bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geospatial modeling of pre-intervention nodule prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus in Ethiopia as an aid to onchocerciasis elimination
Authors: Shrestha Himal , McCulloch Karen , Hedtke Shannon M. , Grant Warwick N.
Published: July 2022

Background

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical filarial disease transmitted by the bites of blackflies, causing blindness and severe skin lesions. The change in focus for onchocerciasis management from control to elimination requires thorough mapping of pre-control endemicity to identify areas requiring interventions and to monitor progress. Onchocerca volvulus nodule prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa is spatially continuous and heterogeneous, and highly endemic areas may contribute to transmission in areas of low endemicity or vice-versa. Ethiopia is one such onchocerciasis-endemic country with heterogeneous O. volvulus nodule prevalence, and many districts are still unmapped despite their potential for onchocerciasis transmission.

Methodology/Principle findings

A Bayesian geostatistical model was fitted for retrospective pre-intervention nodule prevalence data collected from 916 unique sites and 35,077 people across Ethiopia. We used multiple environmental, socio-demographic, and climate variables to estimate the pre-intervention prevalence of O. volvulus nodules across Ethiopia and to explore their relationship with prevalence. Prevalence was high in southern and northwestern Ethiopia and low in Ethiopia’s central and eastern parts. Distance to the nearest river (RR: 0.9850, 95% BCI: 0.9751–0.995), precipitation seasonality (RR: 0.9837, 95% BCI: 0.9681–0.9995), and flow accumulation (RR: 0.9586, 95% BCI: 0.9321–0.9816) were negatively associated with O. volvulus nodule prevalence, while soil moisture (RR: 1.0218, 95% BCI: 1.0135–1.0302) was positively associated. The model estimated the number of pre-intervention cases of O. volvulus nodules in Ethiopia to be around 6.48 million (95% BCI: 3.53–13.04 million).

Conclusions/Significance

Nodule prevalence distribution was correlated with habitat suitability for vector breeding and associated biting behavior. The modeled pre-intervention prevalence can be used as a guide for determining priorities for elimination mapping in regions of Ethiopia that are currently unmapped, most of which have comparatively low infection prevalence.
The spatial-temporal distribution of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Guangdong Province, China: A geostatistical analysis of data derived from the three national parasitic surveys
Authors: Huang Si-Yue , Lai Ying-Si , Fang Yue-Yi
Published: July 2022

Background

The results of the latest national survey on important human parasitic diseases in 2015–2016 showed Guangdong Province is still a moderately endemic area, with the weighted prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) higher than the national average. High-resolution age- and gender-specific spatial-temporal risk maps can support the prevention and control of STHs, but not yet available in Guangdong.

Methodology

Georeferenced age- and gender-specific disease data of STH infections in Guangdong Province was derived from three national surveys on important human parasitic diseases, conducted in 1988–1992, 2002–2003, and 2015–2016, respectively. Potential influencing factors (e.g., environmental and socioeconomic factors) were collected from open-access databases. Bayesian geostatistical models were developed to analyze the above data, based on which, high-resolution maps depicting the STH infection risk were produced in the three survey years in Guangdong Province.

Principal findings

There were 120, 31, 71 survey locations in the first, second, and third national survey in Guangdong, respectively. The overall population-weighted prevalence of STH infections decreased significantly over time, from 68.66% (95% Bayesian credible interval, BCI: 64.51–73.06%) in 1988–1992 to 0.97% (95% BCI: 0.69–1.49%) in 2015–2016. In 2015–2016, only low to moderate infection risk were found across Guangdong, with hookworm becoming the dominant species. Areas with relatively higher risk (>5%) were mostly distributed in the western region. Females had higher infection risk of STHs than males. The infection risk of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura were higher in children, while middle-aged and elderly people had higher infection risk of hookworm. Precipitation, elevation, land cover, and human influence index (HII) were significantly related with STH infection risk.

Conclusions/Significance

We produced the high-resolution, age- and gender-specific risk maps of STH infections in the three national survey periods across nearly 30 years in Guangdong Province, which can provide important information assisting the control and prevention strategies.
Treatment with a VEGFR-2 antibody results in intra-tumor immune modulation and enhances anti-tumor efficacy of PD-L1 blockade in syngeneic murine tumor models
Authors: Li Yanxia , Amaladas Nelusha , O’Mahony Marguerita , Manro Jason R. , Inigo Ivan , Li Qi , Rasmussen Erik R. , Brahmachary Manisha , Doman Thompson N. , Hall Gerald , Kalos Michael , Novosiadly Ruslan , Puig Oscar , Pytowski Bronislaw , Schaer David A.
Published: July 2022

