bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commercialisation in Australian public education and its implications for the delivery of English as an Additional Language/Dialect: An EAL/D teacher perspective
Authors: Creagh Sue , Playsted Skye , Hogan Anna , Choi Tae-Hee , Lingard Bob 
Published: November 2023

Privatisation and commercialisation in education encompass a range of interrelated practices, including the outsourcing of educational services as well as increased reliance on commercially produced resources for the delivery of learning and assessment. An increase in these practices has accompanied the shift from centralised systemic management of schools and specific programs like English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D), to school autonomy whereby principals control budget expenditure decisions, ostensibly in response to the needs of their school population. The intersection between school autonomy, commercialisation and delivery of the specialised service of EAL/D is the focus of this paper. This paper presents the findings of a survey with EAL/D teachers in Australia, in relation to the extent to which they are experiencing commercialisation and the impact this is having on the delivery of a longstanding service designed to ensure equity of outcomes for English language learners. The data suggests that the use of commercial products in schools may not be aligned with appropriate educational practices which target language learning needs. There is a strong need for further research in the uptake and use of commercial products for specialist language support. This will elucidate the extent to which EAL/D as a specialisation is being impacted by the use of commercial products both in the appropriacy of the products and in the deprofessionalisation of specialist EAL/D teachers.
Conversion of Waste Surgical Mask Into Energy Rich Oil by Pyrolysis Using Fly Ash as Catalyst
Authors: D RajaKullayappa , G Karthikeyan , P Premkumar , V Elangkathir 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Waste mask has been subjected to catalytic pyrolysis. Fly ash used as catalyst. Biogas, formed by the degradation of food waste, is used as the heating agent. Optimum conditions for pyrolysis were determined by the TGA and DTA analysis of the mask. Waste mask was completely converted into oil and gaseous products. The fraction after distillation is the high boiling fraction. By this, the physical properties of both fractions have been determined using standard methods. The physical characteristics of both the low and high boiling fractions are almost very similar to that of petrol and diesel respectively. Both fractions were subjected recorded analysis the GCMS. 1H ,13C NMR and IR spectra were recorded for both fractions. Elemental analysis was carried out for the mask and both oil fractions. GCMS analysis shows that the low boiling fraction contains thirteen 1-alkenes with 8–12 carbon atoms and three alcohols without a C = C bond. The high boiling fraction was found to contain nine isomeric alkenes with 12 carbon atoms. This fraction was found to also contain seven alcohols without C = C bond. NMR, IR spectra and elemental analysis are in support of this composition.
Incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia: an insight from China
Authors: Huang Rui , Jia Meng , Zhang Yingqi , Li Yunfeng , Moreira Joaquim Paulo , Dsouza Brayal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Neonatal hypoglycemia is one of the most common metabolic problems in newborns, which can lead to brain damage and increase the risk of developmental delay. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia in neonates and to identify associated risk factors using data from one major hospital in one Province of China.
Methods
Case control study was used on newborns who gave birth between 2016 and 2021 in China. Authors developed a case-control study at a tertiary hospital database between Jan 1, 2016 and Jan 2021. The Cases were identified on the basis of having an outcome of hypoglycemia. Four controls per case (1:4) were randomly selected. Then, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors related to the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia.
Results
16.8% (255) newborns in the cohort had hypoglycemia within 24 hours of birth. Besides, logistic regression analyses showed that cesarean section (OR:3.800,95%CI:8.223–23.158), maternal diabetes(OR:7.416,95%CI:4.287–12.828), maternal hypertension(OR:8.019,95%CI:3.933–16.348), small for gestational age (OR:3.894,95%CI:1.428–10.622), neonatal hypothermia(OR:17.130,95%CI:10.899–26.925) and neonatal infection(OR:17.038,95%CI:5.520–52.590) were risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia.
Conclusion
In a contemporary cohort in China, the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia can be considered high, and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia is significantly correlated with various clinical factors. Monitoring these risk factors has to be one of the key measures to reduce the adverse consequences caused by neonatal hypoglycemia.
Aggregation of Experts Judgments for Climate Tipping Points
Authors: Basili Marcello , Crudu Federico 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This paper introduces a method for the evaluation of the occurrence of tipping points based on the combination of probability intervals from experts judgments elicited in face-to-face interviews. The computation of such conditional probabilities is based on the aggregation of imprecise probability judgments through the Steiner point. The probability of a tipping point can be updated by the standard Bayes rule to generate tipping point scenarios. Our results suggest that tipping events may happen with relatively large probabilities, in contrast with the view that tipping points are low-probability-high-impact events. This suggests that mitigation and containment policies cannot be further postponed.
