bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An example of the adverse impacts of various anthropogenic activities on aquatic bodies: Water quality assessment of the Provadiyska river (Northeastern Bulgaria)
Authors: Seymenov Kalin
Published: July 2022

Anthropogenic activities deteriorate the quality of water resources, which reduces their socio-economic suitability, endangers public health, and affects aquatic life. This work presents the results of physicochemical monitoring of the Provadiyska River (Northeastern Bulgaria) and aims to assess water quality status according to the guidelines pointed out in the National regulatory standard-Regulation H-4/2012 for characterization of the surface waters. The selected river has become one of the most seriously polluted streams in the territory of the country due to the effect of various human practices occurring in the drainage basin, such as agriculture, industry, and urban development. Data about the values of ten physicochemical variables (pH, EC, DO 2 , N-NH 4 , N-NO 3 , N-NO 2 , N-tot, P-PO 4 , P-tot, and BOD 5), recorded at four measuring points during the period 2015-2020 have been used. Results obtained indicate that almost all of the parameters considered do not meet the reference norm for "Good status", thus water quality could be assessed as "Moderate". Failed variables appear to be EC, N-NH 4 , N-NO 3 , N-NO 2 , N-tot, P-PO 4 , P-tot, and BOD 5 whose highest observed content remains from two up to nine times above the maximum permissible limits of Regulation H-4/2012. Water contamination arises from different sources and activities, including the excessive fertilization of croplands, the unregulated release of animal manure from livestock farms, the uncontrolled discharge of municipal and industrial effluents into the river, etc. The expansion of sewerage systems in the settlements, the construction of wastewater treatment facilities, as well as the adoption of codes for best farming practices are among the most important actions that should be taken to reduce the deleterious effects of various anthropogenic activities on water quality.
An analysis of the reading motivation of secondary school students in relation to various variables
Authors: Kurnaz Ahmet , Pürsün Tuğba
Published: July 2022

This study aims to examine the reading motivation of secondary school students concerning various variables. The research was designed in a scanning model. The research was conducted with 585 participants selected based on simple random sampling method. The research data were collected by using the Reading Motivation Scale and Personal Information Form. In the analysis of the research data, parametric descriptive statistics were used because the data showed normal distribution. According to the findings obtained from the research, there was a significant difference in the reading motivation of the students in relation to gender, grade level, reading books outside the school, buying books, reading books on vacation, reading books apart from homework, using computer hours and academic success; there was no significant difference in relation to preschool education, mother's profession, number of reading books annually, family income level, family togetherness, watching television time and number of siblings.
Comparison of story-based and game-based vocabulary teaching in secondary school English lessons
Authors: Kesgin Nilüfer , Kartal Şefik
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of the story-based and game-based vocabulary teaching methods on learning the English equivalents of Turkish words, using these English words in sentences and writing these English words correctly. It was also aimed to investigate the effects of these methods on English reading comprehension skills of the students. Pre-test - post-test without control group experimental design was used in the study. The study design consisted of two groups as the Group Story and the Group Game. An achievement test prepared by the researchers was applied to both groups as a pre-test at the beginning of the research and as a post-test at the end of the research. The study was conducted in the 5th grades of a secondary school in the 2nd term of the 2014-2015 academic year. The study group consisted of 54 students, 27 students in the Group Story and 27 students in the Group Game. The study was completed in 8 weeks in total, 40 minutes per week. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test scores of each group. No significant difference was found between the mean scores of the pre-test - post-test difference scores of the two groups. In conclusion, it is possible to say that both the story-based and game-based vocabulary teaching methods are efficient in vocabulary teaching in secondary school English lessons.
Epidemiology and comorbidities in bullous pemphigoid in the period from January of 2019 to the January of 2021
Authors: Radičević Miloš , Minić Snežana
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune bullous dermatosis that most commonly occurs in elderly patients. Due to its pathogenesis and treatment of the disease, it can also affect the development of comorbidities. Aim: Determination of comorbidities and their frequency in patients with bullous pemphigoid, as well as their distribution by sex and the estimation of the duration of dermatosis from the onset of symptoms to data collection. Material and methods: In the period from January 2019 to January 2021, a number of 80 patients was analyzed. Basic patient data (age, sex, time of illness) and data on accompanying comorbidities were obtained. Data were categorized based on the ICD-10 classification into groups of diseases, as well as individual diseases that occurred frequently in the population. Results: Of the total number of respondents, 41.3% were male and 58.8% female. The average age of the respondents was 75.8 years, 76.45 years for men and 75.36 years for women. The period from the onset of symptoms to data collection was 3 months, while the average age of the disease in all subjects was 74.4 years. The most common comorbidities were hypertension 73.75%, psychiatric diseases 25%, type 2 diabetes mellitus 25%, other skin diseases 21.25%, urinary tract disorders 18.75%, ischemic heart disease 12.5%, type 1 diabetes mellitus 10%, kidney disease 8.75%, neurological disease 6.25%. Comorbidities were statistically more common in female patients: hypertension, ischemic heart disease, skin diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: In our study, bullous pemphigoid is confirmed the disease is of the elderly, predominantly female. Female patients suffer from some comorbidities more often. The period from the onset of symptoms to the collection of data is about 3 months. It is also showed that there are a number of comorbidities in the studied pemphigoid population, however, a large number of studies are needed to determine their association.
Assessment of one maize hybrid lot uniformity by UPOV morphological and protein markers
Authors: Babić Vojka , Marković Ksenija , Kravić Natalija , Babić Milosav , Srdić Jelena , Petrović Tanja
Published: July 2022

