bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As duas faces da revolução: introdução à Györg Lukács e Rosa Luxemburgo como teóricos do socialismo
Authors: Sousa Wesley Fernando Rodrigues
Published: March 2022

O artigo em tela parte da análise de uma discussão acerca das considerações de Lukács ao pensamento de Luxemburgo, colocadas em dois ensaios do livro História e consciência de classe. Tomamos o filósofo não como pensador político, mas da política. Por outro lado, recorre-se aos textos centrais de Luxemburgo – embora não tenha sido uma filósofa strictu sensu –, para uma compreensão de seu pensamento revolucionário que se mostra fecundo à teoria política. Diante disso, o fio condutor de nosso artigo se coloca em como os autores podem ser tomados como pensadores do socialismo; também as aproximações e distanciamentos referentes à percepção de proletariado e revolução, isto é, a revolução proletária. Por fim, anotando algumas considerações sobre a alternativa socialista em nosso tempo, sublinhamos como eles podem nos servir de substrato teórico para uma crítica da práxis de esquerda no cenário de fracasso do “socialismo real”.
Modeling of manipulator grip reaches with regard to generalized coordinate constraints
Authors: Koshovyi M. D , Ashhepkova N. S , Luchko A. S
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Maintaining operational characteristics when using the robot in extreme conditions and ensuring the reach of the grasp of the manipulator, despite the limitations of the generalized coordinates. Methodology. The kinematic analysis of the manipulator is carried out on the basis of coordinate transformation by the Denavit Hartenberg method. Polynomial laws of change in generalized coordinates are considered taking into account restrictions in the actuators of kinematic pairs. Findings. Algorithms for the kinematic analysis of the manipulator have been developed taking into account the constraints of the generalized coordinates, which in real time make it possible to adjust the control actions on the actuator drives for the successful implementation of software technological operations. Originality. A technique for solving problems of manipulator kinematics is proposed, taking into account the limitations of many permissible values, drive power and friction coefficients for all generalized coordinates. This allows, in contrast to the known techniques, determining in real time the actual coordinates, positioning accuracy and reach of the gripper, implemented considering the arisen limitations of the generalized coordinates. Practical value. The research results can be used at the stage of design, implementation, modernization and operation of manipulators. At the design stage, simulation of the manipulator movement, with considering the constraints of the generalized coordinates, makes it possible to optimize the parameters of the kinematic scheme of the manipulator. For autonomous manipulative mobile robots operating in extreme conditions, the developed software makes it possible to carry out kinematic analysis, adjust the target function of the adaptive control system, synthesize control actions on the actuator drives, and implement software technological operations, despite the arisen limitations of generalized coordinates.
The Profile of Autopsy Cases at Rajshahi Medical College
Authors: Yesmin Laila , Uddin Md Kafil , Islam Md Rafiqul , Talukdar Sandwip , Rahman Md Zubaidur , Debnath Joya
Published: March 2022

Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the profile of Autopsy cases at Rajshahi Medical College.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was carried out at Rajshahi Medical College. From January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 248 autopsy cases were included as a sample size during the study.
Results: Most of the autopsy cases were found to be male ( 75% ), More than 40.72% death were due to poisoning, followed by suicidal hanging cases (19.76% ),homicide cases (14.51%), different types of accidental cases( 8.47%). In case of road traffic accidents (RTA) 70% cases were by 2-wheelervehicles followed by 25% were by 4-wheeler vehicles, 3% were by heavy vehicles and 2% were pedestrian cases. Death from suicidal hanging were mostly common in the age group 15-25 years, Homicide in47-67 years, poisoning in 47-67 years, Accidental fall from height in 15-25 years and Natural death in the age group of 67 years and above.
Conclusion: This study helps to interpret several sorts of medico-legal situations, by policy makers, health care programmers, judiciary and investigation and then takes appropriate action to minimize mortality.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 205-207
Hypothyroidism and Its Comorbidities - An Observational Study at A General Hospital
Authors: Bodiuzzaman MM
Published: March 2022

Background: Hypothyroidism is the most common metabolic disorder that slows metabolism and leads to many medical conditions like diabetes (DM) and its complications like hypertension (HTN) and ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of various comorbidities in the hypothyroid population, to compare them, and to demonstrate that we can prevent those comorbidities through early detection and treatment of primary diseases such as hypothyroidism.
Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted in a general hospital in Faridpur from October 2019 to December 2020 for a period of one year and three months. A total of 170 hypothyroid patients were selected randomly from all sexes and races to see their comorbidities. Clinically suspicious patients were selected for laboratory testing and, after confirmation of hypothyroidism, comorbid conditions were searched for by clinical examination and biochemical tests where needed. All new and old patients were included as cases in this study.
Result: 170 cases were selected as hypothyroidism out of a total of 3233 patients (5.25%). Female patients were more than male cases (134 vs. 36 and a ratio 3.2:1). More patients were above 50 years (29.41%). Comorbidities present most of the patients (88.82%). Most common comorbidities were HTN, DM, BA, and IHD (40%, 19.41%, 14.11%, and 11.76%, respectively). Common concomitant comorbidities were HTN with DM (15.23%) and HTN with IHD (11.25%).
Conclusion: There is a high incidence of HTN, DM, BA, and IHD in association with hypothyroidism. Overt hypothyroid patients are more likely to suffer from HTN and DM. As a result, these comorbid conditions should be investigated in all hypothyroid patients.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 222-225
Second Language Testing: A Psycholinguistic Approach
Authors: Figueiredo Sandra
Published: March 2022

