bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Short- to Long-Term Effects of C-Section Delivery on Microbiome Establishment and Host Health
Authors: Ríos-Covian David , Langella Philippe , Martín Rebeca
Published: October 2021

The establishment of gut microbiota has been proven to be impacted by several factors during pregnancy, delivery, and neonate periods. The body of evidence describing C-section delivery (CSD) as one of the most disruptive events during early life has expanded in recent years, concluding that CSD results in a drastic change in microbiota establishment patterns. When comparing the gut microbiota composition of CSD babies with vaginally delivered (VD) babies, the former show a microbiome that closely resembles that found in the environment and the mother’s skin, while VD babies show a microbiome more similar to the vaginal microbiome. Although these alterations of normal gut microbiota establishment tend to disappear during the first months of life, they still affect host health in the mid–long term since CSD has been correlated with a higher risk of early life infections and non-transmissible diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, allergies, and metabolic diseases. In recent years, this phenomenon has also been studied in other mammals, shedding light on the mechanisms involved in the effects of a CSD on host health. In addition, strategies to revert the disruptions in gut microbiomes caused by a CSD are currently in the process of development and evaluation. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in CSD research, from the alteration of gut microbiota establishment to the possible effects on host health during early life and development.
Secreted Secondary Metabolites Reduce Bacterial Wilt Severity of Tomato in Bacterial–Fungal Co-Infections
Authors: Venkatesh Nandhitha , Koss Max J. , Greco Claudio , Nickles Grant , Wiemann Philipp , Keller Nancy P.
Published: October 2021

In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of plant disease in natural and agricultural ecosystems, it is essential to examine plant disease in multi-pathogen–host systems. Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici are vascular wilt pathogens that can result in heavy yield losses in susceptible hosts such as tomato. Although both pathogens occupy the xylem, the costs of mixed infections on wilt disease are unknown. Here, we characterize the consequences of co-infection with R. solanacearum and F. oxysporum using tomato as the model host. Our results demonstrate that bacterial wilt severity is reduced in co-infections, that bikaverin synthesis by Fusarium contributes to bacterial wilt reduction, and that the arrival time of each microbe at the infection court is important in driving the severity of wilt disease. Further, analysis of the co-infection root secretome identified previously uncharacterized secreted metabolites that reduce R. solanacearum growth in vitro and provide protection to tomato seedlings against bacterial wilt disease. Taken together, these results highlight the need to understand the consequences of mixed infections in plant disease.
Scalp Microbiome and Sebum Composition in Japanese Male Individuals with and without Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Suzuki Kazuhiro , Inoue Mizuna , Cho Otomi , Mizutani Rumiko , Shimizu Yuri , Nagahama Tohru , Sugita Takashi
Published: October 2021

The skin microbiome and sebum may be associated with inflammation-related diseases of the scalp. To assess the pathogenesis and progression of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), we analyzed the composition of sebum and the bacterial and fungal microbiomes of the scalps of 118 Japanese male individuals with and without AGA, then discussed their roles in the pathogenesis of AGA. Sebum triglyceride and palmitic acid contents were higher in the AGA group than in the non-AGA group. Malassezia restricta, a lipophilic fungus that consumes palmitic acid, was abundant on the scalps of patients with AGA. Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Staphylococcus were the most common genera in both groups, and patients with AGA exhibited scalp dysbiosis (increased abundance of Cutibacterium and decreased abundance of Corynebacterium). Our findings suggest that both sebum and the bacterial and fungal microbiomes of the scalp may be involved in the development of AGA.
Improving the UX for Users of Automated Shuttle Buses in Public Transport: Investigating Aspects of Exterior Communication and Interior Design
Authors: Riener Andreas , Schlackl Dominik , Malsam Julia , Huber Josef , Homm Benjamin , Kaczmar Marion , Kleitsch Iris , Megos Alina , Park Eunji , Sanverdi Gülsüm , Schmidt Sabrina , Bracaci Daniel , Anees Esha
Published: October 2021

