bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of climate change on livestock production in Bangladesh - A review
Authors: Naim Z , Asaduzzaman M , Akter M , Islam MS
Published: April 2023

Livestock plays a crucial part in the global food chain; however, its production and supply could be jeopardized due to climate change-related risks. Therefore, this study gathered information regarding adverse climatic livestock production, adaptation, and mitigation strategies to the hazards' impact, finding research opportunities, and suggesting ideas for policymaking. The impact of increased temperature, altered rainfall, drought, flood, riverbank erosion, salinity, natural calamities like cyclones, etc. on livestock production was reviewed and reported in this article. They are responsible for reducing the availability and quality of fodder and water, declining livestock growth and reproduction, spreading diseases, and posing a threat to animal genetic resources. On the other hand, Bangladesh is anticipated to descend under water as a result of sea level rise resulting in a saline incursion into cropland and freshwater, drastically affecting crop and livestock production, especially in coastal regions. The impact of the hazards can be reduced through following some mitigation and adaptation strategies such as adopting and improving local breeds, practicing mixed farming systems, embracing climate smart livestock management systems, providing insurances for the losses to farmers, and so on. Feeding practices can be altered during flood by providing tree leaves, UMB, unconventional feeds.  In conclusion, this review provided a compiled knowledge of climate change affecting livestock production, identifies the research gaps and suggests further research opportunities in this sector.
Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 1-14, March 2023
Sự phát triển hệ thống giáo dục đại học Việt Nam: Thành tựu, hạn chế bắt nguồn từ hệ thống chính sách hiện hành
Authors: Mai Ngọc Anh , Nguyễn Phúc Hiền
Published: April 2023

Trên cơ sở phân tích những thành tựu, hạn chế của hệ thống giáo dục đại học ở Việt Nam, nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng với rất nhiều nỗ lực, Việt Nam đã thực hiện thành công đại chúng hoá giáo dục đại học, xây dựng được một số cơ sở giáo dục được quốc tế công nhận. Tuy nhiên, những bất cập từ hệ thống chính sách hiện hành liên quan đến phát triển đại học đẳng cấp quốc tế, phát triển hệ thống giáo dục đại học ngoài công lập, hay đại học địa phương đang được xem là những rào cản cần được giải quyết đối với phát triển hệ thống giáo dục đại học của nước nhà trong giai đoạn tới. Một số trao đổi giải pháp về 3 vấn đề này đã được nêu ra trong nghiên cứu này.
Tác động của chỉ số năng lực cạnh tranh (PCI) lên thu hút doanh nghiệp: Nghiên cứu trường hợp Vùng Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long trong giai đoạn 2006-2020
Authors: Lê Thị Thu Diềm , Cảnh Chí Hoàng
Published: April 2023

Nhiều năm liền, các đánh giá chất lượng môi trường kinh doanh cùng với việc thu hút doanh nghiệp ở khu vực vùng Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long vẫn luôn ở mức thấp và không ổn định so với các vùng khác trong cả nước. Đó là lý do nghiên cứu được thực hiện nhằm đánh giá tác động của chất lượng môi trường kinh doanh cấp tỉnh đối với khả năng thu hút doanh nghiệp vào các địa phương ở khu vực này. Với bộ dữ liệu về chỉ số PCI giai đoạn 2006-2020, kết quả nghiên cứu chỉ ra rằng các tác động liên quan đến PCI lên thu hút doanh nghiệp trong vùng diễn ra mạnh ở ngay năm thực thi chính sách đối với chỉ số tổng hợp PCI và tác động kéo dài đến hai, ba năm sau đó ở các chỉ số thành phần PCI. Từ đây, bài viết đề xuất một số hàm ý chính sách cải thiện môi trường đầu tư thúc đẩy thu hút doanh nghiệp.
Child homelessness and neglect in Ukraine and Poland in the 1920s: The state of the problem and legal measures to combat it
Authors: Omarova Aisel
Published: April 2023

Background: With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and other problems that have arisen in recent years, the issue of Ukrainian children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances has become a significant problem. This situation demands urgent measures. For better or worse, Ukraine has experience in this regard and a history of combating the problem of child homelessness and neglect in the 1920s. Moreover, Ukraine’s neighbour, Poland, also has a history of combating the same problem in the 1920s. In this article, child homelessness and neglect in Ukraine and Poland were studied. Furthermore, legal measures to combat this problem were explored. It was useful to examine the state of the problem and legal measures to combat it to see what lessons could be learned from the successful experience in Ukraine and Poland in solving the problem of child homelessness and neglect in the 1920s.
Methods: Historical and legal methods were used to study the issue effectively. This method allowed us to investigate the state of the problem in two countries at the same time and to outline the main measures that were used to combat the problem of child homelessness and neglect. The comparative method was also used to reveal the differences in combating the problem mentioned above.
Results and Conclusions: Some suggestions that could be used in Ukraine to solve the problem of children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances were proposed in the conclusions.
The General Budget in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Between Governance Requirements and Financial Sustainability
Authors: Elhilali Cherif
Published: April 2023

