bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Past a Shrinking Cylinder with Prescribed Surface Heat Flux
Authors: Khashi’ie Najiyah Safwa , Waini Iskandar , Zainal Nurul Amira , Hamzah Khairum , Mohd Kasim Abdul Rahman
Published: September 2020

This numerical study was devoted to examining the occurrence of non-unique solutions in boundary layer flow due to deformable surfaces (cylinder and flat plate) with the imposition of prescribed surface heat flux. The hybrid Al2O3-Cu/water nanofluid was formulated using the single phase model with respective correlations of hybrid nanofluids. The governing model was simplified by adopting a similarity transformation. The transformed differential equations were then numerically computed using the efficient bvp4c solver with the ranges of the control parameters 0.5%≤ϕ1,ϕ2≤1.5% (Al2O3 and Cu volumetric concentration), 0≤K≤0.2 (curvature parameter), 2.6<S≤3.2 (suction parameter) and −2.5<λ≤0.5 (stretching/shrinking parameter). Dual steady solutions are presentable for both a cylinder (K>0) and a flat plate (K=0) with the inclusion of only the suction (transpiration) parameter. The real and stable solutions were mathematically validated through the stability analysis. The Al2O3-Cu/water nanofluid with ϕ1=0.5% (alumina) and ϕ2=1.5% (copper) has the highest skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate, followed by the hybrid nanofluids with volumetric concentrations (ϕ1=1%,ϕ2=1%) and (ϕ1=1.5%,ϕ2=0.5%), respectively. Surprisingly, the flat plate surface abates the separation of boundary layer while it enhances the heat transfer process.
A Novel Chaos-Based Color Image Encryption Scheme Using Bit-Level Permutation
Authors: Li Zhen , Peng Changgen , Tan Weijie , Li Liangrong
Published: September 2020

To ensure the security of digital images during transmission and storage, an efficient and secure chaos-based color image encryption scheme using bit-level permutation is proposed. Our proposed image encryption algorithm belongs to symmetric cryptography. Here, we process three color components simultaneously instead of individually, and consider the correlation between them. We propose a novel bit-level permutation algorithm that contains three parts: a plain-image related rows and columns substitution, a pixel-level roll shift part, and a bit-level cyclic shift part. In the plain-related rows and columns substitution part, we involve the plain-image information to generate a control sequence by using a skew tent system. This process ensures that the correlation between three color components can be totally broken, and our cryptosystem has enough plain-image sensitivity to resist the differential attack. In the pixel-level roll shift part and bit-level cyclic shift part, we have a fully bit-level permutation controlled by two sequences using a Rucklidge system. The simulation and some common security analyses are given. Test results show that our proposed scheme has good security performance and a speed advantage compared to other works.
The Effect of Multi-Additional Sampling for Multi-Fidelity Efficient Global Optimization
Authors: Ariyarit Atthaphon , Phiboon Tharathep , Kanazaki Masahiro , Bureerat Sujin
Published: September 2020

Powerful computer-aided design tools are presently vital for engineering product development. Efficient global optimization (EGO) is one of the most popular methods for design of a high computational cost problem. The original EGO is proposed for only one additional sample point. In this work, parallel computing is applied to the original EGO process via a multi-additional sampling technique. The weak point of the multi-additional sampling is it has slower convergence rate when compared with the original EGO. This paper applies the multi-fidelity technique to the multi-additional EGO process to see the effect of the number of multi-additional sampling points and the converge rate. A co-kriging method and a hybrid RBF/Kriging surrogate model are selected for the surrogate model in the EGO process to show the advantage of the multi-additional EGO process compared with the single-fidelity Kriging surrogate model. In the experiment, single-additional sampling points and two to four number of multi-additional sampling per iteration are tested with symmetry and asymmetry mathematical test functions. The results show the hybrid RBF/Kriging surrogate model can obtain the similar optimal points when using the multi-additional sampling EGO.
Redox-Sensitive Nanocomplex for Targeted Delivery of Melittin
Authors: Cheng Bei , Xu Peisheng
Published: September 2020

