bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of Chlorogenic Acid on acetaminophen-induced liver injury through regulating PINK1/Parkin pathway promoted mitophagy
Authors: Hu Bang-yan , Li Jin , Gong Dao-yin , Dai Yuan , Wan Li-hong , Xu Shijun
Published: April 2022

Background: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant dietary polyphenols, possessing well-known hepatoprotective capacity in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity mice, but whether its mechanisms are related to activating mitophagy remains unclear. Methods and results: In this study, a mice model and HepG2 cells model induced by APAP were established, and then 24-hour survival rate, the serum levels of aminotransferases, liver histopathology in vivo and cell viability in vitro were firstly measured. Our results shown that CGA could significantly improve the 24-survival rate of mice and cell viability in vitro, and decrease the activities of serum enzymes including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reduced Pathological injury induced by excessive APAP in vivo. Moreover, TUNEL staining and apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2) showed that CGA inhibited liver cell apoptosis in vivo. Furthermore, our data showed that CGA promoted co-localization of Tom20 and LC3II in mitochondria, and simultaneously up-regulated the expression levels of mitophagy-related genes and proteins (PINK1, parkin, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ) and down-regulated the expression level of p62 in vivo. Finally, the protective effect of CGA was largely abolished after PINK1 was knock-downed by siPINK1 in HepG2 cells and the expression of mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, parkin, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and p62) was also reversed. Conclusions: our study results suggested that CGA potentially ameliorated APAP-induced acute liver injury through enhancing PINK1/Parkin pathway promoted mitophagy.
Non-degeneracy of multi-bubbling solutions for prescribed scalar curvature problem via local Pohozaev identity
Authors: Wang Qingfang
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with the following nonlinear elliptic equation$$-\Delta u=Q(|y'|,y'')u^{\frac{N+2}{N-2}},\,\,u>0,\,\,\text{in}\R^N,\,\,u\inD^{1,2}(\R^{N}),$$where $(y',y'')\in \R^2\times\R^{N-2}$,$Q(|y'|,y'')$ is a bounded non-negative function in$\mathbb{R}^{2}\times \R^{N-2}$. We prove a non-degeneracy result for the positive multi-bubbling solutions constructed in\cite{PWW}.
An Efficient Location Privacy Protection Method for Location-Based Services based on Differential Privacy
Authors: Wang bo , Li Hongtao , Guo Yina , Ren Xiaoyu
Published: April 2022

Location-based services (LBSS) are widely used with the rapid development of mobile devices and location technology. LBSs not only brings convenience to life, but also brings privacy threats to users. Users upload accurate location information to LBSs to obtain the corresponding services. However, uploading unprocessed location data will directly cause the leakage of users’ privacy information. In this work, an efficient location protection method based on differential privacy is proposed. First of all, the users’ locations information is merged based on the distance and density relationship between multiple groups of continuous locations, and a location clustering (L-cluster) algorithm is proposed to divide the continuous locations into various clusters. Then, differential privacy based location protection algorithm (DPLPA) is proposed to efficiently preserve users’ location privacy, where Laplace noise conforming to the differential privacy mechanism is added to resident points and centroids in the cluster to protect the location privacy. Experimental results show that DPLPA gets high data utility and low time consumption while protecting the privacy of location information.
Patterns and Surgical Outcomes of Primary Brain Tumors Managed at a Tertiary Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania: a Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Magwesela Faraja M. , Msemakweli Doreen , Rabiel Happiness
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The epidemiology of brain tumors varies globally between different countries and there is observed poor outcomes in lower- and middle-income countries. Our aim is to analyze the clinicopathological pattern of intracranial tumors in our setting and their post-surgical outcomes.Methods: This is a retrospective study. Data was obtained from clinical records of patients with intracranial tumors treated at our neurosurgery unit between 2019 and 2020. Only patients with primary brain tumors who underwent surgical intervention were included. Analysis was done to identify factors associated with patient outcomes (mortality/survival and performance status).Results: 39 patients with primary brain tumors underwent surgery (adults 72.8%, males 53.8%, mean age 35.8years). Gliomas (46.2%) comprised the most common tumor diagnosis overall and craniopharyngiomas were the most common tumors in pediatric patients (27.3%). Most patients (83.3%) had a poor performance status before surgery. Gross tumor resection (25.6%) was low and few patients (31.4%) underwent adjuvant therapy. 30-day mortality rate (10.3%) and one year mortality rate (46.2%) were high. Pediatric patients had a much worse outcome (46.2% mortality rate compared to 25% in adults, and 80% with poor performance status) as did males (38.1% mortality rate compared to 27.8% in females). Gliomas accounted for majority (69.2%) of the deaths.Conclusion: Delayed presentation and poor access to adjuvant therapies are important contributors of the high mortality and abandonment of treatment. Inadequate long-term follow-up is a hinderance to optimal neurooncological care in our setting.
Low expression of TNFAIP3 enhances the function of dendritic cells in AMD via MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: He Yue , Zhang Zhiru , Huang Li , Yao Tianyu , Yang Wei , Chen Jie
Published: April 2022

