bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of the Director State in Gadolinium Gallate Garnet
Authors: Deen P. P.
Published: June 2022

In recent years the topic of frustrated magnetism has attracted significant scientific interest that shows little sign of abating. Within the field of frustrated magnetism, the compound Gd3Ga5O12 was, for many years, the archetypal frustrated magnet with a ground state that could not be elucidated. Recently an unusual emergent ground state, a director state, has been determined for Gd3Ga5O12, which is now also observed for other isostructural compounds. In this review an overview of the director state is given, starting with the basics of rare earth magnetism and leading to a summary of the experimental signatures that led to the insight needed to determine the director state.
A Mechano-Chemical Computational Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Jimoh-Taiwo Qudus , Haffejee Rashid , Ngoepe Malebogo
Published: June 2022

Computational models of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) typically account for either the mechanical or biochemical factors involved in thrombus formation. Developing a model that accounts for both factors will improve our understanding of the coagulation process in this particular disease. The work presented in this study details the development of a CFD model that considers the biochemical reactions between thrombin and fibrinogen, pulsatile blood flow, and clot growth within a three-dimensional patient-specific common femoral vein. Thrombin is released into the bloodstream from an injury zone on the wall of the vein. The Michaelis–Menten equation is used to represent the conversion of thrombin and fibrinogen to fibrin, the final product of the coagulation process. The model development starts with a two-dimensional idealized geometry. At this stage, the model is used to conduct a parametric study to determine the effects of varying parameters such as inlet velocity, vein diameter, and peak thrombin concentration on the size and shape of the clot formed. Peak thrombin concentration is the key factor driving the initiation and propagation of clots in the vein. To demonstrate the potential use of the model, the two-dimensional model is then extended to an image-derived three-dimensional patient-specific geometry. Realistic clot growth was achieved using this model, and the clot was compared to a clot formed in vivo. The volume of the clot that formed in the patient was about 4% smaller than that formed in the simulation. This demonstrates that with further development and refinement, this model could be used for patient-specific interventional planning. The model provides a means for predicting clot formation under different physiological conditions in a non-invasive manner.
Development of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children in the Transition From Kindergarten to Basic School According to Participation in Organized Sports
Authors: Järvamägi Merike , Riso Eva-Maria , Reisberg Kirkke , Jürimäe Jaak
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study examined the development of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children in the transition from kindergarten to basic school according to participation in organized sports and estimated the associations of CRF and body composition indices during the transition from childhood to preadolescence.

Methods: Children participated in the three-staged study (kindergarten, 6.6 years, n = 212; 1st grade, 7.6 years, n = 136; and 5th grade, 11.5 years, n = 142) for 5 years and were categorized into three groups according to their participation in organized sports in the study period (whole period, episodically, and never). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by performing a 20-m shuttle run test, while body composition was measured by skinfold thicknesses, and physical activity was registered with an accelerometer. International gender- and age-specific CRF reference normativities were also used to characterize the participants.

Results: Children who participated consistently in organized sports had significantly higher CRF levels and lower body fatness (31.3 ± 13.5 laps in 20 m shuttle run; 21.1% ± 6.3% body fat) in 11.5 years than in children who had never participated in sports clubs (20.7 ± 12.0 laps in 20-m shuttle run; 26.1% ± 6.8% body fat). Body composition and CRF did not associate in consistently trained children. The proportion of 5th grade children demonstrating age-appropriate healthy CRF was almost threefold higher in the group of consistent sports training among both boys and girls than among non-members of sports clubs.

Conclusion: Consistent attendance in organized sports in childhood and early preadolescence ensures higher CRF and healthier body composition than in children who had no experience of organized sports.
Positive Psychology and SLA Revisited: Unearthing Positive Emotions in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Oladrostam Elnaz , Rezaee Abbas Ali , Nushi Musa
Published: June 2022

Positive psychology focuses on the constructive effects of positive emotions on human behavior. Considering the recent plethoric research on positive emotions and SLA, this study pursues two important aims. The first aim is to find out whether there is any significant disparity between EFL teachers' and learners' views on an inventory of positive psychology in language learning (IPPLL) which was fostered by researchers. The second goal is to find out whether teachers' practices conform to their views on IPPLL and those expressed in the interview which was conducted with them. To this end, a 54-item questionnaire was developed and the revised questionnaire was administered to 385 learners. The results indicated that the teachers, in comparison with the learners, scored higher on all categories of the IPPLL. Moreover, unlike what they had expressed on the questionnaire and in the interview, the teachers did not capitalize on positive emotions as evinced in both teachers' practice and learners' experience with learning English. Implications of the findings for teacher education courses are presented.
Predictors of Prolonged Grief Disorder in a German Representative Population Sample: Unexpectedness of Bereavement Contributes to Grief Severity and Prolonged Grief Disorder
Authors: Doering Bettina K. , Barke Antonia , Vogel Anna , Comtesse Hannah , Rosner Rita
Published: June 2022

