Interactions of cephalexin with bovine serum albumin: displacement reaction and molecular docking

Abstract:
Introduction: The drug-plasma protein interaction is a fundamental issue in guessing and checking the serious drug side effects related with other drugs. The purpose of this research was to study the interaction of cephalexin with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and displacement reaction using site probes.
Methods: The interaction mechanism concerning cephalexin (CPL) with BSA was investigated using various spectroscopic methods and molecular modeling method. The binding sites number, n, apparent binding constant, K, and thermodynamic parameters, ΔG0, ΔH0, and ΔS0 were considered at different temperatures. To evaluate the experimental results, molecular docking modeling was calculated.
Results: The distance, r=1.156 nm between BSA and CPL were found in accordance with the Forster theory of non-radiation energy transfer (FRET) indicating energy transfer occurs between BSA and CPL. According to the binding parameters and ΔG0= negative values and ΔS0= 28.275 j mol-1K-1, a static quenching process is effective in the CPL-BSA interaction spontaneously. ΔG0 for the CPL-BSA complex obtained from the docking simulation is -28.99 kj mol-1, which is close to experimental ΔG of binding, -21.349 kj mol-1 that indicates a good agreement between the results of docking methods and experimental data.
Conclusion: The outcomes of spectroscopic methods revealed that the conformation of BSA changed during drug-BSA interaction. The results of FRET propose that CPL quenches the fluorescence of BSA by static quenching and FRET. The displacement study showed that phenylbutazon and ketoprofen displaced CPL, indicating that its binding site on albumin is site I and Gentamicin cannot be displaced from the binding site of CPL. All results of molecular docking method agreed with the results of experimental data.

Hamed Hamishehkar
Soheila Hosseini
Abdolhossein Naseri
Azam Safarnejad
Farzaneh Rasoulzadeh


Tissue Biopsy in Infected Foot and Ankle Surgery

Abstract: Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: When performing surgical debridement to treat chronically infected orthopaedic cases our unit routinely samples 5 intraoperative specimens for microbiology. Best practice and achieving accurate sampling would suggest that a new scalpel and forceps for each sampling site would yield the most valid results.The alternate option would be to use the same instruments. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the two techniques in treating infected foot and ankle cases. Methods: Ten consecutive patients undergoing debridement for foot and ankle infection were prospectively included. Both techniques were performed on same patient to minimise any bias related to the type of host and severity of infection. This was achieved by collecting 5 tissue samples from 5 different sites initially using fresh instruments for each . We then used the first scalpel and forceps to sample the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th sites again. Samples were labelled from 1 to 9 where the 6th to 9th samples were from the same sites as the 2nd to 5th samples but taken by different technique. This allowed differentiating a genuine growth at a particular site from a contaminant carried on from another site. Results: In 7 patients the scalpel transferred microorganisms from one site to another as some of the 5 sites showed no organisms when biopsied by fresh instruments but showed growth when sampled by the re-used first scalpel. In the remaining 3 patients, the growth form the sites sampled by re-used first scalpel was consistent with the growth from those sites when ampled by fresh instruments . Conclusion: Our preliminary results showed that fresh scalpel and forceps are required for each sampling site to avoid transferring contamination from one site to another. This helps guide the extent of future debridement and also the type of antibiotics to be used.

Gillian Jackson MBChB, MRCS, FRCS(Tr&Orth)


Actinic Granuloma with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Abstract: Actinic granuloma is an uncommon granulomatous disease, characterized by annular erythematous plaque with central clearing predominately located on sun-damaged skin. The pathogenesis is not well understood, ultraviolet radiation is recognized as precipitating factor. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with asymptomatic annular erythematous plaques on the forehead and both cheeks persisting for 2 years. The clinical presentation and histopathologic findings support the diagnosis of actinic granuloma. During that period of time, she also developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The association between actinic granuloma and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis needs to be clarified by further studies.

Ruedee Phasukthaworn
Kumutnart Chanprapaph
Vasanop Vachiramon


Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in the different extracts of Caspian saffron, Crocus caspius Fisch & C. A. Mey. ex Hohen.

Abstract:
Nowadays it is very desirable to investigate and discover new antibacterial and antioxidant agents from natural
products and medicinal plants. The current study was conducted to examine the antimicrobial and antioxidant
properties of an endemic plant named Caspian saffron, Crocus caspius. After collecting C. caspius and drying them
in the shade, ethanol, methanol and hydroalcohol extracts were prepared using maceration method. The amount
of phenols and flavonoids measured in this study 2, 2_diphenyl-1_picrylhdrazyl (DPPH) test and disc diffusion
method were used to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, respectively. According to the results,
phenols and free radical scavenging capacity were at highest level in the hydroalcoholic extract and flavonoids at
highest level in the ethanol extract. More antioxidant activity of extracts was obtained in the higher concentrations.
The highest amount of inhibitor for antimicrobial activity was in methanol extract using Candida albicans. The
results indicated the potentiality of C. caspius extract to use as bio-preservatives and antimicrobial agents.
However, further investigations are needed in the future in this regard.

Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences


Evaluation of a new vine trellis system called Ramé / Evaluación de un nuevo sistema de conducción de la Vid denominado Ramé

Abstract: You should leave 10 mm of space above the abstract and 15 mm after the abstract. The heading Abstract should be typed in bold 9-point Arial. The body of the abstract should be typed in normal 9-point Times in a single paragraph, immediately following the heading. The text should be set to 1.15 line spacing. The abstract should be centred across the page, indented 15 mm from the left and right page margins and justified. It should not normally exceed 200 words. Under this problematic context, several growers in our area proposed alternatives to conduction systems. An innovation was the system of divided canopy “Ramé”, developed by the local viticulture Luis Alberto Ramero. This system was attempted to combine high yield with high quality grape, machanize harvest and good cinditions of canopy microclimate. It's a system of vertical shoot position, with its canopy divided into two planes. These systems are characterized, in our region, by a low foliar surface exposed per hectare, a relatively low productivity (in the case of the VSP) or difficulty to mechanize the harvest (in the case of the Parral). The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecophysiology of Rame system, determining if it behaves differently when it is planted with one or two plants by post (Rame single and double). Also the two modalities of Rame were compared with the trellis in VSP. Since this latter system is not included in the statistical, but planted design on the side of the test, the comparison kept a descriptive character. For the Rame we established an experimental trial with statistical design, with two treatments in trellis-training system. A treatment consisted in planting one vine per post, called simple Rame (RS) and two vines per post, called double Rame (RD), leaving in this way different number of plants per unit area (1600 plantas / has and 3200 plantas / has respectively). Nevertheless, regardless of the number of plants per hectare, Rame system maintain high values of anthocyanins (1, 2 mg/Kg of grapes) and IPT (43) with high production (152 qq / has). This fact, added to that the system has potential for mechanization, converts Rame in a trellis system with high potential for vine growth in the viticulture regions. The trellis VSP behaved less productive (86 qq / has), and at the same time obtained lower values of qualitative components such as anthocyanins (1.04 mg/Kg of grapes) and IPT (35).

Valeria Bergas
José Rodríguez
Ignacio Galarraga
Hernán Vila
Natalia Carrillo
Andrea Corvalán
Francisco Gómez


STRATEGI MOCHTAR LUBIS DALAM MEMPERTAHANKAN PROPAGANDA ORDE BARU MELALUI BUKU CERITA PENDEK KULI KONTRAK

Abstract: This paper shows Mochtar Lubis’ Kuli Kontrak has the political relations with the New Order’s negative stigma of communism; Kuli Kontrak was culturally part of spreading the stigma. Every element in the short stories collection has different functions, but interrelated, in maintaining the negative stigma. The elements discussed in this paper, first, the intrinsic elements, namely the narrative strategy is divided into three main parts. Second, extrinsic elements: namely the covers which contains a painting and endorsements from figures. Third, the political element: the year of publication of the book and political backgrounds in Indonesia at that time. Discussion of each element followed by politics of aesthetics analysis, namely analysis of the political impacts of the use of these elements to social conditions, either directly or indirectly, expected by the author or not.

Indonesian Literature Study Program, Andalas University


Apresentação

Abstract: Apresentação da REMAT, v. 1, n. 2, 2015.

Greice da Silva Lorenzzetti Andreis
Rodrigo Sychocki da Silva
Daiane Scopel Boff

Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS)

Special aspects of education
Mathematics


Implementasi Proses Bisnis pada Perusahaan Retail Menggunakan Software Adempiere

Abstract:
Sistem Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) merupakan sebuah aplikasi sistem informasi terintegrasi yang dapat digunakan untuk pengelolaan dan integrasi proses bisnis perusahaan. Perusahaan retail memiliki beberapa departemen dan menangani transaksi dalam jumlah banyak dalam satu waktu, sehingga penerapan sistem ERP sangat bermanfaat bagi perusahaan tersebut. Sistem ERP dapat mempermudah penyaluran informasi antar departemen karena menggunakan satu logical basis data. Adempiere merupakan software ERP open source yang dapat digunakan untuk pengelolaan proses bisnis menjadi suatu sistem informasi terintegrasi. Proses bisnis yang diimplementasikan adalah proses bisnis pembelian, penjualan, pergudangan, dan akunting. Hasil akhir dari penelitian ini adalah rekomendasi sistem informasi terintegrasi dengan pemodelan proses bisnis perusahaan menggunakan software Adempiere. Proses bisnis existing menjadi terintegrasi dan lebih bersifat otomatis.

Kata Kunci: sistem informasi terintegrasi, enterprise resource planning, Adempiere

Deria Dwi Antari
I Made Sukarsa
I Putu Agung Bayupati

Jurnal Ilmiah Merpati (Menara Penelitian Akademika Teknologi Informasi)


A RARE CASE OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN CORONARY ARTERIES ECTASIA

Abstract: A rare case is described, of myocardial infarction developed in a young male with rare pathology of coronary arteries — multiple ectasies.

G. A. Kukharchik
L. A. Sorokin
I. N. Koval
G. B. Saraev

Российский кардиологический журнал

Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system


What Evidence Underlies Clinical Practice in Paediatric Surgery? A Systematic Review Assessing Choice of Study Design.

