bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Solution to Improve the Moss Bag Technique in Environmental Biological Monitoring
Authors: Trieu Le Ngoc , Sang Nguyen Thi Minh , Khiem Le Hong , Minh Truong , Dung Tran Huy , Van Ket Nguyen , Quyet Pham Dang , Son Nguyen An
Published: June 2022

Low-dose radiation may stimulate growth in plants in general and in mosses in particular, and thus has the potential to enhance the ability to absorb the airborne elements of mosses used in the moss bag technique by making them growth better. The effect of low-energy X-ray radiation dose on the growth of Babular indica moss was investigated through an experiment with 20 doses in the range from 1Gy to 20Gy, 1Gy-interval. The results showed that the dose from 2Gy to 16Gy improved the growth of moss compared to control sample which is non-irradiated sample, and the optimal stimulatory effect was determined at the dose of 14Gy expressed in morphological characteristics, weight of the moss in the treatments and total chlorophyll content in their phyllids. The dose 14Gy was chosen to irradiate moss which was exposed in monitoring environment. The results of analysis of concentrations of the elements deposited in the air using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique for irradiated moss samples, non-irradiated moss samples, and native moss samples showed that the ability to absorb the elements from the air of irradiated moss was significantly improved compared to non-irradiated moss but still generally lower compared to natural moss. The findings of this study show that low-dose (14Gy) radiation treatment of mosses is one of the promising effective solutions to improve the accuracy of the results and reflect air conditions closer to reality in the environmental monitoring by moss bag technique.
Anti-plasmodial, anti-trypanosomal and cytotoxic effects of Anthonotha macrophylla, Annickia polycarpa, Tieghemella heckelii and Antrocaryon micraster extracts
Authors: Dofuor Aboagye Kwarteng , Kumatia Emmanuel Kofi , Chirawurah Jersley Didewurah , Ayertey Frederick
Published: June 2022

Malaria and trypanosomiasis are protozoan diseases which pose a devastating challenge to human health and productivity especially, in Africa where their respective vectors (Female Anopheles mosquito and tsetse fly) abound. Various medicinal plants are used to treat these parasitic diseases. However, the scientific basis of their use and toxicological profiles have not been assessed. We have therefore, evaluated the anti-plasmodial, anti-trypanosomal and cytotoxicity activities of four African medicinal plant extracts namely, Anthonotha macrophylla leaf (AML), Annickia polycarpa leaf (APLE), Tieghemella heckelii stem bark (THBE) and Antrocaryon micraster stem bark (AMSBE) extracts in vitro against P. falciparum (W2mef laboratory strain), T. brucei (GUTat 3.1 strain) and mammalian RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line respectively. The most active anti-plasmodial extract was AML (IC50 = 5.0 ± 0.08 µg/mL with SI of 21.9). THBE also, produced the most effective ant-trypanosomal activity (IC50 = 11.0 ± 0.09 µg/mL and SI of 10.2) among the extracts. In addition, none of the extracts produced toxic effect in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line expect APLE which was moderately cytotoxic and also produced the least SI in both anti-trypanosomal and anti-plasmodial assays. These results suggest that AML and THBE could offer safe and alternative therapy for malarial and trypanosomiasis. This is the first study to report the anti-trypanosomal and in vitro anti-plasmodial activities of these four plants. The cytotoxicity of the plant parts used are also being reported for the first time except for T. heckelii stem bark.
Rethinking the role of financial sector development in the foreign direct investment-economic growth nexus: Evidence from Ghana using the sample splitting approach
Authors: Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng
Published: June 2022

