bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Municipal green bond yield behaviour
Authors: Janković Irena , Kovačević Vlado , Ljumović Isidora
Published: August 2022

The aim of this paper is to study municipal green bonds as fixed-income instruments used for environmentally friendly projects. This research was motivated by the absence of an effective global CO2 pricing scheme, making green bonds one of the most important instruments to tackle climate change. After an overview of the U.S. municipal green bond market, yields of municipal green bonds vs. ordinary municipal bonds were analysed. S&P U.S. Municipal Green Bond Index and S&P U.S. Municipal Bond Index were used in the study. The methodological framework includes a review of relevant literature, descriptive statistics with correlation analysis and hypotheses testing. As initially expected, significant positive correlation between green bond and ordinary bond yields was found, where green municipal bonds generate slightly lower yields than otherwise similar ordinary bonds. The existence of a statistically significant yield discount, i.e., a green premium, has not been confirmed.
Energy rehabilitation of existing buildings: Design studio
Authors: Ignjatović Dušan , Zeković Bojana , Miletić Nikola
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the methodology and results of design studio whose main topic is sustainability, specifically relating to existing building energy refurbishment, at the postgraduate level - specialist academic studies - Energy efficient and green architecture at the University of Belgrade-Faculty of Architecture. Weaknesses and opportunities in teaching sustainability in a design studio are discussed. It points to concrete challenges that the theme of building energy conservation and refurbishment present, and to ways in which they might be integrated in education. This paper considers how the design studio pedagogy could encourage deep and active learning for sustainable design in an attempt to expand the role of the architect to be more responsive to the environmental needs of contemporary society. Methodology of this studio uses the approach of project-oriented learning by simulating a real-life multidisciplinary project development environment. Three phases of design development are described as: research phase, refurbishment phase and redesign phase. It starts with the research phase, which is developed in parallel with the refurbishment phase. This is because the refurbishment process in this studio is not just limited to the technical aspects of energy efficiency improvement, verified through calculations and simulations. Several design scenarios are developed, examining the minimal, optimal and maximal range of energy efficiency improvements in technical systems and building thermal envelope. Analysis of these scenarios, but also analysis of a much wider spectre of aspects influencing the refurbishment design, results in a final redesign proposal which is a comprehensive, deep refurbishment proposal, tackling not only energy (under)performance, but also possibilities for upgrade of functional, technical and aesthetical aspects of existing building.
Adaptive Ephemeral Interiority: Upcycling Site Specific Interiors
Authors: Sosa Marco , Ahmad Lina , Musfy Karim
Published: August 2022

Adaptive reuse in architecture refers to the process of redesigning, converting, and reappropriating existing spaces for functions different from the ones they were originally designed for. This research is a case study showing an alternative to this concept, re-purposing aviation parts and finding new programmatic functions in the design learning studio. The pedagogy approach, adopted by a design studio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presents the fluidity of adaptive interiority against rigidity and site specificity. The research results in the creation of adaptive modular spaces and ephemeral interiority through upcycling design, flexibility, materiality, reusability, recyclability, and connectivity while simultaneously showcasing the rigorous interplay of innovation, research, science, and technology. The case study design studio was based at Zayed University and partnered with Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, highlighting the importance of industry and education as interdisciplinary collaborations. The paper looks at the pedagogical approach and examines the conducted process and evaluates the outcomes and shortcomings, including those inflicted by the COVID-19 world health pandemic. It argues for ‘adaptive interiority,’ inclusion in the adaptive reuse framework and a further reflection on the large vision and possible future impact within the UAE’s social and architectural context.
The Austerity Chic Interior, Gen Z, and Millennials' Domestic Dream
Authors: Magana Urtzi Grau , Fernández-Abascal Guillermo
Published: August 2022

This paper reviews domestic spaces completed in the last ten years to address the following research questions: How do Australian Gen Z and millennials in Sydney, who are currently shaping their future life, imagine their home? What are the domestic values and hopes of two generations that had their coming of age in the Information Era, and who naturally embrace digital technology and social media? What do size, scale, material, and technical innovation mean for a climate-conscious group of people that have lived through COVID-19 confinement, an endless real estate bubble, and recurrent economic crises? Grouped in five categories—sharing life, managing climate, naturalised interiors, reusing new materials, and austerity chic—the analysis of the study cases outlines these generations' emerging architectural interests. The five categories also inform a proposal for an interior constructed with fragments of the study cases that illustrates the paper’s conclusions and imagines a possible domestic space for Gen Z and millennials.
Responsive Interior: Tactics for Adaptation and Resilience
Authors: Atmodiwirjo Paramita , Yatmo Yandi Andri
Published: August 2022

