bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) status of healthcare facilities in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan region during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda
Authors: Mugambe Richard K. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Ssekamatte Tonny , Isunju John Bosco , Nalugya Aisha , Wafula Solomon T. , Mukasa Hajra Comfort , Balen Julie , Yakubu Habib , Moe Christine L.
Published: April 2022

Background Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are critical in preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), including COVID-19. However, there is limited evidence on the status of IPC and WASH in healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Uganda amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed IPC and WASH status for HCFs in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), Uganda, during the COVID-19 pandemic, so as to inform programming and policy. Methods A cross-sectional study that utilized both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was conducted between October and November 2020 after the first wave of COVID-19 in Uganda. The Mwater survey tool was used in 75 HCFs in the GKMA, to collect quantitative data on IPC and WASH, while a key informants’ guide was used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data were imported into STATA version 16 and analyzed. Data were then summarized using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and graphs. A content approach, aided by Nvivo 12 was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Overall, 86.7% (65/75) of the HCFs had an IPC committee and 72.3% (47/65) of these were functional. The majority, 90.7% (68/75) of the HCFs had an IPC focal person, and 49.3% (37/75) had an IPC programme with a clear annual activity plan. Only, 32.3% (21/65) of the HCFs had their IPC activities supported by budget lines. In terms of WASH, almost all HCFs, 96.0% (72/75) had a basic water service, 10.7% (8/75) had basic sanitation service, 60.0% (45/75) had a basic hand hygiene service, 82.7% (62/75) had a basic waste management service, and 22.7% (17/75) had a basic environmental cleanliness service. Conclusion Our study indicates a need for improvements across all the WASH domains i.e., water, sanitation, hand hygiene, environmental hygiene and waste management. We therefore recommend an earmarked budget line for IPC and WASH activities with deliberate investments in WASH infrastructure and supplies. HCFs need clear plans for the operation and maintenance of WASH infrastructure so as to ensure sustainability. Further, it is necessary to set terms of reference for IPC committees to support their functionality.
Molecular detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in captive alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Zhao Aiyun , Wang Qilin , Tuo Haixin , Yu Fuchang , Li Youwen , Qi Meng , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2022

The most ubiquitously diagnosed microsporidian in animals and humans is Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi). This work aimed to probe the prevalence and genotypes of this pathogen in captive alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in Gansu Province, China. Subsequent to fecal sample collection (n = 201) from three farms in Gansu, the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) region of the rRNA gene was probed by PCR for detection and genotyping of E. bieneusi. The infection rate of E. bieneusi in alpine musk deer was 6.0% (12/201), with 0% (0/36), 7.7% (5/65) and 7.0% (7/100) in farms 1 to 3, respectively. The infection rate of E. bieneusi in young alpine musk deer (3.2%; 1/31) lower than that in adults (6.5%; 11/170), with no evident significant differences between age groups (P > 0.05). Three known genotypes D (n = 8), EbpA (n = 3) and BEB6 (n = 1) were identified by sequence analysis. This is the first such scrutiny of E. bieneusi infection in alpine musk deer in China as per our knowledge. Genotypes D and EbpA were common in humans and animals that is suggestive of the plausible zoonotic role in E. bieneusi transmission by alpine musk deer.
Chromosomal stability of feline cultivated adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells for clinical applications
Authors: Bhat Shazia Nissar , Ramesh Geetha , Kannan Thandavan Arthanari , Basha Sabiha Hayath , Dar Shahid Hussain
Published: April 2022

Karyotyping was performed to assess the chromosomal stability in feline adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells (fAD-MSCs) in different passages. Analysis of all passages showed that the fAD-MSCs had a normal diploid karyotype with 38 chromosomes. No chromosomal aberration was observed in the cells from all passages (from P0 to P3), which indicated that the cells did not matate during in-vitro culture condition. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that fAD-MSCs maintained stable immunophenotype and chromosomal structure which provided an experimental basis for safety of fAD-MSCs in cytotherpy.
ARG1 as a promising biomarker for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis: Evidence from WGCNA and PPI network
Authors: Zhang Jingxiang , Xu Weiheng , Xing Xinhao , Chen Linlin , Zhao Qingjie , Wang Yan
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening multi-organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis remains a major global concern with high mortality and morbidity, while management of sepsis patients relies heavily on early recognition and rapid stratification. This study aims to identify the crucial genes and biomarkers for sepsis which could guide clinicians to make rapid diagnosis and prognostication.MethodsMultiple datasets around the world were analysed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the peripheral blood of sepsis patients were identified. After Gene Oncology (GO) and pathway analysis, the Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen for genes most related with clinical diagnosis. Also, the Protein-Protein Interaction Network (PPI Network) was constructed based on the DEGs and the hub genes were found. The results of WGCNA and PPI network were compared and one shared gene was discovered. More datasets were then used to prove the diagnosis and prognosis value of this gene. Last, we used real-time PCR to confirm the bioinformatic results.Results444 common differentially expressed genes in the blood of sepsis patients from different ethnicities were identified. 15 genes most related with clinical diagnosis were found by WGCNA, and 24 hub genes with most node degrees were identified by PPI network. ARG1 turned out to be the unique overlapped gene. Further analysis using more datasets showed that ARG1 was not only sharply up-regulated in sepsis than in healthy controls, but also significantly high-expressed in septic shock than in non-septic shock, significantly high-expressed in severe or fatal sepsis than in uncomplicated sepsis, and significantly high-expressed in non-responders than in responders upon early treatment. These all demonstrate the performance of ARG1 as a key biomarker. Last, the up-regulation of ARG1 in the blood was confirmed experimentally. ConclusionsWe identified crucial genes that may play significant roles in sepsis by WGCNA and PPI network. ARG1 was the only overlapped gene in both results and could be used to make an accurate diagnosis, discriminate the severity and predict the treatment response of sepsis.
A report on the chloroplast genome of Melia dubia Cav. (Sapindales: Meliaceae), a potential agroforestry species
Authors: Samji Aghila , Eashwarlal Komal , Shanmugavel Senthilkumar , Kumar K. Santhosh , Warrier Rekha R
Published: April 2022

