bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting scientific advances and patented technologies: The role of open access scientific publishing in clean-technology innovation
Authors: Probst Benedict , Kontoleon Andreas , Anadon Laura Diaz
Published: March 2021

Getting to a net-zero economy requires faster development and diffusion of novel clean energy technologies. Understanding how the characteristics of scientific publications, such as the degree of accessibility, impact the development of technological innovations is critical. Yet, empirically establishing the links between scientific research and technological application (often studied using patents) is a highly under-researched area due to its complexity. Combining data science methods, machine learning, and econometrics, we develop and apply a novel approach to assess the determinants of the probability with which scientific discoveries (codified in scientific articles) are used in four major types of clean energy patents (i.e., batteries, biofuel, solar power, and wind power). We use data from more than 100,000 scientific articles and over 600,000 patents from these four technology categories for the period 2005 to 2018. Based on this data we first evaluate whether the diffusion time between scientific publishing and patented technologies has changed. We then investigate the effects of the characteristics of scientific articles on the probability that an article will be used in a patent as measured by citations in the non-patent literature. We also evaluate the effects of the characteristics of scientific articles that have been used by patents on the actual influence of the patent itself on other patents. We find that that the average lag between the publication of the scientific article and the citation of the patent has sharply decreased from on average 5-6 years in 2005 to less than 2 years in 2013. We also find that the most important predictor of whether a scientific article is used in a patent is whether it can be assessed without a paywall. In addition, we find that scientific articles that are cited more often by other scientific articles also lead to more influential patents. Our results indicate that the current scientific publication market structure – characterised by an oligopoly of publishers primarily relying on subscriptions from universities – is associated with a small but adverse effect on clean-tech innovation. Our results have profound implications for the transition to a carbon net-zero economy and could also have wider implications in other sectors (such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology).
A Critical Ethnographic Study ff Discriminatory Social Practice During Clinical Practice in Emergency Medical Care
Authors: Maake Tshepo , Millar BT , Christopher LD , Naidoo N
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Post-apartheid, South Africa adopted an inclusive education system that was intended to be free of unfair discrimination. This qualitative study examines the experiences and perceptions of racial discrimination between Emergency Medical Care (EMC) students, clinical mentors, and patients within an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) during clinical practice. Understanding the nature of such discrimination is critical for redress.Methods: Within the conceptual framework of Critical Race Theory, critical ethnographic methodology explored how discriminatory social practice manifests during clinical practice. Semi-structured interviews enabled thematic analysis. We purposively sampled 13 undergraduate EMC students and 5 Emergency Care (EC) providers. Results: EMC student participants reported experiences of racial and gender discrimination during work-integrated learning (WIL) as they were treated differently on the basis of race and gender. Language was used as an intentional barrier to isolate students from the patients during WIL because EC providers would intentionally speak in a language not understood by the student and fail to translate vital medical information about the case, this prevented some students from engaging in clinical decision-making.Conclusion: Unfair discrimination within the pre-hospital setting have an impact on the learning opportunities of EMC students. Such practice violates basic human rights and has the potential to negatively affect the clinical management of patients, thus it has the potential to violate patient’s rights. This study confirms the existence of discriminatory practices during WIL which is usually unreported. The lack a structured approach to redress the discrimination causes a lack of inclusivity and equal access to clinical education.
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) Vaccine in People Living With and Without HIV
Authors: Madhi Shabir , Koen Anthonet , Fairlie Lee , Cutland Clare , Baillie Vicky , Padayachee Sherman , Dheda Keertan , Barnabas Shaun , Bhorat Qasim Ebrahim , Briner Carmen , Aley Parvinder , Bhikha Sutika , Hermanus Tandile , Horne Elizea , Jose Aylin , Kgagudi Prudence , Lambe Teresa , Masenya Masebole , Masilela Mduduzi , Moultrie Andrew , Mukendi Christian Kabasele , Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Nana Amit Jawaharlal , Nzimande Ayanda , Patel Faeezah , Rhead Sarah , Taoushanis Carol , Thombrayil Asha , Eck Samuel van , Voysey Merryn , Villafana Tonya , Vekemans Johan , Gilbert Sarah , Pollard Andrew , Moore Penny , Izu Alane , Kwatra Gaurav
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern1. People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes compared with HIV-negative individuals2-5, and are a high-risk group for COVID-19 prevention4. The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine has demonstrated safety and efficacy against COVID-19 in clinical trials6-8. To date, there are no reports on the safety and immunogenicity of this, or any COVID-19 vaccine, in PLWH, and reports on the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa are limited9. Here, we show comparable safety and immunogenicity of two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 between PLWH and HIV-negative individuals in South Africa. Furthermore, in PLWH previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2, antibody responses increased substantially from baseline following a priming dose, with modest increases after a booster dose. Full-length spike and receptor-binding domain IgG geometric mean concentrations after a single dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in PLWH previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were 6.49–6.84-fold higher than after two doses in those who were SARS-CoV-2 naïve at enrollment. Neutralizing antibody responses were consistent with the antibody-binding responses. This is the first report of a COVID-19 vaccine specific to PLWH, and specific to Africa, and demonstrates favorable safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in PLWH.
WITHDRAWN: Comparative study between the efficacy of long-pulsed Neodymium- YAG laser and Fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of striae distensae
Authors: AF Hendawy , DG Aly , HA Shokeir , NA Samy
Published: March 2021