Purpose TNFAIP3 is an important negative regulator of inflammation and immunity. In this study, we explore the role of TNFAIP3 in wAMD. Method We used real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression level of TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and DCs of wAMD and normal people. Subsequently, we transfected DCs with adenovirus to silent TNFaip3, and detected the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 secreted by DCs by ELISA. The phosphorylation levels of JNK, p38 and ERK 1/2 were detected by flow cytometry. Result Compared with normal people, the expression level of TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and DCs of wAMD patients was significantly decreased. Silenced TNFAIP3 could increase the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 secreted by DCs, decrease the level of IL-10, and also increase the levels of JNK and p38 phosphorylation. Conclusion This study showed that the expression level of TNFAIP3 was significantly decreased in wAMD patients, and the decrease of TNFAIP3 could lead to the change of inflammatory cytokines secreted by DCs through the MAPK pathway.
Development of a new device for manipulating frozen mouse 2-cell embryos on the International Space Station
Authors: Wakayama Sayaka , Soejima Mariko , Kikuchi Yasuyuki , Hayashi Erika , Ushigome Natsuki , Hasegawa Ayumi , Mochida Keiji , Suzuki Tomomi , Yamazaki Chiaki , Shimazu Toru , Sano Hiromi , Umehara Masumi , Matsunari Hitomi , Ogura Atsuo , Nagashima Hiroshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: April 2022

Whether mammalian embryos develop normally under microgravity remains to be determined. However, embryos are too small to be handled by inexperienced astronauts who orbit Earth on the International Space Station (ISS). Here we describe the development of a new device that allows astronauts to thaw and culture frozen mouse 2-cell embryos on the ISS without directly contacting the embryos. First, we developed several new devices using a hollow fiber tube that allows thawing embryo without practice and observations of embryonic development. However, the general vitrification method requires liquid nitrogen, which is not available on the ISS. Therefore, we developed another new device, Embryo Thawing and Culturing unit (ETC) employing a high osmolarity vitrification method, which preserves frozen embryos at −80°C for several months. Embryos flushed out of the ETC during thawing and washing were protected using a mesh sheet. Although embryonic development could not be observed in the ETC, thawed embryos formed blastocysts after 4 days of culture without direct contact. This ETC will enable untrained astronauts to thaw and culture frozen embryos on the ISS, as well as to serve as an important advance in fields such as clinical infertility and animal biotechnology.
Therapeutic options and clinical outcomes of 1261 patients with mantle cell lymphoma in China ： a real-world retrospective multicenter analysis from Chinese Hematologist and Oncologist Innovation Cooperation of the excellent (CHOICE)
Authors: Cai Qingqing , Zeng Dongfeng , Fang Yu , Fei Yue , Liang Rong , Ye Haige , Liang Yun , Sun Xiuhua , Wang Michael , Huang Huiqiang , Qiu Lugui , Gong Tiejun , Zhao Donglu , Che Yuxuan , Wang Jinni , Liu Panpan , Wang Yi , Pan Tao , Lv Yao , Jiang Panruo , Zhang Xuzhao , Deng Jintai , Yi Shuhua , He Yizi , Xiao Ling , Lv Huijuan , Feng Jiangfang , Xie Huan , Qian Jiacheng , Zhang Huilai , Zhou Hui
Published: April 2022

