bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Native and Oxidized Starch for Adsorption of Nickel, Iron, and Manganese Ions from Water
Authors: Boughanmi Rahma , Borchert Konstantin B. L. , Steinbach Christine , Mayer Martin , Schwarz Simona , Svirepa Anastasiya , Schwarz Johannes , Mertig Michael , Schwarz Dana
Published: August 2022

The adsorption of heavy metal ions from surface water with ecologically safe and biodegradable biopolymers is increasingly becoming an appealing research challenge. Starch as a biopolymer is exceptionally attractive to solve this problem for its low cost and abundant availability in nature. To expel Ni2+, Fe2+/3+, and Mn2+ from water, we analyzed two native and two oxidized starches, namely potato and corn starch, as bio-adsorbers. The morphology and the surface property of the different starches were studied using SEM. To assess the effectiveness of adsorption onto the starches, we tested three realistic concentrations based on German drinking water ordinance values that were 10-fold, 100-fold, and 1000-fold the limits for Mn2+, Fe2+, and Ni2+, respectively. The concentration of the different ions was measured using the ICP-OES. Furthermore, from subsequent investigations of the adsorption isotherms, we evaluated the adsorption capacities and mechanisms. The adsorption isotherms were fitted using the Langmuir, Sips, and Dubinin–Radushkevich models, whereby Sips showed the highest correlation. Oxidized potato starch achieved viable adsorption capacities of 77 µmol Fe2+/g, 84 µmol Mn2+/g, and 118 µmol Ni2+/g. Investigating the influence of initial swelling in water on the adsorption performance, we found that especially the percentage removal with oxidized starches decreased significantly due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with water molecules at their binding sites with prior swelling.
Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings: Work-Related Predictors of Violence Behaviours
Authors: Barros Carla , Meneses Rute F. , Sani Ana , Baylina Pilar
Published: August 2022

Healthcare workers are exposed to workplace violence such as physical assaults, psychological violence and threats of violence. It is crucial to understand factors associated with workplace violence to prevent and mitigate its consequences. This study aims to identify work-related factors that might influence workplace violence in healthcare settings. A cross-sectional study was developed between March and April of 2022 with healthcare workers. The Aggression and Violence at Work Scale was used to assess workplace violence, and psychosocial risks were assessed through the Health and Work Survey—INSAT. Statistical analysis using bivariate analysis was performed to identify the psychosocial risk factors related to physical violence, psychological violence and vicarious violence. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression was performed to identify the models that better explained the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and the three dimensions of violence. Psychological violence was frequently experienced by the healthcare workers. Significant associations were found between psychosocial risk factors and physical, psychological and vicarious violence, namely working hours, work relationships, employment relations, high demands and work intensity. These findings highlight the importance of taking into consideration work-related factors when designing interventions to prevent and address workplace violence in healthcare settings.
Iconic Reconciliations in a Secular Setting: Recent Bohemian Examples
Authors: Kolář Pavel
Published: August 2022

In recent years, new exciting, publicly debated, and further thought-provoking events have appeared in the Czech Republic including, the restoration and benediction of the Marian Column on the Old Town Square in Prague, Darina Alster’s art performance, the Non-binary Madonna, the opening of the new Jan Palach Memorial in Všetaty and the temporary memorial to the victims of COVID-19. All these events, taking place in public, manifested qualities associated with religious practices and the concept of the sacred. Pointing selectively to trends in religious geography (Kong) and utilising the concepts of liquid religion (de Groot) and iconic religion (Tweed, Knott), this case study describes and analyses those events and shortly discusses their public reconciliatory character. It claims that the religious or sacral character of public objects or acts in a secular setting is permanently subject to questioning, contesting and opposition. Ritually enacted boundaries between non-negotiable values (the sacred) and values permanently negotiated (the profane) are always temporary and elusive in the public domain, as so it is with public acts of reconciliation.
Comparison of Surface Water or Treated Municipal Wastewater Irrigation on Alfalfa Establishment, Soil Fertility, and Soil Microbial Conditions
Authors: Lauriault Leonard M. , Pietrasiak Nicole , Darapuneni Murali K. , Dominguez Andrew J. , Martinez Gasper K.
Published: August 2022

