bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF SOWING DIRECTIONS ON WHEAT AND COTTON YIELDS IN RELAY STRIP INTERCROPPING
Authors: ÇAKALOĞULLARI Uğur
Published: November 2023

The increase in human population, urbanization, and climate change are causing a decrease in agricultural land in our country. The relay strip intercropping method has the potential to reduce competition for cultivation areas between wheat, which is a staple crop, and cotton, which is a cash crop. Therefore, it has a great importance to use this system in the most efficient way in terms of resource utilization, especially sunlight. The research was conducted at the trial fields of the Menemen Research, Application, and Production Farm belonging to the Faculty of Agriculture at Ege University, during the 2017/18 and 2019/20 production seasons. In the study, the effects of different sowing directions (N-S: north-south and E-W: east-west) on wheat and cotton yields in the IWC (relay strip intercropping of wheat and cotton) system were evaluated.

According to the results obtained from the trials, although different planting directions had a slight effect on wheat yield parameters, there was no significant impact on plant yield and grain yield. However, rainfall and increasing temperatures during the grain filling period of wheat in the second year led to a significant increase in plant (36%) and grain (39%) yields. Cotton plants were more affected by the difference in planting direction than wheat. The average fiber yield was determined as 658 kg/ha in the E-W direction, while it was about 18% less in the N-S direction (560 kg/ha). Unlike wheat, temperature rises in the second year caused significant losses in cotton yield. The average fiber yield recorded in the first year at 679 kg/ha dropped to about 21% less in the second year (539 kg/ha).

Our results indicate that cotton seedlings grown for a certain period under the shade of wheat have exhibited faster development in the E-W compare to N-S direction, where they receive more sunlight, and was able to optimize yield.
Transforming Crises Into Opportunities: Self-Managed Media in Argentina
Authors: Escudero Carolina
Published: November 2023

The current situation for journalism in Argentina represents a great challenge due to the continuous economic changes linked to inflation and labour precariousness. Faced with this, a phenomenon known as self-managed media has grown over the recent years, also connected to recovered media that promotes innovation, providing material for use in newsrooms to produce novel content and connect with audiences. For this explorative study, based on journalists’ roles and innovation, we conducted a mixed-methods design to analyse self-managed media composed of recovered, cooperatives, community, popular, and alternative media. First, a focus group was held with 10 communicators to understand their current situation; second, 60 journalists were consulted about their roles and innovations; finally, in-depth interviews were conducted with three communicators who work on self-managed media at the Community and Cooperative Media Confederation. The findings reveal the presence of innovative actions, reported by 90% of respondents, and confirm that 70% of the consulted journalists had assumed new roles in management and administration. In addition, 80% of the journalists praised community work as fostering a sense of belonging and its associated benefits regarding motivation and freedom. These sentiments were further validated by the insights shared by the three interviewees. This sense of belonging could be included in the fifth area of innovation in journalism, which centres on the social dimension.
Optimization of Deep CNN Techniques to Classify Breast Cancer and Predict Relapse
Authors: Prasad Venkata vara , Venkataramana Lokeswari Y , S Keerthana  , Subha R
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer is a fatal disease that has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Finding the right diagnosis is one of the most crucial steps in breast cancer treatment. Doctors can use machine learning (ML) and deep learning techniques to aid with diagnosis. This work makes an effort to devise a methodology for the classification of Breast cancer into its molecular subtypes and prediction of relapse. The objective is to compare the performance of Deep CNN, Tuned CNN and Hypercomplex-Valued CNN, and infer the results, thus automating the classification process. The traditional method used by doctors to detect is tedious and time consuming. It employs multiple methods, including MRI, CT scanning, aspiration, and blood tests as well as image testing. The proposed approach uses image processing techniques to detect irregular breast tissues in the MRI. The survivors of Breast Cancer are still at risk for relapse after remission, and once the disease relapses, the survival rate is much lower. A thorough analysis of data can potentially identify risk factors and reduce the risk of relapse in the first place. A SVM (Support Vector Machine) module with GridSearchCV for hyperparameter tuning is used to identify patterns in those patients who experience a relapse, so that these patterns can be used to predict the relapse before it occurs. The traditional deep learning CNN model achieved an accuracy of 27%, the tuned CNN model achieved an accuracy of 92% and the hypercomplex-valued CNN achieved an accuracy of 98%. The SVM model achieved an accuracy of 89% and on tuning the hyperparameters by using GridSearchCV it achieved and accuracy of 98%.
Antibacterial Activity of Paracetamol, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Azithromycin, and Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Salwuy Aboubakr Alnaji  , Hanan Abdalkrim  , Almahdi Farj almahdi  , Majduldeen Abdulaziz  , Somia M Abdalla Elsheikhi  , Alzahra Jadullah Abdulhamid  , Fatima Abdllah Abobakr  , No'wara Faraj Rajab
Published: November 2023

