bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitration of Flavonoids and Tocopherols as Potential Modulators of Nitrosative Stress—A Study Based on Their Conformational Structures and Energy Content
Authors: Pérez de la Lastra José Manuel , Juan Celia Andrés , Plou Francisco J. , Pérez-Lebeña Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Vitamin E and dietary flavonoids are natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, showing little or no side effects. Fruit and vegetable diets based on flavonoids and vitamin E provide a benefit to hypertensive subjects by regulating blood pressure. However, the exact mechanism of their anti-inflammatory properties has not been chemically explained. It has been proposed that their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be related to their ability to scavenge free radicals. We here describe the chemical considerations that flavonoids and tocopherols required to act as potential scavengers of the •NO2 radical, a key radical in the cellular oxidative process. Moreover, we provide a theoretical study of the energy content of the nitrated compounds in the different possible positions. With this analysis, it was predicted that five flavonoids from different families (quercetin (flavanol), naringenin (flavanone), luteolin (flavone), catechin (flavanol) and aurantinidin (anthocyanin)) and three tocopherols (β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol, but not α-tocopherol) could act as potential scavengers of the harmful •NO2 radical. These results may help to explain their beneficial effect on cardiovascular health through its antioxidant role. To validate our theoretical considerations, we also examined uric acid, a well-known •NO2-scavenger. We hope this study could help to elucidate the potential scavenging activity of other dietary antioxidants.
Optimization of Plane and Space of New Dwellings in Southern Anhui Province Based on Indoor Thermal Environment
Authors: Bian Mengyuan , Huang Zhijia , Chen Qing , Liu Guo , Zhang Yang , Ding Shanshan
Published: May 2022

Considering the problems of poor plane and space design, poor indoor thermal environment, and high energy consumption of dwellings in southern Anhui province, and combining with the requirements of modern residential environment, the characteristics and changing laws of the plane and space organization of Huizhou traditional dwellings from the traditional period to the New Rural period and the inheritance requirements of Huizhou traditional dwellings, seven types of new dwellings in southern Anhui province were designed based on the survey and mapping of Huizhou traditional dwellings. DesignBuilder software is used for the new dwelling plan to simulate and optimize the indoor thermal environment as well as energy consumption of seven building plans. The results show that: High indoor thermal comfort and low energy consumption are observed in a large aspect ratio and fully enclosed room, and better indoor thermal comfort is observed in summer than in winter in rooms with courtyards, and better indoor thermal comfort and low energy consumption is observed when the rooms are located in the northeast, southwest, and south directions. The results have guiding significance for the construction of new dwellings that are comfortable and energy-saving, and distinctive in southern Anhui province.
Methodology for Determining Sustainable Water Consumption Indicators for Buildings
Authors: Batista Luciana Teixeira , Franco José Ricardo Queiroz , Fakury Ricardo Hall , Porto Marcelo Franco , Braga Carmela Maria Polito
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was the definition and determination of sustainable water consumption indicators for activity categories, as well as the evolution of water consumption in commercial buildings. These indicators were determined through statistical analyses using Shewhart charts. Within a broader scope, the research proposed a methodology to automate sustainable management of water consumption in building operation using BIM–IoT–FM integration. The scientific rigor of the methodology was based on the precepts of design science research. The methods proposed for the construction of functionalities and the application of the reference indicators provided an optimized analysis of water consumption and the detection of excess consumption and leaks. The methodology, implemented in an online prototype, AquaBIM, could deliver a significant advance for building management. A conceptual test of AquaBIM evaluated the consumption indicators and validated our methodology through its application in a commercial building. The building consumption analyses showed a potential for approximately 15% savings. In addition, five requirements of the international sustainability certification AQUAHQE were met. The results of our research provide an innovative approach for the automation of sustainable building management and could be expanded to monitor and report on the consumption of other critical resources such as electricity and gas.
Local Indicator-Based Flood Vulnerability Indices and Predictors of Relocation in the Ketu South Municipal Area of Ghana
Authors: Babanawo Daystar , Mattah Precious Agbeko D. , Agblorti Samuel K. M. , Brempong Emmanuel K. , Mattah Memuna Mawusi , Aheto Denis Worlanyo
Published: May 2022