Monitoring genetic uniformity and identity is very important in maize breeding and seed production. Due to practical reasons, molecular and biochemical methods for the determination of genetic purity and uniformity should reliably reflect genetic differences associated with traditional morphological traits, even when they are not agriculturally important. A comparison of genetic purity and uniformity of one maize hybrid lot, based on morphological UPOV markers and the UTLIEF (Ultrathin-layer isoelectric focusing) method is performed in this research. Tested hybrid samples expressed uniform protein markers profiles, but on the other hand, unsatisfactory uniformity of morphological markers in the field, indicating some laches in seed production. Although the UTLIEF method, standardized by ISTA rules, provides enough accurate distinction between F1 seed and self-pollinated maternal seed, a "clean" isozyme or protein profile will not necessarily correlate with morphological homogeneity. It is most likely that the non-uniformity of the tested hybrid lot originates from the non-uniformity of one of the parental lines. Therefore, to establish where the laches occurred, it is necessary to perform post-control tests with reference samples of maize hybrid and parental lines, as well as, the insight into their official descriptions according to the UPOV descriptor. Thus, it is very important to require the deposition of referent samples of hybrids and varieties whose seed production is allowed in Serbia, as well as to have harmonised protocols for conduction of laboratory and field post-control tests.
NS Avantura: A new high yielding winter wheat cultivar
Authors: Mirosavljević Milan , Momčilović Vojislava , Dražič Tanja , Aćin Vladimir , Mikić Sanja
Published: July 2022

Winter wheat is the most important winter cereal crop in Serbia and in the Pannonian region. As the result of the changing climate, winter wheat showed high year to year variability among the growing seasons. Therefore, there is a constant need to release new cultivars with high yield potential and stability and good baking quality to maximaze grain value in local and regional markets. To adress this, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia developed a winter wheat line NS 4-18 that was released 2021 as a new cultivar NS Avantura. The cultivar NS Avantura was selected from a cross between two genotypes: NS 151-10 and Premio. The Commission for the registration of varieties of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia conducted a trial at multiple locations in two years, and it was found that NS Avantura is a distinct, uniform and stable cultivar with higher grain yield than average of four check cultivars, and good technological quality. NS Avantura is a mid-early bread wheat cultivars with awns, adapted to different environments in the southern Pannonian Plain.
Wheat genotypes variability of technological quality indicators across different microclimate conditions
Authors: Banjac Borislav , Mladenov Velimir , Petrović Sofija , Vojnović Đorđe , Begić Danilo , Šućur Rada , Jocković Bojan
Published: July 2022

Wheat (Triticum sp.) is one of the most widely consumed grains in human nutrition, and bread is its primary product, the quality of which is dependent on grain technology. When processing wheat into flour, it's important to understand the basic chemical composition components that are direct indications of wheat grain technological quality, such as water, starch, protein, dietary fiber, and fat. As a result, experiments conducted in various microclimatic conditions aid in determining the impact of genotypes and environmental factors, as well as their interaction, on total protein content, sedimentation value, and amylolytic activity, all of which are important indicators of wheat technological quality. Microclimatic growth circumstances had a statistically significant impact on measures of grain technological quality in genotypes of three types of wheat (Triticum aestivum, Triticum spelta and Triticum compactum). The stable reactivity of genotypes with the external environment was examined through a more extensive analysis, and genotypes that would serve as suitable parental components in the wheat breeding program with better technological quality were selected.
Optimization of mold design for aluminothermic welding of railway tracks by software simulation
Authors: Delić Alen , Manojlović Vaso , Sokić Miroslav , Gavrilovski Milorad
Published: July 2022

