bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dealing with inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 PCR samples—Our experience
Authors: Stoykova Zhivka , Kostadinova Tsvetelina , Todorova Tatina , Niyazi Denis , Bozhkova Milena , Bizheva Svetomira , Stoeva Temenuga
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Early confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 is a key point in the timely management of infected patients and contact persons. Routine diagnostics of COVID-19 cases relies on RT-PCR detection of two or three unique sequences of the virus. A serious problem for the laboratories is how to interpret inconclusive samples which are positive for only one of the SARS-CoV-2 specific genes.

Materials and methods

A total of 16364 naso-oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested with SARS-CoV-2 Real-TM kit (Sacace Biotechnologies, Italy) between May and September 2020. We retrospectively analyzed their amplification plots to determine the number of inconclusive samples. We also reviewed the medical records to summarize the patient’s COVID-19 testing history and basic demographic characteristics.

Results

We obtained 136 (0.8%) inconclusive samples with amplification signal only for the N-gene. Thirty-nine of the samples were excluded from further analysis as no additional data were available for them. Of the rest of the samples, the majority– 48% (95% CI 38–59%) had a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, 14% (95% CI 8–23%)–a subsequent history of positivity and 37% (95% CI 28–48%) were considered as false positive.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of the inconclusive results should be considered as positive samples at the beginning or the end of the infection. However, the number of false-positive results is also significant and each patient’s result should be analyzed separately following the clinical symptoms and epidemiological data.
Path analysis of biomarkers for cognitive decline in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gramotnev Dmitri K. , Gramotnev Galina , Gramotnev Alexandra , Summers Mathew J.
Published: May 2022

Clinical and biochemical diversity of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and numerous demographic, clinical, and pathological measures influencing cognitive function and its decline in PD create problems with the determination of effects of individual measures on cognition in PD. This is particularly the case where these measures significantly interrelate with each other producing intricate networks of direct and indirect effects on cognition. Here, we use generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) to identify and characterize significant paths for direct and indirect effects of 14 baseline measures on global cognition in PD at baseline and at 4 years later. We consider 269 drug-naïve participants from the Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative database, diagnosed with idiopathic PD and observed for at least 4 years after baseline. Two GSEM networks are derived, highlighting the possibility of at least two different molecular pathways or two different PD sub-types, with either CSF p-tau181 or amyloid beta (1–42) being the primary protein variables potentially driving progression of cognitive decline. The models provide insights into the interrelations between the 14 baseline variables, and determined their total effects on cognition in early PD. High CSF amyloid concentrations (> 500 pg/ml) are associated with nearly full protection against cognitive decline in early PD in the whole range of baseline age between 40 and 80 years, and irrespectively of whether p-tau181 or amyloid beta (1–42) are considered as the primary protein variables. The total effect of depression on cognition is shown to be strongly amplified by PD, but not at the time of diagnosis or at prodromal stages. CSF p-tau181 protein could not be a reliable indicator of cognitive decline because of its significantly heterogeneous effects on cognition. The outcomes will enable better understanding of the roles of the clinical and pathological measures and their mutual effects on cognition in early PD.
Using social and sexual networking mobile applications to promote HIV testing, medical care and prevention services among Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County, California, USA
Authors: Galvan Frank H. , Liu Honghu , Brooks Ronald A. , Chen Ying-Tung , Mendoza Lepe Ricardo
Published: May 2022

HIV disproportionately affects Latinos versus Whites, with Latinos having higher rates of HIV. Additionally, many HIV-positive Latinos are unaware of their infection. Proyecto Protégete, an HIV prevention intervention developed for Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), used social and sexual networking mobile applications (apps) to recruit individuals for HIV testing and linkage to medical care and prevention services. This study occurred in Los Angeles County, California, USA from December 18, 2015 to April 22, 2017. The study’s primary aim was to assess Proyecto Protégete‘s ability to successfully recruit Latino MSM involved in high-risk sexual activities. A secondary aim was to evaluate its capacity to promote HIV testing and linkage to HIV medical care and prevention services among this population by comparing it to two programs with similar samples. Comparisons using Fisher’s Exact Test were conducted between Proyecto Protégete and the HIV testing program of the agency in which Proyecto Protégete was located and the County-funded HIV testing programs to compare the samples’ rates of HIV-positive Latino MSM identified through HIV testing and linked to HIV medical care and prevention services. Participants were recruited through seven apps. In Proyecto Protégete, 9,573 individuals completed the screener, 4,657 were eligible, and 359 (7.7% of those eligible) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 79% reported anal sex without a condom in the previous twelve months; 51% reported anal sex under the influence of alcohol. The HIV positivity rates were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 1.71%; the agency, 1.25% (p = .293, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 1.09% (p = .172, compared to Proyecto Protégete). The rates of those confirmed as new HIV-positives and linked to medical care within 30 days were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 71.4%; the agency, 81.5% (p = .450, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 77.3% (p = .503, compared to Proyecto Protégete). Proyecto Protégete had a higher rate of linked referrals to prevention services than the agency’s testing program (19.5% versus 8.3%, p < .001). Proyecto Protégete experienced successes in some areas but not in others. Future research should build on Proyecto Protégete’s experiences to promote HIV-related services among Latino MSM.
Does it come from tobacco? Young adults’ interpretations of the term “tobacco-free nicotine” in a cross-sectional national survey sample
Authors: Morean Meghan E. , Bold Krysten W. , Davis Danielle R. , Kong Grace , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra , Camenga Deepa R.
Published: May 2022