Water scarcity for agricultural irrigation is increasing globally while generation of treated municipal wastewater (TWW) is increasing due to urban expansion. Municipalities seek uses for their TWW, which is safe to apply to forage crops. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the most important forage crop worldwide being adapted to a wide range of environmental factors, including irrigation with low quality water. A strip plot study with four replications at New Mexico State University’s Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM USA, compared the effects of surface water (SW) and TWW on alfalfa establishment and soil fertility and microbial growth. Alfalfa established equally well when irrigated with equal amounts of TWW or SW. After one year, the application of TWW increased soil P and plant N and P more so than SW. Most microbial soil health indicators were positively increased by alfalfa establishment in virgin soil; however, the effect was greater with TWW compared with SW (1147, 1184, 1961, and 4991 nmol g−1 for total microbial biomass of soil irrigated with SW and TWW at seeding and after one year, respectively, LSD0.05 = 710). Thus, TWW irrigation could reduce applied fertilizer P to meet alfalfa’s requirement and increase soil health compared with SW.
Exploring the Influencing Factors and Formation of the Blind Zone of a Semitrailer Truck in a Right-Turn Collision
Authors: Wang Qingzhou , Sun Jiarong , Wang Nannan , Wang Yu , Song Yang , Li Xia
Published: August 2022

The blind zone that accompanies the right-turn process of semitrailer trucks is a major cause of crashes and the high fatality of vulnerable road users (VRUs). Understanding the relationship between the blind zone and right-turn collisions will play a positive role in preventing such accidents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the formation of right-turn blind zones for semitrailer trucks and to determine the factors (turning speed, turning radius, and collision position) influencing the severity of accidents through real-world vehicle tests and PC-CRASH simulation. The results show that the calculation model of the inner wheel difference blind zone established for semitrailer trucks can provide more accurate estimation than the model for rigid trucks, due to the consideration of a virtual third axle between the tractor and the trailer. On the other hand, the PC-CRASH simulation test indicates the turning speed and turning radius directly affect the scale of the inner wheel difference blind zone, and larger blind zone and encroachment on adjacent lanes increase the potential for collision. Moreover, the difference in collision position is closely related to whether the rider suffers a secondary crush. Front position is more likely to cause the cyclist to be crushed. For further analysis, the long-term interaction between the blind zones resulting from the right rearview mirror and the inner wheel difference also increases the risk during a right turn. Therefore, reducing the blind zone in the right-turn process is the key to improving right-turn safety for semitrailer trucks and VRUs.
Developing a Data Driven Strategy and Guideline to Increase Per Capita Open Space and Relative Accessibility in Chittagong City
Authors: Jafrin Maharina
Published: August 2022

The population density in Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) area was 242.28 per square meter in 2019, and Bulmer suggests that, due to the high birth rate in Asia, cities such as Chittagong can be considered high density. Contextually, this ‘high-density’ element is a determining factor that potentially allows one to address the city’s open space standard, which “should compensate and complement the physical and social context of the [urban] surrounding environment”. The research in this paper is focused on the urban setting, defined in the CCC area of 168 square kilometres. The literature review and case study analysis found that per capita open space in Chittagong is far lower than the WHO recommendation (nine square meters per person). Additionally, the UN stated that “47% of [the city’s] population live within 400 m walking distance to open public spaces”, whereas, according to the previous study, in Chittagong City only 19% of residents live within this distance. Observing these issues, the aim of the paper is to develop an innovative way to obtain per capita open space in Chittagong city. To achieve the aim, the researchers analysed the data from surveys and interviews conducted by using SPSS and NVivo. These tools produced data that were, for example, used to develop themes of open space in Chittagong. This investigation and analysis of material allowed for the generation of strategies and planning recommendations to improve the open space situation in the city. Beyond these strategies, the research team produced new insights to promote sustainability in this area.
Utility of Designing Intelligent Algorithms to Streamline E-Commerce Operations and Construction Costs Estimates by Applying Principles of Sharing Economy: Coestim
Authors: Sfichi Adrian , Sfichi Narcisa , Bădeliță Marian , Medrihan Mihai , Zadobrischi Eduard
Published: August 2022

Through technological advances and the use of online platforms, the perfect environment was created to revolutionize the field of construction. Over the years, this field has faced difficulties in optimizing resources and reducing time and costs, but the maneuverability and operability of the project delivery process, of which are crucial elements. The economic and industrial crises of the last decade have exerted enormous pressure in the process of maximizing quality, being necessary models and algorithms to obtain an ideal recipe. This article presents the first proposal of a metaheuristic algorithm capable of optimizing the most important objectives of service providers in the time-quality-cost ratio without reaching a compromise disadvantaging one of the basic characteristics. The model is applied in the generation of estimates, revolutionizing the field of construction, based on the cost-estimate motto that leads to the abbreviation Coestim.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Malaria and Influenza Co-Infection in Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wilairatana Polrat , Mala Wanida , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Kotepui Manas
Published: August 2022

