bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactives and Antimicobial Potential of Processing by Products of Four Mango Varieties (Magifera indica Varieties Amelie, Kent, Keitt and Brooks) from the Poro Region (Ivory Coast)
Authors: Diomande Mabintou , Konan Kouassi Hubert , Monnet Yapo Thierry , Kanga Kouassi Armand , Fagbohoun Jean Bedel , Gbotognon Jaures Oscar , Kouadio Eugène Jean Parfait , Kouamé Lucien Patrice
Published: September 2021

Aims: During the industrial processing of mango, considerable quantities of peel and seeds are rejected, which results in a significant economic loss for the manufacturer, as well as an impact on the environment. However, mango almond and peel flours present enormous nutritional and especially therapeutic potentialities. Thus, the objective of this work is to contribute to the valorization of the waste of 4 varieties of mango (Amelie, Kent, Keitt, Brooks) from north in Ivory Coast by the determination of their bioactive compounds in, order to be used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Technology, Nangui Abrogoua University, Abidjan 02, Ivory Coast. Between March 2019 to July 2021. 

Methodology: Phenolic compounds of the Mango almond and peel flours were extracted with ethanol. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was employed to further quantify the total phenolic, tannin and total flavonoid content. DPPH radical scavenging assay, 2.2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging test and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used to determine antioxidant activity. As for phenolic acids, they were analysed by HPLC. Well diffusion method was used to determine antibacterial activity.

Results: The analysis of the bioactive compounds of these mango discards revealed that they are characterised by high contents of total polyphenols 39.67 ± 0.04 to 85.18 ± 0.01 mg/g in the peel and 22.86 ± 0.03 to 58.43 ± 0.00 mg/g in the almond, flavonoids 4.36 ± 0.03 to 20.43 ± 0.02 mg/g in peel and from 6.59 ± 0.01 to 26.72 ± 0.02 mg/g in almonds, tannins 5.04 ± 1.13 to 8.64 ± 0.76 mg/g in peel and from 6.58 ± 0.06 to 12.46 ± 0.11 in almonds. Antioxidant activity varies in peel and almond from 64.49 ± 2.56 to 96.40 ± 0.32 % and 89.16 ± 1.45 to 97.96 ± 0.25 % respectively for ABTS, from 59.51 ± 0.26 to 86, 27 ± 0.56% and 80.39 ± 0.56 to 87.21 ± 0.39% for DPPH inhibition and from 0.59 ± 0.0 to 0.72 ± 0.01 mg/g and from 0.81% to 0.92% mg/g for iron reduction by the FRAP method. As for the antimicrobial activity, very marked inhibition diameters were observed both with the peel extracts and in the almonds for different bacteria (B. ceurus, E. coli, ST. aureus, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa).

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the by-products of the four mango varieties are potential sources of bioactive compounds. These by-products could therefore be used in the pharmaceutical industry and diet.
Governance Practice Implementation on Education for Sustainable Development in Host Universities’ Regional Centres of Expertise, Kenya
Authors: Ng’ang’a Nancy , Thinguri Ruth , Macharia Ayub
Published: September 2021

Institutional management refers to the effective running of different programmes and activities of an institution. This study sought to assess governance practice implementation on education for sustainable development (ESD) in host universities’ Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) in Kenya. The study employed mixed methodology and concurrent model of triangulation and descriptive survey research design to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The target population was from 8 acknowledged RCEs in Kenya. This included 8 RCE coordinators, 270 lecturers conversant with ESD and 150 representatives of partner institutions making a total of 428 respondents. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to come up with the study sample of 93 respondents comprising of of 3 RCE coordinators, 60 lecturers, and 30 representatives of partner institutions. Research tools used were open and close-ended questionnaires, interview schedule and document analysis checklist. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively using SPSS version 23 and presented using tables, frequencies, percentages and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Qualitative data was thematically analysed and presented verbatim and as narratives using MS Word. Mixing and interpretation of data was then done. The study established that despite numerous challenges, RCE host universities had implemented RCE governance practice on ESD through establishment of governance structures and appointment of coordinators. Financial and infrastructural resources were found to be a main challenge in implementation of governance practice on ESD. Anticipated beneficiaries of the study findings and conclusion include the management of RCE host universities, RCE coordinators, Ministry of education and County governments. The study recommended that host universities in Regional Centres of Expertise should initiate innovative methods of raising funds from both government and private sectors to establish a funding mechanism for ESD activities and programs in the RCEs. The appointment of RCE coordinators needs to be removed from the host university Vice Chancellors and a committee of partner representatives tasked with the appointment.
Ayurvedic Management of Parikarthika (Acute Fissure in Ano) – A Case Study
Authors: V. Sreerag M. , Dhule Mukund
Published: September 2021