As a precursor to future public transportation, automated shuttle buses can already be experienced in some test regions, but the general public still has reservations and may not yet be ready for this change. For example, the fact that such vehicles might operate independently (without a human driver) creates a barrier of uncertainty and mistrust among people. In this work, we aim to identify and classify the prevailing reservations and propose solutions. We followed the User Centered Design (UCD) process to design concepts that are specifically tailored to the needs of future public transport users. After related work analysis, on-site research, and pre-studies, two main studies were conducted specifically to address communication in the exterior (n = 24) and interior/service design (n = 21). For both studies, we applied a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative measures. Our results indicate that, in general, existing ways of communication in the exterior are insufficient to meet future needs. The two visualization concepts for external communication developed in this work were rated (significantly) better in most dimensions of the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), when compared to the baseline condition with no additional visualization. Furthermore, preferences among the study participants towards simple, highly visible, and well-known lighting concepts could be observed. As for the interior, the results show that participants rated attractiveness highly for the two design concepts (closer, further in the future) as compared to current, state-of-the-art solutions (automated buses currently in operation). For the “near future” concept, the pragmatic quality dominated, while in the other (the “far future”) concept the hedonic quality was in the foreground. From the results, design recommendations in different categories were derived, which reflect the general openness of the public towards new technologies and interior approaches, but also point out the importance for privacy and designated personal spaces inside an (automated) shuttle bus. Some of the results do not strictly apply to automated shuttle buses, and can serve as valuable suggestions for improving conventional shuttle buses.
Progressive Development and Challenges Faced by Solar Rotary Desiccant-Based Air-Conditioning Systems: A Review
Authors: Singh Ranjan Pratap , Das Ranadip K.
Published: October 2021

A rotary desiccant-based air-conditioning system is a heat-driven hybrid system which combines different technologies such as desiccant dehumidification, evaporative cooling, refrigeration, and regeneration. This system has an opportunity to utilize low-grade thermal energy obtained from the sun or other sources. In this paper, the basic principles and recent research developments related to rotary desiccant-based cooling systems are recalled and their applications and importance are summarized. It is shown that with novel system configurations and new desiccant materials, there is great potential for improving the performance and consistency of rotary desiccant systems; at the same time, the use of solar energy for regeneration purposes can minimize the operating cost to a great extent. Some examples are presented to demonstrate how rotary desiccant air conditioning can be a promising solution for replacing traditional vapor-compression air-conditioning systems. Recent advances and ongoing research related to solar-powered hybrid rotary desiccant cooling systems are also summarized. The hybrid systems make use of a vapor-compression system in order to have better operational flexibility. These systems, although they consume electrical energy, use solar energy as the principal source of energy, and hence, significant savings of premium energy can be obtained compared to conventional vapor-compression systems. However, further research and development are required in order to realize the sustainable operation of solar rotary desiccant air-conditioning systems, as solar energy is not steady. Reductions in capital cost and size, along with improvements in efficiency and reliability of the system is still needed for it to become a player in the market of air conditioning.
Environmental and Sustainability Analysis of a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Process for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Trucillo Paolo , Campardelli Roberta , De Marco Iolanda
Published: October 2021

Drug delivery systems (DDS) are artificial devices employed to enhance drug bioavailability during administration to a human body. Among DDS, liposomes are spherical vesicles made of an aqueous core surrounded by phospholipids. Conventional production methods are characterized by several drawbacks; therefore, Supercritical assisted Liposome formation (SuperLip) has been developed to overcome these problems. Considering that the use of high pressures involves high energy cost, in this paper, sustainability indicators were calculated to quantitatively evaluate the emissions related to the attainment of liposomes containing daunorubicin (a model antibiotic drug) using the SuperLip process. The indicators were depicted using a spider diagram to raise the actual weaknesses of this technique; some variations were proposed in the process layout to solve the critical issues. According to the literature, many studies related to the pharmaceutical industry are expressed in terms of solid, liquid waste, and toxic emissions; however, liposomes have never explicitly been considered for an analysis of environmental sustainability.
Temperature and Pressure Wireless Ceramic Sensor (Distance = 0.5 Meter) for Extreme Environment Applications
Authors: Daniel Justin , Nguyen Spencer , Chowdhury Md Atiqur Rahman , Xu Shaofan , Xu Chengying
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a design for temperature and pressure wireless sensors made of polymer-derived ceramics for extreme environment applications. The wireless sensors were designed and fabricated with conductive carbon paste on an 18.24 mm diameter with 2.4 mm thickness polymer-derived ceramic silicon carbon nitride (PDC-SiCN) disk substrate for the temperature sensor and an 18 × 18 × 2.6 mm silicon carbide ceramic substrate for the pressure sensor. In the experiment, a horn antenna interrogated the patch antenna sensor on a standard muffle furnace and a Shimadzu AGS-J universal test machine (UTM) at a wireless sensing distance of 0.5 m. The monotonic relationship between the dielectric constant of the ceramic substrate and ambient temperature is the fundamental principle for wireless temperature sensing. The temperature measurement has been demonstrated from 600 °C to 900 °C. The result closely matches the thermocouple measurement with a mean absolute difference of 2.63 °C. For the pressure sensor, the patch antenna was designed to resonate at 4.7 GHz at the no-loading case. The sensing mechanism is based on the piezo-dielectric property of the silicon carbon nitride. The developed temperature/pressure sensing system provides a feasible solution for wireless measurement for extreme environment applications.
Designing Safer Solvents to Replace Methylene Chloride for Liquid Chromatography Applications Using Thin-Layer Chromatography as a Screening Tool
Authors: Sharma Apekshya , Yu Evan , Morose Gregory , Nguyen David Trung , Chen Wan-Ting
Published: October 2021

