bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnant women and male partner perspectives of secondary distribution of HIV self-testing kits in Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Bulterys Michelle A. , Naughton Brienna , Mujugira Andrew , Mugisha Jackson , Nakyanzi Agnes , Naddunga Faith , Boyer Jade , Ware Norma , Celum Connie , Sharma Monisha
Published: February 2023

Background

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising strategy to increase awareness of HIV status among sub-Saharan African (SSA) men. Understanding user perspectives on HIVST secondary distribution from pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) to their male partners is crucial to optimizing delivery strategies.

Methods

We sampled pregnant women attending ANC without their partners and purposively oversampled pregnant women living with HIV (PWHIV) to understand their unique views. We recruited male partners after obtaining contact information from women. We conducted 14 focus group discussions and 10 in-depth interviews with men and pregnant women. We assessed acceptability of HIVST secondary distribution, barriers, facilitators, and interventions to increase HIVST uptake.

Results

Participants felt that HIVST secondary distribution was acceptable, particularly for women in stable relationships. However, many expressed concerns about accusations of mistrust, relationship dissolution, fear of discovering serodifference, and lack of counseling associated with HIVST. PWHIV reported hesitation about secondary distribution, citing fears of unintended HIV status disclosure and abandonment resulting in financial hardship for themselves and their infant. Some participants preferred that providers contact men directly to offer HIVST kits instead of distribution via women. Participants reported that community sensitization, availability of phone-based counseling, male clinic staff, extended clinic hours, and financial incentives could increase men’s HIVST use and linkage to care.

Conclusion

Participants expressed high interest in using HIVST, but secondary distribution was not universally preferred. We identified potential strategies to increase HIVST acceptability, particularly among PWHIV and those in unstable partnerships which can inform strategies to optimize HIVST distribution.
Outcomes of Meek micrografting versus mesh grafting on deep dermal and full thickness (burn) wounds: Study protocol for an intra-patient randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rijpma Danielle , Pijpe Anouk , Claes Karel , Hoeksema Henk , de Decker Ignace , Verbelen Jozef , van Zuijlen Paul , Monstrey Stan , Meij-de Vries Annebeth
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Autologous split thickness skin grafting is the standard-of-care for most deep dermal and full thickness skin defects. Historically, mesh grafting is used to expand skin grafts for smaller defects and other techniques such as Meek micrografting is used to enable expansion for larger skin defects. Yet, Meek micrografting is increasingly used for smaller skin defects as well. Both techniques are frequently used, especially in burn centers, but evidence on which one is preferable for relative smaller skin defects is lacking. Therefore, an intra-patient randomized controlled trial was designed to adequately compare multiple outcomes of the Meek micrografting and mesh grafting techniques.

Materials and methods

A multicenter intra-patient controlled randomized trial is being performed in two burn centers (the Netherlands and Belgium) to compare multiple outcomes of Meek micrografting and mesh grafting burns or skin defects. Study registration number (NL74274.029.20). Adult patients with a (burn) wound and an indication for surgical excision and skin grafting were screened for inclusion. In total 70 patients will be included and the primary outcome is scar quality twelve months post-surgery assessed by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Moreover, graft take, re-epithelialization, infection rate, donor site size and patients’ preference are also measured within hospital admission, on 3 months and 12 months post-surgery.

Discussion

This is the first randomized trial that is intra-patient controlled, which enables a proper comparison between both skin expansion techniques. The results of this study will contribute to the clarification of the indications of both techniques and ample attention is paid for the patients’ opinion on the surgical treatment options.
Temporal assessment of N-cycle microbial functions in a tropical agricultural soil using gene co-occurrence networks
Authors: Schaedel Marie , Ishii Satoshi , Wang Hao , Venterea Rodney , Paul Birthe , Mutimura Mupenzi , Grossman Julie
Published: February 2023

Microbial nitrogen (N) cycling pathways are largely responsible for producing forms of N that are available for plant uptake or lost from the system as gas or leachate. The temporal dynamics of microbial N pathways in tropical agroecosystems are not well defined, even though they are critical to understanding the potential impact of soil conservation strategies. We aimed to 1) characterize temporal changes in functional gene associations across a seasonal gradient, 2) identify keystone genes that play a central role in connecting N cycle functions, and 3) detect gene co-occurrences that remained stable over time. Soil samples (n = 335) were collected from two replicated field trials in Rwanda between September 2020 and March 2021. We found high variability among N-cycle gene relationships and network properties that was driven more by sampling timepoint than by location. Two nitrification gene targets, hydroxylamine oxidoreductase and nitrite oxidoreductase, co-occurred across all timepoints, indicating that they may be ideal year-round targets to limit nitrification in rainfed agricultural soils. We also found that gene keystoneness varied across time, suggesting that management practices to enhance N-cycle functions such as the application of nitrification inhibitors could be adapted to seasonal conditions. Our results mark an important first step in employing gene networks to infer function in soil biogeochemical cycles, using a tropical seasonal gradient as a model system.
Community health workers as change agents in improving equity in birth outcomes in Detroit
Authors: Straughen Jennifer K. , Clement Jaye , Schultz Lonni , Alexander Gwen , Hill-Ashford Yolanda , Wisdom Kimberlydawn
Published: February 2023

