bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment of advanced oxidation processes in the degradation of a textile dye mixture: evaluation of reaction parameters, kinetic study, toxicity and modeling by artificial neural networks
Authors: Oliveira Marcos André Soares de , Neves Naiana Santos da Cruz Santana , Santana Rayany Magali da Rocha , Lucena Alex Leandro Andrade de , Zaidan Léa Elias Mendes Carneiro , Cavalcanti Vanessa De Oliveira Marques , Silva Gilson Lima da , Napoleão Daniella Carla
Published: April 2021

Organic contaminants in industrial effluents threaten the quality of water resources, especially due to their resistance to natural degradation. The textile industry gain relevance, considering that it generates large volumes. This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different advanced oxidation processes (AOP) for the degradation of the mixture textile dyes in solution. After optimization of the main parameters involved in the applied processes and systems, the AOP with greater efficiency in the degradation of the compounds was the photo-Fenton/UV-C (92%) after 360 min of treatment. The experimental data showed a better fit to the Chan and Chu kinetic model and trough an evaluation using artificial neural networks it was possible to predict the maximum degradation achievable by the dye mixture. The toxicity assays, using multiple species of seeds indicated a treated solution with no toxic effects and that the applied methodology can be used without affecting the water resources.
A survey on the process of knowledge representation of the small banana farmers (Musa spp.) in Mangaratiba, RJ
Authors: Jorge Emanuele Nunes de Lima Figueiredo , Thode Filho Sérgio , Farias Cláudio Miceli de
Published: April 2021

The banana, the world's most widely produced and commercialized fruit, is grown in all tropical regions of the world, being strongly present in local businesses and subsistence crops serving as an important source of nutrients for the poorest populations. In the state of Rio de Janeiro it is commonly found in hillside and difficult access areas, where most other crops would not be able to settle and, because of this, is grown with inadequate management or insufficient, resulting in low productivity in the areas of Rio de Janeiro. The objective of the present work is to carry out a survey of smallholder information from the Vale do Rio Sahy Association in Mangaratiba, RJ, to enable the representation of knowledge in this domain. From the data collected in this research, it was realized that producers have been engaged in this activity for a long time. However, it was found that the knowledge used to production is extremely tacit, without systematization. The variety of banana species (Musa spp.) grown in the production area of the association's small farmers. The knowledge transfer process knowledge to the knowledge base of an expert system is called knowledge acquisition, where it involves extract all the knowledge from the source of the specialists to systematically represent in a coded form the domain information in an appropriate medium. It was observed, even if preliminarily, that this knowledge are not represented in a database for consultation. Thus, there is a need to define human expertise or producers capable of representing in a technological way data that can be conveniently accessed for Problem solving. In view of the evidence presented in the research, the use of representation of human knowledge (small local producers) to feed and train the system according to the domain presented. Thus, enabling the prototype to help understand climate and soil variables and collaborate in decision making.
Analysis of the strategies for the commercialization of electric energy of generating agents in the short term environment
Authors: Mendonça Anny Key de Souza , Silva Silvio Aparecido da , Pereira Luísa Zeredo , Bornia Antonio Cezar , Andrade Dalton Francisco de
Published: April 2021

The development of the electric energy market has gained visibility due to the recent transformations in energy policies in Brazil and worldwide. For many years, investments were not made in the Brazilian electricity sector, causing a delay in the energy matrix. With this, the government implemented measures for structural and institutional reforms in the electricity sector with the objective of guaranteeing the expansion of the generating park, attracting private investment, and promoting market competition. The restructuring of the electricity sector led to the emergence of new ways to negotiate energy, new structures and entities, with the objective of increasing transparency, competitiveness and efficiency among market agents. In the new model of the Brazilian Electricity Sector (SEB), energy trading is carried out through two contracting environments, the Regulated Contracting Environment (ACR) and the Free Contracting Environment (ACL). This research analyzes the electric energy commercialization strategies through generation agents acting and competing in the short-term energy market, through the use of competitiveness graphs.
Energy price indices and discount factors for life-cycle cost analysis :
Authors: Lavappa Priya D , Kneifel Joshua D
Published: April 2021

This is the 2021 edition of energy price indices and discount factors for performing life-cycle cost analyses of energy and water conservation and renewable energy projects in federal facilities. It will be effective from the publication date to the publication of the 2022 edition. This publication supports the federal life-cycle costing methodology described in 10 CFR 436A and OMB Circular A-94 by updating the energy price projections and discount factors that are described, explained, and illustrated in NIST Handbook 135 (HB 135, Life-Cycle Costing Manual for the Federal Energy Management Program.)
L’ÉCRITURE ET LE PHÉNOMÈNE POPULISTE
Authors: Inkel Stéphane
Published: April 2021