Background

“Tobacco-free” nicotine (TFN) e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches containing synthetic nicotine are increasingly available. The term TFN may lead to reduced risk perceptions and increased use intentions relative to tobacco-derived nicotine products. Effectively communicating messages about TFN may depend on the public’s ability to differentiate TFN from tobacco-derived nicotine. Our goals were to examine knowledge about the source(s) of nicotine in commonly used products and beliefs about what TFN means.

Methods

In 2021 we surveyed 2464 young adults (18–25 years) online. Participants reported whether cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches contain nicotine that comes from tobacco (always, sometimes, never). Correct responses were “always” for cigarettes/smokeless and “sometimes” for e-cigarettes/pouches. Participants also reported “what [they] think TFN e-cigarettes/vapes contain” (nicotine only; tobacco only; both nicotine and tobacco; neither nicotine nor tobacco). We ran unadjusted and adjusted models examining correct responses for nicotine source and TFN contents by past-month product use status (cigarettes, smokeless, e-cigarettes, pouches).

Results

Rates of correctly identifying nicotine source were modest (23.6% pouches—61.9% cigarettes). Except smokeless tobacco, using a given product was associated with identifying its nicotine source correctly in unadjusted models. Participants reported “TFN” means a product contains nicotine only (57.8%), tobacco only (10.8%), both (14.1%), or neither (17.1%).

Conclusions

There is confusion about the source of nicotine in products, and many young adults incorrectly interpreted TFN to mean something other than containing nicotine but no tobacco. Regulatory efforts may be needed to restrict using the term “tobacco-free nicotine” on product labeling and advertising.
Long-term oncological outcomes after oral cancer surgery using propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia versus sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miao Lingju , Lv Xiang , Huang Can , Li Ping , Sun Yu , Jiang Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that the anesthetic technique may influence long-term outcomes after cancer surgery. However, the association between the anesthetic technique and long-term oncological outcomes after oral cancer surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to address this gap.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent elective oral cancer surgery between January 2014 and December 2015. The patients were grouped based on the anesthesia maintenance: either propofol or sevoflurane. Propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed to deal with the potential confounding effects of baseline characteristics. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to compare hazard ratios (HRs) and identify the risk factors for death and recurrence. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and survival curves were constructed from the date of surgery to death.

Results

In total, 1347 patients were eligible for analysis, with 343 and 1004 patients in the propofol and sevoflurane groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, 302 patients remained in each group. Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated the 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates of 59.3% and 56.0% and 62.7% and 56.5% in the propofol and sevoflurane groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in overall survival or recurrence-free survival between the groups. The multivariate Cox analysis verified this conclusion with HRs of 1.10 and 1.11 for overall survival and recurrence-free survival, respectively, in the sevoflurane group. Older age, advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III were associated with poor overall survival. Patients with advanced TNM stage and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had a higher recurrence risk than their counterparts.

Conclusion

The overall and recurrence-free survival rates were similar between propofol-based intravenous anesthesia and sevoflurane volatile anesthesia in patients who underwent oral cancer surgery.
‘The Big Picture’: Developing community-led approaches to substance use disorder through participatory video
Authors: Cooke Paul , Duara Raginie , Madill Anna
Published: May 2022

‘The Big Picture’ was a participatory video (PV) project. The aim was to increase the involvement of young people in India in the active development of practice and policy regarding substance use disorder (SUD). Working with drug rehabilitation centres to innovate their programmes, the team used video production as a tool to help young people advocate for policy change by promoting public awareness of how they see this issue. Unlike many accounts of PV, which tend to focus solely on theprocessesof community engagement, this article also takes account of the art of the filmsproduced. Drawing on theoretical approaches to subjectivity in autobiographical filmmaking that highlight the complex interactions between the individual and the collective in such work, the article examines, in particular, how the films created emphasize the importance of adopting arelational, community-led, approach to SUD if rehabilitation programmes are to be effective.
Down to earth: The situated materiality of digital media
Authors: Johnson Alix
Published: May 2022

In recent years, Iceland has been positioned as a ‘natural’ site for data storage, thanks to its cool climate and abundant hydroelectric energy. Starting, however, from a string of earthquakes that shook the island in 2021, this article explores the shaky ground on which those claims rest. Taking into account the local impacts of hydropower production in Iceland, and of anthropogenic climate change, to which the global ICT industry contributes, I make a case for considering data’s situated materiality, or its entanglement with particular land forms and earth processes. From this vantage point, the cloud is inseparable from the ground.
Something’s in the water: California’s Central Valley and the poison in the well
Authors: Schuelke Aaron , Van Leuven Nancy
Published: May 2022

