bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Kemampuan Karyawan dan Kedisiplinan Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan LPDDesa Adat Kepaon
Authors: Wijayanthi Ida Ayu Trisna , Setiyarti Tettie , Oktaviani Ni Kadek Winda
Published: December 2023

This study aims to determine the Effect of Employee Ability and Discipline on the Performance of LPD Employees in the Kepaon Traditional Village. This research is a quantitative study using the total sampling method or saturated sample because the number of employees is less than 100 employees so that the samples in this study are all 30 employees at the LPD in Kepaon Traditional Village. The data analysis technique in this study used the Multiple Regression technique with the SPSS method. The results of this study indicate that the Employee Capability variable and the Discipline variable have a significant partial effect on the Employee Performance variable at the Kepaon Traditional Village LPD. This is evidenced by the t-count value between the influence of employee abilities on employee performance at the Kepaon Traditional Village LPD and between the effect of work discipline on performance employees at the Kepaon Traditional Village LPD. Likewise the results of the calculation of the F test can be concluded that employee ability and discipline simultaneously have a significant relationship to employee performance at LPD Kepaon Traditional Village.
A simbologia sagrada nas alturas: honra a Trindade e honra a Maria
Authors: Oliveira Maria de Fátima , Santos Jean Carlos Vieira , Silva Sirlene Alves da , Rombauer Hailla Fernanda Ribeiro Ferreira
Published: December 2023

A pesquisa aqui apresentada analisa a romaria em louvor a Santíssima Trindade dos Pireneus, um evento do catolicismo popular que acontece há quase um século na região da Serra dos Pireneus, cerca de 20 quilômetros da cidade de Pirenópolis, Goiás. Aponta a romaria como acontecimento de iniciativa do devoto Christóvam José de Oliveira com a aprovação da Igreja e os acontecimentos que referenciam a festa como legado para a família do criador e para outros devotos. Trata das edificações dos espaços sagrados, suas finalidades e as transformações no percurso da festa. Aborda a importância do Morro dos Pireneus e o mito criador para a instituição da romaria. Destaca a Santíssima Trindade e Nossa Senhora D’Abadia – enquanto santidades homenageadas na Festa dos Pireneus – bem como a história e aquisição das respectivas imagens, objetivando compreender as simbologias relacionadas aos aspectos que envolvem o sagrado manifestado nas elevações que compõem o espaço festivo.
Direitos humanos, diversidade cultural e o Ensino Religioso
Authors: Silvestre Armando Araújo
Published: December 2023

O Ensino Religioso contribui para a discussão sobre a diversidade das manifestações religiosas na escola diante da legislação vigente. A laicidade do Estado indica que ele não é um Estado ateu e que deve garantir a expressão religiosa, sem proselitismo e com respeito aos direitos humanos e às garantias constitucionais. As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCNs) definem um dos objetivos do ensino religioso: proporcionar conhecimentos sobre o direito à liberdade de consciência e de crença, no constante propósito de promoção dos direitos humanos. Problema de pesquisa: entender os direitos humanos não somente como mais um tema, mas a base e o paradigma do ensino religioso: a ser ofertado com a orientação para a formação cidadã, como subsídio pedagógico para o debate mediado pelo educador da disciplina Ensino Religioso, sobre os limites da tolerância e da intolerância. O artigo apresenta um breve panorama da legislação para a disciplina a partir da concepção da laicidade do Estado, no campo educacional, que deve garantir a expressão religiosa, sem proselitismo e com respeito aos direitos humanos em um cenário de diversidade religiosa. Metodologia: revisão documental acerca da legislação nacional no que tange à disciplina Ensino Religioso no país laico em que vivemos.
Event-related modulation of alpha rhythm explains the auditory P300-evoked response in EEG
Authors: Studenova Alina , Forster Carina , Engemann Denis Alexander , Hensch Tilman , Sanders Christian , Mauche Nicole , Hegerl Ulrich , Loffler Markus , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim
Published: December 2023

Evoked responses and oscillations represent two major electrophysiological phenomena in the human brain yet the link between them remains rather obscure. Here we show how most frequently studied EEG signals: the P300-evoked response and alpha oscillations (8–12 Hz) can be linked with the baseline-shift mechanism. This mechanism states that oscillations generate evoked responses if oscillations have a non-zero mean and their amplitude is modulated by the stimulus. Therefore, the following predictions should hold: (1) the temporal evolution of P300 and alpha amplitude is similar, (2) spatial localisations of the P300 and alpha amplitude modulation overlap, (3) oscillations are non-zero mean, (4) P300 and alpha amplitude correlate with cognitive scores in a similar fashion. To validate these predictions, we analysed the data set of elderly participants (N=2230, 60–82 years old), using (a) resting-state EEG recordings to quantify the mean of oscillations, (b) the event-related data, to extract parameters of P300 and alpha rhythm amplitude envelope. We showed that P300 is indeed linked to alpha rhythm, according to all four predictions. Our results provide an unifying view on the interdependency of evoked responses and neuronal oscillations and suggest that P300, at least partly, is generated by the modulation of alpha oscillations.
Comparative analysis of two Caenorhabditis elegans kinesins KLP-6 and UNC-104 reveals a common and distinct activation mechanism in kinesin-3
Authors: Kita Tomoki , Chiba Kyoko , Wang Jiye , Nakagawa Atsushi , Niwa Shinsuke
Published: December 2023