The overarching aim of this study is to determine the extent to which financial development influences the impact of foreign direct investment inflows on growth, relying on annual time series data spanning from 1970 to 2020 from Ghana. Results from the sample splitting approach reveal that FDI generally affects growth. Interestingly, the study shows that financial development influence on the FDI-growth nexus is ambiguous. However, we notice that higher financial development is mainly associated with a beneficial effect of FDI on growth. Thus, the precise nature of how financial development mediates the FDI-growth nexus is conditioned on the model specification.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Novel mRNA Blood Biomarkers of Infection to Predict Outcomes in ED Patients with Undifferentiated Abdominal Pain
Authors: Meltzer Andrew , Wargowsky Richard , Moran Seamus , Jordan Tristan , Toma Ian , Jepson Tisha , Shu Shiyu , Ma Yan , Timothy McCaffrey
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Abdominal pain represents greater than 20% of US Emergency Department (ED) visits due to a wide range of illnesses. There are currently no reliable blood biomarkers to predict serious outcomes in patients with abdominal pain. Our previous studies have identified three mRNA transcripts related to innate immune activation: alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), interleukin-8 receptor-ß (IL8RB), and defensin-1 (DEFA1) as promising candidates to detect an intra-abdominal infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of these mRNA biomarkers to predict likely infection, hospitalization and surgery in ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain.Methods: We prospectively enrolled ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain who received an abdominal CT scan as part of their evaluation. Clinical outcomes were abstracted from the CT scan and medical records. mRNA biomarker levels were calculated independent of the clinical outcomes and their accuracy was assessed to predict infectious diagnoses, surgery and hospital admission.Results: 89 patients were enrolled; 21 underwent surgery; 47 underwent hospital admission; and, no deaths were observed within 30 days. In identifying which cases were likely infectious, mRNA biomarkers’ AUC values were: ALPL, 0.83; DEFA1 0.51; IL8RB, 0.74; and ALPL+IL8RB, 0.79. In predicting which ED patients would receive surgery, the AUC values were: ALPL, 0.75; DEFA1, 0.58; IL8RB, 0.75; and ALPL+IL8RB, 0.76. In predicting hospital admission, the AUC values were: ALPL, 0.78; DEFA1, 0.52; IL8RB, 0.74; and, ALPL+IL8RB, 0.77. For predicting surgery, ALPL+IL8RB’s positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 3.97; negative LR (NLR) was 0.70. For predicting hospital admission, the same marker’s positive LR was 2.80 with an NLR of 0.45.Conclusion: In a pragmatic, prospective diagnostic accuracy trial in ED patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain, mRNA biomarkers showed good accuracy to identify patients with potential infection, as well as those needing surgery or hospital admission.
The DNA binding landscape of four seed-specific bZIP transcription factors in bread wheat: use of Bind-n-seq in vitro analysis
Authors: Shah Koushik , Kaur Raminder , Sharma Nishtha , Jain Prateek , Singh Dalwinder , Mantri Shrikant , Rishi Vikas
Published: June 2022

Sequence-specific transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding is a vital step in biology since it directly regulates genetic information inside the organism. However, the binding sites for many TFs are unknown in plants and animals.Using high-throughput sequencing technologies,studies have shown that TFs, including basic leucine zipper (bZIP), bind to a myriad of sequences, many of which are biologically relevant. bZIPs are eukaryote-specific dimeric TFs, and in plants, they are reported to bind to 8–12 nts sequences (with ACGT core) in the promoter region of many genes. In sedentary plants, they are the conduit for converting environmental cues into gene activity. A key question is what determines bZIP DNA binding specificity.This study adopts the Bind-n-seq methodology, which uses a 108 nts oligonucleotides library with an 18 nts random sequence that either incorporates ACGT tetranucleotides core or a completely random sequence to generate in vitro DNA-bZIP interaction maps of four seed-specific bread wheat bZIPs. Subsequently, de novo binding motifs representing the complete binding landscape for each bZIP were determined. Binding analysis shows a high degree of overlap for bZIP binding to G-box and C-box but with distinct flanking bases, suggesting a discrete role of flanking regions in ordaining TF-DNA binding specificity. From this study binding motifs obtained for Hy5 and Embp-1 show similarity with previously reported sequences, suggesting the protocol's robustness.
Self-consistent burnup theory clarifies the universality of the peak structure of COVID-19 pandemics.
Authors: Niita Koji
Published: June 2022

The epidemic curve of COVID-19 for the first two years of the pandemic clearly shows a sequential peak structure with a constant half width, despite various levels of preventive measures implemented in many countries and various infection strengths of each coronavirus variant. However, previous epidemic models have not been able to explain this phenomenon. Here we show the mechanism causing this peak structure and the universality of the half width of the peak by means of a self-consistent approach that we have developed. Comparison with the data of all peaks observed in 15 countries strongly suggests that convergence of the epidemic peak is achieved when all susceptible people estimated by the self-consistent approach are infected. This directly causes the universality of the half width. The present approach also provides a method to quantitatively evaluate the effects of various prevention measures and has the ability to predict the peak position and height from the data of the strength of infection in the initial stage of each pandemic peak.
Developing indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework: A review in Ethiopia
Authors: ABEBE BEALEMLAY
Published: June 2022

