bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Formative Supports in Online and Face-to-Face Teacher Preparation Programs
Authors: Heafner Tina Lane
Published: January 2021

Using a widely accepted measure of teacher candidates' performance, edTPA, this chapter examines the role of formative supports in supporting candidate-learning outcomes in a graduate teacher preparation program. The chapter compares performance outcomes for two program tracks: online and face-to-face. Authors conclude formative supports impact the preparation of teacher candidates in both online and face-to-face contexts. Online program delivery modes support greater candidate independence and self-efficacy in teaching preparation skills whereas face-to-face programs create contexts in which candidates are more dependent upon instructors and formative supports to ensure teaching success.
Digital Learning in Rural K–12 Settings
Authors: Valentine Amy , Gemin Butch , Vashaw Lauren , Watson John , Harrington Christopher , LeBlanc Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Discussions of rural America often summon images of pastoral farmland, country roads, and close-knit communities; this vision offers a sharp contrast to contemporary perspectives of rural America, which highlight unemployment, entrenched poverty, economic decline, and geophysical isolation. However, both narratives share one characteristic: the belief that a high-quality education can open a world of opportunities for rural children. This chapter fills an existing gap in research by documenting successful practices of digital learning to support students, teachers, and families in rural education settings. A qualitative study identified the challenges faced by rural schools and then explored the digital learning strategies used to meet these challenges. Across the country, innovative practitioners are expanding Internet access, addressing teacher shortages, and increasing course offerings, which has in turn contributed to the academic achievement and future prosperity of today's rural students.
Online Collaborative Learning in Pre-Service Teacher Education
Authors: Gokbel Elif Nagihan
Published: January 2021

Technology-enhanced collaborative learning has become attractive in higher education. Teacher education programs have made extensive efforts for meaningful use of online technologies for collaboration and communication. This review aims to synthesize a comprehensive literature review on PSTs' collaborative learning with online tools. First, the review revealed that the number of articles published has increased especially in the last five years with contributions from researchers around the world. Second, there were three types of online technologies used mainly for collaboration in PST education: Asynchronous, synchronous, and social media tools. Third, online tools for collaboration were reported as mainly beneficial in PSTs' education contexts. Forth, while there are notable exceptions, challenges to integrate online collaboration tools in PSTs' education programs were scant. Finally, there were various instructional practices where educators integrated online collaborative tools for learning. Future research directions are elaborated.
Resources and Capabilities of SMEs Through a Circular Green Economy
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , López-Lemus Jorge Armando López-Lemus Jorge
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this article is to analyze the green and circular economy (GCE) model from the point of view of the resources and capacities of the organization. How is the application of the circular economy model related to strategic management? At first glance, it seems that the CE is operating within an operational level with a social impact, but it also has implications that allow us to think that it can be used as an internal resource of the company that, if applied in the right way, can become a competitive advantage; in other words, the application of the CE is related to strategic management through the point of view based on resources and capabilities. Therefore, the present investigation has a descriptive-correlational nature, which was analyzed through Peng's VRIO framework.
Risk Analysis of the Real Estate Financial Market Based on Risk Energy Theory
Authors: Ling Mu Ling , Yuan Li , Wei Cheng Ya
Published: January 2021

Beginning with real estate financial risk and risk energy theory, combined with empirical research, this article analyzes real estate financial markets in different stages and calculates the profit and loss (the ratio of the release of risk energy to the risk energy) in order to judge whether the risk energy has exceeded the system tolerance and to play a warning role. First, this article analyzes uncertain factors in the real estate market, builds a real estate supply and demand network, determines system risk characteristics, corresponding profit and loss categories, quantitative and qualitative factors, and the risk of energy release and the collapse of boundary conditions. The real estate market is approached using both univariate and multivariate analyses, dividing the real estate market into three stages and probing mergers and transformation conditions for different levels of risk. Finally, the authors analyze whether the financial risk energy released by real estate market exceeds the capacity of the system by calculating probability, risk, which play a warning role.
Understanding Perceived Fakeness of Online Health News in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsang Stephanie Jean
Published: January 2021

Given the vast amount of incorrect health information circulated online, it is reasonable to question how everyday audiences process the health news they see shared on social media. This study identifies the mechanism behind evaluating a piece of health content shared on social media to be fake. An online experiment in Hong Kong exposed participants (N = 135) to a simulated Facebook news post claiming that the consumption of milk could be harmful, manipulating the source to be either a legacy media outlet or an unfamiliar online health source. Individuals with different prior views on milk consumption assessed the fakeness of the same fake health news item significantly differently. The findings contribute to digital literacy research, such that practitioners should take motivated perception of health news into account. Further, online sources which are less seen to be motivated by financial profits are likely to be trusted.
Photoplethysmography Heart Rate Monitoring
Authors: Feukeu Etienne Alain , Winberg Simon
Published: January 2021

