Browse Articles

Incorporation of CuO on the αFe2O3 nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst for conversion of waste cooking oil into biodiesel

Predicting the unpredicted … brain response: A systematic review of the feature-related visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) and the experimental parameters that affect it

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, I consider aspects of experimental design that affect the visual mismatch negativity (vMMN)—an electrophysiological (neural) correlate of prediction error in vision that is typically largest between 150 ms and 300 ms in the event-related potential (ERP) at occipito-parietal regions on the scalp. I compiled data from 145 published studies investigating changes in a single property or feature of visual input. This review provides a concise summary of the vMMN literature on unexpected changes in features of visual input, outlining the most used (according to review) and optimal (following discussion on theoretical and practical implications) parameters of experiments investigating feature deviance for posterity as well as contemporary research. The data compiled was analysed to reveal meaningful relationships between aspects of experimental design and vMMN mean amplitude and peak latency. Results suggest that whether a control for adaptation is used, whether attention is towards vs. away from the stimulus of interest, and stimulus presentation time determines mean amplitude. Whether attention is towards vs. away from the stimulus of interest, the time between the stimulus of interest, deviant probability, and the number of standards separating deviants determines peak latency. There is also some indication that magnitude of deviance affects mean amplitude in studies exploring orientation deviance. This review and its findings elucidate potentially fruitful areas of future research.

A fast sand-dust video quality improvement method based on color correction and illumination compensation

Exploratory algorithms to devise multi-epitope subunit vaccine by examining HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein: An immunoinformatics and viroinformatics approach

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a widespread pandemic and severe health issue, is triggered by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); there is no specific vaccine to cure this infection, and the situation is worsening. Therefore, this research sought to develop a vaccine with multiple epitopes against this infection targeting envelope glycoprotein (vital in host-cell interaction) through the immunoinformatics and viroinformatics approach. We identified one B-cell, eight MHC-I, and four MHC-II epitopes on its immunogen-assisted screening. In addition, these putative epitopes were conjoined concurrently using a specific linker (EAAAK, KK, GPGPG), including an adjuvant and a His-Tag at the N and C terminal, respectively, to augment its immune reaction. The final constructed entity consists of 284 amino acids; immunological evaluation demonstrated that the developed vaccine possesses antigenic features with a value of 0.6222, is non-allergenic, and has prospective physiochemical characteristics. The secondary and tertiary structures were anticipated, and their quality has been evaluated. Further, docking analysis between vaccines with TLR3 shows a strong molecular interaction with a -20.0 kcal/mol binding energy, and the stability was analysed through the MD simulation (100ns). Moreover, the designed vaccine expression and immune response were analysed, and a high vaccine expression level was found (pET28a (+)) and robust immune response followed by codon adaptation index value 0.94, 58.36% GC content, and the generation of IgM +  IgG, cytokines and interleukin. Based on overall investigation, the developed vaccine stimulates a robust immune response. Nevertheless, laboratory analysis is needed to confirm the protective potency of the vaccine.

Green HPLC technique development for the simultaneous determination of the potential combination of Mirabegron and Tamsulosin

Abstract Mirabegron and tamsulosin have recently been prescribed to men with overactive bladder for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. An efficient and environmentally friendly HPLC method was developed to accurately measure the levels of mirabegron and tamsulosin in both their pure form and in medication formulations. Full separation was achieved on an X-Bridge C18 column using a gradient elution of (The A mobile phase was a buffer solution containing 1 mL of trifluoroacetic acid and 3 mL of triethylamine in 1,000 milliliters of water, the pH of the solution was then adjusted to 3 using triethylamine and the B-mobile phase was acetonitrile). The chromatographic peaks were obtained at a wavelength of 220 nm. Mirabegron and tamsulosin were identified with retention time values of 2.4 min and 8.9 min, respectively. In the concentration ranges of 2.5–55 µg/mL for mirabegron and 5–110 µg/mL for tamsulosin, remarkable linearity was seen. The limits of detection for the two analytes were 0.28 and 0.55 µg/mL, respectively, and their R 2 values were 0.9999. The new HPLC method was evaluated for its environmental friendliness using the Analytical GREEness (AGREE) metric. Furthermore, the suggested technique was considered practicable based on the evaluation conducted using the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI) assessment. Both evaluation methods were quite successful, yielding scores of 0.52 and 80, respectively. Compared to the TLC-reported method, HPLC is the preferred choice for the separation of the two analytes due to its sensitivity.

