bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation breeding ofAspergillus nigerby atmospheric room temperature plasma to enhance phosphorus solubilization ability
Authors: Peng Qiuju , Xiao Yang , Zhang Su , Zhou Changwei , Xie Ailin , Li Zhu , Tan Aijuan , Zhou Lihong , Xie Yudan , Zhao Jinyi , Wu Chenglin , Luo Lei , Huang Jie , He Tengxia , Sun Ran
Published: March 2022

Background

Phosphorus (P) is abundant in soils, including organic and inorganic forms. Nevertheless, most of P compounds cannot be absorbed and used by plants.Aspergillus nigerv. Tiegh is a strain that can efficiently degrade P compounds in soils.

Methods

In this study,A. nigerxj strain was mutated using Atmospheric Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP) technology and the strains were screened by Mo-Sb Colorimetry with strong P-solubilizing abilities.

Results

Compared with theA. nigerxj strain, setting the treatment time of mutagenesis to 120 s, four positive mutant strains marked as xj 90–32, xj120–12, xj120–31, and xj180–22 had higher P-solubilizing rates by 50.3%, 57.5%, 55.9%, and 61.4%, respectively. Among them, the xj120–12 is a highly efficient P solubilizing and growth-promoting strain with good application prospects. The growth characteristics such as plant height, root length, and dry and fresh biomass of peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) increased by 33.5%, 43.8%, 43.4%, and 33.6%, respectively. Besides available P, the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents also vary degrees of increase in the P-solubilizing mutant strains.

Conclusions

The results showed that the ARTP mutagenesis technology can improve the P solubilization abilities of theA. nigermutant strains and make the biomass of peanut plants was enhanced of mutant strains.
An Improved YOLO v4 Algorithm-based Object Detection Method for Maritime Vessels
Authors: He Guowen , Wang Wenlong , Shi Bowen , Liu Shijie , Xiang Hui , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2022

Ship object detection is the core part of the maritime intelligent ship safety assistance technology, which plays a crucial role in ship safety. The object detection algorithm based on the convolutional neural network has greatly improved the accuracy and speed of object detection, which YOLO algorithm stands out among the object detection algorithms with more excellent robustness, detection accuracy, and real-time performance. Based on the YOLO v4 algorithm, this study uses the k-means algorithm to improve clustering at the input side of image data and introduces relevant berth data in the self-organized dataset to achieve detection of ships and berths for the lack of detection of berths in the existing ship detection algorithm. The experimental results show that the mAP and F1-score of the improved YOLO v4 are increased by 2.79% and 0.80%, respectively. The improved YOLO v4 algorithm effectively improves the accuracy of ship object detection, and the in-port berth also achieves better detection results and improves the ship environment perception, which is important in assisting berthing and unberthing.
Utilization of Polysaccharides Extracted from Tofu Processing Wastewater for Microencapsulation Processes in the Food Industry
Authors: Sonda T. S. , Sawi Memuna K. , Nyamawa Abigail , Sonda M. S.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to extract polysaccharides from tofu processing wastewater obtained from tofu factory located at the outcast of Wuxi city, PR China. The extracted polysaccharide was used as wall material for microencapsulation processes in the food industry. This is expected to serve as an environmentally friendly research approach as it converts wastewater into useful polysaccharides that could be used in food industries. This study used vegetable oil as core material, which is used as a test case to ascertain whether a successful encapsulation process can be achieved – an indication of the possibility of the encapsulation of oil soluble minerals and vitamins.

The polysaccharides extracted from tofu processing wastewater were used as wall materials for the encapsulation of vegetable fat load. The basic method applied in the microencapsulation process is indicative of the fact that with the addition of polysaccharides, the interfacial coacervation between the protein and the polysaccharide around the oil droplets induces the formation of microcapsules. The Seagull Model Z-Series Photomicrographic equipment was used to obtain Photomicrographs of the various phases in the development of microcapsules. Microencapsulation efficiency, the peroxide value and visual observation on spray-dried microcapsules were studied.

Microencapsulated capsules were produced through thermal solidification of the coating to form self-sustaining entities or microcapsules. Photomicrographs were used to clearly visualize the microcapsules. The Microencapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules was studied and results showed that the highest MEE (93.04%) was obtained with a comparatively low vegetable fat load. This shows that there is a relationship between percent fat load and MEE as the higher the vegetable fat load the lower the microencapsulation efficiency. Studies conducted on the Peroxide value of the microcapsules indicated shorter shelf-life at elevated temperatures of 38ºC compared to room temperature.