Paracetamol have indirect antibiotic activity and are commonly coadministered with antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of Paracetamol to with Azithromycin, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and Ciprofloxacin against salmonella and Escherichia coli. In this study, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and Azithromycin was mixed paracetamol against salmonella and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the interaction between Paracetamol and Azithromycin, Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin exhibited more in inhibitory potency against on Gram-negative salmonella and Escherichia coli. The combinations of Paracetamol with the Azithromycin and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole showed significant inhibitory activity on the salmonella and Escherichia coli comparing to the inhibition activity showed from the tested antibiotics alone.
Compensation for the Loss of Ability to Labor and other Gainful Activities as an Alternative to Loss of Earnings (Income) Compensation for the Victim in Tort Obligations
Authors: Kolesnichenko O. V.
Published: November 2023

The paper is devoted to the problem of determining compensation for the loss of the ability to labor and other gainful activities as an alternative to loss of earnings (income) compensation. The author draws attention to the legal and doctrinal conditions that ensure the recognition of the ability to gainful work as an independent property of the victim’s personality subject to economic assessment regardless of the actual decrease in the victim’s financial well-being. The paper highlights that the speculative nature of the claim of this kind is greatly exaggerated, since only the indicator of depreciation of the ability to gainful work in various forms has the property of uncertainty, and it is necessary to refer to the category of expected earnings (income) only when it is evaluated as a monetary equivalent. Based on the interpretation of the principles of reasonableness and feasibility, the the author concludes that it is critically important to use traditional calculation parameters (the degree of disability and estimated income) that allow providing an economic assessment of the totality of the lost professionally significant qualities of the victim that he could use in the field of gainful employment in different periods of life in the absence of an event of a wrongful act. The paper justifies that, with respect to certain categories of victims (minors, individual entrepreneurs, etc.), the necessary degree of reliability of such parameters can be achieved by referring to official statistical information or summary indicators prepared on its basis (average age of commencement of employment, indicators of profitability of certain types of economic activity, etc.).
Crime in the Context of Philosophy of History
Authors: Pudovochkin Yu. E. , Babaev M. M.
Published: November 2023

Methodological foundations for improvement of criminological science involve the expansion of its interdisciplinary connections, including its connections with philosophy and history. This makes it possible to study crime as a certain social process taking place in the general logic of the development of society and subordinate to it. The classical philosophy of history offers several options for understanding the meaning and driving forces of the historical process that predetermine competing views on the history of crime. Theology and Marxism, fundamentally differing in their view of the mechanism of history, provide an understanding of crime as a linearly developing process that has its origins in the past, but inevitably disappears in the future as the «end of history» is reached. Cyclical concepts of the historical process allow us to look at crime as an eternal, indestructible phenomenon that changes its basic forms as historical cycles change and in accordance with the basic parameters of this cycle itself. The concepts of multifactorial historical development determine an emphatically sociological explanation of crime, within which its state can be assessed outside the context of the past and future. The postmodern challenge to universal classical historiosophical concepts has actually destroyed their explanatory significance and methodological value. At the same time, postmodernism creates favorable opportunities for understanding the process of crime as an integral part of many parallel and overlapping histories: the history of liberalism, the history of economics, the history of preserving national identity, etc. In this case, crime stories (plural) appear in place of crime history (singular). And only such a multi-layered view of the processes of crime development and its connection with social processes can provide adequate methodological support for criminological research. In this regard, the results of the study can be considered as a contribution to the development of historical criminology, which is gaining relevance.
Synthesis and Application of Polypyrrole/DBSA/Boron Nitride Ternary Composite as a Potential Chemical Sensor for Ammonia Gas Detection
Authors: Sambasevam Kavirajaa Pandian , Suhaimi Nur Farahin , Mohd Norsham Izyan Najwa , Shahabuddin Syed , Raoov Muggundha , Baharin Siti Nor Atika
Published: November 2023

The present study demonstrates the self-assembly method of chemical oxidative polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy), polypyrrole/boron nitride (PPy/BN), and polypyrrole/dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid/boron nitride (PPy/DBSA/BN) thin films for ammonia (NH3) gas detection. The PPy, PPy/BN, and PPy/DBSA/BN thin films were comprehensively characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and conductivity measurement. ATR-FTIR revealed all the pertinent peaks of PPy, BN, and DBSA present in the PPy/DBSA/BN. SEM images of PPy/DBSA/BN depict well-organized morphology. PPy/DBSA/BN recorded the highest conductivity of 4.771 x 10-6 S cm-1 among the prepared polymer thin films. The obtained characterization results are in good agreement with the NH3 gas sensor measurements conducted on the PPy/DBSA/BN composite. The linear correlation coefficient between the two was found to be R2 = 0.9916, indicating a strong relationship. Furthermore, the PPy/DBSA/BN thin film demonstrated a low limit of detection (LOD) of 5.8 ppm, surpassing the OSHA threshold value for NH3 gas. This suggests that the sensor is highly sensitive to trace amounts of NH3 gas. Moreover, the PPy/DBSA/BN thin film exhibited exceptional reusability, with the ability to be used for up to 10 cycles without a significant decrease in performance. The sensor also demonstrated selectivity towards NH3 gas in the presence of common interfering species. Additionally, it exhibited long-term stability, maintaining its performance over a period of 7 days. The proposed self-assembled gas sensor has showcased remarkable performance in detecting NH3 gas at room temperature, making it a promising candidate for industrial applications.
Sex-dependent mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits following repeated mild TBI in adolescent rats
Authors:   , McCorkle Taylor  A. , McCorkle Taylor A. , Raghupathi Ramesh
Published: November 2023

