bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of Brazilian Bacillus thuringiensis isolates with toxicity against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Fernandes Geysla Costa , Costa Dalton Kaynnan Prado , Oliveira Nayanne Santos , Sousa Emanuelle Cristine Pereira , Machado Déborah Heloísa Bittencourt , Polanczyk Antônio Ricardo , Siqueira Herbert Álvaro Abreu , Silva Maria Cleoneide
Published: August 2021

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates native to Maranhão (BtMA) that are highly toxic to Aedes aegypti larvae and seven standard subspecies of Bt were analyzed for genetic diversity using the rep-PRC technique with BOX, ERIC, REP, MB1, and GTG 5 markers. The rep-PCR technique is considered an extremely reliable, reproducible, fast and highly discriminatory technique that may be used even among populations of the same species. These five markers revealed a total of 38 polymorphic DNA fragments for 30 BtMA isolates. Eight groups were obtained with the dendrogram generated through Pearson's correlation analysis, with four groups formed only with BtMA isolates and four comprised of isolates of BtMA and the standard subspecies toxic to dipterans and lepidopterans. Despite the high genetic diversity of BtMA, a low correlation between the collection site, gene content and mortality against A. aegypti larvae was evidenced. The clustering of the standard subspecies of Bt that were toxic against dipterans with BtMA isolates confirm the mosquitocidal action of the native isolates from Maranhão, and they can be used as an alternative for A. aegypti control and other insects of medical importance and for the control of agricultural pests.
Earth’s Global Mean Energy Flow System as the Solution of Four Radiative Transfer Constraint Equations
Authors: Zagoni Miklos
Published: August 2021

Schwarzschild’s equation in two-stream approximation provides a constraint on the net radiation at the lower boundary, as unequivocally connects it to fluxes at the upper boundary (top-of-atmosphere): surface net radiation, balanced by the non-radiative fluxes in radiative-convective equilibrium, is equal to half of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), independent of the optical depth. This paper controls this equation on satellite observations and proved to be valid within -2.19 W/m2 for clear-sky, in the annual global mean. The all-sky version of the relationship can easily be constructed, separating atmospheric radiation transfer from the longwave cloud radiative effect (LWCRE); it is valid with a difference of 2.76 W/m2 on the same data set. The equation provides a total (greenhouse) relationship as well, where the surface energy income is given as a function of OLR and the optical depth. This equation is controlled at a particular optical depth of two, and found to be verified with a difference of -2.72 W/m2 for clear-sky in the global mean. An all-sky form is created by including LWCRE, justified within 2.42 W/m2 on the same data set. The four equations together have a mean bias of 0.07 W/m2. This set of equations, using evident definitions between the all-sky and clear-sky fluxes has a solution for the involved components of the global mean energy flow system. Implications on the global mean clear-sky and cloudy energy flow systems are assessed, and the all-sky energy budget is constructed as a weighted sum of the clear and cloudy fluxes.
Health Risk Evaluation for Fluoride and Nitrate and A Baseline Study of Uranium in Hard Rock Aquifers of Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: Govindaraj Venkatesan , Chinnandi Arul Murugan
Published: August 2021

Water is essential for life to exist on this planet.The increasing demand for clean water on one hand and the decreasing availability and deteriorating quality on the other hand has serious concern in India. Consumption of contaminated water can cause health risks. This study tries to find the impact of contamination in groundwater due fluoride and nitrate and its health risk in the Raichur district of Karnataka. And in addition to this a baseline study on presence of uranium in groundwater has also been done using laser fluorimeter instrument. For this study various literature, secondary groundwater quality data, thematic maps were collected and analyzed based on the gathered information 54 wells were chosen and samples were collected and analysed to understand the physiochemical characteristics and analytical data were compared to irrigation suitability standards and BIS drinking water standards.In the health risk assessment, we have computed the values for total hazard index and hazard quotient based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines.
Predicting the Impact of Placing an Overdose Prevention Site in Philadelphia: A Mathematical Modeling Approach
Authors: Wares Joanna R. , Dong Jing , Gevertz Jana L. , Radunskaya Ami , Viner Kendra , Wiebe Douglas , Solomon Sara
Published: August 2021

