bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Alcohol Oxidation and Biological Properties of Mn3O4-Co3O4-rGO
Authors: Askari Nahid , Askari Mohammad Bagher , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: September 2022

A multi-component nanocomposite consisting of manganese oxide (Mn3O4), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in the form of Mn3O4-Co3O4-rGO was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analyses were performed to investigate the synergistic effect of metal oxides on the surface of rGO nano-sheets in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) process. The good electrochemical results show that Mn3O4-Co3O4-rGO can be a promising, inexpensive nano-catalyst for application in alcohol fuel cells. In addition, as nanoparticles inhibit cancer cell growth by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), we explored the synergic effect of the three-component synthetic nanomaterial in gastric cancer cells (AGS). Results indicated that Mn3O4-Co3O4-rGO inhibited AGS cell growth by induction of ROS, upregulation of Mir-20a-5p, and downregulation of ZBTB4 gene. This might provide a novel molecular-targeted strategy of microRNA-based therapeutics for gastric cancer treatment.
Physics based reduced order model for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Garapati Vamsi Krishna , Dingari Naga Neehar , Mynam Mahesh , Rai Beena
Published: September 2022

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as promising energy storage systems. SIBs share similar chemistry and performance metrics with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the workhorse energy storage technology. Abundant availability of sodium and its even distribution across the globe make SIBs a better alternative to LIBs. Electrochemical models enabling simulation of batteries help study performance and various parameters of batteries for a variety of operating conditions. Reduced order electrochemical models can be used to study batteries to obtain quick insights, especially, at lesser computational cost. In this work, we present a reduced order model for SIBs based on the single particle assumption. We validate the single particle model (SPM) by comparing the results with experimental data and predictions of detailed pseudo-two-dimensional (P2D) model. The SPM shows good accuracy in predicting voltage profiles over a range of discharge current densities. We further discuss the regime of operation where the SPM predictions deviate from that of the P2D model. Our study suggests that the SPM can be used as a viable alternative to the P2D model to design and test SIBs.
Cordyceps militaris Carotenoids Protect Human Retinal Endothelial Cells against the Oxidative Injury and Apoptosis Resulting from H2O2
Authors: Lan Lin , Wang Shengyu , Duan Shuhua , Zhou Xiangyu , Li Yufeng
Published: September 2022

Vision loss is primarily caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to oxidative retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell injury. Carotenoid utilization is deemed a possible strategy for treating AMD. Cordyceps militaris has advantages like immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative characteristics. This paper assessed the possible protective influence of carotenoids obtained by isolating and purifying the Cordyceps militaris (CMCT) into human RPE cells (ARPE-19) damaged by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The findings demonstrated that CMCT safeguarded the ARPE-19 cells against the damage and apoptosis caused by H2O2 and oxidative stress via Bcl-2 protein upregulation, as well as the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein. In addition, CMCT treatment increased cell survival and restricted the generation of H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the protein expression of NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX1). Additionally, the CMCT treatment of H2O2-induced ARPE-19 cells ameliorated high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in oxidative stress-induced cells. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) returned to standard levels, which were governed by the higher expression of nuclear Nrf2 protein in the ARPE-19 cells. Moreover, this study showed that CMCT safeguarded the ARPE-19 cells against the damage caused by oxidative stress via its antioxidant activity and antiapoptotic functionality, suggesting the potential therapeutic role of CMCT in AMD prevention and mitigation.
Durability Analysis of Small Assembled Buildings in Irrigation Canal System
Authors: Xiao Zhang , Wu Wenzheng
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of agricultural economy, people are paying more and more attention to how to apply high-efficiency technologies that save resources to improve agricultural production efficiency, so water-saving irrigation technology has gradually developed. China’s agricultural irrigation technology is relatively backward. In addition to the inappropriate irrigation methods and irrigation systems, problems such as siltation, seepage, and frost heave damage in irrigation canals have seriously affected the durability and service life of the canals. The backward irrigation technology seriously restricts the development of agricultural water-saving irrigation. Compared with large irrigation channels, the fabricated reinforced concrete small irrigation channels studied in this paper are less prone to frost heave damage and infiltration problems, and have the advantages of standardized production, simple transportation and installation, and convenient maintenance. In order to study the durability issues such as the basic characteristics, frost heave damage, and service life of fabricated irrigation channels, this paper takes the channel concrete and the formed channel as the research objects, and discusses the research on the properties of the channel concrete through theoretical research, numerical analysis, experiments, and other methods. Strength properties, water penetration resistance, cyanide ion penetration resistance and frost resistance; simulate the seasonal frost heave failure process of the channel; finally, on the basis of the test data, the service life aims to explore the safety and applicability of the fabricated reinforced concrete irrigation channel during the design use period.
The Validity of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Approach to Forecast the Spread of COVID‐19 Pandemic in Africa
Authors: Legese Feyisa Habtamu , Tilahun Tefera Frezer
Published: September 2022

