bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microglial calcium signaling is attuned to neuronal activity in awake mice
Authors: Umpierre Anthony D , Bystrom Lauren L , Ying Yanlu , Liu Yong U , Worrell Gregory , Wu Long-Jun
Published: July 2020

Microglial calcium signaling underlies a number of key physiological and pathological processes in situ, but has not been studied in vivo in awake mice. Using multiple GCaMP6 variants targeted to microglia, we assessed how microglial calcium signaling responds to alterations in neuronal activity across a wide range. We find that only a small subset of microglial somata and processes exhibited spontaneous calcium transients in a chronic window preparation. However, hyperactive shifts in neuronal activity (kainate status epilepticus and CaMKIIa Gq DREADD activation) triggered increased microglial process calcium signaling, often concomitant with process extension. Additionally, hypoactive shifts in neuronal activity (isoflurane anesthesia and CaMKIIa Gi DREADD activation) also increased microglial process calcium signaling. Under hypoactive neuronal conditions, microglia also exhibited process extension and outgrowth with greater calcium signaling. Our work reveals that microglia have highly distinct microdomain signaling, and that processes specifically respond to bi-directional shifts in neuronal activity through increased calcium signaling.
International authorship and collaboration across bioRxiv preprints
Authors: Abdill Richard J , Adamowicz Elizabeth M , Blekhman Ran
Published: July 2020

Preprints are becoming well established in the life sciences, but relatively little is known about the demographics of the researchers who post preprints and those who do not, or about the collaborations between preprint authors. Here, based on an analysis of 67,885 preprints posted on bioRxiv, we find that some countries, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, are overrepresented on bioRxiv relative to their overall scientific output, while other countries (including China, Russia, and Turkey) show lower levels of bioRxiv adoption. We also describe a set of ‘contributor countries’ (including Uganda, Croatia and Thailand): researchers from these countries appear almost exclusively as non-senior authors on international collaborations. Lastly, we find multiple journals that publish a disproportionate number of preprints from some countries, a dynamic that almost always benefits manuscripts from the US.
Life vs Loans: Does Debt Affect Career Satisfaction in Osteopathic Graduates?
Authors: Richards Jesse , Scheckel Caleb J. , Anderson Alicia , Newman Jessica R. , Poole Kenneth G.
Published: July 2020

Background

The cost of undergraduate osteopathic medical education continues to grow. It is important to understand how the rising cost of matriculation negatively affects training and career satisfaction of entering students.

Objective

To better understand any association between level of educational debt and satisfaction with osteopathic medical education, career choice, and financial services.

Methods

Responses were analyzed from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine survey of pending medical school graduates from 2007 through 2016 regarding indebtedness and specialty selection.

Results

From 2007 to 2016, the mean educational debt level at graduation rose consistently among osteopathic graduates (from $155,698 to $240,331, respectively). In all years, there was no significant effect of debt quartile on satisfaction with choice of osteopathic medicine as a career. Quartile variable with debt did not show a significant effect on satisfaction with education experience in 2010, 2013, and 2016. Top quartile debt was associated with higher satisfaction with financial service departments in all years.

Conclusion

Although debt has consistently increased for osteopathic medical graduates, it does not affect their satisfaction with either their educational experience or their choice of osteopathic medicine as a career.
Learning Together: Interprofessional Education at the University of New England
Authors: Mokler David J. , Konrad Shelley Cohen , Hall Kris , Rodriguez Kira , St. Pierre Sue , Thieme Victoria S. , Van Deusen Jenifer
Published: July 2020

Context

Patient care delivered by well-functioning teams provides integrated and cohesive responses to the patients’ needs and is considered more effective than care delivered by independent health professionals. The University of New England (UNE) College of Osteopathic Medicine integrates interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum into each year of its program. The UNE Center for Excellence in Collaborative Education coordinates strategically planned interprofessional learning opportunities.

Objective

To assess the implementation of interprofessional competencies and learning outcomes using the Interprofessional Team Immersion (IPTI) at UNE.

Methods

A team of students from various health profession programs worked on a simulated case with trained actors to learn about the roles and responsibilities of their professions in the optional IPTI. Pre- and postsurveys used the Interprofessional Core Competencies Assessment Scale (ICCAS) and the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) to evaluate student outcomes.

Results

Fifty-five students from various health profession programs at UNE participated in the IPTI activity in February/March 2018. Forty-four students (80%) responded to the surveys, and 43 (78%) completed both surveys. The mean (SD) total ICCAS score increased from presurvey (122 [27]) to postsurvey (127 [26]) (P=.018). The ISVS mean total scores increased from 48.3 presurvey to 57.9 postsurvey (P<.0001).

