bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese herbal medicine for patients living with HIV in Guangxi province, China: A propensity score matching analysis of real-world data
Authors: Li Jing , Shen Chen , Liu Zhen-Wei , Pu Feng-Lan , Cao Shi-Huan , Zhang Yue , Han Xiao-Feng , Yuan Peng , Duan Sheng-Lin , Jiang Feng , Liu Jian-Ping
Published: September 2024

Background

From 2004 onwards, the Chinese government has freely offered complimentary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to Chinese HIV/AIDS patients, alongside the prescribed first line therapy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Thus, we aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of CHM for patients with HIV/AIDS.

Methods

The data from the Guangxi pilot database and antiviral treatment sites database have been respectively developed into two datasets in this prospective cohort real-world study, the CHM combined HAART group (the integrated group) and the HAART group. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and the longitudinal data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with an autocorrelation matrix and log link function attached to the Gamma distribution.

Results

A final sample of 629 patients, 455 and 174 in the integrated group and HAART group respectively, were obtained from the full dataset. As covariates for PSM, gender, age, baseline CD4+ and CD4+/ CD8+ were assessed based on the results of the logistic regression analyses. Following PSM, 166 pairs from the full dataset were matched successfully, with 98 pairs in the baseline CD4+ > 200 subgroup, and 55 pairs in the baseline CD4+ ≤ 200 subgroup. In the full dataset, HAART group achieved higher CD4+ count (OR = 1.119, 95%CI [1.018, 1.230]) and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (OR = 1.168, 95%CI [1.045, 1.305]) than the integrated group, so did in the CD4+ > 200 subgroup. For the CD4+ ≤ 200 subgroup, the CD4+ (OR = 0.825, 95%CI [0.694, 0.980]) and CD4+/CD8+ (OR = 0.826, 95%CI [0.684, 0.997]) of the integrated group were higher than those of the HAART group. The safety outcomes showed that there were no significant differences in BUN, ALT and AST levels between the groups but Cr showed significantly higher levels in HAART groups of all three datasets.

Conclusions

Compared to HAART alone, CHMs combined with HAART had better effects in improving the immune function of HIV/AIDS in patients with baseline CD4+ count ≤ 200. The results of the two subgroups are in opposite directions, and chance does not explain the apparent subgroup effect. A study with larger sample size and longer follow-up period is warranted in order to increase study credibility.
Sustainability of newborn screening for sickle cell disease in resource-poor countries: A systematic review
Authors: Okeke Chinwe O. , Okeke Chinedu , Asala Samuel , Ofakunrin Akinyemi O. D. , Ufelle Silas , Nnodu Obiageli E.
Published: September 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a worldwide genetic blood disorder. Roughly 400,000 babies are born with SCD each year worldwide. More than 75% of these births occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of sustainable newborn screening NBS programs is an excellent approach to improving the health of persons living with SCD. The need to set up such programs in Africa cannot be overemphasized. However, initial implementation does not guarantee sustainability. More than 500 children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) die every day due to lack of access to early diagnosis and related treatment. We systematically highlighted suggestions proffered so far, for the sustainability of NBS in low income, high burden countries. We searched online databases, PubMed, and Google Scholar for literature on sustainability of newborn screening (NBS) published between 2012 and 2022. Articles were included if they reported as outcome; sustainability, government participation, scaling up and expansion of NBS, improved patient enrolment in the newborn screening programe. Articles not suggesting same were excluded. Data were extracted from published reports. Primary outcome was government participation and enhanced patient enrolment in the NBS programe. Thematic content analysis was applied using inductive and deductive codes. We came up with 9 major themes. This study is registered with PROSPERO with registration number as CRD42023381821. Literature search yielded 918 articles (including manual searching). After screening, nine (9) publications were suitable for data extraction and analysis. Two more articles were added by manual searching, making a total of eleven (11) articles. The most frequently addressed core elements of sustainability in these papers were complete integration of services into national health care systems for sustainability of NBS programs in Low-income high-burden countries, funding and engagement from government partners from the very beginning of program development should be prioritized. Screening should be tailored to the local context; using DBS on HemoTypeSC could be a game changer for scaling up and expanding the newborn screening program in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of biologic sequential treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: A Malaysian healthcare system perspective
Authors: Azizam Nor Azmaniza , Hussain Mofakhar , Nauenberg Eric , Ang Wei Chern , Azzeri Amirah , Smith Jacob
Published: September 2024

Objective

In Malaysia, there is now a dearth of recommendations pertaining to the priority of biologic treatments for the effective management of psoriasis, given the multitude of available therapeutic alternatives. Present analysis reports results of a cost-effectiveness model that determines the most optimal arrangement of biologic treatments, with a particular focus of adding biosimilars to the existing treatment pathway for psoriasis in Malaysia.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to compare the cost effectiveness of various biologic sequential treatments in a hypothetical cohort of moderate to severe psoriasis patient in Malaysia over a lifetime horizon. The model simulated the progression of patients through three lines of active biologic therapy, before transitioning to best supportive care. Costs and effects were discounted annually at a rate of 3%.