Africa’s first COVID‐19 case was recorded in Egypt on February 14, 2020. Although it is not as expected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations, currently a large number of Africans are getting infected by the virus. In this work, we studied the trend of the COVID‐19 outbreak generally in Africa as a continent and in the five African regions separately. The study also investigated the validity of the ARIMA approach to forecast the spread of COVID‐19 in Africa. The data of daily confirmed new COVID‐19 cases from February 15 to October 16, 2020, were collected from the official website of Our World in Data to construct the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and to predict the trend of the daily confirmed cases through STATA 13 and EViews 9 software. The model used for our ARIMA estimation and prediction was (3, 1, 4) for Africa as a continent, ARIMA (3, 1, 3) for East Africa, ARIMA (2, 1, 3) for West Africa, ARIMA (2, 1, 3) for Central Africa, ARIMA (1, 1, 4) for North Africa, and ARIMA (4, 1, 5) for Southern Africa. Finally, the forecasted values were compared with the actual number of COVID‐19 cases in the region. At the African level, the ARIMA model forecasted values and the actual data have similar signs with slightly different sizes, and there were some deviations at the subregional level. However, given the uncertain nature of the current COVID‐19 pandemic, it is helpful to forecast the future trend of such pandemics by employing the ARIMA model.
Multiple Performance Evaluation of Bionic Thin‐Walled Structures with Different Cross Sections considering Complex Conditions
Authors: Zhang Honghao , Huang Zhongwei , Li Tao , Bao Chonghua , Zhang Liang
Published: September 2022

Bionic thin‐walled structures, due to their excellent energy absorbing capacity, low manufacturing cost, and remarkable level of lightweight, have been widely applied in the field of traffic safety protection. Combinatorial structures that incorporate the prototypical characteristics of multiple organisms also turn into the hotspot of the research on safety protection structure, which can achieve more excellent overall performance. However, how to select the optimal alternative considering the performance of different attributes and different accident conditions has become an urgent problem to be solved. This paper proposes 12 kinds of bionic thin‐walled energy absorption structures with different cross sections and bamboo of tubes, which is inspired by the structural characteristics of bamboo. A comprehensive performance analysis, including specific energy absorption, peak crushing force, and undulation of the load‐carrying capacity under quasi‐static and dynamic conditions, is carried out based on the finite element simulation. The gray relational analysis method is applied to select the optimal structure. In addition, sensitivity analysis of each structural variable is conducted. The result shows that the “+‐3” bionic thin‐walled structure has the best comprehensive performance, and the structural variable has great impact on the PCF. This study provides an effective decision‐making support tool for performance evaluation of bionic thin‐walled structures.
Linking Measure of the Tropical Stingless Bee (Apidae, Meliponini, and Heterotrigona itama) Honey Quality with Hives Distance to the Source of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas in Sabah, Borneo
Authors: Salman Nurul Hamizah , Mok Sam Lum , Ador Kimberly , Binjamin Bellericter , Johny-Hasbulah Mohd Iftar Johwan , Benedick Suzan
Published: September 2022

Honey is a natural product of bees, and its chemical composition depends on the nectar sources of the surrounding flora as well as environmental factors. However, keeping hives in areas polluted with heavy metals can affect the quality of bee products such as honey. To date, there have been very few studies on the health risks of consuming honey at various locations in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, in relation to food standards and heavy metal contamination of honey from the stingless bee, Heterotrigona itama in association with pollutant sources. A total of 63 samples of raw and unprocessed honey were collected directly from beekeepers producing honey at five sites in the industrial areas. All selected heavy metals were measured using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). Overall, the most frequently detected element was Zn (0.090 mg/kg), followed by Pb (0.012 mg/kg), As (0.004 mg/kg), and Cr (0.003 mg/kg), while Cd (0.001 mg/kg) was the lowest element in honey from all areas. With the exception of Cr and Zn, a significant correlation was found between PCA factor score 1 and heavy metal concentration in honey for Pb, Cd, and As, suggesting that the source of pollution for these metal elements was from hives closer to major roads, cities/town, petrochemical hub, and power plants. Although the heavy metal concentrations in the honey samples did not exceed the food standard limits and therefore do not pose a health risk, the observed increase in heavy metal concentrations in honey in industrial areas could pose a potential risk in the future due to the growing interest in rearing of stingless bees for honey production in these areas of Sabah.
Molecular Dynamics Study on Crystallization Patterns in Tunnel Drainage Pipes in Alkaline Geological Environments
Authors: Chen Xiangge , Zhou Jie , Zhang Xuefu , Yu Wenbing , Liu Shiyang , Liu Hongyi , Xiao Yuhan
Published: September 2022