JEL Classification: Q54; D81; C10
Gender- and Age-Stratified Aedes Mosquito Rising and Dengue Burden During COVID- 19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alnazawi Ashwaq 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented healthcare gaps and challenges linked to COVID-19 pandemic induced constraint on domestic mosquito vector and vector control programs leading to increase in vector-borne diseases public health burden. The study evaluate gender and age linked the increasing Aedes mosquito vector and Dengue virus fitness during COVID-19 pandemic response, in order to provide evidence-based policy decision and priority on integrated vector-borne diseases management with COVID-19 response interventions in Jeddah municipalities, Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional, retro/prospective and analytic increase mosquito risk factors and cases prevalence study was conducted to guide ongoing field mosquito surveillance and integrated vector control interventions during and post COVID-19 response and recovery interventions in Jeddah municipalities, Saudi Arabia
Results
There were marked but not statistically significant fluctuations in the number of monthly confirmed dengue cases during both periods. The highest number of monthly confirmed cases before the pandemic was reported in June 2019 (205 cases) and January 2019 (247 points). Similarly, the first peak during the pandemic was recorded in June 2020 (274 cases), whereas the highest number was documented in April 2021 (311 cases). Monthly gender-based trend of dengue cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that males were the most affected over the study period as compared to the females. During Covid-19, the trend is increasing with peak over 150 cases in June 2020 and April/May 2021during COVID-19. Age-stratified variations of dengue cases reveals that more cases were during the age range of 15–45 and few above 45 years old with peak precovid recorded in June and December 2019 with over 150 cases recorded. We documented a rise in dengue cases amongst local Saudi with a surge from April to the peak over 100 dengue cases in July 2020, but lesser that non Saudi cases with a surge during the same period and peak over 170 dengue cases in 2020.
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documented on the impact of gender and age linked the increasing Aedes mosquito vector and Dengue virus fitness during COVID-19 pandemic response interventions in Saudi Arabia. There is an urgent need to harnessing evidence-decisions on integrated vector-borne diseases surveillance and integrated vector management policies, with COVID-19 response interventions including vaccination coverage and effectiveness in Jeddah municipalities, Saudi Arabia
Formulation and Evaluation of Lipid-Based Nano Formulation of Luliconazole
Authors: Sinhal Amit Pravin Sinhal , Wagh Rajendra D. Wagh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Preformulation study of Luliconazole elucidated its properties and optimization for a self-Nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). Luliconazole, a tasteless, odorless white powder, exhibited diverse crystalline forms with a melting point of 153.6°C. Notably, it demonstrated high solubility in Oleic Acid and Isopropyl Myristate, corroborated by partition coefficients of 2.80 in n-octanol. UV spectroscopy validated its reliability for analysis, exhibiting a linear standard curve (Y = 0.1013x) with R2 = 0.9988 at 261 nm. The FTIR spectra of Luliconazole and excipients (Isopropyl Myristate, Oleic Acid, Tween 80, and PEG 400) highlighted compatibility crucial for SNEDDS formulation, showcasing distinctive peaks at specific wave numbers. A 32-factorial design optimized IS5 batches, enhancing efficacy and stability through water dilutions (1:1). Thermal analysis, including DSC and XRD, revealed distinct thermal behaviors and crystalline structures, crucial for understanding formulation interactions. The SNEDDS exhibited increased viscosity due to the surfactant, promoting prolonged surface retention and demonstrating significant inhibition of Candida albicans growth, quantified in Table 12 and Fig. 21. In vitro release testing displayed sustained drug liberation in STF (pH 7.4), showcasing diverse kinetics. Entrapment efficiency in IS-4 reached 74 ± 0.8%, ensuring stability (1.54 ± 0.008) vital for emulsification and drug release behavior. HPLC analysis in an ex-vivo permeation study identified a single peak at 6.59 minutes in IS-5, showcasing skin permeation and bloodstream entry, indicating potential bioavailability for fungal infections. The stability study confirmed IS-5's consistent effectiveness, purity, and potency across varied conditions (4°C, 25°C, 40°C; 15%, 65%, 75% RH), crucial for ensuring a reliable and enduring product. Additionally, skin irritation studies validated IS-5's safety for transdermal drug delivery, essential for patient comfort in pharmaceutical applications.
Characterization of nodulation capacity with native rhizobia in germplasm of underutilized forage species of Macroptilium (Benth.) Urb.