Most people adapt to bereavement over time. For a minority, the grief persists and may lead to a prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Identifying grievers at risk of PGD may enable specific prevention measures. The present study examined the extent to which the subjective unexpectedness of the death predicted grief outcomes above and beyond known sociodemographic and objective loss-related variables in a sample drawn from a population-representative investigation. In our sample (n = 2,531), 811 participants (Mage 55.1 ± 17.8 years, 59.2% women) had experienced the loss of a significant person six or more months ago. Participants provided demographic and loss-related information, perceptions of the unexpectedness of the death and completed the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 + 9 (PG-13 + 9). The PG-13 + 9 was used to determine PGD caseness. A binary logistic regression investigated predictors of PGD caseness, and a linear regression predictors of grief severity. ANCOVAs compared PGD symptoms between the groups who had experienced an “expected” vs. “unexpected” loss, while controlling for the relationship to the deceased and time since loss. The loss of a child (OR = 23.66; 95%CI, 6.03–68.28), or a partner (OR = 5.32; 95%CI, 1.79–15.83), the time since loss (OR = 0.99; 95%CI, 0.99–1.00) and the unexpectedness of the death (OR = 3.58; 95%CI, 1.70–7.69) were significant predictors of PGD caseness (Nagelkerke’s R2 = 0.25) and grief severity. Participants who had experienced the loss as unexpected (vs. expected) reported higher scores on all PGD symptoms. Unexpectedness of the death emerged as significant risk factor for PGD, even after controlling for demographic and other loss-related variables. While our findings replicate previous research on the importance of the relationship to the deceased as a risk factor for PGD, they also highlight the importance of assessing the subjective unexpectedness of a death and may help to identify risk groups who can profit from preventive interventions.
Steps Toward Engagement Integrity: Learning From Participatory Visual Methods in Marginalized South African Communities
Authors: Black Gillian F. , Sykes Pam
Published: June 2022

Community engagement and involvement have been increasingly recognized as an ethical and valuable component of health science research over the past two decades. Progress has been accompanied by emerging standards that emphasize participation, two-way communication, inclusion, empowerment, and ownership. Although these are important and noble benchmarks, they can represent a challenge for research conducted in marginalized contexts. This community case study reports on the methods, outcomes, constraints and learning from an NGO-led community engagement project called Bucket Loads of Health, implemented in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The independent project team used multiple participatory visual methods to foster two-way communication between members of two disenfranchised communities, Enkanini and Delft, and a group of water microbiologists at Stellenbosch University who were conducting research in Enkanini. The project was carried out during the 2018 Western Cape water crisis, under the growing threat of “Day Zero”. The resulting visual outputs illustrated the negative impacts of water shortage on health and wellbeing in these community settings and showcased scientific endeavors seeking to address them. Engagement included knowledge exchange combining body maps, role play performances and films created by the community members, with hand maps, posters and presentations produced by the scientists. Whereas these engagement tools enabled reciprocal listening between all groups, their ability to respond to the issues raised was hindered by constraints in resources and capacity beyond their control. An additional core objective of the project was to bring the impacts of water shortage in participating communities, and the work of the research team, to the attention of local government. The case study demonstrates the challenges that politically ambitious community engagement faces in being acknowledged by government representatives. We further the argument that research institutions and funders need to match professed commitments to engagement with training and resources to support researchers and community members in responding to the needs and aspirations surfaced through engagement processes. We introduce the concept of engagement integrity to capture the gap between recommended standards of community engagement and what is realistically achievable in projects that are constrained by funding, time, and political interest.
Environmental Pollution Liability Insurance of Health Risk and Corporate Environmental Performance: Evidence From China
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Zhang Pianpian , Zhu Dongyang , Jiang Xin , Jakovljevic Mihajlo
Published: June 2022

Environmental pollution liability insurance (EPLI) is a type of insurance purchased by an enterprise to compensate the loss of the victims in the event of an environmental pollution incident. Although EPLI can realize the post-treatment of environmental pollution to a certain extent, there is still less understanding of whether EPLI can improve the environmental performance of enterprises. This study takes A-share listed companies in heavily polluting industries as the research object, determines the treatment group samples according to the Insurance coverage list published by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in 2014 and 2015, and then constructs the empirical test model. In order to ensure that there is no sample selection bias, the PSM method is used to preprocess the samples in this study to ensure the robustness of the conclusions. The empirical tests show that EPLI can significantly improve corporate environmental performance. Further analysis showed that higher public visibility is conducive to the positive environmental effects of EPLI. Compared with state-owned enterprises, non-state-owned enterprises have more significant implementation effects after introducing EPLI. On further examination, the result indicates that environmental pollution liability insurance can improve environmental performance by alleviating corporate financing constraints. The findings of this paper enrich the theory of the economic impact of environmental pollution liability insurance, which has some meaningful theoretical guidance for enterprises and policy makers.
The Impact of Sanming Healthcare Reform on Antibiotic Appropriate Use in County Hospitals in China
Authors: Hu Lin , Fu Mengyuan , Wushouer Haishaerjiang , Ni Bingyu , Li Huangqianyu , Guan Xiaodong , Shi Luwen
Published: June 2022

