bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phages Shape Microbial Dynamics and Metabolism of a Model Community Mimicking Cider, a Fermented Beverage
Authors: Ledormand Pierre , Desmasures Nathalie , Schlusselhuber Margot , Sesboüé André , Ledauphin Jérôme , Dalmasso Marion
Published: October 2022

Model microbial communities are often studied to better understand interactions and fluxes during fermentation processes. However, models that take into account the potential impact of bacteriophages (phages), which are recognized as drivers of microbial communities, are scarce, especially in fermented foods. This study aimed at investigating the behavior of a cider model microbial community, which was subjected to disturbance in the presence or absence of phages and at two different temperatures (25 °C and 15 °C). The model microbial community was composed of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to the species Liquorilactobacillus mali, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Oenococcus oeni, and of a Saccharomyces uvarum yeast strain. Two phages were selected, targeting L. mali and Ln. mesenteroides strains. In order to follow the behavior of the microbial community model, the phages and microbial strains were enumerated at several time points, and the metabolic signatures (sugar consumption, production of organic acids and volatile organic compounds) of the model microbial community were monitored. At 25 °C, the community with phages (P) was significantly closer to the control condition (C) than to the condition without phages (D). Microbial levels were similar between conditions C and P, which were characterized by high concentrations of compounds such as 2-phenylethanol, ethyl octanoate and isoamyl alcohol, and more globally by a more complex metabolic signature than that of condition D. In condition D, L. mali and Ln. mesenteroides were dominant while S. uvarum and O. oeni were less present, and this condition was characterized by a high concentration of ethyl lactate. At 15 °C, condition P differed from conditions C and D, as Ln. mesenteroides was not detected while the other strains all reached approximately the same levels. The metabolic range of condition P was less important than for conditions C and D. The current study showed that the influence of phages on the model microbial community dynamics and metabolisms after a disturbance phenomenon was temperature-dependent.
Recombinant Human Cytomegalovirus Expressing an Analog-Sensitive Kinase pUL97 as Novel Tool for Functional Analyses
Authors: Krämer Nadine , Schütz Martin , Mato Uxía Gestal , Herhaus Lina , Marschall Manfred , Zimmermann Christine
Published: October 2022

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the beta-herpesvirus family and inflicts life-long latent infections in its hosts. HCMV has been shown to manipulate and dysregulate many cellular processes. One major interactor with the cellular host is the viral kinase pUL97. The UL97 gene is essential for viral replication, and kinase-deficient mutants of pUL97 display a severe replication defect. Recently, another group established an analog-sensitive version of the pUL97 protein. This mutant kinase can be treated with a non-hydrolysable ATP analog, thereby inhibiting its kinase function. This process is reversible by removing the ATP analog by media change. We introduced this mutant version of the pUL97 protein into the laboratory strain Ad169 of HCMV, BADwt, creating a BAD-UL97-as1 viral mutant. This mutant virus replicated normally in infected cells in the absence of the ATP analog and maintained its ability to phosphorylate its cellular substrates. However, when treated with the ATP analog, BAD-UL97-as1 displayed a defect in the production of intra- and extracellular viral DNA and in the production of viral progeny. Furthermore, in the presence of 3MB-PP1, a well-established substrate of pUL97 was no longer hyperphosphorylated. This effect was detectable as early as 4 h post treatment, which allows for studies on pUL97 without the complication of low viral titers. Nevertheless, we observed off-target effects of 3MB-PP1 on several cellular processes, which should be considered with this approach.
Comparative HIV-1 Phylogenies Characterized by PR/RT, Pol and Near-Full-Length Genome Sequences
Authors: Topcu Cicek , Georgiou Vasilis , Rodosthenous Johana Hezka , Kostrikis Leondios G.
Published: October 2022