In the alkaline geological environment, crystallization blockage of tunnel drainage systems is a common engineering problem and it is difficult to treat. The microscopic mechanism of crystallization and the environmental influence factors are still unclear. Based on the molecular dynamics (MD) technique, this study establishes nanoscale models of CaCO3 and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, which is commonly used in drainage systems, under different alkaline environments. The goal is to study the interfacial interaction between CaCO3 and PVC and to reveal the effect of the alkaline environment on the adsorption of CaCO3 by PVC at the atomic scale. Analysis of the adsorption properties predicted by the CaCO3-PVC MD model reveals that CaCO3 molecules attract each other and form many atomic clusters at approximately 0.11 nm from the PVC interface. The peak difference between the strongly alkaline solution and the pure water solution at this distance reaches 31.6%. An in-depth exploration of the differences in adsorption between CaCO3 and PVC under different alkaline environments indicates that the mobility of CaCO3 rises gradually as the alkalinity of the solution increases. In particular, the mobility of CaCO3 in strongly alkaline solutions is approximately 60% higher than that in pure water. Moreover, as the alkalinity of the solution increases, the binding energy of the interface increases, the affinity of the interface increases, and the CaCO3 adsorption capacity gradually increases. The results of laboratory experiments were consistent with the MD simulation results, which indicates that MD simulation can play an important role in the design and evaluation of engineering practice. The innovation of this paper is to try to use the molecular dynamic (MD) technique in the field of materials to explain the practical problems in the field of traditional civil engineering, and the feasibility of molecular dynamic simulation is verified by indoor simulation experiments. The findings of this study can help for a better understanding of crystallization patterns in tunnel drainage pipes in alkaline geological environments and attempt to provide a theoretical basis and new ideas for solving this problem.
Greenhouse Gas Emission: Perception during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ukhurebor Kingsley Eghonghon , Aigbe Uyiosa Osagie , Onyancha Robert Birundu , UK-Eghonghon Gladys , Balogun Vincent Aizebeoje , Egielewa Peter Eshioke , Ngonso Blessed Frederick , Osibote Otolorin Adelaja , Imoisi Simon Ejokema , Ndunagu Juliana Ngozi , Kusuma Heri Septya , Darmokoesoemo Handoko
Published: September 2022

The period 2020/2021 was an unprecedented and historic time for industrial, economic, and societal activities all over the world with great challenges to human health, the ecosystems, and other aspects of human endeavors owing to the COVID‐19 or SARS‐CoV‐2 (CV‐19) pandemic which is now a topical aspect of research interest. Despite the negative impacts of the CV‐19 pandemic, there are also positive reports during the CV‐19 pandemic such as the reduction of gas flare, reduction in the burning of fossil fuels from automobile exhaust and a reduction in the other ensuing factors of greenhouse gases emissions (which is one of the major drives for global warming and climate change as well as other environmental effluences). Hence, this brief perspective review study is centered on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The study employs a methodical approach to analyze some already available research studies from existing publications and databases on GHG emission using the perception during the CV‐19 pandemic. The specific findings from this review show that, from the meteorological perspective, the global response to the catastrophe ensuing from the CV‐19 pandemic has a great influence on the reduction of GHGs, the reduction in the burning of fossil fuels from automobiles and industrial devices, and the reduction in the other ensuing factors of GHG emission. Hence, it will not be far from the truth to conclude that there is a possible positive connection between the CV‐19 pandemic and GHG emissions. The study has a direct impact on the environment owing to the negative and positive environmental consequences of the CV‐19 pandemic. Suggestions and recommendations in the form of future prospects of GHG emission vis‐à‐vis global warming and climate change are also discussed. Furthermore, suggestions on how to improve food security and agriculture during a pandemic such as the CV‐19 outbreak period are highlighted.
Identification of Prognostic Markers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Gastric Adenocarcinoma by Machine Learning Based on mRNAsi Index
Authors: Guo Si Hong , Ma Li , Chen Jie
Published: September 2022

Background. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by self-renewal and therapeutic resistance, play important roles in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). However, the molecular mechanism of STAD stem cells is still unclear. In this study, our purpose is to explore the expression of stem cell-related genes in STAD. Methods. The stemness index based on mRNA expression (mRNAsi) was used to analyze STAD cases in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Firstly, mRNAsi was used and analyzed by differential expression, survival analysis, clinical stage, and gender in STAD. Then, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to discover the fascinating modules and key genes. Enrichment analysis was carried out to annotate the functions and pathways of key genes. The gene expression comprehensive database (GEO) in STAD was used to verify the expression levels of key genes in all cancers. Protein-protein interaction networks is used to determine the relationships between key genes. Results. The mRNAsi was obviously upregulated in tumor cases. With the increase of tumor stage and T stage, the mRNAsi score decreased, and the overall survival rate of high score group patients was better. According to the degree of association with mRNAsi, different modules and key genes were screened out. A total of 6,740 differential genes were found, of which 1,147 genes were downregulated and 5,593 genes were upregulated. 19 key genes (BUB1, BUB1B, KIF14, NCAPH, RACGAP, KIF15, CENPF, TPX2, RAD54L, KIF18B, KIF4A, TTK, SGO2, PLK4, ARHGAP11A, XRCC2, Clorf112, NCAPG, and ORC6) were screened due to significant upregulation in STAD. And they had been proven that enriched from the cell cycle Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, relating to cell proliferation Gene Ontology (GO) terms, as well. Among them, 9 genes have been extensively associated to OS, and 3 genes had been associated to receive chemotherapy resistance. PPI protein network suggests that there is a sturdy correlation between these key genes. Conclusion. A total of 19 key genes were found to play an essential position in retaining the traits of STAD stem cells. These genes can be used to evaluate the prognosis of STAD patients or become specific therapeutic targets.
Characterization of Crack Tip Mechanical Field of Inhomogeneous Materials in Welded Joints by USDFLD Subroutine
Authors: Bi Yueqi , Yuan Xiaoming , Hao MingRui , Li Daming , Wang Shuai , Xue He
Published: September 2022