Results

First line secukinumab has produced lowest incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs) when compared to first line systemic [ICERs value; US$152,474 (first set analysis) and US$110,572 (second set analysis)] and first line phototherapy [ICERs value; US$147,057 (first set analysis) and US$107,616 (second set analysis)]. However, these values were slightly higher than the Malaysian based threshold of three times gross domestic product per capita, US$104,337. A 40% reduction in the unit costs of reference biologics renders most of the evaluated treatment sequences cost-effective.

Conclusion

Adding biosimilar to the current treatment sequence could achieve cost savings ranging from 4.3% to 10.8% without significant loss of effectiveness. Given the significant impact of comorbidities and the resulting decline in quality of life among individuals with psoriasis, it may be justifiable to establish a threshold of up to US$184,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for the provision of therapies in the context of Malaysia.
Molecular time estimates for the Lagomorpha diversification
Authors: Iraçabal Leandro , Barbosa Matheus R. , Selvatti Alexandre Pedro , Russo Claudia Augusta de Moraes
Published: September 2024

Despite their importance as members of the Glires group, lagomorph diversification processes have seldom been studied using molecular data. Notably, only a few phylogenetic studies have included most of the examined lagomorph lineages. Previous studies that included a larger sample of taxa and markers used nonconservative tests to support the branches of their proposed phylogeny. The objective of this study was to test the monophyly of families and genera of lagomorphs and to evaluate the group diversification process. To that end, this work expanded the sampling of markers and taxa in addition to implementing the bootstrap, a more rigorous statistical test to measure branch support; hence, a more robust phylogeny was recovered. Our supermatrix included five mitochondrial genes and 14 nuclear genes for eighty-eight taxa, including three rodent outgroups. Our maximum likelihood tree showed that all tested genera and both families, Leporidae and Ochotonidae, were recovered as monophyletic. In the Ochotona genus, the subgenera Conothoa and Pika, but not Ochotona, were recovered as monophyletic. Six calibration points based on fossils were used to construct a time tree. A calibration test was performed (via jackknife) by removing one calibration at a time and estimating divergence times for each set. The diversification of the main groups of lagomorphs indicated that the origin of the order’s crown group was dated from the beginning of the Palaeogene. Our diversification time estimates for Lagomorpha were compared with those for the largest mammalian order, i.e., rodent lineages in Muroidea. According to our time-resolved phylogenetic tree, the leporids underwent major radiation by evolving a completely new morphospace—larger bodies and an efficient locomotor system—that enabled them to cover wide foraging areas and outrun predators more easily than rodents and pikas.
Buckling behaviour of rectangular and skew plates with elastically restrained edges under non-uniform mechanical edge loading
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Qiang
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the buckling behaviour of rectangular and skew plates with elastically restrained edges subjected to non-uniform mechanical edge loading is investigated. An analysis method is developed for calculating the critical buckling load of plates using the Ritz method under non-uniform mechanical edge loading, in which the shape function is expressed as Legendre polynomials. The in-plane stress distribution under non-uniform mechanical edge loading is defined by the pre-buckling analysis. Contributions of elastic boundary conditions are taken into accounted by giving different edge spring stiffnesses. The proposed method for buckling analysis of plates is validated by the comparison of exiting results in literature. Finally, the effects of the edge restrained stiffness, non-uniform edge loading, skew angle, aspect ratio and combined compression-shear load are discussed by parametric analysis.
Influence of perceived social support and other factors on treatment adherence among adults living with chronic non-communicable diseases in the Ho Municipality of Ghana: A health facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Witts William Kwame , Amu Hubert , Kwafo Frank Oppong , Angaag Nathaniel Awentiirin , Bain Luchuo Engelbert
Published: September 2024

Background

In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a noticeable shift from infectious diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) based on recent studies. However, other studies suggest that social support can significantly improve self-care, increase knowledge of disease symptoms, and ultimately increase overall well-being in patients with CNCDs. In this study, we investigated the influence of perceived social support on treatment adherence among adults living with CNCDs in the Ho Municipality.

Methods

This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study among 432 adults living with cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), stroke, and hypertension in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana. We adopted the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Medication Adherence Rating Scale and independent items to collect data. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the data with STATA v17.0 at 95% Confidence Intervals with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results

Majority of the participants (62%) reported high levels of perceived social support. While friends were the main source of support (69.4%), significant others provided the least support (45.4%). Among the dimensions of treatment adherence, participants demonstrated the highest adherence to reviews/check-ups (98.8%), while medication adherence had the highest level of non-adherence (38%). We did not find a significant association between perceived social support and overall treatment adherence, except for individuals with low perceived social support from friends (aOR = 8.58, 95% CI = 4.21,17.52), who were more likely to exhibit high adherence to behavioural and lifestyle recommendations.