Ethiopia has more than 58 wetlands. These wetlands serve as a food source, water source, income source (eco-tourism), fish livestock, plant medication, fuel wood source; regulating water purification, water storage and supply, sediment accretion, coastal flood control, pollutants retention and support biogeochemical cycling, soil formation, pollination, shelter and care for diverse flora and fauna. Wetlands product also used as a sources of cultural resources, spiritual services, housing construction, educational and research services. However, Ethiopian wetlands are facing many challenges and become heavily degraded due to wide driving forces or socioeconomic activities held on or nearby the catchments. Previous studies also revealed that there is little or lack of research, community awareness, knowledge of planners and resource managers and policy gaps. The participation of the local community in wetlands conservation is also minimal. Ethiopia has yet ratified and implemented the Ramsar Convention and there is no stand-alone national wetlands policy or strategy and the existing policies and laws have not adequately addressed wetlands issue, and even some laws are contradicting with the wise use of wetlands. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework is used as a tool for integrating these socioeconomic activities that could affect wetlands ecosystem by identifying all factors. More is done on wetlands degradation in Ethiopia. However, there is no evidence on developing indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework. Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess indicators for wetlands conservation using DPSIR framework. The overall effectiveness of DPSIR framework can be maximized, it should be integrated with set of developed indicators for each category of DPSIR component. Some steps were used for developing indicators for sustainable wetlands conservation. The conceptual framework enables an understanding of the causal relationships between driving forces and socioeconomic impacts. Reviewed literature also revealed some action plans, designing appropriate measures, for wetlands conservation. These suggested action plans of conservation measures include lack of research, community awareness and stakeholders and community participation in wetlands conservation. This review has showed how the application DPSIR framework can be enhanced by the developing indicators.
Clinical severity of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 lineages in South Africa
Authors: Wolter Nicole , Jassat Waasila , Walaza Sibongile , Welch Richard , Moultrie Harry , Groome Michelle , Amoako Daniel , Everatt Josie , Bhiman Jinal , Scheepers Cathrine , Tebeila Naume , Chiwandire Nicola , du Plessis Mignon , Govender Nevashan , Ismail Arshad , Glass Allison , Mlisana Koleka , Stevens Wendy , Treurnicht Florette , Subramoney Kathleen , Makatini Zinhle , Hsiao Marvin , Parboosing Raveen , Wadula Jeanette , Hussey Hannah , Davies Mary-Ann , Boulle Andrew , von Gottberg Anne , Cohen Cheryl
Published: June 2022

Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5 drove a fifth wave of COVID-19 cases in South Africa. We assessed the severity of BA.4/BA.5 infections using the presence/absence of the S-gene target for infections diagnosed using the TaqPath PCR assay between 1 October 2021 and 26 April 2022. We linked national COVID-19 individual-level data including case, laboratory test and hospitalisation data. We assessed severity using multivariable logistic regression comparing the risk of hospitalisation and risk of severe disease, once hospitalised, for Delta, BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 infections. After controlling for factors associated with hospitalisation and severe outcome respectively, BA.4/BA.5-infected individuals had a similar odds of hospitalisation (aOR1.24, 95% CI 0.98–1.55) and severe outcome (aOR 0.71, 95%CI 0.41–1.25) compared to BA.1-infected individuals. Newly emerged Omicron lineages BA.4/BA.5 continue to show reduced clinical severity compared to previous variants, as observed for Omicron BA.1.
Effectiveness of heterologous 3rd and 4th dose COVID-19 vaccine schedules for SARS-CoV-2 infection during delta and omicron predominance in Thailand.
Authors: Chariyalertsak Suwat , Intawong Kannikar , Chalom Kittipan , Wonghirundecha Thanachol , Kowatcharakul Woravut , Thongprachum Aksara , Chotirosniramit Narain , Teacharak Worachet , khammawan Pimpinan , Waneesorn Jarurin , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: June 2022

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved quickly, with numerous waves of different variants of concern resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality globally. With the rapid availability of vaccines, Thailand has responded with a robust campaign to protect those at highest risk first, followed by population level protection. To ensure adequate vaccination coverage, agility was required, and Thailand has proactively adopted heterologous vaccination schedules to manage vaccine availability. While randomised controlled trials have assessed homologous schedules in detail, limited data has been reported for heterologous vaccine effectiveness (VE). Utilising a unique active surveillance network established in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, we conducted a test-negative case control study to assess the vaccine effectiveness of heterologous third and fourth dose schedules against SARS-CoV-2 infection during delta-predominant and omicron predominant periods. We noted very high effectiveness against delta infection after the third dose (adjusted VE 97%, 95% CI 94–99%) in comparison to moderate protection against omicron infection after a third dose (adjusted VE 31%, 95% CI 26–36%) and good protection after a fourth dose (adjusted VE 75%, 95% CI 71–80%). VE was consistent across age groups for both delta and omicron infection. The VE of third or fourth vaccine doses against omicron infection were equivalent for the three main vaccines used for boosting in Thailand suggesting coverage, rather than vaccine type is a much stronger predictor of protection. Additionally, a separate evaluation of a hospital patient management system noted extremely high effectiveness against severe COVID-19 and mortality outcomes after the third and fourth doses. Our data suggests that a fourth vaccination dose has a high probability of preventing infection and a very high probability of preventing death and severe COVID-19. This is critically important in preventing severity and unnecessary deaths but will also help to support the ongoing efforts to increase population coverage of booster doses.
A fascination for vaccination: Demographic differences in effectiveness perception and support for COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria
Authors: Olaiya Taiwo Akanbi
Published: June 2022

