bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioproducts from the pyrolytic lignin separation of fast-pyrolysis bio-oil: Potential of water-soluble fraction generated in a simple cold-water extraction method
Authors: Dias Ivana Amorim , Horta Rayta Paim , Matos Mailson , Helm Cristiane Vieira , Magalhães Washington Luiz Esteves , de Lima Edson Alves , Silva Bruno José Gonçalves da , de Muniz Graciela Ines Bolzon , de Cademartori Pedro Henrique Gonzalez
Published: October 2022

Effective liquid-liquid fractionation methods of the heavy bio-oil have been pursued to improve the key biomass functionalities. Here, fast-pyrolysis bio-oil derived from eucalypt wood was fractionated in cold water to separate insoluble- and water-soluble fractions. We focus on the water-soluble fraction, a promising renewable source of chemicals with potential antimicrobial approaches. Fast-pyrolysis bio-oil was fractionated in three oil-to-water ratios, 1:100, 1:50, and 1:35, separating the pyrolytic lignin and producing water-soluble fractions as byproducts. The water-soluble fractions were analytically investigated through physicochemical properties, chemical composition by chromatography, phenolic content, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and their storage stability. Higher water content in the pyrolytic lignin separation resulted in higher yield and solids concentration in the water-soluble fractions, with the presence of high value-added chemicals, such as catechol, vanillin, and levoglucosan. Levoglucosan was the dominant chemical identified in the water-soluble fractions, notably for the 1:50 oil-to-water ratio. These remarkable chemicals and a high phenolic content contribute to both high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Despite the low concentration, all water-soluble fractions exhibited intense inhibition ofTrametes versicolorandGloeophyllum trabeumfungi. The fraction 1:50 completely inhibited the fungal activity. Both 1:100 and 1:50 fractions showed antibacterial activity forEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureus. Regardless of the oil-to-water ratio, water-soluble fractions exhibited a relative storage chemical stability under accelerated aging conditions for 43 days. Therefore, water-soluble fractions of fast-pyrolysis bio-oil derived from a simple method to separate pyrolytic lignin are functional materials with remarkable properties and, hence, upgrading bio-oil based on their functionalities.
Experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with solid-tumor bone metastasis: A qualitative study
Authors: Shan Jing , Lv Sumei , Li Tianhua , Wang Shuangyan , Zhang Congcong , Li Jingwen
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The aims of this study were to understand the experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with solid-tumor bone metastases and provide a theoretical basis for oncology nurses to formulate a standardized training and management system for patients with bone metastases,so as to improve the ability of patients to care for their own bone health.
Methods: A phenomenological, qualitative study design with objective sampling was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 oncology nurses in a third-grade a cancer hospital in Hebei Province from March to June 2022. Data collection and analysis proceeded simultaneously until data saturation was reached. The Colaizzi seven-step method of data analysis was used to analyze the data and refine the themes.
Results: The experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with solid-tumor bone metastases could be summarized into five themes: the oncology nurses have insufficient knowledge of the diseases of patients with solid-tumor bone metastases; Oncology nurses have a sense of weakness in managing patients with solid-tumor bone metastases; oncology nurses only pay attention to the primary disease and individual symptoms of patients with solid-tumor bone metastasis; oncology nurses hope to acquire more knowledge related to bone metastasis; and the role of oncology nurses in managing patients with solid-tumor bone metastases is ambiguous.
Conclusion: The experiences of oncology nurses caring for patients with solid-tumor bone metastases are multi-dimensional. The interview results suggest that nursing managers need to strengthen nurse training related to bone metastases, formulate comprehensive and standardized nursing protocols for patients with bone metastases, and provide evidence-based support for nurses of patients with bone metastases. These changes could improve the self-management ability of bone health, delay the occurrence of skeletal-related events, and improve patient’ quality life.
Real-world efficacy and prognostic factors of lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors in 378 unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Yang Xu , Che Bowen , Wang Yanyu , Wang Yunchao , Long Junyu , Zhang Nan , Xue Jingnan , Xun Ziyu , Zhang Linzhi , Cheng Jiamin , Lei Jin , Sun Huishan , Li Yiran , Lin Jianzhen , Xie Fucun , Wang Dongxu , Pan Jie , Hu Ke , Guan Mei , Huo Li , Shi Jie , Yu Lingxiang , Zhou Lin , Zhou Jinxue , Lu Zhenhui , Yang Xiaobo , Mao Yilei , Snag Xinting , Lu Yinying , Zhao Haitao
Published: October 2022

