bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Analyses of Genes and miRNAs Associated With Age-Related Sarcopenia
Authors: Lee Sangyeob , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: August 2021

Background: Sarcopenia is an age-related disease with skeletal muscle loss, weakness, and functional impairment. The potential causes of sarcopenia including the programmed cell death of muscles, inflammation, reactive oxygen species, protein turnover, and mitochondrial dysfunction have been studied. The purpose of this study was to find differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in the muscle samples of older people (GSE23527). In addition, we performed to identify new miRNA-mRNA regulatory network for treating sarcopeniaMethods: Gene expression profiles were obtained from microarray datasets (GSE8479 and GSE1428) of the vastus lateralis muscles of young and older male subjects. Dataset GSE23527 was derived from the platform of GPL10358 (LC_MRA-1001_miRHuman_11.0_080411) and contained microRNA arrays of 12 young muscle samples and 12 older muscle samples. The DEGs between the older and young GSE8479 and GSE1428 samples were identified using the online analysis tool imaGEO (https://imageo.genyo.es). Pathway and process enrichment analysis with the ontology sources in the KEGG pathway, GO biological processes, Reactome gene sets, WikiPathways, and CORUM were analyzed by Metascape. A PPI (protein-protein interaction) network of DEGs was constructed using the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) app in Cytoscape software (version 1.6.0). GEO2R (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) was used to select differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in the GSE 23527 dataset.Results: In the GSE8479 and GSE1428 datasets, a total of 81 DEGs were discovered, including four upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes. The top 12 clusters and their representative enriched terms were identified using Metascape. A total of 79 nodes and 186 edges were predicted in the PPI network. One upregulated DE-miRNA (hsa-miR-450a-5p) and six downregulated DE-miRNAs (hsa-miR-127-3p, hsa-miR-24-2-5p, hsa-miR-378a-5p, hsa-miR-532-5p, hsa-miR-487b-5p, and has-miR-487b-3p) were selected in the miRBase database. The MiRWalk online database was utilized for exploring 8017 genes that were selected as genes regulated by DE-miRNAs and six of them overlapped with hub genes. COX7A1 and NDUFB5 showed significantly low expression in sarcopenia patients compared to the controls. COX7B and PDHA1 also displayed low expression in sarcopenia patients, but expression of COX7A1 and NDUFB5 was not significant. TIMM8A and CS showed similar expression rates in both samples.Conclusions: The present bioinformatics analysis showed that two target genes (COX7A1 and NDUFB5) were potentially downregulated in sarcopenia patients. These two genes could be the cause of sarcopenia with aging. In addition, present study showed that several miRNAs (hsa-miR-378a-5p, hsa-miR-532-5p, hsa-miR-127-3p, and hsa-miR-24-2-5p) were identified as regulating the target genes. These results suggest that controlling the identified miRNAs could be a prospective strategy for treating sarcopenia by regulating the mRNA-miRNA network.
Solanesol Mediated SIRT-1 Signaling Activation Prevents Neurobehavioral and Neurochemical Defects in Ouabain-induced Experimental Model of Bipolar Disorder in Rats
Authors: Rajkhowa Bidisha , Mehan Sidharth
Published: August 2021

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious and widespread chronic mental condition characterized by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Several studies have linked SIRT-1 (silent mating type information regulation-2 homologs) signalling downregulation to the progression of BD and other neurological dysfunctions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of solanesol(SNL) in rats with brain intoxication caused by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of ouabain(OUA), with a particular focus on its influence on the SIRT-1 signaling activator in the brain. The goal of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Solanesol (SNL) in rats treated with ICV-OUA injection, with a special emphasis on its effect on the SIRT-1 signalling activation in the brain. Ouabain (OUA) is a cardiac glycoside that inhibits the Na+/K+-ATPase (sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase). SNL is an active phytoconstituent belongs to the Solanaceae family, derived from the plant Nicotiana tabacum. SNL is employed as a precursor for the production of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), which has potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Lithium (Li), an important mood stabiliser drug employed as a control in the present study. This study looked at the neuroprotective potential of SNL at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg in ICV-OUA injections, which caused BD-like neurobehavioral deficits in Wistar rats. Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=8) and given 1 mM/0.5 l OUA injections for three days. Long-term SNL and lithium administration can reduce the number of rearing and crossings and time spent in the centre, locomotive activity, and immobility time. According to the findings of this study, SNL increases the levels of SIRT-1 in CSF, blood plasma, and brain homogenate samples. In addition, SNL modulates the apoptotic markers like Caspase-3, Bax (pro-apoptotic), and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) in rat brain homogenates and blood plasma samples. Mitochondrial-ETC complexes enzymes including complex-I, II, IV, V, and CoQ10 were also resorted after the long term administration of SNL. Furthermore, SNL reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) while restoring neurotransmitter (serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and acetylcholine) levels and level of oxidative stress markers. Our neurochemical observations could be validated as diagnostic biomarkers in BD-like conditions. As a result, SNL as SIRT-1 signaling activator could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of BD.
A Deep Learning-based Positioning Classification of the Mandibular Third Molars: Is Multi-task Deep Learning Useful?
Authors: Sukegawa Shintaro , Matsuyama Tamamo , Tanaka Futa , Hara Takeshi , Yoshii Kazumasa , Yamashita Katsusuke , Nakano Keisuke , Takabatake Kiyofumi , Kawai Hotaka , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Furuki Yoshihiko
Published: August 2021