Cut-off analysis is very important in the Second Language testing domain considering the type of tools administered at schools and beyond. Verbal reasoning and lexical decision are crucial to be examined along with additional linguistic tasks in immigrant school population. 108 Portuguese immigrants, with ages between 7-17, from 20 countries and speakers of 21 mother tongues completed a laterality task (dichotic listening test) in order to understand if this type of task should integrate a full diagnostic test for non-native students. Participants answered the test in a single session lasting approximately 60 minutes (along with more tasks in a battery), in the same space that had been previously stipulated by the schools and on appropriately determined schedules. Dichotic Listening test assesses both cognitive and linguistic skills mainly focusing lexicon retrieval and semantic comprehension. Phonological dimension is also evaluated by the binaural detection test. Portuguese immigrants with an age of onset (age of acquisition of Portuguese as Second Language) under eight years were considered for this sample. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was carried out to define the cut-off points of different tasks. In the present study we will present the specificity, sensitivity and AUC for the dichotic listening. The score calculation took into account the laterality (right or left-handed) and also controlling for gender and age variables. The results pointed out to the predictive value of the dichotic listening task for right-handed, meaning that is able to distinguish proficiency levels and immigrants at risk (right-handed) concerning the evaluation and the learning process. These data highlight the discriminatory power of specific tests with specific sensitivity and specificity properties that could inform which areas are fragile attending the inter-individual variation.
Rethinking Educational Transitioning in South African Primary Schools in Grades 3 and 4
Authors: Manditereza Blandina
Published: March 2022

In South Africa, Grade 3 learners are taught by a class-teacher who teaches all the subjects in this specific grade, but once they are promoted to Grade 4, they are taught by specialist subject teachers. This implies that the learners suddenly transition from one teacher to being taught by four or five specialist subject teachers; and this adapting to various pedagogical approaches, has disadvantages. Research reveals that Grade 3 learner- performance is usually satisfactory or better as compared to Grade 4 results. In other words, once the learners’ transition to Grade 4, their academic performance drops. This study investigates the foundational problems plaguing learner-transitioning from Grade 3 to 4. This study is significant in that it suggests recommendations that may address transitional challenges. The interpretive worldview and the case study method were used in conjunction with the qualitative approach to collect data. For this purpose, 5 ex-Model-C schools were conveniently selected; this included 10 Grade 3 teachers and 10 Grade 4 teachers from these schools. Research instruments such as lesson observation, interviews and document analysis were utilised. Additionally, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory was adopted as the theoretical lens which explored the pedagogical relationship between the teacher and the learners. Findings in the study indicated that when Grade 3 learners’ transition to Grade 4 they fail to navigate this process due to contextual barriers. Possibly, the language barrier precipitated by the Language of learning and Teaching (LOLT), affected the learners’ performance. This study recommended changing communication strategies in content subjects as well as re-analysing Grade 4 language pedagogy in curriculum delivery as intervention strategies to solve the issue of poor performance when learners transition from Grade 3 to 4.
The Evolution of Haunted Space in Scotland
Authors: McGill Martha
Published: March 2022

This article explores the popularisation of the concept of haunted space in late eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Scotland. While earlier ghost stories were usually about the haunting of people, the rise of Gothic and Romantic literary aesthetics fuelled a new interest in both the Scottish landscape, and the dramatic potential of lurking spectres. Amid the upheaval of industrialisation and the Highland Clearances, and in a period when Scots were still wrestling with the implications of the 1707 Union, authors recorded stories of wandering ghosts as part of a broader movement to fashion a distinctive identity rooted in a specific cultural context. Against the frequently broad scope of academic literature on spectrality, this article draws attention to the crucial significance of contextual nuances and specific historical and social circumstances. In particular, it points to the fraught politics of loss and repossession in relation to the Highlands’ history of depopulation and modernisation, casting a fresh light on the historical events that have given shape to Scottish haunted space.
The Haunted Landscape of the Uncanny North: Scott Graham’s Shell (2012) and Gordon Napier’s 1745 (2017)
Authors: Germanà Monica
Published: March 2022