Kinesin-3 is a family of microtubule-dependent motor proteins that transport various cargos within the cell. However, the mechanism underlying kinesin-3 activations remains largely elusive. In this study, we compared the biochemical properties of two
Caenorhabditis elegans
kinesin-3 family proteins, KLP-6 and UNC-104. Both KLP-6 and UNC-104 are predominantly monomeric in solution. As previously shown for UNC-104, non-processive KLP-6 monomer is converted to a processive motor when artificially dimerized. We present evidence that releasing the autoinhibition is sufficient to trigger dimerization of monomeric UNC-104 at nanomolar concentrations, which results in processive movement of UNC-104 on microtubules, although it has long been thought that enrichment in the phospholipid microdomain on cargo vesicles is required for the dimerization and processive movement of UNC-104. In contrast, KLP-6 remains to be a non-processive monomer even when its autoinhibition is unlocked, suggesting a requirement of other factors for full activation. By examining the differences between KLP-6 and UNC-104, we identified a coiled-coil domain called CC2 that is required for the efficient dimerization and processive movement of UNC-104. Our results suggest a common activation mechanism for kinesin-3 family members, while also highlighting their diversification.
ESAT-6 undergoes self-association at phagosomal pH and an ESAT-6-specific nanobody restricts M. tuberculosis growth in macrophages
Authors: Bates Timothy A , Trank-Greene Mila , Nguyenla Xammy , Anastas Aidan , Gurmessa Sintayehu K , Merutka Ilaria R , Dixon Shandee D , Shumate Anthony , Groncki Abigail R , Parson Matthew AH , Ingram Jessica R , Barklis Eric , Burke John E , Shinde Ujwal , Ploegh Hidde L , Tafesse Fikadu G
Published: December 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to survive within macrophages by compromising the integrity of the phagosomal compartment in which it resides. This activity primarily relies on the ESX-1 secretion system, predominantly involving the protein duo ESAT-6 and CFP-10. CFP-10 likely acts as a chaperone, while ESAT-6 likely disrupts phagosomal membrane stability via a largely unknown mechanism. we employ a series of biochemical analyses, protein modeling techniques, and a novel ESAT-6-specific nanobody to gain insight into the ESAT-6’s mode of action. First, we measure the binding kinetics of the tight 1:1 complex formed by ESAT-6 and CFP-10 at neutral pH. Subsequently, we demonstrate a rapid self-association of ESAT-6 into large complexes under acidic conditions, leading to the identification of a stable tetrameric ESAT-6 species. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we pinpoint the most probable interaction interface. Furthermore, we show that cytoplasmic expression of an anti-ESAT-6 nanobody blocks Mtb replication, thereby underlining the pivotal role of ESAT-6 in intracellular survival. Together, these data suggest that ESAT-6 acts by a pH-dependent mechanism to establish two-way communication between the cytoplasm and the Mtb-containing phagosome.
Divergent folding-mediated epistasis among unstable membrane protein variants
Authors: Chamness Laura M , Kuntz Charles P , McKee Andrew G , Penn Wesley D , Hemmerich Christopher M , Rusch Douglas B , Woods Hope , Dyotima  , Meiler Jens , Schlebach Jonathan P
Published: December 2023

Many membrane proteins are prone to misfolding, which compromises their functional expression at the plasma membrane. This is particularly true for the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor GPCRs (GnRHR). We recently demonstrated that evolutionary GnRHR modifications appear to have coincided with adaptive changes in cotranslational folding efficiency. Though protein stability is known to shape evolution, it is unclear how cotranslational folding constraints modulate the synergistic, epistatic interactions between mutations. We therefore compared the pairwise interactions formed by mutations that disrupt the membrane topology (V276T) or tertiary structure (W107A) of GnRHR. Using deep mutational scanning, we evaluated how the plasma membrane expression of these variants is modified by hundreds of secondary mutations. An analysis of 251 mutants in three genetic backgrounds reveals that V276T and W107A form distinct epistatic interactions that depend on both the severity and the mechanism of destabilization. V276T forms predominantly negative epistatic interactions with destabilizing mutations in soluble loops. In contrast, W107A forms positive interactions with mutations in both loops and transmembrane domains that reflect the diminishing impacts of the destabilizing mutations in variants that are already unstable. These findings reveal how epistasis is remodeled by conformational defects in membrane proteins and in unstable proteins more generally.
Análise da variação de eficiência dos Institutos de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia
Authors: Miranda Jéssica Letícia de Souza , Da Costa Narciso Rodrigues , Corrêa Danielle Cristina Gonzaga , Felix Francisco do Nascimento , De Mattos Carlos André Corrêa , Corrêa Alessandro de Castro
Published: December 2023