Background

The excessive use of resources and poor quality of care are great concerns worldwide, particularly in China. In 2013, a model of systematic reforms was developed in Sanming to address the inefficiency and waste in public hospitals. However, limited empirical studies have evaluated the effect of Sanming healthcare reform on antibiotic appropriate use. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the healthcare reform on the appropriate use of antibiotics in county-level public hospitals in Sanming, China.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study exploring trends in antibiotic use with an interrupted time series design. We selected three county-level hospitals in Sanming and extracted outpatient prescriptions of the Departments of Internal Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics between January 2011 and December 2017. Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (AURI), Acute Bronchitis (AB) and Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) were selected as the sample diseases for our analysis. The primary outcome was the percentage of prescriptions conformed with standard treatment guidelines (STGs).

Results

A total of 142,180 prescriptions were included in the analysis. During the study period, the percentage of antibiotics prescriptions conformed with STGs boosted from 32.4% in 2011 to 82.3% in 2017. Moreover, after the reform, the rate of prescriptions that conformed with STGs showed significant increasing trends in children with AURI (β = 1.624, p < 0.001), children with AB (β = 3.123, p < 0.001), adult with AB (β = 1.665, p < 0.001), children with CAP (β = 3.123, p < 0.001), adult with CAP (β = 4.385, p < 0.001), but not in adult patients with AURI (β = −0.360, p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that the Sanming healthcare reform helped to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics in county-level hospitals. This systematic approach to healthcare reform, characterized by an effective governance structure, dynamic financial compensation mechanisms, and specialized drug stewardship, is promising for future public hospital reforms.
Improving Non-Motorized Transportation Provision in a Socially Inclusive Way—the Case of Cape Town
Authors: Vanderschuren Marianne , Newlands Alexandra , Wheeldon Andrew
Published: June 2022

Walking is the most important mode of transport in the “Global South. ” Depending on the location, the mode accounts for between 33 and 90% of trips. Despite its importance and the notion that walking is available to all, there are vast parts of the population that cannot use the mode, as infrastructure is not conducive. The gender and ability neutral approach to infrastructure provision ignores the needs of up to 75% of inhabitants, leading to isolation and the inability to access services. This paper describes the results of a desktop study that uses various types of literature and secondary data sources to conduct a qualitative assessment of the inclusivity of non-motorized transport and vulnerable population groups (women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities) in its planning and implementation approach, rather than actual implementations. Cape Town is used as a case study city. Results were verified by local experts. Gender neutral planning and roll out of infrastructure has been slow and there is no evidence at all that women, children, and the elderly are considered in the “Global South” context. Regarding people with disabilities, there has been some progress. Tactile paving and drop curbs are occasionally included. However, due to a lack of training of contractors and personnel that audits implementation projects, the quality of infrastructure for people with disabilities is poor. In the case of Cape Town, the qualitative scores are a mere two credits out of a maximum of 75 credits regarding the non-motorized transport, gender and social inclusion in transportation planning and practice. The authors suspect that scores in many African cities will be even lower. As with many other cities in the “Global South,” and more specifically in Africa, Cape Town needs to change its management structure, break down the silos between departments, embrace the input of representatives of vulnerable groups during infrastructure design and implementation and, more importantly, increase the budget for non-motorized transport. There is also a clear need for improved training for contractors and city infrastructure auditors, as implemented infrastructure is often substandard. The study resulted in the development of a hierarchical framework.
Coastal Lagoons: Important Ecosystems
Authors: El Mahrad Badr , Newton Alice , Murray Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Coastal lagoons are parts of the Earth’s coastline, where the ocean meets the land. They are important zones both for living things and for our economy. Coastal lagoons contain various kinds of habitats that provide homes for many animals and plants. Thus, they provide many valuable natural resources to people living and working in those areas. In this article, we describe what makes coastal lagoons attractive and important to plants, animals, and people. We also give examples of human activities and pressures that disrupt the lagoons close to where people live. Despite the damage human activities can cause to coastal lagoons, if countries respond with the right management measures, we have hope that the condition of coastal lagoons can improve, so that they will exist long into the future.
Nano Coating of Aloe-Gel Incorporation Additives to Maintain the Quality of Freshly Cut Fruits
Authors: Suriati Luh
Published: June 2022