Abstract:
Objective
Identify every paediatric surgical article published in 1998 and every paediatric surgical article published in 2013, and determine which study designs were used and whether they were appropriate for robustly assessing interventions in surgical conditions.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted according to a pre-specified protocol (CRD42014007629), using EMBASE and Medline. Non-English language studies were excluded. Studies were included if meeting population criteria and either condition or intervention criteria.
Population
Children under the age of 18, or adults who underwent intervention for a condition managed by paediatric surgeons when they were under 18 years of age.
Condition
One managed by general paediatric surgeons.
Intervention
Used for treatment of a condition managed by general paediatric surgeons.
Main outcome measure
Studies were classified according to whether the IDEAL collaboration recommended their design for assessing surgical interventions or not. Change in proportions between 1998 and 2013 was calculated.
Results
1581 paediatric surgical articles were published in 1998, and 3453 in 2013. The most commonly used design, accounting for 45% of studies in 1998 and 46.8% in 2013, was the retrospective case series. Only 1.8% of studies were RCTs in 1998, and 1.9% in 2013. Overall, in 1998, 9.8% of studies used a recommended design. In 2013, 11.9% used a recommended design (proportion increase 2.3%, 95% confidence interval 0.5% increase to 4% increase, p = 0.017).
Conclusions and relevance
A low proportion of published paediatric surgical manuscripts utilise a design that is recommended for assessing surgical interventions. RCTs represent fewer than 1 in 50 studies. In 2013, 88.1% of studies used a less robust design, suggesting the need for a new way of approaching paediatric surgical research.

Benjamin Allin
Nicholas Aveyard
Timothy Campion-Smith
Eleanor Floyd
James Kimpton
James Kimpton
Kate Swarbrick
Emma Williams
Marian Knight


Association between glycemic control and morning blood surge with vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract: Objective: Morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the association between glycemic control and MBPS, and its effect on vascular injury in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study examined the association between glycemic control and MBPS and the involvement of MBPS in the development of vascular dysfunction in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two consecutive T2DM outpatients from the Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology were enrolled in this study. We did MBPS in T2DM patients, 85 (male) (69.7%) patients and 37 (female) patients (30.3%); mean age 60.1 ± 9.39; (n = 122) using 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and assessed vascular function by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD). Results: The correlation between MBPS and various clinical variables were examined by single regression analysis in all subjects. MBPS showed significant and positive correlation with pulse rate (P = 0.01), fasting blood sugar (P = 0.002), and postprandial blood sugar (P = 0.05). To further confirm the association of insulin resistance (IR) with MBPS in T2DM patients, we examined the correlation between homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), an established marker of IR and MBPS in diabetic (DM) patients who were not taking insulin no significant association with MBPS in T2DM patients (P = 0.41), angiotensin-converting enzyme/angiotensin receptor blocker (P = 0.07). We examined the relationship between MBPS and vascular injury by measuring endothelium-dependent FMD and endothelium-independent NMD in T2DM patients. Among the various traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis such as DM duration (P = 0.04), platelet reactivity (P = 0.04) and morning surge (P = 0.002) emerged as significant factors. HOMA-IR was a negative correlation with FMD. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated that poor glycemic control and IR have predictive value for the occurrence of MBPS in T2DM patients, which might be significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Rama Kumari Nuthalapati
Bhaskara Raju Indukuri

Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology

Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology


Between tradition and technological innovation: challenges to lime Heritage conservation

Abstract: The aim is to discuss the relationship between traditional and scientific technological knowledge as innovative and fundamental to heritage conservation. It is argued that this innovation does not necessarily come from scientific knowledge, but potentially from a wise articulation between these two types of knowledge. This discussion starts from an already long process of reflection on lime heritage conservation, as developed in LNEC from research projects.

Associação Profissional de Conservadores - Restauradores de Portugal


Uma análise das condições de saúde nos municípios paranaenses

Abstract: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as condições de saúde nos municípios paranaenses verificando quais deles melhor otimizam os recursos disponíveis, consequentemente ofertando mais e melhores serviços à população. Neste enfoque, primeiramente procurou-se caracterizar a saúde pública no Brasil, no estado do Paraná e em seus municípios. Em seguida construiu-se um Indicador de Desempenho para cada município do estado (ID) e foram utilizadas variáveis selecionadas que representam mortalidade e longevidade nos 399 municípios paranaenses – mortalidade infantil, mortalidade até os 5 anos, expectativa de vida e probabilidade de atingir 60 anos. Com relação às variáveis, as que dizem respeito aos gastos com saúde, o período analisado foi de 2007 a 2010, as informações sobre a população são referentes ao Censo 2010 e as relacionadas à infraestrutura e saúde da população, foram coletadas junto ao DATASUS. A análise dos resultados permitiu verificar a existência de municípios que conseguem equacionar melhor seus insumos e desta forma oferecem um melhor serviço à sua população, consequentemente o seu ID é melhor. Também se verificou que os municípios considerados de Grande Porte são menos dependentes das transferências correntes do Estado e da União, e apresentaram melhor ID. O município de Colombo foi o que apresentou o melhor Indicador de Desempenho, enquanto que os municípios de Cruzmaltina e Cantagalo têm o pior ID do Estado.

Ovídio Cesar Barbosa
Sidnei Pereira do Nascimento
José Carlos Dalmas

Economic growth, development, planning
Economics as a science


Induction Motor Parameter Identification Using a Gravitational Search Algorithm

Abstract: The efficient use of electrical energy is a topic that has attracted attention for its environmental consequences. On the other hand, induction motors represent the main component in most industries. They consume the highest energy percentages in industrial facilities. This energy consumption depends on the operation conditions of the induction motor imposed by its internal parameters. Since the internal parameters of an induction motor are not directly measurable, an identification process must be conducted to obtain them. In the identification process, the parameter estimation is transformed into a multidimensional optimization problem where the internal parameters of the induction motor are considered as decision variables. Under this approach, the complexity of the optimization problem tends to produce multimodal error surfaces for which their cost functions are significantly difficult to minimize. Several algorithms based on evolutionary computation principles have been successfully applied to identify the optimal parameters of induction motors. However, most of them maintain an important limitation: They frequently obtain sub-optimal solutions as a result of an improper equilibrium between exploitation and exploration in their search strategies. This paper presents an algorithm for the optimal parameter identification of induction motors. To determine the parameters, the proposed method uses a recent evolutionary method called the gravitational search algorithm (GSA). Different from most of the existent evolutionary algorithms, the GSA presents a better performance in multimodal problems, avoiding critical flaws such as the premature convergence to sub-optimal solutions. Numerical simulations have been conducted on several models to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.


Research Papers in Online Learning Performance and Behaviour

International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning


p-p minimum-bias dijets and nonjet quadrupole in relation to conjectured collectivity (flows) in high-energy nuclear collisions

Abstract: Recent observations of ridge-like structure in p-p and p-A angular correlations at the RHIC and LHC have been interpreted to imply collective motion in smaller collision systems. It is argued that if correlation structures accepted as manifestations of flow in A-A collisions appear in smaller systems collectivity (flow) must extend to the smaller systems. But the argument could be reversed to conclude that such structures appearing in A-A collisions may not imply hydrodynamic flow. I present spectrum, correlation and fluctuation data from RHIC p-p and Au-Au collisions and p-p, p-Pb and Pb-Pb results from the LHC described accurately by a two-component (soft+dijet) model of hadron production. I also present evidence for a significant p-p nonjet (NJ) quadrupole (v2) component with nch systematics directly related to A-A NJ quadrupole systematics. The combination suggests that soft, dijet and NJ quadrupole com- ponents are distinct phenomena in all cases, inconsistent with hadron production from a common bulk medium exhibiting collective motion (flow).


Comments on fusion matrix in N=1 super Liouville field theory

Abstract: We study several aspects of the N=1 super Liouville theory. We show that certain elements of the fusion matrix in the Neveu–Schwarz sector are related to the structure constants according to the same rules which we observe in rational conformal field theory. We collect some evidences that these relations should hold also in the Ramond sector. Using them the Cardy–Lewellen equation for defects is studied, and defects are constructed.

Nuclear and particle physics. Atomic energy. Radioactivity


Effect of thymoquinone on P53 gene expression and consequence apoptosis in breast cancer cell line

Abstract:
Background: Nigella sativa has been a nutritional flavoring factor and natural treatment for many ailments for so many years in medical science. Earlier studies have been reported that thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound of its seed, contains anticancer properties. Previous studies have shown that TQ induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells but it is unclear the role of P53 in the apoptotic pathway. Hereby, this study reports the potency of TQ on expression of tumor suppressor gene P53 and apoptosis induction in breast cancer cell line Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7).
 Methods: MCF-7 cell line was cultured and treated with TQ, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out for evaluating the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values after 24 h of treatment. The percentage of apoptotic cells was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to estimate the messenger RNA expression of P53 in MCF-7 cell line at different times.
 Results: The IC50 value for the TQ in MCF-7 cells was 25 mM that determined using MTT assay. The flow cytometry and real-time PCR results showed that TQ could induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, and the P53 gene expression was dramatically up-regulated by ascending time, respectively. Hence, there was significant difference in 48 and 72 h.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that TQ could induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through up-regulation of P53 expression in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) by time-dependent manner.

Mehdi Nikbakht Dastjerdi
Ebrahim Momeni Mehdiabady
Farhad Golshan Iranpour
Hamid Bahramian

International Journal of Preventive Medicine


Optimizing Your Mentoring Relationship: A Toolkit for Mentors and Mentees

Abstract: Abstract Introduction Mentorship is a vital component of academic and professional development. Mentees report positive impacts from mentorship programs, yet institutions and societies may struggle to meet their mentees’ needs due to factors such as mentor fatigue and lack of mentor training. To address this in our own professional society, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors, we developed a mentor toolkit in order to utilize a variety of mentoring models, provide faculty development for midlevel mentors, and offer guidance to mentees. Methods Most of these tools were designed to be administered in an interactive format such as a workshop or seminar with think-pair-share opportunities. The toolkit begins by providing a definition of mentoring and reinforcing the benefits and the characteristics of effective mentoring relationships. Next, we discuss the important role that mentees have in creating and maintaining effective mentoring relationships (i.e., mentee-driven mentoring). We then introduce a mentoring mosaic activity designed to help mentees examine their professional network and think about how they might expand it to fulfill the spectrum of their mentoring needs. Next, we present guidelines for the implementation of four mentoring models that can be used within one's institution: traditional dyadic mentoring, peer group mentoring, meet the professor mentoring, and speed mentoring. We then provide tools that can be used to help facilitate effective mentoring development. Results This toolkit has successfully served as a self-guided resource at national meetings for many years, garnering positive feedback from mentors and mentees alike. Discussion The principles and methods are easily generalizable and may be used to guide mentorship programs within institutional and professional societies, as well as to assist mentors and mentees in optimizing their individual mentoring relationships.

