bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin normalises the implicit processing of fearful faces in psychopathy: a randomised crossover study using fMRI
Authors: Tully John , Sethi Arjun , Griem Julia , Paloyelis Yannis , Craig Michael , Williams Steven , Murphy Declan , Blair James , Blackwood Nigel
Published: July 2022

Adults with antisocial personality disorder with (ASPD + P) and without (ASPD-P) psychopathy commit the majority of violent crimes. Empathic processing abnormalities are particularly prominent in psychopathy, but effective pharmacological interventions have yet to be identified. Oxytocin modulates neural responses to fearful expressions in healthy populations. The current study investigates its effects in violent antisocial men. In a placebo-controlled, randomised crossover design, 34 violent offenders (19 ASPD + P; 15 ASPD-P) and 24 healthy non-offenders received 40 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo and then completed an fMRI morphed faces task examining the implicit processing of fearful facial expressions. Increasing intensity of fearful facial expressions failed to appropriately modulate activity in the right anterior insula and bilateral midcingulate cortex in violent offenders with ASPD + P, compared to those with ASPD-P. Oxytocin abolished these group differences by enhancing fear-associated activity in key social brain areas in ASPD + P. This represents the first evidence of neurochemical modulation of the empathic processing of others’ distress in psychopathy. Main Text
Prevalence and Predictors of Pediatric HIV Therapy Failure in a Tertiary Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea: A 15-year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mengstu Samuel Tekle , Ghebremeskell Ghirmay Ghebrekidan , Achila Oliver Okoth , Abrehe Miriam Berhane , Tewelde Samuel Fisseha , Idris Mahmud Mohammed , Tikue Tsegereda Gebrehiwot , Mesfin Araia Berhane
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Timely recognition of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) failure in resource-constrained settings is cumbersome. This study investigated the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of first-line cART failure using the virologic (plasma viral load), immunologic and clinical criteria among HIV-infected children.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of all the children who followed in Orotta National Pediatric Referral Hospital from January 2005 to December 2020 was conducted. Predictors for cART failure from baseline and follow-up characteristics were explored in unadjusted and adjusted Cox-proportional hazard regression models.Results:Out of 724 children with at least 24 weeks follow-up 279 experienced therapy failure (TF) making prevalence of 38.5% (95% CI 35-42.2), with a crude incidence of failure of 6.5 events per 100-person-years (95% CI 5.8-7.3). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, independent predictors of TF were suboptimal adherence (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR)=2.9, 95% CI 2.2–3.9, p < 0.001), cART backbone other than Zidovudine and Lamivudine (AHR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2, p=0.01), severe immunosuppression (AHR = 1.5, 95% CI 1–2.4, p =0.04), wasting or weight for height z < -2 (AHR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1, p =0.02), late cART initiation calendar years (AHR =1.15, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, p < 0.001), and older age at cART initiation (AHR =1.01, 95% CI 1-1.02, p < 0.001).Conclusions:Seven in hundred children on first-line cART are likely to develop TF every year. Efforts should be made in; exploring factors associated with suboptimal adherence, adherence support, and integrating nutritional care into the clinic. Empowering the setup with the capacity to perform viral loads regularly and studies on resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) would increase the likelihood of early detection and timely management of TF.
Genomic view of the diversity and functional role of archaea and bacteria in the skeleton of the reef-building corals Porites lutea and Isopora palifera
Authors: Tandon Kshitij , Ricci Francesco , Costa Joana , Medina Mónica , Kühl Michael , Blackall Linda L. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: July 2022

At present our knowledge on the compartmentalization of coral holobiont microbiomes is highly skewed towards the millimetre-thin coral tissue, leaving the diverse coral skeleton microbiome underexplored. Here, we present a genome-centric view of the skeleton of the reef-building corals' Porites lutea and Isopora palifera, through a compendium of ~ 400 high-quality bacterial and archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), spanning 34 phyla and 57 microbial classes. Skeletal microbiomes harboured a diverse array of stress response genes, including dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis (dsyB) and metabolism (DMSP lyase). Furthermore, skeletal MAGs encoded an average of 22 ± 15 genes in P. lutea and 28 ± 23 in I. palifera with eukaryotic-like motifs thought to be involved in maintaining host association. We provide comprehensive insights into the putative functional role of the skeletal microbiome on key metabolic processes such as nitrogen fixation, dissimilatory and assimilatory nitrate, and sulphate reduction. Our study provides critical genomic resources for a better understanding of the coral skeletal microbiome and its role in holobiont functioning.
Establishment and characterization of a new fibroblast-like cell line from the skin of a vertebrate model, zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Sathiyanarayanan Arjunan , Yashwanth BS , Pinto Nevil , Thakuria Dimpal , Babu.P Gireesh , Goswami Mukunda
Published: July 2022