We examined whether pairing pregnant women with community health workers improved pregnancy outcomes among 254 Black women with singleton pregnancies participating in the Women-Inspired Neighborhood (WIN) Network: Detroit using a case-control design. A subset (N = 63) of women were recontacted and asked about program satisfaction, opportunities, and health behaviors. Michigan Vital Statistics records were used to ascertain controls (N = 12,030) and pregnancy and infant health outcomes. Logistic and linear regression were used to examine the association between WIN Network participation and pregnancy and infant health outcomes. The WIN Network participants were less likely than controls to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (odds ratio = 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.93) and had a longer gestational length (mean difference = 0.42, 95% CI 0.02–0.81). Community health workers also shaped participants’ view of opportunities to thrive. This study demonstrates that community health workers can improve pregnancy outcomes for Black women.
Prenatal care and human rights: Addressing the gap between medical and legal frameworks and the experience of women in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Camila Brito , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca , Batista Rosângela Fernandes Lucena , Riggirozzi Pía , Moreira Dina Stefany de Oliveira , Gonçalves Laura Lamas Martins , Lamy Zeni Carvalho
Published: February 2023

Access to quality and affordable healthcare is central to the fulfilment of women’s reproductive and sexual health needs and rights. For this reason, the World Health Organization declared access to appropriate healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth a fundamental women’s right. Prenatal care is a recognized human right to women’s health in Brazil, as declared by the 1988 Constitution and many Brazilian policies. However, implementing the rights to health in Brazil presents a fundamental performance gap between legal rights and their delivery concerning reproductive health. Through extensive fieldwork including focus groups, interviews with women and participate observation in two municipalities in northeastern Brazil, this article addresses these issues and explores women’s lived experience of access to and their fulfilment of the right to health regarding prenatal healthcare. We offer and account of the experience of women regarding what they identified as barriers that trample their right to health, that is: a) limited personnel and medical equipment as a perception of neglect; b) timely delivery of services: time matters for perception and experience of rights; c) misinformation as a barrier to the exercise of health rights; and d) socioeconomic barriers. These barriers particularly affect the right of women in rural communities, with lower socioeconomic levels and education, as well as brown and black women, from an intersectionality perspective, who are already at greater health risk and inadequate prenatal care. As such, we argue there is a performance gap between what the normative and legal frameworks encourage the health system to do and what the system actually provides in terms of access, equality, respect and continuity of treatment amongst certain groups in society whose right to health are denied while their health risks increase.
Reproductive cycle and gonadal output of the Lessepsian jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda in NW Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mammone Marta , Bosch-Belmar Mar , Milisenda Giacomo , Castriota Luca , Sinopoli Mauro , Allegra Alessandro , Falautano Manuela , Maggio Teresa , Rossi Sergio , Piraino Stefano
Published: February 2023

Knowledge of the reproductive strategy is a key prerequisite to predict population dynamics and potential invasiveness of both native and non-indigenous outbreak-forming species. In 2014 the Lessepsian upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda reached the harbor of Palermo (NW Sicily, Thyrrenian Sea), to date its established westernmost outpost in the Mediterranean Sea. To predict C. andromeda reproductive success in its novel habitat, gonad histology was carried out to record the number and size of mature and immature oocytes. Both male and female simultaneously presented gametes at all stages of development suggesting an asynchronous, yet apparently continuous, reproduction strategy. Indeed, oogenesis was observed throughout the year from pre-vitellogenic, vitellogenetic, and late-vitellogenetic to mature oocytes suggesting multiple reproductive events, as known in other Mediterranean Rhizostomeae. Oocytes were found from May to December, with two seasonal peaks of abundance (late spring = 392 and autumn = 272), suggesting imminent spawning events. Further, jellyfish size varied significantly throughout the year, with maximum diameter (up to 24 cm) in summer, and minimum diameter (6 cm) in winter. Small-sized jellyfish in winter belong to the new cohort, most probably arising from intense summer strobilation of polyps. Late spring fertilization, planula development, and metamorphosis, followed by polyp strobilation in the summer months, may explain the late appearance of a new jellyfish cohort, likely coincident with that recorded throughout winter.
Simultaneous membrane and RNA binding by tick-borne encephalitis virus capsid protein
Authors: Pulkkinen Lauri Ilmari Aurelius , Barrass Sarah Victoria , Lindgren Marie , Pace Hudson , Överby Anna K. , Anastasina Maria , Bally Marta , Lundmark Richard , Butcher Sarah Jane
Published: February 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis virus is an enveloped, pathogenic, RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Viral particles are formed when the nucleocapsid, consisting of an RNA genome and multiple copies of the capsid protein, buds through the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and acquires the viral envelope and the associated proteins. The coordination of the nucleocapsid components to the sites of assembly and budding are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the interactions of the wild-type and truncated capsid proteins with membranes with biophysical methods and model membrane systems. We show that capsid protein initially binds membranes via electrostatic interactions with negatively-charged lipids, which is followed by membrane insertion. Additionally, we show that membrane-bound capsid protein can recruit viral genomic RNA. We confirm the biological relevance of the biophysical findings by using mass spectrometry to show that purified virions contain negatively-charged lipids. Our results suggest that nucleocapsid assembly is coordinated by negatively-charged membrane patches on the endoplasmic reticulum and that the capsid protein mediates direct contacts between the nucleocapsid and the membrane.
A tanulói tévképzetektől a gondolkodási képességekig
Authors: Korom Erzsébet
Published: February 2023

