bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inspection of Radiation Shielding Proficiency and Effect of Gamma-Ray on ESR, Thermal, and FTIR Properties of Modified Borate Bioglasses by CuO
Authors: Madbouly Amal Mosleh , Abdelghany A.M. , Diab H. M. , Ezz-ElDin F. M.
Published: January 2022

This research studied the various properties of copper oxide (CuO)-doped bioactive borate glasses extensively for their applications in different fields. The radiation shielding properties, such as gamma-ray, neutron, electron, and proton radiation shielding, were investigated. Further, the glasses’ mass attenuation coefficients were measured with a NaI(Tl) detector; their derivative gamma shielding parameters were studied theoretically with the Phy-X/PSD program. Every increase in the CuO % increased the fast neutron (Σ R ) gamma attenuation and effective removal cross-sections. Additionally, mass stopping power (MSP) and projected range (PR) for protons and electrons delivered good results in the 10 KeV‒10 MeV kinetic energy range, as computed by the SRIM code.
Also, the free-radical densities were measured via electron spin resonance to estimate the absorbed doses during accidental irradiation. The extensive reduction of the dose detection threshold (2 Gy) required the estimation of the signal of the non-irradiated sample. This work also studied the effects of applied microwave power incidence and absorbed dose on Cu-containing borate bioglasses. Finally, the thermal annealing of the emerging peaks, which were due to the irradiation signal-to-noise ratio and energy dependence, was studied to estimate the stabilities of such peaks. This modified material is recommended to detect and monitor the gamma-radiation dose because of its good dosimetric properties. Finally, regarding the presence of the two borate groups, triangular (BO 3 ) and the tetrahedrally coordinated (BO 4 ), in their definite and typical wavenumbers, the FTIR spectra displayed simplified vibrations that were close to those of many bioglasses. This paper provides complementary results for the authors previous research examined this glass for low photon dose measurements using luminescence characteristics
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Association of sleep quality and sleep duration with estimated Glomerular filtration rate（eGFR）in a secondary analysis based on a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cao Wei , Cen Ruixiang , Chen Yandan
Published: January 2022

Background: Poor sleep conditions can cause many diseases. However, proof regarding the link of sleep status with renal function in general population is limited. This study was undertaken to investigate the association of sleep quality and sleep duration with estimated Glomerular filtration rate（eGFR）in Taiwanese participants. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study. 5714 Taiwanese who visited a health center for a self-motivated general health assessment were collected in this study. The main outcome variables included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index（PSQI）and Self-reported sleep duration. The Independent variable is estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multivariate linear regression model and two-piecewise linear model are employed to examine the association between outcomes and independent variables after adjusting for covariates involved in this study.Results: After adjusting potential confounders, a non-linear relationship was detected between sleep quality and eGFR, which cut-point was 71. The effect sizes and the 95% confidence intervals on the right sides of inflection point were 0.982(0.967, 0.998) and1.006 (1.001, 1.010).Conclusion: The relationship between sleep quality and eGFR is non-linear. Sleep quality was negatively related to eGFR when eGFR is higher than 71points.
Non-Thermal Argon Plasma Assisted Antibiotic Therapy: Improving the Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin Against Multi-Drug Resistant P. Aeruginosa Biofilm
Authors: Khosravi S. , Jafari S. , Zamani H. , Nilkar M.
Published: January 2022

Bacterial biofilm formation is regarded as the major cause of infection development, therapeutic failure, and antibiotic resistance. For the first time, the current work aims to characterize the synergistic antibiofilm potential of the atmospheric pressure non-thermal argon plasma and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial biofilms pre-treated with the non-thermal Ar-plasma, and subsequently treated with CIP antibiotic. Then, bacterial biofilm formation level and cell viability were investigated using the crystal violet staining, MTT, SEM, and fluorescence microscopy. It was found that short-time (a few seconds) pretreating with Ar-plasma not only reduced bacterial biofilm but also significantly decreased the viability of the cells within the biofilm matrix. According to the results, treating with CIP alone reduced bacterial biofilm by 32%, while pretreatment with Ar-plasma for 5, 10, 30, 60, and 90 sec and subsequent antibiotic treatment reduced bacterial biofilm by 76, 79, 81, 75, and 88%, respectively. Besides, the viability of bacterial cells within biofilm matrix reduced to 66% in CIP treated cells, while, pretreating with Ar-plasma for 5, 10, 30, 60, and 90 sec significantly decreased cell viability to 28, 25, 21, 23, and 15%, respectively. This concept opens a promising approach for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria for decontamination of the heat-sensitive materials and human tissues based on the combination of atmospheric pressure non-thermal Ar-plasma and antibiotics.
Exploring Professional Competence in Advanced Practice Nursing in Critical Care: A qualitative Study
Authors: Solberg Marianne Trygg , Mathisen Cathrine , Finnstrøm Inger Johanne , Lundin Per Kristian , Pedersen Ingunn
Published: January 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Elevated remnant cholesterol is closely associated with incident hypertension: a cohort-based study from China
Authors: Wang Guang , Wang Jie , Wang Ying , An Yu , Liu Jia , Leng Song
Published: January 2022