Like the water crisis that plagued Flint, Michigan, Earlimart – California’s crisis of poisoned water – is also a study in environmental racism. Remarkable to Earlimart is the role of citizen journalists in early crisis reporting, as they posted community impact updates on Facebook in real-time, outpacing public agency communication. As media professors in California’s Central Valley, we explore the racial and economic marginalization that emerged from the Earlimart crisis, with specific focus on low-income rural immigrant communities whose citizens had limited remediation. Our findings reinforce scholarship regarding the role of social media in relaying at-your-fingertips information to inform and mobilize the public.
Data and the new oil: Cloud computing’s lubrication of the petrotechnical
Authors: Munn Luke
Published: May 2022

Sophisticated modelling and machine learning technologies, underpinned by cloud computing, are increasingly being deployed within the oil and gas industry. As the easy energy pockets of the past dry up, such technologies promise to locate deposits, increase extraction and optimize production. These high-performance computing technologies require vast infrastructures, a requirement that, in the midst of a climate crisis, has seen a new alliance between Big Tech and Big Oil. Drawing on grey literature from press releases to whitepapers and tech demonstrations, this article investigates these alliances between oil companies and tech companies, along with the rise of cloud-driven processes in energy discovery and production – in short, the new intersection between the computational and the petrotechnical. How might the extractive violence of the ‘petro’ be intensified and diversified by the ‘technical’ of cloud computing? It argues that cloud computing does indeed contribute to more efficient processes of energy extraction, but that this effectively means an optimization of ecological destruction, assisting the industry in more rapidly and comprehensively damaging diverse forms of life. Understanding the logics of these technologies and the political economy that underpins them is crucial for intervening effectively against these environmentally devastating operations.
From petishism to rewilding: Representations of wildlife in interactive media
Authors: Sindelar Kailan
Published: May 2022

Safari Central, an augmented reality app that seeks to ‘rewild’ (or reconnect) wildlife with people, lets users take photographs with six virtual animals that are based on real-life animals. I argue that these representations of animals are an example of petishizationPetishism includes overidentifying with an animal, an emphasis on dominance over animals and over-representing of certain traits of animals. I trace these qualities of petishism across three other popular forms of interactive media that have the same goal of facilitating care (Tamagotchi, Pokémon and Zoo Tycoon) to discuss the ways in which Safari Central replicates earlier designs. I argue that to better facilitate care between people and animals, designers of interactive media should consider alternate conceptions of care and use Julie theory of performance ethics. Performance ethics understands animals’ performances as communicative transactions and positions humans as listeners. I conclude by proposing alternate designs that incorporate performance ethics and alternate conceptions of care into interactive media.
NOR-NORK saileko "egin"-en hedadura geografikoa Gipuzkoan: ondorio batzuk testu zaharren azterketatik
Authors: Leturiaga Angoitia Olatz
Published: May 2022

Saio honetan, Gipuzkoako testuetan ageri diren nor-nork saileko *ezan eta, batik bat, egin-dun adizkiei erreparatzen diet. XVI.- XVIII. mendeetako testuetako (eta bestelako monografietako) datuak sakon aztertuta, honako hau da ondorioztatu dudana: alde batetik, ez dirudi nor-nork irrealisetako egin Beterrin eta Gipuzkoa (ipar)ekialdean erabili denik. Beste aldetik, badirudi mendebaleko euskararekin harreman estuena izan duten Urola eta Goierri eskualdeetan ez zela eskualde osora hedatzen egin XVII.-XVIII. mendeetan, eta geroago iritsi dela alderdi horietako zenbait herritara: demagun, XIX. edo XX. mendeetan. Bestalde, baliteke Goierritik iritsi izana Tolosalde hego-erdialdera. Hori horrela izanik, mendebaleko berrikuntzaren espazio eta hedaduraren inguruan planteatu ez diren galdera batzuk eskaintzen ditut, aukera horietan pentsatzea ere interesgarri delakoan.
Escolha de rotas a pé – método e estudo exploratório
Authors: Borello Vargas Júlio Celso , Larranaga Uriarte Ana Margarita , Bettella Cybis Helena Beatriz
Published: May 2022

O estímulo aos modos ativos de viagem através de modificações na forma urbana é objeto de pesquisas desde que o domínio do transporte motorizado se revelou nocivo à qualidade de vida urbana. Os deslocamentos a pé passaram a fazer parte da agenda da mobilidade urbana sustentável, enfatizando inicialmente a influência do ambiente construído sobre a escolha modal, visando aumentar a participação do modo. Recentemente, os estudos de caminhabilidade evoluíram e incorporaram aspectos da microescala do ambiente, procurando compreender o que influencia os pedestres em sua escolha de rota. Este trabalho investiga os fatores que influenciam a escolha de rota através de um método baseado no rastreio de indivíduos com GPS e na modelagem de escolha com variáveis do ambiente. Um estudo na cidade de Porto Alegre estimou modelos de escolha discreta binários para compreender por que os pedestres escolhem outros caminhos que não o mais curto entre a origem e o destino. Os resultados mostram que atributos da rede viária como a classe funcional e o comprimento dos trechos e variáveis urbanísticas como a presença de usos comerciais, em associação com o motivo da viagem e características do indivíduo, influenciam a utilidade percebida e, consequentemente, a escolha de rota.
La lectura como un modo de interacción social
Authors: Bolívar Adriana
Published: May 2022