A világról való tudás elsajátítása, a tudományos ismeretek tanulása régóta foglalkoztatja a kutatókat. Ahogyan a „tudomány” kifejezés egyszerre jelenti a tudományos tudást és a megszerzéséhez vezető módszereket, eljárásokat, úgy a gyerekek tudományos ismereteinek fejlődését vizsgáló kutatásokban is kétféle irány különíthető el. Egy részük a „termékre”, az egyénnek a tudományos fogalmakkal kapcsolatos tudására, azaz a területspecifikus ismeretekre fókuszál, más részük azokra a folyamatokra, tevékenységekre, területáltalános stratégiákra, amelyek elősegítik ennek az ismeretrendszernek a formálódását (Zimmermann, 2005). A területspecifikus megközelítés a fogalmi fejlődésre és a fogalmi váltásra vonatkozó kutatásokat, míg a másik irányzat a területáltalános gondolkodási készségek szerepének feltárását foglalja magában. A tanulmány e két kutatási terület legfontosabb eredményeinek bemutatása mellett rámutat a kapcsolódási pontokra, és megfogalmaz néhány fontos következtetést az oktatási gyakorlat számára.
Compte rendu de Patrick Berland : «Pourquoi croire quand on peut savoir : astrologie, homéopathie, anti-vaccins, Rudolf Steiner, pseudo médecines... Ma vie chez les ésotériques»
Authors: Genette Anne , Lobet Delphine
Published: February 2023

Berland (Patrick), Pourquoi croire quand on peut savoir : astrologie, homéopathie, anti-vaccins, Rudolf Steiner, pseudo médecines... Ma vie chez les ésotériques. – [s. l.] : Librinova, 2019. – 667 + 579 p. – 2 vol. brochés de 14 × 21,5 cm. – 23,90 €. – isbn 979-10-262-2846-2 (vol. 1) et 979-10-262-2848-6 (vol. 2).
Compte rendu de Christian Fierens & Frank Pierobon : «Les pièges du réalisme : Kant et Lacan»
Authors: Laurent Nathanaël
Published: February 2023

Fierens (Christian) - Pierobon (Frank), Les pièges du réalisme : Kant et Lacan. – Louvain-la-Neuve : Éditions EME, 2017. – 322 p. – (Lire en psychanalyse). – 1 vol. broché de 15 × 24 cm. – 30,40 €. – isbn 978-2-8066-3607-2.
Compte rendu de Julien Perrin, Thierry Maffre & Cindy Le Menn-Tripi : «Autisme et psychomotricité»
Authors: Reyre Rémy
Published: February 2023

Autisme et psychomotricité / sous la direction de Julien Perrin, Thierry Maffre et Cindy Le Menn-Tripi ; préface de Jean-Michel Albaret. – 2e édition. – Paris ; Louvain-la-Neuve : De Boeck supérieur, 2019. – 496 p. – (Psychomotricité). – 1 vol. broché de 16 × 24 cm. – 36,90 €. – isbn 978-2-8073-2026-0.
Compte rendu de Philip James Edwin Peebles : «Cosmology’s Century : an Inside History of Our Modern Understanding of the Universe»
Authors: Lepeltier Thomas
Published: February 2023

Peebles (Philip James Edwin), Cosmology’s Century : an Inside History of Our Modern Understanding of the Universe. – Princeton ; Woodstock : Princeton University Press, 2019. – xi + 406 p. – 1 vol. électronique. – $ 23,00. – isbn 978-0-691-20166-5.
Compte rendu de François Rothen : «Science, orgueil et préjugés : de quelques controverses qui ont marqué l’histoire du savoir aux polémiques scientifiques d’aujourd’hui»
Authors: Dhombres Jean
Published: February 2023

Rothen (François), Science, orgueil et préjugés : de quelques controverses qui ont marqué l’histoire du savoir aux polémiques scientifiques d’aujourd’hui. – Lausanne : Presses polytechniques et universitaires romandes, 2020. – 296 p. – 1 vol. broché de 13,5 × 21 cm. – 18,90 €. – isbn 978-2-88915-341-1.
Compte rendu de «Mathematical Communities in the Reconstruction After the Great War 1918-1928: Trajectories and Institutions» / edited by Laurent Mazliak and Rossana Tazzioli
Authors: Dhombres Jean
Published: February 2023

Mathematical Communities in the Reconstruction After the Great War 1918-1928 : Trajectories and Institutions / edited by Laurent Mazliak and Rossana Tazzioli. – Bâle : Birkhäuser, 2021. – 379 p. – 1 vol. relié de 23 × 15,50 cm. – 105,99 €. – isbn 978-3-030-61682-3.
Compte rendu de Yuri Manin : «Les mathématiques comme métaphore: essais choisis»
Authors: Dhombres Jean
Published: February 2023

