bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ and Faculty Members’ Perceptions and Experiences of Classroom Assessment: A Case Study of a Public University in Afghanistan
Authors: Mussawy Sayed Ahmad Javid , Rossman Gretchen , Haqiqat Sayed Abdul Qahar
Published: October 2021

Objective: The primary goal of the study was to examine students’ perceptions of classroom assessment at a public university in Afghanistan. Exploring current assessment practices focused on student and faculty members lived experiences was a secondary goal. The study also sought to collect evidence on whether or not the new assessment policy was effective in student achievement. Method: Authors used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to conduct the study. Initially, we applied the Students Perceptions of Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), translated into Dari/Farsi and validated, to collect data from a random sample of 400 students from three colleges: Agriculture, Education, and Humanities. Response rate was 88.25% (N = 353). Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from a purposeful sample of 18 students and 7 faculty members. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and t-tests were used to analyze quantitative data, and NVivo 12 was used to conduct thematic analysis on qualitative data. Results: The quantitative results suggest that students have positive perceptions of the current assessment practices. However, both students and faculty members were dissatisfied with the grading policy, reinforcing summative over formative assessment. Results support that the policy change regarding assessment has resulted in more students passing the courses compared to in the past. The findings also suggest improvements in faculty professional skills such as assessment and teaching and ways that they engage students in assessment processes. Implication for Policy and Practice: Recommendations include revisiting the grading policy at the national level to allow faculty members to balance the formative and summative assessment and utilizing assessment benchmarks and rubrics to guide formative and summative assessment implementation in practice.
THE ALIEN PSYLLID MACROHOMOTOMA GLADIATA KUWAYAMA, 1908 (HEMIPTERA PSYLLOIDEA HOMOTOMIDAE): SPREAD AND DAMAGE OF A RECENTLY RECORDED PEST OF FICUS MICROCARPA TREES IN TUNISIA
Authors: ELIMEM MOHAMED , LAHFEF CHAIMA , KALBOUSSI MAHA , SAKHRAOUI ANIS , BESSOUDA BALKIS , LIMEM SELLEMI ESSIA , ROUZ SLIM
Published: October 2021

During an inventory study of Psylloidea species carried out in Tunisia, the alien psyllid, Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera Psylloidea Homotomidae), recently recorded in the country, has been detected on ornamental Ficus microcarpa, in public and private parks and gardens in many locations of the urban areas of the governorates of Tunis and Ariana, showing a fast spread in the area. This psyllid species has been observed causing damages and vegetative disorders to Ficus trees, especially white wax secretion, leaf wrapping and honeydew excretion on leaves and twigs. The number of infested trees increased from our first observations in late 2020 to early 2021. An Anthocoris sp. (Hemiptera Anthocoridae) has been observed to naturally prey on M. gladiata in many investigated locations.
Preliminary study on morphological diversity of cowpea accessions [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] collected in the North of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Jean Simon Konan ASSOUMAN , Nafan DIARRASSOUBA , Saraka Didier Martial YAO
Published: October 2021

The collection and characterization of the diversity of local cowling ecotypes is an important lever in defining the species’ strategies for varietal improvement. The purpose of this study was to generate information on the diversity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars in the savannah area of Côte d’Ivoire. Collecting missions were carried out from December 2017 to February 2018, among farmers and traders in nine departments in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. These missions brought together 48 local cowpea ecotypes in seed form. These accessions were characterized on the basis of eight morphological characters, including two quantitative characters (weight of 100 seeds and length of seeds) and six qualitative characters (color, shape, presence of stain, appearance, eye shape and color around the hilum of seed). Overall, the results showed considerable variability in seed coat coloration in varying proportions. Overall, 35.42% of the samples collected were white, 33.33% were red and 31.25% were other colors. The Multiple Correspondence analysis carried out using all the qualitative characters made it possible to group the 48 accessions collected into 16 morphological groups or morphotypes with distinct characteristics. In addition, they reflect a good part of the morphological diversity of cowpea accessions from the north of Côte d'Ivoire that could be exploited in varietal selection programs for the species.
La gestion de la surface foliaire affecte la teneur en azote des raisins
Authors: Verdenal Thibaut , Zufferey Vivian , Huberty Mélanie , Melot Claire , Dienes-Nagy Ágnes , Spring Jean-Laurent
Published: October 2021

La teneur en azote du moût à la vendange joue un rôle déterminant dans la cinétique de fermentation alcoolique et dans la formation des arômes du vin, particulièrement dans le cas des vins blancs. Au cours des dernières décennies, les pratiques viticoles ont considérablement évolué vers moins d’herbicides et davantage d’enherbement. Dans ce contexte, des carences azotées du moût sont apparues de façon récurrente dans certains vignobles. Comment pouvons-nous adapter nos pratiques culturales à ce contexte de concurrence pour l’azote ?
Asymptotic Freedom, Quark Confinement, Proton Spin Crisis, Neutron Structure, Dark Matters, and Relative force strengths
Authors: Hwang Jae-Kwang
Published: October 2021

