bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid, Label-free Pathogen Identification System for Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Wound Infection Detection on Military Members in the Battlefield
Authors: Chen Y. , Chau J. , Yoon J. , Hladky J.
Published: September 2021

US military service members experiencing combat-related wounds have higher risk of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The gold standard culture-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is not feasible in the battlefield environment. Thus, a rapid deployable system for bacteria identification and AST directly from wound sample is urgently needed. We report a Rapid, Label-free Pathogen Identification (RAPID) diagnostic system based on ATR-FTIR method to detect and distinguish multi-drug resistant strains for six different species in the ESKAPEE group. Our RAPID system combines on-broad sample processing to isolate and enrich bacteria cells from wound sample, ATR-FTIR measurement to detect antimicrobial-induced bacterial cell spectral changes, and machine learning model for automated, objective, and quantitative spectral analysis and unknown sample classification. Based on experimental results, our RAPID system is a promising technology for label-free, sensitive (104 cfu/mL from mixture), species-specific (> 95% accuracy), rapid (< 10 min for identification, ~ 4 hours for AST) bacteria detection directly from wound samples.
Optical Magnetic Multimodality Imaging of Plectin-1-Targeted Imaging Agent for the Precise Detection of Orthotopic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Liang Xiaolong , Zhu Liang , Zhang Xinyu , Jin Zhengyu , Du Yang , Tian Jie , Xue Huadan
Published: September 2021

PurposePancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy worldwide. However, its early and precise detection is challenging currently. The novel magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is suitable for imaging tumours in deep organs because of its unlimited imaging depth, lack of background noise, and positive imaging signals. The purpose of this study was to utilize the MPI, in combination with fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to advance the precise detection of orthotopic PDAC xenografts in vivo.MethodsThe PDAC targeted Plectin-1 peptide and IRDye800CW was conjugated to the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) (PTP-Fe3O4-IRDye800CW) for the PDAC targeted triple-modality imaging. Subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC mouse models were established. FMI, MPI, and MRI were carried out for the dynamic and quantitative observation of PDAC tumours. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were used as references for ex vivo validation.ResultsThe probe showed good FMI, MPI, and MRI imaging performance in vitro. In in vivo subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC xenograft models, the PTP-Fe3O4-IRDye800CW nanoparticles showed better PDAC targeted imaging with high specificity, uniform distribution, and longer retention effects for over 7 days compared with Con-Fe3O4-IRDye800CW nanoparticles. ConclusionIntegration the imaging strengths of MPI, in combination with FMI and MRI could allow more precise detection of PDAC with high sensitivity and resolution. This may allow better diagnosis at molecular and cellular levels, potentially benefiting PDAC patients by providing early and sensitive detection. Moreover, this novel imaging methods may also provide guidance for the intraoperative detection and hyperthermia therapy for PDAC.
Deep Reinforcement Learning with Importance Sampling for QoE Enhancement in Edge-Driven Video Delivery Services
Authors: Naresh Mandan , Das Vikramjeet , Gupta Manik , Saxena Paresh
Published: September 2021

Adaptive bitrate (ABR) algorithms are used to adapt the video bitrate based on the network conditions to improve the overall video quality of experience (QoE). Further, with the rise of multi-access edge computing (MEC), a higher QoE can be guaranteed for video services by performing computations over the edge servers rather than the cloud servers. Recently, reinforcement learning (RL) and asynchronous advantage actor-critic (A3C) methods have been used to improve adaptive bit rate algorithms and they have been shown to enhance the overall QoE as compared to fixed-rule ABR algorithms. However, a common issue in the A3C methods is the lag between behavior policy and target policy. As a result, the behavior and the target policies are no longer synchronized with one another which results in suboptimal updates. In this work, we present the deep reinforcement learning with an importance sampling based approach focused on edge-driven video delivery services to achieve an overall better user experience. We refer to our proposed approach as ALISA: Actor-Learner Architecture with Importance Sampling for efficient learning in ABR algorithms. ALISA incorporates importance sampling weights to give higher weightage to relevant experience to address the lag issues incurred in the existing A3C methods. We present the design and implementation of ALISA, and compare its performance to state-of-the-art video rate adaptation algorithms including vanilla A3C and other fixed-rule schedulers. Our results show that ALISA provides up to 25%-48% higher average QoE than vanilla A3C, whereas the gains are even higher when compared to fixed-rule schedulers.
Cognitive Performance, Physical Pain and Psychological Distress in Women with Fibromyalgia During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ramos-Henderson Miguel , Toro-Roa Ignacio , Aguilera-Choppelo Rocío , Palominos Diego , Soto-Añari Marcio , Lopez Norman , Domic-Siede Marcos
Published: September 2021

Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic condition that encompasses widespread pain associated with cognitive impairment and significant emotional distress related to functional disability that affects mainly women. However, the mechanisms underlying the origin of the cognitive impairments and how the current COVID-19 pandemic impacts remain elusive. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between cognitive performance in executive functions, physical pain, and psychological distress caused by the pandemic in a group of Chilean women with FMS using a novel online protocol of neuropsychological evaluation. We found that women with FMS present cognitive impairment predominantly explained by pain and anxiety symptoms, which are associated with the difficulties experienced from the COVID-19 pandemic. These results point out the importance of considering a broader perspective for treatment, including anxiety symptoms and the psychological distress caused by the pandemic as a therapeutic target for cognitive impairments.
Can Povidone-Iodine (Betadine) Act On The Survival Rate and Gill Tissue Structure of Oranda Goldfish (Carassius Auratus)?
Authors: Yalsuyi Ahmad Mohamadi , Vajargah Mohammad Forouhar , Hajimoralo Abdolmajid , Galangas Mohsen Mohammadi , Prokic Marko , Faggio Caterina
Published: September 2021

Industrial chemical solutions are widely used as a method to disinfection of aquaculture water and environments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity effect of povidone-iodine (betadine) as a disinfectant solution on the survival and gill tissue of Oranda goldfish (Carassius auratus). For these purposes, 225 fingerling Oranda goldfish with an average weight 5 ± 0.67 were divided into 15 groups with 3 replication. Fish were exposed to series of concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220 and 240 ppm) of Betadine for 96h. The mortality of fish and the samples of gill were observed at 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72 and 96h after exposure. The results of the present study showed that the half-life Betadine was less than 24h and mortality were not record after 24h. The highest mortality rate were at 240 ppm, and LC50 24h of Betadine was 158.800 ppm. Histopathological results showed that lethal concentrations of Betadine lead to hyperemia, hypertrophy, hyperplasia and adhesion of secondary lamellar of the gill. Moreover, fish that were exposed to these concentrations displayed clinical signs such as anxiety, darkening of the skin. Overall results showed that betadine had short half-life in the aquatic environment and are toxic to fish at very high concentrations therefore it can be considered as practically non-toxic and be useful for disinfection of the aquatic environment.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Invisible Intraprostatic Prostate Cancer Lesions on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT in Patients with Primary Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yi Zhilong , Hu Siqi , Lin Xiaofeng , Zou Qiong , Zou MinHong , Zhang Zhanlei , Xu Lei , Jiang Ningyi , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2021

Purpose 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT has high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of both intraprostatic tumor focal lesions and metastasis. However, approximately 10% of primary prostate cancer are invisible on PSMA-PET (exhibit no or minimal uptake). In this work, we investigated whether machine learning-based radiomics models derived from PSMA-PET images could predict invisible intraprostatic lesions on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET in patients with primary prostate cancer.Methods In this retrospective study, patients with or without prostate cancer who underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and presented negative on PSMA-PET image at either of two different institutions were included: institution 1 (between 2017 to 2020) for the training set and institution 2 (between 2019 to 2020) for the external test set. Three random forest (RF) models were built using selected features extract from standard PET images, delayed PET images, and both standard and delayed PET images. Then, subsequent 10-fold cross-validation was performed. In the test phase, the three RF models and PSA density (PSAD, cut-off value: 0.15ng/ml/ml) were tested with the external test set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for the models and PSAD. The AUCs of the radiomics model and PSAD were compared.Results A total of 64 patients (39 with prostate cancer and 25 with benign prostate disease) were in the training set, and 36 (21 with prostate cancer and 15 with benign prostate disease) were in the test set. The average AUCs of the three RF models from 10-fold cross-validation were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.00), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.63, 1.00) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.00), respectively. In the test set, the AUCs of the three trained RF models and PSAD were 0.903 (95% CI: 0.830, 0.975), 0.856 (95% CI: 0.748, 0.964), 0.925 (95% CI:0.838, 1.00), and 0.662 (95% CI: 0.510, 0.813). The AUCs of the three radiomics models were higher than that of PSAD (0.903, 0.856 and 0.925 vs 0.662, respectively; P = .007, P = .045 and P = .005, respectively).Conclusion Random forest models developed by 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET-based radiomics features were proven useful for accurate prediction of invisible intraprostatic lesion on 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET in patients with primary prostate cancer and showed better diagnostic performance compared with PSAD.
Acute HIV infection syndrome mimicking COVID-19 vaccination side effects : A case report
Authors: Triebelhorn Julian , Haschka Stefanie Julia , Hesse Felix Andreas , Erber Johanna , Weidlich Simon , Lee Marcel , Hoffmann Dieter , Eberle Josef , Spinner Christoph
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSymptoms of primary HIV infection, including fever, rash, and headache, are nonspecific and are often described as flu-like. COVID-19 vaccination side effects, such as fever, which occur in up to 10% of people following COVID-19 vaccination, can make the diagnosis of acute HIV infection even more challenging.Case PresentationA 26-year-old man presented with fever and headache following COVID-19 vaccination. The symptoms were initially thought to be vaccine side effects. A diagnostic workup was conducted due to persisting fever and headache > 72 hours following vaccination, and he was diagnosed with Fiebig stage II acute HIV infection, 3 weeks after having unprotected anal intercourse with another man.ConclusionThorough anamnesis is key to estimating the individual risk of primary HIV infection, in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. Early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy is associated with better prognosis and limits transmission of the disease.
Research on Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Electrical Discharge Machining SiCp/Al Composite
Authors: Gao Xiang , Li Jucai , Xing Qixuan , Zhang Qinhe
Published: September 2021