Pell and Gregory, and Winter’s classifications are frequently implemented to classify the mandibular third molars and are crucial for safe tooth extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the classification accuracy of convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning models using cropped panoramic radiographs based on these classifications. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of single-task and multi-task learning after labeling 1,330 images of mandibular third molars from digital radiographs taken at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a general hospital (2014-2021). The mandibular third molar classifications were analyzed using a VGG 16 model of a CNN. We statistically evaluated performance metrics (accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, area under the curve [AUC]) for each prediction. We found that single-task learning was superior to multi-task learning (all p<0.05) for all metrics, with large effect sizes and low p-values. Recall and F1 scores for position classification showed medium effect sizes in single and multi-task learning. To our knowledge, this deep learning study is the first to examine single-task and multi-task learning for the classification of mandibular third molars. Our results demonstrated the efficacy of implementing Pell and Gregory, and Winter’s classifications for specific respective tasks.
Effects of Rhizosphere Microbial Composition on the Growth of Cajanus Cajan in Coal Gangue Reclaimed Soil
Authors: Han Shiming , Wang Yuexia , Zou Rongcan , Wang Boqiu , shi kaiyi
Published: August 2021

Planting the economically sustainable Cajanus cajan crop in coal gangue dump as an approach for ecological management has attracted extensive attention from scholars worldwide. Microorganisms play important roles in ecological restoration. However, there have been few reports about the microbial composition and functions of Cajanus cajan root systems planted in plateau waste dumps. In this study, the gangue dump (1,390 m above sea level) in Guizhou Plateau was covered with soil and planted with YN and JX Cajanus cajans. After one year, the Cajanus cajan root system was collected, and high-throughput sequencing was utilized to examine the bacterial and fungal biodiversity. The bacteria in all samples were assigned to six phyla and 60 genera. The unclassified_f_Enterobacteriaceae and Cedecea were the most abundant genera. The fungi were assigned to six phyla and 143 genera and Fusarium was the most abundant genus. Venn and heatmap analyses revealed differences in the dominant root species among Cajanus cajan varieties, Lactococcus and Fusarium. In JX and YN, Pseudoarthrobacter is a unique genus of bacteria; in JX, Robillarda is a unique genus of fungi; and in YN, Scytalidium is a unique genus of fungi. The endophytic fungi mainly play the roles of saprotroph, plant pathogen, and endophyte. Among the bacterial properties, L-arabinose isomerase and adenosine triphosphatase were the most abundant in all samples, while chitinase, catalase, and laccase played important roles in photosynthesis, degradation of lignin, chitin, and chitosan. This study guides the selection of reclamation plants and strategies for the migration and restriction of heavy metals in soil.
Purchase of Aphrodisiacs; A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Mavis Sersah , Agyapong Baffour Awuah , Koffuor George Asumeng , Yakubu Jibira
Published: August 2021

Sexuality is an important part of an individual’s quality of life. Reduced sexual function is common and can be treated. People search all heights and depths for substances they could use to stimulate and increase sexual desire in themselves and others. The non-prescription procurement and use of medicines have become a major challenge in Ghana. However, it is unknown how serious this situation is with regards to aphrodisiacs. This study therefore assessed the purchase and consumption of aphrodisiacs within the Kumasi metropolis. Retail pharmacies were involved in this study. Quota sampling was used to determine the number of pharmacies to be selected from each sub-metro while stratified sampling was then used to select participating pharmacies for the study. Males between the ages of 31 and 45 years purchased aphrodisiacs from pharmacies the most (56, 38.5%) and the rate of purchase of aphrodisiacs from retail outlets (104, 70.3%) is high. Aphrodisiacs were consumed to prolong erection as well as enhance pleasure. However, this practice is seen by many as inappropriate and reported by many to be associated with very serious adverse effects, with headaches being the most dominant adverse effect reported.
Finite-Time Command-Filtered Approximation-Free Attitude Tracking Control of Rigid Spacecraft
Authors: Xie Shuzong , Chen Qiang , He Xiongxiong , Tao Meiling , Tao Liang
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a finite-time command-filtered approximation-free attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft. A novel finite-time prescribed performance function (FTPPF) is first constructed to ensure that the attitude tracking errors converge to the predefined region in finite time. Then, a finite-time error compensation mechanism is constructed and incorporated into the backstepping control design, such that the differentiation of virtual control signals in recursive steps can be avoided to overcome the singularity issue. Compared with most of approximation-based attitude control methods, less computational burden and lower complexity are guaranteed by the proposed approximation-free control scheme due to the avoidance of using any function approximations. Simulations are given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Can Heparin Improve Clinical Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest? A Retrospective Cohort Study from the EICU Collaborative Research Database
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yun
Published: August 2021