Introduction Combining lenvatinib with a programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor has been explored for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). This study aimed to investigate the real-world efficacy and prognostic factors of lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitor in large cohorts of Asia uHCC patients. Methods Patients with uHCC treated with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors were included. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were the response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AEs). Prognostic factors of survival were also analysed. Results A total of 378 uHCC patients from two medical centres in China were included retrospectively. The median age was 55 years, and 86.5% of patients were male. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (89.9%) was the dominant aetiology. The median OS was 17.8 (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 14.0-21.6) months. The median PFS was 6.9 (95% CI 6.0-7.9) months. The best objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 19.6% and 73.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh score, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score, involved organs, tumour burden score, and combination with local therapy were independent prognostic factors for OS. 100% and 57.9% patients experienced all grade and grade 3/4 treatment-emergent AEs. Conclusion This real-world study of lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors demonstrated long survival and considerable ORRs and DCRs for uHCC patients in China. The tolerability of combination therapy was acceptable but still be monitored closely.
Relationships between tic disorders and obscure neurodevelopmental disorders in preschool-aged children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fujio Miyuki , Kawai Takao , Fujiwara Mayu , Matsuda Natsumi , Nonaka Maiko , Goto Ryunosuke , Kono Toshiaki , Nobuyoshi Marina , Kano Yukiko
Published: October 2022

Background
Associations between tic disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as stuttering, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in preschool children are unknown, especially in Japan. This study investigated these associations and their relationship with the support requirements using new screening tool named “Check List of obscure disabilities in Preschoolers” (CLASP).
Methods
We distributed questionnaires to the guardians of children aged 5 or 6 years old in the final grade of preschool. In total, we collected 103 responses. After excluding the responses with missing answers and those that did not provide consent, we analyzed 98 responses. We used t-tests with unequal variances and Spearman’s correlation coefficients to investigate the associations between tic disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We also conducted a two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis to examine how the severity of tic and other neurodevelopmental disorders symptoms was associated with the support requirements of parents.
Results
T-tests and correlation analyses suggested weak relationships between tics and stuttering and dyslexia. Conversely, tics and DCD had a significant and robust correlation. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses demonstrated that tics and DCD were significantly associated with parents requiring support.
Conclusions
These results suggest a relationship between tics and DCD in preschool children. More research on these relationships could promote additional support for children of this age with tic and neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents.
Automatic retinopathy of prematurity stagingwith a semi-supervised deep learning method based on dual consistency regularization
Authors: feng Wei , Ju Lie , Ma Tong , Ge Zongyuan , chen Yuzhong , Huang Qiujing , Zhao Peiquan
Published: October 2022

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is currently one of the leading causes ofinfant blindness worldwide. In recent years, significant progress has been made incomputer-aided diagnostic methods based on deep learning. However, deeplearning is often data hungry, with its need for large amounts of annotated datafor model optimization, and in clinical scenarios, annotated data requires longhours of effort by experienced physicians. In contrast, a large number ofunlabelled images are relatively easy to obtain. In this paper, we propose a newsemi-supervised learning framework to reduce annotation costs by using partiallylabelled images and a large number of unlabelled images for automatic ROPstaging. Our semi-supervised deep learning framework consists of a studentmodel and a teacher model. We input images that have undergone differentperturbations into the student and teacher models. By encouraging consistencyof predicted output and inter-sample semantic structure between the student andteacher models, useful discriminative information is mined from the unlabelleddata to improve model classification performance. The teacher model parametersare updated by an exponential moving average algorithm. We have conductedextensive experiments on a real clinical dataset. Using only 30% of the labelledimages, our method achieves area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of0.8630, Accuracy of 0.7895, Sensitivity of 0.7868, and Specificity of 0.8010. Theclassification performance of our method is close to that of using all 100%labelled images when the proportion of labelled images is 50%.
The Role of Texture Analysis of MRI in Prediction of Local Recurrence and Distant Metastasis in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A retrospective Cohort study
Authors: Alrahawy Mahmoud , Aker Medhet , Ganeshan Balaji , zeinaldin Ashraf , Arulampalam Tan
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by surgery after restaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Texture analysis (TA) is a novel imaging biomarker that can assess heterogeneity in MRIs by measuring grey-level intensities distribution. This study hypothesizes that TA of MRI is an imaging biomarker that can predict local recurrence and distant metastasis.
Method
This is a retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with LARC who received NCRT and had MRI scans between 2003–2014 at Colchester University Hospital. Region of interest was drawn around the tumor or its location on T2 MRI images. Six texture parameters were systematically extracted from Textural histograms of post-treatment scans. These parameters were examined to determine their ability to predict local recurrence and distant metastases through Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests.
Results
113 patients with LARC were included. Two texture parameters were significantly able to predict local recurrence: Entropy (p = 0.033) and mean of positive pixels (MPP) (p = 0.045). Five parameters were able to predict distant metastases: SD(p = 0.015), entropy(p = 0.017), MPP(p = 0.005), skewness (p = 0.046), and Kurtosis (P = 0.019). Upon dichotomizing by the optimal cut-off values, Kaplan-Meier Log rank test showed that entropy and skewness significantly predicted distant metastases.
Conclusions
MRI textural features are potentially significant imaging biomarkers in predicting local recurrence and distant metastases in LARC.
A novel third generation solar cells feeding water pumping system under partial shading conditions
Authors: Zaky Alaa A. , Selim F. , Yousif Bedir , Sergeant Peter , Hristoforou Evangelos , Ibrahim Mohamed N.
Published: October 2022

