bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EU, CHINA AND AFRICA: COOPERATION IN THE SPHERE OF SECURITY
Authors: Denisova Tatiana S.
Published: June 2023

One of the trends currently observed in world politics is the growing global influence of China and African countries. These actors are beginning to make an ever greater contribution to the formation of a new – multipolar – world. This trend is of particular importance in relation to Africa – a continent that is experiencing permanent political instability and an associated lag in economic development. The main security problems in Africa include armed conflicts between certain groups of the population for access to natural resources; clashes between tribal and confessional communities; the proliferation of Islamic and Christian terrorist groups; electoral crises; piracy. While the EU retains its role as the main trade and economic partner of African countries and also cooperates with the latter in the field of security much more than other international players, China’s aspiration to become a global power prompts Beijing to participate more actively in solving security problems of the continent. Although most agreements signed between the PRC and African countries focus on trade, economic and social relations, the growing interdependence between national interests of China and domestic African politics encourages Beijing to reconsider its approaches to interaction with particular African regions. Moreover, since the participation of European states in peacekeeping missions has been gradually decreasing since the mid-1990s, the role of developing countries, including China, in ensuring security on the African continent has steadily increased. Expanding security cooperation in the EU-China-Africa format is a European initiative, but trilateral cooperation is still limited, primarily due to a noticeable difference in the approaches of China and the EU to Africa. Nevertheless, it is gradually being established in the format of joint participation in peacekeeping operations, as well as in the context of the fight against piracy and terrorism.
Biallelic variants in MAD2L1BP (p31comet) cause female infertility characterized by oocyte maturation arrest
Authors: Huang Lingli , Li Wenqing , Dai Xingxing , Zhao Shuai , Xu Bo , Wang Fengsong , Jin Ren-Tao , Luo Lihua , Wu Limin , Jiang Xue , Cheng Yu , Zou Jiaqi , Xu Caoling , Tong Xianhong , Fan Heng-Yu , Zhao Han , Bao Jianqiang
Published: June 2023

Human oocyte maturation arrest represents one of the severe conditions for female patients with primary infertility. However, the genetic factors underlying this human disease remain largely unknown. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is an intricate surveillance mechanism that ensures accurate segregation of chromosomes throughout cell cycles. Once the kinetochores of chromosomes are correctly attached to bipolar spindles and the SAC is satisfied, the MAD2L1BP, best known as p31comet, binds mitosis arrest deficient 2 (MAD2) and recruits the AAA+-ATPase TRIP13 to disassemble the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), leading to the cell-cycle progression. In this study, by whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified homozygous and compound heterozygous MAD2L1BP variants in three families with female patients diagnosed with primary infertility owing to oocyte metaphase I (MI) arrest. Functional studies revealed that the protein variants resulting from the C-terminal truncation of MAD2L1BP lost their binding ability to MAD2. cRNA microinjection of full-length or truncated MAD2L1BP uncovered their discordant roles in driving the extrusion of polar body 1 (PB1) in mouse oocytes. Furthermore, the patient’s oocytes carrying the mutated MAD2L1BP resumed polar body extrusion (PBE) when rescued by microinjection of full-length MAD2L1BP cRNAs. Together, our studies identified and characterized novel biallelic variants in MAD2L1BP responsible for human oocyte maturation arrest at MI, and thus prompted new therapeutic avenues for curing female primary infertility.
Comprehensive study of autoignition characteristics of propane
Authors: Farhan Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Ignition delay times (IDT) for stoichiometric propane (C3H8) diluted with nitrogen were measured in a shock tube facility under reflected shock wave conditions at pressures ranging from 1 to 10 atm and temperatures between 850 and 1500 K. The experiments were limited to a maximum pressure of 10 atm due to the facility’s constraints. In addition, numerical simulations were conducted using several detailed kinetic mechanisms at pressures from 1 to 30 atm and three equivalence ratios (φ = 0.5, 1, and 2) to provide comparative insights. The results indicated that IDT decreases as pressure increases, with a more significant reduction observed between 1 and 10 atm compared to 10 to 30 atm. While most models exhibited similar trends and minimal discrepancies, the GRI Mech 3.0 mechanism demonstrated a slower prediction of ignition delay times at temperatures below 1250 K. In contrast, the POLIMI model exhibited a relatively faster prediction at temperatures above 1250 K, with the deviation between the two models becoming more pronounced as pressure increased. A comparative analysis revealed that the experimental predictions of propane autoignition behavior were in good agreement with the results obtained using the ARAMCO 3.0 mechanism. To further understand the chemistry governing the autoignition process of C3H8, a sensitivity analysis was performed for a stoichiometric mixture at three distinct temperatures (850 K, 1200 K, and 1550 K).
Cueca larga de Chile, sin pañuelo y con tres vueltas
Authors: Bianchi Soledad
Published: June 2023

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Cincuenta años de letras chilenas (1973-2023). Los caminos de la orfandad
Authors: Cánovas Rodrigo
Published: June 2023

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"Las novelas de la dictadura y la postdictadura chilena": precisiones y autocrítica
Authors: Rojo Grínor
Published: June 2023