The edible coating is an environmentally friendly technology that is applied to fresh-cut fruit products. One of the natural ingredients that are potentially applicable is aloe-gel because it contains several functional components. The main advantage of aloe-coating is that additives can be incorporated into the polymer matrix to enhance its properties. Additives tend to improve the safety, nutritional, and sensory attributes of fresh fruits, but in some cases, aloe-coating does not work. Furthermore, particle size determines the effectiveness of the process on fresh-cut fruits. Aloe-gel nano-coating can be used to overcome the difficulty of adhesion on the surface of fresh-cut fruits. However, quality criteria for fresh cut fruit coated with aloe-gel nano-coating must be strictly defined. The fruit to be processed must be of minimal quality so that discoloration, loss of firmness, spoilage ratio, and fruit weight loss can be minimized. This study aims to discuss the use of nano-coating aloe-gel incorporated with additional ingredients to maintain the quality of fresh-cut fruits. It also examined the recent advances in preparation, extraction, stabilization, and application methods in fresh fruits.
A Hybridized Flower Pollination Algorithm and Its Application on Microgrid Operations Planning
Authors: Dao Thi-Kien , Nguyen Trong-The , Nguyen Vinh-Tiep , Nguyen Trinh-Dong
Published: June 2022

The meta-heuristic algorithms have been applied to handle various real-world optimization problems because their approach closely resembles natural human thinking and processing relatively quickly. Flowers pollination algorithm (FPA) is one of the advanced meta-heuristic algorithms; still, it has suffered from slow convergence and insufficient accuracy when dealing with complicated problems. This study suggests hybridizing the FPA with the sine–cosine algorithm (call HSFPA) to avoid FPA drawbacks for microgrid operations planning and global optimization problems. The objective function of microgrid operations planning is constructed based on the power generation distribution system’s relevant economic costs and environmental profits. Adapting hop size, diversifying local search, and diverging agents as strategies from learning SCA are used to modify the original FPA equation for improving the HSFPA solutions in terms of diversity pollinations, increasing convergence, and preventing local optimal traps. The experimental results of the HSFPA compared with the other algorithms in the literature for the benchmark test function and microgrid operations planning problem to evaluate the proposed scheme. Compared results show that the HSFPA offers outstanding performance compared to other competitors for the testing function. The HSFPA also delivers efficient optimal performance in microgrid optimization for solving the operations planning problem.
An Innovative JavaScript-Based Framework for Teaching Backtracking Algorithms Interactively
Authors: Nasralla Moustafa M.
Published: June 2022

Algorithm fundamentals are useful to learn at different levels engineering education. One of the most difficult concepts to teach and understand is backtracking algorithms with proper bounding functions. This article proposes a framework to implement interactive online tools showing examples of backtracking algorithms in which students can graphically observe execution step-by-step. This approach is illustrated with the n-queens problem with students from Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia, and Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. The results show 6.67% increased learning on a backtracking exercise in the experimental group over the control group, in which the algorithms were automatically validated with DOMjudge software (an automated system used to run programming contests). The proposed framework was evaluated as easy to use, with a score of 74.5% in the validated System Usability Scale (SUS); easy to learn, with a score of 6.22 out of 7 in the validated Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease-of-Use (USE) scale; and with a general satisfaction of 5.97 out of 7 in the validated USE scale.
Performance Evaluation of Mobile Liquid Cooled Thermoelectric Refrigeration System for Storage-Cum-Transportation of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Chavan Prasad , Sidhu Gagandeep Kaur , Jaiswal Amit K.
Published: June 2022

The performance of a liquid-cooled thermoelectric refrigeration (LCTR) system for the storage of summer fruits and vegetables, viz., bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya, indicated notable results for physiological loss in weight, firmness, and colour values and overall acceptability of the crop. The LCTR system significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the physiological loss in weight (PLW) of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya to 11.51%, 10.99%, 12.29%, and 19.17%, respectively, compared to conventional ambient storage of the crop. A lesser change in colour was observed for the crop subjected to LCTR, recording 14.04, 11.46, 16.41, and 23.68 for bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya, respectively. All the crops witnessed no significant effect (p < 0.0001) on the quality attributes of the crop stored in LCTR and a vapour compression refrigeration system. LCTR enabled a pronounced increment in the shelf life of bitter gourd, okra, mango, and papaya by 7, 8, 10, and 13 days, respectively, compared to storage at ambient conditions. The invention provides a mobile thermoelectric refrigeration system useful for marketing fruits and vegetables efficiently. The system is economical, has a higher coefficient of performance (0.85) compared to the coefficient of performance (COP) of the existing thermoelectric refrigeration system, and maintains the freshness and quality of perishable agricultural produce during marketing and transportation.
One Third of Patients before Endoprosthesis Implantation Show an Oral Focus as Potential Source of Infectious Complication—The Value of Pre-Operative Dental Risk Stratification in a German Cohort
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Reuschel Florentine , Bartl Markus , Schmidt Laura , Runge Janine , Haak Rainer , Goralski Szymon , Roth Andreas , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: June 2022