Background: Fatal overdoses from opioid use and substance disorders are increasing at an alarming rate. One proposed harm reduction strategy for reducing overdose fatalities is to place overdose prevention sites - commonly known as safe injection facilities - in proximity of locations with the highest rates of overdose. As urban centers in the United States are tackling legal hurdles and community skepticism around the introduction and location of these sites, it becomes increasingly important to present compelling evidence of impact and safety. Methods: We developed a mathematical model to describe the movement of opioid users to an overdose prevention site in order to understand the impact that the facility would have on overdoses, fatalities, and user education and recovery. The discrete-time, stochastic model is able to describe a range of user behaviors, including the effects from how far they need to travel to the site. We calibrated the model to overdose data from Philadelphia, and ran simulations to describe the effect of placing a site in the Kensington neighborhood.Results: In Philadelphia, which has a non-uniform racial population distribution, choice of site placement can determine which demographic groups are most helped. In our simulations, placement of the site in the Kensington neighborhood resulted in disproportionate benefits for white users. Simulations also predict that direct effects from overdose reversal in the overdose prevention site are small (about 6 fewer fatalities per year per 30 spots at the overdose prevention site without other effects). However, fatalities and nonfatal overdoses are predicted to decrease substantially when indirect effects from site safety and education of users are considered. Conclusions: Cities and locales can use mathematical modeling to help quantify the predicted impact of placing an opioid prevention site in a particular location. To fully understand the impact of site placement, it is recommended to include both direct and indirect effects in analysis. Introducing more than one site and distributing sites equally across neighborhoods with different racial and demographic characteristics would have the broadest public health impact.
Calibrating Antarctic ice sheet mass loss due to millennial-scale ocean thermal forcing
Authors: Piccione Gavin , Blackburn Terrence , Tulaczyk Slawek , Rasbury Troy , Hain Mathis , Ibarra Daniel , Methner Katharina , Tinglof Chloe , Cheney Brandon , Northrup Paul , Licht Kathy
Published: August 2021

Throughout the Late Pleistocene, millennial-scale cycles in the rate of poleward heat transport resulted in repeated heating and cooling of the Southern Ocean1. Ice sheet models2 suggest that this variation in Southern Ocean temperature can force fluctuations in the mass of the Antarctic ice sheet that transiently impact sea level by up to 15 meters. However, current geologic evidence for Antarctic ice response to this ocean thermal forcing is unable to calibrate these models, leaving large uncertainty in how Antarctica contributes to sea level on millennial timescales. Here we present a >100kyr archive of East Antarctic Ice Sheet response to Late Pleistocene millennial-scale climate cycles recorded by transitions from opal to calcite in subglacial precipitates. 234U-230Th dates for two precipitates define a time series for 32 mineralogic transitions that match Antarctic climate fluctuations, with precipitation of opal during cold periods and calcite during warm periods. Geochemical evidence indicates opal precipitation via cryoconcentration of silica in subglacial water and calcite precipitation from the admixture of meltwater flushed from the ice sheet interior. These freeze-flush cycles represent changes in subglacial hydrologic-connectivity driven by ice sheet thickness response to Southern Ocean temperature oscillations around the Ross Embayment. Changes in Ross Embayment ice mass require high ocean-ice heat exchange2, and would occur only after retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet3 and large portions of the East Antarctic Ice sheet margin4. These results point to high Antarctic ice sheet sensitivity to millennial-scale ocean thermal forcing throughout the Late Pleistocene, and when combined with modeling results2, predict that an Antarctic ice volume of at least 2–5 meters sea level equivalent is vulnerable to millennial-scale climate forcing.
ETV5 overexpression promotes progression of esophageal squamous carcinoma by upregulating SKA1 and TRPV2
Authors: Sun Mingchuang , Fang Kang , Li Zhaoxing , Chu Yuan , Xu Aiping , Zhao Ziying , Leng Zhuyun , Zhang Yunwei , Zhang Zehua , Zhang Li , Chen Tao , Xu Meidong
Published: August 2021

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is notorious for the rapid progression especially early tumor metastasis due to the unclear mechanism. Recently, ETV5 attracts much attention for its potential role as an oncogenic transcription factor involved in multiple cancers. However, no one reported the mechanism behind the association between ETV5 expression and Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the role of ETV5 in ESCC.
Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO database was used to explore ETV5 expression in ESCC. ECA109, KYSE150 and TE1 cell lines were used in the experiments. The Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), migration, invasion, wound healing assays were exerted to evaluate proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells. RNA sequencing was performed to find downstream genes regulated by ETV5. Real-time PCR, Western blotting, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and Dual luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the relationship between ETV5 expression, clinicopathological parameters and patient prognosis. Tumor metastasis was investigated in BALB/c nude mice.
Results

ETV5 was observed upregulated in ESCC both from online database and our ESCC tissues and ETV5 was associated with tumor staging. Knockdown of ETV5 or its downstream genes SKA1 and TRPV2 significantly suppress ESCC cells migration and invasion, respectively. Additionally, in vivo study showed knockdown of ETV5 inhibited tumor metastasis. Further experiments unveiled ETV5 could transcriptionally upregulate the expression of SKA1 and TRPV2 and further activate MMPs in ESCC progression.
Conclusion

ETV5 promoted metastasis of ESCC by activating MMPs through augmenting the transcription of SKA1 and TRPV2. ETV5 was likely to be a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in ESCC treatment.
In-situ self-dissolving and regenerating synthesis of superwetting cotton fabric with excellent oil/water emulsions separation performance
Authors: Yang Sudong , Chen Lin , Wang Shanshan , Liu Shuai
Published: August 2021