Certain communities along the coast of Ketu South Municipality in south-eastern Ghana, remain vulnerable to coastal flood events from storm surges, high tidal waves, lagoon overflow, and heavy rainfall. However, the local conditions that make these communities vulnerable are poorly understood and knowledge on which communities are most vulnerable is lacking. This study improves the conceptual understanding of different dimensions of vulnerability that exist across the communities and the various levels of vulnerability that each exposed community exhibits. The study surveyed 354 household heads from selected flood-prone communities including Blekusu, Agavedzi, Salakope, Amutsinu, and Adina. The survey collected data on demographic, social, economic, physical, exposure, and adaptive capacity to flood hazards. The data was then used to construct composite vulnerability indices at community levels. Results from the study demonstrate that the communities have different levels of vulnerability as a result of differences in their exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity levels. The willingness to relocate as an adaptation strategy was determined by household flood duration, number of livelihoods, and sea defence preference. These results are relevant to flood disaster management programs and the adoption of effective adaptation measures that take into account local knowledge. The findings imply that interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability should take into account household characteristics, as well as flood exposure, and adaptive capacity factors.
Mapping Coastal Wetlands Using Satellite Imagery and Machine Learning in a Highly Urbanized Landscape
Authors: Munizaga Juan , García Mariano , Ureta Fernando , Novoa Vanessa , Rojas Octavio , Rojas Carolina
Published: May 2022

Coastal wetlands areas are heterogeneous, highly dynamic areas with complex interactions between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, making them essential for the biosphere and the development of human activities. Remote sensing offers a robust and cost-efficient mean to monitor coastal landscapes. In this paper, we evaluate the potential of using high resolution satellite imagery to classify land cover in a coastal area in Concepción, Chile, using a machine learning (ML) approach. Two machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF), were evaluated using four different scenarios: (I) using original spectral bands; (II) incorporating spectral indices; (III) adding texture metrics derived from the grey-level covariance co-occurrence matrix (GLCM); and (IV) including topographic variables derived from a digital terrain model. Both methods stand out for their excellent results, reaching an average overall accuracy of 88% for support vector machine and 90% for random forest. However, it is statistically shown that random forest performs better on this type of landscape. Furthermore, incorporating Digital Terrain Model (DTM)-derived metrics and texture measures was critical for the substantial improvement of SVM and RF. Although DTM did not increase the accuracy in SVM, this study makes a methodological contribution to the monitoring and mapping of water bodies’ landscapes in coastal cities with weak governance and data scarcity in coastal management.
What Matters for Regional Economic Resilience Amid Multi Shock Situations: Structural or Agency? Evidence from Resource-Based Cities in China
Authors: Li Liangang , Liu Shuoya , Li Chen , Zhang Pingyu , Lo Kevin
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to the study of regional economic resilience by analyzing the characteristics and mechanisms of resilience under different shock situations. The paper focuses on the resistance dimension of resilience and analyzes the mechanisms of influence from structural and agency-based factors. Our findings reflect that the regional economic resilience characteristics of resource-based cities in China in response to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic vary significantly. We find that the economic resilience has positive spatial autocorrelation characteristics. The regions with strong ability to deal with the shocks can promote resistance in the surrounding regions through their spatial spillover effect. Both structural and agency-based factors play significant roles in regional economic resilience under different shock situations, but the direction of the effect varies significantly. The agency-based factors have a more important role in regional economic resilience. The findings suggest that the nature of different shock situations deserves greater attention in the analysis of regional economic resilience. The mechanisms of structural and agency-based factors may change under different shock situations, and the spatial correlation characteristics of regional economic resilience and the spatial spillover effects should be taken into consideration.
Barriers for Prosumers’ Open Business Models: A Resource-Based View on Assets and Data-Sharing in Electricity Markets
Authors: Montakhabi Mehdi , Van Zeeland Ine , Ballon Pieter
Published: May 2022

This article explores the barriers for open business models in support of sustainability in electricity markets. It puts forward privacy and data protection concerns about sharing prosumers’ physical assets as well as data due to to their critical role in decentralized modes of electricity/flexibility trading. In particular, it uses a multiple case study approach to identify actors’ resources, examine other interested actors in each resource, define their objectives, and consider privacy and data protection concerns of sharing prosumers’ physical assets and data. The findings yield new insights into sharing opportunities beyond electricity/flexibility trading. In doing so, our study contributes to theories of the firm by applying the resource-based view in a new context and to the business model literature by shedding light on barriers in applying open business models.
A Circular Biorefinery-Integrating Wastewater Treatment with the Generation of an Energy Precursor and an Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Tabassum-Abbasi  , Patnaik Pratiksha , Rahi Ranjan , Abbasi Shahid Abbas
Published: May 2022