Design disciplines continuously face challenges to demonstrate resilience in responding to rapid changes and complex issues in our contemporary world. The idea of responsive interior highlights the ability to respond appropriately to a particular context through various tactics to ensure its relevance and resilience for the present and future. Interior practices deal with intervention, adaptation, and alteration of existing conditions, as well as finding new uses and programmes that can be added to existing spaces. Behind such attempts, a series of responsive tactics has become necessary to gather knowledge and understanding of the existing qualities, which should be an important basis for appropriate interior programming as a tactical response. This issue of Interiority presents a collection of ideas and explorations that demonstrate various acts of adaptation performed in different interior contexts, as well as various tactical interior approaches to reuse and repurpose the existing. While the world is changing quickly, the interior design discipline must strengthen its capability to respond and adapt. Finding more tactics for new interior programming, reading thoroughly into the existing, exploring various forms of adaptability, and establishing more creative design thinking become crucial steps towards interior resilience in a constantly changing world.
Banp regulates DNA damage response and chromosome segregation during the cell cycle in zebrafish retina
Authors: Babu Swathy , Takeuchi Yuki , Masai Ichiro
Published: August 2022

Btg3-associated nuclear protein (Banp) was originally identified as a nuclear matrix-associated region (MAR)-binding protein and it functions as a tumor suppressor. At the molecular level, Banp regulates transcription of metabolic genes via a CGCG-containing motif called the Banp motif. However, its physiological roles in embryonic development are unknown. Here, we report that Banp is indispensable for the DNA damage response and chromosome segregation during mitosis. Zebrafishbanpmutants show mitotic cell accumulation and apoptosis in developing retina. We found that DNA replication stress and tp53-dependent DNA damage responses were activated to induce apoptosis inbanpmutants, suggesting that Banp is required for regulation of DNA replication and DNA damage repair. Furthermore, consistent with mitotic cell accumulation, chromosome segregation was not smoothly processed from prometaphase to anaphase inbanpmorphants, leading to a prolonged M-phase. Our RNA- and ATAC-sequencing identified 31 candidates for direct Banp target genes that carry the Banp motif. Interestingly, a DNA replication fork regulator,wrnip1,and two chromosome segregation regulators,cenptandncapg, are included in this list. Thus, Banp directly regulates transcription ofwrnip1for recovery from DNA replication stress, andcenptandncapgfor chromosome segregation during mitosis. Our findings provide the first in vivo evidence that Banp is required for cell-cycle progression and cell survival by regulating DNA damage responses and chromosome segregation during mitosis.
Integrative small and long RNA omics analysis of human healing and nonhealing wounds discovers cooperating microRNAs as therapeutic targets
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Zhang Letian , Toma Maria A , Li Dongqing , Bian Xiaowei , Pastar Irena , Tomic-Canic Marjana , Sommar Pehr , Xu Landén Ning
Published: August 2022

MicroRNAs (miR), as important epigenetic control factors, reportedly regulate wound repair. However, our insufficient knowledge of clinically relevant miRs hinders their potential therapeutic use. For this, we performed paired small and long RNA-sequencing and integrative omics analysis in human tissue samples, including matched skin and acute wounds collected at each healing stage and chronic nonhealing venous ulcers (VUs). On the basis of the findings, we developed a compendium (https://www.xulandenlab.com/humanwounds-mirna-mrna), which will be an open, comprehensive resource to broadly aid wound healing research. With this first clinical, wound-centric resource of miRs and mRNAs, we identified 17 pathologically relevant miRs that exhibited abnormal VU expression and displayed their targets enriched explicitly in the VU gene signature. Intermeshing regulatory networks controlled by these miRs revealed their high cooperativity in contributing to chronic wound pathology characterized by persistent inflammation and proliferative phase initiation failure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-34a, miR-424, and miR-516, upregulated in VU, cooperatively suppressed keratinocyte migration and growth while promoting inflammatory response. By combining miR expression patterns with their specific target gene expression context, we identified miRs highly relevant to VU pathology. Our study opens the possibility of developing innovative wound treatment that targets pathologically relevant cooperating miRs to attain higher therapeutic efficacy and specificity.
Endoscopic Removal of an Embedded Foreign Body Using Fluoroscopy
Authors: Lee Yujin , Kwon Yong Hwan
Published: August 2022

Cases of foreign body ingestion are frequently seen in gastroenterology. However, it is not common for the foreign body to be located in the submucosa, which obscures it from view, even during endoscopy. A 74-year-old woman visited the emergency room 10 days after swallowing an implant screw during an implant procedure at a dental clinic. Abdominal CT revealed a 14-mm-long radio-opaque screw in the posterior wall of the proximal body of the stomach. On endoscopy, the screw was not observed in the stomach; however, fluoroscopic examination revealed that it was located under the mucosa of the posterior wall of the proximal body of the stomach. The screw was grasped using alligator forceps and retrieved. There was no evidence of perforation on chest radiography. Herein, we present a case wherein a foreign body embedded under the mucosa was removed.
Liquid core photonic quasi-crystal fiber plasmonic refractive index sensor for wide refractive index detection range
Authors: Shoar Ghaffari S. , Makouei S.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a photonic quasi-crystal fiber plasmonic refractive index sensor is numerically analyzed. The fiber core is infiltrated with six hypothetical liquids, which refractive indices of them vary from 1.44 to 1.49. The reason for filling the core with different refractive index of liquids is that changeable refractive index of the core is an option to adjust the sensor performance at different intervals of analyte refractive index. Due to changes in the core refractive index, a large RI detection range from 1.38 to 1.53 is obtained and the sensor exhibits maximum spectral sensitivity of 10,000 nm/RIU. The properties of the sensor are calculated by the finite element method. The geometrical parameters of the sensor such as analyte height and gold thickness are also evaluated. The proposed sensor has a tunable capability which can be suitable for RI detection of biomedical liquid analytes in various ranges of refractive indices.
Some metaheuristic algorithms for solving multiple cross-functional team selection problems
Authors: Ngo Son Tung , Jaafar Jafreezal , Izzatdin Aziz Abdul , Tong Giang Truong , Bui Anh Ngoc
Published: August 2022