Polysaccharides extracted from tofu processing wastewater could be used as wall material for microencapsulation in food industries.
Effect of Audit Committee Characteristics on Real Earnings Management through Abnormal Cash Flow
Authors: Musa Auwalu , Latif Rohaida Abdul , Majid Jamaliah Abdul
Published: March 2022

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of audit committee characteristics on real earnings management (REM) through abnormal cash flow from operations of listed companies in Nigeria. The study was conducted on non-financial listed companies in Nigeria for the period of five years (2016-2020). The data were extracted from the sample of firm's annual reports and Thompson Reuters database. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression was employed to test the study model. The analysis is based on a sample of 76 listed non-financial companies for five years with 380 firm-year observations. The finding shows that audit committee size and financial expertise reduces management opportunistic earnings manipulations. Also, the result demonstrates that the presence of independent directors in the audit committee is significantly associated with lower earnings management practices. However, the result further establishes that audit committee meeting frequency and real earnings management are positively related. The findings will give an insight to investors, policymakers, and regulators by enabling them to better understand the importance of audit committee in improving the financial reporting quality (FRQ), and the effect of audit committee characteristics in mitigating earnings manipulations.
Atrial Fibrillation in a WPW Patient after the Consumption of Energy Drinks: A Case Report
Authors: Soliman Ayman F. , Busaad Walaa T. , Alanazi Malik D. , A. AlGarni Abdulkareem
Published: March 2022

This is a case of a young male who developed fast atrial fibrillation after he consumed three cans of Energy drinks (EDs). Treatment required electrical cardioversion and surprisingly, when he reverted to sinus rhythm, the ECG showed a type A Wolff Parkinson White syndrome (WPW) (left-sided accessory pathway), with no previous history.
In Silico Studies on the Phytochemicals from Aframomum melegueta Leaves against Key Enzymes as Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Target
Authors: Oluwadahunsi G. , Akinwotu S. T. , Fadipe T. M. , Akintoye O. P. , Omoyajowo T. J. , Ologuntere E. T. , Abdullah Z.
Published: March 2022

Traditional medicine has been practiced for ages across the world using plants as a memory booster and in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and amnesia. The tau, amyloid hypothesis and neuroinflammation hypothesis are major partakers in a combinational approach in the development of therapy against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Acetyl and butyryl cholinesterases inhibitors have been investigated in clinical trials of AD for a very long time. This research involved an in-silico approach to study the interactions of phytochemicals in Aframomum melegueta leaves with some enzymes that have been reported in the literature which contribute to neuronal death and memory loss associated in AD. In these studies, Curcumin and Lilacin are shown to have a higher glide score than the co-crystallized ligands of either Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase or GSK-3β, they also have higher glide scores than AChE inhibitor Rivastigmine. The ADMET/tox properties of our lead compounds (curcumin and lilacin) ranked them as good candidates for AD drug development, as well as possess the highest docking scores against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and GSK-3 beta suggesting potent compounds in Alzheimer’s disease therapy. The pharmacokinetics studies also showed that curcumin and lilacin would pass through the blood brain barrier into the brain. This work is in line with recent multi-dimensional approach in drug development in that a single compound might possess many active groups which can activate/inhibit more than one protein without any toxic effect.
Effect of Si with NPK Levels on Growth, Yield and Blast Disease of Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in North-West Plain Zone of India
Authors: Singh Satybhan , Chaubey A. N. , Singh Virendra , Gangwar Devdutt
Published: March 2022

Rice is an important cereal crop grown all over world. Blast, disease occurs in almost grown area causing significant yield losses. However, yield losses are prominent due to the improper fertilization and disease incidence in rice. Hence the study was carried out during kharif season at the Agricultural Research Farm of IFTM University, Moradabad (U.P.) with the 10 treatment combinations in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications.  The percent disease incidence (PDI) and percent disease control (PDC) of rice blast disease in aromatic rice field was significantly influenced with the application of RDF levels and Si spray. Lowest PDI (34.72%) and maximum PDC (39.4%) in aromatic rice was found in treatment T10 - (100 % RDF + two Si Spray @ 2 ml/ ltr of water at 15 and 40 DAT). Among all the treatments  observed significantly increase in all growth and yield attributes viz., plant height (158.84 cm), no. of tillers plant-1 (18.67), fresh weight (290.13 g plant-1), dry weight (103.33 g plant-1), panicle length (31.04 cm),  no. of grains panical-1 (180.78 cm), no. of unfilled grains panical-1 (16.70), no. of filled grains panical-1 (180.78), sterility percentage (10.36), 1000-seed weight (33.48 g), grain yield (67.16, q ha-1), stover yield (79.60 q ha-1), biological yield (146.77 q ha-1), harvest index (45.76 %) and B: C ratio (2.85), respectively were recorded with the application of T10 -(150% RDF + two Si spray @ 2ml / liter of water at 15 DAT & 40 DAT).
Effect of Sequential Intercropping Systems and Integrated Nutrient Management on Nutrient Uptake of Pigeonpea
Authors: Shivakumar Rajap , Vidya Sagar G. E. Ch. , Suresh K. , Kumar Sharma S. Harish , Naik D. Saida
Published: March 2022