Background: Striae Distansae (SD) are a disfiguring dermal lesion, characterized by lines of dermal atrophy, occurring at sites of dermal damage caused by stretching. They affect adolescents and more than 70% of pregnant females due to stretching of the skin.Objectives: To assess and to compare the effect of 1, 064 nm Long Pulsed (LP) Nd: YAG laser and Fractional CO2 laser clinically and histologically in treating SD.Materials/Methods: Thirty female patients with bilateral symmetrical SD were treated with Fractional CO2 laser on one side and long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser on the other side. All patients treated with 3 laser sessions at 3 weeks interval. Global Aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and the score of patient satisfaction were used to evaluate improvement 3 months post treatment. Four mm punch biopsies were taken from each side before treatment and 3 months after the last session to measure epidermal and collagen thickness.Results: More significant clinical improvement was noted with the Nd:YAG laser than Fractional CO2 laser. Both GAIS and satisfaction score were significantly higher in the Nd:YAG laser treated side epidermal and collagen thickness were evidently increased in the lesions treatd by Nd: YAG laser than those treated by Fractional CO2 laser with no significant difference.Conclusions: Long pulsed Nd-YAG laser is clinically more effective than the Fractional CO2 laser in treating SD without serious adverse effects, although there was no significant difference between them histopathologically.
Exploring of hypoglycemic mechanism of a Chinese Medicine Xiao-Ke-An based on target dipeptidyl peptidase-4：a molecular docking and molecular dynamics study
Authors: WANG Yong-Lin , ZHUANG Yan , TONG Yan , KONG Yuan-Fang , HU Yu-Long , LI Jie-Ming , WANG Shao-Pei , DONG Chun-Hong , LI Xiao-Fei
Published: March 2021

Xiao-Ke-An, a traditional Chinese medicine formula against diabetes in China, is reported inhibitory activity on Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). However, its molecular mechanism is still unclear due to the complexity of its components. In this study, a combination of molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) and molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method was conducted. The results show that multiple components of Xiao-Ke-An can take effect on DPP-4 together, which could be the part of the hypoglycemic mechanism of Xiao-Ke-An. Of the eight selected compounds, MOL003714 shows the highest activity for inhibiting DPP-4 with the binding free energy of -44.14 kcal·mol− 1 via binding to the S2 and S'1 subsites of DPP-4, which could be a potent inhibitor for DPP-4. This study provided theoretical basis for the discovery and modification of natural DPP-4 inhibitors and the deeply insight into Xiao-Ke-An.
Identification of factors affecting the survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients in Albert Luthuli municipality of South Africa
Authors: Bengura Pepukai , Ndlovu Prince , Managa Annah Mulalo
Published: March 2021

Background: South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with Mpumalanga province in which Albert Luthuli municipality is located having the second highest HIV prevalence rate after KwaZulu-Natal province. The objective of the study was to identify the factors that affect the survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients in rural district hospitals of Albert Luthuli municipality.Methods: This is a typical retrospective cohort longitudinal design study whereby cohort of HIV+ terminal patients was retrospectively followed from 2010 to 2017 until a patient died, transferred to another hospital, lost to follow-up or was still alive at the end of the observation period. The follow-up time for each patient started at the time the patient got initiated to the ART programme at the hospital’s wellness centre. Nonparametric survival analysis and semiparametric survival analysis methods were used to analyse the data.Results: Through Cox proportional hazards regression modelling, it was found that ART adherence (poor, fair, good), Age, Follow-up mass, Baseline sodium, Baseline viral load, Follow CD4 count by Treatment (Regimen 1) interaction and Follow-up lymphocyte by TB history (yes, no) interaction had significant effects on survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients (p-values < 0.1). Furthermore, through quantile regression modelling, it was found that short, medium and long survival times of HIV+ patients, respectively represented by the 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 quantiles, were not necessarily significantly affected by the same factors.Discussion: The Cox PH modelling and the quantile regression analysis complemented each other in answering the research question. However, although the Cox PH modelling was the main approach in this study, the quantile regression analysis results are more informative than the Cox PH modelling results.Conclusion: The study identified and modelled the factors affecting the survival of HIV+ terminal patients in Albert Luthuli Municipality by using Logistic regression, Cox PH regression, and Quantile regression modelling. . Cox regression modelled the factors affecting the survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients as: ART adherence, Age, Follow-up mass, Baseline sodium, Baseline viral load and interactions of Follow-up lymphocyte by TB history and Follow-up CD4 by Treatment (Regimen 1).
An evidence based surgical algorithm for management of Odontogenic keratocyst
Authors: Oginni Fadekemi Olufunmilayo , Alasseri Nasser , Ogundana Oladunni Mojirayo , Famurewa Bamidele Adetokunbo , Pogrel Anthony , Almoraissi Essam
Published: March 2021