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Presentación de “Augusto Pinochet Ugarte viene volando” y “Gabriel González Videla viene volando” de Carlos Droguett
Authors: Moreno Fernando
Published: June 2023

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Nellie Bly. "Diez días en un psiquiátrico"
Authors: Fuentes Pablo
Published: June 2023

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Estructura Factorial, Propiedades Psicométricas e Invarianza de una Escala de Bienestar Subjetivo para Población Mexicana
Authors: Quiñonez Tapia Francisco , Vargas Garduño María de Lourdes
Published: June 2023

En el mundo se han desarrollado diversas escalas para medir bienestar subjetivo; no obstante, algunos investigadores han reportado como limitación de las mismas el empleo de muestras no representativas para distintos grupos poblacionales de diferentes áreas geográficas por país. Por ende, llevamos a cabo un estudio cuyo objetivo fue analizar la estructura factorial, propiedades psicométricas e invarianza de una escala de bienestar subjetivo para la población mexicana. Usamos un muestreo probabilístico, trietápico, estratificado realizado por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEGI) en México. Recuperamos la base de datos correspondiente a los años de 2013 a 2020. La muestra fue de 54019 participantes de la zona urbana de los 32 estados de México: 23279 (43,1%) hombres y 30740 (56,9%) mujeres; 1334 (2,5%) adolescentes, 42108 (78,0%) adultos y 10577 (19,6%) adultos mayores. La edad de los participantes fue de 18 a 97 años (M = 44,34, DE = 16,30). Analizamos la consistencia interna de la escala con el coeficiente omega y realizamos 5 análisis factoriales confirmatorios para explorar su estructura factorial. Evaluamos la invarianza de la escala con un análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo (AFCMG) por sexo, estadios del desarrollo y región de residencia del País. El modelo unifactorial y el de tres factores correlacionados tuvieron un ajuste pobre a los datos, por lo que decidimos modificar este último. El modelo de 3 factores correlacionados modificado (Satisfacción con la Vida, Afectos Positivos y Afectos Negativos) arrojó buen ajuste, con un valor de 0,94 en el coeficiente de omega El AFCMG de la Escala de Bienestar Subjetivo con una estructura factorial de tres factores correlacionados modificado arrojó valores en el cambio de CFI, RMSEA y SRMR que evidenciaron invarianza en grupos divididos por sexo, estadios del desarrollo y región de residencia. Los análisis de estructura del Bienestar Subjetivo propuesto por Diener et al., de 3 factores correlacionados entre sí de la Satisfacción con la Vida, Afectos Positivos y Afectos Negativos arrojó evidencias de validez, consistencia interna e invarianza configuracional, métrica y escalar dentro de los grupos por sexo, estadios del desarrollo y región de residencia para población mexicana.
Análisis Psicométrico del Inventario Alemán de Ansiedad ante los Exámenes basado en el Modelo de Respuesta Graduada
Authors: Rojas-Torres Luis , Furlan Luis A. , Rojas-Rojas Guaner
Published: June 2023

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario Alemán de Ansiedad ante los exámenes adaptado a Costa Rica (GTAI-CR), con base en el modelo de respuesta graduada. Para este propósito se aplicó el instrumento a 184 personas (101 hombres, 82 mujeres y 1 persona no identificada con las categorías anteriores). Cada una de las cuatro subescalas del GTAI fue evaluada de manera independiente. Se obtuvo que las subescalas de forma global y sus ítems de forma independiente mostraron un ajuste aceptable al modelo. Las curvas características de cada categoría en cada ítem fueron plausibles para grupos representativos de población. Por otro lado, en cada subescala se calculó el rango donde las estimaciones de estas puntuaciones latentes presentaron precisiones aceptables. Finalmente, se presentan recomendaciones para que las escalas de la GTAI-CR puedan mejorar la precisión de las puntuaciones en las que brindan baja información.
Sınıf Performansı Üzerinde Algılanan Öğretmen Destekleyici Davranışların Rolü
Authors: İLTER İlhan
Published: June 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı öz-belirleme kuramı temel alınarak algılanan öğretmen destekleyici davranışların ortaokul öğrencilerinin sınıf performansları üzerindeki rolünü incelemektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini Türkiye’de bir şehirde yer alan ortaokullarda öğrenim gören 296 yedinci sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Algılanan öğretmen destekleyici davranışlar Kişilerarası Davranışlar Ölçeği Öğretmen Kısa Formu kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Öğrencilerin sınıf performans düzeylerini ölçmek için Türkçeye uyarlanarak geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmaları yapılan Sınıf Performans Ölçeği (Cronbach Alpha katsayısı = ,88) kullanılmıştır. Algılanan öğretmen destekleyici davranışların öğrencilerin sınıf performanslarını ne düzeyde yordadığını belirlemek için çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonuçları üç tür öğretmen destekleyici davranışın (özerklik, yeterlilik ve ilişkililik ihtiyacı) öğrencilerin sınıf performansı ile pozitif yönde ilişkili olduğunu göstermiştir. Regresyon modeline göre sınıf performansı üzerinde en güçlü yordayıcı değişken özerklik destekleyici faktör ve onu izleyen yeterlilik destekleyici faktör iken en zayıf yordayıcı değişken ilişkililik destekleyici faktörüdür. Bu sonuçlardan yola çıkarak ortaokul öğrencilerinin sınıf performanslarının algılanan öğretmen yeterlilik ya da ilişkililik destekleyici davranışlarından daha çok özerklik destekleyici öğretmen davranışları tarafından daha fazla şekillendiğini söylemek mümkündür. Araştırmada elde edilen tüm bulgular öğretmenin öğrencilere derinden sağlayacağı özerklik, yeterlilik ve ilgili olma desteğinin öğrencilerin akademik ve kişilerarası yeterliliklerinin bir bileşimi olarak sınıf performanslarında tatminkar sonuçlar elde etmesi açısından önemli olduğunu göstermektedir.
Periodontal Health-The Gordian Knot in Public Health: The Indian Standpoint
Authors: Debnath Krishnendu , Nisha Swet , Das Debanjan , Goswami Nilanjana , Barai Sudipto
Published: June 2023