Although peptide therapeutics have been explored for decades, the successful delivery of potent peptides in vitro and in vivo remains challenging due to the poor stability, low cell permeability, and off-target effects. We developed a redox sensitive polymer-based nanocomplex which can efficiently and stably deliver the peptide drug melittin for cancer therapy. The nanocomplex selectively targets cancer cells through lactobionic acid mediated endocytosis and releases melittin intracellularly upon the trigger of elevated redox potential. In vivo study proved that the targeted nanocomplex shows excellent potency in inhibiting tumor growth in a xenograft colon cancer mouse model. Thus, the polymer/melittin nanocomplexes will provide a new approach for melittin based cancer therapy.
Comparison between Conventional Blind Injections and Ultrasound-Guided Injections of Botulinum Toxin Type A into the Masseter: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Bae Hyungkyu , Kim Jisoo , Seo Kyle K. , Hu Kyung-Seok , Kim Seong-Taek , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to propose a more efficient and safer botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection method for the masseter by comparing the conventional blind injection and a novel ultrasonography (US)-guided injection technique in a clinical trial. The 40 masseters from 20 healthy young Korean volunteers (10 males and 10 females with a mean age of 25.6 years) were included in this prospective clinical trial. The BoNT-A (24 U) was injected into the masseter of each volunteer using the conventional blind and US-guided injection techniques on the left and right sides, respectively, and analyzed by US and three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning. One case of PMB (paradoxical masseteric bulging) was observed on the side where a conventional blind injection was performed, which disappeared after the compensational injection. The reduction in the thickness of the masseter in the resting state differed significantly at 1 month after the injection between the conventional blind injection group and the US-guided injection group by 12.38 ± 7.59% and 17.98 ± 9.65%, respectively (t(19) = 3.059, p = 0.007). The reduction in the facial contour also differed significantly at 1 month after the injection between the conventional blind injection group and the US-guided injection group by 1.95 ± 0.74 mm and 2.22 ± 0.84 mm, respectively (t(19) = 2.908, p = 0.009). The results of the study showed that the US-guided injection method that considers the deep inferior tendon by visualizing the masseter can prevent the PMB that can occur during a blind injection, and is also more effective.
Gut-Derived Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins
Authors: Graboski Amanda L. , Redinbo Matthew R.
Published: September 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) afflicts more than 500 million people worldwide and is one of the fastest growing global causes of mortality. When glomerular filtration rate begins to fall, uremic toxins accumulate in the serum and significantly increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Several of the most harmful uremic toxins are produced by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, many such toxins are protein-bound and are therefore recalcitrant to removal by dialysis. We review the derivation and pathological mechanisms of gut-derived, protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs). We further outline the emerging relationship between kidney disease and gut dysbiosis, including the bacterial taxa altered, the regulation of microbial uremic toxin-producing genes, and their downstream physiological and neurological consequences. Finally, we discuss gut-targeted therapeutic strategies employed to reduce PBUTs. We conclude that targeting the gut microbiota is a promising approach for the treatment of CKD by blocking the serum accumulation of PBUTs that cannot be eliminated by dialysis.
Infection Dynamics of Swine Influenza Virus in a Danish Pig Herd Reveals Recurrent Infections with Different Variants of the H1N2 Swine Influenza A Virus Subtype
Authors: Bhatta Tarka , Ryt-Hansen Pia , Nielsen Jens , Larsen Lars , Larsen Inge , Chamings Anthony , Goecke Nicole , Alexandersen Soren
Published: September 2020

Influenza A virus (IAV) in swine, so-called swine influenza A virus (swIAV), causes respiratory illness in pigs around the globe. In Danish pig herds, a H1N2 subtype named H1N2dk is one of the main circulating swIAV. In this cohort study, the infection dynamic of swIAV was evaluated in a Danish pig herd by sampling and PCR testing of pigs from two weeks of age until slaughter at 22 weeks of age. In addition, next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify and characterize the complete genome of swIAV circulating in the herd, and to examine the antigenic variability in the antigenic sites of the virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins. Overall, 76.6% of the pigs became PCR positive for swIAV during the study, with the highest prevalence at four weeks of age. Detailed analysis of the virus sequences obtained showed that the majority of mutations occurred at antigenic sites in the HA and NA proteins of the virus. At least two different H1N2 variants were found to be circulating in the herd; one H1N2 variant was circulating at the sow and nursery sites, while another H1N2 variant was circulating at the finisher site. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that individual pigs had recurrent swIAV infections with the two different H1N2 variants, but re-infection with the same H1N2 variant was also observed. Better understandings of the epidemiology, genetic and antigenic diversity of swIAV may help to design better health interventions for the prevention and control of swIAV infections in the herds.
Strength in Diversity: Nuclear Export of Viral RNAs
Authors: Gales Jón Pol , Kubina Julie , Geldreich Angèle , Dimitrova Maria
Published: September 2020

The nuclear export of cellular mRNAs is a complex process that requires the orchestrated participation of many proteins that are recruited during the early steps of mRNA synthesis and processing. This strategy allows the cell to guarantee the conformity of the messengers accessing the cytoplasm and the translation machinery. Most transcripts are exported by the exportin dimer Nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1)–NTF2-related export protein 1 (NXT1) and the transcription–export complex 1 (TREX1). Some mRNAs that do not possess all the common messenger characteristics use either variants of the NXF1–NXT1 pathway or CRM1, a different exportin. Viruses whose mRNAs are synthesized in the nucleus (retroviruses, the vast majority of DNA viruses, and influenza viruses) exploit both these cellular export pathways. Viral mRNAs hijack the cellular export machinery via complex secondary structures recognized by cellular export factors and/or viral adapter proteins. This way, the viral transcripts succeed in escaping the host surveillance system and are efficiently exported for translation, allowing the infectious cycle to proceed. This review gives an overview of the cellular mRNA nuclear export mechanisms and presents detailed insights into the most important strategies that viruses use to export the different forms of their RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Use of a Novel Biopellet to Treat Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Groundwater
Authors: Yang Dun-Sheng , Chen Shyi-Tien
Published: September 2020