In an effort to evaluate the accuracy of HIV-1 phylogenies based on genomes of increasing length, we developed a comprehensive near-full-length HIV-1 genome RT–PCR assay and performed a comparative evaluation via phylogenetic analyses. To this end, we conducted comparative analyses of HIV-1 phylogenies derived based on HIV-1 PR/RT (2253–3359 in the HXB2 genome) and pol region (2253–5250 in the HXB2 genome) sequences isolated from 134 HIV-1-infected patients in Cyprus (2017–2019). The HIV-1 genotypic subtypes determined using six subtyping tools (REGA 3.0, COMET 2.3, jpHMM, SCUEAL, Stanford, and Geno2pheno) were compared to investigate the discrepancies generated among different tools. To evaluate the accuracy of defined HIV-1 phylogenies, the samples exhibiting at least one discrepant subtyping result among different subtyping tools in both PR/RT and pol regions or only in the pol region (n = 38) were selected for near-full-length HIV-1 genome (790–8795 in HXB2 genome) sequencing using a newly developed RT–PCR/sequencing assay. The obtained sequences were employed for HIV-1 genotypic subtype determination and subjected to comparative phylogenetic-based analyses. It was observed that 39.6% of the 134 samples presented discrepancies in the PR/RT region, while 28.4% presented discrepancies in the pol region. REGA 3.0 produced the fewest discrepancies collectively in both regions and was selected for subsequent subtyping and comparative phylogenetic analyses of near-full-length HIV-1 genome sequences. The analyses of near-full-length HIV-1 genome sequences identified 68.4% of the 38 ‘discrepant samples’ (n = 26) as belonging to uncharacterized recombinant HIV-1 strains, while 21.1% were circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) (n = 8) and 10.5% belonged to pure group M subtypes (n = 4). The findings demonstrated a significant reduction of 11.2% in discrepancies when pol region sequences were used compared to PR/RT region sequences, indicating that increased nucleotide sequence lengths are directly correlated with more consistent subtype classification. The results also revealed that if the discrepancy in pol region subtyping results persists, then there is a high likelihood (89.5%) that the query sequence is a recombinant HIV-1 strain, 68.4% of which belong to uncharacterized recombinant HIV-1 strains. The results of this study showed that REGA 3.0 presented the best performance in subtyping recombinant HIV-1 strains, while Stanford performed better in defining phylogenies of pure group M subtypes. The study highlights that, especially in populations with polyphyletic HIV-1 epidemics resulting in a high prevalence of recombinant HIV-1 strains, neither PR/RT nor pol region sequences are reliable for the determination of HIV-1 genotypic subtypes in samples showing discrepancies among different subtyping tools, and only near-full-length or full-length HIV-1 genome sequences are sufficiently accurate.
Drivers of the Intention to Receive a COVID-19 Booster Vaccine: Insights from the UK and Australia
Authors: Barnes Kirsten , Colagiuri Ben
Published: October 2022

As the global pandemic perpetuates, keeping the population vaccinated will be imperative to maintain societal protection from the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. However, while empirical evidence regarding predictors of the intention to receive a first COVID-19 vaccine has amassed, our understanding regarding the psychological and behavioral drivers of continued COVID-19 vaccination remains limited. In this pre-registered study (UK: AsPredicted#78370|Australia: AsPredicted#81667), factors predicting the intention to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine were investigated in two adult samples from the UK (N = 1222) and Australia (N = 1197) that were nationally representative on factors of age, gender, and geographic location. High levels of booster intent were found (73% and 67%, respectively). Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (ESEM) revealed three key predictors of the intention to receive a booster vaccine that emerged across both UK and Australian samples: concern regarding the COVID-19 virus, positive perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccines, and the perceived severity of side effects experienced to the last COVID-19 vaccine dose. Several additional factors (age, months since the last COVID-19 vaccine, familiarity with side effects, and regularly receiving the influenza vaccine) were present in the Australian dataset. These findings provide important evidence that targeting psychological perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine and virus may serve to maintain participation in the COVID-19 vaccination programme, paving the way for future behavioural research in this area.
Designing an Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Derived from RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) against Dengue Virus Serotype 2
Authors: Wahongan Irma F. , Suoth Elly J. , Fatimawali  , Alhumaid Saad , Albayat Hawra , Aljeldah Mohammed , Al Shammari Basim R. , Mashraqi Mutaib M. , Alshehri Ahmad A. , Sulaiman Tarek , Turkistani Safaa A. , Alwashmi Ameen S. S. , Garout Mohammed , Tallei Trina Ekawati , Rabaan Ali A.
Published: October 2022

Dengue fever (DF) continues to be one of the tropical and subtropical health concerns. Its prevalence tends to increase in some places in these regions. This disease is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted through the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. The treatment of DF to date is only supportive and there is no definitive vaccine to prevent this disease. The non-structural DENV protein, RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp), is involved in viral replication. The RdRp-derived peptides can be used in the construction of a universal dengue vaccine. These peptides can be utilized as epitopes to induce immunity. This study was an in silico evaluation of the affinity of the potential epitope for the universal dengue vaccine to dendritic cells and the bonds between the epitope and the dendritic cell receptor. The peptide sequence MGKREKKLGEFGKAKG generated from dengue virus subtype 2 (DENV-2) RdRp was antigenic, did not produce allergies, was non-toxic, and had no homology with the human genome. The potential epitope-based vaccine MGKREKKLGEFGKAKG binds stably to dendritic cell receptors with a binding free energy of −474,4 kcal/mol. This epitope is anticipated to induce an immunological response and has the potential to serve as a universal dengue virus vaccine candidate.
Deep Learning Based Egg Fertility Detection
Authors: Çevik Kerim Kürşat , Koçer Hasan Erdinç , Boğa Mustafa
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the implementation of deep learning (DL) approaches to the fertile egg-recognition problem, based on incubator images. In this study, we aimed to classify chicken eggs according to both segmentation and fertility status with a Mask R-CNN-based approach. In this manner, images can be handled by a single DL model to successfully perform detection, classification and segmentation of fertile and infertile eggs. Two different test processes were used in this study. In the first test application, a data set containing five fertile eggs was used. In the second, testing was carried out on the data set containing 18 fertile eggs. For evaluating this study, we used AP, one of the most important metrics for evaluating object detection and segmentation models in computer vision. When the results obtained were examined, the optimum threshold value (IoU) value was determined as 0.7. According to the IoU of 0.7, it was observed that all fertile eggs in the incubator were determined correctly on the third day of both test periods. Considering the methods used and the ease of the designed system, it can be said that a very successful system has been designed according to the studies in the literature. In order to increase the segmentation performance, it is necessary to carry out an experimental study to improve the camera and lighting setup prepared for taking the images.
First Report of Brucella Seroprevalence in Wild Boar Population in Serbia
Authors: Zurovac Sapundzic Zorana , Zutic Jadranka , Stevic Natasa , Milicevic Vesna , Radojicic Marina , Stanojevic Slavoljub , Radojicic Sonja
Published: October 2022