Conclusion

The significant differences in the ICCAS and the ISVS scores indicate that the IPTI changed students’ attitudes toward IPE and future collaborative practice. Interprofessional learning at UNE is a valuable experience for both students and faculty. UNE College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to develop IPE activities for all 4 years of its programming.
Making the Connection: Using Concept Mapping to Bring the Basic Sciences to the Diagnosis
Authors: Spicer Douglas B. , Thompson Kathryn H. , Kilgallen Sean M.
Published: July 2020

Although medical education has historically emphasized the role and importance of basic science in clinical reasoning, educators have struggled to teach basic science to optimize its use for students. Concept mapping helps students develop relationships between basic and clinical science, which can enhance understanding of the material. Educators at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine developed a weekly concept-mapping activity connecting biomedical principles with clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory values from a comprehensive clinical case. This activity elicits cross-disciplinary discussion, illustrates content integration by the students, and enhances faculty collaboration across disciplines.
Exploring the socio-economic and environmental components of infectious diseases using multivariate geovisualization: West Nile Virus
Authors: Kala Abhishek K. , Atkinson Samuel F. , Tiwari Chetan
Published: July 2020

Background

This study postulates that underlying environmental conditions and a susceptible population’s socio-economic status should be explored simultaneously to adequately understand a vector borne disease infection risk. Here we focus on West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito borne pathogen, as a case study for spatial data visualization of environmental characteristics of a vector’s habitat alongside human demographic composition for understanding potential public health risks of infectious disease. Multiple efforts have attempted to predict WNV environmental risk, while others have documented factors related to human vulnerability to the disease. However, analytical modeling that combines the two is difficult due to the number of potential explanatory variables, varying spatial resolutions of available data, and differing research questions that drove the initial data collection. We propose that the use of geovisualization may provide a glimpse into the large number of potential variables influencing the disease and help distill them into a smaller number that might reveal hidden and unknown patterns. This geovisual look at the data might then guide development of analytical models that can combine environmental and socio-economic data.

Methods

Geovisualization was used to integrate an environmental model of the disease vector’s habitat alongside human risk factors derived from socio-economic variables. County level WNV incidence rates from California, USA, were used to define a geographically constrained study area where environmental and socio-economic data were extracted from 1,133 census tracts. A previously developed mosquito habitat model that was significantly related to WNV infected dead birds was used to describe the environmental components of the study area. Self-organizing maps found 49 clusters, each of which contained census tracts that were more similar to each other in terms of WNV environmental and socio-economic data. Parallel coordinate plots permitted visualization of each cluster’s data, uncovering patterns that allowed final census tract mapping exposing complex spatial patterns contained within the clusters.

Results

Our results suggest that simultaneously visualizing environmental and socio-economic data supports a fuller understanding of the underlying spatial processes for risks to vector-borne disease. Unexpected patterns were revealed in our study that would be useful for developing future multilevel analytical models. For example, when the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest median age was examined, it was determined that those census tracts only contained moderate mosquito habitat risk. Likewise, the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest mosquito habitat risk had populations with moderate median age. Finally, the cluster that contained census tracts with the highest WNV human incidence rates had unexpectedly low mosquito habitat risk.
Bacterial community characteristics and enzyme activities in Imperata cylindrica litter as phytoremediation progresses in a copper tailings dam
Authors: Jia Tong , Guo Tingyan , Chai Baofeng
Published: July 2020

This study analyzed Imperata cylindrica litter to determine variation in bacterial community composition and function along with enzyme activity as phytoremediation progresses. We found significant differences in physical and chemical properties of soil and litter in the different sub-dams investigated. The Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria were the dominant bacteria found in the litter of the different sub-dams. The alpha diversity (α-diversity) of litter bacterial community increased over as phytoremediation progressed, while total soil carbon and total litter carbon content were positively correlated to bacterial α-diversity. Total litter carbon and total nitrogen were the key factors that influenced bacterial community structure. Heavy metal can influence the degradation of litters by altering the composition of the microbial community. Furthermore, bacterial communities encoded with alpha-amylase (α-amylase) dominated during the initial phytoremediation stage; however, bacterial communities encoded with hemicellulase and peroxidase gradually dominated as phytoremediation progressed. Findings from this study provide a basis for exploring litter decomposition mechanisms in degraded ecosystems, which is critically important to understand the circulation of substances in copper tailings dams.
Potassium Diformateas Feed Additive to Enhance the Performance of Immune System on Giant Gourami Fingerlings (Osphronemus goramy Lacepede, 1801)
Authors: Yustiati Ayi , Rusydagita Silmi , Rosidah . , Suryadi Ibnu Bangkit Bioshina
Published: July 2020