Megan Aylor
Mario Cruz
Aditee Narayan
Col. Clifton Yu
Joseph Lopreiato
Keith J. Mann
Rhonda Graves Acholonu
Teri Lee Turner
Janet R. Serwint
Theodore Charles Sectish
Marsha S. Anderson
Nancy D. Spector

Association of American Medical Colleges


Test on Increasing Drop Strength of Complex Deoxidizer by Epoxy Resin Binder and Application

Abstract: According the issue of Al-CaO complex deoxidizer for clean steel easily crushing during process of falling from 10 meters high burden bin led to low utilization, increase of cost and dust pollution in situ, the effect of adding epoxy resin, modified starch etc binders with 0-2.5% content in Al-CaO complex deoxider fine powder and binder curing at 180-350 °C on drop strength of complex deoxidizer has been studied. Results show that the epoxy resin is better than modified starch, with increasing epoxy resin content the drop strength of complex deoxidizer increases, and as the epoxy resin content is more than 2.0% , the crushing rate is no-obvious change; with adding 2.0% epoxy resin and curing at 350℃ , the crushing rate of complex deoxidizer is minimum that is 17.5%. The application o£ adding epoxy resin in Al-CaO complex deoxidizer for EH40 steel in RH refining show that with adding epoxy resin the drop strength of complex deoxidizer increases obviously to decrease the dust pollution in situ and the cost for control pollution.

亢淑梅 于长鸿 沈明钢 赵昌明 李成威

Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials


A Novel Combining Method for Composite Groove Structure Fabrication

Abstract: A composite groove structure with high specific strength and light weight has great potential in industrial application, but few studies on this have been carried out due to the fact that it is difficult to fabricate by one of the existing methods. The purpose of this work was to propose a novel method combining 3D printing and filament winding to manufacture the groove structure and study the link between its mechanical strength needs and fabrication parameters. Specifically, filament winding and 3D printing were used to fabricate the cylinder part and complex ring slot part of the groove structure, which is difficult to fabricate by winding. The combining method took advantage of the winding’s high efficiency and the printing’s high forming degree of freedom. The specimen was taken from the structure and submitted to a short beam test to determine its interlaminar shear strength, whereas thermal tests were carried out to evaluate its mechanical performance under high temperature. The interlaminar shear strength reached 6.694 MPa at a fiber orientation of 90°, a heating temperature of 245 °C and a thickness of 0.5 mm. The SEM photo showed some voids and gaps and typical failure in the failed specimen. DMA and TGA were carried out to investigate the performance under high temperature, from which the storage modulus lost half to 120 °C. Overall, the proposed combining novel method offers a new direction in the fabrication of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites’ groove structure.

Shuhai Huang
Cheng Chang
Jiaqi Liu
Shouwei Tong
Shouzheng Sun
Zhenyu Han
Qiang Chen
Xudong Ran


El reconocimiento al Otro: compromiso para una ciudadanía democrática

Abstract: En los tiempos sociales que vivimos en la actualidad, y en todos los tiempos históricos de la humanidad, se hace necesaria la atención permanente a la condición humana. En este análisis recogemos algunas consideraciones sobre quién es el Otro/a y su reconocimiento, principalmente a partir de las voces de personas del ámbito académico, del ámbito social, y del ámbito del cuidado, así como también hemos seleccionado algunos aportes teóricos en el marco de una investigación doctoral en curso. Las reflexiones que presentamos en este artículo giran en torno a la consideración de lo humano, su reconocimiento y, principalmente, su respeto como claves insustituibles para la equidad en contextos sociales que pretendan la igualdad. Nuestro trabajo se enmarca en una investigación de carácter cualitativo cuyos objetivos generales son: estudiar en profundidad y sistematizar los núcleos conceptuales del Otro/a vinculados a su reconocimiento; describir y analizar experiencias y prácticas profesionales y/o socio-educativas que promueven el reconocimiento al Otro/a; y elaborar una propuesta pedagógica del ámbito no formal. El método de análisis de la información utilizado es el análisis de contenido mediante categorización, desarrollado a través del soporte informático (Atlas-ti.9).

Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales (FACSO-UNA)


Nurse-coordinated home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure: A scoping review

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to review and summarize the studies of nurse-coordinated home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. Methods: The review was performed using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework. A systematic search was conducted across eight databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Journals (CSTJ) Database, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, from inception to 30 April 2023. Articles relevant to the nurse-coordinated home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure were included. Results: Eighteen studies were included in this review. These studies showed that nurses primarily focused on patient assessment, home-based cardiac rehabilitation planning and guidance, and follow-up. The studies also reported positive outcomes in patient safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the programs coordinated by nurses. Conclusions: Home-based cardiac rehabilitation coordinated by nurses is beneficial to patients with heart failure. Future research will explore the potential of nurses in home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure, determine optimal evaluation criteria, and formulate safe, effective, and economical rehabilitation programs suitable for the patients.

Tiantian Ruan
Mengqi Xu
Lingyan Zhu
Yuan Ding

International Journal of Nursing Sciences


An Interference Sensing Algorithm Based on Duration Units of Frequency Points for Adaptive Frequency-Hopping System

Abstract: The adaptive Frequency-Hopping(FH) technique based on interference sensing can further enhance the anti-interference performance of hybrid Direct-Sequence/FH Spread Spectrum(DS/FH SS) system and FH Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing(FH-OFDM) system. Existing interference sensing algorithms cannot provide an accurate detection performance for both stationary and non-stationary LFM interference, and have the problem of misjudging useful signal as interference due to the dynamic time-frequency characteristics of useful signal. To improve the sensing detection capability with low false alarm rate, this paper proposes an algorithm, by analyzing the duration units of frequency points and combining the least-squares fitting method to sense stationary and non-stationary LFM interference. Simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of our interference sensing algorithm.

Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering


An economic evaluation of vaccination in children against meningococcal infection in Moscow

Abstract: Meningococcal infection (MI) is one of the most serious and life-threatening with an average mortality rate of 15 %. Infection accounts for the largest number of deaths of all infectious diseases among children under 17 years of age. Aim. Using simulation mathematical modeling to evaluate the potential epidemiological and economic benefits of vaccination against MI for children under the age of 1 year in Moscow with a Meningococcal (Groups A, C, Y and W-135) Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine. Methods. The assessment of potential indicators of morbidity and mortality of children under the age of 1 year after vaccination in a hypothetic cohort was carried out, considering a period of the stable post-vaccination immunity. Data were compared with the indicators of the MI incidence in Moscow. Monetary equivalents of economic benefits are calculated, considering the cost of vaccination, direct and indirect costs. Results. It is possible to reduce the number of MI cases by 73 %, mortality by an average on 85 % after vaccination, in the horizon of 5 years of maintaining immunity tension, Vaccination of children under one year old can reduce the number of disability cases that occur after severe forms of infection. As a result, the economic impact from the mentioned disease can be reduced by 75 %. Conclusion. The resulting economic benefits in the future may significantly exceed the cost of vaccination. It seems expedient to accelerate the introduction of vaccination of children's contingents against MI.

S. V. Svetlichnaya
L. N. Mazankova
L. D. Popovich
L. A. Elagina

Качественная клиническая практика

Medical technology
Pharmacy and materia medica


Comparison of attempts and plans to quit tobacco products among single, dual, and triple users

Abstract:
Introduction
Tobacco users are categorized as single, dual, and triple users based
on the number of tobacco products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco
products) used. This study addressed a literature gap by examining how adult
Korean tobacco users’ quit attempts/plans differed based on the user type, and
the associated psychosocial and subjective health-related factors.

Methods
We used a questionnaire to examine participants' self-reported health,
stress, health concerns, health behavior, tobacco addiction, intentions/plans to
quit, and demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests,
one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.

Results
Of the 1288 tobacco users, 55.4%, 28.3%, and 16.4% were single, dual, and
triple users, respectively. Self-rated health and stress were lowest among single
users and highest among triple users. Most user types had intentions/plans to
quit, especially triple users. Quit attempts and plans increased with increasing
health behaviors and time elapsed before first tobacco use in the morning, but
decreased with higher stress and self-rated addiction.

Conclusions
Intentions/plans to quit tobacco use varied based on the type of tobacco
user. Multiple users had higher self-rated health, plans to quit, and self-reported
addiction; they considered themselves healthy or engaged in healthy behaviors
to offset problems from tobacco use and used multiple tobacco products to quit
smoking. Highly stressed users had fewer plans to quit and used tobacco for stress
relief. Thus, the provision of accurate information about tobacco products and
stress management is important to promote successful quitting.

Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens


Compost Increases Soil Fertility and Promotes the Growth of Five Tropical Species Used in Urban Forestry

Abstract: Abstract This study aims at assessing the impact of compost application on the physical (porosity, volumetric-moisture and bulk density) and the chemical traits of soil (pH, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity and soil nutrients) on the leaf nutrient concentration and growth (height, diameter, new leaf-structures and chlorophyll content) of five native species used in urban forestry. Using a two-way factorial design, we evaluated three substrates: i) Soil (ii) Soil-compost mixture SC-12.5 (12.5 % compost (v/v)) (iii) Soil-compost mixture SC-25 (25 % compost (v/v)) and five species: Retrophyllum rospigliosii, Inga edulis, Citharexylum montanum, Caesalpinia spinosa, and Citharexylum sulcatum. We found that SC-25 and SC-12.5 increased the electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, and soil base saturation. Moreover, compost addition increased the growth of the five native species evaluated. Such results suggest that compost-application is a viable option to improve soil fertility and promote the growth of native trees.