Brucellosis is one of the most important bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide, characterized in domestic animals by long-term reproductive disorders. As known, wild boars (Sus scrofa) are natural hosts for Brucella suis biovar 2, in which the infection passes in inapparent form, increasing the pathogen transmission risk to domestic pigs, other domestic animals and humans. So far, no studies regarding brucellosis in wild boars in Serbia have been published. During the hunting season 2020/2021, 480 sera of wild boars living in Serbia were collected and tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies. For the serological survey, the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) were used. Of the 480 sera, 45 sera tested positive, indicating the acquired Brucella seroprevalence in wild boars of 9.4%. The greatest numbers of Brucella seropositive animals were detected in the eastern parts of the country and in one of the central districts, i.e., Pomoravski, Branicevski, Borski and Juznobanatski. This study provides the first data regarding brucellosis in the wild boar population in Serbia, revealing the seroprevalence of Brucella, thus indicating that wild boars as natural hosts and/or vectors of Brucella likely present a risk for the infection of other animals.
Lettuce Fertigation with Domestic Effluent Treated with Orange Pomace Biochar
Authors: Souza Antonio Magno dos Santos , da Cunha Fernando França , Faccioli Gregorio Guirado , Santana Fabiano Santos , Santos Ketylen Vieira
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of orange pomace biochar, applying its benefits in irrigated agriculture. For this, a low-cost system for tertiary treatment using biochar was developed. The objective was also to compare the physicochemical and microbiological attributes of irrigation water with the limits established by the legislation. The impacts of wastewater from the filtration system on the soil and on the agronomic and biological characteristics of the lettuce crop were assessed. Biochar was produced in a muffle furnace and characterized by thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 5 (irrigation depths) × 5 (combinations of water sources and fertilization) factorial arrangement, with three replicates. It was found that the use of biochar as a filter material improved the microbiological quality of wastewater. The water sources used in irrigation did not cause changes in soil salinity. Fertigation using wastewater that passed through the filtration system positively affected the agronomic characteristics of lettuce, with no need for top-dressing fertilization. Lettuce leaves produced in the experiment were acceptable for human consumption, according to the standards of Resolution-RDC No. 12, of 2 January 2001, of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).
Seasonal Variation of Water Quality Modulated Redox Regulatory System in the Apple Snail Pila globosa and Its Use as a Bioindicator Species in Freshwater Ecosystems across India
Authors: Panda Falguni , Pati Samar Gourav , Anwar Taslima Nasim , Samanta Luna , Paital Biswaranjan
Published: October 2022

Studies on oxidative stress physiology on molluscs to monitor the aquatic environment, influenced by pollutants and stressors are very limited in general and in Indian apple snails, P. globosa in particular. The main focus of the present study was to establish the baseline data on a redox regulatory system in P. globosa sampled across the Indian subcontinent. Snails were sampled from different zones of India in three seasons (rainy, summer and winter) and the redox regulatory system (levels of antioxidant enzyme activities and small redox regulatory molecules) and oxidative stress indicator (lipid peroxidation) were analyzed. The observed elevated lipid peroxidation level in the summer season accompanied with elevated pH, salinity and temperature indicates induction of stress. In the summer season, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) enzymes were augmented, whereas the level of the free -SH group and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were found to be increased. Similarly, correlation analysis between the antioxidant system and aquatic parameters revealed that SOD, CAT and GR were influenced by pH as well as salinity, whereas CAT was strongly correlated with temperature. Collectively, our data indicate the use of P. globosa as a model organism to monitor and access the freshwater environment by determining the redox regulatory status of this animal.
Analyzing Performance Effects of Neural Networks Applied to Lane Recognition under Various Environmental Driving Conditions
Authors: Ortegon-Sarmiento Tatiana , Kelouwani Sousso , Alam Muhammad Zeshan , Uribe-Quevedo Alvaro , Amamou Ali , Paderewski-Rodriguez Patricia , Gutierrez-Vela Francisco
Published: October 2022