Conclusion

While the majority of respondents reported high perceived social support, there was no significant link between social support and overall treatment adherence. However, individuals with low support from friends showed a notably increased adherence to behavioural and lifestyle recommendations. This underscores the nuanced impact of social support on specific aspects of adherence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions tailored to individual support networks.
Systematic detection and evaluation of cracking behavior of flawed brittle sandstones with AE and 3D-DIC techniques
Authors: Fan Jie , Zhu Xing
Published: September 2024

Determination of the cracking behavior during crack propagation helps to better understand damage and fracture processes in brittle rocks. The paper studies the cracking behavior of rocks on three scales: macro-deformation (or macro-cracking), internal micro-fracture, and surface crack coalescence. Under uniaxial compression, the cracking behavior of two types of sandstone specimens having single flaws was experimentally and systematically investigated. Acoustic emission (AE) and three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) techniques were utilized to continuously monitor the acoustic shock signals generated by micro-fracture events inside the specimen and the specimen surface cracking process. The experimental results show that at the crack initiation stage, many micro-tensile fractures within the rock are initiated and coalesced, and small strain localized zones (SLZs) appear on the specimen surface. In the crack propagation stage, micro-fractures coalesce into macro-fractures that propagate in tensile mode to form surface cracks, which finally break in tension or slide against each other in shear mode. The formation of SLZs is related to the dip angle of pre-existing flaws, which determines the direction and mode of crack propagation. In conclusion, the strong acoustic-optical evidence accompanying different cracking behaviors is discussed in detail. From both acoustic and optical perspectives, it reveals and explains how flaws and material properties affect the strength and cracking mechanisms of brittle rocks. The study aids comprehension of the potential relation between internal micro-fracture and surface cracking in the process of engineering rock mass failure.
hERG channel agonist NS1643 strongly inhibits invasive astrocytoma cell line SMA-560
Authors: Benn Kieran W. , Yuan Patrick H. , Chong Harvey K. , Stylii Stanley S. , Luwor Rodney B. , French Christopher R.
Published: September 2024

Gliomas are highly malignant brain tumours that remain refractory to treatment. Treatment is typically surgical intervention followed by concomitant temozolomide and radiotherapy; however patient prognosis remains poor. Voltage gated ion channels have emerged as novel targets in cancer therapy and inhibition of a potassium selective subtype (hERG, Kv11.1) has demonstrated antitumour activity. Unfortunately blockade of hERG has been limited by cardiotoxicity, however hERG channel agonists have produced similar chemotherapeutic benefit without significant side effects. In this study, electrophysiological recordings suggest the presence of hERG channels in the anaplastic astrocytoma cell line SMA-560, and treatment with the hERG channel agonist NS1643, resulted in a significant reduction in the proliferation of SMA-560 cells. In addition, NS1643 treatment also resulted in a reduction of the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and SMA-560 cell migration. When combined with temozolomide, an additive impact was observed, suggesting that NS1643 may be a suitable adjuvant to temozolomide and limit the invasiveness of glioma.
A comprehensive in silico investigation into the pathogenic SNPs in the RTEL1 gene and their biological consequences
Authors: Tanshee Rifah Rownak , Mahmud Zimam , Nabi A. H. M. Nurun , Sayem Mohammad
Published: September 2024

The Regulator of Telomere Helicase 1 (RTEL1) gene encodes a critical DNA helicase intricately involved in the maintenance of telomeric structures and the preservation of genomic stability. Germline mutations in the RTEL1 gene have been clinically associated with Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome, a more severe version of Dyskeratosis Congenita. Although various research has sought to link RTEL1 mutations to specific disorders, no comprehensive investigation has yet been conducted on missense mutations. In this study, we attempted to investigate the functionally and structurally deleterious coding and non-coding SNPs of the RTEL1 gene using an in silico approach. Initially, out of 1392 nsSNPs, 43 nsSNPs were filtered out through ten web-based bioinformatics tools. With subsequent analysis using nine in silico tools, these 43 nsSNPs were further shortened to 11 most deleterious nsSNPs. Furthermore, analyses of mutated protein structures, evolutionary conservancy, surface accessibility, domains & PTM sites, cancer susceptibility, and interatomic interaction revealed the detrimental effect of these 11 nsSNPs on RTEL1 protein. An in-depth investigation through molecular docking with the DNA binding sequence demonstrated a striking change in the interaction pattern for F15L, M25V, and G706R mutant proteins, suggesting the more severe consequences of these mutations on protein structure and functionality. Among the non-coding variants, two had the highest likelihood of being regulatory variants, whereas one variant was predicted to affect the target region of a miRNA. Thus, this study lays the groundwork for extensive analysis of RTEL1 gene variants in the future, along with the advancement of precision medicine and other treatment modalities.
Optimized method development and validation for determining donepezil in rat plasma: A liquid-liquid extraction, LC-MS/MS, and design of experiments approach
Authors: Shin Ye Bin , Kim Jin Hwan , Kwon Min Kyeong , Myung Jin Hyuk , Lee Dong Geon , Jin Sung Giu , Kang Myung Joo , Choi Yong Seok
Published: September 2024