La littérature québécoise contemporaine, comme celle d’ailleurs, prolonge en son
sein nombre de litiges non résolus. Cet article voudrait soutenir qu’il existe aujourd’hui
ce que la théorie politique appelle un « moment populiste », que la littérature cherche à
cerner et à harnacher pour en déployer la logique propre. Si la philosophe Chantal Mouffe
insiste sur la nécessité de garder la conflictualité fondamentale des rapports humains à
l’intérieur des limites de l’espace démocratique, elle souligne également l’importance de
« l’investissement libidinal » dans les processus d’identifications politiques. Dressant une
véritable cartographie des frontières sociales et politiques, l’oeuvre de Lise Tremblay nous
servira de guide dans l’interrogation de ces espaces conflictuels. Il s’agira ensuite
d’analyser les figures d’intercesseur que cette oeuvre, de même que certaines oeuvres de
Maude Veilleux et d’Erika Soucy, mettent en scène afin de brouiller, voire in-déterminer, la
ligne de partage constitutive des identités sociales et politiques. Des oeuvres capables
d’interroger, depuis cette place intermédiaire, ambivalente et bien souvent inconfortable,
le principe d’identification à l’oeuvre au sein des communautés représentées.
ENTRE CATASTROPHISME ET EUPHORIE : L’ÉVASION D’ARTHUR OU LA COMMUNE
D’HOCHELAGA DE SIMON LEDUC
Authors: Godin Louis-Daniel
Published: April 2021

Ne reconnaissant plus spontanément la légitimité d’un tiers au nom duquel sacrifier
une part de leur jouissance, les individus accéderaient plus difficilement à l’ordre
symbolique, autrement dit à la subjectivation, à la socialisation, voire à la solidarité :
c’est l’analyse du contemporain partagée par Jean-Pierre Lebrun et Dany-Robert Dufour, dans
une perspective qui allie la psychanalyse et la philosophie politique. À partir de cette
prémisse, il s’agira dans cet article d’analyser le roman de Simon Leduc, L’évasion
d’Arthur ou la commune d’Hochelaga, en présentant la logique selon laquelle cette
tension entre l’autorité et la démocratie, entre le passé et le présent, se déploie. Prenant
le parti de l’ironie, le roman explore la conflictualité propre à cette tension, sans la
résoudre. La présente analyse soutient que l’écriture — celle qui est mise en scène, mais
aussi celle que le texte suppose — se présente comme une résolution partielle, donnant à
lire le texte comme un espace démocratique où le langage fait figure et fonction de
tiers.
SANGLANTES TRILOGIES
Authors: Galmiche-Essue Julia
Published: April 2021

À première vue, tout semble opposer Volkswagen Blues de Jacques Poulin (1984) et L’amour, la fantasia d’Assia Djebar (1985). Volkswagen Blues est avant tout fictionnel alors que L’amour, la fantasia est souvent décrit comme autobiographique, à la colonisation symbolique du Québécois répondant la colonisation réelle subie par l’Algérienne. Les deux oeuvres sont pourtant caractérisées par une triple fragmentation Histoire-fiction, écrit-oral, masculin-féminin, qui conceptualise dans l’espace romanesque la tension entre dominées et dominants. Au(x) il(s) de l’Histoire officielle fait écho le je féminin, la subjectivité du sujet parlant dans l’acte de langage permettant de remettre en cause un discours donné comme objectif. Cet article vise à analyser la manière dont la structure narrative adoptée permet de faire ressortir l’union de deux réalités en apparence opposées, celle des populations autochtones d’Amérique du Nord d’un côté et celle des Algériens de l’autre, mais aussi de comparer deux visions du monde antithétiques : masculin-féminin, synchronique-diachronique, textuelle-visuelle.
Jacques Rabemananjara, ou les formes poétiques d’une identité malgache transfigurée
Authors: Shango Lokoho Tumba
Published: April 2021

Jacques Rabemananjara, tout en pratiquant à l’occasion le verset et le vers libre, s’est emparé du sonnet pour en faire le véhicule de sa redéfinition d’une identité malgache. Loin d’une opposition simpliste entre des formes occidentales et d’autres qui seraient proprement malgaches, l’auteur semble en effet distinguer une poésie politique plus « libre » et une poésie amoureuse régulée par la métrique occidentale. L’examen d’un recueil en vers libres (Antsa) et d’un recueil de sonnets (Les Ordalies) permet de redéfinir le parcours d’un poète qui renégocie sans cesse sa relation à la forme.
Native Guard, de Natasha Trethewey : écrire un pan oublié de l’histoire
noire-américaine
Authors: Vuong Thomas
Published: April 2021

Dans Native Guard, Natasha Trethewey (née en 1966) dépeint la Guerre de
Sécession depuis le point de vue d’esclaves affranchis et enrôlés dans l’armée de l’Union,
de manière à interroger la nature de cette liberté nouvelle, qui n’efface aucunement les
préjudices anciens et reflète les rapports de domination tels qu’ils existent encore aux
États-Unis. Elle emploie pour ce faire une version assouplie de la couronne de sonnets, ce
qui lui permet de constituer une trame narrative rassemblant des fragments subjectifs, tout
en s’appropriant un héritage mixte, à la fois spécifiquement noir et résolument
nord-américain.
Le paradoxe négritudien dans Les Quatrains du dégoût de Bernard Zadi Zaourou : formes, images et figures
Authors: Houessou Dorgelès
Published: April 2021