Background: Studies indicate that heparin can improve survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of heparin on hospitalized patients with cardiac arrest.Methods: Clinical data of cardiac arrest patients from the eICU Collaborative Research Database V2.0 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared neurological prognosis and primary outcomes in a heparin group that received unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin with a non-heparin group. Additionally, we compared the two heparin sub-groups. Results: After propensity score matching, there were 673 patients in the heparin group and 1346 patients in the non-heparin group. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was significantly better in the heparin group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of spontaneous respiratory function recovery, dementia, or vegetative state between the two groups (P>0.05). Intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in the heparin group (P<0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in ICU, and length of stay in hospital were significantly longer in the heparin group (P<0.05). Median survival time was significantly longer in the heparin group (P<0.001). In the comparison of patients who received unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin (267 in each group), there were no significant differences in Glasgow Coma Scale score, ICU mortality, hospital mortality, or median survival time between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: Heparin administration may be beneficial in reducing the mortality rate and prolonging the survival time of in-hospital patients with cardiac arrest. It may also improve the prognosis of neurological function to a certain extent. Outcomes were not significantly different between patients who received unfractionated heparin and those who received low molecular weight heparin.
Molecular Hydrogen Attenuates High Hydrostatic Pressure-Induced Neuronal Cell Damage by Reversing Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Electron Transfer Chain
Authors: Lu Zhuoyang , Zhang Tiantian , Hu Yachong , Liu Hui , Cui Li , Long Jiangang , Liu Jiankang
Published: August 2021

Cellular hydrostatic pressure beyond its normal range can induce the accumulation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) generated by mitochondria and lead to pathological conditions such as glaucomatous optic neuropathy. However, little is known about how the mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC) is affected by elevated pressure. Moreover, the protective effects of hydrogen on various pathological conditions have been observed by reductions in ROS, yet the role of hydrogen in high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-induced cell damage remains obscure. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of HHP on ETC activity and whether hydrogen exerts protective effects against HHP-induced damage in cultured neuronal cells. Cultured SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were exposed to an elevated ambient hydrostatic pressure of 50 mmHg for a period of 2 to 6 h. HHP impaired the activities of ETC complexes, and these effects were reversed by hydrogen. Significant increases in apoptotic rates and intracellular ROS levels were observed in HHP-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Hydrogen significantly inhibited the apoptotic rates and reduced the levels of ROS. These findings suggest that HHP induces cell damage by causing ETC dysfunction to increase oxidative stress and that hydrogen may act as a protective agent to alleviate HHP-induced neuronal injury.
Microbial Genome-Resolved Metaproteomic Analyses Frame Intertwined Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles in River Hyporheic Sediments
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramos Josué A. , Borton Mikayla A. , McGivern Bridget B. , Smith Garrett J. , Solden Lindsey M. , Shaffer Michael , Daly Rebecca A. , Purvine Samuel O. , Nicora Carrie D. , Eder Elizabeth K. , Lipton Mary , Hoyt David W. , Stegen James C. , Wrighton Kelly C.
Published: August 2021