A novel cell line designated as DRS (Danio rerio skin) was established and characterized from the skin tissue of wild-type zebrafish, Danio rerio, by the explant technique. The cells thrived well in the Leibovitz’s -15 medium supplemented with 15% FBS and routinely passaged at regular intervals. The DRS cells mainly feature fibroblast-like morphology. The culture conditions of the cells were determined by incubating the cells at varying concentrations of FBS and temperature; the optimum was 15% FBS and 28°C, respectively. Cells were cryopreserved and revived with 70–75% viability at different passage levels. Two extracellular products from bacterial species Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda were tested and found toxic to the DRS cells. Mitochondrial genes, namely COI and 16S rRNA PCR amplification and partial sequencing authenticated the species of origin of cells. The modal diploid (2n) chromosome number of the cells was 50. The cells were transfected with pmaxGFP plasmid tested positive for green fluorescence at 24–48 h post-transfection, confirming the usefulness of the developed cell line for various in vitro applications.
Assessing Demographic Factors and Respiratory Disorders Related to Rhinoplasty among Syrian Private University Students
Authors: nahhas louay , lahham Tarek , Nahas Louei Darjazini
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Rhinoplasty is one of the common plastic surgery procedures which has a high rate worldwide. Every rhinoplasty procedure has difficulties due to individual differences and patient’s expectations. However, respiratory complications have been widely reported after rhinoplasty. This study aims to assess the rhinoplasty related respiratory problems compared to a control group among Syrian private university (SPU) students.
Methods
A case- control study was conducted at SPU. Using simple randomisation 154 students who previously had rhinoplasty surgery were at the cases group and 308 students who hadn’t were at the controls group 1:2. A self-administrated questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: socio-demographic characteristics, and respiratory problems in the past month. Chi- square test was used to assess the relation between cases and controls and study variables.
Results
Of 462, 154 students who had rhinoplasty before were included in the cases group. (11.7%) 18 were males, 136 (88.3%) were females, mean age 22.8 ± 2. Most of the cases are studying medicine 43 (27.9%), business administration 31 (20.1%), and in their fourth year 49 (31.8%). Socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with cases and controls. Respiratory problems such as tiring during the day, difficulty sleeping, ear pressure, and mouth or lips dryness after waking up were significantly associated with cases and controls (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
These findings indicate an improved respiratory symptom after rhinoplasty among young adults compared to controls group. This data helps to understand the demographic factors related to rhinoplasty, and to assess the improvement of respiratory disorders after rhinoplasty.
Short-term head-out whole-body cold-water immersion facilitates positive affect and increases interaction between large-scale brain networks
Authors: Yankouskaya Ala , Williamson Ruth , Stacey Cameron , Totman John , Massey Heather
Published: July 2022

An emerging body of evidence indicates that short-term immersion in cold water facilitates positive affect and reduces negative affect. However, neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. For the first time, we employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify topological clusters of networks coupled with behavioural changes in positive and negative affect after a 5-min cold-water immersion. Perceived changes in positive affect were associated with feeling more active, alert, attentive, proud and inspired, whilst changes in negative affect reflected reductions in distress and nervousness. The increase in positive affect was supported by a unique component of interacting networks, including the medial prefrontal node of the Default Mode Network, a posterior parietal node of the Frontoparietal Network, anterior cingulate and rostral prefrontal parts of the Salience Network and Visual Lateral Network. This component emerged as a result of a focal effect confined to few connections. Changes in negative affect were associated with a distributed component of interacting networks at a reduced threshold. Affective changes after cold water immersion occurred independently of each other, supporting the bivalence model of affective processing. Interactions between large-scale networks linked to positive affect indicate integrative effects of cold-water immersion on brain functioning.
Emodin induced necroptosis in prostate cancer cells via the mitochondrial fission HSP90/MLKL/PGAM pathway
Authors: Zhou Xi , Khusbu Farjana Yeasmin , Xie Yang
Published: July 2022

Background
Currently, prostate cancer is one of the major malignant tumors for males. Natural products from TCM are acknowledged as excellent anticancer agents to fight sensitive and resistant prostate cancer. We aimed to explore the potential mechanism and molecular targets of emodin (EG) against human prostate cancer cells based on RNA-sequencing measures and molecular biology techniques.
Methods
Seven robustaflavones and EG isolated from Selaginella trichoclada were identified by UV, HRESIMS, and 1D/2D NMR spectral techniques. Human prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells were evaluated to explore the potential mechanism and molecular targets of emodin by RNA-sequencing measure and KEGG functional enrichment analysis. We further verified the accuracy of the prediction results by colony formation assay, Hoechst 33258 stainings, TEM cell morphology analysis, qPCR, and western blot.
Results
RNA-sequencing measure and KEGG functional enrichment analysis revealed that the necroptosis-related pathway was activated upon EG treatment in PC3 cells. Furthermore, EG significantly decreased the cell viability of PC3 and DU145 cells and strikingly induced non-apoptotic cell death via necroptosis that was visualized through colony formation assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, and TEM analysis. mRNA and protein expression of necroptosis markers were analyzed by qPCR and immunoblotting, which implied that EG induced cell necroptosis via enhancing the expression of MLKL and HSP90AA1 activating PGAM pathway which is considered as a key mediator of mitochondrial fission and leading to ROS generation in PC3 and DU145 cells.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that EG is a new small molecule agonist that induced necroptosis in prostate cancer cells via the mitochondrial fission HSP90/MLKL/PGAM pathway.
Van İlinin Afetselliği ve Afet Konutlarında Yer Seçimi Uygulamaları
Authors: GİYİK Cafer , OYGUÇ Reşat Atalay , ANIKTAR Serhat
Published: July 2022

