bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of a Dynamic Splint Based on Pulley Rotation for Post-Stroke Finger Extension Rehabilitation Device
Authors:   State Polytechnic of Malang, Indonesia, Emzain Zakki Fuadi , Huang Shyh-Chour ,   National Kaohsiung University of  Science and Technology, Taiwan, Yang Yu-Sheng ,   Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Qosim Nanang ,   State Polytechnic of Malang, Indonesia
Published: January 2021

The presence of rehabilitation tools is essential to more rapidly cure hand muscle disorders of people affected by stroke. One of the tools is a dynamic splint that is fit-sized, lightweight, comfortable to wear, and easy to operate. The paper proposes the design and analysis of new dynamic splints based on pulley rotation as a rehabilitation device for finger extension after stroke. This device consists of the main splint, the pulley, the locker, the finger handles, the ball bearing, and the fishing line. To lock and stop pulley turning, the locking system is designed to complement it which is also the most important mechanical segment. The shear stress of the pulley was 0.026 N/mm2. The deformation, stress, and strain energy of the locking system section were analyzed by the finite element method. The results showed that the deformation distribution around the locker section was at 0.1-0.15 mm intervals. The maximum stress 25.0786 MPa, which is still inferior to the yield strength of ABS Material (28.5 MPa). The safety factor of the structure is about n = 1.14. The largest strain energy was 0.2856 mJ at the same place as with the maximum stress which was close to the conical end of the locker. The correlation between stress-strain energy and moment was linear as well. In future work, a prototype will be fabricated using 3D printers, and it will be applied to the stroke patient. In addition, the therapies will be involved to assess the improvement of the finger extension of stroke patients.
Perbandingan Eksperimental dan Simulasi Frekuensi Pribadi pada Struktur Spindel CNC
Authors:   Universitas Bengkulu, Hoten Hendri Van , Nurbaiti Nurbaiti , Mainil Afdhal Kurniawan , Silitonga Jhonson Van
Published: January 2021

The Research was about the comparison between experiment and simulation of natural frequency in CNC spindle. CNC spindle vibration will reduce machine tool performance. It could lead to the damage of the machine tool. The spindle structure unbalances of machine tools will cause vibration when it is operated. In the CNC machine, the spindle shaft vibration should be minimum. Based on this point, the natural frequency testing on the spindle shaft structure was carried out. The experiments were conducted by employing oscilloscope which could provide the vibration data in the time domain. The data was converted into the frequency domain using FFT. Measurements were carried out on 7 times of testing. Every one time of testing, 10 data were taken at each testing points. The tests were conducted at 10 testing points. Therefore, the total data obtained were 700 test data. The test results were then compared with the results of simulation modeling in 10 vibrate modes using Solidwork software. After testing and simulations were compared, 4 personal frequency values were obtained in the test that uses a measuring instrument and 6 personal frequency values could not be read. These were because the accelerometer used could not read up to 0 Hz frequency. Natural frequency obtained from simulations and tests were expressed in the percentage of errors. The largest error value in the 9th vibration mode measurement with a natural frequency was 2117.96 Hz with an error of 0.32%. The smallest error value was 0.11% with a natural frequency of 2995.79 Hz.
Pengaruh Variasi Temperatur Reaktor terhadap Hasil Produk Pirolisis Eceng Gondok Secara Ex-Situ dengan Katalis Bentonit dan Penambahan Uap Air
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Hamidi Nurkholis , Firmansyah Anggi , Kusumaningsih Haslinda
Published: January 2021

The water hyacinth has high growth rates that can lead to various environmental problems and the production of large amounts of waste biomass. However, it can be a source of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of bio-oil. This study aims to determine the effect of temperature variation on the pyrolysis process of water hyacinth ex-situ with bentonite catalyst and the addition of water vapor. Temperature variations used are 450°C, 550°C, and 650°C. The pyrolysis process uses 300 grams of water hyacinth and is carried out for 1 hour. The results showed that increasing pyrolysis temperature reduced the char and bio-oil products, but increased the product of gas. Pyrolysis at 450°C produces a lot of bio-oil, while at the temperature of 650°C tends to produce gas products. Also, increasing the pyrolisis temperature results in a higher density of bio-oil. Gas chromatograph testing was carried out to determine the content of organic compounds found in bio-oil. Hydrocarbons are obtained which increase with increasing temperature. The highest percentage of the content of organic compounds is in oxygen compounds. Components of alcohol, phenols, ketones, aldehydes are functional compounds found in the content of bio-oil. Acid compounds are also contained in bio-oil from the results of pyrolysis of water hyacinth.
Pengaruh Variasi Arah Aliran Udara pada Stove terhadap Karak-teristik Pembakaran Wood Pellet
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Yuliati Lilis , Simanungkalit David
Published: January 2021

