bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smittebeskyttende adfærd under anden bølge af covid-19 pandemien i Danmark
Authors: Jørgensen Frederik Juhl , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: November 2022

Et afgørende fokus under covid-19-pandemien har været på at motivere omfattende adfærdsændringer i befolkningen. I denne artikel undersøger vi, hvilke psykologiske faktorer der var mest afgørende for danskernes adfærd under anden bølge af pandemien. Baseret på en spørgeskemaundersøgelse, der er repræsentativ for den voksne danske befolkning, viser vi, at folk, der (1) oplever coronavirusset som en personlig trussel, (2) oplever, at en ændret adfærd gør en forskel (”responseffektivitet”), (3) oplever, at en ændret adfærd ikke har høje omkostninger (”responsomkostninger”), samt (4) har høj institutionel tillid, er mere tilbøjelige til at agere i overensstemmelse med de smittebeskyttende adfærdsråd. Samtidig viser vi, at faktorerne (2)-(4) neutraliserer sammenhængen mellem trusselsfølelsen og den smittebeskyttende adfærd. Dermed anviser vi en potentiel vej til at fremme adfærdsændringer under en krise, der går udenom den frygt.
Pandemien i Nordatlanten: Hvordan covid-19 har forenet en polariseret mikronation – og hvordan velkendte konflikter stadig ulmer
Authors: Skorini Heini í , Albinus Herit
Published: November 2022

Covid-19-pandemien har illustreret betydningen af folkelig støtte til – eller modstand imod – videnskabelige og politiske myndigheder i en undtagelsessituation. Med udgangspunkt i kvantitative komparative undersøgelser er formålet med denne artikel at undersøge folkelige holdninger til coronarelaterede spørgsmål i en demokratisk mikronation i rigsfællesskabet, Færøerne. Dernæst undersøger artiklen, hvilke demografiske individfaktorer kan være med til at forklare folkelig støtte til myndighedernes håndtering og villigheden at lade sig vaccinere. Artiklen konkluderer, at covid-19-pandemien overordnet har forenet den færøske befolkning på tværs af partipolitiske, ideologiske og andre demografiske skillelinjer. Men undersøgelserne viser også, at den folkelige opinion er en omskiftelig størrelse, og at velkendte konfliktlinjer så som politisk ideologi, religion og alder stadig kan forklare folkelige uenigheder om spørgsmål vedrørende covid-19.
Inclusion in Data: Incorporating DEIA Components into Research Data Services Practices
Authors: Barrett Chelsea H.
Published: November 2022

The RDAP Summit 2022 theme of "Envisioning an Inclusive Data Future" reeled in various talks which provided ample avenues for incorporating DEIA components into data management strategies as well as outreach to diverse communities. This commentary will focus on a few of the strategies and initiatives discussed in presentations and talks at the conference that could and potentially should be integrated into established Research Data Services programs.
Elektrisko sistēmu nesimetrisko režīmu matemātiskā modelēšana
Authors: Dolgicers Aleksandrs , Zālītis Ivars , Kozadajevs Jevgeņijs
Published: November 2022

Zinātniskā monogrāfija veltīta elektrisko sistēmu nesimetrisko režīmu skaitliskās modelēšanas metodēm. Monogrāfijas zinātniskā novitāte galvenokārt saistīta ar elektrisko sistēmu režīmu parametru aprēķinu metodiku vienlaicīgu nesimetriju rašanās gadījumos un skaitliskās apgrieztās Laplasa transformācijas metodes apvienošanu ar topoloģisko elektriskās sistēmas modelēšanu Laplasa telpā. Monogrāfijā iekļauti vairāki elektrisko sistēmu nesimetrisko bojājumu režīmu aprēķinu un to sagatavošanas piemēri, kā arī ietverta vienkāršota dažādo bojājumu analīze, kas papildināta ar potenciālās relejaizsardzības darbības izvērtējumu. Grāmatas teorētiskais materiāls, praktiskie piemēri un papildu materiāli būs noderīgi ne tikai studentiem, bet arī speciālistiem, kas darbojas relejaizsardzības un automātikas jomā.
Determination of the microplastic particle release by tea bags during brewing
Authors: Nikolaevich Kornilov Kirill , Nickolaevna Roeva Nataliya
Published: November 2022

The presence of microscopic particles of plastic (MP) in food is currently an urgent problem in the modern food industry and one of the main issues of food safety. However, there are no clear methods for the determination of such particles, nor methods for cleaning food products from them. In the present work, for the first time, the method of Dynamic Laser Light Scattering (DLS) was used to determine the plastic nanoparticles from tea bags when they were boiled in boiling water. It has been established that some of the studied samples of sachets release a huge amount of such nanoparticles into water. Moreover, hundreds of millions of nanoparticles are released per one microscopic particle.
Building a MATLAB applicaton for preliminary design and optimization of shell and tube heat exchangers
Authors: Tadić Goran , Balaban Dario
Published: November 2022