Sports-related concussions (SRC, a subset of mild TBI) affect approximately 1.5 million adolescents annually and serve as a leading cause of disability in this population. Post-traumatic deficits in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory are frequently reported long-term impairments; however, an absence of FDA-approved pharmacological treatments highlights the need for continued studies examining the mechanisms underlying these deficits. Current literature on moderate TBI and chronic stress in adult animals demonstrates that alterations in the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the medial septum (MS), respectively, contribute to impairments in hippocampal-dependent memory. Bridging these studies, we hypothesized that CRF acts as a neuromodulator of ChAT expression in the MS wherein increased CRF signaling post-injury would reduce ChAT+ staining, leading to hippocampal-dependent cognitive deficits. Therefore, we developed and characterized a model of SRC in adolescent rats using a repeated mild TBI paradigm and found that male brain-injured animals exhibit early and sustained spatial memory deficits whereas female brain-injured animals show a delayed onset of impairment. Further, we examined alterations in the septo-hippocampal pathway which contains cholinergic neuronal projections from the MS to the dorsal hippocampus and revealed decreased ChAT expression and activity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that corresponded directly with the sex-dependent temporal pattern observed in behavioral output. While MS CRF expression remained unchanged following injury, we uncovered sex and time-dependent changes in crfr1 mRNA levels. Pharmacological manipulations using a CRFR1 antagonist injected directly into the MS allowed us to identify sex-specific roles of CRF as a mediator of cognitive output through modulation of ChAT expression in the MS post-injury. Collectively, this study is the first to identify a causal relationship between extrahypothalamic CRF and cognition in the context of mild TBI, offering insight into a novel therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction following SRC in adolescents.
The roles of Aurora A Kinase (AURKA) and WEE1 in regulating PD-L1 expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors:   , Pirestani Shabnam , Golemis Erica , Strochlic Todd
Published: November 2023

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) affects the upper aerodigestive tract and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is caused by either Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or tobacco and alcohol consumption. HPV-negative (HPV-) HNSCC has worse prognosis and lower survival rates. AURKA is a crucial cell cycle kinase that regulates mitotic checkpoints, microtubule stability, and chromosome segregation. AURKA overexpression in HPV- HNSCC is common and causes chromosomal instability. WEE1 is another essential kinase that inhibits CDK1, restricting entry to G2/M phase. Combined inhibition of AURKA and WEE1 with two drugs, VIC1911 and adavosertib, enhances antitumor efficacy in HNSCC. The protein PD-L1 is often highly expressed on HNSCC cancer cells. Interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1 on immune cells helps cancer cells evade the immune response. Some published studies suggested AURKA effectors control PD-L1 expression. I investigated whether AURKA and WEE1 influenced PD-L1 expression in two HNSCC cell lines, Cal27 and FaDu. I found that treatment with AURKA and WEE1 inhibitors for24 hours reduced PD-L1 expression in both cell lines, but that extended treatment increased PD-L1 expression in the Cal27 HNSCC cell line. I investigated whether control of PD-L1 expression was at the mRNA or protein level. I found that changes in PD-L1 expression after inhibition of AURKA and WEE1 were linked to altered cell cycle. These data suggesting that use of VIC1911 and adavosertib may influence response to inhibitors of PD-L1, which may alter survival of HPV- HNSCC patients.
A novel, comprehensive evaluation for peripheral nerve dysfunction as a consequence of elbow and forearm trauma
Authors:   , Rogers Laurie Cynthia , Smith Susan S
Published: November 2023

Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) can occur with trauma to the elbow or forearm. Traumatic injuries that involve a peripheral nerve become more complex and costly and can adversely affect quality of life. The Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Screen (UEPNS) was recently developed to identify PNI in patients with complex elbow and forearm trauma and guide appropriate interventions. To date, the effectiveness of such a screening has not been described. Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of the UEPNS in identifying and responding to early PNI in patients with complex elbow and forearm trauma. Study Design: A prospective case series with 3 patients. Methods: This study comprised of a prospective case series of 3 patients with complex elbow or forearm trauma screened with the UEPNS in conjunction with a standard orthopedic upper extremity evaluation, re-evaluation, and discharge. Results: With use of the UPENS, signs of a peripheral nerve injury were identified that led to treatment modifications to avoid further damage. All patients demonstrated improvements in ROM, activities, and participation in ADL. Conclusions: The effectiveness and practicality of this novel screen to identify peripheral nerve injuries with elbow and forearm trauma is described in this thesis. Treatment results for the 3 patients with elbow and forearm injuries screened using the UEPNS demonstrated the benefit of early identification. Key Words: Peripheral nerve injury, elbow trauma, forearm trauma, Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Screen.
New approaches to assessing the quality of educational activities at universities in the context of digitalization of the economy and increasing labor market requirements
Authors: Pysarkova Valeriia
Published: November 2023

