bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Nonlinear Variable Viscosity on Peristaltic Transport of Fluid with Slip Boundary Conditions: Application to Bile Flow in Duct
Authors: Kumari S. , Rawat T. K. , Singh S. P.
Published: September 2021

The present article deals with variable viscosity on the peristaltic transport of bile in an inclined duct under the action of slip boundary conditions. The wall geometry is described by the sinusoidal wave propagating in the axial direction with different amplitude and with constant speed. The flow of fluid is examined in a wave frame of reference, moving with the velocity of the wave.  Mathematical modeling of the problem includes equations of motion and continuity. The fluid flow is investigated by converting the equations into a non-dimensionalized form simplified considering long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. The analytic expressions for axial velocity, pressure gradient, and pressure rise over a single wavelength cycle are obtained. The impact of various parameters such as slip parameter, viscosity parameter, angle of inclination, gravity parameter and amplitude ratio on axial velocity, pressure gradient and pressure rise are discussed in detail by plotting graphs in MATLAB R2018b software. In this article, a comparison of linear and nonlinear variation of viscosity of bile has been made. It is concluded that velocity and pressure rise is more in case linear variation of viscosity, whereas more pressure gradient is required in case of nonlinear variation of viscosity.
Polymeric Fe3O4 Conjugates with Bioactive Plant Molecules: Platforms for Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Fernandes J. , Vaz T. , Gurav S. M. , Anvekar T. S.
Published: September 2021

The emerging nano biosystems are competent in diagnosis, drug delivery, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Both imaging and therapeutic functions can be achieved by using nanoplatforms. These nanoplatforms promise to revolutionize the medical management of many personalized illnesses. The well-developed surface chemistry of iron oxide (Fe3O4) makes it easy to charge them with pharmaceutics, promoting them as nanoplatforms for building up nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. The strategy to design multifunctional Fe3O4 conjugates with bioactive molecules of plant origin to show enhanced activity is reported here. The conjugation reveals the magnetic Fe3O4 core nanoparticle surface readily link to hydroxyl sites of the Dextrin molecule, which further conjugate to conjugated with Curcumin and D-Limonene, which are powerful anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agents. The structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, FT-Infrared, HR-Tunneling Electron Microscopy, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer techniques. The potential drug loading was measured as Drug Entrapment Efficiency using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The antibacterial property was tested on the bacterium S. aureus and E. coli. Fe3O4-Dextrin nanoconjugates proved to be efficient for loading and stabilizing Curcumin and Limonene. Thus, multifunctional Fe3O4 conjugates are explored as exciting nano-drug carriers for targeted drug delivery.
Participation of local service providers in systemic market approaches in the dairy sector of Rangpur district
Authors: Mojumdar Ashish Kumar , Rahman Md Anisur , Goswami Pallab , Huda Saiful
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of the study was to determine the participation of Local Service Providers (LSPs) in systemic market approaches (SMA) in dairy sectors in two Upazilla Pirgacha and Badargonj under Rangpur district. Ninety-nine (99) LSPs were randomly selected as sample from an updated list of 495 LSPs. A pretested and structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents during 16 August to 17 September 2018. Simple and direct questions with different appropriate scales were used to obtain information. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis were used. The top-ranked activities regarding the participation of LSPs was referral linkage with DLS for the critical or serious condition of livestock treatment, linkage with dairy producers’ group to assess the demand of information, develop collection point’s adjacent place of the community. Slightly above four-fifths (84.8 percent) of the respondent had high participation in systemic market approaches. Correlation analysis indicated that among seven selected characteristics of the respondent’s annual income, cosmopoliteness, training received, innovativeness, and extension media contact of the respondents had significant positive relationship with their participation in SMA, however, age and family size had no significant positive relationship. Regression analysis indicated that cosmopoliteness, training received, innovativeness, and extension media contact of the respondents had a positive contribution with their participation in SMA. The top-ranked problem (1st) faced by the LSPs was ‘legal permission from Government authority and apparently, the lowest proportion of LSP faced problems on ‘Lack of vehicle service for their movement’ service on dairy subsectors.

Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(2): 211-221, August 2021
Estrategias de marketing digital, para la reactivación socioeconómica de la isla Jambelí postpandemia
Authors: Armijos Arrobo Jonathan , Avila Rivas Vladimir Alexander
Published: September 2021

El turismo es una de las piezas claves para el crecimiento económico a nivel mundial, nacional y provincial, proporcionando empleo en diferentes actividades, pero la pandemia ha afectado drásticamente, obteniendo como resultado perdidas económicas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue de analizar diferentes estrategias de marketing y utilizar las más efectivas, que ayuden a la reactivación socioeconómica de Jambelí. Se utilizó la metodología cualitativa, con fundamentos exploratorios. La información se analizó a través de revisiones literarias de diferentes autores, revistas, libros, la cual contengan información que ayuden a la investigación. Es por este motivo que es importante utilizar estrategias que puedan reactivar el turismo y la economía de la isla, por medio de la tecnología se puede promocionar, sin tener contacto con las personas y utilizar la manera virtual para tener un gran alcance con la población.
Análisis del comportamiento ecológico de los jóvenes de la ciudad de Machala: perspectiva vendedor-consumidor
Authors: Calle-Puglla Magdalena , Mendoza-Muñoz Joselyn , Bonisoli Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el comportamiento de compra de productos responsables y ecológicos de los jóvenes de la ciudad de Machala incluyendo la perspectiva de los vendedores, a través de una metodología de tipo cualitativa. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica amplia de diversos autores acerca del marketing verde, la publicidad ecológica y los consumidores responsables. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se aplicó la entrevista progresiva a consumidores y vendedores de productos ecológicos de la ciudad de Machala. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron identificar seis factores que permitieron guiar la investigación, la mayoría de los jóvenes presenta un comportamiento ecológico negativo, su compra o consumo está influenciado por factores como su economía, la cultura que los rodea, la desconfianza en la publicidad ecológica y la carencia de información proporcionada en los empaques de los productos.
Bi̇r qəzəli̇n Nəsi̇mi̇si̇
Authors: Gasımova Aida
Published: September 2021

