bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Content of Math Courses at the Faculty of Education- Sana’a University in light of Quality Standards
Authors: Abdullah Al Haddad Dr. Fawzi
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to examine the availability of quality standards pertinent to mathematical thinking styles, objectivity and creative problem solving in math courses at the Faculty of Education, Sana’a University. To achieve this, the descriptive analytical method was used. Checklists for analyzing the math content were developed and a questionnaire was used to check their validity. The instuments were applied to a smple of four courses of the 3rd and 4th levels. The study results revealed  that the total weights of deductive and inductive mathematical thinking were 69.66% and 30.34% respectively. This percentage covered the quality of thinking styles being comprehensively represented in all the courses as follows: correlational thinking style, the highest type, scored 65.43%; thinking style using symbols scored 20.61%; other styles of mathematical thinking were represented in the content by varied percentages, ranging from 0% to 10.78%. These other styles include reflective, systematic, strategic, critical, accurate and creative thinking styles. The course content lacked creative problem solving questions. Further, the results of the Chi-square test showed statisitically significant differences at 0.01 regarding the quality standards of mathematical thinking, objectivity and creative problem solving. This means that the courses do not achieve the quality standards of developing thinking styles and creative problem solving among student-teachers.
Entrepreneurship Strategies and their Impact on the Success of Business Organization: A Case Study at the University of Science and Technology Hospital, Sana’a
Authors: علي الأشول د. علي حسين , بن عبد الكريم أ. أماني بنت طلال
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to identify entrepreneurship strategies and measure their impact on the success of the University of Science and Technology Hospital, Sana’a. It also aimed to identify the degree to which entrepreneurship strategies are practiced. To achieve the objectives of the study, the analytical descriptive method was used, and the questionnaire was developed for collecting primary data from a stratified random sample of (258) employees of which (240) questionnares were valid for analysis. Based on the data analysis and the hypotheses testing, the study showed that there was a positive impact of entrepreneurship strategies on achieving the success of the University of Science and Technology Hospital, the results also revealed that the level of distinctiveness in the hospital was very high, and the level of innovation, risk, and initiative practicing was high, while creativity was of a medium degree. The level of efficiency and effectiveness of the hospital was also high. The study recommends that the hospital management should continue to adopt leadership strategies in its strategic plans.
Mediating Effect of Organizational Effectiveness in the Relationship between the Professionalism of the Principal of the Early Childhood Education Director and the Teaching Expertise of the Teacher
Authors:   The Association of Korea Counseling Psychology Education Welfare, LEE Hyun-Mi
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to examine the mediating effect of organizational effectivenessbetween the director's expertise and the teacher's instructional expertise. The subjects of thisstudy were 229 national and private kindergarten teachers in 21 kindergartens in 3 cities inGyeongsangbuk-do. As a result of the study, first, the professionalism of the director formed astatic relationship with organizational effectiveness. Second, the director's professionalism had apositive relationship with the teacher's teaching expertise. Third, organizational effectivenessformed a static relationship with class expertise. Fourth, the organizational effectiveness showeda partial mediating effect in the relationship between the professionalism of the principal of theearly childhood education institution and the teaching expertise of the teacher. The results ofthis study are expected to be used as basic data for the necessity to increase theprofessionalism of the director and to find a support plan for the improvement of tissueeffectiveness.
IMPARCIALIDADE DO JUIZ NA REQUISIÇÃO DE ABERTURA DE INQUÉRITOS POLICIAIS
Authors: Soares Neto Horígenes Fontes , Rosa dos Santos Tales
Published: July 2022

O sistema acusatório exige o afastamento suficiente do juiz dos envolvidos e do objeto da causa para promover sua equidistância, conduzindo ao julgamento justo. Apesar disso, o art. 5º, II, do Código de Processo Penal brasileiro (CPP) brasileiro, possibilita a requisição de instauração de inquérito policial pelo juiz, nas hipóteses de crimes submetidos a ação penal pública, o que suscita dúvidas quanto a possível mácula da imparcialidade e inércia do julgador. Sob este prisma, o presente ensaio questiona a legitimidade de o Estado-Juiz determinar que o delegado de polícia inaugure o inquérito policial, na situação apontada. Pauta-se debate acerca da não recepção pela ordem constitucional do dispositivo legal sinalizado, bem como a exegese dos entendimentos doutrinário e jurisprudencial sobre o tema. Para isso, parte-se da aplicação da pesquisa bibliográfica, baseada em textos de estudiosos do processo penal, além da pesquisa documental, qualitativamente aplicada na confrontação das legislações brasileiras e seus princípios para se concluir, ao final, pelo real não recebimento do art. 5º, II, do CPP, pela Constituição Federal.
CONTRATO DE TRABALHO INTERMITENTE: ENTRE A APARÊNCIA E A ESSÊNCIA DO DIREITO
Authors: Salustiano Veronica Chaves , Soares Chaves Karoline
Published: July 2022

