2020. More specifically, and based on a political approach, the study aimed to identify the conspiracies made to seize Palestine and implant the Israeli entity in 1948. The study also traced the main milestones the Palestinian issue passed through, beginning with the wars, launched between the Arab countries and Israel (1948-1982), and ending up with signing peace treaties (Peace for Land) supported by the United States (1979-2010). Recently, the American-Israeli coalition prepared the latest vision to address the Palestinian issue called "the deal of the century" in 2020 in order to eliminate this issue and in an attempt to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. To achieve these objectives, the study followed the descriptive analytical method in order to describe and analyze major developments, and to arrive at logical interpretations of such developments as well as the pragmatic approach that is based on power and national interest, which explains the Zionist and Western behavior practiced in the Middle East. The study major findings revealed that the United Kingdom took the responsibility of establishing a racist state in Palestine in 1948. This state received unlimited support from the United States during wars and peace talks. Some Arab regimes colluded with the American-Israeli project and hastened to normalize with this entity in exchange for giving up support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people as was clear in the deal of the century.
The effect of pricing strategies on increasing the market share- A field study in Amran Cement Factory
Authors: أ.د/ عبده أحمد علي العامري  , أ. أكرم عبده علي الحكيمي
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of pricing strategies on increasing the market share in Amran Cement Factory (ACF). The descriptive analytical approach was adopted; and a questionnaire was developed for collecting the data. The study population was the members of the senior, middle, and executive management at ACF with a total number of (110) employees. The complete consensus method was used, and a total of (107) questionnaires were returned; however, 105 were valid for analysis using SPSS.  The study results showed that there is a positive statistically significant effect of pricing strategies on increasing the market share of ACF. Results also revealed that the factory applies a high degree of pricing strategies, and the market share of ACF is high. The study recommends enhancing pricing strategies at ACF for its importance in increasing the market share.
Measuring the Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates on Determining the Commercial and Industrial Profits Tax Base: A Standard Study on Commercial Banks Operating in the Republic of Yemen
Authors: الربيدي أ.د. محمد علي , الرصّاص أ. أشرف عبد الكريم
Published: July 2022

The study aimed to measure the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates on determining the commercial and industrial profits tax base, through a standard study on commercial banks operating in the Republic of Yemen. To achieve this goal, the study relied on annual time series of the published financial statements of banks operating in the Republic of Yemen for each of the foreign currency position of assets and liabilities during the period (2011-2017). The Statistical Analysis Software (EViews V.10) was used in data analysis. The results showed that changes in foreign exchange rates affect the determination of the commercial and industrial profits tax base. The study recommends adherence to the requirements of International Accounting Standard No. (21) when measuring the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates on determining the commercial and industrial profits tax base, in a manner that does not conflict with the provisions of Yemeni Law No. (17) of 2010 “income taxes” and its amendments.
An Investigation About the Challenges of Adopting Performance Management in Educational Leadership in England
Authors: Yang Zixuan
Published: July 2022

Since the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) introduced the performance management system in general education in September 2000, it has become an important component in education reform in England. The goal of this study is to explore the challenges that teachers and principals may encounter in adopting performance management in educational leadership in England. This study finds that performance management provides a single, unfair mechanism for teacher evaluation, and within this framework, teachers’ personal development is largely ignored. And for leaders, performance management results in a lack of leadership responsibility. This study argues that performance management is not conducive to the development of schools in England.
GUARDIANS & METANAUTS: Shaping the Reality of Future Humanity
Authors: Leblanc Marie , Richir Simon , Rostain Pierre-Stuart , Benoist Thierry , Bouchard Stéphane , Cooney Robert , Dyboski-Bryant Daniel , Savage Kylie , Schmidt Silke , Tintul Mariia
Published: July 2022

For over 20 years, Laval Virtual has been identifying the latest XR trends and leading a growing international community operating in all sectors of activity. In 2016, as an international XR facilitator, Laval Virtual designed the Visionaries Think Tank: a 2-days exclusive prospective workshop for Scientists, Academics, Investors, Authors, Philosophers, Law Makers, Influencers, and/or Industrials from all over the world. The aim? Identify early signals of XR technology advancements over the next ten years and their impacts.
This report provides the individual thoughts of each visionary and the common vision resulting from the Visionaries Think Tank 2022.
The sugarless grape trait characterised by single berry phenotyping
Authors: Bigard Antoine , Romieu Charles , Ojeda Hernán , Torregrosa Laurent Jean-Marie
Published: July 2022