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional cohort study was to evaluate a comprehensive dental examination and referral concept for patients prior to endoprosthesis (EP) implantation in an interdisciplinary setting. Methods: Patients, who were prepared for EP surgery in the clinic for orthopaedics, were referred to the dental clinic for a dental examination. Thereby, dental and periodontal treatment need, radiographic and temporomandibular joint findings were assessed. Based on oral and radiographic investigation, a risk classification for potential source of prosthetic infection was performed. If potential oral foci of EP infection were present (e.g., apically radiolucent teeth, severe periodontitis or additional inflammatory findings), patients were classified as at high risk for EP infection with oral origin. Those individuals were allocated to their family dentist or special clinic for dental treatment prior to EP surgery. Results: A total of 311 patients were included (mean age: 67.84 ± 10.96 years, 51% male). A dental treatment need of 33% was found, while the periodontal treatment need was 83%. Thirty-one percent of patients showed at least one apical radiolucency (a sign of chronic infection/inflammation). Furthermore, additional findings such as radiographic signs of sinusitis maxillaris were found in 24% of patients. Temporomandibular disease was probable in 17% of individuals. One-third (34%) were assigned to the high risk group for an EP infection with oral origin. Conclusion: German patients before EP have a high periodontal treatment need and show frequently (34%) a potential oral focus of infection, underlining the necessity of including dental examination and risk stratification as part of the pre-operative assessment prior to EP implantation. Therefore, an approach as applied in this study appears reasonable for those individuals.
Constructing a Matrix Mid-Point Iterative Method for Matrix Square Roots and Applications
Authors: Golzarpoor Javad , Ahmed Dilan , Shateyi Stanford
Published: June 2022

In this paper, an improvement to the mid-point method is contributed for finding the square root of a matrix as well as its inverse. To this aim, an iteration scheme to find this matrix function is constructed, and its error and stability estimates are provided to show the theoretical rate of convergence. Our higher-order method can compete with the existing iterative methods of a similar nature. This is illustrated in numerical simulations of various sizes.
The Influence of Service Quality on User’s Perceived Satisfaction with Light Rail Transit Service in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad Nazrul Hakimi , Borhan Muhamad Nazri , Osman Mohd Haniff , Mat Yazid Muhamad Razuhanafi , Md. Rohani Munzilah
Published: June 2022

Light rail transit (LRT) systems are vital aspects of the worldwide endeavor to achieve transport sustainability and have been essential in enhancing the economies of urban areas. Issues such as pollution, the risk of road accidents, and traffic congestion could be resolved using this progressive alternative. The statistics showed that only 20% of the commuters in Malaysia use public transport, including LRT, and 80% use private transportation. It is relatively low compared to other Asian countries. High-quality service is essential to improve users’ perceived satisfaction with the provided services and increase LRT ridership. The objective of the present study is to acquire an understanding of which factors are crucially influential on users’ perceptions of satisfaction. In-person questionnaires were utilized to obtain the information for this paper, with a total of 417 LRT riders in Malaysia’s Klang Valley surveyed. This study adopted the factor analysis, correlation test, and artificial neural network (ANN) model. Eight elements related to the quality of service were extracted to ascertain how they influenced the perceived satisfaction of users: information signs, ticket-based services, amenities, safety, employee performance, speed, comfort, and the service details available to riders. Each factor was significantly related to the perceptions of satisfaction, according to the correlation test. Finally, the ANN model shows that the dominant factors determining the LRT users’ perceived satisfaction are the signage, amenities, and provision of information. The findings of this research should benefit the providers of services, policy makers, and planning departments by enabling them to formulate successful approaches that ensure user satisfaction is enhanced and the number of riders on the LRT increases.
A Study of the Growth Results for the Hadamard Product of Several Dirichlet Series with Different Growth Indices
Authors: Xu Hongyan , Chen Guangsheng , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Li Hong , Xuan Zuxing , Cui Yongqin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, our first purpose is to describe a class of phenomena involving the growth in the Hadamard–Kong product of several Dirichlet series with different growth indices. We prove that (i) the order of the Hadamard–Kong product series is determined by the growth in the Dirichlet series with smaller indices if these Dirichlet series have different growth indices; (ii) the q1-type of the Hadamard–Kong product series is equal to zero if p Dirichlet series are of qj-regular growth, and q1<q2<⋯<qp, qj∈N+, j=1,2,…,p. The second purpose is to reveal the properties of the growth in the Hadamard–Kong product series of two Dirichlet series—when one Dirichlet series is of finite order, the other is of logarithmic order, and two Dirichlet series are of finite logarithmic order—and obtain the growth relationships between the Hadamard–Kong product series and two Dirchlet series concerning the order, the logarithmic order, logarithmic type, etc. Finally, some examples are given to show that our results are best possible.
On Finite/Fixed-Time Stability Theorems of Discontinuous Differential Equations
Authors: Li Luke , Wang Dongshu
Published: June 2022

