bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalisation of learning: a driving force for higher education modernisation or a humanitarian threat?
Authors: Titarenko Larissa G.
Published: June 2022

The article discusses the problems of modernisation of the system of higher education in the Republic of Belarus related to the implementation of digital forms and methods of education. The inextricable link between the digitalisation of education and the ongoing fourth industrial revolution is revealed. On the basis of empirical data from studies carried out at Belarusian State University, it is shown that Belarusian and foreign students have increased their level of knowledge, skills and competencies in the use of information and communication technologies during a year of study in a pandemic period. Students appreciate the transfer to distance methods of a significant proportion of classes. The author noted that effective digitalisation of education contributes to the growth of the competitiveness of educational institutions. It is concluded that the active use of digitalisation is consistent with the goals of modernisation of the higher education system and does not pose a significant threat to the self-development of students. The results obtained can be used in research of the digitalisation of higher education in Belarus and other EAEU countries, and in teaching the Belarusian and foreign students studying in Belarusian universities.
Electrical properties of the sensory neuron and defense reactions of mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis at conditions of prolonged hyperglycemia
Authors: Sidorov Alexander V. , Shadenko Viktoria N.
Published: June 2022

Hemolymph glucose level rise (from 0.12 (0.05; 0.18) to 4.10 (3.18; 6.08) mmol/L) modify the defensive behaviour of molluscs. This results in increase of the degree of animal’s body retracted into the shell and in reinforcement of weak defense reactions in response to tentacles’ tactile stimulation. No fluctuations in the tentacles length and the duration of the latent period of protraction were found. At experimental hyperglycemia (incubation of the isolated CNS preparation in 10 mmol/L D-glucose solution for 2 h), the basic electrical characteristics of FMRFamide-containing neuron RPaD1, involved in sensory stimuli detection and heart beat regulation in Lymnaea, were changed. Membrane depolarisation, accompanied by firing rate increase were observed, while current-voltage curve characteristics, as well as membrane resistance, capacity and time constant remains unchanged in comparison with control. An increase in rising and falling phases duration, undershoot amplitude were noted, while other parameters of the RPaD1 spike remained unchanged. Based on the revealed features of the action potential shape at hyperglycemia, it is assumed that these changes can be caused by the activation of the Na+-glucose co-transporter and ATP-sensitive K+-channels of the RPaD1 membrane. The action of glucose should be considered as a metabolic signal also in relation to non-feeding neurons in the mollusc brain.
YAPAY ZEKÂ ÜRÜNLERİNİN VE SAHİPLİK İKİLEMİNİN FİKRİ MÜLKİYET HUKUKU KAPSAMINDA DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ÇELİK Muhammet Emir
Published: June 2022

Fikri Mülkiyet (IP) hakları, yıkıcı teknolojilerle başa çıkmakta her zaman zorluklar yaşamıştır. Yapay Zekanın (AI) geliştirilmesi ve yaygın kullanımı, telif hakkı ve patent korumasının sınırlarını zorlamaktadır. Yapay zekanın insan müdahalesi olmadan öğrenme ve çıktı üretme yeteneği nedeniyle, yapay zekâ tarafından üretilen eserler değerlendirilirken fikri mülkiyet haklarıyla korunma noktasında patentlenebilirlik ve telif hakkı gereksinimlerinin karşılanması belirsizlik yaratmaktadır. Bu makale, AI'nın telif hakkı ve patent alabilecek yaratıcı ve özgün çalışmalar ürettiğine dair hiçbir şüphe olmamasına rağmen, Birleşik Devletler (ABD), Birleşik Krallık (Birleşik Krallık) ve Avrupa Birliği'ndeki (AB) mülkiyet haklarının mevcut çerçevesinin açıkça Yapay Zekanın gelişimini değerlendirmede yetersiz olduğunu savunmaktadır. Bu makale, özerk eserin müellifi/mucidi veya sahibi kim olacak sorusunu ele almakta ve analiz etmekte ve mevcut düzenlemeler temelinde yeterince cevaplanmadığı sonucuna ulaşmaktadır. Yazar, yapay zekayı yazar olarak kabul etmek veya etmemek yerine, yapay zeka kaynaklı eserlerin koruma kapsamı belirsizliğini aşmak için bazı yasal düzenlemelerin yapılması gerektiğini savunmaktadır. Yapay zeka zamanla gelişirken, yapay zeka tarafından üretilen işlerin belirsizlik sorunu çözülmezse, gelecekte bununla baş etmek zahmetli hale gelebilir.
AKBABALAR DİKİLİTAŞI: SÜMER ŞEHİR DEVLETLERİNİN ARALARINDAKİ HUKUKA DAİR ÇIKARIMLAR
Authors: AKPINARLI Neyire , ŞATIROĞLU Hasan Utku
Published: June 2022