Among anorectal diseases, Parikarthika (Fissure in ano) is considered one of the most painful diseases. Now a days the incidence rate of this disease became more due to the irregular food habits as well as unproper modern life style changes. Due to this its recent occurrence in all types of age groups irrespective of gender. This case study described the effective management of acute fissure in ano which was managed with ayurvedic treatment modalities. A 23-year male patient came with symptoms of pain and burning during and after defecation and also having the presence of blood streak while passing of stool. The patient was diagnosed as acute fissure due to the presence of a cut longitudinal ulcer in lower part of anal canal at the 6 o’clock position. Ayurvedic treatment approach both internally and externally were followed. Jatyadi Ghritham Pichu application followed by a lukewarm water sitz bath was advised as external treatment. The complete improvement was found in this within 12 days of treatment. No reoccurrence was noted even after 3rd month of follow up.
Comparison of the Effect Aqueous Extract and Nano-Sidr Synthetic of Leaves Ziziphus Spina-christi with Silver Nanoparticles the on Biofilm of Local Isolates of Staphylococcus. Spp
Authors: Najm Furqan Fadhil , Alkaabi Siham Jasim , Kadhum Quraish Abbas
Published: September 2021

Aims: This study aims to investigate the inhibitory susceptibility of extract Sidr leaf (Ziziphus spina-christi) aqueous, silver nanoparticles Ag NPs and Sidr nanoparticle "Nano-sidr" (Ziziphus spina-christi) against local isolates of Staphylococcus.SPP, and their inhibition effect on biofilm formation.

Study Design: Initially diagnosed by The use of Mannitol salt agar medium, then 26 isolates were selected from them depending on the resistance to methicilln and Vancomycin that were conducted.

Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from AL-Najaf AL-Ashraf and Baghdad hospitals.

Methodology: These isolates were subjected to a VITEK-2 compact system "ID, AST", to ascertain the genus and type of Staphylococcus bacteria., morphological and biochemical tests were conducted on them to confirm them.

Results: The result of the diagnosis showed 10 isolates belonging to Staphylococcus aureus, and a number of them were resistant to as MRSA-VRSA, and 7 were Staphylococcus haemolyticus and they were all resistant and known as MRSA-VRSA, and two isolates of Staphylococcus sciuri bacteria, one of them was resistant to VRSA and the other to MRSA-VRSA , two isolates of Staphylococcus warneri were both resistant to MRSA, two isolates of Staphylococcus lugdunensis were resistant to antibiotics, one of them was VRSA and the other was MRSA-VRSA, and one isolate of Staphylococcus lentus was also resistant to antibiotics MRSA-VRSA, and one isolate of Staphylococcus warneri was resistant to MRSA-VRSA, and one isolate of Staphylococcus lugdunensis was resistant to antibiotics.

Conclusion: Isolation of Staphylococcus vitulinus. 11 different isolates were selected from them according to their resistance to antibiotics, and after selecting the most efficient one by examining the inhibitory activity by diffusion method. The results showed the ability of both types of nanoparticles. Plant extracts prevent the formation of biofilms
Using Statistical Methodology: Analyzing Perception and Readiness of Pharmacists to form Cooperative Societies in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Authors: Awofisayo S. O. , Awofisayo J. I. , George M. S. , George M. S. , Bassey G.
Published: September 2021

The pharmacists’ slogan reads “as men of honour we join hands.” This study was aimed at assessing the perception and readiness to forming/running cooperative societies from the perspectives of the pharmacists’ technical groups in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey method was adopted using a structured questionnaire was used to obtain data bordering on respondents’ socio-demographic status, perception of concept of cluster/cooperative groups alongside willingness to engage in such formation. A total of 156 respondents (male 61, 39 % and female 95, 61%) participated in the study. The distribution of technical group of respondents were community practice (CP) 65(42.0%), academia (AP) 20 (13.0%), industrial (IP) 25 (16.0%) and hospital practice (HP) 46(29.0%). Respondents who were currently part of a non-pharmacist-member group and pharmacist-member group were 31% and 2%, respectively. 99% of the Respondents agree that persons of same mind/interest should come together to achieve progress. A total of 35% of total respondents believe pharmacists have too many associations/groups already and it is burdensome adding more93% of total respondents were not aware of any pharmacists-only group around them while 75% of them believe forming such groups can empower pharmacists but 23% have a negative disposition to this notion. Respondents from CP had significantly favourable disposition to creating the cooperative group than IP (p=0.0.0001), AP (p=0.023), HP (p=0.019). Pharmacists in CP and AP are more ready to form cooperative society for common interest than their colleagues in other technical groups.
Self‐Patterning of Multifunctional Heusler Membranes by Dewetting
Authors: Lünser Klara , Diestel Anett , Nielsch Kornelius , Fähler Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Ni‐Mn‐based Heusler alloys are an emerging class of materials which enable actuation by (magnetic) shape memory effects, magnetocaloric cooling, and thermomagnetic energy harvesting. Multifunctional materials have a particular advantage for miniaturization since their functionality is already built within the material. However, often complex microtechnological processing is required to bring these materials into shape. Here, self‐organized formation of single crystalline membranes having arrays of rectangular holes with high aspect ratio is demonstrated. Dewetting avoids the need for complicated processing and allows to prepare freestanding Ni–Mn–Ga–Co membranes. These membranes are martensitic and magnetic, and their functional properties are not disturbed by self‐patterning. Feature sizes of these membranes can be tailored by film thickness and heat treatment, and the tendencies can be explained with dewetting. As an outlook, the advantages of these multifunctional membranes for magnetocaloric and thermomagnetic microsystems are sketched.
Evolution ofCastaneain North America: restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing and ecological modeling reveal a history of radiation, range shifts, and disease
Authors: Spriggs Elizabeth L. , Fertakos Matthew E.
Published: September 2021

Premise

Although chestnuts and chinquapins are some of the best known and most widely loved of any plants in North America, relatively little genomic sequencing has been done, and much is still unknown about their evolution.