The article presents a look at the new system for evaluating educational programs at universities, using the example of universities in Ukraine. The possibility of transitioning universities to the digital economy and forming a “digital university 4.0” is considered. The requirements for modern students in higher education institutions are considered. We have proposed a form of education that we consider effective, namely, mixed, which combines both online and traditional academic education.
Experiência entre Educação, Ensino, Diferença e Território
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Goretti Andrade , Ribetto Anelice
Published: November 2023

A passagem pelo Coletivo Diferença e Alteridade na Educação (FFP/UERJ) para realização de Licença Capacitação em 2021 da professora da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), coordenadora do Grupo de Pesquisa Educação e Saúde (GRUPES/INFES/UFF), possibilitou a produção de bons encontros, que abriram caminhos para essa reunião de textos sobre experiência entre ensino, educação, diferença e território, entre tramas experimentais desmedicalizantes. A constante subordinação do saber pedagógico aos saberes da saúde, apresentando-se a prática escolar em diversos momentos medicalizante, segregatória e patologizante, encontra outros caminhos nos textos que se seguem, que evidenciam a possibilidade de uma Outra Escola, a partir dos pequenos gestos, da criação de um comum. Que seja um texto-devir desse tecido da desmedicalização da Educação, sentido na pele de educadores, gestores, professores, mediadores, profissionais de saúde, estudantes de pedagogia, psicologia e áreas afins, mães, pais, avós, entre outros.
ДИСКРИМІНАЦІЯ ЗА ОЗНАКОЮ СЕКСУАЛЬНОЇ ОРІЄНТАЦІЇ У ТРУДОВИХ ВІДНОСИНАХ
Authors: Дибань Максим
Published: November 2023

Мета: здійснити аналіз проблем правового регулювання протидії дискримінації за ознакою сексуальної орієнтації з урахуванням теоретичного та практичного аспекту; проаналізувати норми національного трудового законодавства щодо проблематики правового визначення терміну «сексуальна орієнтація». Методи дослідження: під час наукового дослідження були застосовані загальнонаукові та спеціальні методи. Результати: аргументується, що національне законодавство України про працю потребує імплементації демократичних норм європейського суспільства з необхідністю додаткового врегулювання окремих питань протидії проявам дискримінації у трудових відносинах. Обговорення: піднімається проблематика поширення дискримінації за ознакою сексуальної орієнтації у трудових відносинах.
ОБ’ЄКТ КРИМІНАЛЬНОГО ПРАВОПОРУШЕННЯ ТА ЙОГО СТРУКТУРА (СТ. 180 КК УКРАЇНИ)
Authors: Ковтун Олексій
Published: November 2023

Мета: провести комплексний аналіз об’єктів кримінальних правопорушень, юридичні склади яких передбачені у диспозиціях ст. 180 КК України, з урахуванням положень теорії кримінального права. Методи дослідження: дедукції, формально-юридичний, логіко-юридичний, пізнавально-аналітичний, порівняльно-правового аналізу та інші. Результати: запропоноване вирішення деяких важливих дискусійних питань, зокрема, увага приділена питанням загальної структури Особливої частини КК України, визначенню і структурі об’єктів злочинів, юридичні склади яких передбачені у диспозиціях ст. 180 КК України. Обговорення: розглянуті сучасні концепції об’єкта кримінального правопорушення. Проаналізовані безпосередні об’єкти кримінальних правопорушень, юридичні склади яких передбачені у диспозиціях ст. 180 «Перешкоджання здійсненню релігійного обряду» КК України.
Recombinant Production of TP4-LYC1, A New Chimeric Peptide with Targeted Cytotoxicity to HeLa Cells
Authors: Pour Hanieh Mohammad , Jahanian-Najafabadi Ali , Shafiee Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Background: Tilapia Piscidin 4 (TP4) showed potential anti-tumor effects against various cancer cells. Lycosine-1 (LYC1), is another Antimicrobial Peptides (AMP) from spider venom with targeted penetration to cancer cells without any adverse effects on normal cells. The aim of this study was to produce a soluble recombinant fusion peptide in order to diminish the cytotoxicity of TP4 against normal cells.
Methods: In order to express of TP4-LYC-1, TP4, and LYC1 in fusion to the inteins1/2 of pTWIN-1 vector, induction condition was optimized to earn soluble peptides. Auto-cleavage induction of inteins1/2 was performed based on IMPACT® manual and their effect on cell viability of HeLa and HUVEC cells was surveyed by MTT assay.
Results: The best condition for accessing the most soluble peptide in fusion to the inteins was approximately similar for all three peptides (0.1 mM of IPTG, at 22°C). After the induction of self-cleavage of inteins, a band in 3, 3, and 6 kDa was observed on tricine-SDS-PAGE. The IC50 values of TP4-LYC1 and TP4 against HeLa cells were calculated as 0.83, and 2.75 µM, respectively.
Conclusion: In the present study, a novel chimeric peptide, TP4-LYC1, was successfully produced. This fusion protein can act as a safe bio-molecule with potent cytotoxic effects against cancer cells, but the penetration ability and determination of cell death mechanism must be performed in order to have more precise view on the apoptosis induction of this recombinant peptide.
Orexin-1 Receptor Antagonist SB-334867 Enhances Formalin-Induced Nociceptive Behaviors in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Kourosh-Arami Masoumeh , Komaki Alireza , Gholami Masoumeh
Published: November 2023