Background:Rivers serve as a nexus for nutrient transfer between terrestrial and marine ecosystems and as such, have a significant impact on global carbon and nitrogen cycles. In river ecosystems, the sediments found within the hyporheic zone are microbial hotspots that can account for a significant portion of ecosystem respiration and have profound impacts on system biogeochemistry. Despite this, studies using genome-resolved analyses linking microbial and viral communities to nitrogen and carbon biogeochemistry are limited.Results:Here, we characterized the microbial and viral communities of Columbia River hyporheic zone sediments to reveal the metabolisms that actively cycle carbon and nitrogen. Using genome-resolved metagenomics, we created the Hyporheic Uncultured Microbial and Viral (HUM-V) database, containing a dereplicated database of 55 microbial Metagenome-Assembled Genomes (MAGs), representing 12 distinct phyla. We also sampled 111 viral Metagenome Assembled Genomes (vMAGs) from 26 distinct and novel genera. The HUM-V recruited metaproteomes from these same samples, providing the first inventory of microbial gene expression in hyporheic zone sediments. Combining this data with metabolite data, we generated a conceptual model where heterotrophic and autotrophic metabolisms co-occur to drive an integrated carbon and nitrogen cycle, revealing microbial sources and sinks for carbon dioxide and ammonium in these sediments. We uncovered the metabolic handoffs underpinning these processes including mutualistic nitrification by Thermoproteota (formerly Thaumarchaeota) and Nitrospirota, as well as identified possible cooperative and cheating behavior impacting nitrogen mineralization. Finally, by linking vMAGs to microbial genome hosts, we reveal possible viral controls on microbial nitrification and organic carbon degradation.Conclusions:Our multi-omics analyses provide new mechanistic insight into coupled carbon-nitrogen cycling in the hyporheic zone. This is a key step in developing predictive hydrobiogeochemical models that account for microbial cross-feeding and viral influences over potential and expressed microbial metabolisms. Furthermore, the publicly available HUM-V genome resource can be queried and expanded by researchers working in other ecosystems to assess the transferability of our results to other parts of the globe.
Assessment of the sustainability of the traditional and mechanized cultivation process with an exergy-based approach
Authors: Nadi Fatemeh
Published: August 2021

Regarding the high consumption of allium vegetables such as onion and green onion in the daily food basket of families, it is important to study the sustainability of their agricultural system. Thus, a thermodynamic analysis was carried out to assess the sustainability of the cultivation method management using an exergy-based approach. Onions and green onions were evaluated for mechanized cultivation and for traditional cultivation, respectively. The use of renewable energy in the cultivation system was proposed in the numerical method. The sustainability index and exergetic improvement potential were calculated. Moreover, and the improvement of CDP and RI factors was investigated based on the CExC approach. The results indicated energy consumption of 1 ton of onion production was 2.5 times that of green onion production. The human labor and electricity as energy-intensive inputs in the process of green onion and onion production, respectively. The GHG emission of 1 ton of onion production was obtained 3 times that of green onion production. The results showed that the impact of using the new strategy in the agricultural system of green onions is less than onions, due to the high human labor requirement in green onion production, which made the production of green onions even more unsustainable than the production of onions, despite less consumption energy in green onion production.
Mechanical Properties of 316 Stainless Steel Structure produced by Pulsed Micro-plasma Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Yuan Xiaojing , Guan Ning , Wang Xuping , Li Hao , Li Jin , Zhan Jun
Published: August 2021

An innovative pulsed micro-plasma additive manufacturing (AM) system is proposed for the fabrication of thin-walled 316 stainless steel parts. During the deposition process, the heat accumulation from the micro-plasma can be controlled effectively by adjusting the following parameters: the AM current, pulse length of the plasma arc, and scanning speed. The width of the pool can reach 3.0 mm. The microstructural analysis, micro-hardness tests, and tensile strength tests were performed. The results of the structural characterisation showed that columnar dendrites predominated in the microstructure of thin-walled elements and exhibited epitaxial growth from the bottom to the top and from the middle to both sides, while the top grains had more variations in growth orientation. The grains had a core-shell structure with a growth orientation along the < 100 > direction of the austenite structure, and the boundary was composed of migrated C and Cr. The micro-hardness of the thin-walled structure (240–320 Hv0.3) decreased with increasing the deposition thickness. The tensile strength and yield strength of the thin-walled parts were 669 and 475 MPa, respectively. The fracture mechanism was that cracks formed along the pores along the pores of the grain boundary and then propagated along them, ultimately leading to the fracture.
The effect of blood cells retained in rat livers during static cold storage on viability outcomes during normothermic machine perfusion
Authors: Haque Omar , Pendexter Casie A. , Wilks Benjamin T. , Hafiz Ehab O. A. , Markmann James F. , Uygun Korkut , Yeh Heidi , Tessier Shannon N.
Published: August 2021