Oral health is an inherent part of public health and is intricately related to systemic health. The interdependency of oral health and systemic health merges at the knot called periodontal health. Systemic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases affect periodontal tissues and there lies a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Taking this into consideration, periodontal health maintainance is essential for better systemic health. With the advancing health complications in the present time and due to spatial disparities, periodontal health is taking the shape of a concerning public health problem. India is facing some definitive challenges in terms of the oral healthcare system. Periodontal health assessment needs introduction of oral health programmes focusing on periodontal assessment, oral health policies and promoting education regarding periodontal health. Continous surveilliance of the disease can help us in determing the prevalence of disease, disease progression, early diagnosis, and treatment. This review aims at finding the existing problems addressing periodontal health as a public health issue, key challenges, and possible ways out of this problem.
Tongue Adaptation and Airway Changes in Two Different Bracket Systems: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Saravanan Sowmithra Devi , Subramaniyan Aravind Kumar
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Orthodontics apart from correcting the malocclusions provide an invariably indirect effects on surrounding musculature and airway by means of creating room for proper tongue posture which helps in improvement of oropharyngeal airway dimensions along with dentoalveolar corrections which in this study was experimented with two different bracket systemsMBT and Damon self-ligating systems. Aim: To assess the adaptation of tongue and oropharyngeal airway changes following treatment with two different bracket systems. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and included 20 participants and categorised into two groups: Group 1 and group 2 included participants who underwent orthodontic treatment with Damon appliance therapy with Damon Copper NiTi (CuNiTi) wires and MBT prescription with Damon CuNiTi wires. Lateral cephalogram and intraoral scanning was done at the start of orthodontic treatment (T0) and after one year (T1). Cephalometric and occlusal model assessment to determine the adaptation of tongue and Oropharyngeal Dimensions (OD) were determined (T0-T1) using the Facad® and 3-shape software. Independent t-tests and paired t-tests were done to compare T0 and T1 for both the groups were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Results of paired t-tests showed a statistically significant difference at the Interpremolar distance (IPM1) region of both groups 1 and 2 between T0 and T1 (p=0.034, p=0.011), Intercanine distance (IC) of group 2 upper (p=0.043) and IPM2 of both the groups in the upper arch (p=0.042, p=0.022). Cephalometric results showed a significant increase in all the assessed parameters within the groups between T0 and T1 (p<0.05). Oropharyngeal space did not show any difference in both the systems however comparatively increased in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusion: Treatment with Damon and MBT prescriptions with Damon Cuniti wires showed significant alterations in adaptation of tongue and oropharyngeal space and also in bringing about arch expansion in maxilla and mandible with the greatest expansion noted for first premolar of both the groups and IC and Interpremolar (2nd premolar) width of the upper arch of both the groups.
Serum Creatinine Determination: Comparison between Colorimetric (Jaffé) and Enzymatic Methods in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kouame Houda , Benamo-Seghir Mohammed , Samih Ayoub , Morjan Asmaa , Kamal Nabiha
Published: June 2023

Background: Serum creatinine is the most requested parameter in current practice in the context of functional exploration of the kidney. Its contribution to medical care is particularly decisive for kidney transplant patients. The aim of the study is to compare the colorimetric and enzymatic techniques available in our laboratory for the determination of creatinine in samples from kidney transplant patients.

Methods: Prospective study carried out at the Biochemistry laboratory of the University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd in Casablanca Morocco, over a period of 8 months, carried out on a series of 45 samples from kidney transplant patients who simultaneously benefited from a creatinine assay by colorimetric and enzymatic techniques. The samples were taken on dry tubes and analyzed on the Alinity ® Abbott analyzer. The statistical study of correlation was made by the SPSS software with calculation of the p-value and the coefficient of Pearson (r).

Results: During the study period 45 samples were collected. Seventy percent of the prescriptions came from the Nephrology Department. The mean serum creatinine value by enzymatic technique was 39.04 ± 11.7 mg/l, and by colorimetric technique 38.24 ± 12.4 mg/l. The creatinine level by the two techniques was pathological in 69% of cases and normal in 31%. The correlation between the serum creatinine assay by enzymatic Versus colorimetric technique is positive with r=0.994 and P-value<0.001.