Trazido por uma das mais de 200 modificações na CLT, realizadas pela Reforma Trabalhista, após um golpe de Estado, o Contrato Intermitente foi recepcionado na legislação brasileira como modalidade de emprego. As justificativas utilizadas de necessidade de flexibilizar a Lei para gerar mais empregos sem precarizar direitos, merece estudo mais aprofundado. Neste sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho consiste em verificar a partir de diretrizes políticas, econômicas, jurídicas e sociais, se tal modalidade poderá servir ao fim que está disposto na justificativa ou se existem outros motivos que não são aparentes mas estão contidos na essência da proposta, tendo em vista o caráter do Direito na sociedade capitalista. Para isso, buscou-se identificar as categorias Trabalho, Estado e Direito e como se relacionam. A partir disso, verificar a relação entre essas categorias, a Reforma Trabalhista e o Golpe de Estado ocorridos no Brasil a partir de 2016, para, então, compreender, para além da letra da Lei, o que o Contrato Intermitente pode significar para brasileiras e brasileiros, além de sua aparência, buscando a aproximação à essência. Por meio dos estudos empreendidos, foi possível aferir que ele cumpre uma função ideológica para embasar a Reforma Trabalhista mediante falsas justificativas, podendo mascarar dados da realidade para justificar a essência da alteração proposta, que é atender à mudança de política econômica feita após o golpe justificada em maximizar os lucros dos empregadores sobre a diminuição de custo com a força de trabalho por meio da precarização de direitos.
A ANTROPOMORFIZAÇÃO DOS ANIMAIS DOMÉSTICOS E O REGISTRO DE “NASCIMENTO” E GUARDA EM CARTÓRIO COMO (MAIS) UMA EXPRESSÃO DA FAMÍLIA MULTIESPÉCIE
Authors: Hegele Bolson Simone , Hegele Bolson Solano
Published: July 2022

O fenômeno da antropomorfização dos animais domésticos é uma realidade hodierna e são várias suas manifestações, desde a opção por alimentação vegana, passando pela escolha do “guarda-roupa e vestuário”, a medicalização de doenças, até o registro dos pets no cartório do Registro de Títulos e Documentos. Essa “humanização” ou o ato de conferir aos pets características e sentimentos humanos se acentuou nas últimas décadas por razões ligadas à própria subjetividade dos tutores, à mudança de paradigma em relação aos animais – de coisa, propriedade ao afeto - e à constituição de um novo tipo de família. O presente artigo defende que a antropomorfização, não obstante os seus excessos, é própria da sociedade humana pós-moderna e contribui para que se estabeleça a família multiespécie, considerando-se uma concepção de antropocentrismo “alargado” em relação aos animais não humanos. No campo jurídico civil-registral, a possibilidade do registro dos animais domésticos em documento realizado junto ao Registro de Títulos de Documentos reconhece expressamente a família multiespécie, o que se constitui em inegável avanço jurídico. O PetLegal, lançado em agosto de 2017, é um procedimento extrajudicial que serviu de modelo ao Registro de Títulos e Documentos, em que há a emissão de uma “certidão de nascimento e guarda” para os animais domésticos, na qual constarão os dados de identificação do animal e que servirá em eventual busca de animais perdidos ou roubados ou como prova em processos judiciais pela guarda do pet.  Trata-se de um meio de prova legal dos direitos dos tutores e, junto com a recente Lei 14.064/20, estabelece maior proteção aos animais no direito brasileiro, enquanto não se reconhece - caminho irreversível – a personalidade jurídica aos animais.
A EXPANSÃO DA JUSTIÇA NEGOCIAL E OS ACORDOS PENAIS
Authors: Andrade da silva Leticia , De Souza Preussler Gustavo
Published: July 2022

O consenso no âmbito criminal é uma temática que está em foco desde a resolução número 181 do CNMP, que dispôs sobre o instituto do acordo de não persecução penal, que posteriormente foi revogada. O pacote anticrime regulamentou o acordo de não persecução penal e a colaboração premiada e incentivou as discussões sobre o tema. Não fosse o bastante, verifica-se que os espaços de consenso estão em expansão, o que se percebe diante das propostas legislativas número 8045/2010 e 236/2012, que dentre várias alterações no Código no Penal e Processo Penal, visam a inserção de acordos penais que objetivam a aplicação da pena sem o devido processo legal. Diante desse quadro, o presente trabalho busca por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se de pesquisa bibliográfica de caráter exploratório, por meio dos métodos hipotético dedutivo e descritivo, analisar os espaços de consenso existentes no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro a partir da Lei número 9.099/95 e suas propostas de expansão. Conclui-se que tais acordos, do modo que estão propostos, ferem garantias fundamentais, sendo necessário para uma possível adoção, a reformulação da sistemática processual.
Description of Methylomonas Aquatica Sp. Nov., Isolated from a Tropical Indian Rice Rhizosphere
Authors: Rahalkar Monali
Published: July 2022