In grape production, the selection of varieties well-adapted to climate fluctuations, especially warming, is based on achieving a balance between fruit sugars and acidity. In recent decades, temperature has been constantly rising during ripening causing excessive sugar concentrations and insufficient acidity in wine grapes in the warmest regions. There is thus an increasing interest in breeding new cultivars able to ripen at lower sugar concentration while preserving fruit acidity. However, the phenotyping of berry composition challenges both methodological and conceptual issues. Indeed, most authors predetermine either average harvest date, ripening duration, thermal time or even the hexoses concentration threshold itself to compare accessions at a hopefully similar ripe stage. In this study, we phenotyped the fruit development and composition of 6 genotypes, including 3 new disease-tolerant varieties known to produce wines with low alcoholic contents. The study was performed at single berry level from the end of the green growth stage to the end of phloem unloading, when water and solute contents reach a maximum per berry. The results confirm that sugarless genotypes achieve fruit ripening with 20-30 % less hexoses than the classical varieties, Grenache N and Merlot N, without impacting berry growth, total acidity or cation accumulation. The sugarless genotypes displayed a higher malic acid/tartaric acid balance than the other genotypes, but similar sucrose/H+ exchanges at the onset of ripening. Data suggest that the sugarless phenotype results from a specific plasticity in the relationship between growth and the turgor imposed by organic acid accumulation and sugar loading. This opens interesting perspectives for the understanding of the mechanism of grapevine berry growth and for breeding varieties that will cope better with climate warming.
Kitab Tajwid Nazm Batu Ngompal Tuan Guru Kyai Haji Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid
Authors: Rahmatullah Salim , Hamzah Mohd. Shafiee Bin
Published: July 2022

Para ulama di Nusantara menilai penting membaca al-Quran, sehingga mereka melakukan pengajaran-pengajaran ilmu al-Quran. Salah satunya  di bidang tajwid dengan berbagai kitab yang aslinya berbahasa Arab, tetapi diterjemahkan dan diajarkan kepada para muridnya. Artikel ini mencoba mendeskripsikan dan melihat keunikan dari kitab tajwid Nadhom Batu Ngompal, karya dari Maulana Syaikh Tuan Guru Kyai Haji Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid. Artikel ini adalah artikel kualitatif yang menggunakan metode wawancara dan kajian pustaka dalam mengumpulkan data, yang kemudian dianalisis dan dideskripsikan. Hasilnya ada lima keunikan dari Nazam Batu Ngompal: Pertama keunikan dari sisi nama yang berbeda dengan kitab Nusantara pada umumnya. Kedua, ditulis menggunakan tiga bahasa: Arab, Indonesia, dan Sasak. Ketiga, ditulis menggunakan aksara Arab-Jawi atau Arab-Pegon. Keempat, bahasanya dominan Indonesia namun tersusun menurut Ilmu Arudh. Kelima, mengandung pesan-pesan pentingnya tajwid dan berguru kepada ahlinya.
A PROTEÇÃO DOS DIREITOS DOS ANIMAIS DOMÉSTICOS NO BRASIL EM FACE DA SUA NATUREZA JURÍDICA
Authors: Alexandre Coelho Chesy , Rocha Renata Rodrigues de Castro
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo científico tem como objetivo analisar por meio de pesquisa básica quantitativa exploratória, a partir de levantamento bibliográfico, a conflituosa natureza jurídica dos animais na legislação brasileira, as principais correntes de pensamento que justificam a proteção jurídica dos seres não-humanos e a possível adequação da natureza jurídica dos animais domésticos em face dos avanços legais. O Direito dos Animais é um novo ramo do direito que vem se consolidando nas últimas décadas, fruto das mudanças comportamentais da sociedade e da maior consciência para com a proteção ambiental. Percebe-se também que a defesa dos direitos dos animais apresenta consideráveis avanços legislativos, no Brasil e em outros países, baseados principalmente na constatação científica do fato biológico da senciência. Porém, na legislação nacional, apesar da edição de recentes dispositivos legais que endurecem as penas aos que praticam maus tratos a animais domésticos, estes ainda ostentam a natureza jurídica de objetos. Essa conflituosa natureza jurídica pode de alguma forma limitar a efetiva proteção dos animais, por não valorar seus direitos fundamentais como seres vivos, sencientes e que devem ser tratados com dignidade. Verifica-se que a sociedade pede essa adequação legislativa em relação aos animais não humanos. Assim, o presente trabalho aponta alternativas, como por exemplo a do Projeto de Lei que considera os animais não humanos detentores de natureza jurídica sui generis, sendo assim sujeitos de direitos despersonificados e vedado o seu tratamento como coisa.
A INCONSTITUCIONALIDADE DA VAQUEJADA SOB A ÓTICA DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DO SUPREMO TRIBUNAL FEDERAL
Authors: Rielli Silveira D'Angeles Mendes Juliana
Published: July 2022