Methods

We used double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing data to infer the species‐level phylogeny forCastaneaand assess the phylogeography of the North American species using samples collected from populations that span the full extent of the species’ ranges. We also constructed species distribution models using digitized herbarium specimens and observational data from field surveys.

Results

We identified strong population structure withinCastanea dentata(American chestnut) that reflects a stepwise northern migration since the last glacial maximum. Our species distribution models further confirmed this scenario and matched closely with theCastaneafossil pollen record. We also found significant structure within theCastanea pumilalineage, most notably a genetic cluster that corresponds to the frequently recognizedCastanea pumilavar.ozarkensis.

Conclusions

The two North AmericanCastaneaspecies have contrasting patterns of population structure, but each is typical of plant phylogeography in North America. Within theC. pumilacomplex, we found novel genetic structure that provides new insights aboutC. pumilataxonomy. Our results also identified a series of distinctive populations that will be valuable in ongoing efforts to conserve and restore chestnuts and chinquapins in North America.
Reindeer herders from subarctic Finland exhibit high total energy expenditure and low energy intake during the autumn herd roundup
Authors: Ocobock Cara , Soppela Päivi , Turunen Minna , Stenbäck Ville , Herzig Karl‐Heinz , Rimbach Rebecca , Pontzer Herman
Published: September 2021

Objective

High levels of total energy expenditure (TEE, kcal/day) have been documented among numerous human populations such as tropical climate horticulturalists and high‐altitude agriculturalists. However, less work has been conducted among highly physically active cold climate populations.

Methods

In October 2018, TEE was measured using the doubly labeled water (TEEDLW, N = 10) and flex‐heart rate methods (TEEHR, N = 24) for 6–14 days among reindeer herders (20–62 years) in northern Finland during an especially physically demanding, but not seasonally representative, period of the year for herders—the annual reindeer herd roundup. Self‐reported dietary intake was also collected during TEE measurement periods. TEE was then compared to that of hunter gatherer, farming, and market economies.

Results

During the herd roundup, herders expended a mean of 4183 ± 949 kcal/day as measured by the DLW method, which was not significantly different from TEEHR. Mean caloric intake was 1718 ± 709 kcal/day, and was significantly lower than TEEDLW and TEEHR (p < .001). Herder TEEDLW was significantly higher than that of hunter gatherer (p = .0014) and market (p < .0014) economy populations; however, herder TEEDLW was not different from that of farming populations (p = .91).

Conclusion

High TEE and low caloric intake among herders reflect the extreme demands placed on herders during the annual herd round up. Although TEEDLW was similar between cold climate herders and hot climate farming populations, there are likely differences in how that TEE is comprised, reflecting the local ecologies of these populations.
Prostaglandin A2 induces apoptosis in three cell lines derived from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Wang Yong , Goodman Cynthia L. , Ringbauer Joseph , Li Yaofa , Stanley David
Published: September 2021

Animals maintain homeostasis of cell numbers, constantly creating new cells and eliminating others. Programmed cell death, apoptosis, is a mechanism of cell elimination and it acts in many aspects of animal biology. Drawing on the biomedical background, several signals launch the apoptosis mechanisms, including prostaglandins (PGs). Based on this information, we posed the hypothesis that PGs similarly induce apoptosis in insect cell lines. We used three Spodoptera frugiperda cell lines, including two newly established, BCIRL‐SfNS‐0518B‐YL derived from the central nervous system and BCIRL‐Sf4FB‐0614‐SGS derived from fat body, and the commercially available Sf9 cells. Using a kinetic apoptosis kit, we found treating SfNS cells for 18 h with 15 or 20 μM PGA2 led to decreases in cell numbers, coupled with increased numbers of apoptotic and dead cells. Similar exposures to 10 μM PGA2 (24 h) led to substantial increases in apoptotic cells, confirmed by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay on a flow cytometer. The influence of PGA2 treatments increased with dosage, as we recorded about 20% apoptosis at 24 h post‐PGA2 treatments (10 μM) and about 34% apoptosis at 24 h post‐30 μM treatments. PGA2 treatments led to 10‐ to 30‐fold increases in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding apoptosis‐specific caspases‐1, −2, −3, and −5 at 12 h and 40‐ to 60‐fold increases in mRNAs encoding caspases‐1 and −2, 10‐fold increases for caspases‐3 and −5 at 24 h. These findings strongly support our hypothesis that PGs induce apoptosis in an insect cell line and confirm an additional PG action in insect biology.
Novel strategy for disease risk prediction incorporating predicted gene expression and DNA methylation data: a multi‐phased study of prostate cancer
Authors: Wu Chong , Zhu Jingjing , King Austin , Tong Xiaoran , Lu Qing , Park Jong Y. , Wang Liang , Gao Guimin , Deng Hong‐Wen , Yang Yaohua , Knudsen Karen E. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Long Jirong , Zheng Wei , Pan Wei , Conti David V. , Haiman Christopher A , Wu Lang
Published: September 2021