An experiment was carried out during kharif and rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 at ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to quantify the effect of integrated nutrient management and pigeonpea based sequential intercropping systems on nutrient uptake of the pigeonpea. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (Factorial) with two factors i.e., one with six levels of sequential intercropping systems of pigeonpea (S1 to S6) and other with two levels of nutrient management practices (N1 and N2 - an integrated approach). Nutrient uptake viz., nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptakes of pigeonpea crop (grain, stalk and total) was found by using dry matter production and respective nutrient contents at harvesting stage. Sole pigeonpea (S1) recorded significantly higher mean grain, stalk and total nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptake as compared to all other sequential inter cropping systems (S3, S4, S5 and S6) and was statistically at par with S2. The minimum mean grain, stalk and total nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium uptake was recorded in treatments with sequential intercropping in paired row pigeonpea + sweet corn – safflower (S6) and paired row pigeonpea + sweet corn – chickpea (S5) and they were on par with each other. Based on the foregoing findings, it can be inferred that providing nutrients via an integrated method (N2) rather than fertilisers alone (N1) increases nutrient availability and, as a result, nutrient uptake.
Genetic Variability Studies on Morphological Characterization for Floral, Vegetative and Corm Attributes of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Irfan Mohammad , Nasseer Sabina , Rashid Uzma , Khan M. H. , Dar Z. A. , Ali Gowhar , Wani Mohd Altaf , Bashir Sabiya , Rashid Zahida , Majeed Shabeena , A. Nagoo Shahina , Rasool Faisal , Mehfuza H.
Published: March 2022

A study on genetic variability among selected lines of saffron was conducted at Advanced Research Station for Saffron and Seed Spices (ARSSSS), Dusso Konibal, Pampore, SKUAST-Kashmir during cropping season 2017-18. The "Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)" germplasm was evaluated to collect data on genetic variability for 18 floral, vegetative and corm traits and data were recorded on 10 randomly selected and tagged competitive plants. The traits studied are given as; number of flowers corm-1line-1, number of days to 50% flowering, fresh flower weight corm-1line-1, inner tepal length, outer tepal length, inner tepal width, outer tepal width, anther length, anther width, style length, stigma length, fresh pistil weight corm-1line-1, dry pistil weight corm-1line-1, leaf length, number of leaves corm-1, number of days to 50% sprouting, Big Corm Index, Multiplication Index. It was observed that there were significant variations among populations for all the traits studied, number of flowers corm-1line-1 (5.04-37.67), fresh pistil weight corm-1line-1 (106.78- 1301.12mg), stigma length (2.66-4.26cm), leaf length (17.11-38.15cm), multiplication index (3.08-5.01), number of leaves corm-1line-1 (7.06-12.45), fresh flower weight corm-1line-1(1.89-13.37mg) indicating presence of high level of variability and therefore imply considerable scope for saffron improvement through clonal selection. Estimates of genotypic variance were higher than the corresponding estimates of phenotypic variance, and the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was greater than the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) thereby revealing minimum influence of environment in the expression of the traits studied except dry pistil weight and stigma length ( actual economic part) which reveals higher phenotypic variance and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) thereby revealing strong influence of these environment on these two parameters Therefore, the selection of ecotypes based on phenotypic values can be a perfect criterion for selection for genetic advancement and therefore needs to be more focused and made selection based on these two parameters could be a good idea in economic point of view. Based on variability studies, it can be paramount in understanding the extent of variability and possibilities of its future utilization in subsequent breeding programme.
Glomalin: A Miracle Protein for Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Dahiya Garima , Bhardwaj K. K. , Ahlawat Isha , Singh Charan , Devi Sonia , Kumar Shital , Bhardwaj Sumit
Published: March 2022

AMF (Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi)’s hyphae and spore walls releases a special kind of glycoprotein i.e. Glomalin. AMF belongs to the phylem Glomeromycota which was previously known as Zygomycota. There exists a symbiotic relationship of this fungi with terrestrial plants (~80%), that includes major commercial species viz. wheat, sorghum, corn, and forage species. AMF strongly binds and firmly hold the walls of hyphae and spores. On decomposition of hyphae, glomalin is released in soil. Glomalin depicts recalcitrant behavior and hydrophobic characteristics, and hence prevent the loss of water and nutrients from hyphae (ERM). It can remain as such in soil for years. It’s half-life in soil can vary from 6-42 years thus placing it in the category of stable biomolecules. Glomalin Related Soil Protein (GRSP) is quite abundant in wide range of soil The GSRP were found in relative abundance in a wide range of soils (2-15 mg g-1), whether it is acid or calcareous or under various crops, such as cereals, vegetables, forage, and agroforestry systems. It plays a significant role in enhancing the soil organic carbon as it acts as an effective carbon sink. It possess strong cementing ability and hence binds the aggregates to enhance structural stability and prevent loss of carbon and nitrogen. GRSP positively correlates with the carbon present in soil.
The Impact of Malaria on Various Stages in Pregnancy in Rivers State
Authors: Felix Eedee Konne , Adetomi Bademosi , Iyingiala Austin-Asomeji , David Chinyere Omereji , Beatrice Wobiarueri Moore-Igwe , Oroma Ethel Konne
Published: March 2022