In transplantation, livers are transported to recipients using static cold storage (SCS), whereby livers are exposed to cold ischemic injury that contribute to post-transplant risk factors. We hypothesized that flushing organs during procurement with cold preservation solutions could influence the number of donor blood cells retained in the allograft thereby exacerbating cold ischemic injury. We present the results of rat livers that underwent 24h SCS after being flushed with a cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution versus room temperature (RT) lactated ringers (LR) solution. These results were compared to livers that were not flushed prior to SCS and thoroughly flushed livers without SCS. We used viability and injury metrics collected during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) and the number of retained peripheral cells (RPCs) measured by histology to compare outcomes. Compared to the cold UW flush group, livers flushed with RT LR had lower resistance, lactate, AST, and ALT at 6 hours of NMP. The number of RPCs also had significant positive correlations with resistance, lactate, and potassium levels and a negative correlation with energy charge. In conclusion, livers exposed to cold UW flush prior to SCS appear to perform worse during NMP, compared to RT LR flush.
Evaluation of fetal cardiac function in maternal gestational diabetes mellitus by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Huang Peina , Deng Youbin , Feng Ling , Gao Yiping , Cheng Xueqing , Liu Hongyun
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac function in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by using fetalHQ, a quantitative analysis software for the assessment of fetal cardiac function based on speckle tracking echocardiography. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 49 fetuses exposed to GDM and 50 normal fetuses were enrolled and fetal echocardiography were performed and analyzed. In the GDM group, left ventricular (24 ± 4 vs. 28 ± 4, p < 0.001) and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (23 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 4, p = 0.002) and right ventricular free wall strain (26 ± 6 vs. 29 ± 5, p = 0.006) were significantly lower compared with the control group, whereas there was no significant difference in global spherical index (1.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1, p = 0.425). Additionally, 24-segment transverse fraction shortening of the right ventricle was more impaired than the left and the segments with reduced fraction shortening were mainly located in the mid and apical sections of the right ventricle, and mid section of the left ventricle. In conclusion, fetuses exposed to GDM may have cardiac dysfunction before the onset of cardiac morphologic abnormalities, and the right ventricle is more vulnerable than the left during fetal development.
A tensor decomposition-based integrated analysis applicable to multiple gene expression profiles without sample matching
Authors: Y-h. Taguchi , Turki Turki
Published: August 2021

The integrated analysis of multiple gene expression profiles measured in distinct studies is always problematic.
Especially, missing sample matching and missing common labeling between distinct studies prevent the integration of multiple studies in fully data-driven and unsupervised manner. In this study, we propose a strategy enabling the integration of multiple gene expression profiles among multiple independent studies without either labeling or sample matching, using tensor decomposition-based unsupervised feature extraction. As an example, we applied this strategy to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related gene expression profiles that lack exact correspondence among samples as well as AD single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data. We found that we could select biologically reasonable genes with integrated analysis. Overall, integrated gene expression profiles can function analogously to prior learning and/or transfer learning strategies in other machine learning applications. For scRNA-seq, the proposed approach was able to drastically reduce the required computational memory.
DISTORTIONAL EXTREMA AND HOLES IN THE GEOMETRIC MANIFOLD
Authors: koehler dale
Published: August 2021

It is shown in the present work that the distorted-space model of matter as extended to extreme curvature limits results in characteristics mimicking those of galactic-holes. The distorted-geometry structures exhibit non-Newtonian features wherein the hole or core-region fields of the structure are energetically-repulsive (negative pressure), do not behave functionally in an r-4 manner and terminate at zero at the radial origin (no singularity). Of particular interest is that of r-6 energy-density behavior at structural radial distances near the core of the distortion, a region also displaying potential-well behavior.
Addition of Chromium and its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of laser-coated high carbon ferrochrome alloy on mild steel
Authors: Aramide Basiru Philip , Popoola Patricia , Sadiku Rotimi , Jamiru Tamba , Pityana Sisa
Published: August 2021

Laser cladding is an additive manufacturing technology that can be utilized in surface strengthening, modification, and repair of components that are subjected to adverse working conditions. This can be accomplished by the addition of functionally graded material with a remarkable limit to enhancing an engaged credited property of monolithic material that is superior and better than its monolithic counterparts. Chromium addition to the microstructure of components has been found to increase the electrochemical stability, high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance of laser additive manufactured components. The current study investigates the effect of the extra addition of chromium on the hardness and microstructure of laser coated high carbon ferrochrome FeCrV15 on steel baseplate.
Corncob structures in dental plaque reveal microhabitat taxon specificity
Authors: Morillo-Lopez Viviana , Sjaarda Alexandra , Islam Imon , Borisy Gary G. , Welch Jessica Mark
Published: August 2021

Background

The human mouth is a natural laboratory for studying how bacterial communities differ across habitats. Different bacteria colonize different surfaces in the mouth – teeth, tongue dorsum, and keratinized and non-keratinized epithelia – despite the short physical distance between these habitats and their connection through saliva. We sought to determine whether more tightly defined microhabitats might have more tightly defined sets of resident bacteria. A microhabitat may be characterized, for example, as the space adjacent to a particular species of bacterium. Corncob structures of dental plaque, consisting of coccoid bacteria bound to filaments of Corynebacterium cells, present an opportunity to analyze the community structure of one such well-defined microhabitat within a complex natural biofilm. Here we investigate by fluorescence in situ hybridization and spectral imaging the composition of the cocci decorating the filaments.
Results