The effective management of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) remains a subject of interest and confusion in the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery literature. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate treatment for patients with odontogenic keratocyst. Of the various treatment options available, no modality to date has been shown to demonstrate a zero-or near zero recurrence rates except wide resection with clear margins. With the prevailing dearth of evidence based surgical protocols for the management of patients with odontogenic keratocyst in the literature, this study aims to present a surgical algorithm, based on meta-analysis results, that hopefully will be beneficial in enhancing treatment of patients with this condition. Using parameters of; size, lesion type (primary or secondary), syndromic or solitary nature of the lesion, presence of cortical perforations, and locularity; we present a decision tree, to aid treatment planning and help attain the least chance of recurrence in the management of the odontogenic keratocyst.
Association of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Circumference Phenotype among Overweight and Obese Women: A cross sectional study
Authors: Tavakoli Atefeh , Mirzababaei Atieh , Moosavi Hanieh , Mehranfar Sanaz , Keshavarz Seyed-Ali , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2021

Aims: Recent studies have shown that increased dietary inflammatory index (DII) score or consumption of pro-inflammatory foods can lead to increased waist circumference (WC) as well as triglyceride (TG) concentrations in obese people. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between DII and hypertriglyceridemic waist circumference phenotype (HTGWCP) in overweight and obese women. Methods: This study was performed on 226 obese women aged from 18 to 48 years. We evaluated DII score by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of 147 items. Biochemical parameters were measured and anthropometric assessments were performed. Results: There was a positive significant correlation between DII and HTGWCPs. In other words, with an increase in DII score, the odds of having abnormal phenotypes including; enlarged waist normal TG (EWNT) (OR=2.85, 95% CI=1.02 to 7.98, P for trend=0.04) , normal waist enlarged TG (NWET) (OR=5.85, 95% CI=1.1 to 31.11, P for trend=0.03), enlarged waist enlarged TG (EWET) (OR=3.13, 95% CI=0.95 to 10.27, P for trend=0.05) increase compared to normal waist normal TG (NWNT) phenotype.Conclusion: Increasing DII scores can increase abnormal phenotypes so may increase WC and TG levels in overweight and obese women.
Experiment Regarding Magnetic Fields with Gravity
Authors: LEE JONG-HOON
Published: March 2021

When gravity exists in magnetic fields, gravity interacts with these magnetic fields to generate electricity in the direction the Earth spins or in the opposite direction. The relationships between electricity, voltage, and time can be redefined by analyzing data for 0.1 seconds. The voltage can be recorded on the x-axis, and time can be recorded on the y-axis. The electric potential energy generated due to interactions between gravity and magnetic seas can explain the time-dependent or time-independent equations of the Schrödinger equation through the data analysis.
Coping with homeschooling and caring for children during the UK COVID-19 lockdown: voices of working mothers 
Authors: Kallitsoglou Angeliki , Topalli Pamela-Zoe
Published: March 2021

We examined working mothers’ experiences and feelings about homeschooling and caring for children while working during the summer 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Eligible mothers were invited to participating in an on-line survey of open-ended questions that was distributed via social media between mid - June to mid-August 2020. Participants (n = 47; Mage = 39.6, range = 28 to 54 years) were predominantly white married working mothers and most had a higher education degree. The experience of combining homeschooling/caring while working was perceived difficult by many mothers and it was associated with feelings of stress about managing competing demands concurrently, guilt for not meeting the child’s needs, and worry over child socioemotional well-being and academic learning. Support from partner, work, and school were instrumental in improving maternal experience and emotional state. Finally, coping strategies that reflect mindfulness practices for stress management, were associated with positive experiences and feelings.
Unraveling the embryonic fate map through the mechanical signature of cells and their trajectories
Authors: Pastor-Escuredo David , Lombardot Benoit , Savy Thierry , Boyreau Adeline Adeline , Doursat Rene , Goicolea Jose Maria , Santos Andres , Bourgine Paul , Alamo Juan Carlos del , Ledesma-Carbayo Maria Jesus , Peyrieras Nadine
Published: March 2021

Digital cell lineages reconstructed from 3D+time imaging data of the developing zebrafish embryo are used to uncover mechanical cues and their role in morphogenesis. A continuous approximation of cell displacements obtained from cell lineages is used to assess tissue deformation during gastrulation. At this stage, embryonic tissues display multi-scale compressible fluid-like properties. The deformation rate at the mesoscopic level of the cell’s immediate surroundings appears noisy, in both space and time. The patterns identified by clustering the cells, according to the cumulative deformation rate along their trajectory throughout gastrulation, lead to a robust, ordered and coherent biomechanical map. The timing and amplitude of the biomechanical deformations provide a measurement of the phenotypic variability in small cohorts of specimens. We show that the biomechanical map matches the embryonic fate map of the zebrafish presumptive forebrain, in both wild type and Nodal pathway mutants (zoeptz57/tz57), where it reveals the biomechanical defects that lead to cyclopia.. The comparison of biomechanical patterns and the expression pattern of a transgenic reporter for the transcription factor goosecoid (gsc), supports the hypothesis that embryonic cells acquire, at an early developmental stage, a biomechanical signature that contributes to defining their fate.
Smoking and drug use among students of a medical university in Iran; prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Ghasemi Hadi , Jadidfard Mohammad Pooyan , Asgharian Mehrdad
Published: March 2021