Bu məqalədə İmadəddin Nəsiminin (v.1417) “Yəqin, ya Rəbb, yüzündür rəqq-i mənşur.” mətləli qəzəli araşdırılır. Nəsimi Orta əsrlər Azəri-Türk şeirinin görkəmli simalarından biridir. Poeziyasında öz dövrünün dini-fəlsəfi düşüncəsinin rəngarəngliyini əks etdirən şairin adı hürufiliklə bağlıdır; O, Fəzlullah Astarabadinin davamçısı və hürufilik ideyalarının qızğın təbliğatçısı idi. Görünür, Nəsimi bu mistik cərəyanın görkənli nümayəndələrindən olub və onun poeziyası, eləcə də şəxsiyyəti bu sahədə o qədər məşhurlaşıb ki, hətta, ibn Həcər əl-Əsqalaniin (v. 1499) dediyinə görə, hürufilik (hürufiyyə) özü belə bəzən nəsimiyyə kimi tanınıb.

Bu məqalədə əvvəl sufi-hürufi düşüncəsində, xüsusilə Nəsimi şeirində İnsan simasının əhəmiyyətindən bəhs edilir. Hürufi düşüncəsinə görə, Adəm ilahi kəlamın məzhəri idi. Adəmin göz, qaş və kiprikləri, ağzı və alını, yanaq və zənəxdanı, bütünlükdə üzü əlifbanın müqəddəs 28/32 hərfinin təcəssümü idi və İnsan siması Quranda zikr edilən “aşılanmış dəri üzərində yazılmış kitab”ın özü idi. (Q. 52: 2-3).

Məqalədə daha sonra yuxarıda qeyd edilənən qəzəlin beytləri ardıcıllıqla təhlil edilir. Bu təhlildən aydın olur ki, üz və üz cizgiləri ilahi teofaniyanın – kəşf halının mühüm aspektini əks etdirir. Qəzəlin analizi zamanı dərinin, gözlərin, zülfün və dodaqların hürufilikdəki rəmzi mənaları açılır. Burada ilahi/dünyəvi Gözəlin vəsfində Quran ayələrinin və obrazlarıının, eləcə də Cənnət səhnələrinin rolu xüsusi qeyd edilir. Belə ki, Quran motivləri bir tərəfdən hürufi düşüncəsinin bəzi mühüm ideyalarını Qurana yaxından bələd olan Orta əsr auditoriyası üçün daha anlaşıqlı edir, digər tərəfdən isə poeziyaya xüsusi bədiilik verir.

Mənim fikrimcə, bu şeir ilahi nurlanmanın məhsuludur və sufi-hürufi düşüncəsinin mühüm ideyalarını əks etdirir. Hər bir beyt ayrılıqda müəyyən dini-fəlsəfi fikir ifadə etsə də, şair bütün beytləri görünməz iplərlə bir-biri ilə əlaqələndirir.
PENGARUH BIAYA PEMASARAN DAN AVERAGE COLLACTION PERIOD TERHADAP PERJUALAN STABILIZER DI CV AGUNG JAYA
Authors: Batubara Enika Diana
Published: September 2021

Penjualan merupakan proses dimana pembeli dan penjual mendapatkan kebutuhan yang mereka inginkan melalui pertukaran informasi dan kepentingan.  Penjualan secara kredit memiliki keunggulan dalam meningkatkan penjualan di perusahaan dikarenakan pada umumnya konsumen lebih tertarik membeli produk tersebut apabila perusahaan memberikan fasilitas penjualan secara kredit kepada konsumen.  Akan tetapi penjualan secara kredit memiliki resiko yang tinggi dikarenakan adanya kemungkinan piutang usaha yang tidak akan tertagih.  Perusahaan sebelum memutuskan melakukan penjualan kredit, maka hal yang harus diperhatikan adalah memperhitungkan mengenai jumlah dana yang diinvestasikan dalam piutang, syarat penjualan dan pembayaran yang diinginkan, kemungkinan kerugian piutang (piutang tak tertagih), biaya-biaya yang akan timbul dalam menangani piutang dan kemampuan konsumen dalam melunasi hutang tersebut dalam jangka waktu yang telah ditetapkan.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Absensi Sekolah Menggunakan Metode Prototype berbasis Web
Authors: Yulianto Agus
Published: September 2021