La poétique de Bernard Zadi Zaourou, d’inspiration diverse, s’est nourrie aussi bien à la négritude, notamment au style césairien, qu’à l’orature traditionnelle du terroir bété dont il est originaire. Dans Les Quatrains du dégoût (2008), la violation formelle de son registre poétique usuel suggère la désillusion du poète quant à l’espérance en l’homme noir en particulier et en l’humanité en général. Cet article analyse le choix stylistique d’une forme contraignante – le quatrain – en porte-à-faux avec la poétique habituelle de l’auteur et ses relations avec la question de l’identité noire. Il en ressort un paradoxe structurel, non seulement dans l’usage d’une forme fixe, longtemps tenu pour une gageure au regard du rythme de l’oralité négro-africaine, mais aussi dans l’expression d’une forme de blâme au sujet de l’homme noir, accompagné d’un implicite coup d’oeil accusateur contre l’Occident corrupteur.
The Penetanguishene Decision
Authors: Malcomson Thomas
Published: April 2021

His Majesty’s Naval Establishment for Lake Huron has been portrayed as deriving from a decisive decision, in the wake of the War of 1812, that resulted in a significant, active naval yard being developed on the shores of Penetanguishene Bay. This picture ignores the earlier plans for its development, and the protracted period of indecision that marked its beginning. Once built, the potentially significant establishment was rendered impotent through a continuous series of reductions that left a handful of men in charge of five decaying vessels in ordinary.
De l’analyse de l’activité aux analyses didactiques : une recherche participative
Authors: Brière Fabienne , Espinassy Laurence
Published: April 2021

Cet article porte sur une recherche participative destinée à comprendre, accompagner et favoriser la mise en oeuvre de l’évaluation par compétences au cycle 3 au sein d’un réseau d’éducation prioritaire renforcé. La recherche s’inscrit dans le cadre théorique et méthodologique de l’analyse ergonomique de l’activité des enseignants dans leur milieu de travail et s’enrichit d’une analyse didactique visant à identifier les savoirs en circulation reliés aux outils mis en place dans l’évaluation par compétences. L’analyse des résultats montre que les dispositifs d’évaluation et leur(s) usage(s) se caractérisent par le recours massif aux ressources extérieures, la construction chronophage de nouveaux outils, la valorisation des compétences comportementales et transversales au détriment des savoirs disciplinaires. La difficulté à établir une continuité dans le parcours des élèves en raison de cultures professionnelles différentes et de prescriptions parfois dissonantes entre écoles-collège-réseau est manifeste. La discussion interroge les conditions de mise en oeuvre des prescriptions relatives à l’évaluation par compétences ainsi que l’articulation des approches ergonomiques et didactiques au sein d’une recherche participative.
Construire le sentiment d’auto-efficacité par l’analyse de l’activité centrée sur les schèmes. Expérimentation d’une formation à l’éthique auprès des infirmières au Liban
Authors: Khawand Ayle Ghada , Saadeh Danielle
Published: April 2021

Dans un contexte général de complexité grandissante des enjeux éthiques inhérents aux pratiques en santé, les professionnels de santé et spécifiquement les infirmières se trouvent contraints de suivre ces mutations en termes d’évolution des compétences et de capacitation éthique. La recherche présentée dans cet article est la suivante : dans le cadre de la formation à l’éthique, les infirmières, bénéficiant d’une formation basée sur l’analyse de l’activité centrée sur les schèmes qui gouvernent les comportements éthiques, verraient leur niveau d’auto-efficacité relatif aux comportements éthiques augmenter. Les résultats présentés ici pourraient amener plusieurs contributions au regard des pratiques pédagogiques et servir la formation et spécifiquement la formation des infirmières à l’éthique en santé.
Discours d’en haut et discours d’en bas. Représentations de l’altérité autochtone et lieux communs revisités
Authors: Deslandres Dominique
Published: April 2021

Afin d’étudier les représentations françaises de la Huronie et des Hurons dans les textes anciens, je souligne d’abord l’envers de la construction discursive jésuite, grâce à l’analyse de « la vision de l’intérieur » offerte par l’abondante correspondance de Marie de l’Incarnation, la fondatrice des Ursulines de Québec. Puis, afin d’éviter les pièges de l’hétérohistoire, je change de perspective et, en confrontant la parole d’en bas à celle d’en haut, je tente de reconsidérer les lieux communs du complexe discursif et imaginaire qui perpétuent les divisions.
Distinct neuronal populations contribute to trace conditioning and extinction learning in the hippocampal CA1
Authors: Mount Rebecca A , Sridhar Sudiksha , Hansen Kyle R , Mohammed Ali I , Abdulkerim Moona , Kessel Robb , Nazer Bobak , Gritton Howard J , Han Xue
Published: April 2021

Trace conditioning and extinction learning depend on the hippocampus, but it remains unclear how neural activity in the hippocampus is modulated during these two different behavioral processes. To explore this question, we performed calcium imaging from a large number of individual CA1 neurons during both trace eye-blink conditioning and subsequent extinction learning in mice. Our findings reveal that distinct populations of CA1 cells contribute to trace conditioned learning versus extinction learning, as learning emerges. Furthermore, we examined network connectivity by calculating co-activity between CA1 neuron pairs and found that CA1 network connectivity patterns also differ between conditioning and extinction, even though the overall connectivity density remains constant. Together, our results demonstrate that distinct populations of hippocampal CA1 neurons, forming different sub-networks with unique connectivity patterns, encode different aspects of learning.
The essential role of Dnmt1 in gametogenesis in the large milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Washington Joshua T , Cavender Katelyn R , Amukamara Ashley U , McKinney Elizabeth C , Schmitz Robert J , Moore Patricia J
Published: April 2021