The textiles with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity have shown excellent separation performance for emulsified oil in wastewater, but they still suffer from complicated construct of hierarchical architectures and hydrophilic surface. Herein, a hydrophilic hierarchical layer of cellulose is constructed on commercial cotton fabric surface via a proposed in-situ self-dissolving and regenerating strategy. The cellulose provides both hydrophilic surface and hierarchical structural foundation for the remodeled cotton fabric (RCF) without any further chemical modification. The obtained RCF has strong superhydrophilicity, underwater superoleophobicity, and anti-oil-adhesion property, which can be applicable for efficient oil-in-water emulsion separation with high separation efficiency and recyclable antifouling performance. The developed RCF assembly strategy provides an excellent membrane for the separation of oil-in-water emulsion, and a new prospect for the convenient and universal construct of other superwetting cellulose-based materials.
Health-related Quality of Life Profile of Indonesian Children and Its Determinants: a Community-based Study
Authors: Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Indraswari Braghmandita Widya , Rozanti Nisrina Maulida , Sabilatuttaqiyya Zena , Wahab Abdul
Published: August 2021

Background: Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its determinants in children may provide a comprehensive view of child health. The study aimed to assess the HRQOL in Indonesian children and its determinants.Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in the Sleman District of Yogyakarta Special Province, Indonesia, from August to November 2019. We recruited children aged 2 to 18 years old using the Sleman Health and Demography Surveillance System sample frame. We used the validated Indonesian version of Pediatric Quality of life InventoryTM (Peds QLTM) 4.0 Generic core scale, proxy-reports, and self-reports, to assess the HRQOL. Results: We recruited 633 proxies and 531 children aged 2-18 years. The mean total score of self-report and proxy-report were 89.9+ 8.5 and 93.3+6.4. There was a fair to moderate correlation between self-reports and proxy reports, with interclass correlation ranging from 0.34 to 0.47, all p<0.001. Half of the children (49.4% from proxy-report and 50.1% from self-report) reported having acute illness during the last month. Based on proxy-reports, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated lower HRQOL for children with acute health problems, younger age, history of low birth weight, abnormal delivery, lower fathers' educational level, and government-paid insurance for low-income families.Conclusion: In addition to sociodemographic determinants of a child's HRQOL, children’s health condition influences HRQOL in the general pediatric population. In low- and middle-income countries where acute infections and low birth weight are still prevalent, its prevention and appropriate interventions should improve child health.
Narcissistic Self-Sorting and Enhanced Luminescence via Catenation in Water
Authors: Chen Qiong , Lei Ye , Wang Hongye , Wu Guangcheng , Xu Wenwen , Jiao Tianyu , Pan Yuanjiang , Zhang Qisheng , Zhang Ying-Ming , Liu Yu , Li Hao
Published: August 2021

Narcissistic self-sorting, namely that components are able to distinguish “self” from “nonself” during self-assembly, was accomplished via catenation by condensing multiple hydrazides and an aldehyde, or a hydrazide and multiple aldehydes in water. The underneath mechanism of this behavior relies on the corresponding homo [2]catenanes are thermodynamically more favored than their hetero counterparts, because the former containing two identical macrocyclic components are able to maximize the inter-component noncovalent forces. One of these catenanes contains four 4-phenylpyridinium units, which are often considered barely luminescent due to intramolecular rotations and vibrations that lead to nonradiative annihilation of their excited states. These intramolecular motions, however, are restricted upon integrating 4-phenylpyridiniums within the catenane architecture. As a consequence, compared to its non-interlocked counterparts, this catenane exhibits enhanced fluorescence, which represents a novel conceptual model for developing luminescent materials.
Urban-rural Disparities in the Healthy Aging Trajectory in China: a Population-based Study
Authors: Li Haomiao , Zeng Yixin , Zhang Chichen , Xu Dong(Roman) , Chen Jiangyun
Published: August 2021