Malaria parasitaemia has remained an issue of public health concern. The coexistence of malaria and pregnancy is more burdensome with high mortality and other devastating effects on maternal and child health. This cross-sectional study carried out was focused on the impact of malaria  among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in General Hospital, Bori and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt.  Four hundred women were involved in this study of which two hundred each from a facility. Pregnant women with pyrexia of unknown origin, HIV and those on anti-malarial drugs were excluded. Simple random sampling technique was used. Primary and secondary data sources were used including the use of a self-structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables and items about gestation and pregnancy history. Statistical analysis involved the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics – Chi Square at 0.05 level of significance. Laboratory investigation was according to the recommended standard analytical method for malaria parasite examination.  Five milliliters (5mls) of blood was obtained from each subject by venepuncture into EDTA bottles. The samples were used to assay for malaria parasite determination using the Giemsa staining technique. Result revealed that pregnant women in the first trimester had the highest prevalence of malaria; BMSH (43.9%) and GHB (45.5%). Preventive safe practices are recommended including the use of insecticide treated nets, vector control methods and others. Diagnosis and treatment should be done timely especially in the first trimester.
Effect of Pre-procedure Anxiety Levels on Post-procedure Pain Scores in Women Undergoing Hysterosalpingography in South-south Nigeria
Authors: Kiridi E. K. , Oriji P. C. , Abasi I. J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Hysterosalpingography plays a very crucial role the evaluation of the women with infertility.

Objective: To determine the relationship between pre-procedure anxiety and procedure-associated pain among infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingography.

Materials and Methods: This prospective survey was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, from January to August, 2021. Hysterosalpingography was done for 380 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were used to grade levels of anxiety and pain, respectively. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables; mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.

Results: The pre-procedure anxiety scores showed significant, positive, and strong relationship with post-procedure pain scores, reflected in a correlation coefficient of 0.50 (p – 0.001). For every unit change in anxiety score, there was an estimated 25.4% change in the pain perception documented by the participants. For participants who had an anxiety score of 0, there was an average pain score of 3.45.

Conclusion: This study established a positive correlation between pre-hysterosalpingography anxiety scores and post-hysterosalpingography pain scores.
Tea Plantation Companies Contribution towards Sustainable Development Goals: Qualitative Inquiry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dilrukshi Perera Nuwangi , Sachitra Vilani
Published: March 2022

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not specific to one industry; they help every industry achieve a sustainable future. This study aims to investigate the contribution of Sri Lankan tea plantation companies towards the SDGs and how tea plantation companies enhance a sustainable future for their organizations. The qualitative research approach is employed under an exploratory research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from ten factory managers using a semi-structured interview protocol. And thematic analysis is employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that SDGs provide a universal and visionary framework for contributing to economic, social, and environmental factors and lead to achieving a sustainable future for tea plantation companies. The SDGs are relevant to tea plantation companies because those SDGs assign different weights to business practices. Goals such as no poverty, good health and wellbeing, zero hunger, gender equality, sustainable cities and communities, quality education, peace and justice, and strong institutions are important in the social dimensions. And also, affordable and clean energy, climate action, responsible consumption and production, life below water, life on land, clean water and sanitation are important SDGs in the environmental model. And decent work and economic growth, industry/innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequality, and partnerships are the SDGs for the economy. Further, the majority of the SDGs contribute to enhancing society and the environment. Intriguingly, it was revealed that the willingness of the shareholders to implement socially-oriented projects is a major problem in the tea plantation sector.  There is a scarcity of literature grades in SDGs in tea plantation companies in the agriculture sector. As a result, this research has delved deeper into tea plantation companies in the agricultural industry.
Mitigation of COVID-19 in Workplaces: When Push Comes to Shove in Offshore Oil Operation
Authors: Osakwe K. A. , Menkiti O.
Published: March 2022

As COVID-19 pandemic is a novel disease with no prior antidote or proven preventive measures; global response in occupational settings significantly defaulted to remote working otherwise referred to as ‘Working from Home – WFH’ or ‘Remote Working’. While remote working favoured some industries and businesses, it was impractical for industries with processes requiring physical contact to operate such as in the offshore oil and gas industry. This meant workers in the offshore industry must dare the risk of exposure to access offshore work environment thereby increasing their exposure to the dreaded and incurable virus. The aim of this study was to explore and present effective response strategies to COVID-19 pandemic in offshore work environment when exposure becomes inevitable. The method adopted was an observational descriptive study (ODS) using the ad libitum sampling technique. A Walk-Through Survey (WTS) was conducted to observe and discuss the measures adopted by a representative offshore oil company in the Gulf of Guinea. The result showed significant potentials for increased transmission in the offshore oil industry. Multiple contact points and surfaces in offshore facilities, shared amenities and tools, and constrained proximity of working position constitute significant risk factors in offshore oil and gas facilities.  Mitigation measures could be categories as general measures; pre-embarkation strategies; transit strategies; aboard strategies; and remedial strategies. Combined measures have been found a workable and effective model to mitigate the spread and transmissibility; the eminence of distancing, serial testing, personal and community hygiene, and vaccination was established as a more effective model.
Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT)-Literature Review
Authors: Tyagi Somya , Chimurkar V. K. , Anjankar Vaibhav
Published: March 2022

Kidneys as well as urinary tracts are the major excretory organs of the human body and removes waste products of protein metabolism.They also remove surplus water and salts from the blood.Kidneys as well as urinary tracts also important for survival as they are crucial for preserving the fluid-electrolyte balance of the body tissue fluids.The inaccuracies in the embryogenesis of the outflow tractsalong with thekidneys are vulnerable to the environmental endargements and disturb the development throughout gestation.Mutations in the patient with CAKUT are responsible for the chronic renal diseases in the 1st three decades of life.Fetus dose not survive in severe cases of CAKUT as a result of non formation of kidneys and outflow tract, but in less severe cases there are more chances to survive and may identified in adulthood.Though the critical cases of CAKUT are infrequent, marginal nephron number is considerablyfrequent disorder exerting its effect on renal functions with increasing age.

Congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract have a wide range ofabnormalities inclusive offatalagenesis of both the kidneys andasymptomatic ectopic kidneys.Hence patient with the solitary kidney should follow-up regularly for better and close monitoring.

The clinical presentation of CAKUT along with its long term outcomes and epidemiology is covered in this review.With a comphrehensive knowledge of the roots of CAKUT and marginal nephron numbers, identification of preventive treatment and establishment of clinical guidelines for the patients can be begun.Comphrehension of relevant endangerments and changes in the epidemiological trends especially modified maternal factors and delivery services is vital for prompt detection and prediction of prognosis in the course of pregnancy due to subsequent morbidity and mortality as a result of the presence of CAKUT.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Study on Diabetic Foot Care among Diabetic Patients with Diabetic Foot Lesions in District Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Authors: Shamim Tahira , Sumreen Laila , Shaheen Ghazala , Asif Hafiz Muhammad , Qamar-Uz-Zaman Muhammad , Shirazi Jafir Hussain , Adnan Qazi , Tanveer Rida , Sajid-Ur-Rehman M.
Published: March 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multifactorial metabolic illness that is characterized by numerous chronic complications. Diabetes affects almost every system of the body. Among these diabetic foot is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Its main objective was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and foot care practices in diabetic patients suffering from diabetic foot lesions. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was designed to be conducted at Civil Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Total 150 diabetic patients with diabetic foot lesions were selected by systematic random sampling method. An informed written consent was obtained from each of the study participant according to the declaration of Helsinki.  Data was collected by a structured and pretested questionnaire via face-to-face interview and by direct observation of the patient. Ratio of Type II diabetes among study population was 91.3% whereas 23.3% patients were having family history of diabetes. Result of the study showed that 44.35% patients of study sample were having some knowledge about diabetes related complications whereas 45.44% patients were having a positive attitude towards control and prevention of diabetes related complications. Good foot care and footwear practices were being carried out by just 33.62% of patients included in the study. It was concluded from the present study that by providing education regarding control and management of diabetes and its complications, patients training about foot care practices, early detection and management of peripheral neuropathy and strict control of blood glucose could be very helpful in decreasing the diabetic complication including diabetic foot lesions.
Lockerbie Academy
Authors: Kirby Magnus , Anderson Sue , Hastie Mhairi , Jackson Adam , Johnson Melanie , McBride Ray M , McLaren Dawn , Northover Peter , Sheridan Alison , Thoms Jennifer , Warren Graeme
Published: March 2022

Trial trenching carried out by CFA Archaeology Ltd in 2006 to the north of Lockerbie Academy (NGR: NY 13398273) identified four areas of archaeological significance covering a timescale from early Neolithic to post-medieval periods. The earliest site identified was the remains of a Neolithic timber hall, which was situated on top of the flat plateau towards the northwest end of the site (Area A). Pottery recovered from the Neolithic structure was of the Carinated Bowl ceramic tradition. At the summit of the rounded knoll in the centre of the area (Area D) a Bronze Age phase consisting of a cremation and inhumation cemetery enclosed by a possible ring-cairn was identified. The Bronze Age cemetery included a Collared Urn and a copper alloy dagger of Butterwick type. At the base of the rounded knoll, the remains of an Early Historic timber hall were identified (Area C). This Anglian timber hall reoccupied the site of a post-built structure, which was interpreted as a timber hall, possibly belonging to an earlier British tradition. Radiocarbon dates taken from the primary fill of two of the post-holes of the earlier structure gave dates which are broadly contemporary with the dates obtained for the Anglian hall, suggesting that the post-built structure immediately preceded it. A corn-drying kiln was identified cut into the same knoll as the Bronze Age cemetery (Area D) and has been dated to the late medieval or early post-medieval period. A segmented ditched enclosure was located towards the north-east end of the site (Area B), but the poor survival of this feature combined with a lack of finds and palaeobotanical evidence means that it remains undated and poorly understood.
Aeolian archaeology
Authors: Ashmore Patrick , Griffiths David , Dawson Susan , Dawson Alastair G , Jordan Jason T , Barber John , Parker Pearson Mike , Mulville Jacqui , Sharples Niall , Smith Helen , Dawson Tom , Lelong Olivia , Shearer Ingrid
Published: March 2022

Landscapes characterised by a substantial presence of aeolian (wind-blown) sand are predominantly coastal, and range from active dunefields with high and unstable relief, to smoother and more stable grassed surfaces which may be subject to some degree of agricultural use. Some are remote and inaccessible, but others exist in closer proximity to conurbations and tourist areas, and the impact of visitors is therefore comparatively great. In addition to the ever-present scouring and redistributing forces of sea and wind, other pressures on the stability of these landscapes include aggregates quarrying, development and the ubiquitous presence of wild burrowing fauna, most obviously the rabbit. Sand creates dynamic 'soft' landforms which are subject to continuing change, to the extent that photographs or maps of just 100 years ago often present very different topographies from those visible today. This report is a collection of five papers presented on the archaeology of Scotland's coast line.
INSUCESSO NA REABILITAÇÃO COM PRÓTESES PARCIAIS REMOVÍVEIS: PRINCIPAIS CAUSAS FAILURE IN REHABILITATION WITH REMOVABLE PARTIAL PROSTHESIS: MAIN CAUSES
Authors: Da Silva Fontes Letícia , Furtado de Carvalho Rodrigo , Varela Brown Martins Ana Paula
Published: March 2022