Background: Melia dubia Cav. is a fast-growing plywood species gaining popularity due to high economic returns. This study aimed to assemble and annotate the chloroplast (cp) genome of M.dubia and compare it with previously published cp genomes within the Meliaceae family. Methods and Results: The chloroplast genome was constructed by the de novo and reference-based assembly of paired-end reads generated by long-read sequencing of genomic DNA. The cp genome, sized 171,956 bp, comprised a typical angiosperm quadripartite structure. The large single-copy (LSC) region of 76,055 bp and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,693 bp, covers 55% of the genome. The pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) of 38,604 bp each (covering 45% of the genome). We identified unique genes (112), including protein-coding genes (79), tRNA (29) and 4 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis using complete cp genomes of 11 species from Meliaceae revealed that M. dubia and M. azedarach hared a sister clade. Comparative analysis using cp genome of M.dubia , M.azedarach and Azadirachta indica revealed a high sequence similarity ( >70%). Five intergenic regions were highly conserved among the three cp genomes. The gene trnG-UCC at LSC region was found to be more divergent in M.dubia and M.azedarach while it shows complete conservation within M.dubia and A.indica. Conclusions: The available levels of taxonomic expertise and clarity in species delineation within the Melia genus is low. The information generated provides scope for identifying new barcodes which increases the discriminatory power of the species within the genus beyond morphological identification.
Image Modification Using Deep Neural Cellular Automata
Authors: Gore Kaushal , Kothari Sanskar , Kamtalwar Saurav , Kokate Chinmay , Soman Koustubh
Published: April 2022

Abstract — Art Style Transfer is part of the rapidly growing AI Art community of recent times. Pioneered by Gatys et al, this class of methods makes it possible to convey styles, textures, patterns, and more. to a target image. The expressive masking feature of mainframe vision models such as VGG19 is used as a lossy function. The method of performing this transformation takes many forms, from the original method that directly optimizes the image pixels to more recent forms that form the CNN form to create a generic transport network. The method presented in this article is similar to more recent methods, but takes advantage of a new class of deep learning methods, deep neural automation. This new method provides the ability to convert any image into a target type that, like the CNN method mentioned previously, uses the same automatic data update rules over and over again. This paper contains how to use NCAs to transform images. also contains the Gatys et. al. type style transfer and the other a OpenAI CLIP based version where a prompt can be given to train NCAs to perform that transformation.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in static Formation temperature estimation
Authors: AL-FAKIH ABDULRAHMAN , Kaka SanLinn
Published: April 2022

This study presents a new model to predict the static formation temperature at multiple oil fields using multiple machine learning algorithms. Results are compared with the real obtained temperatures from two wells. The model developed in this study uses Python and Matlab to predict static formation temperature according to several machine learning algorithms including artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, k-nearest neighbors, and random forest algorithms. Also, we used well-known analytical methods called line-source-Horner and spherical & radial heat-flow (SRF). The following are the key findings: Using well-known analytical methods, we estimated formation hole temperatures, our results demonstrated that The Horner approach overestimates the static temperature of the formation., but the SRF method gives more accurate temperatures. Using Python and MATLAB programming languages, based on machine learning models, we developed a novel model for forecasting static formation temperature., examined the modeling data and outcomes, and found that Random Forest (RF), Fuzzy logic (FL), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) outperformed Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Therefore, the performance of the proposed model for estimating the static well temperature achieved an error percentage of AAPE 0.003% and R2 is 0.99%. The findings generated by the unique new model computation and the measured test data are substantially matched when compared to computed data and observed temperature data. The novelty of this newly developed AI model is that it will serve as a practical and inexpensive tool for SFT determination in geothermal and petroleum wells.
Keywords: Static Formation temperature; artificial intelligence; predicting the static formation temperature at multiple oil fields; Honor method; SRF method
Cross-resistance between macrocyclic lactones in populations of Rhipicephalus microplus in Brazil’s semiarid region
Authors: Ferreira Larissa Claudino , Lima Estefany Ferreira , Silva Ana Luzia Peixoto , Oliveira Clarisse Silva Menezes , Filho Geraldo Moreira Silva , Sousa Luana Carneiro , Klafke Guilherme Marcondes , Feitosa Thais Ferreira , Vilela Vinícius Longo Ribeiro
Published: April 2022