Background: Drug abuse is a critical health problem of human society. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among students in one of the medical universities of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2016 among a convenient sample of 800 undergraduate students from a medical university in the capital of Iran. Data were gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire inquiring students’ age, gender, marital status, home city, living status, and drug used including history, frequency and types. Statistical evaluation included the Chi-square test and logistic regression models. Results: respondents’ mean age was 23.5; 67% were men, and 70% were single. Totally, 15% of the students reported to smoke cigarette and ≤6% use other drugs; more men than women (p<0.01). Alcohol use reported by 7% of the students more women than men (p=0.02). Older students, those spending their free time alone, and those without a job more frequently (p≤0.001) reported using all types of the drugs. Conclusion: The majority of the studied students did not report drug abuse. Considering the critical responsibilities of health care students, the prevalence is, however, needs to be reduced even further with purposeful preventive programs.
Assessment of self-medication practices in the context of COVID-19 outbreak in Togo
Authors: Sadio Arnold J , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi A , KONU Rodion Y , Bakoubayi Akila W , Tchankoni Martin K , Bitty-Anderson Alexandra M , Gomez Iris M , Denadou Claudia P , Anani Joël , Kouanfack Harold R , Kpeto Innocent K , Salou Mounerou , Ekouevi Didier K
Published: March 2021

Background: To date, there is no effective treatment for COVID-19, which is a pandemic disease, caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. In Togo, where four in five people practice self-medication, the absence of a cure for COVID-19 and the constant progression of the disease requires an assessment of self-medication patterns in the context of the pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 and its associated factors in Lomé, Togo.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, from April 23rd to May 8th, 2020, with a sample of participants from five sectors: the healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal sectors. The participants were invited to provide information about their self-medication practices to prevent COVID-19 in the two weeks preceding the survey.Results: A total of 955 participants (71.6% men) with a median age of 36 (IQR 32–43) were included. Approximately 22.1% were in the air transport sector, 20.5% were in the police sector, and 38.7% were in the health sector. The overall prevalence of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 was 34.2% (95% CI: 31.2-37.3%). The most commonly used products were vitamin C (27.6%) and traditional medicine (10.2%). Only 2.0% of participants reported using chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine. Female sex (aOR=1.90; p<0.001), work in the health sector (aOR=1.89; p= 0.001), secondary education level (aOR= 2.28; p= 0.043) and university education level (aOR= 5.11; p<0.001) were associated with self-medication.Conclusion: One-third of the individuals in high-risk populations in Lomé practiced self-medication. Intensifying awareness campaigns is crucial to fight misinformation about alleged COVID-19 prevention products on social media.
In-silico study of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS with special reference to intra-protein interactions, A plausible explanation for stability, divergency and severity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mitra Debanjan , Pal Aditya K. , Mohapatra Pradeep Kumar Das
Published: March 2021

The current nightmare for the whole world is COVID-19. The occurrence of concentrated pneumonia cases in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China was first reported on December 30, 2019. SARS-CoV first discloses in 2002, but not outspread worldwide. After 18 years, in 2020, it reemerges and outspread worldwide as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19), as the most treacherous virus creating disease in the world. Is it possible to create a favorable evolution within this (18 years) short time? If possible, then what are those properties or factors that are changed in SARS-CoV-2 to make it undefeated? What are the fundamental differences between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS? This study will find all those queries. Here, we took 4 types of protein sequences from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS are retrieved from the database to check their physicochemical and structural properties. Results showed that charged residues are playing a pivotal role in SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Those charged residues also contribute to helix stabilization of SARS-CoV-2. Formation of cyclic salt bridge and other intra-protein interactions also play crucial role in SAS-CoV-2. This comparative study will help to understand the evolution from SARS to SARS-CoV-2 and also helps in protein engineering.
Urban health nexus with COVID-19 preparedness and response in Africa: rapid scoping review of the early evidence.
Authors: Alhassan Robert Kaba
Published: March 2021