In this paper, ultrasonic-vibration assisted electrical discharge machining (UEDM) is used to process SiCp/Al composite materials in order to achieve a higher material removal rate (MRR) and lower surface roughness, width overcut, and relative tool wear rate (RTWR). FLUENT software was used to simulate the gap flow field. The simulation results of the gap flow field show that the ultrasonic vibration of the tool electrode is conducive to the removal of chips, which makes the discharge more stable and improves the machining efficiency. Based on the single factor experiment, the effects of peak current, reference voltage, pulse width, and pulse interval on MRR, surface roughness, width overcut, and RTWR of the workpiece are studied. Then, based on the orthogonal experiment, the grey relational analysis method was used to optimize the process parameters, and the order of the influence of the 4 process indicators on the comprehensive performance and the optimal processing parameter combination was obtained. The reliability of the process optimization was verified with experiments.
Impact of Psychosocial Distress on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients in Two Health Facilities in Cameroon
Authors: Ebob-Anya Bachi-Ayukokang , Bassah Nahyeni
Published: September 2021

Background: Psychosocial distress interferes with the ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms and treatment. This in turn leads to poor outcomes in patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of psychosocial distress on the quality of life of cancer patients in two health facilities in Cameroon. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional hospital-based design. The study was carried out over a period of three months from July-September 2020. The sample size was 120 cancer patients. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Three validated questionnaires were used: DT, HADS and EORTC QLQ-C30 to assess, psychosocial distress, emotional distress and quality of life respectively. Results were presented using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA). Data were analysed with SPSS version 21. All statistics were considered significant at an alpha value set at 0.05 level. Results: Majority of the patients 83 (69.2%) presented with clinically significant distress, with financial difficulties 87 (72.5%), fatigue 83 (69.2%), transportation 73 (60.8%) and difficulties with work/school 69(57.5%) being the most reported problems. Fifty nine (50.0%) and 56(47.5%) had moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Overall on HADS, 67 patients (56.8%) presented with emotional distress. The quality of life was fair, with a mean of 52.4±21.3. There was a strong statistically significant relationship between psychosocial distress and the quality of life (P<0.0001), wherein psychosocial distress was found to have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients.Conclusion: Cancer patients do suffer from psychosocial distress which has a negative impact on their quality of life. This is thus a call for concern to health personnel in this setting. The psychosocial domain of cancer patients needs to be assessed for early identification of persons at risk, to better improve the quality of care which they receive and hence their quality of life.
A Comparative Analysis of Power Consumption in Conventional and Differential – Less Drive for Electric Vehicle
Authors: Dhulekar Abhijeet , Ardak Pankaj
Published: September 2021

The general design of the methodology of the transmission system is usually used to give efficient power to the driven wheel, such as usually used differential to differentiate speed and motion of the wheel. In this paper; we analyze methods of motion control and power transmission variation for an electric vehicle (EV) with two independently driven in-wheel motors and conventional differential used EV. Compares the power transmission ratio of two different configurations drives energy conversion differential and epicyclic gears train analysis. This investigation gives an orderly examination of compendium an electrical vehicle is driven by transmissions system journals published and about different losses through mechanical differential system transmission and how they affect on torque. These studies present a comprehensive convergent study report of power Variation and torque transmission with simulation result distinction in differential and differential-less EV’s by compendium studies and show some comparative results. After a compendium study author finds few losses in differentials such as Pocketing power losses, WPL, drag mishap, friction, and different slip in gears. We have mention different factors also affect drive trains and illustrate the main reason to generate losses during transmission. In addition, we have explained this through simulation.
Municipal Wastewater Irrigation Quality and its Impacts on Selected Soil Properties Around Harar City, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tolossa Tasisa Temesgen
Published: September 2021

In many arid and semiarid countries, wastewater irrigation is becoming a common practice in agriculture. Commitment of government and social intervention for more effective waste management are the major constraints. The study was conducted in eastern Ethiopia to identify the impacts of municipal wastewater soil physicochemical properties and irrigation water quality. Soil samples were collected from different farm fields to determine the physical and chemical properties of soil, and heavy metal accumulation at different irrigation farms and wastewater samples were also analyzed. Manusipal wastewater taken from different study sites was categorized into three groups: control (nonirrigated), municipal wastewater irrigated farmland and municipal wastewater irrigated farmland. The results showed that bulk density was negatively decreased and moisture contents and total porosity were significantly increased. The soil EC, cadmium, lead available phosphorus, OM, and CEC levels significantly increased with increasing wastewater application. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb and Cr are highwere higher in irrigated effluent than in nonirrigated effluent. Untreated and treated MWW were tested for heavy metal presence and accumulation. The soil OM increased as the content in the soil also increased as the number of irrigations increased. The most effective way to eliminate the impact of this municipal wastewater on the soil and water is to develop and implement an effective wastewater management plan. Limited studies have been done, and they should be encouraged to address municipal wastewater impacts on plants and farmers. The government should be focused on awareness of creation and management systems.
Prediction of binding of FDA approved drug Ledipasvir to SARS-CoV2 mutants: an in silico study
Authors: Chowdhary Sheemona , Kumar Deepak , Bhattacharyya Rajasri , Banerjee Dibyajyoti
Published: September 2021