The aluminothermic welding process of rail welding has been used to join railway rails for more than a century. The benefits of this procedure include its flexibility, compactness of the weld, and ease of execution. It is not necessary to bring in outside energy to complete the process. It is provided by the exothermic effect of the chemical reactions of the aluminothermic mixture's constituents. The design of the mold with the pouring system, which should ensure even pouring of thermal steel, without turbulence, then even heat dissipation or cooling in order to obtain appropriate micro and macro structure of steel, without internal and external defects, is an important element for making a welded joint of the required quality. As a result, the mold's design was constantly evolving, requiring the use of costly experimental methods in industrial settings. Today, software packages are used to simulate traditional casting processes that can be used in the casting of thermite steel during the manufacture of welded railway joints, thereby avoiding costly and time-consuming industrial tests. The simulation of casting thermite steel in the mold cavity, i.e. in the weld joint for the 49E1 rail, using the NovaFlow & Solid CV software package, is presented in this paper. The simulation results were validated by establishing test welded joints in industrial settings and testing their quality in accordance with the EU 13740-1: 2017 standard.
Planning and development of sustanable logistics systems at a macro-level
Authors: Kovač Milovan , Tadić Snežana , Krstić Mladen
Published: July 2022

The realization of a series of logistics activities, as support for goods flows, can result in serious negative consequences on sustainability if they are not planned properly. Road transportation's dominant role in existing logistics systems has serious unsustainable effects on the society and environment. The only way in achieving regional sustainability of logistics systems is in the utilization of alternative transportation modes through the application of intermodal transportation (IT). The planning of IT systems is a complex task that consists of determining the appropriate structure of the network, identification of efficient IT terminal types, their number, location, and role in the system, defining connections between terminals, etc. All that is preceded by the selection of the system development scenario. This article indicates the significance of IT in achieving sustainability at a macro-level. The Dry Port (DP) concept is highlighted as an instrument of achieving sustainable IT system development. Six potentially sustainable development directions of IT systems through the concept of DP are defined and explained.
Evidence for and against the validity of the capital asset Pricing model
Authors: Leković Miljan
Published: July 2022

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) makes a significant contribution to understanding the relationship between return and risk and valuing assets in the capital market. The basic idea of the CAPM model is that assets exposed to the same level of systemic risk should have the same level of expected return. Therefore, the CAPM model values the asset, ie. determines its price at a level that ensures that the expected return corresponds to the assumed systemic risk. In addition to the positive aspects of the CAPM model, the paper pays equal attention to understanding the problems and taking into account the shortcomings and limitations that this model faces. The aim of the research is to find an answer to the question of whether the CAPM model is the correct model for valuing financial assets. In this regard, the paper presents numerous pieces of evidence for and against the validity of the CAPM model, concluding that, even after more than half a century of research, no consensus has been reached in the financial literature on the presence or absence of its validity.
How to transfer cyber security skill?
Authors: Đekić Milica
Published: July 2022

Cyber defense is a challenge to be taught as it seeks from attendees to adopt real technical skills. Skill is a capacity to resolve some practical problem, but sometimes it's needed to cover such a capability with theoretical background in order to better understand that area of interest. Teachers transferring such a skill must be well-educated and in position to create engaging course and training which can give an opportunity to attendees to take the most from such a lesson. In this article, we will stress out ongoing methods in producing cyber security workforce and highlight education as a strategic factor of any community, so far.
Review of Covid-19 and audio-vestibular symptoms: What we know so far?
Authors: Bukurov Bojana
Published: July 2022

Introduction/Aim: Although we have already entered the third year of the pandemic, the pathophysiological mechanisms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are still not fully elucidated. While symptoms of smell and taste dysfunction have been associated with this infection from the beginning, not much has been reported on other sensory systems, in the first place the hearing and balance. The aim of this review paper is to summarize data from the literature and the latest publications and answer the question whether there is a causal link between COVID-19 and inner ear damage. Methods: This review paper presents the latest data and evidence obtained from search of PubMed database by keywords: COVID-19, hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. The search identified more than 460 publications. After reviewing the title and abstract, most papers were excluded due to non-compliance with the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 16 papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were reviewed in their entirety. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the incidence of hearing loss was 3.1% (Confidence Interval - CI: 0.01-0.09), of tinnitus 4.5% (CI: 0.012-0.153), and dizziness 12.2% (CI: 0.070-0.204). Conclusion: Most published papers are characterized by limitations and high risk of bias (no control arm, missing data, and no reference to confounding factors). For now, no certain causal relationship between this infection and damage to the senses of hearing and the sense of balance can be established.
Case Study on the Employment of a Person with Intellectual Disability in Childcare Work in Japan
Authors: Maebara Kazuaki
Published: July 2022

Background: In recent years, it has become necessary to promote the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities in new occupations.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the case of a person with an intellectual disability employed in childcare work and examine it from the perspective of issues in securing employment for the disabled.

Method: As a case study, an in-depth interview was conducted to survey a director of the Center for Early Childhood Education and Care, which had been hiring persons with intellectual disabilities and organizing the employment process for about four years.