Designing shell and tube heat exchangers is a complex and time-consuming procedure. Since they are one of the most common process units in process industry, great effort should be made to improve their design and to facilitate the design procedure. Therefore, in this study, an easy-to-use MATLAB application for shell and tube heat exchanger preliminary design and optimization was developed. The application enables users to select operating parameters manually and test their effect on heat transfer area and pressure drop. Moreover, the application helps users to optimize the preliminary design, in terms of finding the minimal heat transfer area required to meet the process requirements. The validity of the application was tested on the example from the literature, where the heat transfer area was 61.91 m2. During the proposed optimization procedure, different parameter values were tested and an optimal combination of parameters was found within 5 seconds (for all combinations), resulting in the heat transfer area of 53.27 m2. The application has a great feature of displaying the impact of baffle cut value and baffle spacing on most important design parameters: heat transfer area, tube-side pressure drops and shell-side pressure drops. Also, new correlations were developed for the calculation of the Colburn heat transfer factor and friction factor as a function of Reynolds number and baffle cut value. Overall, the application has proven to be useful for the preliminary design of shell and tube heat exchangers, and can represent the foundation for the development of advanced heat exchanger design applications.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in Bulgaria, 2019
Authors: Philipova Ivva , Levterova Viktoryia , Simeonovski Ivan , Kantardjiev Todor
Published: November 2022

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is evolving into a superbug with resistance to previously and currently recommended antimicrobials for treatment of gonorrhoea, which creates a significant public health concern globally. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a great threat; it causes longer duration of illness and treatment, and increases health care costs and the social, psychological and financial burden to families and societies. In response to this worrying situation laboratory research should be strengthened with implementation of newer molecular methods for monitoring and detecting AMR, and evaluation of the correlation of obtained genetic data with corresponding phenotypes.

This study aimed to implement whole genome sequencing analysis for the first time of N. gonorrhoeae isolates from Bulgaria and to acquire molecular epidemiological and AMR information linked with phenotypic resistance data.

Although the tested strains were susceptible to current recommended dual therapy, genetic analysis showed the presence of several mutations responsible for reducing susceptibility to third generation cephalosporins, namely the presence of genotype G1407 strains in the Bulgarian population. Regarding previously recommended antimicrobials, penicillin resistance and intermediate sensitivity to tetracyclines was demonstrated in all strains, and fluoroquinolone resistance in two strains.

The obtained results showed that the use of whole genome sequencing was feasible, could describe current circulating gonococcal strains and predict and infer transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, gonococcal infections prevention and control programmes will be aided to target interventions where needed and to revise treatment guidelines that will help improve patient care.
Hydrochemical Characteristics of the Large Karst Springs in the Catchment of Mesta River (Bulgaria)
Authors: Mihaylova Boyka , Kostov Konstantin , Benderev Aleksey
Published: November 2022

Mesta river is a cross-border river with Greece, whose catchment area includes parts of Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains. The karst is developed in pre-Paleozoic marble that forms isolated outcrops with different basins. The largest of them forms two alpine karst basins located in Northern Pirin and Slavyanka Mountains. In the Rhodopes region, the marble outcrops are fragmented and embedded in non-karstic rocks. They are drained from springs with relatively low flow rates. The largest karst springs drain different hydrodynamic zones of the karst massif of Northern Pirin. From the karst basin of Slavyanka Mountain, only the large subthermal spring near the village of Musomishta falls into the catchment area of the Mesta river. The data on the chemical composition of some of the karst springs are summarized, paying attention to the largest of them. An analysis of the changes in the chemical composition and comparison is made. The changes of the hydrochemical parameters of the springs draining different vertical zones in Northern Pirin are compared. The obtained results prove that the main role in the formation of the chemical composition of karst waters has natural factors - interaction between water and marbles. It was found that the waters are unsaturated to carbonate minerals, which proves that even now there are active processes of karst formation.
The Influence of Steel and Cast Iron as Substrate Materials on the Microstructure, Microhardness and Wear Resistance of Nickel-base Ti-Al Plasma Spray Coatings
Authors: Skulev Hristo , Veselinov Deyan
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the influence of different substrate materials on the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of Ni-Cr-B-Si-C-Ti-Al plasma spray coatings. Two types of substrate metals were studied – AISI 1045 steel and Pig-P3 Si grey cast iron. It has been found that in the as-coated condition the surface layers have a phase composition of γ-Ni, Cr23C6, γ-TiAl, TiN, and α-Ti(N, O) on steel substrate, and γ-Ni, α-Ti, TiN, Ni3B, CrB, Cr23C6, α-Ti(N, O), Ni3Si on cast iron. The microhardness and wear resistance of the plasma sprayed Ni-Cr-B-Si-C-Ti-Al coatings is tested. The wear volume of the coatings has been tested for up to 60 min. The deposits on cast iron substrates demonstrate lower wear than those on the steel substrate.
Secreted Factors from Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affect CD86 Expression on B Lymphocytes and Increase CCL5 Chemokine Secretion by Healthy Donors' PBMC
Authors: Yordanova Adelina , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Ivanova Mariana , Tumangelova-Yuzeir Kalina , Belemezova Kalina , Ivanova-Todorova Ekaterina
Published: November 2022