Abstrak— Kebutuhan teknologi saat ini udah mutlak dibutuhkan dalam dunia pendidikan, salah satu system yang berhubungan dengan jaringan dan prosedur yang saling terhubung dalam satu lembaga dalam pendidikan baik pendidikan dasar menengah maupun atas, bedasarkan kondisi tersebut salah satu dasar untuk merancang system informasi absensi menggunakan metode prototype berbasis web. Tidak semua lembaga memili jaringan internet sehingga system dapat dibangung dalam jaringan intranet, akan menjadi sebuah terobosan baru yang dapat meningkatkan efisiensi para guru kepada siswa-siswa sehingga dapat mengefisiensikan waktu para pengajar dan memungkinkan pengawasan yang lebih ketat kepada siswa. Dalam merancang system absensi berbasis menggunakan pendekatan pengembangan prototype dimana metode ini dianggap lebih mudah dan cepat dalam penyajian kepada user. Harapanya dengan menjadi suatu program dapat bermanfaat bagi para guru untuk kinerja lebih mengefisiensi waktu.
A Concomitant Occurrence of the Atlantoaxial Subluxation with Rare Vertebral Formation and Segmentation Defects
Authors: Choi Man Kyu , Kim Sung Bum , Lee Jun Ho
Published: September 2021

An atlantoaxial subluxation from the unstable Os odontoideum by the failure of proper integrations between the embryological somites might be a commonly reported pathology. However, its suspicious origin or paralleled occurrence with other congenital anomalies of vertebral body might be a relatively rare phenomenon. The authors present two cases, who simply presented with clinical signs of prolonged, intractable cervicalgia without any neurological deficits, revealed this rare feature of C1–2 subluxation from the unstable, orthotropic type of Os odontoideum that coincide with congenitally fused cervical vertebral bodies between C2–3. Surprisingly, in one case, when traced from the lower cervical down to the thoracic-lumbar levels during the preoperative work-up process, was also compromised with multi-level butterfly vertebrae formations. Presented cases highlight the association of various congenital vertebrae anomalies and the rationale to fuse only affected joints.
Attitudes About the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Republic of Croatia on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Sataic Ivana
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus in the coronavirus family that affect humans which causes COVID-19 disease. It was first detected in the town Wuhan in China at the end of 2019 and later spread all over the world. The first COVID-19 case in Croatia was detected on February 25th, 2020. Less than a month later, on March 16th, 2020, the Government of the Republic of Croatia declared a lockdown due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in Europe, especially in the neighbouring Italy, as well as the increase of the number of patients in the Republic of Croatia. During the lockdown all business activities, except grocery stores, were closed and the economy slowed. On March 17th, 2020, the Government announced relief measures to support the economy in coping with COVID-19 epidemic, that include interventional procurement of critically important medical and sanitary equipment, delays in tax payments, purchasing of surpluses of potentially threatened business such as agricultural or industrial goods, measures to support tourism activities, as well as rationalization of public spending without measures for healthcare and social services. From April 27th to May 11th, 2020 the social and economic activity gradually started again. This research discusses how Croatian SMEs have been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic lockdown and answers some of the most important questions about the resilience of Croatian SMEs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Long QT interval syndrome
Authors:   Postgraduate Institute for Public Health Workers under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Avilova A.A. , Kirichenko Ye.I. ,   Khabarovsk Krai Clinical Hospital No.1 named after professor S. I. Sergeyev under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai, Rodionova O.V. ,   Khabarovsk Krai Clinical Hospital No.1 named after professor S. I. Sergeyev under Health Ministry of Khabarovsk Krai
Published: September 2021

The article provides an analysis of modern literature on the problem of diagnosing the long QT syndrome. The diagnostic criteria of this syndrome, features of rare congenital and acquired forms of the disease are described in the article. Risk factors for the development and diagnostic criteria of this disease are presented.
Valsartan prevented neointimal hyperplasia and inhibited SRSF1 expression and the TLR4–iNOS–ERK–AT1 receptor pathway in the balloon-injured rat aorta
Authors: Li Yonghong , Guo Junjie , Yu Haichu , Liu Xin , Zhou Jingwei , Chu Xianming , Xu Qingke , Sun Tingru , Peng Liang , Yang Xi , Tang Xilong
Published: September 2021