Este estudo analisou a variação da eficiência dos Institutos da Rede Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia no período de 2014 a 2016. Adotou-se o Modelo DEA-Malmquist com retornos variáveis de escala orientado ao produto por ser capaz de realizar a análise dinâmica da eficiência técnica. Os dados das 38 instituições foram coletados nos relatórios de gestão disponíveis no sítio do Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) e no Ministério de Educação e Cultura (MEC). Como variáveis de insumo foram utilizados os gastos correntes e o número de docente e como variável de produto foi utilizado o número de concluintes. Os cálculos foram realizados na linguagem de programação R. Os resultados sugerem o incremento na eficiência total decorrente da eficiência técnica dos Institutos Federais, todavia, observou-se uma variação negativa no componente tecnológico.
Role of Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Targeting mpb64 Gene in the Diagnosis of Genitourinary Tuberculosis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kumar Deepesh , Pandey Anita , Singh Peetam , Chaturvedi Priyanka
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Genitourinary Tuberculosis (GUTB) remains an important cause of infertility in India. The clinical manifestations of GUTB are non specific, resulting in delayed diagnosis and initiation of Anti Tubercular Treatment (ATT). This delay can lead to various complications such as kidney dysfunction, ureteral strictures, and a shrunken bladder. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic importance of Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the mpb64 gene for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of GUTB. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Subharti Medical College and associated Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital in Meerut, Western Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was conducted over a three-year period, from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 200 genitourinary samples were collected from female patients with clinical suspicion of Tuberculosis (TB) and subjected to direct microscopy, mycobacterial culture by BacT/Alert 3D (Biomerieux, France), and RT-PCR targeting the mpb64 gene (Qiagen). Demographic details were recorded in a predesigned proforma. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The p-value was calculated using the Chi-square test. Results: RT-PCR showed a higher positivity rate of 56 (28.9%) compared to 47 (24.2%) by culture. Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy was the least sensitive, detecting only 7 (3.6%) cases. When comparing the results of RT-PCR with conventional methods, RT-PCR had a sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 91.9%, 99.4%, 85.1%, and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusion: RT-PCR targeting the mpb64 gene is a specific and effective additional test that aids in the early and accurate diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB), including GUTB, compared to conventional methods. Early diagnosis facilitates timely initiation of ATT, leading to better clinical outcomes.
Triple Malignancy: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Kumar Bhavya S , Purushothaman Prakash N , Rajmohan Parvathy , Thambi Sugeeth Mangalapilly , Krishnan Balaji
Published: December 2023

Occurrence of Multiple Primary Malignancies (MPM) in an individual is an uncommon phenomenon. It can occur synchronously or metachronously, and the incidence ranges from 1 to 16%. There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of multiple primaries in patients in the last few years. The diagnosis and treatment of these malignancies pose a clinical challenge as there is no consensus on the optimal management of this condition. It is important to distinguish this condition from the metastasis of an existing malignancy as it can alter the treatment and prognosis of these patients. So far, there have been few case reports published in the literature on triple malignancies, and to the best of authors knowledge, no series have been published yet. Here, authors report a series of three patients (one male and two females) who developed three primary malignancies either synchronously or metachronously. The management of all the patients was decided in a multidisciplinary board based on the stage of each disease and patient tolerance. Two of these patients are alive and on regular follow-up, while one patient was lost to followup during treatment. These cases highlight the importance of evaluating and closely following up patients, as well as considering histopathological examination of lesions in unusual sites of metastasis.
University Student Perspectives Negotiating Positive and Negative Mental Health on Campus
Authors: Moran Robyn , Litwiller Fenton
Published: December 2023

This study explored university students’ perspectives on negotiating and navigating their fluctuating mental health on one specific campus, with particular interest in their experiences of campus-based mental health services. Given the dearth of evidence across paradigms that establishes a concerning prevalence of poor mental health among post-secondary students, this study sought to give voice to students with respect to what changes they felt were most pressing. Seven semi-structured interviews were completed with undergraduate students (second through fourth year) at a mid-sized Canadian institution. Data were analyzed thematically, integrating critical and recovery-oriented social theories. Findings, from the perspective of the students themselves, generated through this process included barriers to help seeking behaviours related to formal services included perceived and actual stigma, lack of confidence in the effectiveness of services, roundabout intake processes, and the perceived need for formal diagnosis as a prerequisite to access. Facilitators to help seeking behaviour related to formal services included quickly developing a positive relationship with a counsellor and access to knowledgeable gatekeepers of mental health services. And finally, informal supports included social support, being meaningfully included and involved in the university environment, recreation, and some forms of substance use.
Effect of the Combination of Stem Bark Extract of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) Benth and Certain Antibiotics against Some Organisms of Medical Importance
Authors: Onele Darlington Ugochukwu , Asuquo Ememobong Gideon , Udobi Chinweizu Ejikeme , Nwosu Chibuzor Nneamaka , Akpanenang Edet Effiong , Ugwoke Esther Chinonye
Published: December 2023

Plant-derived compounds are known to exhibit a direct antibacterial activity and or an indirect activity as antibiotic resistance modifying compounds, and when combined with antibiotics, increased effectiveness may be observed. In this study, effort was directed towards combining the aqueous fraction of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Parkia biglobosa with some antibiotics to observe their combination effects on some organisms of medical importance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract and test antibiotics was determined using the checkerboard assay. Combination studies were carried out to ascertain the activities of the combinations against test organisms using the rate of kill assay and checkerboard assay. Results obtained confirmed interaction between the plant extract and the test antibiotics. It specifically confirmed synergistic interaction between Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Nalidixic acid respectively and the extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Results obtained proved that in the search for alternative ways of combating bacterial infections, combination of plant extract with antibiotics could boost effectiveness and the aqueous fraction of the methanol extract of Parkia biglobosa is a possible candidate for this purpose against two of the tested organisms.
Organic Amendments for Soil Reclamation: A Review
Authors: Bharti Babita , Rana M. K. , Gautam Bharti , Negi Neha , Mohan Jag , Arya Ridhima
Published: December 2023