A growing number of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and atopic conditions in recent years are calling for the development of innovative therapies, such as those using stem cells with immunoregulatory activity. Because of the few and often conflicting results in the scientific literature, it is still uncertain whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could be a useful therapeutic strategy for targeting B lymphocytes and be helpful in treating autoimmune and allergy patients or those with a variety of viral infections. In connection with the aforementioned, our team investigated the influence of umbilical cord MSC-secreted factors on healthy donors' B-cell CD86 expression and CCL5 secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. When healthy donors' PBMC were cultivated with conditioned medium derived from umbilical cord MSC, CD86 density on the B-cell membrane statistically decreased, but the percentage of B cells expressing this co-stimulatory molecule was slightly but significantly increased. We also found significantly increased secretion of the chemokine CCL5 by PBMC under the influence of the MSC secretome.
Advantages of Real-time PCR and RD4-PCR as Molecular Methods for Rapid Detection of Bovine Tuberculosis in Bulgaria
Authors: Savova-Lalkovska Tanya , Valcheva Violeta , Dimitrova Albena , Najdenski Hristo , Bonovska Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Representatives of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are potential causative agents of tuberculosis in animals and humans, and Mycobacterium bovis is considered a major one among domestic and wild ruminants. In the last twenty years, the role of another representative of MTBC – Mycobacterium caprae, has been proven in the countries of Central and Southern Europe. Study sample included 121 diagnostic materials from lymph nodes and lungs from cattle, positively and doubtfully PPD tuberculin-reacted, originating from 6 farms belonging to the 4 regions in Northern and Southern Bulgaria. The bacteriological examination showed typical growth for mycobacteria for 110 (90.9%) samples, which was confirmed by qPCR. By RD4-PCR we proved that 102 (92.7%) of the mycobacterial strains were M. caprae and the remaining 8 strains (7.3%) were M. bovis. This defines M. caprae as a dominant species in the etiology of tuberculosis in cattle in Bulgaria.

In conclusion, we confirmed that the application of real-time PCR is an accurate and convenient method for rapid detection of M. bovis from cattle in the Bulgarian settings. RD4-PCR provides a sufficiently high differentiation and can be used for first-line typing of M. bovis isolates in Bulgaria. This proves the need for the simultaneous application of both methods in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in Bulgaria.
Thymic macrophages consist of two populations with distinct localization and origin
Authors: Zhou Tyng-An , Hsu Hsuan-Po , Tu Yueh-Hua , Cheng Hui-Kuei , Lin Chih-Yu , Chen Nien-Jung , Tsai Jin-Wu , Robey Ellen A , Huang Hsuan-Cheng , Hsu Chia-Lin , Dzhagalov Ivan L
Published: November 2022

Tissue-resident macrophages are essential to protect from pathogen invasion and maintain organ homeostasis. The ability of thymic macrophages to engulf apoptotic thymocytes is well appreciated, but little is known about their ontogeny, maintenance, and diversity. Here, we characterized the surface phenotype and transcriptional profile of these cells and defined their expression signature. Thymic macrophages were most closely related to spleen red pulp macrophages and Kupffer cells and shared the expression of the transcription factor (TF) SpiC with these cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) showed that the macrophages in the adult thymus are composed of two populations distinguished by the expression of Timd4 and Cx3cr1. Remarkably, Timd4+ cells were located in the cortex, while Cx3cr1+ macrophages were restricted to the medulla and the cortico-medullary junction. Using shield chimeras, transplantation of embryonic thymuses, and genetic fate mapping, we found that the two populations have distinct origins. Timd4+ thymic macrophages are of embryonic origin, while Cx3cr1+ macrophages are derived from adult hematopoietic stem cells. Aging has a profound effect on the macrophages in the thymus. Timd4+ cells underwent gradual attrition, while Cx3cr1+ cells slowly accumulated with age and, in older mice, were the dominant macrophage population in the thymus. Altogether, our work defines the phenotype, origin, and diversity of thymic macrophages.
Urine-derived exosomes from individuals with IPF carry pro-fibrotic cargo
Authors: Elliot Sharon , Catanuto Paola , Pereira-simon Simone , Xia Xiaomei , Shahzeidi Shahriar , Roberts Evan , Ludlow John , Hamdan Suzana , Daunert Sylvia , Parra Jennifer , Stone Rivka , Pastar Irena , Tomic-Canic Marjana , Glassberg Marilyn K
Published: November 2022

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNA) and other components contained in extracellular vesicles may reflect the presence of a disease. Lung tissue, sputum, and sera of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) show alterations in miRNA expression. We designed this study to test whether urine and/or tissue derived exosomal miRNAs from individuals with IPF carry cargo that can promote fibrosis.

Methods:

Exosomes were isolated from urine (U-IPFexo), lung tissue myofibroblasts (MF-IPFexo), serum from individuals with IPF (n=16) and age/sex-matched controls without lung disease (n=10). We analyzed microRNA expression of isolated exosomes and their in vivo bio-distribution. We investigated the effect on ex vivo skin wound healing and in in vivo mouse lung models.

Results:

U-IPFexo or MF-IPFexo expressed miR-let-7d, miR-29a-5p, miR-181b-3p and miR-199a-3p consistent with previous reports of miRNA expression obtained from lung tissue/sera from patients with IPF. In vivo bio-distribution experiments detected bioluminescent exosomes in the lung of normal C57Bl6 mice within 5 min after intravenous infusion, followed by distribution to other organs irrespective of exosome source. Exosomes labeled with gold nanoparticles and imaged by transmission electron microscopy were visualized in alveolar epithelial type I and type II cells. Treatment of human and mouse lung punches obtained from control, non-fibrotic lungs with either U-IPFexo or MF-IPFexo produced a fibrotic phenotype. A fibrotic phenotype was also induced in a human ex vivo skin model and in in vivo lung models.