Rhipicephalus microplus, also known as the cattle tick, is the parasite with the greatest impact on cattle in Brazil. The most common method for controlling this tick is the application of synthetic chemical acaricides, especially ivermectin, which belongs to the group of macrocyclic lactones (MLs). However, because ivermectin is widely used, there is concern about the development of cross-resistance within this chemical class. Thus, engorged females were collected from farms with a history of resistance to ivermectin, which was the only one among the MLs that was used as an anthelmintic drug. Using the larval immersion test (LIT) technique, bioassays were performed with ivermectin, moxidectin and eprinomectin on populations of R. microplus from the semiarid region of the states of Paraíba and Ceará. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied to collect information about tick control management. All the evaluated populations showed cross-resistance between ivermectin and moxidectin, but only one population showed cross-resistance between ivermectin and eprinomectin. Weekly or monthly administration of injectable 1% ivermectin on farms was reported. It was concluded that the frequent use of ivermectin may lead to the development of cross-resistance to moxidectin. For eprinomectin, despite the structural similarity, cross-resistance was not observed in three tick populations.
Osteosarcoma transcriptome data exploration reveals STC2 as a novel risk indicator in disease progression
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Zeng Zixin , Gao Feng , Gui Ziwei , Du Juan , Shen Ningning , Shang Yangwei , Yang Zhiqing , Shang Lifang , Wei Rong , Ma Wenxia , Wang Chen
Published: April 2022

Background Osteosarcoma has been the most common primary bone malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Despite the considerable improvement in the understanding of genetic events attributing to the rapid development of molecular pathology, the current information is still lacking considering the comprehensive and highly heterogeneous nature of osteosarcoma. The study is to identify more potential responsible genes during the development of osteosarcoma, thus identifying promising gene indicators and aiding more precise interpretation of the disease. Methods Firstly, from GEO database, osteosarcoma transcriptome microarrays were used to screen the abnormally expressed genes (AEGS) in cancer comparing to normal bone samples, followed by GO/KEGG interpretation, risk score assessment and survival analysis of the genes to select a credible key gene. Further, the basic physicochemical properties, predicted cellular location, gene expression in human cancers, association with clinical pathological features and the potential signaling pathways involved in the key gene’s regulation on osteosarcoma development were preliminary explored. Results A total of 24430 genes were identified to express abnormally in osteosarcoma versus normal bone samples, and the genes were classified into four groups based on the difference level, further genes interpretation indicated that the high abnormal level (>8 fold) genes were mainly located extracellular and related to matrix structural constituent regulation. Meanwhile, module function analysis of the 67 high abnormal level (>8 fold) AEGS revealed a 22-gene containing extracellular matrix regulation associated hub gene cluster. Further survival analysis of the 22 genes revealed that STC2 was an independent prognosis indicator in osteosarcoma. Moreover, after the validation of changed expression of STC2 in cancer vs normal tissues using local hospital osteosarcoma samples by IHC experiment, the gene’s physicochemical property revealed STC2 as a cellular stable and hydrophilic protein, and the gene’s association with osteosarcoma clinical pathological parameters, expression in pan-cancers and the probable biological functions and signaling pathways it involved were explored. Conclusions Using multiple bioinformatic analysis and local hospital samples validation, we revealed the aberrant gain of expression of STC2 in osteosarcoma, which associated statistical significantly with patients survival, and the gene’s clinical features and potential biological functions were also explored. Although the results shall provide inspiring insights into further understanding of the disease, further experiments and detailed rigorous clinical trials are needed to reveal its potential drug-target role in clinical medical use.
A new species of Desmodesmus sp. from high altitude area was discovered and its isolated, purification, amplification culture and species identification were studied
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Zhang Qiangying , Chen Naijiang , Chen Junyu , Zhou Jinna , Li Jing , Wei Yanli , Bu Duo
Published: April 2022

Plateau microalgae play a key role in maintaining water quality in these lakes and rivers on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Plateau microalgae have wide application prospects in environmental purification, biotechnology, medicine and cosmetics, food industry and renewable energy. In order to get the high biomass of microalgae that exist in nature, microalgae with the largest biomass was screened from natural water samples by filtration, preculture and plate scribing separation. Microalgae with the largest biomass was screened from natural water samples by filtering first, pre-culturing and agar plate scribing separation. Identified by 18S rRNA as Desmodesmus sp. and constructed an neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree based on 18S rRNA sequences; Further studies have been made on the light-absorbing properties of plateau Desmodesmus sp.. The characteristic absorption peak of Desmodesmus sp. on the plateau was found at 689nm in the visible region by full wavelength scanning with UV-Vis spectrophotometer. For Desmodesmus sp. which is easy to settle in the process of amplification culture. By monitoring the change trend of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH and electrical conductivity in algae solution system, it was determined that logarithmic phase of the growth and the best transfer time of Desmodesmus sp. were 15-20 days.
Isolation and characterization of newly Pediococcus spp. and Leuconostoc spp. with antimicrobial activity from organic meat sausages
Authors: Moslem Mina Nasiri , Ghasemi Mohammad Faezi , Amirmozafari Nour , Ranji Najmeh
Published: April 2022