Background:China has a large urban-rural disparity in terms of socioeconomic level, family structure, proportion of older people, etc. These factors may cause disparities in healthy aging status and trajectory. The aim of this study is to explore the differences and evaluate the equity in healthy aging trajectories between urban and rural areas in China.Method:A total of 9402 respondents aged 45 years and older interviewed in four waves were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A latent growth mixture model (LGMM) was applied to distinguish the trajectory of healthy aging. A multinomial logistics regression model (MLRM) was used to explore the relationship between urban-rural areas and healthy aging trajectories, and a concentration index was used to evaluate equity.Results:Urban-rural respondents differed in socioeconomic background, family characteristics, and personal lifestyle (P < 0.05). Three classes (“low risk”, “middle risk”, and “high risk”) were grouped through LGMM. The MLRM results showed that urban living was significantly associated with a healthy aging trajectory (for [middle risk/low risk]: β=-0.41, RRR =0.66, P < 0.001, 95% CI =0.55–0.80, and for [high risk/low risk]: β=-1.10, RRR =0.33, P < 0.001, 95% CI =0.26–0.41). The concentration index was -0.022 and significantly indicated the inequity of healthy aging between rural and urban areas.Conclusion:Combined health status showed an irreversible downward trend with age, and this trajectory differed between urban and rural areas, with the rural population more likely to develop a high risk trajectory. Policy inclination and resource investment should be enhanced to reduce inequity in healthy aging between urban and rural areas in China.
CircFNDC3B Regulates Osteoarthritis and Oxidative Stress by Targeting miR-525-5p/HO-1 axis
Authors: Fan Shunwu , Chen Zizheng , Huang Yizhen , Yang Yute , Zhu Jinjin , Xu Guang , Shen Shuying , Shi Peihua , Ma Yan
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease associated with a variety of risk factors including aging, genetics, obesity, and mechanical disturbance. This study aimed to elucidate the function of a patient-derived Circular RNA (circRNA), circFNDC3B, in OA progression and its relationship with the NF-κB signaling pathway and oxidative stress. The circFNDC3B/miR-525-5p/HO-1 axis and its relationship with the NF-κB signaling pathway and oxidative stress were investigated and validated using fluorescence in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, luciferase reporter assays, pull-down assays, and reactive oxygen species analyses. The functions of circFNDC3B in OA was investigated in vitro and in vivo. These evaluations demonstrated that circFNDC3B promotes chondrocyte proliferation and protects the extracellular matrix (ECM) from degradation. We also revealed that circFNDC3B defends against oxidative stress in OA by regulating the circFNDC3B/miR-525-5p/HO-1 axis and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Further, we found that overexpression of circFNDC3B alleviated OA in a rabbit model. In summary, we identified a new circFNDC3B/miR-525-5p/HO-1 signaling pathway that may act to relieve OA by alleviating oxidative stress and regulating the NF-κB pathway, resulting in the protection of the ECM in human chondrocytes, highlighting it as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OA.
Privacy Preserving Dynamic Data Release Against Synonymous Linkage Based on Micro Aggregation
Authors: Yan Yan , Herman Eyeleko , Mahmood Adnan , Li Jing , Dong Zhuoyue , Xu Fei
Published: August 2021

The rapid development of the mobile Internet coupled with the widespread use of intelligent terminals have intensifified the digitization of personal information and accelerated the evolution of the era of big data. The sharing and publishing of various big data brings convenience and also increases the risk of personal privacy leakage. In order to reduce users’ privacy leakage that may be caused by data release, many privacy preserving data publishing methods have been proposed by scientists in both academic and industry in the recent years. However, non-numerical sensitive information has natural semantic relevance,and therefore, synonymous linkages may still exist and cause serious privacy disclosures in privacy protection methods based on an anonymous model. To address this issue, this paper proposes a privacy preserving dynamic data publishing method based on micro aggregation. A series of indicators are accordingly designed to evaluate the synonymous linkages between the non-numerical sensitive values which in turn facilitate in improving the clustering effect of the micro-aggregation anonymous method. The dynamic update program is introduced into the proposed micro-aggregation method to realize the dynamic release and update of data. Experimental analysis suggests that the proposed method provides better privacy protection effect and availability of published data in contrast to the state-of-the-art methods.
Emodin Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against Zinc-Induced Synaptic Impairment and Oxidative Stress Through ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Chen Qian , Lai Chencen , Chen Fa , Ding Yuanting , Zhou Yiyuan , Su Songbai , Ni Ruiqing , Tang Zhi
Published: August 2021

Background: Zinc is an essential trace element important for the physiological function of the central nervous system. The abnormal accumulation of zinc inside neurons may induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress which contributes to many brain diseases. We hypothesized that natural anthraquinone derivative emodin can protect against neurotoxicity induced by pathological concentrations of zinc via Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway, and alleviate the oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction. Results: Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y cells) was treated with zinc sulfate and different concentrations of emodin, and was examined in the changes in the levels of ERK1/2 expressions, oxidative stress (DCFH-DA staining), mitochondrial function (JC-1 staining), and lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal staining), and DNA oxidation (8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine staining). Emodin ameliorated zinc-induced altered expression level of phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (not total-ERK1/2), and synaptic proteins (presynaptic SNAP25, synaptophysin and postsynaptic PSD95) in SH-SY5Y cells, in a dose-dependent manor. Moreover, emodin inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen substrates, oxidative stress, facilitated the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in SH-SY5Y cells. Conclusion: Our results indicated that emodin exerts neuroprotective effects against zinc by normalizing synaptic impairment via decreasing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, reducing reactive oxygen substrates and protecting mitochondrial function.
Optimizing the conductivity, microstructure and mechanical properties of tape-cast LATP with LiF and SiO2 additives
Authors: Gross Jürgen Peter , Malzbender Jürgen , Dashjav Enkhtsetseg , Tietz Frank , Schwaiger Ruth
Published: August 2021

LATP sheets with LiF and SiO2 addition prepared by tape casting as electrolytes for solid-state batteries were characterized regarding conductivity, microstructure and mechanical properties aiming towards an optimized composition. The use of additives permitted a lowering of the sintering temperature. As general trend, higher LiF to SiO2 ratios led to lower porosities. This decrease in the porosity corresponds to an increase of the ionic conductivity as well as higher values of elastic modulus and hardness determined by indentation testing. Micro-pillar testing was used to assess the crack growth behavior, revealing weak grain boundaries.
Effect of a Cooling Unit on High-speed Motorized Spindle Temperature With a Scaling Factor
Authors: Zheng Dexing , Chen Weifang
Published: August 2021