A reabilitação por meio de Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR)promove melhoria da eficiência mastigatória e preservação de tecidosremanescentes, restaura a estética, fonética e conforto ao paciente. Contudo,quando conduzido de maneira inadequada, pode resultar em insucesso,e culminar em danos ao paciente. Portanto, o aprimoramentodo conhecimento acerca do assunto é essencial por se tratar uma dasprincipais alternativas de reabilitação oral no Brasil. Objetivo: O presentetrabalho teve como objetivo identificar e discutir, por meio de revisão daliteratura, as principais causas associadas aos insucessos na reabilitaçãooral com PPR. Revisão de literatura: Foram realizadas buscas de artigoscientíficos em bases de dados online, como Pubmed (MEDLINE) e BVS(Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde), e títulos de livros. Foram encontrados 42 artigose selecionados 30 após a leitura dos resumos (excluindo-se as revisõesde literatura). Considerações finais: Após análise e interpretação dosdados contidos nesses estudos, concluiu-se que os insucessos foram ocasionados,em sua maioria, por: atitudes do Cirurgião-Dentista (CD), comofalta de conhecimento e negligência na elaboração do planejamento ouainda transferência de responsabilidade ao Técnico em Prótese Dentária(TPD); comunicação ineficiente entre CD e TPD; e descuido por partedos pacientes no tocante à higienização ou ao compromisso em retornarpara as consultas de proservação.Introduction: Rehabilitation with Removable Partial Denture (RPD) promotesimprovement of masticatory efficiency and preservation of remainingtissues, restores aesthetic, phonetic and comfort to the patient.However, when conducted in an improperly way, it can result in failureand damage to the patient. Therefore, improving knowledge about thissubject is essential because it is one of the most important alternatives fororal rehabilitation in Brazil. Objective: The present study aimed to identifyand discuss, through a literature review, the main causes associatedwith failures in oral rehabilitation with RPD. Literature review: Searches forscientific articles were carried out in online databases, such as Pubmed(MEDLINE) and VHL (Virtual Health Library), and book titles. 42 articleswere found and 30 were selected after reading the abstracts (excluding literaturereviews). Final considerations: After analyzing and interpreting thedata contained in these studies, it was concluded that the failures weremostly caused by: Dentist’s attitudes, lack of knowledge and negligencein the treatment planning process or transfer of responsibility to the DentalProsthesis Technician (DPT); inefficient communication between dentistand DPT; and patient’s carelessness regarding hygiene or commitmentto return to the referral consultations.
COVID-19 E BIOSSEGURANÇA, UMA NOVA PERSPECTIVA PARA A PRÁTICA ODONTOLÓGICA COVID-19 AND BIOSAFETY, A NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR DENTAL PRACTICE
Authors: Reis Carvalho Lívia , Filadelfo Silva Marcelo
Published: March 2022

A prática clínica da Odontologia requer o conhecimento de uma série deprotocolos quanto ao controle de infecção, tendo em vista a grande quantidadede doenças que podem ser transmitidas durante a realização dosprocedimentos. Essas medidas de biossegurança são adotadas em diversasetapas do atendimento, caracterizadas pela realização de uma anamnesecompleta do paciente, pelo uso de adequados equipamentos deproteção individual (EPIs), bem como pelo descarte dos materiais usados.Entretanto, o quadro atual, decorrente da pandemia de COVID-19, trouxea necessidade de adaptação de uma série de protocolos e especificaçõesde EPIs, em função do alto nível de infectividade do SARS-CoV2, e tambémpor conta do seu curso incerto para diferentes grupos de paciente,que tem alta letalidade indivíduos de maior faixa etária e também portadoresde comorbidades como diabetes, obesidade e problemas cardíacos.Em função de sua presença na saliva, procedimentos que produzamaerossol por exemplo, tornaram-se críticos para a transmissão da doença,devendo ser evitados ou minimizados quanto a adoção de diferentes estratégiasespecíficas. O conhecimento das características da doença, bemcomo das medidas a serem implementadas para evitar sua propagaçãosão fundamentais para o atendimento seguro dos pacientes, assim comopara a preservação da saúde da equipe profissional de atendimento.The clinical practice of Dentistry requires knowledge of a series of protocolsregarding infection control, in view of the large number of diseasesthat can be transmitted during the performance of the procedures. Thesebiosafety measures are adopted in several stages of care characterized byperforming a complete patient history, using appropriate personal protectiveequipment (PPE), as well as disposing of used materials. However,the current situation, resulting from the pandemic of COVID-19, brought the need to adapt a series of protocols and specifications of PPE, due tothe high level of infectivity of SARS-CoV2, and also because of its uncertaincourse for different patient groups, which have high lethality individualsof older age and also have comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity andheart problems. Due to their presence in saliva, procedures that produceaerosol, for example, have become critical for the transmission of the disease,and should be avoided or minimized when adopting different specificstrategies. Knowledge of the characteristics of the disease, as well asthe measures to be implemented to prevent its spread, are fundamentalfor the safe care of patients, as well as for the preservation of the health ofthe professional care team.
EFEITO DO POLIMENTO E DO USO DE BARREIRA DE PROTEÇÃO EM PONTEIRAS CONDUTORAS DE LUZ SOBRE A IRRADIÂNCIA DE FOTOPOLIMERIZADOR A BASE DE LED EFFECT OF POLISHING PROCEDURE AND USE OF BARRIERS PROTECTION IN THE LIGHT GUIDING TIPS ON THE IRRADIANCE OF LED BASE
Authors: Procópio Aline , Voss Rosa Renato , Froede Neiva Ivana , Carla Obici Andresa
Published: March 2022