Research conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 demonstrated that the worldwide threat of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has increased compared to previous years. CVDs are very dangerous: if timely treatment is not performed, these conditions could become irreversible and lead to sudden death. Prescriptive measures include physical exercises and monitoring of the heart rate (HR). Despite the existence of various HR monitoring devices (or HMDs), a major challenge remains their availability, particularly to people in lower-income countries. Unfortunately, it is also this segment of the population that is the most vulnerable to CVDs. Accordingly, this led the authors to propose the design for an easily constructible state-of-the-art HMD that attempts to provide a highly accessible, lower-cost, and long-lasting solution that would be more affordable and accessible to these low-income communities.
The Impact of Fractional-Order Control on Blood Pressure Regulation
Authors: Nagarsheth Shaival H. , Sharma Shambhu N.
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a fractional-order framework for control of blood pressure regulation system. A new perspective is explored to control the blood pressure in lieu of the conventional control framework. A multi-variable scenario is adopted to control two outputs: mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and cardiac output (CO) simultaneously. Three fractional-order controllers are designed and tuned optimally for the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) blood pressure regulation system. To test the effectiveness of the designed fractional controllers, control investigations are carried out based on controller performance indices and sensitivity performance indices. Stability analysis and sensitivity analysis are carried out in order to assure stable as well as robust feedback design. Sensitivity analysis of the paper reveals the controller's ability to handle model uncertainties of the blood pressure regulation system. Numerical simulation results of the paper unfold the best suitable fractional-order controller for the enhanced closed-loop performance of the blood pressure regulation system.
Two-Level Grid-Side Converter-Based STATCOM and Shunt Active Power Filter of Variable-Speed DFIG Wind Turbine-Based WECS Using SVM for Terminal Voltage
Authors: Ali Hazem Hassan , Kamal Nashwa Ahmad , Elbasuony Ghada Saeed
Published: January 2021

Regulation of the terminal voltage of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind energy conversion system (WECS) by modifying the control scheme of the grid side converter (GSC) is necessary compared to connecting alone flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) and active power filter devices from economic point of view. An assessment study of GSC control strategy based both of static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) and shunt active power filter (SAPF) is introduced in this paper. STATCOM based AC voltage magnitude regulator and SAPF-based load calculations are controlled using space vector modulation (SVM) technique to maintain the terminal voltage of DFIG wind turbine constant when a grid disturbance happened. The system under study is modeled in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The simulation results under wind speed variation demonstrated that GSC-based STATCOM gives better results in regulation of the terminal voltage of DFIG compared to GSC-based SAPF and enhancement of the stability of this system.
Trust and Continuance of Mobile Payment Use Intention
Authors: Acheampong Patrick , Boamah Kofi Baah , Agyeman-Prempeh Nana , Boateng Frank , Bediako Isaac Asare , Abubakar Ruhiya
Published: January 2021

The interactive nature of the internet has created many opportunities for mobile payment usage. In certain age groups and geographies, mobile payments have already unseated traditional means of effecting payment. In this study, 1,351 mobile payment users in Ghana were sampled using a structured questionnaire to investigate their intention to continue to use mobile payments technologies. The results showed that vendor reputation, word-of-mouth, and structural assurance significantly contribute to imbuing trust in mobile payment technology customers. When high levels of trust become identified with a brand, high numbers of customers choose to continue to use their current choice of mobile payment technology.
Discussion on Roundness of Non-Ferromagnetic Tube by Interior Magnetic Abrasive Finishing Using a Magnetic Machining Jig
Authors: Liu Jiang Nan , Zou Yan Hua
Published: January 2021

In this study, mainly researching the improvement of roundness of thick SUS304 stainless steel tube by interior magnetic abrasive finishing using a magnetic machining jig. The influence of reciprocating velocity of magnetic pole unit on the improvement of roundness of interior surface was studied by establishing the dynamic equation of magnetic machining jig. Experimental results showed that low reciprocating velocity of magnetic pole unit is conducive to the improvement of interior roundness of the thick SUS304 stainless steel tube. The reason is that the low reciprocating velocity of magnetic pole unit reduces the pitch of the helical motion and can produce greater finishing force of the magnetic machining jig.
The Effect of the Sheet Metal Postures on the Forming Thickness Based on the Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Zhu Hu , Wang Yang , Jung Dong Won
Published: January 2021

In order to analysis the effect of the sheet metal postures on the forming thickness, the horizontal sheet posture, the multidirectional sheet postures with the inclined angle of , and the multidirectional sheet postures obtained after optimization were respectively used for comparative analysis through the numerical simulation against the same model. The result shows that the optimized multidirectional sheet metal postures can reduce the overall thickness difference of the formed part and realize the thickness uniformity.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Fan Cheng Fei , Zhou Bu Kui , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

In order to meet the needs of underground engineering, a new type of basalt fiber reactive powder concrete (BFRPC) was developed in this paper. In different materials ratio, the mechanical properties of BFRPC were studied by experimental methods. And compressive strength and bending strength of BFRPC were obtained. The optimal fiber content of BFRPC was got, and the stress-strain relationship was revealed. It would lay the foundation for the application of BFRPC materials in underground engineering.
Reflective functioning and personal recovery process of users with borderline personality disorder on Instagram: an explorative study using computerized and thematic analysis
Authors: Esposito Giovanna , Perla Viviana , Passeggia Raffaella , Fertuck Erik , Mergenthaler Erhard
Published: January 2021