En este artículo planteo que la lectura de casi todos los textos es ideológica y sostengo que el acto de leer debe examinarse como un modo de interacción social pues no podemos dejar de lado el hecho de que somos partícipes en un proceso social. Para fundamentar mi posición recurro al análisis crítico del discurso (van Dijk, 1993, Fairclough, 1992, Bolívar, 1994, 1996). Se presentan tres modelos teóricos de análisis del discurso y se analizan las implicaciones para la lectura crítica. Luego se lee un texto con atención en el papel de intérprete y de actor social del lector, y se discuten los derechos y los deberes de los lectores, especialmente en el campo de la educación.
“Snapshot” of the State of Software Reuse in Colombia
Authors: Restrepo-Gutiérrez Luisa-Fernanda , Suescún-Monsalve Elizabeth , Mazo Raúl , Vallejo-Correa Paola-Andrea , Correa Daniel
Published: May 2022

Due to competitive markets, the software business wants faster, better, and cheaper solutions in a short amount of time. Software reuse emerges as a viable solution to these demands since it offers significant benefits, such as increased quality and efficiency and lower development costs and effort, as well as shorter commercialization times. This research aims to study and understand the state of the practice of software reuse in Colombia, to make comparisons with related works, and to offer an instrument for decision-making in companies that adopt these practices. To reach these objectives, three stages were proposed. In the first stage, the research questions were defined. In the second stage, a survey was developed, evaluated, and carried out to validate successful practices and adoption barriers in the context of the Colombian software industry. Finally, the results were analyzed and reported. This paper showed and evidenced the expectations, adoption barriers, and factors influencing the success of software reuse in Colombian industrial environments. In the same way, the experience from the development of this work serves as a roadmap for other regions that want to analyze the current state of reuse. Nevertheless, each organization needs to determine its capabilities and find the appropriate factors to be adopted to its context.
ESTIMASI PARAMETER DAN PENGUJIAN HIPOTESIS MODEL GEOGRAPHICALLY WEIGHTED GENERALIZED GAMMA REGRESSION
Authors: Yasin Hasbi , Purhadi Purhadi , Choiruddin Achmad
Published: May 2022

Each location has unique characteristics, which are different from other locations which give rise to spatial effects between locations. Therefore, the Generalized Gamma Regression (GGR) model is not suitable to be applied to this problem. The solution is to use a Geographically Weighted Generalized Gamma Regression (GWGGR) model which produces different parameters for each observation location. This study aims to estimate GWGGR parameters using the Berndt-Hall-Hall-Hausman (BHHH) algorithm. After parameter estimation is performed, the hypothesis testing procedure is used to test the similarity of parameters between the generalized gamma regression and GWGGR and to test the significance of the independent variables in the model, either simultaneously using the Maximum Likelihood Ratio Test (MLRT) or partially using the Z-test. Keywords: BHHH, Generalized Gamma, GGR, GWGGR, MLRT.
APLIKASI NAÏVE BAYES CLASSIFIER (NBC) PADA KLASIFIKASI STATUS GIZI BALITA STUNTING DENGAN PENGUJIAN K-FOLD CROSS VALIDATION
Authors: Arisandi Riza Rizqi Robbi , Warsito Budi , Hakim Arief Rachman
Published: May 2022

The case of stunting in Indonesia is a problem that has been discussed for a long time. One of many efforts to overcome this problem is through an accelerated stunting reduction program to improve the nutritional status of the community and also to reduce the prevalence of stunting or stunted toddlers. Generally, the index used to determine the nutritional status of stunting toddlers height compared to age. This study aims to identify the classification results, evaluate the model, and predict the nutritional status of stunting toddlers using the Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm with K-Fold Cross Validation testing. The data processing system used is the GUI-R (Graphical User Interface) in order to facilitate the analysis process by implementing the Shiny Package in the Rstudio program. The results of accuracy using Naïve Bayes Classifier with 10-Fold Cross Validation test obtained the highest accuracy on the 6th iteration with an accuracy 94.39%, while the lowest accuracy on the 8th iteration with an accuracy 82.08%. Overall, the average accuracy in each iteration is 88.46%, so it can be concluded that Naïve Bayes Classifier model considered good enough to classified data on the nutritional status of stunting toddlers.Keywords: Stunting, Data Mining, Naïve Bayes Classifier, K-Fold Cross Validation, Shiny Package
Morpho-anatomical responses of Catharanthus roseus due to combined heavy metal stress observed under Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Soumya V , Kiranmayi P , Siva Kumar K
Published: May 2022