Conclusions:

Our results provide evidence of a systemic feature of IPF whereby exosomes contain pro-fibrotic miRNAs when obtained from a fibrotic source and interfere with response to tissue injury as measured in skin and lung models.

Funding:

This work was supported in part by Lester and Sue Smith Foundation and The Samrick Family Foundation and NIH grants R21 AG060338 (SE and MKG), U01 DK119085 (IP, RS, MTC).
Spinosaurus is not an aquatic dinosaur
Authors: Sereno Paul C , Myhrvold Nathan , Henderson Donald M , Fish Frank E , Vidal Daniel , Baumgart Stephanie L , Keillor Tyler M , Formoso Kiersten K , Conroy Lauren L
Published: November 2022

A predominantly fish-eating diet was envisioned for the sail-backed theropod dinosaurSpinosaurus aegyptiacuswhen its elongate jaws with subconical teeth were unearthed a century ago in Egypt. Recent discovery of the high-spined tail of that skeleton, however, led to a bolder conjecture thatS. aegyptiacuswas the first fully aquatic dinosaur. The ‘aquatic hypothesis’ posits thatS. aegyptiacuswas a slow quadruped on land but a capable pursuit predator in coastal waters, powered by an expanded tail. We test these functional claims with skeletal and flesh models ofS. aegyptiacus. We assembled a CT-based skeletal reconstruction based on the fossils, to which we added internal air and muscle to create a posable flesh model. That model shows that on landS. aegyptiacuswas bipedal and in deep water was an unstable, slow-surface swimmer (<1 m/s) too buoyant to dive. Living reptiles with similar spine-supported sails over trunk and tail are used for display rather than aquatic propulsion, and nearly all extant secondary swimmers have reduced limbs and fleshy tail flukes. New fossils also show thatSpinosaurusranged far inland. Two stages are clarified in the evolution ofSpinosaurus, which is best understood as a semiaquatic bipedal ambush piscivore that frequented the margins of coastal and inland waterways.
Deep proteome profiling reveals signatures of age and sex differences in paw skin and sciatic nerve of naïve mice
Authors: Xian Feng , Sondermann Julia Regina , Gomez Varela David , Schmidt Manuela
Published: November 2022

The age and sex of studied animals profoundly impact experimental outcomes in biomedical research. However, most preclinical studies in mice use a wide-spanning age range from 4 to 20 weeks and do not assess male and female mice in parallel. This raises concerns regarding reproducibility and neglects potentially relevant age and sex differences, which are largely unknown at the molecular level in naïve mice. Here, we employed an optimized quantitative proteomics workflow in order to deeply profile mouse paw skin and sciatic nerves (SCN) – two tissues implicated in nociception and pain as well as diseases linked to inflammation, injury, and demyelination. Remarkably, we uncovered significant differences when comparing male and female mice at adolescent (4 weeks) and adult (14 weeks) age. Our analysis deciphered protein subsets and networks that were correlated with the age and/or sex of mice. Notably, among these were proteins/biological pathways with known (patho)physiological relevance, e.g., homeostasis and epidermal signaling in skin, and, in SCN, multiple myelin proteins and regulators of neuronal development. Extensive comparisons with available databases revealed that various proteins associated with distinct skin diseases and pain exhibited significant abundance changes in dependence on age and/or sex. Taken together, our study uncovers hitherto unknown sex and age differences at the level of proteins and protein networks. Overall, we provide a unique proteome resource that facilitates mechanistic insights into somatosensory and skin biology, and integrates age and sex as biological variables – a prerequisite for successful preclinical studies in mouse disease models.
Presynaptic contact and activity opposingly regulate postsynaptic dendrite outgrowth
Authors: Heckman Emily L , Doe Chris Q
Published: November 2022

The organization of neural circuits determines nervous system function. Variability can arise during neural circuit development (e.g. neurite morphology, axon/dendrite position). To ensure robust nervous system function, mechanisms must exist to accommodate variation in neurite positioning during circuit formation. Previously, we developed a model system in the Drosophila ventral nerve cord to conditionally induce positional variability of a proprioceptive sensory axon terminal, and used this model to show that when we altered the presynaptic position of the sensory neuron, its major postsynaptic interneuron partner modified its dendritic arbor to match the presynaptic contact, resulting in functional synaptic input (Sales et al., 2019). Here, we investigate the cellular mechanisms by which the interneuron dendrites detect and match variation in presynaptic partner location and input strength. We manipulate the presynaptic sensory neuron by (a) ablation; (b) silencing or activation; or (c) altering its location in the neuropil. From these experiments we conclude that there are two opposing mechanisms used to establish functional connectivity in the face of presynaptic variability: presynaptic contact stimulates dendrite outgrowth locally, whereas presynaptic activity inhibits postsynaptic dendrite outgrowth globally. These mechanisms are only active during an early larval critical period for structural plasticity. Collectively, our data provide new insights into dendrite development, identifying mechanisms that allow dendrites to flexibly respond to developmental variability in presynaptic location and input strength.
High-throughput proteomics of nanogram-scale samples with Zeno SWATH MS
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Mülleder Michael , Batruch Ihor , Chelur Anjali , Textoris-Taube Kathrin , Schwecke Torsten , Hartl Johannes , Causon Jason , Castro-Perez Jose , Demichev Vadim , Tate Stephen , Ralser Markus
Published: November 2022