We can find solutions to the team selection problem in many different areas. The problem solver needs to scan across a large array of available solutions during their search. This problem belongs to a class of combinatorial and NP-Hard problems that requires an efficient search algorithm to maintain the quality of solutions and a reasonable execution time. The team selection problem has become more complicated in order to achieve multiple goals in its decision-making process. This study introduces a multiple cross-functional team (CFT) selection model with different skill requirements for candidates who meet the maximum required skills in both deep and wide aspects. We introduced a method that combines a compromise programming (CP) approach and metaheuristic algorithms, including the genetic algorithm (GA) and ant colony optimization (ACO), to solve the proposed optimization problem. We compared the developed algorithms with the MIQP-CPLEX solver on 500 programming contestants with 37 skills and several randomized distribution datasets. Our experimental results show that the proposed algorithms outperformed CPLEX across several assessment aspects, including solution quality and execution time. The developed method also demonstrated the effectiveness of the multi-criteria decision-making process when compared with the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA).
Accuracy of anthropometric indicators of obesity to identify high blood pressure in adolescents—systematic review
Authors: Lima Borges Leandro , Rodrigues de Lima Tiago , Augusto Santos Silva Diego
Published: August 2022

Background

Anthropometric indicators of obesity have been associated with blood pressure in adolescents. However, the accuracy of anthropometric indicators of obesity for screening for high blood pressure (HBP) in adolescents is not known. Thus, the aim of the present study was to summarize the set of evidence regarding the predictive ability of anthropometric indicators of obesity to identify HBP in adolescents.

Methods

Searches were performed in five databases: MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Scientific Electronic online (SciELO) and SportDiscus. The inclusion criteria for studies were: adolescents aged 10–19 years or mean age included in this range, observational and intervention studies, studies that proposed cutoff points for anthropometric indicators of obesity, and studies in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the QUADAS-2 instrument.

Results

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and had their information summarized. Based on the information described in these studies, the anthropometric indicators body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height-ratio (WHtR), triceps skinfold thickness, body adiposity index, C index, body mass, waist-to-arm span ratio, arm fat area, average arm perimeter, fat percentage and arm span were likely to be used in high blood pressure (HBP) screening among adolescents. However, only one study showed acceptable values (moderate to high precision) in relation to the accuracy measurements of described cutoffs.

Conclusion

Caution is suggested in the use of anthropometric indicators of obesity for HBP screening in adolescents, in which a greater number of studies with accurate diagnostic tools are necessary.
percepção da hospitalidade na cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Valduga Manoela Carrillo , Costa Carlos Manuel Martins da , Breda Zélia Maria de Jesus
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo é parte do resultado de tese de doutorado, apresentada e aprovada em 2020. A tese contou com três estudos complementares e utilizou métodos mistos de pesquisa e, consequentemente, diferentes formas de análise. Nesta apresentação, optou-se pelo recorte específico da percepção da hospitalidade na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, por parte da demanda turística internacional. Além da verificação da opinião dos turistas sobre o tema na cidade, o estudo objetivou identificar categorias de análise com maior relevância no entendimento daquilo que os entrevistados consideraram como hospitalidade. O estudo, caracterizado como quantitativo, com 388 entrevistados, adotou análise estatística efetuada com o software SPSS, versão 25.0 para Windows. Como principal resultado, ressalta-se que indicadores relacionados à população local são preponderantes na percepção da hospitalidade. Não há relação entre o comportamento de viagem dos entrevistados e a avaliação da hospitalidade. Os indicadores do perfil sociodemográfico da amostra têm baixa influência. Quanto maior a intenção de recomendação do destino turístico, mais positiva é a avaliação da hospitalidade. Observou-se que a percepção da hospitalidade por parte dos turistas internacionais aproxima-se mais das premissas da corrente francesa do que da anglo-saxônica e foi bastante positiva, com uma média de nota, em uma escala de 1 a 10, de 8,13.
Hospitalidade urbana de destinos turísticos
Authors: Oliveira Josildete Pereira de , Becegato Lara Carolina , Tricárico Luciano Torres
Published: August 2022