Tarihe ilk medeniyet olarak düşülen Sümer şehir devletleri arasındaki ilişkileri düzenleyen kurumlar, kurallar ve teamüller günümüzdeki devletlerarası hukukun birçok kurumunun temelini oluşturmaktadır. Bir Sümer kitabesi olan ve Milattan Önce 3. binyıldan bugüne ulaşan Akbabalar Dikilitaşı, üzerindeki yazılar ve tasvirlerle tarihten sanata, dinden siyaset tarihine farklı alanlar için birçok veri sunmaktadır. Lagaş kralı E-anatum tarafından hazırlatıldığı kabul edilen söz konusu kraliyet yazıtı, devletlerarası hukuk tarihi açısından da günümüze ulaşmış en eski belge olarak kabul edilmektedir. Umma ve Lagaş şehir devletleri arasında 150 yılı aşkın süren sınır ve su sorunundan bir kesit sunmakta olan tek taraflı söz konusu bu anlatı, bir çok uluslararası hukuk kural ve kurumuna dair veriler sunmaktadır. Makalede, bugüne kadar gerek Batı’da gerekse Türkiye’de yayımlanmış bazı uluslararası hukuk ders kitaplarının uluslararası hukuk tarihi bölümünde bahsedilen Akbabalar Dikilitaşı uluslararası hukuk tarihi çerçevesinde incelenecektir. Kitabede yer alan tasvirler ve yazının imkân verdiği oranda şehir devletleri arasındaki hukuk, tanrı ile kral ve tanrı ile şehir devleti ilişkisi, sınır ve su sorunu, savaş, antlaşmaların yapılması, ihlali ve söz konusu antlaşmalarda edimin yerine getirilmemesi durumunda uygulanacak müeyyideler, uyuşmazlığın barışçıl yolla çözülmesi için üçüncü bir devleti devreye sokma, devletlerarası ilişkilerde farklı görünümde ortaya çıkan törenler gibi birçok devletlerarası hukuk kuralı incelenecektir.
The Antecedents of Employee's Performance in Research Center
Authors: Rohman Abdul
Published: June 2022

This study aims to determine the influence of organizational culture and leadership style on job satisfaction and their impact on employee performance. This research was conducted at C-Care Cancer Research, Indonesia. The data were collected using questionnaires distributed to all employees in the Production, Research and Development, Finance and Administration, and Innovation and Product Development Divisions with 100 samples. The data analysis technique used was Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that the culture of the organization positively influences job satisfaction. Leadership style does not significantly affect job satisfaction. While job satisfaction does not considerably affect the performance of employees, the employee's performance is negatively influenced by organizational culture. In addition, the employee's performance is negatively impacted by leadership style.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian Daging Ayam Broiler
Authors: Wardandy Ilham Sukma , Mukson Mukson , Prastiwi Wahyu Dyah
Published: June 2022

ENGLISHChicken meat has a significant role to fulfill community nutrition needs, especially animal protein. The study aimed to describe the charactheristic of consumers and the decision making process of purchasing broiler chicken meat and to analyze the influencing factors on consumer decisions in chicken meat broiler purchase at Puri Traditional Market, Pati District. The factors were analyzed in this study are cultural, social, personal, price, quality and location. Data collection was carried out in March-April 2021, located in Pasar Puri, Pati District. The number of sample was 100 people whom were chosen through accidental sampling method. The data were collected through observation, questionnaires and interviews. Then they were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. The results of the study were (1) Majority samples were women aged 17-25 years old; (2) Most of them have finished high school or bachelor degree and worked as enterprisers. The monthly expense for broiler chicken meat ranged Rp100.000,00 to Rp500.000,00; (2) simultaneously, cultural, social, personal, price, product quality, and location factors had significant effects on consumer decisions in broiler chicken meat purchases; (3) meanwhile the factors partially influenced the consumer behaviours were social factors, price, product quality, and location. INDONESIADaging ayam berperan penting dalam pemenuhan gizi masyarakat, khususnya protein hewani. Konsumsi daging ayam yang relatif masih rendah dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menggambarkan karakteristik konsumen dan proses pengambilan keputusan pembelian daging ayam broiler dan menganalisis pengaruh faktor budaya, sosial, pribadi, harga, kualitas, dan lokasi terhadap keputusan konsumen saat membeli daging ayam broiler di Pasar Tradisional Puri, Kecamatan Pati, Kabupaten Pati. Pengambilan data dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret-April 2021. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 100 orang yang dipilih dengan metode aksidental. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, penyebaran kuesioner, dan wawancara. Data yang diperoleh selanjutnya dianalisis menggunakan uji regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan (1) Responden penelitian didominasi oleh perempuan yang berusia 17-25 tahun. Tingkat pendidikan sebagian besar responden adalah SMA dan S1 dengan pekerjaan wiraswasta. Sebagian besar responden mengeluarkan biaya Rp100.000,00 hingga Rp500.000,00 untuk membeli daging ayam setiap bulannya; (2) Secara simultan faktor budaya, sosial, pribadi, harga, kualitas produk dan lokasi berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap keputusan konsumen dalam pembelian daging ayam broiler ; (3) sementara itu, secara parsial faktor yang berpengaruh adalah faktor sosial, harga, kualitas produk, dan lokasi.
Spontaneous severe retroperitoneal hemorrhage with concomitant renal pelvis rupture during the course of COVID-19 infection: a case report
Authors: Akyüz Osman , Ergün Müslüm , Dölek Naile , Çam Kamil
Published: June 2022

Spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis is a rarely encountered urological event that causes extravasation of urine. It often occurs as a result of increased intrapelvic pressure secondary to obstructions developed in the urinary system. Similarly spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma is retroperitoneal hemorrhage that occurs without trauma or an underlying pathology. In this study, we present a case of spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis that developed secondary to compression of the hematoma that occurred spontaneously in the retroperitoneum in a 63-year-old female patient who received anticoagulant therapy with the diagnosis of Covid-19 infection. In the light of this case, we would like to emphasize that widespread endothelial cell damage associated with Covid-19 infection may cause spontaneous severe retroperitenal bleeding and accompanying renal pelvis rupture. In which both the rarely encountered spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis and spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding are seen simultaneously in the same patient, is reporting for the first time in the literature. Keywords: anticoagulant treatment, COVID-19, renal pelvis rupture, retroperitoneal hematoma, urinary obstruction
Micro V Doppler assessment of testicular blood supply in the pediatric age population: may reduce the need for senior guidance in the evaluation of prepubertal torsion
Authors: Şimşek Samet , Karagülle Mehmet , Arslan Zeynep Fatma , Öncü Süleyman , Öncü Mehmet , Cimilli Ahmet Tan
Published: June 2022

Objective: We evaluated the testis vascularity in pediatric population with MicroV Doppler (MVD) and Q pack examination and to detect differences between a limited experience and a experienced senior radiologists. The inter-observer agreement in MVD and Q pack examination is evaluated. We also compared MVD and Q pack examination with color and power Doppler in demonstrating testicular blood supply in children. Material and Methods: 114 testis (between the ages of 4-14) were included in the study. Testicular microvessel structure was examined by using color, power, MicroV Doppler and Q-pack examination techniques. A grouping system was created for color, Power and MicroV Doppler to score the vascularity of the testicular parenchyma visually. Results: In our study, we confirmed the presence of testicular blood flow with MVD in all children. We found that there was no significant difference between the observers in color, power Doppler and MVD and the consistency value was higher in MVD compared to color and power Doppler. We observed a significant positive correlation between Q-pack values and patient age. Q-pac values obtained from this study increased with age. The lack of statistically significant bias indicates that the method is useful. Conclusion: MVD is a reproducible method since there is no significant interobserver variability and can easily detect acute scrotal pathologies such as prepubertal torsion for the less experienced radiologists in the early years of working life. Thus, the need for senior guidance accompanying radiology resident in the evaluation of emergency cases in children may decrease. Keywords: blood supply, micro V doppler, pediatric age population
Is it time to stage prostate cancer using molecular imaging?
Authors: Güzel Özer , Polat Fazlı , Atan Ali
Published: June 2022

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. After the diagnosis is made, staging should be undertaken with imaging methods in order to plan the treatment and predict the prognosis. Parallel to technological developments in recent years, new imaging methods have entered into clinical use. Among these methods, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has come to the fore since it provides anatomical and functional imaging and has many advantages in tumor (T), nodal (N) and metastatic (M) staging. This review discusses the current status of the PSMA- PET method in prostate cancer staging. Keywords: prostate cancer, staging, positron emission tomography
The effects of social isolation measures taken against the COVID-19 pandemic on erectile functions of healthcare professionals: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Cinislioğlu Ahmet Emre , Şam Emre , Cinislioğlu Nazan , Demirdöğen Şaban Oğuz , Karabulut İbrahim , Akkaş Fatih , Özcan Elif , Tor İbrahim Hakkı , Özbey İsa
Published: June 2022

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals with different duties, such as doctors, nurses, medical secretaries, and medical staff, causes erectile dysfunction (ED). Material and Methods: In between 1 May 2020 and 1 August 2020, volunteering male health workers who had regular sexual intercourse at least once a week for the last six months and who had not previously worked in COVID-19 clinics were included in the study. Before and 4 weeks after working in COVID-19 clinics, erectile function was determined by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) form. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAS) was used to evaluate anxiety disorders and their severity. Results: A total of 218 male health caregivers were included in the study. Among these, 56 (25.7%) were doctors, 81 (37.2%) were nurses, 46 (21.1%) were medical secretaries and 35 (16.1%) were the medical staff. The mean HAM-A score of the doctors measured 4 weeks after having worked in a COVID-19 clinic (3,32±4,68) was observed to be significantly higher compared to that measured before working (28,43±14,05) (p<0.001). The mean IIEF-5 scores of the doctors measured 4 weeks after having worked in a COVID-19 clinic (16,34±4,11) was observed to be significantly lower compared to that measured before working (22,29±2,35) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results indicate that healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 clinics have increased anxiety and ED, and physicians are affected more than the other healthcare professionals. Keywords: COVID-19, health professionals, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, hamilton anxiety scale
Assessment of associated factors with nocturia in young and older urinary incontinent
Authors: Soytaş Mustafa , Soytaş Rabia Bağ
Published: June 2022