Organic meat products are well known for their probiotic values due to the presence of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Pediococcus strains. In this study, two Pediococcus spp. and three Leuconostoc spp. with antimicrobial activity were isolated from vacuum-packed organic meat sausages. All five isolates were characterized by morphological, biochemical, 16S rRNA analysis, and designated as MN-A, MN-B, MN-A2, MN-A2-1, and MN-A3. The results showed that the isolate MN-A and MN-B belonged to the strain Pediococcus acidilactici, and the MN-A2, MN-A2-1, and MN-A3 isolates were identified as Leuconostoc mesentroieds strains. Amongst the isolates, the strain MN-B showed the highest antimicrobial activity against the Micrococcus luteus PTCC 1408. The growth kinetics and antimicrobial activity of the strain MN-B against Lactobacillus casei ATCC 39392 was determined in MRS broth medium. Also, bacteriocin produced by the strains MN-B revealed antimicrobial activity against selected food-borne pathogens including, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium PTCC 1709, Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1113, Listeria monocytogenes PTCC1302, and Listeria inovani PTCC 1303. Bacteriocin produced by the MN-B strain was partially purified using the adsorption-desorption method followed by dialyzes. The molecular weight of bacteriocin was about 5.0 KDa by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Conv-Transformer Architecture for Unconstrained Off-LineUrdu Handwriting Recognition
Authors: Riaz Nauman , Arbab Haziq , Maqsood Arooba , Nasir Khuzaeymah Bin , Ul-Hasan Adnan , Shafait Faisal
Published: April 2022

Unconstrained off-line handwriting text recognition in general and for Arabic-like scripts in particular is a challenging task and is still an active researcharea. Transformer based models for English handwriting recognition have recently shown promising results.In this paper, we have explored the use of transformerarchitecture for Urdu handwriting recognition. The useof a Convolution Neural Network before a vanilla fullTransformer and using Urdu printed text-lines alongwith handwritten text lines during the training are thehighlights of the proposed work. The Convolution Layers act to reduce the spatial resolutions and compensate for the n2 complexity of transformer multi-head attention layers. Moreover, the printed text images inthe training phase help the model in learning a greaternumber of ligatures (a prominent feature of Arabiclike scripts) and a better language model. Our modelachieved state-of-the-art accuracy (CER of 5.31%) onpublicly available NUST-UHWR dataset [1].
Streamlining sporozoite isolation from mosquitoes by leveraging the dynamics of migration to the salivary glands
Authors: Pathak Ashutosh K. , Shiau Justine C. , Franke-Fayard Blandine , Shollenberger Lisa M. , Harn Donald A. , Kyle Dennis E. , Murdock Courtney C.
Published: April 2022

Background
Sporozoites isolated from the salivary glands of Plasmodium-infected mosquitoes are a prerequisite for several basic and pre-clinical applications. Although salivary glands are pooled to maximize sporozoite recovery, insufficient yields pose logistical and analytical hurdles; thus, predicting yields prior to isolation would be valuable. Preceding oocyst densities in the midgut is an obvious candidate, although it is unclear whether our current understanding of its relationship with sporozoite densities can be used to maximize yields.
Methods
This study presents a retrospective analysis of mosquitoes infected with two strains of the rodent-specific P. berghei. Mean oocyst densities were estimated in the midguts earlier in the infection (11–15 days post-bloodmeal), with sporozoites pooled from the salivary glands later in the infection (17–29 days). Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to determine if 1) mean oocyst densities can predict sporozoite yields from pooled salivary glands, 2) whether these densities can capture differences in rates of sporozoite invasion of salivary glands, and 3) if the interaction between oocyst densities and time could be leveraged to boost overall yields.
Results
The non-linear effect of mean oocyst densities confirmed the role of density-dependent constraints in limiting yields beyond certain oocyst densities. Irrespective of oocyst densities however, the continued invasion of salivary glands by the sporozoites boosted recoveries over time (17–29 days post-bloodmeal) for either parasite strain.
Conclusions
Sporozoite invasion of the salivary glands over time can be leveraged to maximize yields for P. berghei. In general, however, invasion of the salivary glands over time is a critical fitness determinant for all Plasmodium species (extrinsic incubation period, EIP). Thus, delaying sporozoite collection could, in principle, substantially reduce dissection effort for any parasite within the genus, although our results also recommend closer examination of how changes in sporozoites densities over time modify parasite infectivity for the next host.
TNFAIP8 in Mesenchymal Glioblastoma Correlates with Metabolic Dysfunction and Poor Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Jinsen , Zhang Zongpu , Zhang Huaichao , Xiao Xing , Fu Minjie , Feng Yuan , Wang Qijun , Hua Wei
Published: April 2022