Although recent literature has stated that mentalizing (or reflective functioning; RF) promoted the clinical recovery (symptomatic remission; CR) of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), to our knowledge, there have been no studies that analyzed the relationship between RF and a process more complex than CR, namely personal recovery (PR) - a deep and unique process of change in one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals and/or roles. Furthermore, while there have been a few studies concerning PR of BPD individuals, but to date none analyzed PR of BPD individuals through online narratives shared on social media platforms. This study investigates the relationship between RF and PR of 14 Instagram users with a selfreported diagnosis of BPD. Two groups of users were distinguished on the basis of hashtags, #bpd and #bpdrecovery. Seventy randomized text posts (5 from each user) were extracted from users’ profiles: 35 from the #bpd group and 35 from #bpdrecovery. Two methods of analysis were applied: i) a thematic analysis, by using the theoretical framework CHIME, which identifies five dimensions of PR; and ii) a stylistic analysis of RF utilizing computerized reflective functioning (CRF), which identifies RF lexical markers. Results indicate that the #bpdrecovery group presented more dimensions of PR, and that its posts showed a significantly higher RF than the #bpd group. These findings suggest that RF could be involved in the PR of BPD individuals, thus mentalization-based treatment could be effective in supporting PR processes and enhancing the impaired RF in BPD users even in the online context.
Testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after treatment with rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), and sutherlandia (Lessertia frutescens) infusions
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Windvogel Shantal , du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate the testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis status, as well as the sperm functional parameters in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats following treatment with rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) and sutherlandia (Lessertia frutescens) infusions.

Methods:

Diabetes was induced by injecting fourteen-week-old adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight). Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups: the vehicle group received 0.1 M citrate buffer, the diabetic control group received 45 mg/kg STZ, the diabetic+rooibos group received 45 mg/kg STZ + 2.0% rooibos, the diabetic+honeybush group received 45 mg/kg STZ + 4.0% honeybush, and the diabetic+sutherlandia group received 45 mg/kg STZ + 0.2% sutherlandia. Rats were sacrificed 7 weeks after induction of diabetes mellitus. The testes and epididymides were harvested and weighed after induction. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the cauda epididymis for motility, concentration, and morphology analysis, and the testis was used for all biochemical assays. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring malondialdehyde levels, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities, while apoptotic biomarkers were evaluated by Western blotting assays.

Results:

After induction of diabetes, rats in the diabetic control group, diabetic+rooibos group, diabetic+honeybush group, and diabetic+sutherlandia group presented with significantly elevated blood glucose levels as compared with the vehicle group (P<0.001). Rats in the diabetic control group had a reduction in sperm progressive motility, while rats in the diabetic+rooibos group and the diabetic+sutherlandia group displayed an increase in progressive motility as compared with the diabetic control group. The diabetic control animals showed a 40.0% decrease in sperm concentration when compared to the vehicle group, and there were no significant differences in sperm kinematic and speed parameters between the groups. In addition, the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was increased by 13.0%, 16.0%, and 15.0% after treatment with rooibos, honeybush, and sutherlandia, respectively and the rats in the diabetic+infusion groups also displayed an increase in superoxide dismutase activity when compared to the diabetic control group.

Conclusions:

Rooibos, honeybush and sutherlandia infusions may partly alleviate diabetes-induced sperm function impairment by reducing oxidative stress.
P-glycoprotein inhibition with verapamil overcomes mometasone resistance in Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Taha M.S. , Nocera A. , Workman A. , Amiji M.M. , Bleier B.S.
Published: January 2021

Background: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a membrane efflux pump which is overexpressed in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) and promotes Type 2 inflammation. Glucocorticoids (GC) are substrates of P-gp suggesting that overexpression may additionally contribute to GC resistance in CRSwNP. This study aims to determine whether P-gp inhibition using verapamil enhances mometasone retention and efficacy in nasal polyp explants. Methodology: IRB approved study in which organotypic polyp explants were exposed to mometasone (4.15 μg/mL) and verapa- mil (125 μg/mL) as mono and combination therapy. The effect of verapamil on mometasone tissue retention over time was deter- mined using HPLC. The effect of verapamil on mometasone anti-inflammatory function was determined using ELISA for secreted IL-5. Groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: P-gp expression strongly and significantly inversely correlated with mometasone retention 1hr after exposure, with a ne- arly 6-fold reduction in tissue retention between the lowest and highest P-gp expressing polyp explants. P-gp inhibition reversed this effect and significantly improved mometasone retention at 1hr relative to mometasone alone. The combination of mome- tasone and verapamil significantly reduced IL-5 secretion relative to vehicle control and outperformed either treatment alone. Conclusions: Our study confirms that P-gp contributes to mometasone resistance. This P-gp mediated resistance was successfully reversed by addition of the P-gp inhibitor verapamil. Verapamil further significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of mometasone when given as a combination therapy.
Intramural Burials from the Ancient Byzantine Settlement in Khirbet es-Samrā in Jordan
Authors: Nabulsi Abdalla J. , Schönrock-Nabulsi Petra , Humbert Jean-Baptiste , Desreumaux Alain , Wurst Christina
Published: January 2021