Despite the relatively short existence of COVID-19, the flailing struggle against the pandemic it created is well documented in media reports and scholarly sources. Little effort, however, has been accorded to the effects of the demographics, particularly the locational and age differences, in the effectiveness perception and support for vaccination, focusing on developing countries such as Nigeria— arguably the most populous state in Africa with one of the highest recorded cases of coronavirus infection in the south of the Sahara. This study investigates the nexus between demographic characteristics, location and age, and perception of COVID-19 effectiveness and support for vaccination. Participants comprising youth (233), middle-aged (97) and senior citizens (46) were drawn from urban and rural parts of the Ancient City of Ile-Ife in Osun State of Nigeria. Considering that the population is homogenous, the research instrument was a uniform questionnaire across all demographic groups in both rural and urban locations. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyse the differences in the groups’ perception of the effectiveness of and support for COVID-19 vaccination. Findings revealed that middle-aged citizens displayed a higher perception of effectiveness and support for vaccination against the pathogen. Also, citizens from urban areas reported greater effectiveness perception and support for vaccination. The overall result attests to the prevailing attitudes of age structure and locations of the people about vaccination against COVID-19. Finally, the study discussed the policy and research implications of the findings.
Ultrasound pulse emission spectroscopy method to characterize xylem vessels in plant stems
Authors: Dutta Satadal , Chen Zhiyi , Kaiser Elias , Matamoros Priscilla Malcolm , Steeneken Peter , Verbiest Gerard
Published: June 2022

Although it is well known that plants emit acoustic pulses under drought stress, the exact origin of the waveform of these ultrasound pulses has remained elusive. Here we present evidence for a correlation between the characteristics of the waveform of these pulses and the dimensions of xylem vessels in plants. Using a model that relates the resonant vibrations of a vessel to its dimension and viscoelasticity, we extract the xylem radii from the waveforms of ultrasound pulses and show that these are correlated and in good agreement with optical microscopy. We demonstrate the versatility of the method by applying it to shoots of ten different vascular plant species. In particular, for Hydrangea quercifolia, we further extract vessel element lengths with our model and compare them with scanning electron cryo-microscopy. The ultrasonic, non-invasive characterization of internal vessel dimensions enables a breakthrough in speed and accuracy in plant phenotyping and stress-detection.
FRANCHISING AS AN EFFECTIVE TOOL OF COMPANY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Bondarenko A. , Gordienko V. , Moskalenko A.
Published: June 2022

The article presents the need for franchising in the activities of modern enterprises and companies. The main directions of franchising application and dynamics of its development are determined. The change in the structure of the franchise market in Ukraine in terms of industries is demonstrated. Examples of some companies that use franchising to organize the system of sales of their products are given, namely such domestic producers who work under the brands "Gregory Amber", "ANDRE TAN" and the American Coca Cola, which uses industrial franchising and is a world market leader in soft drinks. The article contains the main numerical indicators of the effectiveness of the company "Coca-Сola Company" for 2019-2020, sales of various beverages for 2018-20, including the expansion not only of exports of goods, but also of exports of capital, when enterprises, plants and factories are established abroad. The main advantages of using franchising in modern business conditions are emphasizedThe authors testify that franchising is becoming more and more popular among enterprises, as: 1) the entrepreneur does not bear the costs of advertising and renting; after all, if we consider the traditional type of business, then at the initial stage it is one of the most important and capital-intensive investments; 2) favorable terms of cooperation: soft loans, insurance, because many people prefer to do business with well-advanced and recognizable brands, moreover, banks are more willing to agree to work with the franchisee than with a novice entrepreneur; initial assistance in opening and ongoing support of the company in conducting and developing business, providing complete information on business schemes of enterprises and instructions on effective business conduct.It is stated that there are many arguments in favor of starting production on the franchise system. The partner receives not only a positive reputation, but also step-by-step business management, including advertising and marketing tools, ready-made documentation, and favorable conditions for the supply of equipment and raw materials, well-established logistics. The franchisee is equipped with ready-made sales channels; it is possible to combine production and retail. The franchisor is interested and obliged to provide scheduled and regular consultations on production processes and organization of sales of finished products.It is noted that despite the disadvantages and difficulties associated with franchising, it is one of the most effective tools for business development.
Será que a grama do vizinho é sempre mais verde? Uma análise do disclosure do IAS 41 no setor de alimentos do Brasil, da Inglaterra e da Austrália
Authors: Amanda Palhão Azevedo Silva Camilla , Ayumi Nakaza Claudia , Saikawa Nishiyama Cristiane , Ramos Nogueira Daniel
Published: June 2022

RESUMO

O IAS 41 - Agriculture foi editado pela primeira vez em 2003, pelo IASB, para estabelecer o tratamento contábil e as divulgações relacionadas à agricultura. Brasil, Inglaterra e Austrália passaram a adotar o IAS 41 em virtude da convergência às Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade. Tendo em vista a grande importância do agronegócio mundial e os desafios da implantação de uma norma específica aos Ativos Biológicos, devido às suas características peculiares, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o nível de disclosure do IAS 41 das empresas do setor de alimentos do Brasil, da Inglaterra e da Austrália. Com este intuito, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva e documental com abordagem quantitativa. Foram coletadas e analisadas as demonstrações das empresas do setor de alimentos listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, na Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) e na London Stock Exchange. Os resultados permitem observar que, nas empresas australianas ocorreu o maior grau de conformidade, 81%. As inglesas, em média, divulgaram 80% dos itens requeridos, enquanto nas brasileiras, observou-se o menor grau de aderência, 77%. A partir do resultado do teste de Kruskal-Wallis não se pode afirmar que exista uma diferença de média estatisticamente significativa entre os países pesquisados. Considerando as particularidades dos Ativos Biológicos, o detalhamento de suas características e critérios de mensuração torna as divulgações mais compreensíveis, aprimora a qualidade das informações e contribui para o grande propósito da adoção de uma norma internacional, estabelecer um padrão de comparabilidade e fornecer informações úteis para a tomada de decisão.