The unevenly distributed mechanical properties of welded joints are one of the important factors, which affect welded joints’ safety seriously. The user-defined field (USDFLD) subroutine in ABAQUS finite element software can introduce variable-dependent material properties. This method can define inhomogeneous materials whose mechanical parameters depend on spatial coordinates and can be used to characterize the uneven mechanical properties of heat-affected zone and fusion zone. By establishing the static crack finite element model of welded joint with continuous change in yield strength, the sudden change in mechanical field in the numerical simulation process of sandwich structure model is eliminated. Compared with the existing numerical simulation methods of local mechanical heterogeneity of welded joints, this method provides a method to realize the structural integrity evaluation of welded joints.
A Prognostic Model for the Respiratory Function of Patients with Nonsevere Pulmonary Infection Based on Breathing Exercises and Acupuncture Therapy: Development and Validation
Authors: Shi Yulin , Hu Yong , Xu Guomeng , Ke Yaoqi
Published: September 2022

Objective. In this study, a prognostic model for the respiratory function was constructed based on the treatment methods of patients with nonsevere pulmonary infection, aiming to provide a reference for clinical decision-making. Method. A total of 500 patients with nonsevere pulmonary infection were included in this study. The patients were randomized into training set (

n
=
350

) and validation set (

n
=
150

), and the baseline characteristics were collected. All patients received breathing exercises or breathing exercises combined with acupuncture therapy for 3 months, and then the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was assessed. Next, an ordinal multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors affecting respiratory function of patients with nonsevere pulmonary infection. The Test of Parallel Lines was used to determine the accuracy (ACC) of the model and screen the influencing factors. The confusion matrix was drawn, and the ACC and harmonic mean (F1 score) were calculated to evaluate the feasibility of the model results. Results. Results of the ordinal multinomial logistic regression model showed that age (

P
=
0.000

), treatment method (

P
=
0.000

), underlying diseases (

P
<
0.001

), and sex (

P
=
0.389

) were independent factors affecting the respiratory function of patients in the training set. The ACC value of the training set was 88.86%, and that of the validation set was 91.33%, indicating a high accuracy and favorable predictive ability of the model. Besides, the F1 score was 62.38%, indicating a high reliability of the model. Conclusion. The prognostic model for respiratory function of patients with nonsevere pulmonary infection constructed in this study had favorable predictive performance, which is of great significance in the clinical nursing and treatment of patients with pulmonary infection.
Self-Optimization Evaluation Model about the Ship Suppliers Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Du Xiangran , Zhang Min , Li Jiayue
Published: September 2022

Shipbuilding is a complex process and needs plentiful suppliers. Knowing how to select ship suppliers according to the customer requirements is a pivotal task. A dynamic self-optimization evaluation model for ship suppliers is presented in this paper, which is accomplished by an improved particle swarm optimization. The experiment shows that the novel method can not only accomplish the intelligent evaluation of ship suppliers and avoid redundant experts’ dependence but also adjust the evaluation function dynamically according to the annual situations and maintain the practicability of the evaluation model.
Estudio de líquido cerebroespinal en el síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt: controversia a raíz de un caso clínico
Authors: Vargas Alberto , Velásquez Mauricio , Martínez Alejandro , Valdés Valdés José Miguel
Published: September 2022

El Síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt (SRH), es la segunda causa de parálisis facial periférica (PFP). Causado por el virus Varicella zoster (VVZ), ipsilateral a la PFP, presenta una erupción herpetiforme y cefalea en distribución del nervio facial. Presentamos el caso de una mujer, 54 años, con SRH y cefalea persistente cuyo líquido cerebroespinal (LCE) fue compatible con meningitis. Se indicó aciclovir endovenoso (EV). La literatura no recomienda estudio de LCE en PFP; y en SRH se sugiere en inmunosuprimidos y complicaciones del SRH como queratopatía, accidentes-cerebrovasculares, y meningitis. Un LCE alterado en SRH, indica modificar la conducta terapéutica.
Viruela: de la primera vacuna al nacimiento del primer movimiento antivacunas
Authors: Hernández Chavarría Francisco
Published: September 2022