Methylene chloride, commonly known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a widely used chemical for chromatography separation within the polymer, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. With the ability to effectively solvate heterocyclic compounds, and properties including a low boiling point, high density, and low cost, DCM has become the solvent of choice for many different applications. However, DCM has high neurotoxicity and is carcinogenic, with exposure linked to damage to the brain and the central nervous system, even at low exposure levels. This research focuses on sustainability and works towards finding safer alternative solvents to replace DCM in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The research was conducted with three active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) widely used in the pharmaceutical industry: acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to investigate if an alternative solvent or solvent blend could show comparable separation performance to DCM. The use of the Hansen Solubility Parameter (HSP) theory and solubility testing allowed for the identification of potential alternative solvents or solvent blends to replace DCM. HSP values for the three APIs were experimentally determined and used to identify safer solvents and blends that could potentially replace DCM. Safer solvents or binary solvent blends were down-selected based on their dissolution power, safety, and price. The down-selected solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate) and solvent blends were further evaluated using three chemical hazard classification approaches to find the best fitting nonhazardous replacement to DCM. Several safer solvent blends (e.g., mixtures composed of methyl acetate and ethyl acetate) with adequate TLC performance were identified. Results from this study are expected to provide guidance for identifying and evaluating safer solvents to separate APIs using chromatography.
Iterative Multivariate Peaks Fitting—A Robust Approach for The Analysis of Non-Baseline Resolved Chromatographic Peaks
Authors: Erny Guillaume Laurent , Moeenfard Marzieh , Alves Arminda
Published: October 2021

Selectivity in separation science is defined as the extent to which a method can determine the target analyte free of interference. It is the backbone of any method and can be enhanced at various steps, including sample preparation, separation optimization and detection. Significant improvement in selectivity can also be achieved in the data analysis step with the mathematical treatment of the signals. In this manuscript, we present a new approach that uses mathematical functions to model chromatographic peaks. However, unlike classical peak fitting approaches where the fitting parameters are optimized with a single profile (one-way data), the parameters are optimized over multiple profiles (two-way data). Thus, it allows high confidence and robustness. Furthermore, an iterative approach where the number of peaks is increased at each step until convergence is developed in this manuscript. It is demonstrated with simulated and real data that this algorithm is: (1) capable of mathematically separating each component with minimal user input and (2) that the peak areas can be accurately measured even with resolution as low as 0.5 if the peak’s intensities does not differ by more than a factor 10. This was conclusively demonstrated with the quantification of diterpene esters in standard mixtures.
Relative Training Load and Match Outcome: Are Professional Soccer Players Actually Undertrained during the In-Season?
Authors: Modric Toni , Jelicic Mario , Sekulic Damir
Published: October 2021

Previous studies examined training/match ratios (TMr) to determine the training load relative to the match load, but the influence of the relative training load (RTL) on success in soccer is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible influence of RTL on final match outcome in soccer (win, draw, and loss). Running performances (RP) of soccer players (n = 21) in the Croatian highest national soccer competition were analyzed during the season 2020–2021. Data were measured by the global positioning system in 14 official matches and 67 training sessions. RTL was assessed by TMr, which were calculated as the ratio of RP during training and match in the same week, evaluating the following measures: TDr (total distance ratio), LIDr (low-intensity distance ratio), RDr (running distance ratio), HIDr (high-intensity distance ratio), ACCr (total accelerations ratio), DECr (total decelerations ratio), HI-ACCr (high-intensity accelerations ratio), HI-DECr (high-intensity decelerations ratio). All TMr were examined separately for each training session within in-season microcycles (categorized as days before the match day, i.e., MD minus). Spearman correlations were used to identify association between match outcome and TMr. The results indicated negative associations between match outcome and TDr, LIDr, ACCr and DECr on MD-1 and MD-2). In contrast, positive associations were evidenced between match outcome, and HIDr on MD-3 and TDr, LIDr, ACCr and DECr on MD-5 (p < 0.05; all moderate correlations). These findings demonstrate that final match outcome in soccer was associated with greater RTL of (i) high-intensity running three days before the match, (ii) total and low-intensity running, accelerations and decelerations five days before the match, and (iii) lower RTL of total and low-intensity running, accelerations and decelerations one and two days before the match.
Sprinting Biomechanics and Hamstring Injuries: Is There a Link? A Literature Review
Authors: Kalema Rudy N. , Schache Anthony G. , Williams Morgan D. , Heiderscheit Bryan , Siqueira Trajano Gabriel , Shield Anthony J.
Published: October 2021