Association between prenatal exposure to maternal metal and trace elements and Streptococcus infection: A prospective birth cohort in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study

Background Streptococcus infection is a common and potentially severe bacterial infection which remains a global public health challenge, underscoring the necessity of investigating potential risk factors. Aims The present study aims to assess the association between metal and trace element exposure and Streptococcus infection using a prospective nationwide birth cohort, the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). Methods The JECS obtained data from over 100,000 pregnancies through 15 Regional Centres across Japan. We assessed toxic metal and trace element levels among pregnant mothers and Streptococcus infection among their children, born between 2011 and 2014, at age three to four. Analysis was performed using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions, as well as Quantile g-computation. We also conducted quartile regressions to assess the effects of higher serum selenium levels and potential interactions between selenium and mercury. Results Among 74,434 infants and their mothers, univariable and multivariable regression analyses found that selenium and mercury each had an inverse association with Streptococcus infection incidence. Quantile g-computation analysis yielded results consistent with the primary regression analyses. Quartile regression suggested that serum selenium levels above the third quartile were inversely associated with later Streptococcus infection incidence, but no interaction between selenium and mercury was found. Conclusions These findings imply that maternal selenium exposure may have protective effects on Streptococcus infection among children. Further studies should explore the role of pediatric selenium in immune responses to infectious diseases, especially Streptococcus infection.

Cloning of nf-profilin and intercellular interaction with nf-actin in Naegleria fowleri cysts

Tailoring the surface pore morphology of bioceramic scaffolds through colloidal processing for bone tissue engineering

In this study, porous bioceramic scaffolds are developed with two materials, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA), with order of 10 micron-scale surface pores and approximately 40–60% volume porosity fabricated by soft templating of oil. Suitable oil and surfactant concentrations are determined for the creation of particle-stabilized emulsions with nearly spherical pores, as well as the capillary suspensions with elongated pores. The bioceramic scaffolds surfaces are then assessed for their ability to support osteoblast adhesion and growth, for applications as scaffolds for bone regeneration. The porous scaffolds’ surfaces are compared to denser surfaces of the same material, where only submicron porosity arise from partial sintering, to interrogate the impact of surface topography on cell behavior. On the denser surfaces where no large pores are templated, β-TCP supports a larger number of osteoblasts compared to HA. Templated surface porosity significantly impacts the morphology and growth of the osteoblasts. Amongst the pore morphologies, the capillary suspension demonstrates enhanced biological function, whereas the emulsion performs the poorest. The β-TCP capillary suspension scaffold surface appears to provide the most favorable conditions for the osteoblasts.

In silico and in vitro analyses reveal the potential use of Streptomyces parvulus VNUA74 as bioagent for sustainable banana production

Self-medication practices in Ethiopia: An umbrella review protocol

Background Self-medication is the practice of obtaining and using drugs without proper guidance or supervision. It can involve various behaviours that may harm individuals and society. Self-medication can cause serious health and economic problems for countries and healthcare systems. Therefore, current review aimed at examining self-medication practices in Ethiopia. Methods This umbrella review will consider all systematic reviews that include self-medication practices of adult age greater than 18 years in Ethiopia. Study protocols, papers other than systematic reviews, papers not reporting on self-medication practices, and papers published in languages other than English will be excluded from the review. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be searched. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be performed by 2 independent reviewers on the reviews selected for inclusion. The characteristics of studies like author name, year published, databases searched, number of studies/patients included, and self-medication practices will be extracted. The quality of included studies will be reported using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. A summary of the extracted data will be presented in tabular format and a narrative synthesis will be performed on the collected systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria. Discussion This protocol is expected to bring pooled evidence on self-medication practice among different population groups like pregnant mothers, adult population, students, and general population. Evidence from this review will be used to tackle current global problem related with anti-microbial resistance. Therefore, our review will call for government and non-government interventions in reducing current challenge of global issue related with anti-microbial resistance in resource limited country like Ethiopia. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO CRD42023182552