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also called COVID-19 was first reported in the African continent on 14th February 2020, in Egypt. As at 24th August 2020, the continent reported a total of 1,189,526 cases; 27,798 deaths and 907,822 recoveries. Urban cities in African have suffered the brunt of COVID-19; meanwhile, response strategies by African countries have largely been condemned as “one-size-fit-all” approach.Objective: This paper synthesized and analyzed early evidence on the nexus between urban health and COVID-19 preparedness and response in Africa. Methods: Rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of WHO and Africa CDC. Out of over 6,000 search output, 24 full articles, reviews and commentaries were finally synthesized analyzed qualitatively based on relevance and quality, guided by the PRISMA flow chart (2009).Results: Over 70% of the 24 articles reported on COVID-19 response strategies across Africa; 29% of the articles reported on preparedness towards COVID-19 while 41% reported on the nexus between urbanization and COVID-19; 37% of the publications were full text empirical studies while the remaining 63% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres for COVID-19 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa in respect of the COVID-19 fight, the continent’s response strategies are largely a “one-size-fit all” approach. In effect, adoption of “Western elitist” mitigating measures for COVID-19 resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa. Conclusion: Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions in addition to prioritization of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies.
Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 in a Pediatric Mexican Population
Authors: Bustos-Cordova Edgar , Castillo-García Daniela , Cerón-Rodriguez Magdalena , Soler-Quiñones Nadia
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveFrom the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become evident that the spectrum of manifestations in children is different from those seen in adults. In this study, we aimed to describe a broader clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children.MethodsIn this descriptive, prospective study, we included confirmed pediatric patients with COVID-19 who presented to the emergency department of a pediatric tertiary care center from April to July 2020. All patients were confirmed by the SARSCoV-2 RT-PCR test, and we analyzed 24 symptoms and 25 signs.ResultsWe analyzed 50 patients with COVID-19. From the evaluated signs and symptoms, the most common symptoms were fever, excessive crying and dry cough, digestive symptoms were frequently found (24%), and the most common signs were pharyngeal erythema and irritability.ConclusionClinicians should recognize that the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children is wider than previously described, often with nonspecific signs and symptoms, digestive symptoms should raise suspicion.
INVESTIGATING THE PERFORMANCE OF A TRANSCRITICAL BOOSTER REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITHCARBON DIOXIDE IN TROPICAL CLIMATES: THE CASE OF BENIN
Authors:   Beninese Centre for Scientific Research and Innovation,Voie PavÃ©e Wloguede Etoile Rouge, Cotonou, Benin., K. Victorin Chegnimonhan ,   Technological Innovations of the High National Institute of Industrial Technology of Lokossa, Benin., Olorounto Louis Aredokou ,   Technological Innovations of the High National Institute of Industrial Technology of Lokossa, Benin., Tognon Clotilde Guidi ,   Technological Innovations of the High National Institute of Industrial Technology of Lokossa, Benin., Alain Adomou ,   Technological Innovations of the High National Institute of Industrial Technology of Lokossa, Benin.
Published: March 2021

This article presents a prospective study of low carbon footprint refrigeration systems in tropical climates. A transcritical carbon dioxide booster refrigeration system is simulated within the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) environment. The results are discussed under the weather conditions Cotonou, Benin. The performance of the transcritical booster cycle increases with low ambient temperatures the Coefficient of Performance (COP) increased by 94.2% when the ambient temperature went from 40Â°C to 25Â°C). The gas cooler pressure and the medium pressure were ctoptimised and two correlations were developed to predict the optimal gas cooler pressure and intermediate pressure for which the COP value is maximum. It should be noted that these pressures are very sensitive to changes in ambient temperature and they vary proportionally with the temperature at the end of cooling and in a linear fashion.
Protagonismo das Cooperativas na Promoção dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável: Reflexões Teóricas e Agenda de Pesquisa
Authors: Hocayen-da-Silva Antônio João , Silva Alessandra Hocayen da
Published: March 2021

Buscou-se com o presente Ensaio Teórico refletir acerca de como as organizações cooperativas podem contribuir para a consecução dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS). A presente proposta se torna essencial na medida em que busca refletir acerca desta relação, contribuindo com as discussões sobre o papel e as contribuições do cooperativismo na concretização dos ODS e suas Metas, considerando suas especificidades em termos de organização e de gestão. Partindo-se dos atributos decorrentes da natureza do movimento cooperativista, bem como a evidente manifestação de contradições e de limites no modelo dominante e hegemônico de sociedade, as cooperativas, por meio de seus atores sociais, guiadas por princípios de solidariedade e compartilhamento assumem papel de destaque na promoção dos ODS no mundo. Tornam-se determinantes no processo de conscientização, transformação e mudança cultural dos indivíduos de modo que possam repensar a ação e o papel desempenhado no mundo.
Detection of enteric bacteria in two groundwater sources and associated microbial health risks
Authors: Olalemi Adewale O. , Ige Oluwasegun M. , James Grace A. , Obasoro Favour I. , Okoko Favour O. , Ogunleye Christiana O.
Published: March 2021