Malaria and influenza are co-endemic in several geographical areas, and differentiation of their clinical features is difficult. The present study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the prevalence and characteristics of malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021264525). Relevant literature that reported malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from 20 June to 27 June 2021 and the risk of bias for each study was assessed. Quantitative analysis included pooled prevalence, and the odds of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients were estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to summarize the effect estimate for each group. Funnel plot, Egger’s test, and contour-enhanced funnel plot were used to demonstrate any publication bias among outcomes of included studies. Among 4253 studies retrieved, 10 studies that enrolled 22,066 febrile patients with 650 co-infected patients were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The pooled prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was 31.0% in Nigeria, 1.0% in Tanzania, 1.0% in Uganda, 1.0% in Malawi, 1.0% in Ghana, 0% in Cambodia, 7.0% in the Central African Republic, and 7.0% in Kenya. Meta-analysis also showed co-infection occurrence by chance (p = 0.097, odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.26–1.12, I2 94.9%). The prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was heterogeneous by country, characteristics of febrile participants, and diagnostic tests for influenza virus. Further studies should investigate severe clinical manifestations or differentiate clinical outcomes between mono-infected or co-infected individuals, whether the co-infection leads to severe disease outcome.
Temporal Variations and Spatial Clusters of Dengue in Thailand: Longitudinal Study before and during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Saita Sayambhu , Maeakhian Sasithan , Silawan Tassanee
Published: August 2022

The efforts towards effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the incidence of dengue. This study aimed to investigate temporal variations and spatial clusters of dengue in Thailand before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reported dengue cases before (2011–2019) and during (2020–2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were obtained from the national disease surveillance datasets. The temporal variations were analyzed using graphics, a seasonal trend decomposition procedure based on Loess, and Poisson regression. A seasonal ARIMA model was used to forecast dengue cases. Spatial clusters were investigated using the local indicators of spatial associations (LISA). The cyclic pattern showed that the greatest peak of dengue cases likely changed from every other year to every two or three years. In terms of seasonality, a notable peak was observed in June before the pandemic, which was delayed by one month (July) during the pandemic. The trend for 2011–2021 was relatively stable but dengue incidence decreased dramatically by 7.05% and 157.80% on average in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The forecasted cases in 2020 were slightly lower than the reported cases (2.63% difference), whereas the forecasted cases in 2021 were much higher than the actual cases (163.19% difference). The LISA map indicated 5 to 13 risk areas or hotspots of dengue before the COVID-19 pandemic compared to only 1 risk area during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue incidence sharply decreased and was lower than forecasted, and the spatial clusters were much lower than before the pandemic.
Seropositivity of Leptospira spp. Antibodies among Febrile Patients Attending Outpatient Clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania: Should It Be Included in Routine Diagnosis?
Authors: Mirambo Mariam M. , Silago Vitus , Msemwa Betrand , Nyawale Helmut , Mgomi Mlekwa G. , Madeu Julius M. , Nasson William S. , Emmanuel Gabriel , Moses John , Basinda Namanya , Mhamphi Ginethon , Mwakabumbe Subira S. , Mngumi Elifuraha B. , Majid Khadija S. , Matemba Lucas , Mgode Georgies , Mshana Stephen E.
Published: August 2022

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. Despite being a widespread disease in tropical regions, it has never been considered in the routine diagnostic panel for febrile patients. This study determined seropositivity and factors associated with Leptospira antibodies among febrile adult patients in Mwanza, Tanzania. The cross-sectional study involving 296 febrile patients attending different outpatient clinics in Mwanza region was conducted between May and July 2019. Detection of Leptospira serovars antibodies was done using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Descriptive analysis was done using STATA version 13. The median age of the febrile patients was 32 (IQR: 24–45 years). Out of 296 patients, 36 (12.16%, 95%CI: 8–15) were seropositive for Leptospira antibodies. Common circulating serovars were Sokoine 28 (9.45%), followed by Lora 12 (4.05%) and Grippotyphosa 2 (0.67%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of being Leptospira seropositive were significantly higher with increased age (aOR: 1.03, 95%CI 1.00–1.07, p = 0.03). About one tenth of febrile patients in Mwanza were seropositive for Leptospira antibodies and this was significantly associated with age. With the decline of malaria fever in endemic areas, other causes of febrile illness like Leptospiral spp. should be considered in the routine diagnostic panel for febrile patients.
Japanese Spotted Fever and Irreversible Renal Dysfunction during Immunosuppressive Therapy after a Living-Donor Kidney Transplant
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Nishikawa Kohei , Iida Shohei , Nakanishi Takehisa , Habe Koji , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: August 2022