Lane detection is an essential module for the safe navigation of autonomous vehicles (AVs). Estimating the vehicle’s position and trajectory on the road is critical; however, several environmental variables can affect this task. State-of-the-art lane detection methods utilize convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as feature extractors to obtain relevant features through training using multiple kernel layers. It makes them vulnerable to any statistical change in the input data or noise affecting the spatial characteristics. In this paper, we compare six different CNN architectures to analyze the effect of various adverse conditions, including harsh weather, illumination variations, and shadows/occlusions, on lane detection. Among all the aforementioned adverse conditions, harsh weather in general and snowy night conditions particularly affect the performance by a large margin. The average detection accuracy of the networks decreased by 75.2%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) increased by 301.1%. Overall, the results show a noticeable drop in the networks’ accuracy for all adverse conditions because the features’ stochastic distributions change for each state.
Evaluating the Optimal Electric Vehicle Location for a Hybrid Energy System Controlled with Novel Active Disturbance Rejection Controller
Authors: Farooq Zahid , Safiullah Sheikh , Rahman Asadur , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Ustun Taha Selim
Published: October 2022

Power system control is an important issue with regard to power system safety, flexibility, and reliability. Over the years, various new power system control strategies have been explored, but the main disadvantage of these control strategies is their complexity in structures with respect to industrially applied PID controller. The present paper introduces a novel control strategy based on modified disturbance rejection control, which is a modification of the PID controller that not only preserves the simplicity of control design but also offers an effective control based on state observer-based control law. The proposed control strategy addresses some basic limitations of a PID controller and implements modified control law to remove these limitations. In order to prove the effective control of the proposed control strategy, a standard IEEE-39 bus power system integrated with renewable energy generations is developed, and a comparative analysis of the proposed controller is performed with respect to its ancestor controllers. The comparison is validated based on the system dynamic responses like frequency and tie-line power deviations when the power system is subjected to different disturbances. Furthermore, the power system is integrated with electric vehices (EVs) in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) mode in order to ascertain the effect of EVs when used in V2G mode. A novel study is carried out in which the optimal location of EVs in the power system is determined based on the enhancement in stability of the power system by EVs. The analyses are carried out in MATLAB Simulink software. Simulation reports reflect the optimal control action of the proposed controller with respect to already established strategies projected in the literature. Moreover, the results illustrate that EVs when connected in Area 1 and Area 3 of the power system, the system deviations and steady-state errors are much less as compared to the other cases.
Lack of Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infections in a Cohort of Boars and Deer Species in a Game Reserve in Northern Germany
Authors: Westphal Tim , Delling Michel , Mader Maria , Ackermann Christin , Horvatits Thomas , Lütgehetmann Marc , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian , Pischke Sven , Beisel Claudia
Published: October 2022

The risk of acquiring hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections by wild animals living in the European wild nature has previously been reported and high anti-HEV antibody detection rates were detected in several animal species. However, data on the HEV seroprevalence of wild boars and deer held in game reserves are rare. In the present study, we investigated anti-HEV seroprevalence and HEV RNA in 38 deer and 15 wild boars living in a game reserve in Northern Germany. Surprisingly, none of the animals tested positive for HEV RNA in blood, liver, or muscle (diaphragm), and all animals (n = 53, 100%) were anti-HEV negative. In conclusion, HEV infections in enclosed areas, such as game reserves, in Germany are rare, and the risk of HEV transmission through meat from these animals to humans seems to be low.
Antibiotic effectiveness for children with lower respiratory infections: prospective cohort and trial in primary care
Authors: Little Paul , Becque Taeko , Hay Alastair D , Francis Nick A , Stuart Beth , O’Reilly Gilly , Thompson Natalie , Hood Kerenza , Moore Michael , Verheij Theo
Published: October 2022

Background

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children with chest infections but there is little randomised evidence and trials commonly recruit selected populations, which undermines their applicability.

Aim

To document the effectiveness of antibiotics for chest infections in children.

Design and setting

This was a prospective cohort study with nested trial in primary care.

Method

Children aged 1–12 years presenting with uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections were included in the cohort. Children were either randomised to receive amoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day for 7 days or placebo, or participated in a parallel observational study, where propensity scores controlled for confounding by indication. The outcomes were duration of symptoms rated moderately bad or worse (primary outcome) and illness progression requiring hospital assessment.

Results

A total of 764 children participated (438 trial, 326 observational), and children were more unwell than in previous cohorts (more sputum, fever, shortness of breath). Children had been unwell for a median of 5–6 days, and symptoms rated moderately bad or worse lasted another 6 days when no antibiotics were given.

With antibiotics there was a non-significant reduction of approximately 1 day in duration of symptoms rated moderately bad or worse for the whole cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.95 to 1.41), similar to the trial alone (HR 1.13, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.43). The effect of antibiotic treatment on secondary outcomes was also non-significant.