Background Remnant cholesterol (RC) has been confirmed to be associated with cardiovascular events. However, the association between RC and hypertension (HTN) has not been illustrated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of RC with HTN and to compare the predictive values of RC, lipid parameters for the risk of incident HTN in a Chinese population. MethodsThis cohort study included 18483 participants, who are followed for the incidence of HTN. RC were divided into five groups: the < 20% group, the 20–39% group, the 40–59% group, the 60–79% group and the ≥ 80% group, according to quintile division of the participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between RC vs other lipid parameters and HTN.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 1.1 years, 525 (17.55%) HTN occurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis shows that compared with conventional lipid parameters, RC remains significantly associated with HTN (hazard ratio (HR) 1.68, 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.40-2.01, p<0.0001). In a stratified analysis, RC is still significant predictive of developing HTN in the subgroups of young age (<55 years) (HR 1.74, 95%CI 1.40-2.16, p<0.0001), as well as with body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2(HR 2.87, 95%CI 1.30-6.37, p=0.0464) or BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2(HR 1.81, 95%CI 1.11-2.96, p=0.0179), and with fatty liver diseases (HR 1.66, 95%CI 1.17-2.36, p=0.0047).ConclusionsElevated RC is significantly associated with HTN and is a superior predictor for developing HTN independent of other risk factors, suggesting RC may be a new target of managing HTN.
Determinants of Gender Inequality In Sexual Debut Among Youth In Uganda: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Mary Luwedde , Sserwanja Quraish , Nehemiah Katantazi
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are major public health problems in Uganda. Early sexual debut is one of the main routes for these public health problems. Determinants of gender inequality in sexual debut are crucial for developing gender specific sexual and reproductive health promotion programs that delay sexual debut. Hence the aim of this study was to identify factors that explain gender inequality in sexual debut among Ugandan youth. Methods: This study used secondary data from a cross sectional Uganda demographic health survey of 2016. Participants were 10,235 sexually experienced youth. Using stata 14, intermediary analysis was done to assess statistical association between explanatory variables and sexual debut in a multiple logistic regression analysis. Oaxaca decomposition was used to decompose factors that explain inequalities in sexual debut between male and female youth. Results: Intermediary results showed Islam, many household members, eastern Uganda and being divorced/widowed were predictors of early sexual debut. While secondary education, higher education, blue collar jobs, being 20 to 24 and 25 to 30 years old were protective factors against early sexual debut. Material, behaviour/cultural, psychosocial, and demographic explanatory factors jointly explained a statistically significant portion of the observed gap in sexual debut between female and male youth. More female were at a disadvantage of early sexual debut as compared to male youth. About 96.37% of this gap was explained by unequal distribution of material, behaviour/cultural, psychosocial, and demographic factors between male and female youth. Relationship to household head (49%), education (16.87%), occupation (8,94%), number of household members (8.57%), frequency of using internet (7.99%) and reading newspaper or magazines (4.39%) made significant contribution to the explanation of sexual debut inequality between male and female youth.Conclusions: Results showed sexual debut inequality between female and male youth that favoured men. Programs designed to address early sexual debut and related health outcomes such as teenage pregnancies, HIV must combat inequities in education, sex education, employment opportunities, access of internet and reading newspaper or magazines across gender. They should also foster household relationships and monitor girls to reduce sexual debut inequality across gender.
Preoperative serum CA125 level and age at diagnosis: An effective prognosis prediction tool for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer
Authors: Sun Shuai , Zou Lijuan , Wang Tiejun , Liu Zi , He Jianli , Sun Xiaoge , Zhong Wei , Zhao Fengju , Li Xiaomei , Li Sha , Zhu Hong , Ma Zhanshu , Wang Wenhui , Zhang Fuquan , Hou Xiaorong , Wei Lichun , Hu Ke
Published: January 2022