Hamstring strain injury (HSI) is a common and costly injury in many sports such as the various professional football codes. Most HSIs have been reported to occur during high intensity sprinting actions. This observation has led to the suggestion that a link between sprinting biomechanics and HSIs may exist. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence underpinning the potential link between sprinting biomechanics and HSIs. A structured search of the literature was completed followed by a risk of bias assessment. A total of eighteen studies were retrieved. Sixteen studies involved retrospective and/or prospective analyses, of which only three were judged to have a low risk of bias. Two other case studies captured data before and after an acute HSI. A range of biomechanical variables have been measured, including ground reaction forces, trunk and lower-limb joint angles, hip and knee joint moments and powers, hamstring muscle–tendon unit stretch, and surface electromyographic activity from various trunk and thigh muscles. Overall, current evidence was unable to provide a clear and nonconflicting perspective on the potential link between sprinting biomechanics and HSIs. Nevertheless, some interesting findings were revealed, which hopefully will stimulate future research on this topic.
Assessment of University Students on Online Remote Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: An Empirical Study
Authors: Jung Ji-Hee , Shin Jae-Ik
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting business, society, and education worldwide. In particular, it is an example of a non-face-to-face approach in commerce and education. As the pandemic has lasted for nearly two years in Korea, online remote learning has been held at universities for four semesters. There are learning management systems (LMSs) and real-time Zoom lectures for the types of online remote learning widely used at Korean universities, and students and professors are adapting with some difficulties due to the unfamiliar lecture environment. Assessment of students’ online remote learning is essential in reinforcing strengths and compensating for weaknesses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between online remote learning quality (system quality, information quality, and service quality), flow, and learner satisfaction, and the implications are presented. A survey was conducted on 182 university students, and the structural equation model of AMOS 21.0 was used to analyze the research hypothesis. The results of the empirical analysis were as follows. First, system quality, information quality, and service quality had a positive effect on flow. Second, system quality, information quality, and service quality had a positive effect on learner satisfaction. Third, flow had a positive effect on learner satisfaction. It seems that online remote learning in university is becoming a new normal. In conclusion, the implications and limitations of this study are presented.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and the Adrenal Gland: From Toxicity to Endocrine Disruption
Authors: Timokhina Ekaterina P. , Yaglov Valentin V. , Nazimova Svetlana V.
Published: October 2021

Endocrine disruptors are exogenous compounds that pollute the environment and have effects similar to hormones when inside the body. One of the most widespread endocrine disruptors in the wild is the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Toxic doses of DDT are known to cause cell atrophy and degeneration in the adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis. Daily exposure in a developing organism to supposedly non-toxic doses of DDT have been found to impair the morphogenesis of both the cortex and the medulla of the adrenal glands, as well as disturbing the secretion of hormones in cortical and chromaffin cells. Comparison of high and very low levels of DDT exposure revealed drastic differences in the morphological and functional changes in the adrenal cortex. Moreover, the three adrenocortical zones have different levels of sensitivity to the disruptive actions of DDT. The zona glomerulosa and zona reticularis demonstrate sensitivity to both high and very low levels of DDT in prenatal and postnatal periods. In contrast, the zona fasciculata is less damaged by low (supposedly non-toxic) exposure to DDT and its metabolites but is affected by toxic levels of exposure; thus, DDT exerts both toxic and disruptive effects on the adrenal glands, and sensitivity to these two types of action varies in adrenocortical zones. Disruptive low-dose exposure leads to more severe affection of the adrenal function.
Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites Are Associated with Biomarkers of Chronic Endocrine Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Adolescents: FLEHS-4 (2016–2020)
Authors: Verheyen Veerle , Remy Sylvie , Govarts Eva , Colles Ann , Rodriguez Martin Laura , Koppen Gudrun , Voorspoels Stefan , Bruckers Liesbeth , Bijnens Esmée , Vos Stijn , Morrens Bert , Coertjens Dries , De Decker Annelies , Franken Carmen , Den Hond Elly , Nelen Vera , Covaci Adrian , Loots Ilse , De Henauw Stefaan , Van Larebeke Nicolas , Teughels Caroline , Nawrot Tim , Schoeters Greet
Published: October 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants of public health concern. Multiple biological mechanisms have been hypothesized to contribute to PAHs-associated adverse health effects. Little is known about the impact of PAHs on endocrine stress and inflammation in adolescence. We examined 393 Flemish adolescents (14–15 years) cross-sectionally, measured urinary concentrations of hydroxylated naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene metabolites, and calculated the sum of all measured metabolites. We determined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as endocrine stress biomarker, leucocyte counts and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood as inflammatory biomarkers, and urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) concentration as oxidative stress biomarker. Exposure–response associations were analyzed by multiple regression, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. A doubling of 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was associated with a factor of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.24) increase in HCC and a factor of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.13) increase in 8-oxodG. Doublings of 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene concentrations were associated with a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12) increase in 8-oxodG, respectively. Doubling of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and of the sum of 2- and 3-hydroxyfluorene was associated with, respectively, a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.13) increase in NLR. Our results indicate the glucocorticoid pathway as a potential target for PAH exposure in adolescents and suggest oxidative stress, endocrine stress, and inflammation in adolescence as underlying mechanisms and early markers for PAH-related adverse health effects.
Levels of Phthalates, Bisphenol-A, Nonylphenol, and Microplastics in Fish in the Estuaries of Northern Taiwan and the Impact on Human Health
Authors: Lu I-Cheng , Chao How-Ran , Mansor Wan-Nurdiyana-Wan , Peng Chun-Wei , Hsu Yi-Chyun , Yu Tai-Yi , Chang Wei-Hsiang , Fu Lung-Ming
Published: October 2021