O presente trabalho tem como tema a inconstitucionalidade da vaquejada sob a ótica do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). Assim, busca-se analisar a possibilidade de limitação das manifestações culturais em prol da proteção dos animais contra práticas cruéis no âmbito da jurisprudência do STF. Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória, bibliográfica, documental e jurisprudencial. Ainda, utilizou-se o método de abordagem indutivo e o método de procedimento monográfico. Da pesquisa, depreende-se que a farra do boi, a rinha de galo, a vaquejada e a caça recreativa não são práticas desportivas e culturais compatíveis com a CF/88, pois em todos os casos restou demonstrada a violação da dignidade humana, em visão antropocêntrica, e o malferimento da dignidade dos animais não humanos, pelo viés biocêntrico, por meio de práticas violentas que desbordam de mera prática cultural, de lazer ou desportiva. Destaca-se, ainda, que tanto o direito ao meio ambiente equilibrado quanto o direito à cultura guardam fundamento na solidariedade, de modo que não se pode olvidar que as práticas cruéis contra animais influenciam o meio ambiente, a dignidade e até mesmo a saúde humanas, e, sem elas, não é possível nem mesmo gozar de atividades culturais, de lazer e entretenimento. Destarte, verifica-se que, mesmo com a edição da EC 96/17 e da Lei 13.364/16, fruto de ativismo congressual, a prática da vaquejada é inconstitucional, por ferir o núcleo do direito fundamental ao meio ambiente equilibrado.
TRABALHO EM PLATAFORMAS DIGITAIS: UMA ANÁLISE DE PROJETOS DE LEI FEDERAL APRESENTADOS DURANTE A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Authors: Miranda Machado de Melo Mendonça Luccas
Published: July 2022

O artigo discute projetos de lei da Câmara dos Deputados e do Senado Federal apresentados durante a pandemia de COVID-19, a respeito do trabalho em plataformas digitais. Objetiva analisar o alcance, a extensão e a duração das proposições. Depois da introdução, a primeira seção do artigo situa o problema de pesquisa na discussão da economia de plataforma, apresenta os conceitos, origem, características e classificação do trabalho em plataformas. A seção seguinte apresenta a metodologia de pesquisa e descreve os 32 (trinta e dois) Projetos de Lei analisados. A próxima seção infere fatores explicativos dos achados. Identificou-se, na maior parte dos projetos, normas de alcance e extensão limitados, embora duráveis. Identificou-se também um consenso preliminar de direitos ao trabalho em plataformas. Identificou-se, em pequena parte das proposições, definições capazes de traduzir juridicamente o trabalho em plataformas. Tais fatores sinalizam a tarefa acadêmica de formular conceitos que auxiliem no processo de regulação.
E-scooters and the City – head to toe injuries
Authors: Kowalczewska Justyna , Rzepczyk Szymon , Żaba Czesław
Published: July 2022

In the recent years electric scooters have become much more common. As the number of drivers increased, so did the number of accidents and injuries involving e-scooters. The most common are head and neck injuries, including open wounds of soft tissues, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures of the skull bones, and intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). The second most frequent are injuries to both upper and lower limbs. Fractures of the spine and injuries to the chest and abdominal cavity are less common. Many injuries could be avoided by using helmets, not driving e-scooters under the influence of intoxicating substances, and systematizing the rules of using e- scooters among other road traffic users.
Modern diagnostics in IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Matysiak Joanna
Published: July 2022