Background: The general budget is the essential mechanism for implementing the public policies of the state and thus for achieving sustainable development at all levels, especially economic and social. In view of this importance, the issue of governance is raised as the most effective way to achieve the desired goals.
In this context, the research seeks to highlight the role played by the public budget governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reducing the fiscal deficit caused by the instability of financial revenues while controlling the public spending process and searching for non-oil resources.
Methods: The research relied on the descriptive analytical approach to study the reality of the governance of the public budget management in the Kingdom through the analysis of national and international studies and reports, with the aim of preparing recommendations related to improving the state budgetary management.
Results and Conclusions: This article produced results and recommendations that are evident in the fact that the management of the general budget in the Kingdom, although it has witnessed some improvement in the past years, still needs more effectiveness, transparency, and good performance. These are all considered to be the principles of governance in general and the public budget in particular. Therefore, these principles must be applied according to a mechanism consistent with the national legal and institutional specificities, as well as according to a time period that depends on performance indicators.
Programa de aprendizagem facilitada e supervisionada em neuroanatomia funcional: vivências em um hospital de referência na Amazônia
Authors: Costa Ewerthon de Souza , Santos Rafael Reis do Espírito , Menezes Gabriel Castro de , Machado Filho Dilvan Peres , Pereira Edmundo Luís Rodrigues
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: Estimular no discente o atendimento humanizado, reconhecer afecções do sistema nervoso, aprimorar a análise exames laboratoriais e de imagem, cuidados pré e pós operatórios direcionados, reconhecer a importância da burocracia assistencialista para o bom funcionamento do serviço hospitalar.  Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência, elaborado com base nas vivências de um grupo de acadêmicos inseridos, mediante aprovação em processo seletivo do Programa de Aprendizagem Facilitada e Supervisionada de Neuroanatomia Funcional em um Hospital de grande porte e referência em neurologia e neurocirurgia na Região Amazônica. Resultados: A experiência de estágio tornou-se oportuna para prestar continuidade ao aprendizado em neuroanatomia, semiologia e radiologia neurológica, demandas relacionadas à prática do neurologista, assim como indicações das várias abordagens neurocirúrgicas. No hospital, as atividades ocorreram diariamente em diferentes setores: Ambulatório, Enfermaria, Bloco Cirúrgico, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Gestão Hospitalar. Conclusão: O Programa de Aprendizagem Facilitada e Supervisionada em Neuroanatomia Funcional constituiu uma excelente ferramenta para a construção de pilares imprescindíveis na formação acadêmica dos estudantes de medicina e, consequentemente, impactará de forma positiva na carreira profissional tanto em atuação no setor público quanto no privado.
Como o cenário pós-pandemia impacta a biossegurança no consultório odontológico
Authors: Costa Camila Beatriz Carneiro Pimenta da , Rodrigues Márcio Melo da Costa , Silva Maria Luiza Pereira Bino da , Carneiro Millena Fernandes , Alcântara Ana Clara Feijó de , Paz Eliana Santos Lyra da , Paz Júnior Francisco Braga da , Freitas Lindeberg Rocha , Guaraná Carlos Fernando Rodrigues , Rocha Hidemburgo Gonçalves
Published: April 2023

Com a difusão do SARS-CoV-2, um tipo de coronavírus propagado por aerossol que inicialmente se espalhou na China em 2019, foi declarada emergência de saúde pública pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. É um vírus com alta capacidade de propagação, portanto é necessário utilizar medidas de biossegurança durante a prática odontológica em consultório, sendo esse um ambiente com grande concentração de aerossóis. Dessarte, o atual trabalho visa analisar a crise da biossegurança no contexto pré-pandemia e seu impacto no pós, para que haja a redução no risco de contágio do vírus, protegendo, assim, pacientes e profissionais da odontologia. Para esse estudo, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura integrativa através de manuais recentes de biossegurança nos últimos seis anos. Os meios de busca utilizados foram Google Acadêmico, SciELO e PMC (PubMed Central). Entre os anos de 2016 a 2022, foram identificados 1030 artigos relacionados ao tema, então, foram adotados 42 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Adotar novas normas de proteção individual - sobretudo referente ao uso de máscaras como N95 e PFF2 -, de limpeza de superfícies e de protocolos de atendimento foi de notável relevância para evitar o contágio, já que a combinação desses atos se mostraram eficazes na proteção de pacientes e profissionais da odontologia, em comparação com os antigos costumes. Portanto, constatou-se que analisar novos métodos de biossegurança é essencial para evitar infecções e proporcionar um ambiente mais seguro para os pacientes, as equipes e aos cirurgiões-dentistas.
A cultura da beterraba em plantio direto sob diferentes densidades de palhada de milho
Authors: Makoski Jessica Rauana , Santos Elaine Rodrigues dos , Polidoro Volnei , Lima Claudia Simone Madruga , Leandrini Josimeire Aparecida
Published: April 2023