A circular (close-loop) biorefinery, which integrates wastewater treatment with the generation of an energy precursor and organic fertilizer, tested at the level of a pilot plant treating 54,000 L per day (LPD) of sewage, is described. In the biorefinery’s first stage, sewage was treated in a novel SHEFROL® (sheet-flow-root-level) bioreactor at a very rapid rate, indicated by a hydraulic retention time of a mere 6 h, to a level that met the prevailing national standards for the discharge of treated sewage. The main bioagent of the reactor—water hyacinth—was then processed for the generation of energy precursors. For this, volatile fatty acids (VFA) were extracted in a simple batch reactor operating at ambient temperature and pressure. The ‘spent’ weeds were then converted into organic fertilizer, also at ambient temperature and pressure, by the high-rate vermicomposting process earlier reported by the authors. In this manner, wastewater treatment, energy production, and the generation of a fertilizer were achieved rapidly and efficiently, creating a circular close-loop system that required very little energy and materials and generated almost zero net waste.
Remediation and Micro-Ecological Regulation of Cadmium and Arsenic Co-Contaminated Soils by Rotation of High-Biomass Crops and Sedum alfredii Hance: A Field Study
Authors: Li Xinyi , Zhu Yelin , Zhu Jian , Wang Ping , Tang Cheng , Liu Zhiming
Published: May 2022

Rotation of high-biomass crops and hyperaccumulators is considered to be an effective, safe and economical method for the remediation of medium-mild heavy metal contaminated soil, but the present studies pay more attention to the removal efficiency rather than changes in soil micro-ecology. In order to explore the remediation effect of hyperaccumulators rotated with high-biomass crops on Cd and As co-contaminated soil, Cd hyperaccumulator ecotype (HE) Sedum alfredii Hance and crops were selected to construct a field experiment, five rotation modes including Sedum alfredii Hance-Oryza sativa L. (SP), Sedum alfredii Hance-Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SS), Sedum alfredii Hance-Zea mays L. (SM), Sedum alfredii Hance-Hibiscus cannabinus L. (SK), Sedum alfredii Hance-Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. (ST), and investigated the effects of these modes on the removal efficiency, soil physiochemical properties and micro-ecological effects (soil nutrients, enzyme activities and microbial diversity) through a field experiment. The results showed that total soil Cd from the five rotation modes (SP, SS, SM, SK and ST) decreased by 25.1%, 20.3%, 34.5%, 6.3% and 74.3%, respectively, and total soil As decreased by 42.9%, 19.8%, 39.7%, 39.7% and 45.7%, respectively. The rotation significantly increased soil organic matter by 47.39–82.28%, effectively regulated soil pH value and cation exchange capacity. The rotation modes also significantly increased soil alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen by 9.09–50.91%, but decreased soil available phosphorus and rapidly available potassium. Except for urease, the soil enzyme activities increased overall. The Alpha diversity increased, and soil microbial structure optimized after rotation. ST mode was the most effective remediation mode, which not only reduces the content of Cd and As in the soil, but also effectively regulates the soil micro-ecology. The results from this study have shown that it is feasible to apply Sedum alfredii Hance and the high-biomass rotation method for the remediation of Cd and As co-contaminated soil.
Staying at Work? The Impact of Social Support on the Perception of the COVID-19 Epidemic and the Mediated Moderating Effect of Career Resilience in Tourism
Authors: Lee Su-Hsin , Kao Hsiao-Ting , Kung Pei-Chen
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused dramatic impacts and changes in the tourism industry, and job insecurity and emotional exhaustion have created psychological stress and negative emotions. Social support for Taiwan tourism workers (travel agency, transportation industry, lodging industry, tourism and leisure industry, etc.) plays an important role in their career resilience. However, not all of the potential social support moderators have a critical impact. This study used PLS-SEM analysis to survey 373 respondents by using an online questionnaire to investigate the critical influence of social support on the spread of COVID-19 using career motivation theory. In addition to the direct relationship between the individual’s psychological resilience and social support, the strategy of social support (family and friends, national relief policies and workplace support) is also pointed out. The results of the study illustrate the effectiveness of workplace support in combating the epidemic. This study provides information on effective resistance to the epidemic, how to prolong career resilience during unexpected shocks and stresses, and how to understand the mechanisms of adaptation or resilience in adversity and complements the study of factors and literature base in resilience research. It is also used as a study of the impact factors and industry strategy planning in future research.
A Machine Learning and Computer Vision Study of the Environmental Characteristics of Streetscapes That Affect Pedestrian Satisfaction
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Kim Donghyun , Park Jina
Published: May 2022

Pedestrian-friendly cities are a recent global trend due to the various urbanization problems. Since humans are greatly influenced by sight while walking, this study identified the physical and visual characteristics of the street environment that affect pedestrian satisfaction. In this study, vast amounts of visual data were collected and analyzed using computer vision techniques. Furthermore, these data were analyzed through a machine learning prediction model and SHAP algorithm. As a result, every visual feature of the streetscape, for example, the visible area and urban design quality, had a greater effect on pedestrian satisfaction than any physical features. Therefore, to build a street with high pedestrian satisfaction, the perspective of pedestrians must be considered, and wide sidewalks, fewer lanes, and the proper arrangement of street furniture are required. In conclusion, visually, low enclosure, adequate complexity, and large green areas combine to create a highly satisfying pedestrian walkway. Through this study, we could suggest an approach from a visual perspective for the pedestrian environment of the street and see the possibility of using computer vision techniques.
The Path of Housing Prices in Promoting the Upgrading of Industrial Structure: Bank Credit Funds, Land Finance, and Consumer Demand
Authors: Yin Bibo , Pang Yining , Xu Xiaocang
Published: May 2022