The relative force strengths of the Coulomb forces, gravitational forces, dark matter forces, weak forces and strong forces are compared for the dark matters, leptons, quarks, and normal matters (p and n baryons) in terms of the 3-D quantized space model. The quark confinement and asymptotic freedom are explained by the CC merging to the A(CC=-5)3 state. The proton with the (EC,LC,CC) charge configuration of p(1,0,-5) is p(1,0) + A(CC=-5)3. The A(CC=-5)3 state has the 99.6% of the proton mass. The three quarks in p(1,0,-5) are asymptotically free in the EC and LC space of p(1,0) and are strongly confined in the CC space of A(CC=-5)3. This means that the lepton beams in the deep inelastic scattering interact with three quarks in p(1,0) by the EC interaction and weak interaction. Then, the observed spin is the partial spin of p(1,0) which is 32.6 % of the total spin (1/2) of the proton. The A(CC=-5)3 state has the 67.4 % of the proton spin. This explains the proton spin crisis. The EC charge distribution of the proton is the same to the EC charge distribution of p(1,0) which indicates that three quarks in p(1,0) are mostly near the proton surface. From the EC charge distribution of neutron, the 2 lepton system (called as the koron) of the koron is, for the first time, reported in the present work.
RNAi Crop Protection Advances
Authors: Hernández-Soto Alejandro , Chacón-Cerdas Randall
Published: October 2021

RNAi technology is a versatile, effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternative for crop protection. There is plenty of evidence of its use through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) techniques to control viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, and nematodes. For SIGS, its most significant challenge is achieving stability and avoiding premature degradation of RNAi in the environment or during its absorption by the target organism. One alternative is encapsulation in liposomes, virus-like particles, polyplex nanoparticles, and bioclay, which can be obtained through the recombinant production of RNAi in vectors, transgenesis, and micro/nanoencapsulation. The materials must be safe, biodegradable, and stable in multiple chemical environments, favoring the controlled release of RNAi. Most of the current research on encapsulated RNAi focuses primarily on oral delivery to control insects by silencing essential genes. The regulation of RNAi technology focuses on risk assessment using different approaches; however, this technology has positive economic, environmental, and human health implications for its use in agriculture. The emergence of alternatives combining RNAi gene silencing with the induction of resistance in crops by elicitation and metabolic control is expected, as well as multiple silencing and biotechnological optimization of its large-scale production.
A New Separation Methodology for the Maritime Sector Emissions Over the Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions
Authors: Pseftogkas Andreas , Koukouli Maria-Elissavet , Skoulidou Ioanna , Balis Dimitrios , Meleti Charikleia , Stavrakou Trissevgeni , Falco Luigi , Geffen Jos van , Eskes Henk , Segers Arjo , Manders Astrid
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to apply a new lane separation methodology for the maritime sector emissions attributed to the different vessel types and marine traffic loads in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea defined via the European Marine and Observation Data network (EMODnet), developed in 2016. This methodology is implemented for the first time on the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service Global Shipping (CAMS-GLOB-SHIP v2.1) nitrogen dioxide (NOX) emissions inventory, on the Sentinel-5 Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) nitrogen dioxide (NO2) tropospheric vertical column densities and on the LOTOS-EUROS (LOng Term Ozone Simulation – EURopean Operational Smog) chemical transport model simulations. By applying this new, EMODnet-based lane separation method to the CAMS-GLOB-SHIP v2.1 emission inventory, we find that cargo and tanker vessels account for approximately 80% of the total emissions in the Mediterranean, followed by fishing, passenger, and other vessel emissions with contributions of 8%, 7% and 5%, respectively. Tropospheric NO2 vertical column densities sensed by TROPOMI for 2019 and simulated by the LOTOS-EUROS CTM have been successfully attributed to the major vessel activities in the Mediterranean; the mean annual NO2 load of the observations and the simulations reported for the entire maritime EMODnet-reported fleet of the Mediterranean is in satisfactory agreement, 1.26 ± 0.56x1015 molecules cm-2 and 0.98 ± 0.41x1015 molecules cm-2, respectively. The spatial correlation of the annual maritime NO2 loads of all vessel types between observation and simulation ranges between 0.93 and 0.98. On seasonal basis, both observations and simulations show a common variability. The winter-time comparisons are in excellent agreement for the highest emitting sector, cargo vessels, with the observations reporting a mean load of 0.98 ± 0.54 and the simulations of 0.81 ± 0.45x1015 molecules cm-2 and correlation of 0.88. Similarly, the passenger sector reports 0.45 ± 0.49 and 0.39 ± 0.45x1015 molecules cm-2 respectively, with correlation of 0.95. In summertime, the simulations report a higher decrease in modelled tropospheric columns than the observations, however still resulting in a high correlation between 0.85 and 0.94 for all sectors. These encouraging findings will permit us to proceed with creating a top-down inventory for NOx shipping emissions using S5P/TROPOMI satellite observations and a data assimilation technique based on the LOTOS-EUROS chemical transport model.
L2 Boundedness of Discrete Double Hilbert Transform Along polynomials
Authors: Song HoYoung
Published: October 2021