Background: Orexin (hypocretin) is one of the hypothalamic neuropeptides that plays a critical role in some behaviors including feeding, sleep, arousal, reward processing, and drug addiction. Neurons that produce orexin are scattered mediolaterally within the Dorsomedial Hypothalamus (DMH) and the lateral hypothalamus. In the current research, we assessed the impact of prolonged application of the antagonist of Orexin Receptor 1 (OXR1) on nociceptive behaviors in adult male rats.
Methods: Sixteen Wistar rats received subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of the OXR1 antagonist, SB-334867 (20 mg/kg, i.p.), or its vehicle repetitively from Postnatal Day 1 (PND1)-PND30. On the 30th day following the final application of the OXR1 antagonist formalin-provoked pain was evaluated by injecting formalin.
Results: Administration of the OXR1 antagonist in the long-term augmented the formalin-provoked nociceptive behaviors in interphase and phase II of the formalin-induced pain.
Conclusion: Current results showed that the continued inhibiting OXR1 might be implicated in formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors. Therefore, the present study highlighted the effect of orexin on analgesia.
Isolation and characterization of a bisphenol A-degrading strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DU2, from soil containing decaying plants
Authors: Chamak Navid , Farrokh Parisa , Rostami Roohollah , Salimi Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic compound with broad applications in the plastics industry. BPA has harmful effects on various organisms and its efficient removal is necessary. The microbial degradation of BPA is a safe and economical approach. In this research, soil samples containing decaying plants were screened to isolate a BPA-degrad- able bacterial strain.
Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from different locations in Damghan, Semnan province, Iran. To enrich BPA-degrading bacteria, the samples were cultured in a stepwise manner in a mineral medium containing increasing BPA concentrations (5 to 40 mg/L). The ability of isolated bacteria in degrading BPA was assayed by Folin-Ciocalteu and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. The biodegradation efficiency of the most efficient isolate was assayed under distinct conditions and it was identified through the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.
Results: Among the isolated bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa DU2 (GenBank accession number: OP919484) showed the most BPA biodegradation ability. The highest BPA degradation (52.98%) was observed in the mineral medium containing 5 mg/L BPA and the inoculum size of 6 × 107 CFU/mL at pH 9 and in the presence of 0.05% (w/v) NaCl during 10 days.
Conclusion: These results offer soil containing decaying plants as a promising source for finding BPA-degrading bacteria. P. aeruginosa DU2 has basal BPA removal ability, which could be improved by optimization of medium components and growth conditions.
Comparison of culture and PCR-DGGE methods to evaluate the airways of cystic fibrosis patients and determination of their antibiotic resistance profile
Authors: Moazami Goudarzi Somayeh , Arani Yasamin Shahpouri , Ali Ahya Abdi , Mohammadi Parisa , Ghorbanmehr Nassim , Modaresi Mohammadreza , Movahed Mahtab Ghorban , Ghazanfari Tooba
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Respiratory infections are the most serious condition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients; there- fore, a thorough comprehension of the diversity and dominant microbial species in CF airways has a crucial role in treatment. Our objective was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of CF airways microbiota and compare culture methods and PCR-DGGE to evaluate bacterial diversity.
Materials and Methods: Pharyngeal swabs from 121 CF patients were collected. The samples were then cultured, identified and antibiotic resistance testing was performed. Thirty samples were subjected to further molecular surveys. DNA contents of these samples were extracted and amplified using nested-PCR technique and their bacterial diversity was assessed by DGGE. The DGGE patterns were visualized and certain bands were excised and purified. Next, the DNA was amplified by another round of PCR and sent out for sequencing.
Results: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent species isolated using culture methods. S. aureus was the most common bacteria among 6 years and younger patients; while, P. aeruginosa had more prevalence among older ones. The PCR-DGGE results showed more diversity than culture methods, particularly in younger patients who exhibited more bacterial diversity than the older groups. Sequencing results unveiled the presence of certain bacterial species including Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which were completely missed in culture.
Conclusion: Even though culture-dependent methods are cost-effective, PCR-DGGE appeared to be more efficient to de- termine bacterial diversity. PCR-DGGE detects less abundant species, though their viability could not be determined using this method.
Impact of Covid-19 on Alzheimer Patients: How One Crisis Worsens the Other
Authors: Gupta Rubal
Published: November 2023