The church burials of Room-94 and Church-79 as well as the Tower 35-Tomb were excavated within the ancient Byzantine settlement in Khirbet es-Samrā, North Jordan. They were initially dated between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. The report provides the results of macroscopic analyses of the obtained human skeletal remains. These include demographic, anthropometric, epigenetic, and pathologic features. The available biological and archaeological evidence tend to suggest that the five adults and child buried in Room-94 tomb were related males, possibly of one local and highly positioned family that was associated with the adjacent Church 95. The six were successively buried in the “private” tomb in Room-94 of Church-95 and not in the “public” cemetery just outside the settlement. The two probable cases of brucellar lesions on the cervical vertebrae of two adults could be indicative of an animal breeding family and that dairy products were part of the local diet. The report also suggests a possible relatedness between Room-94 tomb burials and the 7th century AD senile female burial in Church-79, which was previously assumed to be a male church-functionary burial. Despite being marked by a cross-engraved stone and a probably lethal arrow injury, the available evidence lead to conclude that the male Tower burial, previously identified as of the 9th century AD, was in fact a medieval burial and that it is neither related to the ancient settlement nor to its ancient population. Also presented are some rarely reported biological features, e.g. the “en bloc” manifestation of the transverse foramen division on the cervical vertebrae C5 to C7.

Keywords: Jordan - Byzantine Period - Church Burial – Anthropometry - Epigenetics- Paleopathology.
Chemical and sensory qualities of moimoi and akara produced from blends of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Moringa oleifera seed flour
Authors: Hussein J.B. , Ilesanmi J.O.Y. , Aliyu H.M , Akogwu V.
Published: January 2021

The possible combination of cowpea with moringa seed flour for the production of nutrient dense moimoi (steamed cowpea paste) and akara (deep-fat fried balls) were investigated. Composite blends of cowpea and moringa seed flour in different proportions (98:2, 96:4 and 94:6) were used in moimoi and akara production while 100% cowpea flour served as control. The proximate and sensory analyses of the products were determined using standard methods. The results showed a positive influence in the proximate compositions of these products as the proportion of moringa seed flour substitution increased. The moimoi samples ranged between 10.77 – 26.92%, 18.27 – 21.16%, 8.12 – 10.72%, 1.80 – 2.19%, 0.76 – 0.84%, 44.07 – 53.99% and 269.87 – 335.18 Kcal/100g while akara samples ranged between 9.73 – 10.77%, 19.51 – 22.12%, 7.41 – 9.90%, 2.39 – 2.71%, 0.87 – 0.93%, 54.69 – 59.00% and 320.26 – 332.08 Kcal/100g respectively for moisture contents, protein contents, crude fats, ash, crude fibers, carbohydrates and energy values. The sensory evaluation results of these products favourably competed with the control except samples D (94:6) which showed a slight difference in all parameters tested. Thus, the substitution of cowpea with moringa seed flour up to 2% and 4% proportions are adequate to produce acceptable moimoi and akara, respectively.The possible combination of cowpea with moringa seed flour for the production of nutrient dense moimoi (steamed cowpea paste) and akara (deep-fat fried balls) were investigated. Composite blends of cowpea and moringa seed flour in different proportions (98:2, 96:4 and 94:6) were used in moimoi and akara production while 100% cowpea flour served as control. The proximate and sensory analyses of the products were determined using standard methods. The results showed a positive influence in the proximate compositions of these products as the proportion of moringa seed flour substitution increased. The moimoi samples ranged between 10.77 – 26.92%, 18.27 – 21.16%, 8.12 – 10.72%, 1.80 – 2.19%, 0.76 – 0.84%, 44.07 – 53.99% and 269.87 – 335.18 Kcal/100g while akara samples ranged between 9.73 – 10.77%, 19.51 – 22.12%, 7.41 – 9.90%, 2.39 – 2.71%, 0.87 – 0.93%, 54.69 – 59.00% and 320.26 – 332.08 Kcal/100g respectively for moisture contents, protein contents, crude fats, ash, crude fibers, carbohydrates and energy values. The sensory evaluation results of these products favourably competed with the control except samples D (94:6) which showed a slight difference in all parameters tested. Thus, the substitution of cowpea with moringa seed flour up to 2% and 4% proportions are adequate to produce acceptable moimoi and akara, respectively.