Background

DNA methylation and gene expression are known to play important roles in the etiology of human diseases such as prostate cancer (PCa). However, it has not yet been possible to incorporate information of DNA methylation and gene expression into polygenic risk scores (PRSs). Here, we aimed to develop and validate an improved PRS for PCa risk by incorporating genetically predicted gene expression and DNA methylation, and other genomic information using an integrative method.

Methods

Using data from the PRACTICAL consortium, we derived multiple sets of genetic scores, including those based on available single‐nucleotide polymorphisms through widely used methods of pruning and thresholding, LDpred, LDpred‐funt, AnnoPred, and EBPRS, as well as PRS constructed using the genetically predicted gene expression and DNA methylation through a revised pruning and thresholding strategy. In the tuning step, using the UK Biobank data (1458 prevalent cases and 1467 controls), we selected PRSs with the best performance. Using an independent set of data from the UK Biobank, we developed an integrative PRS combining information from individual scores. Furthermore, in the testing step, we tested the performance of the integrative PRS in another independent set of UK Biobank data of incident cases and controls.

Results

Our constructed PRS had improved performance (C statistics: 76.1%) over PRSs constructed by individual benchmark methods (from 69.6% to 74.7%). Furthermore, our new PRS had much higher risk assessment power than family history. The overall net reclassification improvement was 69.0% by adding PRS to the baseline model compared with 12.5% by adding family history.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a new PRS which may improve the utility in predicting the risk of developing PCa. Our innovative method can also be applied to other human diseases to improve risk prediction across multiple outcomes.
Resist or Oxidize: Identifying Molecular Structure–Photostability Relationships for Conjugated Polymers Used in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Martynov Ilya V. , Inasaridze Liana N. , Troshin. Pavel A.
Published: September 2021

Although organic solar cells have started to demonstrate competitive power conversion efficiencies of >18 %, their operational lifetimes remain insufficient for wide practical use and the factors influencing the photostability of absorber materials and completed devices are still not completely understood. A systematic study of two series of structurally similar [XTBT]n and [XTTBTBTT]n polymers (16 structures in total) reveals the building blocks that enable the highest material stability towards photooxidation: fluorene, silafluorene, carbazole, diketopyrrolopyrrole, and isoindigo. Furthermore, a direct correlation is evident between the electronic properties of the conjugated polymers and their reactivity towards oxygen. The structures with the lowest highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies show the highest electrochemical oxidation potentials and appear to be the most resistant towards chemical oxidation. These relationships set important guidelines for the further rational design of new absorber materials for efficient and stable organic photovoltaics.
Biotechnology of Plastic Waste Degradation, Recycling, and Valorization: Current Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Qin Zi‐Hao , Mou Jin‐Hua , Chao Christopher Yu Huang , Chopra Shauhrat Singh , Daoud Walid , Leu Shao‐yuan , Ning Zhi , Tso Chi Yan , Chan Chak Keung , Tang Shixing , Hathi Zubeen Jyotiwadan , Haque Md Ariful , Wang Xiang , Lin Carol Sze Ki
Published: September 2021

Invited for this month′s cover is the collaborative group of Dr. Carol Sze Ki Lin and Dr. Xiang Wang. The image illustrates the biodegradation of plastics and the potential for plastic waste recycling and valorization to address the plastic waste dilemma. The Minireview itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202100752.
Cortical thickness across the lifespan in a Colombian cohort with autosomal‐dominant Alzheimer's disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fox‐Fuller Joshua T. , Torrico‐Teave Heirangi , d'Oleire Uquillas Federico , Chen Kewei , Su Yi , Chen Yinghua , Brickhouse Michael , Sanchez Justin S. , Aguero Cinthya , Jacobs Heidi I.L. , Hampton Olivia , Guzmán‐Vélez Edmarie , Vila‐Castelar Clara , Aguirre‐Acevedo Daniel C. , Baena Ana , Artola Arabiye , Martinez Jairo , Pluim Celina F. , Alvarez Sergio , Ochoa‐Escudero Martin , Reiman Eric M. , Sperling Reisa A. , Lopera Francisco , Johnson Keith A. , Dickerson Bradford C. , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Cortical thinning is a marker of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the age‐related trajectory of cortical thickness across the lifespan (9‐59 years) in a Colombian kindred with autosomal dominant AD (ADAD).

Methods

Two hundred eleven participants (105 presenilin‐1 [PSEN1] E280A mutation carriers, 16 with cognitive impairment; 106 non‐carriers) underwent magnetic resonance imaging. A piecewise linear regression identified change‐points in the age‐related trajectory of cortical thickness in carriers and non‐carriers.