Focussing on the spatial dimension of historical haunting, this article analyses the depiction of northern scenery in contemporary Scottish cinema, to highlight a shift from the romanticised landscape of historical figurations of Scottish identity to a territory haunted both by the nation’s past traumas and its dark secrets. I examine Scott Graham’s film Shell (2012) and Gordon Napier’s 1745: An Untold Story of Slavery (2017) to demonstrate how, while they reference the sublime aesthetics and identity politics conventionally attached to the representation of the north and the cultural construction of the Scottish Highlands, these films also interrogate the relationship between history and landscape. Shell and 1745 consequently point to an ambivalent definition of belonging, made more complicated by the specific historical and political references rooted in the landscape. The Scottish north is unveiled as an uncanny territory, where a sense of belonging based on established national history narratives is replaced by the subversive (re)possession of the landscape by the less visible stories that continue to haunt it: the contemporary legacy of Highland Clearances in Shell and Scotland’s involvement in Empire and slavery in 1745.
Qur'an Translations into Central Asian Languages: Exegetical Standards and Translation Processes
Authors: Yakubovych Mykhaylo
Published: March 2022

One of the most important issues when studying Qur’an translation is the question of the extent to which the translation process is informed by a specific hermeneutical strategy. By analysing three translations published by one of the most active international actors in this area, the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Medina, the current study is an exploratory attempt to systematise common features of Qur’an translations produced for Central Asian Muslim communities (in this case, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Tajik). By comparing selected verses and supplementary materials, the analysis undertaken in this article suggests the existence of a specific dynamic in exegetical strategy, according to which both typical ‘Salafi’ visions of the text (mostly in terms of theological issues) are combined with ‘domestic’ interpretations of the Qur’an that are popular in Central Asian Islamic milieux. Despite a predominantly ‘static’ Salafi trend in exegetics, the translations addressed in this study show some level of variation, which appears in the way the overall exegetical framing of the translation is made relevant to the local Muslim context.
KUALITAS SISTEM INFORMASI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN EFEKTIVITAS LAYANAN PENGADUAN MASYARAKAT BERBASIS ONLINE DI DINAS KOMUNIKASI DAN INFORMATIKA KOTA BANDUNG PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Nangameka Teresa Irmina
Published: March 2022

This research focuses on describing and analyzing the effectiveness of the Online-Based Public Complaints Information System which been known LAPOR! from information system quality’s perspective in Bandung city. LAPOR! is a concrete step to integrate the management of public service complaints so that it requires all Ministries / Institutions and Local Governments to be involved in its management. The phenomenon of problems that occur in Bandung related to the application of LAPOR! are complaints channels of each agency that have not been integrated in LAPOR!, LAPOR!'s socialization which is still uneven, also there are reports of complaints that have not been resolved, and public perceptions about complaints online itself.

The researcher used the information systems theory of DeLone and McLean (2013). Combining a qualitative theory with a descriptive approach and also using interview, observations and documents about LAPOR! conducted by the Agency of Communication and Information of Bandung city, these are how the researcher works.

The results showed that the quality of information system of LAPOR! can increase the effectiveness of managing public service complaint. LAPOR! with its features and menu has been able to facilitate several community problems through the system. Some problems of information system that occur such as network, maintenance, and features availability, or technical errors still can be handled by internal experts in the agency. In terms of website interface of LAPOR!, the addition of graph report of complaint in website can improve its management.

Keywords: LAPOR!, effectiveness, information systems
PEMANFAATAN APLIKASI E-PUNTEN DALAM PEMBUATAN SURAT KETERANGAN TINGGAL SEMENTARA (SKTS) DI KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Fansuri Emza Qinan , Hidayah Endang Sri
Published: March 2022

Aplikasi E-PunTEN hadir dalam sajian online, yang memudahkan masyarakat dalam mengurus Surat Keterangan Tinggal Sementara (SKTS) . Penulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pemanfaatan Aplikasi E-Punten Dalam Pembuatan SKTS di Kota Bandung. Metode yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif, teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu wawancara, observasi, dan eokumentasi. Analisis data penulis menggunakan metode trianggulasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukan, Pemanfaatan aplikasi E- PunTEN dalam segi kemudahan, manfaat, dan efektivitas sudah terlaksana dengan baik, namun masih terdapat hambatan pada Social Influence dan Behavioral Intention, masih terkendala pada kesadaran masyarakat dalam perubahan sistem pelayanan dengan munggunakan teknologi berupa Aplikasi. Kemudian terdapat feedback negatif dari masyarakat yaitu masih terdapat pengguna yang memberi rating 1 dari 5 di Google Play Store Review. Saran penulis yakni jam kerja pegawai lebih disesuaikan kembali, atau menambah pegawai terutama di bidang informasi dan teknologi, karena staf IT adalah bagian pertama sebagai server. Dalam prosedur sosialisasi lebih dimanfaatkan sosial media, karena pelayanan berbasis online harus sejalan dengan sosialisasi secara kontinu, sehingga akan mendapatkan feedback yang lebih baik dari masyarakat. Terakhir, ada baiknya penggunaan aplikasi E-PunTEN selalu dilakukan evaluasi terkait frekuensi penggunaan dan berfungsi/tidaknya sistem.
PEMANFAATAN WEBSITE SEBAGAI BENTUK DIGITALISASI PELAYANAN PUBLIK DI KABUPATEN GARUT
Authors: Nurrahman Agung , Dimas Muhamad , Ma’sum Muhammad Falakhuddin , Ino Muhammad Farhan
Published: March 2022

