bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Antibacterial Activity and Safety of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles versus a Commercial Alcohol-Based Hand-Sanitizer: Can Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Be Useful for Hand Sanitation?
Authors: Ismail Aliaa , Raya Nermeen R. , Orabi Ahmed , Ali Alaa M. , Abo-zeid Yasmin 
Published: November 2022

Hand hygiene is the key factor to control and prevent the spread of infections, for example, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). People commonly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to assure hand hygiene. However, frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers in a pandemic situation (e.g., COVID-19) was associated with serious drawbacks such as skin toxicity including irritation, skin dermatitis, and skin dryness or cracking, along with peeling, redness, or itching with higher possibility of infection. This demands the development of alternative novel products that are effective as alcohol-based hand sanitizers but have no hazardous effects. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are known to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, be compatible with the biological system and the environment, and have applicable and economic industrial-scale production. Thus, ZnO-NPs might be a good candidate for hand sanitation. To the best of our knowledge, the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs in comparison to alcohol-based hand sanitizers has not yet been studied. In the present work, a comparative study of the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs vs. Sterillium, a commercial alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is commonly used in Egyptian hospitals, was performed against common microorganisms known to cause HAIs in Egypt, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus aureus. The safety profiles of ZnO-NPs and Sterillium were also assessed. The obtained results demonstrated the superior antibacterial activity and safety of ZnO-NPs compared to Sterillium. Therefore, ZnO-NPs could be a promising candidate for hand sanitation in comparison to alcohol-based hand sanitizers; however, several studies related to long-term toxicity and stability of ZnO-NPs and investigations into their antimicrobial activity and safety in healthcare settings are still required in the future to ascertain their antimicrobial activity and safety.
Experimental Study on the Permeability of Microbial-Solidified Calcareous Sand Based on MICP
Authors: Li Yanjun , Chen Jianwen 
Published: November 2022

In the construction of artificial islands in distant seas, calcareous sand has been widely used as a foundation filler due to its excellent mechanical properties and extensive availability in the marine environment. How to store more fresh water on the artificial islands by reducing its permeability is currently a great challenge. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has always been considered as a great potential method to improve the cemented properties of calcareous sand, but the effect of grain gradation on the permeability of MICP-improved calcareous sand remains unclear. In this research, a self-made device was developed to conduct MICP grouting and permeability tests, where the permeability coefficient (k) under different grain gradations (curvature coefficient (Cc) and uniformity coefficient (Cu)) was measured. A CT scan was conducted to investigate the variation in the porosity (n) of sand samples before and after MICP treatment. The weighting method was adopted to measure the content of induced calcium carbonate (M). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique was used to further study the micromechanism of the MICP treatment. Finally, the correlations between the k of MICP-treated sand and Cu, as well as Cc, were semiquantitively analyzed. The results show that the magnitude of M, k and n changes are closely related to Cc and Cu. The reduction amount of k and n increased with the rise in Cc and Cu, and the increased amount of M increased with the rise in Cc and Cu. The SEM results show that the particle surface became rough due to the coating effect of CaCO3 crystals, and the pore spaces were reduced because of the partially filling effect of the crystals, which was responsible for the decrease in permeability and porosity. Furthermore, k fitted well with Cu and Cc, respectively, and the fitting curve reveals that larger Cu (Cu ≥ 6.0) and smaller Cc (2.0 > Cc > 0.5) were more suitable for MICP treatments and lead to a large reduction in permeability. The above results indicate that the grain gradation of calcareous sand had a significant influence on its permeability improved by MICP.
Differential Expression of Genes Related to Growth and Aflatoxin Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus When Inhibited by Bacillus velezensis Strain B2
Authors: Wu Qiaoyun , Li Huanhuan , Wang Sunxing , Zhang Zhongnian , Zhang Zhipeng , Jin Tuwei , Hu Xiufang , Zeng Guohong 
Published: November 2022