We investigated the finite/fixed-time stability (FNTS/FXTS) of discontinuous differential equations (DDEs) in this paper. To cope with differential equations that were discontinuous on the right-hand side, we utilized the Filippov solution, which is widely used in engineering. Under the framework of the Filippov solution, we transformed this issue into an FNTS/FXTS problem in the corresponding functional differential inclusion. We proposed some new FNTS/FXTS criteria, which will have important applications in the field of control engineering. It is worth mentioning that the coefficient function in the inequality satisfied by the Lyapunov function (LF) could be indefinite. Moreover, our paper gave a new estimation for the settling time (ST). Finally, two illustrative examples were given to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed criteria.
Interacting with Indeterminate Quantities through Arithmetic Word Problems: Tasks to Promote Algebraic Thinking at Elementary School
Authors: Ayala-Altamirano Cristina , Pinto Eder , Molina Marta , Cañadas María C.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we analyze how 9–10-year-old pupils work with equations, a central aspect of algebraic thinking in early grades and a cornerstone for more formal learning of algebra. Specifically, we seek: (a) to describe the main characteristics of the tasks that support algebraic thinking through a translation process from arithmetic word problems to algebraic language and vice versa, and (b) to identify how pupils refer to indeterminate quantities in these contexts and what meaning they give to them. The analysis focuses on the semantic congruence of the expressions proposed by them and on the dialogue they held during the translation process. We analyzed the oral discussion in the pools and the written responses to the problem that pupils posed. The results show that arithmetic word problems allow the indeterminate to become an object of thought for pupils, who represent it in multiple ways and refer to it when proposing equations that represent the structure of each problem. Another finding highlights that reflection on the interpretation of the equations supports the identification of two meanings associated with indeterminate quantities, namely, unknown and variable.
Operators Obtained by Using Certain Generating Function for Approximation
Authors: Varma Serhan , Sucu Sezgin
Published: June 2022

This paper is concerned with the sequence of positive linear operators obtained by certain generating functions of polynomials and with investigation of its approximation properties in detail. Initially, the convergence theorem is expressed for the sequence constructed in this article using the universal Korovkin-type theorem and then considering the modulus of continuity and the Lipschitz class, an estimate of the degree of approximation is obtained for this sequence of positive linear operators. Moreover, the generalization involving integral of these operators is defined and then their approximation properties are examined.
A Geologic-Actuarial Approach for Insuring the Extraction Tasks of Non-Renewable Resources by One and Two Agents
Authors: Real-Miranda Rigoberto , López-Barrientos José Daniel
Published: June 2022

This work uses classic stochastic dynamic programming techniques to determine the equivalence premium that each of two extraction agents of a non-renewable natural resource must pay to an insurer to cover the risk that the extraction pore explodes. We use statistical and geological methods to calibrate the time-until-failure distribution of extraction status for each agent and couple a simple approximation scheme with the actuarial standard of Bühlmann’s recommendations to charge the extracting agents a variance premium, while the insurer earns a return on its investment at risk. We test our analytical results through Monte Carlo simulations to verify that the probability of ruin does not exceed a certain predetermined level.
Expression of Transferrin Protein and Messenger RNA in Neural Cells from Mouse and Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Abe Eriko , Fuwa Takashi J. , Hoshi Kyoka , Saito Takashi , Murakami Takenobu , Miyajima Masakazu , Ogawa Norihiro , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Hashizume Yoshio , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Honda Takashi
Published: June 2022

Iron is an essential nutrient in the body. However, iron generates oxidative stress and hence needs to be bound to carrier proteins such as the glycoprotein transferrin (Tf) in body fluids. We previously reported that cerebrospinal fluid contains Tf glycan-isoforms that are derived from the brain, but their origins at the cellular level in the brain have not yet been elucidated. In the present report, we described the localization of Tf protein and mRNA in mouse and human brain tissue. In situ hybridization of mouse brain tissue revealed that Tf mRNA is expressed by different cell types such as epithelial cells in the choroid plexus, oligodendrocyte-like cells in the medulla, and neurons in the cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia. In contrast, Tf protein was barely detected by immunohistochemistry in hippocampal and some cortical neurons, but it was detected in other types of cells such as oligodendrocyte-like cells and choroid plexus epithelial cells. The results showed that Tf mRNA is expressed by neural cells, while Tf protein is expressed in different brain regions, though at very low levels in hippocampal neurons. Low Tf level in the hippocampus may increases susceptibility to iron-induced oxidative stress, and account for neuron death in neurodegenerative diseases.
Temporal and Wash-Out Studies Identify Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box Compounds with Fast-Acting Activity against Both Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sykes Melissa L. , Kennedy Emily K. , Read Kevin D. , Kaiser Marcel , Avery Vicky M.
Published: June 2022