Objective
To investigate the combined predictive value of the preoperative serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) level and age at diagnosis among patients with early-stage endometrial cancer(EC) after initial treatment.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with early-stage EC from January 1999 to December 2015 in multiple institutions in China. All patients received primary hysterectomy± bilateral salpingo-oopho rectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy for pathology-confirmed stage I and II EC(FIGO 2009 staging). In total, 447 patients with complete data on preoperative serum CA125 levels were included. All patients were divided into low-risk, intermediate-risk, high-intermediate-risk and high-risk groups according to the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classification. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the predictive probability of 5-year overall survival (OS) for each patient, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of variables, as well as the combined predictive value of CA125 and age.
Results
The median follow-up time was 59 months (3-201 months). The 5-year OS and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 94.4% and 89.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative CA125 level and age at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors for 5-year OS. The best cutoff value forage at diagnosis was 61 years. The cutoff values of CA125 for patients aged ≤61 years and > 61 years were 37.7 U/mL and 39.35 U/mL, respectively. Patients aged >61years with CA125 > 39.35 U/ml and patients aged ≤61years with CA125 > 37.7 U/ml were classified as theCA125-positive group; the remaining patients constituted the CA125-negative group. The area under the curve (AUC) for CA125 combined with age at diagnosis was 0.692, and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 68.2% and 68.2% (P<0.002), respectively, which were significantly better than the corresponding values for CA125 or age alone.
Conclusions
Although preoperative CA125 had limited sensitivity in predicting the prognosis for early-stage EC after initial treatment, it remains a useful serum marker for risk assessment of early-stage EC. Combining CA125 with age may increase its predictive sensitivity.
Thrombospondin-2 acts as a bridge between tumor extracellular matrix and immune infiltration in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma: An integrative pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Tan Shiyun , Liao Xingchen , Wang Wei , Yu Baoping
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThrombospondin-2 (THBS2) is a versatile glycoprotein that regulates numerous biological functions, including the apoptosis-proliferation balance in endothelial cells, and it has been linked to tumor angiogenesis. However, the role of THBS2 in human cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to determine THBS2 expression in pan-cancer, understand whether THBS2 is associated with its prognosis, and to identify possible roles of THBS2 in tumor immunity and the extracellular matrix (ECM).MethodsData about THBS2 expression in cancers and normal tissues were downloaded from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and UCSC Xena and analyzed using the ONCOMINE database, Perl programming language, and the Gene Expression Profiling and Interactive Analyses vision 2 (GEPIA2) web server. Survival prognosis was analyzed using the survival, survminer, and forestplot packages in R v. 4.0.3 and the limma package in R . Immune and matrix components were also analyzed using R v. 4.0.3. Most importantly, we partially validated the role and mechanism of THBS2 in pancreatic and gastric cancers in vitro using PANC1 and BGC-823 cell lines.ResultsThrombospondin-2 was significantly overexpressed in 17 of the 33 investigated cancers, and linked to a poor prognosis in pan-cancer survival analysis, especially in adrenocortical (ACC), kidney renal papillary cell (KIRP), and stomach (STAD) carcinomas, kidney chromophobe (KICH), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). Immune infiltration and THBS2 expression were also related. The expression of THBS2 has been linked to immune scores, stromal scores, and immune checkpoint markers in various cancers. The PPI network revealed that THBS2 is associated with multiple extracellular matrix proteins and immune proteins. Knockdown of THBS2 decreased the expression of CD47 and MMP-2 as well as the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PANC1 and BGC-823 cells in vitro. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that THBS2 could be a prognostic biomarker that acts as a bridge between the ECM and immune infiltration in various types of cancers, and that it promoted the progression of numerous types of cancers, especially PAAD and STAD.
Influence of Phosphine-Free Solvents On the Structural and Optical Properties of Oleylamine Assisted Synthesis of CdS Nanocrystals
Authors: Soosaimanickam Ananthakumar , Sundaram Saravanan Krishna , Sridha Moorthy Babu
Published: January 2022

Synthesis of cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanocrystals was carried out using hot-injection method through oleylamine as solvent and capping ligand at 220oC. From the UV-visible absorption spectra, the band gap of the synthesized nanocrystals was estimated as 2.5 eV. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the presence of wurtzite phase with their characteristic reflections. TEM analysis of the synthesized nanocrystals show that the nanocrystals are having nearly spherical shape with the diameter ⁓5-10 nm. For the comparison, different solvent mixtures were employed to prepare the CdS nanocrystals and the structural and optical results show that the solvents have significant influence on the optical properties of the prepared nanocrystals. The results are discussed in detail.
Cell landscape of cerebrospinal fluid and neuroinflammatory signatures in the bacterial meningitis through high-throughput sequencing and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Tingyi , Xiao Haihan , Xiao Haijuan , Zhang Yun , Guo Lingyun , Dou Zhenzhen , Liu Linlin , Zhu Liang , Feng Wenya , Liu Bing , Hu Bing , Chen Tianming , Liu Gang
Published: January 2022

Background Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a life-threatening infection occurring in the central nervous system (CNS). Current understandings about cell participations in neuroinflammation of BM are obscure.Methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were extensively collected from BM patients in different onset stages. High-throughput sequencing was conducted to decipher the expression profiles of CSF cells and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in single-cell and bulk-cell levels, and meta-analysis was carried out to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of CSF cells in BM progression in combination with the clinical features of patients.Results Implementation of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-SEQ) identified 18 immune cell subsets in CSF and characterized their population structure and dynamics in BM progression. Two novel neutrophil (NEU) and monocyte (MO) subtypes, cytokine+ NEU and cytokine+ MO, were discovered, which contributed to the increase of cytokine levels in CSF supernatant and played pioneering roles against bacterial invasion. The CSF of BM patients with unsatisfactory therapeutic effects presented different cell heterogeneities compared with those with satisfactory therapeutic effects, which featured changed intercellular communications and increased proportions of myeloid type-Ⅱ dendritic cells (mDC2s) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). In sepsis-developed BM, CSF cells and PBLs exhibited distinct molecular hallmarks against CNS infection and sepsis, and CSF always contained a higher proportion of macrophages (MФs) and almost no platelets than PBLs in the entire onset period.Conclusion Our study conducted in-depth explorations about the characteristics of CSF cells in BM progression, which provided novel insights about immune cell engagements in acute CNS infection.
Curvilinear and gamma generalized linear models for modeling the dependency of air pollution levels on meteorological conditions in Kathmandu valley
Authors: Shrestha Srijan Lal
Published: January 2022