Ten years ago, a 56-year-old woman with a history of IgA nephropathy who received a living-donor kidney transplant across ABO barriers was managed with immunosuppressive drugs. The kidney transplant donor was her father who had poor kidney function. The patient’s renal function was stable for 10 years. The patient visited our department with a complaint of skin rash, occurring 2 days after an onset of fever. Although a skin rash is atypical for Japanese spotted fever (JSF), we suspected JSF and started treatment with minocycline because we found a scar suggestive of an eschar. Furthermore, the blood test results were similar to those associated with JSF, and the patient lived in a JSF-endemic area. The patient’s symptoms improved after 1 week. She was diagnosed with JSF by serological tests against Rickettsia japonica. JSF usually does not cause any complications after recovery. However, the patient’s renal function did not completely recover. JSF can cause an atypical rash in patients taking excessive immunosuppressive drugs. Early treatment is required for patients with suspected JSF to prevent complications of renal dysfunction after receiving a living-donor kidney transplant.
Expression Profile Analysis of Circular RNAs in Leishmaniasis
Authors: Li Zhongqiu , Zeng Wenbo , Yang Yufeng , Zhang Peijun , Zhou Zhengbing , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Yunhai , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2022

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that seriously influences global public health. Among all the parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis is the third most common cause of morbidity after malaria and schistosomiasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of noncoding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of biological and developmental processes. However, there is no published research on the function of circRNAs in leishmaniasis. This is the first study to explore the expression profiles of circRNAs in leishmaniasis. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to determine the potential function of the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs. CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA (ceRNA) regulatory network analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed by R software and the STRING database, respectively. A total of 4664 significant differentially expressed circRNAs were identified and compared to those in control groups; a total of 1931 were up-regulated and 2733 were down-regulated. The host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were enriched in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, the MAPK signaling pathway, renal cell carcinoma, autophagy and the ErbB signaling pathway. Then, five hub genes (BRCA1, CREBBP, EP300, PIK3R1, and CRK) were identified. This study provides new evidence of the change of differentially expressed circRNAs and its potential function in leishmaniasis. These results may provide novel insights and evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis.
Off-Road Construction and Agricultural Equipment Electrification: Review, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Un-Noor Fuad , Wu Guoyuan , Perugu Harikishan , Collier Sonya , Yoon Seungju , Barth Mathew , Boriboonsomsin Kanok
Published: August 2022

Though the current wave of electric vehicles is transforming the on-road passenger and commercial vehicle fleets, similar attempts in the off-road equipment sector appear to be lacking. Because of the diverse equipment categories and varied applications, electrifying off-road equipment requires significant research and development. A successful electrification of such equipment can offer an array of benefits, including reduced air and noise pollution, higher energy efficiency, and increased productivity. This paper provides a review of the current state of technology in off-road equipment electrification, with a focus on the equipment used in construction and agricultural applications. The paper also discusses advantages of, and challenges associated with, electrifying off-road construction and agricultural equipment. In addition, potential solutions for overcoming these challenges as well as opportunities to facilitate the electrification of off-road construction and agricultural equipment are identified.
Molecular Identification of Parasitic Protozoa Sarcocystis in Water Samples
Authors: Strazdaitė-Žielienė Živilė , Baranauskaitė Agnė , Butkauskas Dalius , Servienė Elena , Prakas Petras
Published: August 2022

Sarcocystis parasites are among the most common parasitic protozoa in farm animals. So far, the diversity of these parasites has been mainly studied in animal carcasses by morphological or molecular methods. Research on parasitic protozoa in environmental samples is scarce due to the lack of an appropriate methodology and low concentrations of parasites. For these reasons, there is a paucity of validated methods for Sarcocystis identification from environmental samples. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate various molecular methods for Sarcocystis parasite identification in water samples. In the present study, the sample volume, sporocysts isolation, and various conventional PCR were evaluated, and species-specific primers for the identification of different Sarcocystis species have been developed. Of the methods studied, based on data the most appropriate method for the identification of analyzed Sarcocystis spp. in water bodies is nested PCR, using species-specific primers targeting the cox1 gene. Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 111 out of 114 (97.4%) samples. This paper represents the first identification of S. bovifelis, S. cruzi, S. hirsuta, S. arieticanis, S. tenella, S. capracanis, S. bertrami, and S. miescheriana by PCR and sequencing in environmental water samples. Our pilot study is useful in developing techniques for the identification of Sarcocystis species from water samples.
The Microbiological Quality of Concentrates for Horses—A Retrospective Study on Influencing Factors and Associations with Clinical Symptoms Reported by Owners or Referring Vets
Authors: Intemann Sandra , Reckels Bernd , Schubert Dana Carina , Wolf Petra , Kamphues Josef , Visscher Christian
Published: August 2022