Palavras-chave: Ativos Biológicos. IAS 41. CPC 29. Disclosure. Agriculture.
Atributos de Governança Corporativa determinantes do disclosure de capital intelectual em empresas brasileiras
Authors: Felipe da Silva Francisco , Gomes Paiva Azevedo Yuri , Heloiza André da Fonsêca Edly , Márcio Gomes Anailson
Published: June 2022

RESUMO

Esta pesquisa objetiva examinar os atributos internos de governança corporativa (GC) determinantes para o disclosure voluntário de capital intelectual (CI) nas empresas listadas na Brasil Bolsa Balcão (B3). Para tanto, os atributos internos de GC foram coletados nos Formulários de Referência disponíveis no site da BM&FBovespa, enquanto os dados referentes ao disclosure de CI foram obtidos nos Relatórios de Administração e Notas Explicativas às Demonstrações Contábeis. Após análise de conteúdo desses documentos para compor o índice de CI proposto por Campbell e Rahman (2010), utilizou-se de regressão por mínimo quadrados ordinários (MQO) com dados dispostos em cross-sectional, tendo como amostra 141 companhias listadas nos segmentos Nível 1, Nível 2 e Novo Mercado no ano de 2015. Os principais resultados demonstram que quanto maior o tamanho do Conselho de Administração e do Comitê de Auditoria, maior será a evidenciação de informações de CI. Entretanto, as variáveis Independência do Conselho de Administração, Frequência das Reuniões da Diretoria, Dualidade do CEO, Participação da Família, Participação Acionária dos Diretores, Participação de Investidores Estrangeiros, Novo Mercado e Nível 2 não se apresentaram estatisticamente significantes, de modo que não podem ser consideradas determinantes para o disclosure voluntário do CI.

Palavras-chave: Capital Intelectual, Disclosure Voluntário, Governança Corporativa.
Analyzing the economic water loss level with a discrete stochastic optimization algorithm by considering budget constraints
Authors: Yilmaz Salih , Firat Mahmut , Ateş Abdullah , Özdemir Özgür
Published: June 2022

Water losses in water distribution systems (WDSs) cause inefficiency of water resources and increase operating costs. Water loss management (WLM) methods generally have high initial investment and operating costs. However, the budget planned within the scope of WLM in administrations is generally limited. Therefore, the most appropriate method should be determined by considering the budget conditions and cost–benefit analysis. The aim of this study is to propose a new economic water loss level (EWLL) model in WDSs with the different budget constraints of 5, 15 and 20% of the annual income. This EWLL model was developed by the discrete stochastic optimization algorithm. The EWLL and economically recoverable leakage volumes were determined by considering the budget constraints. Moreover, the most appropriate methods were determined to reach the EWLL values defined according to the budget constraints. The EWLL was calculated as 8.62% by the optimization model without budget constraints. Moreover, the EWLL values with budget constraints of 5, 15 and 20% of the annual income were determined as 56.82, 21.14 and 18.02%, respectively. This EWLL model will make a significant contribution to the annual planning in WLM depending on the budget constraints of the administrations.
Climate change impacts on the flow regime and water quality indicators using an artificial neural network (ANN): a case study in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Hassanjabbar Amin , Nezaratian Hosein , Wu Peng
Published: June 2022

In this study, the artificial neural network (ANN) method was applied to investigate the impacts of climate change on the water quantity and quality of the Qu'Appelle River in Saskatchewan, Canada. First, the second-generation Canadian earth system model (CanESM2) was adopted to predict future climate conditions. The Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM) was then applied to downscale the generated data. To analyze the water quality of the river, concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDSs) from the river were collected. Using the collected climate and hydrometric data, the ANNs were trained to simulate (i) the ratio of snowfall-to-total precipitation based on the temperature, (ii) the river flow rate based on the temperature and precipitation; and (iii) DO and TDS concentrations based on the river flow and temperature. Finally, the generated climate change data were used as inputs to the ANN model to investigate the climate change impacts on the river flow as well as DO and TDS concentrations within the selected region. Hydrologic alteration of the river was evaluated via the Range of Variability Approach (RVA) under historical and climate change scenarios. The results under climate change scenarios were compared with those under historical scenarios and indicated that climate change would lead to a heterogeneous change in precipitation and temperature patterns. These changes would have serious degrading impacts on the river discharge as well as DO and TDS concentration levels, causing deterioration in the sustainability of the river system and ecological health of the region.
Aligning financial and technical procedures for the determination of urban drainage assets’ current and replacement values
Authors: Brito Rita S. , Martinho M. C. , Almeida M. C. , Fernandes M. , Ferreira S.
Published: June 2022