Forced cooling, as an efficient way of heat dissipation, significantly affects the spindle temperature. Although a full cooling passage was factored into the finite element analyses by some scholars, often only the model for the front or rear half of a spindle is need for the purpose of the thermal evaluation simplification and data overhead reduction in engineering applications. So far, how the coolant passage affects the heat dissipation of the front or rear half of a spindle has not been well characterized. This paper devotes to constructing a scaling factor to represent the coolant unit effect on the thermal growth of spindles. The experiments about the effect of coolant units on spindle temperature were first implemented, and then the qualitative conclusions were got with various coolant parameter settings. To further quantify these influences, the regressive analysis was carried out. As a result, the peak temperature area was found and the scaling factors were proposed to describe the effect of the cooling system on the front or rear half of spindle temperature. In this process, the thermal equivalent convection for coolant passage was modeled based on the thermal resistance theory. In the meantime, we planned a novel thermal network of a motored spindle for contrast and validation, in which the cooling mechanism was integrated, and the structural constraints were considered by the aid of the proposed scaling factors. The result is indicative of a better agreement with real values when employing the proposed model.
Dose-response relationship of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin on Rhipicephalus microplus ticks
Authors: zeina Ghirmay , Laing Mark
Published: August 2021

Background

Isolation and optimization are the primary step in the development of fungal pathogens for biological control agents. In this study, three indigenous strains of Beauveria bassiana (Bb-27, Bb-40 and Bb-41) and one commercial strain (Eco-Bb) were tested for dose/response relationship of the fungus against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks.
Results

We used R. microplus larvae of 2 weeks of age, and exposed them to four conidial concentrations: 1x103, 3x105, 4x107, 3.2x108 conidia.mL− 1 of each strain. Water was used as a control. Larval mortality was significantly affected by the type of formulation. There was a positive relationship between the concentration of the formulation and mortality of the treated ticks. All the ticks treated with the formulation containing 3.2x108 conidia.mL− 1 resulted in high levels of mortality.
Conclusions

From this study, it can be concluded that, because of the diversity in the performance of B. bassiana strains, optimization of the formulation for different Isolates of B. bassiana can be achieved through scrutinizing the virulence of the Isolates.
The Effect of Sintering Temperature on Microstructure and Properties of 94wt% WC - 3wt% TiC - 6wt% Co Sintered by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Aghaali Vahid , Ebadzadeh Touradj , Zahraee Seyed Mohammad , Mirkazemi Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Cemented carbide 94wt% WC − 3wt% TiC − 6wt% Co was sintered by spark plasma sintering at various temperatures of 1200, 1300, and 1400°C and the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of this type of hard metals, such as total density, apparent density, hardness, and fracture surface were measured and observed using Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy(FE-SEM), Optical Microscopy (OM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and mechanical test instruments. The results showed that the apparent density of the samples increased with increasing sintering temperature from 1200℃ to1300℃ from 13.98 g/cm3 to 14.23 g/cm3, respectively. But in the case of sample sintered at 1400℃, the density was reduced to 14.20 g/cm3. Also, micro-hardness results showed that the hardness of sintered samples increased with the increase of sintering temperature. For the sample sintered at 1200°C the hardness value of 1746.41HV was obtained which increased with increasing sintering temperature from 1300℃ to 1400℃ from 2094.33HV to 2280.97HV, respectively. At the optimum sintering temperature, it was found that TiC inhibited the grain growth of tungsten carbide and increased the hardness values. In addition, as expected, the grain growth of tungsten carbide increased with increasing sintering temperatures. Examination of the fracture surface of sintered samples at different temperatures also showed that brittle fracture involves fracture.
Evaluating the utility of an international webinar as a platform to educate students and doctors on the UK Core Surgical Training Portfolio
Authors: Raj Siddarth , Bola Harroop , Rai Amar , Grover Sarika , Bandyopadhyay Anisha , Naruka Vinci
Published: August 2021

Background

Core Surgical Training (CST) is a competitive two-year postgraduate training program in the UK that is scored based on three equally weighted stations: management, clinical and portfolio. Preparing a surgical portfolio can start in medical school, however, there is limited guidance on what forms a competitive portfolio with the majority of advice coming from surgical societies and mentors, which are variable throughout the country. Our aim was to assess the utility of a webinar to educate students and doctors on the CST portfolio to address this disparity.
Methods

Pre- and post-event questionnaires that included demographic data, 10-point Likert scales to self-report confidence on understanding of the CST portfolio and its domains, and questions on utilising webinars were distributed to attendees. Pre- and post-event responses were paired, and scores were assessed for normality via the Shapiro-Wilk test; the Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess statistical significance. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated to report standardised differences between pre- and post-event scores.
Results