Results: The person with intellectual disability was assigned to perform direct support work, mainly childcare work, and was aided by staff members responsible for guidance and the verbalization of job instructions. In addition, the staff provided specific guidance for solving problems that occurred in daily life. The work could be carried out smoothly.

Conclusion: While many people with intellectual disabilities are engaged in indirect support work, participating in direct support work, mainly childcare work, may positively affect their career development. Additionally, in focusing on the workplace, it is important to reconsider daily life issues from the viewpoint of long-term stability in the workplace and improve the methods used for transition support. The data were collected from a single case, which may limit the generalisability of the findings.
Assessment of School Assessors’ Knowledge and Competence on Diagnostic Overshadowing for Appropriate Placement of Children with Intellectual Disability in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Orim Samuel Orim , Orim Matthew Ashike , Alawa David Adie , Olayi James Eburikuri , Ewa James Abua , Essien Essien Ekpenyong , Essien Cecilia Kori , Olofu Martin Afen , Igba Innocent Ushi , Unimke Sylvester Akongi , Osaji Nsagha Nkang , Ogar Raymond Ogbebe , Unimuke Felicia Akpana
Published: July 2022

This study assessed the knowledge and competence of special teachers and psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disability in Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted. Sixty (60) respondents comprising teachers and school psychologists were purposively selected from three main special schools in Cross River State. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. A rating scale titled ‘Mental Health Diagnosis Competency Scale (r=0.91)’ was used for data collection. The instrument was used to assess the knowledge and competence of special teachers and school psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disabilities. The data collected were statistically analyzed using percentages, frequency count, and bar chart. The findings revealed that most teachers and school psychologists have no knowledge of psychiatric symptomatology in children with intellectual disabilities. Respondents also lack adequate competence in differential diagnosis, leading to wrong special education placement and inadequate intervention plans for such children. It was recommended, among others, that the government provide in-service training for teachers and psychologists to equip them on current issues and practices in special education, such as differential diagnosis and collaborative partnership within a transdisciplinary approach.
The skyline as a subject of protection of a historical settlement (on the example of St. Petersburg)
Authors: Nazarova Anna
Published: July 2022

The object of this study is the silhouette structure of the historical core of St. Petersburg, formed by the mid-1950s. The subject of the study is methods of protecting the silhouette of buildings in the system of protection of urban heritage. The study was conducted in order to develop an integrated approach to the protection of the silhouette of historical buildings, ensuring the preservation, maintenance and continuous development of the value features and parameters of the silhouette. Based on the analysis of the tools for the protection of cultural heritage, the most promising tool for the protection of a silhouette organization has been identified – the status of "historical settlement", the subject of protection of which is, among other things, the silhouette and composition of the building. According to the results of the study, an algorithm is proposed for identifying the most significant silhouette compositions of buildings recommended for inclusion in the subject of protection "composition and silhouette of buildings" of a historical settlement, and a silhouette protection mechanism has been developed, including the definition of the boundaries of the silhouette preservation zones and the introduction of restrictions on urban development within the boundaries of these zones, aimed at the preservation and continuous development of the silhouette of historical buildings cities. In order to identify isolated silhouette compositions of particular importance for the preservation of the historical environment, evaluation criteria correlated with the methods of assessing the historical urban landscape are proposed. The theoretical significance of the research lies in the systematization of approaches to the protection of the silhouette in the normative legal documents on the protection of urban heritage, the development of a system of criteria assessment and graph-analytical method, providing identification of the most significant silhouette compositions, their value features and parameters. The practical significance is determined by the possibility of applying the results of the study to supplement the regulatory framework for the protection of architectural and urban heritage. The system of criteria for assessing the silhouette of historical buildings can be used to identify valuable silhouette compositions and characteristics of the silhouette of buildings that are subject to preservation as a subject of protection of territorial heritage sites (historical settlement, landmark) in other regions of the Russian Federation.
Improving the methodology for analyzing the financial stability of the bank in order to increase economic security
Authors: Grigor'eva Kristina Vladimirovna
Published: July 2022