Heavy metals trigger various plant responses that basically vary with the intensity as well as duration of stress. Comprehension of the morphological and anatomical responses to such stress is essential for a holistic perception of plant resistance mechanisms to metal-excess conditions in higher plants. In the present study, the effects of heavy metals on morpho-anatomy of Catharanthus roseus based on its potential to tolerate metal stress has been studied in industrially polluted environments. The tissue samples of these plants grown in contaminated and uncontaminated soils were processed for analysis under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Briefly, harvested tissues were pre-fixed using glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde in sodium cacodylate (CAC) buffer, followed by post fixation in osmium tetroxide. Further, the digital micrographs of critically dried samples were captured. The analysis of micrographs revealed structural changes like cell wall thickening, increased stele diameter, increased root and shoot diameter, variations in stomatal number, enlargement of trichomes and salt glands of plants grown in contaminated soil when compared to those grown in uncontaminated soil. The study also provided microscopic evidence of endophytic colonization of microorganisms within surface-disinfected plant tissues. Based on the varied morpho-anatomical responses due to heavy metal stress, several physiological and metabolic mechanisms of plants were deciphered.
Adsorção de gentamicina e avaliação da atividade antibacteriana de hidrogéis a base de celulose modificados com β-ciclodextrina e κ-carragena
Authors: Oliveira Mota Liliane , Gimenez Iara de Fátima , Oliveira Mota Karina
Published: May 2022

A celulose é um biopolímero com elevado potencial de aplicação em áreas como a têxtil, alimentos e farmacêutica. Porém, a baixa solubilidade em água dificulta tais aplicações, o que pode ser contornado via modificações na estrutura, incluindo a oxidação medida por N-oxil-2,2,6,6-tetrametilpiperidina (TEMPO). Além de aprimorar a solubilidade, as modificações abrem oportunidades de obtenção de novos materiais, dentre os quais os hidrogéis, que podem ser aplicados como adsorventes, curativos ou carreadores de fármacos. O presente trabalho avaliou a eficiência de adsorção de sulfato de gentamicina e a atividade antibacteriana dos hidrogéis a base de celulose microcristalina, previamente oxidada via mediação por TEMPO, reticulados quimicamente com epicloridrina, na ausência e na presença dos modificadores β-ciclodextrina e κ-carragena. Os resultados de espectroscopia no infravermelho evidenciaram tanto o sucesso da oxidação da celulose quanto do processo de reticulação, enquanto a difratometria de raios X mostrou o caráter predominantemente não cristalino dos hidrogéis. Imagens de microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelaram morfologias semelhantes a esponjas e, finalmente, a avaliação da atividade antibacteriana por meio do teste de difusão em ágar mostrou que os hidrogéis preparados apresentam grande potencial como possíveis candidatos a utilização como carreadores de fármaco.
Pirólise catalítica do polietileno de alta densidade (PEAD) utilizando catalisadores zeolíticos do tipo ferrierita contendo óxido de lantânio
Authors: Do Espírito Santo Celestino Joedson , Michelle Garrido Pedrosa Anne , Souza Marcelo José Barros
Published: May 2022

O presente trabalho visou estudar uma forma tecnológica para degradação catalítica de um plástico que responde por grande parte do consumo brasileiro, o polietileno de alta densidade (PEAD). Como catalisadores foram utilizados a zeólita ferrierita na forma ácida (H-FER), o óxido de lantânio (La2O3) e a H-FER contendo 10 e 20% de La2O3. Os catalisadores obtidos foram caracterizados por difratometria de raios X (DRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e adsorção de nitrogênio. Os ensaios de pirólise térmica e catalítica foram realizados via TG/DTG. Através das análises de DRX foi possível observar que a estrutura cristalina da H-FER não foi afetada pela incorporação do La2O3. A morfologia dos materiais La2O3/H-FER observadas via MEV foi característica da zeólita H-FER e pode também ser observada a fase do La2O3. Para as amostras de H-FER com La2O3 incorporado ocorreu um gradual decréscimo da área superficial específica com o aumento de teor de La2O3. Os resultados obtidos foram promissores, mostrando o papel dos catalisadores na redução das temperaturas de pirólise (de até 77 °C) e energia de ativação (de até 128 kJ/mol), quando comparado com a pirólise térmica do PEAD. Em termos de redução da energia de ativação aparente observou-se que os materiais tiveram a seguinte escala de redução 10% La2O3/H-FER > H-FER > 20% La2O3 > La2O3 > PEAD puro. Os resultados sugerem que os catalisadores podem ser usados para a pirólise catalítica do PEAD, com destaque para os materiais 10% La2O3/H-FER e H-FER que foram mais eficientes.
Sirt1 overexpression attenuates Western‐style diet‐induced aortic stiffening in mice
Authors: Gogulamudi Venkateswara R. , Machin Daniel R. , Henson Grant D. , Lim Jisok , Bramwell Richard C. , Durrant Jessica R. , Donato Anthony J. , Lesniewski Lisa A.
Published: May 2022