Given the importance of DNA methylation in protection of the genome against transposable elements and transcriptional regulation in other taxonomic groups, the diversity in both levels and patterns of DNA methylation in the insects raises questions about its function and evolution. We show that the maintenance DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1, affects meiosis and is essential to fertility in milkweed bugs,Oncopeltus fasciatus, while DNA methylation is not required in somatic cells. Our results support the hypothesis thatDnmt1is required for the transition of germ cells to gametes inO. fasciatusand that this function is conserved in male and female gametogenesis. They further suggest that DNMT1 has a function independent of DNA methylation in germ cells. Our results raise thequestion as to how a gene that is so critical to fitness across multiple insect species is able to diverge widely across the insect tree of life.
A genetic screen identifies new steps in oocyte maturation that enhance proteostasis in the immortal germ lineage
Authors: Samaddar Madhuja , Goudeau Jérôme , Sanchez Melissa , Hall David H , Bohnert K Adam , Ingaramo Maria , Kenyon Cynthia
Published: April 2021

Somatic cells age and die, but the germ-cell lineage is immortal. InCaenorhabditis elegans, germline immortality involves proteostasis renewal at the beginning of each new generation, when oocyte maturation signals from sperm trigger the clearance of carbonylated proteins and protein aggregates. Here, we explore the cell biology of this proteostasis renewal in the context of a whole-genome RNAi screen. Oocyte maturation signals are known to trigger protein-aggregate removal via lysosome acidification. Our findings suggest that lysosomes are acidified as a consequence of changes in endoplasmic reticulum activity that permit assembly of the lysosomal V-ATPase, which in turn allows lysosomes to clear the aggregates via microautophagy. We define two functions for mitochondria, both of which appear to be independent of ATP generation. Many genes from the screen also regulate lysosome acidification and age-dependent protein aggregation in the soma, suggesting a fundamental mechanistic link between proteostasis renewal in the germline and somatic longevity.
Molecular tracking devices quantify antigen distribution and archiving in the murine lymph node
Authors: Walsh Shannon M , Sheridan Ryan M , Lucas Erin D , Doan Thu A , Ware Brian C , Schafer Johnathon , Fu Rui , Burchill Matthew A , Hesselberth Jay R , Tamburini Beth Ann Jiron
Published: April 2021

The detection of foreign antigens in vivo has relied on fluorescent conjugation or indirect read-outs such as antigen presentation. In our studies, we found that these widely used techniques had several technical limitations that have precluded a complete picture of antigen trafficking or retention across lymph node cell types. To address these limitations, we developed a ‘molecular tracking device’ to follow the distribution, acquisition, and retention of antigen in the lymph node. Utilizing an antigen conjugated to a nuclease-resistant DNA tag, acting as a combined antigen-adjuvant conjugate, and single-cell mRNA sequencing, we quantified antigen abundance in the lymph node. Variable antigen levels enabled the identification of caveolar endocytosis as a mechanism of antigen acquisition or retention in lymphatic endothelial cells. Thus, these molecular tracking devices enable new approaches to study dynamic tissue dissemination of antigen-adjuvant conjugates and identify new mechanisms of antigen acquisition and retention at cellular resolution in vivo.
The influence of social power on neural responses to emotional conflict
Authors: Ma Xueling , Zhang Entao
Published: April 2021

Background

Major power theories assume that social power can play an important role in an individual’s goal-related behaviors. However, the specific psychological mechanisms through which this occurs remain unclear. Some studies suggested that having power enhanced individuals’ goal-related behaviors, by contrast, other studies suggested that low-power individuals were associated with a greater performance in goal-directed tasks. We were particularly interested in how social power changes individuals’ goal-related behaviors during an emotional face-word Stroop task.

Method

Social power was primed by asking participants to recall a past situation in which they were in a position of power (high-power individuals), or a situation in which they were lacking power (low-power individuals). Afterward, participants were asked to complete an emotional face-word Stroop task. In the task, words representing specific emotions were written in a prominent red color across a face, and these words and facial expressions were either congruent or incongruent. The participant’s task was to judge the emotion of the face while ignoring the red emotional words.

Results

Our behavioral data showed that these individuals displayed faster reaction time and better accuracy in congruent conditions, slower reaction time for fearful faces and worse accuracy for happy faces in both incongruent and congruent conditions. The event-related potential analyses showed that, compared with low-power individuals, high-power individuals showed greater P1 amplitudes when faced with emotional stimuli (both incongruent and congruent conditions), indicating that power affects individuals’ attention in the early sensory processing of emotional stimuli. For the N170 component, low-power individuals showed more negative amplitudes when facing emotional stimuli, indicated that low-power individuals paid more attention to the construct information of emotional stimuli. For the N450 component, compared with congruent conditions, incongruent conditions elicited more negative amplitudes for both high- and low-power individuals. More importantly, fearful faces provoked enhanced P1 amplitudes in incongruent conditions than in congruent conditions only for low-power individuals, while, happy faces elicited larger P1 amplitudes in congruent conditions than in incongruent conditions only for high-power individuals. The findings suggested that during the initial stage of stimuli processing low-power individuals are more sensitive to negative stimuli than high-power individuals.