In this work, a proposed 3rd generation photovoltaics array called dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) feeding a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) during partial shading conditions is investigated and experimentally implemented for a water pumping system performance enhancement. In the pumping system under investigation for attaining maximum power from the DSSCs array a proposed control strategy for driving the conventional inverter which is directly matches the array and the SynRM is implemented. Thus the system has not neither a dc-dc converter nor batteries. The proposed control strategy of the inverter also enables driving the SynRM at maximum possible torque/ Ampere. As a result a noticeable enhancement in the system performance is achieved and both the system cost and complexity are reduced. Furthermore, the system investigated under both uniform and partial shading situations based on two maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques. The first one is the conservative perturb and observe (P&O) MPPT while the other is differential evolution (DE) based MPPT. The results reveal that during the uniform irradiation case both of the MPPT succeeded to efficiently track the point of maximum power. While, during the partial shading scenarios the DSSCs array output power is higher at using DE MPPT than the case of using P&O MPPT. Consequently, the water pump flow rate is higher at using DE MPPT during partial shading. Moreover, a complete lab bench test is constructed to validate the simulation work experimentally where agreement between simulation and experimental results is detected.
Anxiety symptoms in Chinese people who use methamphetamine: Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristic
Authors: Zhang Wanni , Wo Ye , Li Yanli , Wang Dongmei , Zhou Huixia , Cui Lixia , Tian Yang , Chen Jiajing , Zhu Rongrong , Li Yuqing , Fan Fusheng , Fu Fabing , Wei Dejun , Tang Shanshan , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: October 2022

Background
Anxiety is a common comorbidity during methamphetamine withdrawal. However, few studies have investigated comorbid anxiety in methamphetamine- dependent patients in the Chinese population. The main purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and factors associated with comorbid anxiety during withdrawal in Chinese male methamphetamine dependent individuals.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 802 methamphetamine use patients from a drug rehabilitation center in China and collected general and sociodemographic information. For all participants, we used the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) self-report scale to assess anxiety symptoms, the Desire for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) to assess drug craving, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality.
Results
The prevalence of comorbid anxiety symptoms in MA use patients was 19.7% (157/796). Chi-square test showed significant differences in suicidal ideation, smoking, craving, and sleep disturbances between MA use patients with and without anxiety symptoms (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, binary logistic regression revealed that suicidal ideation, drug craving, and sleep disturbances were associated with anxiety symptoms in MA use patients (all p < 0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated that anxiety symptoms were positively associated with suicidal ideation, withdrawal period, and drug craving, but negatively with sleep quality (all p < 0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that suicidal ideation, withdrawal period, drug craving, and sleep quality remained significantly associated with the severity of anxiety symptoms.
Conclusion
Our results indicate a relatively higher prevalence of comorbid anxiety in Chinese MA use patients. Some sociodemographic and clinical variables are associated with comorbid anxiety in MA use patients during withdrawal.
Fast stitching method for multi-view images of cupping spots
Authors: Liu Ying-Bin , Qin Jian-Hua , Zhu Meng-Yan , Huang Ting-Ting
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the problems of cupping machine camera with a small field of view, complete and high-definition cupping spot characteristics need to be monitored in real-time, so as to effectively ensure that the cupping machine can accurately control the cupping time to avoid harm to the human body and extracting the complete back contour for automatic acupuncture point positioning, a fast stitching method for multi-view image of cupping spots is proposed. The present study uses linear transformation and Gaussian smoothing to preprocess the images to enhance image details, improve contrast, and reduce the influence of tank occlusion; What’s more, combing the BRISK algorithm and matching factor to match the image and estimate the overlapping area through establishing a binary tree model so as to improve the efficiency of feature point detection and matching. Experimental results show that compared with the Autostitch, the image stitched which is high definition has no obvious seams, ghosting, and distortion. What’s more, the algorithm in this paper is more efficient and the back contour is more complete.
The algorithm in this paper has good real-time performance and the clarity of the cupping spots is high, which is conducive to the subsequent real-time detection of the cupping spots. At the same time, the back contour of the image stitched by the algorithm in this paper is complete, which is conducive to the subsequent automatic acupuncture point positioning.
European Championship 2020 / 2021: Analysis of Goals Scored
Authors: Zivanovic Vladimir
Published: October 2022