Prolonged activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) due to mis-regulation of the VEGF pathway induces aberrant blood vessel expansion, which supports growth and survival of solid tumors. Therapeutic interventions that inhibit the VEGFR-2 pathway have therefore become a mainstay of cancer treatment. Non-clinical studies have recently revealed that blockade of angiogenesis can modulate the tumor microenvironment and enhance the efficacy of concurrent immune therapies. Ramucirumab is an FDA-approved anti-angiogenic antibody that inhibits VEGFR-2 and is currently being evaluated in clinical studies in combination with anti-programmed cell death (PD-1) axis checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, durvalumab, or sintilimab) across several cancer types. The purpose of this study is to establish a mechanistic basis for the enhanced activity observed in the combined blockade of VEGFR-2 and PD-1-axis pathways. Pre-clinical studies were conducted in murine tumor models known to be responsive to anti-PD-1 axis therapy, using monoclonal antibodies that block mouse VEGFR-2 and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Combination therapy resulted in enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to anti-PD-L1 monotherapy. VEGFR-2 blockade at early timepoints post-anti-PD-L1 therapy resulted in a dose-dependent and transient enhanced infiltration of T cells, and establishment of immunological memory. VEGFR-2 blockade at later timepoints resulted in enhancement of anti-PD-L1-driven immune cell infiltration. VEGFR-2 and PD-L1 monotherapies induced both unique and overlapping patterns of immune gene expression, and combination therapy resulted in an enhanced immune activation signature. Collectively, these results provide new and actionable insights into the mechanisms by which concurrent VEGFR-2 and PD-L1 antibody therapy leads to enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.
Potential tradeoffs between effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation, soil organic matter content and fertilizer application in raspberry production
Authors: Chen Ke , Scheper Jeroen , Fijen Thijs P. M. , Kleijn David
Published: July 2022

Ecological intensification has been proposed as an alternative paradigm for intensive agriculture to boost yield sustainably through utilizing ecosystem services. A prerequisite to achieving this is to understand the relations between multiple ecosystem services and production, while taking growth conditions such as nutrient availability into consideration. Here, we conducted a pot-field experiment to study the interactive effects of soil organic matter (SOM) content and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on the production of raspberry (Rubus idaeusL.) under four levels of fertilizer application. Raspberry flower number, fruit number and yield only significantly increased with fertilizer inputs but were not impacted by SOM content or AMF inoculation. Fruit set and single berry weight were influenced by both SOM content and AMF inoculation, in complex three-way interactions with fertilizer application. Fruit set of AMF inoculated plants increased with fertilizer inputs in low SOM soils, but decreased with fertilizer inputs under high SOM soils, with the highest fruit set occurring at no fertilizer inputs. In low SOM soils, the relation between single berry weight and fertilizer application was more pronounced in inoculated plants than in non-inoculated plants, while in high SOM soils the relative benefits of AMF inoculation on single berry weight decreased with increasing fertilizer inputs. We attribute the lack of effects of AMF inoculation and SOM content on flower number, fruit number and yield mainly to potential tradeoffs between the experimental variables that all influence resource uptake by plant root systems. Our results suggest that potentially beneficial effects of AMF and SOM can be offset by each other, probably driven by the dynamic relations between AMF and the host plants. The findings reveal fundamental implications for managing AMF inoculation and SOM management simultaneously in real-world agricultural systems.
Improvement of the fuel properties of dairy manure by increasing the biomass-to-water ratio in hydrothermal carbonization
Authors: Aliyu Mohammed , Iwabuchi Kazunori , Itoh Takanori
Published: July 2022

There are many advantages to liquid-based hydrothermal carbonization (L-HTC) but the need to immerse the biomass in water generates more post-process water, hindering the commercialisation of HTC. To address this issue, this study investigated the feasibility of vapour-based HTC (V-HTC), which minimizes the water required. Dairy manure was hydrothermally treated at temperatures of 200, 230, 255 and 270°C and biomass-to-water ratios (B/W) of 0.1, 0.18, 0.25, 0.43, 0.67 and 1.0 for 20 minutes, then the produced hydrochars were characterized by calorific, proximate, ultimate and thermogravimetric analyses. The results showed that the mass yields of hydrochar decreased with increasing temperature but were essentially stable at high B/W ratios. Notably, the calorific values of the hydrochars increased with increasing temperature and B/W ratio, and the energy density increased by 46%. Due to the higher mass yield and increased energy density, maximum energy yields at each temperature (86.0–97.4%) were observed at a B/W ratio of 1.0. The proximate and ultimate analyses revealed that the degree of coalification, such as the increase in carbon content and decrease in oxygen and volatile matter, progressed more under V-HTC than L-HTC conditions, likely because the lower liquid content in V-HTC facilitates the formation of secondary char and increases the reaction severity due to higher acidity. This study showed a potential approach for upgrading a semi-solid-state biomass by V-HTC.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number, metabolic syndrome, and insulin sensitivity: Insights from the Sugar, Hypertension, and Physical Exercise studies
Authors: Yang Stephanie Y. , Mirabal Caleb S. , Newcomb Charles E. , Stewart Kerry J. , Arking Dan E.
Published: July 2022