An aerobic methanotroph, strain Kb3T, was isolated from a rhizospheric soil sample collected from a tropical Indian rice field. The cells were motile, Gram-negative bacilli, formed pink colonies and pink turbid/pellicles in the liquid medium. Biochemical characteristics showed that strain Kb3T utilised only methane and methanol as its sole carbon and energy sources. The isolate's 16S rRNA gene sequence expressed 99.52% similarity to the recently described valid species Methylomonas fluvii EbB (Mmf), with 92% query cover. But examining the genome similarity between Kb3 and EbB, a DDH value of 44.20% [41.6 - 46.7%] and an Ortho-ANI value of 91.48 was observed that were below the current cut-off values for species differentiation. Also, the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and the phylogenomic analysis branched the two species separately. The major fatty acid in Methylomonas sp. Kb3 was C14:0, followed by C16:1 ω5c. The genome sequence revealed the size of strain Kb3 is 5.1 Mb, with the G + C content of 51.8%. Strain Kb3T shared the closest relatedness with Methylomonas sp. LW13 reveals a 99.66% 16S rRNA gene similarity, an Ortho-ANI value of 97.9%, a DDH value of 87.3%, and a close branching in the phylogenomic tree Kb3 and LW13 together form a new species. The genomic and phylogenetic distinction between species Mmf and strain Kb3 supports Kb3T to be described as a novel species within the genus Methylomonas, with the proposed name, Methylomonas aquatica sp. nov. (Mma) and the type strain being Kb3T (=MCC 4012, =JCM 33634, =KCTC 72521).
A Solvable Algebra for Massless Fermions
Authors: Groote Stefan , Saar Rein
Published: July 2022

We derive the stabiliser group of the four-vector, also known as Wigner’s little group, in case of massless particle states, as the maximal solvable subgroup of the proper orthochronous Lorentz group of dimension four, known as the Borel subgroup. In the absence of mass, particle states are disentangled into left and right handed chiral states, governed by the maximal solvable subgroups sol2± of order two. Induced Lorentz transformations are constructed and applied to general representations of particle states. Finally, it is argued how the spin-flip contribution is closely related to the occurrence of nonphysical spin operators.
Vorticity and Micro-Rotation in Micropolar Flows
Authors: Zingano Paulo , Niche César , Perusato Cilon , Melo Wilberclay , Guterres Robert
Published: July 2022

In this work the close relation between vorticity and micro-rotation in micropolar flows in Rn (n = 2 or 3) is identified and used to explain the faster decay by t^(-1/2) of the angular velocity of the micro-rotation of fluid particles, as well as establishing its optimality. For this purpose important upper and lower bounds for Leray solutions in homogeneous Sobolev spaces are derived, using the monotonicity approach recently introduced by the authors for dissipative systems in general. Several related results of interest are also given along the discussion.
Mitigating Water Production from High Viscosity Oil Wells in Unconsolidated Sandstone Formations
Authors: Al-Rashidi Hamad , Hussein Mahmoud Reda , Erhamah Abdulaziz , Malik Satinder , AL-Hajri Abdulrahman , Salehi Nazanine , Omonte Rossi German , Zaitoun Alain , Almeida Dwane
Published: July 2022

Large reserves of high-viscous oil in Kuwait call for improved oil recovery scenarios. In Kuwaiti unconsolidated sandstone formations, the sandstone intervals represent extensive reservoir intervals of sand separated by laterally extensive nonreservoir intervals that comprise finer-grained argillaceous sands, silts, and muds. The reservoir is shallow with high permeability (above 1,000 md) and under bottom aquifer pressure support. Due to strong viscosity contrast between oil and water, after breakthrough, the water cut rises quickly, resulting in strong loss of production efficiency. Mitigating water production is thus mandatory to improve production conditions.

The candidate wells have two to three open intervals in different rock facies with comingle production. The total perforated length is between 38 and 48 ft. Production is through progressing cavity pumps (PCP) at a rate of around 300 B/D, and basic sediment and water is between 71 and 87%.

The technology applied utilizes pregelled size-controlled product [small microgels (SMG Microgels)] having relative permeability modification (RPM) properties; that is, inducing a strong drop of relative permeability to water without affecting oil relative permeability. The size is chosen to selectively treat the high-permeability water producing zones while preserving the lower-permeability oil zones. The chemical can also withstand downhole harsh conditions such as salinity of around 170,000 ppm and presence of 2% H2S.

The treatment consisted of bullhead injection of 300 bbl of pregelled chemical through-tubing. The first results seem very favorable, since for two wells, the water cut has dropped from 80 to 40% with almost same gross production rate. The incremental oil is more than 100 BOPD. The third well did not show marked change after water system operation (WSO) treatment. The wells are under continuous monitoring to assess long-term performance.

Such result, if confirmed, may lead to high possibilities for the improvement of heavy oil reservoir production under aquifer support by mitigating water production with simple chemical bullhead injection.
A target engagement assay to assess uptake, potency and retention of antibiotics in living bacteria
Authors: Fanti Rebeka , Vasconcelos Stanley , Catta-Preta Carolina , Sullivan Jaryd , Riboldi Gustavo , Reis Caio dos , Ramos Priscila , Edwards Aled M. , Behr Marcel , Couñago Rafael M.
Published: July 2022

New antibiotics are urgently needed to counter the emergence of antimicrobial resistant pathogenic bacteria. A major challenge in antibiotics drug discovery is to turn potent biochemical inhibitors of essential bacterial components into effective antimicrobials. This difficulty is underpinned by a lack of methods to investigate the physicochemical properties needed for candidate antibiotics to permeate the bacterial cell envelope and avoid clearance by the action of bacterial efflux pumps. To address these issues, here we used a target engagement assay to measure the equilibrium and kinetics binding parameters of antibiotics targeting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in live bacteria. We also used this assay to identify novel DHFR ligands having antimicrobial activity from a library of compounds. We validated this approach using the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and the emerging human pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus. We expect the use of target engagement assays in bacteria to expedite the discovery and progression of novel, cell-permeable antibiotics with on-target activity.
Effect of sevoflurane on serum CK-MB levels after percutaneous coronary stent placement: prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rossi Ronaldo , Nigro Caetano , Braga Sergio Luis Navarro , Sousa Amanda , Feres Fausto , Costa Jose de Ribamar
Published: July 2022