The coronavirus has caused chaos in the lives of many people in our society, one of which is the disruption of our daily routines. For those with Alzheimer's disease or those who care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, the coronavirus has the potential to be lethal. The COVID-19 epidemic has wreaked havoc on people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. Corona virus illness, which is characterised by severe acute respiratory syndrome, has arisen as a substantial comorbidity. The immediate physical effects of Covid-19 have been widely investigated, but little is known regarding the long-term consequences. The authors investigate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and how it worsens COVID-19, as well as the mechanisms at work at all levels, from biological to social. COVID-19's impact on brain function and viral entry pathways into the brain, as well as the factors that lead to COVID-19-related cognitive impairment, were also examined. The researchers looked on the prevalence and mortality of COVID-19 in Alzheimer's patients, as well as the impact of the pandemic on uninfected dementia patients and Alzheimer's disease management.
Targeted Strategies Against Coronavirus Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Mohammadgholi Mohsen , Pourbahman Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Introduction: After the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the epidemic of its attributed disease worldwide, many scientists decided to use new strategies to diagnose, prevent and treat the coronavirus-caused disease. Nanotechnology, with a wide range of applications in various sciences, including medicine, helps to progress and solve many of its problems. Nanosystems with unique features have a special place in drug delivery and biomolecule transport. They can transfer antiviral and other drugs that face the coronavirus through different mechanisms in the blood plasma and between cells. Likewise, viral components and antibodies against them are moved between cellular and subcellular boundaries by some of these systems.
Conclusion: This study investigated the application of nanosystems in targeted drug delivery, vaccination, and diagnosis of corona disease.
Determining the Frequency of Genes Producing Colicins Ia and V in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples of Medical Centers in Yazd City
Authors: Zare Habibollah , Astani Akram , Golban Mina , Vakili Mahmood , Mosadegh Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Bacteriocins are peptides with antimicrobial properties. They are ribosomally synthesized and produced by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The bacteriocins produced by Escherichia coli are called colicins. Colicins in commensal bacteria inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and in pathogen strains, they increase bacterial virulence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of col V and col Ia genes in Escherichia coli specimens isolated from patients with urinary tract infections in Yazd City, Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 160 Escherichia coli samples were isolated from urine specimens and identified by common biochemical tests. The amplification of col V and col Ia genes was performed by PCR method using specific primers and after sequencing, the results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software.
Results: In this study, out of 160 Escherichia coli isolates examined, calicin gene was detected in 26.9% of the isolates. The frequency of col Ia gene was 24.4% and the frequency of col V gene was 10.6%. Furthermore, in 8.12% of isolates, both genes were identified together. The frequency of isolates containing only col Ia gene was 16.2% and isolates containing only col V gene was 2.5%.
Conclusion: In this study, isolates with col Ia gene showed high frequency. Most strains with col V gene also had col Ia gene. Therefore, the col V gene is often observed together with the col Ia gene.
NÍVEL DE CONHECIMENTO E SATISFAÇÃO DA POPULAÇÃO EM RELAÇÃO À UNIDADE DE PRONTO ATENDIMENTO
Authors: De Oliveira Lara , Andrade William José Costa , Januário Gabriela da Cunha , Da Silva Monise Martins , Ribeiro Maria Inês Lemos Coelho , Silva Aline Teixeira
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento e o grau de satisfação da população em relação ao serviço ofertado pela Unidade de Pronto Atendimento. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória, realizada em um município do Sul de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados envolveu 383 pessoas, e ocorreu entre os meses de junho e julho de 2020. Todos os aspectos éticos foram resguardados. Resultados: A maioria dos usuários relatou bons níveis de satisfação quanto ao atendimento, exceto na espera para medicação e internação e os principais motivos de procura do serviço foram quadros de mialgia/ dor de garganta, cabeça e abdome. Conclusão: É perceptível avanços na satisfação do usuário sobre a prestação do cuidado no serviço, considerando que estas pessoas reconhecem sua importância para continuidade e integralidade do cuidado. Contudo são necessárias melhorias na organização e na forma de acolher os usuários que procuram atendimento no serviço.
SATISFAÇÃO DOS PACIENTES COM A ASSISTÊNCIA PRESTADA DURANTE A INTERNAÇÃO POR COVID-19
Authors: Malagoli Gazzoni Isadora , João Carlos Alves dos Santos João Carlos , Silveira Gagliardo Calil Ângela , Natália Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos Sasaki Natália , de Carvalho Jericó Pedro Paulo , Da Silva Melo Malaquias Tatiana , Fernandez Lourenço Haddad Maria do Carmo , Carvalho Jericó Marli
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: Avaliar a satisfação de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 com a assistência prestada durante a internação. Método: Estudo transversal realizado numa Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e unidade respiratória para COVID-19 de um hospital de ensino do noroeste paulista. Os dados foram coletados com o apoio do instrumento Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems.  Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: Participaram 100 pacientes e a satisfação geral dos pacientes foi influenciada pela equipe de enfermagem (61%), médica (62%), profissionais do hospital (49%), instalações físicas (65%), refeições (57%), enfermaria (47%), UTI (58%), orientações de alta (38%), saúde mental e emocional após alta (35%), saúde geral após alta (25%), privacidade e sigilo (36%) e comunicação com familiares (32%). A satisfação dos pacientes no período de internação foi de 65% durante a pandemia. Há necessidade de intervenções de melhorias voltados a experiência do paciente durante sua jornada no ambiente hospitalar.
Iodine–β-Cyclodextrin: An Effective Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in Sulfuric Acid Solution - Experimental Design and Investigating Thermodynamic Parameters
Authors: ATTAR Tarik , BENCHADLI Abbes , CHOUKCHOU BRAHAM Esma , BENKHALED Amal
Published: November 2023