Conclusion: According to literature, colorimetric techniques are sensitive to interference with pseudochromogenic substances, while enzymatic techniques are standardized due to their specificity and performance but remain more expensive. In our study the correlation between the two techniques was positive with a correlation equation: (y = 0.82 + 1*x). According to our results, no significant difference between the two techniques was observed in our laboratory.
Influence of Teacher Level of Training on the Implementation of CBC in Public Special Schools for Learners with Visual Impairment in Kitui County
Authors: Mutembei Stephen Christopher , Nyabisi Emily
Published: June 2023

The government of Kenya has put a lot of effort on provision of education for all irrespective of their abilities. Teachers as the key educational implementers have a great role in provision of education. With this regard, the purpose of this study is to assess the influence of teacher level of training on the implementation of CBC.  This study was guided by curriculum implementation theory by Gross [23]. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and it targeted teachers, head-teachers and learners in special schools for learners with visual impairment in Kitui County. Purposive sampling method and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A sample size of 210 respondents was used, among them 150 learners, 45 teachers and 15 head-teachers. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for data collection. Focus group discussions was also conducted among the learners with visual impairment with an aim of gathering information on issues related to availability and usage of ICT, teaching methods used by teachers and also learners’ perception towards CBC. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of quantitative data which included mean and standard deviation, results were presented in frequencies and percentages. Key findings of the study were; majority 44.2% of the teachers possessed a diploma in special need education, this revealed that teachers had attained the minimum professional qualification that is required for one to be employed at primary school level in Kenya. Majority 76.7% of teachers indicated that they had not attended any in-service training. Majority 63.33% of the teachers rated themselves as having sufficient ICT integration skills/training to implement CBC. Key conclusion of the study was that teacher related factors influence implementation of competency-based curriculum. Key recommendations were that the Ministry of Education in conjunction with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and Teachers Service Commission should continue training teachers on ICT knowledge and skills that are very critical to implementation of the new curriculum.
Spawning Technique of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at the Fish Fry Center in Cibiru, West Java
Authors: Andriani Yuli , Pratama Rusky I.
Published: June 2023

The demand for fish consumption continues to rise due to its high protein content, leading to an inadequate supply of fish stocks. To address this issue, the utilization of public water bodies for fish cultivation is seen as a potential solution. Cultivating fish in public waters can significantly boost fish production and maximize water utilization. One crucial stage in freshwater fish farming is freshwater fish hatchery development, aimed at meeting market demand for fish. Tilapia, a type of freshwater fish, holds great potential for cultivation due to its low production costs, high economic value, and adaptability to various aquatic conditions. The Cibiru Fish Fry Center in Bandung City plays a crucial role in tilapia fry production, with tilapia spawning being a significant endeavor. Tilapia is a freshwater fish species known for its elongated body shape, flattened sides, and blackish color. It exhibits a remarkable tolerance to different salinity levels and feeds on both animals and plants. Tilapia spawning at the Cibiru Fish Fry Center involves careful preparation of spawning ponds and the use of kakaban and water nets as substrates for egg attachment. Approximately 30,000 larvae are produced per spawning, with a hatching rate of 80%. Larvae management takes place in the same ponds as the spawning ponds and fertilizer application is used to promote the growth of natural food sources for the larvae. Feeding management is crucial for tilapia cultivation, with proper nutrition and feed quality influencing gonadal maturity and overall fish growth. The success of tilapia fry production at the center relies on various factors, including careful spawning preparation, optimal larval management, and effective feeding management.
Evaluation of Mulching Effects on Weed Control in Blackgram Production under Irrigated Condition
Authors: Chandralekha T. , Manuel R. Isaac , Sharmili K. , Kumar P. Dinesh
Published: June 2023

A field experiment with the objectives to understand the evaluation of mulching effects on weed control in blackgram production under irrigated condition involving two factors viz., mulching (paddy straw mulching, sugarcane trash mulching, no mulching) and herbicidal treatments (pendimethalin pre-emergence (PE) @ 1.0 Kg/ha, pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC 1.0 Kg/ha, Hand weeding on 15 and 30 days after sowing, weedy check) was undertaken in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design with three replications at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore region of western Tamil Nadu during the cropping seasons of Rabi 2022-23. Results revealed that paddy straw mulching sequential application of Pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC and sugarcane trash mulching sequential application of pendimathalin + imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC recorded lower weed density, weed dry weight and maximum crop yield as well as net returns over rest of the mulching and herbicidal treatments.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Singh Vivek , Mishra Anuj , Sharma Gaurav , Ahalawat Shivani , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

The present investigation conducted on 80 accessions of wheat during 2018-19 at Main Experiment Station (MES) of A.N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) to evaluate character association and genetic divergence for the identification of most diverse and promising genotypes. The experiment was laid out in Augmented Block Design. The observations were recorded on various morphological and physiological characters. The traits thousand-grain weight, biological yield per plant, peduncle length, spike length and harvest index revealed direct effect and positive correlation therefore, these traits should be selected in future for yield improvement of wheat.
A Review on Zika Virus: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Nwalozie Rhoda , Ikpeama Roseanne Adah , Nnokam Brenda Anyakwe , Esiere Rose Mary Kaiso
Published: June 2023