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of inlet airflow direction on the combustion characteristics of a wood pellet stove. The direction of the airflow into the wood pellet stove is varied for four methods, namely inlet I, inlet II, inlet III, and inlet IV. At inlets, I, II, and III air is injected into the plenum in the radial direction with the injection points at r = -8, 0, and 8 cm respectively, whereas at inlet IV the direction of airflow into the plenum is in the axial direction with the injection point at r = 0. The combustion characteristics were observed in the wood pellet stove with a continuous fuel feeding system. The combustion characteristics investigated in this research consist of flame visualization, flame temperature, combustion rate, and the efficiency of the wood pellet stove. The results showed that wood pellet stoves with inlet IV had a lower combustion rate and flame height, however, this stove indicates a higher flame temperature and stove efficiency. Air entrance through the inlet IV induces most of the airflow to enter the combustion chamber through the primary channel, compared to that through the secondary and tertiary channels. The primary airflow through the wood pellet encourages a better devolatilization and combustion process. These conditions conduce the flame dimension which is a zone where the combustion reaction occurs is smaller with a higher flame temperature, due to higher volumetric heat release rate. This matter results in better heat transfer from the flame to the test fluid and higher stove efficiency.
Pengaruh Kedalaman Sudu Mangkok terhadap Unjuk Kerja Turbin Kinetik
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Fitriansyah Fitriansyah , Wahyudi Slamet , Winarto Winarto
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of depth variations of the bowl blade on the performance of kinetic turbines. The test has conducted experimentally on a laboratory scale. In this study three vertical shaft, kinetic turbines were used with blade depth variations of 2 cm, 3 cm, and 4 cm. Each turbine will be tested on different rotation variations and flowrate variations. Parameters such as turbine power and efficiency will be determined based on the results of measurements of water velocity, water level, and braking load. The results showed that the depth of the bowl blade affected the performance of the kinetic turbine. The highest kinetic turbine performance was obtained in the turbine with 4 cm blade depth variation, followed by the turbine with 3 cm blade depth variation and the lowest turbine performance was obtained at 2 cm blade depth variation. The maximum performance of the turbine is obtained at 4 cm blade depth variation at 80 rpm and 65 m3/h water discharge, where the power generated is 13.2 Watts and efficiency is 34.5%.
Efek Bentonit pada Karakteristik Pembakaran Droplet Biodiesel Kelapa Sawit
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Wijayanto Vera Dwi , Hamidi Nurkholis , Wijayanti Widya
Published: January 2021

The blends of fuel to base liquid fuels for the enhancement of combustion properties has long generated interest since it is linked to improvement in combustion properties in biodiesel fuels. This work investigates the effect of bentonite nanoparticles on the combustion characteristics of palm oil biodiesel. These nanoparticles are added in various compositions on biodiesel which are 0% (B0), 10% (B10), 20% (B20) and 30% (B30). The insulin pen was used to make Sub-millimeter-sized spherical droplets, and the combustion process of droplets was recorded using a camera in atmosphere condition. The fuel was dripped on the tip of the thermocouple junction and ignited using a torch of the butane-air mixture on a cylindrical burner. Properties such as ignition delay, burning rate, and flame temperature of droplets were measured with post-processing of the resulting images. The results showed a decrease in ignition delay and an increase of flame temperature with the increase of bentonite percentage due to bentonite acts as a catalyst capable of accelerating the reaction rate. However, the burning rate decrease with the increasing of bentonite percentage due to the oxygen content of the mixture is getting lower.
Analisa Konveksi Paksa (Pemaksaan Udara Masuk) pada Proses Pembakaran Briket Ampas Sagu
Authors:   Universitas Sains dan Teknologi Tanjung Pura, Haurissa Jusuf , Riupassa Helen
Published: January 2021