Keywords: Moimoi, Akara, Cowpea flour, Moringa oleifera seed flour and Sensory properties: Moimoi, Akara, Cowpea flour, Moringa oleifera seed flour and Sensory properties
Antibacterial Activity of Anthocliesta vogelii (planch) and Tinospora cordifolia/ on Esherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Adeyemi S.B , Afonja A. I , Odebisi-Omokanye M.B , Okor T.P , Lateef A.A
Published: January 2021

An ethnobotanical investigation has revealed that the roots of Anthocliesta vogelii and stem bark of Tinospora cordifolia are used by indigenous people in the treatment of pile. This present study evaluated the antibacterial activity of the root and stem bark of Anthocliesta vogelii and Tinospora cordifolia respectively against the human pathogenic gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical composition of these two plants was also assayed. Graded concentrations of 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml of the respective crude extract were applied against the test organisms. The percentage yield of the ethanolic extract of T. cordifolia stem and A. vogelii root were 40.978% and 21.872% respectively with their phytochemical analysis revealing the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides, with steroids present in A. vogelii but absent in T. cordifolia. The antimicrobial effect of the ethanolic extracts of both plants on the two test bacteria was significant (P<0.05). However, the ethanolic root extract of A. vogelii showed higher inhibition against P. aeruginosa and E. coli than the ethanolic stem extract of T. cordifolia at concentrations of 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml, while both extracts did not have any inhibition on the test organisms at a concentration of 25mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of the ethanolic extract of A. vogelii root on P. aeruginosa and E. coli were 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml respectively, while the MICs for the ethanolic extract of T. cordifolia stem on P. aeruginosa and E. coli was 50mg/ml respectively. Both plant extracts could not kill the test bacteria; hence, they are only bacteriostatic and not bactericidal against the test bacteria.

Keywords: Anthocleista vogelii, Tinospora cordifolia, Bacterial, Bacteriostatic, Bactericidal
5, 7-Dihalo-8-quinolinol complex inhibits growth of ovarian cancer cells via the downregulation of expression of Wip1
Authors: Zhiwei Rao , Songbai Xia , Qi Han
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To assess the cytotoxic effect of 5, 7-dihalo-8-quinolinol complex (DHQ) on ovarian cancer cells, and the mechanism of action involved.Methods: DHQ-mediated changes in cell viability were determined using MTT assay, while apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry. The effect of DHQ on cell migration was determined using inverted microscopy, while its effect on invasiveness was assessed with Giemsa dyeing. FACS Caliburinstrumentation was employed for analyzing the effect of DHQ on the cell cycle. The protein expressions of Wip1 and P53 were assayed by western blotting.Results: DHQ induced cytotoxicity against A2780 and OVCAR 3 cells in the concentration range of 0.25 - 12 μM (p < 0.05). In A2780 and OVCAR 3 cells, treatment with 12 μMDHQ resulted in 69.34 and 65.46 % apoptosis, respectively. The migratory potential and invasiveness of A2780 and OVCAR3 cells were significantly decreased by 12 μMDHQ, relative to untreated cells (p < 0.05). Moreover, treatment with 12 μMDHQ arrested cell cycle at G1/G0 phase in A2780 and OVCAR3 cells, but downregulated the protein expressions of Wip1 expression in A2780 and OVCAR3 cells.Conclusion: DHQ exerts cytotoxic effect on ovarian cancer cell growth via arrest of cell cycle and activation of apoptosis. Moreover, DHQ inhibits the migratory and invasive abilities of the cells. Thus, DHQ is a potential drug candidate for the management of ovarian cancer.

Keywords: 5,7-Dihalo-8-quinolinol complex, Ovarian cancer, Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, Invasiveness, Migration, Cell cycle
Assessment of the therapeutic potential of anti-miR 24 and anti-miR 34 in cardiac diseases
Authors: Li Chunli , Li Jue , Sun Xiaojun , Huang Jin , Yao Chunyan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the therapeutic effects of anti-miR-24 and anti-miR-34 in cardiac diseasesMethods: H9c2 rat cardiomyocyte cell lines were transfected with the synthetic oligonucleotides antimiR-24 and anti-miR-34 which reduced the expressions of miR-24 and miR-34. Proliferation assay, real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting were carried out to determine the effect of the transfections on cardiomyocyte proliferation, expressions of miR-24 and miR-34, as well as expressions of the target genes, TGF-β1 and E2F3.Results: The proliferation ability of the transfected cells was decreased significantly, relative to negative control. In contrast, percentage apoptosis was higher in the negative control group than in transfected cells. The expression profiles of anti-miR-24 and anti-miR-34 were significantly reduced, when compared to negative control. These results were further confirmed using immunoblot which revealed that the expression of the target genes, TGF-β1 and E2F3, were upregulated in the transfected cells.Conclusion: These results suggest that the synthetic oligonucleotides (anti-miR-24 and anti-miR-34) might be useful in developing therapeutic drug targets for cardiac diseases by suppressing the expressions of miR-24 and miR-34.

Keywords: H9c2rat cardiomyocyte miRNA, Anti-miR-24, Anti-miR-34, Cardiac diseases
Quality evaluation based on color grading - relationship between chemical susbtances and commercial grades by machine version in Corni fructus
Authors: Cui Yongxia , Wang Lili , Duan Liangliang , Chen Suiqing
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between the commercial grade of Corni fructus determined by machine vision technology, and its chemical composition.

Methods: Loganin, morroniside, ursolic acid, water-soluble extractives, alcohol-soluble extractives, polysaccharides and total organic acids were quantitated in four Corni fructus grades classified by machine vision technology. The content of each component was determined and analyzed bymathematical statistics.