The surge of variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is a global concern to public health as the mutations in the genome may alter the virulence of the virus, which poses a challenge to manage the disease. The virus depends on RNA dependent RNA polymerases [RdRp(s)] and its associated non-structural proteins for replication. Therefore, RdRp is a target of antiviral drugs. Several mutations in RdRp in SARS-CoV2 from all over the world have been identified. Some of the mutations are known to alter the RdRp structure. This may have an implication on the effectiveness of the drugs being approved for combating the disease. Therefore, we believe elaborate studies are necessary to identify and characterize mutations in RdRp with respect to drug binding ability. Herein, using molecular docking, we have studied the interaction of the approved drug, Ledipasvir, with wild type and different mutant RdRps to gain mechanistic insights into structural changes which can affect the drug binding and may be responsible for drug resistance. We observed a change in the binding energy of ledipasvir with wild type and mutant polymerases. Further, deviation in the orientation of the drug was observed in the case of mutants in comparison to wild type RdRp. These findings suggest that it is of utmost importance to study RdRp mutants to assess drug resistance.
Prey Capture in Anthocyanin-free Sarracenia leucophylla (Sarraceniaceae) Is Associated with Leaf Size, But Not Red Pigmentation
Authors: Sheridan Phil , Ho Winnie W. , Rodenas Yann , Ruch Donald G.
Published: September 2021

Anthocyanin pigmentation is a significant horticultural feature in plants and can be a crucial mediator of plant–insect interactions. In carnivorous plants, the modified leaves that capture prey can be visually striking and are traditionally considered prey attractants. Nevertheless, the question of whether bold color and venation patterns function as lures for insect prey remains ambiguous, and appears to vary across taxa. Furthermore, vegetative pigments can have alternate functions as protectants against thermal and oxidative damage. Our dual-year study compares the wild-type pitcher phenotype with a true-breeding anthocyanin-free mutant of the white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla Raf.). We bred full-sibling crosses of S. leucophylla carrying either the wild-type anthocyanin gene or the anthocyanin-free variant. In both experimental years, growth points were established in outdoor plots and pitchers were allowed to capture prey before harvest at the end of each growing season. Dry weight of prey biomass was measured from pitchers of both pigment morphs, along with nectary counts, pitcher size, and internal temperature. The presence of anthocyanins in trapping leaves did not affect the biomass of insects captured. Nor did wild-type or anthocyanin-free pitcher morphs differ in size, temperature, or nectary counts. Instead, pitcher height, and, nominally, mouth diameter were better predictors of prey biomass. Despite striking visual differences in pitcher color, wild-type and anthocyanin-free plants did not catch significantly different quantities of prey. Our study provides empirical data that anthocyanin pigmentation in S. leucophylla does not affect the capture of prey biomass, and supports a growing body of literature showing that pigmentation traits serve in multiple contexts.
TİCARİ FORMUN HAKSIZ REKABETE KARŞI KORUNMASI
Authors: YILDIZ Ozan Ali
Published: September 2021