Objetivos: Mensurar a quantidade de resíduos impregnados nas ponteiras condutoras de luz utilizadas nos fotopolimerizadores; aferir a irradiância antes e após a realização de limpeza e polimento das ponteiras; avaliar o efeito do uso de barreiras de proteção nos valores de irradiância. Materiais e métodos: A quantidade de resíduos nas ponteiras foi avaliada a partir de fotografias, nas quais foi sobreposta uma grade quadriculada, de modo a se calcular a porcentagem de resíduos em cada ponteira. A irradiância foi mensurada com auxílio de um radiômetro RD-7 (Exel®), antes e após seu polimento. Cada ponteira foi polida utilizando discos de pedra montada de granulação fina e extra-fina, seguido de ponta chama Optimize (TDV®), escova de pêlo de cabra com pasta de polimento Universal Polishing (Ivoclar®) e disco de feltro com pasta Enamelize (Cosmedent®). Por fim, a irradiância foi novamente aferida utilizando dois protetores distintos: incolor e amarelado. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo programa BioEstat 5.0. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que a quantidade média de resíduos foi de 23,67%, estando localizados, predominantemente, na periferia da área circunferencial das ponteiras. Após o polimento, houve aumento significativo da irradiância (p<0,05). O protetor incolor não causou redução estatisticamente significante nos valores de irradiância (p>0,05), enquanto o protetor amarelado promoveu significativa diminuição (p<0,05). Conclusão: A emissão de luz através das ponteiras é reduzida pela presença de resíduos, porém aumenta após a limpeza e polimento. O uso de barreiras de proteção pode afetar a quantidade de luz que é emitida pela ponteira, dependendo de sua coloração.
RESTAURAÇÃO BIOLÓGICA COMO UMA OPÇÃO POUCO INVASIVA NO TRATAMENTO DE FRATURAS DENTAIS: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA BIOLOGICAL RESTORATION AS A LESS INVASIVE OPTION IN THE TREATMENT OF DENTAL FRACTURES: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Rodrigues Souza Lorena , Mendes Carvalho Bruna , Conceição Cerqueira Félix Myria
Published: March 2022

A Odontologia Restauradora tem obtido progressos em relação às técnicas para tratamento de traumas dentários, como é o caso da colagem de fragmentos, que se caracteriza como uma técnica fácil, minimamente invasiva, barata e com bons resultados estéticos e funcionais, sendo uma excelente técnica para a aplicação clínica. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão narrativa da literatura acerca das técnicas de colagem de fragmentos, assim como as suas características, vantagens, desvantagens, limitações, materiais e protocolos clínicos. Resultados: Na técnica de colagem, pode-se utilizar fragmento do próprio paciente (restauração autógena) ou unidades dentárias obtidas a partir de um Biobanco de Dentes Humanos (restauração homógena). Tais técnicas podem ser efetuadas em dentes vitais ou desvitalizados, anteriores ou posteriores, e os resultados dependem do estado do fragmento, a extensão da fratura e os materiais restauradores utilizados para a realização da colagem. Estas técnicas mostram-se viáveis devido à facilidade de ser reproduzida na clínica odontológica e proporcionar ótimo resultado no estabelecimento da estética e da função. Conclusão: O emprego das técnicas de colagens de fragmentos, desde que devidamente realizadas, é uma excelente opção de tratamento para a restauração de dentes fraturados por conta da mínima intervenção, estética favorável, devolução da função, valor acessível, fácil aplicabilidade e ótimos resultados psicológicos.Restorative dentistry has made progress in relation to techniques for the treatment of dental trauma, as is the case with bonding fragments, which is characterized as an easy, minimally invasive, inexpensive technique with good aesthetic and functional results, being an excellent technique for clinical application. Purpose: Conduct a narrative review of the literature about the techniques of bonding fragments, as well as their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, limitations, materials and clinical protocols. Results: In the bonding technique, you can use the patient's own fragment (autogenous restoration) or dental units obtained from a Human Teeth Biobank (homogeneous restoration). Such techniques can be performed on vital or devitalized teeth, anterior or posterior, and the results depend on the state of the fragment, the extent of the fracture and the restorative materials used to perform the bonding. These techniques are shown to be viable due to the ease of being reproduced in the dental clinic and providing excellent results in establishing aesthetics and function. Conclusion: The use of fragment bonding techniques, provided they are properly performed, is an excellent treatment option for the restoration of fractured teeth due to minimal intervention, favorable aesthetics, return of function, accessible value, easy applicability and excellent psychological results.
Cell‐Mediated Biointerfacial Phenolic Assembly for Probiotic Nano Encapsulation
Authors: Centurion Franco , Merhebi Salma , Baharfar Mahroo , Abbasi Roozbeh , Zhang Chengchen , Mousavi Maedehsadat , Xie Wanjie , Yang Jiong , Cao Zhenbang , Allioux Francois‐Marie , Harm Gregory F. S. , Biazik Joanna , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Rahim Md. Arifur
Published: March 2022