This research aims to determine the optimum dose of potassium diformate (KDF) which is added to commercial feed to improve the immune performances of giant gourami fingerlings. The research was conducted in October – December 2019 in Aquaculture Laboratories and Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. The method used in this research is Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments are addition of potassium diformate in feed with a dose of 0% (A), 0,3% KDF (B), 0,5% KDF (C) and 0,8% KDF (D).The giant gouramimaintained for 40 days. The observed parameters are total leukocytescount, total erythrocytescount, differential leukocytes, and water quality. The data of total leukocytes, total erythrocytes were analyzed using ANOVA and followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, while differential leukocytes and water quality are analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the addition of 0.3% potassium diformate is the most effective to improve the immune performances of giant gourami fingerlings. During 40 days of treatments, total leukocytes count increased 25% from6.55×104 cells/mm3 to 8.74×104 cells/mm3, total erythrocytes countincreased 10.03% from 1.28 ×106 cells/mm3 to 1.43×106 cells/mm3. Potassium diformate treatment 0.3% was an effective dose to stimulate differential leukocytes of gourami fingerlings are triggered to enhance the immune system.
The Affection of Fine Bubbles (FBs) Application on Growth Siamese Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in Aquaponic System
Authors: Afdillah Rahmad , Andriani Yuli , Hasan Zahidah , Rosidah . , Iskandar .
Published: July 2020

This research aims was to determine the effective pressure on fine bubbles technology on the growth of Siamese catfish fry in the aquaponic system. This study uses a completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. Treatment A (Control), Treatment B (FBs at a pressure of 4,5 atm), Treatment C (FBs at a pressure of 5 atm and treatment D (FBs at a pressure of 5,5 atm). The parameters observed were Specific Growth Rate, Survival Rate and water quality (Temperature, pH, DO, Ammonia) Data were analyzed using variance with the F test at a 95% confidence level. The best treatment for catfish growth was treatment D (5,5 atm pressure), which gave the highest SGR value of 7,24% and the highest SR value of 100%. The value of water quality parameters were in good condition for the growth and survival of catfish.
The Hamza Distribution with Statistical Properties and Applications
Authors: Aijaz Ahmad , Jallal Muzamil , Ain S. Qurat Ul , Tripathi Rajnee
Published: July 2020

This paper suggested a new two parameter distribution named as Hamza distribution. A detailed description about the properties of a suggested distribution including moments, moment generating function, deviations about mean and median, stochastic orderings, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves, Renyi entropy, order statistics, hazard rate function and mean residual function has been discussed. The behavior of a probability density function (p.d.f) and cumulative distribution function (c.d.f) have been depicted through graphs. The parameters of the distribution are estimated by the known method of maximum likelihood estimation. The performance of the established distribution have been illustrated through applications, by which we conclude that the established distribution provide better fit.
Congenital Deficiency in Factor VII Revealed by Menorrhagia: Case Report
Authors: Mebrouk Nadia , Radi Abdelilah , Selouti Mohamed , Hassani Amal , Ourrai Abdelhakim , Kmari Mohamed , Abilkassem Rachid , Agadr Aomar
Published: July 2020

Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is the most common among rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorders. It is a multifaceted disease because of the lack of a direct correlation between plasma levels of coagulation FVII and bleeding manifestations. Clinical phenotypes range from asymptomatic condition—even in homozygous subjects—to severe, life-threatening bleedings (e.g., central nervous system and gastrointestinal bleeding). Menorrhagia is a frequent type of bleeding in FVII deficiency, with a prevalence rate of two in three women aged 10 to 50 years and with a peak prevalence in teenagers. When menorrhagia is observed and once the gynecological causes are excluded, it is important to carry out a hemostasis assessment because, if an anomaly is found, specific treatment can be administered and preventive measures taken. Basic diagnostic work-up includes routine assays, prothrombin level, activated partial thromboplastin time and platelet count, followed by FVII coagulant activity measurement for isolated decreased prothrombin level. To confirm the diagnosis, FVII assay should be repeated at least once. Several treatment options are currently available for FVII deficiency: Recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa), plasma-derived Factor VII, fresh frozen plasma and prothrombin complex concentrates. rFVIIa is the most used replacement therapy. Other medical therapies of menorrhagia includes hemostatic agents and hormonal treatments (combined oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine devices), in combination or not with rFVIIa.

We report the case of a fourteen-and-a-half-year-old girl who presented menorrhagia of great abundance at the age of thirteen, the exploration of which revealed a congenital deficit in FVII.
Lassa Virus Diagnostic Platforms: Limitations and Prospects
Authors: Hassan Yahaya , Kumurya Abdulhadi Sale , Aminu Ibrahim , Sharfadi Sanusi Rahinatu , Sharif Abdullahi Alhassan
Published: July 2020

Background: Lassa virus (LASV) is the cause of lassa fever (LF) belonging to the Arenaviridae family. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult because of symptoms commonality with other infectious diseases. Early and rapid diagnosis is critical for therapy initiation and LF transmission prevention and control.