Pemerintah Kabupaten Garut memanfaatkan website sebagai bentuk digitalisasi pelayanan publik terutama pada bidang Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan. Namun, dalam pemanfaatannya, terdapat permasalahan dimana masih ada informasi yang tidak dapat diakses oleh masyarakat karena fitur menu error. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan mendeskripsikan gambaran umum pemanfaatan website sebagai bentuk digitalisasi pelayanan publik di Kabupaten Garut terutama pada website dari Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Garut. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Temuan penelitian yaitu dilihat dari tiga elemen digitalisasi pelayanan publik dalam pelaksanaan egovernment di Kabupaten Garut, telah didukung oleh Garut Command Centre. Pemanfaatan website juga didukung oleh kemampuan sumber daya manusia yang cukup memadai, sajian informasi website juga menyediakan informasi yang cukup update. Kesimpulan dari penelitian adalah, pemanfaatan website sebagai bentuk digitalisasi pelayanan publik di Kabupaten Garut telah dilaksanakan dengan cukup baik, namun masih perlu melakukan peningkatan dari ketersediaan infrastruktur dan peningkatan kemampuan serta keterampilan sumber daya manusia terutama pengelola website dinas.
INOVASI PELAYANAN PUBLIK MELALUI APLIKASI SMART CAMPUS DATA BASE (SCDB) DI KAMPUS INSTITUT PEMERINTAHAN DALAM NEGERI
Authors: Putri Lusy Riadina
Published: March 2022

Service is one of the duties and functions of the profession of the State Civil Servant (ASN), as a state servant and ASN community servant has several main tasks and functions, one of which is public service. Public services become the main face of the Government as the organizer of bureaucracy, good or bad public services from the Government will get a direct assessment by the public as consumers of public services. The Institute of Government of Home Affairs (IPDN) as one of the government agencies to made ASN cadres of Home Affairs government creates a public service innovation through the Smart Campus Data Base (SCDB) application as one of the containers of public services today and services for IPDN academic community interns. SCDB application is the provision of the latest data or databases and electronic information that is integrated online and can be easily accessed in general, especially by the academic community to obtain data and information about IPDN.  The research method used is a descriptive type Qualitative research method. The existence of technological changes in the industrial era 4.0 is getting faster, to be able to keep up with the development of this technology IPDN must have a database where all data or information related to IPDN can be accessed directly through SCDB, the constraints in the human resources admin data manager from each unit/part in IPDN, especially in the field of informatics engineering as the person in charge of data input, IPDN needs for good cooperation for the integration of data in IPDN can run optimally to provide smoothness of the general public and academic community in accessing various information needed through the Smart Campus Data Base (SCDB) Application.

Keywords: Public Service, SCDB Application, Institute of Internal Government
EFEKTIVITAS SICANTIK CLOUD PADA PELAYANAN PUBLIK PERIZINAN BERBASIS E- GOVERMENT DIKABUPATEN PURWAKARTA
Authors: Nurrahman Agung , Rahman Jamilah
Published: March 2022

The focus of the study is the application of the Si Cantik Cloud application. The purpose of this study is to obtain a general description of the effectiveness of Si Cantik in e-government-based licensing public services in Purwakarta Regency. The research method is descriptive qualitative. The research findings indicate that there are supporting factors, namely the commitment of organizational leaders in this case as illustrated in the publication of SOPs supporting the implementation of the Si Cantik Cloud application which can have implications for clarity of information for the business community. In conclusion, on the 5 dimensions used by the author in measuring effectiveness, information is obtained that the Si Cantik Cloud application implemented by the Purwakarta Regency Investment and One Stop Integrated Service (DPMPTSP) shows that the application is quite effective in being used and utilized in the provision of licensing and non-licensing services in Indonesia. Purwakarta Regency. The author recommends that the Purwakarta Regency Government can improve socialization and assistance to the community, and develop infrastructure designs in order to strengthen the effectiveness of implementing the Si Cantik Cloud application.

Keywords: Effectiveness, Si Cantik Cloud, Public Service, E-government.
KUALITAS PELAYANAN PUBLIK DALAM PENERAPAN APLIKASI E-PBB DI BADAN PENDAPATAN DAERAH (BAPENDA) KABUPATEN PURWAKARTA
Authors: Rahmadanita Annisa , Dowa Pretty Petronella Clarita
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the study was to obtain an overview of the quality of public services in the application of the E-PBB application at BAPENDA Purwakarta Regency. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The findings of this study are in the tangible dimension, BAPENDA has been able to provide services that are not limited by space and time, but BAPENDA also provides physical facilities for services in utilizing the E-PBB application. In terms of reliability, the E-PBB application has been downloaded by the people of Purwakarta more than five thousand times, this shows that the people of Purwakarta Regency believe in the services provided by the district government. On the responsiveness dimension, the Purwakarta Regency Government is considered fast and precise in providing services. Meanwhile, in the assurance dimension, information was obtained that public service providers were friendly and courteous in providing services to the community. However, in the empathy dimension, there is no firm attitude taken by employees to meet the needs of the community so that tax payment services can be carried out directly by the community without having to come to the bank or payment location. The conclusion of the study is that BAPENDA Purwakarta Regency has made use of technology in making efforts to improve the quality of public services. The quality of public services provided by BAPENDA Purwakarta Regency is considered quite good, but still needs to maximize the features in the E-PBB application and consider the needs of the community, especially in terms of paying taxes that can be carried out directly.