Increased arterial stiffness is a cardiovascular disease risk factor in the setting of advancing age and Western diet (WD) induced obesity. Increases in large artery stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), occur within 8 weeks of WD feeding in mice. Sirtuin‐1 (Sirt1), a NAD‐dependent deacetylase, regulates cellular metabolic activity and activation of this protein has been associated with vasoprotection in aged mice. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of global Sirt1 overexpression (Sirttg) on WD‐induced arterial stiffening. Sirt1 overexpression did not influence PWV in normal chow (NC) fed mice. However, PWV was higher in wild‐type (WT) mice (p < 0.04), but not in Sirttg mice, after 12 weeks of WD and this effect was independent of changes in blood pressure or the passive pressure diameter relation in the carotid artery. Overexpression of Sirt1 was associated with lower collagen and higher elastin mRNA expression in the aorta of WD fed mice (both p < 0.05). Although MMP2 and MMP3 mRNA were both upregulated in WT mice after WD (both p < 0.05), this effect was reversed in Sirttg mice compared to WT mice fed WD (both p < 0.05). Surprisingly, histologically assessed collagen and elastin quality were unchanged in the aortas of WT or Sirttg mice after WD. However, Sirttg mice were protected from WD‐induced glucose intolerance, although there was no difference in insulin tolerance between groups. These findings demonstrate a vasoprotective effect of Sirt1 overexpression that limits the increase in arterial stiffness in response to consumption of a WD.
Phytoremediation of pollutants from wastewater: A concise review
Authors: Khan Atta Ullah , Khan Allah Nawaz , Waris Abdul , Ilyas Muhammad , Zamel Doaa
Published: May 2022

As there is a global water crisis facing the whole world, it is important to find alternative solutions to treat wastewater for reuse. Hence, plants have an effective role in removing pollutants from wastewater, which has been emphasized in this review article. Biological treatment of wastewater can be considered an eco-friendly and cost-effective process that depends on in the future. Living organisms, including plants, can remediate pollutants in wastewater, especially in agricultural fields, such as dyes, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. This review discusses the different activities of plants in pollutant elimination from wastewater and sheds light on the utilization of plants in this scope. This review focuses on the remediation of the most common contaminants present in wastewater, which are difficult to the removal with microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Moreover, it covers the major role of plants in wastewater treatment and the potential of phytoremediation as a possible solution for the global water crisis.
Between Rack Rents and Paternalism: Economic Behaviour and the Lease Market in Westphalia, with a Particular Focus on the 19th Century
Authors: Bracht Johannes , Scholten-Buschhoff Friederike
Published: May 2022

Departing from research on Westphalian leases between 1600 and 1900 the paper discusses the lease market of and price determination on three Westphalian estates. While economic history approaches suppose that leases can be seen as market relations and are therefore useful indicators to measure agricultural productivity, a more anthropological perspective emphasises the social relations between lessor (here: noble estate owner) and leaseholders. The choice of an adequate perspective has significant implications for research on agricultural productivity based on rents and leases. Our results indicate that the contractual arrangement of leasehold (well defined duration, announcement, auctions) was used to achieve the highest possible leases. However, at least until the 1830s, demand for leasehold land was rather low and leaseholders could benefit from a lack of competition. Price determination of leases resulted in rents below the Ricardian rent. Therefore, we argue that important assumptions of the established price approach, which uses leases as proxies for productivity, are not met and the analysis of agricultural productivity requires additional evidence on the leaseholder’s income and profit.
Global perspective on pediatric growth hormone registries: a systematic review
Authors: Eslami Parisa , Sayarifard Fatemeh , Safdari Reza , Shahmoradi Leila , Karbasi Zahra
Published: May 2022

Background

Registries are considered valuable data sources for identification of pediatric conditions treated with growth hormone (GH), and their follow-up. Currently, there is no systematic literature review on the scope and characteristics of pediatric GH registries. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to identify worldwide registries reported on pediatric GH treatment and to provide a summary of their main characteristics.

Content

Pediatric GH registries were identified through a systematic literature review. The search was performed on all related literature published up to January 30th, 2021. Basic information on pediatric GH registries, their type and scope, purpose, sources of data, target conditions, reported outcomes, and important variables were analyzed and presented.

Twenty two articles, reporting on 20 pediatric GH registries, were included in this review. Industrial funding was the most common funding source. The main target conditions included in the pediatric GH registries were: growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader Willi syndrome, small for gestational age, idiopathic short stature, and chronic renal insufficiency. The main objectives in establishing and running pediatric GH registries were assessing the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, describing the epidemiological aspects of target growth conditions and populations, serving public health surveillance, predicting and measuring treatment outcomes, exploring new and useful aspects of GH treatment, and improving the quality of patient care.

Outlook

This systematic review provides a global perspective on pediatric GH registries which can be used as a basis for the design and development of new GH registry systems at both national and international levels.
The effect of advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes in nulliparous pregnancies
Authors: Elçi Gülhan , Çakmak Ayşegül , Elçi Erkan , Sayan Sena
Published: May 2022

Objectives

In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes in nulliparous singleton pregnancy.