The possibility to record proteomes in high throughput and at high quality has opened new avenues for biomedical research, drug discovery, systems biology, and clinical translation. However, high-throughput proteomic experiments often require high sample amounts and can be less sensitive compared to conventional proteomic experiments. Here, we introduce and benchmark Zeno SWATH MS, a data-independent acquisition technique that employs a linear ion trap pulsing (Zeno trap pulsing) to increase the sensitivity in high-throughput proteomic experiments. We demonstrate that when combined with fast micro- or analytical flow-rate chromatography, Zeno SWATH MS increases protein identification with low sample amounts. For instance, using 20 min micro-flow-rate chromatography, Zeno SWATH MS identified more than 5000 proteins consistently, and with a coefficient of variation of 6%, from a 62.5 ng load of human cell line tryptic digest. Using 5 min analytical flow-rate chromatography (800 µl/min), Zeno SWATH MS identified 4907 proteins from a triplicate injection of 2 µg of a human cell lysate, or more than 3000 proteins from a 250 ng tryptic digest. Zeno SWATH MS hence facilitates sensitive high-throughput proteomic experiments with low sample amounts, mitigating the current bottlenecks of high-throughput proteomics.
Segmentation of biventricle in cardiac cine MRI via nested capsule dense network
Authors: Zhang Jilong , Zhang Yajuan , Zhang Hongyang , Zhang Quan , Su Weihua , Guo Shijie , Wang Yuanquan
Published: November 2022

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance image (MRI) has been widely used in diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases because of its noninvasive nature and high image quality. The evaluation standard of physiological indexes in cardiac diagnosis is essentially the accuracy of segmentation of left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) in cardiac MRI. The traditional symmetric single codec network structure such as U-Net tends to expand the number of channels to make up for lost information that results in the network looking cumbersome.

Methods

Instead of a single codec, we propose a multiple codecs structure based on the FC-DenseNet (FCD) model and capsule convolution-capsule deconvolution, named Nested Capsule Dense Network (NCDN). NCDN uses multiple codecs to achieve multi-resolution, which makes it possible to save more spatial information and improve the robustness of the model.

Results

The proposed model is tested on three datasets that include the York University Cardiac MRI dataset, Automated Cardiac Diagnosis Challenge (ACDC-2017), and the local dataset. The results show that the proposed NCDN outperforms most methods. In particular, we achieved nearly the most advanced accuracy performance in the ACDC-2017 segmentation challenge. This means that our method is a reliable segmentation method, which is conducive to the application of deep learning-based segmentation methods in the field of medical image segmentation.
Genetic evolution of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Thailand
Authors: Noisumdaeng Pirom , Phadungsombat Juthamas , Weerated Sasrinakarn , Wiriyarat Witthawat , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: November 2022

Background

Ongoing outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses and the emergence of the genetic-related hemagglutinin (HA) gene of reassortant H5Nx viruses currently circulating in wild birds and poultries pose a great global public health concern. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the genetic evolution of Thai H5N1 HA and neuraminidase (NA) genes between 2003 and 2010. The H5N1 Thailand virus clade 2.3.4 was also genetically compared to the currently circulating clade 2.3.4.4 of H5Nx viruses.

Methods

Full-length nucleotide sequences of 178 HA and 143 NA genes of H5N1 viruses circulating between 2003 and 2010 were phylogenetically analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic construction. Bayesian phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using BEAST analysis with a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. The maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree was determined, and the time of the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) was estimated. The H5N1 HA nucleotide sequences of clade 2.3.4 Thailand viruses were phylogenetically analyzed using ML phylogenetic tree construction and analyzed for nucleotide similarities with various subtypes of reassortant H5Nx HA clade 2.3.4.4.

Results

ML phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct HA clades, clade 1 and clade 2.3.4, and two distinct NA groups within the corresponding H5 clade 1 viruses. Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction for molecular clock suggested that the Thai H5N1 HA and NA emerged in 2001.87 (95% HPD: 2001.34-2002.49) and 2002.38 (95% HPD: 2001.99-2002.82), respectively, suggesting that the virus existed before it was first reported in 2004. The Thai H5N1 HA clade 2.3.4 was grouped into corresponding clades 2.3.4, 2.3.4.1, 2.3.4.2, and 2.3.4.3, and shared nucleotide similarities to reassortant H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 ranged from 92.4-96.8%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed monophyletic H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 evolved from H5N1 clade 2.3.4.