Objective: To assess the factors affecting nocturia in young and older women with urinary incontinence (UI). Material and Methods: Women who applied to the urology outpatient clinic with the UI complaint between November 2021-March 2022 were included. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, medications and comorbidities were recorded. The ICIQ-SF test was applied to evaluate their quality of life. Patients who have been waking up at night with the need to urinate ≥2 were considered to have nocturia. Results: Ninety-two women were included. Two groups were created as patients <60 years (n=47) and ≥60 years (n=45). The body mass index and waist circumference were higher in patients ≥60 years (respectively; p= 0.034, p= <0.001). Using of diuretic and anticholinergic medications was higher than in the younger group (respectively; p= <0.001, p= 0.006). The total number of medications was higher in the older group (p= <0.001). The number of comorbidities and the number of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) were higher in the older group (respectively; p= 0.002, p= 0.025). No difference was found in the young group with and without nocturia in terms of anthropometric measurements, medications used, and comorbidities. The number of medications and the number of Type 2 DM patients were significantly higher in the older group with nocturia (respectively; p= 0.04, p= 0.036). Conclusion: Type 2 DM and multiple medication use are risk factors for nocturia in older women with UI. Evaluation and management of these risk factors may contribute to better clinical outcomes. Keywords: aged, nocturia, risk factors, urinary incontinence, women
Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Organogel Based on Bisthiourea Compounds for The Removal of Selected Organic Dyes
Authors: MOHAMAD ARIF MAYA ASYIKIN , YUSAINI FARIS DANISH
Published: June 2022

The self-assembly of a series of bisthiourea containing amino acid side chains has been studied in a large range of organic solvents. Self-assembly is driven mainly by hydrogen bonding groups of thiourea and amino acids moieties. Of all the synthesized compounds, only bisthiourea with alanine side chains, 3.5 formed thermoreversible gel in 50:3 dichloromethane:water mixture at minimum gel concentration of 0.5%. SEM micrographs of the gel showed the formation of entangled cross-linked fibres. The addition of anions such as Cl¯, F¯ and AcO¯ disrupted the gel network of 3.5 thus inducing the gel-sol transition. To investigate the ability of the bisthiourea to form metallogel, metal ions such as Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ were introduced, however, none of them induce the formation of metallogel. In particular, the gels show good performance in the absorption of bromocresol green and Eriochrome black-T at 75% and 61% efficiency, respectively within 24 hours. The good dye absorption properties of gel 3.5 render the potential of bisthiourea gels as new dye absorption materials, which show significant benefit for water pollution treatment.
Characterisation of Trichoderma spp. and Assessment as Biocontrol Using Dual Culture Assay Against Fungi Associated with Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Diseases in Sarawak
Authors: KWAN YEE MIN , WILSON JOY FRANCO
Published: June 2022

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most widely used spices in food, beverage, cosmetics, and medicine. Black pepper production has suffered from various fungal diseases. Microbial biological control is an essential part of integrated disease management to reduce the heavy reliance on chemical fungicides. Trichoderma fungi comprise a large group of rhizocompetent filamentous fungi widely used in the biocontrol of plant pathogens. Three field surveys conducted on five black pepper farms in Belaga, Sarawak, identified three fungal diseases: yellowing, black berry, and foot rot. Based on the morphological and molecular characterisation, the identified fungal causal agents were Fusarium solani (yellowing disease), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (black berry disease), and Phytophthora palmivora (foot rot disease). Twenty isolates of Trichoderma spp. were isolated from secondary forest and Biopark in Bintulu, Sarawak. Trichoderma isolates were characterised based on the morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis using the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Trichoderma isolates were separated into five distinct species, namely T. harzianum, T. virens, T. brevicompactum, T. tawa, and telomorphic Hypocrea lixii. Among the Trichoderma fungi, T. harzianum was the most frequently (65%) isolated species. Trichoderma harzianum (Isolates of TJ9, 10, and 16) showed antagonistic and inhibitory effects by 61 to 70% on in vitro mycelial growth against three common fungal pathogens of black pepper, P. palmivora, C. gloeosporioides, and F. solani. This study highlights the potential of using native Trichoderma fungi as biocontrol agents in the black pepper integrated disease management program.
Penilaian Mutu Secara Organoleptik Ikan Patin (Pangasius sp.) Segar Di Pasar Bauntung, Banjarbaru, Kalimantan Selatan
Authors: Fadel Muhammad Sudarmanto  , Imam Setiawan
Published: June 2022

Tingkat konsumsi ikan di Kalimantan Selatan, khususnya masyarakat Banjarbaru sangat tinggi. Pada beberapa pasar tradisional, proses penanganan ikan patin (Pangasius sp.) masih perlu ditinjau ulang agar kualitas ikan patin yang diterima konsumen masih dalam keadaan baik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menilai mutu organoleptik ikan patin segar selama penjualan di pasar Bauntung kota Banjarbaru. Metode uji skoring digunakan untuk pengujian organoleptik dengan skala 1 (nilai terendah) sampai 9 (nilai tertinggi) menggunakan score sheet organoleptik ikan segar yang dilakukan oleh 7 orang panelis tidak terlatih. Metode observasi menggunakan lembar score sheet digunakan untuk mengetahui aktivitas penanganan ikan pada dua penjual. Pengamatan dilakukan pada pukul 10.00 dan pukul 15.00, waktu setempat. Pada pengamatan mutu organoleptik pukul 10.00, ikan patin dari kedua penjual masih memiliki kualitas mutu yang baik, akan tetapi pada pukul 15.00 terjadi penurunan mutu organoleptik pada ikan patin dari kedua pedagang. Hasil organoleptik pada waktu pengamatan yang berbeda lebih dari 7. skor ini menunjukkan ikan patin di pasar Bauntung masih berkualitas segar dan layak konsumsi setelah penanganan.
An Introduction to History and Culture of the Way of Saint James: the Portuguese Central Route
Authors: dos Santos Artur
Published: June 2022