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. Allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe, like an anaphylactic shock. In case of CMA diagnosis suspicion skin prick tests (SPT), immunoassays of specific IgE (sIgE) in blood serum (in vitro tests) and oral food challenge (OFC) tests can be performed.  SPT wheal diameter and the level of serum specific IgE to milk do not correlate with severity of clinical symptoms, while procedure of OFC is often difficult or even imposible in practice. Therefore component resolved-diagnostics (CRD) tests are a new diagnostic tool, which allows for a better correlation of laboratory test results with the observed clinical symptoms and indicate the triggering allergens.
On the Consistent Meaning of Local Realism
Authors: Lambare Justo Pastor
Published: July 2022

We present a pragmatic analysis of the different meanings assigned to the term ``local realism'' in the context of the empirical violations of Bell-type inequalities since its inception in the late 1970s. We point out that most of them are inconsistent and arise from a deeply ingrained prejudice that originated in the celebrated 1935 paper by Einstein-Podolski-Rosen. We highlight the correct connotation that arises once we discard unnecessary metaphysics.
Reliability of Satellite-Based Rainfall Products for Water Management Studies: the Case of The Ankavia River Basin in Madagascar
Authors: Ramahaimandimby Zonirina , Randriamaherisoa Alain , Jonard François , Vanclooster Marnik , Bielders Charles
Published: July 2022

Hydrological modeling for water management in large watersheds requires accurate spatially-distributed rainfall time series. In case of low coverage density of ground-based measurements, satellite precipitation products (SPP) constitute an attractive alternative, the quality of which must nevertheless be verified. The objective of this study was to evaluate, at different time scales, the reliability of six SPPs against a 2-year record from a network of 14 rainfall gauges located in the Ankavia catchment (Madagascar). The SPPs considered in this study are the African Rainfall Estimate Climatology (ARC2), the Climate Hazards group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), the ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA5), the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), and the African Rainfall Estimation (REF2) products. The results suggest that IMERG (R² = 0.63, slope of linear regression a = 0.96, root mean square error RMSE = 12 mm/day, mean absolute error MAE = 5.5 mm/day) outperforms other SPPs at the daily scale, followed by REF2 (R² = 0.41, a = 0.94, RMSE = 15 mm/day, MAE = 6 mm/day) and ARC2 (R² = 0.30, a = 0.88, RMSE = 16 mm/day, MAE = 6.7 mm/day). All SPPs, with the exception of the ERA5, overestimate the ‘no rain’ class (0 – 0.2 mm/day). ARC2, IMERG, PERSIANN, and REF2 all underestimate rainfall occurrence in the 0.2 – 150 mm/day rainfall range, whilst CHIRPS and ERA5 overestimate it. Only CHIRPS and PERSIANN could estimate extreme rainfall (>150 mm/day) satisfactorily. According to the Critical Success Index (CSI) categorical statistical measure, IMERG performs quite well in detecting rain events in the range 2-150 mm/day, whereas PERSIANN outperforms IMERG for rain events larger than 150 mm/day. Because it performs best at daily scale, only IMERG was evaluated for time scales other than daily. At the yearly and monthly time scales, the performance is good with R² = 0.97 and 0.87, respectively. At the event time scale, the probability distribution function PDF of rain gauge values and IMERG data show good agreement. However, at hourly time scale, the correlation between ground-based measurements and IMERG data becomes poor (R² = 0.20). Overall, the IMERG product can be regarded as the most reliable satellite precipitation source at monthly, daily and event time scales for hydrological applications in the study area, but the poor agreement at hourly time scale and the inability to detect extreme rainfall >200 mm/day may nevertheless restrict its use.
Underwater Image Enhancement in Epicontinental Sea Based on the Improved Algorithm of Dark Channel
Authors: Dachang Zhu
Published: July 2022

Enhancing underwater images in epicontinental sea is a challenging problem owing to the influence of ocean currents, the refraction, absorption and scattering of light by suspended particles, and the weak illumination intensity. Recently, different methods have relied on the underwater image formation model and deep learning techniques to restore the underwater image, but they tend to degrade underwater image, interference of background clutter and miss boundary details of blue regions. Improved image fusion and enhancement algorithm based on a priori dark channel is proposed in this paper. Image edge features sharpening and dark detail enhancement by homomorphism filtering in CIELab color space is realized. In RGB color space, the multi-scale retinal with color restoration (MSRCR) algorithm is used to improve color deviation and enhance color saturation, and the contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) algorithm is used to de fog and enhance image contrast. Finally, according to the dark channel images of the three processing results, the final enhanced image is obtained by linear fusion of multiple images and multiple channels. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method on various datasets.
A Step-Wise Modelling Approach to Identifying Structural Features That Control Groundwater Flow in a Folded Carbonate Aquifer System
Authors: Preziosi Elisabetta , Guyennon Nicolas , Petrangeli Anna Bruna , Romano Emanuele , Di Salvo Cristina
Published: July 2022