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) measured in blood has been associated with many aging-related diseases, with higher mtDNA-CN typically associated with lower disease risk. Exercise training is an excellent preventative tool against aging-related disorders and has been shown to increase mitochondrial function in muscle. Using the Sugar, Hypertension, and Physical Exercise cohorts (N = 105), we evaluated the effect of 6-months of exercise intervention on mtDNA-CN measured in blood. Although there was no significant relationship between exercise intervention and mtDNA-CN change (P = 0.29), there was a nominally significant association between mtDNA-CN and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.04), which has been seen in previous literature. We also identified a nominally significant association between higher mtDNA-CN and higher insulin sensitivity (P = 0.02).
In silico investigation of Alsin RLD conformational dynamics and phosphoinositides binding mechanism
Authors: Cannariato Marco , Miceli Marcello , Deriu Marco Agostino
Published: July 2022

Alsin is a protein known for its major role in neuronal homeostasis and whose mutation is associated with early-onset neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown that its relocalization from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane is crucial to induce early endosomes maturation. In particular, evidences suggest that the N-terminal regulator of chromosome condensation 1 like domain (RLD) is necessary for membrane association thanks to its affinity to phosphoinositides, membrane lipids involved in the regulation of several signaling processes. Interestingly, this domain showed affinity towards phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P], which is highly expressed in endosomes membrane. However, Alsin structure has not been experimentally resolved yet and molecular mechanisms associated with its biological functions are mostly unknown. In this work, Alsin RLD has been investigated through computational molecular modeling techniques to analyze its conformational dynamics and obtain a representative 3D model of this domain. Moreover, a putative phosphoinositide binding site has been proposed and PI(3)P interaction mechanism studied. Results highlight the substantial conformational stability of Alsin RLD secondary structure and suggest the role of one highly flexible region in the phosphoinositides selectivity of this domain.
Association of primary postpartum hemorrhage with inter-pregnancy interval in urban South Ethiopia: A matched nested case-control study
Authors: Jena Belayneh Hamdela , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gete Yigzaw Kebede , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: July 2022

Background

Globally, postpartum hemorrhage is the leading preventable cause of maternal mortality. To decrease postpartum hemorrhage-related maternal mortalities, identifying its risk factors is crucial to suggest interventions. In this regard, little is known about the link between primary postpartum hemorrhage and inter-pregnancy interval in Ethiopia, where more than half of pregnancies occur shortly after the preceding childbirth. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the association of primary postpartum hemorrhage with an inter-pregnancy interval in urban South Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based matched nested case-control study was conducted among a cohort of 2548 pregnant women. All women with primary postpartum hemorrhage during the follow-up (n = 73) were taken as cases. Women who were randomly selected from those without primary postpartum hemorrhage (n = 292) were taken as controls. Cases were individually matched with controls (1:4 ratio) for age group and location. A conditional logistic regression analysis was done using R version 4.0.5 software. Statistically, a significant association was declared using 95% CI and p-value. Attributable fraction (AF) and population attributable fraction (PAF) were used to estimate the public health impacts of the inter-pregnancy interval.

Results

This study found out that more than half (66%) of primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to inter-pregnancy interval <24 months (AF = 66.3%, 95% CI: 37.5, 82.5%). This could be prevented if the inter-pregnancy interval was increased to 24–60 months. Likewise, nearly half (49%) of primary postpartum hemorrhage in the study population could be prevented if the inter-pregnancy interval <24 months was prevented. Additionally, primary postpartum hemorrhage was attributed to antepartum hemorrhage, prolonged labour and multiple pregnancies.

Conclusions

Primary postpartum hemorrhage was associated with inter-pregnancy interval under 24 months, highlighting the need to improve postpartum modern contraceptive utilization in the community. Counseling couples about how long to wait until subsequent pregnancy and the risk when the inter-pregnancy interval is short need to be underlined.
Who is seeking help for psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic? Characterization of risk factors in 1269 participants accessing low-threshold psychological help
Authors: Hilbert Kevin , Boeken Ole , Asbrand Julia , Seemann Sophia , Langhammer Till , Praxl Berit , Horváth Leonore , Ertle Andrea , Lueken Ulrike
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying restrictions are associated with substantial psychological distress. However, it is unclear how this increased strain translates into help-seeking behavior. Here, we aim to characterize those individuals who seek help for COVID-19 related psychological distress, and examine which factors are associated with their levels of distress in order to better characterize vulnerable groups.

Methods

We report data from 1269 help-seeking participants subscribing to a stepped-care program targeted at mental health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample characteristics were compared to population data, and linear regression analyses were used to examine which risk factors and stressors were associated with current symptom levels.

Results

Seeking for help for COVID-19 related psychological distress was characterized by female gender, younger age, and better education compared to the general population. The majority reported mental health problems already before the pandemic. 74.5% of this help-seeking sample also exceeded clinical thresholds for depression, anxiety, or somatization. Higher individual symptom levels were associated with higher overall levels of pandemic stress, younger age, and pre-existing mental health problems, but were buffered by functional emotion regulation strategies.