Diurnal variations of atmospheric electric fields on fair weather days and its correlations with aerosols, wind speed, irradiance, and relative humidity

Low capacity for molecular detection of Alphaviruses other than Chikungunya virus in 23 European laboratories, March 2022

Alphaviruses comprise over 30 identified species spread worldwide and carry a large global health burden. With vector expansion occurring in and around Europe, it is anticipated this burden will increase. Therefore, regular assessment of the diagnostic capabilities in Europe is important, e.g., by conducting external quality assessments (EQAs). Here we evaluated molecular detection of alphaviruses in expert European laboratories by conducting an EQA in March 2022. Molecular panels included 15 samples: nine alphaviruses, Barmah Forest virus (BFV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Mayaro virus (MAYV), o’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), Ross River virus (RRV), Sindbis virus (SINV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), and Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and four negative control samples. Alphavirus detection was assessed among 23 laboratories in 16 European countries. Adequate capabilities were lacking for several viruses, and approximately half of the laboratories (11/23) relied on pan-alphavirus assays with varying sensitivity and specificity. Only 46% of laboratories characterized all EQA samples correctly. Correct result rates were > 90% for CHIKV, RRV and SINV, but laboratories lacked specificity for ONNV and MAYV and sensitivity for VEEV, BFV, and EEEV. Only two alphaviruses causing human disease circulate or have circulated in Europe, CHIKV and SINV. Molecular detection was satisfactory with both CHIKV and SINV, but < 50% correct for the entire alphaviruses panel. With continued imported cases, and a growing global concern about climate change and vector expansion, focus on progress toward rapid, accurate alphavirus diagnostics in Europe is recommended, as well as regular EQAs to monitor quality.

Study on the technology and application of cooperative roadway protection with roof cutting pressure relief and CO2 mineralization and filling

Effects of building resilience skills among undergraduate medical students in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic setting in the United Arab Emirates: A convergent mixed methods study

Introduction Although curricula teaching skills related to resilience are widely adopted, little is known about needs and attitudes regarding resilience training of undergraduate-medical-trainees in Middle-East-and-North-Africa-region. The purpose of this study is to investigate the value of an innovative curriculum developed through design-based-research to build resilience-skills among undergraduate-medical-trainees in the United-Arab-Emirates. Methods Convergent-mixed-methods-study-design was utilized. Quantitative data collection was through controlled random group allocation conducted in one cohort of undergraduate medical students(n = 47). Students were randomly allocated into the respective resilience-skills-building-course(study-group) versus an unrelated curriculum(control-group). All students were tested at baseline(test-1), at end of 8-week course(test-2), and again 8 weeks after end of course(test-3). Then students crossed over to the opposite course and again tested at end of 8 weeks(test-4). Testing at four timepoints consisted of questionnaires related to burnout-Maslach-Burnout-Inventory; anxiety-General-Anxiety-Disorder-7; and resilience- Connor-Davidson-Resilience-Scale. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Qualitative data, constituting of students’ perception of their experience with the course, was captured using virtual-focus-group-sessions. Qualitative analysis was inductive. Generated primary inferences were merged using joint-display-analysis. Results Significant proportion of the students, at baseline, seemed to be at risk for burnout and anxiety, and would benefit from developing their resilience. There appeared to be no statistical differences in measures of burnout, anxiety, and resilience related to course delivery. Overall risk for anxiety among students increased following the COVID-19 lockdown. Qualitative analysis generated the ‘Resilience-Skills’-Building-around-Undergraduate-Medical-Education-Transitions’ conceptual model of five themes: Transitions, Adaptation, Added Value of course, Sustainability of effects of course, and Opportunities for improving course. Merging of findings led to a thorough understanding of how the resilience-skills’-building-course affected students’ adaptability. Conclusion This study indicates that a resilience-skills’-building-course may not instantly affect medical trainees’ ratings of burnout, anxiety, and resilience. However, students likely engage with such an innovative course and its content to acquire and deploy skills to adapt to changes.