A single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, the Zika virus is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Zika virus infection was originally thought to be a mild and self-limiting illness when it was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. Infection in pregnant women, causes serious congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly, a condition marked by an abnormally small head and brain size, was only discovered in 2015 as a result of a significant outbreak in Brazil. Since then, the Zika virus has caused on-going outbreaks throughout the globe, raising serious concerns about public health. Despite significant research efforts, there is currently no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection, and mosquito control and safe sexual behaviour continue to be the major ways to cut down on transmission. It is crucial to maintain surveillance and study in order to comprehend the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical outcomes of Zika virus infection and to create efficient prevention and treatment plans.
Effect of Different Irrigation Levels and Mulching Methods on Performance of Organically Cultivated and Drip Irrigated Papaya
Authors: Gaat Baljeet Singh , Kumar Mukesh , Naresh Ram , Kumar Suresh , Kapil  , Kumar Raj , Vijay  , Anshul
Published: June 2023

An experiment was conducted at research field of Deendayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming, CCS HAU, Hisar during the year 2021-22 to study the effect of different irrigation levels and mulching methods on performance of organically cultivated and drip irrigated papaya. The experiment comprised of nine treatments three different irrigation levels viz. 50%, 75% and 100% of crop water requirement and three mulching methods. The results showed that the plant height (238 cm), stem girth (45.93 cm), crown diameter (242.67 cm), number of fruits (42.33), yield per plant (53.80 kg) and total yield (134.50 t ha-1) were observed maximum for meeting 100% of crop water requirement with the application of straw mulch and minimum for meeting 50% of crop water requirement without mulch condition. The soil moisture was found maximum for meeting 100% of crop water requirement with the application of plastic mulch minimum for meeting 50 % of crop water requirement without mulch condition. From the results, it is also observed that the irrigation water use efficiency (59.02 kg m-3) was found maximum for meeting 50 % of crop water requirement with straw mulch and minimum (42.64 kg m-3) for meeting 100% of crop water requirement without mulch under drip irrigation system.
Effects of Nutrient Management on Growth Indices and Grain Yield of Different Crop Establishment Methods in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Verma Ravi , Singh A. K. , Maurya Shivanand , Prakash Ram , Singh Divya
Published: June 2023

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Kharif seasons, 2021 and 2022 at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh, India) to assess the effect of crop establishment methods and nutrient management on growth indices and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in split plot design which comprised of four crop establishment methods. There are: M1 transplanting (Conventional); M2 direct seeded rice; M3 drum seeded rice and M4 broadcasting sprouted seed under puddled condition were kept in main plot while five nutrient management practices were kept in sub plot. They are: N0 Control; N1 Recommended dose of fertilizer (150:60:40 kg/ha NPK); N2: RDF + Zn@5kg/ha; N3: RDF + S@40 kg/ha; N4: RDF + Zn + S (@5 + 40 kg/ha). The experiment was replicated three times. Significantly higher crop growth rate, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate growth and grain yield was recorded in transplanting methods during both the years of investigation. Among the nutrients management; higher value of all the growth indices and grain yield was recorded in 150:60:60 kg/ha NPK + Zn (5 kg/ha) + Sulphur (40 kg/ha).
Geohelminth Infections and Nutritional Status of Mbororo Children 2 - 15 Years in the Bafmeng Health Area, North West Cameroon
Authors: Karimu Ismaila , Nyasa Raymond Babila , Nicholas Tendongfor
Published: June 2023

Background: Geohelminth infections are endemic in Cameroon affecting millions of people and have serious nutritional and developmental effects especially among children.

Aims: There is paucity of information on the prevalence, risk factors and nutritional effect of geohelminths on minority nomadic Mbororo communities in Cameroon, which is addressed herein amongst children 2-15 years in the Bafmeng Health Area.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community based study was conducted between April 2021 and June 2021 in which 263 children, within the age 2-15 years were randomly recruited and a structured questionnaire was administered to them and their caregivers to obtain socio-demographic data, hygienic practices and knowledge of caregivers regarding geohelminth infections. A single-stool sample was obtained from each child and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique and anthropometric measurements were also obtained and used to compute nutritional indices using the World Health Organization Anthro software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors of geohelminth infections.

Results: The prevalence of geohelminth infections was 14.4% (38); Ascaris lumbricoides (11.41%), Trichuris trichuira (2.7%), and hook worm (0.4%). A total of 61.2% (161) of the children were malnourished; underweight (28.5%), stunting (19.0%), severe stunting (11.0%), severely underweight (1.9%), and wasting (0.8%). Geohelminth infection was not associated with nutritional status (P=0.4) but it was significantly (p=0.004) associated with males (21.9%) than females (8.7%). The use of unsafe water (P=0.03, AOR: 2.01, CI: 1.04 - 1.77) and dumping of waste around the compound (P=0.01, AOR=1.35, CI: 0.13 – 0.95) were risk factors significantly associated with geohelminth infection. Majority of the caregivers (75.3%) had good knowledge on the transmission and prevention of geohelminths.