Effects of meteorological parameters including confounding effects of seasonality and lag effects on air pollution levels are investigated and quantified for Kathmandu valley, Nepal using daily local temporal data of 2017-2020 available through air pollution monitoring by Department of Environment and US Embassy, Kathmandu, Nepal, and meteorology monitored by Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Kathmandu, Nepal. Data modeling are performed through Exponential, Box-Cox transformed and Gamma Generalized Linear Models since air pollution levels are found non-normal with the presence of non-constant error variance in linear modeling. Results depict high proportions of observed air pollution variations (79%-85%) explained by the fitted models with around 5% reduction in PM 10 and PM 1 levels per 1 0 C increase in average temperature and significant increase in surface O 3 level (0.177 Box-Cox transformed value) per 1 0 C increase in average temperature. Similarly, around 0.7% and 2% decrease in PM 1 and PM 10 per 1% increase in relative humidity, 0.032 decrease in transformed value of PM 2.5 per 1 mm increase in rainfall, and 7.3% decrease in PM 10 per 1 m/s increase in wind speed are also detected. Other effects are also quantified in terms of Box-Cox transformed values for statistically significant effects due to relative humidity and wind. In conclusion, meteorological conditions are found significant contributing factors in determining air pollution levels as demonstrated by statistical modeling. On the long run, atmospheric conditions can play vital roles in air pollution situation shifts mainly due to climate change characterized by changes in meteorological values.
Identification of an in vitro artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 R515K mutant parasite in Senegal
Authors: SENE Seynabou DIOUF , POUYE Mariama Nicole , Martins Rafael Miyazawa , Diallo Fatoumata , Mangou Khadidjatou , Bei Amy K. , Alioune Barry , Faye Oumar , Ndiaye Oumar , Faye Ousmane , Sall Amadou A , Lopez-Rubio Jose-Juan , Mbengue Alassane
Published: January 2022

Background. Emergence of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites has substantially compromised the efficacy of antimalarial treatments across southeast Asia. The risk of artemisinin resistance emerging or spreading within the African continent will jeopardize past progress made in reducing malaria burden. Methods. In collaboration with the sentinel sites, more than 2000 samples were collected during the 2018 Dengue outbreak. To investigate ART-R, fifteen blood samples were collected on 18 November 2018 to investigate cases around a malaria symptom persistence in Ndoffane (Kaolack) and surrounding healthcare sentinel sit centers surrounding areas. The malaria parasite artemisinin resistance gene marker PfKelch13 was sequenced. An isolate with the PfKelch13R515K mutant was detected in Kaolack, Senegal. Genomeediting using CRISPR-Cas9, was used to create transgenic lines carrying single nucleotide polymorphism. These lines were tested for their in vitro phenotype using the standard Ring Survival assay RSA0-3h. Results. We show that PfKelch13R515K confers increased in vitro RSA0-3h survival while PfKelch13R622I a mutant previously associated with delayed in vivo parasite clearance in Ethiopia does not confer elevated RSA0-3h survival. Conclusions. We report for the first time the functional significance of the PfKelch13R515K mutation previously identified in SE Asia. We have demonstrated the impact of combined genomic surveillance with complementary Plasmodium falciparum genome editing to assess the functional role of mutations associated with recrudescence or treatment failure to artemisinin-based combination therapies.
Examining the impact of economic abuse on survivors of intimate partner violence: A scoping review
Authors: Johnson Laura , Chen Yafan , Stylianou Amanda , Arnold Alexandra
Published: January 2022

Background

Economic abuse is a unique form of intimate partner violence (IPV) and includes behaviors that control a survivor’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain resources. These tactics can result in someone becoming economically dependent on their partner and may limit their ability to leave the relationship and establish independence. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review focused on the impact of economic abuse on survivors of IPV.
Methods

A total of 14 databases were reviewed, which resulted in 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts for inclusion in the study. Manuscripts were included if they were: written in English, published in the year 2000, focused specifically economic abuse perpetrated by an intimate partner, economic abuse was measured as an independent variable, study findings were specifically focused on the impact of economic abuse perpetrated by an intimate partner, and if economic abuse was looked at separately from other forms of IPV. Information was extracted using a data charting form. The data were analyzed using a combination of grouping techniques and constant comparison methods to identify key findings.
Results

Studies found significant associations between economic abuse and a range of outcomes, such as mental and physical health, financial impacts, parent-child interactions, and quality of life. The most frequently examined were mental health, followed by financial issues.
Conclusions

Limitations of these studies included a lack of longitudinal research and a focus on heterosexual relationships with male-perpetrated violence toward female survivors. Study findings highlight the wide-ranging potential impacts of economic abuse on survivors and the need for additional research to better understand potential outcomes and implement and evaluate interventions to address them.
Intra and interspecies competition of blackgrass and wheat in context of herbicidal resistance and environmental conditions of Poland
Authors: Wenda-Piesik Anna , Synowiec Agnieszka , Marcinkowska Katarzyna , Wrzesińska Barbara , Podsiadło Cezary , Domaradzki Krzysztof , Kuc Piotr , Ewa Kwiecińska-Poppe
Published: January 2022

Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.), one of the most aggressive grass-weeds in Europe, is also a strong competitor of crops. This study aimed to assess the impact of environmental conditions on the competition between 1) herbicide-resistant (BR) and susceptible (BS) blackgrass biotypes 2) the BR and winter wheat cv. Arkadia (W), and 3) the BS and W. In the replacement series model, the experiment was conducted in seven sites across Poland during two seasons (2018/19 and 2019/20). The competitive ratio (CR) was calculated for the relative biomass of plants and grain number. If CR < 1, the blackgrass is more competitive toward winter wheat, if CR > 1, the wheat is more competitive toward blackgrass. In the BR-BS experiment, the BS biotype was more competitive toward the BR one. We also found that the competitiveness between BR and BS was related to sand content in the soil. The combined interactions between W and BR or BS were also related to environmental conditions, i.e., soil texture and hydrothermal coefficient, as explained by PCA and k-means cluster analysis. In most sites, W was more competitive toward both BS and BR. Except was for two cases, located on heavy, clay soils, during humid seasons, where B was more competitive toward W. We summarize that blackgrass competitiveness towards other biotypes and wheat depends on environmental conditions; however, the phenomenon should be explored in more detail.
Ppe.XapF: High throughput KASP assays to identify fruit response to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) in peach
Authors: Fleming Margaret B. , Miller Texanna , Fu Wanfang , Li Zhigang , Gasic Ksenija , Saski Christopher
Published: January 2022

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap), is a serious peach disease with symptoms that traverse severe defoliation and black surface pitting, cracking or blemishes on peach fruit with global economic impacts. A management option for control and meeting consumer demand for chemical-free, environmentally friendly fruit production is the development of resistant or tolerant cultivars. We developed simple, accurate, and efficient DNA assays (Ppe.XapF) based on SNP genotyping with KASP technology to quickly test for bacterial spot resistance alleles in peach fruit that allows breeders to cull seedlings at the greenhouse stage. The objective of this research was to validate newly developed DNA tests that target the two major QTLs for fruit resistance in peach with diagnostic utility in predicting fruit response to bacterial spot infection. Our study confirms that with only two Ppe.XapF DNA tests, Ppe.XapF1-1 and Ppe.XapF6-2, individuals carrying susceptible alleles can be identified. Use of these efficient and accurate Ppe.XapF KASP tests resulted in 44% reduction in seedling planting rate in the Clemson University peach breeding program.
Internal factors improving viability of small food and beverage businesses: The case of Indonesia
Authors: Ambo Upe Jusni , Aswan Andi
Published: January 2022

Small food and beverage business is considered highly contributing to the economy as it has a close linkage with local micro and small businesses, both upstream and downstream. However, this business group faces challenges; many of them are unable to survive, grow, and compete with large ones. This study is intended to analyze internal factors affecting the performance of small food and beverage businesses in Indonesia. With the use of 100 samples of small businesses, the study applied OLS multiple regression to examine the four internal factors, which are entrepreneurial characteristics, marketing strategies, business capital, and innovation activity. The study results show that marketing strategies, business capital, and innovation activities have a positive and significant effect on the performance of small food and beverage businesses. These findings indicate that small businesses depend mostly on those three factors with different levels of intensity for different business locations. Businesses located in universities and hospital areas are likely to have low intensity compared to those located in office areas or crowded places. Differently, entrepreneurial characteristics do not affect performance. Likely, small entrepreneurs did not have a strong business interest, still expecting to work in government organizations and companies. They established a business due to family encouragement and economic needs.
AcknowledgmentThe study on the small businesses in food and beverage sector is part of a research grant project from Hasanuddin University conducted by LP2M (Institute for Research and Community Services Institute of Hasanuddin University). In carrying out this study, the involvement of a number of agencies cannot be ignored: Cooperatives and Small and Medium Size Regional Office of South Sulawesi Province and Cooperatives and Small and Medium Size Regional Office of Makassar City.
Design and experimental testing of safe flight control system for novel vertical take-off and landing aircraft
Authors: Zhu He , Nie Hong , Wei Xiaohui , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2022

This paper describes the design and flight test of the control system of a novel octocopter with new topology to improve aerodynamic performance and efficiency. The article analyzes the advantages of the new configuration and analyzes the feasibility of the control method which can ensure fault-tolerant control when one rotor of the aircraft stops in theory. The feasibility verification is carried out through a prototype flight test. The power and hardware platform of the octocopter UAV was set up according to the requirements of structural and control system design. Flight tests were carried out multiple times, and the UAV’s redundant actuation was able to successfully stabilize the vehicle, even after a single rotor stopped functioning. Under normal flight conditions, smooth flight and effective control could be ensured for the UAV, while under the condition of a single rotor having stopped functioning, the control method was able to effectively utilize the other seven rotors to provide a proper lift force and to control the aircraft to perform basic motions such as pitch, roll, and yaw.
Multimodal anesthesia associated with regional block in a dog who underwent corrective surgery for persistent right aortic arch: case report
Authors: Alves Larissa de Sant’ Ana , Benevides Byatriz Christina Soares , Araújo Camila Carneiro , Vieira Ana Karoline Rocha , Lima Darlla Whaianny Fernandes de , Demoner Larissa de Castro
Published: January 2022