Annotation. The subject of this article is the existing methods, both abroad and in the Russian Federation, in terms of analyzing the financial stability of banks as one of the factors affecting economic security in general. The modern legislation of the Russian Federation is analyzed in detail in terms of the methods used to analyze the financial stability of banks by the Bank of Russia. Attention is also paid to other existing methods: popular foreign methods, as well as the methodology created by the rating agency of Expert RA JSC. The most important theses on each of the considered methods are revealed, as well as shortcomings that require attention and improvement are revealed. The formal-logical method is used as the basis for the analysis of existing methods for the analysis of financial stability and systematization of the main provisions. A comparative method was also used in order to identify trends and shortcomings in the methods used. The article presents the author's reasoned position on the problem of analyzing the financial stability of a bank as a private factor affecting the overall financial stability of the system, as one of the factors of economic security. The scientific novelty of the article consists in the proposal to improve the methodology of the analysis of the financial stability of the bank in order to early prevent the occurrence of risk factors for the loss of financial stability by the bank, the importance of including the bank's business model in the analysis of accounting is determined. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the existing methods in the Russian Federation require clarification and refinement, especially in terms of accounting for the analysis of the financial stability of banks of their business models. Taking into account this indicator will make it possible to identify inefficient banks from the point of view of their banking activities, and also raises the question of further development of such banks from a strategic point of view.
Oral manifestations in young adults infected with COVID-19 and impact of smoking: a multi-country cross-sectional study
Authors: El Tantawi Maha , Sabbagh Heba Jafar , Alkhateeb Nada Abubakor , Quritum Maryam , Abourdan Joud , Qureshi Nafeesa , Qureshi Shabnum , Hamoud Ahmed , Mahmoud Nada , Odeh Ruba , Al-Khanati Nuraldeen Maher , Jaber Rawiah , Balkhoyor Abdulrahman Loaie , Shabi Mohammed , Folayan Morenike O. , Gomaa Noha , Al_Nahdi Raqiya , Mahmoud Nawal , El Wazziki Hanane , Alnaas Manal , Samodien Bahia , Mahmoud Rawa , Abu Assab Nour , Saad Sherin , Al-Hachim Sondos , Alshaikh Ali , Abdelaziz Wafaa
Published: July 2022

Background

Oral manifestations and lesions could adversely impact the quality of people’s lives. COVID-19 infection may interact with smoking and the impact on oral manifestations is yet to be discovered.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the self-reported presence of oral lesions by COVID-19-infected young adults and the differences in the association between oral lesions and COVID-19 infection in smokers and non-smokers.

Methods

This cross-sectional multi-country study recruited 18-to-23-year-old adults. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on COVID-19-infection status, smoking and the presence of oral lesions (dry mouth, change in taste, and others) using an online platform. Multi-level logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the oral lesions and COVID-19 infection; the modifying effect of smoking on the associations.

Results

Data was available from 5,342 respondents from 43 countries. Of these, 8.1% reported COVID-19-infection, 42.7% had oral manifestations and 12.3% were smokers. A significantly greater percentage of participants with COVID-19-infection reported dry mouth and change in taste than non-infected participants. Dry mouth (AOR=, 9=xxx) and changed taste (AOR=, 9=xxx) were associated with COVID-19- infection. The association between COVID-19-infection and dry mouth was stronger among smokers than non-smokers (AOR = 1.26 and 1.03, p = 0.09) while the association with change in taste was stronger among non-smokers (AOR = 1.22 and 1.13, p = 0.86).

Conclusion

Dry mouth and changed taste may be used as an indicator for COVID-19 infection in low COVID-19-testing environments. Smoking may modify the association between some oral lesions and COVID-19-infection.
Morphological and olfactory tree traits influence the susceptibility and suitability of the apple species Malus domestica and M. sylvestris to the florivorous weevil Anthonomus pomorum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Henneberg Benjamin , Meiners Torsten , Mody Karsten , Obermaier Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

The florivorous apple blossom weevil, Anthonomus pomorum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the most economically relevant insect pest of European apple orchards in early spring. Neither efficient monitoring nor ecologically sustainable management of this insect pest has yet been implemented. To identify heritable traits of apple trees that might influence the host selection of A. pomorum, we compared the susceptibility of apple tree species using infestation rates of the domesticated apple, Malus domestica (Rosaceae: Pyreae), and the European crab apple, M. sylvestris. We evaluated the suitability of the two apple species for A. pomorum by quantifying the mass of weevil offspring. Because volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from flower buds of the domesticated apple have previously been suggested to mediate female weevil preference via olfactory cues, we conducted bioassay experiments with blossom buds of both apple species to explore the olfactory preference of adult weevils and, furthermore, identified the headspace VOCs of blossom buds of both apple species through GC-MS analysis. The infestation analysis showed that A. pomorum infested the native European crab apple more prevalently than the domesticated apple, which originated from Central Asia. The European crab apple also appeared to be better suited for weevil larval development than the domesticated apple, as weevils emerging from M. sylvestris had a higher body mass than those emerging from M. domestica. These field observations were supported by olfactory bioassays, which showed that A. pomorum significantly preferred the odor of M. sylvestris buds compared to the odor of M. domestica buds. The analysis of headspace VOCs indicated differences in the blossom bud volatiles separating several M. domestica individuals from M. sylvestris individuals. This knowledge might be employed in further studies to repel A. pomorum from M. domestica blossom buds.
Temperature regulation in the Balkan spadefoot (Pelobates balcanicus Karaman, 1928) at the beginning of nocturnal activity
Authors: Natchev Nikolay , Koynova Teodora , Tachev Krasimir , Doichev Dimitar , Marinova Pavlina , Velkova Valeriya , Jablonski Daniel
Published: July 2022