Valsartan has the potential to attenuate neointimal hyperplasia and to suppress the inflammatory response. This study aimed to evaluate the role of valsartan in neointimal hyperplasia and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nitric oxide synthase (NOS) pathway in the balloon-injured rat aorta. Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three groups: sham control (control), balloon-injured group (surgery), and balloon-injured+valsartan-treated group (valsartan). Rats were killed at 14 and 28 days after balloon-injury, and then the aortic tissues were collected for morphometric analysis as well as for measurements of the mRNA or protein expression of angiotensin II, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor, TLR4, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1(SRSF1) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK). Valsartan at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day markedly decreased neointimal hyperplasia in the aorta of balloon-injured rats, and significantly reduced the mRNA or protein expression of TLR4, AT1 receptor, SRSF1 and phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) as well as the aortic levels of iNOS (all p<0.05). Moreover, valsartan increased the eNOS level and AT2 receptor mRNA and protein expression levels (all p<0.05). Valsartan prevented neointimal hyperplasia and inhibited SRSF1 expression and the TLR4-iNOS-ERK-AT1 receptor pathway in the balloon-injured rat aorta.
The effect of surgery on the levels of matrix metalloproteinases in patients with inguinal hernia
Authors: Strohalmová Sabina , Levová Kateřina , Kuběna Aleš Antonín , Krška Zdeněk , Hoskovec David , Zima Tomáš , Kalousová Marta
Published: September 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are associated with the alteration of extracellular matrix. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the levels of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors – TIMPs are influenced by the presence of inguinal hernia as well as by its surgical treatment. The studied group consisted of 25 patients with inguinal hernia and 21 healthy controls for comparison. Two blood samples - before and after the treatment were collected from patients. Serum concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs were analysed by multiplex immunoassays. There was a difference in circulating levels of MMPs in patients before the surgery compared to healthy controls – the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were significantly lower (p=0.026, p=0.018, respectively). After the surgery, the levels of MMPs, especially MMP-2 (p<0.0001), were significantly decreased in patients compared to the preoperative values, apart from MMP 9. On the contrary, MMP-9 showed significant increase after the surgery (p<0.0001). Circulation levels of TIMP-2 in patients were significantly decreased in comparison with controls (p=0.004), whereas levels of TIMP-1 were similar to controls. Both tested metalloproteinase inhibitors showed a significant decrease in detected levels (TIMP-1 p=0.0004; TIMP-2 p<0.0001) after the procedure compared to the preoperative values. The levels of MMPs, especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 are involved by the presence of inguinal hernia as well as are influenced by the surgery.
The effect of Apium Graveolens L., Levisticum Officinale and Calendula Officinalis L. on cell viability, membrane integrity, steroidogenesis, and intercellular communication in mice Leydig cells in vitro
Authors: Jambor Tomas , Arvay Julius , Tvrda Eva , Kovacik Anton , Greifova Hana , Lukac Norbert
Published: September 2021

Several plants have the potential to protect essential reproductive processes such as spermatogenesis or steroidogenesis, however, effective concentrations and main mechanisms of action are still unknown. This in vitro study was aimed to assess the effects of Apium graveolens L., Levisticum officinale, and Calendula officinalis L. extracts on the structural integrity, functional activity and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in mice Leydig cells. TM3 cells were grown in the presence of experimental extracts (37.5, 75, 150 and 300 µg/ml) for 24 h. For the present study, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to quantify flavonoids or phenolic acids. Subsequently, Leydig cell viability was assessed by alamarBlue assay, while the cell membrane integrity was detected by 5 carboxyfluorescein diacetate-acetoxymethyl ester. The level of steroid hormones production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, GJIC was assessed by scalpel loading/dye transfer assay. According to our results, Apium graveolens L. significantly increased the viability and cell membrane integrity at 75 µg/ml (109.0±4.3 %) followed by a decline at 300 µg/ml (89.4±2.3 %). In case of Levisticum officinale and Calendula officinalis L. was observed significant decrease at 150 µg/ml (88.8±11.66 %, 87.4±6.0 %) and 300 µg/ml (86.2±9.3 %, 84.1±4.6 %). Furthermore, Apium graveolens L. significantly increased the progesterone and testosterone production (75 and 150 µg/ml) however, Levisticum officinale and Calendula officinalis L. significantly reduced steroid hormones synthesis at 150 and 300 µg/ml. Finally, the disturbance of GJIC was significantly affected at 300 µg/ml of Levisticum officinale (82.5±7.7 %) and Calendula officinalis L. (79.8±7.0 %). The balanced concentration ratio may support the Leydig cell function, steroidogenesis as well as all essential parameters that may significantly improve reproductive functions.
Cholecystokinin system is involved in the anorexigenic effect of peripherally applied palmitoylated prolactin-releasing peptide in fasted mice
Authors: Pirník Zdenko , Kořínková Lucia , Osacká Jana , Železná Blanka , Kuneš Jaroslav , Maletínská Lenka
Published: September 2021

Prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) has been proposed to mediate the central satiating effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) through the vagal CCK1 receptor. PrRP acts as an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor 10 (GPR10), which is expressed at the highest levels in brain areas related to food intake regulation, e.g., the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). The NTS and PVN are also significantly activated after peripheral CCK administration. The aim of this study was to determine whether the endogenous PrRP neuronal system in the brain is involved in the central anorexigenic effect of the peripherally administered CCK agonist JMV236 or the CCK1 antagonist devazepide and whether the CCK system is involved in the central anorexigenic effect of the peripherally applied lipidized PrRP analog palm-PrRP31 in fasted lean mice. The effect of devazepide and JMV236 on the anorexigenic effects of palm-PrRP31 as well as devazepide combined with JMV236 and palm-PrRP31 on food intake and Fos cell activation in the PVN and caudal NTS was examined. Our results suggest that the anorexigenic effect of JMV236 is accompanied by activation of PrRP neurons of the NTS in a CCK1 receptor-dependent manner. Moreover, while the anorexigenic effect of palm-PrRP31 was not affected by JMV236, it was partially attenuated by devazepide in fasted mice. The present findings indicate that the exogenously influenced CCK system may be involved in the central anorexigenic effect of peripherally applied palm-PrRP31, which possibly indicates some interaction between the CCK and PrRP neuronal systems.
Size Distribution, Length-Weight Relationship, and Catch per Unit Effort of Frigate Tuna, Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800) in Tawi-Tawi Waters, Southern Philippines, Caught Using Multiple Handline
Authors: AJIK Jaro , TAHİLUDDİN Albaris
Published: September 2021