The paper presents a method for aligning the relevant financial and technical procedures for determining drainage assets’ current and replacement values. This alignment is especially pertinent when actual construction costs are unavailable and records in different utility departments (technical and accounting) do not correspond. The current asset value is grounded in estimated construction costs, considering accounting and technical useful lives. Asset portfolio considers the assets providing adequate service quality, regardless of their age. The methodology relies on the update of the assets’ registry (updating the assets’ value), the increase of the accounting useful life in line with technical practice (reducing annual depreciation), and the accumulated depreciation reversion (increasing net current value). In the case study, the need to update information exchange and align technical and financial procedures in Lisbon Municipality was triggered by internal policy requirements concerning the simultaneous development of the urban drainage asset management plan and the requirement to standardize the accounting system. The application of the methodology led to an increase of approximately five times the assets’ current value. The results, their implications, and replicability opportunities are discussed.
Políticas Públicas de turismo Municipal:
Authors: Soares Italo , Soares Islla , Valença Sandro , Menelau Sueli
Published: June 2022

O Estado exerce um papel fundamental e primordial na tentativa de tomar a direção de um processo de planejamento turístico. Após a formulação de políticas públicas, é necessário que seja garantida a sua efetividade. Todavia, a execução das políticas públicas depende de disponibilidade de verbas públicas. No Brasil, essa efetividade é assegurada através do orçamento público, que é um instrumento de autorização de despesas com as suas respectivas fontes de receita. Nessa perspectiva, este artigo propõe-se a analisar a política pública de turismo de Caruaru, Pernambuco – Brasil, sob a ótica da estrutura orçamentária municipal, apresentando o grau de cumprimento entre o planejado e o executado no exercício financeiro de 2016. Para isto, o estudo foi realizado utilizando-se um método que combina pesquisas bibliográfica e documental, estudos exploratório e descritivo e abordagens quantitativas. Analisou-se os instrumentos orçamentários do município de Caruaru e verificou-se que nem tudo o que foi planejado para o desenvolvimento do turismo foi executado pela gestão pública. Apesar de a administração pública de Caruaru não ter uma lei específica para o turismo no município, a política pública de turismo é contemplada através da estrutura orçamentária municipal pelo Plano Plurianual, Lei de Diretrizes Orçamentárias e Lei Orçamentária Anual.
SOX9 and IL1A as the Potential Gene Biomarkers of the Oral Cancer
Authors: Li Tianke , Cheng Dongmei , Guo Jie , Chen He , Zhang Suxin , Bao Yang
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the head and
neck. It is easy to relapse, and the prognosis is poor. However, the molecular mechanism in the development
of oral cancer is still unclear.

Methods:

A total of 30 normal individuals and 30 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent
surgery were recruited in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between February
2019 and November 2021. Furthermore, Human Protein Atlas (HPA) analysis, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence
were used to verify the expression of SOX9 and IL1A. The GSE69002 dataset
was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to identify
the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed
by using the STRING, and Cytoscape software was performed for visualization. Gene Ontology
(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) for enrichment analysis were
made via the DAVID, Metascape, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Bin Gene Ontology
(BINGO) analysis. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis was used to
analyze the expression level of hub genes and pathological stage. The cBioPortal can be used for
mutation analysis and pathway prediction of hub genes. Kaplan Meier Plotter was used for survival
analysis of hub genes.

Results:

The relative expression level of SOX9 (P=0.021, t=4.332) and IL1A (P=0.011, t= -4.213)
in oral cancer was significantly higher than that in the standard group (P<0.05). The DEGs are
mainly enriched in cell division, inflammation, interleukin-12 beta-subunit binding, and interleukin-
10 receptor binding. All the differentially expressed gene pathways eventually converge in cell
growth and apoptosis. No relationship between the pathologic stage and the expression of hub
genes. The poor overall survival of patients with the high expression of SOX9 (Hazard Ratio (HR)
= 1.46, P = 0.009) and IL1A (HR = 1.49, P = 0.008). There were strong correlations between the
hub genes and the head and neck neoplasms via the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD).
The immunofluorescence and PCR results showed that the level of SOX9 (P<0.001, t = -23.368) in
the cancer group was significantly higher than that in the normal group; The level of IL1A in the
cancer group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.001, t = -11.960).