Donepezil (DPZ), a piperidine-based reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, finds extensive use in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Originally designed as an oral formulation, DPZ encounters drawbacks such as a brief duration of action and reduced treatment effectiveness in elderly patients with memory impairment or difficulty swallowing medications. To address these issues and improve patient compliance, researchers are actively exploring alternative DPZ formulations. Consequently, reliable methods are necessary to quantitate DPZ in biological samples for in vivo assessment. Therefore, we propose an efficient, sensitive, wide-dynamic, and cost-effective method for quantitating DPZ in rat plasma. Our method employs liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, enabling in vivo evaluation of novel DPZ formulations. Notably, our method requires only 20 μL of rat plasma and employs icopezil as the internal standard—a cost-effective compound with chemical similarity to DPZ. We meticulously optimized LLE conditions, taking into account factor interactions through design of experiments (DOE). Our rapid and straightforward extraction and purification involved using 500 μL of pure methyl tert-butyl ether to extract DPZ from the sample within five minutes. The dynamic range of the method extends from 0.5 ng/mL to 1,000 ng/mL, demonstrating excellent sensitivity and suitability for pharmacokinetic studies across diverse DPZ formulations. Following the FDA guidelines, we rigorously validated the developed method, evaluating selectivity, linearity (with a coefficient of determination ≥0.9999), accuracy (ranging from 96.0% to 109.6%), precision (≤13.9%), matrix effect (92.2% to 103.8%), recovery (98.5% to 106.8%), the lower limit of quantitation (0.5 ng/mL), and stability. Finally, we effectively employed the validated method for the long-term pharmacokinetic assessment of a DPZ formulation. We expect that this approach will make a substantial contribution to the advancement of new DPZ formulations, ultimately benefiting individuals afflicted by AD.
The triglyceride-synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 modulates the formation of the hepatitis C virus replication organelle
Authors: Reichert Isabelle , Lee Ji-Young , Weber Laura , Fuh Marceline M. , Schlaeger Lina , Rößler Stefanie , Kinast Volker , Schlienkamp Sarah , Conradi Janina , Vondran Florian W. R. , Pfaender Stephanie , Scaturro Pietro , Steinmann Eike , Bartenschlager Ralf , Pietschmann Thomas , Heeren Joerg , Lauber Chris , Vieyres Gabrielle
Published: September 2024

The replication organelle of hepatitis C virus (HCV), called membranous web, is derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mainly comprises double membrane vesicles (DMVs) that concentrate the viral replication complexes. It also tightly associates with lipid droplets (LDs), which are essential for virion morphogenesis. In particular acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), a rate-limiting enzyme in triglyceride synthesis, promotes early steps of virus assembly. The close proximity between ER membranes, DMVs and LDs therefore permits the efficient coordination of the HCV replication cycle. Here, we demonstrate that exaggerated LD accumulation due to the excessive expression of the DGAT1 isozyme, DGAT2, dramatically impairs the formation of the HCV membranous web. This effect depended on the enzymatic activity and ER association of DGAT2, whereas the mere LD accumulation was not sufficient to hamper HCV RNA replication. Our lipidomics data indicate that both HCV infection and DGAT2 overexpression induced membrane lipid biogenesis and markedly increased phospholipids with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggesting a dual use of these lipids and their possible competition for LD and DMV biogenesis. On the other hand, overexpression of DGAT2 depleted specific phospholipids, particularly oleyl fatty acyl chain-containing phosphatidylcholines, which, in contrast, are increased in HCV-infected cells and likely essential for viral infection. In conclusion, our results indicate that lipid exchanges occurring during LD biogenesis regulate the composition of intracellular membranes and thereby affect the formation of the HCV replication organelle. The potent antiviral effect observed in our DGAT2 overexpression system unveils lipid flux that may be relevant in the context of steatohepatitis, a hallmark of HCV infection, but also in physiological conditions, locally in specific subdomains of the ER membrane. Thus, LD formation mediated by DGAT1 and DGAT2 might participate in the spatial compartmentalization of HCV replication and assembly factories within the membranous web.
The DNA loop release factor WAPL suppresses Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein expression to maintain the highly restricted latency I program
Authors: Murray-Nerger Laura A. , Maestri Davide , Liu Xiang , Li Zhixuan , Auld Nina R. , Tempera Italo , Teng Mingxiang , Gewurz Benjamin E.
Published: September 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) uses latency programs to colonize the memory B-cell reservoir, and each program is associated with human malignancies. However, knowledge remains incomplete of epigenetic mechanisms that maintain the highly restricted latency I program, present in memory and Burkitt lymphoma cells, in which EBNA1 is the only EBV-encoded protein expressed. Given increasing appreciation that higher order chromatin architecture is an important determinant of viral and host gene expression, we investigated roles of Wings Apart-Like Protein Homolog (WAPL), a host factor that unloads cohesin to control DNA loop size and that was discovered as an EBNA2-associated protein. WAPL knockout (KO) in Burkitt cells de-repressed LMP1 and LMP2A expression, but not other EBV oncogenes, to yield a viral program reminiscent of EBV latency II, which is rarely observed in B-cells. WAPL KO also increased LMP1/2A levels in latency III lymphoblastoid cells. WAPL KO altered EBV genome architecture, triggering formation of DNA loops between the LMP promoter region and the EBV origins of lytic replication (oriLyt). Hi-C analysis further demonstrated that WAPL KO reprogrammed EBV genomic DNA looping. LMP1 and LMP2A de-repression correlated with decreased histone repressive marks at their promoters. We propose that EBV coopts WAPL to negatively regulate latent membrane protein expression to maintain Burkitt latency I.
Principles as Guiding Lights and the Performance Moments for stabilizing indigenous possessory rights in Brazil
Authors: Souza Aline
Published: September 2024