Background Scoring of goals determines whether a team wins or loses a game. This is because the object of the game is to score goals even as you strive to stop your opponent from scoring.
Aims The aims to analyze the characteristics of the goals scored at the tournament, and derive the latest tactical innovations.
Methods In a sample of 51 games and the participation of 24 national teams, this study was based on the personal observation of the researcher. Two-way between-groups ANOVA were used for the data.
Results During the competition were scored 142 goals (2.79 per match). The fixed factor(a) showed the highest representation of goals was in the period of 45-60 minutes (30), while the fixed factors(b) included range of (65) for 2-3 goals (52.5 minutes) per game. Attack types and the number of goals scored was as follows: (80) continuous attacks (53.7 minutes), (13) quick attacks (59.5 minutes), (14) counter-attacks (55.7 minutes), and (35) set plays (51.8 minutes). The highest number set play of goals (13) was yielded following a corners (49.0 minutes) as compared to (9) penalties (60.0), and (8) free kicks non-directly (46.5 minutes). The actions that occurred prior to the goal, (45) 1, 2, 3 passes (54.0 minutes), and (32) long pass (53.0) were processed. The most of the goals (90) were achieved through the penalty area (54.1 minutes).
Conclusions The results reveal that coaches should the most focus on quick attacks, and counter-attacks which consequently leads to goal scoring.
Echinacea angustifolia encapsulated with alginate/chitosan nanoparticles as a novel candidate carrier for combating multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Taghiloo Sepideh , Piri‐Gharaghie Tohid , Zand Zahra , Kabiri-Samani Saber , Kabiri Hamidreza , Rajaei Negin
Published: October 2022

Background and aim:
The urgent need for breakthrough therapeutic approaches for multi-drug resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MDR) has drawn attention to potential cutting-edge tools like nanoparticles (NPs). The preparation of chitosan/alginate-encapsulated Echinacea angustifolia extract and evaluation of its effectiveness against MDR strains were the goals of this investigation.
Method
Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy were used to analyze the synthesized NPs. Investigations were done into the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of E. angustifolia NPs. Also, the expression of essential genes in biofilm formation was evaluated by real-time PCR.
Results
According to DLS measurements, spherical E. angustifolia NPs had a diameter of 335.3 ± 1.43 nm. The PDI was 0.681, and the entrapment effectiveness (EE%) of the E. angustifolia extract reached 83.45%. Synthesized NPs had the highest antibacterial power. They also significantly decreased the expression of genes involved in biofilm formation.
Conclusion
By releasing natural-derived medications under regulated conditions, the findings described here should help create new plant extracts with increased stability and antibacterial action, which will help minimize the usage of antibiotics.
Identification of the WRKY gene family and the functional analysis of DoWRKY71 in yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.)
Authors: Xing Linan , Zhang Yanfang , Ge Mingran , Zhao Lingmin , Huo Xiuwen
Published: October 2022

Background:Dioscorea opposita Thunb. is one of the top 10 most important edible tuber and root plants worldwide, have been widely cultivated for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Yam is susceptible to various biological and abiotic stresses that will affect the yield and quality of the tubers. The WRKY gene family are widely distributed in plants growth and respond to abiotic stresses. However, current information on WRKY characteristics in yam is limited.
Results: This study identifed 22 DoWRKYgenes from transcriptome of Dioscorea spp., which were divided into 6 clades based on phylogenetic analysis. Analysis of conserved motifs showed that there were 10 conserved motifs, with lengths ranging between 17 and 50 amino acids. Expression pattern analysis showed DoWRKYgenes are expressed in different growth and development stages and responsed to a variety of abiotic stress. DoWRKY71 was up-regulated in the late stage of tuber expansion, and it was differentially expressed in cold and ABA stress. Therefore, further study indicated that DoWRKY71 protein was localized in the nucleus. Overexpression of DoWRKY71 enhanced the cold tolerance of transgenic tobacco, promoted abscisic acid-mediated stomatal closure.
Conclusions: This paper is the first systematic analysis the WRKY gene family in Dioscorea spp., and provide a new insight for further studying WRKY transcription factors in Dioscorea spp.. The functional study of DoWRKY71 laid a theoretical foundation for further exploring the regulatory function of DoWRKY71 gene in the growth and development related signaling pathway of yam.
LINC02454 related key pathways and genes in papillary thyroid cancer by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Song Yingjian , Ren Yi , Zhou Xilei , Tan Juan
Published: October 2022