Frigate tuna Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800) is the most dominant species caught by the multiple handline in the coastal and offshore fishing grounds of Tawi-Tawi, southern Philippines. In this study, we investigated the size distribution, length-weight relationship, and catch per unit effort of frigate tuna (A. thazard) in Tawi-Tawi waters, southern Philippines, caught using multiple handline. A total of 383 frigate tuna fish were sampled with a size distribution (total length) ranging from 16.5 to 34 cm. The length-weight relationship of frigate tuna was W=8×10-3×TL3.139, where the b value of 3.139 indicates a positive allometric growth pattern. The catch per unit effort of the used gear was 2.49±0.52 kg/hr.
The Mundas: an ethnic community in the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh (Buno/kuli/Sarna/Horoko, Indigenous people during the British period coming from Ranchi).
Authors: Huda Md Shaiful
Published: September 2021

The Mundas are an ethnic community of the Kingdom of Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sundarbans. They are called ‘Sarna/Buno/Kuli/Horoko and indigenous People. During the British period, they travelled to Bangladesh from Ranchi, and have been here ever since. They practice religion and culture. They are excellent in singing, dancing, drinking, and working. They believe in ghosts and spirits- both good and bad and call on them to either help someone who is sick or to do damage to another person. Their cemetery is called ‘Masna’. They dedicate Hen for the rituals celebration for their God (Sing Bonga-The Sun). They believe that, after death the soul come back at their home and save them danger. They follow their forefather’s direction. During the festivals, they serve rice wine (Haria /Tari). They are addicted Rat’s meat, Snails etc. They speak in ‘Mundari/Nagri/Sadri’. Their greeting word is ‘Johar’.
Effect of Tension on Human Periodontal Ligament Cells: Systematic Review and Network Analysis
Authors: Sun Changyun , Janjic Rankovic Mila , Folwaczny Matthias , Otto Sven , Wichelhaus Andrea , Baumert Uwe
Published: September 2021

Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the remodeling of tooth-surrounding tissues in response to mechanical stimuli. During this process, human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) play a central role in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Various in vitro models have been introduced to investigate the effect of tension on hPDLCs. They provide a valuable body of knowledge on how tension influences relevant genes, proteins, and metabolites. However, no systematic review summarizing these findings has been conducted so far. Aim of this systematic review was to identify all related in vitro studies reporting tension application on hPDLCs and summarize their findings regarding force parameters, including magnitude, frequency and duration. Expression data of genes, proteins, and metabolites was extracted and summarized. Studies’ risk of bias was assessed using tailored risk of bias tools. Signaling pathways were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks using STRING and GeneAnalytics. According to our results, Flexcell Strain Unit® and other silicone-plate or elastic membrane-based apparatuses were mainly adopted. Frequencies of 0.1 and 0.5 Hz were predominantly applied for dynamic equibiaxial and uniaxial tension, respectively. Magnitudes of 10 and 12% were mostly employed for dynamic tension and 2.5% for static tension. The 10 most commonly investigated genes, proteins and metabolites identified, were mainly involved in osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis or inflammation. Gene-set enrichment analysis and PPI networks gave deeper insight into the involved signaling pathways. This review represents a brief summary of the massive body of knowledge in this field, and will also provide suggestions for future researches on this topic.
Negative Regulation of RNF90 on RNA Virus-Triggered Antiviral Immune Responses Targeting MAVS
Authors: Yang Bo , Zhang Ge , Qin Xiao , Huang Yulu , Ren Xiaowen , Sun Jingliang , Ma Shujun , Liu Yanzi , Song Di , Liu Yue , Cui Yuhan , Wang Hui , Wang Jie
Published: September 2021

The antiviral innate immunity is the first line of host defense against viral infection. Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS, also named Cardif/IPS-1/VISA) is a critical protein in RNA virus-induced antiviral signaling pathways. Our previous research suggested that E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases RING-finger protein (RNF90) negatively regulate cellular antiviral responses by targeting STING for degradation, though its role in RNA virus infection remains unknown. This study demonstrated that RNF90 negatively regulated RNA virus-triggered antiviral innate immune responses in RNF90-silenced PMA-THP1 cells, RNF90-deficient cells (including HaCaTs, MEFs, and BMDMs), and RNF90-deficient mice. However, RNF90 regulated RNA virus-triggered antiviral innate immune responses independent of STING. RNF90 promoted K48-linked ubiquitination of MAVS and its proteasome-dependent degradation, leading to the inhibition of innate immune responses. Altogether, our findings suggested a novel function and mechanism of RNF90 in antiviral innate immunity.
Clinical Aspects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis With Severe Ocular Complications in India
Authors: Shanbhag Swapna S. , Sangwan Virender S. , Singh Aastha , Donthineni Pragnya R. , Basu Sayan , Srinivasan Bhaskar , Agarwal Shweta , Iyer Geetha
Published: September 2021