Background: Markers of myocardial injury, such as creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB mass), are elevated in up to 30% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent deployment. This elevation represents myocardial injury that can impact the patient in the long term, including the risk of death. Sevoflurane, an inhaled anesthetic, may have cardioprotective properties, benefiting patients undergoing PCI.Methods: Randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling patients with CAD eligible for PCI. The primary objective was to compare serum CK-MB mass raise in both groups. Additionally, we compared substantial elevations in CK-MB mass (defined as > 5x the upper limit of normal), length of stay in the ICU and in hospital, and one-year mortality.Results: 1,254 patients were randomized to receive sevoflurane (2% inspired fraction) or placebo (oxygen alone) for 30 minutes prior to PCI. Patients having experienced acute MI within 72h and those with stents in SVG were excluded. Sevoflurane was unable to promote cardioprotection, as determined by CK-MB mass levels (sevoflurane group: 2.52 ± 9.64; control group: 1.84 ± 8.58; p = 0.32). No effect was noticed on the reduction among patients who increase marker levels (prevalence of increase in CK-MB mass greater than the upper limit of normality = 30.8% in the sevoflurane group and 28.9% in the control group; p = 0.33; 4.6% vs. 3.1%, respectively, for increases 5x above the upper limit of normality [p = 0.21]).Conclusion: Sevoflurane failed to reduce myocardial injury after PCI. Therefore, its usage should not be routinely recommended.
Is contralateral femoral neck-shaft angle predictive of timing of subsequent hip fracture?
Authors: Wahab Ezanul Harriz Abd , Downey Colum , Lawlor Sophie , O'Kelly Patrick , Shortt Conor , Quinlan John
Published: July 2022

IntroductionIn 2019, research showed that in the six acute adult Dublin hospitals, 1 in 11 patients with fragility hip fracture sustained a second contralateral hip fracture. These have implications of additional patient morbidity and cost to the health service. Relationship of the contralateral femoral neck-shaft angle (NSA) and timing to the second hip fracture have not been established previously. Our study aimed to establish the relationship of the contralateral femur NSA in patient who already sustained a fragility hip fracture and determine if we could predict the timing of the second hip fracture.MethodsA 7 year single institution retrospective cohort study of patients that presented with second fragility hip fracture from 2013-2019 were reviewed. Exclusion criteria are patients who were aged less than 60 years old, high energy injuries, or had a peri-prosthetic fractures. Plain films anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs were reviewed on the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) McKessons. NSA of the contralateral hip prior to second hip fracture were measured with a standardized method with the TraumaCAD software. Correlation analysis performed with Stata SE statistical software.Results and discussionContralateral NSA is not statistically significant in predicting the timing to second hip fracture. Causes of fragility hip fracture and subsequent second hip fracture are multifactorial and multidisciplinary approach such as fracture liaison services are essential to improve the prevention and treatment of such injuries.
XRD, structural, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of ZnO nanoparticles incorporated with Cr as a promising material for different applications
Authors: Moussa Nasser , Ebrahim F.M. , Adly Karam , Hassaan M.Y
Published: July 2022

This work was suggested to study the impact of Cr ions doping on the structural, optical, electrical and magnetic behavior of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The Zn1-xCrxO (with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.14 wt. %) samples were fabricated by the co-precipitation technique. The obtained samples were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, (FTIR) spectroscopy and UV-vis spectrophotometer. XRD patterns showed the presence of wurtzite (hexagonal) crystal structure with secondary phase formation in all doped samples. Lattice parameter (a) decreased and grain size decreased with increasing Cr concentration. The FTIR spectroscopy spectra showed the existence of chromium ions in the structure of ZnO nanoparticles. UV-vis spectra showed a red shift in the centers of the absorption bands. The energy band gab was found to be increased from 3.84 to 4.02 eV with increasing Cr content. The dielectric parameters such as, dielectric constant (ϵ') and dielectric loss (tan δ), were investigated as a function of frequency and Cr doping content. The results showed increasing values of ϵ' at lower frequency especially with high Cr doping content, whereas tan δ gives a higher value for the blank sample at a lower frequency and decreased as the doping of Cr concentration increased. The ac conductivity (σac) for Cr doping samples showed increasing values, especially the sample of 0.14 wt. % Cr concentration. In addition, the Cr doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibited a ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature. All the results obtained from the different techniques were considered promising for different applications.
Epidemiology of interstitial lung disease in patients with metastatic breast cancer at baseline and after treatment with HER2-directed therapy: a real-world data analysis
Authors: Law Jeanna Wallenta , Campbell Alicyn , Weller Colin , Johanson Colden , Broome Ronda , Piault Elisabeth , Izano Monika , Schrag Andrew , Tran Mary , Brown Thomas D. , Kaplan Henry G.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Using real-world data, interstitial lung disease (ILD) prevalence before and after HER2-directed therapy was estimated. Potential ILD risk factors in patients receiving HER2-directed therapy for metastatic breast cancer (mBC) were evaluated. Methods: Adults with HER2-directed therapy for mBC initiated between September 25, 1998 and February 22, 2020 were included. ILD was defined broadly as one or more of 64 lung conditions. Patients were followed until incident ILD, death, last contact, or study end. Results: 533 patients were identified with median age at mBC of 57, 51% had de novo mBC, 43% ever smokers, 30% had lung metastases, 9% thoracic radiation, 6% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 16% had prevalent ILD. ILD cumulative incidence at one year was 9% (95% CI: 6%, 12%), with a median follow-up of 23 months. Smoking (HR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.8) and Black/African-American race (HR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6, 7.5) were significantly associated with ILD; HRs for pre-existing lung conditions (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 0.9, 3.8) and thoracic radiation (HR = 2.3, 95% CI: 0.8, 7.1) were not statistically significant. Prevalent ILD was associated with 13-fold greater occurrence of incident ILD. 85% of patients with prevalent or incident ILD were symptomatic. Conclusions: This real world population of patients with mBC had a high prevalence of ILD prior to HER2 directed therapy, reflecting the multifactorial causation of interstitial lung changes. The cumulative incidence of ILD in patients receiving HER2 directed therapy for mBC augment prior reports. Symptomatic presentation suggests an opportunity for early intervention.
Multidrug Resistant Escherichia Coli Isolates Expresses Several Virulence Genes in Poultry Samples From Jos, Nigeria.
Authors: Agusi Ebere Roseann , Kabantiyok D , Mkpuma Nicodemus , Atai Rebecca Bitiyong , Okongwu-Ejike Chidinma , Bakare Ebun Lydia , Budaye James , Sule Kabiru Garba , Rindaps Rindah Joy , James Gyallak Kingsley , Audu Benshak. J. , Agada Godwin , Meseko Clement. A.
Published: July 2022