Conclusion

H5N1 viruses existed, and were presumably introduced and circulated in avian species in Thailand, before they were officially reported in 2004. HA and NA genes continuously evolved during circulation between 2004 and 2010. This study provides a better understanding of genetic evolution with respect to molecular epidemiology. Monitoring and surveillance of emerging variants/reassortants should be continued.
Occurrence of Nosemosis in honey bee,Apis melliferaL. at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan
Authors: Baigazanov Abdrakhman , Tikhomirova Yelena , Valitova Natalya , Nurkenova Maral , Koigeldinova Ainur , Abdullina Elmira , Zaikovskaya Olga , Ikimbayeva Nurgul , Zainettinova Dinara , Bauzhanova Lyailya
Published: November 2022

Nosemosis is the most common disease in honey beeApis melliferaL., and is a major issue related to bee health worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to determine prevalence of microsporidia parasitic infection of the genusNosemaspp. in East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). In the years of 2018 –2021, 394 honey bee samples were collected at 30 apiaries located in four districts of East Kazakhstan Region (Katon-Karagay, Urzhar, Borodulikhinsky, and Shemonaikhinsky). In order to determine the level of infestation, firstly, the presence ofNosemaspp. spores was detected using optical microscopy, and then the average amount of spores per bee was counted using a hemocytometer. The degree of nosemosis prevalence was determined in points by means of a semi-quantitative method, and as a percentage from the total of samples and of the amount of positive tests. At the outcome of the study, microsporidia of the genusNosemaspp. were detected in 23.3% of cases (92 samples). Prevalence at its low degree was found in six samples (1.5%), at an average degree in 55 samples (14%), and at a high one in 31 samples (7.9%). This research study proved that microsporidia of the genusNosemaspp. are widely spread at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan Region in different orographic and climatic conditions. Notwithstanding that it was impossible to statistically determine any significant differences between the dependence of nosemosis prevalence and the apiary location, this indicator is actually higher in the mountainous regions than in the steppe. Concurrently, a close inverse correlation was recognized between the amount of spores in one bee and the level of infestation in bee families from the duration of the vegetation season at the apiary location. This gives grounds to assert that the environmental factors have an impact on formation and development of nosemosis. The results of the research presented in the article indicate the need for further research aimed at increasing the number of studied apiaries, and above all the use of molecular biology methods to distinguish the species that cause nosemosis infection (PCR).
Adult intussusception: a challenge to laparoscopic surgery?
Authors: Sun Mingze , Li Zhongmin , Shu Zhenbo , Wu Qi , Liu Xue
Published: November 2022

Background

Intussusception can occur at any age and is common in children but less common in adults. This study aimed to evaluate our experience of 51 adult intussusception and study the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

This analysis assessed the clinical manifestations, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of adult intussusception in 51 adult patients at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from January 2010 to December 2020.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 54.43 ± 18.21 years, and 42 patients were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography (CT). Among them, 76.5% (39/51) had abdominal pain, 11.8% (6/51) had blood in stool, and 5.9% (3/51) had a palpable abdominal mass. Of these, 62.7% had tumors: malignant accounted for 39.2% (20/51) and benign accounted for 23.5% (12/51). CT is the preferred imaging method with a sensitivity of 92.2%, while colonoscopy provides a complementary diagnosis in patients involving the colon. All patients underwent surgical treatment, including 21.6% (11/51) laparoscopic surgery, 74.5% (38/51) open surgery, and 5.9% (3/51) intussusception reduction during the operation. The average operation time of the open group was 133.27 ± 43.75 min and the average hospital stay was 16.24 ± 12.55 days, while the average operation time of the laparoscopic group was 140.50 ± 46.15 mins, and the average hospital stay was 16.60 ± 16.98 days (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Adult intussusception is a rare disease in clinic. Laparoscopic surgery can be useful and safe for adult intussusception.
A importância dos sistemas de controle gerencial na formação de estratégias: um estudo em empresas do setor de construção civil de João Pessoa/PB
Authors: Santos Marcos Igor da Costa , Santos Maria Luiza da Costa
Published: November 2022

Os mecanismos dos sistemas de controle gerencial parecem facilitar mudanças estratégicas quando utilizados de forma interativa. Partindo deste pressuposto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a importância dos sistemas de controle gerencial na formação de estratégias utilizados nas empresas do ramo de construção civil, tendo como critério de análise o sistema de alavancas de controle destacado por Simons (1995). A pesquisa, caracterizada como descritiva, foi desenvolvida por meio de dois estudos de casos em empresas do setor de construção civil, localizadas na cidade de João Pessoa/PB. Para coleta dos dados foram utilizados os instrumentos: questionário adaptado por Moreira, Borges e Santiago (2017) que subsidiou a entrevista realizada com os gestores das empresas, como também foram coletadas informações em documentos e observação. Os resultados apontaram que as construtoras analisadas utilizam estratégias genéricas de foco e diferenciação voltadas para a comercialização de seus empreendimentos, sendo que uma possui planejamento de longo prazo e a outra se guia por perspectivas de curto prazo. Verificou-se, ainda, diferenças sistemáticas na utilização dos sistemas de controle gerencial e que as duas empresas possuem ferramentas de controle, contudo percebeu-se que existem com o objetivo de atender as normas estabelecidas por órgãos reguladores/certificadores, não sendo utilizadas para fins de tomada de decisão. Assim, concluiu-se que a influência dos sistemas de controles gerenciais na formação de estratégias dessas construtoras se dá de forma passiva, servindo os sistemas de controle gerencial como garantidores da realização das estratégias e metas organizacionais, mas não sendo os mesmos usados efetivamente como forma de identificação de oportunidades e fonte da formação de novas estratégias.
Análise de viabilidade econômica da geração de energia elétrica por biomassa provinda de propriedades rurais
Authors: Martins Lucas Carvalho , Tinoco Cynara mendonça Moreira , Martins Gleyzer , Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Scanavez Pedro Henrique Faccirolli , Martins Jacqueline Campoi , De Matos Lydia Cheibub
Published: November 2022