Este artigo teve como objeto de estudo o destino turístico Santo Antônio de Lisboa, em Florianópolis (SC, Brasil), um destino tradicional de “sol e praia” da cidade, do turismo cultural focado no patrimônio da arquitetura colonial e, mais recentemente, impulsionado pela gastronomia da nouvelle cuisine com a releitura da gastronomia tradicional dos pescados. Assim, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi analisar as condições da hospitalidade do espaço físico desse destino turístico, dotado de paisagens naturais singulares, onde a memória histórico-cultural marca a paisagem edificada para habitantes, visitantes e turistas; além da demanda turística recente acentuada em virtude dos atributos culturais e da preservação ambiental. A metodologia está amparada na pesquisa descritiva e qualitativa com abordagem empírica e sensorial, apoiada na pesquisa documental, bibliográfica e iconográfica. Os dados foram analisados à luz de métodos focados em conceitos e paradigmas que dão suporte aos estudos da hospitalidade do espaço edificado, visando, outrossim, relacionar e inferir pressupostos, sistematizar modelos teóricos e categorias de análise. Os resultados ampliaram a construção epistemológica e contribuir com os métodos de análise da hospitalidade urbana de destinos turísticos. Os resultados da análise apontam para a pertinência e adequabilidade das categorias de análise de legibilidade, identidade do lugar e conforto ambiental urbano. Entretanto, a categoria de análise acessibilidade foi comprometida neste estudo.
Discussão teórica sobre os conceitos de sustentabilidade no enoturismo através do bibliometrix
Authors: Trindade Jaiany Rocha , Maracajá Kettrin Farias Bem , Cicciú Bruno , Lucena Filho Rômulo Benício , Valduga Vander
Published: August 2022

A sustentabilidade tem papel fundamental no turismo pois está presente nos fatores ambientais, econômicos e sociais, com destaque ao crescimento do turismo em vinícolas focado na preservação/conservação. A questão central da pesquisa é: qual é a realidade dos estudos científicos sobre e no turismo e sustentabilidade? Como objetivo, o trabalho visa analisar as pesquisas científicas que abordaram a temática do enoturismo e sustentabilidade. A metodologia é composta por um ensaio teórico qualitativo e descritivo feito por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, com levantamento da produção científica disponível nas bases “WoS” e “Scopus”. A opção pelo termo de busca utilizado foram as palavras-chave "wine tourism" and "sustainability". Os resultados sugerem que as pesquisas sobre a sustentabilidade na cadeia do enoturismo estão crescendo com percepções emergentes e mostram uma concentração geográfica da pesquisa em alguns países como França, Estados Unidos e Brasil. Os consumidores estão se tornando mais sensibilizados sobre as consequências ambientais de suas escolhas, com uma maior atenção às questões sustentáveis na compra de produtos. Conclui-se que ainda existem poucos estudos direcionados para a sustentabilidade no enoturismo e que expliquem como a implantação de práticas de sustentabilidade contribui para o aumento da competitividade de empresas do setor vitivinícola.
Population Dynamics of Aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover on Bt and non-Bt Cotton and Correlation with weather Parameters
Authors: Patel Z. K. , Patel R. D. , Desai H. R. , Bhanderi G. R. , Jena M. K.
Published: August 2022

Investigations on the population dynamics of aphid Aphis gossypii Glover on Bt (G.Cot.Hy.8 BG II) and non-Bt (G.Cot.Hy.8) were carried out at Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat, Gujarat during the Kharif, 2020-21. The incidence of aphids initiated in the first week of July (27th SW) in Bt cotton hybrid and in the second week of July (28th SW) in non-Bt cotton hybrid and continued till the crop harvest in the second week of January (2nd SW) in both the hybrids. The peak activity of aphids was recorded during the third week of December (51st SW) in Bt as well as non-Bt cotton hybrid. In both Bt and non-Bt cotton, the aphid population had a significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity. There was a highly significant negative correlation with minimum temperature, evening relative humidity, rainfall, rainy days, and a positive correlation with sunshine hours.
Impact of Seed Rate and Nutrient Management on Growth Analysis of Chickpea under Semi-Arid Zones
Authors: Karthika M. , Rekha K. Bhanu , Sudhakar Kasbe Sudhanshu , Madhavi A. , Rajiah P. , Triveni S.
Published: August 2022

Aim: To study the effect of seed rate and nutrient management on growth and development of chickpea.

Study Design: The study consisted of mechanized sowing at different planting densities as one factor which required a bigger plot size and second factor was nutrient management which is to be analyzed precisely. Thus as one factor (planting densities) need a bigger plot size and the other (nutrient management) required a more precise results with small plot size, suitable design for the study was chosen as split-plot design.

Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Main Farm, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Methodology: This experiment consisted of four seed rates (planting densities with planter) imposed in main plots and seven nutrient management practices in sub plots with a total of 28 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. Data obtained on various parameters were analysed using WINDOSTAT software for split plot design.