Aims: This review aims to highlight current diagnostic platforms and prospects of new emerging sensitive platforms.

Methodology: Available published articles on LASV diagnostics with a focus on current methods: virus culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT – PCR) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were reviewed based on their performances and limitations. Prospects of new diagnostic platforms: mobile health, microfluidic, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated (Cas), Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for LASV diagnosis were also reviewed.

Results: Low sensitivity of the ELISA platform during the window period of LASV infection was observed. Moreover, RT – PCR findings indicated limitation of expertise necessity, cost of thermal cycler, and dedicated facility. Molecular-based point-of-care (POC) diagnostic development should be prioritized to increase speed and sensitivity.

Conclusion: The integration of POC device into molecular isothermal method against LASV scourge will be a success story in curving intermittent outbreaks in endemic areas and prompt clinical management.
Trends Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature over Nagwan Watershed, Hazaribagh District, Jharkhand
Authors: Bahadur Raj , Jaiswal R. K. , Nema A. K. , Gangwar Anshu , Kumar Sandeep
Published: July 2020

Trend analysis is performed to find the pattern that prevails in Nagwan watershed area located in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand (India) having very high average annual rainfall in the range of 1146 mm. The study aims to investigated the impacts of global warming by examine precipitation and temperature change over a period. Non-parametric MK test and Sen’s Slope estimator were used to assess the trend in long-term rainfall and temperature time series (1981-2019). The analysis has been carried out on monthly, seasonal and annual scale to identify meso-scale climate change effect on hydrological regime. The precipitation in the summer showed an increasing trend (Z value +1.67) and there was increasing trend in the seasonal rainfall which influences the total water availability in the watershed. There was increase in minimum temperature during summer season which shows the impact of global warming and may results in increasing the duration of the summer season. The annual average minimum temperature in the watershed showed an increasing trend (Z value +2.08) at 0.05 level of significance indicated hot nights in the summer. The annual average maximum temperature in the watershed showed a decreasing trend (Z value -1.26). Fluctuation and change in trend of rainfall and temperature possess potential risk hence it is important to understand and identify the pattern of rainfall and temperature for assessing impact of climate change and it is necessary to adopt appropriate steps for agriculture crop planning and improving farmer’s capability to cope with challenging situations due to environmental and climate changes.
Distribution of Volatile Compounds in Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) Leaves Grown in Soilless Substrate Analyzed Using Electronic Nose
Authors: Ravi Ramasamy , Kennedy Steven , Pitchay Dharma
Published: July 2020

Objective: The key objective of this research is to investigate the aroma profle of Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaves grown under greenhouse and peatlite soilless substrate conditions using the electronic nose system.

Methodology: Fresh Citrus hystrix samples of recently matured (RML) and old (OL) leaves were analyzed using electronic nose. A total of 79 volatiles were identified and those equivalent to 90% were reported.

Results: The RML and OL leaves had similar volatiles such as Citronellal, N-Nonanal, Myrcene, Pentyl Octanoate and γ-Terpinene with no significant difference in the concentration. Citronellal was the major volatile found more than 20% in both recently matured and old leaves. Recently matured and old leaves also had dissimilar volatiles such as 5-Propyldihydro-2(3H)-Furanone(32.9%), β-Pinene (7.6%), Terpinen-4-ol (2.4%), 1-Hexanol (1.3%) and (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol-Acetate (1.0%) were only found in the recently matured leaves, whereas 1-Nonanol (30.8%), 3-Methyl Butanoic Acid(4.6%), p-Methyl Acetophenone (1.5%), Trans-Hex-2-Enyl Acetate (1.4%) and Methyl Eugenol (1.1%) were detected only in OL.

Conclusion: The results are very useful in food and cosmetics industries to develop innovative products based on kaffirlime leaves/oil.
Value Addition on Trend of Tuberculosis Disease in India- The Current Update
Authors: Gupta Praveen Kumar , Nawaz Mohammed Haseeb , Mishra Shyam Shankar , Roy Roshmee , Keshamma E. , Choudhary Shreya , Saxena Apoorva , Sheriff Ryna Shireen
Published: July 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is infectious diseases were the lungs are mostly affected. It is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and is spread when a person already affected with TB coughs, sneezes, spits, laughs, or talk. Even though it’s is contagious does not easily catch i.e. chances of catching TB are much higher with someone you live with or work than from a stranger. Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) arises when the antibiotic fails to kill bacteria. MDR-TB can be treatable and curable with specific anti-TB drugs but unfortunately, these are limited in quantities or not readily available. As per WHO around 4,50,000 people developed MDR-TB in the year 2012. People with a weak immune system are at maximum risk of active TB development. For instance, HIV conquers the immune system, making it harder for the body to control TB bacteria. People infected with both HIV and TB are 20-30% more probable to develop active TB than those who do not have HIV. Besides, WHO estimates, every year 9 million people get sick with TB and 3 million with these are “missed” by health systems. Among the top 3 causes of death in women between 15- 44 TB is one the major cause. The symptoms of TB may be mild for many months and can infect 10-15 other people through close contact. This study involves a comparative evaluation of the presence of Tuberculosis concerning factors such as socioeconomic status, sex ratio, age, addiction of nicotine or alcohol, etc. All the screenings were based upon various methods of diagnosis used in pulmonary tuberculosis such as Ziehl Neelsen staining, culture on L.J media, Petroff’s concentration method, and DNA PCR method.
Study on Physico-chemical Properties and Fertility Status of Salt Affected Soils of Central Dry Zone of Karnataka, Hiriyur Taluk
Authors: Chandravamshi Parashuram , Jyothi T. V. , Naik A. H. Kumar , Sumana D. A.
Published: July 2020