Conclusion: On a whole, the prevalence of geohelminth infection is low and malnutrition is high amongst Mbororo children. Long-term control strategies should focus on improvements on environmental hygiene, provision of portable water along side nutritional interventions.
Level of Application of Fertilization Technology in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Farming: A Case Study in Tajur Village, Long Ikis District, Paser Regency
Authors: Wijayanti Tetty , Lesmana Dina , Pradana Ronny
Published: June 2023

Fertilization is an effort to provide enough nutrients to encourage maximum and economic generative growth of plants, produce fresh fruit bunches, and resist pests and diseases. The unavailability of macro and micronutrients can cause obstacles to the growth and development of oil palm plants. Adding nutrients can correct the lack of macro and micro plant nutrients, or it can be called fertilization in the soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of application of technology to oil palm farming. This research was conducted in Tajur Village from May to June 2022. The data collection method was purposive sampling with a total of 34 respondents. The data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Likert scale measurements measured the data. The results of a study stated that the application level of fertilization technology was in the high category, with an average score of 30.88. The conclusion was based on the accurate indicator of obtaining an average score of 4.47 with the low category, the right dose received an average score of 8.94 with the high category, on time obtained an average score of 8.62 with the high category, and the right way of getting an average score of 8.85 with the medium category.
Genetic Profiling of Pathogens Associated with Pyroxia of Unknown Origin Treated for Plasmodiasis in Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: J. Isomah Chiladi , Mirabeau Tattfeng , O. Alade Tolulope , A. Mbata C. , Robert Belema
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella is an increasing problem and has become a public health issue worldwide. Moreover the evidences on hazard of therapeutic failure due to the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance among typhoidal antibodies and malaria are on the increase. This study was aimed at the genetic profiling of pathogens associated with Pyroxia of unknown origin treated for Plasmodiasis in Bayelsa State, Nigeria.  A total of 1200 samples (200 Stool and 1000 blood) were collected from consented subjects in Federal Medical Center and Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Blood samples were used for detection of Malaria parasites and Typhoidal antibodies while the stool samples were used for culturing on Salmonella-Shigella Agar. Antibiotic sensitivity of the pure isolates were carried out using sensitivity disc, biochemical analysis using API 20E was carried out to actually differentiate bacterial from each isolates and finally by genetic profiling of the resistant genes of the pure isolates using polymerase chain reaction. Antibiogram of the isolates showed high resistance to Oxacillin (73.6 %), Ampicillin (66.6%), Tetracycline (60.0%), and Erythromycin (53.3%) while Gentamycin, 22(73.3%), Chloramphenicol 18(60%) and Azithromycin 18(60%) had the highest sensitivity. The distribution of resistant genes from the genetic profiling showed that out of 20 amplified isolates, NDM resistant genes were 17(85%) followed by Bla TEM genes 14(70%) followed by CTXM and SHV genes as 11(55%) and 10(50%) respectively. The bacterial isolates showed high AMR and MDR to the commonly used antimicrobial drugs and the distribution of ESBL genes revealed a high level of resistant genes in Bayelsa State.
Humoral SARS–CoV‐2 Vaccine Responses in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Decay After Primary Vaccination and Effects of the Booster
Authors: van Sleen Yannick , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Buisman Anne‐Marie , Sandovici Maria , van Baarle Debbie , Brouwer Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Objective

Vaccination remains essential in preventing morbidity of SARS–CoV‐2 infections. We previously showed that >10 mg/day of prednisolone and methotrexate was associated with reduced antibody concentrations after primary vaccination in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). This follow‐up study was undertaken to measure the decay of antibody concentrations and the immunogenicity of SARS–CoV‐2 booster vaccination.

Methods

Patients with GCA/PMR included in the primary vaccination (BNT162b2 [Pfizer‐BioNTech] or ChAdOx1 [Oxford/AstraZeneca]) study were asked again to donate blood samples 6 months after primary vaccination (n = 24) and 1 month after booster vaccination (n = 46, BNT162b2 or mRNA1273). Data were compared to those of age‐, sex‐, and vaccine‐matched controls (n = 58 and n = 42, respectively). Multiple linear regression was performed with post‐booster antibody concentrations as dependent variable and post‐primary vaccination antibodies, prednisolone >10mg/day, and methotrexate use as predicting variables.

Results

Antibody concentrations decreased faster over time in GCA/PMR patients than in controls, which was associated with prednisolone treatment during primary vaccination. Post‐booster antibody concentrations were comparable between patients and controls. Antibody concentrations post primary vaccination, but not treatment during booster vaccination, were predictive for antibody concentrations post booster vaccination.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the decay of humoral immunity after primary vaccination is associated with prednisolone treatment, whereas the subsequent increase after booster vaccination, was not. Patients with low antibody concentrations following primary vaccination remained at an immunogenic disadvantage after a single booster vaccination. This longitudinal study in GCA/PMR patients stresses the importance of repeated booster vaccination for patients with poor responses to primary vaccination.