This study proposes a methodological reflection on the problem raised in the Extraordinary Appeal 1.017.365/ SC, through which the Federal Supreme Court (Brazil) considers the definition of the legal-constitutional statute of the territories of traditional indigenous settlement as a matter of general repercussion. Is it possible to say that there is a conflict between two opposing narratives: traditionality versus temporality. To shed light on this issue, we count on Drucilla Cornell and her “Philosophy of the Limit”. This philosophy provides a deconstructionist and diachronic analysis of the legal system by promoting the genealogical reconstruction of the problem and the hierarchical relations involved. According to Cornell, legal interpretation is both a discovery and an invention of the solution through the normative orientation of principles, which act as guiding lights. Principles help us to avoid paths that go against their intended purpose,which allows us to handle differences and disputes through the legal system. Despite that, there are several external complexities raised by the parties involved that draw attention to the “Performance Moments”, which means the moments for the presentation of different arguments by the different actors involved (not only lawyers but also other interested third parties) to the audience(s), in a responsible way for the intended effects and sensitive to the impressions received. This is a clear allusion to the metaphor of “Law as Performance” developed by Sanford Levinson and Jack Balkin, though with some differences, as their developments focus on the performance of jurists, especially in the role of interpreter/judge. At the same time, the present work also seeks to explore the “responsibilities in performances” of the other actors involved.
The role of digital technologies in urban co-creation practices
Authors: Slingerland Geertje , Mikusch Gerfried , Tappert Simone , Paraschivoiu Irina , Vettori Brigitte , Tellioglu Hilda
Published: September 2024

Citizen engagement in urban planning is essential to designing urban spaces that are just and responsive to societal challenges. Consequently, local stakeholders are invited into urban co-creation processes. Digital tools are often used in this process to shape urban futures together. This paper explores what role digital technologies play in urban co-creation through five case studies from European cities that were presented at a workshop during the 11th Communities and Technologies conference. The Co-Design Framework is used to analyse the cases and understand how digital tools support collaboration on different levels throughout the design cycle. The findings help to design more effective digital tools for urban co-creation and provide an analysis methodology to compare and contrast urban co-creation practices across cases varying in scale, time, and utilised tools.
Creating »Dementia Friendly« Environment
Authors: Kejžar Anamarija
Published: September 2024

The number of persons suffering from dementia is increasing rapidly in most parts of the world due to increased life expectancy. Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that still carries a stigma. The fear of being excluded from the social network and community, the fear of an advanced disease, the fear of the burden of caring for a family member with dementia. The research methods used in the paper were a systematic review of the literature and a review of examples of good practice. Many social innovations aim to improve the situation of persons with dementia and their relatives in the role of informal caregivers. Various projects and initiatives are being set up to expand intergenerational collaboration and increase the involvement of persons with dementia in the local community, thus positively impacting the quality of life of persons with dementia and their families. Despite the sincere intention to create a friendly environment for persons with dementia, we may use the wrong terminology to reinforce the stigma and focus on the disease - dementia - rather than the person with dementia. This also happens with the creation of the term "dementia friendly initiatives", where with a little thought we realize that the term itself, although understandable, discriminates against persons with dementia.
SOIL MOISTURE DEPLETION TRENDS OF SUNFLOWER AND MAIZE UNDER IRRIGATION CONDITION IN SAMARU ZARIA, NIGERIA.
Authors: Gabriel Paul
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This research work reported here was a study on the soil moisture depletion trends of sunflowerand maize under irrigation condition. It monitored the soil moisture extraction pattern, theEvapotranspiration rate and soil moisture depletion trend. Ideally, the soil moisture contentsupposes to be monitored from early to the maturity stage of the crop but it was monitored fromthe 45days after planting to the maturity stage due to some challenges. The soil moisture contentwas monitored for the various soil depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30-45 cm, 45-60 cm, and 60-75cm using soil moisture meter theta probe, the plot has a length of 120m and breathe of 12m of totalarea of 1440m2there are eight plot and was divide into two equal part of which each part is madeof four plot and each plot is divided into three replicate. Plot one is divided into R1P1, R2P1, andR3P1, Plot two is divided into R1P2, R2P2, and R3P2, Plot three is divided into R1P3, R2P3, and R3P3and Plot four is divided into R1P4, R2P4, and R3P4, Plot five is divided into R1P5, R2P5 and R3P5,Plot six is divided into R1P6, R2P6, and R3P6, plot seven is divided into R1 P7, R1P7, and R 1P7, ploteight R1P8, R1 P8, and R1 P8 respectively.The moisture used by sunflower and maize plants were extracted mostly from depth of 0-60cm,while the peak consumptive use by the sunflower crop is 23.85mm/week which was recorded onR1 P2 from 42-46 days after planting and that of maize is on R2P3 which is 21.4mm/week from 62-66days after planting. The rate of evapotranspiration for the plants increased from small value toattains peak point and then decreased as the crop reached its maturity stage. The peak moisturecontent of the soil over growing season for sunflower is at 30-65cm and decreases with number ofdays after planting, and that of maize Crop is at 42-65 cm and decrease with number of days afterplanting as the crop reached its maturity stage.
Estimating the Genetic Situation of Native Upper Egypt Subpopulations of Rabbits Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Emam Ahmed Mostafa , Makhlouf Maysoon , Allah E Faid
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to explore genetic diversity in four native upper Egypt subpopulations of rabbits using microsatellite markers.  A total of 247 biological samples were collected from unrelated individuals of native Upper Egypt rabbit (NUER) subpopulations across 77 rural villages and were genotyped via 31 microsatellite loci.  Four hundred ninety-six alleles were recorded among the 4 NUER subpopulations, with about 43% being private.  Luxor's subpopulation exhibited the most significant values of the mean number of alleles, which was 19.012, allelic richness was 8.009, and private alleles were 133.  The negative values of the inbreeding coefficient were recorded in Qena and Luxor (-0.084 and -0.134, respectively).  About 45% of loci gave highly polymorphic information content (PIC), and 58% were insignificant in Hardy –Weinberg equilibrium (HWE).  The overlapping between Asyut and Sohag has appeared in the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC).  Generally, we concluded that the classification is based on geographical directions to southern subpopulations (Qena and Luxor) and northern (Asyut and Sohag).  Except that, the southern subpopulations (Qena and Luxor) showed high genetic variation.  This study could be used as supporting documents for researchers in rabbit breeding and agriculture at national and regional levels.
Protection from interference by a retro-cue in a visual working memory task
Authors: Solórzano-Restrepo John , Leising Kenneth J.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Working memory for one property (e.g., colour) of a recently viewed object is enhanced by repeated presentation of a cue (e.g., an arrow) to remember that property before (pre-cueing) or after (retro-cueing) viewing the object. While an added cue can enhance memory, selective interference of memory can occur when an added stimulus competes for working memory processing of one property (e.g., colour) of an object more than another (e.g., location of the object). The current experiment investigated whether adding a cue, trained as a pre-cue, after the target but before a distractor stimulus will improve or interfere with memory of the target in a visuo-spatial change detection task. Method: Test trials followed the structure: coloured background (CB1), target stimulus, coloured background (CB2), distractor, and probe stimulus. Young adults (n = 22) were instructed that the colour of CB1 would signal whether to respond “same” or “different” based on the match of the identity (e.g., green) or the location (e.g., yellow) of the probe stimulus to the target stimulus. During the test, the property signalled by the colour of CB2 could be either the same as CB1, neutral, or incongruent. Control trials included the same novel colour (e.g., blue) as CB1 and CB2. Results: An analysis of d’ revealed significantly better performance during trials with CBs that signalled the need to remember the same property before the target and distractor. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis of protection from interference by a retro-cue.
Etika Ekonomi Prespektif al-Maqãsid
Authors: Mth Asmuni
Published: September 2024