The persistence of the fourth right aortic arch (PRAA) is a congenital malformation that affects the heart base’s main vessels. Surgical treatment is recommended and should be advocated as a matter of urgency. In this context, efficient anesthesia planning is necessary, with satisfactory analgesia, associating multimodal techniques with regional blocks. The present work aims to report the anesthetic procedure during corrective surgery for PRAA in a dog. Neuroleptanalgesia was intramuscularly performed, using acepromazine (0.015 mg.kg-1) and methadone (0.3 mg.kg-1) in pre-anesthetic medication. Ketamine (1 mg.kg-1) and propofol (3 mg.kg-1) were administered at induction, both intravenously, followed by maintenance using total intravenous anesthesia with propofol (initial rate of 0.4 mg.kg-1 .minute) and remifentanil, (0.2 mcg.kg.-1.minute). In addition, ultrasound-guided regional intercostal block was performed, with 5% bupivacaine without vasoconstrictor (0.05ml.kg-1). Ketamine infusion was postoperatively maintained for one hour. The instituted protocol proved to be satisfactory in controlling trans and postoperative pain, maintaining all parameters stable during and after the procedure, without any intercurrence. Thus, the protocol provided quality recovery to the patient.
Evaluation of forestripping milk and its effects on milk quality
Authors: Santos Marcelo Ament Giuliani dos , Castelani Lívia , Mitsunaga Thatiane Mendes , Soares Weber Vilas Boas , Giglioti Rodrigo , Roma Júnior Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2022

Consumers demand for food safety affects dairy industry, restraining the sector to adapt to milk quality parameters established by legislation, such as somatic cell count (SCC) and standard plate count (SPC). Good agricultural practices have positive impact over these parameters, especially Forestripping Milk (FSM), which consists of observing the first milk streams collected in a dark-bottomed mug for identification of clinical mastitis. These first milk streams have high somatic cells count and bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of milk from FSM, such as SCC and SPC values, and its impacts on milk quality of the cooling tank through simulating contamination. Fourteen dairy farms and one experimental farm were evaluated for SCC and SPC parameters of FSM. It was observed that there was no statistically significant difference for SCC and SPC between milk samples from the cooling tank and cooling tank simulating the inclusion of milk from FSM. Statistically significant difference for somatic cell score (SCS) and SPC was observed when tanks were classified by SCC. In addition, difference in SCS was observed between morning and afternoon milking. The collection of first milk streams can contribute to decrease in SCC and SPC of milk in the cooling tank. FSM must be practiced by all dairy farmers as milking management, to assist in clinical mastitis diagnosis and improve milk quality.
A Review on Structure-Activity Relationships of Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives with Diverse Bioactivities
Authors: Guo Ruihua , Liu Yuebin , Sheng Ruilong , Fan Junting
Published: January 2022

Absteract:

Pentacyclic triterpenoids, consisting of six isoprene units, are a kind of natural active sub-stance. At present, numerous pentacyclic triterpenes have been identified and classified into four sub-groups of oleanane, ursane, lupane, and xylene on the basis of the carbon skeleton. Among them, oleanane is the most popular due to its rich backbone and diverse bioactivities. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpene isolated from licorice roots, possesses diverse bio-activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibitor, hepato-protective, and so on. It has received more attention in medicinal chemistry due to the advantages of easy access and rich bioactivity. Thus, numerous novel lead compounds have been synthesized using GA as a scaffold. Herein, we summarize the structure-activity relationship and synthetic methodolo-gies of GA derivatives from 2010 to 2020, as well as the most active GA derivatives. Finally, we an-ticipate that this review can benefit future research on structural modifications of GA to enhance bio-activity and provide an example for developing pentacyclic triterpene-based novel drugs.
Development and Validation of an HPLC Analytical Method to Determine
6-Merpactopurine Concentration in Oral Suspension
Authors: Romão Kerley Cristiane Victorino , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Schindler Fernanda , Peres Marina Cristina , da Veiga Glaucia Luciano , Pereira Edimar Cristiano , da Costa Aguiar Alves Beatriz
Published: January 2022

Background:

The 6-mercaptopurine is an active ingredient used to treat certain types of
leukemia. This drug is an immunosuppressive and antineoplastic agent that belongs to the thiopurine
class. In Brazil, 6-MP is currently available only in the form of 50 mg tablets, sold as
Purinethol® and manufactured by Glaxo Smith Kline. The lack of the liquid formulation’s production
impedes treatment, assuming that one of its advantages is through its applicability in pediatric
patients, who show the highest incidence among others.

Objective:

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the development and application of a reversed
phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using an Agilent 1220 Infinity®
G4294B chromatograph with photodiode array detector.