Silvia Melissa Manrique-Veja
Oscar Alvarado-Sanabria

Instituto de Florestas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro


Implementation of Synology NAS-Based Storage System Type DS220+ at LSP-SV IPB

Abstract: As the digital world evolves, safeguarding digital assets becomes crucial for organizations, particularly educational institutions. LSP SV-IPB, as a vocational certification body, manages student data, academic records, and other valuable information. Therefore, it is essential to implement an effective protection strategy. The research aims to develop and implement digital asset protection strategies at the LSP SV-IPB. The protection focuses on data storage management so that passive data is properly stored as the main backup and transactional data runs efficiently. The Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) was proposed as the development model. NAS has proven efficient in managing data and providing reliable backups. Through NAS, passive data can be properly archived and protected, while transactional data can be accessed and processed at optimal speed. Hence, literature studies, software analysis, and experiments on the network environment were conducted. Model development was conducted using the design and implementation of NAS infrastructure at the LSP SV-IPB. Data collection covered the effective and efficient use of NAS in maintaining data integrity and mitigating the risk of losing important information. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of an efficient and reliable digital asset protection strategy within the LSP SV-IPB environment.

Widodo Bayu
Dewi Renanti Medhanita
Indriasari Sofiyanti
Sastrawan Uding


Cell-Based Sensors for the Detection of EGF and EGF-Stimulated Ca2+ Signaling

Abstract: Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated activation of EGF receptors (EGFRs) has become an important target in drug development due to the implication of EGFR-mediated cellular signaling in cancer development. While various in vitro approaches are developed for monitoring EGF-EGFR interactions, they have several limitations. Herein, we describe a live cell-based sensor system that can be used to monitor the interaction of EGF and EGFR as well as the subsequent signaling events. The design of the EGF-detecting sensor cells is based on the split-intein-mediated conditional protein trans-cleavage reaction (CPC). CPC is triggered by the presence of the target (EGF) to activate a signal peptide that translocates the fluorescent cargo to the target cellular location (mitochondria). The developed sensor cell demonstrated excellent sensitivity with a fast response time. It was also successfully used to detect an agonist and antagonist of EGFR (transforming growth factor-α and Cetuximab, respectively), demonstrating excellent specificity and capability of screening the analytes based on their function. The usage of sensor cells was then expanded from merely detecting the presence of target to monitoring the target-mediated signaling cascade, by exploiting previously developed Ca2+-detecting sensor cells. These sensor cells provide a useful platform for monitoring EGF-EGFR interaction, for screening EGFR effectors, and for studying downstream cellular signaling cascades.

Euiyeon Lee
Keshab Lal Shrestha
Seonhye Kang
Neethu Ramakrishnan
Youngeun Kwon


A study on factors influencing Chinese undergraduate EFL learners’ self-directed use of mobile English learning resources

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the factors that potentially impact the self-directed use of mobile English learning resources (MELR). The participants were 206 Chinese undergraduate EFL learners at Yangzhou University in Mainland China. Applying and modifying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study involved six constructs, including students’ performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived playfulness, and behavioral intention to use MELR. The structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was adopted to analyze the data collected from the questionnaire. The findings showed that facilitating conditions acted as the most significant predictor of behavioral intention to adopt MELR, followed by effort expectancy, perceived playfulness, and performance expectancy. However, social influence did not have significant effects on students’ use of MELR. Pedagogical implications for teachers and students were also presented in the end.

Fengdan Shen
Fengdan Shen
Linling Liang
Yufang Feng


تدريس علم النفس بمدخل التعلم المستند إلى القلب لتنمية المهارات الحياتية والمرونة النفسية لدي طلاب المرحلة الثانوية

Abstract: تناول هذا البحث بالدراسة موضوع مدخل التعلم المستند الى القلب في تدريس علم النفس لتنمية المهارات الحياتية والمرونه النفسية لدى طلاب المرحلة الثانوية ولقد تحددت مشكلة البحث في ما يلي : وجود ضعف في المهارات الحياتية ومهارات المرونة النفسية لدى طلاب الصف الثاني الثانوي مما يستلزم تنميتها ولقد هدف البحث الى تنمية المهارات الحياتية ومهارات المرونة النفسية لدى طلاب الصف الثاني الثانوي من خلال تدريس مدخل التعلم المستند الى القلب المقترح استخدامه في تدريس مادة علم النفس وقد تناول الاطار النظري للبحث دراسة نظرية لادبيات البحث والبحوث والدراسات السابقة للمتغيرات البحث ثم قامت الباحثة باعداد ادوات البحث وتمثلت في:1- مقياس المهارات الحياتية لدى طلاب الصف الثاني الثانوي.2- مقياس مهارات المرونة النفسية لدى طلاب الصف الثاني الثانوي.3- دليل المعلم لتدريس الوحده الثالثة( العمليات المعرفية) من كتاب علم النفس والاجتماع للصف الثاني الثانوي باستخدام مدخل التعلم المستند الى القلب وقد اظهرت نتائج هذا البحث وجود فرق ذو دلاله احصائيه بين الاداء البعدي والاداء القبلي لعينة البحث في مقياس المهارات الحياتية ومقياس المرونة النفسيه لصالح الاداء البعدي مما يدل على فاعليه مدخل التعلم المستند الى القلب في تنمية المهارات الحياتية ومهارات المرونة النفسية لدى طلاب الصف الثاني الثانوي.

هند محمد بيومي

هند محمد بيومي

Maǧallaẗ Kulliyyaẗ Al-Tarbiyyẗ Ǧamiʿaẗ Banhā


Lightweight geo-bead fill to prevent soft ground deposit failure

Abstract: As a foundation for transportation infrastructure, soft ground has limited bearing capacity and high compression. To prevent embankment failure, lightweight material is suggested. In the construction of road embankments, EPS can be regarded as an environmentally sustainable lightweight fill material. The study's goal is to create a formula for GB (Geo-bead) concrete mixing as a lightweight fill ingredient. Several tests are performed on the material specimens, including bulk density, interface shear strength, unconfined compression, and a SEM of the composite material. The tests were designed to determine the physical and mechanical qualities using GB percentages (20%, 30%, and 40%). Composite material has a lower density than compacted sand. The friction angle falls between the adhesion of GB-GB and GB-cemented sand. A ductile failure pattern develops because the bond between cement paste and GB is less than that between cement sand. The composite material's CBR passed embankment specifications. In the case of an embankment on soft soil, the 2D FEM analysis expressed settlement by compacted sand and lightweight fill material. Lightweight geo bead backfill decreases soft soil settlement, preventing failure.

Zaika Yulvi
Charisma Nuril
Leta Milleila Nursanti Luh


APPLICATION OF MINI-INVASIVE ECHO-CONTROLLED PERCUTANEOUS INTERVENTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH A COMPLICATED COURSE OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Abstract:
Background. Mini-invasive percutaneous echo-controlled puncture drainage interventions have certain limitations in case of location of local complications of acute pancreatitis of the right and central-right type due to the high risk of iatrogenic injuries as a result of possible uncontrolled advancement of the working part of the device.

Aim: to improve the results of surgical treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis through the introduction of improved techniques of miniinvasive percutaneous echo-controlled interventions in complicated course of the disease.

Materials and methods. The study was based on the results of examination of 187 patients with severe acute pancreatitis, who were divided into two groups: a comparison group – patients who used traditional methods of examination and treatment (n=92) and the main group – patients who used improved surgical tactics (n =95). To assess the effectiveness of surgical tactics in the studied groups, a comparative analysis of the applied methods, the frequency of postoperative complications, mortality, and the duration of hospitalization was carried out.

Results. The introduction of improved miniinvasive percutaneous echo-controlled surgical interventions expanded the possibilities of their use, including in the localization of infected local complications of the right and central-right type, and probably increased their effectiveness by 41.8% (p=0.02). A comparative analysis of the duration of inpatient treatment in the studied groups revealed a probable reduction in the terms of hospitalization of patients in the main group by 14.7 days (р=0.0008), of which in the intensive care unit – by 4.7 days (р<0.0001).

Conclusion. The use of improved methods of diagnosis and treatment in patients of the main group made it possible to reliably reduce the frequency of postoperative complications by 28% (p=0.003) and overall postoperative mortality by 27.7% (p=0.005).

I.V. Kolosovych
R. A. Sydorenko
I.V. Hanol

Медична наука України


Enhanced diamagnetism by energetic tail electrons in a magnetized plasma

Abstract: Measurement of an internal azimuthal plasma current in a collisionless low β plasma expanding in a magnetic nozzle is presented. The electric field is removed from the plasma ensuring a negligible electron E×B drift resulting in a purely diamagnetic electron azimuthal current. The electron energy probability function is non-Maxwellian, having an energetic tail component in addition to the thermal bulk electrons. The measured azimuthal current is significantly larger than the electron diamagnetic current estimated by considering only the bulk electrons. This can be well explained by considering the energetic tail electrons, which have a density of only about five percent of the total density. These results experimentally demonstrate that the energetic tail electrons are major contributors to the diamagnetism of the plasma even if their density is a small fraction of the total electron density.

