Genome Sequencing Reveals a Mixed Picture of SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Circulation in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Uttar Pradesh is the densely populated state of India and is the sixth highest COVID-19 affected state with 22,904 deaths recorded on November 12, 2021. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is being used as a potential approach to investigate genomic evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. In this study, a total of 87 SARS-CoV-2 genomes−49 genomes from the first wave (March 2020 to February 2021) and 38 genomes from the second wave (March 2021 to July 2021) from Eastern Uttar Pradesh (E-UP) were sequenced and analyzed to understand its evolutionary pattern and variants against publicaly available sequences. The complete genome analysis of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave in E-UP largely reported transmission of G, GR, and GH clades with specific mutations. In contrast, variants of concerns (VOCs) such as Delta (71.0%) followed by Delta AY.1 (21.05%) and Kappa (7.9%) lineages belong to G clade with prominent signature amino acids were introduced in the second wave. Signature substitution at positions S:L452R, S:P681R, and S:D614G were commonly detected in the Delta, Delta AY.1, and Kappa variants whereas S:T19R and S:T478K were confined to Delta and Delta AY.1 variants only. Vaccine breakthrough infections showed unique mutational changes at position S:D574Y in the case of the Delta variant, whereas position S:T95 was conserved among Kappa variants compared to the Wuhan isolate. During the transition from the first to second waves, a shift in the predominant clade from GH to G clade was observed. The identified spike protein mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome could be used as the potential target for vaccine and drug development to combat the effects of the COVID-19 disease.

Lead and coliform contaminants in groundwater sources in peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria

Benue State has one of the most populated state capitals in North-central Nigeria, suffering from acute water shortage despite River Benue that runs through the town. The combined effect of inadequate potable water supply and the polluted nature of the River has pushed the populace, especially peri-urban residents, to resort to water from wells and boreholes. This study investigates the possible contamination by lead, and some waterborne pathogenic bacterial burden of water from wells and boreholes. Four peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria, were selected for the study. A total of 768 samples were randomly collected, 192 from each location.The presence of lead was quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while the bacteriological assessment was done using Multiple Tube Fermentation Techniques and biochemical tests. The mean value for lead at the different sampling sites ranged from 0.030 to 0.079mg/L. The mean value of lead in all the wells and locations was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the WHO recommended values of 0.01 mg/L for lead. Five species of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified, namely E. coli, Salmonella subsp 3B, Enterobacter pagglomeran complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. The mean value for E. coli at the different well types ranged from 0.000 to 0.401 CFUX10 and were significantly (P<0.05) different. Water from wells in Makurdi had high lead concentration as well as enteric pathogenic bacteria that render it not fit for human consumption. It is recommended that regulatory agencies should protect wells through the development of relevant guidelines to address the risk of water contamination.

Imaging Sequences for Hyperpolarized Solids

Hyperpolarization is one of the approaches to enhance Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) signal by increasing the population difference between the nuclear spin states. Imaging hyperpolarized solids opens up extensive possibilities, yet is challenging to perform. The highly populated state is normally not replenishable to the initial polarization level by spin-lattice relaxation, which regular MRI sequences rely on. This makes it necessary to carefully “budget” the polarization to optimize the image quality. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework to address such challenge under the assumption of either variable flip angles or a constant flip angle. In addition, we analyze the gradient arrangement to perform fast imaging to overcome intrinsic short decoherence in solids. Hyperpolarized diamonds imaging is demonstrated as a prototypical platform to test the theory.

Enhancing Household Well-being through Zakat Assistance

The main purpose of Islam is to ensure and promote the wellbeing of all humanity and to avoid harm. From an Islamic perspective, wellbeing is explained through inside and outer fulfillment, driving towards a peaceful life, named as Hayat-e-Tayyaba. The objectives and vision of wellbeing are to satisfy the material and non-material needs. The Maqasid al-Shari’ah principles are normally used by scholars to explain wellbeing from the Islamic perspective. The objective of this empirical paper is to determine the wellbeing status of zakat recipient in Selangor using one of the dimensions of Maqasid al-Shari’ah that is wealth. Specifically, the potential ability of zakat to enhance the wellbeing of poor households is discussed. The present study employed a dataset derived from a survey consisting of 258 heads of households of poor zakat recipients in the state of Selangor, the most populated state in Malaysia. The cross-section study employed the proportionate random sampling method across nine districts in Selangor. The paper presents the wellbeing of households proxied by selected variables representing the five dimensions of Maqasid al-Shari’ah using descriptive statistics, T-test and Pearson correlation. In brief, the role of zakat to promote a better life from a micro perspective is highlighted.