TNFAIP8, a cytosolic TNF-α-inducible oncogenic molecule, plays pivotal roles in many types of cancers. However, the effect of TNFAIP8 on glioma remains elusive. In this study, we confirmed that TNFAIP8 promoted glioma viability and motility through alteration of nucleotide metabolism and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Firstly, bioinformatic analysis indicated that TNFAIP8 expression elevated along with the WHO grade and predicted adverse prognosis in gliomas. Moreover, TNFAIP8 was enriched in gliomas with progressive genotypes, serving as an efficient indicator for mesenchymal glioma. To determine its function in glioblastoma progression, cell viability, migration and invasion were examined by loss/gain of function experiments. TNFAIP8 promoted glioma proliferation, migration, invasion and transition to mesenchymal phenotype. These findings were further confirmed in vivo. RNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) results showed impaired nucleotide metabolism and TCA cycle after TNFAIP8 knockdown, implying that TNFAIP8 enhanced glioblastoma progression via metabolic dysfunction. In summary, this study identified a novel oncogene in glioma with great potential for prognostic prediction and subtype identification. Alterations in metabolic process and transition towards mesenchymal subtype were supposed to be the underlying mechanisms for the oncogenic function of TNFAIP8.
Selective Electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ Biofuels using Graphitic Frustrated Lewis Pair Catalyst
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tak , Park Jaehyun , Mun Jinhong , Shin HyeonOh , Roh Deok-Ho , Kwon Junhyeok , Kim Sungtae , Lee Geunsik , Kang Seok Ju , Kwon Tae-Hyuk
Published: April 2022

Efficient electroreduction of CO2 to multicarbon products is a complicated reaction because of the high energy barriers for CO2 activation and C–C coupling. Here, we design a graphitic frustrated Lewis pair catalyst doped with boron and nitrogen (BN-GFLP) for reducing CO2 to multicarbon products. Multicarbon (C2+) biofuels (i.e., ethanol and n-propanol) are identified as the major products with a C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 87.9% at a partial current density of −6.0 mA/cm2 (C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 70.7% at a partial current density of −10.6 mA/cm2). Furthermore, density functional theory calculations reveal that the dual binding site of FLP reduces the reaction free energies required for CO2 activation and C–C coupling. Consequently, energetically favourable CO2-reduction pathways are proposed, and selectivity for the production of ethanol and n-propanol are determined. Based on our results, we suggest a molecular design strategy for the next-generation CO2 reduction catalysts for green oceans and the atmosphere.
Rethinking the development of social policy in front of the millennium goals. changing programs and speeches as alternatives to the official message
Authors: Muñoz Oscar Gonzalez , Castro Bertha Alicia Arce
Published: April 2022

This article focuses on Mexicans, socially perceived as poor, and the impact of social policy in force in the second decade of the 21st century, focused on improving the living conditions of the population, living in poverty and facing the national democratic process, which represents the alternative of change to the national conditions in Mexico. A country with social inequalities, where the lack of guaranteeing equal living conditions through institutional frameworks that guarantee opportunities and access to common satisfiers is evident. Therefore, in the midst of a democratization process, the State seeks to address the levels of precariousness. In the midst of the recognition of the basic needs to be met among those who are reviewing the renewed social policy of the 21st century, the need to strengthen the living conditions of the excluded is prioritized and in its consolidation process it would guarantee attention to poverty through institutional channels. This is the case of the social development law, which deals with a problem of productive order from a State vision. An analysis is carried out that seeks to identify the relationship between the effectiveness of current actions to combat the lack of attention to basic needs and the institutionalized discourse, which, according to the social research approach, strengthens the interest in conducting studies on social precariousness as a group characteristic; fueled by the political discourse, exalted by the government in turn of the poor first. In this case, it is the message that strengthens the need to analyze the way, in which poverty is measured based on the recognition of poverty lines, as an instrument that allows knowing the number of people in that condition, according to the levels of dissatisfaction of food needs and due to the low level of economic income (inability to consume a basic set of food goods) for rural and urban environments. Therefore, it seeks to measure the lack of food needs, without considering the causes of inability to generate minimum income levels to consume basic foods.
State-owned enterprises as a political tool: The case of a Venezuelan oil company
Authors: Morales Juan
Published: April 2022