The range of taxa observed in corncobs was limited to a small subset of the taxa present in dental plaque. Among four major groups of dental plaque streptococci, two were the major constituents of corncobs, including one that was the most abundant Streptococcus species in corncobs despite being relatively rare in dental plaque overall. Images showed both Streptococcus types in corncobs in all individual donors, suggesting that the taxa possess different ecological roles or that mechanisms exist for stabilizing the persistence of functionally redundant taxa in the population. Direct taxon-taxon interactions were observed not only between the Streptococcus cells and the central corncob filament but also between Streptococcus cells and the limited subset of other plaque bacteria detected in the corncobs, indicating microhabitat specialization involving these taxa as well.
Conclusions

The spatial organization we observed in corncobs suggests that each of the microbial participants is capable of interacting with multiple, albeit limited, potential partners, a feature that may encourage the long-term stability of the community. Additionally, our results suggest the general principle that a precisely defined microhabitat will be inhabited by a small and well-defined set of microbial taxa.
Aboriginal Health Workers promoting oral health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy: Development and pilot testing of the Grinnin’ Up Mums & Bubs program
Authors: Kong Ariana , Dickson Michelle , Ramjan Lucie , Sousa Mariana S. , Jones Nathan , Srini Ravi , Chao Jemma , Goulding Joanne , George Ajesh
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to develop and pilot test the model of care, Grinnin’ Up Mums and Bubs, to train Aboriginal Health Workers to promote oral health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnant women. Methods: Participatory Action Research was employed to develop the different components of the model (oral health promotion resources, training workshop, and a culturally safe referral pathway to dental services). The model was piloted (pre-post) using an embedded mixed-methods design with seven Aboriginal Health Workers at an antenatal service in Western Sydney, Australia. Results: There was a high level of satisfaction with the components of the model of care among the participants, who believed that the model could be integrated into practice. The training showed some improvement in oral health knowledge and confidence. The participants recommended strategies for discussing oral health with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pregnant women, and changes in public health dental policy to ensure that all women would be able to access affordable dental services through the referral pathway. Conclusion: The findings suggest a high level of satisfaction with the model of care among the Aboriginal Health Workers. Further evaluation is needed to confirm the short and long-term impact of the model.
The role of indigenous knowledge and local knowledge in water sector adaptation to climate change in Africa: A structured assessment
Authors: Zvobgo Luckson , Johnston Peter , Williams Portia Adade , Trison Chrstopher H , Simpson Nicholas P
Published: August 2021

Evidence of human adaptation actions responding to climate impacts is increasing in Africa. However, a holistic understanding of effective adaptation across the diversity of African contexts is still limited at a continental scale. Despite high reliance on indigenous knowledge (IK) and local knowledge (LK) for climate adaptation in Africa, the potential risk reduction of IK and LK and its role in supporting transformative adaptation responses is yet to be established. Here, we assess the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water sector adaptation in Africa and describe the relationship between adaptation and indigenous and local knowledge systems. Eighteen (18) water sector response types were identified from the academic literature through the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI). The most implemented measures across Africa influenced by IK and LK were household-level and individual measures and included irrigation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation and ecosystem-based measures (mainly agroforestry). Southern, west, and east Africa show relatively high evidence of the influence of IK and LK on the implementation of water adaptation responses while north, and central Africa show lower evidence. At country level, Zimbabwe display highest evidence (77.8%) followed by Ghana (53.6%), Kenya (46.2%) and South Africa (31.3%). Adaptation responses with IK and LK influence recorded higher evidence of risk reduction compared to articles without IK and LK. Analysis of intended nationally determined contributions (iNDCs) shows the most implemented water adaptation actions in academic literature are consistent with water sector adaptation targets set by most African governments. Yet only 10.4% of the African governments included IK and LK in adaptation planning in the iNDCs. The study recommends a coordinated approach to adaptation that integrates multiple knowledge sources including IK and LK to ensure greater effectiveness and scalability of current and potential water adaptation measures in Africa.
General principles of organization and activityof judges in Ukraine
Authors: Harust Y.V. , Mirgorod-Karpova V.V.
Published: August 2021