Widely used across industries, carbon steel is vulnerable to corrosion in aggressive environments, especially acidic ones. Thus, effective methods to mitigate metal corrosion from acids are crucial. Inhibitors are extensively used to prevent corrosion in industries, with the potential for improved protective performance. The design of experiments was employed to determine the optimal conditions for enhancing the inhibitor efficiency of Iodine–β-Cyclodextrin (Iodine/β-CD) in a sulfuric acid solution at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 50°C. The relationship between the factors and responses was established using response surface methodology (RSM), employing regression statistical analysis and probabilistic analysis. A single response was recorded: inhibitor efficiency was determined by measuring weight loss before and after immersion in the inhibitor solution. Thermodynamic parameters were also computed to determine adsorption and activation processes. The statistical analysis revealed that the quadratic models for inhibition efficiencies (IE) were highly significant with a coefficient of multiple regressions R2= 0.997. Further validation of the model indicated a good fit (R2 Adj= 0.994), and the experimentally observed values aligned well with predicted ones, demonstrating a highly significant model with Q2= 0.978. The theoretical efficiency predicted by the RSM model was 88.41%, whereas the efficiency observed during the experimental test procedure with the best-evaluated variables was 82.45%. In conclusion, this paper aims to identify the optimal conditions for employing Iodine–β-Cyclodextrin as a new corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel, utilizing experimental design methods. The results indicate that iodine/β-CD exhibits remarkable corrosion inhibitory properties for carbon steel under specific conditions.
Vpliv črevesne mikrobiote na razvoj debelosti
Authors: Mičetić-Turk Dušanka , Fijan Sabina , Šikić Pogačar Maja
Published: November 2023

Svetovna zdravstvena organizacija – SZO (angl. 'WHO') opozarja na porast debelosti v Evropi. Že skoraj četrtina prebivalcev evropske regije je debelih, medtem ko ima prekomerno telesno težo skoraj 60 odstotkov. Glede na poročilo SZO je debelih 20 odstotkov Slovencev, 56 odstotkov pa ima povečano telesno maso, od tega več moških kot žensk. V Sloveniji je leta 2016 bilo 30,5 odstotka otrok, starih od pet do devet let, s prekomerno telesno težo, predebelih z ITM > 30 kg/m2 pa 14,6 odstotka (1). Tako pretežkih kot predebelih je več dečkov kot deklic. Otroška debelost kot debelost odraslih povzročata številne komorbidnosti, vključno s hipertenzijo, boleznijo zamaščenih jeter in sladkorno boleznijo tipa 2. Otroci z debelostjo imajo drugačno sestavo in funkcijo črevesne mikrobiote v primerjavi z otroki z normalno telesno maso. Raziskave v zadnjih letih kažejo, da sta nenormalen razvoj in sestava črevesnega mikrobioma oziroma disbioza z nizko stopnjo vnetja dejavnika razvoja prekomerne telesne mase. Zato je prav otroštvo obdobje, ki nudi priložnosti za intervencije, ki oblikujejo mikrobiom v smeri preprečevanja pojava debelosti. Zdravljenje disbioze in ponovna vzpostavitev ravnovesja v črevesni mikrobioti lahko pomagata ohranjati normalno telesno maso.
Cosmic Hunt, Copper Electroplating, Chaosmic Transduction: Chaosmotechnics of Molecular Collaboration in Matthew Barney’s Redoubt Project (2016–21)
Authors: Przedpełski Radek
Published: November 2023

The article considers Matthew Barney’s artistic project Redoubt (2016–21) from the point of view of Gilbert Simondon’s transductive philosophy of individuation. Informed by Simondon—read here with Félix Guattari, Gilles Deleuze and Yuk Hui—the article performs a case study of Barney’s long-term, expansive and multi-layered project. Redoubt comprises a feature-length film, metal reliefs, and large-scale sculptures, as well as an intermedial performance. The article focuses on the mythological theme of the Cosmic Hunt deployed in Barney’s eponymous feature film as well as on his experimental artistic process entailing cast metals. The goal of the article is to provide a diagram of the functioning of Barney’s complex conception of metamorphosis, which plays itself out on many—heterogenous, yet ultimately entangled—orders of magnitude. Consideration will also be given to the political and decolonial implications of Barney’s artistic proposal, which liberate the notion of the hunt from its takeover by colonial extractivism in order to reveal it as an intensive capture of forces.
The Odyssey of science: The case of Karl Popper and Adolfo Figueroa
Authors: Figueroa Adolfo Ivan
Published: November 2023