The principle that presents human activities and forms the basis of sustainable soil management must not negatively impact future generations. The soil can be degraded by human activity, natural events like erosion and other factors. Degraded or disturbed soil sometimes lacks organic matter when compared with neighbouring undisturbed areas. Organic amendments that are produced in huge quantity worldwide and have the potential to be widely used for soil reclamation include animal manure, biosolids, waste from fruit pulp, kitchen trash, paper mills, wood scraps, crop residues, etc. This review article explores the mechanisms through which organic addition alters physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and defines significance of organic amendments in the soil reclamation, with a focus on amendment types and application rates for soil amelioration and biomass production. A large-scale use of organic amendments can speed up the initial reclamation process and produce self-sustaining net production. Though easily decomposable organic additions may have immediate but transient impacts, stable and less decomposable molecules may cause effects that last longer. Organic additions consisting of waste products from the forestry, urban and agricultural sectors are used to achieve land reclamation to attain mutual benefits.
Identification of Weeds in Wheat Crop Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Sachan Harsh , Islam S. N. , Misra Shivadhar , Marwaha Sudeep , Haque Ashraful , Kumar Mukesh , Pal Soumen
Published: December 2023

Wheat as an important cereal crop in India but presence of weeds results in significant damage in addition to insect pest and diseases. Weeds, which are unwanted plants that grow in agricultural crops, compete for essential elements like sunlight and water and are a major threat to food security. Conventional weed recognition approaches are very expensive, time consuming and require manual involvement by specialists. Researchers are actively investigating IT-based methods like computer vision and machine learning for weed identification. While models exist for identifying weeds in various crops, there is currently no specific model exists for weed identification in wheat crop. This paper proposed a mobile-based weed identification model using the ResNet50 deep learning architecture. The dataset used for training and testing the model consists of 1869 images of five prevalent weed species associated with wheat crop. After training, model demonstrated a notable accuracy of 93.25% on the validation dataset.
Determining Factors Influencing Farmers' Selection of Climate Change Adaptation Methods in Rural Gambia: Insights from West Africa
Authors: Ceesay Ebrima K. , Ndiaye Mohamed Ben Omar , Gitteh Alasana
Published: December 2023

This study identifies different methods of adaptation used by farmers to adapt to climate change in the rural Gambia. The methods identified include use of agriculture technology, planting early and late varieties, practicing soil and water conservation, planting other crops varieties, fertilizer, and multiple crops under irrigation. Results from multinomial logistic regression as discrete choice model employed imply that household size, education of the respondents, gender, access to extension service, employment of household head category, access to credit has negative and insignificant impacts on adaptation options in the rural Gambia. The results further revealed that, total household income, drought as a proxy for climate change, and size of the farmland has positive and significant impacts on climate change adaptation options. Moreover, the analysis reveals that access to credit, migration response, drought, income and practicing livestock farming has positive relationship with no adaptation options.
Evaluation of Physico-chemical Characters of Different Genotypes of Karonda (Carissa carandas L.)
Authors: Senger Shachi , Poonam  , Sharma Chandra Kant , Sikarwar Rahul Singh
Published: December 2023

The current study was conducted in 2021–2022 at the Post Graduate Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture, ITM University Gwalior (M.P.). The presents study was entitled to Study onCollection and Evaluation of Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) Genotypes in Gwalior and Etawah Region. In the present study, 20 Karonda genotypes collected from two region viz. Gwalior and Etawah. The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Block Design (CRD) with three replications. The results highlighted that, the genotype GKr9 produced maximum fruit weight (3.96 g), fruit width(18.47 mm). The genotype GKr10, GKr11, GKr12, EKr19 and EKr20 produced highest number of seed per fruit (3.0) and seed weight (0.50 g). However, the genotype EKr14 had maximum total soluble solids (6.17°Brix). However, the genotype EKr19 produced highest TSS: acid ratio (4.95) and ascorbic acid (40.76 mg/100g). The genotype GKr12 and GKr13 had maximum pH of the juice (6.43) and acidity (2.44%). Whereas, the genotype GKr8 had maximum reducing sugar (16.64%) and total sugar (45.20%). Thus, on the basis of present study it may be concluded that the genotype GKr8, GKr9 GKr10, GKr11, GKr12, GKr13, EKr14, EKr19 and EKr20 superior among all the genotypes.
Quality of Drinking Water Points in Ntui (Centre Region, Cameroon) Based on the Abundance Dynamics of Bacteria of the Genus Aeromonas
Authors: Ewoti Olive Vivien Noah Ewoti , Kweyang Blandine Pulchérie Tamatcho , Mboene Rodrigue Mboene , Banock Lucie Leme , Nola Moïse
Published: December 2023