Keywords: Public Service Quality, E-Government, E-PBB
Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Dental Applications: Principles, Current Advances, and Future Outlook
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Liang Xin , Wang Yanhui , Wang Dashan , Teng Minhua , Xu Hao , Zhao Baodong , Han Lei
Published: March 2022

With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been used in dental fields over the past years. Among them, graphene and its derivatives have attracted great attentions, owing to their excellent physicochemical property, morphology, biocompatibility, multi-differentiation activity, and antimicrobial activity. In our review, we summarized the recent progress about their applications on the dentistry. The synthesis methods, structures, and properties of graphene-based materials are discussed. Then, the dental applications of graphene-based materials are emphatically collected and described. Finally, the challenges and outlooks of graphene-based nanomaterials on the dental applications are discussed in this paper, aiming at inspiring more excellent studies.
Corrosion of Carbon Steel by Shewanella chilikensis DC57 Under Thiosulphate and Nitrate Reducing Conditions
Authors: Salgar-Chaparro Silvia J. , Tarazona Johanna , Machuca Laura L.
Published: March 2022

Shewanella chilikensis DC57 is a bacterial strain isolated from a corrosion failure in a floating oil production system. Previous studies have indicated that this microorganism has potential to trigger corrosion of carbon steel through several metabolic pathways identified in its genome. In this study we evaluated the corrosion of carbon steel by S. chilikensis in the presence of thiosulphate or nitrate as terminal electron acceptors of the anaerobic respiration. Electrochemical response of carbon steel to the biofilm formation revealed differences in the corrosion process under the different electron acceptors conditions. Microscopic examination of the metal surface confirmed that S. chilikensis induced corrosion in both scenarios; however, in the presence of thiosulfate S. chilikensis triggered a higher pitting corrosion rate, whereas in presence of nitrate it promoted higher uniform corrosion. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the metabolic versatility of microbes in order to assess the MIC risk of industrial facilities.
Single-Cell Photothermal Analysis Induced by MoS2 Nanoparticles by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Rusciano Giulia , Capaccio Angela , Sasso Antonio , Singh Manjot , Valadan Mohammadhassan , Dell’Aversana Carmela , Altucci Lucia , Altucci Carlo
Published: March 2022

Two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as MoS2 nanosheets, have been attracting increasing attention in cancer diagnosis and treatment, thanks to their peculiar physical and chemical properties. Although the mechanisms which regulate the interaction between these nanomaterials and cells are not yet completely understood, many studies have proved their efficient use in the photothermal treatment of cancer, and the response to MoS2 nanosheets at the single-cell level is less investigated. Clearly, this information can help in shedding light on the subtle cellular mechanisms ruling the interaction of this 2D material with cells and, eventually, to its cytotoxicity. In this study, we use confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy to reconstruct the thermal map of single cells targeted with MoS2 under continuous laser irradiation. The experiment is performed by analyzing the water O-H stretching band around 3,400 cm−1 whose tetrahedral structure is sensitive to the molecular environment and temperature. Compared to fluorescence-based approaches, this Raman-based strategy for temperature measurement does not suffer fluorophore instability, which can be significant under continuous laser irradiation. We demonstrate that irradiation of human breast cancer MCF7 cells targeted with MoS2 nanosheets causes a relevant photothermal effect, which is particularly high in the presence of MoS2 nanosheet aggregates. Laser-induced heating is strongly localized near such particles which, in turn, tend to accumulate near the cytoplasmic membrane. Globally, our experimental outcomes are expected to be important for tuning the nanosheet fabrication process.
California Residents’ Perceptions of Gene Drive Systems to Control Mosquito-Borne Disease
Authors: Schairer Cynthia E. , Triplett Cynthia , Akbari Omar S. , Bloss Cinnamon S.
Published: March 2022