Due to the sparsity in knowledge, we investigated the presence of various estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EEDCs), including phthalates (PAEs), bisphenol-A (BPA), and nonylphenol (NP), as well as microplastics (MPs) in samples of the most widely consumed fish collected from different estuaries in northern Taiwan. We then proceeded to determine the likely contribution that this exposure has on the potential for health impacts in humans following consumption of the fish. Six hundred fish caught from five river estuaries (producing 130 pooled samples) were analyzed to determine how different factors (such as the river, benthic, pelagic, and migratory species) influence EEDCs’ contamination and the possible impacts on human health following typical consumption patterns. The predominant EEDCs was diethyl phthalates (DEP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalates (DEHP), and di-iso-nonylphthalate (DINP) in fish, present at 52.9 ± 77.3, 45.3 ± 79.8, and 42.5 ± 79.3 ng/g dry weight (d.w.), respectively. Residual levels of NP, BPA, and MPs in the fish were 17.4 ± 29.1 and 1.50 ± 2.20 ng/g d.w. and 0.185 ± 0.338 mg/g d.w., respectively. EEDCs and MPs levels varied widely among the five river estuaries sampled due, in part, to differences in habitat types and the associated diversity of fish species sampled. For DEP, the Lao-Jie River and pelagic environments produced the most severely contaminated fish species, respectively. DEP residues were also associated with the burden of MPs in the fish. Based on our analysis, we predict no substantial direct human health risk by EEDCs based on typical consumption rates of estuarine fish by the Taiwanese people. However, other sources of EEDC exposure cannot be ignored.
The Nuclear Matter Density Functional under the Nucleonic Hypothesis
Authors: Dinh Thi Hoa , Mondal Chiranjib , Gulminelli Francesca
Published: October 2021

A Bayesian analysis of the possible behaviors of the dense matter equation of state informed by recent LIGO-Virgo as well as NICER measurements reveals that all the present observations are compatible with a fully nucleonic hypothesis for the composition of dense matter, even in the core of the most massive pulsar PSR J0740+6620. Under the hypothesis of a nucleonic composition, we extract the most general behavior of the energy per particle of symmetric matter and density dependence of the symmetry energy, compatible with the astrophysical observations as well as our present knowledge of low-energy nuclear physics from effective field theory predictions and experimental nuclear mass data. These results can be used as a null hypothesis to be confronted with future constraints on dense matter to search for possible exotic degrees of freedom.
Analytical Solution and Quasi-Periodic Behavior of a Charged Dilaton Black Hole
Authors: Wang Ruifang , Gao Fabao
Published: October 2021

With the vast breakthrough brought by the Event Horizon Telescope, the theoretical analysis of various black holes has become more critical than ever. In this paper, the second-order asymptotic analytical solution of the charged dilaton black hole flow in the spinodal region is constructed from the perspective of dynamics by using the two-timing scale method. Through a numerical comparison with the original charged dilaton black hole system, it is found that the constructed analytical solution is highly consistent with the numerical solution. In addition, several quasi-periodic motions of the charged dilaton black hole flow are numerically obtained under different groups of irrational frequency ratios, and the phase portraits of the black hole flow with sufficiently small thermal parameter perturbation display good stability. Finally, the final evolution state of black hole flow over time is studied according to the obtained analytical solution. The results show that the smaller the integral constant of the system, the greater the periodicity of the black hole flow.
VEGF-B, VEGF-A, FLT-1, KDR, ERBB2, EGFR, GRB2, RAC1, CDH1 and HYAL-1 Genes Expression Analysis in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors and the Association with Tumor ClinicoPathological Parameters and Dog Breed Assessment
Authors: Sakalauskaitė Simona , Šaltenienė Violeta , Nikitina Darja , Ugenskienė Rasa , Riškevičienė Vita , Karvelienė Birutė , Juodžiukynienė Nomeda
Published: October 2021