Results

Unimpaired carriers exhibited elevated cortical thickness compared to non‐carriers, and thickness more negatively correlated with age and cognition in carriers relative to non‐carriers. We found increased cortical thickness in child carriers, after which thickness steadied compared to non‐carriers prior to a rapid reduction in the decade leading up to the expected age at cognitive impairment in carriers.

Discussion

Findings suggest that cortical thickness may fluctuate across the ADAD lifespan, from early‐life increased thickness to atrophy proximal to clinical onset.
Quantification of cognitive impairment to characterize heterogeneity of patients at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia
Authors: Giraldo Diana L. , Sijbers Jan , Romero Eduardo ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Neuropsychological test scores are limited and standard outcomes may mask the heterogeneity of cognitive impairment. This article presents the calculation and evaluation of six composite scores that quantify domain‐specific impairment.

Methods

Parameters for composite scores calculation were learned by performing confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. The obtained scores were evaluated with a separate sample of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in two automated tasks: unsupervised partition in different subgroups and prediction of progression to dementia for different time windows.

Results

MCI subgroups with distinctive cognitive profiles and risk of progression emerged from cluster analysis. Composite scores outperform standard neuropsychological tests when automatically predicting progression within time windows up to 5 years.

Conclusions

Domain‐specific composite scores are useful to delineate profiles of impairment, stratify the MCI risk, and predict progression to dementia.
Exosomal microRNA‐19b targets FBXW7 to promote colorectal cancer stem cell stemness and induce resistance to radiotherapy
Authors: Sun Tao , Yin Yong‐Fang , Jin Hai‐Guo , Liu Hai‐Rui , Tian Wei‐Cheng
Published: September 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the most malignant cancers with a high mortality rate to date. Promoting the radio‐responsiveness of CRC is of great importance for local control and prognosis. In this study, we examined the roles of exosomal microRNA‐19b (miR‐19b) in CRC radioresistance. The regulatory role of miR‐19b in CRC stem cells and radiotherapy‐resistant cells was determined using miRNA microarray analysis, and its prognostic value was probed using the TCGA database. It was found that miR‐19b was overexpressed in CRC tissues, which indicated a poor prognosis. CRC‐derived exosomes (EXOs) enhanced the radio‐resistance and stemness properties of CRC cells via delivery of miR‐19b in vitro and in vivo. FBXW7 was identified as a putative target of miR‐19b. On the contrary, reintroduction of FBXW7 reversed the effects of miR‐19b on radioresistance and stemness properties. Furthermore, the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway activity was elevated in CRC cells upon EXOs treatment, decreased after miR‐19b downregulation, and increased again after FBXW7 downregulation. These results suggest that miR‐19b inhibition could enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy while reducing the stemness properties, thus presenting a promising strategy for sensitizing CRC cells to radiotherapy.
Tandem duplicate expression patterns are conserved between maize haplotypes of the α‐zein gene family
Authors: Hurst Preston , Schnable James C. , Holding David R.
Published: September 2021

Tandem duplication gives rise to copy number variation and subsequent functional novelty among genes as well as diversity between individuals in a species. Functional novelty can result from either divergence in coding sequence or divergence in patterns of gene transcriptional regulation. Here, we investigate conservation and divergence of both gene sequence and gene regulation between the copies of the α‐zein gene family in maize inbreds B73 and W22. We used RNA‐seq data generated from developing, self‐pollinated kernels at three developmental stages timed to coincide with early and peak zein expression. The reference genome annotations for B73 and W22 were modified to ensure accurate inclusion of their respective α‐zein gene models to accurately assess copy‐specific expression. Expression analysis indicated that although the total expression of α‐zeins is higher in W22, the pattern of expression in both lines is conserved. Additional analysis of publicly available RNA‐seq data from a diverse population of maize inbreds also demonstrates variation in absolute expression, but conservation of expression patterns across a wide range of maize genotypes and α‐zein haplotypes.
Finite‐time adaptive tracking control for a class of nonstrict feedback nonlinear systems with full state constraints
Authors: Wang Yudi , Zong Guangdeng , Yang Dong , Shi Kaibo
Published: September 2021

This article reports our investigation on the finite‐time tracking control problem for nonstrict feedback nonlinear systems subject to full state constraints. A finite‐time stability criterion is founded by employing the barrier Lyapunov function methodology. With the backstepping technique, an adaptive neural networks controller is proposed, which can pledge that the closed‐loop system signals bounded and the tracking error converges to a sufficiently modest area around the origin in finite‐time under full state constraints. Finally, an example of the electromechanical system is given to corroborate the validity of acquired methods.
A Review on the Synthesis and Modification of Functional Inorganic‐Organic‐Hybrid Materials via Microwave‐Assisted Method
Authors: Atri Shalu , Tomar Ravi
Published: September 2021