Aim: To study the effect of tube well irrigation water on soil physico-chemical properties and available nutrients status of central dry zone of Karnataka, Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district.

Place and Duration of Study: Aimangala, Hiriyur, Dharmapura and Javagondanahally hoblis of Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district from January, 2019 to September, 2019.

Methodology:  Ninety-six soil samples using GPS from 0 - 22.5 cm depth were collected randomly representing Aimangala, Hiriyur, Dharmapura and Javagondanahally hoblis of Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district. The soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for various physico-chemical parameters (pH and EC), organic carbon and available major (N, P2O5 and K2O) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) status.

Results and Conclusion:  The results revealed that the villages studied in different hoblis were saline to sodic in soil reaction, non-saline to saline, low to high in organic matter content, low to high in available nitrogen, low to high in available phosphorus and low to high in available potassium status and sufficiency in micronutrients viz., Cu, Fe and Mn and deficient in Zn in some of the villages.
Bariatric Surgery in Adults: Patient Workup and Preparation
Authors: Kant Ravi , Roy Shankar , KL Pradeep Yadav , Pathania Monika
Published: July 2020

With the advancement and industrialization of our society, the prevalence of metabolic disease is also increasing. Among the risk factors for metabolic syndrome and many other non-communicable diseases, obesity is the single most important one. Although life style and pharmacological therapies are the part of initial intervention, however once the overt obesity related complication appears, bariatric surgery becomes the only curative intervention. Various modalities surgeries have come into place in recent times. However preparing a patient physically and mentally needs a thorough pre- operative preparation. Here in this review, we are exploring the approach to patient with morbid obesity and work up for bariatric surgery from a physician’s point of view.
First Detection of the Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinants qnrB, qnrS and aac(6’)-Ib-cr in Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumonia in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tuo Marie N. , Anoh Augustin E. , Wayoro Zéphirin O. , Coulibaly Baba , Monemo Pacome , Wohi Nadine F. , Schulte Eloise Mueller- , N’guetta Simon-Pierre A. , Becker Sören L. , Koffi Chantal Akoua-
Published: July 2020

Aims: The aims of the present study were to investigate the presence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance (PMQR) determinants and the association of these determinants with Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) genes in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Teaching Hospital of Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.

Study Design: It is a retrospective study.

Place of Study: Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory of Teaching Hospital, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: From January 2015 to December 2016, 96 ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were collected from several specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was tested using the standard disk-diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton and interpretation according to recommendations of the 2017 EUCAST. These isolates analyzed for the detection of ESBL (blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV) and PMQR genes (aac(6’)-Ib-cr, qnrB and qnrS) using simplex PCR.

Results: Of the 96 ESBL-producing strains, 85 (88.55%) harbored at least one of the ESBL genes tested. Out of the 85 strains encoding ESBL genes, 96.47% carried blaCTX-M and 92.94% blaSHV and blaTEM genes. Eighty nine (89.6%) of the 96 ESBL producing-isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 84.4% to norfloxacin. Among the 96 strains, 80 (83.33%) were found harboring at least one PMQR gene consisting of 78 (81.3%) aac(6’)-Ib-cr, 61 (63.5%) qnrB and 15 (15.6%) qnrS. Among the PMQR-positive strains, 68.4% coharbored qnrB+acc(6’)-Ib-cr genes, 10.5% qnrB+qnrS+acc(6’)-Ib-cr and 6.6% qnrS+acc(6’)-Ib-cr. The qnrB gene was always linked to aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene. Aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene showed the highest association with three ESBL genes (87.6%), followed by qnrB gene (70.6%), then qnrS (17.7%).