A beterraba (Beta vulgaris L.) pertencente à família Amaranthaceae é umas das principais hortaliças produzidas no Brasil. Novas técnicas de cultivo e preparo do solo estão sendo utilizadas, entre elas o SPDH (Sistema de Plantio Direto em Hortaliças). Assim, o objetivo no presente trabalho foi avaliar a incidência de plantas espontâneas, a diversidade de insetos, e o desenvolvimento da beterraba em sistema de plantio direto com diferentes densidades de palhada de milho. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Nova Laranjeiras (PR) em sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças, utilizando como cobertura de solo o milho em diferentes densidades (0, 40, 60, 80 e 100 mil plantas/ha), foi utilizado a cultivar de beterraba Early Wonder Tall Top. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos intercalados em esquema fatorial. As variáveis avaliadas foram capacidade de retenção da água, respiração basal do solo, índice de decomposição da palhada, altura da parte área, número de folhas e índice de sobrevivência das plantas de beterraba, incidência de fitófagos e fitopatógenos e o levantamento de plantas espontâneas. Os dados foram submetidos análise de variância (ANOVA) e os dados significativos foram comparadas a 5% de probabilidade, foi realizada análise de regressão e teste de Tukey.  Os resultados de capacidade de retenção de água, respiração basal do solo e incidência de plantas espontâneas foram significativos para as densidades e períodos avaliados. Conclui a utilização de cobertura de milho sobre os canteiros de beterraba reduziu a incidência de plantas espontâneas, porém reduziu o estabelecimento da beterraba em 30%.
SURVEY: YOUTUBE SPAM COMMENTS DETECTION AND DELETION
Authors: Bhavsar Darshan , Chandekar Abhishek , Patil Prof .Chetana , Chaudhari Mihir , Dcruz Stephen ,   Dhole Patil College of Engineering
Published: April 2023

The quality of online social platforms has risen, and spammers have developed a number of strategies to trick consumers into clicking on harmful links. This is accomplished by posting spam to various social media networks' comment sections. This paper suggests a method for identifying spam comments on YouTube, which have grown significantly recently. YouTube operates a spam blocking system, although it consistently fails to do so effectively so our program tries to tackle the problem by not only detecting but also deleting the spam comments by using Machine Learning
Degree-hours to spawning response, fertilization rate and hatching of Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala through induced breeding under hatchery environment.
Authors: Azhar Muhammad Shahbaz , Anjum Muhammad Zubair , Akhter Shamim , Khan Muhammad Qayash , Ali Ahmad , Farooq Misbah , Bibi Shaista
Published: April 2023

Major carp is a group of fish species commonly cultured in Indian Subcontinent. Fish is the major source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. With the robust increase in human population, the demand of food is also increasing. To overcome the food, demand many food sectors are working in line to cope with the protein requirements management of brood stock and successful breeding is also very important. Estimation of degree-hours for the spawning response, hatching of brood stock and their fertilization rate, hatching rate of fish eggs is one of the major aspects of hatchery management. Degree-hours is a standard unit that is used to measure the heat requirement for spawning and hatching while data is scarce for many species. The current study was designed to investigate the degree-hours to spawning and hatching for major carps i.e., Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Mrigala (Cirrhinus mrigala) during May to August 2022 at Punjab Fish Seed Hatchery, Rawal Town Islamabad, Pakistan. Two triplets (one male and two females) of each species were selected for induced breeding. Ovaprim was administrated at the rate of 0.5ml/kg for female and 0.2ml/kg for male to stimulate ovulation and spermitation respectively. Both species showed ovulation rate (100%). Spawning was occurred after 9.35±0.4299 hours in Rohu and in Mrigala 10.18±0.4393 hours at average water temperature of 26.3±0.575. Degree-hours to spawning in Rohu and Mrigala were calculated as 248.6±9.35 and 264.6±5.625 respectively. Higher fertilization rate (87.23±2.029%) and hatching rate (84.88±1.7747%) were observed in Mrigala (Cirrhinus mrigala) as compared to Rohu (Labeo rohita) i.e. (85.75±1.856%) and (81.75±1.525%) respectively. Hatching activity proceeded rapidly in Rohu and completed in 741.025±14.532 degree-hours while, in Mrigala it occurred in 778.43±9.1972 degree-hours. This was a first documented report on effect of degree-hours on induced breeding of indigenous carps of Pakistan i.e., Rohu and Mrigala under controlled hatchery environment.
ALMANYA ÖRNEĞİNDE TERÖRİZMLE MÜCADELE ARACI OLARAK VATANDAŞLIK KAYBI – ULUSLARARASI HUKUKUN SINIRLARI
Authors: ARSAVA Füsun
Published: April 2023

Terörizmle mücadelede vatandaşlık kaybı günümüzde bir rönesans yaşamaktadır. Kimi devletlerin bu çerçevede mevcut hukuki dayanağa istinat ettiği görülmektedir. Örneğin Almanya’da vatandaşlık hukuku 2019’da terörizmle bağlantılı vatandaşlık kaybı düzenlemesi ile genişletilmiştir. Makalede bu tür düzenlemelerin Uluslararası Hukuka uygunluğu tartışılmaktadır. Yapılan düzenleme ile hernekadar Uluslararası Hukukun reddettiği vatansızlık durumu ortaya çıkmasa da, farklı insan hakları sorunları ortaya çıkmaktadır. Almanya’nın yaptığı düzenleme somut durumu dikkate almaması nedeni ile eleştirildiği gibi, vatandaşlık kaybının ülkeye girişi engelleme amacı taşıması nedeni ile de eleştirilmektedir. Devletler bu tür düzenlemelerle güvenliği bakımından tehlikeli gördükleri vatandaşları hakkında cezai takibat yapmak yerine onları vatandaşlıktan çıkararak Uluslararası Hukuk sorumluluklarından kurtulmak istemektedir. Makalede devletlerin terörizmle mücadele araçlarına ve Uluslararası Hukukun bu çerçevedeki sınırlarına ışık tutulmaktadır.
AZMETTİRMENİN ÖZEL OLUŞUM ŞEKİLLERİ
Authors: YAVUZ Yağız
Published: April 2023