We will show $L^{2}$ boundedness of Discrete Double Hilbert Transform along polynomials satisfying some conditions. Double Hilbert exponential sum along polynomials:$\mu(\xi)$ is Fourier multiplier of discrete double Hilbert transform along polynomials. In chapter 1, we define the reverse Newton diagram. In chapter 2, We make approximation formula for the multiplier of one valuable discrete Hilbert transform by study circle method. In chapter 3, We obtain result that $\mu(\xi)$ is bounded by constants if $|D|\geq2$ or all $(m,n)$ are not on one line passing through the origin. We study property of $1/(qt^{n})$ and use circle method (Propsotion 2.1) to calculate sums. We also envision combinatoric thinking about $\mathbb{N}^{2}$ lattice points in j-k plane for some estimates. Finally, we use geometric property of some inequalities about $(m,n)\in\Lambda$ to prove Theorem 3.3. In chapter 4, We obtain the fact that $\mu(\xi)$ is bounded by sums which are related to $\log_{2}({\xi_{1}-a_{1}\slash {q}})$ and $\log_{2}({\xi_{2}-a_{2}\slash {q}})$ and the boundedness of double Hilbert exponential sum for even polynomials with torsion without conditions in Theorem 3.3. We also use $\mathbb{N}^{2}$ lattice points in j-k plane and Proposition 2.1 which are shown in chapter 2 and some estimates to show that Fourier multiplier of discrete double Hilbert transform is bounded by terms about $\log$ and integral this with torsion is bounded by constants.
Transfer Learning of Clinical Outcomes with Molecular Data, Principles and Perspectives
Authors: Kowald Axel , Barrantes Israel , Möller Steffen , Palmer Daniel , Murua Escobar Hugo , Fuellen Georg
Published: October 2021

Accurate transfer learning of clinical outcomes, e.g., of the effects and side effects of drugs or other interventions, from one cellular context to another (in-vitro versus ex-vivo versus in-vivo, or across tissues), between cell-types, developmental stages, omics modalities or species, is considered tremendously useful. Ultimately, it may avoid most drug development failing in translation, despite large investments in the preclinical stages, which includes animal experiments requiring careful justification. Thus, when transferring a prediction task from a source (model) domain to a target domain, what counts is the high quality of the predictions in the target domain, requiring molecular states or processes common to both source and target that can be learned by the predictor, reflected by latent variables. These latent variables may form a compendium of knowledge that is learned in the source, to enable predictions in the target; usually, there are few, if any, labeled target training samples to learn from. Transductive learning then refers to the learning of the predictor in the source domain, transferring its outcome label calculations to the target domain, considering the same task. Inductive learning considers cases where the target predictor is performing a different yet related task as compared to the source predictor, making some labeled target data necessary. Often, there is also a need to first map the variables in the input/feature spaces (e.g. of gene names to orthologs) and/or the variables in the output/outcome spaces (e.g. by matching of labels). Transfer across omics modalities also requires that the molecular information flow connecting these modalities is sufficiently conserved. Only one of the methods for transfer learning we reviewed offers an assessment of input data, suggesting that transfer learning is unreliable in certain cases. Moreover, source domains feature their very own particularities, and transfer learning should consider these, e.g., as differences in pharmacokinetics, drug clearance or the microenvironment. In light of these general considerations, we here discuss and juxtapose various recent transfer learning approaches, specifically designed (or at least adaptable) to predict clinical (human in-vivo) outcomes based on molecular data, towards finding the right tool for a given task, and paving the way for a comprehensive and systematic comparison of the suitability and accuracy of transfer learning of clinical outcomes.
Combination Breeding and Marker-Assisted Selection to Develop Late Blight Resistant Potato Cultivars
Authors: Beketova Mariya P. , Chalaya Nadezhda A. , Zoteyeva Nadezhda M. , Gurina Alena A. , Kuznetsova Mariya A. , Armstrong Miles , Hein Ingo , Drobyazina Polina E. , Khavkin Emil E. , Rogozina Еlena V.
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Although resistance to pathogens and pests has been researched in many potato cultivars and breeding lines with DNA markers, there is scarce evidence as to the efficiency of the marker-assisted selection (MAS) for these traits when applied at the early stages of breeding. A goal of this study was to estimate the potential of affordable DNA markers to track Rpi disease resistance genes, that are effective against the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, as a practical breeding tool on a progeny of 68 clones derived from a cross between the cultivar Sudarynya and 13/11-09. (2) Methods: this population was studied for four years to elucidate the distribution of LB resistance and other agronomical desirable or simple to phenotype traits such as tuber and flower pigmentation, capacity and structure of yield. LB resistance was phenotypically determined through natural and artificial infection and the presence/absence of nine Rpi genes was assessed via 11 sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. To aid this analysis, the profile of Rpi genes in the 13/11-09 parent was established using diagnostic resistance gene enrichment sequencing (dRenSeq) as a gold standard. (3) Results: at the early stages of a breeding program, MAS can halve the workload when screening the segregation of F1 offspring and selected SCAR markers for Rpi-genes provide useful tools.
High-Risk Outreach for COVID-19 Mortality Reduction in an Indigenous Community
Authors: Stone Myles J. , Close Ryan M. , Jentoft Christopher K. , Pocock Katherine , Lee-Gatewood Gwendena , Grow Brooke I. , Parker Kristen H. , Twarkins April , Nashio J. T. , McAuley James B.
Published: October 2021

Indigenous populations have been disproportionally affected by COVID-19, particularly those in rural and remote locations. Their unique environments and risk factors demand an equally unique public health response. Our rural Native American community experienced one of the highest prevalence outbreaks in the world, and we developed an aggressive management strategy that appears to have had a considerable effect on mortality reduction. The results have implications far beyond pandemic response, and have reframed how our community addresses several complicated health challenges. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(11):1939–1941. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306472 )
Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Pilihan Petani Atas Pola Tanam di Agroekosistem Lahan Kering
Authors: Yofa Rangga Ditya , Syaukat Yusman , Sumaryanto NFN
Published: October 2021