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A phase 1/2 of carfilzomib and melphalan conditioning for autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma (CARAMEL)
Authors: Visram Alissa , Hayman Suzanne R. , Dispenzieri Angela , Kapoor Prashant , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Warsame Rahma , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Cook Joselle , Binder Moritz , Gonsalves Wilson , Muchtar Eli , Leung Nelson , Roy Vivek , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji
Published: June 2023

In this phase 1/2 study, carfilzomib was added to high‐dose melphalan conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma that had been treated with ≤2 prior lines of therapy. Carfilzomib was escalated at doses of 27, 36, 45, and 56 mg/m2 on days −6, −5, −2, and −1 before ASCT in the phase 1 component of the study. In addition, all the patients received melphalan 100 mg/m2 on days −4 and −3. The primary endpoint of the phase 1 component was to identify the maximum tolerated dose, and the primary endpoint of the phase 2 component was the rates of complete response (≥CR) at 1 year after ASCT. The phase 1 dose escalation cohort included 14 patients, and 35 patients were included in the phase 2 cohort. The maximum tested dose was 56 mg/m2 (MTD). The median time from diagnosis to study enrollment was 5.8 (range 3.4–88.4) months, and 16% of patients had obtained a ≥CR prior to ASCT. The best response within 1 year after ASCT was a ≥ CR rate in 22% for the entire cohort, and 22% for patients treated at the MTD. The ≥VGPR rates improved from 41% before ASCT to 77% by 1 year after ASCT. One patient had a grade 3 renal adverse event, and renal function returned to baseline with supportive care. The rate of grade 3–4 cardiovascular toxicity was 16%. The addition of carfilzomib to melphalan conditioning was safe and resulted in deep responses after ASCT.
Observing the Entry Events of a Titanium‐Based Photoredox Catalytic Cycle in Real Time
Authors: Schmidt Jonas , Domenianni Luis I. , Leuschner Marcel , Gansäuer Andreas , Vöhringer Peter
Published: June 2023

Titanium‐based catalysis in single electron transfer (SET) steps has evolved into a versatile approach for the synthesis of fine chemicals and first attempts have recently been made to enhance its sustainability by merging it with photo‐redox (PR) catalysis. Here, we explore the photochemical principles of all‐Ti‐based SET‐PR‐catalysis, i.e. in the absence of a precious metal PR‐co‐catalyst. By combining time‐resolved emission with ultraviolet‐pump/mid‐infrared‐probe (UV/MIR) spectroscopy on femtosecond‐to‐microsecond time scales we quantify the dynamics of the critical events of entry into the catalytic cycle; namely, the singlet‐triplet interconversion of the do‐it‐all titanocene(IV) PR‐catalyst and its one‐electron reduction by a sacrificial amine electron donor. The results highlight the importance of the PR‐catalyst's singlet‐triplet gap as a design guide for future improvements.
Analysis of the Whiplash gradient descent dynamics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Subhransu S. , Petersen Ian R.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose the Whiplash inertial gradient dynamics, a closed‐loop optimization method that utilizes gradient information. We introduce the symplectic asymptotic convergence analysis for the Whiplash system for convex functions. We also introduce relaxation sequences to explain the nonclassical nature of the algorithm and an exploring heuristic variant of the Whiplash algorithm to escape saddle points, deterministically. We provide a practical methodology for analyzing convergence rates using integral constraint bounds and a novel Lyapunov rate method. Our results demonstrate polynomial and exponential rates of convergence for quadratic costs.
Multifunctional Additive Ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene Enables Safe Carbonate Electrolyte for SiOx‐Graphite/NMC811 Batteries
Authors: Liu Sufu , Becker Maximilian , Huang‐Joos Yuanye , Lai Huagui , Homann Gerrit , Grissa Rabeb , Egorov Konstantin , Fu Fan , Battaglia Corsin , Kühnel Ruben‐Simon
Published: June 2023

The silicon (Si) or silicon monoxide (SiOx)‐graphite (Gr)/nickel‐rich LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC, x+y+z=1, with x≥80 %) cell chemistry is currently regarded as a promising candidate to further improve the energy density of rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries, but is confronted with safety and cycling stability issues. Here, the flame retardant ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) is studied as electrolyte additive in the SiOx‐Gr/NMC811 full cell system. We find that PFPN in combination with an increased lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) concentration renders carbonate‐based electrolytes non‐flammable based on a very low self‐extinguishing time of 3.1 s g−1 while the electrolyte maintains a high ionic conductivity of 8.4 mS cm−1 at 25 °C. Importantly, PFPN in combination with fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) also stabilizes the solid‐electrolyte interphase of Si‐based anodes beyond the level achieved only with FEC. Furthermore, PFPN improves the wetting property of the electrolyte, rendering it a multifunctional additive. As a result, excellent capacity retention of 87 % after 200 cycles at 1 C was achieved for SiOx‐Gr/NMC811 pouch cells with a relatively high SiOx content of 20 %. Our work provides a promising avenue for developing safe and high‐performance electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries with silicon‐based anodes.
Effects of exercise interventions in Alzheimer's disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Roy Sagor Kumar , Wang Jing‐jing , Xu Yu‐ming
Published: June 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of exercise intervention in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by meta‐analysis.