The phenomenon of bacteria resistance to three or more antibiotic classes has been defined as multidrug resistance (MDR). Antimicrobial resistance is increasingly becoming a global health problem. The aim of this study was to report MDR Escherichia coli prevalence, resistant and virulence genes from poultry in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Out of 179 cloacal swabs collected from both local and exotic breeds, 99.44% (178/179) were positives for Escherichia coli. Of 178 samples identified culturally 99.44% (177/178) were confirmed to be positive for Escherichia coli with molecular weight of 401 bp. PCR assay also confirmed the presence of genes associated with resistance to TetA, Sul1, AmpC and GyrA. 81.92% (145/177) of the isolates were resistant to Tetracycline, 80.22% (142/177) to Quinolone, 69.50% (123/177) to Sulphanomide and 66.10% (117/177) to Ampicillin. 18 isolates that showed resistance for up to four different antibiotics were further analysed by Multiplex PCR to detect Eae, HlyA, RfbE, FliC and Stx2 virulence genes. 44.4% (15/18) of the isolates were positive for Eae gene, 27.7% (5/18) for Stx2, 22.20% (4/18) for Rfbe gene, 5.5% (1) for Hlya gene, and none for FliC gene. Our results showed high antibiotic resistance, virulent genes and significant levels of MDR in Escherichia coli from poultry. This study underscores the need for antimicrobial stewardship in poultry because of its implication for food safety and health. This is important because poultry farmers form a significant group of small holder farmers in Nigeria.
Fecal microbiota transplantation combined with prebiotics ameliorates ulcerative colitis in mice
Authors: Qian Xueyi , Jiang Hua , Wu Yao , Shao Min Hui , He Jie Wei , Bao Xin , He Jun Lian , Jia Liang Yu , Xu Yu Zhen
Published: July 2022

Background: The therapeutic effects and mechanisms underlying fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) are unclear. Prebiotics may regulate intestinal flora in UC. Thus, this study investigated the effects of combined FMT and prebiotic blends for the treatment of UC in a mouse model.Methods: Dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce UC in mice. Mice were treated with FMT alone or combined with various ratios of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). Treatment effects were evaluated by assessing Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores and colonic tissue stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Intestinal flora and inflammation-related factors were investigated in feces or peripheral blood by 16S rRNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Protein or mRNA expression levels of free fatty acid receptor 3 (FFAR3) and ZO-1, a tight junction protein, in colonic tissue were detected by PCR, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence. Results: Compared with FMT treatment alone, FMT combined with GOS:FOS (9:1) significantly reversed body weight loss, decreased DAI scores, and ameliorated indications of UC. This combined treatment also increased intestinal levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and promoted short-chain fatty acid metabolism, with increased expression of acetic acid, butyric acid, FFAR3 mRNA, and ZO-1 protein.Conclusions: Treatment with FMT plus a prebiotic blend ameliorated UC in a mouse model, restoring the structure of the intestinal flora and increasing the levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, FFAR3, and ZO-1. These findings provide evidence that clinical studies are warranted assessing FMT plus prebiotic blends for treatment of patients with UC.
Land fill leachates a new threat to water quality: A case study from Temperate Himalayas
Authors: Islam Shayesta , Bano Haleema , Bhat Javeed Iqbal Ahmad , Aziz Malik Asif , Islam Shahid ul , Nazir Nageena , Ali Tahir , Wani Owais Ali
Published: July 2022