A study to assess the microbiological quality of drinking water in the town of Ntui was carried out from February to July 2022. The microbiological quality was assessed by monitoring the abundance dynamics of bacteria of the genus Aeromonas isolated from surface and ground water. Samples were taken from ten water points. The parameters considered were physicochemical and bacteriological. The samples were taken and analysed using standard methods. These include temperature and pH. Bacteriologically, Heterotrophic Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (HAMB) and bacteria of the genus Aeromonas were isolated on Plate Count Agar and Ampicillin Dextrin Agar culture media using surface spreading techniques respectively.  The data obtained was analysed using appropriate software. The results show that certain physico-chemical parameters such as temperature vary relatively little from one sampling point to another, remaining at around 23.14±2.69°C. There was also a slightly acidic average pH of 6.87 U.C. This acidity is a consequence of the nature of the soils leached by the water. Microbiologically, an average density of 215 CFU/100 ml was recorded for the HAMB. A total of 06 species of opportunistic Aeromonas pathogenic to humans were isolated during the study. These were A. hydrophila, A. salmonicida, A. schubertii, A. jandaei, A. média and A. veronii biovar veronii, with variable mean densities of up to 22 CFU/100ml. The most abundant species was A. veronii biovar veronii (22 CFU/100ml). In short, the presence of these Aeromonas makes the water unfit for human consumption without prior treatment.
Concurrent opioid and alcohol withdrawal management
Authors: Colvard Michelle
Published: December 2023

Concurrent alcohol and opioid withdrawal syndrome is a common and challenging clinical scenario with little published evidence or guidance to inform pharmacotherapy strategies. Concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioid agonists, which are considered first-line agents for management of each withdrawal syndrome independently, is controversial and often avoided in clinical practice. Strategies to provide effective, simultaneous medication treatment of alcohol and opioid withdrawal while optimizing patient safety are demonstrated through 3 patient cases.
ENTREVISTA COM RUI MOREIRA (DIRETOR DA DACEN – DIRETORIA DE ARTES CÊNICAS - MINISTÉRIO DA CULTURA)
Authors: Luz Júnior Matias Santiago Oliveira , Matos Lúcia Helena Alfredi de
Published: December 2023

A entrevista, feita de forma escrita, possibilitou um transitar por temas que são de interesse da comunidade da dança e das artes cênicas, após os seis anos do inicial desmonte das políticas culturais federais e a posterior extinção do Ministério da Cultura. Assim, Rui Moreira apresenta reflexões iniciais das políticas culturais, nesse processo de retomada do Ministério da Cultura e da Funarte. Nessa multiplicidade de temas emergentes, destaca-se a importância da participação da sociedade civil, discutem-se os problemas do fomento e da regulamentação da profissão do artista da dança, bem como, temas sobre a diversidade, inclusão de gênero, questões étnico-raciais e a descentralização geográfica das ações da Funarte são abordados.
Self-harm violence among adolescents in Brazil: evidence of a serious public health problem / Violência autoprovocada entre adolescentes no Brasil: evidências de um grave problema de saúde pública
Authors: Pavinati Gabriel , Lima Lucas Vinícius de , Devechi Anny Caroline Ribeiro , Candido Adriane Bochi , Faria Mateus Miranda Fernandes de , Magnabosco Gabriela Tavares
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: caracterizar a tendência temporal da violência autoprovocada entre adolescentes no Brasil. Método: estudo de séries temporais, a partir das notificações de lesão autoprovocada entre pessoas de 10 a 19 anos no período de 2009 a 2019. As taxas de violência, por 100.000 habitantes, foram calculadas por macrorregião do Brasil. A regressão polinomial foi empregada para a análise da tendência. Resultados: identificou-se tendência crescente das taxas de violência autoprovocada entre adolescentes no Brasil, especialmente entre pessoas do sexo feminino (y=26,4+6,1x+3,0x2+0,5x3) e com idade entre 15 e 19 anos (y=26,4+14,4x+2,5x2). Todas as regiões demonstraram tendência de aumento, independentemente do sexo e faixa etária. A região Sul teve as maiores taxas, com incrementos em ambos os sexos e faixas. Conclusão: aponta-se a necessidade de estratégias de enfrentamento à autoviolência voltadas à implementação de políticas de prevenção e posvenção pautadas nas especificidades dos diferentes contextos regionais, com vistas à mitigação desses eventos.
Trends in hospital hospital stay due to hypertension in the elderly in the state of Piauí, 2010-2019 / Tendência de internações e permanência hospitalar por hipertensão arterial em idosos no estado do piauí, 2010-2019
Authors: Silva Alves Nágila , Da Silva Luzia Cleia , Batista de Lima Carlos Eduardo , Pacheco Rodrigues Malvina Thais , Medeiros Mascarenhas Márcio Dênis
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: analisar a tendência de internações e permanência hospitalar por hipertensão arterial em idosos no Piauí, 2010 a 2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico, de série temporal, utilizando dados de internações por hipertensão arterial em idosos no Piauí registradas no Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde, no período de 2010 a 2019. Para análise das tendências utilizou-se o método de regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: observou-se tendência decrescente na taxa de internação por hipertensão arterial. A taxa média de permanência hospitalar apresentou tendência crescente para sexo feminino e para as macrorregiões de saúde Semiárido e Litoral. Conclusão: o estudo aponta a necessidade de investimentos na continuidade do planejamento de ações que previnam a doença e promovam a saúde da pessoa idosa na atenção primária.
Fourth-Generation HIV Testing
Authors: Rose Michael R. , Chida Natasha M. , Jones Joyce L.
Published: December 2023