English
The condition of agriculture in dry land agroecosystems has many limitations both biophysically and socio-economically. As a result, farmers become less optimal in applying cropping patterns. This study aims to analyze factors that influence cropping patterns in dry land agroecosystems. The main data used for the study is the 2008 and 2017 Panel Petani Nasional (Patanas) PSEKP, Ministry of Agriculture. Descriptive statistics was used to describe cropping patterns association with household characteristics, land types, agroclimate, land tenure, and level of income. The influence of each factor on cropping pattern was measured with the Average Marginal Effect computed from the Random Effect Multinomial Logit estimation. Most respondents are self-land owner smallholders. The vegetable-corn-vegetable cropping is the cropping pattern that produces the highest income. The main factor affecting cropping pattern choice is volatility of water availability. Land type, maize price ratio, and level education of household head also significantly affect the cropping pattern choice. It is recommended that the farmers efficiently use the available rain water by appropriate selection of crops and using water conservation technique. Irrigation tools facilitation should create flexibility for the farmers in choosing the optimal cropping patterns.

Indonesian
Kondisi pertanian pada agroekosistem lahan kering memiliki banyak keterbatasan baik secara biofisik maupun sosial ekonomi. Akibatnya petani menjadi kurang optimal dalam menerapkan pola tanam. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi pemilihan pola tanam oleh petani di agroekosistem lahan kering. Data utama yang digunakan adalah Panel Petani Nasional (Patanas) tahun 2008 dan 2017 bersumber dari PSEKP, Kementerian Pertanian. Analisis statistik deskriptif digunakan untuk mendeskripsikan hubungan asosiatif pola tanam dengan faktor-faktor yang diduga berpengaruh seperti karakteristik rumah tangga, jenis lahan, agroklimat, penguasaan lahan, harga, dan tingkat pendapatan. Pengaruh setiap faktor terhadap pola tanam diukur dengan Average Marginal Effect dari hasil estimasi Random Effect Multinomial Logit Model. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa responden didominasi oleh petani gurem dengan lahan milik sendiri. Pola sayur-jagung-sayur merupakan pola tanam yang menghasilkan pendapatan paling tinggi dibandingkan pola tanam lain. Faktor utama yang memengaruhi pola tanam adalah volatilitas ketersediaan air. Jenis lahan, rasio harga jagung, dan tingkat pendidikan kepala keluarga juga berpengaruh signifikan dengan arah dan besaran pengaruh yang berbeda antarpola tanam. Disarankan agar petani melakukan efisiensi pemanfaatan air melalui pemilihan komoditas yang sesuai dan penggunaan teknik konservasi air. Fasilitasi penyediaan sarana pengairan dapat meningkatkan fleksibilitas petani dalam memilih pola tanam optimal.
Combined Toxicity and Toxicity Persistence of Antidepressants Citalopram and Mirtazapine to Zooplankton Daphnia Magna
Authors: Ma Yunfeng , Xu Dong , Li Chenyang , Wei Shu , Guo Ruixin , Li Yang , Chen Jianqiu , Liu Yanhua
Published: October 2021

Citalopram (CTP) and mirtazapine (MTP) are two typical psychoactive drugs used for the depression treatment. As emerging pollutants, CTP and MTP has been given widely concern because they are active substances for organisms. Therefore, the ecotoxicological risks of aquatic organisms should be paid more attention to. In this study, the effects of CTP and MTP on the feeding behavior, heartbeat, nutritional enzymes and related gene transcriptions of Daphnia magna were investigated under single and mixed environmental stress. Meanwhile, the recovery of exposed D. magna was studied to analyze the toxic persistence of those pollutants. After 24-hexposure, the ingestion rate decreased by 34.2% and 21.5%, in the group of C-H and Mix-H respectively. After 24-h recovery, the feeding behavior of D. magna was stimulated by compensatory stimulation. In exposure period, the heartbeat rate of D. magna increased by 132.3%, 69%, 111.9%, 139.4%, and 92.4%, in the group of C-L, C-H, M-L, M-H and Mix-L respectively, and was recovered during the recovery period. The activity of α-amylase (AMS) and trypsin were significantly changed in most of the exposed daphnia, both in the exposure period and recovery period. CTP/MTP exposure stimulated transcription of the α-amylase gene. M-H and Mix-H exposure inhibited transcription of the trypsin gene and other stimulated transcriptions. After 24-h recovery, the stimulative or inhibitory effects were alleviated. There were different responses between gene transcription and enzyme activity. In conclusion, our results highlighted the toxic effects of single and mixed pollution of CTP and MTP on feeding, heartbeat, enzymes and genes of D. magna.
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics to Reveal the Melanogenesis Pathway of Muscle and Related Meat Characters in Wuliangshan Black-Boned Chickens
Authors: Dou Tengfei , Yan Shixiong , Liu Lixian , Wang Kun , Jian Zonghui , Xu Zhiqiang , Zhao Jingying , Wang Qiuting , Sun Shuai , Talpur Mir Zulqarnain , Duan Xiaohua , Gu Dahai , He Yang , Du Yanli , Abdulwahid Alsoufi Mohammed , Li Qihua , Rong Hua , Cao Weina , Su Zhengchang , Zhao Guiping , Liu Ranran , Zhao Sumei , Huang Ying , Pas Marinus F.W. te , Ge Changrong , Jia Junjing
Published: October 2021