Methods

The perinatal outcome data of 11,366 patients who gave birth between 2015 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were subgrouped according to their age as control group (C) (20–29 years), late advanced maternal age group (30–34 years), advanced maternal age group (35–39 years), and very advanced maternal age group (≥40 years). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to test the possible independent role of maternal age as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Statistically significant difference was observed between the control group and the other groups in terms of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small gestational age (SGA), large gestational age (LGA), premature rupture of membranes (PROM), high birth weight (HBW), and perinatal mortality rates (p<0.05). An increased risk of the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and perinatal mortality was observed in groups over 35 years old.

Conclusions

Age poses a risk in terms of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, LGA, GDM, and HBW in the groups over 30 years of maternal age. The rates of PROM, NICU, and perinatal mortality increase in addition to those perinatal results in the groups above 35 years of maternal age.
Lidocaine ameliorates chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain through regulating M1/M2 microglia polarization
Authors: Yuan Jiaqi , Fei Yue
Published: May 2022

This study is intended to explore the mechanism that lidocaine ameliorates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) related to the polarization of M1 and M2 microglia. CCI rats were established by surgery to induce NP. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats were determined. Microglial line HAPI cells were polarized into M1 or M2 cells using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin (IL)-4, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the Iba1/CD86- and Iba1/CD206-positive cells. Markers of M1 and M2 microglia were assessed using flow cytometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect the level of mRNA and inflammatory factors. Lidocaine ameliorates CCI-induced NP, evidenced by the markedly increased values of MWT and TWL in NP rats. Lidocaine inhibited M1 microglia polarization but promoted M2 microglia polarization in a rat model of CCI-induced NP. Besides, in the in vitro experiment, lidocaine regulated M1/M2 polarization in LPS- or IL-4-treated HAPI microglia. Lidocaine ameliorates CCI-induced NP by regulating M1/M2 microglia polarization. This study investigated the biological role of lidocaine in regulating NP in rats, which may be helpful for revealing the pathogenic mechanisms of NP and provide a potential therapeutic factor.
Crystal structure of the cocrystal 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane ─ 2,3-dihydroindole (1/1), C12H17N9O8
Authors: Liu Penghua , Xing Jiangtao , Wang Zhiqiang , Wang Baomin
Published: May 2022

C12H17N9O8, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33), a = 11.376(4) Å, b = 7.966(2) Å, c = 19.076(6) Å, V = 1728.6(9) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0373, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0908, T = 296 K.
Effects of Eucommia ulmoides gum content and processing conditions on damping properties of E. ulmoides gum/nitrile-butadiene rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Longyu , Liu Zhitao , Ma Lichun , Li Xiaoru , Li Peiyao , Yang Chao , Li Bowen , Wang Xiaoran , Zhang Yongfei , Song Guojun
Published: May 2022

In order to improve the effective damping of nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) in a wider temperature range, Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) was incorporated into NBR to prepare nanocomposites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that EUG was dispersed in NBR matrix in the form of nanocrystals. Compared with pure NBR, the mechanical properties of NBR/EUG (80/20) composites are significantly improved. Dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that there are two dynamic mechanical loss peaks in two composites. With the increase of EUG component, the peak value of loss factor (tanδ) decreases gradually at −10 °C, and the temperature corresponding to the peak value tends to move towards high temperature, while the peak area increases gradually at −50 °C. Parking and repeated mixing make both loss peaks move towards high temperature. The differential scanning calorimetry analyzer (DSC) results expressed that the melting temperature and peak area of EUG after vulcanization decreased significantly compared with that before vulcanization. Hence, the damping effect of NBR can be improved and its damping temperature range can be widened by adding EUG and changing processing conditions.
Small molecules as next generation biofilm inhibitors and anti-infective agents
Authors: Aswathanarayan Jamuna Bai , Vittal Ravishankar Rai
Published: May 2022