Methods

From January 2000 to January 2022, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and WanFang databases were searched for all studies on the clinical efficacy of exercise intervention in the treatment of AD patients. Stata 17.0 statistical software was used for meta‐analysis.

Results

Specifically, data of 983 patients were subjected to meta‐analysis, including 463 patients in the control group (conventional drug therapy) and 520 patients in the treatment group (physical exercise on the basis of conventional therapy). The results of meta‐analysis showed that Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL) score in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Further subgroup analysis of exercise intervention >16 weeks found that MMSE and ADL scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Subgroup analysis of exercise intervention ≤16 weeks demonstrated that MMSE and ADL in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group. In addition, the treatment group had a significant lower Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score compared with the control group (SMD = –0.76, 95% CI (–1.37, –0.16), p = .013); subgroup analysis showed that the NPI score in the treatment group were lower than that in the control group when exercise intervention was >16 weeks [SMD = –1.01, 95% CI (–1.99, –0.04), p = .042] and ≤16 weeks [SMD = 0.43, 95% CI (–0.82, –0.03), p = .034].

Conclusion

Exercise intervention can improve the neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living and cognitive function of AD patients, but the improvement is not significant in case of exercise intervention ≤16 weeks.
Indole‐3‐acetonitrile Is a Critical Molecule with Weed Allopathic Suppression Function in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Liu Wanyou , Dong Bao Zhu , Hu Jinghan , Xu Zhenpeng , Zheng Chengzhong , Nian Yin , Zhou Hongyou
Published: June 2023

Cruciferous plants are frequently used for ecologically benign weed control in agricultural production. Most effective Broccoli varieties were screened using the entropy method‐based topsis model at first. Result showed that varieties of Lvwawa and Lvbaoshiwere most effective in allelopathic suppression on radishes. Column and thin‐layer chromatography were used to extract the allelopathic compounds from broccoli residues, which contained various herbicidal active substances; among them, purified single‐molecule indole‐3‐acetonitrile has a stronger inhibitory effect than pendimethalin (commercial herbicide). The weed inhibition rate increased with increasing broccoli residue dosage, with a 40 g/m2 broccoli residue dose yielding the highest suppression rate. Its effect was similar to that of indole‐3‐acetic acid. Too much of this substance leads to the plant's death. Moreover, broccoli residues had effective control effect on weeds in natural soils in greenhouse and field trials. The results demonstrated that broccoli residue could be used for weed management in field for abundant allopathic suppression molecules to weeds, and that Indole‐3‐acetonitrile is one of the most important allopathic molecule.
Decarboxylative Functionalization of β,γ‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids: New Perspective for the Synthesis of Functionalized Allylic Compounds
Authors: Yao Zhen , Xu Lijin , Shi Qian
Published: June 2023

Due to the versatile reactivity of allyl moieties for further transformations and their omnipresence in biologically and pharmaceutically active molecules, significant efforts have been devoted to the efficient introduction of such groups into organic compounds. Although a large variety of allylating reagents have been successfully developed, development of new, efficient and environmentally benign allylating reagents remains in high demand. Recently, easily accessible β,γ‐unsaturated carboxylic acids have been explored as promising allylating agents in decarboxylative allylation reactions. This type of transformation provides facile access to various functionalized allyl compounds including those that are difficult to prepare using the classic allylating reagents with high efficiency and regiocontrol, and can be rendered enantioselective by choosing a suitable catalyst precursor and chiral ligand. Moreover, utilizing such allylating reagents allows for the discovery of novel transformations, especially under visible light photocatalysis.
Modified Peptide Molecules As Potential Modulators of Shelterin Protein Functions; TRF1
Authors: Brankiewicz Wioletta , Kalathiya Umesh , Padariya Monikaben , Węgrzyn Katarzyna , Prusinowski Maciej , Zebrowska Joanna , Zylicz‐Stachula Agnieszka , Skowron Piotr , Drab Marek , Szajewski Mariusz , Ciesielski Maciej , Gawrońska Małgorzata , Kallingal Anoop , Makowski Mariusz , Bagiński Maciej
Published: June 2023

In this work, we present studies on relatively new and still not well‐explored potential anticancer targets which are shelterin proteins, in particular the TRF1 protein can be blocked by in silico designed “peptidomimetic” molecules. TRF1 interacts directly with the TIN2 protein, and this protein‐protein interaction is crucial for the proper functioning of telomere, which could be blocked by our novel modified peptide molecules. Our chemotherapeutic approach is based on assumption that modulation of TRF1‐TIN2 interaction may be more harmful for cancer cells as cancer telomeres are more fragile than in normal cells. We have shown in vitro within SPR experiments that our modified peptide PEP1 molecule interacts with TRF1, presumably at the site originally occupied by the TIN2 protein. Disturbance of the shelterin complex by studied molecule may not in short term lead to cytotoxic effects, however blocking TRF1‐TIN2 resulted in cellular senescence in cellular breast cancer lines used as a cancer model. Thus, our compounds appeared useful as starting model compounds for precise blockage of TRF proteins.