Bu çalışmanın konusunu azmettirmenin özellik gösterdiği kimi haller oluşturmaktadır. Bunlar, hali hazırda belirli bir suçu işlemeye karar vermiş olan failin, o suçu işlemeye sevk edilmesi, başka bir suçu işlemeye sevk edilmesi ve belirli bir suçu işlemeyi tamamlayan failin o suçu işlemeye devam etmeye sevk edilmesi şeklinde sıralanabilir. Bu hallerde teknik anlamda bir azmettirme hareketinin mevcudiyetinden söz edilip edilemeyeceği ve şerikin ne sıfatla sorumlu tutulabileceği inceleme konusu yapılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda, ilk olarak omnimodo facturus kurumu incelenmiş ve failin bu şekilde adlandırılabilmesi için aldığı suç işleme kararının taşıması gereken özellikler irdelenmiştir. Bunun akabinde, suç işleme kararında ne gibi hususlarda değişiklikler meydana getirilmesi halinde başka bir suçun mevcudiyetinden söz edilebileceği meselesi üzerinde durulmuştur. Son olarak, kendiliğinden almış olduğu suç işleme kararına karşılık gelen icra hareketlerini tamamlayan faili, aynı suça yönelik ek icra hareketleri gerçekleştirmeye sevk edenin nasıl cezalandırılması gerektiği tartışılmıştır.
Özel Bir Hastanede Sağlık Çalışanlarının Kesici Delici Alet Yaralanmaları ve Deri-Mukoza Temaslarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: YAMAN KARADAM Senem , ÇOBAN Berhan , YILMAZ Medine
Published: April 2023

Kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları ve deri-mukoza teması sağlık çalışanlarının en önemli mesleki risklerindendir. Bu çalışmanın amacı özel bir hastanedeki sağlık çalışanlarının üç yıllık kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları ile deri-mukoza temaslarının değerlendirilmesidir. Bu amaçla hastane enfeksiyon kontrol komitesinin 01.01 2019 ile 31.12 2021 tarihleri arasındaki kayıtları geriye dönük olarak incelenmiştir. Bu tarihler arasında Enfeksiyon Kontrol Komitesine kesici-delici alet yaralanması nedeniyle başvuran 56 sağlık çalışanının takip formlarından veriler elde edilmiştir. Yaralanma anı, 3. ve 6. Aydaki izlem sonuçları incelenmiştir . Veriler SPSS 25.0 paket programında analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmaya katılanların 26(%46.4)’ü hemşire, 17(%30.4)’ü yardımcı personel, 4(%7.1)’i teknisyen, 3(%5.4)’ü doktor, 3(%5.4)’ü ebe ve 3(%5.4)’ü estetisyendir. En sık yaralanma olan birimler karma servis (n:20-%35.7) ve ameliyathanedir (n:13-%23,2). En sık ilk üç yaralanma tipi enjektörle (n:33,%58.9), sıçrama (n:6, %10.7) ve sütur iğnesi (n:6, %10.7) ile olmuştur. Yaralanan bölgeler en sık sağ el (n:24, %42.9 ), sol el (n:23, %41.1) ve bacak bölgesi (n:5, %8,9) olmuştur. Üçüncü ve 6. Ay takibi yapılabilenlerin hiç birinde HbsAg, anti-HCV veya anti-HIV pozitifliği gelişmemiştir. Sonuç olarak yaralanma izlem ve tedavilerinin etkin olarak yürütülmesi sağlık çalışanlarını korumak için hayati öneme sahiptir. Araştırma sonuçları Hepatit B, HCV ve HIV enfeksiyonları açısından takip sonuçlarını ortaya koymakta ve oluşturulacak kurumsal politikalar için veri sağlamaktadır.
Kvantitativa modeller för ett robust och resilient transportsystem
Authors:   Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för teknik och naturvetenskap, Kommunikations- och transportsystem. Linköpings universitet, Tekniska fakulteten, Andersson Granberg Tobias , Steins Krisjanis , Waldemarsson Martin
Published: April 2023

Både mindre störningar och större händelser som katastrofer och kriser har en påverkan på transportsystemet. Dels kan de ge upphov till förändrade möjligheter att tillgodose efterfrågan, till exempel om infrastruktur blir skadad, dels kan det ge förändringar i efterfrågan, vilket t.ex. var tydligt under Covid-19 pandemin, eller ge upphov till nya behov, t.ex. av nödtransporter. Hanteringen av dessa störningar, ur ett transportsystemperspektiv, kan ske via förebyggande och förberedande åtgärder, vilka bidrar till en ökad robusthet och resiliens. Det kan vara att stärka och skydda infrastruktur eller att ha resurser i beredskap, som operativt kan verka avhjälpande och återställande. Åtgärderna kräver ofta komplexa beslut kring prioritering och resurshantering - områden där kvantitativa modeller har goda möjligheter att användas som grund för beslutsstöd. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka möjligheten att använda kvantitativa modeller för att öka robustheten och resiliensen hos det svenska transportsystemet vid större störningar. Via en litteraturstudie och intervjuer med systemexperter från räddningsområdet, transportsektorn samt akademin, identifierades fem olika områden där kvantitativa modeller bedöms kunna ge värdefulla bidrag. Dessa är 1. Efterfrågemodellering, 2. Risk- och sårbarhetsanalys, 3. Evakueringsplanering, 4. Resurslokalisering och 5. Prioritering och resurshantering. Inom samtliga finns utrymme för att via forskning och utveckling ta fram beslutsstödsverktyg som kan bidra vid planering, förebyggande arbete, och operativ resursstyrning. Även inom andra områden, till exempel kommunikation, samverkan och organisering, finns det behov av forskning, då gärna med inslag av andra discipliner såsom human factors och digitalisering.
Effects of an integrated safety system for swivel seat arrangements in frontal crash
Authors: Li Zhao , Gao Ruth , McCoy Robert , Hu Hongyu , He Lei , Gao Zhenhai
Published: April 2023