Van İli, arazinin jeolojik yapısı, coğrafik konumu ve meteorolojik koşullara bağlı olarak deprem, heyelan, sel, su baskını, kaya düşmesi, çığ ve Van Gölü su seviyesinin yükselmesi gibi afetlere maruz kalmaktadır. Van afetsellik açısından farklı afet risklerini taşısa da bölgedeki deprem üreten tektonik yapılardan dolayı kentte en fazla deprem hasarı söz konusu olmaktadır. Afetlerde yapıların hasar görmesinin temel nedeni afet risk analizleri yapılmadan, afet riski taşıyan alanlarda yer seçilmesi ve yapıların afete dayanıksız yapılmasıdır. Van’da 2000-2020 yılları arasında yaşanan afetlerde 144.230 yapıda farklı derecede hasar oluşmuş, can kayıpları meydana gelmiştir. Bu süreçte afetzedelerin barınma ihtiyaçlarının karşılanarak hayatlarının normale dönmesi için farklı finansman modeli ve yapım yöntemleriyle toplam 29.788 konut yapılmıştır. Yaşanan afetler, afet zararlarının doğru zemine sağlam ve uygun yapı yapılmadan önlenemeyeceğini göstermektedir. Yer seçimlerinde, afetsellik, jeolojik, jeomorfolojik yapı, afetzedelerin sosyo-ekonomik yapıları, yasal düzenlemeler gibi farklı faktörler etkilidir. Seçilecek yerin parsel büyüklükleri bölgesel koşullara, coğrafi yapıya, aile ve hane halkı büyüklüklerine, afetzedelerin sosyal, kültürel alışkanlık ve iş sektörlerine uygun olmalıdır. Afetzedelerden iç iskân kapsamında yeri değiştirilenlerin işyeri- konut ilişkisi afet sonrasında sorun olduğundan yer seçiminde bu hususa dikkat edilmelidir. Çalışmada Van İlinin afetselliği ile afet sonrası iyileştirme faaliyetleri kapsamında afet yönetimi birimleri tarafından Van’da yapılan afet konutlarının yer seçimi uygulamaları incelenmiştir.
Büyük Melen Çayı’nda (Düzce) Günlük Yağışlarla Akım İlişkisinin Analizi
Authors: COŞKUN Mücahit , İRDEM Cemil
Published: July 2022

Bu çalışmada Büyük Melen Çayı (Düzce) günlük akım değerleri ile günlük toplam yağışlar ve günlük yağış şiddeti arasındaki ilişkilerin analiz edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gerek İstanbul’un içme suyu ihtiyacını karşılamadaki önemi gerekse 2019 yılında olduğu gibi sel/taşkın felaketi oluşturma potansiyeli değerlendirdiğinde, Büyük Melen Çayı’nın akım değerlerindeki günlük değişimlerin analiz edilmesi yararlı görülmüştür. Çalışmada veri seti olarak Akçakoca günlük yağış verileri ve Uğurluköy akım gözlem istasyonu günlük akım verileri kullanılmıştır. Akım verilerindeki eksikler Beyler akım gözlem istasyonu verileri kullanılarak regresyon analizi ile tamamlanmıştır. Çalışmada yöntem olarak öncelikle günlük toplam yağışlarla günlük akım verileri arasındaki ilişkiler Pearson korelasyon analiziyle hesaplanmıştır. Daha sonra günlük toplam yağışlar hafif, normal, orta şiddette, şiddetli ve çok şiddetli yağış şeklinde sınıflandırılmış, her bir yağış şiddeti basamağı için günlük akım değerlerinin bir önceki günden sapma değerleri yüzde olarak belirlenmiştir. Dönem ortalaması için tüm aylarda günlük toplam yağışlarla akım değerleri arasında pozitif korelasyon söz konusudur. Korelasyon katsayıları 0,44 ile ocak, ekim ve aralıkta en yüksek iken en düşük korelasyon katsayısı 0,15 ile mayıstadır. Yağış şiddeti basamaklarına göre günlük toplam yağışların akım üzerinde hafif yağışlar için %5,8, normal yağışlar için %35,2, orta şiddette yağışlar için %66,8, şiddetli yağışlar için %168,1, çok şiddetli yağışların için ise %52,5 oranında pozitif etkisi görülüştür.
Türkiye Üzerinde ERA5 Saatlik Hava Sıcaklığı Verilerinin Doğrulanması
Authors: YILMAZ Meriç
Published: July 2022