Background: Melanin is an important antioxidant in food, and has been used in medicine and cosmetology. Chicken meat with high melanin content from black-boned chickens have been considered a high nutritious food with potential medicinal properties. The molecular mechanism of melanogenesis of skeletal muscle in black-boned chickens remain poorly understood. This study investigated the biological gene-metabolite associations regulating the muscle melanogenesis pathways in Wuliangshan black-boned chickens with two normal boned chicken breeds as control.Results: We identified 25 differentially expressed genes and 11 transcription factors in the melanogenesis pathways. High levels of the meat flavor compounds inosine monophosphate, hypoxanthine, lysophospholipid, hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and nicotinamide mononucleotide were found in Wuliangshan black-boned chickens.Conclusion: Integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed the dual physiological functions of the PDZK1 gene, involved in pigmentation and/or melanogenesis and regulating the phospholipid signaling processes in muscle of black boned chickens.
A Photometric Study of Regolith Intimate Mixing with Ice-Like Impurity
Authors: Deb Dwaipayan , Chakraborty Pavan
Published: October 2021

Surfaces of solid solar system objects are covered by layers of particulate materials called regolith originated from their surface bedrock. They preserve important information about surface geological processes. Often regolith is composed of more than one type of particle in terms of composition, maturity, size, etc. Experiments and theoretical works are being carried out to constrain the result of mixing and extract the abundance of compositional end-members from regolith spectra. In this work we have studied, photometric light scattering from simulated surfaces made of two different materials – one is highly bright quartz particles ≈ 80µm and the other moderately bright sandstone particles ≈ 250µm. The samples were mixed with varying proportions and investigated at normal illumination conditions to avoid the shadowing effect. Said combinations may resemble ice mixed regolith on various solar system objects and therefore important for in situ observations. We find that the combinations show a linear trend in the corresponding reflectance data in terms of their mixing proportion and some interesting facts come out when compared to previous studies.
Response of soil biological properties and bacterial diversity to different levels of nitrogen application in sugarcane fields
Authors: Yang Shangdong , Xiao Jian , Liang Tian , He Weizhong , Tan Hongwei
Published: October 2021

Field experiments were performed in early March 2019 at the farm of the Sugarcane Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Four concentrations of nitrogen application were employed as follows: that is, urea applications 964, 482, 96, 0 kg ha− 1, respectively. And 300 kg ha− 1 calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were likewise applied in 4 different treatments. The results showed that the soil microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus were altered significantly by non- and low-nitrogen input. Moreover, the indexes of soil bacterial richness and diversity in the sugarcane field could be significantly improved, even by low nitrogen input. At the genus level, norank_f__SC-I-84, Mycobacterium, norank_f__Micropepsaceae, norank_f__norank_o__Saccharimonadales, norank_f__norank_o__Subgroup_2 and norank_f__Acetobacteraceae were the unique dominant bacteria in the soil with the high nitrogen input treatment. norank_f__JG30-KF-CM45 and Jatrophihabitans were the unique dominant genera in the moderate nitrogen input treatment. norank_f__norank_o__norank_c__Subgroup_6, HSB_OF53-F07, Streptomyces, norank_f__67 − 14, norank_f__norank_o__SBR1031 and norank_f__norank_o__norank_c__KD4-96 were the unique dominant genera in the low nitrogen input treatment. In contrast, FCPS473, Actinospica, 1921-2, Sinomonas, and norank_f__Ktedonobacteraceae were the unique dominant genera in CK (no nitrogen application treatment). It suggested that low nitrogen input was the most significant effect on the soil microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus in the sugarcane field. Moreover, low nitrogen input also can improve the diversity and richness of sugarcane soil bacteria. The dominant bacterial genera of low nitrogen input and the other treatments were different for the compositions of dominant bacteria, and the largest abundance difference of dominant bacterial genera was norank_f__norank_o__norank_c__Subgroup_6. However, whether low nitrogen stress can improve the yield and quality of sugarcane warrants further research.
Clinical Characteristics of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis and Distinguished Features from Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single-Centre Experience in China
Authors: Zou Xiao-juan , Qiao Lin , Li Feng , Chen Hua , Yang Yun-jiao , Xu Dong , Zheng Wen-Jie , Wang Li , Wu Qing-jun , Zhang Feng-Chun
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH). MethodsThe clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results and histologic characteristics of eleven patients with MRH were collected and compared with those of 33 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. ResultsIn total, 72.7% of the MRH patients were women. The median age was 46 years (range: 33-84 years). Diagnosed by specific pathologic features, all MRH patients exhibited cutaneous involvement. The dorsa of the hands, arms, face and auricle were the most commonly affected areas. Nodules were also located on the legs, scalp, trunk, neck, and even the hypoglossis and buccal mucosa. Ten MRH patients (90.9%) had symmetric polyarthritis. Compared with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, MRH patients were more likely to have distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) involvement (63.6% vs 24.2%, P=0.017) and less likely to have elbow (36.4% vs 72.7%, P=0.003), ankle (45.5% vs 93.9%, P<0.001) and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) (36.4% vs 78.8%, P=0.009) involvement. The positivity for rheumatoid factor (RF) (36.4% vs 84.6%, P=0.001) and anti-CCP antibody (9.1% vs 81.8%, P=0.000), as well as the median RF titer [43.8 (31.7-61.0) vs 175.4 (21.3-940.3), P = 0.021], in MRH patients was lower than that in RA patients. Elevation of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also less common in MRH patients than in RA patients (36.4% vs 72.7%, P=0.030). After treatment with median- to large-dose corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, 8 patients achieved complete remission, and 2 patients achieved partial remission (skin lesions ameliorated, joint lesions not ameliorated). ConclusionAlways pathologically diagnosed, MRH is a systemic disease involving RA-like erosive polyarthritis and a specific distribution of skin nodules characterized by "coral beads". More DIP involvement and less elbow, ankle and MCP involvement are seen in MRH than in RA. In addition, less positive and lower-titer RF, uncommon presence of anti-CCP antibodies and ESR elevation may be helpful to distinguish MRH from RA.
Platelet Phagocytosis by Neutrophils, Platelets Lack of Granules and Giant Platelets Result in Pseudothrombocytopenia
Authors: Zhu Ya , Zhou Junyang , Sun Li , Guo Feibo , Ding Yan , Zhu Mingchao
Published: October 2021

Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is a condition in which the decreased platelet count does not agree with the clinical status of the patient, can lead to misdiagnose, unnecessary tests, unnecessary treatment. The present case describes a 73-year-old man suffered with pulmonary tuberculosis, treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, 2HRZE/4HR). One month later, the patient had a significant decrease in platelets (101 to 56 x109/L). Peripheral blood smear showed that 28% platelets were phagocytosis by neutrophils, 26% platelets were lack of granules and 6% platelets’ volume increased significantly. When the anticoagulant was changed from EDTA to sodium citrate, there was no change in the above phenomenon. By manual count, the value of platelets was 113 x 109/L. After the completion of anti-tuberculosis therapy, platelet morphology gradually returned to normal. HRZE treatment may cause platelet morphology abnormal, resulting in PTCP. In such cases, we should regularly review the peripheral blood smear to ensure the accuracy of the results and avoid unnecessary examination and treatment. The emergence of PTCP may does not mean the presence of specific disorders.
Discrimination of Heavy Metal Sources in the Sefidrud Delta Coastal Lagoons, Caspian Sea, N Iran: A Statistical Approach
Authors: Rafiei Behrouz , Ahmadi-Ghomi Fatemeh , Seif Asghar , Shakibaazad Ali , Shamshiri Sonia , Sharifi-Abzahli Zahra
Published: October 2021

Amirkola (more than 500 years in age), Kiashahr and Zibakenar (a few decades in age) lagoons are located on the Sefidrud Delta, the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Evaluating the pollution degree caused by heavy metals (including Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn and V), 106 sediment samples and three sediment cores were taken from studied lagoons. Three indices, including geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI), were employed to determine the contamination degree in the lagoons. Based on contamination indices, the Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons show significant to moderate contamination with Co, Cu, Pb, Zn and V. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Two-step cluster analysis, analysis of variance, and T-test technique) was used to discriminate the pollution sources. Statistical methods indicated the unique interpretation of contaminants sources. There is a significant difference in metal concentrations between Amirkola and two younger lagoons. Despite the same geogenic origin of sediments in the Sefidrud Delta and lagoons deposits, Co, Zn, and Pb show anthropogenic sources in the newly-formed Kiashahr and Zibakenar lagoons.
Impact of Community Health Interventions on Maternal and Child Health Indicators in the Upper East Region of Ghana
Authors: Sakeah Evelyn , Bawah Ayaga A , Asuming Patrick , Debpuur Cornelius , Welaga Paul , Awine Timothy , Anyorikeya Maria , Kuwolamo Irene , OH Juhwan , Lee Hoon Sang , Lee Hwa-young , Lee Inseok , Kim Myeong Seon , Hong Seoyeon , Awoonor-Williams John Koku , Aboagye Patrick , Phillips James F , Oduro Abraham
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThis paper reports on results of a health system strengthening programme implementation research in the Upper East region of northern Ghana where critical interventions to accelerate and strengthen the health delivery were implemented. Transformative interventions implemented included empowering community leaders and actors to actively participate in health delivery, strengthening the referral systems through the provision of community transport systems, provision of basic medical equipment to community clinics, and improving the skills of critical health staff training. MethodsA mixed method design was used to evaluate the impact of the interventions. A quantitative evaluation employed a flexible research design to test the effects of various component activities of the project. For these analyses a pre-and-post randomized cluster design was used. For the qualitative data focused group and individual indepth interviews were employed to gauge the views of different stakeholders associated with the implementation process. ResultsSignificant improvements in key maternal and child health indicators such as antenatal and postnatal care coverage (ANC and PNC) were observed. Similarly, there were significant increases in delivering of children in a health facilities and deliveries assisted by skilled health personnel after the intervention compared to before intervention situation in the region. There has also been increased uptake of women providing oral rehydration salts (ORS) for treatment of diarrhoea, as well as marked reductions in upper respiratory infections (URI). Conclusions Results from a pre-and post-evaluation impact assessment of interventions implemented in these health deprived parts of Ghana show that the programme had a strong positive impact on the functioning of Ghana’s health delivery system known as Community-based Health Planning and Services programme and induced visible changes in key indicators of health system performance.
Green Synthesis of Ag Nanoparticles by Celery Leaf Extract Supported on Magnetic Carbon-Based Biochar Substrate, as a Green Catalyst for Reduction Reactions
Authors: Taheri Sahar , Heravi Majid M , Mohammadi Pourya
Published: October 2021