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a spectrum of rare, severe immunological blistering skin reactions which are triggered by medication intake or infections. The acute phase is characterized by necrolysis of the skin and desquamation of mucosa, primarily oral and ocular, with significant mortality rates. The chronic phase is characterized by multi-organ sequelae with increased rates of morbidity and reduced quality of life for patients who have survived the acute phase. Since the primary goal in the acute phase is saving the life of the patient, ocular involvement is often missed and a significant proportion of patients present to an ophthalmologist with the chronic ocular sequelae. In India, chronic ocular sequelae and low vision are observed in two-thirds of patients who present in the chronic phase of SJS/TEN. In the chronic phase of ocular involvement, there are definite windows of opportunity which if targeted with specific interventions such as scleral lenses and mucous membrane grafts can help reduce the incidence of corneal blindness and improve the quality of life for patients with SJS/TEN. Over the last decade, several studies from India have advanced the understanding of the natural course of ocular involvement in SJS/TEN and the outcomes of timely interventions in the chronic phase of the disease. We present an overview of the epidemiology of ocular complications of SJS/TEN in India, the specific challenges faced in the management of ocular complications in the acute stage and recent advances in management of the chronic ocular complications of the disease.
Evaluation of the Review Models and Approval Timelines of Countries Participating in the Southern African Development Community: Alignment and Strategies for Moving Forward
Authors: Sithole Tariro , Mahlangu Gugu , Capote Velma , Sitoie Tania , Shifotoka Saren , Gaeseb Johannes , Danks Lorraine , Nkambule Portia , Juma Alex , Fimbo Adam , Munkombwe Zuma , Mwale Bernice , Salek Sam , Walker Stuart
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Regulatory reliance, harmonization and work sharing have grown over the last few years, resulting in greater sharing of work and information among regulators, enabling efficient use of limited resources and preventing duplication of work. Various initiatives on the African continent include ZaZiBoNa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) collaborative medicines registration initiative. ZaZiBoNa has resulted in great savings in time and resources; however, identified challenges include lack of clear information regarding the participating countries registration processes and requirements as well as lengthy registration times. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the data requirements and review models employed in the assessment of applications for registration, the target timelines for key milestones and the metrics of applications received and approved in 2019 and 2020 by Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Methods: A senior member of the division responsible for issuing marketing authorisations completed an established and validated questionnaire, which standardizes the review process, allowing key milestones, activities and practices of the six regulatory authorities to be identified and compared. The completed questionnaires were validated by the heads of the respective agencies.

Results: The majority of applications received and approved by all six agencies in 2019 and 2020 were for generics. The mean approval times for generics varied across the countries, with ranges of 218–890 calendar days in 2019 and 158–696 calendar days in 2020. All three types of scientific assessment review models were used by the six agencies and data requirements and extent of scientific assessment were similar for five countries, while one conducted full reviews for new active substances. A large variation was observed in the targets set by the six agencies for the different milestones as well as overall approval times.

Conclusions: The study identified the strengths of the countries as well as opportunities for improvement and alignment. Implementation of the recommendations made as in this study will enhance the countries' individual systems, enabling them to efficiently support the ZaZiBoNa initiative.
Design Method of Equivalent Driving Waveform Based on Electrowetting Response Characteristics
Authors: Tian Lixia , Li Hao
Published: September 2021

As a new reflective display technology, electrowetting displays (EWDs) have many important characteristics, such as high reflectivity, low power consumption, and paper-like display. However, the contact angle hysteresis, which is the inconsistency between the advancing contact angle and the receding contact angle of oil droplet movement, seriously affects the response speed of EWDs in the driving process. According to the hysteresis phenomenon of contact angle in an oil switch motion with the action of interface tension, the brightness curve of EWDs in the process of pixel switching by different driving voltages was tested in this paper, and driving voltage was changed from 30 to 100 V at the same time. Then, in order to reduce the influence of the hysteresis effect, an equivalent driving waveform design method with overdriving voltage was proposed, and the overvoltage was set to 100 V according to the hysteresis effect and driving characteristic of EWDs. Experimental results showed that the response rising time of EWDs was reduced to 21 ms by using the proposed driving waveform, and the response performance of EWDs can be effectively improved.
Characterization and Dynamics of Intracellular Gene Transfer in Plastid Genomes of Viola (Violaceae) and Order Malpighiales
Authors: Yang JiYoung , Park Seongjun , Gil Hee-Young , Pak Jae-Hong , Kim Seung-Chul
Published: September 2021

Functional gene transfer from organelles to the nucleus, known as intracellular gene transfer (IGT), is an ongoing process in flowering plants. The complete plastid genomes (plastomes) of two Ulleung island endemic violets, Viola ulleungdoensis and V. woosanensis, were characterized, revealing a lack of the plastid-encoded infA, rpl32, and rps16 genes. In addition, functional replacement of the three plastid-encoded genes in the nucleus was confirmed within the genus Viola and the order Malpighiales. Three strategies for the acquisition of a novel transit peptide for successful IGT were identified in the genus Viola. Nuclear INFA acquired a novel transit peptide with very low identity between these proteins, whereas the nuclear RPL32 gene acquired an existing transit peptide via fusion with the nuclear-encoded plastid-targeted SOD gene (Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase superfamily) as one exon, and translated both proteins in the cytosol using alternative mRNA splicing. Nuclear RPS16 contains an internal transit peptide without an N-terminal extension. Gene loss or pseudogenization of the plastid-borne rpl32 and rps16 loci was inferred to occur in the common ancestor of the genus Viola based on an infrageneric phylogenetic framework in Korea. Although infA was lost in the common ancestor of the order Malpighiales, the rpl32 and rps16 genes were lost multiple times independently within the order. Our current study sheds additional light on plastid genome composition and IGT mechanisms in the violet genus and in the order Malpighiales.
The First Report of Genetic Polymorphisms of the Equine SPRN Gene in Outbred Horses, Jeju and Halla Horses
Authors: Won Sae-Young , Kim Yong-Chan , Do Kyoungtag , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: September 2021