Objective: Autonomous vehicles (Avs) have paved the way for the arrangement of swivel seats in vehicles, which could pose a challenge to traditional safety systems. The integration of automated emergency braking (AEB) and pre-pretension (PPT) seatbelts improves protection for a vehicle’s occupant. The objective of this study is to explore the control strategies of an integrated safety system for swiveled seating orientations.

Methods: Occupant restraints were examined in various seating configurations using a single-seat model with a seat-mounted seatbelt. Seat orientation was set at different angles, from −45° to 45° with 15° increments. A pretension was used on the shoulder belt to represent an active belt force cooperating with AEB. A generic full frontal vehicle pulse of 20 mph was applied to the sled. The occupant’s kinematics response under various integrated safety system control strategies was analyzed by extracting a head pre-crash kinematics envelope. The injury values were calculated for various seating directions with or without an integrated safety system at the collision speed of 20 mph.

Results: In a lateral movement, the excursions of the dummy head were 100 mm and 70 mm in the global coordinate system for negative and positive seat orientations, respectively. In the axial movement, the head traveled 150 mm and 180 mm in the global coordinate system for positive and negative seating directions, respectively. The 3-point seatbelt did not restrain the occupant symmetrically. The occupant experienced greater y-axis excursion and smaller x-axis excursion in the negative seat position. Various integrated safety system control strategies led to significant differences in head movement in the y direction. The integrated safety system reduced the occupant’s potential injury risks in different seating positions. When the AEB and PPT were activated, the absolute HIC15, brain injury criteria (BrIC), neck injury (Nij), and chest deflection were reduced in most seating directions. However, the pre-crash increased the injury risks at some seating positions.

Conclusion: The pre-pretension seatbelt could reduce the occupant’s forward movement in the rotating seat positions in a pre-crash period. The occupant’s pre-crash motion envelope was generated, which could be beneficial to future restraint systems and vehicle interior design. The integrated safety system could reduce injuries in different seating orientations.
A review of bioengineering techniques applied to breast tissue: Mechanical properties, tissue engineering and finite element analysis
Authors: Teixeira Ana Margarida , Martins Pedro
Published: April 2023

Female breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. As a prophylactic measure or as a treatment, mastectomy and lumpectomy are often performed at women. Following these surgeries, women normally do a breast reconstruction to minimize the impact on their physical appearance and, hence, on their mental health, associated with self-image issues. Nowadays, breast reconstruction is based on autologous tissues or implants, which both have disadvantages, such as volume loss over time or capsular contracture, respectively. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine can bring better solutions and overcome these current limitations. Even though more knowledge needs to be acquired, the combination of biomaterial scaffolds and autologous cells appears to be a promising approach for breast reconstruction. With the growth and improvement of additive manufacturing, three dimensional (3D) printing has been demonstrating a lot of potential to produce complex scaffolds with high resolution. Natural and synthetic materials have been studied in this context and seeded mainly with adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) since they have a high capability of differentiation. The scaffold must mimic the environment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the native tissue, being a structural support for cells to adhere, proliferate and migrate. Hydrogels (e.g., gelatin, alginate, collagen, and fibrin) have been a biomaterial widely studied for this purpose since their matrix resembles the natural ECM of the native tissues. A powerful tool that can be used in parallel with experimental techniques is finite element (FE) modeling, which can aid the measurement of mechanical properties of either breast tissues or scaffolds. FE models may help in the simulation of the whole breast or scaffold under different conditions, predicting what might happen in real life. Therefore, this review gives an overall summary concerning the human breast, specifically its mechanical properties using experimental and FE analysis, and the tissue engineering approaches to regenerate this particular tissue, along with FE models.
Barnacle inspired high-strength hydrogel for adhesive
Authors: Hao Dezhao , Li Xingchao , Yang Enfeng , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2023

Barnacle exhibits high adhesion strength underwater for its glue with coupled adhesion mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding, electrostatic force, and hydrophobic interaction. Inspired by such adhesion mechanism, we designed and constructed a hydrophobic phase separation hydrogel induced by the electrostatic and hydrogen bond interaction assembly of PEI and PMAA. By coupling the effect of hydrogen bond, electrostatic force and hydrophobic interaction, our gel materials show an ultrahigh mechanical strength, which is up to 2.66 ± 0.18 MPa. Also, benefit from the coupled adhesion forces, as well as the ability to destroy the interface water layer, the adhesion strength on the polar materials can be up to 1.99 ± 0.11 MPa underwater, while that of the adhesion strength is about 2.70 ± 0.21 MPa under silicon oil. This work provides a deeper understanding of the underwater adhesion principle of barnacle glue. Furthermore, our bioinspired strategy would provide an inspiration for the fabrication of high mechanical gel materials, and the rapid strong adhesive used in both water and organic solvents.
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast crosstalk in the postnatal heart
Authors: Uscategui Calderon Maria , Gonzalez Brittany A. , Yutzey Katherine E.
Published: April 2023