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic soil fungus that infects and contaminates seed crops with the highly carcinogenic aflatoxin, which brings health hazards to animals and humans. In this study, bacterial strains B1 and B2 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of camellia sinensis had significant antagonistic activities against A. flavus. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16SrDNA gene sequence, bacterial strains B1 and B2 were identified as Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus velezensis, respectively. In addition, the transcriptome analysis showed that some genes related to A. flavus growth and aflatoxin synthesis were differential expressed and 16 genes in the aflatoxin synthesis gene cluster showed down-regulation trends when inhibited by Bacillus velezensis strain B2. We guessed that the Bacillus velezensis strain B2 may secrete some secondary metabolites, which regulate the related gene transcription of A. flavus to inhibit growth and aflatoxin production. In summary, this work provided the foundation for the more effective biocontrol of A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination by the determination of differential expression of genes related to growth and aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus when inhibited by B. velezensis strain B2.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Cyclin Gene Family in Brassica rapa
Authors: Zulfiqar Sumer , Zhao Tiantian , Liu Yuanming , Wei Lai , Farooq Muhammad Awais , Tabusam Javaria , Zhao Jianjun , Chen Xueping , Wang Yanhua , Xuan Shuxin , Li Na , Lu Yin , Luo Shuangxia , Shen Shuxing , Gu Aixia 
Published: November 2022

Cyclins are involved in cell division and proliferation by activating enzymes required for the cell cycle progression. Our genome-wide analysis identified 76 cyclin genes in Brassica rapa, which were divided into nine different types (A-, B-, C-, D-, H-, L-, P-, T-, and SDS-type). Cyclin genes were unevenly scattered on all chromosomes, with a maximum of 10 on A08 and a minimum of 2 on A04. The gene structure and conserved motif analysis showed that the cyclins which belonged to the same type or subgroup have a comparable intron/exon pattern or motif. A total of 14 collinear gene pairs suggested that the B. rapa cyclin genes experienced a mass of segmental duplication. The Ka/Ks analysis revealed that the Brcyclin gene family has undergone an extensive purifying pressure. By analyzing the cis-elements in the promoters, we identified 11 cis-elements and five of them are related to the hormone response. We observed 48 potential miRNAs targeting 44 Brcyclin genes, which highlighted the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of cyclin genes. An association analysis between the leaf size and SNPs in mutants and a transcriptome analysis of two Chinese cabbage-cabbage translocation lines also showed that the Brcyclin gene family was involved in the development of the leaves. The functional characterization of the B. rapa cyclin gene family will provide the foundation for future physiological and genetic studies in the regulation of leaf growth.
Investigating the Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-MERS-CoV Activities of Yellow Necklacepod among Three Selected Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Isolation, Identification, In Vitro, Modes of Action, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Abd-Alla Howaida I. , Kutkat Omnia , Sweelam Heba-tollah M. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Mostafa Marwa A. , Ibrahim Magda T. , Moatasim Yassmin , GabAllah Mohamed , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. 
Published: November 2022

The anti-MERS-CoV activities of three medicinal plants (Azadirachta indica, Artemisia judaica, and Sophora tomentosa) were evaluated. The highest viral inhibition percentage (96%) was recorded for S. tomentosa. Moreover, the mode of action for both S. tomentosa and A. judaica showed 99.5% and 92% inhibition, respectively, with virucidal as the main mode of action. Furthermore, the anti-MERS-CoV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of S. tomentosa were measured. Notably, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of S. tomentosa was very high (100%) and anti-MERS-CoV inhibition was slightly lower (96%). Therefore, the phytochemical investigation of the very promising S. tomentosa L. led to the isolation and structural identification of nine compounds (1–9). Then, both the CC50 and IC50 values for the isolated compounds against SARS-CoV-2 were measured. Compound 4 (genistein 4’-methyl ether) achieved superior anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with an IC50 value of 2.13 µm. Interestingly, the mode of action of S. tomentosa against SARS-CoV-2 showed that both virucidal and adsorption mechanisms were very effective. Additionally, the IC50 values of S. tomentosa against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV were found to be 1.01 and 3.11 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, all the isolated compounds were subjected to two separate molecular docking studies against the spike (S) and main protease (Mpr°) receptors of SARS-CoV-2.
Guts Bacterial Communities of Porcellio dilatatus: Symbionts Predominance, Functional Significance and Putative Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Coelho Catarina , Tiago Igor , Veríssimo António 
Published: November 2022