Results: Compared with low-grade samples, higher-grade counterparts contained elevated concentrations of alcohol-soluble extractives, water-soluble extractives, loganin and morroniside. In addition, principal component analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of -0.723 between Corni fructus grade and Holistic Scoring based on chemical composition, indicating a significant correlation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: These findings indicated the rationality of the classification method based on machine vision, and further confirmed the notion of  "quality evaluation based on color" of traditional Chinese medicine.

Keywords: Corni fructus, Commercial grade, Machine vision technology, Chemical substance
Involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the inhibition of invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Ekem Belikiz , Gong Wei , Han Lu , Wang Xinmei , Liu Na , Wan Li , Guo Qin
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of zerumbone on cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the potential signaling pathway involved in ovarian cancer cells.Methods: Caov-3 cell proliferation was assessed using 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay. Wound healing assay was used to determine Caov-3 cell migration while cell invasion was evaluated using Transwell assay. Protein expression was determinedby western blot.Results: Cell viability was reduced by 5, 10, 20, and 50 μM zerumbone (p < 0.05) in a concentrationdependent manner while cell migration and invasion were inhibited by 10 and 20 μM zerumbone (p < 0.05). Protein expression levels of E-cadherin and cytoplasm β-catenin were upregulated by zerumbone (p < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, protein expression levels of Ncadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, nuclear β-catenin, and c-Myc were suppressed by zerumbone (p < 0.05) also in a concentration-dependent manner.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that zerumbone inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but represses the EMT process via inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Keywords: Zerumbone, Ovarian cancer, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
2-Amino-nicotinamide induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells via inhibition of PI3K/AKT and phosphorylation of STA3/JAK2
Authors: Ying Junhui , Zhou Changchun , Jin Yili , Lu Daqiao , Xiong Bing , Wei Jiahui
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the cytotoxicity of 2-amino-nicotinamide against prostate cancer (PCa) cells, and the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: The effect of 2-amino-nicotinamide on cell viability and apoptosis was determined by 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively, while its effect on cellular production of fluorescent-oxidized product from DCFH-DA was measured using flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related protein expressions were evaluated by western blot assay.Results: 2-Amino-nicotinamide produced cytotoxicity against MCF-7, SGC7901, PCa 22Rv1 and LNCaP cancer cell lines (p < 0.05). Mechanistic data revealed that 2-amino-nicotinamide activated apoptosis, and enhanced cleavage of PARP and caspase-3 in PCa 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells. In PCa 22Rv1 and LNCaP cell lines, cytochrome C and Bax levels were enhanced by treatment with 2-aminonicotinamide, while Bcl-2 protein level was suppressed (p < 0.05). Activated expressions of PI3K, Akt and ERK in PCa 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells were down-regulated, while p38 expression was increased.Moreover, 2-amino-nicotinamide suppressed the activation of JAK2 and STAT3, but did not alter total JAK2 and STAT3 levels in PCa 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells (p < 0.05).Conclusion: 2-Amino-nicotinamide exerts cytotoxic effects on prostate carcinoma cells via activation of apoptosis and down-regulation of PI3K/AKT and STA3/JAK2. Thus, 2-amino nicotinamide is a potential bioactive agent for prostate cancer management.

Keywords: 2-Amino-nicotinamide, Apoptosis, Fluorescent-oxidized, Cytotoxicity
Denatonium benzoate decreases the effect of histamine in vitro and in rats
Authors: Zagorchev Plamen I. , Kokova Vesela Yu , Apostolova Elisaveta G. , Draganova-Filipova Milena N.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of denatonium benzoate (DB) in histamine-induced model of inflammation and the effect of the selective H1 receptor agonist (2-(2-Pyridyl) ethylamine) on rat gastric smooth muscle strips pretreated with DB.Methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of DB was evaluated in vivo on histamine-induced rat paw edema. In vitro studies on spontaneous muscle contraction were performed on smooth muscle strips isolated from rat gastric corpus.Results: The results showed a well-defined anti-inflammatory effect of DB (15 mg/kg) during the early stage of rat paw edema at the 15th (p < 0.001), 30th (p < 0.01) and 60th min (p < 0.001) compared to control. In vitro experiments indicated reduced spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscle strips to H1 receptor agonist in the presence of DB (0.5 μM). The vascular effects of histamine are mediated by H1 receptors. Substances, which reduce the effect of histamine on the H1 receptors could influence the early stage of histamine-induced inflammation.Conclusion: The results show that the anti-inflammatory activity of DB probably is related to its antagonistic activity on histamine H1 receptors. The results would contribute to the search for new antiinflammatory drugs.