This paper concerns about a stepwise modelling procedure for groundwater flow simulation in a complex carbonate, folded and faulted, multilayer aquifer, in the Apennine chain in Central Ita-ly, which constitutes a source of good quality water for human consumption. A perennial river acts as the main natural drain for groundwater while sustaining valuable water related ecosys-tems. The spatial distribution of recharge was estimated using the Thornthwaite-Mather method on 60 years of climate data. The system was conceptualized as three main aquifers separated by two locally discontinuous aquitards. Three numerical models were implemented by gradually adding complexity to the model grid: single layer (2D), three layers (Quasi-3D), and five layers (Fully-3D), using an equivalent porous medium approach, in order to find the best solution with a parsimonious model setting. To overcome dry-cell problems in the Fully-3D model, the New-ton-Raphson formulation for MODFLOW-2005 was invoked. Calibration results show that a Fully-3D model was required to match the observed distribution of aquifer outflow to the river baseflow. The numerical model demonstrated the major impact of folded and faulted geological structures on controlling the flow dynamics in terms of flow direction, water heads and spatial distribution of the outflows to the river and springs.
The Effects of Chronic Stress on Neuroanatomy and Cognitive Function
Authors: Viradia Niki , Godinez Paredes Jesica , Hassan Syed
Published: July 2022

Stress plays a central role in functioning for all life forms. As humans, we experience stress in a multitude of ways through various types of stimuli. Due to the constancy of stressors in our lives, the nervous system has learned to allosterically adapt to the stimuli, but when the body cannot adapt, chronic stress can have morphological and degenerative impacts on neuroanatomy and cognitive function that may or may not be reversible. This literature review aimed to identify the specific neuroanatomical structures impacted most by the long-term effects of chronic stress and the subsequent relationship the morphological changes had on cognitive function in rodent models. We examined articles published from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, while focusing the search on anatomical and neurodegenerative effects associated with chronic stress stimuli. The degenerative effects of various types simulated physiological chronic stress showed the most impact on neurogenesis and neuronal development, brain plasticity, and spatial learning and memory with association to the hippocampus. The hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) all had reversible and non-reversible morphological alterations, which also had a direct impact on the brain’s cognitive abilities. While studies regarding chronic stress are still being conducted, future research may be able to further highlight why stressful stimuli can particularly impact these structures and the tangential impacts that it may have on related or adjacent structures.
A tutorial on the rapid distortion theory model for unidirectional, plane shearing of homogeneous turbulence
Authors: Hart Carl , Lyons Gregory
Published: July 2022

The theory of near-surface atmospheric wind noise is largely predicated on assuming turbulence is homogeneous and isotropic. For high turbulent wavenumbers, this is a fairly reasonable approximation, though it can introduce non-negligible errors in shear flows. Recent near-surface measurements of atmospheric turbulence suggest that anisotropic turbulence can be adequately modeled by rapid-distortion theory (RDT), which can serve as a natural extension of wind noise theory. Here, a solution for the RDT equations of unidirectional plane shearing of homogeneous turbulence is reproduced. It is assumed that the time-varying velocity spectral tensor can be made stationary by substituting an eddy-lifetime parameter in place of time. General and particular RDT evolution equations for stochastic increments are derived in detail. Analytical solutions for the RDT evolution equation, with and without an effective eddy viscosity, are given. An alternative expression for the eddy-lifetime parameter is shown. The turbulence kinetic energy budget is examined for RDT. Predictions by RDT are shown for velocity (co)variances, one-dimensional streamwise spectra, length scales, and the second invariant of the anisotropy tensor of the moments of velocity. The RDT prediction of the second invariant for the velocity anisotropy tensor is shown to agree better with direct numerical simulations than previously reported.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Analysis of 3 Million Americans from the National Health Interview Survey and Household Pulse Survey
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Singh Gopal K.
Published: July 2022