Berbagai ketimpangan dalam bidang ekonomi adalah dampak dari sistem kapitalisme yang hedonistik, karena sistem ini terlalu individualistik dan cenderung menolak kehadiran etika yang berhubungan dengan agama. Melihat kegagalan tersebut muncul karya-karya di bidang etika yang tidak lain merupakan upaya penyelamatan umat manusia dari kemelaratan dan kemiskinan. Untuk itulah etika ekonomi syari'ah harus berangkat dari doktrin maqâşid karena nilai-nilai etis relegius yang berbasis pada maqâşid bersifat ilahi dan insani yang kebenaran dan universalitasnya tidak dapat diragukan. Ontologi dari nilai- nilai tersebut kemudian dikonsepsikan untuk menjamin berbagai kebutuhan dasar umat manusia. Semua prilaku ekonomi harus mengacu kepada kebutuhan dasar ini sebelum pada akhirnya untuk memenuhi kebutuhan yang bersifat komplementer dan kebutuhan yang bersifat asesoris.
Penerapan ACFTA di Indonesia Perspektif Ekonomi Islam
Authors: Siswanto Ari
Published: September 2024

Konsep pasar bebas pertama kali dirumuskan oleh Adam Smith yang kemudian terus dikembangkan oleh David Ricardo dan Frederic Bastiat. Sebagai sebuah sistem ekonomi, pasar bebas meniscayakan akan pengurangan peran pemerintah dalam satuan ekonomi, sebab dipercaya ekonomi pasar dengan sendirinya mampu mengatur mekanismenya sendiri (invisible hand). Pasar bebas yang mengidealkan pasar berlangsung secara suka rela bebas dari paksaan dan pencurian; ternyata pada akhirnya akan menimbukan segudang ketimpangan (inequality). Idealisme yang dirasa sangat mulia itu ternyata sebatas utopia belaka, pasar bebas pada kenyataannya tak seindah yang dibayangkan, karena bukan kesejahteraan yang terjadi melainkan ketidakadilan yang akan timbul di sana sini. Di Indonesia, "ruh" pasar bebas yang tertuang dalam penerapan ACFTA. Apakah Indonesia siap masuk dalam arus ACFTA? Sebab, Indonesia sejatinya belum siap untuk masuk dalam arus pasar bebas (ACFTA). Andaikan siap pun Indonesia masih tak sanggup berkelit dari regulasi perdagangan bebas di bawah GATT dan WTO sendiri, yang intinya menghilangkan intervensi pemerintah dalam pasar. Dari pemahaman ini, maka menganalisis sistem ekonomi pasar bebas yang mulai berjalan di Indonesia (ACFTA) dengan kaca mata ekonomi Islam begitu sangat diperlukan mengingat masalah ekonomi terkait erat dengan pemenuhan hajat hidup seluruh umat manusia. Oleh karena itu, dari analisis dampak penerapan sistem pasar bebas didapatkan satu simpulan, bahwa pelaksanaan pasar bebas yang saat ini digelar di Indonesia (ACFTA) tidaklah relevan dengan semangat ekonomi dalam Islam itu sendiri yakni keadilan.
Qawa'id Fiqhiyyah Sebagai Landasan Perilaku Ekonomi Ummat Islam: Suatu Kajian Teoritik
Authors: Muqorobin Masyhudi
Published: September 2024