Ticari form, bir işletmenin müşteriler tarafından tercih edilmesi ve o işletmeden mal veya hizmet satın almaları konusunda müşterileri güdüleyen unsurlardan biridir. Bu durumu göz önünde bulunduran bazı teşebbüsler işletmelerinin ticari formunu rakiplerinkilerden farklılaştırarak müşterilerin ilgisini çekmeye çalışmaktadır. Ticari hayatta bu denli önem arz eden bir unsurun hukuk düzenince de korunması gerekir ki hukuk sistemimiz bu korumayı sağlamaya elverişli düzenlemeler içermektedir. Ticari form, koşulların varlığı halinde, fikri mülkiyet hukuku ve haksız rekabet hukuku kapsamında korunabilir. Bu çalışmada konunun haksız rekabet boyutunun ele alınmasıyla yetinilmiştir. 6102 sayılı Türk Ticaret Kanunu m.55/1-a-4’e göre, başkalarının malları, iş ürünleri, faaliyetleri veya işleri ile karıştırılmaya yol açan eylemlerde bulunmak haksız rekabet teşkil eder. Ticari formun bu hüküm kapsamında ele alınması mümkündür. Ancak bunun için ticari formun korunmasını talep eden teşebbüsün o ticari form üzerinde korunmaya değer haklı bir menfaati olmalıdır. Bunun da olmazsa olmaz koşulu ticari formun ayırt edici olmasıdır. Ayırt edicilik, ticari formun özgün olmasından veya kullanım sonucunda ayırt edicilik kazanmasından kaynaklanabilir. Bu nitelikteki bir ticari formun başkaları tarafından karıştırılmaya neden olacak şekilde kullanılması haksız rekabete neden olur.
Obtaining and Purification of Recombinant Domain III of Human Alpha-Fetoprotein
Authors: Mollaev M.D. , Zabolotskii A.I. , Mazalev D.A. , Gorokhovets N.V. , Sokol M.B. , Mollaeva M.R. , Fomicheva M.V. , Pshenichnikova A.B. , Nikolskaya E.D.
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated the applicability of alpha-fetoprotein or its receptor-binding domain fused to the 6-histidine tag at the C-terminus (rAFP3D-His6) as vectors for targeted delivery of antitumor agents. This tag is undesirable for further preclinical trials. Therefore, we designed a recombinant protein rAFP3D without any affine tags, and accessed its functional activity. The protein was produced as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Optimal conditions for washing inclusion bodies and refolding the target protein were selected. We used a saturated solution of (NH4)2SO4 as the primary purification step to precipitate the main fraction of protein admixtures. The second purification step included hydrophobic chromatography using butyl-cellulose. The identity of the protein sequence was confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. Circular dichroism demonstrated the authenticity of the secondary structure. Fluorescently labeled rAFP3D actively penetrated into MCF-7 tumor cells. These results indicate that rAFP3D can be used for targeted drug delivery.

Key words: alpha-fetoprotein, receptor-binding domain, recombinant protein, MALDI-MS, HPLC, drug delivery system

Funding - The project was supported with Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 18-29-09022/20).
Hydrologic flow regimes in humid tropics river basin
Authors: Chellaiah Gajendran , Eazon Daniel Biju
Published: September 2021

The study is carried out to understand the impact of the land-use change in terms of alteration in flow regimes, which are understood to be a leading cause of ecological and environmental deterioration in riverine systems. Meenachil river in the humid tropical region of Kerala, India, is one of a kind river with human settlement along the banks for all its 78 kms of flow through the Kottayam District. The analysis of streamflow from four stream gauge stations was done using Range Variability Approach. The analysis was down as a two-time period analysis with the parametric approach with the period separation taken according to prior studies on land-use change. The analysis shows a high degree of alteration, which can be attributed to the land-use change and can be understood as the root cause for the deterioration of water quality and also the ecological distress, which is well documented in the downstream and watershed regions of the river.
Comparison of photocatalytic activity of ZnO, Ag-ZnO, Cu-ZnO, Ag, Cu-ZnO and TPPS/ZnO for the degradation of methylene blue under UV and visible light irradiation
Authors: Rabbani Mahboubeh , Shokraiyan Javad , Rahimi Rahmatollah , Amrollahi Rezvaneh
Published: September 2021

In this study, zinc oxide and silver and copper-doped zinc oxide nanorods were synthesized by a simple template-free precipitation technique. In addition, meso-tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) was prepared and immobilized on ZnO nanorods (TPPS/ZnO). The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy. The potential of the obtained photocatalysts in the degradation of methylene blue was investigated under UV and visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity of TPPS/ZnO was higher than those of the pure ZnO and doped ZnO under visible light irradiation.
Assessment of the performance of intermittent planted filters in treating urban wastewater under arid climate
Authors: Tlili Hiba , Bali Mahmoud , Boukchina Rachid
Published: September 2021

Intermittent planted filters are extensive biological purification techniques aimed at oxidizing and decontaminating urban wastewater at a low cost and with minimum environmental impacts. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the performances of intermittent planted filters in treating urban wastewater under arid conditions of southern Tunisia. The experimental study was carried out on a pilot scale plant comprising five constructed gravel-sand basins. Screened urban wastewater effluent was intermittently applied with a daily hydraulic load of 400 L/m2. Several water quality parameters were monitored at the inlet and outlet of this treatment plant. The average removal rate were 94.8%, 92.3%, 99.3%, 89.9% and 93.3% for chemical and biological oxygen demand, total suspended solids, ammonium nitrogen and orthophosphate, respectively. Additionally, results demonstrated that this treatment system is capable of removing 3.67, 3.22 and 2.44 log units of total and faecal coliforms, and faecal streptococci, respectively. Results showed that Phragmites australis allowed the development of biofilm in the sand filter beds, improving their purification efficiency. Furthermore, no bio-sludge production, no mechanical aeration, low energy requirement (0.02 kW/m2) and green aesthetic ambience are the additional particular strengths of the proposed pilot plant.
Improved estimate of groundwater recharge in the central part of Valle Argentino, province of La Pampa, Argentina
Authors: Mariño Eduardo E. , Schulz Carlos J. , Loyola Natalia , Castro Eduardo C.
Published: September 2021