The microwave‐assisted method is an appropriate route; to overcome the energy barrier for stabilizing perovskite structured based inorganic‐organic‐hybrid materials. The motivation for using the microwave‐assisted method in material science as an effective heating technique results from improvement in the topochemical modification of layered perovskite oxides. The microwave‐assisted method causes a fall in time duration from days to hours/minutes and produces good quality products with high crystallinity. Inorganic‐organic‐hybrids can be derived easily by the stepwise modification of layered perovskites. These modification techniques involve proton exchange, grafting, intercalation, and exfoliation steps. The microwave synthesized inorganic‐organic‐hybrid materials are in high demand due to their various interesting properties, potential catalytic, optical, composite, magnetic, and electronic, making them useful for technological applications.
On Local Convergence of Stochastic Global Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Hendrix Eligius M. T. , Rocha Ana Maria A. C.
Published: September 2021

In engineering optimization with continuous variables, the use of Stochastic Global Optimization (SGO) algorithms is popular due to the easy availability of codes. All algorithms have a global and local search character, where the global behaviour tries to avoid getting trapped in local optima and the local behaviour intends to reach the lowest objective function values. As the algorithm parameter set includes a final convergence criterion, the algorithm might be running for a while around a reached minimum point. Our question deals with the local search behaviour after the algorithm reached the final stage. How fast do practical SGO algorithms actually converge to the minimum point? To investigate this question, we run implementations of well known SGO algorithms in a final local phase stage.
Computing Binding Energies of Interstellar Molecules by Semiempirical Quantum Methods: Comparison Between DFT and GFN2 on Crystalline Ice
Authors: Germain Aurèle , Corno Marta , Ugliengo Piero
Published: September 2021

Interstellar Grains (IGs) spread in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) host a multitude of chemical reactions that could lead to the production of interstellar Complex Organic Molecules (iCOMs), relevant in the context of prebiotic chemistry. These IGs are composed of a silicate-based core covered by several layers of amorphous water ice, known as a grain mantle. Molecules from the ISM gas-phase can be adsorbed at the grain surfaces, diffuse and react to give iCOMs and ultimately desorbed back to the gas phase. Thus, the study of the Binding Energy (BE) of these molecules at the water ice grain surface is important to understand the molecular composition of the ISM and its evolution in time. In this paper, we propose to use a recently developed semiempirical quantum approach, named GFN-xTB, and more precisely the GFN2 method, to compute the BE of several molecular species at the crystalline water ice slab model. This method is very cheap in term of computing power and time and was already showed in a previous work to be very accurate with small water clusters. To support our proposition, we decided to use, as a benchmark, the recent work published by some of us in which a crystalline model of proton-ordered water ice (P-ice) was adopted to predict the BEs of 21 molecules relevant in the ISM. The relatively good results obtained confirm GFN2 as the method of choice to model adsorption processes occurring at the icy grains in the ISM. The only notable exception was for the CO molecule, in which both structure and BE are badly predicted by GFN2, a real pity due to the relevance of CO in astrochemistry.
Self-care: Concept, Rationale, and Framework
Authors: Pachauri Saroj , Pachauri Ash , Mittal Komal
Published: September 2021

The role and importance of self-care in the continuum of health care are becoming important subjects of debate among social scientists and health professionals. Interest in the self-care component of health services is stimulated by the convergence of diverse pressures common to health services systems. Depersonalized medical care, rising costs of high technology, focus on curative care, growth of lay knowledge, recognition of the limits of medical care, and documentation of the impact of the individual’s health behavior on patterns of morbidity are all factors stimulating new thinking regarding the importance of individuals and families to the effective and efficient functioning of health service systems.
Understanding Health Needs of Transgender
Authors: Pachauri Saroj , Pachauri Ash , Mittal Komal
Published: September 2021

Transgenders are individuals whose gender identity does not conform to gender norms and expectations traditionally associated with their sex assigned at birth. It is an identity or expression when gender differs from sex. Those who have medical interventions to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexuals.
Female Sex Work Dynamics: Empowerment, Mobilization, Mobility
Authors: Pachauri Saroj , Pachauri Ash , Mittal Komal
Published: September 2021

UNAIDS defines sex work as selling sexual services (Ditmore in Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. UNAIDS, 2008, [1]). Sex workers involved in sexual relations with multiple partners are a key group of women who need access to comprehensive sexual health services, including HIV prevention, treatment, and care (Lafort et al. in Reproductive health services for populations at high risk of HIV: performance of a night clinic in Tete province, Mozambique. BMC Health Services Research, 2010, [2]). There are a broad range of sex workers in various locations including those who are street-based and brothel-based, those who work as escorts, and those who work from their own homes.
Sexual Behaviors of Long-Distance Truck Drivers
Authors: Pachauri Saroj , Pachauri Ash , Mittal Komal
Published: September 2021

Truck drivers are a group of recognized marginalized people who are sexually active during their long driving hours. Their exhausting working environment causing lethargy and mental fatigue stirs them to have sex (Essuon et al. in J Health Care Poor Underserved 20:40–52, 2009, [1]). Long-distance truck drivers transport goods over hundreds and even thousands of miles. They may drive flatbed rigs, which are used for carrying steel, or tankers and tractor trailers. They usually drive at night when traffic is light (American Trucking Associations in Long-haul truck driver: definition and nature of work. American Trucking Associations, Encyclopedia, 2020, [2]). Truck drivers and interstate migrants are important bridge populations for the transmission of HIV infection (Pandey et al. in AIDS 22(5):81–90, 2008, [3]).
A risk-level assessment system based on the STRIDE/DREAD model for digital data marketplaces
Authors: Zhang Lu , Taal Arie , Cushing Reginald , de Laat Cees , Grosso Paola
Published: September 2021