El último caso de viruela, la peor plaga que ha enfrentado la humanidad, fue diagnosticado hace 45 años y con él la enfermedad fue erradicada del planeta. Una hazaña épica iniciada a finales del siglo XVIII por Edward Jenner, el hombre que inoculó a su propio hijo con el pus de las lesiones de una ordeñadora que sufría viruela bovina, una enfermedad benigna antigénicamente relacionada con la viruela y que le confería inmunidad. Pocos años más tarde, en 1803, partía de España la "Real expedición filantrópica de la vacuna", llevando la vacuna a América y Asia, transportándola de brazo en brazo. A pesar del éxito de la vacuna, Jenner y la sociedad victoriana sufrieron los primeros movimientos antivacunas que hoy, en el contexto de la pandemia delCOVID-19, son catapultados por los sitios de noticias falsas que socaban el conocimiento científico.
Homozygous Missense Variant in the N-Terminal Region of ANK3 Gene Is Associated with Developmental Delay, Seizures, Speech Abnormality, and Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Younus Muhammad , Rasheed Memoona , Lin Zhaohan , Asiri Saeed A. , Almazni Ibrahim A. , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Shafiq Sarfraz , Iqbal Imran , Khan Amjad , Ullah Hanif , Umair Muhammad , Waqas Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Intellectual disability (ID) is a lifelong disability that affects an individual’s learning capacity and adaptive behavior. Such individuals depend on their families for day-to-day survival and pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system, especially in developing countries. ID is a heterogeneous condition, and genetic studies are essential to unravel the underlying cellular pathway for brain development and functioning. Methods: Here we studied a female index patient, born to a consanguineous Pakistani couple, showing clinical symptoms of ID, ataxia, hypotonia, developmental delay, seizures, speech abnormality, and aggressive behavior. Whole exome sequencing (WES) coupled with Sanger sequencing was performed for molecular diagnosis. Further, 3D protein modeling was performed to see the effect of variant on protein structure. Results: WES identified a novel homozygous missense variant (c.178T>C; p.Tyr60His) in the ANK3 gene. In silico analysis and 3-dimensional (3D) protein modeling supports the deleterious impact of this variant on the encoding protein, which compromises the protein’s overall structure and function. Conclusion: Our finding supports the clinical and genetic diversity of the ANK3 gene as a plausible candidate gene for ID syndrome. Intelligence is a complex polygenic human trait, and understanding molecular and biological pathways involved in learning and memory can solve the complex puzzle of how cognition develops. Intellectual disability (ID) is defined as a deficit in an individual’s learning and adaptive behavior at an early age of onset [American Psychiatric Association, 2013]. It is one of the major medical, and cognitive disorders with a prevalence of 1–3% in the population worldwide [Leonard and Wen, 2002]. ID often exists with other disabling mental conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression. Almost half of the cases appear to have a genetic explanation that ranges from cytogenetically visible abnormalities to monogenic defects [Flint, 2001; Ropers, 2010; Tucker-Drob et al., 2013]. Intellectual disability is a genetically heterogeneous condition, and more than 700 genes have been identified to cause ID alone or as a part of the syndrome. Research in X-linked ID has identified more than 100 disease-causing genes on the X chromosome that play a role in cognition; however, research into autosomal causes of ID is still ongoing [Vissers et al., 2016].
Conceptions of Moroccan secondary school students in relation to the “Integrative Concept” of plate tectonics
Authors: Chakour Radouan , Alami Anouar , Selmaoui Sabah , Eddif Aâtika , Chalak Hanaa
Published: September 2022

The study of learners’ conceptions of geological concepts has been the subject of several studies in the field of earth science didactics. The majority of these studies show that learners have misconceptions that can be an obstacle to learning Earth sciences. The present work aimed to identify the views of second year undergraduate students on plate tectonics to identify some of the barriers to teaching this unifying scientific theory across the different disciplines of the Earth sciences. The data was gathered with questionnaire administered to students in the second year of the Baccalaureate before teaching about plate tectonics. The results of our study confirmed that student learners do indeed have conceptions of plate tectonics and associated phenomena but have great difficulty in mobilizing their knowledge to explain geological phenomena related to plate tectonics. These difficulties may have several origins: the nature of the geological knowledge transposed, and the very limited knowledge of teachers with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
 
Multimedia constructivism instrument: Validity and reliability analysis
Authors: Isa Zaharah Che , Azid Nurulwahida
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the use of the translated version of constructivism multimedia instrument through validity and reliability tests. The instrument contained five constructs of which each construct contained five items which made 25 items in total. The translation process has been implemented through the back-translation by researchers and expert translators. The validation process was performed by nine panel experts who are lecturers in the field of Language and curriculum. The results of validity analysis through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) found that the reliability value between evaluators was .957 based on 95% confidence interval between .904 to .989 (F (8,192)=23.469, p<.05). Meanwhile, the process of obtaining the reliability value was conducted on 70 students and obtained a high overall reliability value of the instrument which was .853. In addition, the reliability values for each construct of the multimedia constructivism learning instrument were .753 (negotiation), .780 (inquiry learning), .691 (reflective thinking), .683 (authenticity) and .803 (complexity). Overall, the high values of validity and reliability of the instrument proved that this translation study has been successfully implemented.
Students’ perceptions of online assessment, feedback practices, and challenges
Authors: Al Hashimi Sama'a , Alamarat Yazan , Zaki Yasmina
Published: September 2022