Chagas disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic to 21 countries in the Americas, effects approximately 6 million people and on average results in 12,000 deaths annually. Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is caused by the Trypanosoma brucei sub-species, endemic to 36 countries within sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment regimens for these parasitic diseases are complicated and not effective against all disease stages; thus, there is a need to find improved treatments. To identify new molecules for the drug discovery pipelines for these diseases, we have utilised in vitro assays to identify compounds with selective activity against both T. cruzi and T.b. brucei from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box compound collection. To prioritise these molecules for further investigation, temporal and wash off assays were utilised to identify the speed of action and cidality of compounds. For translational relevance, compounds were tested against clinically relevant T.b. brucei subspecies. Compounds with activity against T. cruzi cytochrome P450 (TcCYP51) have not previously been successful in clinical trials for chronic Chagas disease; thus, to deprioritise compounds with this activity, they were tested against recombinant TcCYP51. Compounds with biological profiles warranting progression offer important tools for drug and target development against kinetoplastids.
Effects of a Modern Kefir on Conditions Associated with Moderate Severe Spastic Quadriparesis Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Adán Israel , Salinas Eva , Tirado González Deli Nazmín , Velasco Benitez Carlos , Jiménez Mariela , Córdova-Dávalos Laura E , Cervantes-García Daniel , Rodríguez Nava Victor Federico , Bermúdez-Humarán Luis G.
Published: June 2022

Cerebral palsy (CP) in children constitutes a set of movement and body posture disorders caused by brain injury, which in turn is associated with a series of intestinal, respiratory, and malnutrition conditions. Twenty-four children were selected and included for the present study and subdivided into two groups: (1) children who included modern kefir (containing 12 probiotic species) in their diet; and (2) control group (not including kefir in their diet). The group supplemented with modern kefir received a beverage with multi probiotic species and the control group received commercial yogurt (which included the 2 typical lactic acid bacteria) for 7 weeks. Anthropometric variables, resting energy expenditure, presence, and diagnosis of functional digestive disorders (FDD), frequency of respiratory problems, presence of elevated C-reactive protein, differential count of leukocytes were evaluated. A significant increase in weight and height was found in the kefir group at the final time point. In addition, kefir intake promoted a significant reduction in functional constipation and stool hardness and increased the absolute value of blood lymphocytes. Since the fermented milk beverage modern kefir improves constipation, which is the most important FDD in children with CP and the nutritional and immune status, it could be considered an important strategy to improve health in these children.
Unraveling the Diversity of Co-Colonization by CPE
Authors: Levi Gabrielle , Lurie-Weinberger Mor , Keren-Paz Alona , Andremont Antoine O. , Schwartz David , Carmeli Yehuda
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and more specifically, carbapenem-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) strains, are increasing worldwide. Despite their growing prevalence, in most high-income countries, the detection of CPE is still considered a low-frequency event. Sporadically, patients co-colonized with distinct CPE strains and/or different carbapenemase enzymes are detected. In this paper, we present three cases that illustrate the underlying mechanisms of co-colonization, focusing on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and patient-to-patient transmission. We also demonstrate the diversity of CPE species and discuss the potential consequences of co-colonization.
Novel Copper(II) Complexes with Dipinodiazafluorene Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Fomenko Iakov S. , Afewerki Medhanie , Gongola Marko I. , Vasilyev Eugene S. , Shul’pina Lidia S. , Ikonnikov Nikolay S. , Shul’pin Georgiy B. , Samsonenko Denis G. , Yanshole Vadim V. , Nadolinny Vladimir A. , Lavrov Alexander N. , Tkachev Alexey V. , Gushchin Artem L.
Published: June 2022

The reactions of CuX2 (X = Cl, Br) with dipinodiazafluorenes yielded four new complexes [CuX2L1]2 (X = Cl (1), Br (2), L1 = (1R,3R,8R,10R)-2,2,9,9-Tetramethyl-3,4,7,8,9,10-hexahydro-1H-1,3:8,10-dimethanocyclopenta [1,2-b:5,4-b’]diquinolin-12(2H)-one) and [(CuX2)2L2]n (X = Cl (3), Br (4), L2 = (1R,3R,8R,10R,1’R,3’R,8’R,10’R)-2,2,2’,2’,9,9,9’,9’-Octamethyl-1,1’,2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,7,7’,8,8’,9,9’,10,10’-hexadecahydro-1,3:1’,3’:8,10:8’,10’-tetramethano-12,12’-bi(cyclopenta [1,2-b:5,4-b’]diquinolinylidene). The complexes were characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy, HR-ESI-MS and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 2 and 4 were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Complexes 1–2 have a monomeric structure, while complex 4 has a polymeric structure due to additional coordinating N,N sites in L2. All complexes contain a binuclear fragment {Cu2(μ-X)2×2} (X = Cl, Br) in their structures. Each copper atom has a distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment formed by two nitrogen atoms and three halogen atoms. The Cu-Nax distance is elongated compared to Cu-Neq. The EPR spectra of compounds 1–4 in CH3CN confirm their paramagnetic nature due to the d9 electronic configuration of the copper(II) ion. The magnetic properties of all compounds were studied by the method of static magnetic susceptibility. For complexes 1 and 2, the effective magnetic moments are µeff ≈ 1.87 and 1.83 µB (per each Cu2+ ion), respectively, in the temperature range 50–300 K, which are close to the theoretical spin value (1.73 µB). Ferromagnetic exchange interactions between Cu(II) ions inside {Cu2(μ-X)2X2} (X = Cl, Br) dimers (J/kB ≈ 25 and 31 K for 1 and 2, respectively) or between dimers (θ′ ≈ 0.30 and 0.47 K for 1 and 2, respectively) were found at low temperatures. For compounds 3 and 4, the magnetic susceptibility is well described by the Curie–Weiss law in the temperature range 1.77–300 K with µeff ≈ 1.72 and 1.70 µB for 3 and 4, respectively, and weak antiferromagnetic interactions (θ ≈ −0.4 K for 3 and −0.65 K for 4). Complexes 1–4 exhibit high catalytic activity in the oxidation of alkanes and alcohols with peroxides. The maximum yield of cyclohexane oxidation products reached 50% (complex 3). Based on the data on the study of regio- and bond-selectivity, it was concluded that hydroxyl radicals play a decisive role in the oxidation reaction. The initial products in reactions with alkanes are alkyl hydroperoxides.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Stem Extracts
Authors: Garjonyte Rasa , Budiene Jurga , Labanauskas Linas , Judzentiene Asta
Published: June 2022