Abstrak: Qawa'id fiqhiyyah sebagai landasan umum dalam perilaku sosial memberikan panduan bagi masyarakat untuk melakukan interaksi dengan sesamanya. Tulisan ini melaporkan hasil penelitian terhadap qawa'id dan implikasinya dalam pemikiran dan perilaku ekonomi dalam masyarakat.
Dalam hal ini, pemahaman terhadap qawa'id fiqhiyyah adalah mutlak diperlukan untuk melakukan suatu "ijtihad" atau pembaharuan pemikiran. Para ulama dan fuqaha terdahulu, sejak akhir abad ke-2 Hijriyyah telah merintis batu peletakan qawa'id melalui karya-karya agung mereka, yang sampai kini masih terlihat manfaatnya untuk diimplementasikan dalam kehidupan modern, termasuk ekonomi. Para ulama/fuqaha dari keempat madzhab fiqh tersebut menyusun qawa'id dalam jumlah yang begitu banyak, sebagiannya sama atau serupa, sehingga susah untuk diketahui jumlahnya secara pasti.
Fokus penelitian ini pada 99 (sembilan puluh sembilan) qawa'id yang disusun para ulama pada Dinasti Turki Usmani, yaitu al-majallah al-Ahkaam al-Adliyyah pada sekitar awal abad ke-13 Hijriyah atau tepatnya sekitar tahun 1286 H. Dari keseluruhannya, terdapat lebih dari 70 (tujuh puluh) qawa'id yang dapat dijadikan rujukan untuk diturunkan ke dalam pemikiran dan perilaku ekonomi modern.
Analisa Tingkat Efisiensi Perbankan Syari'ah dan Konvensional dengan Menggunakan Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Sudarsono Heri
Published: September 2024

This research utilises the non-parametric frontier approach, data envelopment analusis (DEA). By using such a analysis, the purpose of this studi is to analyse Islamic banking efficiency with the data during 2007-2010 covering 3 Islamic bank in Indonesia. In general, the result of study indicates that the level of efficiency of Islamic bank is various moving over time. In intermediary efficiency, conventional bank is found to be more efficient than Islamic bank. Moreover, conventional bank is more efficient than islamic bank. Since the study pinpoints the sources of inefficiency, it also helps to provide the banks with strategic planning.
Pengembangan Industri Kreatif dan Peran Bank Syariah
Authors: Sudarsono Heri
Published: September 2024

Abstrak: The concept of creative industries has been a feature of academic and policy literature for over a decade. The creative industries are defined in this approach in terms of an industrial classification of what they do. or what they produce and how they do it. The cultural and creative industries fit uneasily into this framework: first, because of they share many generic characteristics of the service economy; and second, because they are to a large extent an outgrowth of the previously non-market economy of cultural public goods and private imagination that seeks new ways of seeing and representing the world. However, the creative industries have come to such recent prominence as these once marginal activities now have significant market value and contribution to individual wealth and GDP. Furthermore, financing creative industry is viewed as a new paradigm to alleviate poverty and bring about development. Problems facing creative industry are, among others, non-viability and dependence on subsidized funds for operations. Given this social role, Islamic banks can provide the much-needed product to creative industry to facilitate their economic upliftment. The paper asserts that Islamic banks can finance the creative industry at no extra cost.
Dynamics of Protection in a Shrinking Economy: A Peak into Zimbabwe’s Refugee Regime
Authors:   Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, South Africa, Maviza Gracsious , Nzima Divane ,   Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, South Africa
Published: September 2024

Zimbabwe has consistently experienced an influx of refugees despite its shrinking economy. This places a heavy burden on the state to provide social protection to refugees. There are limited studies that focus on the dynamics of refugee protection in resource-constrained countries like Zimbabwe, often characterized as being only immigrant-sending countries. We use data from 12 in-depth interviews with key informants to explore how the prolonged socio-economic crisis has impacted the state’s ability to provide social protection to refugees in Zimbabwe. The study also explores the relationship between the state and other stakeholders in hosting refugees in Zimbabwe. The findings suggest that socio-economic challenges in a shrinking economy affect the protection outcomes of refugees regardless of the presence of a robust refugee regime in the country.
El Bogotazo: reescritura de la memoria
Authors: Vargas Sierra Esteban Alejandro
Published: September 2024