On land, the amphibians interact with the environment in a complex way-even small changes in the physiological conditions may significantly impact the behaviour and vice versa. In ectothermic tetrapods, the transition from inactive to active phase may be related to important changes in their thermal status. We studied the thermal ecology of adult Balkan spadefoots (Pelobates balcanicus Karaman, 1928) in northeastern Bulgaria. These toads spend the daytime buried between 10 and 15 cm in sandy substrates, and emerge after sunset. On the substrate, their thermal energy exchange is defined by the absence of heat flow from the sun. Secondary heat sources, like stored heat and infrared radiation from the soil play an important role for the thermal balance of the active spadefoot toads. At the beginning of their daily activity, we measured substrate temperature (at a depth of 11–12 cm), toad’s surface body temperature, and also provided thermal profiles of the animals and the substrate surface in their microhabitats. In animals which recently emerged from the substrate, the temperature was comparatively higher and was closer to that of the subsoil on the spot. After that, body temperature decreased rapidly and continued to change slowly, in correlation with air temperature. We detected a temperature gradient on the dorsal surface of the toads. On the basis of our measurements and additional data, we discuss the eventual role of air humidity and the effects of surface and skin water evaporation on the water balance and activity of the investigated toads.
Clinico-radiological Spectrum of COVID-19 Associated Rhino-cerebral Mucormycosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Agrawal Alka , Kori Neetu , Dixit Yogita , Nigam Prakhar , Choudhary Mrinal , Taya Silky
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Rhino-cerebral Mucormycosis (RCM), in the pre-Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) era, was thought to be solely associated with an immunocompromised state. However, an unforeseen outbreak in the number of mucormycosis cases was seen with the increase in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Aim: To study and investigate the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, associated risk factors, and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted comprising 480 cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis who presented to the institution between April 2020 and September 2020. The clinical and radiological data were studied and analysed. Results: Out of a total of 480 cases, 443 (92.29%) were found to suffering from diabetes mellitus and 392 patients (81.66%) had a history of steroids intake in the studied population. Facial or per orbital swelling followed by pain were the most frequent presenting complaints found in 188 (39.16%) and 162 (33.75%) patients, respectively. Nasal septum and middle turbinate were the most common sites of disease involvement on nasal endoscopic examination. On radiological imaging, maxillary (438; 91.25%) was the most commonly involved sinus followed by ethmoids (395; 82.29%). Premaxillary/retroantral fat and orbits were the most common sites of extra sinonasal spread of infection found in 278 (57.91%) and 244 (50.83%) patients, respectively. About 238 (49.58%) patients showed bony erosion and dehiscence. Intracranial complications were seen in 73 (15.21%) patients. Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels showed significant value with higher disease staging. Oxygen supplementation was frequently associated with extrasinus spread of infection. A total of 44 (9.17%) patients succumbed to death despite aggressive antifungal treatment. Conclusion: COVID-19 associated RCM shows frequent and extensive spread to extrasinus regions, especially with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, steroid administration, and oxygen supplementation. High clinical suspicion, early imaging, and prompt institution of antifungal therapy can aid in reducing mortality rate.
Upregulation of RCAN1.4 by HIF1α alleviates OGD‐induced inflammatory response in astrocytes
Authors: Yang Xiaxin , Yun Yan , Wang Pin , Zhao Juan , Sun Xiulian
Published: July 2022

Objective

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of human mortality and long‐term disability worldwide. As one of the main forms of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), the contribution of RCAN1.4 in diverse biological and pathological conditions has been implicated. But the role of RCAN1.4 in ischemic stroke progression remains elusive. This study is to explore the expression changes and roles of RCAN1.4 in ischemic stroke as well as the underlying mechanisms for these changes and effects of RCAN1.4 in ischemic stroke.

Methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion model in C57BL/6J mice and oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model in primary astrocytes were performed to induce the cerebral ischemic stroke. The expression pattern of RCAN1.4 was assessed using real‐time quantitative PCR and western blotting in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, the underlying mechanism for the elevation of RCAN1.4 in the upstream was investigated. Lentiviruses were administrated, and the effect of RCAN1.4 in postischemic inflammation was clearly clarified.

Results

Here we uncovered that RCAN1.4 was dramatically increased in mouse ischemic brains and OGD‐induced primary astrocytes. HIF1α, activated upon OGD, significantly upregulated RCAN1.4 gene expression through specifically binding to the RCAN1.4 promoter region and activating its promoter activity. The functional hypoxia‐responsive element (HRE) was located between −254 and −245 bp in the RCAN1.4 promoter region. Moreover, elevated RCAN1.4 alleviated the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL1β, IL6 and reduced expression of iNOS, COX2 in primary astrocytes upon OGD, whereas RCAN1.4 silencing has the opposite effect. Of note, RCAN1.4 overexpression inhibited OGD‐induced NF‐κB activation in primary astrocytes, leading to decreased degradation of IκBα and reduced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB/p65.