Our previous study has demonstrated that long intergenic non-coding RNA 02454 (LINC02454) may act as an oncogene to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cells. This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms whereby LINC02454 relates to PTC tumorigenesis.The thyroid cancer RNA sequence data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify LINC02454 modules associated with PTC. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify the key pathways and MCC topological method was used to identify the hub genes. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was used to analyze different expression levels of hub genes between PTC samples and normal samples and explore the prognostic value of hub genes. A total of top 5000 variable genes were investigated, followed by an analysis of 8 modules, and the turquoise module was the most positively correlated with the clinical stage of PTC. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated the top two pathways of the ECM − receptor interaction and MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, five hub genes (namely FN1, LAMB3, ITGA3, SDC4, and IL1RAP) were identified based on MCC algorithm and KEGG analysis. Further, the expression levels of the five hub genes were significantly upregulated in thyroid cancer, of these five genes, two hub genes (FN1 and ITGA3) were associated with poor disease-free prognosis.Our study identified five hub genes and two key pathways associated with LINC02454, which might disclose the underlying mechanism of LINC02454 action in PTC.
Management and physical exercise for spinal cord injury: a systematic review
Authors: Feria-Madueño Adrián , Pascua Daniel , Muñoz-Moyano Carlos
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Identify and analyse the scientific evidence about the variables that regulate the adaptation to physical exercise among people with spinal cord injury and the potential effects of new technologies in terms of injuries management. More specifically, relate each of them in order to preserve the integrity of these people in sport and improve their living conditions.
Methods
A systematic review is carried out in different databases through the Boolean method: Pubmed, Scopus and WOS. Some of these studies are collected between the last 22 years (1998–2020) and present a high degree of evidence.
Results
The 7 research works collected are heterogeneous in related to type of intervention and content. An analysis of the impact factor is carried out and its main data is synthesized. The majority focuses on cardiovascular adaptations and the regulation of the autonomic. nervous system.
Conclusion
Proper knowledge of the degree of autonomic dysfunction can significantly improve the likelihood that individuals decrease the risk of alteration in the regulation of blood pressure. Therefore, it ́s development should prevent the appearance of other diseases in those who have more chances to develop them.
A Qualitative Exploration of Young Australians' Experiences of Social Media's Impacts on Relationship Development
Authors: Cooper Spring Chenoa , Ferreira Kateryn , Edwards Raz G. , Keegan Julia , Norvila Nika , Lewis Larissa , Albury Kath , Skinner S. Rachel
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The present investigation is part of the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP), an 18-month longitudinal mixed methods study following adolescents located in New South Wales, Australia. The SNAP study aims to understand how online and offline social networks impact the development of sexual agency over time.
Methods. This paper presents an analysis of the second interview time point in the SNAP study. Fifty adolescents (aged 14-17) completed a semi-structured interview either face-to-face or via Skype about their romantic relationships, including where they get their sexual health information and how they flirt (both online and offline). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.
Results. The core theme was: Young people clearly demonstrate emerging sexual agency. The three characterizing themes were: 1) Young people have complex schemas about flirting, dating, and entering romantic and sexual relationships; 2) Young people have high literacy in social media, traditional media and pornography; and 3) Peers influence most aspects of developing sexual agency, including sex and relationship attitudes.
Discussion. We discuss possible methods to utilize adolescents’ social networks in facilitating the development of sexual agency.
Floristic diversity of native and non-native plants along the roadside of Tehsil Khadukhel, District Buner, Northern Pakistan
Authors: Jan Hammad , Haq Shiekh Marifatul , Wali Sher , Rahim Fazli , Ali Sajjad , Khalid Shah
Published: October 2022

Invasive plants that can withstand disturbances typically predominate in the roadside vegetation. The current study was designed to examine the patterns of floristic diversity along the roadside in Tehsil Khanudkhel, District Buner. Raunkiaer's classification was used to classify the plants that were gathered. All of the plants collected were divided into two groups: native and non-native. The field study was conducted from 2020-21, and 258 plant species from 82 families were collected. There were 108 non-native plants and 150 native plants. Family Asteraceae was the dominant one with 28 representative species. According to Rankuier's classification of living forms, the collected plants were divided into ten separate groups. Therophytes, which have 69 species, were the most prevalent life form. Seven groups of plants were created based on Rankuier's classification of leaf size. Microphyllous was the most prevalent leaf size form, with 112 species. Our study shows that the one disturbance event related to building roads in this Himalayan region had significant and long-lasting effects on plant communities at and around this transport corridor, suggesting the need for a long-term coordinated monitoring and management program for the entire region. This study also provides baseline data that is relevant to policy and can assist urban planners in developing sustainable planning.
Environmental risk assessment of watercourses and streambed sediments downstream the Capillitas Mine, Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: CAMPO Margarita DO , VALENZUELA María Fernanda , FERRO Leonardo
Published: October 2022