Este artículo presenta una reflexión sobre los resultados de la investigación “El Bogotazo como reescritura discontinua de la memoria”. Se lleva a cabo una exploración archivística de documentos relacionados con los eventos del 9 de abril de 1948 en Bogotá, con el objetivo principal de reconstruir ficcionalmente la memoria de algunas víctimas del Bogotazo. Esta reconstrucción, a partir del método sugerido por Michel Foucault en La arqueología del saber, se apoya en la interpretación de una lista aproximada de los fallecidos registrados, con la cual se brinda un contexto concreto de sus historias individuales en el tejido narrativo. La perspectiva crítica de Santiago Castro-Gómez, reconocido por su análisis genealógico de las relaciones de poder y discursos en América Latina, es fundamental para comprender cómo estas se articulan en la construcción de la memoria histórica. Además, se incorporan elementos de la obra Vivir para contarla, de Gabriel García Márquez, como parte de la reflexión sobre las víctimas, que enriquecen el proceso de recreación ficcional y amplían las posibilidades de comprensión y representación del Bogotazo.
O que aprendemos com a COVID-19? (Re)Pensando o (NOVO) Ensino Médio e o Ensino de Ciências
Authors: Balieiro Gomes Guilherme , Oliveira Juliana Soares de
Published: September 2024

No contexto da pandemia da COVID-19, observou-se um aumento considerável nos debates públicos sobre a produção das ciências. Tal contexto explicitou a necessidade de que a população possua conhecimentos sobre ciências, a fim de responder de modo crítico aos problemas contemporâneos. Neste ensaio científico, discutimos a necessidade de que a formação escolar em ciências forneça espaços e tempos de debate com os conhecimentos científicos para a atuação cidadã e democrática, e destacamos de que modo a Reforma do Ensino Médio (2017) implica e altera tal processo. Em seguida, a partir do conceito de Natureza da Ciência e das contribuições de Gaston Bachelard, apresentamos proposições a fim de retomar a relevância da formação de cidadãos com conhecimento das e sobre as ciências como objetivo da escolarização básica para o posicionamento crítico individual e coletivo.
Milena LENDEROVÁ (ed.), Zvířata a jejich lidé, Praha 2023, Univerzita Karlova, nakladatelství Karolinum, 535 s., ISBN 978-80-246-5157-6
Authors: Řičář Josef
Published: September 2024

Recenze
A Bibliography of Publications in Economic and Social History Printed in Poland in 1997-2000
Authors: Kowal Ewelina
Published: September 2024

BibliographyMethodology, theory and history of economic thoughtSources and source studiesGeneral publicationsDemographySocial structure and mobilityLabour, social movements and trade unionsSocial and economic relations in rural communitiesTowns and urbanization processesIndustry, mining, handicraft and architectureTransport and communicationMaritime economy, aquatic economyTradeCredit, finance, money and pricesInsurance and social welfareConsumption
Viscoplastic fluid flow in pipes: A rheological study using in-situ laser Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Belaid Hadj Arab , Mohamed Mahfoud , Zineeddine Louna , Karim Bekkour , de Souza Mendes Paulo R.
Published: September 2024

This experimental study focuses on exploiting laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), a non-intrusive technique, for rheological characterization based on analyzing flows of Carbopol solutions at two distinct concentrations and two different temperatures within a pipe. The velocity profiles obtained using LDV and the pressure drops associated with each flow rate were exploited to establish the behavioral law of aqueous Carbopol solutions. Two approaches were used: the first was an analytical velocity model to fit the experimental profile, and the second used the first derivative of the experimental velocity profile and the pressure drops to reconstruct the flow curve. In addition, a third reference characterization was carried out using a rotary rheometer equipped with a vane geometry. This study’s three rheological characterization methods showed excellent agreement concerning the Herschel–Bulkley model. Finally, all the laws resulting from these three methods were validated using an empirical law relating to Darcy’s coefficient of friction.
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies for fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials: A review on fabrication methods and process parameters
Authors: Ramesh Manickam , Niranjana Kanakaraj , Bhoopathi Ramasamy , Rajeshkumar Lakshminarasimhan
Published: September 2024

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has seen extensive exploitation in the research areas for the processing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). Existing reviews on AM have recommended either sustainable production methods or have introduced new processing methodologies. A relationship between materials used, manufacturing processes, process parameters, and their properties is essential in any manufacturing process. Accordingly, this review focuses on the manufacturing of FRPCs in relation to process parameters and properties of the polymer composites. Various studies dealt with the lightweight materials and parts that were manufactured through AM and which could retain the mechanical and other properties without compromising the strength and weight of the final product. The technologies involved in the major AM processes and the constituents used for the fabrication of FRPC parts, their advantages, and drawbacks are also deliberated. This review combines the material selection for AM technologies along with the choice of proper AM technique for printing FRPCs. This review further illustrates the recent research and technology that aims at embracing FRPCs into a circular economy. In summary, this review opens the door for new opportunities and for meeting challenges in the manufacturing of FRPCs by AM methodologies.
The crystal structure of 2,2,5-trimethyl-3-(4-(4-(5-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl)thiazol-2-yl)phenyl)imidazolidin-4-one, C24H24N4O2S
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhong Huihui , Guo Yan , Wu Linrun , Zhou Ting
Published: September 2024

C24H24N4O2S, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19) a = 5.6357(3) Å, b = 18.8798(11) Å, c = 20.0148(11) Å, V = 2129.6(2) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0668, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1724, T = 100(2) K.