Manin (Yuri), Les mathématiques comme métaphore : essais choisis / traduit par Claire Vajou ; préface de Freeman J. Dyson ; postface de Pierre Lochak. – Paris : Les Belles Lettres, 2021. – 598 p. – (L’âne d’or). – 1 vol. broché de 15 × 21,50 cm. – 27,50 €. – isbn 978-2-251-45172-5.
Potential Inhibition of Melaleuca leucadendron L. Compounds Against the NSP5 SARS CoV-2 Protein
Authors: Melani Ira Resmi , Wafi Muhammad Farid , Riandinata Mohammad Reza , Halim Putri Aulawiya Rosyida , Muti'ah Roihatul , Santosaningsih Dewi
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), causing a global health emergency as a pandemic disease. The lack of certain drug molecules or treatment strategies to fight this disease makes it worse. Therefore, effective drug molecules are needed to fight COVID-19. Non Structural Protein (NSP5) or called Main Protease (Mpro) of SARS CoV 2, a key component of this viral replication, is considered a key target for anti-COVID-19 drug development. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the compounds in the Melaleuca leucadendron L. plant such as 1,8-cineole, terpene, guaiol, linalol, α-selinenol, β-eudesmol and γ-eudesmol are predicted to have antiviral activity for COVID-19. Interaction of compounds with NSP5 with PDB code 6WNP analyzed using molecular docking with Molegro Virtual Docker. Based on binding affinity, the highest potential as an anti-viral is Terpineol with binding energy (-119.743 kcal/mol). The results of the interaction showed that terpinol has similarities in all three amino acid residues namely Cys 145, Gly 143, and Glu 166 with remdesivir and native ligand. Melaleuca leucadendron L. may represent a potential herbal treatment to act as: COVID-19 NSP5, however these findings must be validated in vitro and in vivo.Keywords: COVID-19, In Silico, NSP5/ 6WNP, Melaleuca leucadendron L.
"Not motivated but frustrated": Preservice Teachers’ Career Choice Motivations and Professional Identity in an African Context
Authors: Obiagu Adaobiagu
Published: February 2023

This study examines preservice teachers’ career choice motivations and professional identity in an African context, Nigeria, using a narrative research method. It draws on the stories of 37 social education preservice teachers at a university in Nigeria about their teacher-becoming trajectory and teaching practice experience to realize its aims. Findings show that in Nigeria, the choice of teaching is highly motivated by fallback higher education programs, extrinsic, and socialization influence factors, while intrinsic, perceived abilities, and altruistic factors are the least motivators. The choice of teaching is influenced by gender in Nigeria, with women’s sociocultural status and traditional gender roles influencing their choice of teaching and intention to remain in the teaching profession. The majority of the preservice teachers (83.78%) have poor and negative teaching professional identities. Also, intrinsic and altruistic motivation factors are associated with positive teacher professional identity in Nigeria. Preservice teachers’ professional identity develops from social influences, intrinsic perspectives, and their teacher education experiences and institutional factors such as teacher welfare and development policies. The findings provide insights into social education teacher pedagogic and ethics training needs that could, drawing on teacher agency to navigate the structural challenges confronting the education profession in Nigeria, foster preservice teachers’ strong interest in teaching and possibly reduce teacher attrition in developing contexts.
Complementary Medicine in the Classroom: Is it Science?
Authors: Trocco Frank
Published: February 2023

This academic essay provides a strategy for teaching complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the classroom, a subject typically critiqued as unconventional and non-scientific. It demonstrates how students can enhance their critically reflective skills by examining polarizing and controversial medical topics, which are often considered by conventional doctors and researchers to be on the fringes of credible Western medicine. Included are examples of hands-on CAM experiments that can easily be incorporated in the classroom. It demonstrates how, by using an inquiry-based constructivist pedagogy, examining controversial and sometimes pseudoscientific ideas deepens learning.
Ideologías y políticas de perpetua ilegitimidad: El caso de la enseñanza de lenguas en México
Authors: Martínez-Prieto David
Published: February 2023

Con base en datos recolectados en el centro y sur de México, este estudio examina las ideologías presentes en las políticas de enseñanza de lenguas de este país. A través del análisis cualitativo de 72 entrevistas a 24 participantes, notas de campo y el diario reflexivo del autor, el presente artículo analiza el impacto de las políticas de enseñanza de lenguas entre el profesorado de tres entidades diferentes: Puebla (2017, 2019, 2021), Oaxaca (2018) y Tlaxcala (2020-2021). Después de comparar las similitudes y diferencias de situación de los docentes de lenguas en estos tres estados de la República mexicana, se sugiere que la interrelación de ideologías nativistas, (neo)colonialistas y neoliberales en las políticas educativas de México promueven una situación de perpetua ilegitimidad entre dichos docentes.
Development and implementation of a novel peer mentoring program for undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Mumba Mercy Ngosa , Horton Abby Grammer , Cole Heather , Dickson Brian , Brown Whitnee , Parker Kimberly , Tice Johnny , Key Betty , Castillo Rachael , Compton Jessica , Cooney Abigail , Devers Skylar , Shoemaker Isabella , Bartlett Robin
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Given the dynamic and high-stress environment of nursing education today, the need arose for the development and implementation of a novel peer mentoring program to support undergraduate nursing students. Peer mentoring refers to a network of support in which a more skilled or experienced person serves as a role model for a less skilled person for professional development and personal growth. Peer mentoring provides a support system that encourages self-confidence and increases self-worth for both the mentee and the mentor. The undergraduate student peer mentoring program in a large, Southeastern United States, university-based, 4-year school of nursing was created in response to a desire for more support conveyed by upper-level nursing students.