Authors: Zabala Juan Marcelo , Marinoni Lorena del Rosario , Zuber Nicolas , Fornasero Laura , Pensiero Jose Francisco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In order to generate reliable characterization and selection schemes in germplasm of Macroptilium for biological nitrogen fixation with native rhizobia, we carried out a trial to evaluate the germplasm variability for initial growth, crude protein in shoots and nodulation capacity with native soil of subtropical environment. The trial was carried out under two conditions, substrate with (N+) and without nitrogen added (N-). The growth variables and nitrogen content were analyzed through a nested ANOVA with the factors species (S), accessions nested within species (ANS), nitrogen level (NL) and the corresponding interactions. Because the plants did not nodulate in the N + treatment, a simple one-way ANOVA was performed in the N- treatment to analyze nodulation capacity. Relationships between variables and accessions were examined using principal component analysis. All accessions evaluated formed effective nodules in N- treatment. Accessions showed different initial growth and nitrogen content at different nitrogen levels. There was variability in the symbiotic response and initial growth, and most of the variance was explained by differences between ANS. Nodule number and nodule weight were related to Macroptilium plant dry matter and crude protein in shoots. Our hypotheses were confirmed in this work. In evaluated germplasm we found variability for nodulation capacity. In the other hand, nodulation capacity was related with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), since the accessions with higher NC showed higher initial growth and higher protein content in shoot.
Irreversible Airflow Limitation in Elderly Adults with a History of Severe Childhood Asthma – COPD-A, COPD-C or?
Authors: Savran Osman , Bønnelykke Klaus , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
According to the GOLD 2023 strategy paper, classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may include distinct COPD types. We applied the GOLD classification of COPD-A and COPD-C in a follow-up of a cohort of adults with a history of severe childhood asthma.
Methods
We performed a 60-year clinical follow-up of adults with a history of severe childhood asthma and a previous stay at an asthma care facility. COPD-A and COPD-C were defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and never-smoker or ever smoker, respectively. Factors possibly associated with irreversible airflow limitation, including demographics, dyspnea severity, blood eosinophil count (BEC), and concomitant diseases were examined.
Results
The final cohort comprised 232 individuals, of whom 30 and 23, respectively, were classified as COPD-A and COPD-C. Compared to those with no airflow limitation, both individuals with COPD-A and COPD-C more often had had at least one exacerbation in the past 12 months (Risk ratio [RR] 1.83 and RR 2.65, respectively). The COPD-C group had significantly higher MRC dyspnea score (p < 0.01) and higher BEC (p < 0.01) compared to those with no airflow limitation. Compared to COPD-C, COPD-A had higher FeNO (mean 29 [SD 28]). Finally, when comparing participants with COPD-A to COPD-C and participants without airflow limitation, the proportion having osteoporosis and depression were more than doubled.
Conclusions
In late adulthood, one in four with a history of severe asthma in childhood had developed COPD. COPD-A had higher FeNO, while COPD-C was associated with more dyspnea, higher BEC, and also the highest exacerbation risk.
Astaxanthin Rescues Memory Impairments in Rats with Vascular Dementia by Protecting Against Neuronal Death in the Hippocampus
Authors: Wei Na , Zhang Luoman , Xu Jing-Jing , Xue Rui , Ma Sheng-li , Sun Miao-miao , Chen Kui-sheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a cognitive disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive function resulting from cerebrovascular disease. The hippocampus, an important brain region for memory processes, is particularly susceptible to ischemic insults, leading to memory deficits in VaD. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment found in marine organisms, has shown potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects in VaD and against hippocampal neuronal death remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, we utilized a rat model of VaD induced by CCH to investigate the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin. Memory impairments were assessed using Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. We also performed biochemical analyses to evaluate levels of hippocampal neuronal death and apoptosis-related proteins, as well as the impact of astaxanthin on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and oxidative stress.
Results
Our results demonstrated that astaxanthin significantly rescued memory impairments in VaD rats. Furthermore, astaxanthin treatment protected against hippocampal neuronal death and attenuated apoptosis. We also observed that astaxanthin modulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, suggesting its involvement in promoting neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, astaxanthin exhibited antioxidant properties, mitigating oxidative stress in the hippocampus.
Conclusions
These findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic effects of astaxanthin in VaD. By elucidating the mechanisms underlying the actions of astaxanthin, this study highlights the importance of protecting hippocampal neurons and suggests potential targets for intervention in VaD. Further research is warranted to fully understand the therapeutic potential of astaxanthin and its application in the clinical treatment of VaD.
Association between smoking status and brain metastasis intervals and the prognosis of brain metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Zeng Weilin , Yan Xingyu , Wang Zheng , Xu Ke , Li Mo , Wang Tianlu , Song Yingqiu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to explore the association between smoking status and brain metastasis intervals in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its impact on the survival time of patients with brain metastasis.
Methods
Data were collected from patients with NSCLC with brain metastases who were treated at our centre between January 2005 and December 2017. Clinical indices such as clinicopathological features and smoking status were collected, and patients were followed up (cut-off: 1 September 2022). According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 461 patients were analysed and matched using 1:1 propensity score matching. Non-smokers (n = 113), smoking cessation (n = 113), and smokers (n = 113) formed balanced groups, and the duration of brain metastasis and overall survival were compared between groups.