What does the Immanuel kant´s paradox mean for science? Why is the difference between analytic and synthetic sentences-propositions a central puzzle in science, epistemology, analytical philosophy, and philosophy of science? These inquiries entail a profound research on the foundation of philosophy and science. Despite all this necessary endeavor, this brief article focuses on the case Popper-Figueroa with the purpose to highlight the basic philosophical challenges regarding the construction of the bedrock - the substantiality of ontology- or the substratum in the scientific process.
Fundamentos técnicos del cultivo del arándano (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) en la región central de Colombia
Authors: Cleves Leguízamo José Alejandro
Published: November 2023

En la última década, el cultivo del arándano (Vaccinium Corymbosum L.) ha adquirido especial relevancia en nuestro país, debido al interés de un segmento muy importante de consumidores por adquirir productos con altos estándares de calidad tanto por su valor nutricional como por sus propiedades nutraceúticas y medicinales.Esta situación ha fomentado el interés de los investigadores por ofrecer respuestas adecuadas a agricultores, gremio frutícola, comercializadores y exportadores sobre las técnicas sustentables de manejo de esta especie frutícola considerada por el Ministerio de Agricultura como altamente promisoriaEste libro, resultado de procesos académicos de docencia, investigación y extensión, es altamente pertinente, debido a que en la literatura técnica especializada se observa un gran vacío bibliográfico sobre la fruticultura altoandina, el cual se pretende llenar con este producto académico.En este documento se presenta información relevante sobre aspectos generales vinculados a la sistemática de la producción del cultivares de arándano ubicados en la región central del país, franja altitudinal conformada por los departamentos de Boyacá y Cundinamarca.Este territorio dispone de una óptima oferta ambiental para el establecimiento y desarrollo de cultivos, que se manifiesta en ventajas estratégicas y ecofisiológicas que permiten a los agricultores interesados vincularse en procesos productivos intensivos con capacidad de ofertar su producción con éxito en mercados caracterizados por un alto nivel de competitividad tanto local, nacional como internacional.Palabras clave: trópico alto, fruticultura, arándano, región central, sistemática de la producción, agricultura intensiva.
Presumptive Taxation and Equity: Evidence from the Ethiopian Informal Sector
Authors: Asmare Fisha , Yimam Seid , Semreab Etsehiwot
Published: November 2023

Presumptive tax has become a popular way of taxing businesses operating in the informal sector across middle- and low-income countries. However, evidence on the unintended effects of presumptive tax systems is scant and the effects themselves are not yet clearly known. Presumptive taxation in general has been much criticised, and public outcry and complaints have emerged due to its alleged unfairness and a lack of clarity in its implementation. The case of Ethiopia is no different. It is expected that a simple imposition of the presumptive tax system to tax the informal sector without considering stylised facts in the sector would have various negative consequences, especially in terms of the repercussions on equity. This study examines the issue empirically in the case of Ethiopia and is probably the first study of its kind in the country. We explore the equity implications of the presumptive tax system to tax the informal sector in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We also critically evaluate income distribution among informal sector operators considering various social stratifiers such as gender. The main dataset we use to address our research questions is the informal micro enterprise (IME) survey data collected by BAN-Development Research Centre for Excellence (BAN-DRCE) in collaboration with Stichting Nederlandse Vrijwilligers (SNV) Ethiopia from Addis Ababa in 2021. Employing descriptive analysis and a representative taxpayer approach, we find that informal sector taxation using the turnover-based presumptive tax system would be both horizontally and vertically inequitable. Our analysis shows that about 44 per cent of informal sector businesses which participated in the survey earn below the minimum formal sector business income tax threshold. Most of these 44 per cent of businesses are owned by women. The plausible reasons for the inequitable taxation of the informal sector are the complexity of how the presumptive tax burden is determined, and lack of clarity on this process. Therefore, the presumptive tax system in Ethiopia requires a serious discussion that extends up to revision.
Utilização de sistemas construtivos alternativos
Authors: Simao Bruna Karine Ribeiro , Ferencz Júnior Julio Alberto Peres
Published: November 2023

No Brasil, o setor da construção civil ainda segue tecnologias de produção tradicionais, devido à popularidade do sistema construtivo convencional. Entretanto, este sistema apresenta baixa produtividade durante a execução da obra, geração de resíduos de construção e consumo de matéria-prima não renovável, criando a necessidade de sistemas de construção mais sustentáveis. Diante disso, a presente pesquisa busca caracterizar os problemas pela perspectiva das empresas da região de Campo Grande/MS, em relação à difusão e aplicação de sistemas construtivos alternativos. Foi utilizado o método Survey para a coleta de dados primários, através da aplicação de questionário às empresas atuantes na região. Conforme os resultados há um crescente aumento na difusão desses sistemas alternativos na região, mas os problemas amplamente descritos na literatura são persistentes.