The processes that control the recharge have difficulties for their quantification due to hydroclimatic variability and different particularities of the aquifer system. Sometimes, the different methods for recharge assessment provide results with a high degree of uncertainty. The purpose of this paper is to estimate groundwater recharge in the central part of Valle Argentino, whose hydrogeological potential comes from a sand dune system that plays an important role as recharge area. It was considered interesting to update the previous estimates with new data from the General Acha and Padre Buodo sites. The recharge was obtained from a daily water balance (Visual Balan code) and the water-table fluctuation (WTF) method. The mean yearly values of recharge obtained range from 35 to 53 mm, with maximums between 76 and 112 mm and minimums between 0 and 21 mm. The greater values caused water table rises from 0.60 to just over 1 m, while a low or null recharge is linked to a drop in water levels of between 0.4 and 0.8 m, caused by the predominance of the groundwater outflow. This fluctuation of water table has a severe impact in the water storage in the aquifer, which represents the main source of groundwater for human and livestock consumption in this area. The integration of results in a conceptual model that explain the hydrodynamic behaviour of the system constitutes a relevant contribution to groundwater resource management.
Joint use of piezometric surfaces and chemical and isotopic tracers to identify recharge areas in arid environments: Agrelo fan area, Mendoza province, Argentina
Authors: Tognoli Pabla Natalia , Martínez Daniel Emilio , Ibáñez Sandra
Published: September 2021

Although there are numerous hydrogeological papers on the Abanico de Agrelo area due to its importance from the point of view of recharge to the Mendoza Northern Basin, many uncertainties still remain to be solved. The aim of this study is to obtain new data to update and improve the conceptual model of the aquifer. For this purpose, we have carried out a desktop review of the previous data and the aquifer dynamics have been redefined. Based on this information, a hydrochemical and isotopic sampling was carried out in order to confirm the hydrogeological dynamics. Our results indicate that the main flow of the aquifer is NW-SE and that although the river is the main source of recharge, there could be other input areas. The hydrochemical data confirm this dynamic, showing a gradual enrichment of salts in the flow direction. The hydrochemical underground pattern is similar to that of the river, but it shows lower conductivity values in the nearby areas, in Cadicating a probable mixture of water from another recharge source. The resulting conceptual model considers that the hydrogeological system of the Abanico de Agrelo extends to both banks of the Mendoza River and that the river is not an edge of the aquifer itself as it works as an indirect recharge area. The existence of additional recharge sources is also proposed in this paper.
A expansão do ensino secundário no Brasil pós-1930
Authors: Nascimento Jussara Cassiano , Faria Lia Ciomar Macedo de
Published: September 2021

Recompomos neste artigo perspectivas históricas voltadas para a expansão do ensino secundário no Brasil pós 1930. Nunes (1999) informa que essa expansão se ampliou após o colapso econômico das instituições, motivado pela quebra da bolsa de valores de Nova York, catástrofe de repercussão mundial que, dentre outras consequências, tornou visível a necessidade de reestruturação da educação secundária até então oferecida, já que não comportava mais um ensino formalista, voltado para formação de uma elite que vislumbrava o ensino superior. A base teórica e metodológica aborda os trabalhos de Silva (1969), Abreu (1955), Palma Filho (2005) e Nunes (1999). Teremos olhar atento para o ensino secundário desenvolvido no Rio de Janeiro, onde detectamos que essa oferta não se limitou a estabelecimentos públicos de ensino.
Uma aventura docente sob meditações afetivas no ensino-aprendizagem: um estudo do mangá Assassination Classroom
Authors: Silva Diego Rodrigues da , Silva Francisco Vieira da , Villegas Maria Margarita
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho visa pensar dois pontos principais: explorar as contribuições reflexivas para a formação docente e observar as possibilidades didáticas para o ensino através do mangá Assassination Classroom, de Yusei Matsui. Dessa forma, o intento desta pesquisa é conceber o referente mangá enquanto ponte para imaginação: seja para debater sobre a condição humana na aventura docente, acerca de suas responsabilidades e de suas limitações, seja para entendermos o valor que reside em nutrir e desenvolver relações de saber-afetivo com os discentes, na intenção de acolher e cuidar para melhor ensinar a viver e existir em sociedade.
Reformas, docência e violência curricular: uma análise a partir do “Novo Ensino Médio”
Authors: Silveira Éder da Silva , Silva Monica Ribeiro da , Oliveira Falconiere Leone Bezerra de
Published: September 2021