In the conditions of active development and improvement of the system of public administration in the world, the role of public service as a defining feature of a democratic and legal state is strengthening. Since the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union by Ukraine, it has become necessary to introduce and enshrine in national legislation such an institution as a public service. This became a lever that launched the process of reforming the government system in the country and determined the right vector for the development of public service in Ukraine. Given the current indicators of public confidence in the judiciary, it can be argued that the institution of public service in the judiciary is purely formal, and therefore this issue is relevant and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. In view of this, we believe that the introduction of the new Concept, which will consolidate the legal status of a judge as a public servant of a court of general jurisdiction, will be the beginning of the real functioning of a judge of a court of general jurisdiction on the basis of public administration. The study revealed the general principles of organization and activity of judges of general jurisdiction courts in Ukraine. The legal status of judges is outlined and the key features of such status are identified. The existence of the “judge-public servant” model is substantiated. The study emphasizes that judges of courts of general jurisdiction directly implement the basic functions of justice, and the level of their legal status depends on the authority of the judiciary and the efficiency of justice in Ukraine. Courts of general jurisdiction are the main link of specialized courts for civil, administrative and criminal cases and are the closest to the population, and therefore, a clear definition of their legal status is now essential. It is suggested that under the public service in the judiciary of Ukraine, first of all, one should see politically neutral, professional activity of a judge in courts, judicial authorities and other state bodies of the justice system and institutions for organizing and ensuring the activities of courts and judges.
The minimal state in Ukraine as a progressive ideal of the historical criterion of the legal approach to the typology of the state: functional aspect
Authors: Sukhonos V.V.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the minimal state in Ukraine as a progressive ideal of the historical criterion of the legal approach to the typology of the state. The main attention, at the same time, is paid to features of its functioning. It is this type of state that must overcome the shortcomings of the state of the modern bureaucratic type. It seems that the need for its introduction in Ukraine is influenced by two factors: globalization and a significant increase in the role of civil society. At the same time, despite COVID-19, the processes of globalization have not decreased and the significant narrowing of state influence on economic processes, which is characteristic of globalization, is still continuing. As for civil society, in Ukraine it has gradually begun to realize itself as an important "player" within the country, which not only becomes more independent of the state, but also, to some extent, begins to influence it. Thus, the combination of globalization processes in the world and a powerful "burst" of selfconsciousness of domestic civil society necessitates the introduction in Ukraine of the concept of "minimal state", that is a state whose activities are aimed at implementing as few functions as possible. However, this type of state does not imply an anarchic ideal with its abolition at all. It seems that within the framework of a minimal state, the latter should be deprived of the functions it has assumed for a long historical period, leaving only the fiscal, the function of ensuring the safety of citizens from internal and external threats and the function of organizing work. At the same time, in the conditions of the minimal state the organization of works is transformed into the organization of realization of national and state projects when the state acts only as the coordinator and the financier of work which is carried out by numerous enterprises and corporations. As for the fiscal function, in our opinion, it should be somewhat transformed: the tax system should be enshrined in the principle of one tax, and the budget system should consist of three parts: "expenditure budget", "development budget" and "reserve budget". Regarding the security of citizens, society and the state from external and internal threats and dangers, such activities should take two forms: justice and law enforcement (security within the country) and war and peace (security outside the country). Thus, in the conditions of a minimal state, only the organization of national and state projects, budgetary and financial function, as well as ensuring the security of citizens, society and the state from external and internal threats and dangers should remain behind the latter.
Legal mechanism for ensuring the right to inclusive education in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine and the United States
Authors: Shlapko T.V. , Sokolenko O.P
Published: August 2021

The article investigates to the study of legal framework securing the right to inclusive education of inclusive education in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors of the article analyze the statistics of the effectiveness of distance learning to study the state of the organization in general secondary education distance learning in quarantine, introduced to prevent the spread of acute respiratory disease COVID-19 in Ukraine and the United States. It is proved that children with special educational needs need an individual approach to the organization of inclusive distance learning. At the same, time it is necessary to consider features of each child. The authors of the article pay considerable attention to the characteristics of the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on the organization of the educational process in general secondary education institutions during quarantine by the way of distance education. From the analysis of the recommendations it can be concluded that the main burden during the organization and use of distance learning technologies will fall on the teacher's assistant and student's assistant. In addition, the article examines the features of the educational process with the help of a team of psychological and pedagogical support of a child with special educational needs during quarantine. The article examines the features of inclusive education in different areas of the epidemic level of danger: green, yellow, orange and red. The authors also pay considerable attention to the study of the implementation of inclusive learning using distance education technologies during the pandemic COVID-19, in particular the problem of involving children with special educational needs in the educational process at home. The article contains recommendations for improving the quality of education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deaths of blacks in police custody: a black british perspective of over 50 years of police racial injustices in the United Kingdom
Authors: Yesufu Shaka
Published: August 2021