Public companies represent a valuable tool for the state to intervene in the economy by correcting market failures. However, critical positions that advocate its privatization continue to appear since they do not usually have great returns. This study analyzes the effect that political goals have on the efficiency of a state-owned enterprise (SOE) when ownership and management tend to be concentrated in the same actor. Agency theory served as a reference framework, using Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) as a case study during the period 1995–2014. First, the period was divided into four stages differentiated by changes in the SOE volumetric strategy, the exploration strategy, the position regarding foreign capital, and the SOE participation in social development activities. Later, the SOE economic and productive efficiency was analyzed in the stages to identify relevant changes. The results indicate that the interests of the principal and the agent by good management of the SOE increase when the profit is reduced. It is mainly due to the need of the government to benefit from these activities. However, when the company surplus increase, the government tends to intensify its control to obtain additional benefits, especially during electoral events.
Ammonium recovery from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Carucci A. , Erby G. , Puggioni G. , Spiga D. , Frugoni F. , Milia S.
Published: April 2022

Growing food and biomass production at the global scale has determined a corresponding increase in the demand for and use of nutrients. In this study, the possibility of recovering nitrogen from agro-industrial digestate using bioelectrochemical systems was investigated: two microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) were fed with synthetic and real digestate (2.5 gNH4+-N L−1). Carbon felt and granular graphite were used as anodes in MEC-1 and MEC-2, respectively. As to synthetic wastewater, the optimal nitrogen load (NL) for MEC-1 and -2 was 1.25 and 0.75 gNH4+-N d−1, respectively. MEC-1 showed better performance in terms of NH4+-N removal efficiency (39 ± 2.5%) and recovery rate (up to 70 gNH4+-N m−2d−1), compared to MEC-2 (33 ± 4.7% and up to 30 gN m−2d−1, respectively). At the optimal hydraulic retention time, lower NH4+-N removal efficiencies and recovery rates were observed when real digestate was fed to MEC-1 (29 ± 6.6% and 60 ± 13 gNH4+-N m−2d−1, respectively) and MEC-2 (21 ± 7.9% and 10 ± 3.6 gNH4+-N m−2d−1, respectively), likely due to the higher complexity of the influent. The average energy requirements were 3.6–3.7 kWh kgNremoved−1, comparable with values previously reported in the literature and lower than conventional ammonia recovery processes. Results are promising and may reduce the need for costly and polluting processes for nitrogen synthesis.
Liderazgo y participación en escuelas públicas chilenas
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Leiva-Guerrero María Verónica , Loyola Bustos Christian ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Halim Donoso Roberto ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Published: April 2022

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los niveles de participación que se dan entre los actores más relevantes de la comunidad educativa; Docentes, Estudiantes, Apoderados, Asistentes y Sostenedor, y su relación con la categorización de desempeño insuficiente, medio bajo y medio de las escuelas. Para ello, se aplicó una metodología cualitativa de tipo exploratorio–descriptiva, con una entrevista grupal semiestructurada a equipos directivos de 53 escuelas públicas. Los resultados evidencian que la participación es mayoritariamente de carácter pasiva y escasamente activa. Específicamente en las escuelas con categorías de Desempeño, Insuficiente y Medio Bajo, los niveles de participación son de carácter pasivo en un 83%, y en escuelas con categoría de Desempeño Medio, se evidencia una tendencia hacia niveles un poco más activos de participación, propositivo 33%. Se concluye que los niveles de participación de los miembros de las comunidades escolares son altamente pasivos, sobre todo en estudiantes, asistentes y apoderados. Los docentes son los únicos actores que predominan niveles más activos de participación, principalmente de carácter propositivo. No obstante, estos resultados invitan a la prudencia considerando la literatura especializada.
Characterization of Plant Growth-Promoting Activity of Bacteria Isolated from Forest and Coastal Regions of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India
Authors: Pattani Vivek B.
Published: April 2022

The haphazard application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causes tremendous damage to ecosystems and all biota. One of the most effective ways to tackle the threat is to use biofertilizer. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are an important bacterial source for microbial fertilizers that can boost agricultural yields by encouraging plant growth. Bacterial isolates isolated from Saurashtra region, Gujarat, India were analysed for their capability to solubilize inorganic 'P' from tri calcium phosphate and production of indole acetic acid (IAA) quantitatively by bacterial. Production of ammonia, siderophore and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) by selected bacteria isolates was analysed. Biochemical characterization of selected bacterial isolates was done using Vitek 2 Compact system. Isolate GFS15C2 showed highest amount of phosphate solubilization, followed by isolate GFS07C1 and GFS01C1. Bacterial isolate GFS15C2 produced highest amount of IAA. All bacterial isolates were able produce ammonia. Eight bacteria isolates were be to produce HCN. Siderophore was produced by 14 bacterial isolates. In biochemical characterization all the bacterial isolates were able to use D-glucose. Based on biochemical characters clustering of bacteria isolates was done using Paleontological statistics software package for education and data analysis(PAST). Using cluster analysis by euclidean distance method based on biochemical characterization isolates GFS16C2 & SCS12C3 was found to have distinct characters than other isolates. The present study attempts to characterize PGPB which could be harnessed to improve plant growth. Several phosphate solubilizers and IAA producers also showed production of siderophores and HCN which suggests that these organisms do possess biocontrol ability. These PGPB microbial inoculants can be utilized to improve agricultural systems or as an alternate means of environmentally friendly plant disease biocontrol.
Biological and Computational Approach to Modify Bacterial Size and Reduce its Antibiotic Consumption Targeting Mreb Bacterial Cytoskeletal Protein
Authors: J Prarthana
Published: April 2022