Green synthesis of a noble metal such as Ag nanoparticles is an enormously developed research area. In this study, biochar/Fe3O4-Ag magnetic nanocatalyst was produced via a green path by using Celery stalk as a carbon-based substrate, and Celery leaf extract as reducing and stabilizing agents to construct Ag nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocatalyst was determined using various techniques, such as UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM/EDX spectroscopy (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer). To survey the catalytic action of the biochar/Fe3O4-Ag nanocatalyst, it was used in the reduction reaction of disparate nitroaromatics, aldehydes, and ketones. This catalyst has demonstrated premier characteristics in terms of the amount, reusability, recoverability, activity, and structural integrity of the catalyst during the reaction. In addition, biochar/Fe3O4-Ag could be detached magnetically and recycled multiple times without significantly reducing its catalytic performance.
Atmospheric chemosynthesis is phylogenetically and geographically widespread and contributes significantly to carbon fixation throughout cold deserts
Authors: Ray Angelique , Zaugg Julian , Benaud Nicole , Chelliah Devan , Bay Sean , Wong Hon Lun , Leung Pok Man , Ji Mukan , Terauds Aleks , Montgomery Kate , Greening Chris , Cowan Don , Kong Weidong , Williams Timothy , Hugenholtz Philip , Ferrari Belinda
Published: October 2021

Cold desert soil microbiomes thrive despite severe moisture and nutrient limitations. In Eastern Antarctic soils, hydrogen oxidising bacteria support primary production through a novel carbon fixation process reliant on the chemoautotrophy-associated RuBisCO form IE. Here, biochemical assays show that atmospheric chemosynthesis occurs globally for primary production, contributing significantly to autotrophic carbon fixation throughout arid to hyperarid deserts in Antarctica, the high Arctic, and the Tibetan Plateau. Taxonomic and functional analyses were performed on 230 dereplicated medium-to-high quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) derived from 18 cold desert metagenomes and an additional 24,080 publicly available genomes. We infer that atmospheric chemosynthetic bacteria are widespread across environmental and clinical samples, increasing our knowledge of the bacterial phyla genetically capable of atmospheric chemosynthesis to seven, with key enzymes co-occurring within MAGs from four previously unidentified phyla; Chloroflexota, Firmicutes, Deinococcota and Verrucomicrobiota. We informatically identify an additional group of high-affinity hydrogenases, group 1m [NiFe]-hydrogenase using phylogenetics, gene structure analysis and homology modelling and reveal substantial new genetic diversity within RuBisCO form IE (rbcL1E), and high-affinity groups 1h and 1l [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Finally, we conclude that atmospheric chemosynthesis is a global phenomenon, extending throughout and beyond cold deserts, with significant implications for the global carbon cycle and bacterial survival within environmental and clinical reservoirs.
Using Transgenic Mice to Explore the Effect of il-17rc Gene Knockout on Bone Metabolism
Authors: Yu Fan , Li Bo , Zhang Guoliang , Zhou Song
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate whether interleukin-17 receptor C (il-17rc) gene knockout leads to systemic osteoporosis in transgenic mice. MethodsThe immunohistochemistry and micro computed tomography (micro-CT) were used to analyze the condition of vertebral cancellous bone in 3-month healthy female wild-type C57BL/6 mice (control group) and il-17rc gene knockout C57BL/6 mice (experimental group). ResultsWild type C57BL/6 mice had higher bone density per unit volume (0.52 ± 0.12 vs. 0.47 ± 0.05, P = 0.028) (g/cm3), more trabecular connections (8.97 ± 1.46 vs. 5.59 ± 3.15, P = 0.017) (1/mm), thicker trabecular thickness (0.16 ± 0.08 vs. 0.10 ± 0.04, P = 0.029) (1/mm) and the number of trabeculae was more (5.01 ± 0.33 vs. 3.16 ± 0.37, P = 0.038) (1/mm) than mut-il-17rc mice. In addition, the results of micro-CT also showed that the osteoporosis of il-17rc gene knockout C57BL/6 mice was mainly manifested in T13 (P = 0.039), L1 (P = 0.035), L3 (P = 0.018), L5 (P = 0.021) and L6 (P = 0.036), but the mean bone mineral density between L2 (P = 0.317) and L4 (P = 0.242) was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion﻿IL-17/il-17rs signal axis is widely distributed in the animal skeletal system and is one of the important signal pathways regulating bone metabolism. Knockout of il-17rc gene can lead to the occurrence of osteoporosis in model animals.
Optimization of the Pulsed Arc Welding Parameters for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing in Austenitic Steel Applications
Authors: Zavdoveev Anatoliy , Pozniakov Valeriy , Baudin Thierry , Kim Hyoung Seop , Klochkov Ilya , Motrunich Sviatoslav , Heaton Mark , Aquier Philippe , Rogante Massimo , Denisenko Anatoliy , Gajvoronskiy Alex , Skoryk Mykola
Published: October 2021