Conventional pump-and-treat strategies for dealing with groundwater contamination are both energy- and time-consuming. Potential passive biological techniques are of interest to remedy the massive volume of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)-contaminated groundwater worldwide. In this study, novel biopellets made of TPH-acclimated microbes, fermented fruit peel materials, and CaO2 recycled from eggshells were manufactured to treat TPH-contaminated groundwater. The biopellets provided 56 mg of oxygen and achieved a C:N:P ratio by weight of 10:4:1. Moreover, each biopellet was capped with alginate to prolong its floating time in water to 25 days. The mimicked groundwater spiked with 500 mg/L diesel TPHs (TPHd) was treated using our novelly manufactured biopellets. After 8 days of treatment, results showed a 98.8% removal of spiked TPHd at a rate of 64.1 mg/L per day, with a microbial count that increased from nearly zero to 1.0 × 107 CFU/mL. The residual TPHd constituents were mainly C13–C18. Furthermore, microbial consumption of N, P, and oxygen was noted during the 8-day period of TPHd removal. As the TPHd level increased to 1500 mg/L, the removal rate reached 45 mg/L per day, and all TPHd had been removed after 22 days.
The Use of Straw Mulches to Mitigate Soil Erosion under Different Antecedent Soil Moistures
Authors: Kavian Ataollah , Kalehhouei Mahin , Gholami Leila , Jafarian Zeinab , Mohammadi Maziar , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: September 2020

Straw mulch cover is one of the most important soil erosion control measures applied to reduce runoff and soil loss in cultivated areas. However, in developing countries such as Iran, without a clear tradition or knowledge about soil erosion control measures, the use of straw mulch is rare, and its impact in the most extended crops is not well understood. We investigated the separate and combined effects of colza (Brassica napus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.), to mitigate the activation of soil loss and runoff in sandy-loam soils, under different antecedent soil moisture conditions, in a rainfed plot in Northern Iran. Under laboratory conditions, we used a rainfall simulator device. The experiments were performed by using a rainfall intensity of 50 mm h−1, with a duration of 10 min and an inclination of 30%, with three replications. These conditions were used to evaluate the soils under extreme meteorological and topographical conditions. Two types of straw mulch, colza and corn, separated and combined with three different cover levels (25, 50 and 75%) and four distinct antecedent soil moisture conditions (0, 15, 20 and 30%), were used. The results showed that the applied straw mulches had significant effects on the reduction of soil loss and sediment concentration, by almost 99%. The maximum reduction of soil loss and sediment concentration was observed for the treatments with 0% moisture and 75% of corn, colza + corn and colza, with a reduction of 93.8, 92.2 and 84.9% for soil loss, respectively, and 91.1, 85.7 and, 60.7% for sediment concentration, respectively. The maximum reduction of runoff was also obtained with 0% soil moisture and a cover of 75%, reducing 62.5, 48.5 and 34.8% for colza, colza + corn and corn, respectively. The corn straw mulch showed the highest effectivity on reducing soil loss and sediment concentration toward colza treatment. But the colza straw mulch showed the best results on reducing runoff toward corn treatment. We conclude that the application of straw mulch is affordable and useful in reducing soil loss and runoff, instead of bare soils.
Habitat Use by Pseudochondrostoma duriense and Squalius carolitertii Downstream of a Small-Scale Hydropower Plant
Authors: Boavida Isabel , Ambrósio Filipa , Costa Maria João , Quaresma Ana , Portela Maria Manuela , Pinheiro António , Godinho Francisco
Published: September 2020

Downstream of small-scale hydropower plants (SHPs), the intensity, frequency and persistence of hydropeaking events often cause an intolerable stress on fish of all life stages. Rapid increases in flow velocity result in fish avoiding unstable habitats and seeking refuge to reduce energy expenditure. To understand fish movements and the habitat use of native Iberian cyprinids in a high-gradient peaking river, 77 individuals were PIT tagged downstream of Bragado SHP in the North of Portugal. Tagged fish species included Pseudochondrostoma duriense and Squalius carolitertii. Fish positions were recorded manually on two different occasions: during hydropeaking events (HP) and without hydropeaking events (NHP). From the 77 tagged fish, we were able to record habitat use for 33 individuals (20 P. duriense and 13 S. carolitertii) in a total of 125 relocations. Fish species were distributed along the river reach with high density in the upstream area in the vicinity of the SHP tailrace, in particular during HP. Fish locations were associated with velocity for P. duriense and S. carolitertii. The latter tended to use faster flowing waters than P. duriense. Our findings on the habitat use in peaking rivers are a valuable tool to help in the selection and design of mitigation measures.
Modeling Wave Overtopping on a Seawall with XBeach, IH2VOF, and Mase Formulas
Authors: Oliveira João Nuno C. , Oliveira Filipa S. B. F. , Neves Maria Graça , Clavero María , Trigo-Teixeira António A.
Published: September 2020