Kazunori Takahashi
Christine Charles
Rod W. Boswell


Refractive errors and ocular findings in children and adolescents with mental disorders: a retrospective study

Abstract: Abstract Background An increasing prevalence of mental disorders (MDs) has been reported among children and adolescents. However, only few studies have conducted ocular examinations, including those on refractive status, in these groups of patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the refractive status and ocular findings in children and adolescents with MDs compared with matched controls with similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Methods A total of 178 participants with MDs and 200 controls were recruited between April 2021 and May 2022. All the children and adolescents underwent cycloplegic or noncycloplegic autorefraction and retinoscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examinations. Ocular alignment was assessed using Hirschberg, Krimsky, or prism cover tests. The prevalence of refractive errors and ocular findings was the main outcome. Results Twenty-seven percent of patients with MDs and 8% of controls had ocular findings, the most common of which were conjunctivitis, keratitis, and trichiasis. For refractive status, 70% (124/178) of patients with MDs had myopia ≤-1.00 DS, and 2% (4/178) had hyperopia ≥+2.00 DS. In the control group, 70% (140/200) of patients had myopia ≤-1.00 DS, and 1% (2/200) had hyperopia ≥+2.00 DS. No differences were observed between the MD and control groups. However, the patients in the MD group (14.25±2.69 years) were significantly more susceptible to strabismus (P<0.05) and amblyopia (P<0.01) than those in the control group (13.65±3.04 years). There was a substantial difference between the two groups in the time spent on screen-based devices (P<0.001). Furthermore, mental retardation (OR=3.286, P<0.01), emotional disorders (OR=2.003, P<0.01), and adjustment disorders (OR=2.629, P<0.01) were associated with an increased risk of amblyopia. Depression (OR =1.362, P<0.01) and emotional disorders (OR=2.205, P<0.01) were associated with a higher prevalence of strabismus. Conclusion Ophthalmological examinations should be performed in children and adolescents with MDs because MDs are associated with a high prevalence of refractive errors and ocular diseases. Detection and intervention of ocular and refractive findings in children and adolescents with MDs are necessary and effective in alleviating the economic burden in healthcare and improving individuals' quality of life

Liping Chen
Ling Sun
Caihong Xue
Shumao Li
Junjun Wang
Xia Shen
Shiyu Gao
Zixuan Zhou
Yuehe Xu
Shaocun Huang
Zhulin Li
Xiaoyan Yang
Yatu Guo
Wei Zhang


Immigrant attraction and retention: An exploration of local government policies

Abstract: For cities, immigration is now considered a vital part of local economic and community development. Over the past half-century, many cities have experienced a series challenges caused by the impacts of late-stage demographic transition; the slow bleeding of skilled domestic workers to larger metropolitan areas; and the decline of traditional economic sectors. As a result, there has been a prioritization of attracting and retaining high-skilled and well-educated immigrants by local governments through locally-focused, place-based policies. Within this context, this paper examines the ways that cities in the Province of Ontario, Canada are constructing and implementing immigrant attraction, integration, and retention strategies. To achieve this goal, we identified and examined the local immigration policies of the 52 cities in Ontario, 36 of which have a formal immigration policy document. A comprehensive content analysis was conducted on these available to identify the ways that immigration is conceptualized, and the specific policies and approaches that local governments are implementing. Statistical analysis was used to determine if there was variation in policy across different types of cities. Based on this analysis, local governments are generally developing holistic, place-based policies – however, there is variation in approaches across cities of different sizes and geographies. These place-specific policies draw on local assets and advantages (i.e. existing migrant communities; local amenities and attractions; economic and education opportunities) while also work to enhance enhancing local capacity (i.e. building networks and immigration partnerships; training employers and city workers).

Evan Cleave
Cailin Wark
Emmanuel Kyeremeh

Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Social sciences (General)


رمزية المكان (الطلل) في شعر حسام الدين الحاجري

Abstract: تعد الرموز من التقانات المهمة  التي تثير فضول المتلقي وتزيد رغبته في الوصول الى قصد الشاعر ، والكشف عن دلالاتها القارة داخل نتاجه الشعري ، فديناميكية الرمز تكفل ولوج القارئ الى عمق النص ، فعمل القارئ يصبح فضاء لقراءات متعددة ، ذات الدلالة البعيدة عن الواقع المذكور ، إذ ان الرمز المكاني في النص الأدبي أداة فاعلة في كشف الخبايا النصية المفروزة من دلالاته في بعده المعبر عن البوح المكنون في أهواء الشاعر المكبوتة في دواخلها والمنطوية على ذاتها ، لذا فان اختيار هذا الموضوع يعد محاولة لتسليط الضوء على تلك الرموز وبخاصة الطللية منها ، وإظهار أهميتها في شعر حسام الدين الحاجري ، وما دامت الرموز متعلقة بالقارئ أكثر من ارتباطها بالنص ، لذا وجب على القارئ تفكيك تلك الرموز ، فهذا البحث قائم على رصدها والكشف عن مكنوناتها وبخاصة الرموز (الطللية) بوصفها مكانا محملا بأبعاد وايحاءات كثيرة .

محمد المهداوي
صادق محمد

محمد المهداوي

History of scholarship and learning. The humanities


Effect of Particle Size on Leachate Formation Characteristics from Gold Mine Waste Rocks: At Source Acid Mine Drainage Management in Tanzania

Abstract: Waste rocks from gold mining operations represents a significant environmental burden and impairs sustainable environmental management in developing countries. This study focused on understanding the leachate properties of different particle sizes (>10mm, 20mm, 30mm and 50mm) from the waste rock dump (WRD) - GPAF in the 30 liters containers to represent waste rocks by using quick static testing to determine a more rational design basis for material storage and management. This study found that small particle sizes of waste rocks with <10 mm showed a strong leaching with a low pH of 3.5, while large particle sizes of 50 mm showed a high pH of 6.5. Metal leaching of small particle sizes had a higher concentration of Manganese, Zinc and Iron than large particle size. Similarly, sulphate concentration from leachate of small particle size of waste rocks had higher levels than large particle size. In addition, this study also demonstrated that the majority of dissolved metals (Mn, Zn and Fe) leached higher in the low pH (3.5) leachate. This study recommended that great emphasis be taken on the separation of small particles from large particle sizes of mine waste rocks during and after mining operations to reduce the risk of metal leaching and the possibility of acid mine drainage (AMD) formation and pollute surface and groundwater.

Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management

Joint Coordination Centre of the World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Programme (NARP)


Abstract: استهدفت هذه الدراسة إبراز التوجهات المعاصرة في البحث التربوي والتي يمكن الإفادة منها في تطوير واقع بحوث أصول التربية، واستقراء واقع البحث في مجال أصول التربية، ووضع تصور مقترح لتطوير واقع بحوث أصول التربية في ضوء التوجهات المعاصرة، واستخدمت هذه الدراسة الوصفية المسحية التحليلية "المنهج الوثائقي"، وذلك من خلال: المسح المكتبي لأدبيات البحث التربوي، ومسح أحدث تقارير "اليونسكو" كإحدى المنظمات العالمية، ورؤية المملكة 2030 كرؤية مستقبلية، لاستقراء ما فيهما من توجهات بحثية معاصرة؛ إضافة إلى الأسلوب الاستطلاعي الاستقرائي، وقد تم توجيه استبانة إلكترونية مفتوحة إلى (24) خبيرًا في مجال أصول التربية على المستويين الوطني والعربي، بهدف الكشف عن تصوراتهم للتوجهات المعاصرة في بحوث أصول التربية. كما تم تحليل (141) بحثًا في أصول التربية بالمجلات العالمية ذات معاملات التأثير الأعلى خلال الأعوام (2020، 2021، 2022م). وبناء على هذه الإجراءات المنهجية، تم وضع تصور مقترح لتطوير واقع بحوث أصول التربية، من خلال: وضع المتطلبات أو الإجراءات المنهجية لتطبيق التوجهات المعاصرة، واقتراح خريطة لبعض الموضوعات البحثية التي يمكن تطبيق تلك الخطوات عليها.

أحمد بن علي يوسف الغفيري

أحمد بن علي يوسف الغفيري

مجلة العلوم التربوية والدراسات الإنسانية سلسلة الآداب والعلوم التربوية والإنسانية والتطبيقية


Didactic-methodic and psychological features of the use of video materials in teaching a foreign language

Abstract: Modern technology is expanding the possibilities of classes and determining the need for new forms of learning. The study of multimedia technology is currently developing in an academic way. Visuals in general play a huge, sometimes decisive role in digital communication. The article is devoted to the usage of video materials in the foreign language classes, the author considers the methods of video resources usage in the process of teaching foreign languages, aimed at forming communicative competence of the students. The author analyses psycho-didactic possibilities of audiovisual teaching materials. Particular attention is paid to the peculiarities of clip thinking, the level of visual literacy and the typology of video resources for teaching foreign languages. The aim of the article is to develop a methodology of applying teaching and authentic video resources in the process of foreign language teaching aimed at forming audiovisual literacy and communicative competence of students. The author concludes that the rational use of video materials and video resources contributes to a deeper involvement of students in learning a foreign language, stimulates the development of creative thinking, social skills, contributes to the mastery of knowledge, skills and abilities of understanding, speaking and writing.

Вестник Тамбовского университета. Серия: Гуманитарные науки

Education (General)
Philology. Linguistics


Contribuciones sociológicas de Durkheim y Bernstein sobre la diversidad sociocultural en la escuela

Abstract:
Existe consenso en torno a que la disciplina sociológica brindó un marco para comprender las relaciones
entre los sistemas educativos y los contextos sociales más amplios en que se emplazan. No obstante, los retratos
que ha esbozado aquella tradición en torno a la escuela, adquieren significados contrastantes. Las perspectivas que explora este articulo surgen como una respuesta a la obsolescencia de los modelos determinísticos del cambio educativo y su dificultad para explicar aquellos procesos de cambio que tienen lugar en la escuela. El
presente artículo ofrece una reflexión teórica en torno a la cuestión de la diversidad sociocultural, a partir de la
distinción entre los órdenes instrumental y expresivo en la escuela, delimitando la diversidad como un ámbito problemático y brindando herramientas conceptuales a partir de las aportaciones de Durkheim y Bernstein. El abordaje propuesto está anclado a la distinción entre los modelos de relaciones integrativas basadas en la
solidaridad orgánica y mecánica, presentando un esfuerzo sistemático de teorización en torno al ámbito
de prácticas educativas. Finalmente, se concluye que las políticas educativas se enfrentan a un dilema entre
la exigencia de rendimientos especializados y un conjunto de competencias, valores y creencias basales en el
contexto de sociedades que se complejizan y diversifican aceleradamente y aspiran a una coexistencia entre las
dinámicas de cambio tecnológico y profundización democrática.