Amongst the cytoskeletal proteins of bacteria, MreB is known to have very crucial role in modulating shape of the bacteria. Present study involves the use of biocide (A-22) which minimizes the bacterial size augmenting with minimal antibiotic consumption. Intended experiment is designed to be carried out on selected pure strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria namely Lactobacillus rhamnosous ATCC 7469 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 respectively. The pure strains are exposed to biocide and changes in the shape is recorded by means of Foldscope (Origami based paper microscope, Prakash Labs) and in-vivo assessment done using antibiotic sensitivity assays with different antibiotics.The novel biocide specifically targeting bacterial cytoskeletal protein, that determines rod shape among bacterial population. The said compound is also experimented as combinational drug along with conventional antibiotics to reduce antibiotic dose needed to kill and to overcome antibiotic resistance. The A-22has reduced nearly 60-70% antibiotic usage. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 when tested for MIC using A-22 and different antibiotics, it was found that 0.5 µg/ml of ampicillin, 1 µg/ml of streptomycin and 5 µg/ml erythromycin were effective in curtailing bacteria against conventional antibiotic concentrations ampicillin 128 µg/ml streptomycin 32 µg/ml, erythromycin 64 µg/ml. Compared to doses of antibiotics required to kill bacteria, the combinational drug of biocide and antibiotic have shown promising effects in killing bacteria at very less concentration, this can useful for treating most diseases caused by antimicrobial resistance bacterial populations.
Dimensions of Quality in Healthcare: Perceptions of Patients from Saudi Public Hospitals
Authors: Attar Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Healthcare quality is driven by multiple dimensions. The present study aimed to examine the main dimensions of healthcare quality from the perspective of patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia public (KSA) hospitals. A patient satisfaction survey was designed to discover the perceived dimensions of quality in the KSA healthcare sector. The steps involved in identifying the quality dimensions relating to healthcare are presented in the paper. The principal component analysis (PCA) lead to identifying the components with total variance explained and result in identifying three meta dimensions. This included wellness support, compliance with Standard, and exceptional service and immediate care. The research findings have provided a platform for emerging and discovering patient needs, direct improvement efforts in such a critical service sector and can be used as a basis for developing new measures to discover patients’ needs.
Aquatic Weeds as an Encouraging Resource of Alternative Feed for the Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Pada Bag Mukti
Published: April 2022

A series of experiments were carried out to ascertain the nutritional value of commonly available aquatic weed i.e., Lemna (AWL), aquatic hyacinth (AWW) and Azolla (AWA) as alternative feed sources for decreasing the expenditure of feed. Using those aquatic weeds as principal ingredient three (3) isonitrogenous (crude protein-30%) and isocaloric feeds were made. Three batches of juvenile fish of thirty (30) numbers per batch (Average weight-5.1 gm; L- 5.6 cm) were provided with 3different types of prepared feeds with AWL, AWW and AWA. Weight gain, PER (Protein Efficiency Ratio) and GSI (Gonado Somatic Index) are significantly high in the AWL, AWW and AWA fed fish than the NOR. The AWL has suitable amino acid and fat that enhances yield and quality of flesh. The better ω-3/ ω-6ratio is obtained from food supplied experiment trial comparison to control treatment.
Comparing Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-protease Activities and Untargeted Metabolite Profiling Based on Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy of Five Memecylon species from Western Ghats Karnataka, India
Authors: T R Bharathi
Published: April 2022

Memecylon umbellatum, M. edule, M. talbotianum, M. malabaricum, and M. wightii species belong to the family Melastomataceae. The genus is well-known traditional medicinal herb used to treat skin diseases. The goal is to compare the metabolite makeup of the five Memecylon spp. and to evaluate the extract's anti-inflammatory and antiprotease activities. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS was used to profile untargeted metabolites in a water/methanol extract, followed by statistical analysis with PCA and HCA. Anti-inflammatory and antiprotease activity were determined by inhibiting soybean 15-lipoxygenase and Protease. Phenols and flavonoids are the most abundant secondary metabolites in Memecylon spp. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify marker chemicals from five species, tocopherol, isorhamnetin 3-glucoside, isothalic acid, stearoylglycerol, and pyrrolidine. The Memecylon spp. maybe clustered into two groups based on principal component analysis, with M. malabaricum & M. wightii clustered together and M. umbellatum, M. edule & M. talbotianum forming another clustered. The anti-inflammatory (Soybean 15-lipoxygenase inhibition) and antiprotease activities (Trypsin and thrombin Inhibition) of crude extracts suggested that M. malabaricum and M. talbotianum extracts exhibited higher inhibition compared to the other three species. These data suggest that differences in metabolite profiles might be connected to differences in the bioactivity of the five plant extracts examined. The untargeted UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS technique is efficient for identifying bioactive components of Memecylon spp.
Design of Heterocyclic Compounds as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking and Interaction Fingerprint Studies
Authors: Rajitha G.
Published: April 2022