Background: During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, racial/ethnic minorities in the United States (US) experienced a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization, job losses, food insecurity, and reduced healthcare access, resulting in increased mental health problems. Given heterogeneous findings on the impact of COVID-19 among racial/ethnic minorities, it is worthwhile to examine the differential effects of the pandemic on mental health by race/ethnicity.
Methods: This study examines changes in mental health status among US adults aged ≥18 years before and during the pandemic. We pooled data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey with the 2020-2021 Household Pulse Survey (N=2,980,511). Logistic regression was used for binary outcomes and linear regression was used for the composite Psychological Distress Index (PDI) measure derived from principal components analysis to estimate changes in mental health after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.
Results: Mental health status worsened during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. The adjusted predicted probabilities of having little interest increased from 3.29% in 2019 to 10.97% in 2020 and 11.28% in 2021. The adjusted predicted probabilities of being depressed increased from 2.69% in 2019 to 11.00% in 2020 and 11.21% in 2021. The adjusted predicted probabilities of feeling anxious increased from 3.95% in 2019 to 18.35% in 2020 and 16.96% in 2021. The adjusted predicted probabilities of worrying increased from 4.18% in 2019 to 13.15% in 2020 and 12.61% in 2021. The adjusted mean PDI score increased from 87.52 in 2019 to 103.18 in 2020 and 101.13 in 2021. In stratified models, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians had higher odds of depression, anxiety, and worries, compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Asians experienced 10 times higher odds of depression and 15 times higher odds of anxiety in 2020 than their counterparts before the pandemic.
Conclusions and Implications for Translation: US adults experienced a marked increase in mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, in 2020 and 2021, compared with their counterparts in 2019. Racial/ethnic disparities in mental health worsened during the pandemic.
 
Copyright © 2022 Lee and Singh. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
Determinación de la actividad antiinflamatoria y citotóxica in vitro de los compuestos bioactivos del Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón (Mashua negra)
Authors:   , Arenas Mejia Jenifer
Published: July 2022

Objetivo. Se evaluó la actividad citotóxica y antiinflamatoria in vitro de un extracto mashua negra (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón). Materiales y Métodos. El contenido total de polifenoles y flavonoides se determinó mediante el ensayo de Folin-Ciocalteu y método colorimétrico de cloruro de aluminio, respectivamente. El efecto citotóxico in vitro se evaluó en células de cáncer de próstata (DU-145) con el ensayo de Bromuro de 3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-ilo)-2,5difeniltetrazol (MTT) a diferentes concentraciones de extracto (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5 y 31.25 µg/mL). A las 24 y 48 horas de exposición, se determinó el porcentaje de inhibición y concentración inhibitoria media (CI50). La actividad antiinflamatoria in vitro se evaluó en células de macrófagos de ratón (RAW264.7) estimulada con lipopolisacárido (LPS) por 20 horas y tratadas con las diferentes concentraciones de extractos por 2 horas. Los niveles de citocinas proinflamatorias (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p70, IFN-y) se expresaron en pg/mL. Resultados. En el extracto, se obtuvo un alto contenido de polifenoles totales (322.09±0.35 mg AGE/100 g peso fresco) y flavonoides totales (39.20±0.08 mg QE/100 g peso fresco). A las 24 y 48 horas de exposición, a 1000 µg/mL, se alcanzó un porcentaje de inhibición de 74.41% y 81.00%, respectivamente, así como una CI50 de 151.6 µg/mL a las 24 horas de exposición. Asimismo, el extracto inhibió la producción de IL-1β y IL-6 de manera dosis dependiente. Conclusiones. El extracto de mashua negra presentó actividad citotóxica y antiinflamatoria in vitro, lo cual sugiere su uso preventivo en el tratamiento del cáncer y enfermedades de origen inflamatorio.
Responses of different nitrogen concentrations to carbon and nitrogen metabolism in tomato leaves
Authors: XU Yang , Zhang Kun , Li Shuhao , Zhou Yuqi , Ran Shengxiang , Xu Ru , Lin Yizhang , Shen Li , Huang Weiqun , Zhong Fenglin
Published: July 2022