Biofilms are consortia of microbes attached to surfaces that could be biotic or abiotic in nature. The bacterial cells are enclosed within a microbial synthesized extrapolymeric substances (EPS). The presence of a thick EPS matrix around the cells, protects it from antimicrobials. As the biofilms are difficult to be eradicated in the tissues and implants, the infections due to biofilms are chronic, persistent as well as recurrent in nature. Biofilm formation in multidrug resistant pathogens is a major public health concern. In this review, we have discussed traditional drug discovery approaches and high throughput screening assays involved in the discovery of small molecules for their application as biofilm inhibitory agents. The small molecules target different phases of biofilm growth in pathogenic bacteria. Here, we have focused on three specific application of small molecules, as anti-adhesion agents that prevent adherence and attachment of cells to surfaces; signal inhibitors that disrupt communication between cells resulting in hampered biofilm growth and development; and finally as agents that induce release of cells from mature biofilms. Some of the biofilm inhibitors have also potentiated the antibiotic efficacy leading to complete eradication of biofilms. It is highly pertinent now to focus on developing these as therapeutics and anti-biofilm agents for coating medical implants and devices in clinical settings.
A comparison of two digestion methods and heavy metals determination in sediments
Authors: Nnodum Chima F. , Yusuf Kafeelah A. , Wusu Adedoja D.
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of heavy metal concentrations in sediments and also involves a comparison of two different digestion protocols. The first digestion procedure was done with a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid while the second digestion method was done using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method 3052 which comprises nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The sediment samples were analyzed for cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, chromium, manganese, nickel (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn Cr, Mn, and Ni) with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of metals ranged 0–7.0 mg/kg for Cr, 0.5–20.0 mg/kg for Cd, 10.8–112.0 mg/kg for Fe, 0.10–7.20 mg/kg for Pb, 45.69–184.96 mg/kg for Cu, 1.0–73.75 mg/kg for Zn, 1.5–19.7 mg/kg for Mn and nd −3.0 mg/kg for Ni. The order of concentrations of the metals in the samples are Cu > Fe > Zn > Cd > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni. The second digestion method yielded higher levels of metal concentration. Comparison with theWorld Health Organization (W.H.O) standards for marine sediments showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Close monitoring and more publicity are further needed to discourage further pollution of the area.
Quantitative phase analysis of anhydrous clinker Portland using Rietveld method
Authors: Tlamsamania Dounia , Ait-Mouha Mbark , Slassi Siham , Khaddam Youness , Londono Zuluaga Diana , Yamni Khalid
Published: May 2022

Modern cements are complex materials with well-defined compositions that reach to high and consistent results. Automated techniques such as Rietveld analysis lead to provide an understanding of the composition and polymorphism of cement phases that could lead to control of the clinkering conditions to optimize characteristics and consequently quality product. For the characterization of cements used in the construction sector, Rietveld method has significant benefits over other analytical techniques. The precise information about phase assemblage and polymorphism lets monitoring the hydration behavior of binder materials. The objective of this paper is to report the quantitative Rietveld phase analyzes for three industrial clinkers, to review the most recent quantitative X-ray powder diffraction studies on anhydrous cement and to discuss the influence of the different parameters elaborated in the Rietveld method.
Novel secondary standard for calibration of dynamic pressure sensors
Authors: Sander Christian , Aspiala Markus , Högström Richard
Published: May 2022

Recent research activities in dynamic pressure metrology have been mainly focusing on the development of primary standards like the shock tube or drop-weight apparatus to establish traceability to SI. However, these calibration facilities require a high level of expertise leading to elaborate and time-consuming calibrations. The development of secondary calibrators, based on the reference sensor principle, offering efficient and cost-effective calibrations is essential to meet the needs for industry and to disseminate the dynamic pressure quantity to a wide end-user community. This paper reports a novel secondary calibrator for dynamic pressure measurements up to 300 bar with an expanded uncertainty of about 3.0 %. A heating option enable calibrations at elevated temperatures up to 200 °C making it an ideal solution for convenient calibrations of dynamic pressure transducers used for measurement in internal combustion engine applications.
Surface properties of dicationic ionic liquids and correlation with biological activity
Authors: Wojcieszak Marta , Kaczmarek Damian Krystian , Krzyźlak Klaudia , Siarkiewicz Amelia , Klejdysz Tomasz , Materna Katarzyna
Published: May 2022

The surface activity of dicationic ionic liquids is described in this paper. The basic interfacial parameters including critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at the CMC (γ
CMC), the adsorption efficiency (pC20), surface excess (Γmax), the minimum surface occupied by a single molecule (A
min), and Gibbs energy (ΔG
0
ads) were investigated and compared. Basically, we wanted to extend our previous study on dicationic ionic liquids with bis-ammonium cation. Knowing that, the compounds obtained are effective in limiting the feeding of adult and larvae confused flour beetle (T. confusum), it was decided to correlate the deterrent activity with the surface properties of analyzed dicationic ionic liquids. Accordingly, it was found that the deterrent activity of the studied compounds increases with increasing wetting ability.
A Review on Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing System in Various Sectors
Authors: Areena Sri Nur , Abu Mohd yazid
Published: May 2022

Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing is a type of method which can describe as a costing model that consider a time which known as inducer time. This method is providing the cost of activities with base that consume of time per activities. In this study, published works was based on literature studies from 56 journals from period 2011-2018 which including in area of healthcare, industrial and library. The study reported only 10 papers out of previous 56 papers that focus for more efficient as their main advantage from using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing’s four methods which are process map, capacity cost rate (CCR), time equation and forecasting. However, there is no paper show the methodology uses of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in palm oil plantation. The aim of this study is to explore the research gap of Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing in the journals that can be as guideline in applying Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing system in palm oil plantation. In this study, Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing is a new system able to apply in various environments in order to get better process in each workstation and also the time will be more accurate in each activity or sub-activities of a product. This costing method can also increase organizations' profits because the unused product capacity is counted in this method. The advantage of TDABC is that it provides an accurate cost accounting starting point for providers. As resources become more limited in the future, providers will need to understand their real costs in the provision of specific services.