Sophía: Colección de Filosofía de la Educación

Education (General)
Philosophy (General)


Glass-fiber catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides by CO and hydrocarbons

Abstract: Glass-fiber catalysts (GFCs) are investigated in the process of the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides by hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide contained in waste and flue gases. Studies show that the platinum-based GFCs prepared by surface high-temperature synthesis approach demonstrates higher activity in the reactions of NOx reduction and CO and CxHy oxidation, in comparison with conventional GFCs and catalytic systems based on oxides of MnCe and FeV. Structured cartridges with a corrugated and flat metal mesh with longitudinal flow direction and satin type GFC were found to provide the highest apparent catalyst activity. The kinetic model for Pt/GFC was proposed based on the experimental data. The best kinetic description is provided under account of formation of nitrite-nitrate surface compounds resulting from NO chemisorption and further interaction of these compounds with CO, as well as under account of simultaneous catalytic and non-catalytic oxidation of propane by oxygen both to CO and CO2. The proposed model may adequately reproduce the non-trivial experimental regularities, such as CO and NO conversion decrease at high temperatures and synergetic effect of oxygen on the rate of NO reduction by CO.

K. Golyashova
N. Glazov
S. Lopatin
A. Zagoruiko


Social Network Analysis of Editorial Board Interlocking Phenomena from the Perspective of Astronomy and Astrophysics Journals

Abstract: Editorial board members (EBMs) of journals play a pivotal role in authentic international scientific journals. Editorial Board Interlocking (EBI) phenomenon reflects the effectiveness and importance of the scholarly journal's editorial boards in various scientific fields. The primary purpose of this paper is to conduct a Social Network Analysis (SNA) of EBI phenomena from the perspective of astronomy and astrophysics journals. The present study is applied research based on EBI, SNA, and the descriptive-analytical approach. The statistical population of this study consists of the editorial board members of all journals of astronomy and astrophysics indexed in the JCR and official journal websites. There are 1597 job positions in 67 astronomy and astrophysics journals occupied by the 1394 scholars. Data analysis shows EBI for 95 scholars and 79 organizations. "Aleksei A. Starobinsky" from Russia and the Russian Academy of Sciences, "Daniel J. Scheeres" from the United States, and the University of Colorado Boulder have the highest EBI contributions in five journals. "Daniel J. Scheeres," with a centrality of 39, has the highest degree of centrality measurement among the EBMs. The presence of more than five times as many men as women indicates that astronomy and astrophysics journals are considered "masculine" by the editorial board. The EBI phenomenon is observed in astronomy and astrophysics journals due to the limited number of peop le eligible for the editorial board. Due to EBI, a limited number of famous scholars are made macro-policies such as publishing the articles, referees selections, and the reviewing process. Astronomy and astrophysics journals have "elite" academic networks. Gender inequality exists among EBMs, and the majority of them are male. Accordingly, these journals are "men's journals."

Farshid Danesh
Samaneh Kesht Karan
Lili Banihashemi
Somayeh GhaviDel

International Journal of Information Science and Management

Regional Information Center for Science and Technology (RICeST)

Information resources (General)
Transportation and communications


The Role of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography CT Extremity Arthrography in the Preoperative Assessment of Osteoarthritis

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease and the leading cause of pain, disability, and quality of life deterioration. Our study sought to evaluate the image quality and dose of cone-beam computed tomography arthrography (CBCT-A) and compare them to digital radiography (DR) for OA diagnoses. Overall, 32 cases of CBCT-A and DR with OA met the inclusion criteria and were prospectively analyzed. The Kellgren and Lawrence classification (KLC) stage, sclerosis, osteophytes, erosions, and mean joint width (MJW) were compared between CBCT-A and DR. Image quality was excellent in all CBCT-A cases, with excellent inter-observer agreement. OA under-classification was noticed with DR for MJW (p = 0.02), osteophyte detection (<0.0001), and KLC (p < 0.0001). The Hounsfield Unit (HU) values obtained for the cone-beam computed tomography CBCT did not correspond to the values for multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), with a greater mean deviation obtained with the MDCT HU for Modeled Based Iterative Reconstruction 1st (MBIR1) than for the 2nd generation (MBIR2). CBCT-A has been found to be more reliable for OA diagnosis than DR as revealed by our results using a three-point rating scale for the qualitative image analysis, with higher quality and an acceptable dose. Moreover, the use of this imaging technique permits the preoperative assessment of extremities in an OA diagnosis, with the upright position and bone microarchitecture analysis being two other advantages of CBCT-A.

Marion Hamard
Marta Sans Merce
Karel Gorican
Pierre-Alexandre Poletti
Angeliki Neroladaki
Sana Boudabbous

Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics


Impact of solvents on doctor blade coatings and bathocuproine cathode interlayer for large-area organic solar cell modules

Abstract: Efforts to commercialize organic solar cells (OSCs) by developing roll-to-roll compatible modules have encountered challenges in optimizing printing processes to attain laboratory-level performance in fully printable OSC architectures. In this study, we present efficient OSC modules fabricated solely through printing methods. We systematically evaluated the impact of processing solvents on the morphology of crucial layers, such as the hole transport, photoactive, and electron transport layers, applied using the doctor blade coating method, with a particular focus on processability. Notably, deposition of charge transport layer using printing techniques is still a challenging task, mainly due to the hydrophobic characteristic of the organic photoactive layer. To overcome this issue, we investigated the solvent effect of a well-studied cathode interlayer, bathocuproine (BCP). We were able to form a uniform thin BCP film (∼10 nm) on a non-fullerene based organic photoactive layer using the doctor bladed coating method. Our results showed that the use of volatile alcohols in the BCP processing required a delicate balance between wettability and vaporization, which contrasted with the results for spin-coated films. These findings provide important insights into improving the efficiency of printing techniques for depositing charge transport layers. The fully printed OSC modules, featuring uniform and continuous BCP layer formation, achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency of 10.8% with a total area of 10.0 cm2 and a geometrical fill factor of 86.5%.

Soonil Hong
Byoungwook Park
Chandran Balamurugan
Jinho Lee
Sooncheol Kwon

Science (General)
Social sciences (General)


Bio-Template Synthesis of V2O3@Carbonized Dictyophora Composites for Advanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract: In terms of new-generation energy-storing devices, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are becoming the prime candidates because of their inexpensive nature, inherent safety, environmental benignity and abundant resources. Nevertheless, due to a restrained selection of cathodes, AZIBs often perform unsatisfactorily under long-life cycling and high-rate conditions. Consequently, we propose a facile evaporation-induced self-assembly technique for preparing V2O3@carbonized dictyophora (V2O3@CD) composites, utilizing economical and easily available biomass dictyophora as carbon sources and NH4VO3 as metal sources. When assembled in AZIBs, the V2O3@CD exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 281.9 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. The discharge capacity is still up to 151.9 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1, showing excellent long-cycle durability. The extraordinary high electrochemical effectiveness of V2O3@CD could be mainly attributed to the formation of porous carbonized dictyophora frame. The formed porous carbon skeleton can ensure efficient electron transport and prevent V2O3 from losing electrical contact due to volume changes caused by Zn2+ intercalation/deintercalation. The strategy of metal-oxide-filled carbonized biomass material may provide insights into developing high-performance AZIBs and other potential energy storage devices, with a wide application range.

Wei Zhou
Guilin Zeng
Haotian Jin
Shaohua Jiang
Minjie Huang
Chunmei Zhang
Han Chen


Berlin Pankow: a 15-min city for everyone? A case study combining accessibility, traffic noise, air pollution, and socio-structural data

Abstract: Abstract Cars are dominating urban traffic in cities around the world, even though daily trips in many cities are often realized with active modes of transportation or public transport. Urban transport planning processes need to adapt to this reality and the necessity of climate change mitigation. Against this background, the research project “Mobility Reporting”, a joint undertaking of the district Pankow in Berlin and researchers from TU Berlin and TU Dresden, established a new, goal-driven, and participative planning process. The process identified local mobility as one of the central planning goals. The 15-min city (FMC) was thus adduced as a benchmark to analyze the district’s current mobility system and development potential. We conducted extensive accessibility analyses to examine the status quo concerning the FMC. We calculated travel times to essential destinations in daily life by foot, public transport, and car. This analysis was accompanied by a mixed online and paper–pencil survey conducted to evaluate the perceived accessibility of people in Pankow. The survey results shed light on the question of which walking time thresholds constitute a “very good” or “good” accessibility. Further analyses included environmental and social variables, allowing us to check whether areas with different accessibility levels also differ regarding the socio-economic characteristics of their inhabitants. For example, do socially advantaged neighborhoods have better local accessibility? Is there a trade-off between exposure to environmental pollution and good accessibility? With this contribution, we shed light on what an FMC is and ought to be. Results from the survey support the normative and political vision of the FMC. Pankow generally offers the merits of a walkable city, showing the expected travel time differences between the dense inner city and the outskirts. Socially disadvantaged neighborhoods are not consistently less accessible. However, there seems to be a trade-off between good accessibility (especially PT accessibility) and correlated externalities of transport, namely air pollution and noise.

Transportation engineering
Transportation and communications


TL-532, a novel specific Toll-like receptor 3 agonist rationally designed for targeting cancers: discovery process and biological characterization

Abstract: Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an innate immune receptor that recognizes double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and induces inflammation in immune and normal cells to initiate anti-microbial responses. TLR3 acts also as a death receptor only in cancer cells but not in their normal counterparts, making it an attractive target for cancer therapies. To date, all of the TLR3-activating dsRNAs used at preclinical or clinical stages have major drawbacks such as structural heterogeneity, toxicity, and lack of specificity and/or efficacy. We conducted the discovery process of a new family of TLR3 agonists that are chemically manufactured on solid-phase support and perfectly defined in terms of sequence and size. A stepwise discovery process was performed leading to the identification of TL-532, a 70 base pair dsRNA that is potent without transfection reagent and is highly specific for TLR3 without activating other innate nucleic sensors such as RIG-I/MDA5, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. TL-532 induces inflammation in murine RAW264.7 myeloid macrophages, in human NCI-H292 lung cancer cells, and it promotes immunogenic apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro and ex vivo without toxicity towards normal primary cells. In conclusion, we identified a novel TLR3 agonist called TL-532 that has promising anticancer properties.