Neste artigo busca-se compreender o que comunicam as narrativas de professores/as que atuam em duas escolas-piloto do programa do governo federal criado com vistas à implementação da reforma do ensino médio (Lei 13.415/17) e em uma escola privada que vem implementando a reforma a título experimental. A análise se centra em perspectiva conceitual que se propõe a identificar as violências que se manifestam nesse novo currículo para o exercício da docência. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, baseada na realização e análise de três entrevistas com dois professores e uma supervisora, contemplando três escolas situadas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Argumenta-se que o currículo do chamado Novo Ensino Médio tem produzido diferentes formas e manifestações de Violência Curricular e, por esse motivo, impõe obstáculos ao exercício da docência e à formação humana em perspectiva crítica.
Contribuições do pensamento vygotskiano para a modelagem matemática
Authors: Silva Ady Wallace Jaques , Braga Roberta Modesto , Giordano Cassio Cristiano
Published: September 2021

O presente estudo é um ensaio teórico que analisa possíveis contribuições das ideias de Lev Vygotsky para o ensino de Matemática, por meio da modelagem. Para ele, o contexto histórico-cultural molda o elemento psicológico, determinando a maneira de pensar. Pessoas de diferentes culturas apresentam distintos perfis psicológicos. As funções psicológicas são desenvolvidas ao longo do tempo e mediadas pela interação social, através de símbolos culturais. A linguagem está relacionada à cultura e depende dos fatores sociais. Os conceitos são historicamente construídos e internalizados de maneira particular pelos indivíduos, de forma ampla, integrada, holística e dinâmica. Tais princípios podem contribuir para uma maior compreensão da Modelagem Matemática, uma vez que ela parte de situações apresentadas por problemas reais, alinhados às vivências dos estudantes, levando estes a assumir o protagonismo nesse processo, na medida em que desenvolvem um modelo matemático em um ambiente de aprendizagem no qual a interação se faz presente.
Inflammatory Molecular Mediators and Pathways Involved in
Vascular Aging and Stroke: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Soliman Amro M. , Das Srijit , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk
Published: September 2021

:

There is an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases with aging and
it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The main cardiovascular pathologies
include atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke. Chronic inflammation
is one of the significant contributors to the age-related vascular diseases. Therefore,
it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the persistent inflammatory
conditions occurring in the blood vessels as well as the signaling pathways involved.
Herein, we performed an extant search of literature involving PubMed, ISI, WoS and
Scopus databases for retrieving all relevant articles with the most recent findings illustrating
the potential role of various inflammatory mediators along with their proposed activated
pathways in the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging. We also highlight
the major pathways contributing to age-related vascular disorders. The outlined molecular
mechanisms, pathways and mediators of vascular aging represent potential drug targets
that can be utilized to inhibit and/or slow the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging.
A Convenient Stereoselective Method for Synthesis of β-Lactams Under Microwave Irradiation with [BmIm] OH as a Reusable Ionic Liquid
Authors: Bendeddouche Souhila , Bendeddouche Choukry K. , Benhaoua Hadj
Published: September 2021

A promoted synthetic protocol for the β-lactams synthesis in the presence of
[BmIm]OH as a basic reagent under microwave irradiation [M.W.I.] is described. The reaction
was highly diastereoselective. In all cases, this protocol provided trans-β-lactams as major isomers,
and β-lactams were obtained with good yields. Further, the effect of the order of addition of
the reagents was particularly investigated; we found that this order is very important. The best results
are obtained when the imine is added gradually. This work shows that [BmIm]OH is an advantageous
recyclable basic reagent. A qualitative molecular orbital diagram is illustrated to interpret
the observed diastereoselectivity.
Quality of Life for Children with Allergic Skin Diseases
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Chu Samantha , Leung Alexander K.C.
Published: September 2021

:

Allergic skin diseases are highly prevalent among children. Patients with allergic skin
diseases experience sociopsychological and quality-of-life (QoL) burdens in excess of those in the
general population. Children and their caregivers are especially vulnerable to the burden of many
of the common allergic skin diseases. In the past few decades, researchers have developed a number
of disease-specific scores and indices for the measurement of QoL for childhood skin diseases.
Most of the research in this area has focused on atopic eczema and urticaria and less so on allergic
contact dermatitis. We provide an overview of QoL and its assessment for these dermatologic conditions.
Carvacrol Suppresses Human Osteosarcoma Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Songou , He Lei , Shang Jinxiang , Chen Long , Xu Yifan , Chen Xiaozhen , Li Xinyu , Jiao Qingchuan , Jin Songtao , Hu Xujun , Liang Wenqing
Published: September 2021

Background:

Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol extracted from traditional Chinese herbs, including oregano
and thyme. Currently, carvacrol has been widely studied for its therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases,
liver diseases and digestive system cancer.

Objective:

However, the role of carvacrol in osteosarcoma and its underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive.
Here, we aimed to examine the anticancer effects of carvacrol on osteosarcoma.

Methods:

The effects of carvacrol on the osteosarcoma proliferation capacity were revealed by CCK-8 and colony
formation assays. Flow cytometry and Hoechst assays were used to determine the effects of carvacrol on osteosarcoma
cell apoptosis. The effect of carvacrol on migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells was determined by wound
healing and transwell tests. Protein expression was evaluated by WB assays. The suppressive effects of carvacrol on
osteosarcoma in vivo were examined by a xenograft animal model, immunohistochemistry and HE staining.