Landfills are regarded most cost effective and accomplishable operation for managing waste in numerous parts of the world. Inspite of many merits, it gives rise to remarkable menace to different domains of the environment owing to the existence of noxious inanimate and animate components in the leachate and imperfectly evolved solid refuse handling techniques. Water is indispensable for bolstering existence, growth, and the environment and is one of the fundamental indicator of fiscal expansion and communal opulence of a country. Percolation of noxious substances from unscientific dumpsites is among the main environmental consequences of these landfills in majority of the progressing countries like India. Leachate serves as a prominent point source of contamination in many environmental media like soil, ground water and surface water around the world. So the prime issues humans are experiencing are associated with water quality. Thus the investigation was accomplished to investigate the impact of leachate from Achan landfill on surface water quality in Temperate Himalayas. Monitoring was done during all the four seasons viz, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Leachate outflow site was found to have highest mean value of pH (8.4), EC (4.50), total Nitrogen (3.55), P (5.78),K (1.90), Ca (114.40), Mg (60.35), Fe (2.25), Cu (0.84), Mn (1.03), BOD (29.32), COD (95.68), temperature (20.23), NTU (19.70) during summer season, while as lowest mean values of EC (0.12), total Nitrogen (0.79), P (2.19),K (0.25), Ca (43.06), Mg (21.83), Fe (0.67), Cu (0.25), Mn (0.30), BOD (6.08), COD (24.55), temperature (3.56), NTU (1.78) were recorded at control site during winter season. From the study we concluded that a decreasing trend was observed during all the seasons in the concentration of all physico chemical paramaters with increase in distance from landfill. So it is recommended that the leachate should be treated at source before disposing into the water body and landfill should be lined properly to prevent the entry of leachate into water sources.
Sjogren Syndrome Presenting as Edema and Extensive Pleural Effusion: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Zhang Chen-xing , Yin Lei , Mao You-ying , Zhou Zheng-yu , Shen Jia-yao , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2022

Background: To describe a case of pediatric Sjogren syndrome (SS) which initially presented as edema and extensive pleural effusion without sicca symptoms. Case presentation: A 16-year-old female presented to the pediatric nephrology clinic with complaint of bilateral eyelid swelling for approximately 2 months. The laboratory examinations and labial glands biopsy were consistent with SS, for which she was started on a oral prednisone regimen. Despite initial improvement, she re-presented with significantly worsened eyelid swelling and edema of the lower limbs. Abdomen distention and shifting dullness was palpable at this time. Thoracentesis was performed and analysis of hydrothorax indicated exudates. The patient also developed neurological disorder manifesting as static tremor in the course. Intravenous methylprednisolone and immunosuppression therapy was initiated. Reduction of hydrothorax and alleviation of anasarca was observed. She was able to wean off prednisone 7 months later and still remains on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) therapy after 31 months post diagnosis. Her illness remained stable without any symptoms until now.Conclusions: Sjogren syndrome in the pediatric population may present in diverse ways in the absence of sicca symptoms. We report a case of pediatric SS, presenting with edema and extensive pleural effusion without sicca symptoms, which was successfully treated with immunosuppression. Given the wide spectrum manifestations upon disease onset, it is of great significance to improve our understanding and awareness of this presumably under-diagnosed disease.
Elucidation of epigenetic action mechanisms of Strip2 involved in differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sriniva Sureshkumar Perumal , Nemade Harshal , Cherianidou Anna , Cruz-Molina Sara , Rada-Iglesias Alvaro , Sachinidis Agapios
Published: July 2022

There is significant evidence that Strip2 is a key regulator of the differentiation processes of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. However, the epigenetic role of Strip2 in lineage differentiation is quite unknown. In the present study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanisms involved in Strip2-induced differentiation processes using, Chip-seq, promoter assay, Co-IP and global proteomics. Here, we identified protein-protein interactions of Strip2 with the co-repressor proteins of the NuRD/Trim28/HDACs/SETDB1 histone methyltransferase complex which is involved in regulation of the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. The complex is normally activated by binding of Krueppel-associated box (KRAB) zinc finger proteins (KRAB Zfps) to specific DNA motifs thereby causing methylation of H3 to Lysin-9 residues (H3K9). Notably, our Chip-seq data showed that Strip2 binds to a similar gene motif (20 base pairs) like the KRAB Zfps). We further prove that Strip2 is an epigenetic modifier of the NuRD/Trim28/HDACs/SETDB1 histone methyltransferase complex thereby regulating the differentiation of the pluripotent stem cells.
DNA methylation changes and increased mRNA expression of coagulation proteins, Factor V and Thrombomodulin in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Westin Ida Maria , Landfors Mattias , Giannopoulos Antonios , Viberg Andreas , Osterman Pia , Byström Berit , Degerman Sofie , Golovleva Irina
Published: July 2022