Results: Crop growth indices viz., absolute growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilation were found to be significantly higher with the seed rate of 52 kg ha-1 (321.4 mg day-1, 19.5 and 2.07 mg g-1 day-1) respectively. Among the nutrient management practices, 125 % RDF + Soil application of Microbial consortia (N –Azotobacter + PSB + KRB+ ZnSB) @ 5 kg ha-1  resulted in significantly higher values of all crop growth indices followed by 125 % RDF and 100 % RDF + Soil application of Microbial consortia (N –Azotobacter + PSB + KRB+ ZnSB) @ 5 kg ha-1 (256.5 mg day-1 and 17.1 mg g-1 day-1) respectively.

Conclusion: Seed rate of 52 kg ha-1 and 125 % RDF along with soil application of Microbial consortia (N –Azotobacter + PSB + KRB+ ZnSB) @ 5 kg ha-1 resulted in better growth and development which can be recommended for obtaining higher yield of chickpea.
Influence of Different Sowing Dates and Nutrient Management on Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Bhayal Lalita , Kewat M. L. , Bhayal Divya , Aakash . , Jha A. K. , Badkul Anamika Jain
Published: August 2022

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Livestock farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to study the Influence of different sowing dates and nutrient management on yield attributes and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The twelve treatments consisting of four sowing dates viz. 25th October, 05th November, 15th November and 25th November as main plot treatments and these were superimposed with three nutrient management i.e. Recommended Dose of Fertilizer, 150% RDF + FYM 15 t ha-1, 150% RDF + FYM 15 t ha-1 + Growth Regulators as sub plots and carried out in split plot design with three replications. On the basis of two year study it is evident that sowing of wheat on 5th November was found to be most suitable than rest of the sowing dates as it recorded significantly higher number of effective tillers (399.91 and 411.94 m-2), length of earhead (10.61 and 11.15 cm), number grains earhead-1 (45.75 and 46.86), grain (5494 and 5497 kg ha-1) and straw yields (7033 and 7128 kg ha-1) compared to rest of the sowing dates except 25th October during both the year. Among the nutrient management, application 150% RDF + FYM 15 t ha-1 + Growth Regulators recorded significantly higher number of effective tillers (405.51 and 416.72 m-2), length of ear head (9.99 and 10.50 cm), grains earhead-1 (45.89 and 46.60), grain (5735 and 5866 kg ha-1) and straw yields (7343 and 7514 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the nutrient management during both the years.
Standardization of Pineapple Wine by using Different Concentration of Sugar (Ananas comosus L.)
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Mishra Saket , Tarafdar Mithun , Vishen Gaurav Singh
Published: August 2022

The study was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments & four replications. The treatments were T1 (pineapple juice (700ml) + Beetroot extract (35gm)  + 20° brix + Beetroot extract (35gm)  wine yeast (0.133%), T2 (pineapple juice (700ml) + Beetroot extract (35gm)  + 25° brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T3 (pineapple juice (700ml) + Beetroot extract (35gm)  + 30° brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T4 (pineapple juice (700ml) + Beetroot extract (35gm)   + 35° brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T5 (pineapple juice (700ml) + Beetroot extract (35gm)  + 40° brix + wine yeast (0.133%) Total soluble solids, pH and Specific Gravity decreased while the alcohol content, Acidity and the Sensory Qualities increased with increasing length of fermentation. From the above treatments, it is concluded that treatment T4 was found superior in respect of the parameters like Total Soluble Solids, Acidity, pH, Alcohol content, Specific gravity. With respectively Color and Appearance, Taste, Aroma and Overall acceptability also T4 was found best. In terms of economical evaluation, Net return and cost benefit ratio was found best in treatment T4. Since Pineapples contains good sugar proportion which makes it suitable for wine making, while beetroot contains huge amounts of biologically active substances and commonly used in manufacturing as a food coloring agent, the production of wine from this fruit can help increase wine variety and reduce post-harvest losses. This study showed that acceptable wine can be produced from pineapple using yeast especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Neglected Tropical Diseases of Public Health Importance in India: Current Status and the Way Ahead
Authors: Rai Vikramaditya
Published: August 2022

Introduction: In global health, critical challenges have erupted from infectious diseases, including the emergence and re-emergence of old and new infectious diseases. This is directly attributed to rapid human development including massive demographic changes, increasing population, and environmental degradation to name a few. Despite tremendous advances in the health of its citizens who live below the poverty line, India bears a disproportionately high burden of neglected tropical diseases with over half of the 20 WHO classified neglected tropical diseases at endemic levels. In a global fight against these diseases, India occupies a unique place as a country that despite being deeply affected by these devastating and deadly illnesses, also holds solutions on how innovation might eliminate these ancient maladies.

Aims and Objectives: The present article reviews the common neglected tropical diseases of India, their magnitude and current status with respect to interventions for their control, challenges in the path of their elimination and the comprehensive all-inclusive approaches that can be adopted to curb the tropical disease burden of the Indian sub-continent.