Conclusions

Results suggest a considerable increase in demand for mental-healthcare in the pandemic aftermath. Comparisons with the general population indicate diverging patterns in help-seeking behavior: while some individuals seek help themselves, others should be addressed directly. Individuals that are young, have pre-existing mental health problems and experience a high level of pandemic stress are particularly at-risk for considerable symptom load. Mental-healthcare providers should use these results to prepare for the significant increase in demand during the broader aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as allocate limited resources more effectively.
The microeconomic impact of out-of-pocket medical expenditure on the households of cardiovascular disease patients in general and specialized heart hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeniji Folashayo Ikenna Peter , Lawanson Akanni Olayinka , Osungbade Kayode Omoniyi
Published: July 2022

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) present a huge threat to population health and in addition impose severe economic burden on individuals and their households. Despite this, there is no research evidence on the microeconomic impact of CVDs in Nigeria. Therefore, this study estimated the incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE), poverty headcount due to out-of-pocket (OOP) medical spending and the associated factors among the households of a cohort of CVDs patients who accessed healthcare services in public and specialized heart hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

This study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A standardized data collection questionnaire developed by the Initiative for Cardiovascular Health Research in Developing Countries was adapted to electronically collect data from all the 744 CVDs patients who accessed healthcare services in public and specialized heart hospitals in Ibadan between 4th November 2019 to the 31st January 2020. A sensitivity analysis, using rank-dependent thresholds of CHE which ranged from 5%-40% of household total expenditures was carried out. The international poverty line of $1.90/day recommended by the World Bank was utilized to ascertain poverty headcounts pre-and post OOP payments for healthcare services. Categorical variables like household socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, CHE and poverty headcounts, were presented using percentages and proportions. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with CHE and poverty. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15 and estimates were validated at 5% level of significance.

Results

Catastrophic OOP payment ranged between 3.9%-54.6% and catastrophic overshoot ranged from 1.8% to 12.6%. Health expenditures doubled poverty headcount among households, from 8.13% to 16.4%. Having tertiary education (AOR: 0.49, CI: 0.26–0.93, p = 0.03) and household size (AOR: 0.40, CI: 0.24–0.67, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with CHE. Being female (AOR: 0.41, CI: 0.18–0.92, p = 0.03), household economic status (AOR: 0.003, CI: 0.0003–0.25, p = <0.001) and having 3–4 household members (AOR: 0.30, CI: 0.15–0.61, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with household poverty status post payment for medical services.

Conclusion

OOP medical spending due to CVDs imposed enormous strain on household resources and increased the poverty rates among households. Policies and interventions that supports universal health coverage are highly recommended.
In vitro evolution predicts emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations with high affinity for ACE2 and cross-species binding
Authors: Bate Neil , Savva Christos G. , Moody Peter C. E. , Brown Edward A. , Evans Sian E. , Ball Jonathan K. , Schwabe John W. R. , Sale Julian E. , Brindle Nicholas P. J.
Published: July 2022

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants are creating major challenges in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to predict mutations that could arise in SARS-CoV-2 leading to increased transmissibility or immune evasion would be extremely valuable in development of broad-acting therapeutics and vaccines, and prioritising viral monitoring and containment. Here we use in vitro evolution to seek mutations in SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) that would substantially increase binding to ACE2. We find a double mutation, S477N and Q498H, that increases affinity of RBD for ACE2 by 6.5-fold. This affinity gain is largely driven by the Q498H mutation. We determine the structure of the mutant-RBD:ACE2 complex by cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the mechanism for increased affinity. Addition of Q498H to SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants is found to boost binding affinity of the variants for human ACE2 and confer a new ability to bind rat ACE2 with high affinity. Surprisingly however, in the presence of the common N501Y mutation, Q498H inhibits binding, due to a clash between H498 and Y501 side chains. To achieve an intermolecular bonding network, affinity gain and cross-species binding similar to Q498H alone, RBD variants with the N501Y mutation must acquire instead the related Q498R mutation. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 RBD can access large affinity gains and cross-species binding via two alternative mutational routes involving Q498, with route selection determined by whether a variant already has the N501Y mutation. These mutations are now appearing in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants where they have the potential to influence human-to-human and cross-species transmission.
An Examination on Views on Teaching Practicum Held by Associate Teachers: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors:   Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Koşar Gülten
Published: July 2022

Seeing the significance of exploring associate teachers’ views about teaching practicum, this qualitative case study aims to seek answers to the questions of what the self-perceived roles of four Turkish associate teachers in teaching practicum are and what their perceptions concerning the adequacy of the length of teaching practicum in Turkey are. Additionally, the present research targets finding answers to the questions of whether teaching practicum contributed to the professional development of the last trainee teachers the associate teachers have mentored and if mentoring fosters their own professional development. The results indicated they considered offering professional and emotional support to trainee teachers as their pivotal roles in teaching practicum and the length of teaching practicum as insufficient. The findings also demonstrated that the associate teachers believed teaching practicum substantially contributed to the professional development of the last trainee teachers they had mentored and mentoring enhanced their own professional development.
Generating Reflections Through Professional Collaborative Storytelling
Authors:   Monash University, Keary Anne , Wood Narelle ,   Parliament of Victoria, Barley Karina ,   Monash University, Carabott Kelly ,   Federation University
Published: July 2022