The impact path of housing prices on the upgrading of the industrial structure is an important part of realizing the high-quality operation of the national economy in China. In order to discuss the mechanism of different influencing paths to upgrading industrial structure, this paper introduces three different intermediary variables from the levels of supply, demand, and government, and further subdivides and compares them to empirically test the specific impact path of housing prices on industrial structure upgrading by constructing multi-dimensional industrial structure upgrading indicators. It obtains some meaningful results. Firstly, there is a significant U-shaped relationship between housing prices and industrial structure upgrading; secondly, rising house prices will exacerbate the real estate industry’s occupation of bank credit funds, hindering the upgrading of the whole industrial structure; thirdly, the negative impact of the land’s financial dependence on the upgrading of the industrial structure was underestimated; and, finally, the rise in housing prices can improve the consumption level and promote the upgrading of regional industrial structures. By studying the impact path of house prices on the upgrading of different industrial structures, it will help local governments regulate house prices and give full play to the role of house prices in promoting the upgrading of industrial structure through multiple channels.
Estimating the Long-Term Effects of National and International Sustainable Transport Policies on Energy Consumption and Emissions of Road Transport Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Abbasi Muhammad Salman , Ahmad Saad , Mujtaba M. A. , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: May 2022

Energy/fuel consumption and associated emissions are major concerns of transport sector. During the fiscal year (FY) of 2018, Pakistan’s transport sector consumed 22 million tons of oil equivalent (TOE) energy from burning of fossil fuels and emitted 52.8 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2, which accounted for 30% of country’s overall carbon emissions. Different scenarios, such as business as usual (BAU), International Energy Agency Vision 2030 (IEA V30), International Energy Agency Vision 2050 (IEA V50), China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and newly developed Pakistan National Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP), are analyzed for Pakistan’s transport sector and results are forecasted for the next 17 years. The results show that effective electric vehicle (EV) adoption can cause significant reductions in energy/fuel consumption as well as atmospheric emissions. The distinctive outputs are important parameters in analyzing future energy demands, emissions and introducing effective sustainable energy policies for the transport sector of developing countries.
Balancing Street Functionality and Restorative Benefit: Developing an Expectation–Current Approach to Street Design
Authors: Yin Yuting , Thwaites Kevin , Shao Yuhan
Published: May 2022

The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with restorative experiences. However, there is still no efficient way of delivering restorative street design, because no specific standard has been set to indicate the form such streets should take. A street has limited spaces but multiple uses; hence, the delivery of restorativeness is largely restricted by street contexts. This research proposes that this standard should be determined by the balance between street functions and restorative benefits. An expectation-current approach that involves street functions, street typologies, restorative evaluations and users’ expectations was developed in conjunction with its application to four pairs of streets. Each pair included one typical street type determined by its inherent function, and one corresponding case-study street. The restorative expectations and the streets’ current levels of restorativeness were evaluated, and their differences were used to indicate how and to what degree street-related restorative benefits should be optimized. Restorative design implications of the four case-study streets were then summarized accordingly. The expectation–current approach not only serves as a rigorous and sustainable method by stressing the balance between street functions and restorativeness, but also has the potential for application in broader assessment studies, especially when multiple environmental qualities need to be considered, with the advantage of the extensive involvement of people.
Clinical risk in remote consultations in general practice: findings from in-COVID-19 pandemic qualitative research
Authors: Rosen Rebecca , Wieringa Sietse , Greenhalgh Trisha , Leone Claudia , Rybczynska-Bunt Sarah , Hughes Gemma , Moore Lucy , Shaw Sara E , Wherton Joseph , Byng Richard
Published: May 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic-related rise in remote consulting raises questions about the nature and type of risks in remote general practice.

Aim

To develop an empirically based and theory-informed taxonomy of risks associated with remote consultations.

Design & setting

Qualitative sub-study of data selected from the wider datasets of three large, multi-site, mixed-method studies of remote care in general practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Method

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups, with a total of 176 clinicians and 43 patients. Data were analysed thematically, taking account of an existing framework of domains of clinical risk.