Results
There was a statistically significant difference between the non-smoking and smoking cessation groups (P = 0.001), as well as between the non-smoking and smoking groups (P < 0.001). The time interval of brain metastasis between the smoking cessation and smoking groups was not significantly different (P = 0.106). Statistically significant factors in the multivariate and univariate analyses showed that smoking status, clinical stage, lung cancer operation, chemotherapy, and chest radiotherapy were independent predictors of the time interval of brain metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking status, driving gene mutations, and chest radiotherapy independently influenced survival after brain metastasis.
Conclusion
Smoking status in patients with NSCLC affected the interval of brain metastasis and survival after brain metastasis.
Insrr Regulates IFN-β through Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton Pathway in Rat Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Chunxiu , Ye Zhijian , Ju Ying , Huang Xiuxin , Wei Ke , Zhan Chenjie , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose:Hepatocellular carcinoma, caused by Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus infections and other factors, is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. Interferon exerts its biological function by inducing the expression of hundreds of Interferon-stimulated genes in the host cells, which are responsible for inhibiting the replication, transcription, and other important processes of Hepatitis B Virus. The aim of this study was to find the proto-oncogenes or oncogenes that can regulate Interferon-β and the mechanism by which the genes regulate Interferon-β, and to identify targets for gene therapy for rat hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: We induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats by Diethylnitrosamine, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma was inhibited by metformin, troxerutin, or a combination of metformin and troxerutin. The concentration of Interferon-β was detected and observed whether the level of Interferon-β was positively or negatively related to hepatocellular carcinoma. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR was performed to finally determine the target genes that regulate Interferon-β and their mechanisms of action.
Results: Various pathological and immunological results showed that we successfully induced and inhibited rat hepatocellular carcinoma. Insrr was identified as the genes capable of regulating Interferon-β by transcriptome sequencing and RT-PCR with statistical significance.
Conclusion: Our study reveals the mechanism by which Insrr regulates Interferon-β in HCC, and the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway may be a potential target for HCC treatment.
Optimization of extraction and characterization of triterpenoids from wild Ganoderma lucidum in Guilin based on antioxidant capacity
Authors: Li Jing Rong , Qin Guanfeng , Mao Shihong , Xu Xin , Zhang Huayi , Zhu Jialin , Xu Biyun , Zhao Shengmei , Yin Zuocheng , Qiu Taotao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To obtain Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids (GLTs) with high antioxidant capacity, a new method of enzymatic extraction using pectinase and cellulase enzymes was developed and tested. The experiment involved single-factor exploration encompassing five variables: enzyme ratio, enzyme concentration, pH, temperature, and time. The GLTs extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the GLTs, which served as an evaluation index for extraction, was investigated using ELISA. The results unveiled the optimum conditions for enzymatic GLTs extraction, including an enzyme ratio of 2:1 (cellulase and pectinase), enzyme concentrations of 2.5%, enzymatic temperature of 30 ℃, enzymatic time of 30 min, enzymatic pH of 5.0, and a material-liquid ratio of 1:60 (g/mL). Under these conditions, the predicted value of the antioxidant capacity of GLTs was 0.12 µmol/mL, and the measured mean antioxidant capacity was 0.117 ± 0.011 µmol/mL. The close correspondence between the anticipated and actual detection values highlights the capability of the regression model to effectively optimize the extraction conditions. Subsequently, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed to identify the triterpenoids in the extracts of wild-cultivated Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum). The results showed that the extract from wild-cultivated G. lucidum contained 19 triterpenoid fractions, including ganoderic acid A, ganoderic enoic acid B, and lucidenic acid A. These findings suggest that enzymatic extraction is an efficient method for extracting GLTs with an improved capability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, and wild cultivated G. lucidum could potentially serve as a valuable natural source of triterpenoids.
A test of sexual dimorphism in deactivating plant defense and attraction of conspecifics in the four-eyed red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)
Authors: Craig Emma , Goldman Max , Agrawal Anurag 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Herbivorous insects frequently exhibit sexual dimorphism in body size and a variety of other traits. Such differences often lead to distinct behaviors, which may present themselves in insect responses to conspecifics, plant defenses, and feeding. Based on a previous study of a congeneric species, we hypothesized that sexual dimorphism may yield differences in how the host-specific red milkweed beetleTetraopes tetrophthalmus(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) deactivates milkweed defenses, a leaf trenching behavior in which beetles cut veins (laticifers) prior to feeding. We also predicted that beetles would display differences in their subsequent feeding patterns and attraction of conspecifics. Although beetles were size dimorphic (females were larger than males), we did not find consistent differences in the rates of trenching or feeding between males and females. Females did, however, cut more milkweed veins and attract more conspecifics than males. Sex differences in size and other traits were thus associated with some differential behaviors, but not strongly associated with the deactivation of plant defense.