Methodology: The present study is literature review. PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched using the key words “ neglected tropical diseases”, “infectious diseases”, “treatment of tropical diseases” and their MeSH terms in any possible combination using the logical operators “AND” and “OR”. The reference list of all the studies was screened to identify other studies of interest. The search was reiterated until July 2021.

Results: Though the progress towards elimination of neglected tropical diseases is already underway, a concerted strategy is needed to assist the elimination efforts for these diseases. An all-inclusive policy to foster research and innovation in drug discovery, diagnostics, and vaccine development in neglected tropical diseases is lacking. There is also an absence of structured training of healthcare workers to improve their skills and capacity in disease management in endemic and disease prone areas.

Conclusion: To obtain the high objective of improving health and reducing vulnerabilities, it is important that healthcare workers and professionals from other backgrounds bind together to broaden the perspectives that are needed to address. There is a call for a comprehensive policy for neglected diseases research in India to foster drugs, diagnostics, and vaccine innovation, critical for evolving needs for elimination programs.
Research Advances Aimed at Prognosis and Treatment of Alzheimers Disease
Authors: Okoye Godwin , Vincent Rachel
Published: August 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to remain a public health concern especially for seniors globally. Increased life expectancy owing to improvement in medical advances may have increased AD's prevalence. It remains a matter of concern for stakeholders to look at progress made over the years and to fill the numerous gaps targeted at preventing the onset of AD and/or treating existing condition. In recent times, funding for AD research has increased in the United States (U.S) but the economic burden isn't left out. Controversies on gene modification still exist. The search for a definitive treatment still continues since recently approved drug-Aducanumab still has uncertainty concerning safety and efficacy. Newer therapies hold promise but we are still uncertain as we await their approval and real world evidence for safety and efficacy.
Near‐infrared light scattering and water diffusion in newborn brains
Authors: Iwata Sachiko , Katayama Reiji , Tsuda Kennosuke , Lin Yung‐Chieh , Kurata Tsuyoshi , Kinoshita Masahiro , Kawase Koya , Kato Takenori , Kato Shin , Hisano Tadashi , Oda Motoki , Ohmae Etsuko , Takashima Sachio , Araki Yuko , Saitoh Shinji , Iwata Osuke
Published: August 2022

Objective

MRI provides useful information regarding brain maturation and injury in newborn infants. However, MRI studies are generally restricted during acute phase, resulting in uncertainty around upstream clinical events responsible for subtle cerebral injuries. Time‐resolved near‐infrared spectroscopy non‐invasively provides the reduced scattering coefficient (), which theoretically reflects tissue structural complexity. This study aimed to test whether values of the newborn head reflected MRI findings.

Methods

Between June 2009 and January 2015, 77 hospitalised newborn infants (31.7 ± 3.8 weeks gestation) were assessed at 38.8 ± 1.3 weeks post‐conceptional age. Associations of values with MRI scores, mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were assessed.

Results

Univariable analysis showed that values were associated with gestational week (p = 0.035; regression coefficient [B], 0.065; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.005–0.125), fractional anisotropy in the cortical grey matter (p = 0.020; B, −5.994; 95%CI, −11.032 to −0.957), average diffusivity in the cortical grey matter (p < 0.001; B, −4.728; 95%CI, −7.063 to −2.394) and subcortical white matter (p = 0.001; B, −2.071; 95%CI, −3.311 to −0.832), subarachnoid space (p < 0.001; B, −0.289; 95%CI, −0.376 to −0.201) and absence of brain abnormality (p = 0.042; B, −0.422; 95%CI, −0.829 to −0.015). The multivariable model to explain values comprised average diffusivity in the subcortical white matter (p < 0.001; B, −2.066; 95%CI, −3.200 to −0.932), subarachnoid space (p < 0.001; B, −0.314; 95%CI, −0.412 to −0.216) and absence of brain abnormality (p = 0.021; B, −0.400; 95%CI, −0.739 to −0.061).

Interpretation

Light scattering was associated with brain structure indicated by MRI‐assessed brain abnormality and diffusion‐tensor‐imaging‐assessed water diffusivity. When serially assessed in a larger population, values might help identify covert clinical events responsible for subtle cerebral injury.
D–A Type NIR‐II Organic Molecules: Strategies for the Enhancement Fluorescence Brightness and Applications in NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging‐Navigated Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Chen Yan , Chen Shangyu , Yu Haoli , Wang Yuesong , Cui Mengyuan , Wang Peng , Sun Pengfei , Ji Min
Published: August 2022