In previous studies, the initial process of burning briquettes still takes a long time, i.e. app 15-20 minutes. In normal briquette burning, a flame comes out from the briquette hole surface. The purpose of this research is to find a solution to accelerate the burning process and then the solution to use this process easily. The main objective of this research is to examine the amount of heat generated from the briquettes burning process with the number of holes as much as 10, 12, and 14, and to measure the time of initial briquette burning until the first time the flame came out on the briquettes surface. The basic ingredients of briquettes used in this study were sago waste. The tools used are a moisture meter to measure the water content, an infrared thermometer, a temperature measuring instrument, a Stopwatch to measure time, a digital anemometer to measure the airflow speed. From this study, the results obtained indicate that the combustion process in a forced air convection conditions, resulting in the rate of heat transfer as follows: a). For using the 10 holes briquettes, the heat transfer rate is about 8.51 watts, b). In the burning of 12 holes briquettes, the resulting heat transfer rate is about 16.57 watts, c). While on the 14 holes briquettes burning, the rate of heat transfer is about 20.43 watts. When heat energy is applied to boil 5 liters of water, with a 10-hole briquette, the water boils within 23.54 minutes. When using 12 holes briquettes, the water boils in 21.31 minutes, and in the use of 14 holes briquettes, the water boils in 20.21 minutes. It is concluded that the shortest time to boil 5 liters of water is when using briquettes with 14 holes, which boils in 23.34 minutes. These results indicate that forced convection can speed up the briquette burning process and produce a fairly high temperature.
Pengujian Keselamatan Thermal pada Battery Pack Sepeda Motor Listrik Berdasarkan Regulasi UN R-136
Authors:   Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Wikarta Alief , Yuniarto M. Nur , Sidharta Indra
Published: January 2021

The electric-motorcycle is one of the promising technology that can improve environmental quality as well as reduce dependency on oil imports in Indonesia. The major challenge of electric-motorcycle implementation is the safety of the lithium-ion battery pack. This research aims to ascertain the over-temperature protection, and also to carry out shock & cycling test for the battery thermal safety. The testing procedures and apparatus comply with the United Nations Regulation No 136 (UN R-136), namely a temperature humidity chamber, a battery load unit, a blower, and a charger. The first step is the designing and prototyping of the battery pack with 100 V and 30 Ah, which contains a module of cells, Battery Management System (BMS), wiring, isolator, socket, and aluminum casing. The second step is the battery thermal safety test. The results showed that the battery pack satisfied the acceptance criteria, with evidence of no electrolyte leakage, rupture, fire, and explosion during and after testing. Result of over-temperature protection, BMS can cut-off the discharge rate at a temperature of 45.89°C. Meanwhile, for thermal shock & cycling tests, the battery pack did not fail when the temperature changes from 59.72°C and -40.25°C for 60 hours.
Atmega Microcontroller 2560 Based Safety System of Monitor Panel and Controller on a Small Excavator
Authors:   Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan, Baharuddin Randis , Hidayat Taufik
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to design and build an Atmega Microcontroller 2560 based safety system on a monitor panel and a controller on a small excavator. Atmega 2560 Microcontroller-based alarm technology is the right choice as a solution to prevent theft of monitor panels and controllers on small excavator units, using Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensor number 1 in the cabin room, PIR sensor number 2 on the battery, and door switch that is between the cabin and the door, if there is theft in the cabin room, then the alarm will be active, if a theft occurs in the battery then the alarm will be active. The alarm indicator system uses a buzzer (horn) unit, and there is additional lighting in the cabin room with a 24V Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp if the alarm is active. Using an alarm, the risk of losing the monitor panel and controller due to theft on the unit can be prevented. The study results showed that the tool could work appropriately according to the standard testing tool, PIR sensors number 1 and 2 could detect movement or radiation so that the alarm would be active for 15 seconds. The door switch was tested by looking at the alarm condition, if the cabin door were closed when it was in the locked position, the alarm would not be active, but if the door was locked and forcibly opened, then the alarm would be active continuously without stopping until the door was closed again.
Produksi Biodiesel dari Dedak Padi dengan Metode In-Situ Dua Tahap Menggunakan Katalis Asam Sulfat dan CaO/Hydrotalcite
Authors:   Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Mirzayanti Yustia Wulandari , Alisa Ayu , Sari Devita
Published: January 2021