Bu çalışmada, Avrupa Orta Vadeli Hava Tahmin Merkezi (ECMWF) tarafından üretilen ERA5 yeniden analiz ürünü saatlik 2 m yüzey hava sıcaklığı verileri, Meteoroloji Genel tarafından işletilen 1773 meteorolojik gözlem istasyonunda elde edilen saatlik sıcaklık verileri kullanılarak 2011 - 2020 yılları arasında Türkiye üzerinde ve 7 coğrafi bölgede doğrulanmıştır. Analizlerde, saatlik, günlük ve aylık ortalama sıcaklık için hata istatistikleri hesaplanmıştır. Sonuçlar, ERA5'in farklı zamansal çözünürlüklerde hava sıcaklıklarını istasyonlardan -0,01 - 0,06 °C sapmayla modellediğini, ortlama mutlak hata ve ortalama hata standart sapmasının ise sırasıyla 3,3 - 4,0 °C ile 1,6 - 3,4 °C olduğunu göstermektedir. Ortalama hata istatistiklerinin gün içinde saatlik ve yıl içinde aylık belirgin bir değişimi olmamakla birlikte, diğer mevsimlere kıyasla kış aylarında hata değişkenliği daha yüksek çıkmaktadır. ERA5 ve istasyon sıcaklık verilerinin korelasyonları çok yüksek çıkmaktadır (0,93 - 0,99). Yüksek zamansal korelasyona karşılık mekansal korelasyonun (0,36) düşüklüğü, ERA5 sıcaklık verisinin farklı bölgelerde güvenilir kullanımından önce mekansal olarak değişken düzeltme katsayılarına ihtiyaç duyacağını ortaya koymaktadır. Ortalama hata istatistikleri, farklı bölgelerde literatürde yapılan doğrulama çalışmalarıyla tutarlıdır. Buna göre, çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlar, ERA5 veri setlerinin Türkiye’de özellikle daha seyrek meteorolojik istasyon ağı içeren bölgelere odaklanan çeşitli uygulamalarda güvenilir bir şekilde kullanılabileceğini önermektedir.
Scattering and Strebel graphs
Authors: Maity Pronobesh
Published: July 2022

We consider a special scattering experiment with n particles in
\mathbb{R}^{1,n-3}ℝ1,n−3.
The scattering equations in this set-up become the saddle-point
equations of a Penner-like matrix model, where in the large
nn
limit, the spectral curve is directly related to the unique Strebel
differential on a Riemann sphere with three punctures. The solutions to
the scattering equations localize along different kinds of graphs, tuned
by a kinematic variable. We conclude with a few comments on a connection
between these graphs and scattering in the Gross-Mende limit.
Adsorption of Cd (II) into Activated Charcoal from Matoa Fruit Peel
Authors: Kustomo Kustomo , Faza Naila Lajja Zulfa , Haarstrick Andreas
Published: July 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metals with a high level of contaminants that is environmentally harmful and can interfere with human health. This study aims to determine the adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics of Cd (II) from Matoa fruit peel activated by nitric acid. The adsorption method can be used to treat Cd (II) waste in the water. Activated charcoal is used for adsorption. The charcoal produces a relatively 1.17 % ash content, 3.92 % water content, and a 507.64 mg/g iodine absorption test. Based on the results of FTIR characterization, it is known that the O-H and C=O groups play an important role in adsorption. The SEM-EDX characterization produced a carbon content of 99.21 %. At pH 9, activated charcoal adsorbs Cd (II) metal effectively, with a contact time of 40 minutes and a concentration of 20 ppm. The activated charcoal of Matoa fruit peel activated by nitric acid had an adsorption capacity of 59.75 mg/g. It used a pseudo-second-order reaction for the chemical kinetics equation and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation for the adsorption isotherm.
The Effect of Sorbitol Addition in Bioplastic from Cellulose Acetate (Sugarcane Bagasse)-Chitosan
Authors: Azizati Zidni , Afidin Iseh Muhammad Zaenal , Hasnowo Lutfi Aditya
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of sorbitol addition into cellulose acetate-chitosan bioplastic and its biodegradation properties. Cellulose was isolated from the pulp of sugarcane bagasse and acetylated to be cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate was characterized by FTIR, the results of FTIR characterization contained C=O and C-O functional groups with wavenumbers of 1644.99 cm-1 and 1059.86 cm-1 which indicated the formation of cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate-chitosan bioplastic and cellulose acetate-chitosan-sorbitol bioplastic has been successfully synthesized and characterized. The results of FTIR characterization showed that bioplastics had C=O and C-O functional groups at wavenumbers of 1644.99 cm-1, 1059.86 cm-1 which was indicated as cellulose acetate and  N-H functional group at wavenumber of 1559.66 cm-1 which was indicated as the presence of chitosan in bioplastics and there is an increase in absorption intensity of the O-H functional group which indicates that sorbitol has been successfully added to bioplastics. The addition of sorbitol could improve the percent of elongation from 14.0635% to 19.9379% and decrease the tensile strength from 6.3049 MPa to 0.6309 MPa. It also could increase water absorption from 16.68% to 88.73%, and could accelerate the bioplastic degradation process from 24 days to 8 days.
Sustainability of Boro rice cultivation in the canal irrigated command area of India
Authors: Pradhan Sucharita , Dhar Anirban , Tiwari Kamlesh Narayan
Published: July 2022