Canine mammary gland tumors (CMTs) are one of the most prevalent cancers in dogs and a good model for human breast cancer (BC), however gene expression analysis of CMTs is scarce. Although divergence of genes expression has been found in BC of different human races, no such research of different dog’s breeds has been done. The purpose of this study was to investigate expression of the VEGF-B, VEGF-A, FLT-1, KDR, ERBB2, EGFR, GRB2, RAC1, CDH1 and HYAL-1 genes of canine mammary carcinomas, compare the expression levels with clinicopathological parameters and analyze expression disparities between different breeds. Carcinomas and adjacent tissues were collected from female dogs to perform routine histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We found that VEGF-B and EGFR genes were overexpressed in the mammary gland carcinomas compared to adjacent tissue. VEGF-B gene expression had associations with different parameters (tumor size, grade, and absence of metastasis). Furthermore, differences in VEGF-B, FLT1, ERBB2, GRB2, RAC1, CDH1 and HYAL-1 genes expression have been found in different breed dogs (German Shepherd, Yorkshire Terrier) and mixed-breed dogs indicating that a dog’s breed could determine a molecular difference, outcome of cancer and should be accounted as a confounding factor in the future gene expression research.
Evaluation of Infrared Thermography for the Detection of Footrot and White Line Disease Lesions in Dairy Sheep
Authors: Gelasakis Athanasios I. , Kalogianni Aphrodite I. , Moschovas Marios , Tsimpouri Eirini , Pnevmatikos Theodoros , Bossis Ioannis , Arsenos Georgios , Simitzis Panagiotis
Published: October 2021

The objectives of this study were to investigate temperature distribution at the sheep hoof and evaluate the reliability and diagnostic performance of infrared thermography (IRT) for the detection of footrot and white line disease (WLD) lesions in intensively reared dairy sheep. Hoof lesions were clinically assessed, and IRT was used to measure temperature distribution on hoof superficial tissue in 600 multiparous ewes. Binary regression models were developed and validated, and receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated to assess the predictive value and diagnostic performance of IRT for the detection of hoof lesions. The most sensitive prediction model for the detection of IFR was based on the difference between ambient and hoof heel temperature (sensitivity: 83.3%, specificity: 47.8%, and threshold value: 6.5 °C), whereas the most specific prediction model was based on the difference between ambient and coronary band temperature (sensitivity: 51.9%, specificity: 79.7%, and threshold value: 11.3 °C). In the case of WLD, the diagnostic performance of IRT had limited predictive value. IRT could be a useful tool for hoof health screening in dairy sheep. However, it must be cautiously adapted in cases where environmental, operating, and operator variables are not effectively controlled.
Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės rusėniški regionai – tarp Rytų ir Vidurio rytų Europos
Authors: Jurkevičius Andrius
Published: October 2021

ANNOTATION. It is said in historiography that when the core lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania became Christian in 1387, the Europeanisation process started in the state. But little account is taken of the differences between its political nucleus and the peripheral regions, which consisted of Ruthenian lands. The article investigates whether the Europeanisation process in the Ruthenian lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania really started after 1387. It also aims to find out which European region or regions those lands could be assigned to. For this, it seeks to clarify in the article how Europe was understood in the 13th to 16th centuries, and what kind of changes took place in the Ruthenian lands of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during that time. KEYWORDS: Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Kievan Rus’, Europe, Europeanisation, westernisation.
Romos katalikų dvasininkų tarnybos prasižengimų samprata ir praktika Šiaurės vakarų krašte (po 1863–1864 m. sukilimo – iki XX a. pradžios)
Authors: Žaltauskaitė Vilma
Published: October 2021

ANNOTATION. This article analyses the concept of the official misconduct of the Roman
Catholic clergy in the sphere of the civil authorities in the so-called Northwest region (which comprised the dioceses of Vilnius and Samogitia [Telšiai]) in the decades from the Uprising uf 1863–1864 to the beginning of the 20th century. It also dwells on the legal situation of Catholic clergymen, and the practice of their punishment that developed after the January Uprising. A more detailed inquiry into the ways clergymen were punished for their official misconduct is aimed at disclosing not only the attitude of the civil government towards the clergy, but also the social standing of the clergymen in the society of those times, and the attitude towards their duties.