Scientists developing gene drive mosquitoes for vector control must understand how residents of affected areas regard both the problem of mosquito-borne disease and the potential solutions offered by gene drive. This study represents an experiment in public engagement at an early stage of technology development, intended to inform lab scientists about public attitudes toward their research and inspire consideration and conversation about the social ramifications of creating mosquitoes with gene drive. Online focus groups with California residents explored views on mosquito-borne disease risk, current mosquito control methods, and the proposed development and use of different classes of gene drives to control Ae. aegypti. Rather than a dogmatic rejection of genetic engineering or gene drive, many participants expressed pragmatic concerns with cost, control, the ability to narrowly target specific species, and the challenges of mistrust and institutional cooperation. Work like this can inform the alignment of community priorities and the professional priorities of scientists and vector control specialists.
Intravenous Transplantation of Human Hair Follicle-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates Trabecular Bone Loss in Osteoporotic Mice
Authors: Lin Longshuai , He Enjun , Wang Hongjie , Guo Weihong , Wu Zhenkai , Huang Kai , Zhao Qinghua
Published: March 2022

Background: Hair follicles harbor a rich autologous stem cell pool and human hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hHF-MSCs) have multi-lineage differentiation potential. Many sources of MSCs include hHF-MSCs have been attractive candidates for cell therapy, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The present study is to explore the effect of intravenous transplantation of hHF-MSCs on bone mass in osteoporotic mice and its mechanism, and provides prospects for clinical applications for the treatment of osteoporosis with hHF-MSCs.

Methods: Physically pull out about 20 hairs with intact hair follicles from the occipital area of the scalp of healthy volunteers, and extract hair follicle-derived fibroblast-like cells. These cells were cultured and characterized in vitro. Intravenous injection of hHF-MSCs was performed on ovariectomy-induced and age-related osteoporotic SCID mice for osteoporosis treatment. The mice were sacrificed 7 weeks after the second injection and samples were collected. The long bones and L1 vertebrae were collected for micro-CT scan, histomorphometry and immunohistochemical analysis. Peripheral serum were collected for ELISA analysis and antibody array.

Results: Hair follicle-derived fibroblast-like cells were defined as hHF-MSCs. Intravenous transplantation of hHF-MSCs can better restores trabecular bone mass in osteoporotic mice. The double calcein labeling assay, trap staining of bones and ELISA analysis in peripheral serum showed enhanced bone formation and weakened bone resorption after transplantation. Antibody array and immunohistochemical analysis showed that several cytokines including OPG, Wnt2b, Noggin, VCAM-1 and RANKL might be involved in this process.

Conclusion: Human HF-MSCs transplantation can combat trabecular bone loss induced by menopause and aging in mice. And the above mechanism that hHF-MSCs transplantation inhibits bone resorption and promote bone formation is related to OPG, Wnt2b, VCAM-1, Noggin and RANKL.
Multi-Omics Signatures Identification for LUAD Prognosis Prediction Model Based on the Integrative Analysis of Immune and Hypoxia Signals
Authors: Lou Yuqing , Shi Qin , Zhang Yanwei , Qi Ying , Zhang Wei , Wang Huimin , Lu Jun , Han Baohui , Zhong Hua
Published: March 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype of lung cancer with heterogeneous outcomes and diverse therapeutic responses. However, the understanding of the potential mechanism behind LUAD initiation and progression remains limited. Increasing evidence shows the clinical significance of the interaction between immune and hypoxia in tumor microenvironment. To mine reliable prognostic signatures related to both immune and hypoxia and provide a more comprehensive landscape of the hypoxia-immune genome map, we investigated the hypoxia-immune-related alteration at the multi-omics level (gene expression, somatic mutation, and DNA methylation). Multiple strategies including lasso regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to screen the signatures with clinical significance and establish an incorporated prognosis prediction model with robust discriminative power on survival status on both the training and test datasets. Finally, combing all the samples, we constructed a robust model comprising 19 signatures for the prognosis prediction of LUAD patients. The results of our study provide a comprehensive landscape of hypoxia-immune related genetic alterations and provide a robust prognosis predictor for LUAD patients.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Differential Expression and Prognostic Value of Histone Deacetylases in Glioma
Authors: Li Jinwei , Yan Xianlei , Liang Cong , Chen Hongmou , Liu Meimei , Wu Zhikang , Zheng Jiemin , Dang Junsun , La Xiaojin , Liu Quan
Published: March 2022

Gliomas are the most common and aggressive malignancies of the central nervous system. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important targets in cancer treatment. They regulate complex cellular mechanisms that influence tumor biology and immunogenicity. However, little is known about the function of HDACs in glioma. The Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Broad Institute Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, OmicShare, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, STRING, and TIMER databases were utilized to analyze the differential expression, prognostic value, and genetic alteration of HDAC and immune cell infiltration in patients with glioma. HDAC1/2 were considerable upregulated whereas HDAC11 was significantly downregulated in cancer tissues. HDAC1/2/3/4/5/7/8/11 were significantly correlated with the clinical glioma stage. HDAC1/2/3/10 were strongly upregulated in 11 glioma cell lines. High HDCA1/3/7 and low HDAC4/5/11 mRNA levels were significantly associated with overall survival and disease-free survival in glioma. HDAC1/2/3/4/5/7/9/10/11 are potential useful biomarkers for predicting the survival of patients with glioma. The functions of HDACs and 50 neighboring genes were primarily related to transcriptional dysregulation in cancers and the Notch, cGMP-PKG, and thyroid hormone signaling pathways. HDAC expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in glioma. Our study indicated that HDACs are putative precision therapy targets and prognostic biomarkers of survival in glioma patients.
Hollow CoS/C Structures for High-Performance Li, Na, K Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Xiangkun , Zhang Fengling , Zhang Leqing , Zhang Tao , Li Changshuan , Jin Zhicheng , Wu Yueying , Du Zhongyu , Jiao Huiwen , Jiang Ying , Yan Yuliang , Li Qiang , Kong Weijin
Published: March 2022