During the postnatal period in mammals, the heart undergoes significant remodeling in response to increased circulatory demands. In the days after birth, cardiac cells, including cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, progressively lose embryonic characteristics concomitant with the loss of the heart’s ability to regenerate. Moreover, postnatal cardiomyocytes undergo binucleation and cell cycle arrest with induction of hypertrophic growth, while cardiac fibroblasts proliferate and produce extracellular matrix (ECM) that transitions from components that support cellular maturation to production of the mature fibrous skeleton of the heart. Recent studies have implicated interactions of cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes within the maturing ECM environment to promote heart maturation in the postnatal period. Here, we review the relationships of different cardiac cell types and the ECM as the heart undergoes both structural and functional changes during development. Recent advances in the field, particularly in several recently published transcriptomic datasets, have highlighted specific signaling mechanisms that underlie cellular maturation and demonstrated the biomechanical interdependence of cardiac fibroblast and cardiomyocyte maturation. There is increasing evidence that postnatal heart development in mammals is dependent on particular ECM components and that resulting changes in biomechanics influence cell maturation. These advances, in definition of cardiac fibroblast heterogeneity and function in relation to cardiomyocyte maturation and the extracellular environment provide, support for complex cell crosstalk in the postnatal heart with implications for heart regeneration and disease mechanisms.
Two small-molecule inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii proliferation in vitro
Authors: Hua Qian-qian , Lin Xue-jing , Xiang Shi-peng , Jiang Li-ya , Cai Jin-hao , Sun Jian-min , Tan Feng , Mou Ya-ni
Published: April 2023

Background

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonosis. Most infections appear asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, but toxoplasmosis can be fatal in fetuses and immunocompromised adults. There is an urgent need to research and develop effective and low-toxicity anti-T. gondii drugs because of some defects in current clinical anti-T. gondii drugs, such as limited efficacy, serious side effects and drug resistance.

Methods

In this study, 152 autophagy related compounds were evaluated as anti-T. gondii drugs. The activity of β-galactosidase assay based on luminescence was used to determine the inhibitory effect on parasite growth. At the same time, MTS assay was used to further detect the effects of compounds with over 60% inhibition rate on host cell viability. The invasion, intracellular proliferation, egress and gliding abilities of T. gondii were tested to assess the inhibitory effect of the chosen drugs on the distinct steps of the T. gondii lysis cycle.

Results

The results showed that a total of 38 compounds inhibited parasite growth by more than 60%. After excluding the compounds affecting host cell activity, CGI-1746 and JH-II-127 were considered for drug reuse and further characterized. Both CGI-1746 and JH-II-127 inhibited tachyzoite growth by 60%, with IC50 values of 14.58 ± 1.52 and 5.88 ± 0.23 μM, respectively. TD50 values were 154.20 ± 20.15 and 76.39 ± 14.32 μM, respectively. Further research found that these two compounds significantly inhibited the intracellular proliferation of tachyzoites. Summarize the results, we demonstrated that CGI-1746 inhibited the invasion, egress and especially the gliding abilities of parasites, which is essential for the successful invasion of host cells, while JH-II-127 did not affect the invasion and gliding ability, but seriously damaged the morphology of mitochondria which may be related to the damage of mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Discussion

Taken together, these findings suggest that both CGI-1746 and JH-II-127 could be potentially repurposed as anti-T. gondii drugs, lays the groundwork for future therapeutic strategies.
Preventing marine wildlife crime: An evaluation of legal protection and enforcement perspectives
Authors: Nurse Angus
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Despite growing environmental awareness and the efforts of a variety of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to influence the wildlife protection policy agenda, wildlife laws remain outside the remit of mainstream criminal justice. Adopting a green criminological perspective, this article considers wildlife crime in respect of threats to UK marine wildlife. It examines the UK’s legal and enforcement framework and the scope and nature of both marine wildlife crime and harms to marine wildlife. Its core question is to consider the extent to which the UK’s wildlife law approach provides for effective wildlife protection and is adequate to deal with the threats facing marine wildlife.

Methods

The research is a mixed methods study that considers the relevant law, case law and reporting of wildlife crimes as well as the enforcement approach to marine wildlife crime. The article’s methodological approach is socio-legal in nature commencing with a review of the relevant literature on threats to marine wildlife and incorporating analysis of the current law and case law available via the legal databases BAILII and Westlaw. The study also conducted an analysis of licences for disturbance of marine wildlife via an examination of the open access case management database managed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) the main enforcement body for marine wildlife incidents in the UK.