The present study assessed the environmental risk associated with the dispersion of heavy metals and metalloids by streams that flow through Capillitas Mine (Catamarca, Argentina), an epithermal precious- and base-metal vein deposit previously mined for copper along with gold and silver; and subsequently for rodhochrosite. Geochemical analyses of water of three streams (Ortíz, Acid and Capillitas) and a small pound depicting a very thin layer of turquoise-colored precipitates in its bottom were performed and the environmental risk factor was calculated. Moreover, the concentrations of potential toxic elements in sediments from the Ortíz and Capillitas streams were determined by ICP-OES and the Index of geoacumulation (Igeo) for As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn and Pb was computed. According to their major ions concentration the four water samples correspond to calcium SO4 waters. The Acid and Ortíz streams and the turquoise pound show concentrations of Al, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb that largely exceed the limiting concentrations for protection of aquatic life, as well as for irrigation waters. The Capillitas stream has a lower content of heavy metal but shows concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb exceeding the limiting values for protection of aquatic life. According to the obtained Igeo the three streambed sediments from the Ortíz creek are extremely polluted for Cd, Zn and Pb, strongly to extremely polluted for Cu and strongly to extremely polluted for As and Mn. The sediments from Capillitas creek depict lower contents of metals and metalloids; though it is strongly polluted for Cd, moderately polluted for Cu and unpolluted to moderately polluted for Pb and Zn.
IL-19 may aggravate atopic dermatitis by enhancing the role of IL-4/IL-13 in downregulating keratinocyte barrier proteins and upregulating the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Li , Ge Lan , Wang Huan , Feng Shujing , Jiang Lanlan , Jiang Pengju , Song Zhiqiang
Published: October 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin disorder, with characteristic T helper 2 (Th2)-based immune dysregulation and epidermal barrier function defect. In AD, keratinocyte plays a critical role in maintaining skin integrity and immune homeostasis. Interleukin (IL)-19 is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family. It can be secreted by and act on keratinocytes. Although it has been demonstrated that increased IL-19 in AD patients’ lesions and serum is positively correlated with the severity of AD, the role of IL-19 in the regulation of the epidermal barrier and immune homeostasis of keratinocytes remains unclear. Thus, we aim to investigate the effect of IL-19 on the production of epidermal barrier related proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes, and the synergistic effect of IL-19 with IL-4/IL-13in vitroexperiment. In this study, barrier related proteins (filaggrin/FLG, loricrin/LOR, keratin-10), epithelium-derived cytokines (thymic stromal lymphopoietin/TSLP, IL-33, IL-25), IL-19 and the phosphorylation level of STAT3 and STAT6 were measured in HaCaT cells by RT-PCR and/or western blot before and after stimulated with IL-4/IL-13 with or without different concentrations of IL-19. The changes of IL-19 levels in HaCaT cells after stimulation with house dust mite (HDM) or staphylococcal enterotoxin type B (SEB) were also examined. We found that IL-19 could promote the production of TSLP in keratinocytes, but reduce the expression levels of LOR and keratin-10. Meanwhile, IL-19 significantly enhanced the effects of IL-4/IL-13 on keratinocytes, including inducing the expression of IL-19 and epithelial derived cytokines and inhibiting the expression of barrier proteins. These enhanced effects were accompanied by increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT6, but no change in the expression level of IL-4/13 receptor. In addition, HDM but not SEB can induce keratinocytes to secrete IL-19. Taken together, IL-19 can enhance the effect of IL-4 / IL-13 on keratinocytesin vitro, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.
Band Steaming for Weed and Disease Control in Leafy Greens and Carrots
Authors: Guerra Nelly , Fennimore Steven A. , Siemens Mark C. , Goodhue Rachael E.
Published: October 2022

Steam injected into the soil, raising soil temperatures to >70 °C for 15 to 20 minutes, will control weed seed and soilborne pathogens. The effect of this reduction in the weed seedbank viability results in weed control in the treated zone that can persist for several weeks or months. The effect of steam pasteurization of soil on weed seeds produces results similar to a preemergence herbicide. In our study, steam was applied to the soil to control weed seed and propagules of Sclerotinia minor and Pythium spp. Replicated field trials in carrot, lettuce, and spinach were conducted using two types of band steam applicators in 2020 and 2021. Data collected were soil temperatures after steam application, weed control, hand weeding times, diseased plant counts, pathogen populations in the soil, and crop yields. Post-steam soil temperature intervals >70 °C in the top 10 cm of the soil ranged from 67 to 176 minutes. Steam reduced weed densities by 64% to 100% and lowered hand weeding times by 23% to 91%. The reduction of S. minor sclerotia propagules after steaming was 69% to 95% compared with the no steam control. The percentage of lettuce plants infected with lettuce drop was reduced by 60% to 70% and the reduction of Pythium spp. propagules in the soil was reduced by 50% to 100% compared with the no steam control, respectively. Lettuce head diameters in steamed soils were 10% to 24% larger compared with the no steam control. Carrots grown in the steam-treated soil had a 10% greater root diameter than the no steam control. Steam increased lettuce yields in two of three trials 22% to 28% compared with the no steam control. Gross revenues for the steam-treated lettuce were $3231/ha higher than in the no steam control. The data suggest that band steam is a viable soil pest control treatment for vegetable crops.
Olson, Physics and 'objectism.'
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Ku Taehun
Published: October 2022