Late-onset Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a disease affecting the corneal endothelium (CE) associated with a cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat expansion at the CTG18.1 locus in the transcription factor 4 ( TCF4 ) gene. It is unknown if CTG18.1 expansions affect global methylation including TCF4 gene in CE, or if global CE methylation changes at advanced age. Using genome-wide DNA methylation array, we investigated methylation in CE from FECD patients with CTG18.1 expansions and studied if the methylation in healthy CE is age dependent. The most significant DNA methylation findings were analyzed by gene expression and protein analysis.
3488 CpGs had significantly altered methylation pattern in FECD though no significant changes were found in TCF4 . The most hypermethylated site was in promoter of aquaporin 1 ( AQP1 ) gene, and the most hypomethylated site was in promoter of coagulation factor V ( F5 ). In FECD, AQP1 mRNA expression was variable while F5 gene expression showed a ~23-fold increase. FV protein was present in both healthy and affected CE. Further gene expression analysis of coagulation factors interacting with FV revealed a ~34-fold increase of thrombomodulin ( THBD ). THBD protein was detected only in CE from FECD patients. Additionally, we observed an age-dependent hypomethylation in elderly healthy CE.
Thus, tissue-specific genome-wide and gene-specific methylation changes associated with altered gene expression were discovered in FECD. An age-associated hypomethylation was observed in healthy elderly CE, that could contribute to FECD’ late onset. TCF4 pathological methylation in FECD because of CTG18.1 expansion was ruled out.
On secrecy performance analysis of multi-antenna STAR-RIS-assisted downlink NOMA systems
Authors: Xu Shu , Liu Chen , Wang Hong , Qian Mu jun , Li Jin
Published: July 2022

To accommodate the stringent requirements of enhanced coverage quality and improved spectral efficiency, simultaneous transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS)-aided communication has been perceived as an interesting research topic. This paper investigates a downlink STAR-RIS-aided non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system, where a STAR-RIS is deployed to enhance the transmission qualities between users and a multiple-antenna base station (BS).
The considered STAR-RIS utilizes the energy splitting (ES) protocol to serve a pair of NOMA users located on both sides of STAR-RIS. Based on ES protocol, each reconfigurable element can operate in the modes of transmission and reflection simultaneously. In an effort to characterize the secrecy performance, we first derive the closed-form expressions of secrecy outage probability (SOP) for STAR-RIS-aided NOMA system. Then, the asymptotic performance of the derived SOP is analyzed.
For gleaning further insights, secrecy diversity order (SDO) is derived according to the asymptotic approximation in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and main-to-eavesdropper ratio (MER) regimes. As a further advance, the system parameters are optimized to minimize the SOP of the system. Our analytical results demonstrate that the multiple-antenna BS has almost no impact on SDO for STAR-RIS-aided NOMA system. In simulations, it is demonstrated that the theoretical results match with the simulation results very vell and the SOP of STAR-RIS-aided NOMA is less than that of conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) system obviously.
Study on the Relationship between Genetic Polymorphism of Reductive Folic Acid Carrier and the Risk of Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Yang Xusen , fan guofeng , Wang Zengliang , Li Shaoshan , Qin Hu , Wang Yun , Ma Xiaohu , Ji Wenyu , Wang Yongxin
Published: July 2022

Background
To investigate the association of folate metabolism gene polymorphism with neural tube defects (NTDs) in Chinese population.
Methods
The subjects were divided into two groups, 495 children with NTDs (NTDs group) and 255 healthy children (control group).
Results
The levels of folic acid, s-adenosine methionine (SAM) and Sam/s-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) in NTDs group were lower than those in control group. There were significant differences in hey, SAH and Sam levels between two groups, but there was no significant difference in folic acid content. High fever in early pregnancy, taking antiepileptic drugs, father's exposure to organic solvents, folic acid deficiency and mother's diabetes were the important risk factors in NTDs. MTHFR 677C > T gene was a risk factor for NTD in children, while 1298A > C gene was a protective factor.
Conclusion
Folic acid metabolism markers were different in NTDs children and their mothers, and the overall trend showed that folate, SAM and SAM/SAH levels were decreased, while Hcy and SAH levels were increased; MTHFR 677C > T gene of SNPs was a risk factor for the occurrence of NTDs, and MTHFR 1298A > C gene was a protective factor, and the environmental risk factor had a synergistic effect on occurrence of NTDs.
A hybrid averaging and harmonic balance method for weakly nonlinear asymmetric resonators
Authors: Shaw Steven W. , Rosenberg Sahar , Shoshani Oriel
Published: July 2022

Models for nonlinear vibrations commonly employ polynomial terms that arise from series expansions about an equilibrium point. The analysis of symmetric systems with cubic terms is very common, and the inclusion of asymmetric quadratic terms is known to modify the effective cubic nonlinearity in weakly nonlinear systems. The net effect is a monotonic dependence of the vibration frequency on the amplitude squared in both cases. However, in many applications, such a monotonic dependence is not observed, necessitating the use of techniques for strongly nonlinear systems or the inclusion of higher-order terms in a weakly nonlinear formulation. In either case, the analysis involves very tedious and/or numerical approaches for determining the system response. In the present work, we propose a method that is a hybrid of the methods of averaging and harmonic balance, which provides, with relatively straightforward calculations, good approximations for the amplitude-frequency dependence and for the steady-state response of damped, driven vibrations, including information about overtone harmonics and stability. The method is described, and general results are obtained for an asymmetric system with up to quintic nonlinear terms. The results are applied to a numerical example and validated using simulations. This approach will be useful for analyzing various systems with higher-order polynomial nonlinearities.
Efficient and Tunable Enhancement of NLO Performance for Indaceno Based Donor Moiety in A-π-D-π-D-π-A Type First DSSC Design by End Capped Acceptors
Authors: Hassan Abrar U. , Sumrra Sajjad H. , Mustafa Ghulam , Nazar Muhammad F. , Zafar Muhammad N.
Published: July 2022