Conclusion

Antibiotics for uncomplicated chest infections, even in a sample of more unwell children, are unlikely to be clinically very effective.
Patient experience and satisfaction with symptomatic faecal immunochemical testing: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Gil Natalie , Su Helen , Kaur Kirandeep , Barnett Michael , Murray Anna , Duffy Stephen , von Wagner Christian , Kerrison Robert S
Published: October 2022

Background

Recent evidence suggests that faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) in symptomatic adults. To date, there has been little research exploring experiences of FIT for this population.

Aim

To explore patient experience and satisfaction with FIT in an ‘early adopter’ site in England.

Design

Explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach combining mailed quantitative surveys with semi-structured telephone interviews.

Method

Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative transcripts.

Results

The survey had 260 responders, and it found that satisfaction with FIT was high (88.7%). Compared with test satisfaction, the proportion of responders satisfied with their GP consultation and how they received their results was lower (74.4% and 76.2%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that increased area-level deprivation and not receiving an explanation of the purpose of the test were associated with lower satisfaction with the GP consultation (bothP-values <0.05), while increased area-level deprivation and not receiving results from the GP were associated with lower satisfaction with receiving results (bothP-values <0.05). Interviews with responders (n= 20) helped explain the quantitative results. They revealed that ‘not knowing the purpose of the test’ caused ‘anxiety’ and ‘confusion’, which led to dissatisfaction. ‘Not receiving results from GP’ was considered ‘unacceptable’, as this left patients with a ‘niggling doubt’ and lack of diagnosis or assurance that they did not have cancer.

Conclusion

Patient satisfaction with symptomatic FIT is high. Efforts to improve satisfaction should focus on ensuring that patients understand the purpose of the test and always receive their test results.
Interaksi antara model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing dan discovery dengan gaya belajar mahasiswa terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis
Authors: Fatimah Ade Evi , Purba Azrina
Published: October 2022

This study aims to determine whether there is an interaction between the Inquiry and Discovery learning models with learning styles on the mathematical critical thinking skills of students of the STKIP Al Maksum Science Education study program in basic mathematics courses. This research was conducted in the even semester of the 2021-2022 academic year with a population of 109 students and a sample of 80 students. The research instrument used was in the form of mathematical critical thinking ability test questions. The research method used is a correlational method with a quantitative approach. This study used a quasi-experimental design. The research data were processed and analyzed using the 2x2 ANOVA statistical test. The results of the study show that there is an interaction between the Inquiry and Discovery learning models with learning styles on the mathematical critical thinking skills of Science Education students.
Classification of types of internal audit: state and development
Authors: Danilkova S. A.
Published: October 2022

The object of theoretical understanding of the typology of internal audit is often experience in control and audit activities, which has both a positive and a negative aspect. Based on international practice, an analysis of various approaches to identifying types of internal audit was carried out, an assessment was made of the completeness of the content of its types, new classification features were introduced to identify the types of internal audit, taking into account objective and subjective factors, which contributes to the disclosure of the essence, meaning, role, functions and responsibility internal audit before society.
Information and digital transformation of high-tech industries as a source of industrial growth in the United States
Authors: Minat V. N.
Published: October 2022

The relevance of the study is due to the global trends in the formation of a knowledge economy focused on the actively developing core of high-tech industries of industrial production, as well as knowledge-intensive and innovative-active sectors of the economy associated with their development in the context of changing technological and world economic structures. The sources of the strategic post-crisis spatio-temporal evolution of this core in the United States, which form a set of effects that positively affect economic growth, are cognizable by assessing the dynamic development of high-tech industries in the period 2011–2020, are the key areas of reindustrialization that have replaced the deindustrial-globalist paradigm of development. The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate various sources of growth in high-tech economic activities that form the material basis for the reindustrialization of the United States (sources of industrial growth) and, associated with them, the territorial distribution of high-tech sectors of the American economy. The methodological tools used in this paper, based on the indicator of company revenue in its ten-year dynamics, made it possible to fully or partially confirm a number of research hypotheses put forward about the advantages of high-tech industries of the American economy in the structure of US economic growth over the past decade. The identified sources of growth, analyzed in the dynamics of the revenue of American high-tech companies and the territorial differentiation of the US geo-economic and geo-innovation space, to a certain extent, are reflected in the strategic measures implemented by the government and large businesses in the field of stimulating the development of relevant industries based on NBIC technologies and digital transformation.
Maclaurin Coefficient Estimates for a New Subclasses of m-Fold Symmetric Bi-Univalent Functions
Authors: Wanas Abbas Kareem , Raadhi Hussein Kadhim
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we obtain upper bounds for the first two Taylor-Maclaurin and for two new families Υ_(Σ_m ) (η,γ;α) and Υ_(Σ_m)^* (η,γ;β) of holomorphic and m-fold symmetric bi-univalent functions defined in the open unit disk U. Further, we point out several certain special cases for our results.
Processing and Analysing Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) Data: Reflections from a South African Researcher
Authors: Schaefer Maxine
Published: October 2022