Results

The COVID-19 pandemic brought changes to estates (for example, how waiting rooms were used), access pathways, technologies, and interpersonal interactions. Six domains of risk were evident in relation to the following: (1) practice set-up and organisation (including digital inequalities of access, technology failure, and reduced service efficiency); (2) communication and the clinical relationship (including a shift to more transactional consultations); (3) quality of clinical care (including missed diagnoses, safeguarding challenges, over-investigation, and over-treatment); (4) increased burden on the patient (for example, to self-examine and navigate between services); (5) reduced opportunities for screening and managing the social determinants of health; and (6) workforce (including increased clinician stress and fewer opportunities for learning).

Conclusion

Notwithstanding potential benefits, if remote consultations are to work safely, risks must be actively mitigated by measures that include digital inclusion strategies, enhanced safety-netting, and training and support for staff.
Access to and use of contraceptive care during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK: a web-based survey
Authors: Ma Richard , Foley Kimberley , Saxena Sonia
Published: May 2022

Background

The first wave of lockdown measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK resulted in suspension of ‘non-essential’ services, including contraceptive care.

Aim

To examine women’s perceptions and experiences of contraceptive care in the UK during the first lockdown.

Design & setting

A cross-sectional survey during the lockdown period from March–June 2020.

Method

An online questionnaire was designed asking women aged 16–54 years their experiences of contraceptive care during lockdown. Questions were based on Maxwell’s evaluation framework on access, acceptability, relevance or appropriateness, and equity. It was promoted on social media from 27 May–9 June 2020. A descriptive analysis was conducted of quantitative data and thematic analysis of free-text data.

Results

In total, 214 responses were analysed. General practice was the source of contraception for 43.4% (n = 49) and 52.3% (n = 34) of responders before and during the lockdown, respectively. The study found 55.1% (n = 118) of responders, including regular and new users, were uncertain where or how to get contraception during the pandemic. Responders reported reduced access to contraception during lockdown, and some thought sexual health clinics and general practices were closed. Remote consultations and electronic prescriptions facilitated contraceptive access for some responders. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was unavailable in some areas owing to restrictions, and alternatives were not acceptable to those who used methods for non-contraceptive benefits to treat medical conditions; for example, menorrhagia.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the need for better information and signposting for contraception during lockdown. Contraception, including LARC, should be reframed as an essential service with robust signposting for pandemic planning and beyond.
Physical activity promotion by GPs: a cross-sectional survey in England
Authors: Lowe Anna , Myers Anna , Quirk Helen , Blackshaw Jamie , Palanee Sabrina , Copeland Rob
Published: May 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) contributes to the prevention and management of many health conditions. Primary care practitioners have an important role to play in supporting people to be physically active.

Aim

This study had the following three aims: 1) to explore GPs‘ awareness and knowledge of the PA guidelines; 2) to assess GPs’ confidence in promoting PA; and 3) to explore factors that influence PA promotion among GPs.

Design & setting

Cross-sectional survey, using secondary analysis.

Method

UK-based GPs were invited to take part in an online survey in January 2021. Demographic questions were followed by nine multiple choice questions. Categorical data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and open-ended data were analysed using content analysis and inductive coding.

Results

In total, 839 GPs based in England completed the survey. Most GP responders (98.9%) believed that PA was important, yet only 35.7% reported being at least ‘somewhat familiar’ with current PA guidance. Despite this, 74.1% of GPs reported feeling confident raising the topic of PA with their patients. Barriers included lack of time, perceptions of patient attitude and risk, language issues, and COVID-19. Key facilitators were identified and ‘Couch to 5k’ and the ‘parkrun practice’ initiatives were the most widely used support tools.

Conclusion

GPs value PA yet well-known barriers exist to embedding promotion into primary care. As primary care reconfigures, there is an opportunity to embed PA into systems, services, and processes.
Estudo tribológico de filmes metálicos de cobre depositados por galvanoplastia em função da preparação superficial do aço SAE 1045 / Tribological study of copper metallic films deposited by electroplating as a function of the surface preparation of SAE 1045
Authors: Silva Felipe Lopes Fonseca , Pavani Rafael Roberto , De Campos Lucas de Almeida Pires , Varavallo Rogério , Vacchi Guilherme dos Santos , Rossino Luciana Sgarbi , Manfrinato Marcos Dorigão
Published: May 2022

Utilizou-se o aço SAE 1045 para receber o revestimento eletrolítico de cobre na superfície, formando assim um filme superficial. A rugosidade superficial do aço influencia diretamente na espessura e adesão do filme. O processo apresentou maiores quantidades depositadas em superfícies com maior rugosidade, porém com a formação de filmes irregulares e heterogêneos. As evidências coletadas via metalografias e ensaio de rugosidade comprovaram o resultado, e simultaneamente realizou-se ensaios de microdesgaste abrasivo entre amostras revestidas e amostras sem deposição, sendo que a presença do cobre e o efeito lubrificante aliado a característica dúctil do metal promoveu a formação de calota com diâmetros menores, indicando maior resistência ao desgaste. Concluiu-se que a preparação superfícial influenciou na deposição do cobre sobre a superfície do aço SAE 1045 adquire resistência mecânica relevante após a deposição do filme de cobre sobre sua superfície.
Cinema e publicidade: apontamentos sobre possibilidades de inserção de marcas em narrativas cinematográficas através do product placement / Cinema and advertising: notes on the possibilities of brand insertion in cinematographic narratives through product placement
Authors: Andrade Ana Paula , Da Silva Joel Cardoso , Da Silva André Luis Moraes
Published: May 2022