Evidence has already been provided that feed-borne mold spores and endotoxins can trigger chronic, non-infectious respiratory disease if inhaled. Furthermore, deficiencies in feed microbiology are suspected to trigger gastrointestinal and liver disorders in horses, but the connection needs further clarification. Most of the previous studies regarding horse feed hygiene focused on forage, whereas research regarding hygienic quality of concentrates is scarce. In the present study, results of reports on hygienic quality of compound feed and cereals for horses were evaluated secondarily. Results included sensory findings, and counts of aerobic bacteria, molds and yeasts determined by cultivation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contents. It was found that microbial counts of compound feed exceeded VDLUFA orientation values significantly more frequently than cereals (38.4 vs. 22.6%). However, average counts of bacteria, molds and yeasts were higher in cereals than in compound feeds (p < 0.0001, respectively). Mold counts in grains were significantly higher if dry matter contents were below 86% (p = 0.0201). No relation could be established between the anamnestically reported gastrointestinal disorders or elevated liver enzyme activities and microbiological deviations. Mold counts of concentrates which were suspected to cause coughing in horses were significantly higher than mold counts of control samples (3.29 vs. 2.40 log10 cfu g−1, p = 0.0313). These results indicate that hygienic status of concentrates is relevant for horse health in the respiratory tract.
Feeding Thai Native Sheep Molasses Either Alone or in Combination with Urea-Fermented Sugarcane Bagasse: The Effects on Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Hematological Parameters
Authors: Kraiprom Thaintip , Jantarat Sitthisak , Yaemkong Suphawadee , Cherdthong Anusorn , Incharoen Tossaporn
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to find out how adding molasses to fermented sugarcane bagasse (FSB) alone or in combination with urea affected sheep’s rumen fermentation, hematological parameters, and ability to digest nutrients. Four Thai native sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 20.87 ± 1.95 kg and 11 ± 1.0 months old were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 4 periods of 14-d adaptation and 7 d of sample collection. Each treatment received a different combination of experimental roughage as follows: FSB without additives (T1), FSB + 10% molasses (T2), FSB + 20% molasses (T3), and FSB + 10% molasses + 3% urea (T4). The concentrate diet was fed twice daily at 2% BW, while roughage sources were provided ad libitum for each treatment. The crude protein (CP) digestibility in the T2 and T3 groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in the FSB group without additions, with the T4 group having the highest (p < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in blood glucose, packed cell volume, ruminal pH, ammonia–nitrogen (NH3-N), propionic acid, or acetic acid, the plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) at 0 h was highest in the T4 group (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. However, the proportion of butyric acid tended to be higher in all FSB groups with additives. Thus, the current experiment concluded that the addition of molasses alone or in combination with urea had positive effects on pH and LAB population, and including both together in FSB improved the CP digestibility of sheep. In conclusion, FSB with 10% molasses and 3% urea might be used as an alternate roughage source for ruminants without affecting the animal’s ruminal fermentation or hematological parameters.
Percutaneous Balloon Dilation in Two Dogs with Cor Triatriatum Dexter
Authors: Patata Valentina , Vezzosi Tommaso , Calogero Giulia , Croce Marta , Broch Helena , Marchesotti Federica , Bini Martina , Domenech Oriol
Published: August 2022

Percutaneous balloon dilation was performed in a Rhodesian Ridgeback and in an American Staffordshire Terrier affected by cor triatriatum dexter (CTD). Both cases had ascites without jugular venous distension or pleural effusion. In both dogs the CTD presented a perforated membrane but with different morphology: in one case the coronary sinus entered the caudal chamber of the CTD together with the caudal vena cava. In the other case, the coronary sinus communicated with the cranial chamber of the CTD together with the cranial vena cava. Percutaneous balloon dilation of the CTD was successfully performed, and both dogs had uneventful surgery recoveries. At two years of follow-up, the dogs were free from clinical signs and cardiac medication.
Pilot Study: Assessing the Expression of Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and Peripheral Leukocyte Ratios in Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Murray Ben , Blacklock Kelly L. Bowlt
Published: August 2022

Measurement of blood biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and peripheral leukocyte ratios have been shown to be of prognostic value in human melanoma patients. Previous veterinary studies have demonstrated that changes in these values are detectable in multiple canine cancer patients. However, to the authors’ knowledge, no studies have yet demonstrated an increase in LDH in canine oral malignant melanoma patients, nor has the effect of metastasis on LDH levels been explored. This retrospective pilot study included 18 dogs, of which 10 were healthy controls, 5 OMM patients with metastasis and 3 without metastasis. Serum LDH was measured and pre-treatment peripheral leucocyte ratios were calculated. LDH was measurable within all patient groups and a statistically significant difference in LDH levels was detected between patients with OMM and healthy controls (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was detected between patients with or without metastatic disease. This study suggests that serum LDH levels are significantly increased in dogs with OMM compared to healthy controls, paving the way for further research to investigate the prognostic value of this biomarker.
Virtual Worlds: A New Open Access Journal of Virtual Reality, Augmented and Mixed Reality Technologies, and Their Uses
Authors: Nijholt Anton
Published: August 2022