Methods:

HPLC assays were performed on an Eclipse plus® C18 column (4.6 x 150 mm, 3.5 μm
particle size) using a gradient mode mixture of acetonitrile and aqueous acetic acid solution as a
mobile phase, with a flow of 1 mL.min-1 and detection at 324 nm. The method was validated by determining
its selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness.

Results:

Retention time for 6-mercaptopurine was 5.12 minutes. The detector’s response was linear
at concentrations from 1.6 to 2.4 μg/mL. The results of the method’s accuracy evaluation showed
mean recovery of the amount of substance added to the samples of between 99.88 and 100.5%. For
precision, repeatability and intermediate precision were evaluated. The repeatability showed a standard
deviation of 0.0737. The intermediate precision was assessed on three different. For three
days of the studies, the values of the standard deviations were less than 3%, showing repeatability
and intermediate precision adequate for the analytical method in question. The limit of detection
was determined as 3.6 ng/mL. The limit of quantification was determined as 12 ng/mL. The chromatographic
method was robust.

Conclusion:

The proposed method can be applied to control the quality of 6-MP oral suspension to
ensure that the required content is delivered to pediatric oncology patients.
A Novel Baker’s Yeast-Mediated Microwave-Induced Reduction of
Racemic 3-Keto-2-Azetidinones: Facile Entry to Optically Active Hydroxy
β-Lactam Derivatives
Authors: Banik Bimal Krishna , Das Aparna , Yadav Ram Naresh
Published: January 2022

Objective:

Microwave technology, together with enzymatic catalysis, is a nature-friendly
chemical synthesis method with low wastage of solvent and a good yield of the products.

Methods:

Enzymes from various microorganisms can be used in the biochemical processes of a
wide range of compounds assisted by microwave irradiation.

Results:

In this work, the microwave-induced reaction of α-keto β-lactams by Baker's yeast in organic
solvent was conducted to afford optically active cis and trans-α-hydroxy-β-lactams for the
first time.

Conclusion:

These hydroxy compounds are the precursors of numerous natural products of medicinal
significance.
Developing a guided discovery model based on reflective teaching to improve students' short essay writing skills
Authors: Ayu Citra , Mudjiran Mudjiran , Refnaldi Refnaldi
Published: January 2022

This research is motivated because there is no essay writing model in learning English. Lecturers have not applied the Reflective teaching approach in learning in their classrooms. This has an impact on students' ability to write short essays in learning English. This study aims to develop a Reflective Teaching-Based Guided Discovery Model to Improve Students' Short Essay Writing Skills. The method used in this research is Research and Development using the ADDIE Model. The result of expert validation of the Guided Discovery Model Book based on Reflective learning is "valid". The level of validity of the Guided Discovery Model Lecturer Book based on Reflective learning is "very valid". The level of validity of the Guided Discovery Model Student Book based on Reflective learning is "valid". The level of practicality of the lecturer's book is categorized as "practical" and the research product is easy to use it meets the practicality criteria. The results of the effectiveness test of the average posttest score were higher than the pretest, so it can be said that there was an increase in student scores before and after the application of the Reflective Teaching-Based Guided Discovery Model to Improve Student Learning Outcomes of Essay Writing Skills.
General Practitioners’ Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Systems: Interview Study
Authors: Buck Christoph , Doctor Eileen , Hennrich Jasmin , Jöhnk Jan , Eymann Torsten
Published: January 2022

Background

General practitioners (GPs) care for a large number of patients with various diseases in very short timeframes under high uncertainty. Thus, systems enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) are promising and time-saving solutions that may increase the quality of care.

Objective

This study aims to understand GPs’ attitudes toward AI-enabled systems in medical diagnosis.

Methods

We interviewed 18 GPs from Germany between March 2020 and May 2020 to identify determinants of GPs’ attitudes toward AI-based systems in diagnosis. By analyzing the interview transcripts, we identified 307 open codes, which we then further structured to derive relevant attitude determinants.

Results

We merged the open codes into 21 concepts and finally into five categories: concerns, expectations, environmental influences, individual characteristics, and minimum requirements of AI-enabled systems. Concerns included all doubts and fears of the participants regarding AI-enabled systems. Expectations reflected GPs’ thoughts and beliefs about expected benefits and limitations of AI-enabled systems in terms of GP care. Environmental influences included influences resulting from an evolving working environment, key stakeholders’ perspectives and opinions, the available information technology hardware and software resources, and the media environment. Individual characteristics were determinants that describe a physician as a person, including character traits, demographic characteristics, and knowledge. In addition, the interviews also revealed the minimum requirements of AI-enabled systems, which were preconditions that must be met for GPs to contemplate using AI-enabled systems. Moreover, we identified relationships among these categories, which we conflate in our proposed model.