A comprehensive assessment and monitoring of rice intensification in canal irrigated command areas and its consequences on groundwater dynamics have enormous importance for the water–food–energy nexus. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal transition of Boro rice cultivation, canal irrigation practices during the cultivation season, and its effect on groundwater of a pioneering multipurpose water resource project in India. The rice maps from 1989 to 2018 were generated from Landsat and Sentinel-2A images using the Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique Algorithm (ISODATA), the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) to understand the historical distribution of rice cultivation. The ISODATA clustering algorithm performed well compared to the NDVI and the EVI with medium-resolution satellite images. The impact of Boro rice cultivation on groundwater resources was investigated by considering GLDAS NOAH model-based crop evapotranspiration, rainfall, and canal water supply. The area under rice cultivation increased from 33 to 66% during 1989–2018 due to its higher stress tolerance ability and productivity. However, during the cultivation period, the canal water supply was limited to the upstream and middle section of the command area, irrigating only 19% of the rice-cultivated area on average. The unavailability of the canal water supply during the cultivation season has led to 31 m of groundwater level depletion, which, if unchecked, may lead to overexploitation of groundwater in the middle and lower sections of the command area. The results of this study can be used to identify vulnerable areas that require urgent attention and accurate implementation of any agricultural or hydrological policy.
Prediction of chlorine concentration of flows exiting pipe in cross junctions: experimental and numerical study
Authors: Mompremier Rojacques , Ramírez-Muñoz Jorge , Ghebremichael Kebreab , Nuñez Jersain Gómez , Fuentes Mariles Óscar Arturo , Guadarrama-Pérez Román
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to develop and validate an analytical equation to predict the concentration of residual chlorine exiting a typical pipe junction. In order to investigate the trend of the incoming flow rates before leaving the junction, experiments with inflow rates (North and West) ranging from 0.18 to 2.17 L/s, Reynolds numbers ranging from 14,324 to 110,780, and free chlorine concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.80 mg/L were performed. The results showed that flows tend to bifurcate rather than mix completely, and the bifurcation and mixing depend mainly on the relative flow rates entering the cross junction. Based on the experimental results, a dimensionless concentration (R) was estimated, allowing for predicting chlorine at the East outlet. Then, a solute mass balance was also performed within the cross junction to predict chlorine concentration at the South outlet. Finally, an adjustment of the R-value was performed by using 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the analytical equations were also validated with simulations. The standard k–ε turbulence model with enhanced wall treatment for modeling turbulence and near-wall effects, respectively, were used. More mixing models will improve water quality simulations to ensure proper control of chlorine and possible contaminants in water distribution systems.
Introduction
Authors: Kaushik Sanket , Singh Nagendra
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally over time due to changes at the genetic
level of microorganisms. These microorganisms are present in food, animals,
plants, humans, and the environment. Many pathogens can spread from people to
people or from animals to humans. Some of the major drivers of the development
of antimicrobial resistance are misuse (overuse, inappropriate selection and/or
dosing, etc.) of antimicrobial agents, poor infection and disease management, lack
of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the people, poor access to
affordable and quality drugs and diagnostics, lack of awareness and knowledge
about health care, etc.
Phytomedicines for Bacterial Infections
Authors: Pal Vijay , Chug Ravneet , Verma Kumar Sambhav , Sharma Priyal , Gour Vinod Singh
Published: July 2022

Microbial pathogens have always been a great threat to many life forms,
including human. To control microbial infection, especially bacterial infection
antibiotics have been a boon. However, with the changing scenario, the bacteria have
also evolved and developed resistance against many antibiotics and these pathogens
have become more fatal. On the other hand, plants and plant products have been used
as a natural resource to control these microbes. The plant seed oil has also been
explored for the same; however, comparatively less literature is available on
antimicrobial activities of seed oil derived from plants. Looking at the importance of
seed oil in this field, the present review article presents a brief discussion about various
aspects of seed oil and their application against bacteria.
Molecular Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance and New Targets to Address Current Drug Resistance
Authors: Karthikeyan Divyapriya , Kumar Pal Sudhir , Kumar Mukesh , Reddy Tetala Kali Kishore , Kaur Punit , Kumar Sanjit
Published: July 2022

Penicillin discovery has put forward great expectations and hope for the
treatment of several infectious diseases. Inappropriate and excess use of antibiotics has
led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant (AMR) worldwide, which has become one
of the greatest threats to global health. However, in the late 1940s, after approval, mass
production (lead to reduced cost) and supply (lead to easy access to all people) led to
the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). A similar behavioral pattern
ensued as other classes of antibiotics were discovered (through increasing utilization to
resistance). Substandard infection control practices in public healthcare settings eased
the spread and transmission of resistant organisms and intensified antimicrobials'
effect. The healthcare community responded with two major programs – Infection
Control in the 1980s and Antimicrobial Stewardship (in the last decade). These
programs depend on the end-user; however, while the importance of such global
control and prevention programs cannot be disputed, these efforts alone are insufficient
against the advent of AMR. Also, drug discovery has suffered from a shortage of
exploitable bacterial target sites, leading to the slow evolution of novel potent drugs.
WILLINGNESS TO MODAL SHIFT FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN JAKARTA METROPOLITAN AREA
Authors: Purwoko Budi Aji , - Chotib , Yola Lin
Published: July 2022

Commuter workers' primary mode of transportation in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area is still dominated by private vehicles (73.26 percent). The number of passengers on public transportation is recorded at 26.74 percent. It indicates that public transportation has not fully accommodated commuter activities, even though it has been strategized for an environmentally friendly mode. This paper analyzes the modal shifting of transport from private to public transport and the influencing factors. This research recommends the urgency of urban dwellers to use public transportation. The study used biner logistic regression analysis. The results showed commuter workers in Jakarta Metropolitan Area switched from private vehicles to public transportation. Most commuter workers are more likely to keep using personal vehicles. Factors that affect the willingness not to change modes from private cars to public transportation commuter workers include gender, income, work, Mileage, and travel time.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITIONAL MANAGEMENT SPHERE ANALYSIS OF POLICIES AND REGULATIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Thian Owen Seng Yeo , Mohd Yusof Mohd Johari , Maruthaveeran Sreetheran , Saito Kei , Abu Kasim Junainah
Published: July 2022