Methods

A model was developed whereby each incoming nursing student (Semester 1) would be paired with a senior nursing student (Semesters 3, 4, or 5). This mentoring dyad was then assigned to a faculty mentor who ensured that the mentoring relationship was functioning in accordance with established guidelines and provided support to both the student mentee and the student mentor.

Results

The first cohort was comprised of 20 mentoring dyads. Subsequent cohorts have ranged from 20 to 45 mentoring dyads. To date, over 300 nursing students have participated in the undergraduate peer mentoring program. Based on feedback from student evaluation surveys, both mentors and mentees appreciate and find value in the program. Approximately 93% of student mentors indicated that they would have appreciated such a program when they were first semester nursing students.

Conclusion

Some of the challenges of navigating nursing programs are not related to lack of academic aptitude. Rather, other challenges, including lack of social support and soft skills needed to successfully complete the first and second semesters of nursing school. These are critical challenges that a peer mentor could help to meet.
A new look at language choice and accommodation in U.S. Spanish-English bilingual service encounters
Authors: Fernández-Mallat Víctor , Zhang Linxi , Dearstyne Matt
Published: February 2023

The study of service encounters in bilingual communities offers opportunities to gain insight into the factors that influence language choice and accommodation in these interactions and the ways that language may be used to build community. Previous work on bilingual service encounters has found that age, gender, speech turn, and customer ethnicity may all contribute to service providers’ choice of one language over another. This study reexamines language choice and accommodation in Spanish-English service encounters by observing the language use of 96 service providers in 35 Latino-owned restaurants of the Washington metropolitan area. Using data from service encounters between bilingual service providers and Latino and white customers, we explore the extent to which the factors identified in previous studies are relevant in this region. Additionally, we explore whether the increasingly polarized political climate in the United States has impacted language use. We argue that while customer ethnicity is the main deciding factor to start an interaction, service providers always accommodate to customer language subsequently. This demonstrates the importance of both language as a community builder – even in the face of social pressures that sanction the use of Spanish in public spaces – and the power differential that exists between workers and customers in determining language use.
Refined ratio monotonicity of the coordinator polynomials of the root lattice of type B

n
Authors: Su Xun-Tuan , Sun Fan-Bo
Published: February 2023

Ratio monotonicity, a property stronger than both log-concavity and the spiral property, describes the behavior of the coefficients of many classical polynomials. It is known that the coordinator polynomials of the root lattice of type

B

n

{B}_{n}

possess log-concavity. In this paper, we show that the coordinator polynomials of type

B

n

{B}_{n}

have a refined version of ratio monotonicity except for the first and the last terms. To our knowledge, this refined version is novel.
Crystal structure of (E)-7-methoxy-2-(4-morpholinobenzylidene)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one, C22H23NO3
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Qian , Zhao Le-Hui , Zhang Jia-Jing , Hou Gui-Ge
Published: February 2023

C22H23NO3, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 9.6505(4) Å, b = 9.9712(5) Å, c = 10.0845(4) Å, α = 68.177(4)°, β = 88.106(3)°, γ = 79.234(4)°, V = 884.30(7) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0424, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1150, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-((Z)-2-((1S,4R)-3,3-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1] heptan-2-ylidene)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, C24H38N6S2
Authors: Chang Jia-Yu , Ding Qing-Ying , Xiao Zhuan-Quan , Zhang Ji , Chen Shang-Xing
Published: February 2023

[C24H38N6S2], triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 5.9953(4) Å, b = 7.6132(5) Å, c = 15.3709(10) Å, α = 82.089(5)°, β = 88.307(6)°, γ = 75.992(6)°, V = 674.24(8) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0587, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1516, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2H-indazol-3-yl)acetonitrile, C16H13N3O
Authors: Cui Beibei , Mi Xia , Zhang Jingyu
Published: February 2023

C16H13N3O, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.6087(4) Å, b = 9.6681(4) Å, c = 18.6600(9) Å, V = 1372.66(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0420, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1093, T = 293 K.
Reliability of Gallon-Jug Shelf-Transfer Power Equations in Older Women
Authors: Ly Anna , Strand Keri L. , Courtney Kylie J. , Barry Sarah S. , Parrino Rosalia L. , Liscano Jose A. , Trebotich Thomas L. , Martin-Diala Chimaobim , Martin Erick , Signorile Joseph F.
Published: February 2023