Security is a top concern in digital infrastructure and there is a basic need to assess the level of security ensured for any given application. To accommodate this requirement, we propose a new risk assessment system. Our system identifies threats of an application workflow, computes the severity weights with the modified Microsoft STRIDE/DREAD model and estimates the final risk exposure after applying security countermeasures in the available digital infrastructures. This allows potential customers to rank these infrastructures in terms of security for their own specific use cases. We additionally present a method to validate the stability and resolution of our ranking system with respect to subjective choices of the DREAD model threat rating parameters. Our results show that our system is stable against unavoidable subjective choices of the DREAD model parameters for a specific use case, with a rank correlation higher than 0.93 and normalised mean square error lower than 0.05.
Aerial Locating Method Design for Civil Aviation RFI: UAV Monitoring Platform and Ground Terminal System
Authors: Zhou Chao , Xiong Renhe , Zeng Hongzheng , Xiao Jun , Wang Yao , Jia Pingfa , Ye Jia , Zhao Tiantian , Hu Kun
Published: September 2021

A key open question in the aerial locating method is ensure that parameters that identify the location of the radio frequency interference (RFI) are monitored, and to make sure that the locating algorithm is unbiased. Furthermore, the transmission of parameters to the ground for real-time analysis and display of the RFI location is important as it provides insight into the performance advantages of the aerial location method. The main contributions of the article are four points: the first is the introduction of the angle of arrival (AOA) algorithm to civil aviation RFI location, and the integration of algorithm characteristics with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations proposing an aerial monitoring method for civil aviation RFI. Simulation results show that the two-point cross-location method obtains effective information on the location parameters of the RFI. The second is to build a UAV monitoring platform, which is as light as possible to make sure the direction finding and digital transmission devices meet the airworthiness requirements, so that the UAV can complete the data acquisition task within a safety margin. Thirdly, a ground analysis system was designed to receive information on the UAV’s parameters, enabling software manipulation to ensure safe operation under non-visual conditions. In addition to this, the monitoring data is processed in real time and algorithms are used to resolve the location of interference sources and display them on a map. The fourth one is to verify the implementation of the aerial positioning method by setting up different test scenarios. Compared with portable direction-finding equipment and ground monitoring, the test results show that the UAV-based RFI monitoring method performances better in monitoring radius and positioning accuracy with a small direction-finding error, and the advantages of the ground analysis system are highly integrated and intuitive display.
Environmental justice and REDD+ safeguards in Laos: Lessons from an authoritarian political regime
Authors: Ramcilovic-Suominen Sabaheta , Carodenuto Sophia , McDermott Constance , Hiedanpää Juha
Published: September 2021

Balancing agendas for climate mitigation and environmental justice continues to be one of the key challenges in climate change governance mechanisms, such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+). In this paper we apply the three-dimensional environmental justice framework as a lens to examine the REDD+ process in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) and the REDD+ social safeguards. We focus particularly on challenges to justice faced by marginalized communities living in forest frontier areas under an authoritarian regime. Drawing on policy analysis and open-ended interviews across different policy levels, we explore procedural, distributional, and recognitional justice across the REDD+ policy levels in Laos. We find that REDD+ social safeguards have been applied by both donors and state actors in ways that facilitate external control. We underscore how authoritarian regime control over civil society and ethnic minority groups thwarts justice. We also highlight how this political culture and lack of inclusiveness are used by donors and project managers to implement their projects with little political debate. Further obstacles to justice relate to limitations inherent in the REDD+ instrument, including tight schedules for dealing with highly sensitive socio-political issues under social safeguards. These findings echo other research but go further in questioning the adequacy of safeguards to promote justice under a nationally driven REDD+. We highlight the importance of recognition and political context, including aspects such as power relations, self-determination and self-governance of traditional or customary structures, in shaping justice outcomes.
A Boundary Tool for Multi-stakeholder Sustainable Business Model Innovation
Authors: Velter M. G. E. , Bitzer V. , Bocken N. M. P.
Published: September 2021

Sustainable business model innovation cannot reach its full sustainability potential if it neglects the importance of multi-stakeholder alignment. Several studies emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to enable sustainable business model innovation, but few studies offer guidance to companies for engaging in such a collaborative process. Based on the concept of boundary work, this study presents a tested process tool that helps companies engage with multiple stakeholders to innovate sustainable business models. The tool was developed in three iterative phases, including testing and evaluation with 74 participants in six sustainable business model innovation cases. The final process tool consists of five steps to facilitate multi-stakeholder alignment for sustainable business model innovation: (1) defining a collective ambition, (2) mapping and negotiating the changing organizational boundaries, (3) exploring opportunities and tensions for aligning stakeholders, (4) defining first interventions and (5) developing a collaboration pitch. We found that the tool enables discussions and negotiations on sensitive topics, such as power reconfigurations and mutual responsibilities to help stakeholders align. For companies, the boundary tool enriches sustainable business model innovation by offering guidance in the process of redesigning their multi-stakeholder system, assessing their own organizational boundaries, exploring, negotiating and prioritizing strategic actions based on organizational boundary changes and kick-starting new partnerships.
Chronic Vulvar Pain After Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bazzoun Yara , Aerts Leen , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Chronic vulvar pain is a condition that affects many women during their lifetime, including women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