As múltiplas conexões entre os campos do audiovisual e da publicidade vão além dos tradicionais comerciais televisivos, encontrando novas formas de se relacionar com o público, como por exemplo a utilização do Product Placement no cinema mundial. Esta é hoje uma das formas mais eficientes quando se tem por objetivo impactar um determinado nicho, pois, sua sutileza, diferentemente de muitas intervenções publicitárias, não causa desconforto ao espectador, funciona de forma delicada e contextualizada aos enredos apresentados. Neste artigo, através da contribuição de autores como Blessa (2005) e Gadia(2014), pretende-se demonstrar as variações deste instrumento de comunicação publicitária, assim como ilustrar as possibilidades de uso a partir do estudo de caso da produção holliwoodiana “Jurassic World”, de 2015, que teve a participação mais de 30 marcas com inserções em sua narrativa. A quantidade e variedade de inserções neste filme, trazem riqueza de exemplos que facilitam a compreensão do uso do Product Placement.
The Diagnostic Capacity of Three Phenotypic Techniques of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Detection
Authors: Abdeta Abera , Bitew Adane , Fentaw Surafel , Tsige Estifanos , Assefa Dawit , Tigabu Eyasu , Lejisa Tadesse , Kefyalew Yordanos , Fekede Ebisa
Published: May 2022

Background: Early detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria is critical for infection prevention and control. Numerous phenotypic approaches and automated systems have been developed for detecting ESBL bacteria. However, there is a scarcity of data in Ethiopia regarding the most reliable, simple, and cost-effective methods for detecting ESBL-producing bacteria. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three phenotypic approaches for detecting ESBL-producing bacteria. Methods: In this study, 117 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Proteus mirabilis were examined. Cefotaxime (30 µg) and ceftazidime (30 µg) were used for screening ESBL enzymes. A screening breakpoints of≤27 mm and≤22 mm were used for cefotaxime (30 µg) and ceftazidime (30 µg), respectively, as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. All 117 strains were further confirmed by the Vitek 2 compact, double disk synergy, ESBL Epsilometer test, and combined disk method. The combined disk method was adopted as the reference method. Results: Out of 117 isolates, 90 (86%) had zone diameters of≤27 mm and≤22 mm for cefotaxime (30 µg) and ceftazidime (30 µg), respectively. The reference method detected 76 (65%) ESBL isolates out of 117 ones. From among the three techniques (i.e., double disk synergy, Vitek 2 compact, and ESBL Epsilometer test), the double disk synergy method demonstrated overall sensitivity and specificity of 97.4% and 97.6%, respectively. Vitek-2, cefotaxime, and ceftazidime Epsilometer test indicated indeterminate results of 6.8%, 6.8%, and 5.1% respectively. Conclusion: Double disk synergy was found to have the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting ESBL isolates with no indeterminate results.
Isolation of Actinobacteria Strains From Environmental Samples and Assessment of Their Bioactivity
Authors: Mohammadi Mehdi , Khaleghi Moj , Shakeri Shahriyar , Askari Hesni Majid , Samandari-Bahraseman Mohammad Rasoul , Dalvand Ava
Published: May 2022

Background: Actinobacteria are widespread and live in a variety of habitats. Today, these bacteria are very important due to the production of various secondary metabolites with different biological activities. The present study aimed to isolate strains of Actinobacteria from different habitats (the Persian Gulf, Gandom Beryan area in the Lut Desert, and some plant roots). The anticancer and antimicrobial activities of secondary metabolites of these isolates were also investigated. Methods: Samples were taken from water of the Persian Gulf, soil of Gandom Beryan area in the Lut Desert, and plant roots. For isolation of Actinobacteria, samples were cultured in ISP2, ISP4, AIA, Gauze, M1, ISP3, and GYP media. Bacterial strains were identified based on the colony and bacterial morphology and confirmed using the specific primers for Actinobacteria. The anticancer and antimicrobial activities of crude metabolite extracts and supernatant of the isolates were evaluated on MCF-7 and Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 112 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1214 strains. Results: The results showed that the supernatants of 7 isolates (ga31, ez, sa, mar2, rz, ga33, and ga5) and the metabolite extracts of 4 strains (ga31, ga5, rz, and ez) had anticancer activity. Overall, ga31 was the best strain with anticancer activity of more than 75%. When evaluating the antimicrobial activity of bacterial secondary metabolites, we found that only two strains (ga31 and ga5) had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus PTCC 1112. Conclusions: In general, strain ga31, which has high anticancer and antimicrobial activities, could be a good candidate for new trials in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Role of Efflux Pumps in the Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter spp. Isolated From Domestic Animals and Poultry
Authors: Moradi Parviz , Baserisalehi Majid
Published: May 2022