The Camino de Santiago is a common denominator of European culture so these itineraries, which are public spaces of convergence and harmony, must be respected and promoted. In them, any walker feels like a citizen of the world, which gives him the opportunity to perspective his convictions in a universal sense of openness and tolerance. Associated with the religious factor, the Camino de Santiago provides all participants with contact with European culture and history and, above all, unique moments of adventure, emotion and physical activity. For all these reasons UNESCO classified in 1985 and 2015 as cultural goods of universal importance. The Portuguese routes to Santiago de Compostela are the testimony of the effort of the first kings to ensure the sovereignty of the new kingdom and the conquest of new territories, with history recognizing the effort of characters who stood out in the legitimation of Portuguese ways in the context of European paths to Santiago de Compostela.
Investigating the Effect of Ethical Climate on Financial Performance Through the Mediating Variable of Ethical Behavior
Authors: Behmanesh Mohammad , Fatemi Mahboubeh
Published: June 2022

In the current competitive environment, financial performance plays a vital role in evaluating an entity, and ethical climate and ethical behavior are important variables that affect financial performance. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the effect of ethical climate on financial performance mediated by ethical behavior. The present applied research is descriptive in type. The statistical population included 234 financial managers of Toos Industrial town in Mashhad-Iran, and 116 subjects were selected for the study using a random sampling method. To collect the required data, standard questionnaires of ethical climate, ethical behavior and financial performance were used and to analyze the findings, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The SEM results showed that the ethical climate has a positive and significant effect on financial performance and the strength of this effect is increased when mediated by ethical behavior.
Linking Agronomic and Knowledge Barriers to Adoption of Conservation Practices for Nitrogen Management
Authors: Khalsa Sat Darshan S. , Rudnick Jessica , Lubell Mark , Sears Molly , Brown Patrick H.
Published: June 2022

Agricultural nitrogen (N) use is a major contributor to environmental problems arising from nitrous oxide emissions and N loading to groundwater. Advances in the adoption of conservation practices requires a better understanding of the agronomic context for cropping systems. This paper tests hypotheses about how agronomic and knowledge barriers influence the adoption of conservation practices for N management in orchard agroecosystems. Agronomic barriers are characterized by farm size, irrigation systems and access to water resources, and knowledge barriers are influenced by the availability of information and use of information sources. Our study focuses on the California’s San Joaquin Valley where we collected 879 in-person surveys from fruit and nut growers focused on ten different conservation practices related to fertilizer use, irrigation and soil health. We used logistic regression models to identify parameters influencing adoption and differences in adoption between fruit and nut growers. Our results indicate that overall growers report higher adoption for practices for fertilizer use compared to irrigation and soil health. Growers with larger parcels, microirrigation and more water security had a higher probability of practice adoption. Nut crops are more agronomically intense than fruit crops requiring higher rates of N fertilizer and water use. Nut growers adopted significantly more practices than fruit growers, and also utilized significantly more information sources and experienced significantly fewer practice challenges. Our results collectively support our hypotheses that agronomic and knowledge barriers differ between fruit and nut growers, and help to explain the variance in adoption of conversation practices in orchard agroecosystems. Furthermore, the significance of our work offers a case study for other regions and agroecosystems to address the need for linking agronomic and knowledge barriers to adoption in an effort to promote global climate-smart and regenerative agriculture initiatives.
Early Warning Signals of Financial Crises Using Persistent Homology and Critical Slowing Down: Evidence From Different Correlation Tests
Authors: Ismail Mohd Sabri , Md Noorani Mohd Salmi , Ismail Munira , Abdul Razak Fatimah
Published: June 2022

In this study, a new market representation from persistence homology, known as the L1-norm time series, is used and applied independently with three critical slowing down indicators [autocorrelation function at lag 1, variance, and mean for power spectrum (MPS)] to examine two historical financial crises (Dotcom crash and Lehman Brothers bankruptcy) in the US market. The captured signal is the rising trend in the indicator time series, which can be determined by Kendall's tau correlation test. Furthermore, we examined Pearson's and Spearman's rho correlation tests as potential substitutes for Kendall's tau correlation. After that, we determined a correlation threshold and predicted the whole available date. The point of comparison between these correlation tests is to determine which test is significant and consistent in classifying the rising trend. The results of such a comparison will suggest the best test that can classify the observed rising trend and detect early warning signals (EWSs) of impending financial crises. Our outcome shows that the L1-norm time series is more likely to increase before the two financial crises. Kendall's tau, Pearson's, and Spearman's rho correlation tests consistently indicate a significant rising trend in the MPS time series before the two financial crises. Based on the two evaluation scores (the probability of successful anticipation and probability of erroneous anticipation), by using the L1-norm time series with MPS, our result in the whole prediction demonstrated that Spearman's rho correlation (46.15 and 53.85%) obtains the best score as compared to Kendall's tau (42.31 and 57.69%) and Pearson's (40 and 60%) correlations. Therefore, by using Spearman's rho correlation test, L1-norm time series with MPS is shown to be a better way to detect EWSs of US financial crises.
Large-Eddy Simulations of Wind-Driven Cross Ventilation, Part 2: Comparison of Ventilation Performance Under Different Ventilation Configurations
Authors: Hwang Yunjae , Gorlé Catherine
Published: June 2022