The microbial quality of two groundwater sources (well and borehole) and associated risks were quantitatively assessed. Water samples from the selected borehole and well were collected over a period of 12 weeks (n = 48). The concentrations of Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium and Campylobacter were determined using standard microbiological methods, which involve the use of a membrane filter technique. The water samples were filtered through a 0.45 μm membrane filter using vacuum pump pressure and plated on selective agar for the bacteria under test. The number of colonies of the bacterial growth observed after the incubation period was counted and recorded. The physicochemical properties of the water were determined using standard methods. The risk of Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium and Campylobacter infections resulting from the ingestion of water from the borehole and well was estimated. The results showed that the levels of enteric bacteria in the borehole were higher than those in the well. The mean levels of E. coli in water from the borehole and well were 3.3 and 1.7 log10 cfu/100 ml, respectively, and exhibited a negative relationship with salinity (r = −0.53). The estimated risks of infection associated with the pathogens in water from the borehole and well were greater than the acceptable risk limit of 10−4 and followed this order Clostridium<Salmonella<Campylobacter<Shigella. The findings of this study suggest recent and continuous faecal contamination of the two groundwater sources, thus exposing the residents relying on the water for drinking to potential risks of gastrointestinal infections.
Evaluation of the drinking water quality surveillance system in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Faria Clarissa Perez , Almendra Ricardo , Dias Gisele Silva , Santana Paula , do Céu Sousa Maria , Bessa de Freitas Marcelo
Published: March 2021

The present work evaluated the surveillance of the drinking water quality information system database and correlated the findings of the microbiological analysis with the distribution of intestinal protozoa from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. From the database, we obtained 1,654 georeferenced monitoring stations that were used in the analysis. The results indicate that the minimum number of samples collected per parameter (free residual chlorine, turbidity, counts of total and fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli)) was not fulfilled, the collection of samples throughout the year was irregular and the representability of sampling points considered strategic was low (48% of municipalities). Besides, municipalities with a high prevalence for intestinal parasite protozoa were also the ones that had the highest counts for coliforms and the reverse can also be observed, indicating a transmission through contaminated drinking water. Despite the increased participation of municipalities in water surveillance actions during the studied period, it is necessary to implement managerial measures to improve the system, aiming to correct flaws and inconsistencies in the application of the water quality monitoring protocol.
Spatiotemporal variation of bacterial communities in three cascade reservoirs in a southern city of China
Authors: Cai Guangqiang , Liu Tongzhou , Zhang Jinsong , Song Haoran , Lu Xiaoyan , Liu Lijun
Published: March 2021

Reservoirs are important water sources of urban drinking water supply. Bacteria play an important role in the removal of organics in reservoirs, but some of them can pose a health risk to consumers. Knowledge of bacterial community composition in drinking water sources can favour the drinking water security safeguards. This study investigated the monthly composition and diversity of bacterial communities in three cascade reservoirs using high-throughput Illumina HiSeq sequencing over one hydrological year. The diversity and structure of the bacterial community showed distinct spatiotemporal variation. Mycobacterium, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sphingobacterium and Pseudomonas were the genera resistant to chlorine. In addition, Acinetobacter, Arcobacter, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus were the main potential pathogenic genera. The bacterial community diversity and the average relative abundance of potential pathogenic genera detected in the wet season were higher than those in the dry season. Water temperature was found to be the main factor for the temporal variation. The spatial variation of bacterial community diversity and the average relative abundance of potential pathogenic genera were related to water current and the degree of water pollution, respectively. The results of this study can conduce the beneficial management of drinking water treatment processes.
Modelo de negócios do Polo de Inovação do IFMG
Authors: Fonseca Brenda Melissa , Feijão Érika Carolina , Monteiro André Bruno Silfer , Góes Talita Bruna de , Antunes Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Os polos de Inovação são considerados habitats de inovação, proporcionando a transferência de conhecimentos e tecnologias ao setor produtivo. No entanto, para que isso ocorra é necessário a gestão desse tipo de instituição, compreendendo, principalmente, a lógica do negócio desse tipo de entidade. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo objetiva analisar o Modelo de Negócios (MN) do Polo de Inovação do Instituto Federal de Minas Gerais (IFMG) localizado no Campus Formiga/MG. Para isso, utilizou-se da pesquisa qualitativa, exploratório-descritiva e com estratégia de estudo de caso. Assim, o estudo foi realizado no Polo de Inovação do IFMG, localizado no Campus de Formiga/MG, foram aplicadas três entrevistas semiestruturadas, por meio da adaptação do roteiro de Cavazza et al. (2018) e procedeu-se a análise de conteúdo temática. Como resultados encontrou-se três públicos-alvo compreendidos em industrial, governo e academia, em que cada um deles apresenta demandas específicas ao Polo. Tais demandas puderam ser convertidas na proposta de valor de transferência de tecnologia. Dessa forma, para que o valor ocorra, necessita-se das instituições parceiras como o IFMG e a EMBRAPII; de recursos físicos (infraestrutura), humana (gerencial), financeira, intelectual e social; e dos processos principais de desenvolvimento de projetos, capacitação de pessoal e vendas. Por fim, foi possível verificar que esse modelo de negócio se demonstra financeiramente deficitária, porém economicamente sustentável.
Türk Oyun Yazarlığında Ekonomik Koşulların Yarattığı Şiddetin Temsili
Authors: Şaşmaz Hatice
Published: March 2021