Keywords: Denatonium benzoate, Inflammation, Histamine, Muscle contraction
Oxidative degradation of some antibiotics by permanganate ion in alkaline medium: A kinetic and mechanistic approach
Authors: Fawzy Ahmed , Abdallah Metwally , Alqarni Nada
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the kinetics of oxidative removal of two β-lactam antibiotics (A), namely, ampicillin and flucloxacillin.Methods: In this study, permanganate ion (MnO4-) was used as an oxidant in an alkaline medium at fixed ionic strength of 0.1 mol dm-3 and a temperature of 298 K utilizing a spectrophotometric technique. The obtained oxidation products were characterized using spot tests and FT-IR spectra.Results: The stoichiometry of the reactions was 1:4 (A : MnO4-). The reactions were a first order credence in [MnO4-] and fractional-first order  kinetics in antibiotic and hydroxyl ion. Influence of ionic strength was successfully explored. Dependence of reaction rates on temperature was studied and the activation parameters were computed and discussed. A plausible mechanism for the oxidation reactions has been elucidated. A consistent rate-law expression was also derived.Conclusion: This study introduces a significant treatment method for antibiotic removal, thus helping to protect the environment and human health.

Keywords: Permanganate, Antibiotics, Oxidative degradation, Kinetics, Mechanism
Co-repressing immunometabolic processes in atherosclerosis
Authors: Stein Sokrates
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in the world, and tightly associated with the metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of interconnected metabolic dysfunctions including insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemias. These dysfunctions increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerosis is primarily triggered by increased plasma cholesterol levels and can be classified as an immunometabolic disease, a chronic disease that is affected by both metabolic and inflammatory triggers and/or mediators. These triggers and mediators activate common downstream pathways, including nuclear receptor signalling. Interestingly, specific cofactors that bind to these complexes act as immunometabolic integrators. This review provides examples of such co-regulator complexes, including nuclear sirtuins, nuclear receptor co-repressor 1 (NCOR1), nuclear receptor interacting protein 1 (NRIP1), and prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1). Their study might provide novel insight into mechanistic regulations and the identification of new targets to treat atherosclerosis.
Cocaine consumption and acute coronary syndromes: a cross sectional study from the Swiss registry AMIS Plus
Authors: Garzoli Giorgia , Biasco Luigi , Radovanovic Dragana , Moccetti Marco , Rickli Hans , Roffi Marco , Eberli Franz , Jeger Raban , Moccetti Tiziano , Witassek Fabienne , Erne Paul , Pedrazzini Giovanni
Published: January 2021

INTRODUCTION

Cocaine abuse is a relevant public health issue which causes medical, psychological and social drawbacks. Only limited data are currently available on outcomes of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in cocaine-addicted patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular impact of cocaine in a population of patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry, with a focus on in-hospital outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data of patients enrolled in the Swiss AMIS Plus registry from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2018. Baseline and in-hospital data of ACS patients with self-reported regular cocaine abuse were compared with the remaining AMIS Plus population and a sex and age-matched group of non-cocaine user ACS patients (ratio 1:5, 540 patients). Primary endpoints were in-hospital death and major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCEs).

RESULTS

A total of 20,036 patients were included in the AMIS Plus registry for ACS in the study period, of whom 110 (0.5%) reported regular cocaine abuse. As compared with the remaining AMIS population, cocaine users were significantly younger (46.4 ± 10.8 vs 66.4 ± 13.2 years, p <0.001), presented more frequently with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (11.8% vs 4.7%, p <0.001) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (68.2% vs 54.7%, p = 0.007). Of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, there was a higher incidence of positive family history and active smoking, but a lower incidence of arterial hypertension, diabetes and obesity. In-hospital mortality (3.6% vs 4.4%, p = 1) and MACCEs (5.4% vs 5.5%, p = 0.83) were comparable. When compared with an age-matched non-cocaine user ACS population, cocaine users were more frequently smokers (87.6% vs 63.6%, p <0.001) but less frequently obese (10.4% vs 25.6%, p = 0.001). Clinical presentation was comparable between the two groups. However, cocaine abuse was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital death (3.7% vs 0.7%, p <0.05) and MACCEs (5.6% vs 1.3%, p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cocaine abuse increases the risk of mortality by a factor of 5 and the risk of major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events by a factor of 4 as compared with a sex and age-matched population hospitalised after an acute coronary syndrome.
Postawy wobec globalizacji a satysfakcja z życia. Mediacyjna rola procesów tożsamościowych
Authors: Jasiński Arkadiusz , Oleszkowicz Anna , Słowińska Aleksandra , Derbis Romuald
Published: January 2021

Attitudes toward Globalization and Life Satisfaction The Mediating Role of Identity Formation The aim of the research was to describe the relationship between attitudes toward globalization and life satisfaction and identity processes in the group of young adults. The sample included of 403 people at the age of 19–35 (M = 22.84, SD = 2.81), 219 women (54.3%) and 184 men. The relations were measured with the use of three questionnaires: Questionnaire of Attitudes Toward Globalization (Senejko, Łoś, 2016), Questionnaire of Identity Formation by A. Oleszkowicz, A. Słowińska (referring to the Dual-Cycle Model of Identity Formation by Luyckx et al., 2006) and SWLS Questionnaire (Diener et. al., 1985). Data analysis was based on structural equation modeling. The research results indicate a lack of direct relationship between attitudes toward globalization and life satisfaction. It was established that all of the identity processes differentiate the level of life satisfaction. The most powerful predictor of life satisfaction is a refl ective exploration in depth. In the relation of attitudes toward globalization – life satisfaction, identity processes are mediators. The anxiety attitude toward globalization is in strong relationship with ruminative exploration processes. Critical attitude is in relationship with refl ective exploration in breadth and depth and identifi cation with commitment. The accepting attitude is in relationship with a refl ective exploration in breadth and depth.
Effect of nitrogen loading rate and alkalinity on partial nitritation in a continuous stirred tank reactor
Authors: Choi Daehee , To Thanh Phuong , Yun Wonsang , Ju Dongjin , Kim Keugtae , Jung Jinyoung
Published: January 2021