Kuala Lumpur (KL) is experiencing rapid development leading to urban green space fragmentation. Green infrastructure (GI) could be the answer to the fragmented green space issue. Nevertheless, how policies and legislations contribute to the spatial establishment of GI in KL remains unclear. Thus, the policies and regulations governing GI establishment in KL were examined in this study. A total of 77 records associated with policies and regulations that may contribute to GI spatially were reviewed. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the chosen articles, the transition management sphere analysis was applied. The study discovered that Malaysia is still lacking in GI policies and regulations. Furthermore, this study also highlighted different challenges and opportunities during optimising GI implementation in spatial design. The finding can be a reference for future policy and regulation establishment.
STRATEGIES IN IMPROVING THE BUILDING EFFICIENCY AND DAYLIGHTING: A CASE STUDY OF GREEN BUILDING
Authors: Shamri Shaza Liyana , Mohd Husini Elina , Arabi Fadli , Abdul Manaf Azhani , Mat Idris Madihah , Jamaludin Juliza
Published: July 2022

Malaysia is one of the rising countries with the highest energy consumption rate, which is attributable to strong economic development in the residential and commercial sectors that consume approximately half of the total electricity generated. Several criteria have been implemented in Malaysia to develop efficient building design, such as the Green Building Index (GBI) and Passive Daylighting Strategies. The study aims to investigate passive daylighting solutions for different building orientations and facade materials to measure energy efficiency through building designs. Buildings are a variable that contributes to growing energy consumption resulting from population increase and climate change. The building facade is a factor that could control the indoor environment, which affects the energy consumption in buildings. A case study determined the elements that maintain building efficiency and electric savings by examining two buildings certified by the Green Building Platinum and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). Low consideration of Passive Daylighting Strategies in building designs allows direct sunshine and increases the use of air conditioning to maintain the room at a comfortable temperature.
IDENTIFYING URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND ITS ATTRIBUTES FOR WATERFRONT TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (WTOD)
Authors: Redzuan Nabilah , Abdul Latip Nurul Syala , Ismail Noorhayati , Ujang Norsidah
Published: July 2022

The booming development of transit-oriented development (TOD) worldwide, especially in high-density urban areas, has shown that many cities have started to transform their urban spaces into more sustainable and liveable cities. TOD integrates the mixed-use development around the public transport stations and promotes a pedestrian-and bicycle-friendly environment as a city lifestyle. However, such developments often lack integration with the contextual condition of the surrounding area, which in the case examined in this study is the waterfront. Many cities in developed countries such as Singapore, U.S. and Canada have started to reintegrate their TODs with the water bodies. Recent trends show that TODs are widely established in areas near the water body such as dockland and waterfront, as part of urban regeneration. Various urban design principles of waterfront transit-oriented development are available, but most of them are scattered across many documents. Thus, this research aimed to identify the urban design principles for waterfront transit-oriented development. The principles were developed using a qualitative method that included content analysis ofjournals, reports, and guidelines on transit-oriented development (TOD), waterfront development, and waterfront transit-oriented development (WTOD). In the end, the urban design principles of WTOD can guide professional stakeholders such as architects, planners, engineers, and others relevant to the field to reintegrate the TOD with the waterfront in future planning.
FELDA LANDS DEVELOPMENT BASED ON SUSTAINABILITY AND HIGHEST-BEST USE APPROACH: HOW TO GO ABOUT IT?
Authors: Abdul Rashid Mohd Fadzil , Mokhtar Salbiah , Kamaruddin Siti Mazwin , Abdullah Kamar Muhamad Asri , Abdullah Suzanah , Ali Mohamad Azal Fikry
Published: July 2022

Rural catalysts, specifically Malaysia’s Federation Land Development Authority (FELDA) settlement schemes promise a higher future return growth and become sustainable and resilient areas. FELDA, through the implementation of a Smart Plantation Management System (SPMS), has recently moved toward modern agricultural practices to increase productivity and optimise profits for the livelihoods of its settlers. This paper attempts to discover the FELDA lands development framework based on sustainability and the highest-best use (SHBU) concept as a missing link approach to SPMS. The idea is to oversee the potential of FELDA lands, not only for crops but also for other potential possible developments comprehensively. Analyses were based on literature review, contents analysis of relevant national development policies and FELDA’s Kertas Putih and preliminary works based on a focus group discussion (FGD). In the end, this paper offers a comprehensive FELDA lands development framework, which is timely in coping with the current issues and future potential development crop lands and FELDA settlements, with the aim to bring profits and prosperity to its settlers and all nations.
EVALUATING DETERMINANTS OF PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT: MALAYSIAN PRACTITIONERS’ PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Senawi Asma , Osmadi Atasya , Abd Rahman Nor Azalina Yusnita
Published: July 2022