A hydroponic experiment was used to study the effects of different nitrogen supply levels [1) control: 0.3835 mmol/L (labelled 1/20N for CK); 2) 1/5N (1.534 mmol/L); 3) 1N (7.67 mmol/L); 4) 2N (15.34 mmol/L); 5) 3N (23.01 mmol/L)] on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaf carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. The results showed that after 9 d of treatment, the starch and sucrose contents in the leaves of the plants showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing nitrogen concentration, with the peak occurring in the medium nitrogen (1N) treatment; however, increased nitrogen application reduced glucose and fructose accumulation. The enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism (GDH) tended to increase and then decrease with increasing nitrogen concentration, with the highest values occurring in the medium nitrogen (1N) treatment group, while the enzyme activity of NADH-GOGAT showed the opposite trend, with the lowest values occurring in the 2N treatment group. A total of 6383 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the leaf transcriptome analysis, which are involved in the glycolysis tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism pathways, and related transcriptional regulatory pathways were constructed. Thus, this study reveals the mechanisms of tomato leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism in response to nitrogen supply levels at the physiological, biochemical and transcriptional regulatory levels, providing valuable insights for further understanding nitrogen metabolism mechanisms and guiding nitrogen utilization in tomato.
Three new lineages in Mycosphaerellaceae: Neoacervuloseptoria gen. nov., Neocercosporella gen. nov., and Neoramulariopsis gen. nov. based on the new species Neocercosporella peristrophes
Authors: Yadav Sanjay , Singh Raghvendra , Verma Sanjeet Kumar , Singh Gargee , Kushwaha Prakash
Published: July 2022

A colourless hyphomycetous fungus was found on living leaves of Peristrophe bicalyculata in India. A multigene phylogenetic analysis (LSU-RPB2-ITS) of this strain was performed represents no other known lineage with similar morphology in Mycosphaerellaceae, hence the new genus Neocercosporella is proposed with N. peristrophes comb. nov., based on Cercosporella peristrophes (≡ Pseudocercosporella andrographidis), as type species. Phylogenetic examinations and ultrastructure of conidiogenous loci and hila of conidia of both the type materials from N. peristrophes and P. andrographidis confirm identical strains. The conidiogenous loci are conical, having very small rim-like depression on the top encircling a small flat protuberant like structure that make this novel strain differs from other closely related members of the ramularioid complex. Superficially, the colourless nature with thickened and darkened loci and hila make it closer to Cercosporella, but differs in having terminal and intercalary conidiogenous cells and weak catenation in conidia. Phylogenetically, Neocercosporella is distant from the Cercosporella s. str. clade (type species C. virgaureae). The addition of this novel strain, segregated closely related species in Mycosphaerellaceae therefore, three new genera and four new combinations are introduced in this study. New genera are: Neoacervuloseptoria gen. nov. Neocercosporella gen. nov. and Neoramulariopsis gen. nov. New combinations are: Neoacervuloseptoria fraxini comb. nov., Neocercosporella peristrophes comb. nov., Neoramulariopsis catenulata comb. nov. and Neoramulariopsis dolichandrae comb. nov.
EnGraft: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, two-arm, superiority study protocol to assess bioavailability and practicability of Envarsus® versus AdvagrafTM in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Wöhl Daniel S. , James Ben , Götz Markus , Brennfleck Frank , Holub-Hayles Ines , Mutzbauer Ingrid , Baccar Sirine , Brunner Stefan M. , Geissler Edward K. , Schlitt Hans J.
Published: July 2022