A preocupação mundial com a preservação ambiental, os elevados preços da energia obtida do petróleo e a instabilidade por crises políticas e econômicas, motiva cada vez mais a busca por alternativas de produção de energia a partir de fontes renováveis. Com o propósito de desenvolver o mercado de geração autossuficiente de energia elétrica no Brasil, a ANEEL regulamentou o conceito de geração distribuída de energia renovável no âmbito de produtores que geram sua própria energia. O Sistema de Compensação de Energia Elétrica, trazido pela Resolução Normativa nº 482/2012 da ANEEL, foi uma importante modificação na qual permite que a energia excedente produzida pela unidade consumidora seja inserida na rede de distribuição, gerando créditos para o produtor. Nesse contexto o presente estudo mostra como a produção de energia elétrica por biomassa provinda de dejetos animais pode gerar rentabilidade e autossuficiência para os produtores rurais, visto que a prática agrícola no Brasil gera em abundância esse recurso. A partir disso foram comparadas três fazendas de diferentes culturas (suínos, bovinos e cama de aves) que utilizam o biogás para produzir energia elétrica. Dessa forma realizou-se um levantamento dos dados em relação aos investimentos das propriedades em equipamentos, custos de manutenção e todas as despesas relacionadas ao sistema de biodigestor. Com base nesses dados foi realizado uma análise de viabilidade econômica comparando os três casos através do método de Valor Presente Líquido (VPL), demonstrando que o projeto de implantação do sistema é mais viável na Suinocultura. O resultado obtido mostra um valor do VPL para a cultura de Suínos superior em 26,52% ao da Cama de Aves e 47,39% ao da cultura de Bovinos, que se mostrou viável, mas menos eficiente em relação as outras.
Relação entre gastos públicos e os setores de educação e saúde no desenvolvimento municipal: um estudo nos municípios do Norte do Paraná
Authors: Diniz Luciano Matias , Padoan Fatima Aparecida da Cruz , Silveira Junior Marcos Daniel
Published: November 2022

O Orçamento, bem como as políticas públicas, tem como finalidade o atendimento das demandas públicas, apresentando assim um ambiente de resultado de causa efeito. Neste contexto, onde a execução orçamentária é ator principal no alcance dos objetivos propostos, o presente estudo buscou verificar as variações do desempenho municipal da região do Norte do Paraná em relação aos gastos executados nas áreas de educação e saúde. Partindo da alocação orçamentária dos gastos públicos, este artigo relaciona os valores executados nestas naturezas, em razão dos índices de desenvolvimento municipal medidos pelo FIRJAN, considerando o período de 2013 a 2016. Os resultados trazem que 03 (três) municípios trouxeram resultados negativos em saúde e 05 (cinco) municípios, em educação. Os demais municípios trouxeram resultados positivos em seus diversos graus de significância, mostrando, por tanto, correlação entre as variáveis apresentadas.
Socio, Economic and Cultural Importance of Betel Vine (Piper betle L.) Cultivation: Its Present Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Panda Nivedita , Panda Arpita
Published: November 2022

The present study aims to investigate the Socio, Economic and Cultural importance of Betel Vine Cultivation. Betel vine is the most important and useful asexually propagated cash crop having various cultivars. The betel leaf has many chemical constituents that have many important industrial applications. The leaves are found to contain a terpinene, P-cymene, carvacrol, chavicol and its derivatives, allyl catechol, eugenol, estragole, oxalic acid, malic acid and amino acids. The economic status of betel leaves in the worldwide market depends on the physical nature of the end products. Betel leaf and its products in different forms such as powder, liquid, capsules, etc., are highly remarkable due to its various medicinal applications. The properties like antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic, anticancer activity, etc. justify its bioprospecting for future green medicine.
Evaluation of Workers Participation in Risk Assessment of Underwater Operations in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Jia John A. , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Anyanwu Brilliance O.
Published: November 2022

The offshore oil and gas industry performs risky operations leading to high incident rates requiring the need for risk assessment which is a critical component for maintaining safety. This study, therefore, was aimed at evaluating the participation of workers in carrying out risk assessment and whether the type of company they work for influences their participation in risk assessment. A cross-sectional design was utilized in carrying out this research in the Niger Delta. 401 employees of the Multinational and National oil and gas industries who carryout underwater operations responded to the Survey questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed for descriptive statistics, and cross-tabulation using XLSTAT Ver. 17 and SPSS Ver. 22. The result showed that significant relationship exists between participation in risk assessment and gender, years of work experience, and educational status at P-values ≤0.005. In addition, the research showed that there is no significant difference between the participation in risk assessment among employees of Multinational and National oil and gas companies. It is recommended that organizations should ensure a mix of the workers groups studied when setting up Risk Assessment Teams to ensure a balanced risk assessment that when implemented will deliver on the intent of the activity.
The Combination of Vivianite Powder and Compost Derived Poultry Litter: Appropriate Biological Fertilizer to Improve Nutritional Values of Carrot (Daucus Carota L.)
Authors: Hamadou Bachirou , Lucien Tchuenteu Tatchum , Abba Maimouna , Clautilde Megueni , Nicolas Njintang Yanou
Published: November 2022

Aims: To improve the nutritional values of carrot in the Great North Cameroon by using natural fertilizing.