On 25 May 2020, the death of an unknown Blackman named George Floyd in the Minneapolis United States has led to a wave of global protests worldwide. The United Kingdom was not left out of these protests. The deaths of black people in police custody are not a new unfortunate phenomenon in the United Kingdom. The author looks at some of these deaths in the United Kingdom from a historical perspective, relying on both racial typologies theorists on one side and the responses, provided by Afrocentric theorists on race over time, on the other side. The author relies on several case studies of black deaths and secondary sources, arguing that racism can be held responsible for most of these killings by the police. The research findings are encapsulated in the trio unfortunate incidents of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid. These incidences have metamorphosed over time, becoming a social stigma black people wear from cradle to grave. The author suggests that police officers who murder black people and hide behind the wearing of uniforms should not be given immunity from justice. The author debunks the myth, suggesting that the life of a black person is often portrayed as worthless by whites folks. More findings are that both black lives and every human being's lives matter with great intrinsic value. No life must be wasted under the guise of policing. The right to life unarguably remains the most fundamental human right, which the state must protect at all times. Without the protection of life, all other fundamental human rights become meaningless.
Households’ credit demand: Main trends and characteristics for Ukraine
Authors: Shkvarchuk Lyudmyla , Slav’yuk Rostyslav
Published: August 2021

Household demand for credits is quite volatile, which requires constant evaluation of it changes. The purpose of the paper is to identify quantitative signals, the use of which increases the predictability of the credit market development. The study utilizes technical analysis methods for an econometric estimation of trends in household demand for credits in Ukraine for the 2002–2019 period. Based on the analysis of historical market lows, it was argued that with all the negative effects of destabilizing factors, the household demand for loans will not fall below the market support point of UAH 50 million. The financial behavior of Ukrainian households when choosing the type of loan is stable and does not change with fluctuations in GDP. Short-term loans are quite dynamic and largely depend on macroeconomic conditions, provoking market movements. If the relevant direction is supported by medium-term loans, the general market trend will correspond to the GDP trend. The demand for long-term loans is quite inertial, its change does not affect the overall market trend. The constant and variable elements of household demand for credit are highlighted.
Earnings management and initial public offerings among Indonesian manufacturing companies
Authors: Andreas  , Savitri Enni , Ary Gumanti Tatang , Nurhayati
Published: August 2021

Earnings management (EM) refers to the common use of accounting techniques in various economic settings, such as Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), to produce financial statements. This study, therefore, analyzes the effect of firm size, operating cash flow, the used IPO proceeds, earnings changes, and leverage on EM of manufacturing companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 1989 to 2013. This sector comprises the essential chemical industry, miscellaneous organizations, and consumer goods, with 63 firms being used to meet the selection criteria. The regression analysis showed that the intended use of funds and leverage had a negative and significant impact on EM. Furthermore, the process is measured using Friedlan’s (1994) Discretionary Current Accruals model with similar results found in each industry group and their insignificant differences used to regulate the level of discretionary accruals between the three sectors. This study implies that the EM level is qualitatively similar among IPO companies in the three sub-sectors examined. AcknowledgmentsThe authors are grateful to the audience for their comments during the 11th Environmental and Sustainability Management Accounting Network-Asia Pacific (EMAN-AP) Conference held at the Danang University of Economics, Danang, Vietnam, 12-13 August 2019. The early draft was titled “Earnings Management and Initial Public Offerings on Manufacturing Sectors Companies”.
Degradation of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone by advanced oxidation with UV, H2O2, and O3: parameter optimization and model building
Authors: Pan Zhangbin , Zhu Xiaokang , Li Guifang , Wang Yongqiang , Li Mei , Sun Shaohua , Jia Ruibao , Hou Li'an
Published: August 2021

Halobenzoquinones are disinfection by-products with cytotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the removal of the HBQ 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) from water using advanced oxidation processes. The removal of DCBQ from water using UV, H2O2, and O3 advanced oxidation processes individually was not ideal with removal rates of 36.1% with a UV dose of 180 mJ/cm2, 32.0% with 2 mg/L H2O2, and 57.9% with 2 mg/L O3. Next, we investigated using the combined UV/H2O2/O3 advanced oxidation process to treat water containing DCBQ. A Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the parameters of the UV/H2O2/O3 process, which gave the following optimum DCBQ removal conditions: UV dose of 180 mJ/cm2, O3 concentration of 0.51 mg/L, and H2O2 concentration of 1.76 mg/L. The DCBQ removal rate under the optimum conditions was 94.3%. We also found that lower humic acid concentrations promoted DCBQ degradation, while higher humic acid concentrations inhibited DCBQ degradation.