Terrestrial isopods are effective herbivorous scavengers with an important ecological role in organic matter cycling. Their guts are considered to be a natural enrichment environment for lignocellulosic biomass (LCB)-degrading bacteria. The main goal of this work was to assess the structural diversity of Porcellio dilatatus gut bacterial communities using NGS technologies, and to predict their functional potential using PICRUSt2 software. Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacillota, Cyanobacteria, Mycoplasmatota, Bacteroidota, Candidatus Patescibacteria and Chloroflexota were the most abundant phyla found in P. dilatatus gut bacterial communities. At a family level, we identified the presence of eleven common bacterial families. Functionally, the P. dilatatus gut bacterial communities exhibited enrichment in KEGG pathways related to the functional module of metabolism. With the predicted functional profile of P. dilatatus metagenomes, it was possible to envision putative symbiotic relationships between P. dilatatus gut bacterial communities and their hosts. It was also possible to foresee the presence of a well-adapted bacterial community responsible for nutrient uptake for the host and for maintaining host homeostasis. Genes encoding LCB-degrading enzymes were also predicted in all samples. Therefore, the P. dilatatus digestive tract may be considered a potential source of LCB-degrading enzymes that is not to be neglected.
The First Records of Canine Babesiosis in Dogs from Dermacentor reticulatus—Free Zone in Poland
Authors: Pawełczyk Olga , Kotela Damian , Asman Marek , Witecka Joanna , Wilhelmsson Peter , Bubel Paulina , Solarz Krzysztof 
Published: November 2022

Tick-borne microorganisms belong to important etiological agents of many infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Among them, there are haemoprotozoans of the Babesia genus, which infect erythrocytes of a host and may cause many clinical symptoms. Canine babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease in Southern and Central Europe. In this study, we report two cases of symptomatic canine babesiosis caused by Babesia canis in domestic dogs from the Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, as well as the presence of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks detected on one of the Babesia-infected dogs (D. reticulatus-free zone). The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Babesia canis in the dogs’ blood, and the sequencing analysis showed that the obtained sequence is 100% identical to the sequence of Babesia canis isolate 3469 (sequence ID: KX712122.1). Our findings should raise awareness of B. canis infection among dog owners and veterinarians in the region where B. canis was not previously reported in residential, non-traveling dogs, as well as ensuring that adequate diagnostic methods are available.
Assessing a Large-Scale Sequential In Situ Chloroethene Bioremediation System Using Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) and Geochemical Modeling
Authors: Casiraghi Giulia , Pedretti Daniele , Beretta Giovanni Pietro , Masetti Marco , Varisco Simone 
Published: November 2022