For teachers, storytelling is a way of making sense of everyday pedagogical practices and connecting with colleagues. In this paper, we explore how storytelling contributed to a collaborative culture indicative of our professional journey as four teacher educators. We examine six online weekly Zoom conversations we participated in as a teaching group to share our pedagogical ideas for enhancing an English education unit of work. During this storytelling, we discussed how we engaged with the teaching of, teaching about and teaching through the teaching and learning curriculum cycle to a first-year cohort of preservice teachers (PSTs). Importantly, we deliberated on how we could make our pedagogical decision-making visible to PSTs, illustrating the importance of teacher collaborative storytelling. We contend that by creating time and an online space for us as teacher educators to share, consider, evaluate and think collectively about pedagogical practices we not only developed a better understanding of our subject area but provided a collaborative professional learning model to our PSTs. We hope that other English teachers may read a little of their own professional journeys in our storytelling and be encouraged to engage with a professional collaborative dialogic space. This paper does not purport to suggest that this is the only way to teach English education to PSTs. Rather, it is about making visible who we are as learners and our practice as teacher educators and storytellers.
Zinc Complex of Cyclododecanone Thiosemicarbazone as
Single Source Precursor for ZnS Nanoparticles by Polyol Method
Authors: George Jisha , Nath G. Rathika , Lekha V.S. , Rajesh K.
Published: July 2022

Zn(II) complex of a newly synthesized ligand cyclododecanone thiosemicarbazone (CDDTSC) have
been synthesized and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction,
scanning electron microscopy, EDX and transmission electron microscopy studies. Thermal
decomposition properties of the complex also were studied. The complex was subjected to thermal
decomposition in a high boiling solvent glycerol to get zinc sulphide nanoparticles. Highly crystalline,
mono-dispersed and well defined ZnS nanoparticles were obtained in good quantity, even in the absence
of capping agents.
Sonogashira Coupling Reaction and its Application in Dendrimer Synthesis
Authors: Chowdhury Pritam Roy , Singha Debabrata , Sawoo Sudeshna , Ghosh Manas , Pal Nilasish
Published: July 2022

Sonogashira cross-coupling process is a synthetic method for producing aryl-alkyne conjugates. In
last few years, several researchers have been able to explore the divergent and convergent approaches
of dendrimer synthesis. Dendrimers are radially symmetrical molecules which are nanoscale in size
and have a well-defined homogeneous and monodisperse structure with symmetric or asymmetric
core, inner shell and outer shell. Several dendrimers have been produced via various C-C coupling
processes. In present review, we focused on the synthesis of few dendrimers using the Sonogashira
Coupling reaction as a vital steps.
Ipomoea quamoclit L. Leaf Extract Assisted Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles:
Study of its Application on Catalytic Degradation of Dyes and Antibacterial Efficacy
Authors: Chandrasekar Abirami Akkiniraj , Kannaiyan Pandian
Published: July 2022

Recently nanoparticles have been widely used in various applications such as antimicrobial, drug
delivery, catalysis, sensors and screening of toxic organic and inorganic pollutants. Here we present
an environmentally friendly, simple approach and an efficient approach for the green synthesis of
silver nanoparticles using Ipomoea quamoclit L. leaf extract. In this work, a novel method for green
synthesis of silver nanoparticles-based Ipomoea quamoclit L. plant extract as green reducing agent is
described. The morphological and optical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD,
FT-IR, HR-SEM, TEM and UV-visible spectrum. The silver nanoparticles prepared from Ipomoea
quamoclit L. had a size range from 20 nm to 50 nm as observed by the FE-SEM analysis. The XRD
pattern revealed the crystallinity nature of the prepared silver nanoparticles. Stable silver nanoparticle
solution has been synthesized using Ipomoea quamoclit L. leaf extract under the optimized experimental
conditions. This silver nanoparticle can be used as a catalyst for degradation of textile dyes. The
resulting reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The silver nanoparticles exhibited a moderate
antibacterial activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella sp. had an inhibition zone of 34 mm
and 20 mm, respectively.
Coordination Complex of Cu(II) with Ligand Containing Carboxylic
Acid Group: Synthesis, Characterization and Catecholase Activity
Authors: Shit Madhusudan
Published: July 2022

Present work reports the synthesis, characterization and catecholase like activity of a diaqua Cu(II)
complex of type [(L2–)Cu(H2O)2] (1) with a tridentate ligand (E)-2-(3- hydroxy-3-phenyltriaz-1-en-1-
yl)benzoic acid (LH2). Complex 1 is characterized by FT-IR, mass, EPR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
The isotropic hyperfine four line EPR spectrum of complex 1 in solution confirms the Cu(II) state in
complex 1. The complex exhibits catalytic activity towards the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert. butyl catechol
(3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di-tert. butyl benzoquinone (3,5-DTBQ) with turnover number (Kcat) = 132.8 h-1
via formation of radical intermediate. The oxidation of 3,5-DTBC in presence of complex 1 is confirmed
by the UV-Vis spectroscoy, mass spectra and EPR spectra. Complex 1 is EPR active in solution but the
solution containing complex 1 and 3,5-di-tert. butyl catechol is EPR silent authenticating the formation
of an organic radical in the catalytic oxidation process. In cyclic voltametry of complex 1, an irreversible
cathodic peak appear at -0.19 V may be due to the Cu2+/Cu+ couple and an irreversible anodic wave
appear at +1.35 V may be due to the oxidation of N3
– to N3
•–. Cyclic voltammetry of complex 1 with
3,5-DTBC gives a new anodic peak at +0.11 V, which is assigned as cat/sq•– redox couple [cat=
3,5-DTBC, sq•– = benzosemiquinonate anion radical].
Therapeutic Repurposing of Antiviral Drugs Available for
COVID-19 Therapy: A Mini Review
Authors: Bounoua Nadia , Al Azzam Khaldun M. , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y. , Rebizi Mohamed Nadjib , Negim El-Sayed
Published: July 2022