Interpretation

Our results reveal a novel mechanism underscoring the upregulation of RCAN1.4 by HIF1α and the protective effect of RCAN1.4 against postischemic inflammation, suggesting its significance as a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke treatment.
Appropriations subcommittee calls for transparency in SAMHSA block grants
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

The appropriations bill released this month from the federal Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies congressional subcommittee (Labor–HHS) (see House spending committee adds funding, other requests for SAMHSA, ADAW July 11; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adaw.33490) includes a call for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to gather more information about how the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) block grant is being used. SAMHSA administers the SAPT block grant.
Business activity in substance use remains strong with diverse funding
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2022

Government and private funding both are playing a prominent role in growth of the substance use treatment industry, with progress into new geographic areas and expanded lines of business. Recent activity ranges from substantial state grant support for new facility construction in California to expansions into mental health by some prominent names in addiction services nationally.
ONDCP announces $81 million for 645 youth coalitions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

On July 8, the House Office of National Drug Policy (ONDCP) announced about $81 million for 645 local coalitions across the country as part of the Drug‐Free Communities (DFC) Support Program Continuation Grant Awards.
Treatment and recovery discover harm reduction: Now what?
Authors: de Miranda John
Published: July 2022

It is useful to view our history as a long line of innovations to respond to and heal individuals addicted to alcohol and drugs. In the late 1700s, Dr. Benjamin Rush introduced the disease concept and the medicalization of care. The 1930s and 1940s witnessed the emergence of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Minnesota Model of addiction treatment. More recently, for the past 20‐plus years, motivational interviewing and medication‐assisted therapy have been adopted as core elements in treatment and recovery best practices.
Oxidation Behavior of Hastelloy X Alloy Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting and Subsequent Hot Isostatic Pressing Treatment
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Hong , Liu Yong , Qiu Wenbin , Deng Hao , Zhou Lvjun , Chen Longqing
Published: July 2022

Hastelloy X is a typical solid solution strengthening superalloy featured by good tolerance against oxidation and adequate mechanical and creep properties at 900 °C. However, current works about Ni‐based superalloys mainly focus on the relationship between microstructure and mechanical performance at high‐temperature regions, leaving the failure mechanism under the circumstance of oxidation as an open issue. Herein, the effects of the microstructure on the high‐temperature oxidation behavior and mechanical properties of Hastelloy X alloys prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technique and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), respectively, are investigated. The experimental results show the existence of a large number of microcracks in the SLM samples during oxidation at 900 °C, which can contribute to increased oxidation weight gain and ease of oxide layer exfoliation. With the assistance of HIP, thermal cracks are effectively eliminated by the combination of better elemental homogeneity. The further improvement of oxidation resistance is found to result from the densification of Cr2O3 particles and the hindrance of oxygen diffusion. From the perspective of the application, this work provides valuable support for the explanations of the oxidation resistance and fracture mechanism of Hastelloy X superalloys in high‐temperature service environments.
Connecting Solidified Microstructure with Compression Properties for Bulk Ti–Al Alloys with V Addition Conducted by Electromagnetic Levitation and First Principle
Authors: Zhai Bin , Zhang PengChao , Liang Chen , Chang Jian , Wang HaiPeng
Published: July 2022

Bulk Ti–Al based alloys with an approximate mass of 30 g are first prepared by electromagnetic levitation. The microstructures and the compression properties of Ti‐45%Al‐z%V alloys (z = 4, 8, and 12, atomic percent) at room and high temperatures are studied by experiments. The relationship between V content and the mechanical properties of γ and α2 intermetallics has been investigated by first‐principle calculations. It is clarified that V addition controls the phase contents and the microstructure characteristics. With the increase of V content, the microstructures of Ti‐45%Al‐4%V and Ti‐45%Al‐12%V are dominated by the phase transformations of α → γ and α → α2, respectively. Ti‐45%Al‐4%V alloy is mainly constituted of fine full lamellar γ phase while Ti‐45%Al‐12%V alloy is composed of coarsening lath α2 phase. Besides, the Young's modulus of Ti‐45%Al‐12%V alloy is smaller than that of Ti‐45%Al‐4%V alloy at 300 K, but the yield stress and ultimate compression stress are larger than that of Ti‐45%Al‐4%V alloy. The differences are attributed to the change of the main phase from γ to α2 and the mechanical properties of crystals changed by V addition. In addition, V addition changes the Young's modulus of α2 crystal from isotropy to anisotropy.
Indium and Tin Doping of Zinc Oxide Film by Cation Exchange and its Application to Low‐Temperature Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Han Sunghoon , Im Changik , Kim Youn Sang , Kim Changsoon
Published: July 2022