Books, movies, and performances create virtual worlds [...]
Optimization of a Lightweight Floating Offshore Wind Turbine with Water Ballast Motion Mitigation Technology
Authors: Ramsay William , Goupee Andrew , Allen Christopher , Viselli Anthony , Kimball Richard
Published: August 2022

Floating offshore wind turbines are a promising technology for addressing energy needs by utilizing wind resources offshore. The current state of the art is based on heavy, expensive platforms to survive the ocean environment. Typical design techniques do not involve optimization because of the computationally expensive time domain solvers used to model motions and loads in the ocean environment. However, this design uses an efficient frequency domain solver with a genetic algorithm to rapidly optimize the design of a novel floating wind turbine concept. The concept utilizes a liquid ballast mass to mitigate motions on a lightweight post-tensioned concrete platform. The simple cruciform-shaped design of the platform made of post-tensioned concrete is less expensive than steel, reducing the raw material and manufacturing cost. The use of ballast water to behave as a tuned mass damper allows a smaller platform to achieve the same motions as a much larger platform, thus reducing the mass and cost. The optimization techniques applied with these design innovations resulted in a design with a levelized cost of energy of USD 0.0753/kWh, roughly half the cost of the current state of the art.
Perceptions of Human Milk Banks as a Response to the US Infant Formula Shortage: A Mixed Methods Study of US Mothers
Authors: Jackson Frederica , Obeng Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Human donor milk from established milk banks is the safest alternative to mother’s own milk. The current study examined US mothers’ perceptions of human milk banks as a response to the ongoing infant formula shortage in the United States. A cross-sectional study with closed and open-ended items was administered through nine Facebook groups, and a final sample of 863 responses was retained in the study. We used descriptive and inferential statistics for statistical analysis, and content and thematic analyses were conducted on open-ended responses. In our sample, 77.4% of respondents perceived human milk banking as a feasible response to the formula shortage crisis. Marital status, education, religion, and willingness to donate milk were associated with respondent perceptions of milk banking as a response to the formula shortage. US mothers’ concerns around the accessibility of milk banks and the cost of human milk were the primary reasons accounting for the hesitancy toward milk banking as a response to the infant formula shortage crisis. The study findings indicate support for milk banking as a potential ‘temporary’ solution to the formula shortage and reveal that milk banking is a tool that is currently being underutilized. It is imperative that stakeholders address the challenges identified by the current study to improve infant feeding and health.
Paradoxes of Aggravated Vulnerability, Marginalization, and Peril of Forest-Based Communities after Increasing Conservative Forest and Protected Areas in Nepal: A Policy Lesson on Land-Based Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Dhakal Bhubaneswor , Chand Narendra , Shrestha Him Lal , Shrestha Anita , Dhakal Nischal , Adhikari Bikash , Shrestha Shyam Krishna , Karki Krishna Bahadur , Bhandari Padam
Published: August 2022

Many measures of international policies and support have dictated developing countries to upscale land areas of intact forestry, special biodiversity conservation site, and other wild reserves to half the land territory of the nation by 2050 for resulting environmental, and other benefits to global societies. The international initiations and work urged scholars to assess the potential impacts of the aggressive policy on forest-based communities and especially those living in institutionally and geo ecologically vulnerable areas. This study compiled the impacts of such international policy interventions on diverse affairs of the local community and national economies in Nepal and drew some conclusions on the well-being future of such forest-based communities. It explained that the international interventions in managing community-based resources induced serious disturbances in many local systems and resulted in vicious circles of emigration, income losses, social problems, psychological stresses, and food insecurities. The interventions have placed some communities and especially indigenous ethnic groups in the position either to be displaced from their ancestors’ homelands or suffer for generations. This study also explained some reinforcing phenomena that emerged from the external interventions which have placed situations of the resource impacting local communities adversely for years. It also investigated whether support of international agencies in policy formation and implementation for resource management safeguards the well-being of the resource-based communities. The agencies resulted in the best environmental and other benefits to foreign societies which have aggravated the misery of local communities, particularly the poor people, women, and indigenous ethnic communities. The adverse impacts on the local societies are not repercussions (accidentally or unknowingly happened). All these findings infer that the international policies of upscaling forests and wilderness areas or making conservation areas in half of their land territory, especially in developing societies for the global benefit, may place the lives of the forest-based communities in peril of suffering for generations or extirpating.
Host–Virus Interactions in Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Roy Urmi
Published: August 2022