A 72-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fevers, night sweats, and rash 3 days after condomless vaginal intercourse. Results of a fourth-generation HIV test were positive and HIV-1-/2 antibody differentiation testing was negative. How would you interpret these results?
Annealing‐Free Ohmic Contacts to n‐Type GaN via Hydrogen Plasma‐Assisted Atomic Layer Deposition of Sub‐Nanometer AlOx
Authors: Christis Maximilian , Henning Alex , Bartl Johannes D. , Zeidler Andreas , Rieger Bernhard , Stutzmann Martin , Sharp Ian D.
Published: December 2023

A plasma‐assisted atomic layer deposition (PE‐ALD) process is reported for creating ohmic contacts to n‐type GaN that combines native oxide reduction, near‐surface doping, and encapsulation of GaN in a single processing step, thereby eliminating the need for both wet chemical etching of the native oxide before metallization and thermal annealing after contact formation. Repeated ALD cycling of trimethyl aluminum (TMA) and high‐intensity hydrogen (H2) plasma results in the deposition of a sub‐nanometer‐thin (≈8 Å) AlOx layer via the partial transformation of the GaN surface oxide into AlOx. Hydrogen plasma‐induced nitrogen vacancies in the near‐surface region of GaN serve as shallow donors, promoting efficient out‐of‐plane electrical transport. Subsequent metallization with a Ti/Al/Ti/Au stack results in low contact resistance, ohmic behavior, and smooth morphology without requiring annealing. This electrical contracting approach thus meets the thermal budget requirements for Si‐based complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor structures and can facilitate the design and fabrication of advanced GaN‐on‐Si heterodevices.
Understanding People's Recycling Behavior on Unwanted USB Cables and their Contribution to e‐Waste in Hong Kong through a Territory‐Wide Recycling Programme
Authors: Li Stacey Ching Yi , Hui Tommy Tin Yan , Chan Janet Kit Yan
Published: December 2023

Unwanted USB cables are an emergent type of electronic waste (or e‐waste) that is overlooked in Hong Kong. To address this issue, an action research project, “Off‐lines”, is launched to investigate people's knowledge and awareness of USB cable e‐waste and take initiatives to raise public awareness of its proper disposal. From February to May 2022, the study conducted a questionnaire survey and received 457 valid responses. The results revealed that each respondent has an average of nine unused USB cables and, based on this finding, it is estimated that there are 57.7 million excessive USB cables in Hong Kong. Such excessive ownership can be driven by the fact that ≈70% of respondents are unaware of the recyclability of USB cables, and the knowledge of USB cable recyclability varies depending on age, income level, and awareness of recycling locations. To resolve the problem, 150 collection points are established throughout Hong Kong and successfully collected over 7 700 unwanted USB cables from the public. Additionally, workshops are conducted that raised public awareness by upcycling this emergent e‐waste. This project highlights the urgent need to expand waste collection, promotion, and educational networks, with a particular focus on the elderly population.
3D Cellular Solar Crystallizer for Stable and Ultra‐Efficient High‐Salinity Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Wang Can , Zhang Hanchao , Kang Zhanxiao , Fan Jintu
Published: December 2023

Recent developed interfacial solar brine crystallizers, which employ solar‐driven water evaporation for salts crystallization from the near‐saturation brine to achieve zero liquid discharge (ZLD) brine treatment, are promising due to their excellent energy efficiency and sustainability. However, most existing interfacial solar crystallizers are only tested using NaCl solution and failed to maintain high evaporation capability when treating real seawater due to the scaling problem caused by the crystallization of high‐valent cations. Herein, an artificial tree solar crystallizer (ATSC) with a multi‐branched and interconnected open‐cell cellular structure that significantly increased evaporation surface is rationally designed, achieving an ultra‐high evaporation rate (2.30 kg m−2 h−1 during 2 h exposure) and high energy efficiency (128%) in concentrated real seawater. The unit cell design of ATSC promoted salt crystallization on the outer frame rather than the inner voids, ensuring that salt crystallization does not affect the continuous transport of brine through the pores inside the unit cell, thus ATSC can maintain a stable evaporation rate of 1.94 kg m−2 h−1 on average in concentrated seawater for 80 h continuous exposure. The design concept of ATSC represents a major step forward toward ZLD treatment of high‐salinity brine in many industrial processes is believed.
Why do Single‐Atom Alloys Catalysts Outperform both Single‐Atom Catalysts and Nanocatalysts on MXene?
Authors: Guan Shuyan , Yuan Zhenluo , Zhuang Zechao , Zhang Huanhuan , Wen Hao , Fan Yanping , Li Baojun , Wang Dingsheng , Liu Baozhong
Published: December 2023