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma and therapeutic options of MCL are limited. We conducted a real-world, multicenter study enrolled 1261 MCL patients from nine medical centers in China to evaluate patients’ outcomes.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1261 adult MCL patients between January 2000 and December 2020 from nine medical centers in China. Patients’ characteristics, treatment and survival outcomes were evaluated. Results:145 patients (11%) received Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi)-containing regimens as frontline therapy. 12% of the younger patients received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) consolidation. The estimated 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate from the initiation of front-line treatment for the entire cohort was 62.4% and 57.2% respectively. Age≥65 years, high-risk Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI), Ki-67>30% and blastoid/pleomorphic histology were associated with shorter PFS or OS. For younger patients, induction therapy with BTKi-containing regimens yield similar efficacy in 3-year PFS and OS as compared to the standard high-dose immunochemotherapy with AHCT (65.5% vs 66.6%, p=0.907 and 84.8% vs 92.3%, p=0.204). For the relapsed or refractory MCL patients in this cohort, the 5-year OS from the initiation of salvage therapy was 36.0%. A total of 23 patients developed hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after immunochemotherapy, while BTKi treatment was not associated with higher rate of HBV reactivation. Conclusions:In conclusion, for younger Chinese MCL patients, the addition of BTKi in frontline therapy is a safer and more convenient alternative treatment strategy. For MCL patients with resolved hepatitis B, anti-HBV prophylaxis should not be neglected.
Predictors of indoor particulate matter and carbon monoxide concentrations in households of an informal urban settlement in Fort Portal city, Uganda
Authors: Kansiime Winnifred K. , Mugambe Richard K. , Atusingwize Edwinah , Wafula Solomon T. , Nsereko Vincent , Ssekamatte Tonny , Nalugya Aisha , Coker Eric Stephen , Ssempebwa John C. , Isunju John Bosco
Published: April 2022

Background: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) are critical indicators of IAQ, yet there is limited evidence of their concentrations in informal urban settlements in low-income countries. Objective: This study assessed household characteristics that predict the concentrations of PM2.5 and CO within households in an informal settlement in Fort Portal City, Uganda.Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 374 households. Concentrations of PM2.5 and CO were measured using a Multi-purpose Laser Particle detector and the Carbon Monoxide IAQ Meter, respectively. Data on household characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.0. Linear regression was used to establish the relationship between PM2.5, CO concentrations, and household characteristics.Results: The majority, 88.8% (332/374) of the households, used charcoal for cooking. More than half, 51.9% (194/374), cooked outdoors. Cooking areas had significantly higher PM2.5 and CO concentrations compared to the living area (t=18.14, p ≤ 0.05) and (t=5.77 p ≤ 0.05), respectively. Cooking from outdoors was associated with a 0.112 increase in the PM2.5 concentrations in the cooking area (0.112 [95% CI: -0.069, 1.614; p= 0.033]). Cooking with moderately polluting fuel was associated with a 0.718 increase in CO concentrations (0.718 [95% CI: 0.084, 1.352; p= 0.027]) in the living area.Discussion: The concentration of PM2.5 and CO during the cooking time for both the cooking area and the living area were above the World Health Organization Air Quality Guideline of 25μg/m3 and 7ppm for 24 hours, respectively. Interventions to improve indoor air quality in informal settlements should address changes in cooking fuel types and enhance air quality.
Multi-institutional survey of antiemetic therapy in lung cancer patients treated with carboplatin in Hokushin region
Authors: Ide Takayuki , Nishino Yoshikazu , Takiguchi Tomoya , Kanda Shintaro , Otsuki Kengo , Hayashi Ryuji , Yasumoto Kazuo , Hirono Yasuo , Makino Tomoe , Yano Seiji , Koizumi Tomonobu
Published: April 2022

Objective: Appropriate monitoring and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) with prophylactic antiemetics is important for cancer patients. This study was performed to validate the clinical practice of antiemetic use with carboplatin-based chemotherapy in lung cancer patients in the Hokushin region (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, and Nagano prefectures), Japan.Methods: We surveyed retrospective data of newly diagnosed and registered lung cancer patients initially treated with carboplatin-based chemotherapy in 21 principal hospitals in the Hokushin region linked with health insurance claims data between 2016 and 2017.Results: A total of 1082 lung cancer patients (861 [79.6%] men, 221 [20.4%] women; median age 69.4 years [range, 33 – 89 years]). All patients received antiemetic therapy, with 613 (56.7%) and 469 patients (43.3%) receiving 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist/dexamethasone double regimen and 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist/dexamethasone/neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist triple regimen, respectively. However, the rates of double regimen and use of palonosetron were higher in Toyama and Fukui prefectures. Thirty-nine patients (3.6%) changed from double to triple regimen, while 41 patients (3.8%) changed from triple to double regimen after the second cycle, but six of these returned to triple antiemetics in subsequent cycles.Conclusion: Adherence to antiemetic guidelines in clinical practice was high in Hokushin region. However, rates of double and triple antiemetic regimens differed between the four prefectures. Simultaneous analysis of nationwide registry and insurance data was valuable for evaluating the status of cancer treatment and management.
Transcranial Focal Stimulation modifies the genetic expression in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus of healthy rats
Authors: Daniel Perez-Perez , Iris Feria-Romero , Walter Besio , Luisa Rocha , Bautista-Orozco L , Orozco-Suarez Sandra.
Published: April 2022