Conclusion:

SOX9 and IL1A genes are highly expressed in oral cancer and might be potential therapeutic
targets for oral cancer. The poor overall survival of patients with the high expression of
SOX9 and IL1A.
Advances in Hybrid Vesicular-based Drug Delivery Systems: Improved Biocompatibility,
Targeting, Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Setia Aseem , Sahu Ram Kumar , Ray Supratim , Widyowati Retno , Ekasari Wiwied , Saraf Swarnlata
Published: June 2022

Anticancer drugs and diagnostics can be transported in nanoscale vesicles that provide a flexible platform.
A hybrid nanoparticle, a nano assembly made up of many types of nanostructures, has the greatest potential to perform
these two activities simultaneously. Nanomedicine has shown the promise of vesicular carriers based on lipopolymersomes,
lipid peptides, and metallic hybrid nano-vesicle systems. However, there are significant limitations
that hinder the clinical implementation of these systems at the commercial scale, such as low productivity, high energy
consumption, expensive setup, long process durations, and the current cancer therapies described in this article.
Combinatorial hybrid systems can be used to reduce the above limitations. A greater therapeutic index and improved
clinical results are possible with hybrid nanovesicular systems, which integrate the benefits of many carriers into a
single structure. Due to their unique properties, cell-based drug delivery systems have shown tremendous benefits in
the treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) can benefit significantly from the properties of erythrocytes and platelets,
which are part of the circulatory cells and circulate for a long time. Due to their unique physicochemical properties,
nanomaterials play an essential role in cell-based drug delivery. Combining the advantages of different nanomaterials
and cell types gives the resulting delivery systems a wide range of desirable properties. NPs are nextgeneration
core-shell nanostructures that combine a lipid shell with a polymer core. The fabrication of lipid-polymer
hybrid NPs has recently undergone a fundamental shift, moving from a two-step to a one-step technique based on the
joint self-assembly of polymers and lipids. Oncologists are particularly interested in this method as a combinatorial
drug delivery platform because of its two-in-one structure. This article addresses various preparative methods for the
preparation of hybrid nano-vesicular systems. It also discusses the cellular mechanism of hybrid nano-vesicular systems
and describes the thorough knowledge of various hybrid vesicular systems.
Use of CRISPR in Infection Control
Authors: Khan Asad U. , Khan Isna S. , Faiyaz Zainab
Published: June 2022

One of the greatest threats to the global world is infectious diseases. The morbidity and fatality
of infectious diseases cause 17 million deaths annually. The recent COVID-19 pandemic describes
the uncertain potential of these diseases. Understanding the pathogenesis of infectious agents, including
bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. and the evolution of rapid diagnostic techniques and treatments has become
a pressing priority to improve infectious disease outcomes worldwide. Clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) constitute the adaptive immune system of archaea and bacteria
along with CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins that recognize and destroy foreign DNA acting as molecular
scissors. Since their discovery, CRISPR systems are classified into 6 types and 22 subtypes. Type
II, V, and VI are used for diagnostic purposes. Utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system's capabilities will aid
promote the development of novel and improved diagnostics as well as innovative delivery systems and
the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Self-emulsifying System Co-loaded with Paclitaxel and Coix Seed Oil
Deeply Penetrated to Enhance Efficacy in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chen Yunyan , Wang Shaozhen , Hu Qiyan , Zhou Lingyun
Published: June 2022

Background:

Paclitaxel (PTX), voted as the promising natural medicine molecules, is widely used in the treatment of cancers. Nevertheless, its clinical application was strictly limited by its poor water solubility.

Objective:

CP-MEs (Paclitaxel-coix seed oil coloaded microemulsion), a small sized self-emulsifying nanoemulsion formed of combination of PTX and coix seed oil (CSO) was developed in order to improve the solubility of paclitaxel and enhance anti-cervical cancer efficacy in vitro. CSO was selected as the oil phase to replace conventional organic solvents and achieve synergistic anti-tumor effect with paclitaxel.

Methods:

Pseudoternary phase diagram was applied to the study of CP-MEs formulation. CP-MEs was prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency (EE and LE) was detected by HPLC. MTT was adopted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CP-MEs against HeLa cells. The cellular uptake and apoptotic ratio of CP-MEs was evaluated by flow cytometry. Notably, HeLa 3D tumor spheroid was adopted to evaluate tumor permeability of different size microemulsion as the model

Results:

The best self-emulsifying ability was exhibited by HS 15: PEG 400 combination. The appearance of CP-MEs was clear and transparent, which exhibited a small size (30.28 ± 0.36) and slight negative surface charge (-4.40 ± 1.13) mV. The EE and LE of CP-MEs were 98.80% and 0.978%, respectively. The cumulative release rate within 48 h of the CP-MEs was 80.21%. In cellular studies, the uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled CP-MEs (FITC/C-MEs) was 17.86-fold higher than free FITC group，leading to significant synergistic anticancer activity in terms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in vitro. The apoptotic rate of CP-MEs treated was 1.70-fold higher than PTX treated. Notably, the penetration of CP-MEs in HeLa 3D tumor sphere model was enhanced, which was related to deeply penetrated microemulsion of small size mediated at the tumor site.