In order to achieve an appropriate effluent ratio of ammonium and nitrite as an influent of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation process, the optimum conditions for the partial nitritation in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) were investigated using real reject water. Hydraulic retention time (HRT) and influent alkalinity (HCO3-)/NH4+-N ratio were major factors that greatly influenced the partial nitritation. As a result of continuous operation, ammonium conversion efficiency (ACE) and effluent nitrite to ammonium ratio (NAR) could be achieved at the HRT of 19 h corresponding to 0.71 kg/m3/d of nitrogen loading rate (NLR). Thereafter, the influent HCO3-/NH4+-N ratio was adjusted from 0.5 to 2, and as a result, the optimum partial nitritation efficiency was maintained when the influent HCO3-/NH4+-N ratio was one. The suitability of the determined operating conditions was verified in a CSTR over 30 d of operation time.
DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING INDEPENDENT FUEL PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM UNDER SIMULATING COMMON-RAIL SYSTEM CONDITIONS
Authors: TẤN CHÂU VÕ , QUỐC SỸ NGUYỄN , VĂN NGUYỆN TRẦN , HỮU ĐỨC HOÀNG , QUỐC HƯNG TRỊNH , MINH HOÀNG DƯƠNG
Published: January 2021

Fuel pressure in the common-rail diesel system directly affects engine power and emissions, independent fuel injection pressure control with engine speed is one of the potential solutions to investigate the influences of injection pressure on engine power and emissions. This paper studies the establishment of a control system that provides high-pressure fuel injection with a pressure range from 400bar to 1600bar to simulate fuel pressure of the 2nd generation common-rail system. The research results show that the system controls and provides precise fuel injection pressure in the designed pressure range, flexible design and high potential of application in the practical situation.
ỨNG DỤNG MÔ HÌNH RBFNN ĐỂ CHẨN ĐOÁN SỰ CỐ TRONG HỆ THỐNG ĐIỀU HÒA KHÔNG KHÍ Ô TÔ
Authors: ANH TUẤN TRẦN ĐÌNH , QUỐC MINH PHAN
Published: January 2021

Một mô hình chính xác đóng một vai trò thiết yếu để nâng cao độ chính xác của chiến lược phát hiện và chẩn đoán lỗi điều hòa không khí ô tô. Do đó, mô hình RBFNN được áp dụng trong nghiên cứu này để phản ảnh các tình trạng vận hành của hệ thống điều hòa không khí ô tô. Trong đó, chiến lược trong nghiên cứu này bao gồm mô hình RBFNN, phương pháp EWMA và bộ quy tắc chẩn đoán được kết hợp phát triển trong nghiên cứu này. Phương pháp phát hiện chẩn đoán (FDD) sự cố trên hệ thống điều hòa không khí ô tô được phát triển và đánh giá qua bộ dữ liệu thí nghiệm mô phỏng. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy khả năng xấp xỉ của mô hình RBFNN đạt được độ chính xác cao và phương pháp đề xuất trong nghiên cứu này rất thiết thực cho việc phát hiện và chẩn đoán lỗi trong các hệ thống điều hòa không khí ô tô.
SPRAY VISUALIZATION OF HYDROTREATED VEGETABLE OIL UNDER SIMULATED DIESEL ENGINE CONDITION
Authors: TAN CHAU VO
Published: January 2021

The diversity of alternative fuels and the corresponding variation in their physical and chemical properties, coupled with simultaneous changes in advanced techniques for CI-engine, needed to improve engine efficiency and emissions. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), seen as a promising substitution for petrol-diesel, and diesel fuel (mixed of 7% palm-biodiesel or B7) were analyzed on fuel properties. Then, the influence of these fuel properties on spray characteristics in constant volume combustion chamber were evaluated under conditions of single hole injector of 200m diameter, injection pressure of 100MPa, constant back pressure of 4.0MPa and energizing time of 2.5ms. The results show that HVO had smaller in viscosity (18.48%), density (5.52%), sulfur content, distillation under T50, T90 and higher in derived cetane index (27.2%), heating value (2.2%), respectively, compared to diesel. Spray characteristics of HVO had the same propensity with diesel fuel. HVO revealed a slightly shorter in penetration length (5%) during fully developed zone, a larger spray cone angle (from 0.2 to 1.1 degree wider in quasi-steady state). Both fuels had a similar maximum spray velocity reaching at 5mm to 10mm from nozzle orifice. Also observed was an increase in spray volume of HVO.