In this study, biodiesel is made from rice bran vegetable oil. Biodiesel production was carried out by the in-situ method using two-sides using sulfuric acid catalysts and CaO/hydrotalcite. The solvent used was methanol as an oil component in the material and a reactant in the formation of FAME and n-hexane as a solvent to increase the yield of rice bran oil extraction. CaO/hydrotalcite to the yield of biodiesel produced and composition of biodiesel at the highest yield. As much as 50 grams of rice bran was put into a three-neck flask, then 50 ml of n-hexane were added. Next, 1 ml mixture of a sulfuric acid catalyst and 250 ml of methanol were added. Then, the mixture was reacted at 65º. Add stirring to 600 rpm for 90 minutes. Reheating after 90 minutes and a sample of 2.5 grams was taken for FFA testing. Next, the CaO/hydrotalcite catalyst in 10 ml of methanol with a mass variation of 1; 1,5; and 2 grams are added to the reaction flask. The mixture was reacted again at a temperature of 65 ºSuitably stirrings 600 rpm for 90 minutes. Based on the BET test results, the CaO/hydrotalcite catalyst surface area was 200.13 m2/g. The best results obtained on CaO/hydrotalcite catalysts were 2 grams with a biodiesel yield of 9.56%. In the highest biodiesel yield, the FAME component is preferred over the oleic acid methyl ester composition with an area of 35.09% at a retention time of 19.14 min.
The Human Factor in Automated Image-Based Nutrition Apps: Analysis of Common Mistakes Using the goFOOD Lite App
Authors: Vasiloglou Maria F , van der Horst Klazine , Stathopoulou Thomai , Jaeggi Michael P , Tedde Giulia S , Lu Ya , Mougiakakou Stavroula
Published: January 2021

Background

Technological advancements have enabled nutrient estimation by smartphone apps such as goFOOD. This is an artificial intelligence–based smartphone system, which uses food images or video captured by the user as input and then translates these into estimates of nutrient content. The quality of the data is highly dependent on the images the user records. This can lead to a major loss of data and impaired quality. Instead of removing these data from the study, in-depth analysis is needed to explore common mistakes and to use them for further improvement of automated apps for nutrition assessment.

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze common mistakes made by participants using the goFOOD Lite app, a version of goFOOD, which was designed for food-logging, but without providing results to the users, to improve both the instructions provided and the automated functionalities of the app.

Methods

The 48 study participants were given face-to-face instructions for goFOOD Lite and were asked to record 2 pictures (1 recording) before and 2 pictures (1 recording) after the daily consumption of each food or beverage, using a reference card as a fiducial marker. All pictures that were discarded for processing due to mistakes were analyzed to record the main mistakes made by users.

Results

Of the 468 recordings of nonpackaged food items captured by the app, 60 (12.8%) had to be discarded due to errors in the capturing procedure. The principal problems were as follows: wrong fiducial marker or improper marker use (19 recordings), plate issues such as a noncompatible or nonvisible plate (8 recordings), a combination of various issues (17 recordings), and other reasons such as obstacles (hand) in front of the camera or matching recording pairs (16 recordings).

Conclusions

No other study has focused on the principal problems in the use of automatic apps for assessing nutritional intake. This study shows that it is important to provide study participants with detailed instructions if high-quality data are to be obtained. Future developments could focus on making it easier to recognize food on various plates from its color or shape and on exploring alternatives to using fiducial markers. It is also essential for future studies to understand the training needed by the participants as well as to enhance the app’s user-friendliness and to develop automatic image checks based on participant feedback.
Social determinants of health affect unplanned readmissions following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hoyler Marguerite M , Abramovitz Mark D , Ma Xiaoyue , Khatib Diana , Thalappillil Richard , Tam Christopher W , Samuels Jon D , White Robert S
Published: January 2021

Background:
Low socioeconomic status predicts inferior clinical outcomes in many patient populations. The effects of patient insurance status and hospital safety-net status on readmission rates following acute myocardial infarction are unclear.
Materials & methods:
A retrospective review of State Inpatient Databases for New York, California, Florida and Maryland, 2007–2014.
Results:
 A total of 1,055,162 patients were included. Medicaid status was associated with 37.7 and 44.0% increases in risk-adjusted readmission odds at 30 and 90 days (p < 0.0001). Uninsured status was associated with reduced odds of readmission at both time points. High-burden safety-net status was associated with 9.6 and 9.5% increased odds of readmission at 30 and 90 days (p < 0.0003).
Conclusion:
Insurance status and hospital safety-net burden affect readmission odds following acute myocardial infarction.
Hacia un equilibrio químico verdaderamente analítico
Authors: García García José Luís
Published: January 2021