The use of cell‐mediated chemistry is an emerging strategy that exploits the metabolic processes of living cells to develop biomimetic materials with advanced functionalities and enhanced biocompatibility. Here, a concept of a cell‐mediated catalytic process for forming protective nano‐shells on individual probiotic cells is demonstrated. This process is leveraged by the cell environment to induce oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds, and simultaneously these phenolic polymers assemble to form nano‐coatings around individual cell surfaces. The detailed analysis reveals that the oxidation process is triggered by an essential nutrient (manganese) of the probiotic cells, which significantly increases the oxidation rate of phenolic compounds. The phenolic coatings, encapsulating each cell in nanometre scale, demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Additionally, the in situ encapsulated probiotic cells display an improved gastric tolerance of up to ≈1.4 times higher than the native cells and enhanced adhesion as high as ≈1.6 times onto a model of intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, the coated probiotic cells exhibit a high antioxidant activity as an advanced feature. Overall, this method provides a unique approach to improve the probiotic delivery using the cell machinery to engineer encapsulating nanocoatings with protective benefits and new functionalities.
Engineering Hibiscus‐Like Riboflavin/ZIF‐8 Microsphere Composites to Enhance Transepithelial Corneal Cross‐Linking
Authors: Yang Mei , Xu Wenjin , Chen Zhongxing , Chen Ming , Zhang Xiaoyu , He Huanhuan , Wu Yushan , Chen Xueyang , Zhang Tianjiao , Yan Mengdi , Bai Jieyi , McAlinden Colm , Meek Keith M. , Yu Jinjin , Ding Shengnan , Gao Rongrong , Huang Jinhai , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2022

Riboflavin‐5‐phosphate (RF) is the most commonly used photosensitizer in corneal cross‐linking (CXL), but its hydrophilicity and negative charge limit its penetration through the corneal epithelium into the stroma. To enhance the corneal permeability of RF and promote its efficacy in the treatment of keratoconus, novel hibiscus‐like RF@ZIF‐8 microsphere composites [6RF@ZIF‐8 NF (nanoflake)] are prepared using ZIF‐8 nanomaterials as carriers, which are characterized by their hydrophobicity, positive potential, biocompatibility, high loading capacities, and large surface areas. Both hematoxylin and eosin endothelial staining and TUNEL assays demonstrate excellent biocompatibility of 6RF@ZIF‐8 NF. In in vivo studies, the 6RF@ZIF‐8 NF displayed excellent corneal permeation, and outstanding transepithelial CXL (TE‐CXL) efficacy, slightly better than the conventional CXL protocol. Furthermore, the special hibiscus‐like structures of 6RF@ZIF‐8 NF meant that it has better TE‐CXL efficacy than that of 6RF@ZIF‐8 NP (nanoparticles) due to the larger contact area with the epithelium and the shorter RF release passage. These results suggest that the 6RF@ZIF‐8 NF are promising for transepithelial corneal cross‐linking, avoiding the need for epithelial debridement.
A Direct Writing Approach for Organic Semiconductor Single‐Crystal Patterns with Unique Orientation
Authors: Chen Shengnan , Ma Xiaoying , Cai Zheren , Long Haoran , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Zheng , Qu Zhiyuan , Zhang Fengjiao , Qiao Yali , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2022

Organic semiconductor single‐crystal (OSSC) patterns with precisely controlled orientation are of great significance to the integrated fabrication of devices with high and uniform performance. However, it is still challenging to achieve purely oriented OSSC patterns due to the complex nucleation and growth process of OSSCs. Here, a general direct writing approach is presented to readily obtain high‐quality OSSC patterns with unique orientation. In specific, a direct writing method is demonstrated wherein the microscale meniscus is manipulated, which makes it possible to precisely control the nucleation and growth process of the OSSC because of its comparable size to the crystal nuclei. The resulting OSSC patterns are highly crystalline and purely oriented, in which each ribbon crystal shows a deviation angle of 33° to the printing direction. The mechanism of orientation purification is revealed experimentally and theoretically, and the results show that the TCL deformation caused by the difference in wettability and adhesive force, as well as the asymmetry of fluid concentration distribution, are the key factors leading to the selective deposition and unique orientation. Moreover, organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) and polarization‐sensitive photodetectors are prepared based on the OSSC patterns with unique orientation, which exhibit higher device performance compared to the non‐purely oriented crystal‐based OFETs.