Using 2,2'-((4-heptyl-4,9,9-trihexyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis(methanylylidene)bis(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-1-yl-2-ylidene)dimalononitrile (IDIC) as a starting point, a series of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) related dyes (IDIC-R1-IDIC-R9) are designed by varying the end capped fluorinated (1-oxo-1H-inden-3-yl)propanedinitrile moieties (A1-A6). At the M06 level, DFT and TD-DFT based features, including the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, were created to investigate NLO responses to acceptor modification. For IDIC to IDIC-R a significant reduction of band gap (2.01 eV) was observed all the dyes (IDIC-R1-IDIC-R9) had further reduced band gaps to range between 0.11–2.42. Only IDIC-R3 had higher value that the IDIC-R, demonstrating smaller and bigger levels for and softness properties, and was linked to global reactivity data. Their first ionization potential ranged between the 2.65–7.21 eV to imply that the dyes have strong tendency to lose electrons. The λmax of the dyes ranged between 479–498 nm which were slightly redshifted from the IDIC (476 nm) and IDIC-R (479 nm). NBO analysis showed the S63LP→C61-C62π* with highest stabilization energy of 30.11 kcal/mol. Their electron injection analysis showed that these dyes can be a good anode material against the aluminum and gold electrodes with HIE values range of 6.87–11.49 eV. The intra electronic charge transferring (ICT) process and stability of the title dyes pounds were investigated using frontier molecular orbital (FMO) and natural bond orbital (NBO) research, respectively. For all produced dyes, IDIC-R8 has the highest linear polarizability, and second order hyperpolarizability (βtotal). All the suggested dyes demonstrated possible NLO properties due to their low charge transfer barriers. Scientists would be able to exploit these NLO properties to identify NLO materials for existing applications.
Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) applied in the manufacture of Master Sample for the automotive industry
Authors: Fischer Lucas Aurélio Stelziner , Foggiatto José Aguiomar , Marcondes Paulo Victor Preste , Lajarin Sérgio Fernando
Published: July 2022

In order to supply auto parts to the automotive industry the companies must meet all Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) requirements. One of the biggest difficulties to obtain the approval of the APQP is in the preparation of the “Master Sample”, which will be used for validation of jigs, production and dimensional control devices. The procedures for manufacturing Master Samples through conventional manufacturing processes are outdated, slow and cost-effective, which goes against the concepts of Industry 4.0. Therefore, this work aims to propose a procedure for Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) that analyzes the feasibility and systematizes the manufacture of Master Sample through Additive Manufacturing (AM). Two model parts were submitted to the procedure, manufactured by AM and validated as Master Samples. In this work, a comparative analysis between the parts produced conventionally and those produced by AM showed that the time and costs in order to obtain the Master Samples using the proposed procedure was significantly shorter. The reduction in time to obtain Master Samples speeds up the evaluation and validation of control devices from suppliers, can speed up the acquisition of APQP documentation and reduce the time in the development of the serial parts by manufacturing process. Furthermore, the use of the proposed DFAM procedure is innovative in the context of the automotive industry, as it suggests a change in the production concept and inserts AM as another option in the manufacturing process and not just as a rapid prototyping tool.
Sensation seeking correlates with increased white and grey matter integrity of structures associated with visuospatial and decision-making processing in healthy adults
Authors: Escelsior Andrea , Inuggi Alberto , Amadeo Maria Bianca , Engel-Yeger Batya , Trabucco Alice , Esposito Davide , Campus Claudio , Pereira Beatriz , Serafini Gianluca , Gori Monica , Amore Mario
Published: July 2022

Background: The ability to process sensory information is an essential adaptive function, and hyper- or hypo-sensitive maladaptive profiles of repones to environmental stimuli generate sensory processing disorders linked to cognitive, affective, and behavioural alterations. The research on neuroradiological correlates of the sensory processing profiles is still in its infancy and is mainly limited to the young-age population or neurodevelopmental disorders. So, the knowledge concerning the impact of the different sensory profiles on the structural and functional characteristics of the typically developed adult brain remains largely obscure. In this framework, this study aims to examine the structural and functional MRI correlates of sensory profiles in a sample of healthy adults. Method: We investigated structural T1, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) correlates of Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire subscales in 57 typical developing subjects (34 females; mean age: 32.7±9.3). Results: Only the AASP sensation seeking subscale provided significant results. Positive and negative correlations emerged with FA and RD in arcuate fasciculus (AF), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), optic radiation (OR), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), corpus callosum (CC), and the dorsal part of the cingulum bundle (dCB). In addition, we found a positive correlation between sensation seeking and grey matter volume in the parahippocampal cortex (PHC), precentral gyrus (PG), inferior temporal gyrus (IFG) and cuneus regions, and with cortical thickness in the IFG and postcentral gyrus (PCG). We did not find any correlation between rs-fMRI parameters and AASP subscales. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest a positive correlation between sensation seeking and higher structural integrity in critical regions mainly involved in visuospatial and decision-making processing. We speculate that the better structural integrity associated with sensation seeking might at least partially reflect a possible neurobiological substrate of this sensory profile, characterized by active research of sensory stimuli and impulsive decision-making tendency. Further studies are needed to investigate the neuroradiological correlates of sensory profiles and their impact on behaviour, cognition, and affectivity in different developmental stages and psychiatric disorders.