Single‐atom alloys (SAAs), combining the advantages of single‐atom and nanoparticles (NPs), play an extremely significant role in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Nevertheless, understanding the catalytic mechanism of SAAs in catalysis reactions remains a challenge compared with single atoms and NPs. Herein, ruthenium‐nickel SAAs (RuNiSAAs) synthesized by embedding atomically dispersed Ru in Ni NPs are anchored on two‐dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene. The RuNiSAA‐3−Ti3C2Tx catalysts exhibit unprecedented activity for hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane (AB, NH3BH3) hydrolysis with a mass‐specific activity (rmass) value of 333 L min−1 gRu−1. Theoretical calculations reveal that the anchoring of SAAs on Ti3C2Tx optimizes the dissociation of AB and H2O as well as the binding ability of H* intermediates during AB hydrolysis due to the d‐band structural modulation caused by the alloying effect and metal‐supports interactions (MSI) compared with single atoms and NPs. This work provides useful design principles for developing and optimizing efficient hydrogen‐related catalysts and demonstrates the advantages of SAAs over NPs and single atoms in energy catalysis.
Alkyl phosphonium‐based ionic liquids as promising additives for the corrosion protection of epoxy coatings in saline medium: Effect of the anion
Authors: Henriques Ruan R. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: December 2023

Alkyl phosphonium‐based ionic liquids (ILs), namely trihexyl(tetradecyl)‐phosphonium chloride (P66614Cl), ethyl‐(tributyl)‐phosphonium diethyl phosphate (P4442[dep]), trihexyl(tetradecyl)‐phosphonium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (P66614[TFSI]), and trihexyl(tetradecyl)‐phosphonium zinc tetrachloride ([P66614]2[ZnCl4]) were used for the first time as anticorrosive additives for epoxy coatings on AISI 1020 carbon steel plates. The corrosion protection performance of intact and artificially scratched coatings was evaluated in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Regarding the intact coatings, those containing 0.5 phr of [P66614]2[ZnCl4] and 1.0 phr of P66614[TFSI] and P4442[dep] presented excellent corrosion resistance up to 720 h of immersion with |Z|f=0.01Hz values higher than 1010 Ω cm2. The scratched coatings loaded with P4442[dep] displayed the best anticorrosive response after 168 h of immersion. Furthermore, these coatings and that loaded with 0.5 phr of [P66614]2[ZnCl4] displayed an increase of corrosion resistance with increasing the immersion time, suggesting the formation of a passivating layer at the epoxy–substrate interface. The inhibition characteristic of the corresponding anions in the IL component contributes for this behavior. The hydrophobic characteristic of the coatings before and after the immersion in the saline solution was studied by measuring the water contact angle. Furthermore, the adhesion strength after immersion was also investigated by pull‐off testing.
A case of concentrated growth factor gel to fill the defect after large jaw cyst enucleation
Authors: Chen Binxiong , Liu Yueming , Ke Changneng , Xu Shi
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Management of large jaw cyst is challenging since high risks including pathologic fracture, limited opening, and insufficient bone healing occur after enucleation. The current case of concentrated growth factor (CGF) gel to fill defect after enucleation of large jaw cyst is rare. A 12‐year‐old boy with pain and swelling for 4 months in the left mandible region made a medical consultation at our hospital. Computerized tomography scan indicated that cystic lesion was found in the left mandible region. In this case, we present a patient with large jaw cyst (31 mm × 44 mm × 53 mm) who received enucleation followed by CGF gel filling the defect. The patient was discharged after 13 days without discomfort symptoms. The lesion size was reduced significantly at 1‐month re‐examination. No abnormality was detected in maxillofacial region at 1‐year re‐examination. Application of CGF gel is one of the possible options for filling defect after jaw cyst enucleation.
Appendiceal duplication an unusual cause of abdominal pain: A case report
Authors: Molla Yohannis Derbew , Sisay Menarguachew Atanaw , Abera Samuel Addisu , Abebe Bewketu , Adisu Girma Damtew
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Appendiceal duplication is exceedingly rare, with a prevalence of 0.004% to 0.009% in appendectomy specimens. Appendiceal duplications can occur alone or in conjunction with cecal duplication. The persistence of the temporary embryologic second cecal appendix is hypothesized to cause appendiceal duplications. We present a case of appendiceal duplication in a 26‐year‐old Ethiopian female patient who had been experiencing abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant for 1 week. She developed anorexia, a loss of appetite, and a low‐grade fever as a result of this. She reported direct and rebound mild discomfort in the right lower quadrant on abdominal examination. She was then operated on and she had an appendiceal duplication intraoperatively. As a result, an appendectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged with improved health. To avoid unfavorable patient outcomes and medicolegal difficulties, surgeons and surgical trainees who conduct several appendectomies throughout their training should be aware of the likelihood of appendiceal duplication.
Generalist and topologically central avian frugivores promote plant invasion unequally across land‐bridge islands
Authors: Zhu Chen , Dalsgaard Bo , Li Wande , Gonçalves Fernando , Vollstädt Maximilian G. R. , Ren Peng , Zhang Xue , Shao Junjie , Ding Ping , Si Xingfeng
Published: December 2023