A total of 177 participants from over 24 countries attended and responded to both questionnaires. A statistically significant improvement in awareness of how to score maximum points was demonstrated across all nine CST domains (p < 0.0001). Almost half of the participants stated a preference for a webinar over an in-person format and only less than a third felt that webinars limited their ability to network and socialise at such events. Interestingly, most attendees did not feel that their university had provided them with adequate information on preparing for a surgical career with over half of the attendees stating that they had to attend events by external organisations to obtain such information.
Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that a webinar can be effectively utilised to educate students and doctors on the various domains of the CST portfolio and how to maximise points in each section. Such events could address the variability of societies and mentors across the country and provide equal opportunities for students. Further studies that directly compare webinars with in-person events and investigate long-term outcomes, such as success in CST applications, are required.
Natural selection at the RASGEF1C (GGC) repeat in human and divergent genotypes in late-onset neurocognitive disorder.
Authors: Jafarian Zahra , Khamse Safoura , Afshar Hossein , Khorshid Hamid Reza Khorram , Delbari Ahmad , Ohadi Mina
Published: August 2021

Expression dysregulation of the neuron-specific gene, RASGEF1C (RasGEF Domain Family Member 1C), occurs in late-onset neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease. This gene contains a (GGC)13, spanning its core promoter and 5′ untranslated region (RASGEF1C-201 ENST00000361132.9). Here we sequenced the (GGC)-repeat in a sample of human subjects (N=269), consisting of late-onset NCDs (N=115) and controls (N=154). We also studied the status of this STR across various primate and non-primate species based on Ensembl 103. The 6-repeat allele was the predominant allele in the controls (frequency=0.85) and NCD patients (frequency=0.78). The NCD genotype compartment consisted of an excess of genotypes that lacked the 6-repeat (divergent genotypes) (Mid-P exact=0.004). A number of those genotypes were not detected in the control group (Mid-P exact=0.007). The RASGEF1C (GGC)-repeat expanded beyond 2-repeats specifically in primates, and was at maximum length in human. We conclude that there is natural selection for the 6-repeat allele of the RASGEF1C (GGC)-repeat in human, and significant divergence from that allele in late-onset NCDs. STR alleles that are predominantly abundant in human and genotypes that deviate from those alleles are underappreciated features, which may have deep evolutionary and pathological consequences in human.
Community satisfaction with Enhanced Community Health Workers Activities in Mukono District, Uganda
Authors: Kabali Kenneth , Bulafu Douglas , Behringer Hannah , O’Donovan James , Mutimba Edward Mwebe , Mugabi Henry , Nalweyiso Elizabeth , Chukina Margharita , Stiles Christiana , Macrae Mackenzie , O'Niel Edward
Published: August 2021

Background

Although the community health workers’ (CHWs) / volunteer health teams’ (VHTs) work is widely appreciated, some households do resist their interventions, and figures of authority sometimes question their manner and ability. Despite critical shortage of health workers’ world-over, little has been done to explore whether community health workers satisfy the people they serve. To fill this VHT training and support gap, Omni Med Uganda, a local Non-Governmental Organization in Uganda, has been implementing an enhanced hybrid VHT program since 2008. This study aimed at assessing community satisfaction with the CHW activities involved the enhanced CHW program.
Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was employed. Qualitative data was collected from 217 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, proportions, and means were performed for socio-demographic characteristics, Community satisfaction, and CHW activities. Prevalence Ratios (PR) were used to determine association between Community satisfaction and enhanced CHW activities.
Results

Majority of the respondents 81.1% (176/217) reported that the performance of the CHWs was satisfactory to maintain their health and that of their families. CHW activities such as confirming sick persons (APR:1.26 :95%CI (1.01–1.44), mobilization for cook stove building, (APR: 1.18: 95%CI (1.04–1.34), and monthly visits at participant’s homes (APR: 1.17: 95%CI (1.01–1.35) were positively associated with community satisfaction.
Conclusion

Enhancement of CHW activities should be considered during CHW programs. However, CHW performance should also be considered because community satisfaction does not imply high performance by CHWs and adherence to health interventions by the community.
Inequality and Income Segregation in Brazilian cities: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Filho José Firmino de Sousa , Santos Gervásio F. dos , Andrade Roberto F. Silva , Paiva Aureliano S. , Freitas Anderson , Castro Caio Porto , Friche Amélia A. de Lima , Barber Sharrelle , Caiaffa Waleska T. , Barreto Maurício L.
Published: August 2021

Urban segregation has brought significant challenges to cities worldwide and has important implications for health. This study aimed to assess income segregation in the 152 largest Brazilian cities included in the SALURBAL Project and identify specific socioeconomic characteristics related to residential segregation by income. Using the Brazilian demographic census database of the year 2010, we calculated the income dissimilarity index (IDI) at census tract level for each SALURBAL city; subsequently comparing it with Gini and other local socioeconomic variables. We evaluated our results' robustness using a bootstrap correction to the IDI to examine the consequences of using different cut-offs of income that were relevant in the context of strong urban and regional inequalities. We identified a 2 minimum wages cut-off as the most appropriate and found little evidence of upward bias in the calculation of the IDI regardless of the cut-off used. Among the 10 most segregated cities, 9 are in the Northeast region, the region with the highest income inequality and poverty in Brazil. Our results indicate that the Gini index and poverty are the main variables associated with residential segregation, measured by the IDI. Social and environmental characteristics were also associated with IDI, reinforcing the notion that access to education, water, sanitation, and better residential conditions are fundamental to improving social equity.
HUBUNGAN HUKUM DAN EKONOMI DALAM ISLAM: TINJAUAN ATAS KAIDAH HUKUM BIDANG PEREKONOMIAN
Authors: Mujaddidi Ah. Shibghatullah
Published: August 2021