Cumhuriyet dönemi Türk tiyatrosunda, özellikle çok partili dönem sonrası oyun yazarları toplumun ekonomik sorunlarını işleyen, yetersiz ekonomik koşulların bireyde ve toplum yaşamında istenmeyen durumlara yol açtığını, mücadelelerin zorunlu hale geldiğini anlatan oyunlar yazmıştır. Bu mücadelenin kaynağında geçim sıkıntısı ve çalışma/ iş ihtiyacı vardır. İnsanların yaşamsal gereksinimlerini karşılamak için baş ettikleri bu durumun fiziksel veya zihinsel şiddet ürettiği söylenebilir. Bu çalışmada ekonomik koşulların yarattığı şiddetin Türk oyun yazarlığında estetize edilişi üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Bu bağlamda Almanya Defteri, Bekleme Salonu ve Sevgili Pazartesilerim adlı oyun metinleri üzerinden şiddet okumaları yapılacaktır. Üç oyun metni üzerinden, toplumun ekonomik koşullar nedeniyle yaşadığı sorunların zaman içerisinde ne şekilde değiştiğini göstermektedir. Almanya Defteri 1970’li yıllar küçük esnafı üzerinden; diğer iki oyun metni 2000 sonrası dönemde özel sektörde var olma ve yerini koruyabilme üzerinden gelişir. Böylece çalışmada Türkiye’de ekonomik hareketliliğin oyun yazarlığına yansımaları incelenirken, şiddet gibi olumsuzluk çağrıştıran bir kavramın oyun yazarlığında nasıl estetik bir değer kazandığı araştırılacaktır.
Crystal Structure of a Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase From the Thermophilic Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum
Authors: Mohsin Imran , Zhang Li-Qing , Li Duo-Chuan , Papageorgiou Anastassios C.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Thermophilic fungi have recently emerged as a promising source of thermostable
enzymes. Superoxide dismutases are key antioxidant metalloenzymes with promising
therapeutic effects in various diseases, both acute and chronic. However, structural heterogeneity
and low thermostability limit their therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:

Although several studies from hypethermophilic superoxide dismutases (SODs) have
been reported, information about Cu,Zn-SODs from thermophilic fungi is scarce. Chaetomium thermophilum
is a thermophilic fungus that could provide proteins with thermophilic properties.

Methods:

The enzyme was expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and crystallized using the vapor-diffusion
method. X-ray data were collected, and the structure was determined and refined to 1.56 Å resolution.
Structural analysis and comparisons were carried out.

Results:

The presence of 8 molecules (A through H) in the asymmetric unit resulted in four different
interfaces. Molecules A and F form the typical homodimer which is also found in other Cu,Zn-
SODs. Zinc was present in all subunits of the structure while copper was found in only four subunits
with reduced occupancy (C, D, E and F).

Conclusion:

The ability of the enzyme to form oligomers and the elevated Thr:Ser ratio may be
contributing factors to its thermal stability. Two hydrophobic residues that participate in interface
formation and are not present in other CuZn-SODs may play a role in the formation of new interfaces
and the oligomerization process. The CtSOD crystal structure reported here is the first
Cu,Zn-SOD structure from a thermophilic fungus.
Current Status of Mucoadhesive Gel Systems for Buccal Drug Delivery
Authors: Okur Neslihan Ü. , Bülbül Ece Ö. , Yağcılar Ayşe P. , Siafaka Panoraia I.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Buccal drug delivery is a fascinating research field. Gel-based formulations present potent characteristics as buccal systems since they have great physicochemical properties.

Methods:

Among the various gels, in situ gels that are viscous colloidal systems consisted of polymers when physiological conditions change (pH, temperature, ion activation) shift to the gel phase. These systems can improve bioavailability. Other systems such as nanogels or emulgels can be also applied for buccal delivery with promising results. Polymeric gel-based systems can be produced by natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers. Their main advantage is that the active molecules can be released in a sustained and controllable manner. Several gels based on chitosan are produced for the entrapment of drugs demonstrating efficient retention time and bioavailability, due to chitosan mucoadhesion. Besides polysaccharides, poloxamers and Carbopol are also used in buccal gels due to their high swelling ability and reversed thermal gelation behavior.

Results:

Herein, the authors focused on the current development of mucoadhesive gel systems used in buccal drug delivery. After explaining buccal drug delivery and mucoadhesion, various studies with hydrogels, in situ gels, and nanogels were analyzed as buccal gel systems. Various mucoadhesive gel studies with mucoadhesive polymers have been studied and summarized. This review is presented as valuable guidance to scientists in formulating buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:

This review aimed to assist researchers working on buccal drug delivery by summarizing buccal drug delivery, mucoadhesion, and buccal mucoadhesive gel systems recently found in the literature.
Muscle Atrophy Classification: The Need for a Pathway-Driven Approach
Authors: Zizzo John
Published: March 2021