Alkali ion (Li, Na, and K) batteries as a new generation of energy storage devices are widely applied in portable electronic devices and large-scale energy storage equipment. The recent focus has been devoted to develop universal anodes for these alkali ion batteries with superior performance. Transition metal sulfides can accommodate alkaline ions with large radius to travel freely between layers due to its large interlayer spacing. Moreover, the composite with carbon material can further improve electrical conductivity of transition metal sulfides and reduce the electron transfer resistance, which is beneficial for the transport of alkali ions. Herein, we designed zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)–derived hollow structures CoS/C for excellent alkali ion (Li, Na, and K) battery anodes. The porous carbon framework can improve the conductivity and effectively buffer the stress-induced structural damage. The ZIF-derived CoS/C anodes maintain a reversible capacity of 648.9, and 373.2, 224.8 mAh g−1 for Li, Na, and K ion batteries after 100 cycles, respectively. Its outstanding electrochemical performance is considered as a universal anode material for Li, Na, and K ion batteries.
Gut Virome: Role and Distribution in Health and Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Spencer Laurie , Olawuni Babatunde , Singh Pallavi
Published: March 2022

The study of the intestinal microbiome is an evolving field of research that includes comprehensive analysis of the vast array of microbes – bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and viral. Various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, have been associated with instability of the gut microbiota. Many studies have focused on importance of bacterial communities with relation to health and disease in humans. The role of viruses, specifically bacteriophages, have recently begin to emerge and have profound impact on the host. Here, we comprehensively review the importance of viruses in GI diseases and summarize their influence in the complex intestinal environment, including their biochemical and genetic activities. We also discuss the distribution of the gut virome as it relates with treatment and immunological advantages. In conclusion, we suggest the need for further studies on this critical component of the intestinal microbiome to decipher the role of the gut virome in human health and disease.
Assessing Flood Early Warning Systems for Flash Floods
Authors: Henao Salgado María J. , Zambrano Nájera Jeannette
Published: March 2022

Flash floods are an increasing concern, especially in regions with abrupt topography and small areas where floods are rapid and energy-filled. That is the case of the El Guamo stream basin located in Manizales, Colombia. It has been proposed a duration-independent rainfall threshold for flash floods in this basin, using a hydrodynamic method that links critical water stages to cumulative rainfall. This paper presents a systematic literature review of 19 case studies from 2016 to 2021 to compare and highlight complexities and differences in the methods used in rainfall threshold estimation in both the El Guamo stream basin as in other case studies. The results identified four types of methods: (i) empirical, (ii) hydrological/hydrodynamic, (iii) probabilistic, and (iv) compound. Each method identified the principal indicators and their predictor variables. Each method uses different indicators, such as accumulated rain, accumulated antecedent rainfall, intensity-duration of the rain event, maximum cumulative or cumulative rainfall depth for a specific duration, and critical rainfall within given time periods. Scenario analysis of the predictor variables is a common approach used in rainfall threshold estimation. Some predicting variables found are antecedent moisture conditions, inundation criteria, and synthetic hyetographs. Some case studies include a probabilistic analysis of the predictor variables. This article concludes that indicators and their predicting variables can be adjusted to local flood early warning systems depending on the rainfall threshold method selected. Hydrodynamic models are solid in rainfall threshold estimation. However, it is highly advisable to include uncertainty analysis and new data sources to have more robust rainfall thresholds. Furthermore, probabilistic methods, including uncertainty analysis with utility functions, are a valuable tool to improve decision-making in early warning systems, which can help to refine the rainfall threshold estimation.
A Preliminary Account of the Northern Toussian Balafon Surrogate Language
Authors: Struthers-Young Anthony
Published: March 2022

Northern Toussian is a language spoken in southwest Burkina Faso. Like many of the ethnicities in the region, members of the musical caste, the griots, have developed a musical surrogate language which is played on the balafon. This article is a preliminary documentation of the Northern Toussian balafon surrogate language, describing its cultural usage, analyzing how the tones of the spoken language are encoded in the surrogate language and comparing the Northern Toussian surrogate language with the neighboring Sambla surrogate language. It was found that the Northern Toussian surrogate language encodes significantly more post-lexical features of the spoken language than the Sambla surrogate language, such as downdrift.
Leopards in the City: The Tale of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Two Protected Areas in and Adjacent to Mumbai, India
Authors: Surve Nikit Sanjay , Sathyakumar Sambandam , Sankar Kalyanasundaram , Jathanna Devcharan , Gupta Vikas , Athreya Vidya
Published: March 2022