Uncovering a membrane-distal conformation of KRAS available to recruit RAF to the plasma membrane

The small GTPase KRAS is localized at the plasma membrane where it functions as a molecular switch, coupling extracellular growth factor stimulation to intracellular signaling networks. In this process, KRAS recruits effectors, such as RAF kinase, to the plasma membrane where they are activated by a series of complex molecular steps. Defining the membrane-bound state of KRAS is fundamental to understanding the activation of RAF kinase and in evaluating novel therapeutic opportunities for the inhibition of oncogenic KRAS-mediated signaling. We combined multiple biophysical measurements and computational methodologies to generate a consensus model for authentically processed, membrane-anchored KRAS. In contrast to the two membrane-proximal conformations previously reported, we identify a third significantly populated state using a combination of neutron reflectivity, fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP), and NMR. In this highly populated state, which we refer to as “membrane-distal” and estimate to comprise ∼90% of the ensemble, the G-domain does not directly contact the membrane but is tethered via its C-terminal hypervariable region and carboxymethylated farnesyl moiety, as shown by FPOP. Subsequent interaction of the RAF1 RAS binding domain with KRAS does not significantly change G-domain configurations on the membrane but affects their relative populations. Overall, our results are consistent with a directional fly-casting mechanism for KRAS, in which the membrane-distal state of the G-domain can effectively recruit RAF kinase from the cytoplasm for activation at the membrane.

An Economic and Demographic History of São Paulo, 1850-1950

This volume is the continuation of an earlier study of colonial and imperial São Paulo and covers the period 1850-1950. These volumes are the first full scale survey of the economy and society of the state of São Paulo in this two century period in any language. Today São Paulo is the most populated state of Brazil and also the richest and most industrialized one. It is also the world leader in the production of sugar cane and orange juice and houses one of the world’s major airplane manufacturers. Its GDP today is almost double the size of Portugal or Finland and close to the size of the entire economy of Colombia or Venezuela and its capital city is one of the top five metropolitan centers in the world. This volume shows how the region of São Paulo went from being one of the more marginal and backward areas of the nation to its leading agricultural, industrial and financial center. Special emphasis is given to the creation of a modern state government and finances in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as well as the evolution of tis coffee economy and its internal market as well as its leading role it played in the integration of over two million European and Asian immigrants into Brazilian society.

Uncertainty and subjective task complexity in the information-seeking behaviour of lawyers

Purpose This study investigates the moderating effects of age, experience and educational qualification on the relationship between uncertainty and subjective task complexity among lawyers working in private law firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A survey method was adopted and data were gathered using questionnaires. The analysis was carried out based on partial least squares structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 2.0 M3 software. Findings Results showed that the effect of uncertainty on subjective task complexity is significantly moderated by age, educational attainment, experience of the lawyers under study. Research limitations/implications Although data were collected in the most populated state and commercial hub of Nigeria, generalisation based on findings may still need to be made with caution. Practical implications Attainment of higher educational qualification is highly important for lawyers even though the minimum requirement to practice as a lawyer is a degree. Lawyers with higher degrees (LLM and PhD) had less uncertainty and perceived their tasks to be less complex compared to their counterparts who had the first degree (LLB). Originality/value The demographic profile of professionals (age, education and experience) has proven to have an impact on their perception about task complexity as determined by uncertainty as found in this study.

Identifying Factors Alleviating Poverty: Experience from Malaysian Zakat Institutions

A major challenge for zakat institutions is to identify ways to alleviate poverty. Thus, it is essential to determine factors that influence the incidence of poverty. Determinants of poverty can be used by zakat institutions as a guide by zakat authorities as to draw guidelines and programs to alleviate the poor. The objective of the present paper is to identify the determinants of poverty from the perspective of poor zakat recepients in Selangor, the most populated Muslim state in Malaysia. Using the Had Kifayah method, which is based on maqasid al-shariah principles, the study would outline factors that can be used as a guideline to fight poverty. The present study employed a dataset derived from a survey consisting of 258 head of household heads of low-income group in the state of Selangor, the most populated state in Malaysia. The multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis revealed three factors that influence poverty in this study, namely, unemployment of household heads, non-working household adults and unability to obtain permanent jobs. Keywords: Poverty, measurements, zakat organizations