Ly, A, Strand, KL, Courtney, KJ, Barry, SS, Liscano, JA, Trebotich, TL, Martin-Diala, C, Martin, E, and Signorile, JF. Reliability of gallon-jug shelf-transfer test power equations in older women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2022—This study examined the test-retest reliability of the gallon-jug shelf-transfer (GJST) test as a measure of upper-body functional power in older women. Although the validity of the predictive equations for power during the GJST test has been established, for the test to be viable in either a laboratory or clinical environment, between-day and within-day reliability must be established. Thirty-four independently living older women (mean ± SD: 75.0 ± 6.4 years) performed 2 sets of 3 repetitions of the GJST test on 2 days separated by at least 48 hours. Using the established predictive equations, the values for peak power and average power were then computed. Statistical analyses to assess reliability included intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation (CV), SEM, minimal detectable change (MDC), and Cronbach's α values. Furthermore, Bland-Altman plots evaluated the agreement between the tests. Intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.91, p < 0 001), CV (<8.1%), SEM (<5.94 W), MDC (<14 W), and Cronbach's α (>0.95) indicated excellent reliability. The lines of equality for all Bland-Altman plots fell within the 95% confidence interval of the mean difference, implying that there were no significant differences between tests. Furthermore, bias values were small (<11.15 W), and the limits of agreement (LOA) were within an acceptable range. Based on our statistical analyses, the GJST test is a highly reliable assessment for determining object transfer power for healthy older women.
Use of Exploratory Factor Analysis to Assess the Fitness Performance of Youth Football Players
Authors: Perroni Fabrizio , Castagna Carlo , Amatori Stefano , Gobbi Erica , Vetrano Mario , Visco Vincenzo , Guidetti Laura , Baldari Carlo , Rocchi Marco Bruno Luigi , Sisti Davide
Published: February 2023

Perroni, F, Castagna, C, Amatori, S, Gobbi, E, Vetrano, M, Visco, V, Guidetti, L, Baldari, C, Luigi Rocchi, MB, and Sisti, D. Use of exploratory factor analysis to assess the fitness performance of youth football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2022—Football performance involves several physical abilities that range in aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular domains; however, little is known about their interplay in profiling individual physical attributes. This study aimed to profile physical performance in youth football players according to their training status. One hundred seven young male soccer players (age 13.5 ± 1.4 years; height 168 ± 7 cm; body mass 57.4 ± 9.6 kg; and body mass index 20.2 ± 2.1 kg·m−2) volunteered for this study. Players' physical performance was assessed with football-relevant field tests for sprinting (10 m sprint), vertical jump (countermovement jump), intermittent high-intensity endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, YYIRT1), and repeated sprint ability (RSA). The training status was assumed as testosterone and cortisol saliva concentrations; biological maturation was estimated using the Pubertal Development Scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed 3 main variables depicting anthropometric (D1, 24.9%), physical performance (D2, 18.8%), and training status (D3, 13.3%), accounting for 57.0% of total variance altogether. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The RSA and YYIRT1 performances were largely associated with D2, suggesting the relevance of endurance in youth football. This study revealed that for youth football players, a 3-component model should be considered to evaluate youth soccer players. The EFA approach may help to disclose interindividual differences useful to talent identification and selection.
Optimization of Tooth Support Geometrical Parameters for Laser Powder Bed Fusion Produced Overhang Parts
Authors: Gülcan Orhan , Günaydın Kadir , Çelik Alican , Yasa Evren
Published: February 2023

In additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, support structures are used to anchor a part to the base plate and to prevent the part from distortions and dimensional deviations due to high thermal gradients during manufacturing. Because the support structures do not contribute any value to the part and need to be removed after manufacturing with extra costs and time, different studies have focused on minimizing the use of such structures. However, it is almost impossible to totally eliminate the need for support structures, especially in very complex parts with different overhang surfaces. Therefore, it is very important to optimize the support structure geometry to reduce support volume and consequently costs and time. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of tooth support geometrical parameters, namely tooth height, top length, base length, and base interval on the part’s dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, microhardness through thickness, and support volume used in overhangs produced by laser powder bed fusion AM technology from Inconel 718 material. The L9 Taguchi design method was used to reduce the number of experiments. The efficiency of the parameters was determined by analysis of variance. Analyses of signal-to-noise ratios were used to obtain the optimum support parameter combination. The study reveals that tooth height has the highest effect on support volume and dimensional accuracy. Tooth base length was found to be the most effective parameter on surface roughness and microhardness through thickness.
Piezoresistive Composites in Tension and Compression Using a Cantilevered Beam for Spot Testing and Tactile Sensing
Authors: Rogers Jeremy , Kovenburg Robert , James Charisma , Aksak Burak
Published: February 2023