Conclusion

These findings provided electrophysiological evidence that the differences in the emotional conflict process between high- and low-power individuals mainly lies in the early processing stages of emotional information. Furthermore, evidence from P1 and N170 showed that there was also a redistribution of attentional resources in low-power individuals.
A Rare Case of Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome Triggering Guyon’s Canal Syndrome
Authors: Rai Guruprasad , Kamath Ganesh Sevagur , Kavirayani Vaishnavi , Bishnoi Arvind Kumar , Reddy Revanth
Published: April 2021

In certain occupations, injuries and microtrauma are commonly encountered by the soft tissues of the hand in the adult population, which may, however, less frequently lead to arterial occlusion. One such example is that of the Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome (HHS). It is a rare traumatic disease of the hand, caused by blunt traumas to the heel of the hand that may damage the ulnar artery at the level of hypothenar eminence. This results in occlusion or aneurysm of the vessel. It is of clinical importance due to the risk of loss of limb function following digital ischemia. The ulnar nerve barely gets compressed in the Guyon’s canal, which may in turn cause Guyon’s canal syndrome. This is a case of a 43-year-old male patient who presented with painful swelling of the right hand, which was diagnosed as a bizarre presentation of a bilobed and partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysm of the ulnar artery producing Guyon’s canal syndrome that had to be surgically excised. The objective of this case is to highlight the clinical presentation of HHS for early diagnosis and treatment.
Constraints in Cotton Cultivation Reported by Growers and Suggestive Measures
Authors: Padhy Chitrasena , Raju Pakalpati Satyanarayana , Raj Rabindra Kumar
Published: April 2021

Cotton cultivation is of immense importance for farmers in Odisha tribal regions as it is a ways of sustenance for their livelihood. A study was undertaken on 240 cotton growers from four blocks of two districts, Gajapati and Rayagada, of Odisha State. The objective of this research is to find out the constraints faced by the cotton growers and suggestive measures The tribal people of these districts have been cultivating cotton since a long time. The research methodology followed was through primary data collection. Data was collected personally on constraints in cotton cultivation as reported by farmers and suggestions to increase cotton production and productivity through a semi-structured schedule and analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The respondents of both Gajapati and Rayagada districts gave priority to the suggestion that cotton growers should be organized properly. They suggested that soil testing needs to be done at appropriate time to assess the soil fertility status of the soil and suitable recommendations on application of fertilizers should be made available to ensure better productivity. Also, there should be transparency in grading and measurement. The respondents also emphasized the need for immediate payment for the produce to fulfill their prime financial obligations. The growers need to be educated about collection of market information enabling them to obtain better price for their product. Organizing the growers facilitates better supervision and management of various farm operations. Participatory decision facilitates better planning and management. Cluster approach helps in minimizing the cost of watch and ward and timely implementation of the various crop management practices. The officials of agricultural extension that promote cotton cultivation in these districts have to create more awareness about cluster approach of farmers through group formation as organizing better growers facilitates  supervision of operations and an integrated crop management.
Prevalence and Predictors of Use of Herbal Medication for Dermatological Conditions in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Otike-Odibi Bolaji I. , Timipre Enu , Altraide Dasetima
Published: April 2021

Aims:  To assess the prevalence of herbal use and factors that predispose (predictors). dermatology patients to the use of herbal preparations and medications at the Dermatology clinic of University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.

Study Design: A descriptive cross sectional design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The Dermatology clinic in UPTH over a four-month period. (September 2020- December 2020).

Methodology: Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire designed by the study researchers. It consisted of demographic characteristics, dermatologic history and participant’s awareness, use, duration of use, outcome, side-effects and cost of remedy to herbal medications as well as overall satisfaction.

Results: One hundred and seventy patients were recruited for the study over the four-month period. The age range was 1 to 75 years with mean age of 30.8years ±14.9   with a male to female ratio of 1:1.7. There were females 63.5%, with participants being mostly in their third decade 28.2%, single 65.3% with tertiary level of education 64.1%.  Most dermatologic lesions started as rashes 50.6%, itching 48.8% with the hands (48.2%) and the legs (47.6%) being the most affected parts of the body. 85% of participants were aware of herbal use and 37.6% had used them to treat dermatological lesions. Some herbs used include “gbogbonise”, ginger, garlic, paw-paw leaf, lemon, lime moringa and turmeric. Predictors for herbal use were lesions on the face and duration of skin lesions for (1-5 years).   

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of herbal use for dermatologic conditions in this locality with a female preponderance. Healing of dermatological lesions with the herbs was not recorded.  Duration of skin lesion and lesion location on the face were identified predictors of herbal use for dermatologic conditions in this locality. This study is important because it shows that people are interested in herbal treatments and8 are looking for suitable alternatives to medicinal oral and topical therapies.
Prediction by Soft Computing, Planning, and Strategy Building of Aquatic Catch: Chilika Lagoon, Odisha, India
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Ojha Ananta Charan
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The Chilika lagoon in south Odisha, India was ecologically degraded from 1985 onwards by reduction of its aquatic (fish + prawn + shrimp) catches along with reduction in salinity, hydraulic regime, water exchange, aquatic weeds invasion, and sediment influx. The aquatic catch was 8669MT in year 1985-1986 gradually reduced to 1274MT during 1995-1996 from Odisha Fisheries Dept. records which resulted in poor economic condition of ≈0,2million fishermen and they migrated to adopt other livelihood. One direct tidal inlet dredged (Sipakuda) and Naraj barrage in the apex of South Mahanadi Delta were the major hydraulic interventions made to regain hydraulic regime. After the hydraulic interventions, the eco system restored, and the aquatic catch surged but it was insufficient to livelihood sustenance for the fishermen community of the Chilika,     so   that  they are forced for alternate occupation and migration.