Natural ventilation can contribute to a sustainable and healthy built environment, but the flow can be highly dependent on the ventilation configuration and the outdoor turbulent wind conditions. As a result, quantifying natural ventilation flow rates can be a challenging task. Wind tunnel experiments offer one approach for studying natural ventilation, but measurements are often restricted to a few points or planes in the building, and the data can have limitations due to the intrusive nature of measurement techniques or due to challenges with optical access. Large-eddy simulations (LES) can offer an effective alternative for analyzing natural ventilation flow, since they can provide a precise prediction of turbulent flow at any point in the computational domain and enable accurate estimates of different ventilation measures. The objective of this study is to use a validated LES set-up to investigate the effect of the opening size, opening location and wind direction on the ventilation flow through an isolated building. The effects are quantified in terms of time-averaged and instantaneous ventilation flow rates, age of air, and ventilation efficiency. The LES results indicate that, for this isolated building case, the effect of the wind direction is more pronounced than the effect of the size and position of the ventilation openings. Importantly, when ventilation is primarily driven by turbulent fluctuations, e.g. for the 90° wind direction, an accurate estimation of the ventilation rate requires knowledge of the instantaneous velocity field.
Porous ZnO Nanosphere Inherently Encapsulated in Carbon Framework as a High-Performance Anode For Ni–Zn Secondary Batteries
Authors: Li Zhuo , Hu Xianwei , Kang Jian , Wang Xiaoli , Kong Lingyu , Shi Zhongning , Wang Zhaowen
Published: June 2022

Nickel–zinc (Ni-Zn) secondary battery that is environmentally friendly and inexpensive has been regarded as a promising rechargeable battery system. However, the generation of deformation and dendrites of the traditional zinc anode during the cycling can cause capacity degradation and impede its practical application. Herein, we design a hierarchical ZnO nanosphere coated with an inherently derived ZIF-8 porous carbon shell (ZnO@CZIF-8) using a simple controllable method. The conductive carbon shell and porous ZnO core can provide more active sites, allow the fast transfer of electrons, and buffer the volume expansion of the electrode effectively. Benefiting from the synergistic effect amid the inherently ZIF-8–derived carbon shell and ZnO core, ZnO@CZIF-8 nanospheres exhibit a satisfying capacity of 316 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 after 50 cycles and an outstanding rate capacity when acting as the anode for a Ni-Zn secondary battery with merchant agglomerative Ni(OH)2 as the cathode. These results imply that the ZnO@CZIF-8 nanosphere is a hopeful anode for a high-energy Ni-Zn secondary battery.
A Combination of Membrane Filtration and Raman-Active DNA Ligand Greatly Enhances Sensitivity of SERS-Based Aptasensors for Influenza A Virus
Authors: Zhdanov Gleb , Nyhrikova Ekaterina , Meshcheryakova Nadezda , Kristavchuk Olga , Akhmetova Assel , Andreev Evgeny , Rudakova Elena , Gambaryan Alexandra , Yaminsky Igor , Aralov Andrey , Kukushkin Vladimir , Zavyalova Elena
Published: June 2022

Biosensors combining the ultrahigh sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and the specificity of nucleic acid aptamers have recently drawn attention in the detection of respiratory viruses. The most sensitive SERS-based aptasensors allow determining as low as 104virus particles per mL that is 100-fold lower than any antibody-based lateral flow tests but 10–100-times higher than a routine polymerase chain reaction with reversed transcription (RT-PCR). Sensitivity of RT-PCR has not been achieved in SERS-based aptasensors despite the usage of sophisticated SERS-active substrates. Here, we proposed a novel design of a SERS-based aptasensor with the limit of detection of just 103particles per ml of the influenza A virus that approaches closely to RT-PCR sensitivity. The sensor utilizes silver nanoparticles with the simplest preparation instead of sophisticated SERS-active surfaces. The analytical signal is provided by a unique Raman-active dye that competes with the virus for the binding to the G-quadruplex core of the aptamer. The aptasensor functions even with aliquots of the biological fluids due to separation of the off-target molecules by pre-filtration through a polymeric membrane. The aptasensor detects influenza viruses in the range of 1·103–5·1010virus particles per ml.
Occurrence of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Pathogens in Wild Pollinators in Northern Italy
Authors: Cilia Giovanni , Flaminio Simone , Zavatta Laura , Ranalli Rosa , Quaranta Marino , Bortolotti Laura , Nanetti Antonio
Published: June 2022