It is well known that muscles can waste away (atrophy) due to a lack of physical activity. Muscle
wasting commonly presents with reduced muscle strength and an impaired ability to perform daily tasks. Several
studies have attempted to categorize muscle atrophy into three main subgroups: physiologic, pathologic, and
neurogenic atrophy. Physiologic atrophy is caused by the general underuse of skeletal muscle (e.g., bedridden).
Pathologic atrophy is characterized as the loss of stimulus to a specific region (e.g., aging). Neurogenic atrophy
results from damage to the nerve innervating a muscle (e.g., SMA, GBS). Mechanisms have been elucidated for
many of these pathways (e.g., ubiquitin-proteasome system, NF-κB, etc.). However, many causes of muscle atrophy
(e.g., burns, arthritis, etc.) operate through unelucidated signaling cascades. Therefore, this review highlights
the underlying mechanisms of each subtype of muscle atrophy while emphasizing the need for additional
research in properly classifying and identifying muscle atrophy.
In Silico Validation, Fabrication and Evaluation of Nano-Liposomes of Bistorta amplexicaulis Extract for Improved Anticancer Activity Against Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2)
Authors: Batool Salma , Asad Muhammad Javaid , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmed Warda , Sohail Muhammad Farhan , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Ahmad Sajjad , Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Ahmed Muhammad Sheeraz
Published: March 2021

Background:

Bistorta amplexicaulis of the genus Polygonum (Polygonaceae) has been
reported for its antioxidant and anticancer activities. However, the low cellular uptake of the compounds
in its extract limits its therapeutic application.

Objectives:

The present study aimed at developing a nanoliposomal carrier system for B. amplexicaulis
extracts for improved cellular uptake, thus resulting in enhanced anticancer activity.

Methods:

Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to identify major compounds
in the plant extract. Nanoliposomes (NLs) were prepared by employing a thin-film rehydration
method using DPPC, PEG2000DSPE and cholesterol, followed by characterization through several
parameters. In vitro screening was performed against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and Hepatocellular
carcinoma cell line (HepG-2) using MTT-assay. Raw extract and nanoliposomes were tested
on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC). Moreover, molecular docking was performed
to validate the data obtained through wet lab.

Results:

The UHPLC method identified gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechin as
the major compounds in the extract. The NLs with a size ranging between 140-155 nm, zeta potential
-16.9 to -19.8 mV and good polydispersity index of < 0.1 were prepared, with a high encapsulation
efficiency of 81%. The MTT assay showed significantly (p > 0.05) high uptake and cytotoxicity
of NLs as compared to the plant extract. Moreover, reduced toxicity against HUVEC cells was
observed as compared to the extract. Also, the docking of identified compounds suggested a favorable
interaction with the SH2 domain of both STAT3 and STAT5.

Conclusion:

Overall, the results suggest NLs as a potential platform that could be developed for
the improved intracellular delivery of plant extract, thus increasing the therapeutic outcomes.
The Potential Role of Peritumoral Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Evaluation in Differentiating Glioblastoma and Solitary Metastatic Lesions of the Brain
Authors: Tepe Murat , Saylisoy Suzan , Toprak Ugur , Inan Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Differentiating glioblastoma (GBM) and solitary metastasis is not always possible
using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. In conventional brain
MRI, GBM and brain metastases are lesions with mostly similar imaging findings. In this study,
we investigated whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios, ADC gradients, and minimum
ADC values in the peritumoral edema tissue can be used to discriminate between these two tumors.

Methods:

This retrospective study was approved by the local institutional review board with a
waiver of written informed consent. Prior to surgical and medical treatment, conventional brain
MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (b = 0 and b = 1000) images were taken from 43 patients (12
GBM and 31 solitary metastasis cases). Quantitative ADC measurements were performed on the
peritumoral tissue from the nearest segment to the tumor (ADC1), the middle segment (ADC2), and
the most distant segment (ADC3). The ratios of these three values were determined proportionally
to calculate the peritumoral ADC ratios. In addition, these three values were subtracted from each
other to obtain the peritumoral ADC gradients. Lastly, the minimum peritumoral and tumoral ADC
values, and the quantitative ADC values from the normal-appearing ipsilateral white matter, contralateral
white matter, and ADC values from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were recorded.

Results:

For the differentiation of GBM and solitary metastasis, ADC3 / ADC1 was the most powerful
parameter with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 87.1% at the cut-off value of 1.105 (p <
0.001), followed by ADC3 / ADC2 with a cut-off value of 1.025 (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 91.7%,
and specificity of 74.2%. The cut-off, sensitivity and specificity of ADC2 / ADC1 were 1.055 (p =
0.002), 83.3%, and 67.7%, respectively. For ADC3 – ADC1, the cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity
were calculated as 150 (p < 0.001), 91.7%, and 83.9%, respectively. ADC3 – ADC2 had a cutoff
value of 55 (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 91.7%, and specificity of 77.4, whereas ADC2 – ADC1
had a cut-off value of 75 (p = 0.003), sensitivity of 91.7%, and specificity of 61.3%. Among the remaining
parameters, only the ADC3 value successfully differentiated between GBM and metastasis
(GBM 1802.50 ± 189.74 vs. metastasis 1634.52 ± 212.65, p = 0.022).

Conclusion:

The integration of the evaluation of peritumoral ADC ratio and ADC gradient into
conventional MR imaging may provide valuable information for differentiating GBM from solitary
metastatic lesions.