Methodologies: Fish catch data collected for 30 years and soft computing models linear regression, Multi Linear Perception (ANN), SMOorg (SVM) and the Random Forest algorithms (Weka Software) are used to predict the fish catch data of the lagoon for coming decade from 2020 to 2030. The effects of major hydraulic interventions are analyzed and the soft computing method of the fish and shrimp catch prediction of the Chilika has been attempted for the first time except some statistical approaches.

Results: The Random Forest is found to be the preferred algorithm followed by the MLP model. The amount of catch remained around 12-13TMT if the variables and the present status of the lagoon is maintained. The combined effect of the Sipakuda Tidal inlet and the effective operation of the Naraj barrage have maintained the sustainable aqua catch. The present study shall be an immense help for the lake users and policy makers to augment aquatic catch, and alternate livelihood fishers community of the Chilika lagoon.
Study the Impact of Vermicompost, Zinc and Iron on the Performance of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Pandey Hanuman Prasad , Sachan A. K. , Pathak R. K. , Tiwari U. S. , Pandey R. K. , Pandey Ritu
Published: April 2021

A field experiment was conducted on student instructional farm (SIF) of Chandra Shekhar AzadUniversity of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, U.P. during kharif season 2019 and 2020, the present experiment having 32 treatments replicated thrice in factorial randomized block design on same laid out at same location. Hybrid maize variety Pioneer 3377 was sown at 60 × 20 cm (row×plant) during both the years, Soil application of Zinc (5.0 kg) and Iron (10 kg) along with 2.5 tonne vermicompost ha-1 gave significant increase (except plant population) in plant population m-2 (9.23 & 9.26), Plant height (195cm & 198 cm), number of cobs plant-1 (1.80 & 1.82), number of cobs m-2 (18 & 18) over control during 2019 and 2020.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of a Screening Library from Life Chemicals Database for Potential Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: Odhar Hasanain Abdulhameed , Ahjel Salam Waheed , Hashim Ahmed Fadhil , Rayshan Ali Mahmood
Published: April 2021

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus 2 represents a major challenge for global public health authorities. Coronavirus disease 2019 can be fatal especially in elderly people and those with comorbidities. Currently, several vaccines against coronavirus 2 are under application in multiple countries with emergency use authorization. In the same time, many vaccine candidates are under development and assessment. It is worth noting that the design of some of these vaccines depends on the expression of receptor binding domain for viral spike protein to induce host immunity. As such, blocking the spike protein interface with antibodies, peptides or small molecular compounds can impede the ability of coronavirus 2 to invade host cells by intervention with interactions between viral spike protein and cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2. In this virtual screening study, we have used predictive webservers, molecular docking and dynamics simulation to evaluate the ability of 3000 compounds to interact with interface residues of spike protein receptor binding domain. This library of chemicals was focused by Life Chemicals as potential protein-protein interactions inhibitor. Here, we report that hit compound 7, with IUPAC name of 3‐cyclohexyl‐N‐(4‐{[(1R,9R) ‐6‐oxo‐7,11‐ diazatricyclo [7.3.1.02,7] trideca‐2,4‐dien‐11‐yl] sulfonyl} phenyl) propenamide, may have the capacity to interact with interface of receptor binding domain for viral spike protein and thereby reduce cellular entry of the virus. However, in vitro and in vivo assessments may be required to validate these virtual findings.
Endoscopic Findings and Histopathological Correlation of Esophageal Lesions
Authors: Kumar E. Harish , Parijatham B. O. , Srivastava Vindu
Published: April 2021

Incidence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic esophageal lesions. The present study aimed to evaluate the site of occurrence of esophageal carcinomas and to study the various types of esophagitis with histochemical stains. A total of 104 esophageal lesions were received by endoscopic biopsy. A thorough Microscopic evaluation was done in each case. This proves that microscopic examination is the confirmatory diagnostic tool. The microscopic examination along with the accessory histochemical stain, immunohistochemistry for HSV antigen, p53 expression helped to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Application of RP-HPLC for the Estimation of Allopurinol and Its Related Substances in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Kumar Ch. Jaswanth , Pinnamaneni Prachet , Morla Siva Prasad , Kanth K. N. Rajini , Nadendla Rama Rao
Published: April 2021

Aims: The main aim of the present study was to develop and validate a simple and cost- effective method for the estimation of allopurinol and its related substances by using RP-HPLC.

Study Design:  Estimation of Allopurinol and its related substance in bulk and tablet dosage forms by RP-HPLC.

Place and Duration of Study: Chalapathi Drug Testing Laboratory, Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chalapathi Nagar, Lam, Guntur-522034 between October 2020 to January 2021.