The impact of repurposing drugs that now in vitro inhibit significant chronic respiratory illness corona
virus type 2 was indeed underestimated or ignored during the early phases of the COVID-19 virus.
Recent clinical data, however, suggest that remdesivir and favipiravir may hasten to heal, but
lopinavir/ritonavir had minimal impact on very ill patients. The interferon appears to be the primary
impact of triple therapy with ribavirin, lopinavir and interferon-1b. The role of hydroxychloroquine,
marketed as Plaquenil® or chloroquine, marketed as Aralen®, in the treatment and prevention of
COVID-19 is presently unknown due to the small sample size research. Anti-cytokine drugs may not
benefit persons with mild disease or severe illness. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is commonly
used for COVID-19 patients in China and has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects on SARS-CoV-2.
This review outlines existing COVID-19 therapeutic options and advocates for clinical trials for children,
persons with mild disease and those in the early stages of COVID-19.
Laccase Enzyme Catalyst Mediated Synthesis of Pyrimidines and its
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Shenbagam K. , Sivasankari G.
Published: July 2022

The novel synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives (1a-f) by using green chemistry technique with laccase
as an enzyme catalyst. FT-IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analyses were used to describe the produced
compounds (1a-f). Antibacterial, antifungal, and molecular docking investigations to characterize the
produced pyrimidine derivatives (1a-f). In antibacterial testing, compound 1e, showed considerable
action towards E. coli (MIC 02 μg/mL) as associated to ciprofloxacin (MIC 04 μg/mL). When related
to clotrimazole in antifungal assessment, compound 1d was shown to be significant activity towards
C. albicans (MIC 0.25 μg/mL) than clotrimazole (MIC 0.5 μg/mL). Molecular docking experiments
further indicate that compound 1e inhibited antibacterial and compound 1d inhibited antifungal proteins
more effectively than the control compounds ciprofloxacin and clotrimazole.
Synthesis and Characterization of Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes using
Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol Acetone (DGEBPA) Epoxy Resin
Authors: Soni D.K. , Maithani A. , Kamani P.K.
Published: July 2022

Present work focuses on synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) using the conventional
epoxy resin, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol acetone (DGEBPA). The conventional polyurethanes (PUs)
are prepared by reaction of the toxic diisocyanates and polyols. The epoxy resin contains two epoxy
groups which are converted to cyclic carbonate groups when reacted with carbon dioxide. In this
work, the epoxy resin (ER) was converted into the cyclocarbonated epoxy resin (CCER) using
methyltriphenylphosphonium iodide (MePh.I) as the catalyst and ethyl cellsuolve as the reaction
medium. The reaction was carried out in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, slightly above the atmospheric
pressure, for 20 h. The progress of reaction was monitored by percent oxirane oxygen content (%OOC).
The FTIR study confirms the disappearance of epoxy groups at 910 cm-1 and appearance of cyclic
carbonate groups at 1800 cm-1. The films of the resulting resin were prepared by curing with diethylamine
(DEA), ethylene diamine (EDA) and reactive polyamide resin (70% NV). The formation of urethane
linkage was confirmed by FTIR spectrum. The mechanical, chemical and appearance properties of the
resulting NIPU were studied. The results were satisfactory, like improvement in adhesion and alkali
resistance, but reduction in gloss and colour retention was observed. This eco-friendly route for synthesis
of polyurethane can be used easily and variation in properties can be obtained by selecting the suitable
epoxy compound as well as curing agent.
Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies of Biosorption of Brilliant Green on
Surface of Low Cost Biomass Obtained from Michelia champaca Leaf
Authors: Baruah S.
Published: July 2022

The capacity to remove brilliant green from aqueous solutions through biosorption using the Michelia
champaca leaf powder (MCLP), was examined in batch experiments. Almost 99.00% of brilliant
green has been removed from 10 mg L-1 brilliant green solution and 93.22% from 50 mg L-1 brilliant
green solution for 0.8 g L-1 biosorbent. The biosorption capacity of Michelia champaca leaf powder
(MCLP) was independent on the pH of the brilliant green solution. For that reason all the adsorption
experiments were done without adjusting the pH value. Langmuir monolayer sorption capacity, qm
decreases from 200 to 55.56 mg g-1 (109.63 mg g-1, mean) with increase in MCLP amount from
0.2-1.0 g L-1. The adsorption capacity increases with speed of agitation and most favourable adsorption
was achieved at 100 revolution per min (rpm). The extend of adsorption of brilliant green onto MCLP
was observed to increase with increase in temperature indicating interaction between MCLP-brilliant
green is endothermic in nature. The biosorption of brilliant green on MCLP was studied using Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which indicates that the presence of brilliant green ions in
the biomass, affects the bands correlated with −OH, −CHO, −CO and −CN groups. Complete
characterization of parameters indicate MCLP to be an excellent biosorbent for treating wastewaters
containing brilliant green.
Child Externalizing and Internalizing Behavior and Parental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Portnoy Jill , Bedoya AnaCristina , Wong Keri Ka-Yee
Published: July 2022