Compound-specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) and geochemical modeling were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of an 800 m-long sequential in situ bioremediation (ISB) system in Northern Italy. The system was created for the clean-up of a polluted aquifer affected by chloroethenes. A hydraulically upgradient anaerobic (AN)-biobarrier-stimulated reductive dichlorination (RD) of higher chloroethenes (PCE, TCE) and a downgradient aerobic (AE)-biobarrier-stimulated oxidation (OX) of lower chloroethenes (DCE, VC) were proposed. Carbon CSIA and concentration data were collected for PCE, TCE, cis-DCE and VC and interpreted using a reactive transport model that was able to simulate isotopic fractionation. The analysis suggested that the combination of CSIA and modeling was critical to evaluate the efficiency of sequential ISBs for the remediation of chloroethenes. It was found that the sequential ISB could reduce the PCE, TCE and cis-DCE concentrations by >99% and VC concentrations by >84% along the flow path. First-order RD degradation rate constants (kRD) increased by 30 times (from kRD = 0.2–0.3 y−1 up to kRD = 6.5 y−1) downgradient of the AN barrier. For cis-DCE and VC, the AE barrier had a fundamental role to enhance OX. First-order OX degradation rate constants (kOX) ranged between kOX = 0.7–155 y−1 for cis-DCE and kOX = 1.7–12.6 y−1 for VC.
GENDER INEQUALITY ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER IN NIKI CARO’S MULAN MOVIE: A FEMINISM STUDY
Authors: Hasna Afina Mirrah , Rahayu Endang Yuliani 
Published: November 2022

This research is focused on feminist studies. It is further discussing gender inequality reflected in Mulan, the impact of gender inequality in Mulan and Mulan's efforts to realize gender equality. This research is based on the theory of sexual politics by Kate Millett which explains that women must be able to have masculine and feminine behavior by fighting for gender equality. This means that women must also play the role of men. On the other hand, women can only serve their husbands and raise children when they are only seen as weak figures are called sexual politics. The data of this research is taken from Mulan movie, especially from the movie script and the point of view of the female character. In chapter IV the gender inequality reflected in Mulan, the impact of gender inequality in Mulan and the efforts made to achieve gender equality are discussed referring to Kate Millett theory. The study results that this film is about gender inequality because women are considered weaker and cannot do men's work. In addition, the authors hope that research on women's struggles in the future, especially gender equality, can be carried out more often.

Keywords: Gender Inequality, Gender Equality, Feminism Study, Sexual Politics, Mulan Movie
ANALYSIS OF THE ENGLISH TEACHING WRITING METHODS USED BY THE TEACHERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AT EMSA SCHOOL
Authors: Pujianti Metanoia Tatag , Widyaningrum Agnes 
Published: November 2022