The advances in computational fluid dynamics have made numerical modeling a reliable complementary tool to the traditional physical modeling in the study of the wave overtopping phenomenon. This paper addresses overtopping on a seawall by combining the numerical models XBeach (non-hydrostatic and Surfbeat modes) and IH2VOF, and the Mase formulas. This work is structured in two phases: (i) phase I assesses the performance of numerical models and formulas in modeling wave run-up and overtopping on a seawall for a solid profile bottom and representative hydro-morphologic conditions of a study site in the Portuguese west coast; (ii) phase II investigates the effect of the profile bottom variation in the overtopping phenomenon for extreme maritime storm field conditions of the study site, considering a solid bottom and a varying sandy bottom. The results indicate that XBeach underestimates the wave energy, and the frequency and intensity of the overtopping occurrences predicted by IH2VOF; the numerical models’ run-up and overtopping discharge predictions are overestimated by the Mase formulas, in simplified and in storm field conditions; and the variation of the bottom morphology throughout the storm event greatly influences the XBeach predictions, while the Mase results are mostly influenced by the bottom roughness.
Soil Management Effects on Soil Water Erosion and Runoff in Central Syria—A Comparative Evaluation of General Linear Model and Random Forest Regression
Authors: Mohammed Safwan , Al-Ebraheem Ali , Holb Imre J. , Alsafadi Karam , Dikkeh Mohammad , Pham Quoc Bao , Linh Nguyen Thi Thuy , Szabo Szilard
Published: September 2020

The Mediterranean part of Syria is affected by soil water erosion due to poor land management. Within this context, the main aim of this research was to track soil erosion and runoff after each rainy storm between September 2013 and April 2014 (rainy season), on two slopes with different gradients (4.7%; 10.3%), under three soil cover types (SCTs): bare soil (BS), metal sieve cover (MC), and strip cropping (SC), in Central Syria. Two statistical multivariate models, the general linear model (GLM), and the random forest regression (RFR) were applied to reveal the importance of SCTs. Our results reveal that higher erosion rate, as well as runoff, were recorded in BS followed by MC, and SC. Accordingly, soil cover had a significant effect (p < 0.001) on soil erosion, and no significant difference was detected between MC and SC. Different combinations of slopes and soil cover had no effect on erosion, at least in this experiment. RFR performed better than GLM in predictions. GLM’s median of mean absolute error was 21% worse than RFR. Nonetheless, 25 repetitions of 2-fold cross-validation ensured the highest available prediction accuracy for RFR. In conclusion, we revealed that runoff, rain intensity and soil cover were the most important factors in erosion.
Degradation of Hexacyanoferrate (III) from Gold Mining Wastewaters via UV-A/LED Photocatalysis Using Modified TiO2 P25
Authors: Arce-Sarria Augusto , Aldana-Villegas Kevin Mauricio , Betancourt-Buitrago Luis Andres , Colina-Márquez Jose Ángel , Machuca-Martínez Fiderman , Mueses Miguel Angel
Published: September 2020

The photocatalytic degradation of potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) was assessed in a bench-scale compound parabolic collectors (CPC) reactor assisted with a light-emitting diode (LED) UV-A source emitting at 365 nm, and using a modified TiO2 as a catalyst via the hydrothermal treatment of commercial Aeroxide P25. The experiments were performed under oxic and anoxic conditions in order to observe a possible reduction of the iron. The modified TiO2 showed a specific surface area 2.5 times greater than the original Aeroxide P25 and its isotherm and hysteresis indicated that the modified catalyst is mesoporous. The bandgap energy (Eg) of the modified TiO2 increased (3.34 eV) compared to the P25 TiO2 band gap (3.20 eV). A specific reaction rate constant of 0.1977 min−1 and an electrical oxidation efficiency of 7.77 kWh/m3 were obtained in the photocatalytic degradation. Although the TiO2 P25 yields a photocatalytic degradation 9.5% higher than that obtained one with the modified catalyst (hydrothermal), this catalyst showed better performance in terms of free cyanide release. This last aspect is a significant benefit since this can help to avoid the pollution of fresh water by reusing the treated wastewater for gold extraction. A photocatalytic degradation of the cyanocomplex of 93% was achieved when the process occurred under oxic conditions, which favored the removal. Summarizing, the hydrothermal method could be a promising treatment to obtain TiO2-based catalysts with larger specific areas.
Multivariate Analysis for Assessing Irrigation Water Quality: A Case Study of the Bahr Mouise Canal, Eastern Nile Delta
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Mohamed K. , Abd-Elmabod Sameh Kotb , Aldosari Ali A. , Elrys Ahmed S. , Mohamed Elsayed Said
Published: September 2020

Water scarcity and suitable irrigation water management in arid regions represent tangible challenges for sustainable agriculture. The current study aimed to apply multivariate analysis and to develop a simplified water quality assessment using principal component analysis (PCA) and the agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) technique to assess the water quality of the Bahr Mouise canal in El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The proposed methods depended on the monitored water chemical composition (e.g., pH, water electrical conductivity (ECiw), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42−) during 2019. Based on the supervised classification of satellite images (Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI)), the distinguished land use/land cover types around the Bahr Mouise canal were agriculture, urban, and water bodies, while the dominating land use was agriculture. The water quality of the Bahr Mouise canal was classified into two classes based on the application of the irrigation water quality index (IWQI), while the water quality was classified into three classes using the PCA and AHC methods. Temporal variations in water quality were investigated, where the water qualities in winter, autumn, and spring (January, February, March, April, November, and December) were classified as class I (no restrictions) based on IWQI application, and the water salinity, sodicity, and/or alkalinity did not represent limiting factors for irrigation water quality. On the other hand, in the summer season (May, June, July, August, and October), the irrigation water was classified as class II (low restrictions); therefore, irrigation processes during summer may lead to an increase in the alkalinity hazard. The PCA classifications were compared with the IWQI results; the PCA classifications had similar assessment results during the year, except in September, while the water quality was assigned to class II using the PCA method and class I by applying the IWQI. Furthermore, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) around the Bahr Mouise canal over eight months and climatic data assisted in explaining the fluctuations in water quality during 2019 as a result of changing the crop season and agriculture management. Assessments of water quality help to conserve soil, reduce degradation risk, and support decision makers in order to obtain sustainable agriculture, especially under water irrigation scarcity and the limited agricultural land in such an arid region.
Research on Livestock Carrying Capacity of Arid Pastoral Areas Based on Dynamic Water–Forage–Livestock Balance in OtogBanner, China
Authors: Qin Lin , Song Xiaoyu , Wen Wang , Liu Xiaodi , Liu Hui
Published: September 2020