Conclusions

This study provides a thorough understanding of the perspective of future users of AI-enabled systems in primary care and lays the foundation for successful market penetration. We contribute to the research stream of analyzing and designing AI-enabled systems and the literature on attitudes toward technology and practice by fostering the understanding of GPs and their attitudes toward such systems. Our findings provide relevant information to technology developers, policymakers, and stakeholder institutions of GP care.
Nutrition-Related Mobile Apps in the French App Stores: Assessment of Functionality and Quality
Authors: Martinon Prescilla , Saliasi Ina , Bourgeois Denis , Smentek Colette , Dussart Claude , Fraticelli Laurie , Carrouel Florence
Published: January 2022

Background

The global burden of disease attributes 20% of deaths to poor nutrition. Although hundreds of nutrition-related mobile apps have been created, and these have been downloaded by millions of users, the effectiveness of these technologies on the adoption of healthy eating has had mixed

Objective

The aim of this study was to review which nutrition-related mobile apps are currently available on the French market and assess their quality.

Methods

We screened apps on the Google Play Store and the French Apple App Store, from March 10 to 17, 2021, to identify those related to nutritional health. A shortlist of 15 apps was identified, and each was assessed using the French version of the Mobile App Rating Scale: 8 dietitians and nutritionists assessed 7 apps, and the remaining apps were randomly allocated to ensure 4 assessments per app. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate interrater agreement. Means and standard deviations of scores for each section and each item were calculated.

Results

The top scores for overall quality were obtained by Yazio - Régime et Calories (mean 3.84, SD 0.32), FeelEat (mean 3.71, SD 0.47), and Bonne App (mean 3.65, SD 0.09). Engagement scores ranged from a mean of 1.95 (SD 0.5) for iEatBetter: Journal alimentaire to a mean of 3.85 (SD 0.44) for FeelEat. Functionality scores ranged from a mean of 2.25 (SD 0.54) for Naor to a mean of 4.25 (SD 0.46) for Yazio. Aesthetics scores ranged from a mean of 2.17 (SD 0.34) for Naor to a mean of 3.88 (SD 0.47) for Yazio. Information scores ranged from a mean of 2.38 (SD 0.60) for iEatBetter to a mean of 3.73 (SD 0.29) for Yazio. Subjective quality scores ranged from a mean of 1.13 (SD 0.25) for iEatBetter to a mean of 2.28 (SD 0.88) for Compteur de calories FatSecret. Specificity scores ranged from a mean of 1.38 (SD 0.64) for iEatBetter to a mean of 3.50 (SD 0.91) for FeelEat. The app-specific score was always lower than the subjective quality score, which was always lower than the quality score, which was lower than the rating from the iOS or Android app stores.

Conclusions

Although prevention and information messages in apps regarding nutritional habits are not scientifically verified before marketing, we found that app quality was good. Subjective quality and specificity were associated with lower ratings. Further investigations are needed to assess whether information from these apps is consistent with recommendations and to determine the long-term impacts of these apps on users.
Peer Review of “COVID-19 Infection and Symptoms Among Emergency Medicine Residents and Fellows in an Urban Academic Hospital Setting: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Tavares Jorge
Published: January 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report related to MS ID#29539
A Computerized Cognitive Test Battery for Detection of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Instrument Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ye Siao , Sun Kevin , Huynh Duong , Phi Huy Q , Ko Brian , Huang Bin , Hosseini Ghomi Reza
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Early detection of dementia is critical for intervention and care planning but remains difficult. Computerized cognitive testing provides an accessible and promising solution to address these current challenges.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a computerized cognitive testing battery (BrainCheck) for its diagnostic accuracy and ability to distinguish the severity of cognitive impairment.

METHODS

A total of 99 participants diagnosed with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or normal cognition (NC) completed the BrainCheck battery. Statistical analyses compared participant performances on BrainCheck based on their diagnostic group.

RESULTS

BrainCheck battery performance showed significant differences between the NC, MCI, and dementia groups, achieving 88% or higher sensitivity and specificity (ie, true positive and true negative rates) for separating dementia from NC, and 77% or higher sensitivity and specificity in separating the MCI group from the NC and dementia groups. Three-group classification found true positive rates of 80% or higher for the NC and dementia groups and true positive rates of 64% or higher for the MCI group.

CONCLUSIONS

BrainCheck was able to distinguish between diagnoses of dementia, MCI, and NC, providing a potentially reliable tool for early detection of cognitive impairment.
Наш досвід лікування переломів діафіза плечової кістки за методикою Гакеталя у хворих при політравмі
Authors: Fil A.Yu.
Published: January 2022

У нашій клініці з 2008 по 2012 рік проліковано 28 хворих, у тому числі 12 постраждалих при політравмі, закритим ретроградним введенням пучка спиць (під контролем ЕОП-монітора). Переломи були розподілені згідно з класифікацією AO. Пацієнтів обстежували клінічно й рентгенологічно. Проаналізовані результати свідчать про те, що при закритій репозиції та ретроградному введенні пучка спиць за методом Гакеталя в даній групі було досягнуто таке: серед 12 постраждалих із політравмою та переломами діафіза плечової кістки, оперованих за методикою Гакеталя, на контроль погодилися 10 хворих. Зрощення досягнуто в 10 пацієнтів у часовому проміжку від 8 до 16 тижнів. В одному випадку після падіння хворого на прооперовану кінцівку відбулася дестабілізація металоконструкції, надалі проліковано консервативно пов’язкою Дезо й досягнуто зрощення.