Leaves and stems of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) are used in Lithuanian folk medicine. Healing properties of raspberry are related to the content of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols. Extracts of raspberry leaves contained higher total phenolic content (TPC) (1290 mg/L, expressed in gallic acid equivalent) compared to that in extracts of stems or peeled bark (up to 420 mg/L and 598 mg/L, respectively). To find out whether the collection time of herbal material was critical for the properties of the extracts, the stems were collected at different times of the year. TPC in the extracts depended more on extraction conditions rather than on the sampling time. Antioxidant activity of raspberry stem and bark extracts tested by spectrophotometric (DPPH● scavenging) and electrochemical (cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry) assays correlated with TPC. DPPH radical scavenging activity values for stem, leaf, and bark extracts were as follows: ≤1.18 ± 0.07, 1.63 ± 0.10, and ≤1.90 ± 0.04 (mmol/L, TROLOX equivalent), respectively. Assessed electrochemically, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity of extracts was independent on TPC. The latter activity was related to the presence of some protein in the extract as revealed by gel electrophoresis. Prooxidant activity of raspberry stem extracts was dependent on solution pH and temperature.
Imine- and Amine-Type Macrocycles Derived from Chiral Diamines and Aromatic Dialdehydes
Authors: Lisowski Jerzy
Published: June 2022

The condensation of aromatic dialdehydes with chiral diamines, such as 1,2-trans-diaminocyclohexane, leads to various enantiopure or meso-type macrocyclic Schiff bases, including [2 + 2], [3 + 3], [4 + 4], [6 + 6] and [8 + 8] condensation products. Unlike most cases of macrocycle synthesis, the [3 + 3] macrocycles of this type are sometimes obtained in high yields by direct condensation without a metal template. Macrocycles of other sizes from this family can often be selectively obtained in high yields by a suitable choice of metal template, solvent, or chirality of the building blocks. In particular, the application of a cadmium(II) template results in the expansion of the [2 + 2] macrocycles into giant [6 + 6] and [8 + 8] macrocycles. These imine macrocycles can be reduced to the corresponding macrocyclic amines which can act as hosts for the binding of multiple cations or multiple anions.
Deep Learning and Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Drug Discovery against NEK7: A Novel Target for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Aziz Mubashir , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Zargar Seema , Akhtar Naveed , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , A. Wani Tanveer , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Siddique Farhan , Alqarni Mohammed , Akintola Ashraf Akintayo
Published: June 2022

NIMA-related kinase7 (NEK7) plays a multifunctional role in cell division and NLRP3 inflammasone activation. A typical expression or any mutation in the genetic makeup of NEK7 leads to the development of cancer malignancies and fatal inflammatory disease, i.e., breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and liver cirrhosis. Therefore, NEK7 is a promising target for drug development against various cancer malignancies. The combination of drug repurposing and structure-based virtual screening of large libraries of compounds has dramatically improved the development of anticancer drugs. The current study focused on the virtual screening of 1200 benzene sulphonamide derivatives retrieved from the PubChem database by selecting and docking validation of the crystal structure of NEK7 protein (PDB ID: 2WQN). The compounds library was subjected to virtual screening using Auto Dock Vina. The binding energies of screened compounds were compared to standard Dabrafenib. In particular, compound 762 exhibited excellent binding energy of −42.67 kJ/mol, better than Dabrafenib (−33.89 kJ/mol). Selected drug candidates showed a reactive profile that was comparable to standard Dabrafenib. To characterize the stability of protein–ligand complexes, molecular dynamic simulations were performed, providing insight into the molecular interactions. The NEK7–Dabrafenib complex showed stability throughout the simulated trajectory. In addition, binding affinities, pIC50, and ADMET profiles of drug candidates were predicted using deep learning models. Deep learning models predicted the binding affinity of compound 762 best among all derivatives, which supports the findings of virtual screening. These findings suggest that top hits can serve as potential inhibitors of NEK7. Moreover, it is recommended to explore the inhibitory potential of identified hits compounds through in-vitro and in-vivo approaches.