There are nonequilibrium characteristics of grassland ecosystems driven by water, and constraints on the development scale of artificially irrigated grassland caused by the lack of water resources in arid pastoral areas. Based on the interaction of water, forage, and livestock, this study built a model of livestock-carrying capacity within the dynamic water–forage–livestock balance, to analyze the livestock carrying capacity of arid pastoral areas. The results showed that compared with the fixed livestock carrying capacity of 1.0898 million sheep units with a dynamic forage–livestock balance, the livestock carrying capacity based on the dynamic water–forage–livestock balance of OtogBanner were in a multi-equilibrium state due to the fluctuation of rangeland productivity caused by a change in precipitation conditions and the adjustment of the tame grassland irrigation scale caused by the change in water demand of other water users in the pastoral area. Under the conditions of the wet, normal, and dry years, the livestock carrying capacity was 1.632 million standard sheep units under the 26.5 thousand hm2 tame grassland developing areas, 1.3037 million standard sheep units under the 25.9 thousand hm2 tame grassland developing areas, and 0.9155 million standard sheep units respectively under 22.4 thousand hm2 tame grassland developing areas. This fluctuation change was more prominent in the pastoral areas with rangeland as the key field. Besides this, the model could effectively identify the predicament of water and forage resources. At present, the overload of forage resources and water resources coexisted in the pastoral area of OtogBanner, and an important reason for this was that the distribution of water and forage resources was poorly matched with the mode of animal husbandry production. The value of 1.3037 million sheep units was recommended to the livestock-carrying capacity of OtogBanner according to the model. This study could provide a new method for the calculation of livestock carrying capacity, and offered a scientific basis for the protection of the grassland ecological environment and the sustainable development of animal husbandry in the arid pastoral area of OtogBanner.
Temporal Change of Drainage Structures in Forest Roads (Study of Bentler Forest Enterprise 2009-2019)
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Tolga
Published: September 2020

The forest roads provide access to forest resources in carrying out main forestry activities such as protection, afforestation, management, recreation and firefighting. Long-term, trouble-free and safe use of forest roads is possible through the construction of the drainage structures and walls along the road alignment. The drainage structures and protective structures used in forest roads are various types. These are dip drains, pipes, culverts, bridges, water-bars and walls. The main task of all drainage structures and walls is protecting the forest roads against external aggressors. In this study, drainage structures on a sample road were investigated. Along the forest road alignment, changes of drainage structures over 10 years were observed. As a result of the study, current conditions of drainage structures were revealed and various suggestions were presented.
A robust stability indicating HPLC technique for evalution of Pibrentasvir and Glecaprevir in tablet dosage form
Authors: Patta Salomi , P Shobha Rani , K Ravindra Reddy , Sultana Afreen
Published: September 2020