Property tax plays an essential role in funding local government overheads to provide basic services for residents. However, too little research has stressed the importance of property tax assessment quality, especially in terms of reassessment. The absence of a regular and frequent reassessment process leads to distortions in tax payments, lower revenue generation, and a higher risk of significant increases in tax liability. A preliminary survey was conducted to unpack the determinants of property tax reassessment to address this issue. Survey data from 37 officers revealed that nine of the identified determinants have a significant and positive impact on the successful implementation of property tax reassessment in Malaysia, with staff capacity an essential aspect. The neighbouring municipality influence appears to play a less impactful role. These findings highlight the success factors in conducting property tax reassessment activity, which would assist the long-term success of local authorities. Despite the importance of property tax implementation for the local authorities, this research suggests that organisations should also ensure the quality of property tax and its frequent reassessment to enhance overall performance.
Insights Into Needs and Preferences for Mental Health Support on Social Media and Through Mobile Apps Among Black Male University Students: Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Williams Kofoworola D A , Wijaya Clarisa , Stamatis Caitlin A , Abbott Gabriel , Lattie Emily G
Published: July 2022

Background

Black college-aged men are less likely than their peers to use formal, therapeutic in-person services for mental health concerns. As the use of mobile technologies and social media platforms is steadily increasing, it is important to conduct work that examines the future utility of digital tools and technologies to improve access to and uptake of mental health services for Black men and Black men in college.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and understand college-attending Black men’s needs and preferences for using digital health technologies and social media for stress and mental health symptom management.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with Black male students (N=11) from 2 racially diverse universities in the Midwestern United States. Participants were asked questions related to their current mental health needs and interest in using social media platforms and mobile-based apps for their mental health concerns. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Four themes emerged from the data: current stress relief strategies, technology-based support needs and preferences (subthemes: mobile-based support and social media–based support), resource information dissemination considerations (subthemes: information-learning expectations and preferences and information-sharing preferences and behaviors), and technology-based mental health support design considerations (subtheme: relatability and representation). Participants were interested in using social media and digital technologies for their mental health concerns and needs, for example, phone notifications and visual-based mental health advertisements that promote awareness. Relatability in the context of representation was emphasized as a key factor for participants interested in using digital mental health tools. Examples of methods for increasing relatability included having tools disseminated by minority-serving organizations and including components explicitly portraying Black men engaging in mental health support strategies. The men also discussed wanting to receive recommendations for stress relief that have been proven successful, particularly for Black men.

Conclusions

The findings from this study provide insights into design and dissemination considerations for future work geared toward developing mental health messaging and digital interventions for young Black men.
Brilliant Ideas Can Come in All Sizes: Research Letters
Authors: Kukafka Rita , Leung Tiffany I , Eysenbach Gunther
Published: July 2022

The Journal of Medical Internet Research is pleased to offer “Research Letter” as a new article type. Research Letters are similar to original and short paper types in that they report the original results of studies in a peer-reviewed, structured scientific communication. The Research Letter article type is optimal for presenting new, early, or sometimes preliminary research findings, including interesting observations from ongoing research with significant implications that justify concise and rapid communication.
Mental health chatbot for young adults with depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-blind, three-arm, randomized controlled trial (Preprint)
Authors: He Yuhao , Yang Li , Zhu Xiaokun , Wu Bin , Zhang Shuo , Qian Chunlian , Tian Tian
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Depression has a high detection ratio among young adults, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, however, occupies a low utilization of health services. Mental health chatbot is a novel digital technology to provide fully automated intervention for depression symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to test the clinical effectiveness and nonclinical performance of the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based mental health chatbot (XiaoE) for young adults with depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

In a single-blind, three-arm, randomized controlled trial, participants manifesting depression symptoms aged 17-34 years recruited from a university in China were randomly assigned to mental health chatbot (XiaoE; n = 49), e-book (n = 49) or general chatbot (Xiaoai; n = 50), in a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome was the reduction of depression symptoms according to the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at 1 week later (T1) and 1 month later (T2). Both intention-to-treat analyses and per-protocol analyses were conducted under analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models adjusting for baseline data. Controlled multiple imputation and δ-based sensitivity analysis were performed for missing data. The secondary outcome was the level of working alliance measured using Working Alliance Questionnaire (WAQ), usability measured using the Usability Metric for User Experience-LITE (UMUX-LITE) and acceptability measured using Acceptability Scale (AS).

RESULTS

Intent-to-treat analysis revealed a moderate short-term effect of group diversity on the reduction of depression symptoms (PHQ-9) at T1 (F2, 136 = 17.011, P < .001, d = 0.51), while a light long-term effect at T2 (F2, 136 = 5.477, P= .005, d = 0.31). Better working alliance (WAQ, F2, 145 = 3.407, P = .036) and acceptability (AS, F2, 145 = 4.322, P = .015) was discovered with XiaoE, while no significant difference among arms was found on usability (UMUX-LITE, F2, 145 = 0.968, P = .382).