This preprint notes my reflections on processing (cleaning) and analysing early grade reading data from the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) in my context, South Africa. The preprint is a brief overview of what (student) researchers should think about when using data from EGRA. It is likely that this preprint will be updated as I get feedback from others and continue working with EGRA data.
Interventions to support the mental health and wellbeing of engineering students: A scoping review.
Authors: Tait Jo-Anne , alexander lyndsay , Hancock Elizabeth , Bisset Judith
Published: October 2022

Engineering students enter a challenging and competitive sector in higher education and are potentially at risk of poor mental health and or mental wellbeing. It is important to raise awareness of and support good mental health and wellbeing for engineering students. We carried out a scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology.Published sources of evidence were searched for this review via: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, Compendex, Web of Science, Emerald, Epistemonikos and Business Source Complete. Searches were conducted in January 2019 and updated in January 2020, and March 2022. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts, full text sources and extracted data using a form developed by the authors.Results: Searches identified 191 sources of evidence after title screening and 33 sources of evidence were included for final extraction following full-text screening. This represented over 4000 engineering students from 10 countries. Included studies were predominantly pilots, which suggests a lack of diverse research methods in the existing research base. Studies also varied in approaches to reporting. Interventions included training, relaxation, technology use, alternative teaching models, support services and a study break with a range of outcome measures used to evaluate intervention effects. Results of included studies noted reduced stress and anxiety, improved academic achievement, improved communication, motivation, physiological responses, attitude, and increased physical activity, health awareness and confidence. Mindfulness activities appear to be accepted by and helpful to engineering students.Conclusions: This review mapped interventions to support mental health and wellbeing in engineering students but identifies a need for further high-quality robust studies that are transparently reported using reporting guidelines.
SHARI’AH COMPLIANCE ISSUES IN THE PRACTICES OF MURABAHAH FINANCING PRODUCTS OFFERED BY BANKING INSTITUTIONS IN TANZANIA
Authors: Mapeyo Ramadhani Salim , Othman Ahmad Azam , Salleh Safinar , Ibrahim Uzaimah
Published: October 2022

Islamic banking industry in Tanzania began in 2008. Currently, it has several banking institutions with Islamic banking windows and one full-fledged Islamic bank. In this industry, Murabahah has been used in most of the financing products. Therefore, this paper discusses and analyses the Shari’ah compliant issues in the practices of Murabahah financing products offered by banking institutions in Tanzania and proposes the ways forward. The findings of this paper revealed that there are several Shari’ah problems such as charging of application fees, use of conventional insurance, uncertainty of agency contract and ownership of the commodity for sale. This happens due to absence of Islamic banking legal and regulatory framework, weaknesses in the banking institutions, and commitment of the people. The methodology adopted in this paper is based on qualitative and descriptive approaches, review, and analysis of authoritative and non-authoritative legal and Shari’ah sources, as well as observations. The study recommends for the establishment of Islamic banking legal and regulatory framework, adoption of guidelines for Murabahah financing, and enhancement of the Shari’ah Boards performance. Moreover, knowledge on the essence of Shari’ah compliance should be disseminated to the people, and Tawarruq Commodity Murabahah financing to meet the need for cash money should be introduced.
EMOTIONAL DISORDER AS OBSTACLE TO SULH SETTLEMENT IN CHILD CUSTODY CASES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Zakiyy Norman , Mokhtar Maizatul Farisah , Hashim Hasnizam
Published: October 2022

Sulh is renowned for resolving various types of disputes, including hadhanah (child custody) matters in the Syariah Court. However, its effectiveness in responding to hadhanah (child custody) cases that involve emotional disorders requires further investigation. The main objective of this study is to examine the obstacle brought forth by a party suffering from an emotional disorder in a sulh session of a child custody case in Malaysia. The study adopts a qualitative approach and builds on library resources. Data were analyzed descriptively from a literature review on sulh, emotional disorder, and court processes. This study finds that a party who suffers from emotional disorder in a child custody case may affect sulh settlement because it obstructs the sulh officer from carrying out his facilitative task effectively according to the rules mentioned in the sulh procedure and sulh work manual. Therefore, the implication of this study is to draw awareness of the incidence of emotional disorders and the need for the Syariah Court to conduct an early reality check on each party’s mental capacity prior to determining whether to place a particular child custody case for possible sulh settlement.
Impact of R&D and innovation on economic development: an empirical analysis on Azerbaijan
Authors: Huseynov Safar Mazahir
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of Research and Development (R&D) and innovation on the economic development of the Republic of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, time series analysis was applied with the help of the “EViews 12.0” application, taking R&D expenditure, the number of researchers in the country, the number of patent applications, and finally the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data as an indicator of economic development. In addition, causality from both the number of patent applications and the number of researchers to economic growth has not been determined. In addition, causality from R&D expenditures, patent applications and researchers to economic growth in the long run has not been determined. Undetected causality hypotheses are highlighted in the article.
Determination of kinetic constants and coefficients of biological processes of wastewater treatment of egg advanced processing enterprises
Authors: Степанов С.В. , Авдеенков П.П. , Пономаренко О.С. , Морозова К.М.
Published: October 2022