When liver cells gets infected and vandalized, the condition is termed as Hepatitis. HCV therapy is performed with mixture of drugs. For the combined evaluation of Pibrentasvir and Glecaprevir in tablets, a rapid, selective and robust HPLC technique stability indicating was developed herein this work. Analysis was executed by Cosmicsil, with dimensions 250 mm by 4.6 mm column and mobile phase possessing KH2PO4 with 0.1M, 65 ml and 35 ml of methanol and 230 nm of PDA analysis. Elution times were found out as were 1.663 min and 2.249 min, for Pibrentasvir and Glecaprevir respectively with linear ranges 20µg/ml, 60 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml, 150 µg/ml, respectively having detection limits as 0.190 µg/ml and 0.207  µg/ml and quantization limits as 0.634 µg/ml and 0.690 µg/ml. This method is explicit having RSD values as 0.097% Pibrentasir & 0.232% Glecaprevir showing an accuracy of between 98.82 and 100.07% for Pibrentasir 99.31, Glecaprevir 100.45% recovery values. During the investigation of degradation, peaks elution times of degradants greatly varied with the elution times of Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir thus, proving method‘s power of stability indication and specificity. The validation and degradation stability studies were carried out according to ICH and ICH Q1B Guidelines.
Formulation and evaluation of matrix tablets of Eperisone hydrochloride
Authors: Peruboina Neelima  , Maddula Venkata Ramana
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present research is to develop and optimize Eperisone Hydrochloride extended release matrix tablets. Eperisone Hydrochloride is an antispasmodic drug mainly used to relieve pains it acts by relaxing the skeletal and smooth vascular muscles by blocking spinal reflexes drug which has oral bioavailability of 70% due to hepatic metabolism. Sustained release matrix tablets of Eperisone Hydrochloride were prepared through wet granulation technique by using HPMC K4M and EC as polymers, PVPK30 as binder, Magnesium stearate as lubricant and Talc as glidant. The granules of different formulations were determined for pre compression parameters. The prepared granules along with the excipients were then compressed. The formulated tablets were evaluated for physical characteristics viz. Hardness, Thickness, % Weight variation, Friability and the drug content. Furthermore the tablets evaluated for the in vitro release studies. Out of all the 8 formulations F7 showed desired characteristics in the physical parameters and in vitro drug release of 85.48% in 12hrs.The F7 dissolution data was best fitted to the Zero order model. The prepared Eperisone Hydrochloride matrix tablets found to be having a potential extended drug release.
Formulate and evaluate once daily sustained release tablet of highly soluble drug of metformin HCL
Authors: Manalan B. Valli , Nadendla Swathi  , Narra Nandini  , N. Hari Sree  , Nilla Tejaswi Sai Maha Lakshmi  , Mohammed Afrin Roshanara  , Rama Rao Nadendla
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to design an oral sustained release matrix tablet of highly water soluble biguanide anti diabetic drug. The matrix tablets are prepared by melt granulation method using HPMC K 200M as hydrophilic drug release retarding polymer, and stearic acid as melt able binder as well as hydrophobic carrier. The drug and excipients compatibility was studied by FT – IR. The formulated matrix tablets were characterized for physical parameters and in vitro dissolution profile. FT – IR spectra revealed the absence of drug excipients interaction. The physical parameters of the tablets were found within the limits. The drug release kinetics demonstrated that by increasing the concentration of hydrophilic polymer and hydrophobic carrier the drug release rate was retarded proportionally. Kinetic modelling of in vitro release profile revealing that the drug release from the matrix tablets following first order kinetics, and the drug release mechanism of optimized (F7) formula following non fickian transport mechanism. Accelerated stability studies were performed according to ICH guide lines. Temperature 40±20 c and relative humidity 75±5% RH to study physical and chemical changes of formulation. No physical or chemical changes were observed after t accelerated stability studies.
Histopathologic and Clinical Features in Patients with Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Authors: Sanghavi Sarah F. , Roark Travis , Zelnick Leila R. , Najafian Behzad , Andeen Nicole K. , Alpers Charles E. , Pichler Raimund , Ayers Ernest , de Boer Ian H.
Published: September 2020

Background

The discovery of nondiabetic kidney disease (NDKD) in an individual patient with diabetes may have significant treatment implications. Extensive histopathologic data in this population are lacking, but they may provide insights into the complex pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reveal specific phenotypes for the development of targeted therapies. This study seeks to elucidate the clinical and laboratory parameters associated with the spectrum of kidney histopathologic features in patients with diabetes.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of 399 kidney biopsies assessed from 2014 to 2016 at the University of Washington among patients with diabetes. More comprehensive clinical data were evaluated in a subset of 79 participants.

Results

Of the 399 biopsies reviewed, 192 (48%) had a primary diagnosis of DN (including 26 with an additional diagnosis), and 207 (52%) had a primary diagnosis of NDKD (including 67 who also had DN). Retinopathy (sensitivity: 0.86; specificity: 0.81; OR, 27.1; 95% CI, 6.8 to 107.7) and higher levels of proteinuria (7.6 versus 4.1 g/d; P=0.004) were associated with DN, whereas a physician description of AKI was associated with a lower risk of DN (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.38). The four most prevalent diagnoses in participants with NDKD were FSGS in 39, nephrosclerosis in 29, IgA nephropathy in 27, and acute tubular injury in 21.

Conclusions

Among patients with diabetes who undergo kidney biopsy in the Pacific Northwest, approximately half have DN, and half have NDKD. Retinopathy and more severe proteinuria were associated with DN, and AKI was a more common descriptor in NDKD.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/K360/2020_11_25_KID0003962020.mp3
FARKLI İKİ YÖNTEMLE OLUŞTURULAN DENEYSEL PREMATÜR OVER YETMEZLİK MODELİNDE OVERLERİN HİSTOPATOLOJİK DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: SEN Busra , TUĞLU Mehmet İbrahim
Published: September 2020

Kadın infertilitesinin sebeplerinden biri olan prematür over yetmezliğinin (POY) bilinen ve bilinmeyen birçok sebebi vardır. Kemoterapötiklerin ve bazı kimyasal ajanların özellikle gonadotoksik etkileri ovaryumları etkileyerek ovaryumda fonksiyon kaybına ve sonucunda POY’u tetikleyerek infertiliteye sebep olmaktadır. POY’un deneysel çalışmalarında hastalığın klinikteki semptomlarına en uygun deneysel modeli oluşturmak en etkili tedavilerin geliştirilebilmesi çok önemlidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı POY indükleyen iki önemli ajan 4-vinilsiklohekzen diepoksid ve siklofosfamid’in POY oluşturma mekanizmalarını histopatolojik olarak değerlendirmektir. Bu amaçla 12 haftalık erişkin Wistar albino cinsi dişi sıçanlar 4-vinilsiklohekzen diepoksid ve siklofosfamide maruz bırakıldı. Deney sonucu elde edilen ovaryum dokularında hematoksilen eozin, masson trikrom boyaması yapıldı ve ovaryum dokusu morfolojik olarak incelendi. Ovaryumda ki histopatolojik parametreler skorlandı ve kontrol gruplarıyla kıyaslandı. 4-vinilsiklohekzen diepoksid grubu ovaryum dokusunda kontrol ve siklofosfamid grubuna göre artmış vasküler konjesyon, nötrofil infiltrasyonu ve vakualizasyon gözlendi. Aynı zamanda atretik folikül sayısı kontrol grubuna kıyasla artmıştı. Siklofosfamid grubunda 4- vinilsiklohekzen diepoksid grubuna göre çok az konjesyon gözlendi, ancak kontrol grubuna kıyasla gelişmekte olan foliküllerde atrezi, foliküller içerisinde artmış vakuolizasyon görüldü. Sonuç olarak her iki ajanın da ovaryumda POY’u tetiklediği ancak birbirinden farklı bazı histopatolojik durumlar oluşturduğu gözlendi.
Tautomerism in Fuscin - A DFT Treatment
Authors: Türker Lemi
Published: September 2020