Sylvain Thierry
Sarah Maadadi
Aurore Berton
Laura Dimier
Clémence Perret
Nelly Vey
Saïd Ourfali
Mathilde Saccas
Solène Caron
Mathilde Boucard-Jourdin
Marc Colombel
Bettina Werle
Marc Bonnin


Structural Features Promoting Photocatalytic Degradation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Insights into Degradation Mechanism Employing QSA/PR Modeling

Abstract: Although heterogeneous photocatalysis has shown promising results in degradation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the mechanistic implications related to structural diversity of chemicals, affecting oxidative (by HO•) or reductive (by O2•−) degradation pathways are still scarce. In this study, the degradation extents and rates of selected organics in the absence and presence of common scavengers for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during photocatalytic treatment were determined. The obtained values were then brought into correlation as K coefficients (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mrow><mi>HO</mi><mo>•</mo></mrow></msub></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>/<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><msub><mi>M</mi><mrow><msub><mi mathvariant="normal">O</mi><mn>2</mn></msub><msup><mo>•</mo><mo>−</mo></msup></mrow></msub></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>), denoting the ratio of organics degraded by two occurring mechanisms: oxidation and reduction via HO• and O2•−. The compounds possessing K >> 1 favor oxidative degradation over HO•, and vice versa for reductive degradation (i.e., if K << 1 compounds undergo reductive reactions driven by O2•−). Such empirical values were brought into correlation with structural features of CECs, represented by molecular descriptors, employing a quantitative structure activity/property relationship (QSA/PR) modeling. The functional stability and predictive power of the resulting QSA/PR model was confirmed by internal and external cross-validation. The most influential descriptors were found to be the size of the molecule and presence/absence of particular molecular fragments such as C − O and C − Cl bonds; the latter favors HO•-driven reaction, while the former the reductive pathway. The developed QSA/PR models can be considered robust predictive tools for evaluating distribution between degradation mechanisms occurring in photocatalytic treatment.

Antonija Tomic
Marin Kovacic
Hrvoje Kusic
Panaghiotis Karamanis
Bakhtiyor Rasulev
Ana Loncaric Bozic


Transient Elastography and Video Recovery Narrative Access to Support Recovery From Alcohol Misuse: Development of a Novel Intervention for Use in Community Alcohol Treatment Services

Abstract:
            BackgroundMortality from alcohol-related liver disease has risen significantly for 3 decades. Transient elastography (TE) is a noninvasive test providing a numerical marker of liver disease. Preliminary evidence suggests that TE can reduce alcohol consumption. The KLIFAD (does knowledge of liver fibrosis affect high-risk drinking behavior?) study has developed a complex intervention wherein people receiving alcohol treatment are provided with access to TE, accompanied by scripted feedback tailored to their disease state, and access to video narratives describing alcohol misuse recovery after receiving TE. Recovery narratives are included due to preliminary evidence from mental health studies which suggest that access to digital narratives describing recovery from mental health problems can help people affected by mental health problems, including through mechanisms with the potential to be transferable to an alcohol treatment setting, for example, by increasing hope for the future, enabling learning from the experience of others, or promoting help-seeking behaviors.
            ObjectiveWe aimed to develop the KLIFAD intervention to the point that it could be delivered in a feasibility trial and to produce knowledge relevant to clinicians and researchers developing interventions making use of biomarkers of disease.
            MethodsIn research activity 1, standardized scripted feedback was developed by this study, and then iterated through focus groups with people who had experienced alcohol misuse and TE, and key alcohol workers with experience in delivering TE. We report critical design considerations identified through focus groups, in the form of sensitizing concepts. In research activity 2, a video production guide was coproduced to help produce impactful video-based recovery narratives, and a patient and public involvement (PPI) panel was consulted for recommendations on how best to integrate recovery narratives into an alcohol treatment setting. We report PPI recommendations and an overview of video form and content.
            ResultsThrough research activity 1, we learnt that patient feedback has not been standardized in prior use of TE, that receiving a numeric marker can provide an objective target that motivates and rewards recovery, and that key alcohol workers regularly tailor information to their clients. Through research activity 2, we developed a video production guide asking narrators what recovery means to them, what helped their recovery, and what they have learned about recovery. We produced 10 recovery narratives and collected PPI recommendations on maximizing impact and safety. These led to the production of unplanned videos presenting caregiver and clinician perspectives, and a choice to limit narrative availability to alcohol treatment settings, where support is available around distressing content. These choices have been evaluated through a feasibility randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN16922410].
            ConclusionsProviding an objective target that motivates and rewards recovery is a candidate change mechanism for complex interventions integrating biomarkers of disease. Recovery narratives can contain distressing content; intervention developers should attend to safe usage.
            International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054954

Stefan Rennick-Egglestone
Mohsan Subhani
Holly Knight
Katy A Jones
Clare Hutton
Tracey Jackson
Matthew Hutton
Andrew Wragg
Joanne R Morling
Kirsty Sprange
Stephen D Ryder


Time-domain image processing using photonic reservoir computing

Abstract: Photonic computing has attracted much attention due to its great potential to accelerate artificial neural network operations. However, the processing of a large amount of data, such as image data, basically requires large-scale photonic circuits and is still challenging due to its low scalability of the photonic integration. Here, we propose a scalable image processing approach, which uses a temporal degree of freedom of photons. In the proposed approach, the spatial information of a target object is compressively transformed to a time-domain signal using a gigahertz-rate random pattern projection technique. The time-domain signal is optically acquired at a single-input channel and processed with a microcavity-based photonic reservoir computer. We experimentally demonstrate that this photonic approach is capable of image recognition at gigahertz rates.


Children’s memory “in the wild”: examining the temporal organization of free recall from a week-long camp at a local zoo

Abstract: Abstract Free-recall paradigms have greatly influenced our understanding of memory. The majority of this research involves laboratory-based events (e.g., word lists) that are studied and tested within minutes. This literature shows that adults recall events in a temporally organized way, with successive responses often coming from neighboring list positions (i.e., temporal clustering) and with enhanced memorability of items from the end of a list (i.e., recency). Temporal clustering effects are so robust that temporal organization is described as a fundamental memory property. Yet relatively little is known about the development of this temporal structure across childhood, and even less about children’s memory search for real-world events occurring over an extended period. In the present work, children (N = 144; 3 age groups: 4–5-year-olds, 6–7-year-olds, 8–10-year-olds) took part in a 5-day summer camp at a local zoo. The camp involved various dynamic events, including daily animal exhibit visits. On day 5, children were asked to recall all the animals they visited. We found that overall recall performance, in terms of number of animals recalled, improved steadily across childhood. Temporal organization and recency effects showed different developmental patterns. Temporal clustering was evident in the response sequences for all age groups and became progressively stronger across childhood. In contrast, the recency advantage, when characterized as a proportion of total responses, was stable across age groups. Thus, recall dynamics in early childhood parallel that seen in adulthood, with continued development of temporal organization across middle to late childhood.

Thanujeni Pathman
Lina Deker
Puneet Kaur Parmar
Mark Christopher Adkins
Sean M. Polyn


Comportamento alimentar de universitários durante o isolamento social

Abstract:
Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento alimentar de universitários durante o isolamento social, afim de compreender a relação dos mesmos com os alimentos durante este período. Método: Estudo observacional transversal, onde foram avaliados por meio de um questionário eletrônico, alunos de graduação da Universidade Federal de Pelotas, no período de julho a outubro de 2021. O questionário foi dividido em duas partes, avaliando o perfil dos estudantes o comportamento alimentar. Como ferramenta foi utilizado o questionário “The three factor eating questionnaire – R21” (TFEQ-R21), que pontua em uma escala de 0 a 100 os 3 domínios do comportamento alimentar. Os dados encaminharam-se automaticamente para uma planilha do programa Excel® gerada pelo Google Forms. A análise descritiva das variáveis sexo, faixa etária, procedência, área de conhecimento e semestre de graduação, foi apresentada por meio de médias com seus respectivos desvios padrões. Resultados: A amostra do estudo foi composta por 397 universitários, sendo a maioria mulheres (78,59%) entre 18 e 30 anos (87,66%), procedendo das regiões sul e sudeste (96,73%). Entre as áreas de conhecimento e semestre em curso, 47,86% eram da área da saúde e 64,99% estavam entre o primeiro e o sexto semestre de graduação. Houve relação significativa apenas entre alimentação emocional e sexo, evidenciando que as mulheres apresentaram maiores escores para esse domínio. Conclusão: A maioria das respostas foram de mulheres, com uma porcentagem significativa voltada para alimentação emocional. Os reflexos da alimentação emocional no comportamento alimentar desses indivíduos, resultam em efeitos compensatórios, fazendo com que as escolhas alimentares não sejam conscientes.

Palavras Chave: comportamento alimentar, coronavírus, isolamento social.

Revista Brasileira de Obesidade, Nutrição e Emagrecimento

Instituto Brasileiro de Pesquisa e Ensino em Fisiologia do Exercício


The impacts of tidal wetland loss and coastal development on storm surge damages to people and property: a Hurricane Ike case-study

Abstract: Abstract Coastal wetlands protect communities during hurricanes by reducing storm surge flooding and damages. Previous studies have quantified surge reduction benefits of wetlands, but there is less understanding of how the combination of wetland loss and coastal development influences the spatial distribution of flood extents and damages. In this study we integrate a high-resolution 2-D hydrodynamic model with land-use/land-cover change analyses to assess the effects of total wetland loss, decadal wetland loss, and coastal development on storm surge damages in Galveston Bay, Texas. We measure storm surge flood extents from Hurricane Ike for three scenarios: (i) 2008 Baseline; (ii) 2008 No Wetlands, and (iii) 2019 “Present-day H. Ike”. We find that during Hurricane Ike in 2008, the total loss of coastal wetlands would have increased damages by a net ~ USD $934 million or 12.8% of baseline damages. For the 2019 Present-day H. Ike scenario, we found very few wetlands were lost between 2008 and 2019. If Hurricane Ike had occurred in 2019, damages would have been higher by ~ $2.52 billion or 34.6%, almost entirely due to increased real estate value and new coastal development. Our findings suggest that, while increase in economic exposure is a key driver of storm surge risks in Galveston Bay, effective wetland conservation continues to reduce these risks.