Methodology: Method development was carried out by using Schimadzu, Prominence-i series LC 3D-Plus autosampler embedded with lab solutions software, equipped with PDA detector using YMC column (150 mm X 4.6 mm, 3 μm) and 0.1M Ammonium acetate buffer as a mobile phase in the ratio of 100% at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min at a wavelength of 255nm. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines.

Results:  The linearity was observed in the range of 20-100 µg/ml with a regression (R2) value of 0.999. Developed method was specific with no interactions and accurate with 100.11% for allopurinol and 99.54% for its related substance. The limit of detection for allopurinol was 2 µg/ml and for related substance was 0.0.1 µg/ml. The limit of quantification for allopurinol was 6 µg/ml and for related substance was 0.03 µg/ml respectively. The percentage relative standard deviation was found to be NMT 2 which indicates that the proposed method was precise and robust.

Conclusion:  The developed method was simple, precise and accurate and can be successfully employed for the estimation of allopurinol in bulk and tablet dosage form.
Alteration in Metabolic Cost of Blood Urea, Serum Albumin and Oxidative Stress Induced by Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) among Elite Females
Authors: Jan Aftab Ahmad , Khan Alamgir , Butt Muhammad Zafar Iqbal , Khan Samiullah , Asghar Ejaz , Jamil Muhammad , Ahmad Adnan , Muavia Usman
Published: April 2021

Background: For controlling unwilling pregnancy, sustaining gorgeousness and good health, among the elite level female athletes the use of contraceptive pills is quite common.                                                                                                                         Objective: Oxidative stress in female athletes is understudied. This research study was carried out in order to assess the alteration in metabolic rate of blood urea, bilirubin and oxidative stress induced by Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol (oral contraceptive pills). The outcome of the study will reveal the impact of oral contraceptive pills on the overall health of the females.  

Methods: User and non-user of oral contraceptive pills were included as participants of the study. Sixty elite level female athletes using Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol were recruited as experimental group and twenty four female (non-users) as a control group were taken as sample of the study. Blood sample (5ml) was taken from all the subjects. Blood urea and bilirubin metabolism were estimated through kidney functional test and for the measurement of oxidative stress FRAP assay was used. The data obtained through kidney functional tests and FRAP assay were processed through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, Version 23.0)

Results: A significant difference was found between control and experimental subjects in FRAP values because (t (82) = 3.236, P <0.05). The mean value of subject was 110.54 and control was 137.95 in FRAP the mean value of subject is less than the mean value of control (509.3 <700.7). In case of bilirubin and serum albumin no difference was noted between control and experimental group as the value of significance is greater than 0.05.

Conclusion: Based on the analysis, the researcher concluded that oral contraceptive pills produced significant rise in oxidative stress, thus affecting the overall health of elite female athletes.
A Long-Term Impact of Oscillatory Mobilization and Mckenzie Retraction Exercises in Cervical Radiculopathy Management: A Case Report
Authors: Deolankar Apurva , Toshniwal Payal , Chitapure Tajuddin , Malani Rinkle
Published: April 2021

Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is the second most common problem in field of physiotherapy. The main aim of this case report is to determine the effect of oscillatory Mobilisation and Mckenzie retraction exercises in cervical radiculopathy. A case study was conducted at Musculoskeletal Department of MGM Physiotherapy Aurangabad. We approached patient treatment from multiple aspects which mainly include oscillatory mobilisation and McKenzie retraction exercises. We evaluated our outcome variables using numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion and scapular muscle strength. We found that oscillatory mobilization associated to Mckenzie retraction exercises significantly decrease pain and improve cervical mobility and scapular muscle strength.
Screening of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Extracellular Domain for Potential Epitopes by Using Immuno-informatics Tools
Authors: Odhar Hasanain Abdulhameed , Ahjel Salam Waheed , Odhar Zanan Abdulhameed , Humadi Suhad Sami , Rayshan Ali Mahmood , Hashim Ahmed Fadhil
Published: April 2021

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-studied oncoprotein that is overexpressed in a considerable proportion of breast cancer patients. The increased expression of this tyrosine kinase receptor is usually associated with poor clinical prognosis in female patients with breast cancer. In these patients, specific response of immune system against HER2 had been observed. This suggests that immunotherapy approaches can be employed for enhancing the response of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes against HER2 in susceptible tumor microenvironment. In this regard, peptide vaccines are considered one of the most affordable immunotherapy modalities due to their low production cost and long-term effect. For this purpose, we have screened the extracellular domain of HER2 crystal for potential B-cells and T-cells epitopes by using different immuno-informatics tools. The output peptides were then refined and filtered according to their antigenicity, allergenicity and vulnerability to selected proteases. Here, we present multiple B-cells and T-cells epitope candidates against HER2 extracellular domain with high antigenicity, low allergenicity and good resistance for selected proteolytic enzymes. These filtered epitopes can be used for design and construction of anti-HER2 peptide vaccine for potential use in HER2 positive breast cancer patients. Additionally, the sequence of linear B-cells epitopes can be used for the design of monoclonal antibody variable region against HER2 extracellular domain.
Encompassing an Emerging Laparoscopic Surgical Procedure for Hinchey III Diverticulitis Into Acute Surgical Care Practice: Our Experience With a Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Ramesh Wijaya , Zun Teo Nan , Su-Ming Tan
Published: April 2021