Представлены результаты исследований, проведенных в контактных условиях на активном иле лабораторного реактора периодического действия со сточными водами предприятия по глубокой переработке куриных яиц. В ходе кинетических опытов, основанных на измерении скорости потребления растворенного кислорода, для сточной воды после предварительного коагулирования были установлены следующие усредненные значения кинетических констант процессов биологической очистки: максимальная скорость потребления кислорода при концентрации ила ai → 0 – ρ’max = 44,8 мг/(г·ч) в пересчете на температуру 20 С, константа Михаэлиса Km = 77,5 мг/л, коэффициент ингибирования продуктами метаболизма  = 0,265, температурная константа χ = 0,08 С–1, оптимальное значение рН 7,8 и рН-константа 80. В опытах с исходными сточными водами были установлены следующие усредненные значения констант: максимальная скорость потребления кислорода при 20 С и ai → 0 ρ’max = 26,5 мг/(г·ч), константа Михаэлиса Km = 50,6 мг/л, коэффициент ингибирования продуктами метаболизма  = 0,065, температурная константа χ = 0,1 С–1, рНопт 7,8 и KрН = 170. Полученные значения кинетических констант и коэффициентов могут быть использованы при расчете сооружений биологической очистки сточных вод яйцеперерабатывающего предприятия.

The results of studies carried out in contact conditions with active sludge of a laboratory batch reactor with wastewater from an enterprise for advanced processing of chicken eggs are presented. In the course of kinetic experiments based on measuring the rate of dissolved oxygen consumption the following averaged values of the kinetic constants of the biological treatment processes were established for wastewater after preliminary coagulation: the maximum rate of oxygen consumption at a sludge concentration ai → 0 ρ’max = 44.8 mg/(g·h) in terms of a temperature of 20 С; Michaelis constant Km = 77.5 mg/l; coefficient of inhibition by metabolic products  = 0.265; temperature constant χ = 0.08 С–1; optimal pH value 7.8 and pH constant 80. During the experiments with raw wastewater, the following average values of the constants were determined: the maximum rate of oxygen consumption at 20С and ai → 0 ρ’max = 26.5 mg/(g·h); Michaelis constant Km = 50.6 mg/l; coefficient of inhibition by metabolic products  = 0.065; temperature constant χ = 0.1 С–1; pHopt 7.8 and KрН = 170. The obtained values of kinetic constants and coefficients can be used in the calculation of biological wastewater treatment facilities of an egg processing enterprise.
CASE REPORT-TOTAL-SPINA-BIFIDA-OCCULTA OF SACRUM
Authors: rani Mamta , Srivastava Monika , Yadav Nisha
Published: October 2022

Introduction - Spina-bida occulta is a condition in which there is incomplete dorsal midline closure of
the osseous tissue, thus spinal cord remains unprotected. We reported a case of total spi Case Report - na
bida occulta type 1 of dried specimen of a sacrum during routine osteology teaching of undergraduate. SSBO is a Conclusion -
developmental defect and is associated with many other anomalies also .There are many genetic causes which are responsible
for SSBO.This is very useful for anesthetist to be aware of this abnormality prior to give epidural anaesthesia to avoid dural
puncture.
TO STUDY OF THE PROPORTION AND PATTERN OF SELECTIVE MICRONUTRIENT AND MACRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PATIENT ADMITTED IN NEUROSURGERY ICU
Authors: Sevak Ram , Jain Surendra , Sharma Arvind , Sharma Vinod , Chopra Sanjeev , Sharma Achal
Published: October 2022