Recent studies in the last decade have recorded obligate carnivores adapting to human dominated landscapes. Leopards, amongst other large carnivores, are highly adaptable and survive in a range of environments from the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East to the cold regions of the Russian Far East. They are also highly adaptable in their diet and consequently are present close to and even within high-density human landscapes. These also include the edges of urban areas such as Nairobi and Mumbai. Our study, to better understand the coexistence of leopards and humans, was conducted in 104 km2of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which is surrounded on three sides by the urban landscape of Mumbai and Thane cities. The study area also included 85 km2of an adjoining protected area, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS), which is surrounded by a combination of forests, rural areas and agricultural lands. Based on spatial capture—recapture framework we observed that leopard densities in SGNP (26.34 ± 4.96 leopards/100 km2) and TWLS (5.40 ± 2.99 leopards/100 km2) were vastly different. We found that density estimates of wild prey and domestic dogs were higher in SGNP in comparison to TWLS. In both the protected areas (PAs), domestic dogs formed a major proportion of leopard diet and were the single highest species contributors. Our study shows that despite extremely high human density around SGNP (~20,000 people/km2), leopard density is also much higher than the adjoining TWLS which has a comparatively lower surrounding density of people (~1,700 people/km2). Leopard density reported from SGNP is amongst the highest ever reported. This interesting result is probably due to much higher biomass of potential food resources in and around SGNP. Studying this relationship between leopards and their prey (both wild and domestic) in a human dominated landscape will give us valuable insights on human—leopard interactions. The two adjacent and connected PAs are similar ecologically, but differ widely in almost all other aspects, including human densities along the periphery, leopard densities, prey densities as well as management regimes.
The Roles of Fractionated Potentials in Non-Macroreentrant Atrial Tachycardias Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Recognition Beyond Three-Dimensional Mapping
Authors: Wang Yu-Chuan , Shi Li-Bin , Chu Song-Yun , Solheim Eivind , Schuster Peter , Chen Jian
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Non-macroreentrant atrial tachycardia (nAT) following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is being increasingly reported. Many issues remain to be elucidated. We aimed to characterize the fractionated potentials (FPs) in nAT and introduce a new method of cross-mapping for clarifying their roles.

Methods and Results

Forty-four nATs in 37 patients were enrolled and classified into focal AT (FAT, 12), microreentrant AT (MAT, 14), and small-loop-reentrant AT (SAT, 18) groups, according to activation pattern. FP was found on all targets except in nine FATs. The ratio of FP duration to AT cycle length (TCL) was different among groups (28 ± 7% in FAT, 53 ± 11% in MAT, and 42 ± 14% in SAT, p < 0.05), and ablation duration were longer in SATs (313 ± 298 vs. 111 ± 125 s, p < 0.05). The ratio of mappable cycle length to TCL was lower in the FAT group (63 ± 22% vs. 90 ± 9% and 89 ± 8%, p < 0.05). When cross-mapping was employed, trans-potential time differences in both longitudinal and transverse direction were longer around the culprit FP for MAT (p < 0.01). After Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, it is best to adopt the sum of time difference ratios in both directions ≥60% as a cut-off value for discrimination of the FPs responsible for MAT with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 87%.

Conclusions

FP could be found on target in most nATs following a previous AF ablation. The ratio of FP duration to TCL may help for differentiation. A simple method of cross-mapping could be employed to clarify the roles of FPs.
Association of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio With Plaque Rupture in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients With Only Intermediate Coronary Artery Lesions Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Jiang Jintong , Zeng Huasu , Zhuo Yang , Wang Changqian , Gu Jun , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Huili
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Plaque vulnerability and rupture rather than plaque size are the major cause of clinical events in patients with intermediate coronary lesions. Therefore, the present study was aimed to explore potential markers associated with plaque rupture in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with intermediate coronary lesions.

Methods

A total of 82 ACS patients presenting with only intermediate coronary lesions (40–70% stenosis demonstrated by quantitative coronary angiography) and no severe stenosis in other main coronary arteries [median age 63 years, 53 male and 29 female] were enrolled. Plaque morphology were assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Hematological indices were assayed by automated hematological analyzer.

Results

Plaque rupture was identified in 14 patients by OCT. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with plaque rupture (n = 14) was significantly higher than that in patients with non-plaque rupture (n = 68) [3.85 (3.28, 4.77) vs. 2.13 (1.40, 2.81), p < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NLR was one of the independent risk factors for plaque rupture in intermediate coronary artery lesions (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence intervals 1.18–2.29, p = 0.003). ROC curve analysis found a cutoff point of NLR > 2.94 for plaque rupture with 93.8% sensitivity and 77.9% specificity.

Conclusion

NLR, an inflammatory biomarker, is closely associated with plaque rupture in intermediate coronary artery lesions. Monitoring NLR may be useful in risk stratification and management for intermediate coronary artery lesions.