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES) has emerged as an alternative therapy for cognitive and neuropsychiatric diseases. Transcranial Focal Stimulation (TFS) is an alternating current stimulation TES technique with a wide therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms behind the TFS effects are unknown.Objective: The present study aims to describe the gene expression profile of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus after a short course of TFS.Methodology: Using microarray analysis, the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats receiving TFS for 5 minutes were evaluated. These results were compared to those obtained from sham-stimulated rats. Relevant target genes were selected based on their biological processes, molecular function, and cellular localization. Relevant target genes were further normalized to visualize differential gene expression among experimental groups.Results: The cerebral cortex samples found a clear differential expression profile. A total of differentially expressed genes of 102 in the cerebral cortex and 2 in the hippocampus were found. TFS increased the expression of Nsf (120%, p = 0.0004) and decreased the expression of Sema3b (57.6%, p = 0.0004) in the cerebral cortex. While in the hippocampus, TFS increased the expression of Acsm5 (200%, p = 0.001) and Cml3 (208%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: A short course of TFS modifies the gene expression profile of the brain. The effects were more pronounced in the cerebral cortex rather than in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to evaluate the long-term effects of TFS.
Osteosarcoma prediagnosed as another tumor. A report from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS)
Authors: Hecker-Nolting Stefanie , Baumhoer Daniel , Blattmann Claudia , Kager Leo , Kühne Thomas , Kevric Matthias , Lang Susanna , Mettmann Vanessa , Sorg Benjamin , Werner Matthias , Bielack Stefan S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The course of osteosarcoma patients primarily treated as such has been well described. Little, however, is known about patients who were primarily treated assuming a different tumor diagnosis.Methods: The database of the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group COSS was searched (4.445 primary high-grade central osteosarcomas registered prior to 01/01/21). A different tumor entity had to have been assumed for at least one month after the initial diagnostic procedure before the correct diagnosis of osteosarcoma was finally made. Identified patients were analyzed for demographic, tumor-, and treatment-related factors as well as for survival outcomes.Results: 37 patients were identified. They were a median of 19.7 (2.7 - 60.4) years old at first presentation and were more likely to be females than males (23:14). Bone cysts (n=8), giant cell tumor of bone (n=6), and osteoblastoma (n=6) were the most frequent of 29/37 (78%) benign, chondrosarcoma and its variants (n= 6) the most frequent of 8/37 (22%) malignant original diagnoses. Tumors affected the extremities in 23 (62%), the trunk in 11 (30%), and the craniofacial bones in 3 (8%). Only one patient received systemic treatment while assuming the different diagnosis (1/37, 3%). The median time until the correct diagnosis of osteosarcoma was made was 8 months (range: 1 month – 14.1 years). At that time, 6/37 (16%) presented with metastatic disease. All patients went on to receive chemotherapy, 17/37 (46%) neoadjuvantly. Histologic response was only evaluated in 13/17 (76%) patients and was good (<10% viable tumor) in only 4/13 (31%) patients. In 31/37 (84%) patiens, a surgically complete resection of all macroscopically identified tumor manifestations could be achieved. Five-year overall and event-free survival rates at 5 years were 50.2% (standard error: 8.6%) and 42.6% (8.5%), respectively.Conclusion: Osteosarcoma may initially be misdiagnosed and hence subjected to inappropriate treatment including misguided surgery. Once diagnosed correctly, some of the affected patients may still be cured if finally treated according to modern osteosarcoma standards.
Identification of synergistic strategies for m6A methylation-involved immunotherapy enhancement in lower grade gliomas
Authors: Han Qing , He Huimin
Published: April 2022

Low grade gliomas (LGGs) are often noted for their unpredictable recurrence and transformation of malignancy to higher grade. Due to the extraordinary immunosuppressive microenvironment, LGGs seem to be refractory to T-cell based immunotherapies. Targeting RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modulated tumor microenvironment (TME) offers opportunities to trigger anti-LGG immunity. In our study, m6Ascore were used for quantifying the m6A modification patterns in LGGs. Potential therapeutic drugs and synergistic immunotherapy approaches which might avoid overtreatment and contribute to the TME remodeling were suggested based on the scoring scheme. We found a link between m6Ascore and TME diversity. Those patients with high m6Ascore and worse outcomes were more likely to experience immunotherapeutic failures. Inhibition of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling that closely correlated with the drug sensitivities was indicated to facilitate the response of LGGs with high-m6Ascore instead of overall LGGs to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Mechanically, stimulation of CD40 or TNFSF9 might reverse IL-6 inhibition induced insufficient activation of T cells by macrophages. In conclusion, synergistic immunotherapy of anti-IL-6 and ICB may offer insight into the m6A related immunotherapy enhancement for LGG patients.
OCT-A Changes in Patients with Hemoglobinopathy
Authors: ÖZER Ömer
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate retinal vascular changes in patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).Methods: For this purpose, 98 patients with sickle cell disease, 75 patients with beta-thalassemia and 100 healthy control groups in Mersin University Hospital between January 1, 2020 and November 1, 2021 were included in this study. OCT-A imaging was performed with ZEISS AngioPlex OCT angiography (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA).Results: All OCT-A parameters (FAZ area, circularity, perimeter, vessel and perfusion density) were found to be statistically significantly different in both patients with thalassemia and patients with sickle cell disease when compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: In conclusion, retinopathy that may occur in patients in both hemoglobinopathy subgroups can be diagnosed and followed up with OCT-A. It has also been found that OCT-A parameters are affected even before clinically detectable retinopathy develops.
Survival of P. falciparum infected Red Blood Cell Aggregates in Elongational Shear Flow
Authors: Joetten Anna , Schepp Anabelle , Machon Adam , Moll Kirsten , Wahlgren Mats , Krueger Timm , Westerhausen Christoph
Published: April 2022