CONCLUSIONS

This novel intervention conducting CBT provides a feasible and engaging digital therapeutic that allows easy accessibility and self-guided mental health assistance for young adults with depression symptoms. A systematic evaluation of nonclinical metrics for mental health chatbot is established in this study. In the future, concern with both clinical outcomes and nonclinical metrics is necessary to explore the mechanism by which the mental health chatbots work on patients. Further evidence is required to confirm the long-term effectiveness via trails replicated with a longer dose as well as exploration on its stronger efficacy in comparison with other active controls.

CLINICALTRIAL

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100052532; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=135744.
Contingent Valuation Method in a Pandemic Period: Diagnosis for the Search of New Directions
Authors: Castro Dr. Joana D'arc Bardella , Carvalho Dr. Ronaldo do Nascimento
Published: July 2022

The work during the COVID-19 pandemic challenged researchers and managers when trying to contain the spread of the disease among the population. Much social isolation and quarantine restrictions were imposed. The objective of this research is to verify how the research was carried out using the Contingent Valuation method since there is a need to talk to the respondents personally about their visit to an environmental or patrimonial asset, to unveil what difficulties were encountered and how to go around them. The method used for this investigation was the integrative literature review in the analysis of articles and dissertations available on the Capes portal, SciELO and Google Scholar. The years of the search were from 2020 to 2021. There was a cost reduction to apply the method, greater agility of the research, value of willingness to pay less assertive and difficulties in construct analysis, among others.
A plain language summary of the likelihood of symptom relief for patients taking fesoterodine for overactive bladder
Authors: Wagg Adrian S , Herschorn Sender , Carlsson Martin , Fernet Mireille , Oelke Matthias
Published: July 2022

What is this summary about?

This is a summary of a study originally published in
Neurourology and Urodynamics
. Overactive bladder is a medical condition that causes an urgent need to urinate, which can cause accidental urination. Fesoterodine is a medication used to treat overactive bladder. Because we don't know how likely it is that an individual patient will achieve a level of improvement in their overactive bladder symptoms, researchers analyzed results of 6 studies of patients with overactive bladder who were treated with fesoterodine.

What were the results?

Although complete resolution of all symptoms was rare with fesoterodine treatment, a resolution of accidental urination was more common, which is the most important treatment goal for many patients. After taking fesoterodine, episodes of accidental urination were more likely to be reduced or completely absent than episodes of an urgent need to urinate.

What do the results of the study mean?

These results can help patients with overactive bladder understand their own chances of treatment success with fesoterodine and can help doctors support their patients on what to expect regarding their specific symptoms and concerns.

▪

Toviaz (fesoterodine) is approved to treat the condition that is discussed in this summary. Approval varies from country to country; please check with your local health provider for more details.

▪

This summary reports the combined results of 6 studies. The results of individual studies may vary from the combined study results presented here. Individuals should make treatment decisions based on all available evidence.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT number:
NCT01302054
,
NCT01302067
,
NCT00444925
,
NCT00611026
,
NCT00220363
, and
NCT00138723
Uso de probióticos y agroquímicos en la infestación de Spodoptera frugiperda en cultivo de maíz: su impacto en el crecimiento y rendimiento de la planta
Authors: Terrones-Salgado José , Pedroza-Sandoval Aurelio , Samaniego-Gaxiola José Alfredo , Michel-Aceves Alejandro C.
Published: July 2022

El cultivo de maíz es afectado por el “gusano cogollero” Spodoptera frugiperda y la severidad de los daños que le ocasiona a las plantas afecta negativamente tanto su crecimiento como el rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue hacer una evaluación del efecto al usar diferentes probióticos y agroquímicos para su control. El experimento se llevó a cabo en un diseño de bloques al azar en un arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. En las parcelas grandes se asperjaron los productos químicos: Clorpirifos (CI) y Benzoato de emamectina (Be) en dosis de 0.625 y 0.150 L ha-1, respectivamente, más el testigo y en las parcelas chicas los probióticos Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) y Beauveria bassiana (Bb) en dosis de 0.512 kg ha-1 y 0.750 L ha-1, respectivamente, más el testigo. El tratamiento con el Be fue positivo por el resultado de un menor porcentaje de plantas infestadas (PPI) y reducida la severidad de los daños (SD) producidos por S. frugiperda, además del aumento tanto del vigor de la planta como en el rendimiento del grano, con valores de 24.6%, 4.5 y 6.8 ton ha-1, respectivamente. No hubo diferencia estadística entre los probióticos Bt y Bb en el rendimiento del grano, pero éste fue menor en ambos respecto al testigo. El decremento en el PPI y en el de SD, por la plaga, fueron más evidentes en los primeros 75 días después de la siembra (DDS), y a partir de esta cifra hasta los 90 días, el vigor y el crecimiento de la planta mostraron mayores tasas de incremento.
Dificultades en el aprendizaje del concepto concentración: una metasíntesis
Authors: Traiman-Schroh Nayla , Raviolo Andrés , Farré Andrea
Published: July 2022

Presentamos los principales resultados de una metasíntesis realizada sobre investigaciones que en los últimos 40 años han reportado resultados relacionados a las dificultades que conlleva el aprendizaje del concepto concentración de disoluciones en niveles medio y superior. Analizamos, de la muestra de artículos, sus enfoques teóricos, métodos y resultados. El principal resultado de este proceso indica una falta de sistematicidad en las investigaciones realizadas que denotan una vacancia de investigaciones sobre el tema.