Diseases contribute to the decline of pollinator populations, which may be aggravated by the interspecific transmission of honey bee pests and pathogens. Flowers increase the risk of transmission, as they expose the pollinators to infections during the foraging activity. In this study, both the prevalence and abundance of 21 honey bee pathogens (11 viruses, 4 bacteria, 3 fungi, and 3 trypanosomatids) were assessed in the flower-visiting entomofauna sampled from March to September 2021 in seven sites in the two North-Italian regions, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont. A total of 1,028 specimens were collected, identified, and analysed. Of the twenty-one pathogens that were searched for, only thirteen were detected. Altogether, the prevalence of the positive individuals reached 63.9%, with Nosema ceranae, deformed wing virus (DWV), and chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) as the most prevalent pathogens. In general, the pathogen abundance averaged 5.15 * 106 copies, with CBPV, N. ceranae, and black queen cell virus (BQCV) as the most abundant pathogens, with 8.63, 1.58, and 0.48 * 107 copies, respectively. All the detected viruses were found to be replicative. The sequence analysis indicated that the same genetic variant was circulating in a specific site or region, suggesting that interspecific transmission events among honey bees and wild pollinators are possible. Frequently, N. ceranae and DWV were found to co-infect the same individual. The circulation of honey bee pathogens in wild pollinators was never investigated before in Italy. Our study resulted in the unprecedented detection of 72 wild pollinator species as potential hosts of honey bee pathogens. Those results encourage the implementation of monitoring actions aiming to improve our understanding of the environmental implications of such interspecific transmission events, which is pivotal to embracing a One Health approach to pollinators’ welfare.
3D-QSAR-Based Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations for the Identification of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Parate Shraddha , Danishuddin  , Zeb Amir , Singh Pooja , Lee Gihwan , Jung Tae Sung , Lee Keun Woo , Ha Min Woo
Published: June 2022

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is an essential mediator of immune cell signaling and has been anticipated as a therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases, notably rheumatoid arthritis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and cancers. Significant attempts have been undertaken in recent years to develop SYK inhibitors; however, limited success has been achieved due to poor pharmacokinetics and adverse effects of inhibitors. The primary goal of this research was to identify potential inhibitors having high affinity, selectivity based on key molecular interactions, and good drug-like properties than the available inhibitor, fostamatinib. In this study, a 3D-QSAR model was built for SYK based on known inhibitor IC50 values. The best pharmacophore model was then used as a 3D query to screen a drug-like database to retrieve hits with novel chemical scaffolds. The obtained compounds were subjected to binding affinity prediction using the molecular docking approach, and the results were subsequently validated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulated compounds were ranked according to binding free energy (ΔG), and the binding affinity was compared with fostamatinib. The binding mode analysis of selected compounds revealed that the hit compounds form hydrogen bond interactions with hinge region residue Ala451, glycine-rich loop residue Lys375, Ser379, and DFG motif Asp512. Identified hits were also observed to form a desirable interaction with Pro455 and Asn457, the rare feature observed in SYK inhibitors. Therefore, we argue that identified hit compounds ZINC98363745, ZINC98365358, ZINC98364133, and ZINC08789982 may help in drug design against SYK.
Cytokine Profiles Associated With Acute COVID-19 and Long COVID-19 Syndrome
Authors: Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Neves Pablo Fabiano Moura das , Lima Sandra Souza , Lopes Jeferson da Costa , Torres Maria Karoliny da Silva , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres , Bichara Carlos David Araújo , Santos Erika Ferreira dos , de Brito Mioni Thieli Figueiredo Magalhães , da Silva Andréa Luciana Soares , Leite Mauro de Meira , da Costa Flávia Póvoa , Viana Maria de Nazaré do Socorro de Almeida , Rodrigues Fabíola Brasil Barbosa , de Sarges Kevin Matheus Lima , Cantanhede Marcos Henrique Damasceno , da Silva Rosilene , Bichara Clea Nazaré Carneiro , Berg Ana Virgínia Soares van den , Veríssimo Adriana de Oliveira Lameira , Carvalho Mayara da Silva , Henriques Daniele Freitas , Santos Carla Pinheiro dos , Nunes Juliana Abreu Lima , Costa Iran Barros , Viana Giselle Maria Rachid , Carneiro Francisca Regina Oliveira , Palacios Vera Regina da Cunha Menezes , Quaresma Juarez Antonio Simões , Brasil-Costa Igor , Santos Eduardo José Melo dos , Falcão Luiz Fábio Magno , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: June 2022

The duration and severity of COVID-19 are related to age, comorbidities, and cytokine synthesis. This study evaluated the impact of these factors on patients with clinical presentations of COVID-19 in a Brazilian cohort. A total of 317 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were included; cases were distributed according to clinical status as severe (n=91), moderate (n=56) and mild (n=170). Of these patients, 92 had acute COVID-19 at sample collection, 90 had already recovered from COVID-19 without sequelae, and 135 had sequelae (long COVID syndrome). In the acute COVID-19 group, patients with the severe form had higher IL-6 levels (p=0.0260). In the post-COVID-19 group, there was no significant difference in cytokine levels between groups with different clinical conditions. In the acute COVID-19 group, younger patients had higher levels of TNF-α, and patients without comorbidities had higher levels of TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-2 (p<0.05). In contrast, patients over age 60 with comorbidities had higher levels of IL-6. In the post-COVID-19 group, subjects with long COVID-19 had higher levels of IL-17 and IL-2 (p<0.05), and subjects without sequelae had higher levels of IL-10, IL-6 and IL- 4 (p<0.05). Our results suggest that advanced age, comorbidities and elevated serum IL-6 levels are associated with severe COVID-19 and are good markers to differentiate severe from mild cases. Furthermore, high serum levels of IL-17 and IL-2 and low levels of IL-4 and IL-10 appear to constitute a cytokine profile of long COVID-19, and these markers are potential targets for COVID-19 treatment and prevention strategies.
Understanding Anti-COVID-19 Vaccination Protest Slogans in the US
Authors: Liao Tim F.
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate public protest slogans in response to the Biden Administration's announcement of two COVID-19 vaccination regulations on November 4, 2021. We identified three protest themes: (1) support for individual freedom/rights, (2) opposition to government's control, and (3) anti-science reasoning/misinformation/disinformation. Major policy recommendations include implementing efforts to dispel unscientific misinformation/disinformation and to emphasize individuals' civic responsibilities for vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially considering the current spreading of the Omicron variants and the relaxing of mask mandates across the US.
Inhibition of Vascular Inflammation by Apolipoprotein A-IV
Authors: Shearston Kate , Tan Joanne T. M. , Cochran Blake J. , Rye Kerry-Anne
Published: June 2022