Rosetting, the formation of red blood cell aggregates, is a life-threatening condition in Malaria tropica and not yet fully understood. We study rosette stability using a set of microfluidic stenotic channels, with varied narrowing angle and erythrocytes of blood groups 0 and A. We find reduced ability of a rosette to pass a stenosis without disruption, the longer the tapered part of the constriction and the narrower the stenosis is. In general, this ability increases with rosette size and is 5%-15% higher in blood group A. The experimental results are substantiated by equivalent experiments using lectin-induced red blood cell aggregates, a simulation of the underlying protein binding kinetics, and lattice-Boltzmann-finite-element simulations of red blood cell aggregates.
A retrospective analysis: ICT for improved municipal service delivery amidst COVID 19
Authors: Joseph Juliet , Williams Robyn
Published: April 2022

South African municipal service delivery has been an area of highly debated concern, with many citizens lacking access to basic service delivery, such as water and electricity. Fast forward to the Covid-19 Pandemic, bombarding itself into every state, home and workplace and concerns over municipal service delivery has amplified. Much like Covid-19, the fourth industrial revolution too erupted into every facet of public and private life but more optimistically, so as it promises to fast track economic development, ease mundane daily tasks and improve services and systems. This article explores municipal service delivery in South Africa and its intersection with emerging technologies, further providing prospects for future application. The article relies on a qualitative approach, reviewing primary and secondary literature, such as statistics, reports and journal articles to explore how advanced and emerging technologies have been applied at a local level to improve municipal service delivery, further attempting to understand future prospects. From the findings of the study, it is evident, that protest action against municipal service delivery has escalated in the last few years, signifying possible worsening service delivery and little adaptation of new methods and technologies. However, there have been some attempts to improve service delivery, utilising emerging technologies, but much more can be done as illustrated in other states, at a local and national level
Assessing the effectiveness of compliance inspection in ensuring the quality of ICT products and services: a case of the compliance department at ICASA
Authors: Ramahlo Rachel Molatelo , Pillay Anton M. , Madzimure Jeremiah
Published: April 2022

This study assesses the effectiveness of compliance inspection in ensuring the quality of ICT products and services at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is an independent regulatory body of the South African government, established in 2000 by the ICASA Act to regulate both the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in the public interest. The ICASA approved label, found on internationally manufactured products, implies the products meet quality standards, stipulated by ICASA. A qualitative study using interviews from a sample of 13 participants was carried out. The study found that there are functional integration challenges that are reflected in inspection activities and outcomes, which are not reported to relevant departments, while other supporting activities, such as the provision of security personnel during site inspection, are not made available to support effective compliance inspection activities and effectiveness. The study also found randomized inspections help to cut down on risks. Lastly, the study noted a profound lack of a post-market surveillance in place to continuously ensure that the equipment and the systems, placed in the market, maintain conformance with the applicable technical standards. The study further revealed that licensees lack adequate information and knowledge regarding compliance regulations and acts, which fosters non-compliance and renders compliance inspection ineffective
Preservation of Lycopersicum esculentum (Tomatoes) with Extracts of Annona muricata (Soursop) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle Plant)
Authors:   Department of Biological Sciences, Crawford University, PMB 2001, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria, Banjo Temitope T. , Oluwole Omowunmi R. ,   Department of General Studies, Federal College of Agriculture, PMB 724, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, Nzei Victoria I. ,   Department of Biological Sciences, Wellspring University, PMB 1230, Irhirhi Road, Edo State, Nigeria
Published: April 2022