Thin‐film transistors (TFTs) based on ternary or quaternary metal oxides possess features that are advantageous for the commercialization of large‐area and flexible displays. These features include high mobility, high current on–off ratio, and uniformity over large areas. However, the manufacture of TFTs mainly uses costly sputtering equipment with low throughput. Here, it is demonstrated that cation exchange is a novel, solution‐based route for obtaining high‐quality ternary metal oxide films from binary metal oxide films. Specifically, some Zn ions in the parent ZnO film are replaced with In or Sn ions in a solution at room temperature, while preserving the ionic framework of the parent ZnO lattice to some degree. Consequently, annealing the resulting cation‐exchanged film at 250 °C yields an In‐ or a Sn‐doped ZnO film, in which In or Sn acts as a substitutional donor, with its electrical properties superior to those of the parent ZnO film. With the use of these In‐ and Sn‐doped ZnO films as channel layers, TFTs exhibit field‐effect mobilities of 10.3 and 7.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 and turn‐on voltages of −3.9 and −1.2 V, respectively, with current on–off ratios exceeding 108.
Ultra‐Wide Vis–NIR Mg2Al4Si5O18:Eu2+,Cr3+ Phosphor Containing Unusual NIR Luminescence Induced by Cr3+ Occupying Tetrahedral Coordination for Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Zou Xikun , Zhang Haoran , Li Wei , Zheng Mingtao , Molokeev Maxim S. , Xia Zhiguo , Zheng Yinjian , Li Qingming , Liu Yingliang , Zhang Xuejie , Lei Bingfu
Published: July 2022

Cr3+‐activated broadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors, featured by the octahedral coordination preference and strong absorption in visible (Vis) region, have great potential application in nondestructive assessment. It is still a challenge to develop Cr3+‐doped phosphors with the tetrahedrally coordinated Cr3+ NIR emission behavior and ultra‐wide Vis–NIR luminescence. Herein, an unusual NIR‐emitting Mg2Al4Si5O18:Cr3+ phosphor offers emission peak at 867 nm with full‐width at half‐maximum of 237 nm due to preferential occupation of the AlO4 tetrahedra by Cr3+ as demonstrated by structural and optical properties studies. Eu2+–Cr3+ energy transfer is proposed to induce ultra‐wide Vis–NIR Mg2Al4Si5O18:Eu2+,Cr3+ phosphors with more efficient NIR emission and lower thermal quenching behavior of Cr3+. The fabricated Vis–NIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diode is expected to be an alternative to halogen lamp in hyperspectral imaging. This work reveals the luminescence behavior of Cr3+ in tetrahedra and demonstrates the application of Mg2Al4Si5O18:Eu2+,Cr3+ phosphor in hyperspectral imaging, which will facilitate further research on NIR and Vis–NIR phosphors.
Deep‐Red Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 21% Enabled by Ligand‐Modulated Dimensionality Control
Authors: Liu Zhe , Peng Xiaomei , Xing Shiyu , Qiu Weidong , Li Mengke , Shen Chao , Sun Guanwei , Zhou Zhisheng , Gu Qing , Pu Junrong , Yang Jiaji , Zhang Jibin , Liu Denghui , Shen Chenyang , Qing Jian , Xue Qifan , Yip Hin‐Lap , Di Dawei , Hou Lintao , Qi Zhengjian , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: July 2022

Quasi‐2D perovskites show great promise for light‐emitting diodes owing to suppressed non‐radiative losses enabled by the energy funneling/cascading nanostructures. However, for red emission quasi‐2D perovskites, these ideal energy landscapes for efficient perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) can rarely be achieved due to detrimental aggregation of the low‐dimensional ligands in perovskite precursors, leading to poor device efficiency and stability. Here, a ligand‐modulated dimensionality control strategy is explored to achieve uniform phase distribution and reduce defect density for efficient light emission. In contrast to the model phenethylammonium iodide 2D ligand, the formation of small‐n phases can be inhibited by a structurally similar phenoxyethylammonium iodide ligand owing to the weakened aromatic stacking between ligands. Besides, the oxygen atoms can interact with the uncoordinated Pb2+ ions and promote the NI coordination in the perovskites, which greatly reduces the non‐radiative recombination defects in the ionic lattice. With this simple and effective approach, deep‐red quasi‐2D PeLEDs with record‐high external quantum efficiency of 21.6% and decent operational stability are achieved without the need for additional additives. These results highlight the potential of ligand‐modulated dimensionality control to achieve highly efficient and stable PeLEDs with a facile fabrication process.