This study aims to describe the relationship of law and economics in Islam. The research method used is a literature review approach sourced from credible journals and other relevant reading sources. The results of this study indicate that sharia economics not only acts as a science but also as a system so as to achieve its objectives it requires maximum effort and strategies to restructure the socio-economic system comprehensively. The restructuring must be accompanied by efforts to reform the political, legal, economic and social systems by involving the participation of all citizens. In some cases these include the application of the principle of buying and selling in working capital, the application of the mudharabah principle in investment or the application of bai 'as-salam in the construction of a project. Along with the development of the law era, it is demanded to be able to manipulate society or vice versa, the law is able to control the community to be aware of the law and the creation ofjustice.
PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA HASIL PEMILIHAN KEPALA DESA DI DESA WONOREJO KECAMATAN SUMBERGEMPOL KABUPATEN TULUNGAGUNG
Authors: Abdul Shomad FN Ahmadi
Published: August 2021

The implementation of village head election regulations in Wonorejo Village, Sumbergempol Subdistrict, Tulungagung Regency, compared to the New Order period showed a number of positive steps. Free elections occur with the high public participation, direct elections with the principle of one man one vote. The juridical, sociological and cultural impact of the election dispute in the village head in Wonorejo Village, Sumbergempol Subdistrict, Tulungagung Regency, was that violence exploded when the defeated candidates for the village head vent their disappointment. The result is a personal grudge that continues to be carried out, as well as hostility between supporters who are actually neighbors. Another striking color in the elections is money politics to buy votes. The steps to resolve the dispute in Wonorejo Village, Sumbergempol Subdistrict, Tulungagung Regency, are the first, re-counting of votes and ending in re-election. Secondly, in order to appear unsuspecting BPD as a village consultative body forms a third party as a mediator and supervisor. Third, there is a strict escort from the police at all stages of the election. The fourth, documents were transferred to the Surabaya Administrative Court as a form of claim for revoking the Tulungagung Regent Decree in the determination of the Wonorejo village head election.
MEMBACA MAQASHID SYARI’AH DALAM PROGRAM BIMBINGAN PERKAWINAN
Authors: Ihtiar Habib Wakidatul
Published: August 2021

The government has established a strategic policy in the framework of printing happy and prosperous marriage ties in accordance with the guidance of religion and state regulations. The policy is to organize a marriage guidance program for prospective brides. The implementation of marriage guidance contains a great intention and hope to realize the shared ideals in fostering a marriage and family life that is sakinah, mawaddah and rahmah. The rise of cases and family problems, such as divorce, quarreling, domestic violence, also formed the background for this policy. Marriage guidance as an instrument in printing individuals who are ready to navigate marital ties, have the same direction and substance as the principles of Islamic teachings. This can be examined from the aspects of the maqashid syari’ah. So that its existence and role is needed by the community, especially the bride and groom.

Keywords: Maqashid Syari’ah, Marriage Guidance.
IMPLEMENTASI DAN PENGAWASAN PERATURAN DAERAH BERBASIS SYARIAH DI TULUNGAGUNG DAN BLITAR
Authors: Anshor Ahmad Muhtadi , Al Anam Muhammad Mufti , Ferricha Dian
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to examine the implementation, supervision and solutions of sharia-based regional regulations in Tulungagung and Blitar from the philosophical, juridical and sociological aspects. This study is an empirical juridical study. Data are obtained from Tulungagung and Blitar. While the analysis was carried out by using empirical qualitative data analysis methods. The results show that the implementation and supervision of sharia-based regional regulations, primarily related to worship services and respect in carrying out religious values in Tulungagung and Blitar, have been running effectively and efficiently.

 Keywords: Implementation, Supervision, Regional Regulation, Sharia.
JUAL BELI ONLINE DROPSHIPPING DALAM PERSPEKTIF MAQASHID SYARI’AH
Authors: Tektona Rahmadi Indra
Published: August 2021

Buying and selling which are conducted in muamalah form must hold on to the principles of Islamic law. Concomitant to technological developments, buying and selling also has developed by arise of online marketing. Online marketing allowed in islam as buying and selling conventionally. In online marketing, there is dropshipping system, which is the seller (dropshipper) can sells goods belongs to supplier by uploading images of the goods via internet. Dropshipping in an online marketing has weaknesses, so to minimize these weaknesses, in practice of dropshipping must be in accordance with maqashid syari'ah, which aims for the benefit. Dropshipping in an online marketing conducted through 2 (two) contracts are salam contract which is a contract between the seller (dropshipper) with the buyer, and wakalah contract which is a contract between the seller (dropshipper) with the supplier.
Allocation of allowable pollution load by using the bankruptcy solution rules
Authors: Ahani Ali , Kazerooni Hanif
Published: August 2021