Online learning has become an integral part of today’s educational system, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. In art and design classrooms, which usually require face-to-face critique as part of a cycle of action and reflection, students may face challenges with the rapid transition to online assessment and feedback approaches. Consequently, it is curial to investigate these challenges as well as students’ perceptions towards the online assessment and feedback methods that they have experienced. This student-oriented study investigated art and design students’ preferences, concerns, and challenges with online assessment and feedback strategies. Moreover, it explored the most effective online assessment and feedback tools and applications for art and design courses. The research adopted a quantitative method by conducting a questionnaire with 104 art and design students of a university in Bahrain and a university in Jordan. Based on the findings, the study seeks to ultimately provide art and design educators with insights and recommendations for the most effective art and design assessment practices.
Teacher collaboration: Significant influence on self-efficacy of secondary school teachers
Authors: Johari Nor Syahrul Bariyah , Saad Norazlinda , Kasim Marini
Published: September 2022

Teacher collaboration is an aspect that needs to be given due attention in the educational institutions in order to sustain the improvement of teachers’ learning. This study was conducted to examine the influence of secondary school teacher’s collaboration on their self-efficacy. Research design was based on quantitative approach by cross-sectional survey. Data collection via questionnaires was performed to obtain demographic information of respondents, as well as data on teacher collaboration and self-efficacy.
 A number of 410 secondary school teachers in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia were involved in the study as survey respondents. The collected data was processed and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) via frequency, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The study found that the level of teacher collaboration and teachers’ self-efficacy among secondary school teachers is high. The findings also discovered that there was positive relationship between teacher collaboration and teachers’ self-efficacy. In addition, the dimension of teacher collaboration was found to have a significant influence on the teachers’ self-efficacy. Thus, the findings clearly indicated the importance of the collaboration practices between teachers in influencing the self-efficacy of teachers.
Exploring Mendeley-based thesis supervision model to avoid plagiarism
Authors: Patak Andi Anto , Tahir Muhammad , Jahrir Andi Sahtiani
Published: September 2022

This study explored Mendeley-based thesis supervision models to avoid plagiarism. The focus of this study was four issues: i) Selecting the topic and deciding the thesis title; ii) Browsing and managing references; iii) Validating references; and iv) Matching ideas between the students’ arguments and citing other authors’ statements. This study employed a qualitative method with a case study design to explore an in-depth understanding of the Mendeley-based thesis supervision model to avoid plagiarism. Researchers posted a call for an interview in social media group for an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturer in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. There were 15 EFL lecturers applied, but only four met the criteria. The criteria for choosing the participant are based on the Mendeley presentation experience, full-time teaching career, and willingness to participate in virtual interview sessions. There were two participants from a public university, one was from a private university, and the other was from a state Islamic university. A semi-structured interview technique was applied in this study. This study employed thematic analysis to explore participants' responses. This study reported that supervisors experienced different cases from the four items identified in this study. They are: i) Selecting the topic and deciding the thesis title, ii) Browsing and managing references; iii) Validating references; and vi) Matching ideas between the students' arguments and citing other authors’ statements.
Establishment of Green Chemistry Awareness Instrument for secondary school students
Authors: Che  Ahmad Che Nidzam , Yahaya Asmayati , Yahaya Rozita , Taha Hafsah , Ibrahim Mohd Mokhzani
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument that can assess green chemistry awareness among secondary schools. This study applied a quantitative approach with a survey design to obtain information related to items and constructs to build an instrument to access student awareness of green chemistry. The study population involved all form four students who are taking a chemistry subject in 85 secondary schools in the State of Melaka, Malaysia. This study involved two phases and all the respondents were selected using a random sampling method. The first phase involved 700 respondents and the second phase involved 500 respondents. The pilot study involved 100 students who were also randomly selected from the same population but not involved in phase I and phase II study. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. As a result, the Green Chemistry Awareness Instrument (GCAI) was developed. GCAI contains six constructs with a total of 29 items; knowledge (eight items), attitudes (six items), value (eight items), and awareness lighting (seven items). GCAI was found to have good content and construct validity as well as high reliability. Hence, it can assess green chemistry awareness among secondary school students. GCAI also has the advantage of being easily administered.
Genetic parameters and trends of growth traits in Nelore cattle raised in the Northern region of Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Mariana Rocha , Espigolan Rafael , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Bussiman Fernando Oliveira , Toniolli Ricardo , Lôbo Raysildo Barbosa , Santos Helcileia Dias , Nepomuceno Leandro Lopes , Ferreira Jorge Luís
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to estimate (co)variances and genetic parameters and to predict genetic trends for weight at 120 (W120), 210 (W210), 365 (W365), and 450 (W450) days of age in Nelore cattle raised in the northern region of Brazil. The database comprised records of 30,387 animals born between 2000 and 2013 in the Brazilian North. Estimates were calculated by the Restricted  Maximum Likelihood (REML) method, in single- and multi-trait analyses in an animal model. Heritability as obtained using single- and multi-trait models for W120 (0.22 and 0.31), W210 (0.20 and 0.34), W365 (0.51 and 0.51), and W450 (0.49 and 0.51) indicated moderate to high magnitudes, with the possibility of genetic selection and incorporation into the herd. Genetic correlations between growth traits were favorable, ranging from 0.78 to 0.96. Genetic trends for W120 and W210 varied largely, from -0.31 to 4.68 and -0.53 to 7.62 kg/year, respectively. Smaller fluctuations were observed in genetic trends for W365 and W450, which ranged from -1.08 to 10.90 and -1.29 to 12.51 kg/year, respectively. Selection for W365 and W450 proved to be the criterion of choice for Nelore herds raised in the region; however, it may compromise adult performance because of higher costs and time for production. A thorough analysis of mattings is recommended to allow the selection of earlier-developing animals.
Genetic Evaluation of A Nation-Wide Dutch Pediatric DCM Cohort: The Use of Genetic Testing in Risk Stratification
Authors: van der Meulen Marijke H. , Herkert Johanna C. , den Boer Susanna L. , du Marchie Sarvaas Gideon J. , Blom Nico , ten Harkel Arend D.J. , Breur Hans M.P.J. , Rammeloo Lukas A.J. , Tanke Ronald , Marcelis Carlo , van de Laar Ingrid M.B.H. , Verhagen Judith M.A. , Lekanne dit Deprez Ronald H. , Barge-Schaapveld Daniela Q.C.M. , Baas Annette , Sammani Arjan , Christiaans Imke , van Tintelen J. Peter , Dalinghaus Michiel
Published: September 2022