Results

The research identifies that while in principle the UK has robust legal protection for marine wildlife, in practice, policy allows exploitation and disturbance of marine wildlife that causes harm to individual animals and is detrimental to efforts to conserve marine wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Discussion

This research concludes that in the UK, potentially strong legislation existing on paper is arguably not backed by an effective enforcement regime. The remote nature of marine wildlife incidents, competition between marine wildlife and leisure and commercial activities and the very wording of legislation all create enforcement challenges. This article argues for marine wildlife crime to be integrated into mainstream crime policy linked to other forms of offending and criminal justice policy, rather than being largely seen as a purely environmental issue and a ‘fringe’ area of policing.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Cox-maze IV procedure for atrial fibrillation in patients with aortic valve calcification
Authors: Guo Ruikang , Fan Chengming , Sun Zhishan , Zhang Hao , Sun Yaqin , Song Long , Jiang Zenan , Liu Liming
Published: April 2023

Objective

Atrial fibrillation is associated with a high incidence of heart valve disease. There are few prospective clinical research comparing aortic valve replacement with and without surgical ablation for safety and effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of aortic valve replacement with and without the Cox-maze IV procedure in patients with calcific aortic valvular disease and atrial fibrillation.

Methods

We analyzed one hundred and eight patients with calcific aortic valve disease and atrial fibrillation who underwent aortic valve replacement. Patients were divided into concomitant Cox maze surgery (Cox-maze group) and no concomitant Cox-maze operation (no Cox-maze group). After surgery, freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence and all-cause mortality were evaluated.

Results

Freedom from all-cause mortality after aortic valve replacement at 1 year was 100% in the Cox-maze group and 89%, respectively, in the no Cox-maze group. No Cox-maze group had a lower rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence and arrhythmia control than those in the Cox-maze group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012, respectively). Pre-operatively higher systolic blood pressure (hazard ratio, 1.096; 95% CI, 1.004–1.196; P = 0.04) and post-operatively increased right atrium diameters (hazard ratio, 1.755; 95% CI, 1.182–2.604; P = 0.005) were associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Conclusion

The Cox-maze IV surgery combined with aortic valve replacement increased mid-term survival and decreased mid-term atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with calcific aortic valve disease and atrial fibrillation. Pre-operatively higher systolic blood pressure and post-operatively increased right atrium diameters are associated with the prediction of recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Diltiazem is a useful and effective medication for reversal of coronary artery spasm-induced complete atrioventricular block: A case report
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu Li , Liu Chengwei , Han Min , Xu Chengyi , Qiu Rujie
Published: April 2023

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is characterized by reversible diffuse or focal vasoconstriction, a phenomenon that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. Fatal arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation and complete atrioventricular block (AV-B), are very common in patients with CAS. Nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) such as diltiazem were recommended as first-line medications for treating and preventing CAS episodes. However, its use remains controversial in CAS patients with AV-B as this type of CCB can also cause AV-B itself. Here, we present the use of diltiazem in a patient with complete AV-B caused by CAS. The patient's chest pain was rapidly relieved, and complete AV-B was promptly restored to sinus rhythm following the administration of intravenous diltiazem without any adverse effects. In this report, we highlight the useful and effective application of diltiazem for treating and preventing complete AV-B caused by CAS.
Networking and adapting their way forward: Women heads of large, K-12 independent schools and their leadership literacies
Authors: Flaxman Jessica R.
Published: April 2023

Gender disparity at the leadership level of large (defined by the National Association of Independent Schools as >700 students) K-12 independent schools is a critical and persistent issue in the ongoing effort to foster equity and justice in historically white and male-led independent schools in the United States. Since 2009, the number of women leading all independent schools has increased from 31% to 41% in 2021. However, while a greater number of women lead independent schools today than in years past, they more often achieve the headship in small and K-8 schools and remain less likely (22%) to achieve headship of large (>700) independent schools. Using mixed-methods research including a quantitative survey of 30 of the 45 women leading large, K-12 independent schools in 2020; qualitative follow-up interviews; and analysis of exemplary “leader communications” from the crisis/pandemic school year, this study identifies the role of networking and adaptability literacies in moderating gender bias in the leadership pipeline.
Exploring Swedish preschool teachers' perspectives on applying a self-reflection tool for improving inclusion in early childhood education and care
Authors: Ginner Hau Hanna , Selenius Heidi , Bjorck Eva
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In order to provide opportunities for high-quality early childhood education and care for each child, inclusive settings need to develop and sustain their potential to enable participation in terms of attendance and involvement for diverse groups of children. In 2015–2017, the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education completed a project on inclusive early childhood education, focusing on structures, processes, and outcomes that ensure a systemic approach to high-quality inclusive early childhood education. Within the project, a self-reflection tool for improving inclusion, the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Environment Self-Reflection Tool (ISRT), was developed. For purposes of future implementation of the ISRT, the present study focused on the teachers' perspective regarding the ISRT's potential to contribute to enabling all children's participation, defined as attending and being actively engaged in the activities in early childhood education and care. The specific aim was to explore Swedish preschool teachers' perceptions of the ISRT based on their experiences of applying the tool.

Methods

Twelve preschool teachers participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of applying the tool. The interviews were analyzed with a thematic analysis.

Results

The thematic analysis resulted in three main themes concerning the teachers' perception of (1) the construction of the ISRT, (2) the time required for using the tool, and (3) the tool's immediate relevance for practice. Each of these themes contained both negative and positive perceptions of the tool.