Study Design: A 11x2x2 factorial design with 11 origins of carrot roots (fertilizing) (T0, T+, P10, P15, Py10, Py15, F1, F1+P10, F1+P15, F1+Py10 and F1+Py15), 02 harvest areas (Maroua and Ngaoundere (Cameroon)) and 02 harvest years (2019 and 2020).

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University of Ngaoundere Cameroon, September 2019 and September 2020.

Methodology: Nutrient parameters of carrot roots (moisture, vitamin C, carotenoids, fiber, carbohydrates and ash of carrot roots contents) were assessed according to standard methods.

Results: Globally, carrot nutritional values varied significantly (p<0.05) depending on fertilizer, harvest area (Ngaoundere and Maroua Cameroon), and harvest year (2019 and 2020). The carrot nutrient contents from Maroua Cameroon were higher than those from Ngaoundere. The highest carrot nutrients content was from F1+P10 plots (combination of 1 Kg of poultry litter with 10 g of vivianite powder). In Maroua, roots from treated carrot plants with F1+P10 fertilizer are 1.55 and 1.24 fold richer in carotenoids than those from T0 and T+ plants respectively in 2019 ; in growing year 2020, the carotenoid contents of F1+P10 roots were 1.52 fold and 1.29 fold higher than those of T0 and T+ plants. In Ngaoundere, Vitamin C content of carrots from F1+P10 fertilizer is 1.79 fold higher than that of T0 plants and 1.18 fold higher than that of T+ plants in 2019, while in 2020 the value of this parameter was 1.69 fold and 1.47 fold higher than that of T0 and T+ plants respectively. The F1+P10 fertilizer encreased total carbohydrate content at 51.88 % compared to T0 and 20.03 % compared to T+ in Maroua, and at 27.59 % and 7.95 % compared to T0 and T+ respectively in Ngaoundere.

Conclusion: By used F1+P10 natural fertilizer for carrot growing, we contribute to improve the nutritional values of this vegetable crop, but also to valorize our local resources in biological agriculture, as well as to protect the environment.
Expanding current understanding of the function, style and chronology of Grooved Ware from the A9 Dualling
Authors: McLaren Dawn , Dunne Julie , Gillard Toby , Evershed Richard P , Hamilton Derek , Engl Rob , Robertson Jackaline , Wilson Stuart
Published: November 2022

In 2018 on behalf of Transport Scotland AOC Archaeology Group undertook archaeological investigations in advance of the construction of the 9.5km A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam. Six archaeological sites were excavated, revealing evidence of activity spanning the Early Neolithic to the early medieval period. Neolithic activity was confined to four sites, consisting of a palimpsest of pits, post holes and vestigial structures, some of which were associated with assemblages of handmade ceramics, struck lithics and a small but revealing ecofact record. This paper focuses on the ceramic assemblages and, in particular, the comprehensive group of Late Neolithic Grooved Ware vessel sherds. It considers the form and function of the vessels, investigating aspects of decorative style alongside lipid analysis of surviving organic residues on the surfaces of the sherds and a suite of radiocarbon dates with a view to expanding our current understanding of the function, style and chronology of the later phases of Grooved Ware in the region and eastern mainland Scotland more broadly.
Atomic‐Level Surface Engineering of Nickel Phosphide Nanoarrays for Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Splitting at Large Current Density
Authors: Lv Xinding , Wan Shutong , Mou Tianyou , Han Xue , Zhang Yifan , Wang Zilong , Tao Xia
Published: November 2022

Designing high‐performance and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for water splitting at high current density is pivotal for practical industrial applications. Herein, it is found that atomic‐level surface engineering of self‐supported nickel phosphide (NiP) nanoarrays via a facile cation‐exchange method can substantially regulate the chemical and physical properties of catalysts by introducing Co atoms. Such surface‐engineered NixCo1–xP endows several aspects of merits: i) rough nanosheet array electrode structure accessible to diffusion of electrolytes and release of gas bubbles, ii) enriched P vacancies companied by Co doping and thus increased active sites, and iii) the synergy of Ni5P4 and NiP2 beneficial to catalytic activity enhancement. By virtue of finely controlling the Co contents, the optimal Ni0.96Co0.04P electrode achieves remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic performance for overall water splitting at a large current density of 1000 mA cm−2, showing overpotentials of 249.7 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction and 281.7 mV for oxygen evolution reaction. Furthermore, the Ni0.96Co0.04P electrode at 500 mA cm−2 exhibits an ultralow potential (1.71 V) and ultralong durability (500 h) for overall water splitting. This study implies that the atomic‐level surface engineering of the electrode materials offers a viable route for gaining high‐performance catalysts for water splitting at large current density.