Background: Recently, the rate of antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter has been reported to be increasing and the mechanism of this resistance has been reported to be related to the activity of efflux pumps. The purpose of this study was to isolate Campylobacter strains from domestic animals such as poultry and cows and evaluate the role of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance property of them. Methods: A total of 300 fecal samples were collected from poultry and cows and subjected to isolation of Campylobacter by preT-KB method. The isolates were identified and confirmed by phenotypic and genotypic methods and their antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Efflux pump activity in the isolates was assessed by EtBr-agar cartwheel method and the presence of efflux pump cmeABC was evaluated in all isolates. Finally, the correlation between efflux pump activity and antibiotic resistance was evaluated in the isolates using inhibition of efflux pump activity of Phe-Arg β-naphthylamide. Results: Of all samples, 10 (3.3%) Campylobacter strains were isolated. Seven (70%) and three (30%) strains were isolated from poultry and cows, respectively. Of all isolates, 9 belonged to Campylobacter jejuni and 1 belonged to Campylobacter coli. The isolates were resistant to three antibiotics, namely Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Cefotaxime. Efflux pump activity was observed in all isolates; however, cmeABC genes were not present in all of them. In addition, resistance to Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin was associated with efflux pump activity. Conclusions: All Campylobacter isolates in the current study showed antibiotic resistance and the activity of efflux pumps could induce antibiotic resistance and decrease the antibacterial activity of many drug families in Campylobacter. In addition, the activity of efflux pumps can be considered a mechanism of antibiotic resistance and elimination of this activity might increase the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Frequency of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis in Patients Suffering From Glioma Compared to Healthy Individuals
Authors: Amiri Elaheh , Yaslianifard Somayeh , Fallah Parviz , Yaslianifard Sahar , Oraee-Yazdani Saeed , Javadian Hamed , Vaezi Amir Abbas , Kabir Kourosh , Baradaran Bagheri Ali
Published: May 2022

Background: Glioma is a type of the primary tumors that progresses in the spinal cord and brain. Probiotics have probably a protective impact against the disease, especially when treated as a microbial flora in the gut. Objectives: Given the effective role of microbiota in body function, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis in patients suffering from glioma compared to healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: To achieve our study objectives, 20 patients with glioma tumors as well as 20 healthy individuals were enrolled. Stool samples were taken from the subjects and stored at minus 20 degrees after processing. Real-Time PCR technique was employed to assess the change in the copy number of L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and E. faecalis in patients with glioma in comparison to healthy individuals. Results: The results showed significant difference between the population of L. plantarum in the patients and healthy individuals (P=0.0004). The patients with glioma were in the 35-60 age range and the mean age of healthy individuals was 45 years (P=0.48). Conclusion: It was concluded that L. plantarum had potential for tumor induction.
Cytotoxic Effects of Artemisia Dracunculus L. and Heracleum Persicum Desf. Extracts on Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum Promastigotes Using MTT Assay
Authors: Khademvatan Shahram , Eskandari Kaveh , Sadeghi Nejad Batool , Yusef Naanaie Sedigheh
Published: May 2022

Background: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that occurs in subtropical and tropical regions with approximately 350 million people worldwide and 2 million new cases annually. The annual increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is observed, especially in endemic areas such as Iran. Since there is no effective vaccine, the detection of natural anti-leishmanial products is essential. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of two herbal medicine including Artemisia dracunculus L. and Heracleum persicum Desf. (Golpar). Materials and Methods: The extracts of selected plants were obtained by maceration, and in vitro anti-leishmanial activity was assayed on Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum promastigotes using colorimetric MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay in comparison with glucantime as a reference. Results: Based on the results, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of selected plants and glucantime solutions were determined at 24, 48, and 72 hours incubation. Further, the anti-leishmanial activity of the leaf extract of A. dracunculus with IC50 values of 1.85 and 3.5 µg/mL and the fruit extract of H. persicum with values of 31.32 and 11.7 µg/mL were evaluated against L. major and L. infantum promastigotes, respectively. Conclusion: These results revealed anti-leishmania properties of the above-mentioned plants and the need to study the effects of these extracts on the Leishmania genus in animal models and in vivo assay in the future.
COVID-19 and Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Noorian Shahab , Gholami Mehri , Haghi Sabahat , Nikkhah Saeed , Arjmand Reza
Published: May 2022