Background:

This study aimed to describe the current practice and results of genetic evaluation in Dutch children with dilated cardiomyopathy and to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations that may guide prognosis.

Methods:

We performed a multicenter observational study in children diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, from 2010 to 2017.

Results:

One hundred forty-four children were included. Initial diagnostic categories were idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in 67 children (47%), myocarditis in 23 (16%), neuromuscular in 7 (5%), familial in 18 (13%), inborn error of metabolism in 4 (3%), malformation syndrome in 2 (1%), and “other” in 23 (16%). Median follow-up time was 2.1 years [IQR 1.0–4.3]. Hundred-seven patients (74%) underwent genetic testing. We found a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant in 38 children (36%), most often in
MYH7
(n = 8). In 1 patient initially diagnosed with myocarditis, a pathogenic
LMNA
variant was found. During the study, 39 patients (27%) reached study endpoint (SE: all-cause death or heart transplantation). Patients with a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant were more likely to reach SE compared with those without (hazard ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.3–5.8,
P
= 0.007), while transplant-free survival was significantly lower (
P
= 0.006). Clinical characteristics at diagnosis did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Genetic testing is a valuable tool for predicting prognosis in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, with carriers of a likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant having a worse prognosis overall. Genetic testing should be incorporated in clinical work-up of all children with dilated cardiomyopathy regardless of presumed disease pathogenesis.
A new species of Volvariella (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from West Bengal, India
Authors: CHATTOPADHYAY PINAKI , TALUKDAR MOUSUMI , BEYPIH JESWANI , TAYUNG KUMANANDA , DUTTA ARUN KUMAR
Published: September 2022

A new species, Volvariella bilobata, has been described herein from West Bengal, India. Field photographs of the basidiocarps were provided and the new species were compared with its allied taxa based on morphological and molecular (nrITS sequence) data. Volvariella bilobata was characterized by a medium sized, entirely greyish brown pileus with fibrillose surface; close to crowded lamellae coloured greyish white to greyish orange; a bilobed saccate volva with greyish brown outer surface and greyish white inner surface; smaller basidiospores measuring 4.8–5.5 × 2.7–3.5 µm; clavate to ventricose lageniform cheilocystidia measuring 32–83 × 13–30 µm; variously shaped pleurocystidia measuring 18.5–27.5 × 7–10 µm; habitat on soil; and unique sequences. Detailed morphological description with illustrations and phylogenetic tree based on molecular sequence data revealed it to be a new species.
A c-Fos activation map in nitroglycerin/levcromakalim-induced models of migraine
Authors: Wu Shouyi , Ren Xiao , Zhu Chenlu , Wang Wei , Zhang Kaibo , Li Zhilei , Liu Xuejiao , Wang Yonggang
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic migraine is a common and highly disabling disorder. Functional MRI has indicated that abnormal brain region activation is linked with chronic migraine. Drugs targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or its receptor have been reported to be efficient for treating chronic migraine. The CGRP signaling was also shared in two types of chronic migraine models (CMMs). However, it remains unclear whether the activation of specific brain regions could contribute to persistent behavioral sensitization, and CGRP receptor antagonists relieve migraine-like pain in CMMs by altering specific brain region activation. Therefore, it’s of great interest to investigate brain activation pattern and the effect of olcegepant (a CGRP receptor-specific antagonist) treatment on alleviating hyperalgesia by altering brain activation in two CMMs, and provide a reference for future research on neural circuits.