KEYWORDS: Roman Catholic clergy, Russian Empire, dioceses of Samogitia (Telšiai) and
Vilnius, official misconduct.
Current problems of healthy working conditions and prevention of health disorders of agricultural mechanizers during the operation of self-propelled grain harvesters
Authors: Novikova Tamara Anatolievna , Spirin Vladimir Fedorovich
Published: October 2021

The prevention of work-related health disorders is a priority in hygiene and preventive medicine. However, little attention has yet been paid to occupational health issues for agricultural workers. The purpose of this research was to assess the current state and develop measures to improve working conditions during the operation of self-propelled combine harvesters, the most widely represented in the existing machine and tractor fleet of agriculture in Russia. Measurements and hygienic assessment of the parameters of the factors of the production environment and the labor process in real production conditions have been carried out. The research results showed that the working conditions on self-propelled combine harvesters are characterized by a complex effect on workers of unfavorable factors (dustiness of the air in the working area, microclimatic discomfort, noise, general and local vibration, physical and sensory-emotional overload), the levels of which to varying degrees exceed hygienic standards. (classes 3.1–3.4). It has been established that the main reason for the formation of harmful working conditions is the operation of morally and physically worn out equipment. It is shown that the impact of an unfavorable production environment can serve as a risk factor for the emergence and development of general and occupational pathology among agricultural machine operators. A set of measures has been developed to ensure safe working conditions and reduce the risk of health disorders for machine operators, including normalizing the microclimate, reducing noise, vibration, dustiness in the air in the working area, optimizing the working posture, and introducing rational modes of work and rest. However, the basic measure that minimizes the adverse impact of professionally determined production factors on the health of agricultural machine operators is the complete replacement of the outdated machine and tractor fleet with agricultural machinery of new generations and compliance with the terms of its operation.
Soft power and information policy
Authors: Kostina Anna Vladimirovna
Published: October 2021

The ability of the mass communication culture to produce certain images and influence the consciousness of the masses in a certain way indicates that values, archetypes, and symbols affect national security just as much as economics and politics. The author shows that the reliance on the mechanisms of culture is the basis of the tools of "soft power", which has become an integral part of modern international politics. The article explores the etymology of the «soft power» concept and demonstrates that it was first put into practice in 1990 by Joseph Nye, a political scientist and professor at Harvard University, in Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power and later described in the 2004 book Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. The article shows that «soft power» acts as a form of foreign policy strategy, which involves the rejection of coercion and is based on the voluntary acceptance of the image of any of the countries participating in world politics and business relations, based on their attractiveness. The most powerful tools of «soft power» are language and culture. The article demonstrates how the mass communication media act as a factor in the formation of mass consciousness, showing the ability to act as a tool of «soft power» and outright disinformation. The materials of the article can be useful for students and teachers in the field of Advertising and Public Relations.
Scientific journals of Russia and the activities of international would-be scientific network structures
Authors: Reznik Yuriy Mikhailovich
Published: October 2021

The paper deals with the problem of network dependence of Russian news magazines and the actual dictates of international network structures (Scopus, WOS, etc.) that set their own requirements for their content and quality. The latter influence not only the scientific rating of journals, but also the publishing policy of their publications. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the rules of the game imposed by them have been adopted by the country's state authorities and, first of all, by the Ministry of science and higher education of the Russian Federation, which has tightened the requirements for reports of scientific and educational institutions, as well as researchers and teachers, including mandatory publications in Scopus and other international databases. Despite the efforts made by the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the leadership of higher education institutions, Russian science was dependent on these structures, which began to determine the directions and priorities of its development, including selecting the subject and language of journal publications. The scientific community of Russia is faced with the task of protecting the interests of journal editors and protecting the right of authors to Express their own scientific position and the ability to present publications in their native language.
Effect of Percussion and Postural Drainage Positions on Cardiovascular and Respiratory Parameters
Authors: Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Adedoyin Rufus A , Orijajogun O O , Uloko A E
Published: October 2021

Background of the study: There are different drainage positions for different lobes of the lungs but most studies on the effect of postural drainage and percussion on cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory are old and also inconclusive.

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of postural drainage positions and percussion in prone lying with foot of bed raised to 45cm and right side lying with 45 degree turn on to the face on cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (RR) and respiratory rate (RR).

Method: Forty subjects (20 males and females each) participated in the study and they were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 10 participants in each group. The cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured at sitting (pre-positioning), mid and postpositioning after 15 minutes. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistic.

Results: The results showed that percussion significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure (F = 3.15; P < 0.05) while the respiratory rate was increased significantly (F= 5.40; p < 0.05) when the subjects were in prone lying position. The result also showed that the systolic blood pressure and the respiratory rate increased significantly (F=I.26; p < 0.05) and (F=7.18; p
Quandary of Cognition vs. Affection: Exploring the Role of Dynamic Assessment in EFL Learners’ Writing Skill and Motivation
Authors: Jalilzadeh Kaveh , Qorbani Shahryar , Yeganehpour Parisa
Published: October 2021