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease that causes severe brain inflammation. The JE virus envelope protein domain III (JEV-ED3) plays a critical role in activating receptor binding and membrane fusion. This communication briefly describes, in a computational approach, how structural changes within the JEV-ED3 mutant epitopes suppress their antibody neutralization function. The simulated results demonstrate that mutant Ser40Lys acts as an antibody neutralization escape while Asp41Arg may play the role of an escape mutant. Additionally, an examination of the double mutants on JEV-ED3 suggests that these mutants may qualify as stronger neutralizing escape agents than their single variants. The structural analysis of this work helps to identify the proper antiviral target sequences and specific monoclonal antibodies for the JEV-ED3 escape mutants.
Impacto del maíz transgénico sobre las comunidades microbianas del suelo y plantas: Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Carrero-Ramírez Angie S. , Carrillo-Menjura Laura J. , Sánchez-Leal Ligia C.
Published: August 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar los cambios en la estructura de la comunidad bacteriana en cultivos transgénicos de maíz así como su impacto en otras plantas. La metodología utilizada consistió en la búsqueda de publicaciones originales en cuatro bases de datos y su posterior filtrado por criterios de inclusión y exclusión. En los resultados se obtuvieron un total de 15 artículos de los cuales 13 comparaban un maíz transgénico con su contraparte hibrida o salvaje en su composición de rizosfera y endosfera y cuáles eran los cambios que estas presentaban, por otro lado 2 de estos artículos nombraban el cruce que puede existir entre un cultivo transgénico y uno no transgénico debido a su tipo de polinización. En conclusión, los cambios encontrados en la rizosfera y endosfera no son significativos y se deben a un proceso de adaptación de los microorganismos, además se deben tener unas normas mínimas para cultivar maíz transgénico, para proteger especies no transgénicas.
ENSURING THE RIGHTS AND LEGAL INTERESTS OF THE VICTIM IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Nestor Nataliia
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of the victim, the victim of a criminal offense in modern criminal proceedings in Ukraine. The problems in the mechanism of ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of the victim of a criminal offense are highlighted and ways to solve these problems are proposed.

The article describes the provisions of the current criminal procedure legislation of Ukraine, which determine the legal status of the victim, his representative, and legal representative in the criminal process. Attention is focused on their procedural rights. It is noted that the realization by the victims of certain procedural rights and legitimate interests during the pre-trial investigation and in court is problematic since the national system for ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of the victim of a crime does not meet international standards.

The author of the article draws attention to the existing legal conflict in determining the place and role of the victim as a participant in criminal proceedings. According to some provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, in some cases he belongs to the side of the prosecution, according to others, he does not belong to the parties to the criminal process, remaining an independent participant in the process. Such a provision detracts from the role of the victim, in violation of the principle of competitiveness, puts him in an unequal position with the defense, and gives rise to a formal attitude of investigators, prosecutors, and judges towards the realization of his rights and legitimate interests. The examples of the judicial practice of the Supreme Court show the shortcomings of the legal regulation of procedural relations with the participation of the victim as the successor of the deceased victim of the crime.

The impossibility for the victim is critically assessed: to appeal against the court during the pre-trial investigation of certain procedural actions and decisions of the investigator, the prosecutor, on which the admissibility of the evidence collected by the prosecution depends; take advantage of free legal assistance; receive compensation from the state budget for the harm caused to him by the crime.

Changes to the current legislation are proposed to improve the system for ensuring
the rights and legitimate interests of the victim.

Key words: criminal proceedings, victim, representative of the victim, rights and
legitimate interests, securing a criminal offense.
CRIMINALISTIC BASIS OF METHODOLOGY FOR ESTABLISHING THE FINANCIAL RESULT OF A TRANSACTION
Authors: Bilenchuk Petro , Koloniuk Viktor , Kravchuk Olexandr
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the basics of scientific and methodological support of knowledge (research) of the financial result of a transaction, including a credit transaction (liabilities), in the process of implementing constitutional, civil, economic, administrative, and criminal justice, law enforcement, and human rights activities.

It examines the pressing issues of the legislative definition of the term “income”,
the receipt of income as a result of the implementation of a credit transaction (liabilities), and also proposes a set of urgent measures aimed at stopping and preventing manifestations of tax discrimination against citizens of Ukraine.

The theoretical and conceptual apparatus and the means of scientific and methodological support for the knowledge of the financial result of the transaction are stated on the example of the implementation of a credit operation (debt compliance) and substantiated
their use in the professional legal activities of the law enforcement agencies.

Key words: knowledge in justice, law enforcement, and human rights activities; the financial result of the transaction; effective means and methods of knowing the financial result of a transaction, including a credit transaction (liabilities).
BULLYING AS AN OBJECT OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Pishchenko Hennadiy , Solovey Olena
Published: August 2022

The article is devoted to the concept of bullying, its social danger. The main types of bullying and its characteristics are identified. The state and tendencies of bullying spread in Ukraine and abroad are studied. Peculiarities of foreign experience in combating bullying in schools are considered and appropriate proposals are given.