In the past decade, there has been emerging data from the West supporting the use of laparoscopic lavage (LL) as a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique to treat Hinchey III perforated diverticulitis, rather than previous standard open surgical resection procedures. However, this can only be used in a select group of patients and also requires adequate knowledge and experience of colorectal and MIS techniques. This approach remains novel and rarely practiced in Asia. In this report, we review the current literature and discuss the considerations, outcomes, and limitations of this technique with an illustration of our case report. We report on a case of Hinchey III diverticulitis in a 51-year-old Asian woman who was successfully treated with LL after initial diagnostic laparoscopy in our institution and was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. LL is a colorectal MIS technique that has been evaluated and appears to be effective and has less morbidity compared with Hartmann procedure or primary resection with anastomosis. This technique should be incorporated into our practice for patients with Hinchey III diverticulitis who are suitable for laparoscopy at presentation. With the management of our case, we hence propose a clinical algorithm for adoption of this MIS technique by advocating routine diagnostic laparoscopy in hemodynamically stable patients presenting with gross peritonitis from perforated diverticulitis. This will promote the adoption of LL as a management option for perforated diverticulitis.
One-Stage Debridement and Bone Grafting With Internal Fixation via Posterior Approach for Treatment of Thoracic Spine Tuberculosis
Authors: Lan Xu , Xu Jian-zhong , Liu Xue-mei , Ge Bao-feng
Published: April 2021

The study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of one-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. A total of 12 patients (8 male, 4 female) with thoracic tuberculosis whose lesions were confined to 2 adjacent segments were admitted to our hospital. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale was used to assess neurologic function. All patients were treated with one-stage surgical treatment by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by measurement of thoracic kyphotic angles using Cobb angle evaluation, determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, evaluation of ASIA impairment scale, and radiologic examination. Operation time ranged from 60 to 150 minutes (average, 120 minutes). Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 850 mL (average, 500 mL). All patients were followed up for 24 to 48 months postoperatively (average, 32 months). No sinus tract formation, cerebrospinal meningitis, or recurrence of tuberculosis occurred. All patients had significant postoperative improvement in ASIA classification scores. The thoracic kyphotic angles were significantly decreased to 12° to 30° postoperatively, and at final follow-up were 14° to 28°. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate recovered to normal within 6 months postoperatively in all patients. Bone fusion was achieved within 3 to 6 months (average, 5 months). One-stage surgical treatment for thoracic spinal tuberculosis by internal fixation, debridement, and combined interbody and posterior fusion via a posterior-only approach can be an effective and feasible treatment method.
Venetoclax with azacitidine or decitabine in blast‐phase myeloproliferative neoplasm: A multicenter series of 32 consecutive cases
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Guglielmelli Paola , Szuber Natasha , Begna Kebede H. , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Litzow Mark R. , Al‐Kali Aref , Foran James M. , Palmer Jeanne M. , Alkhateeb Hassan , Elliott Michelle A. , Hanson Curtis A. , Pardanani Animesh , Mannelli Francesco , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: April 2021

Venetoclax (Ven) combined with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) has now emerged as an effective treatment regimen for acute myeloid leukemia, in both de novo and relapsed/refractory setting. The current multicenter study retrospectively examined Ven + HMA treatment outcome among 32 patients (median age 69 years; 59% males) with blast‐phase myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN‐BP). Pre‐leukemic phenotype included essential thrombocythemia (ET)/post‐ET myelofibrosis (34%), polycythemia vera (PV)/post‐PV myelofibrosis (38%) and primary myelofibrosis (28%). Twenty‐nine study patients were fully annotated cytogenetically and molecularly (NGS): 69% harbored complex karyotype and/or mutations, including TP53 (41%), IDH1/2 (21%), ASXL1 (21%), N/KRAS (14%), SRSF2 (10%), EZH2 (10%) and U2AF1 (7%). All patients received Ven combined with either azacitidine (n = 12) or decitabine (n = 20); either up front (n = 23) or after failing another induction therapy (n = 9). Complete remission with (CR) or without (CRi) count recovery was achieved in 14 (44%) patients and was more likely to occur in the absence of pre‐leukemic PV/post‐PV myelofibrosis phenotype (p < .01), complex karyotype (p < .01) or K/NRAS (p = .03) mutations; seven of eight patients (88%) without vs four of 21 (19%) with complex karyotype or K/NRAS mutation achieved CR/CRi (p < .01); all 11 informative patients with pre‐leukemic PV/post‐PV myelofibrosis phenotype displayed complex karyotype (p < .01). In contrast, neither TP53 (p = .45) nor IDH1/2 (p = .63) mutations affected response. Compared to historical controls treated with HMA alone (n = 26), the CR/CRi rate (44% vs 4%) and median survival (8 vs 5.5 months) were more favorable with Ven + HMA, but without significant difference in overall survival. Importantly, six patients with CR/CRi subsequently received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT). Note, Ven + HMA produces robust CR/CRi rates in MPN‐BP, especially in the absence of RAS mutations and complex karyotype, thus enabling AHSCT, in some patients.