EGFR (Epidermal Growth factor receptors) expressed in different type of cancers, such as breast, esophageal, lung cancer etc. Because of their multifaceted role in cancer progression, EGFR and its related receptors have been considered as attractive targets for developing anticancer agents, i.e. EGFR inhibitors consisting molecules targeting EGFR ATP binding pocket and monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR ligand binding domain. For patients with EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer, acquired resistance to drugs obstructs long-term therapeutic efficacy of targeted therapy. Even though third-generation medicines targeting EGFR T790M mutation have shown promise in overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, fourth-generation drugs targeting acquired resistance to 3rd generation inhibitors are still needed. Hence, in present study, EGFR (PDB: 1M17) was selected as a target to perform molecular docking studies for existing ligands from literature. Interaction fingerprint analysis was applied for docked complexes. Docking studies revealed that compound 3 exhibited good binding affinity towards the selected target with XPG score-9.439Kcal/Mol among existing ligands which is comparable with that of standard drug erlotinib -9.192 Kcal/Mol. Interaction fingerprint analysis further confirmed that best docked compounds showed H-bond interaction with backbone residue of Met 769 and Cys 773 in an identical manner with that of standard drug erlotinib. Present study concludes that among selected existing compounds, the ligands containing quinazoline nucleus exhibited good binding affinity and similar binding interactions when compared with that of standard drug erlotinib and these ligands can be further optimized to increase binding affinity and interactions with the selected target.
Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Teaching on Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Primary School Teachers in Gurugram, Haryana, India: A Pre-Experimental Study
Authors: Deep Raman
Published: April 2022

The study was conducted in selected schools of Gurugram, Haryana. Sixty (60) primary school teachers were selected from three schools of Gurugram by using total enumeration sampling technique. Self-structured knowledge questionnaire and attitude rating scale was used to assess the knowledge and attitude of primary school teachers regarding ADHD. The findings revealed that in the pre-test, majority 41(68.3%) of teachers had inadequate knowledge and 19(31.7%) had moderate knowledge and 28(46.7%) had unfavourable attitude and 32(53.3%) had Neutral attitude whereas in the post-test, 15(25%) had moderate knowledge and majority 45(75%) had adequate knowledge and 13(21.7%) had neutral attitude and majority 47(78.3%) had favourable attitude regarding ADHD. Paired “t” test was used to observe differences between pre and post-test mean scores and were found statistically significant at 0.05 level. The study concluded that educational material like video assisted teaching had shown significant improvement in knowledge and attitude of primary school teachers.
High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Evaluation of Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine from Argemone mexicana Seeds in Edible Mustard Oil
Authors: Yadav Ramakant
Published: April 2022

In this present study, a simple, rapid, cheap, sensitive and reproducible HPTLC-MS Method has been developed for the identification of two important bioactive compounds, Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine in Argemone mexicana Linn seeds. The work further discussed and developed a sensitive HPTLC – MS method to analyse the adulteration and/or contamination of argemone oil in the edible mustard oil by spiking Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine as biomarkers. The n-hexane: diethyl ether (1:1 v/v) solvent system has been used as an extraction medium to extract the Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine from the seeds followed by HPLC-MS detection.The CAMAG HPTLC system modules consisted with ATS-4, ADC-2, visualizer-2, TLC scanner-4; Derivatizer and TLC-MS interface-2 have been used for sample application, HPTLC plate development, plate photo documentation, scanning of plate, spraying of derivatization reagent and elution of biomarkers directly from HPTLC plate respectively. The n-hexane: acetone (23:7, v/v) and dragendorff’s reagent has been used as mobile phase and derivatization reagent respectively. The UV- spectra and MS data confirmed the detection of selected biomarkers in the samples/spiked samples. Thus, the work highlights the use of HPTLC-MS to develop simple and routine method for the sensitive detection of Sanguinarine and Dihydrosanguinarine in Argemone mexicana seeds and able to become bases to these biomarkers’ evaluations in other samples such as various edible oils, agro-products, drugs and biomedical products etc.
Enhancing the Occupational Health Safety among Radiology Nurses Working in the Hospital of Gurugram, Haryana, India
Authors: Deep Raman
Published: April 2022

This pre-experimental study was done on forty nursing personnel posted in the radiology section of a selected hospital of Gurugram National Capital Region using one group pre-test post-test design. The study sample was selected using convenience sampling technique. A structured knowledge questionnaire and observational checklist were used to assess the effectiveness of the educational package regarding occupational health safety. The mean pre-test knowledge score was 16.65 and mean post-test knowledge score was 22.13. Similarly, the mean pre-test practice score was 12.42 and mean post-test practice score came to be 14.70. The calculated ‘t’ value for knowledge score was 37.099 and the practice score was 11.801 at a 0.05 level of significance. The result reported that nurses were aware of radiation safety and protection, even though it would be helpful if their knowledge and practice are apprised regularly.