Zaid Al-Attabi
Yicheng Xu
Georgette Tso
Siddharth Narayan


Measuring Food Insecurity: The Problem with Semantics

Abstract: Rising rates of hunger and food insecurity have sparked a major re-evaluation of all aspects of food systems. Because of the multifaceted nature of food insecurity, however, determining what actions should be taken is challenging, especially since reevaluation efforts are led by experts from several disciplines and there is no consensus about which indicators should be used and how they should be measured. Confusion surrounding the meaning of the terms ‘food security’ and ‘food insecurity’ has contributed to this lack of consensus. As indicators inform action, such confusion has slowed those committed to alleviating hunger in identifying the most pressing targets. This review highlights (1) the importance of clearly defining food security and food insecurity and (2) how such definitions affect measures of food insecurity in the United States. While some might say that definitions are an issue of the past or a trivial matter of semantics, we believe that the world’s present rates of hunger and malnutrition are attributable, at least in part, to the lack of consensus on these definitions and their accompanying measurements and indicators. Although the present review can be helpful to academics and policy makers, the primary purpose is to be a resource to those involved in the day-to-day production of food, such as ranchers and farmers by providing an overview of definitions, indicators, and measurements used when discussing food security.

Rachel M. Sumsion
Haylie M. June
Michael R. Cope


Prevalence, predictors and pregnancy outcomes of unprescribed and herbal medicine use in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract: Abstract Background Unprescribed and herbal medicines use among pregnant women is a public health concern in low and middle-income countries because of the potential teratogenic effects, insufficient safety and weak drug regulatory systems. Unprescribed and herbal medicines are common among pregnant women in Nigeria, and only a few researchers have documented the prevalence and the risk factors. However, evidence on the associated pregnancy outcomes is still lacking. We assessed the prevalence, predictors and pregnancy outcomes of unprescribed and herbal medicines use among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods This study was a component of the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study, a prospective cohort study, among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria, who were enrolled at ≤ 20 weeks gestation at their first antenatal visit and followed up till delivery. In all, 571 women participated in the maternal drug use assessment during the third trimester using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The primary outcomes were unprescribed and herbal medicines use and pregnancy outcomes, secondary outcomes, were abstracted from medical records. The predictors assessed included sociodemographic, obstetric, antenatal care utilization, and lifestyle characteristics. Bi-variate logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors and relative risk for the pregnancy outcomes of unprescribed and herbal medicines at 5% significance. Results The prevalence of unprescribed and herbal medicine use was 31.9% and 21.7%, respectively. On bivariate analysis, the significant predictors of unprescribed medicine (which were protective) were tertiary education, increasing income, adequate antenatal care (≥ 4 visits), and at least two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. However, high parity and having an antenatal admission increased the risk. However, after adjusting for confounders, the significant factors associated with unprescribed medicines were; tertiary education (AOR) = 0.23; 95% CI: (0.06 – 0.95); p-value: 0.043] and obtaining at least two doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine [AOR = 0.33; 95% CI: (0.29 – 3.60); p-value: 0.048]. For herbal medicines, the predictors were similar to unprescribed drugs. However, after adjusting for confounders, none was significant for herbal medicines. Unprescribed and herbal medicines were not significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions Unprescribed and herbal medicines use were common among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria, particularly among women with low economic status and those with poor utilization of antenatal care services. These significant predictors can be targeted for public health intervention. Specifically, health education that discourages the use of unprescribed and herbal medications to pregnant women during antenatal care.

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies


PENGGUNAAN FILLER SERBUK CANGKANG KERANG SIMPING (Placuna placenta) PADA CAMPURAN ASPAL AC-BC

Abstract: Filler umumnya digunakan dalam campuran aspal panas (hotmix) dapat berupa semen, kapur, debu batu dan fly ash. Cangkang kerang memiliki kandungan senyawa yang hampir mirip dengan kandungan semen yaitu kapur tohor, alumina, kalsium dan senyawa silika, serta pemanfaatannya sendiri masih kurang dalam bidang konstruksi. Penelitian ini bertujuan meneliti potensi penggunaan cangkang kerang simping (Placuna placenta) sebagai alternatif pengganti filler pada campuran Asphalt Concrete-Binder Course (AC-BC). Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode uji karakteristik Marshall dan uji ITS (Indrect Tensile Strength) yang dilaksanakan dengan membuat benda uji, dan variasi cangkang kerang yang digunakan sebagai filler sebesar 0% dan 100%. Hasil pengujian Marshall dan ITS didapatkan nilai RMS (Retained Marshall Stability) dan TSR (Tensile Strength Ratio) sebesar 92,4% dan 88,7% dengan menggunakan cangkang kerang sebagai filler dan telah mememenuhi syarat minimum RMS dan TSR yaitu 90% dan 80%. Sedangkan tanpa menggunakan cangkang kerang didapatkan nilai RMS dan TSR sebesar 91,9% dan 82,9%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan cangkang kerang memberikan kekuatan campuran beraspal yang lebih baik dan dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai alternatif penggunaan filler dalam campuran AC-BC.

Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)


Risco de síndrome de realimentação e desfechos clínicos em pacientes de prontos socorros do Distrito Federal

Abstract: Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do risco de síndrome de realimentação com desfechos clínicos (tempo de internação e óbito) em pacientes admitidos nos prontos socorros de dois hospitais públicos do Distrito Federal (DF). Método: Trata-se de um estudo com caráter longitudinal, prospectivo, observacional e analítico, o qual foi realizado em dois hospitais públicos do DF no período de agosto de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 478 pacientes admitidos nos prontos-socorros dos dois hospitais. Observou-se que 45,60% da amostra apresentou risco nutricional e 32,22% algum grau de desnutrição. A frequência do risco para síndrome de realimentação foi de 23,65%. Os pacientes que apresentaram risco para síndrome de realimentação apresentaram 83% mais risco de permanecerem internados por mais de 7 dias e 58% mais risco de óbito em relação aos pacientes que não apresentaram risco para SR. Conclusão: Pacientes que apresentam risco para síndrome de realimentação permaneceram mais tempo internados e possuem mais risco de irem a óbito.

Nathália Leal Dominguez
Thaís Amaral Ferreira Baracho
Bruna de Abreu Toscano Souza
Maíra  Silveira Coelho
Luana Clemente de Oliveira Mota
Michelle Estefany de Conceição de Pádua
Davi Domineo Moreira de Araújo
Pedro de Lima Ramos

Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases


Inhibition of Citrus Huanglongbing Disease by <i>Paenibacillus polymyx</i> KN-03 and Analysis with Transcriptome and Microflora

Abstract: Soil drench treatment using Paenibacillus polymyxa strain KN-03 was applied to citrus plants infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). The infection status was assessed using PCR and a real-time quantitative PCR detection system (qPCR). The application of KN-03 resulted in a notable reduction in CLas levels in citrus plants. Specifically, by the 257th day post treatment commencement, following 24 KN-03 applications, the negative rates of CLas in the vein, root tip, and shoot tip were 50%, 0%, and 50%, respectively. After 24 cycles, KN-03 application significantly enhanced plant growth and stimulated reactive oxygen production in citrus leaves compared to control plants. Transcriptome analysis identified specific upregulated pathways. Furthermore, flora analysis revealed an increased abundance of microorganisms possessing potential utilization value, including Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, uncultured_bacterium_o_Acidobacteriales, uncultured_bacterium_f_Gemmatimonadaceae, and Rhodanobacter, in the root zone. Moreover, the BugBase analysis indicated that KN-03 treatment increased the abundance of beneficial rhizosphere bacteria associated with biofilm formation, element mobilization, and stress tolerance. These findings support the utility of Paenibacillus polymyxa KN-03 as an effective plant-growth-promoting bacterium for CLas management, with additional benefits for plant growth and soil health, specifically offering detoxification resources for shoot tip grafting.

Yuehua Yang
Fangkui Wang
Jialin Jiang
Ling Jiang


Influence of valley topography on earth pressure of high-fill arch culvert

Abstract: High-fill culverts placed in valley topography have a complex earth pressure distribution law due to their locations around culverts in various valley topography conditions. In order to investigate the influence of valley topography on the earth pressure around the culvert of high-fill arch culverts, an interaction model of "topography-culvert-fill" was established by using centrifugal model test and numerical simulation method. Additionally, the distribution laws of earth pressure around the arch culverts and earth pressure concentration coefficient Ks at the top of the culvert under different valley widths B and valley slopes α were analyzed and were compared with the latest Chinese culvert design code. Furthermore, the mechanism of earth pressure formation of high-fill arch culverts under valley topography was presented. The research findings are as follows: (1) The influence of the valley width B on the earth pressure concentration coefficient Ks at the top of the culvert is significant, and the increment of the earth pressure concentration coefficient Ks at the top of the culvert is larger when B is 4D−6D（D is the clear span of arch culvert）. (2) When B is less than 4D, the topography would play the role of load reduction to the culvert. (3) With valley slopes ranging from 45° to 60°, the earth pressure at the tops and Ks would be affected dramatically. (4) When fill height is 20 m with α >70°, Ks≤1; and when 40 m fill height with α >50°, Ks≤1. (5) The Ks recommended by the latest Chinese culvert design code differs to some extent from those by centrifugal model test and numerical simulation. In the case of α =45° with a small B value, the earth pressure concentration coefficient Ks at the top of a culvert of the code is more conservative. (6) Ks of high-fill arch culvert in valley is related to the formation of arch top compaction area and isobaric surface. The arch top compaction area can cause the earth pressure concentration on the top of the arch culvert, and cause the vertical earth pressure of the soil around the compaction area to be arched. At a certain depth approaching the surface of the fill, the arch distribution gradually transits to the horizontal distribution, thus forming an isobaric surface. The upper load of the isobaric surface will be dispersed on the valley slope, so the unloading effect of the valley topography can be exerted.

FENG Zhong-ju
WANG Si-qi
WANG Xi-qing
WANG Ze-guo
PAN Fang
CHENG Yuan-meng
LI Jun

SCIENCE PRESS , 16 DONGHUANGCHENGGEN NORTH ST, BEIJING, PEOPLES R CHINA, 100717

Engineering geology. Rock mechanics. Soil mechanics. Underground construction


Predicting and evaluating pain after surgery…Newer methods to the rescue?

Pratibha Jain Shah
Sandeep Sahu
Ridhima Sharma
Habib Md Reazaul Karim