Tomatoes are very important vegetable crops in the world but with a perishable nature. Due to its highly perishable nature, various methods have been investigated to increase its shelf life while still preserving its qualities. Therefore, this study investigated the potentials of the parts of Annona muricata and the calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa in the preservation of tomato fruits. Tomato fruits were washed and treated with powdered, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves, seeds, bark of the Annona muricata and calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa at different concentrations of 3%, 5%, 6%, 9% and 12% w/v. The tomato fruits were placed in well-aerated baskets for a period of 35 days during which organoleptic and microbial analysis were carried out. The different treatments with Annona muricata and Hibiscus sabdariffa had significant effects on the preservation of the tomato fruits at p < 0.05. The leaves of Annona muricata proved most effective preserving up to 50% of the tomatoes after the monitoring period. Moreover, 6% (w/v) of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Annona muricata resulted in a preservation rate of 75% of the tomato fruits. The spoilage microorganisms isolated from the tomato fruits are Candida krusei, Candida sp., Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. The results of this research carried out shows that the extracts of Annona muricata and Hibiscus sabdariffa had significant preservative activities on the tomato fruits (p < 0.05), thus minimising wastes and economic loss to the farmers and country in general.
Awareness of Mobile Phone Radiation and Its Potential Health Hazards Among Students and Working-class Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Paul Joshua , Shivaram Anandi , P Panchami , Patel Bhumika , Jaikrishnan Devi , Martinez-Lopez Wilner , Saraswathy Radha
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased dependence on mobile phones by students and working professionals. Mobile phones are indispensable gadgets with a wide range of applications. However, there are potential risks associated with its usage in terms of radiofrequency radiation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of radiation and its biological adverse effects caused due to the usage of mobile phones among students and working professionals. An online awareness survey was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic among 351 participants using Google forms. The questionnaire was disseminated to the WhatsApp groups of students and working professionals and the data was statistically analysed. Among the 351 subjects, 72% of the respondents used their mobile phones for more than 4 hours per day. However, less than 20% were fully aware of mobile phone radiation being listed in the possible carcinogen list by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, only half of the respondents considered the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value and information on radiation emission while purchasing a new phone. To conclude, the need for awareness of potential hazards associated with the mobile phone radiation seems crucial, especially during this time when everyone in the world and especially school and college students are highly dependent on mobile phones.
Global Education in STEM and Healthcare: Implications of COVID-19
Authors: Hallett Jessica , De Santanu
Published: April 2022

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March of 2020. Since then, most schools, colleges, and universities across the globe stopped delivering classes face-to-face and transitioned into virtual modalities of instruction. This reformation of academics has had an impact on every field of study, especially those students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and in the realm of healthcare education. Ranging from middle/high school to undergraduate and graduate programs, STEM degrees require intensive curricula integrating extensive lectures on theoretical topics and laboratory exercises to apply those concepts in a practical setting. Likewise, healthcare education involves hands-on, clinical lab components working on patients, guided by supervisors. The guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommended refraining from these physical learning environments since social distancing has been an important preventative measure against the contagion. As in-person classes, labs, and residencies across the world were disrupted, students, faculty, staff, and administrators of STEM and healthcare fields had to face and navigate multifarious challenges to continue the education effectively, while maintaining safety. This review encapsulates such effects of the pandemic on STEM and healthcare education in various countries. The analysis aims to provide an insight into the strategies of distance education and alternative pedagogies for these disciplines adopted by institutions globally in the light of COVID-19, which could potentially serve as a reference model during any future pandemics.
Rethinking Brain Death: A Physiological, Philosophical and Ethical Approach
Authors: Anderson Curt
Published: April 2022

The term ‘brain death’ is a rather untenable description to be defended ethically. This needs to be sorted out to ‘cortical brain death’, ‘whole brain death’ and WBD should include the brainstem. Organ transplants confound the difference between WBD and ‘biological death’, that is, the complete cessation of body function. It is clearly an ethical issue of taking a life, however, I argue for the greater good, IF it is clearly documented that irreversibility presents itself through multiple criteria (apnea, brainstem function, lack of long onset EEG, etc.). If meeting these criteria, we can have medical, physiological and moral standards and it is ethical to declare brain death, thus allowing organ transplants, and by definition, create biological death by doing so. This is a very consequentialist approach, but it does appease the dualistic ethics by separating the brain, or, more to the point, the concept of the ‘conscience’, and the possibility of defining ‘personhood’ or lack thereof. I believe the 1968 Harvard ‘declaration of death’ doesn’t fit the above criteria and the AMA declaration (formally adopted in 2003) states that: “a determination of death must be made in accordance with accepted medical standards”, however, those medical standards were not described. This paper addresses those standards.
Bank employees’ problems due to the imbalance of work and family demands
Authors: Hasan Halid , Nikmah Farika , Sudarmiatin
Published: April 2022