Conclusion: The PMQR genes were highly prevalent in ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, primarily the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene. The high associated was observed between ESBL and PMQR genes, notably with the aac(6’)-Ib-cr gene.
Simultaneous Catalytic Oxidation of a Lean Mixture of CO-CH4 over Spinel Type Cobalt Based Oxides
Authors: Neha Neha , Prasad Ram , Singh Satya Vir
Published: July 2020

A series of nickel-cobalt bimetal oxides in varying molar ratios and its single metal oxides were synthesized by reactive calcination of coprecipitated basic-carbonates. Several characterization techniques, such as: Bruneuer Emmett Teller (BET), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), and Hydrogen Temperature Programmed Reduction (H2-TPR), were performed over the oxides. Activities of oxides were evaluated in methane total oxidation in the presence or the absence of CO. The best catalytic performance was observed over NiCo catalyst with a Ni/Co molar ratio of 1:1, and the complete conversion of CO-CH4 mixture was achieved at 390 °C. Moreover, the presence of carbon monoxide improves CH4 total oxidation over nickel-cobalt mixed oxides. Structural analysis reveals that the insertion of nickel into the spinel lattice of cobalt oxide causes the structural disorder, which probably caused the increase of the amount of octahedrally coordinated divalent nickel cations that are responsible for catalytic activity. Stability of the best-performed catalyst has been tested in the two conditions, showing remarkable long-term stability and thermal stability, however, showed deactivation after thermally ageing at 700 °C. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Immobilised Chlorella vulgaris as An Alternative for The Enhancement of Microalgae Oil and Biodiesel Production
Authors: Rushan Nur Hanani , Mat Yasin Nur Hidayah , Mohd Said Farhan , Ramesh Nagaarasan
Published: July 2020

Microalgae are a promising alternative for biodiesel production and a valuable source of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). In this research, Chlorella vulgaris has been chosen as the suitable microalgae because this species was able to produce highest oils for biodiesel processing. Previously, sodium alginate (SA) was used to entrap the microalgae in the culturing process due to its low toxicity and high transparency. However, SA have some disadvantages such as bead disruption which leading to the loss of microalgae cell. Therefore, this research has been conducted to evaluate the oil production of immobilised Chlorella vulgaris using different matric systems at different ratios which are 0.3:1, 1:1 and 2:1. Currently, six matric systems have been developed, they are SA as a control, a combination of SA and chitosan (SA+CT), SA and carrageenan (SA+CR), SA and gelatin (SA+GT), SA and calcium alginate (SA+CA), and SA and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SA+CMC). The microalgae was first cultivated, harvested and extracted to produce oil, prior to use in the transesterification process. The SA+GT showed the highest oil yield with 59.14% and a total FAME of 0.56 mg/g. The FAME profile of oil extracted microalgae showed high potential for biodiesel production as it consisted of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). The results proved that the combination of SA+GT had improved the oil yield and fatty acid composition as compared to the other matric systems, which may have useful application for the biodiesel industry. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Selective Production of Green Hydrocarbons from the Hydrotreatment of Waste Coconut Oil over Ni- and NiMo-supported on Amine-functionalized Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Trisunaryanti Wega , Larasati Savitri , Triyono Triyono , Paramesti Cahyarani , Santoso Nugroho Raka
Published: July 2020

In order to overcome the depletion of energy resources, the production of fuel from a renewable source (green fuel) has aroused attention. The present work serves as a comparative study for green fuel production by utilizing monometallic Ni and bimetallic NiMo loaded on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica (MS). Two types of catalysts, denoted as Ni/NH2-MS and NiMo/NH2-MS, were prepared and evaluated for its catalytic activity in the hydrotreatment of waste coconut oil (WCO) at 450 ℃ under the flow of H2 gas (20 mL.min-1). Each catalysts were characterized by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR). Study of selectivity by GC-MS showed that gasoline-range hydrocarbon, especially n-undecane, was the major compound in the liquid products generated by the two amine-functionalized catalysts prepared in this study. The result showed that monometallic Ni/NH2-MS with surface area, total pore volume, nickel loading and average pore diameter 328.68 m2.g-1, 0.25 cm3.g-1, 1.90 wt%, 3.10 nm, respectively, exhibited the best performance in producing liquid hydrocarbon and generated higher level of liquid product (77.9 wt%) than bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS (76.3 wt%). However, it is highlighted that adding 1.08 wt% of Mo in bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS comprising 0.83 wt% of Ni improved the catalyst selectivity towards producing higher level of gasoline-range hydrocarbon (43 wt%). The bimetallic NiMo/NH2-MS prepared was found to have surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter of 325.13 m2.g-1, 0.14 cm3.g-1, 3.22 nm, respectively. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Totally-green Fuels via CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Spadaro Lorenzo , Palella Alessandra , Arena Francesco
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen is the cleanest energy vector among any fuels, nevertheless, many aspects related to its distribution and storage still raise serious questions concerning costs, infrastructure and safety. On this account, the chemical storage of renewable-hydrogen by conversion into green-fuels, such as: methanol, via CO2 hydrogenation assumes a role of primary importance, also in the light of a cost-to-benefit analysis. Therefore, this paper investigates the effects of chemical composition on the structural properties, surface reactivity and catalytic pathway of ternary CuO-ZnO-CeO2 systems, shedding light on the structure-activity relationships. Thus, a series of CuZnCeO2 catalysts, at different CuO/CeO2 ratio (i.e. 0.2-1.2) were performed in the CO2 hydrogenation reactions at 20 bar and 200-300 °C, (GHSV of 4800 STP L∙kg∙cat-1∙h-1). Catalysts were characterized by several techniques including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption, single-pulse N2O titrations, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Temperature-programmed Reduction with H2 (H2-TPR). Depending on preparation method, the results clearly diagnostics the occurrence of synergistic structural-electronic effects of cerium oxide on copper activity, with an optimal 0.5 copper-to-cerium content. The rise of CuO loading up to 30% drives to a considerable increase of hydrogenation activity: C2Z1-C catalyst obtains the best catalytic performance, reaching methanol yield value of 12% at 300 °C. Catalyst activity proceeds according to volcano-shaped relationships, in agreement with a dual sites mechanism. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Product Distribution of Chemical Product Using Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin
Authors: Damayanti Damayanti , Wulandari Yeni Ria , Wu Ho-Shing
Published: July 2020