Olson, Physics and 'objectism.' This paper examines how the American poet Charles Olson was influenced by the discoveries of modern physics in his poetry and prose. Einstein's physics demanded a change in our imaginative picture of the world and poets were attracted to such his concepts as the loss of absolute space and time. Olson's seminal essay “Projective Verse” advances methods of understanding poetry which draws from Einstein's special theory of relativity. In addition, this paper discusses the ways Olson drew from quantum mechanics in writing his poetic theories by focusing on “uncertainty principle.”
In the early modernism represented by Eliot, the subject’s relation to objects is generally considered as one of recognition or domination and is characterized by discontinuity. Olson tries to break down the subject's epistemological tower by saying “a man is himself an object.” Olson’s definition of “a poem as object” shifts our attention from the subject’s power to dominate an object to “a series of objects in field” including the self and the poem, and leads a new way of American poetry beyond modernism.
Effects of interactive read-alouds of English picture-books on the affective domain of elementary school English learners
Authors:   British And American Language And Literature Association Of Korea, Yook Cheongmin
Published: October 2022

This study examines the effects of interactive read-alouds of English picure-books (IREP) on three affective factors related to elementary school students’ English language learning: interest in the class, attitudes toward English learning, and thought/attitudes toward cultural, racial or physical/mental diversities and differences. Sixteen elementary school students participated in an eight-week-long English program developed on the basis of the IREP method. In the execuation of the program, two were particularly emphasized: read-aloud with multisensory techniques and interactions between the reader and students. A survey data collection method was used. The survey consisted of 18 Likert-scale items and three open-ended questions. From the analysis of the collected data, the study found that the IREP-method-based program was successful at increasing the participants’ interest in English learning, changing their attitudes toward English learning in a more positive direction, boosting their confidence in English, and helping them have more positive thought and attitudes toward diversities or differences.
Características psicométricas de la escala de autoconcepto AF5 en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Manizales
Authors: Montoya Londoño Diana Marcela , Hederich–Martínez Christian , De la Portilla Maya Sonia Rocío
Published: October 2022

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo establecer las características psicométricas y la estructura fac- torial subyacente a los ítems de la Escala de Autoconcepto AF5. Se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal. Se aplicó el instrumento en 1386 (798 mujeres y 588 hombres) estudiantes de tres uni- versidades ubicadas en una ciudad de la región central del país, una de carácter público y dos privadas. Entre los resultados se encontraron adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para la prueba, así como una estructura hexadimensional del constructo, desde la cual el autoconcepto físico pareció subdividirse en dos dimensiones independientes, condición física y atractivo físico. A manera de conclusión puede indicarse que el AF5 se presenta como un instrumento sólido con adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para ser usado en muestras de estudiantes universitarios colombianos.
Palabras clave: Autoconcepto, Relaciones interpersonales, Relaciones familiares. Fuente: DeCS, BI- REME.
Examining the role of quality performance and entrepreneurial orientation on green manufacturing and financial performance
Authors: Ononye Uzoma , Ndudi Francis , Aloamaka Judith , Mba Mauryn , Ejumudo Tobi
Published: October 2022

The concept of green manufacturing is a topical discourse in sustainability studies, but its adoption seems to be lagging due to an unclear link to financial performance. The study aims to test the relationship between green manufacturing and financial performance, with quality performance as a mediator and entrepreneurial orientation as a moderator. The partial least square (PLS) method was applied for hypotheses testing. Data were randomly obtained from 116 managerial staff in manufacturing firms operating in the polymer industry in Southern Nigeria. From the PLS results, green manufacturing is positively related to financial performance (β = 0.167, p = 0.027), and this relationship is mediated by quality performance (β = 0.194, p = 0.000) and moderated by entrepreneurial orientation (β = 0.115, p = 0.000). The results demonstrated that green manufacturing spurs financial performance directly. However, optimality can be achieved indirectly through quality performance and under generative conditions or behaviors effectuated by entrepreneurial orientation. In conclusion, quality performance and entrepreneurial orientation may account for the ways in which green manufacturing enhances financial performance significantly and positively.
The impact of internal marketing philosophy on a firm’s strategic orientation
Authors: Arfara Christina , Samanta Irene
Published: October 2022