Prion disease is a fatal infectious disease caused by the accumulation of pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) in several mammals. However, to date, prion disease has not been reported in horses. The Sho protein encoded by the shadow of the prion protein gene (SPRN) plays an essential role in the pathomechanism of prion diseases. To date, the only genetic study of the equine SPRN gene has been reported in the inbred horse, Thoroughbred horse. We first discovered four SPRN single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 141 Jeju and 88 Halla horses by direct DNA sequencing. In addition, we found that the genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies of these SNPs of Jeju horses were significantly different from those of Halla and Thoroughbred horses, this latter breed is also included in this study. Furthermore, we observed that the minimum free energy and mRNA secondary structure were significantly different according to haplotypes of equine SPRN polymorphisms by the RNAsnp program. Finally, we compared the SNPs in the coding sequence (CDS) of the SPRN gene between horses and prion disease-susceptible species. Notably, prion disease-susceptible animals had polymorphisms that cause amino acid changes in the open reading frame (ORF) of the SPRN gene, while these polymorphisms were not found in horses.
The Relationship between Animal Welfare and Antimicrobial Use in Italian Dairy Farms
Authors: Mazza Francesca , Scali Federico , Formenti Nicoletta , Romeo Claudia , Tonni Matteo , Ventura Giordano , Bertocchi Luigi , Lorenzi Valentina , Fusi Francesca , Tolini Clara , Clemente Gian Filippo , Guadagno Federica , Maisano Antonio Marco , Santucci Giovanni , Candela Loredana , Romeo Gianluca Antonio , Alborali Giovanni Loris
Published: September 2021

Information regarding the relationship between animal welfare (AW) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in dairy cows is limited. The current study aimed to investigate this relationship on Italian farms and to identify potential targets of AMU reduction. The study was performed at 79 Italian dairy farms housing over 15,000 cows during 2019. AW was scored with an on-farm protocol assessing farm management and staff training, housing systems, and animal-based measures. AMU was estimated using a defined daily dose per kg of animal biomass (DDDAit/biomass) for Italy. The median AW score was 73% (range: 56.6–86.8%). The median AMU was 4.8 DDDAit/biomass (range: 0–11.8). No relationship between the total AMU and AW was found. Management and staff training were positively associated with the use of the European Medicines Agency’s category B antimicrobials, which are critical for human medicine, and with intramammary products for dry cow therapy. In those farms, antimicrobial stewardship should aim to reduce the category B antimicrobials and selective dry cow therapy. Our results underline the importance of implementing both an integrated monitoring system (AW, AMU, etc.) and antimicrobial stewardship tailored to the specific needs of each dairy farm.
Detection of Anti-Erythrocyte Antibodies in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Authors: Gori Eleonora , Pierini Alessio , Nesci Martina , Benvenuti Elena , Tasca Silvia , Lubas George , Marchetti Veronica
Published: September 2021

Several extra-intestinal manifestations, including immune-mediated cytopenias, are reported in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas they are poorly documented in dogs. Hypothesizing that immune-mediated subclinical anemia can occur in canine IBD, the study aim was to evaluate the erythrogram and the presence of anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD. IBD was diagnosed according to the following criteria: chronic gastrointestinal signs, ruling out of extra-intestinal diseases, no improvement with diet trial, histological evidence of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement after immunosuppressant therapy. Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI) endoscopic and histopathological scores were assessed for each dog. Twenty-five dogs were enrolled, and each dog had a CBC evaluation prior to endoscopy. The CBC was performed using laser hematology analyzer and blood smears were carefully reviewed for the presence of nucleated RBC, anisocytosis, polychromasia, and Howell–Jolly bodies. IgG and IgM anti-RBC antibodies were evaluated with flow cytometry. A high frequency of positive cases for anti-RBC antibodies in dogs with IBD (17/25 dogs) was ascertained. Approximatively 50% of dogs showed some hematologic features of RBC regeneration in addition to hematologic findings consistent with chronic inflammation. Anti-RBC antibodies and signs of erythroid regeneration may suggest possible subclinical chronic immune-mediated hemolysis that can cause anemia in dogs with IBD, together with the chronic inflammation.
A Comparison of the Prevalence of the Parasites of the Digestive Tract in Goats from Organic and Conventional Farms
Authors: Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Renata , Bombik Elżbieta , Seremak Beata , Udała Jan , Sadowska Nikola
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats kept on organic (n = 76) and conventional farms (n = 82). In general, a higher prevalence of some gastrointestinal parasitic infections was found in the conventional farms compared to the organic farms: the mean prevalence of Eimeria spp. was 85.4% in conventional farms and 77.6% in organic farms, that of Fasciola hepatica was 6.10% in conventional farms and 2.63% in organic farms, and that of Moniezia expansa was 31.7% and 17.1%, in conventional and organic farms, respectively. Both farm types demonstrated a similar mean prevalence of nematodes (80.3 vs. 84.2%). Conventional farms demonstrated a significantly higher intensity of infection with E. arloingi, Haemonchus spp., Nematodirus spp. and Moniezia expansa compared to organic farms. They also demonstrated a higher intensity of infection with Eimeria spp. than organic farms. The prophylactic programs used to combat parasitic infections in both types of farms appear ineffective and require improvement. There is a need for goat herds to be covered by ongoing parasitological monitoring. It is also recommended that keepers employ rotational or intensive rotational grazing methods and take care to ensure the hygiene of animal quarters and livestock rooms.
On Image Classification in Video Analysis of Omnidirectional Apis Mellifera Traffic: Random Reinforced Forests vs. Shallow Convolutional Networks
Authors: Kulyukin Vladimir , Ganta Nikhil , Tkachenko Anastasiia
Published: September 2021