Piezoresistive soft composite materials exhibit a change in resistance when undergoing deformation. This combined with their optical, thermal, and mechanical properties makes these composites good candidates for force sensors. Tactile force sensors have long been studied for applications in healthcare, robot–human interactions, and displacement monitoring. The main goal in this work is to characterize a soft piezoresistive layer in both tension and compression to enable a model system for a piezoresistive tactile force sensor and a characterization platform. However, the mechanisms by which these composites exhibit piezoresistivity are complex and must be characterized before use not only in bulk but at the exact locations where contact is expected. In this paper, a cantilevered beam is proposed as a base-mounted force-sensing mechanism. This mechanism allows for characterization of the composites at multiple locations across the sample using a two-probe technique. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are mixed by weight with a soft polyurethane in 15, 16, and 17 wt. % concentrations. Because the elastic modulus of the piezoresistive layer is not known, indentation tests using Hertz theory and numerical calculations are used to simulate the effective elastic modulus and average strain. These results are then compared with the experimental stress results. In general, these tests show a greater sensitivity in tension than in compression. However, the difference lessens as the concentration increases. A linear fit is applied to the ΔR/R versus strain graphs to calculate the gauge factors. Each sensor exhibits a positive and negative gauge factor over two different ranges. ΔR/R versus strain graphs for tension and compression show gauge factors between −19 and 24 with the range decreasing with increasing MWCNT percentage.
Genetic Disruption of System xc-Mediated Glutamate Release from Astrocytes Increases Negative-Outcome Behaviors While Preserving Basic Brain Function in Rat
Authors: Hess Evan M. , Kassel Sara N. , Simandl Gregory , Raddatz Nicholas , Maunze Brian , Hurley Matthew M. , Grzybowski Michael , Klotz Jason , Geurts Aron , Liu Qing-Song , Choi SuJean , Twining Robert C. , Baker David A.
Published: February 2023

The importance of neuronal glutamate to synaptic transmission throughout the brain illustrates the immense therapeutic potential and safety risks of targeting this system. Astrocytes also release glutamate, the clinical relevance of which is unknown as the range of brain functions reliant on signaling from these cells hasn't been fully established. Here, we investigated system xc- (Sxc), which is a glutamate release mechanism with anin vivorodent expression pattern that is restricted to astrocytes. As most animals do not express Sxc, we first compared the expression and sequence of the obligatory Sxc subunit xCT among major classes of vertebrate species. We found xCT to be ubiquitously expressed and under significant negative selective pressure. Hence, Sxc likely confers important advantages to vertebrate brain function that may promote biological fitness. Next, we assessed brain function in male genetically modified rats (MSxc) created to eliminate Sxc activity. Unlike other glutamatergic mechanisms, eliminating Sxc activity was not lethal and didn't alter growth patterns, telemetry measures of basic health, locomotor activity, or behaviors reliant on simple learning. However,MSxcrats exhibited deficits in tasks used to assess cognitive behavioral control. In a pavlovian conditioned approach,MSxcrats approached a food-predicted cue more frequently than WT rats, even when this response was punished. In attentional set shifting,MSxcrats displayed cognitive inflexibility because of an increased frequency of perseverative errors.MSxcrats also displayed heightened cocaine-primed drug seeking. Hence, a loss of Sxc-activity appears to weaken control over nonreinforced or negative-outcome behaviors without altering basic brain function.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGlutamate is essential to synaptic activity throughout the brain, which illustrates immense therapeutic potential and risk. Notably, glutamatergic mechanisms are expressed by most types of brain cells. Hence, glutamate likely encodes multiple forms of intercellular signaling. Here, we hypothesized that the selective manipulation of astrocyte to neuron signaling would alter cognition without producing widespread brain impairments. First, we eliminated activity of the astrocytic glutamate release mechanism, Sxc, in rat. This impaired cognitive flexibility and increased expression of perseverative, maladaptive behaviors. Notably, eliminating Sxc activity did not alter metrics of health or noncognitive brain function. These data add to recent evidence that the brain expresses cognition-specific molecular mechanisms that could lead to highly precise, safe medications for impaired cognition.
CONTACT RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS FOR THE Ge2Sb2Te5 THIN FILMS
Authors:   National Research University of Electronic Technology, Bld. 1, Shokin Square, Zelenograd, Moscow, 124498, Russia, YAKUBOV A. , SHERCHENKOV A. , LAZARENKO P. , BABICH A. , TEREKHOV D. , DEDKOVA A.
Published: February 2023

In this study contact resistances between the Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films and TiN/W electrodes were investigated by the transmission line model method. The influence of the heat treatment on the electrical characteristics of the Ge2Sb2Te5/electrode was investigated. Heat treatment at 150 °C leads to a significant drop in contact resistance due to crystallization of the thin Ge2Sb2Te5 film. The contribution of the contact resistance to the total contact resistance of the Ge2Sb2Te5 and TiN/W contact was analyzed and showed that the contribution of the contact resistance to the total resistance sufficiently increases for the Ge2Sb2Te5 film in the crystalline state.
SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE USING As2S3 FILM FOR WATER SALINITY DETERMINATION
Authors:   National Institute R&D of Optoelectronics, INOE 2000, 409 Atomistilor str., PO BOX MG. 5, 77125 Magurele, Ilfov, Romania, BASCHIR L. , MICLOS S. , SAVASTRU D. , POPESCU A. A.
Published: February 2023