Background: Graft rejection and chronic CNI toxicity remain obstacles to organ transplant success. Current formulations of tacrolimus, such as Prograf® and AdvagrafTM, exhibit limitations in terms of pharmacokinetics and tolerability, related in part to suboptimal bioavailability. As dosing non-compliance can result in graft rejection, the once daily formulation of tacrolimus, AdvagrafTM, was developed (vs 2x/day Prograf®). Benefits of AdvagrafTM are counterbalanced by delayed achievement of therapeutic trough levels and need for up to 50% higher doses to maintain Prograf®-equivalent troughs. Envarsus® is also a prolonged-release once-daily tacrolimus formulation, developed using MeltDose™ drug-delivery technology to increase drug bioavailability; improved bioavailability results in low patient drug absorption variability and less pronounced peak-to-trough fluctuations. In phase III de novo kidney transplant studies, Envarsus® proved non-inferior to twice-daily tacrolimus; however, no phase IV studies show superiority of Envarsus® vs AdvagrafTM in de novo liver transplant (LTx) recipients.Methods: The EnGraft compares bioavailability and tests superiority of Envarsus® (test arm) versus AdvagrafTM (comparator arm) in de novo LTx recipients. A total of 268 patients from 15 German transplant centres will be randomised 1:1 within 14 days post-LTx. The primary endpoint is dose-normalised trough level (C/D ratio) measured 12 weeks after randomisation. Secondary endpoints include the number of dose adjustments, time to reach first defined trough level and incidence of graft rejections. Additionally, clinical and laboratory parameters will be assessed over a 3-year period.Discussion: C/D ratio is an estimate for tacrolimus bioavailability. Improving bioavailability and increasing C/D ratio using Envarsus could reduce renal dysfunction and other tacrolimus-related toxicities; previous trials have shown that a higher C/D ratio (i.e. slower tacrolimus metabolism) is not only associated with improved renal function, but also linked to reduced neurotoxic side-effects. A higher C/D ratio could improve clinical outcomes for LTx recipients; EnGraft has begun, with one third of patients recruited by January 2022.Trial registration: This trial has been registered (4th May 2020) in the EU Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT-Nummer: 2020-000796-20. Additionally, this trial has been registered (22nd January 2021) at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04720326. The trial received a favourable opinion from the concerned lead ethics committee at the University of Regensburg, under the reference 20-1842-112.
Contet nutritional, bioactive and sensory of organic tomatoes creole (Solanum lycopersicum L. and S. lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme)
Authors: Heberle Thauana , Peixoto Eduarda Caetano , Ávila Bianca Pio , Antunes Irajá Ferreira , Gularte Marcia Arocha , Silva Patrícia Martins da
Published: July 2022

Seven accessions of tomato organic "Creole", classified as cherry tomatoes (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5) and salad tomatoes (S1 and S2), were evaluated for the color, pH, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, antioxidants, carotenoids and phenols. Different times and specifications were used for the verification of shelf life: time zero, which corresponds to the same harvest day; eight days stored at 25 ºC and eight and twelve days stored at a temperature of 4 ºC. For a sensory analysis the attributes color, superficial defects, firmness, pulp thickness, characteristic aroma, sweetness, acidity, ideal size and overall appearance were evaluated. Tomatoes C3 and C5 tomatoes stood out for being sweeter, in addition to having a higher content of ascorbic acid and carotenoids, in the case of C5. C1 tomato showed higher antioxidant activity. In general, the surface color is reddish-yellow and greenish-yellow. Refrigeration increased the shelf life, but it was noted that temperatures below 7 ºC are not suitable for fruit storage.
Autonomic function and inflammation in pregnant women participating in a randomized controlled study of Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting
Authors: Rådmark Lina , Osika Walter , Wallén Martin Benka , Nissen Eva , Lönnberg Gunilla , Bränström Richard , henje Eva , Gardner Renee , Fransson Emma , Karlsson Håkan , Niemi Maria
Published: July 2022

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are significant events in many women’s lives, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms increases during this vulnerable period. Apart from well documented cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms, depression is associated with physiological changes, such as reduced heart-rate variability (HRV) and activation of the inflammatory response system. Mindfulness Based Interventions may potentially have an effect on both HRV, inflammatory biomarkers, and self-assessed mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a Mindfulness Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) intervention on HRV, serum inflammatory marker levels, through an RCT study design with an active control group. Methods: This study is a sub-study of a larger RCT, where perceived stress was the primary outcome. Participants were recruited through eight maternity health clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. The inclusion criteria were being a woman with a history of depression and/or anxiety and/or early life adversity and/or current high levels of perceived stress. Blood samples and HRV measures for the present study were collected from the first 60 participants that were included in the larger study (26 in the intervention and 34 in the control group). Results: Participants who received MBCP reported a significantly larger reduction in perceived stress and a significantly larger increase in mindfulness, compared to participants who received the active control treatment. However, the intervention had no significant effect on either inflammatory serum markers or measures of HRV.Conclusions: No significant differences were found regarding changes in HRV measures and biomarkers of inflammation, larger studies may be needed in the future. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02441595. Registered 12 May 2015 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02441595