Preparation and adsorption properties of microsphere geopolymers derived from calcium carbide slag and fly ash

Testing the role of spontaneous activity in visuospatial perception with patterned optogenetics

A major debate in the field of consciousness pertains to whether neuronal activity or rather the causal structure of neural circuits underlie the generation of conscious experience. The former position is held by theoretical accounts of consciousness based on the predictive processing framework (such as neurorepresentationalism and active inference), while the latter is posited by the integrated information theory. This protocol describes an experiment, part of a larger adversarial collaboration, that was designed to address this question through a combination of behavioral tests in mice, functional imaging, patterned optogenetics and electrophysiology. The experiment will directly test if optogenetic inactivation of a portion of the visual cortex not responding to behaviorally relevant stimuli will affect the perception of the spatial distribution of these stimuli, even when the neurons being inactivated display no or very low spiking activity, so low that it does not induce a significant effect on other cortical areas. The results of the experiment will be compared against theoretical predictions, and will provide a major contribution towards understanding what the neuronal substrate of consciousness is.

Predicting the spatial demand for public charging stations for EVs using multi-source big data: an example from jinan city, china

The role of digitalization and ESG on financial performance: An empirical analysis on the Energy and Utilities sectors

In recent years authorities and regulators around the world are showing great interest in the concept of sustainability. Sustainable practices are a growing phenomenon around the world and there is increasing research on the correlation between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and corporate financial performance (FP). In parallel with the increasing focus on ESG, digitalization has gained a pivotal role in the business environment. The paper wants to investigate the relationship between ESG factors and financial performance. Moreover, it tries to understand how digitalization influences that relationship. We use panel data regression using pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects or least squares dummy variables. The panel covered by our study consists of a sample of listed companies belonging to the Energy and Utilities sectors observed from the year 2019 to 2021. In particular, our data set includes financial indicators closely related to the corporate profitability, sustainability indicators and an indicator use as a proxy of digitalization. The results provide interesting insights on how digitalization can moderate the relationship between ESG and profitability goals within the business environment, and especially the correlation that exists between sustainability and profit. The results suggest that ESG integration in corporate organizations positively affects FP because a strong ESG proposition enables businesses to grow both in existing and new markets. The findings further support the need to invest in digitalization since they show a substantial gain in financial efficiency, which can eventually boost corporate revenues. The research results support the minimization of the corporate social cost and, more generally, of social well-being. We contribute to the literature by studying the moderating role of investments in digital technologies in the context of sustainability, to understand whether or not digitalization can accelerate the impact of ESG on corporate profitability.

Carbon dynamics of silvopasture systems in the Northeastern United States

Protocol for a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite: an active learning programme to foster positive research culture through leadership development at Cardiff University

A recent UKRI call for training programmes to improve research culture at Higher Education Institutions led Cardiff University to design Cynnau|Ignite. This active learning programme intends to foster positive research culture practices through empowering staff towards leadership on this agenda, and by embedding learners in environments where these practices are highly valued. Cynnau|Ignite will be implemented within Cardiff University as three tailored programmes, dependant on job roles: Teaching and Research (64 learners), Research-Only (32 learners), and Professional Services, Technicians and Specialists (32 learners). This protocol details a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite’s effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility as a tool to improve research culture practices and perceptions within Cardiff University. This knowledge will help inform future iterations of Cynnau|Ignite and similar initiatives, while advancing methods for the evaluation of positive research culture practices, and has potential to inform choices regarding funding and evaluation of research culture initiatives at other Higher Education Institutions. Here, we outline the Cynnau|Ignite Theory of Change used to inform our primary outcomes and describe our plan to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness by measuring learners’ self-reported positive research culture practices (intentions and behaviours) before and after taking part in Cynnau|Ignite, in comparison to a control group of staff who were not involved in the programme. Additionally, data monitoring, sessions observation, and semi-structured interviews will be conducted to establish programme acceptability and feasibility for stakeholders including learners, the delivery team, and university management. We hypothesise Cynnau|Ignite will be largely acceptable and effective in boosting learners’ positive research culture intentions compared to a control group, but believe behavioural implementation may be adversely affected by common barriers such as insufficient time and resources. Overall, we expect Cynnau|Ignite to improve short-term positive research culture practices and perceptions at Cardiff University, but its potential long-term impact is unclear. Study registration Number: ISRCTN15575518