Seed dispersal by frugivorous birds facilitates plant invasions, but it is poorly known how invasive plants integrate into native communities in fragmented landscapes. We surveyed plant–frugivore interactions, including an invasive plant (Phytolacca americana), on 22 artificial land‐bridge islands (fragmented forests) in the Thousand Island Lake, China. Focusing on frugivory interactions that may lead to seed dispersal, we built ecological networks of studied islands both at the local island (community) and at landscape (metacommunity) levels. On islands with P. americana, we found that P. americana impacted local avian frugivory networks more on islands with species‐poor plant communities and on isolated islands. Moreover, as P. americana interacted mainly with local core birds (generalists), this indicates reduced seed dispersal of native plants on invaded islands. At the landscape level, P. americana had established strong interactions with generalist birds that largely maintain seed‐dispersal functions across islands, as revealed by their topologically central roles both in the regional plant–bird trophic network and in the spatial metanetwork. This indicates that generalist frugivorous birds may have facilitated the dispersal of P. americana across islands, making P. americana well integrated into the plant–frugivore mutualistic metacommunity. Taken together, our study demonstrates that the impact of plant invasion is context‐dependent and that generalist native frugivores with high dispersal potential may accelerate plant invasion in fragmented landscapes. These findings highlight the importance of taking the functional roles of animal mutualists and habitat fragmentation into account when managing plant invasions and their impact on native communities.
Analysis of the Heat Transfer Design and Thermal Management Performance for Battery Modules Combined with Liquid‐ and Forced‐Air‐Cooling Methods
Authors: Yan Wang , Huizhao Yao , Jinqi Wang , Xilong Zhang , Hewu Wang , Yalun Li , Languang Lu
Published: December 2023

Liquid‐cooling techniques are commonly employed for battery thermal management (BTM) in commercial vehicles and energy storage applications, typically incorporating a cooling plate positioned beneath the casing of the battery pack. However, this heat transfer structural design results in smaller temperature drop in the terminal batteries located distantly from the plate, leading to an increased temperature difference. The integration of supplementary media into BTM systems holds the potential to enhance thermal management performance, thereby offering a viable solution to this issue. Herein, a fan is incorporated into the liquid‐cooling system to induce air circulation and augment convective heat transfer onto the battery surface. In the findings, it is revealed that the implementation of a reverse airflow path beneath the cooling plate result in a temperature decreasing rate of 0.59 K min−1, indicating a notable enhancement of 23% compared to solely employing a liquid‐cooling configuration. In the results, it is demonstrated that 1) reducing the inlet temperature can effectively enhance the rate of temperature reduction and 2) increasing the fan speed can reduce the temperature difference and promote temperature uniformity. In conclusion, in this present study, comprehensive guidelines and references are provided for the future design of BTM.
A review on thermogravimetric analysis‐based analyses of the pyrolysis kinetics of oil shale and coal
Authors: Li Yaoyu , Li Jing , Zhou Shixin , Meng Bingkun , Wu Tao
Published: December 2023

Solid fossil fuels still support the development of the energy and chemical industry. The clean and efficient utilization of solid fossil fuels can effectively alleviate the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. An in‐depth understanding of the kinetic process, models, and mechanism of pyrolysis of solid fossil fuels is also of great significance for the exploration and utilization technologies of petroleum resources. Thermogravimetric analysis is an effective method to study the pyrolysis process and kinetics with the advantages of high sensitivity, repeatability, and reliability for data acquisition. Researchers have conducted a lot of research on the thermogravimetric kinetics of solid fossil fuels in recent years, but there is a lack of systematic summary and comparison of kinetic methods, research progress, and trends. Therefore, a comprehensive study on pyrolysis kinetic principles, methods, and models of solid fossil fuels by thermogravimetric analysis is carried out in this paper. The influencing factors of pyrolysis kinetics of solid fossil fuels using thermogravimetry are elaborated and discussed in detail. This study also provides progress in recent years and prospects of thermogravimetric kinetics of solid fossil fuels. It is expected that this paper can provide certain technical support and theoretical guidance for the research on pyrolysis kinetics based on thermogravimetric analysis, and the exploration and development, clean, and efficient utilization of solid fossil fuels.
Affective theory of mind in people with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: de Lucena Aline Tavares , Dos Santos Tatiana Teresa Belfort Almeida , Santos Paulo Fernando Alves , Dourado Márcia Cristina Nascimento
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study compared the affective theory of mind (ToM) of people with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and healthy older adults and also investigated the relationship between affective ToM and cognitive and clinical functioning in AD people.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 156 older adults with AD and 40 healthy older adults. We used an experimental task involving reasoning processes in different contextual situations.

Results

The affective ToM was impaired in AD groups compared with healthy group, with moderate AD group showing lower performance than mild AD group. The affective ToM task of mild AD group was significantly correlated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and education years. Linear regression showed only education years as a predictor of ToM task performance. The neuropsychiatric symptoms and functionality were not correlated with the affective ToM.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that people with mild and moderate AD presented impairments in affective ToM that can be explained by the difficulties to infer emotion from reasoning processes. In addition, the education years variable proved to be an affective ToM performance's predictor for the mild AD group, but not for the moderate AD group, indicating that ToM abilities are affected differently in different stages of AD. Neuropsychiatric symptoms and functionality seem to have no influence on affective ToM impairments in people with AD.