NIR‐II fluorescence imaging (NIR‐II FI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have received broad attentions in precise tumor diagnosis and effective treatment attributed to high‐resolution and deep tissue imaging, negligible invasivity, and high‐efficiency treatment. Although many fluorescent molecules have been designed and conducted for NIR‐II FI and PTT, it is still an enormous challenge for researchers to pioneer some rational design guidelines to improve fluorescence brightness. Organic D–A‐type molecules, including small molecules and conjugated polymers, can be designed and developed to improve fluorescence brightness due to their tunable and easy functionalized chemical structures, allowing molecules tailored photophysical properties. In this review, some approaches to the development and design strategies of D–A type small molecules and conjugated polymers for the enhancement of fluorescence brightness are systemically introduced. Meanwhile, some applications of PTT and PTT‐based combination therapy (such as PDT, chemotherapy, or gas therapy) assisted by NIR‐II FI‐based single or multiimaging technologies are classified and represented in detail as well. Finally, the current issues and challenges of NIR‐II organic molecules in NIR‐II FI‐navigated PTT are summarized and discussed, which gives some guidelines for the future development direction of NIR‐II organic molecules for NIR‐II FI‐navigated PTT.
Transition Metal‐Free Cycloisomerization of Propargylic Amides to Oxazoles in Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)
Authors: Jankowski Nicholas , Dietrich Julian , Krause Norbert
Published: August 2022

A transition metal‐free method for the cycloisomerization of propargylic amides to oxazoles was developed. The reaction utilizes in situ generated hydrogen chloride in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). With the aid of Design of Experiments optimization a wide range of substrates was transformed into the desired oxazoles. The method allows product formation without side reactions eliminating the need for extensive work‐up and purification.

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China's corn and biofuel policies and agricultural trade: Projections from an international agricultural commodity market model
Authors: He Xi , Carriquiry Miguel , Elobeid Amani , Hayes Dermot , Li Minghao , Zhang Wendong
Published: August 2022

We calibrate the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development International Agricultural Commodity Market model using 2019/20 marketing year crop data and 2020 calendar year livestock and biofuel data to project China's agricultural imports under six plausible policy scenarios focusing on ethanol, corn, and pork from 2021 to 2030. Our baseline projection reflects China's current policy of relaxing the tariff rate quota (TRQ) for corn and imposing ethanol tariff without any ethanol/gasoline blend mandate. Baseline projections show China's ethanol imports grow from 100 million liters in 2020 to 1.21 billion liters in 2030; however, they also show that China's corn and pork imports remain at high levels and peak in the 2022/23 marketing year. Compared with the baseline, adopting the ethanol mandate increases China's corn and pork imports, and resuming the corn TRQ increases China's ethanol and pork imports. Both the ethanol mandate and corn import restrictions shift US and global exports from corn to ethanol and pork products. These projections can serve as benchmark estimates of China's imports of major agricultural commodities in the next decade. [EconLit citations: Q17, Q18, Q11].
Low dose chemotherapy induces a dormant state in brain metastatic breast cancer spheroids
Authors: Kondapaneni Raghu Vamsi , Warren Rachel , Rao Shreyas S.
Published: August 2022

Surviving breast cancer cells post chemotherapy, metastasize, and develop recurrent tumors at distant organs. These cells are known to exhibit a dormant phenotype at metastatic sites and survive for extended periods of time. The mechanisms involved in attaining dormancy are unclear, including how chemotherapeutic drugs influence this state. Herein, we investigated the impact of a chemotherapy drug, paclitaxel, on brain metastatic breast cancer spheroids by culturing them in different drug concentrations for a period of 7 days. Our results demonstrated that spheroids survive lower doses (80 nM) of chemotherapy by exhibiting a dormant state and low levels of proliferation as characterized via Ki67 and EdU staining, as well as p‐p38 and p‐ERK, known markers of dormancy and proliferation. Upon withdrawal of drug, dormant spheroids attained growth indicating that the observed dormant state was reversible. Overall, these results provide insight into regulation of the dormant state mediated via low dose chemotherapy.
Molecular insight into the effect of ion structure and interface behavior on the ammonia absorption by ionic liquids
Authors: Zhao Tongtong , Zeng Shaojuan , Li Yao , Bai Yinge , Bai Lu , Li Wenxiu , Zhang Xiangping , Zhang Suojiang
Published: August 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to elucidate the roles of ion structure and interface behavior in absorption of gases (NH3, N2, H2) by ILs (protic IL [Bim][Tf2N] and conventional IL [Bmim][Tf2N]). The results indicated that NH3 compete with [Tf2N]− to interact with N3‐H site of [Bim]+ cation, forming a strong N3H∙∙∙N(NH3) hydrogen bond with the energy of −79 kJ/mol, which is twice as much as the energy of the hydrogen bond between C2H of [Bmim]+ and NH3 (−33.2 kJ/mol). Moreover, there is a dramatic increase in the number density of cations near the IL‐gas interface, resulting in the NH3 molecules permeate into the bulk rapidly and effectively and achieving the high selective absorption of NH3 to H2 and N2. Considering the inevitable trace water in the raw gases, the influence of water was studied and it was shown that trace water can enhance the absorption of NH3 by [Bim][Tf2N].
Molecular Rearrangement of 2‐Substituted Indazolones: Unorthodox Access to 2‐Carboxylate‐2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4‐(1H)‐one Scaffold
Authors: R. Chandran , Sharma Abha , Nath Tiwari Keshri
Published: August 2022