Any policy that aims to solve the challenges of language teaching and learning must include language assessment research. Language assessment has shown a lot of development in terms of the scientific implications of assessing language capacity for the purposes of advising judgments about people and reviewing language programs (Bachman, 2000). The aim of this research was to look into the relationship between using Dynamic Assessment methods and the writing skill of Iranian EFL students, as well as the impact of DA on student motivation. Secondary school male students from Teheran’s “Mofid” private high school were chosen to participate in this study to accomplish this goal. A general proficiency test (PET) was provided to all participants, which classified them into five levels. The listed exam leveled pre-intermediate students, who were then split into two classes. They were almost equal in terms of scores, materials, and ages. After reviewing and scrutinizing students’ pretests for the required pre-existing information and techniques, resources were provided to the experimental community in the form of mediation pages, instructor explanations, and constructive input. Correspondingly, to determine the impact of the Dynamic Assessment procedure used in this study on students’ motivation and attitude, a Persianlanguage version of the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) was provided to secondary school students studying English as a foreign language, which included each scale mentioned in the’ AMTB item key document (R. C. Gardner, 2004). After ten sessions of treatment, patients were given a post-test that was similar to the pre-test but with new content to see whether DA had any impact on them. The findings revealed that there was no statistically important difference between the Pre and Post-test results. As a result, it was determined that the null hypothesis had not been denied. The findings of the motivation test, on the other hand, revealed that the correlation between pre and post-test was important and that DA had a positive impact on participant motivation.
The Perspectives of Academicians on Academic Jealousy
Authors: Bayar Adem , Koca Mehmet
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research is to determine the reasons for academic jealousy experienced in universities and to reveal possible solutions to reduce academic jealousy. This research has been carried out in the framework of the qualitative research approach. The study group of this research consists of 8 academicians working at xxx University for the 2020-2021 education year. A semi-structured interview form has been used as a data collection tool in the research. Academicians’ perceptions of academic jealousy are defined under two headings as individual jealousy and institutional jealousy. The participants’ thoughts on the causes of academic jealousy are incompetence, inner failure, competition, and personal reasons. To reduce academic jealousy, the participants have offered the following solutions: policy-science culture, encouragement-cooperation, primary school education, competence, and sanction. The researchers have concluded that unless academic jealousy ends up or reduce, universities will lose high-quality academicians as time goes by.
Usability Evaluation of E-textbooks by EFL Teachers
Authors: Soruç Mustafa , Gündüz Şemseddin
Published: October 2021

Electronic textbooks (e-textbooks) provide great convenience to teachers and students in both being activity-oriented and having more than one media in it. Especially during the COVID-19, e-textbooks have become much more important than any other time for the effective teaching of online courses. Therefore, many publishers rearranged e-textbook versions of their printed publications in Turkey. Regarding human-computer interaction, making the usability tests of these e-textbooks will give ideas to e-textbook content developers. Thus, three of these e-textbooks were carefully analysed for this research. They are the products of Kurmay, Speed Up and YDS publishing houses. The study was carried out with seven voluntary English teachers who teach 8th grades, work at the Ministry of Turkish National Education and have at least 3 years of teaching experience. Due to the pandemic, the sessions were held online by using the ‘Zoom Meetings’, which is an online meeting software. The usability was analysed according to effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction principles of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). At the end of the test, it was observed that the usability of Reading Alley and Marathon Plus e-textbooks were high and the usability of Speed Up was very high.
The Impact of Practicum on Pre-Service EFL Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs: First Step into Professionalism
Authors: Eğinli İlknur , Solhi Mehdi
Published: October 2021

This study sought to investigate changes in pre-service EFL teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs before and after the practicum experience at school. The data were collected using the same 24-item teacher sense of efficacy (TSE) scale. Three null hypotheses were formulated based on the subcategories of self-efficacy in the study (i.e., self-efficacy in student engagement, self-efficacy in applying instructional strategies, and self-efficacy in classroom management). The Wilcoxonsigned rank test runs on the pre-practicum and post-practicum results suggested that the null hypothesis that practicum would not bring about any change in student engagement should be rejected. According to the second null hypothesis, there would be no significant difference between pre-service EFL teachers’ pre-practicum and post-practicum self-efficacy in applying instructional strategies. Results indicated that we should reject the second null hypothesis, too, implying that pre-service teachers’ scores in this construct have also been significantly different from each other in the pretest and the posttest. The last hypothesis of interest was if pre-service EFL teachers’ selfefficacy in classroom management changes due to practicum experience. The data gathered implies that we should reject this hypothesis, possibly in favor of the premise that our practicing pre-service EFL teachers have made positive gains in their classroom management ability. If we compare the obtained results based on the effect sizes that we have calculated for them, although all of them are strong effect sizes, we can say that the pre-service EFL teachers’ self-efficacy has improved first in classroom management (r = 0.77), second in applying instructional strategies (r = 0.71), and third in student engagement (r = 0.622). The findings of the study are discussed in the light of implications to the language teacher education programs and the development of practicum experience.