Work-life balance is a common topic that has been brought up along with human necessity to maintain life balance, as employees currently have some considerations related to their high productivity at work. High self-efficacy is one thing that employees should have in order to stay in their workplace. Banks are among businesses that have fierce competition with regard to quality and customer service as well as employee management. This is the reason why this study was conducted in an Indonesian government-owned bank as the problem of employee turnover is considered relatively serious in order to get more benefits in one’s working life. This study aims to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy and work-life balance on employee engagement. The sample comprised 280 employees, and data analysis used was SEM PLS. The results showed that self-efficacy had 75% and work life balance had a 79% effect on employee engagement, which were proved by the fact that employees are professionally responsible for their duties at work without neglecting their family responsibilities. With such results, banks should consider reconstructing their employee management, since salary is no longer the top priority for employees to work but they also consider life balance. Employees need to spend their time with their families while remaining on their track in work productivity. They also need appreciation, recognition and pride to keep their self-efficacy in their work performance.
Strategic alignment and its impact on creating an organization’s reputation and image
Authors: Alsayah Abedalsttar
Published: April 2022

The study aims to analyze and evaluate the potential impact of strategic alignment drivers on creating a company’s reputation and image, using a descriptive analytical approach. An analysis and interpretation of findings demonstrate that strategic alignment with its internal and external variables is deemed to be a key determinant of a company’s reputation and image customers have (with the regression coefficient of 0.38). The companies enjoying a great reputation are committed to creating an effective alignment between internal and external factors, while in companies with a weak or medium reputation, some manifestations of strategic inconsistency appear such as the deviation of competition foundations from their distinctive competencies, where the competitive competency is less appropriate with their competitive advantages, in addition to the lack of alignment between its existing strategy and main activities due to the company’s failure in choosing its internal environment. The study makes recommendations to the surveyed companies regarding the importance of aligning their internal and external options to build their image and reputation desired by their customers.
Enrichment of drinking water with Ca and Mg by a fluidized bed recarbonization reactor: a case study of Devičie, Slovak Republic
Authors: Rapant Stanislav , Cvečková Veronika , Čermák Patrik
Published: April 2022

A low content of Ca and Mg in drinking water causes increased health risks. To increase the Ca and Mg contents in the drinking water supplied to the inhabitants of the village of Devičie, a prototype of a fluidized bed recarbonization reactor (RRF) was proposed and tested. A half-burnt dolomite (HBD) was used for the recarbonization. In the RRF, the HBD is kept in buoyancy with the help of water circulation. The capacity of the circulation pump is up to 5 m3 h−1 and the volume of discharged concentrate, which is added directly to the water source, is up to 0.2 m3 h−1. The volume of water circulated between the reactor and the circulating tank is many times higher than the volume of discharged water. In 24 h, the Ca and Mg contents stabilized at an equilibrium value of 80 mg L−1 for Ca and 120 mg L−1 for Mg, which corresponded to the equilibrium of formation and removal of ions from the system. The concentrate was diluted with the water in the reservoir at a ratio of 1:10, and it achieved the desired increase in Mg and Ca contents by more than 10 and 6 mg L−1, respectively.
Estrés académico en estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud en la modalidad de educación a distancia en tiempos de Covid-19
Authors:   Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Rodríguez Flores Eduar , Sánchez Trujillo María de los Ángeles ,   Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Published: April 2022

El presente estudio se orientó, en primer lugar, a determinar las principales frecuencias de las dimensiones del estrés académico en estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud; y, en segundo lugar, a determinar las diferencias entre las dimensiones del estrés académico según variables sociodemográficas. La muestra estuvo conformada por 134 estudiantes de primer ciclo de las carreras de Ciencias de la Salud de una universidad privada de Lima. Para el logro de los objetivos, se aplicaron dos instrumentos: el Inventario de Estrés Académico SISCO SV, adaptado para su uso en el contexto de COVID-19, y una ficha sociodemográfica. Entre los hallazgos principales, destacan que los estresores principales declarados por los estudiantes se refieren a la sobrecarga de tareas académicas, la forma de evaluación, el tiempo limitado para realizar los trabajos y las exposiciones. Asimismo, los síntomas que más resaltan son los físicos, en primer lugar, y los emocionales, en segundo lugar. En cuanto a las estrategias de afrontamiento, aquellas que predominan son las que permiten alejarse de la situación estresante para buscar alguna fuente de entretenimiento. Además, los estudiantes que se enfocan en resolver el problema utilizan como estrategia la resolución directa de la situación preocupante. Por otro lado, las estudiantes suelen manifestar, de manera más acentuada, síntomas físicos, emocionales y cognitivos asociados al estrés. Finalmente, los estudiantes de 16 años son los que han declarado, de forma más notoria, como estresores principales, situaciones de competitividad o el nivel de exigencia de los cursos.
Mechanical Properties Evaluation of Functionally Layered Cement Composites
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Sanjayan Jay , Ali Jeeva S. , Arora Jatin , Sing Karamjit
Published: April 2022