Lignin depolymerization is a very promising process which can generate value-added products from lignin raw materials. The main objective of lignin depolymerization is to convert the complex molecules of lignin into small molecules. Nevertheless, lignin is natural polymer which the molecules of lignin are extremely complicated due to their natural variability, and it will be a big challenge to depolymerize lignin, particularly high water yield. The various technology and methods are developed to depolymerize lignin into biofuels or bio chemical products including acid/base/metallic catalyzed lignin depolymerization, pyrolysis of lignin, hydroprocessing, and gasification. The distribution and yield of chemical products depend on the reaction operation condition, type of lignin and kind of catalyst. The reactor type, product distributions and specific chemicals (benzene, toluene, xylene, terephthalic acid) production of lignin depolymerization are intensive discussed in this review. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Modeling, Evaluating and Scaling up a Commercial Multilayer Claus Converter Based on Bench Scale Experiments
Authors: Sadighi Sepehr , Mohaddecy Seyed Reza Seif , Rashidzadeh Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Industrial scale reactors work adiabatically and measuring their performance in an isothermal bench scale reactor is faced with uncertainties. In this research, based on kinetic models previously developed for alumina and titania commercial Claus catalysts, a multilayer bench scale model is constructed, and it is applied to simulate the behavior of an industrial scale Claus converter. It is shown that performing the bench scale isothermal experiments at the temperature of 307 ºC can reliably exhibit the activity of catalytic layers of an industrial Claus converter operating at the weighted average bed temperature (WABT) of 289 ºC. Additionally, an adiabatic model is developed for a target industrial scale Claus reactor, and it is confirmed that this model can accurately predict the temperature, and molar percentages of H2S and CS2. Based on simulation results, 20% of excess amount of Claus catalysts should be loaded to compensate their deactivation during the process cycle life. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Investigation on the Removal of Carbon Dioxide Exhausted from Industrial Units in a Lab-Scale Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Nejad Puriya Mohamad Gholy , Hatamipour Mohammad Sadegh
Published: July 2020

In this study, CO2 removal efficiency from flue gas was investigated in a fluidized bed reactor under semi-dry conditions. A lab-scale fluidized bed reactor, filled with inert glass beads, was used to investigate the effect of operating parameters on the CO2 removal efficiency using calcium hydroxide slurry as the absorbent. The Taguchi design method was used to design the experiments. The maximum inlet concentration of CO2 was 3 vol%. The most important factors were the reaction surface area, inlet gas velocity, inlet CO2 concentration, absorbent solution flow rate, inlet gas temperature and calcium hydroxide slurry concentration. The experimental results indicated that the CO2 removal efficiency increased when increasing the effective surface area of the reaction. Moreover, the removal efficiency increased by decreasing the input gas flow rate and inlet CO2 concentration. By performing experiments under optimum conditions, the maximum obtained CO2 removal efficiency was 79%. Copyright © 2020 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Integrating a Global Inclusive Perspective into Coursework for Pre-service Teachers
Authors: Ottley Jennifer R. , Hartman Sara L. , Bates Perianne , Baker Sarah
Published: July 2020