The study investigates the impact of internal marketing philosophy on implementing strategic goals to leverage an innovative internal marketing concept for business growth. In the context of firms’ strategic orientation, the organization’s development, market position, and practices used to promote the desired organizational behavior are being examined. The paper focuses on large companies in Greece, which belong to the retail, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. Moreover, these companies have been certified by “Great place to work.” A qualitative method via Nvivo software was used. Data were collected from 10 semi-structured interviews. Participants are executives with significant working experience and different managerial positions. The findings document the impact of the internal marketing concept on company development through policies concerning strengthening the organization’s presence and recruiting qualified employees. Moreover, the influence of the internal marketing concept on an organization’s market position with regard to a positive working environment and management style is highlighted. Finally, team environment emerges as a dominant trait in the organizational context, while values such as honesty, integrity, and reliability appear as critical features of the desired behavior. The study provides an updated managerial perspective by establishing a link between the theory of internal marketing and business process mapping. The results enable executives to focus on elements that better serve the implementation of strategic goals.
Acknowledgment This study has been funded by the University of West Attica / Special Account for Research Grants.
Prediction of vascular events in individuals with atherosclerotic lesions of various vascular basins: results of a 3-year prospective follow-up
Authors: Kobzeva N. D. , Terentev V. P. , Oleynikova V. D.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Today, cardiovascular diseases occupy a leading position in the structure of mortality, both in Russia and throughout the  world. Every year more than 17  million people die from cardiac pathology, according to the World Health Organization, an increase in morbidity and mortality is expected in the future, which is explained, first of all, by an increase in the number of patients with diabetes and obesity.

Aim. Development of optimal approaches to predicting cardiovascular events and unfavorable outcomes in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis during a 3-year prospective follow-up.

Materials and methods. The study included 519  patients with atherosclerotic lesions of  various vascular regions, of  which 360 (69.4%) were men, 159 (30.6%) were women. The average age of the examined patients was 60.0 ± 8.7 years.

Results. In the course of the analysis, it was noted that a factor such as the percentage of table stenosis of the left coronary artery (p = 0.013) influenced the risk of developing non-fatal cases of heart failure in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis. With regard to the end point – fatal cases of heart failure, the following factors demonstrated their statistical significance: age of onset of arterial hypertension, years (p = 0.020); history of chronic heart failure (p = 0.020); left atrial size, mm (p = 0.025); degree of stenosis of the posterior lateral branch, % (p = 0.038); presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the region of the posterior interventricular branch (p = 0.002); number of affected vascular beds (p = 0.044).

Conclusions. Using logistic regression equations, original mathematical tools have been developed to assess the risk of developing both fatal and non-fatal heart failure in patients with peripheral atherosclerosis.
Association between adipokines and cardiac remodeling in obese patients in preclinical heart failure
Authors: Lyasnikova E. A. , Matveev G. A. , Golikova T. I. , Derevitskii I. V. , Fedorov A. V. , Vasilyeva E. Yu. , Babenko A. Yu.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Association of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in obesity and accompanying metabolic risks with adipokines levels at the different stage of heart failure (HF) is still debatable.

The aim of study was to investigate the relationship of circulating adipokines levels with LVH in obese patients at preclinical stage of HF.

Materials and methods. The study included 74 obese patients: 43% had no markers of LVH (stage A HF, group 1); 57% had LVH (stage B HF, group 2). Transthoracic echocardiography, laboratory assessment of N-terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide, soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2), circulating leptin and adiponectin levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (IR) (HOMA-IR) were done. Matched-pairs analysis was applied.

Results. Negative correlations of LVH with leptin levels in group 1 (stage A HF) and with adiponectin levels in group 2 (stage B HF) were detected (all p < 0.05). Positive correlations of the sST2 / adiponectin ratio and HOMA-IR with the parameters of LVH were detected in group 2 (all p >< 0.05). Conclusion. The direction of the associations between circulating adipokines and LVH varies with the preclinical stage of HF. The data obtained may reflect a relationship between heart remodeling in response to molecular mechanisms of inflammation and IR in obese patients at the certain stage of cardiovascular continuum. Keywords: leptin, adiponectin, insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, inflammation, sST2, left ventricular hypertrophy>˂ 0.05). Positive correlations of the sST2 / adiponectin ratio and HOMA-IR with the parameters of LVH were detected in group 2 (all p ˂ 0.05).

Conclusion. The direction of the associations between circulating adipokines and LVH varies with the preclinical stage of HF. The data obtained may reflect a relationship between heart remodeling in response to molecular mechanisms of inflammation and IR in obese patients at the certain stage of cardiovascular continuum.