Conclusion:

With the advantage of small sized self- emulsifying system，CP-MEs holds great potential to become an efficient nano drug delivery system of cervical cancer treatment in clinic.
Literature Review of Automated Grading Systems Utilizing MRI for
Neuroforaminal Stenosis
Authors: Meacock James , Laulloo Asifa , Currie Stuart , Leng Joanna , Thomson Simon
Published: June 2022

Background:

Cervical neural foraminal stenosis is a common and debilitating condition affecting people 40-60 years old. Although it is established that MRI is the best method of scanning the neural foramen, the question remains whether there is a role for three-dimensional MRIs and subsequently if it is possible to develop a computer aided automated grading system to establish the degree of clinically relevant cervical foraminal stenosis.

Objective:

The aim of the study is to review the literature for current or emerging automated grading systems of the cervical neural foramen, also including volumetric assessments of the neural foramen using MRI.

Methods:

A systematic search of Cochrane Library, Cochrane Clinical Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM Digital Library and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Web of Science was performed for reports examining automated systems and volumetric scanning foraminal stenosis published before 31.07.2021.

Results:

3971 articles were identified with 8 included. The automated grading systems of the neural foramen focus largely of the lumbar spine with elements that may be applicable to the cervical spine. Although there are established studies for the automated grading of the lumbar spine, it is uncertain whether any of these are reproducible in the cervical spine. Visual grading systems for the cervical spine demonstrate good inter-reader reliability between radiologists and clinicians.

Conclusion:

The Park visual grading system although has limited data on the correlation with neurological symptoms or surgical outcome does demonstrate good inter-reader reliability between radiologists and clinicians. There is scope for further development of an automated grading system for cervical foraminal stenosis to improve the speed and consistency of image interpretation.
Neurobiological Correlates Shared Between Obesity, BED and Food
Addiction
Authors: Capasso Anna , Milano Walter , Carizzone Francesca , De Biasio Valeria , Angela Mercorio Maria , Francesca Milano Maria , Saetta Biancamaria
Published: June 2022

The ubiquity of the obesity condition in the United States, Europe and other regions with
developed economies will associate to a significant adverse impact on public health. Numerous data
indicate that social, behavioral, neuroendocrine, and metabolic factors may encourage compulsive
eating behaviors thus increasing the risk of obesity. Several pathological conditions overlap with excess weight. Among the most common, there are binge eating disorder (BED) and food addiction (FA),
which share several neurobiological and behavioral aspects with substance addictions. BED has many
features in common with addictive behavior, such as loss of control and the need to frequently repeat
the dysfunctional pattern despite negative consequences.
The food addiction hypothesis assumes that exposure to highly palatable foods alters the reward circuits of the brain, resulting in a behavioral phenotype similar to substance addiction and facilitating
dysfunctional eating behaviors, such as binge eating crises. In this review, over 100 publications, researched on MEDLINE from 2000 until march 2021, were included since they evaluate neuroendocrine changes, emotional homeostatic factors and the reward circuit, associating them with exposure
to highly palatable foods, loss of control, the way we eat, the increase in impulsiveness and the inability to change eating behavior despite the negative consequences related to overweight and obesity.
Finally, understanding the underlying neurobiological circuits of compulsive eating behaviors and
food addiction could result in a great therapeutic potential for patients suffering from ailments nutrition
and obesity.
Progresses in Nano-Enabled Platforms for the Treatment of Vaginal
Disorders
Authors: Patel Riya , Yadav Bindu Kumari , Patel Gayatri
Published: June 2022

Background:

The most common vaginal disorders are within the uterus. According to the latest statistics, vaginal disorders occur in 50% to 60% of females. Although curative treatments rely on surgical therapy, still first-line treatment is a noninvasive drug. Conventional therapies are available in the oral and parenteral route, leading to nonspecific targeting, which can cause dose-related side effects. Vaginal disorders are localized uterine disorders in which intrauterine delivery via the vaginal site is deemed the preferable route to mitigate clinical drug delivery limitations.

Objective:

This study emphasizes the progress of site-specific and controlled delivery of therapeutics in the treatment of vaginal disorders and systemic adverse effects as well as the therapeutic efficacy

Methods:

Related research reports and patents associated with topics are collected, utilized, and summarized the key findings.

Result:

The comprehensive literature study and patents like (US 9393216 B2), (JP6672370B2), and (WO2018041268A1) indicated that nanocarriers are effective above traditional treatments and have some significant efficacy with novelty.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, site-specific and controlled delivery of therapeutics for the treatment of vaginal disorders is essential to prevent systemic adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy would be more effective. Nanocarriers have therefore been used to bypass the problems associated with traditional delivery systems for the vaginal disorder.
WITHDRAWN: Antibiofilm Activity of Polymicrobial Catheters From Bajakah
Tampala Plant (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) Against Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans
Authors: Hamzah Hasyrul , Saleh Lysa Oktaviani , Jariah Risca Ainun , Luthfiyah Islamitri , Husna Qur’anni Akhwatun , Novini  , Wirnawati  , Khairy Siregar Khalish Arsy Al , Fitriani
Published: June 2022

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor of the journal Current Nanomaterials.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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