Bankruptcy solution methods are widely used and efficient methods for conflict resolution which attract considerable attention in the area of solving conflicts related to water resources. However, most of the related studies have focused on the use of bankruptcy solution methods in solving quantitative water resources conflicts. In this study, four bankruptcy solution rules including proportional (PRO), constrained equal awards (CEA), constrained equal losses (CEL), and Talmud (TAL) rules were used to develop four models to allocate the allowable pollution loads to pollution sources. One of the novel aspects of the current study is to consider the amount of each flow discharge in addition to the pollution concentration of each pollution source. Evaluation of performances of the selected bankruptcy solution rules in a reach of Karun River in Iran showed that the CEA-based model can be considered as the most desirable option for small pollution sources whereas the CEL-based model seems to be the most appropriate option for large pollution sources. The models based on PRO and TAL rules provide results between those of CEA and CEL rules which can be considered as more probable options to reach agreement on between small and large pollution sources.
Estimating the impact of climate change on water levels in a data-poor river basin in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Michelan Mateus Gonçalves , Menegaz Mateus Nardini , Gonçalves Flávio Aparecido , Menezes Paulo Henrique Bretanha Junker , Tiezzi Rafael de Oliveira
Published: August 2021

In basins with multiple water uses, it is possible a conflict over water use may occur. This probability increases under a water scarcity scenario. Therefore, it is important to estimate the possible impact of climate change on water availability in this type of basin, to support the decision-making of its users. The Ribeirão do Cipó is an example of a Brazilian watershed susceptible to this situation. Besides having poor hydrological data, it is used for public water supply, electricity generation and recreation. The present work developed a methodology for estimating water availability impacted by climate change, which was particularly applied to this watershed. The methodology consisted of feeding the rainfall–runoff hydrological model called soil moisture accounting procedure with precipitation and evapotranspiration data projected by the Eta-CPTEC regional climate model and nested to three global climate models. The outputs methods were obtained in terms of average monthly flow, for 2010–2039, 2040–2069 and 2070–2099 for the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Despite the small amount of hydrological data available on the basin, the results were similar to those of the methods used as reference, thus demonstrating that the methodology used can be an alternative in estimating flow for climate change scenarios.
John Dewey e Ralph W. Emerson
Authors: Da Silva Tatiane , Mercau Horacio Héctor , Da Cunha Marcus Vinicius
Published: August 2021

O artigo tem por objetivo esclarecer a concepção de John Dewey acerca dos intercâmbios entre educação, arte e democracia, com o propósito de sugerir caminhos para uma crítica às tendências pedagógicas da atualidade. Para cumprir essa meta, são analisadas as teses de John Dewey acerca da produção intelectual de Ralph Waldo Emerson publicadas no ensaio “Emerson, the philosopher of democracy”, de 1903. O método utilizado para esse empreendimento é a análise retórica proposta por Perelman e Olbrechts-Tyteca. Em consonância com tais teses, as ideias de Emerson são examinadas à luz Sofística, em versão oposta à assumida por Platão, com especial atenção para as noções de percepção, poder e democracia, as quais são relacionadas com os conceitos deweyanos de experiência imediata, experiência estética e experiência democrática. O artigo conclui que as reflexões de John Dewey inspiradas em Emerson sugerem que a educação na atualidade seja guiada pelo poder transformador da imaginação.
Editorial
Authors: Maria de Araújo Marta
Published: August 2021

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EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA
Authors: Pires da Silva Wagner
Published: August 2021

As ações de Extensão fazem parte do tripé universitário junto com o ensino e a Pesquisa. No entanto ao longo do tempo tanto a sua atuação, quanto o próprio conceito de Extensão foi sendo construído e modificado ao longo do tempo. Indispensável na relação com a sociedade extra-muros da Universidade, a Extensão se apresenta como uma ferramenta importante para a democratização da Universidade e dos saberes que nela são produzidos.
EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA, EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA E PRODUÇÃO DOCENTE
Authors: Sarti Renato , Gatto Lemos de Souza dos Santos Mariana
Published: August 2021

O presente relato de experiência tem o objetivo de socializar uma ação de extensão desenvolvida no contexto do projeto “Kitangu: Educação Física na Educação Infantil”. Dentro da página virtual do referido projeto, tem sido organizada uma seção chamada “Foto Comentada”, que consiste em um espaço de publicação de fotos e textos reflexivos de profissionais da educação (licenciandos, professores e educadores) sobre suas experiências com a Educação Infantil. Para dialogar com a proposta em tela, foram mobilizados alguns referenciais da Extensão Universitária na perspectiva popular e da formação de professores. No exercício reflexivo, foi possível tecer dois apontamentos relacionados à potencialidade dialógica do espaço e as pistas de materialização do cruzamento da fronteira Universidade/Escola.