Fuscin, a natural product having various functionalities, may exhibit 1,3- and 1,5-proton tautomerism, as well as valence tautomerism via its 1,5-proton tautomer. All those possible forms are investigated within the realm of density functional theory with the constraints of B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. NICS(0) calculation has been performed for the valence tautomer which possesses a benzenoid ring. The tautomers are found to be stable structures but the valence tautomer is the least likely one. Some QSAR, quantum chemical and spectral properties are obtained and discussed.
The Role of Information Technology in Customer Satisfaction at the Commercial Banks in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Alhammad Fawaz
Published: September 2020

This research intended to identify the role of Information Technology (IT)in customer satisfaction at the commercial banks in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The study used the descriptive analytical approach and the questionnaire to measure the impact of IT on customer satisfaction. After distributing the questionnaire, data then were analyzed using SPSS software and we had the following results:
There is no statistically significant impact for the availability of devices on customer satisfaction at the commercial banks in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It was also revealed that there a statistically significant impact for software, databases, human resources, and networks on customer satisfaction at the commercial banks in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
ГУМАНИТАРНОЕ СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВО РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ И СНГ НА ПРИМЕРЕ АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКИ
Authors: МИРАЛАЕВА С.Р.
Published: September 2020

Гуманитарное сотрудничество – это естественный, исторически обусловленный, сложный и многоаспектный процесс взаимоотношения народов. В рамках стратегического партнерства Российской Федерации и Азербайджанской Республики нынешний уровень гуманитарного сотрудничества, без сомнения, свидетельствует о преемственности добрых традиций дружбы и культурного взаимодействия между нашими народами. Представляется, что сотрудничество государств в культурной сфере приносит ощутимый результат и является прочным фундаментом для развития дружественных межгосударственных отношений. В статье анализируется вклад Российской Федерации и Азербайджанской Республики в гуманитарное сотрудничество, рассматриваются основные направления в этом аспекте. В статье также затрагивается тема сотрудничества в рамках СНГ. Особое внимание уделено основным законодательным документам в области гуманитарного сотрудничества и культурным мероприятиям. Сегодня процессы гуманитарного взаимодействия двух стран (говоря языком политологии, механизмы softpower) стали уже не просто отдельным дополнением политических усилий государств, но и самостоятельным процессом, объединяющим Азербайджанскую Республику и Российскую Федерацию на уровне гражданского общества.
Syrian Kurds, Rojava and Alternative Society Building in Middle East
Authors: Manzinger Krisztián , Wagner Péter
Published: September 2020

Answering to local expectations and the need for a reliant partner for the US Army in the fight against ISIS, a Kurdish-based de facto autonomous territory emerged in Northern Syria, which later turned into a multicultural entity. The characteristically leftist political, social, and economic changes implemented by the new regime differ considerably from the government models practised in the region; however, they also trigger significant criticism. Although in 2018 and 2019, the entity suffered important losses in territory due to the geopolitical interests of Russia, the US, and Turkey, the Au-tonomous Administration of North and East Syria still could be a solid pillar in Syria’s future. This is not only due to its strategic and military importance, but also because the political system could provide, nevertheless, after some changes, an alternative for the Middle East in terms of multicultural governance, women’s rights and society-building based on mutual respect.
Some Interrelations among Martial Arts, Personality Development, and Military Career
Authors: Füleky András
Published: September 2020

In my study, I attempt to present a diverse set of requirements through which a valuable person may be characterized for a professional army in the long term, with the use of a scientific description of the concept of human talent.

In the second half of the article, I explain in detail the personality-, character- and abil-ity-shaping effects of martial arts. Following the psychosocial development process introduced by Erikson I analyse the specific life-course model provided by Japanese martial arts, which focuses on the lifelong exercise of budō.
The Hungarian Military History Institute and Museum: Preserving and Perpetuating Military History and Heritage
Authors: Raugh Harold E.
Published: September 2020

Without abstract.
Detection of T3SS, oprI, aprA, and pvdA Genes in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from Wound Samples
Authors: Adeyemi Folasade M. , Adeboye Rashidat R. , Adebunmi Adetoun A. , Yusuf Nana-Aishat , Wahab Abideen A.
Published: September 2020