Aim

To study the prevalence and possible etiologies of chronic vulvar pain among women living with FGM/C.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive medical files of 506 women who consulted our specialized clinic for women with FGM/C between April 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data including information on the type of FGM/C and its complications. We focused on studying the prevalence, etiologies and characteristics of chronic vulvar pain.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and etiologies of vulvar pain in women with FGM/C.

Results

Chronic vulvar pain was present in 14 women (2.8%). Pain was unprovoked in one case (7.1%) and provoked in the 13 other cases (92.9%). In most of the cases, women presented vulvar pain related to scar complications such as clitoral or peri-clitoral adhesions or scar tissue (n = 3, 21.4%), bridle scars (n = 1, 7.1%), post-traumatic neuromas (n = 2, 14.3%) and vulvar cysts (n = 6, 42.9%), the latter being found more frequently in women with FGM/C type III. In 2 cases (14.3%) of chronic vulvar pain, no lesions other than FGM/C were visible at clinical examination. Among these 14 women, 12 suffered from superficial dyspareunia as well. The remaining ones had not had any sexual contact for several years.

Dyspareunia was present in 126 women (24.9%), among which 75 patients (14.8%) suffered from superficial dyspareunia and 25 patients (4.9%) complained of deep dyspareunia. Fourteen women (2.8%) reported both superficial and deep dyspareunia. Twelve women (2.3%) reported dyspareunia with no specified localization documented in the medical charts. Dyspareunia was significantly more frequent among infibulated women compared to women with FGM/C different from type III (P = .014).

Conclusion

Chronic vulvar pain after FGM/C is probably associated with scar complications and FGM/C type III (infibulation). Dyspareunia is more frequent in women with FGM/C type III.
Surgical outcome and technical issues in symptomatic brainstem cavernous malformations
Authors: Rahman Moshiur , Nabi Khan Khairun M S.I. , Khan Robert Ahmed , Garcia-Ballestas Ezequiel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Rahman Sabrina
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Safe entry zone for brain stem surgery has already been established. Selective approaches or routes can be used according to anatomical locations. Appropriate surgical corridors for Brainstem Cavernous Malformations (CM) are critical where neuronavigation is not available. Preoperative GCS, comorbid conditions, and patient's age are strong predictors of the outcome of the surgery.

Objective:

The study aims to assess the surgical outcome of the brainstem CM.

Method:

A total of eight patients were observed retrospectively from 2013 to 2017 in a private hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, of which the male: female ratio was 3:2. Four patients underwent surgeries, and four patients were treated without surgery. Multiple variables, including preoperative GCS, age of the patient, and comorbid conditions, were analyzed. Operative procedures were analyzed in detail. The patient's symptoms and signs, the timing of surgery, and recurrent hemorrhage were observed.

Results:

Out of four (4) surgical patients-1 died due to pneumonia after two months of surgery. One patient developed internuclear ophthalmoplegia immediately after surgery and recovered after two months. 2 patients recovered entirely, of which one developed obstructive hydrocephalus and was managed by endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Conclusion:

Safety corridors for brainstem CM are to be selected according to the location of the lesions. Preoperative patient status, appropriate patient selection, and perioperative management of the patients are few predictors of surgical outcomes. Making a pseudo plane in removing CM with sharp microdissection is technically helpful even in adhering lesions.

Highlights
G.I. Jane Goes to College? Female Educational Attainment, Earnings, and the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944
Authors: Lennon Conor
Published: September 2021

The 1944 Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (the “G.I. Bill”) provided returning WWII veterans with educational benefits sufficient to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses at almost any U.S. university or college. While several studies examine subsequent educational attainment and earnings for male veterans, little is known about how the G.I. Bill affected the 330,000 American females who served in WWII. Using data from the 1980 5 percent Census Public-use Microdata Sample, I find that female WWII veteran status is associated with a 19 percentage point increase in the proportion who report any college attendance, a 7.8 percentage point increase in college completion, and earnings that are 19.8 percent greater relative to comparable females who are not veterans. Because service was entirely voluntary for females, I use service eligibility requirements, enlistment records, 1940 Census data, and the G.I. Bill’s retroactive nature to establish a causal relationship among veteran status, educational attainment via the G.I. Bill, and increased earnings. To help separate the effect of the G.I. Bill from the effect of military service itself, and because benefits increased with longer service, I instrument for female veterans’ educational attainment using age at the time of the G.I. Bill’s announcement. My instrumental variables estimates imply that female veterans’ earnings increase by $1,350 (11.6 percent) per year of G.I. Bill-induced education, explaining 73 percent of the overall difference between veteran and non-veteran females’ earnings in 1980.