Omnidirectional honeybee traffic is the number of bees moving in arbitrary directions in close proximity to the landing pad of a beehive over a period of time. Automated video analysis of such traffic is critical for continuous colony health assessment. In our previous research, we proposed a two-tier algorithm to measure omnidirectional bee traffic in videos. Our algorithm combines motion detection with image classification: in tier 1, motion detection functions as class-agnostic object location to generate regions with possible objects; in tier 2, each region from tier 1 is classified by a class-specific classifier. In this article, we present an empirical and theoretical comparison of random reinforced forests and shallow convolutional networks as tier 2 classifiers. A random reinforced forest is a random forest trained on a dataset with reinforcement learning. We present several methods of training random reinforced forests and compare their performance with shallow convolutional networks on seven image datasets. We develop a theoretical framework to assess the complexity of image classification by a image classifier. We formulate and prove three theorems on finding optimal random reinforced forests. Our conclusion is that, despite their limitations, random reinforced forests are a reasonable alternative to convolutional networks when memory footprints and classification and energy efficiencies are important factors. We outline several ways in which the performance of random reinforced forests may be improved.
Qualification of Hydraulic Analysis Models for Optimal Design of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Choi Young Hwan
Published: September 2021

The hydraulic analysis of water distribution systems (WDSs) is divided into two approaches, namely, a demand-driven analysis (DDA) and a pressure-driven analysis (PDA). In DDA, the basic assumption is that the nodal demand is fully supplied irrespective of the nodal pressure, which is mainly suitable for normal operating conditions. However, in abnormal conditions, such as pipe failures or unexpected increases in demand, the DDA approach may cause unrealistic results, such as negative pressure. However, despite these realistic hydraulic analysis approaches for WDSs being emphasized in the design process, this consideration was lacking in the design aspect. Therefore, in this study, the designs by the DDA-based design model and PDA-based design model are compared, and their design characteristics are analyzed to identify the efficiency of the WDSs design under abnormal system conditions. The developed PDA model was applied to three networks (a well-known benchmark system and a real-life WDN), and the results showed that the proposed model is superior to other reported models when dealing with negative pressure under abnormal conditions. In addition, the optimal design of WDN considered PDA is presented, and the optimal construction cost is decreased to increase the percentage of PDA.
Kinematic Analysis and Verification of a New 5-DOF Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Wang Yesong , Lyu Changhuai , Liu Jiang
Published: September 2021

This paper first designs a new 5-DOF parallel mechanism with 5PUS-UPU, and then analyses its DOF by traditional Grubler–Kutzbach and motion spiral theory. It theoretically shows that the mechanism meets the requirement of five dimensions of freedoms including three-dimensional movement and two-dimensional rotation. Based on this, the real mechanism is built, but unfortunately it is found unstable in some positions. Grassmann line geometry method is applied to analyze its unstable problem caused by singular posture, and then an improving method is put forward to solve it. With the improved mechanism, closed loop vector method is employed to establish the inverse position equation of the parallel mechanism, and kinematics analysis is carried out to get the mapping relationships between position, speed, and acceleration of moving and fixed platform. Monte Carlo method is used to analyze the workspace of the mechanism, to explore the influencing factors of workspace, and then to get the better workspace. Finally, an experiment is designed to verify the mechanism working performance.
Impact of the Magnetic Field on the Performance of Heat Pipes Driven by a Photovoltaic–Thermal Panel with Nanofluids
Authors: Sami Samuel
Published: September 2021

A two-dimensional dynamic heat transfer and fluid flow model was developed to describe the behavior of photovoltaic cells and the performance of a hybrid solar collector photovoltaic–thermal solar panel system. The system was assessed under different magnetic field Gauss forces. Nanofluids were used to drive the heat pipes in a thermal panel under different conditions, such as levels of solar irradiance and different boundary conditions. The model was developed based on the equations of the dynamic conservation of mass and energy, coupled with the heat transfer relationships and thermodynamic properties, in addition to the material properties under different magnetic Gauss forces. Comparisons were made with the literature data to validate the predictive model. The model reliably predicted the key parameters under different nanofluid conditions and magnetic fields, and compared well with the existing data on the subject.