In this study we surveyed families’ experiences with parental depression, stress, relationship conflict, and child behavioral issues during six months of the COVID-19 pandemic through the COVID-19: Global Social Trust and Mental Health Study. The current analyses used data collected from online surveys completed by adults in 66 countries from 17 April 2020–13 July 2020 (Wave I), followed by surveys six months later at Wave II (17 October 2020–31 January 2021). Analyses were limited to 175 adult parents who reported living with at least one child under 18 years old at Wave I. Parents reported on children’s level of externalizing and internalizing behavior at Wave I. At Wave II, parents completed self-reported measures of stress, depression, and inter-partner conflict. Child externalizing behavior at Wave I significantly predicted higher levels of parental stress at Wave II, controlling for covariates. Child internalizing behavior at Wave I did not predict parental stress or depression, controlling for covariates. Neither child externalizing nor internalizing behavior predicted parental relationship conflict. The overall findings demonstrate that child behavior likely influenced parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that mental health interventions for children and parents may improve the family system during times of disaster.
Dropshipping and Reselling Studies in Muamalat Fiqh
Authors: Asari Aang , Zaidah Ni’mah
Published: July 2022

Abstract: The practice of Dropshipping & reselling, is a new concept in Islamic law. Dropshipping is a product sale that allows sellers to sell their products to customers with an image based on the owner of the goods (supplier) without having to stock up on goods and sell to customers at a specified price. So, in this case the seller is an active actor to find customers. Meanwhile, reselling is a term that is also used to describe a marketing or sales system for a product that involves three parties, namely the owner of the goods, the buyer and the reseller. This type of research uses a literature study approach, using a qualitative narrative method. The results of this study can show that buying and selling with a dropship and reseller system does not violate sharia provisions. Even though the parties do not have the goods and the capital is only the specifications, Islamic law allows this kind of contract. The contract can be as a simsarah or broker, it can also be a salam contract (order). However, if it is planned with a salam contract, it must fulfill several conditions, among others: what is sold is not the other but the specifications, the goods are not delivered at the time of the contract, there is a time limit for the delivery of the goods and the place of delivery of the goods is clear.Abstrak: Praktik Dropshipping & reselling, adalah konsep baru dalam hukum Islam. Dropshipping merupakan penjualan produk yang memungkinkan penjual menjualkan produknya pada pelanggan bermodalkan gambar berdasarkan pemilik barang (supplier) tanpa wajib menyetok barang & menjual ke pelanggan menggunakan harga yg ditentukan. jadi, pada hal ini penjual merupakan pelaku aktif buat mencari pelanggan. Sedangkan reselling adalah istilah yang juga digunakan untuk menyebutkan salah satu sistem pemasaran atau penjualan suatu produk yang melibatkan tiga pihak, yaitu pemilik barang, pembeli dan reseller. Jenis penelitian ini memakai pendekatan studi literatur pustaka, memakai metode naratif kualitatif. Hasil kajian ini dapat menunjukan bahwasannya, jual beli dengan sistem dropship dan reseller tidak melanggar ketentuan syariah. Meski para pihak belum memiliki barangnya dan modal hanya baru spesifikasinya saja. Syariat Islam membolehkan akad seperti ini. Namun sekema akadnya bisa saja sebagai simsarah atau broker, bisa juga akad salam (pesanan). Namun jika itu diskemakan dengan akad salam, harus memenuhi beberapa syarat, antara lain: yang dijual bukan ainnya akan tetapi spesifikasinya saja, barang tidak diserahkan pada saat akad, ada batas waktu penyerahan barang dan jelas tempat penyerahan barangnya.
Study the Philosophy of Islamic Law in Determination Percentage of Zakat Mal
Authors: Musaffa Muhamad Ulul Albab , Dakum Dakum , Nurrohim Ahmad Hujaj , Sudrajad Muhammad Rosyad
Published: July 2022