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic, different cases with various diseases have been reported along with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although COVID-19 is less common among children than adults, herein we reported an 11-year-old child who was referred to the emergency room of our hospital with tachypnea and a decreased level of consciousness (GCS: 11-15), along with vomiting and abdominal pain as the first manifestations of type 1 diabetes. She had a 2-week history of polydipsia, polyuria, and nocturia and experienced a weight loss of 5kg during the past month. The result of the real-time polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 was turned out to be positive. The computed tomography scan of the lung revealed subpleural ground-glass opacities that were compatible with COVID-19. Although it was found that diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is precipitated by various viral infections, it informs us once again that during this pandemic, there should be a high suspicion and awareness of COVID-19 infection in patients with DKA.
On admission hemoglobin and albumin, as the two novel factors associated with thrombosis in COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Sadeghi Somayeh , Nasri Peiman , Nasirian Maryam , Mirenayat Maryam Sadat , Toghyani Arash , Khaksar Mohammadsaeid , Nasri Elahe , Safaei Ali , Fakhim Hamed , Raofi Elham , Nemati Koorosh , Hashemi Hurie , Keivany Elaheh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The unrelenting storm of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since late 2019 has turned into a crucial health matter of the globe. There is increasing evidence in terms of a hypercoagulable state by this infection. Objectives: The current study aims to clarify the association between thromboembolic events in COVID-19 and the patient, the infection and in-hospital related characteristics. Patients and Methods: The current case-control study has been conducted on 243 COVID-19 pneumonia patients including 83 cases with thrombotic events and 160 controls without thrombosis. The thrombotic events included deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (n=9), pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) (n=48), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n=17), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (n=4) and arterial thrombosis (n=5). On admission, hemodynamic parameters, on admission laboratory assessments, mobility during hospitalization, type of oxygenation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission requirement and duration of ICU and also hospital stay were recorded in the checklist. Results: According to logistic regression assessment, on admission O2 saturation (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), hemoglobin level (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97) and albumin level (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.3-0.86) were independently correlated with thrombosis due to COVID-19. Other factors, including demographic, infection severity, laboratory and in-hospital characteristics, were not significantly associated with thrombotic events. Conclusion: Based on this study’s findings, hemoglobin and albumin levels were the independent factors associated with the thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients.
Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis in Rebar Rolling Plant
Authors: USLU Ayşenur , USLU Gül
Published: May 2022

Employees are constantly in action for the production of goods and services in workplaces. These workplace activities affect the physical and mental health of the employees and cause occupational accidents. Elimination of these negativities is possible with the implementation of occupational health and safety services. Safety organisation is also very important in steel rolling mills so that employees are not exposed to danger. As in any other industry, steel rolling mill workers work with dangerous machinery that causes injury, disability and death. Safe working is an integral part of risk management. Risk management is the process of taking and implementing action to reduce the possibility of an assessed risk occurring. Therefore, known or tolerable risks are managed. In safe workplaces, productivity is high, work accidents and occupational diseases are low. Safe workplaces are only possible with risk management. In this study, the rolling mill area of a workplace producing rebar with the Fine-Kinney Method was analysed and the necessary precautions were listed. These measures are generally listed as; implementation of control protocols for the routine operation of the process, providing necessary occupational health and safety training for the personnel, providing the necessary information, repeating the training at regular intervals, following up the protective clothing and equipment to be used in the process, maintenance/repair of the units and the tools used. As a result of these measures, the degree of risk will be reduced to acceptable levels.
Early Writing
Authors: Overmann Karenleigh A.
Published: May 2022

This inquiry seeks to understand how the original form of writing in Mesopotamia—the small pictures and conventions of protocuneiform— became cuneiform, a script that could not be read without acquiring the neurological and behavioral reorganizations understood today as literacy. The process is described as involving small neurological and behavioral changes realized, accumulated, and distributed to new users through in- teractions with and concomitant incremental changes in the material form of writing. A related inquiry focuses on why and how numerical notations differ from other written signs. Crucially, numerical signs instantiate their meaning, a representational mode that contrasts with the signification used to represent non-numerical language and which makes numerical notations contiguous with their unwritten precursors, technologies like fingers, tallies, and counters. Instantiation is related to the perceptual system for quantity; this so-called number sense influences the function and form of numerical signs. Reading is then discussed as a cognitive activity that necessarily in- volves a material form, a plausible example of extended cognition. Because numerical notations share function and often form with precursor technolo- gies, if the former participate in extended cognition, the latter likely do as well. In conjunction with the contiguity between numerical notations and their unwritten precursors, this complicates the idea that (all) writing is (just) language. Finally, potential follow-on research is suggested.