Background

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV, the third most abundant apolipoprotein in human high density lipoproteins (HDLs), inhibits intestinal and systemic inflammation. This study asks if apoA-IV also inhibits acute vascular inflammation.

Methods

Inflammation was induced in New Zealand White rabbits by placing a non-occlusive silastic collar around the common carotid artery. A single 1 mg/kg intravenous infusion of lipid-free apoA-IV or saline (control) was administered to the animals 24 h before collar insertion. The animals were euthanised 24 h post-collar insertion. Human coronary artery cells (HCAECs) were pre-incubated with reconstituted HDLs containing apoA-IV complexed with phosphatidylcholine, (A-IV)rHDLs, then activated by incubation with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cell surface vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the TNF-α-activated HCAECs was quantified by flow cytometry. VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24) mRNA levels were quantified by real time PCR.

Results

Apolipoprotein ApoA-IV treatment significantly decreased collar-induced endothelial expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and neutrophil infiltration into the arterial intima by 67.6 ± 9.9% (p < 0.01), 75.4 ± 6.9% (p < 0.01) and 74.4 ± 8.5% (p < 0.05), respectively. It also increased endothelial expression of DHCR24 by 2.6-fold (p < 0.05). Pre-incubation of HCAECs with (A-IV)rHDLs prior to stimulation with TNF-α inhibited VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 protein levels by 62.2 ± 12.1% and 33.7 ± 5.7%, respectively. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA levels were decreased by 55.8 ± 7.2% and 49.6 ± 7.9%, respectively, while DHCR24 mRNA expression increased by threefold. Transfection of HCAECs with DHCR24 siRNA attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of (A-IV)rHDLs. Pre-incubation of TNF-α-activated HCAECs with (A-IV)rHDLs also inhibited nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and decreased IκBα phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These results indicate that apoA-IV inhibits vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting NF-κB activation in a DHCR24-dependent manner.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Focus on Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Conte Maddalena , Petraglia Laura , Cabaro Serena , Valerio Vincenza , Poggio Paolo , Pilato Emanuele , Attena Emilio , Russo Vincenzo , Ferro Adele , Formisano Pietro , Leosco Dario , Parisi Valentina
Published: June 2022

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia and its prevalence increases with age. AF is strongly associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Among the risk factors associated with AF onset and severity, obesity and inflammation play a prominent role. Numerous recent evidence suggested a role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), the visceral fat depot of the heart, in the development of AF. Several potential arrhythmogenic mechanisms have been attributed to EAT, including myocardial inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and fat infiltration. EAT is a local source of inflammatory mediators which potentially contribute to atrial collagen deposition and fibrosis, the anatomical substrate for AF. Moreover, the close proximity between EAT and myocardium allows the EAT to penetrate and generate atrial myocardium fat infiltrates that can alter atrial electrophysiological properties. These observations support the hypothesis of a strong implication of EAT in structural and electrical atrial remodeling, which underlies AF onset and burden. The measure of EAT, through different imaging methods, such as echocardiography, computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance, has been proposed as a useful prognostic tool to predict the presence, severity and recurrence of AF. Furthermore, EAT is increasingly emerging as a promising potential therapeutic target. This review aims to summarize the recent evidence exploring the potential role of EAT in the pathogenesis of AF, the main mechanisms by which EAT can promote structural and electrical atrial remodeling and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting the cardiac visceral fat.
Left Atrial Cardiomyopathy – A Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Kreimer Fabienne , Gotzmann Michael
Published: June 2022

Left atrial cardiomyopathy (LACM) has been an ongoing focus of research for several years. There is evidence that LACM is responsible for atrial fibrillation and embolic strokes of undetermined sources. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of LACM is of clinical importance. Various techniques, including electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, electroanatomic mapping, genetic testing, and biomarkers, can both identify and quantify structural, mechanical as well as electrical dysfunction in the atria. However, the question arises whether these techniques can reliably diagnose LACM. Because of its heterogeneity, clinical diagnosis is challenging. To date, there are no recommendations for standardized diagnosis of suspected LACM. However, standardization could help to classify LACM more precisely and derive therapeutic directions to improve individual patient management. In addition, uniform diagnostic criteria for LACM could be important for future studies. Combining several parameters and relating them seems beneficial to approach the diagnosis of LACM. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis of LACM, in which several potential parameters are discussed and, consequently, a proposal for a diagnostic algorithm is presented.