Abstract: The issue of zakat in today's society is very complex and dynamic. Zakat, which is expected to be an instrument of economic empowerment of the people, must be able to explore its potential. One of the potentials of zakat that can be hope in the development of the Islamic economy is the determination of the percentage of zakat dynamically. This is interesting because the percentage of zakat is considered by some academics to be a fixed thing (tsubut) and cannot be changed, but is that true? And how is the actual determination of the percentage of zakat at the time of the prophet by looking at the socio-historical at that time? Then how is the percentage of zakat contextualized in the current era? This article is a normative-philosophical study, and it is library research using an Islamic legal philosophy approach to the percentage of zakat in this modern era. The result of this article is that the percentage of zakat is not standard (tsubut). Several narrations have implications for scholars' opinion that the percentage of zakat is seen from the masaqah in getting it and is evidence that zakat is dynamic. This is following al-Qarafi's opinion, namely by positioning the prophet Muhammad when setting the zakat percentage policy, not as a messenger of God but rather as a leader in regulating the policies of his people.Abstrak: Isu zakat dalam masyarakat saat ini sangat kompleks dan dinamis. Zakat yang diharapkan menjadi instrumen pemberdayaan ekonomi umat harus mampu menggali potensinya. Salah satu potensi zakat yang dapat diharapkan dalam pengembangan ekonomi Islam adalah penentuan persentase zakat secara dinamis. Hal ini menarik karena persentase zakat dianggap oleh sebagian akademisi sebagai hal yang tetap (tsubut) dan tidak dapat diubah, namun apakah itu benar? Dan bagaimana sebenarnya penentuan persentase zakat pada masa nabi dengan melihat sosio-historis pada saat itu? Lalu bagaimana konteks persentase zakat di era saat ini? Artikel ini merupakan kajian normatif-filosofis, dan merupakan penelitian kepustakaan dengan menggunakan pendekatan filsafat hukum Islam terhadap persentase zakat di era modern ini. Hasil dari pasal ini adalah prosentase zakat tidak baku (tsubut). Beberapa riwayat berimplikasi pada pendapat ulama bahwa persentase zakat dilihat dari masaqah yang mendapatkannya dan merupakan bukti bahwa zakat itu dinamis. Hal ini sesuai dengan pendapat al-Qarafi, yaitu dengan memposisikan Nabi Muhammad SAW dalam menetapkan kebijakan persentase zakat, bukan sebagai utusan Allah melainkan sebagai pemimpin dalam mengatur kebijakan umatnya.
Desentralisasi dan Keistimewaan Praktik Otonomi Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Authors: Alfauzi Ro'is
Published: July 2022

Provinsi Ibu Kota Jakarta Merupakan bagian terpenting dari Negara Indonesia, provinsi ini sebagai satuan pemerintahan yang bersifat khusus dalam kedudukannya sebagai Ibu kota Negara Republik Indonesia, sebagai daerah yang mempunyai keistimewaan, jakarta menjadi pusat berbagai bisnis mulai dari skala nasional hingga internasional dan sebagai daerah padat penduduk, Jakarta juga merupakan tujuan utama para perantau untuk mencari pekerjaaan. Sebagai provinsi daerah otonom khusus maka perlu diberikan kekhususan tugas, hak dan kewajiban, dan tanggung jawab dalam penyelenggaraan pemerintahan daerah sebagaimana diatur dalam konsideran huruf a dan b UU No. 29 Tahun 2007 yang berlaku sebagai hukum positif saat ini. Maka dalam praktik otonomi tersebut DKI Jakarta juga berbeda dalam mengurusi rumah tangganya sehingga Pemimpin daerah/Gubernur juga mempunyai fasilitas khusus seperti dapat menhadiri siding cabinet yang menyangkut kepentingan Ibukota NKRI.
Последствия пандемии COVID-19 для организаций культуры
Authors: Галкин Константин Александрович , Парфенова Оксана Анатольевна
Published: July 2022

Статья посвящена стратегиям адаптации, которые изобретали и применяли организации культуры в период пандемии COVID-19. Исследование проведено при помощи смешанной методологии в 2021 г. в Санкт-Петербурге. На базе театров, музеев, библиотек и креативных пространств собраны и проанализированы три блока эмпирических данных: анкеты; экспертные интервью; вебометрия социальных сетей организаций. Для анализа использованы концепции сетевого общества и автономности. Выявлены отчетливые тенденции, характерные для большинства организаций: вынужденный переход в онлайн-формат с последующей выработкой адаптационных стратегий условиях жестких ограничений. Ключевыми сложностями стали слабость материально-технической базы и недостаток компетенций и специалистов для производства контента и привлечения аудитории в онлайн. Кризисная цифровизация обнажила структурные сложности, связанные с (не)готовностью трансформировать прежнюю автономию и работать с учетом новых требований сетевого общества, предполагающих сокращение посредников («уберизацию культуры») и потерю прежних сообществ. Нами были выделены три стратегии адаптации к условиям новой нормальности: углубляющаяся цифровизация; гибридная стратегия и стратегия автономии от цифровизации. Стратегия углубляющейся цифровизации характерна главным образом для библиотек, которые вели активную онлайн-работу и до пандемии. Они оказались в наиболее выгодном положении, надстроив и расширив развитую ранее цифровую активность. Гибридная стратегия в основном характерна для музеев, которые активизировали оцифровку коллекций и ввели новые форматы, в т.ч. трансляции из прежде закрытых хранилищ, но вместе с тем декларировали сохранение связи с живыми посетителями как ключевое направление для будущего развития. Стратегия автономии от цифровизации в большей степени присуща театрам, для которых переход в онлайн оказался наиболее сложным и порой невозможным. Для того чтобы прочувствовать и понять реакцию «безучастного зрителя», пришлось вырабатывать новые форматы, предполагающие вовлечение зрителя и получение обратной связи.