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a varied number o f virulence determinants, predominantly porins, type III secretion system (T3SS), alkaline protease and pigments to manipulate
the host to establish infections. These factors contribute significantly to virulence in P. aeruginosa
and are worrisome. This study is aimed at identifying the virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates from wound swabs of patients at two tertiary hospitals in Osun State, Nigeria.
Methods: Altogether , 237 participants consisting of 133 fr o m State Hospital, Osogbo and 104 from General Hospital, Iwo with different types of wounds were enrolled. Swabs from the various wound types were collected, grown on cetrimide agar, and recovered isolates identified using conventional biochemical tests. Chromosomal DNA was extracted by thermal lysis and subjected to polymerase chain reaction using specific primers to affirm biochemical identification and detect the presence of ExoT, ExoS, ExoU, ExoY, oprI, aprA, and pvdA genes.
Results: Sixty-one (25.7%) P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered in the study. Based on the different
wound types, the highest recovery was from surgical sites of caesarian sections (CS) (37.7%; 23/61) followed by trauma sustained from motorcycle and automobile accidents (36.1%; 22/61) and others wound types (26.2%; 16/71). Fifty-nine of the 61 recovered isolates were successfully amplified by PCR primers that targets P. aeruginosa parugin gene. Of these 59 PCR confirmed P. aeruginosa, the oprI gene was detected in 74.6% (n = 44/59) of isolates ; 18 from Osogbo and 26 from Iwo. No bands were detected for the other genes in all 59 isolates analysed.
Conclusion: The prevalence of P. aeruginosa w as highest from surgical sites of caesarian sections, with the rates from Iwo higher than that from Osogbo. Detection of oprL gene in 74.6% of strains is significant as it’s interaction with the peptidoglycan plays a part in the maintenance of the structural integrity of the cell, and may cause infections that impair wound healing.
Evaluation of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities and Its Association with Urinary Schistosomiasis in Selected Settlements of Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Surakat Olabanji A. , Alabi Oluwapelumi R. , Ogundana Tomiwa E. , Rufai Mu-hammed A. , Adeleke Monsuru A. , Sam-Wobo Sammy O. , Mafiana Chiedu F.
Published: September 2020

Background: Urinary schistosomiasisis a debilitating Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) spreads when infected people urinate close to a water source, contaminating it with the larvae of the parasite, it is associated with lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in rural and semi-urban settlements. This study was conducted to evaluate the availability of WASH facilities and its impact on the prevalence of schistosomia-sis among school-aged children in Ota-Efun (Semi-urban) and Ilie (Rural) communities of Olorunda LGA of Osun State, Nigeria between June and October, 2019
Methods: Two hundred and forty-three participants from the two communities provided urine samples which were examined for Schistosoma haematobium cyst using FLOTAC filtration device and microscopy. Using structured questionnaires, information on the demographic, hygienic practices, and availability of WASH facilities in participants homes was obtained
Results: Results showed a cumulative urinary schistosomiasis prevalence of 46% (51/110) in Ilie (rural) compared to 0% (0/133) in Ota Efun (Urban) settlement. In Ilie community, highest prevalence (19.1%) was recorded among participants within the age group (11-13 years) and lowest (7.3%) among age class 14 and above. When compared with the prevalence results, majority (61%) of residents in Ilie lacked access to toilet facilities while 64% were regularly involved in water contact activities such as swimming, bathing and washing of clothes by the river. Conversely, in Ota-Efun, majority (87.2%) of participants had access to pipe-borne water with controlled access to the stream (4.5%) .
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest ongoing transmission of schistosomiasis in Ilie community and that frequent water contact activities including swimming and bathing are risk factors for infection .We recommend that WASH facilities should be effectively integrated into ongoing health policy for the control of neglected tropical diseases in Osun State in order to ameliorate the devastating effects of schistosomiasis in the affect-ed communities
Understanding the Use of Real Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) For Covid-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Olalekan Adesola O. , Iwalokun Bamidele A. , Adekunle Olutoyin C. , Makun Hussaini A. , Mirabeau Tatfeng , Akinloye Oluyemi
Published: September 2020

Background: Adequate knowledge of real time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Re-action (rRT-PCR) is critical for accurate implementation of the assay, interpretation of results and report-ing. This mini-review describes the principles, procedures, and level of development of rRT-PCR assays for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A narrative review was carried out to describe the principles of rRT-PCR, provide an update on the landscape of rRT-PCR protocols and elucidate the process control involved in pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical stages of COVID-19 testing .
Review Findings: The rRT-PCR is currently considered to be the acceptable standard for confirming COVID-19 diagnosis based on SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection via conversion to cDNA and amplification of target genes in real time using sequence specific TaqMan® probes. Available evidence indicates that different rRT-PCR protocols varying in number and type of target genes within SARS-CoV-2 genome are currently available for validation and emergency use approval (EUA) in pandemic countries. A total of 1 – 3 target genes, comprising the ORF1a, ORF1b, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Nucleoplasid protein gene (N), Spike glycoprotein gene (S) and Envelope protein gene (E) are detected by these proto-cols.
Conclusion: rRT-PCR remains the most sensitive method for confirming, monitoring and managing COVID-19 disease in the ongoing pandemic in all affected countries. The need for validation of every rRT-PCR protocol prior to deployment for COVID-19 testing and research into the development of alternative testing protocols are strongly recommended