Industrial development continues to present challenges for manufacturers. One of them is additive manufacturing (AM) with metallic materials. One promising solution is wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Currently, WAAM is a more promising tool for developers, firstly due to the simplicity of its realization and secondly for its cost-effectiveness. Building materials are represented by welding wires, so the deposition rate is favorable. A pulse power source is commonly used in this scheme of realization. Much less attention has been paid to the optimization of the power source working regime, i.e., welding mode. Indeed, the power determines the whole process of WAAM. Therefore, in the present work, an attempt has been made to perform a scientifically based design for the optimal welding mode. The austenitic welding wire was chosen to eliminate phase-transition effects in the solid state of the deposited metal. As a result of the investigation, the advantages of the designed welding mode for WAAM application are made clear. Successful efforts have been made to optimize welding modes for WAAM applications. This study is important for manufacturers as well as engineers and scientists.
Metabolites changes after pre-bloom gibberellic acid (GA3) application for inducing seedless grape
Authors: Jung Sung Min , Hur Youn Young
Published: October 2021

Gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment is a useful method for inducing seedless grape berries in the seeded grape bunch before flowering. In this work, we applied 100 ppm of GA3 on ‘Tamnara’ grape flower cluster at 14 days before flowering to find metabolites significantly related to seedlessness. Three bunches of grape flower samples were collected at nine different stages (Day before full bloom; DBF13, 10, 7, 5, 2, flowering (0) and day after full bloom; DAF 2, 5, 9). Metabolites of each collected sample were analyzed using GC-MS with derivatization method (MSTFA). Metabolite contents of GA3 treatment flower were compared with non-treated controls in all stages and analyzed using Partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA). As a result, five sampling times (DBF 13, 10, 2, 0, DAF 9) showed significance differences using GA3 treatments. Total of 13 metabolites were recognized to relate to differences in five specific sampling times and mainly affected the initial stages (DBF 13 and 10). Tartaric acid, D-glucose, phosphoric acid, and D-mannose, inositol were increased by GA3 treatment at the early-flower developing stage. Dehydroascorbic acid, caffeic acid, citric acid, and gluconic acid were mainly increased at the time of GA3 treatment but decreased approaching full bloom. All stages of GA3 treatment, L-glutamine, L-serine, and D-allose was decreased, but fructose increased. In particular, the metabolite contents before GA3 treatment provides new clues on the role of GA3 in the early stage of grape berry development
Rituximab-Drug Conjugate Incorporating Auristatin E via A Quaternary
Ammonium Linker Inducing Potent Antitumor Activity against Non-Hodgkin’s B-Cells
Authors: Hu Xin-Yue , Wang Lin-Lin , Sun Yue , Cui A-long
Published: October 2021

Background:

Rituximab represents a drug used for standard Non-Hodgkin’s B-cell lymphoma
therapy; however, it displays limited clinical efficacy. Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is one of the potential
strategies to increase the antitumor activity of an antibody, with improved cytotoxicity directly
resulting from the delivery of a molecular warhead. Currently, the warhead monomethyl auristatin E
(MMAE) has been widely applied in the study of ADCs, conjugated to a carbamate-based linker (MCVC-
PABC). However, the hydrophobic drug-linker (MC-VC-PABC-MMAE) may lead to ADC aggregation,
ultimately resulting in decreased activity.

Objective:

In this study, we developed a hydrophilic drug-linker MC-VC-PABQ-AE linked to rituximab.
If the replacement of the tertiary amine in AE for a secondary amine in MMAE represents a characteristic
modification, the change of antitumor activity of two corresponding anti-CD20 ADC is unknown, requiring
further verification.

Method:

The structural elucidation of MC-VC-PAB-AE was displayed by high-resolution mass spectra.
The average drug antibody ratio (DAR) of rituximab-VC-AE/MMAE ADCs was performed by HICHPLC.
The cell cycle arrest analysis of two ADCs was detected by flow cytometry and the antitumor
activity of two ADCs was evaluated in vitro against Ramos and Daudi cells.

Results:

The average drug antibody ratio (DAR) of two ADCs was approximately 4.0. The activities of
rituximab-VC-AE could be increased in CD20 positive B-lymphoma cell lines, most notably due to the
higher cell viability inhibitory rates and apoptosis rates compared to rituximab-VC-MMAE.

Conclusions:

A hydrophilicity linker of ADC was developed and studied. Rituximab-VC-AE may potentially
be used against CD20-positive cells, and the therapeutic efficacy and safety bring about further
investigations.
Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes: A Review on Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Makwana Manisha Vijay , Patel Ajay M
Published: October 2021

:

MWCNTs are elongated cylindrical nanoobjects made of sp2 carbon. They have a diameter of 3–30 nm and can grow to be several centimetres long. Therefore, their aspect ratio can range between 10 to 10 million. Carbon nanotubes are the foundation of nanotechnology. It is an exceptionally fascinating material. CNTs possess excellent properties, such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, high adsorption, outstanding stiffness, high strength and low density with a high aspect ratio. These properties can be useful in the fabrication of revolutionary smart nanomaterials. The demand for lighter and more robust nanomaterials in different applications of nanotechnology is increasing every day. Various synthesis techniques for the fabrication of MWCNTs, such as CVD, arc discharge, flame synthesis, laser ablation, and spray pyrolysis, are discussed in this review article, as are their recent applications in a variety of significant fields. The first section presents a brief introduction of CNTs, and then the descriptions of synthesis methods and various applications of MWCNTs in the fields of energy storage and conversion, biomedical, water treatment, drug delivery, biosensors, bucky papers and resonance-based biosensors are provided in the second section. Due to their improved electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, MWCNTs have been extensively used in the manufacturing and deployment of flexible sensors.