Methods

Repeated administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) or levcromakalim (LEV) was conducted to stimulate human migraine-like pain and establish two types of CMMs in mice. Mechanical hypersensitivity was evaluated by using the von Frey filament test. Then, we evaluated the activation of different brain regions with c-Fos and NeuN staining. Olcegepant was administered to explore its effect on mechanical hyperalgesia and brain region activation.

Results

In two CMMs, acute and basal mechanical hyperalgesia was observed, and olcegepant alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia. In the NTG-induced CMM, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5c) showed a significant increase of c-Fos expression in the NTG group (p < 0.05), while pre-treatment with olcegepant reduced c-Fos expression compared with NTG group (p < 0.05). No significant difference of c-Fos expression was found in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) between the vehicle control and NTG group (p > 0.05). In the LEV-induced CMM, mPFC, PVT, and Sp5c showed a significant increase of c-Fos expression between vehicle control and LEV group, and olcegepant reduced c-Fos expression (p < 0.05). No significant difference in c-Fos expression was found in vlPAG and ACC (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the activation of mPFC and Sp5c in two CMMs. Olcegepant may alleviate hyperalgesia of the hind paw and periorbital area by attenuating brain activation in CMMs.
The role of proteoglycan form of DMP1 in cranial repair
Authors: Liu Yang , Niu Pingping , Zhou Mengqi , Xue Hui
Published: September 2022

Background

The cranial region is a complex set of blood vessels, cartilage, nerves and soft tissues. The reconstruction of cranial defects caused by trauma, congenital defects and surgical procedures presents clinical challenges. Our previous data showed that deficiency of the proteoglycan (PG) form of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1-PG) could lead to abnormal cranial development. In addition, DMP1-PG was highly expressed in the cranial defect areas. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of DMP1-PG in intramembranous ossification in cranial defect repair.

Methods

Mouse cranial defect models were established by using wild- type (WT) and DMP1-PG point mutation mice. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histological staining were performed to assess the extent of repair. Immunofluorescence assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR) were applied to detect the differentially expressed osteogenic markers. RNA sequencing was performed to probe the molecular mechanism of DMP1-PG in regulating defect healing.

Results

A delayed healing process and an abnormal osteogenic capacity of primary osteoblasts were observed in DMP1-PG point mutation mice. Furthermore, impaired inflammatory signaling pathways were detected by using RNA transcription analysis of this model.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that DMP1-PG is an indispensable positive regulator during cranial defect healing.
Financial risk protection against noncommunicable diseases: trends and patterns in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Taslima , Gasbarro Dominic , Alam Khurshid
Published: September 2022

Background

Demographic and epidemiological transitions are changing the disease burden from infectious to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. Given the rising NCD-related health burdens and growing share of household out-of-pocket (OOP) spending in total health expenditure in Bangladesh, we compared the country’s trends and socioeconomic disparities in financial risk protection (FRP) among households with and without NCDs.

Methods

We used data from three recent waves of the Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey (2005, 2010, and 2016) and employed the normative food, housing (rent), and utilities method to measure the levels and distributions of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishing effects of OOP health expenditure among households without NCDs (i.e. non-NCDs only) and with NCDs (i.e. NCDs only, and both NCDs and non-NCDs). Additionally, we examined the incidence of forgone care for financial reasons at the household and individual levels.

Results

Between 2005 and 2016, OOP expenses increased by more than 50% across all households (NCD-only: USD 95.6 to 149.3; NCD-and-non-NCD: USD 89.5 to 167.7; non-NCD-only: USD 45.3 to 73.0), with NCD-affected families consistently spending over double that of non-affected households. Concurrently, CHE incidence grew among NCD-only families (13.5% to 14.4%) while declining (with fluctuations) among non-NCD-only (14.4% to 11.6%) and NCD-and-non-NCD households (12.9% to 12.2%). Additionally, OOP-induced impoverishment increased among NCD-only and non-NCD-only households from 1.4 to 2.0% and 1.1 to 1.5%, respectively, affecting the former more. Also, despite falling over time, NCD-affected individuals more frequently mentioned prohibiting treatment costs as the reason for forgoing care than the non-affected (37.9% vs. 13.0% in 2016). The lowest quintile households, particularly those with NCDs, consistently experienced many-fold higher CHE and impoverishment than the highest quintile. Notably, CHE and impoverishment effects were more pronounced among NCD-affected families if NCD-afflicted household members were female rather than male, older people, or children instead of working-age adults.

Conclusions

The lack of FRP is more pronounced among households with NCDs than those without NCDs. Concerted efforts are required to ensure FRP for all families, particularly those with NCDs.