Results:

We demonstrated that carvacrol treatment reduced viability and inhibited the colony formation of U2OS and
143B cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Apoptotic cell number increased after exposure to carvacrol. Meanwhile,
the expression of Bax increased, and that of Bcl-2 decreased by carvacrol treatment. In addition, the MMP-9
expression and migration and invasion of 143B and U2OS cells were inhibited by carvacrol. We also found that these
carvacrol-induced effects on osteosarcoma are associated with the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that carvacrol suppresses proliferation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis
in osteosarcoma cells, in part by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Bioactive Heterocyclic Compounds as Potential Therapeutics in the Treatment of Gliomas: A Review
Authors: Hassan Reyaz , Mohi-ud-din Roohi , Dar Mohammad Ovais , Shah Abdul Jalil , Mir Prince Ahad , Shaikh Majeed , Pottoo Faheem Hyder
Published: September 2021

Cancer is one of the most alarming diseases, with an estimation of 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Glioma occurs in glial cells surrounding nerve cells. The majority of the patients with gliomas have a terminal prognosis, and the ailment has significant sway on patients and their families, be it physical, psychological, or economic wellbeing. As Glioma exhibits, both intra and inter tumour heterogeneity with multidrug resistance and current therapies are ineffective. So the development of safer anti gliomas agents is the need of hour. Bioactive heterocyclic compounds, eithernatural or synthetic,are of potential interest since they have been active against different targets with a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer activities. In addition, they can cross the biological barriers and thus interfere with various signalling pathways to induce cancer cell death. All these advantages make bioactive natural compounds prospective candidates in the management of glioma. In this review, we assessed various bioactive heterocyclic compounds, such as jaceosidin, hispudlin, luteolin, silibinin, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, didemnin B, thymoquinone, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cucurbitacins for their potential anti-glioma activity. Also, different kinds of chemical reactions to obtain various heterocyclic derivatives, e.g. indole, indazole, benzimidazole, benzoquinone, quinoline, quinazoline, pyrimidine, and triazine, are listed.
Glimpse into the Cellular Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking of Lipid-
Based Nanoparticles in Cancer Cells
Authors: Dehghan Gholamreza , Baradaran Behzad , Kazemi Elham Kamal , Abedi-Gaballu Fereydoon , Mohammad Hosseini Tala Farid , Mohammadi Ali , Mansoori Behzad , Sheibani Nader
Published: September 2021

:

Lipid-based nanoparticles, as drug delivery carriers, are commonly used for the delivery of anti-cancer
therapeutic agents. Due to their smaller particle size and similarity to cell membranes, Lipid-based nanoparticles are
readily internalized into cancer cells. Cancer cells also overexpress receptors for specific ligands, including folic acid,
hyaluronic acid, and transferrin, on their surface, thus, allowing the use of their ligands for surface modification of the
lipid-based nanoparticles for their specific recognition by receptors on cancer cells. This would also allow the gradual
intracellular accumulation of the targeted functionalized nanoplatforms. These ligand-receptor interactions eventually
enhance the internalization of desired drugs by increasing the nanoplatforms cellular uptake. The cellular internalization
of the nanoplatforms varies and depends on their physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential,
and shape. The cellular uptake is also influenced by the types of ligand internalization pathways utilized by cells,
such as phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, and multiple endocytosis pathways. This review classifies and discusses lipidbased
nanoparticles engineered to carry specific ligands, their recognition by receptors on cancer cells, and their cellular
internalization pathways. Moreover, the intracellular fate of nanoparticles decorated with specific ligands and their
best internalization pathway (caveolae-mediated endocytosis) for safe cargo delivery are also discussed.
Computational Topology and its Applications in Geometric Design
Authors: Lin Hongwei , Dong Zhetong , Chen Jinhao
Published: September 2021

Background:

In recent geometric design, many effective toolkits for geometric modeling
and optimization have been proposed and applied in practical cases, while effective and efficient
designing of shapes that have desirable topological properties remains to be a challenge. The development
of computational topology, especially persistent homology, permits convenient usage of
topological invariants in shape analysis, geometric modeling, and shape optimization. Persistence
diagram, the useful topological summary of persistent homology, provides a stable representation of
multiscale homology invariants in the presence of noise in original data. Recent works show the
wide use of persistent homology tools in geometric design.

Objective:

In this paper, we review the geometric design based on computational topological tools
in three aspects: the extraction of topological features and representations, topology-aware shape
modeling, and topology-based shape optimization.

Methods:

By tracking the development of each aspect and comparing the methods using classical
topological invariants, motivations, and key approaches of important related works based on persistent
homology are clarified.

Results :

We review geometric design through topological extraction, topological design, and shape
optimization based on topology preservation. Related works show the successful applications of
computational topology tools of geometric design.

Conclusion:

Solutions for the proposed core problems will affect the geometric design and its applications.
In the future, the development of computational topology may boost computer-aided topological
design.