It is noted that today in the world there is no single point of view on the definition of “bullying”, however, in many sources the opinion of scientists coincides that it should be understood as harassment, aggressive persecution of one of the team members (students, colleagues, colleagues) by another person or group of persons, aimed at causing fear in the victim and subjugating it to himself. UNICEF defines bullying as the unwanted aggressive behavior of school-age children that results in the child being bullied by another child or group of children in order to humiliate, intimidate and demonstrate force, and the authors agree. The Ukrainian legislation gives a broader definition of bullying – Article 173-4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine “Bullying (harassment) of a participant in the educational process” states that “bullying (harassment), ie the actions of participants in the educational process, which are psychological, physical, economic, sexual violence, including the use of electronic means of communication committed against a minor or a minor or such a person against other participants in the educational process, as a result of which the mental or physical health of the victim may or may not have been harmed …”. Therefore, the typical features of bullying are: systematic action; the presence of the parties (offender (bully), victim and observers); actions or omissions of the offender, as a result of which there is physical or moral damage.

Suggestions for the prevention of bullying in Ukrainian schools: 1) in junior classes in the course “I explore the world” should pay attention to the dangers of child bullying (especially cyberbullying) in the school environment with the involvement of relevant professionals, for which it is advisable to show situations with facts of such violence and discuss them with children in order to avoid such in the future; 2) school psychologists should more often conduct psychological work with primary school students, especially with conflicting children; 3) distribute booklets “Violence – no!”

Among schoolchildren; 4) conduct mediation between the victim and the perpetrator, where it is necessary to consider and discuss the causes and consequences of the conflict, as well as make appropriate decisions aimed at eliminating the negative consequences and not repeating them in the future.

Key words: child abuse, bullying, violence, cyberbullying, harassment, physical
violence, mental violence.
A NEED OF ENGLISH TEACHER PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE IN 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Nurhalimah Nurhalimah , Hidayat Hendi , Rifai Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Professional competence of an English teacher in this century has many problems, such as lack of English teacher development program and the English teacher problems in using technology. In literature, professional competence indicators review is very lack and research reported about a need analysis of teacher professional competence was not found. Moreover, it does not related to notion of 21st century. So, the objective of the research is to find out the need analysis of professional competence of English teachers in the 21st century. The method of the research is qualitative research. The interview was conducted to English teachers at a Vocational High School was collected to get the data. The interview data will be analyzed by three steps: reduction, display and conclusion. The need of English teacher in professional competence are (1) Being up to date towards English subject; (2) Empowering things related to develop curriculum; (3) Developing materials based on the students and school condition and situation; (4) Conducting a research; (5) Promoting ICT skills; and (6) Learning and implementing the educational foundation. Those need analysis can be useful to improve the quality of English teacher in the 21st century education in Indonesia.
THE USE OF MIND MAPPING BOARD (MMB) TO IMPROVE SPEAKING ABILITY IN FACING INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION 4.0
Authors: Candraloka Olyvia Revalita , Rosdiana Aliva
Published: August 2022

This study aims at seeing the effect of students’ ability in speaking using Mind Mapping Board (MMB).  There are 30 students who consists of 14 female and 16 male students at seven grade of one of Junior High School Kudus. The data collection is collected by interview, observation, questionnaire, and test. The research design used was Quasi Expreriment. It is used to know the effectiveness of MMB using two treatments, namely pre-treatment and post-treatment. By mind mapping, the ideas will be elaborated well and organized into framework of mapping. MMB is a media used to help students to extend their creative ideas and help them to be able to communicate. Communication skill plays an important role in supporting the 4.0 industrial revolution. Finally, MMB media is an effective way for students to organize concepts and ideas to support their speaking skills and prepare communication skills in the era of industrial revolution 4.0.
Ziarah Kubur, Marpangir, Mangan Fajar: Tradisi Masyarakat Angkola dan Mandailing Menyambut Bulan Ramadhan dan ‘Idul Fitri
Authors: Siregar Muhammad Andre Syahbana
Published: August 2022

This article discusses the acculturation between Islam and the local culture of the Angkola and Mandailing communities in welcoming the month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This research is field research and also library research. The data used are not only sourced from observations and interviews, but also data from books, magazines, newspapers, and others that are supportive and representative. The findings of this study are that Islamic religious rituals and the value of local traditions still go hand in hand in the Islamic communities of Angkola and Mandailing which appear in the tradition of the Ziarah Kubur (Grave Pilgrimage) and Marpangir (Fragrance Bath) on the afternoon before entering the month of Ramadan, and Mangan Fajar (Breakfast at Dawn) at dawn before performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer.Keywords: Religious tradition, local tradition, Ziarah Kubur, Marpangir, Mangan Fajar, Angkola and Mandailing.