Background:

Concrete mixtures are normally poured in single layers without intentional changes in the mixture properties within the thickness of the layers.

Objective:

In this research paper, alternative approach is introduced with Functionally Layered Concrete (FLC) composites, which have their known functions to achieve the maximum performance index.

Methods:

The performance index can be defined as the ratio of characteristics to the consumption of resources, fibres and additives. The steel fibre, polypropylene fibre, and silica fume are used in cement composites to make multilayer samples on which mechanical properties evaluations are conducted and compared to that of Mono-Layered Concrete (MLC) samples.

Results:

It is observed from the results that FLC samples have superior mechanical characteristics compared to MLC samples in terms of compressive strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus.

Conclusion:

Given that the use of fibres/additives in FLC composites is diminished, acquiring better mechanical performance with minimised consumption of resources would be possible via functionally layered composite method.
Investigation of leaching on the elemental composition of alternative fuels
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, et al. Zamli
Published: April 2022

This study highlights the leaching process of biomass and food waste (FW), which reduces potassium and sodium content to more than 80% and improves its quality to be used as fuel. Alternative fuels with high water content, especially from FW and the palm oil industry, represent the majority of alternative resources in Malaysia. However, the combustion of these fuels often causes more ash-related problems such as fouling, slagging, and higher particle emissions compared to other fuel types. Water leaching is a pre-treatment process that has a great potential to alleviate the deposition problems caused by the thermal and chemical reactions of the biomass and FW elements during its combustion and thus increase their value. This study compared the fuel characteristics and water leaching effect to the selected fuels with specific water ratios for 5 minutes. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used to determine water leaching effectiveness to compare the relative fuel composition after leaching. Leaching results were simulated using FactSage software to predict slag formation in treated and untreated samples during combustion at 650, 800, and 950°C. Simulated results show significant slagging formation reduction following the water leaching process onto the samples. Simulating the particulate and ash compositions paves the path to formulating strategic assessment techniques to reduce their emissions and slagging tendencies.
Public Transport, Ridership and Safe Travelling Environment during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sham Rohana , Kai Xuen Chia , Yi Ting Lee , Hye Mohammad Nazmuzaman
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic decrease in public transport demand. Even though public transport in Malaysia is allowed to reboot and run with total capacity after the end of a movement control order, many public transport users still worry and refuse to take public transport as their movement tools. Therefore, government and public transport service providers must pay attention to improving preventive steps to keep public transport users feeling secure. Thus, the present study proposes a research model encompassing perceived risk, standard operating procedure, and information credibility in understanding the feeling of safety among Malaysian public transport users.
Keywords: Public transport; Safety; Travelling Environment; Covid-19.  
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3217
Industrial Location Criteria of Planners for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang-Thi Phuong-Thao , Kung Shiann-Far , Chang Hsueh-Sheng
Published: April 2022

In Vietnam, planners have their criteria for choosing the suitable location of industrial parks. Because of changing times, defining a new industrial location criterion ideal for today's society is needed.
By collecting data through a survey and applying the Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, this study attempts to clarify the hierarchy and priority of industrial location criteria in industrial planning in Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC).
This study emphasizes the critical role of planners. Thus, the research can reference investors and government authorities in industrial park planning and become the basis for re-evaluating industrial planning in the new era.
Keywords: Industrial location criteria; planners; Ho Chi Minh city; Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3234
Youth and their Knowledge on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Tuan Ismail Tuan Nooriani , Mohd Yusof Mohd Idham , Ab Rahman Farah Adilla , Dwi Harsono
Published: April 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations (UN) have highlighted the youth as the stakeholders. Their knowledge of the triple bottom line of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) is a prerequisite for SDG accomplishment. This paper investigates the level of SDGs knowledge among university youth. It was discovered that youth at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia have a moderate understanding of SDGs and need to be attentive to environment-related SDGs. They were exposed to SDGs by educational institutions and various media platforms. The findings are relevant to SDG-related policy-making and enrich the existing literature.
Keywords: SDGs ; Youth ; Higher Education ; Malaysia
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3240