Aim: To study the proportion of selective micronutrient and macronutrient deciency in traumatic brain
injury. Material And Methods: A prospective observational Study performed at department of
neurosurgery, SMS medical college, Jaipur.200 traumatic head injury patient of age 15 to 80 years admitted at neurosurgery
trauma ICU with post resuscitation Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 3 to 8 (severe traumatic brain injury) were included in
the study.“Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool” (MUST) was used to assess the nutritional status of all subjects and it was
classied as: no risk, moderate risk and high risk of malnutrition when MUST score was 0, 1 and ≥ 2respectively. Severity of TBI
was classied into mild, moderate, and severe based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) when it ≥13, 9 -12 and ≤ 8 respectively.
Serum electrolytes were measured at time of admission in emergency before starting intravenous uid and repeated at 24
hours after resuscitation and Serum electrolytes (serum sodium, potassium) were repeated at 24 hours after resuscitation and
along with calcium, phosphate, B12. Results: Mild, moderate and severe TBI was revealed in 26%, 30.5% and 43.5% of the
subjects respectively. All the nutrients intake viz. energy (kcal/d), protein (gm/d), CHO (gm/d) and fat (gm/d) was found to be
signicantly less among the TBI subjects. Macronutrients inadequacy viz. energy (kcal/d), protein (gm/d), CHO (gm/d) and
ber (gm/d) inadequacy was reported among 93.5%, 69%, 4.5% and 71.5% of the subjects respectively. Conclusion: Nutrition
assessment upon admission of TBI patients could be a vital factor in identifying patients with malnutrition, and prevention from
nutrition-related complications.
DOES PRP IMPROVE SHORT TERM FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH DEGENERATIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Ashok Padala , Mallikarjun Telakapally , Umamaheshwar K.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability having high prevalence in elderly population. There is a large debate regarding usage of biologicals in treatment of OA knee. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efcacy and safety of intra articular PRP injection in treatment of OA knee. Materials and methods: 50 patients were enrolled in this prospective non-randomized study.10 patients were lost to follow up.40 patients and 55 knees were studied .All of them received 2 doses of 5ml intraarticular PRP injection 3 weeks apart. The WOMAC scores and VAS scores at baseline, 1month, 3months and 6 months follow up are compared. Results: Out of 40 patients 25 had unilateral 15 had bilateral symptomatic osteoarthritis knee. A total of 55 knees were studied. 9 patients were males and 31 were females with mean age of 55.65yrs and mean BMI of 29.2. According to KL grading 40 knees were grade 3 and 15 were grade 4.There is statistically signicant (p<0.001) decrease in VAS scores and improvement in WOMAC functional scores after 2 doses of PRP injections. No signicant adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Intraarticular PRP injection is safe, well tolerated and effective in treatment of primary osteoarthritis. There is decrease in pain and improvement in functional outcome after 2 doses of PRP. More well designed RCT'S with large sample and long term follow up are required to establish long term effectiveness of PRP injections.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES OF THE KNEE.
Authors: A Jeniffer Nisha
Published: October 2022

Background: The knee joint is complicated, having a multitude of components, and any of the signs or
symptoms of a knee injury might be caused by any of them. The greatest signicant improvements in
knee joint imaging were accomplished during the reign of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). It has replaced conventional
arthrography in the assessment of the menisci and cruciate ligaments, reducing both the morbidity and cost associated with
arthroscopic examinations that provide negative results. The present study was performed on MRI Aim: for evaluation of
ligamentous knee injuries. This research was performed in 100 subjects, who has come to depart Material: ment of
radiodiagnosis with suspected ligamentous injuries to the knee. The ndings obtained in our Results: study showed that medial
meniscal tears/degeneration (64%) followed by anterior cruciate ligament tear (49%) were the most frequently found pathology
of all subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging is highly sensitive, precise and accurate method of imag Conclusion: ing modality
in the identication of posterior cruciate ligament and full length anterior cruciate ligament tears; however, it has no adequate
sensitivity in the detection of partial anterior cruciate tears.
Comparison of On-site Assessment of Testing and Inspection Laboratories
Authors: Hwang Jong-Yeon , Lee Hye-ri , Go Sang-Ho , Jeon Sooa , Kim Jee-Hye , Kim Hyo-Kyeong , Lee Jin-Ju , Park Chang-Hee , Yoon Jeong-Ki , Shin Sun-Kyung
Published: October 2022

The quality control of testing and inspection laboratories operated in Korea, the United States, and Canada was compared. The basic framework of on-site evaluation operated by each country was similar in terms of evaluation procedure, document evaluation, issuance of verification certificate, and follow-up management. For conducting on-site evaluation and granting the certificate, the preparation materials and evaluation processes are subdivided in Korea, while the dates of granting the certificate are restricted to four times a year in the United States. After receiving accreditation as a testing/inspection laboratories for the first time in Canada, follow-up management is divided into re-evaluation, verification evaluation, and monitoring evaluation.
Characteristics of Atmospheric Compounds based on Regional Multicorrelation Analysis in Honam Area
Authors: Oh Sung-Hyun , Oh Sea-Ho , Bae Min-Suk
Published: October 2022

Particulate Matter (PM) in the atmosphere has serious impacts on human health and the global environmental systems. To reduce anthropogenic PM emissions is of importance to protect public health. In this study, the variation of concentrations in PM2.5, NO2, and O3 of Honam region over the past 6 years (2016-2021) was investigated. A statistical approach (i.e., hierarchical cluster analysis) was performed to present their spatial relationships. As a result, the high concentration of PM2.5 in Iksan-si was found in sources of primary pollutants emitted from industrial complexes and ammonia from large-scale livestock complexes. The high concentration periods of PM2.5 with lower concentrations of NO2 and O3 can be seasonal and secondary PM product contributions. In addition, the concentration of O3 in Buan-gun and Wanju-gun with lower PM levels can be the effect of emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) from sources. It is necessary to strengthen management for reducing emissions by sources and to establish a policy to control precursors of the atmospheric contaminants.