We disclose a practical and efficient strategy for the expedient synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4‐(1H)‐one derivatives by one carbon insertion into cyclic N−N bond. Spontaneous manipulations with operationally simple procedures furnishing pharmaceutically useful compounds are key features of the developed protocol. Mechanistic studies reveal that the predicted intramolecular rearrangement occurs via consecutive ring‐opening and cyclization sequences. A gram‐scale reaction and synthetic transformation of products to quinazolinone derivatives have also been demonstrated during the course of the study.
A robust tool kit: First report of tool use in captive crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus)
Authors: Steinberg Danielle L. , Lynch Jessica W. , Cartmill Erica A.
Published: August 2022

Primate tool use is of great interest but has been reported only in a limited number of species. Here we report tool use in crested capuchin monkeys (Sapajus robustus), an almost completely unstudied robust capuchin species. Crested capuchins and their sister species, the yellow‐breasted capuchin, diverged from a common ancestor over 2 million years ago, so this study fills a significant gap in understanding of tool use capacity and variation within the robust capuchin monkey radiation. Our study group was a captive population of seven individuals at the Santa Ana Zoo in California. The monkeys were given no prior training, and they were provided with a variety of enrichment items, including materials that could be used as tools as well as hard‐to‐access resources, for open‐ended interactions. In 54 observation hours, monkeys performed eleven tool use actions: digging, hammering, probing, raking, sponging, striking, sweeping, throwing, waving, wedging, and wiping. We observed tool modification, serial tool use, and social learning opportunities, including monkeys' direct observation of tool use and tolerated scrounging of foods obtained through tool use. We also observed significant individual skew in tool use frequency, with one individual using tools daily, and two individuals never using tools during the study. While crested capuchins have never been reported to use tools in the wild, our findings provide evidence for the species' capacity and propensity for tool use, highlighting the urgent need for research on this understudied, endangered primate. By providing detailed data on clearly identified S. robustus individuals, this study marks an effort to counteract the overgeneralization in the captive literature in referring to any robust capuchins of unknown provenance or ancestry as Cebus apella, a practice that obfuscates potential differences among species in tool use performance and repertoire in one of the only species‐rich tool‐using genera in the world.
Exploiting Coordination Effects for the Regioselective Zincation of Diazines Using TMPZnX⋅LiX (X=Cl, Br)
Authors: Kremsmair Alexander , Sunagatullina Alisa S. , Bole Leonie J. , Mastropierro Pasquale , Graßl Simon , Wilke Henrik R. , Godineau Edouard , Hevia Eva , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2022

A new method for regioselective zincations of challenging N‐heterocyclic substrates such as pyrimidines and pyridazine was reported using bimetallic bases TMPZnX⋅LiX (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl; X=Cl, Br). Reactions occurred under mild conditions (25–70 °C, using 1.75 equivalents of base without additives), furnishing 2‐zincated pyrimidines and 3‐zincated pyridazine, which were then trapped with a variety of electrophiles. Contrasting with other s‐block metalating systems, which lack selectivity in their reactions even when operating at low temperatures, these mixed Li/Zn bases enabled unprecedented regioselectivities that cannot be replicated by either LiTMP nor Zn(TMP)2 on their own. Spectroscopic and structural interrogations of organometallic intermediates involved in these reactions have shed light on the complex constitution of reaction mixtures and the origins of their special reactivities.
Xenobiotic responses of Drosophila melanogaster to insecticides with different modes of action and entry
Authors: Gao Lujuan , Zang Xiya , Qiao Huanhuan , Moussian Bernard , Wang Yiwen
Published: August 2022

Depending on their chemical structure, insecticides enter the insect body either through the cuticle or by ingestion (mode of entry [MoE]), and, naturally, harm or even kill insects through different mechanisms (modes of action). In parallel, they trigger a systemic detoxification response, especially by activation of detoxification gene expression. We monitored the acute genetic alterations of known xenobiotic response target genes against five different insecticides with two most common MoEs (contact toxicity and stomach toxicity), found that: 1. only a few genes were detected responding to acute exposure to insecticides (LD90); 2. The expression of cyp12d1 was upregulated in all experiments, except for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane exposure, suggesting that cyp12d1 is a general first response gene of the xenobiotic response; 3. The contact and stomach entries did not show any notable difference, both MoEs induced the response of JNK signaling pathway, possibly serving as the driver of the response of cyp12d1 and a few other genes. In conclusion, the changes in gene expression levels were relatively modest and no significant differences were found between the two MoEs, so the insecticide entry route does not seem to have an impact on the detoxification response. However, the two MoEs of the same insecticide showed different efficiencies in our test. Thus, the study of these two MoEs will help to develop more efficient release and management methods for the use of such insecticides.