The condition of the education system that changed from a face-to-face learning system to an online learning system as a reaction to the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout Indonesia made this an inspiration for researchers to conduct research. Of course, given the new education system, teachers must develop efficient teaching techniques to optimize student learning. This study intends to describe the methods teachers use to teach English lessons online during the pandemic. The purpose of this study is to analyze the teachers' methods for teaching English during the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) the strategies that teacher used during COVID-19 pandemic to teaching writing, (2) the reasons of selecting those strategies. In order to create this thesis, the researcher used descriptive qualitative methods. Since the researcher completed a one- month internship at a school on October 25, 2022, the study data has been assessed. Two English teachers from EMSA School were interviewed to gather information.The findings of this study are as follows: (1) explain various devices to tech and providing detailed instruction on how to submit the assignment, (2) explain the use of online tools as the effective way, (3) evaluating the student’s comprehension of the materials, reminding students for the schedule and using online tools to provide the assignment.
Key words: Teachers’ strategies, online learning, online platform.
Analisis Kesalahan dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Aritmatika Sosial Ditinjau dari Kemampuan Awal Siswa
Authors: Mulbar Usman , Alimuddin Alimuddin , Ridjalu Wa Ode Nur Radhiah 
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the description of errors, types of errors, and the causes of errors made by students in solving social arithmetic story problems in terms of students’ initial abilities. The type of research used is dercriptive research. A total of 28 students of class VII became subjects in this study. Data was collected using written tests and interviews. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that the percentage of errors from the largest to the smallest in a row is a problem with the concept of profit, purchase price, net weight, interest, discounts and taxes. The types of errors from the largest to the smallest percentages are errors in understanding the problem, errors in completing mathematical models, errors in making mathematical models, and errors in writing the final answer to the questions. The causes of students errors are not understanding the meaning of the question, not mastering the concepts related to the problem, not mastering the steps in solving the problem, lacking mastery in the calculation process, unable to determine the next formula to solve the problem, making mistakes in the previous process, unable to write final answer, forgetting factor, and lack of practice working on the questions.
Deskripsi Pemahaman Konseptual dan Prosedural pada Materi Persamaan Garis Lurus ditinjau dari Kecerdasan Logis Matematis Siswa
Authors: Alawiya Tuti , Dinar Muhammad , Asdar Asdar 
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui deskripsi pemahaman konseptual dan prosedural pada materi persamaan garis lurus jika ditinjau dari kecerdasan logis matematis siswa. Untuk memenuhi tujuan tersebut dilakukan jenis penelitian kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif. Subjek dari penelitian ini terdiri dari 3 orang yakni masing-masing satu dari kecerdasan logis matematis tinggi, sedang, dan rendah siswa di kelas IX SMP. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah tes kecerdasan logis matematis, tes pemahaman konseptual dan prosedural dan pedoman wawancara. Materi yang digunakan adalah materi persamaan garis lurus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pada pemahaman konseptual, subjek dengan kecerdasan logis matematis tinggi mampu memahami 3 indikator, kecerdasan logis matematis sedang 4 indikator, dan kecerdasan logis matematis rendah 1 indikator. Pada pemahaman prosedural, ketiga subjek belum memahami dengan baik setiap indikatornyaKata Kunci: Konseptual, Prosedural, Kecerdasan Logis Matematis, Persamaan Garis Lurus.This study aims to determine the description of conceptual and procedural understanding on the material of straight-line equations when viewed from the logical mathematical intelligence of students. To fulfill this objective, a descriptive qualitative research was conducted. The subjects of this study consisted of 3 people, one each from high, medium, and low mathematical logical intelligence students in class IX SMP. The instruments in this study were logical mathematical intelligence tests, conceptual and procedural understanding tests and interview guidelines. The material used is straight line equation material. The results showed that on conceptual understanding, subjects with high mathematical logical intelligence were able to understand 3 indicators, moderate mathematical logical intelligence 4 indicators, and low mathematical logical intelligence 1 indicator. In procedural understanding, the three subjects did not understand each indicator well Keywords: Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Understanding, Mathematical Logical Intelligence, Straight Line Equation
Peningkatan Pemahaman Konsep Matematika melalui Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah pada Siswa Kelas Xi Ipa SMAN 1 Topoyo
Authors: Marpiyanti Marpiyanti 
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan Kelas (Classroom action research), yang bertujuan untuk: meningkatkan pemahaman konsep matematika siswa kelas XI IPA SMAN Topoyo melalui pembelajarn berbasis masalah. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI IPA SMAN 1 Topoyo kabupaten Mamuju Provinsi Sulawesi Barat sebanyak 30 siswa, yang terdiri atas 9 laki-laki dan 21 perempuan. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis data kualitatif dan analisis data kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: Penggunaan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah pada siswa kelas XI IPA SMAN Topoyo dapat meningkatkan pemahaman konsep khususnya indikator kemampuan menyatakan ulang konsep yang telah dipelajari hal ini didindikasi dari analisis deskriptif rata-rata skor perolehan siswa sebesar 2,63 meningkat menjadi 3,63, kemampuan memberikan contoh dan bukan contoh dari konsep yang telah dipelajari hal ini didindikasi dari analisis deskriptif rata-rata skor perolehan siswa sebesar 3,2 meningkat menjadi 3,63, dan kemampuan menyajikan konsep dalam berbagai macam bentuk representase matematika hal ini didindikasi dari analisis deskriptif rata-rata skor perolehan siswa sebesar 2,73 meningkat menjadi 3,67, tetapi tidak dapat meningkatkan pemahaman konsep khususnya indikator kemampuan mengaitkan berbagai konsep (internal dan eksternal matematika);Kata Kunci : Pemahaman konsep, Pembelajaran bebasis masalah.