Intercultural competence is a necessary disposition for teachers in the United States who instruct an increasingly diverse group of P-12 students in inclusive settings. Viewing the world and inclusive practices from multicultural and global perspectives can be difficult when the majority of one's experiences occur within their own culture. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe how a teacher educator connected her 40 early childhood pre-service teachers to broader national and global inclusive practice issues via project-based learning activities. Data were collected using a brief, researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using thematic pattern analysis and constant comparison methodology. Findings show that pre-service teachers knew little about the global issues prior to the activities, were interested and engaged in the activities, developed global knowledge and perspectives through participation, and held varying levels of cultural competence after participation. While growth in knowledge regarding national and global inclusive practices is important, teacher educators should make concerted efforts to expand teachers' perceptions beyond monocultural views into deeper, multicultural perspectives regarding global inclusive practice.
Roles of Special Educators in St. Lucia: Implications of Policy and Practice on Inclusion
Authors: Lubin Jacqueline
Published: July 2020

Using an adaptation of Brownell and Smith's (1993) conceptual model, this study sought to examine the perception of primary and secondary special educators in St. Lucia of their roles as compared to roles of special education teachers universally. A survey, consisting of 89 Likert-scale statements and five closed ended questions, was administered to the entire population (i.e. 82) of special educators in primary and secondary schools in St. Lucia. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including percentages, means, and t-tests. The independent sample t-test was used to determine the difference in the frequency of role engagement between the two groups of special educators. The results revealed that like special educators globally, special education teachers in St. Lucia engaged in all roles under study (i.e., Academic instruction, Non-academic instruction, Instructional Support, Responsive Behavior Management, Special Education Assessment, Classroom Assessment, Special Education Paperwork) but engaged in them at varying degrees. They regarded all but one role (i.e. Responsive Behavior Management) to be very-to-extremely important. Respondents utilized a continuum of practices from exclusionary to inclusionary but made greater use of exclusionary practices. Implications as well as recommendations to improve practice are discussed.
Exposure to 1-bromopropane vapors during pregnancy enhances the development of hippocampal neuronal excitability in rat pups during lactation
Authors: Fueta Yukiko , Ueno Susumu , Ishidao Toru , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Kanda Yasunari , Hori Hajime
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Although 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) exposure has been reported to cause neurotoxicity in adult humans and animals, its effects on the development of the central nervous system remain unclear. Recently, we reported delayed developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) upon 1-BP exposure in rats. Here we aimed to study the effect of prenatal 1-BP exposure on the hippocampal excitability in the juvenile offspring.

Methods

Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to vaporized 1-BP for 20 days (6 h/d) with concentrations of 0 (control), 400, or 700 ppm. Hippocampal slices were prepared from male offspring during postnatal days (PNDs) 13, 14, and 15. Field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and population spike (PS) were recorded simultaneously from the CA1 region.

Results

In the exposed groups, the stimulation/response relationships of fEPSP slope and PS amplitude were enhanced more than in the control group at PND 14. Analysis of fEPSP-spike coupling demonstrated increased values of Top and Eslope50 in the exposed groups. Real-time PCR analysis showed a significant increase in the mRNA levels of the adult type Nav1.1 Na+ channel subunit and the GluR1 glutamate receptor subunit in the hippocampus of the 700 ppm group at PND 14.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that prenatal exposure to 1-BP accelerates developmental enhancement of hippocampal excitability in the pups before eye-opening. The current study suggests that our evaluation method of DNT is applicable to the industrial chemical 1-BP.
Fire risk assessment in fire hazardous zones of gasoline stations
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa , Dacherngkhao Thawatchai , Suggaravetsiri Pornnapa , Pruktharathikul Vichai
Published: July 2020

Objective

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess fire risk in fire hazardous zones (FHZ) at the dispenser areas of gasoline stations.

Methods

There were 47 stations chosen for fire risk assessment and two zones around the dispenser area of each station were assessed. The assessments were carried out by applying the matrix (3 × 4) of fire risk assessment by multipliers of opportunities level of hazard occurrence and the subsequent severity of the incident.

Results

Across the 47 gasoline stations studied, there was an average of 23 ± 12 nozzles and none had vapor recovery systems (VRS) on dispenser nozzles. The average daily amount of gasoline sold was 3382 L. Each gasoline station had an average of 10 ± 5 workers/station; they all worked within a 1.5 meter radius of the dispenser (FHZ-I); and they used cellphones >4 hours/day. The average level of flammable gas was in the range 1.3%-7.4% LEL-UEL (6.2% ± 5.2%). The fire risk was found to be an intolerable risk in FHZ-I at 40 stations (85.1%) and FHZ-II at 10 stations (21.3%). A total of 18 stations were ranked as having a substantial risk, whereas 19 stations also had a moderate risk in FHZ-II; those levels correlated with the station locations and the quantity of fuel sold.

Conclusion

It suggests that high risk must be controlled by using preventive and safety actions: eliminating fire ignition sources, such as by cellphone prohibition, and inspection of electrostatic discharges, engineering control with grounding when refuelling, signposting of hazardous zones, and VRS installation on dispenser nozzles.