The high sensitivity of chalcogenide surface plasmon resonance (SPR) structures with chalcogenide films is fructified to elaborate the salinity sensor for the seawater. A four layers configuration was taken into consideration, comprising a BK7 prism, a gold thin film, a chalcogenide As2S3 film and the ambient medium, which is the sea water. The transfer matrix formalism was used in our study to determine the reflectances characterizing the plasmonic structure. The two polarization modes (TE and TM) were taken into consideration, in order to determine the best configuration that allows an optimal sensitivity.
INDIUM INCORPORATION EFFECTS ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF QUATERNARY CHALCOGNIDE Se-Zn-Te-In FILMS
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, SORAYA M. M. , SHAABAN E. R. ,   Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, 71542, Egypt, EMAN M. I. ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Aswan University, QASEM A. ,   Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11884, Cairo, Egypt, MAHMOUD S. A. ,   Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia., YOUSEF E. ,   Physics Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, Saudi Arabia,   Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61413, P.O. Box 9004, Saudi Arabia
Published: February 2023

Amorphous semiconducting thin films of Se90-xZn5Te5Inx (x=0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 at. %) are deposited on glass substrates by thermal evaporating technique with thickness about of 1000 nm. The transmittance spectra are investigated by Swanepoel method to compute the optical coefficients and parameters in the spectral region of (400–2500) nm, such as absorption coefficient α, extinction coefficient k, optical band gap, Eg and refractive index, n. The optical absorption edge is described by using the non-direct transition model in terms of Tauc relation. The obtained values of both n and k were found to be dependent of the In content in the investigated samples. Also, other parameters have been computed like the real, (εr) and imaginary (εi) parts of complex dielectric constants. The dispersion parameters (dispersion energy, Ed, oscillation energy Eo) were discussed according to the single oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. The non-linear refractive index, n2 was computed by using Tichy-Ticha and Fourier-Snitzer relationships.
INVESTIGATION OF DEBRIS PARTICLES DISTRIBUTION IN ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING OF MICRO-HOLES ARRAY
Authors:   Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, China, XIE B. C. , LIU J. G. ,   Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, China, CUI H. X. ,   Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing and Intelligent Technology, Ministry of Education, China
Published: February 2023

Micro-holes array and micro-electrodes array are widely used in biomedical industry, aerospace industry and micro-electromechanical systems. The machining of micro-holes array is a difficult problem for traditional machining technology. Currently electrical discharge machining technology (EDM) is an alternative machining technology for the fabricating of micro-holes array in high strength and hardness of metal material because of it is free from mechanical force. However, distribution and concentration of debris particles in the discharge gap easily leads to the intensive distribution of discharge positions, which significantly influences machining performance of EDM of micro-holes array. In this study, a three-dimensional flow field simulation model of ultrasonic assisted EDM of micro-holes array is proposed by FLUENT software. The effect of ultrasonic vibration and the depth-to-diameter ratio on debris particles distribution in ultrasonic assisted EDM of micro-holes array will be investigated by numerical simulation. It is shown that reducing the depth-diameter ratio and increasing the ultrasonic amplitude and frequency are beneficial to enhance the exhaustion of debris particles out of the discharge gap and decrease the concentration of debris particles in the discharge gap. In addition, machining experiments are carried out.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF Fe2O3 NANOPARTICLES USING OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF EXTRACT AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University Of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq, MOHAMMED A. M. , SAUD W. M. ,   Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University Of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq, ALI M. M. ,   Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University Of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq
Published: February 2023

Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using Olea europaea leaf extract. The structure and size of Fe2O3 NPs were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. This study investigated the significant difference in the activities of some antibiotics, such as cefixime, levofloxacin, amikacin, norflexin, trimethoprim, doxycycline, and gentamicin against Klebsiella pneumoniae and compared their synergistic effects with Fe2O3 NPs. The inhibition zone of cefixime increased from 283 mm2 to 17490, 314, and 314 mm2 when it was mixed with Fe2O3 NPs, the inhibition zone of levofloxacin increased from 113.04 mm2 to 254.34, 200.96, and 153.86 mm2 using concentrations (3200, 2000, 1000) ppm of Fe2O3 NPs.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND PHOTOCATALYTIC APPLICATIONS OF p(Aac) MICROGELS AND ITS COMPOSITES OF Ni DOPED ZnO NANORODS
Authors:   Department of chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, JAVED M. , HUSSAIN S. ,   Department of Chemistry, Lahore Garrison University, DHA Phase VI, Lahore, Pakistan
Published: February 2023

ZnO nanorods and Ni doped ZnO nanorods with various concentration of nickel 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% were prepared by co-precipitation method. By added zinc acetate dehydrate and nickel nitrate as zinc and nickel precursor in presence of Ammonia solution. Microgels of p(AAc) and its composites of Ni doped ZnO nanorods were synthesized by inverse phase polymerization method under N2 gas atmosphere. Optical structure and morphology of Ni doped ZnO nanorods and its composite with p(AAc) were determined by XRD, TEM, SEM, FTIR and UV-Visible spectrometer. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was testified by using Tungsten lamp of 500 W via photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a standard dye. It was observed that the composite of p(AAc) microgels with Ni doped ZnO nanorods show much enhanced photocatalytic performance as compared to any other individual particle acting as alone. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to enhanced surface area, surface roughness and decreasing band gap.