Discussion

Based on the negative and positive perceptions identified in the three main themes, future research and development of the ISRT in Swedish preschools are discussed. On a general level, the results are discussed in relation to the implementation of the ISRT in terms of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
Perinatal exposure to the fungicide ketoconazole alters hypothalamic control of puberty in female rats
Authors: Franssen Delphine , Johansson Hanna K. L. , Lopez-Rodriguez David , Lavergne Arnaud , Terwagne Quentin , Boberg Julie , Christiansen Sofie , Svingen Terje , Parent Anne-Simone
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) are known to alter the timing of puberty onset and reproductive function in females. Accumulating evidence suggests that steroid synthesis inhibitors such as ketoconazole (KTZ) or phthalates may also affect female reproductive health, however their mode of action is poorly understood. Because hypothalamic activity is very sensitive to sex steroids, we aimed at determining whether and how EDCs with different mode of action can alter the hypothalamic transcriptome and GnRH release in female rats.

Design

Female rats were exposed to KTZ or DES during perinatal (DES 3-6-12μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-6-12mg/kg.d), pubertal or adult periods (DES 3-12-48μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-12-48mg/kg.d).

Results

Ex vivo study of GnRH pulsatility revealed that perinatal exposure to the highest doses of KTZ and DES delayed maturation of GnRH secretion before puberty, whereas pubertal or adult exposure had no effect on GnRH pulsatility. Hypothalamic transcriptome, studied by RNAsequencing in the preoptic area and in the mediobasal hypothalamus, was found to be very sensitive to perinatal exposure to all doses of KTZ before puberty with effects persisting until adulthood. Bioinformatic analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted “Creb signaling in Neurons” and “IGF-1 signaling” among the most downregulated pathways by all doses of KTZ and DES before puberty, and “PPARg” as a common upstream regulator driving gene expression changes. Deeper screening ofRNAseq datasets indicated that a high number of genes regulating the activity of the extrinsic GnRH pulse generator were consistently affected by all the doses of DES and KTZ before puberty. Several, including MKRN3, DNMT3 or Cbx7, showed similar alterations in expression at adulthood.

Conclusion

nRH secretion and the hypothalamic transcriptome are highly sensitive to perinatal exposure to both DES and KTZ. The identified pathways should be exploredfurther to identify biomarkers for future testing strategies for EDC identification and when enhancing the current standard information requirements in regulation.
The challenge of studying perovskite solar cells’ stability with machine learning
Authors: Graniero Paolo , Khenkin Mark , Köbler Hans , Hartono Noor Titan Putri , Schlatmann Rutger , Abate Antonio , Unger Eva , Jacobsson T. Jesper , Ulbrich Carolin
Published: April 2023

Perovskite solar cells are the most dynamic emerging photovoltaic technology and attracts the attention of thousands of researchers worldwide. Recently, many of them are targeting device stability issues–the key challenge for this technology–which has resulted in the accumulation of a significant amount of data. The best example is the “Perovskite Database Project,” which also includes stability-related metrics. From this database, we use data on 1,800 perovskite solar cells where device stability is reported and use Random Forest to identify and study the most important factors for cell stability. By applying the concept of learning curves, we find that the potential for improving the models’ performance by adding more data of the same quality is limited. However, a significant improvement can be made by increasing data quality by reporting more complete information on the performed experiments. Furthermore, we study an in-house database with data on more than 1,000 solar cells, where the entire aging curve for each cell is available as opposed to stability metrics based on a single number. We show that the interpretation of aging experiments can strongly depend on the chosen stability metric, unnaturally favoring some cells over others. Therefore, choosing universal stability metrics is a critical question for future databases targeting this promising technology.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of organic pollutants in French soils irrigated with agro-industrial wastewater
Authors: Maurin Nicolas , Sayen Stéphanie , Guillon Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

The use of agro-industrial wastewater in the agricultural sector is an interesting practice to save resources but it can bring various contaminants to the receiving soils. In this study 19 organic pollutants [8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 6 BTEX, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol, tributyltin and diethylphtalate] were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in soils irrigated with agro-industrial wastewater from sugar refinery. The soils were sampled at five different locations to evaluate the contamination heterogeneity. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was performed using methanol and hexane and extraction yields ranged from 44% to 96%. The detection limits of the method were between 1.6 and 64 μg·L−1 for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 0.42 μg·L−1 for diethylphthalate, 0.77 μg·L−1 for tributyltin and until 9.8 μg·L−1 for phenol compounds. The highest contaminant concentrations measured in the soil samples, between 0.4 and 1.2 ng·g−1, were monitored for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons molecules, including napthalene, anthracene, fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and benzo[ghi]perylene. Toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene isomers accounted from 21 to 66 ng·g−1 (mostly toluene). Benzene, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol, tributyltin and diethylphtalate were not detected in soils. The proposed method enables analysis of a wide variety of regulated compounds in a unique preparation step and a unique analytical method. The mean amounts of pollutants were in agreement with measurements or estimates performed in similar contexts.
Influence management and disturbances on the regeneration of forest stands
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Cristina , Fonseca Teresa Fidalgo
Published: April 2023

The renewal and sustainability of the forest stands are attained through regeneration. There are three basic methods to regenerate high forest stands: natural regeneration, direct seeding, and planting. This study reviews the factors affecting regeneration, the three methods of regeneration and the effect of stand structure on regeneration. Overall, regeneration success can be quite variable due to edaphic and climatic conditions, seed losses and/or seedling mortality. The silvicultural system is relevant to the choice of the regeneration method. Natural regeneration is used in selection and irregular shelterwood systems whereas direct seeding and planting are used in uniform shelterwood and clear-cut systems. In the former, stand stocking management is primordial to regeneration success while for the latter are species selection, seed predators and spontaneous vegetation control.