El equilibrio químico es un capítulo de dificultad considerable a nivel matemático. En este artículo proponemos que el concepto de avance de la reacción puede emplearse para modelarlo, permitiendo una distinción clara del parámetro equilibrio del parámetro no-equilibrio, y como esta técnica nos permite deducir ecuaciones universales que permiten analizar situaciones altamente comunes en el laboratorio de química como los cálculos de pH para ácidos y bases. Planteamos la posibilidad de que situaciones subsecuentes como iones comunes, titulaciones y equilibrios de solubilidad pueden ser modeladas por medio de la misma técnica basada en el avance de la reacción.
NILAI PERILAKU YANG BENAR DALAM BUKU TEKS BAHASA INGGRIS KELAS X SMA
Authors: Napitupulu Jelita Farni , Boeriswati Endry , Purbarini Asti
Published: January 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi nilai perilaku yang benar yang merupakan salah satu fokus nilai humanistik yang ditinjau dari monolog, dialog, dan latihan dalam buku teks pelajaran bahasa Inggris SMA kelas X penerbit Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan metode analisis isi. Data dikumpulkan melalui tahapan pembacaan buku teks secara seksama, mengidentifikasi, pengkodean, dan pengklasifikasian. Prosedur analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis isi oleh Philip Marying. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) nilai perilaku yang benar yang mendominasi ditinjau dari teks latihan adalah nilai kemampuan beretika dengan indikator pola aturan. (2) Nilai perilaku yang benar yang mendominasi ditinjau dari teks dialog adalah nilai kemampuan sosial dengan indikator hubungan baik. (3) Nilai perilaku yang benar yang mendominasi ditinjau dari teks monolog adalah nilai dalam kemampuan beretika dengan indikator ketekunan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai perilaku yang benar dengan kemampuan beretika pola aturan, ketekunan dan kemandirian belajar, serta kemampuan bersosial dengan indikator hubungan baik yang terdapat dalam teks monolog, teks latihan, dan teks dialog buku teks bahasa Inggris.
Penentuan Rendemen, Mutu dan Komposisi Kimia Minyak Sawit dan Minyak Inti Sawit Tandan Buah Segar Bervariasi Kematangan sebagai Dasar untuk Penetapan Standar Kematangan Panen
Authors: Hasibuan Hasrul Abdi
Published: January 2021

Kematangan tandan buah segar (TBS) sangat memengaruhi rendemen dan kualitas minyak sawit (crude palm oil, CPO), kernel dan minyak inti sawit (palm kernel oil, PKO). Kriteria matang panen secara konvensional masih digunakan dalam penentuan target produksi. Kriteria tersebut juga digunakan sebagai dasar dalam pengembangan teknologi pemanenan secara mekanisasi dan digitalisasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menentukan kriteria matang panen optimum TBS berdasarkan jumlah berondolan dari tandan sebelum dipanen, terkait dengan rendemen, mutu, dan karakteristik kimia pada CPO dan PKO. Sampel yang digunakan adalah TBS berjenis Tenera dengan variasi kematangan meliputi mentah (buah berwarna hitam kemerahan), mengkal (buah berwarna merah namun belum ada berondolan), matang (berondolan 1-3 butir), matang (berondolan 5-10 butir) dan lewat matang (berondolan 20-40 butir). Rendemen CPO, kernel dan PKO semakin meningkat dengan meningkatnya kematangan buah. Semakin matang buah, kadar asam lemak bebas dan bilangan peroksida pada CPO semakin meningkat. Hal yang sama juga pada kadar karoten dan nilai deterioration of the bleachability index (DOBI) namun nilai keduanya menurun pada buah lewat matang. Bilangan iodin dan komposisi asam lemak berbeda pada setiap kematangan buah. Secara umum, pada beberapa varietas Tenera, rata-rata rendemen CPO dan kernel, dan mutu CPO pada buah matang dengan berondolan 1-3 butir relatif sama dengan buah matang dengan berondolan 5-10 butir. Dengan demikian, rendemen dan mutu CPO, kernel dan PKO yang optimal dapat diperoleh dengan melakukan pemanenan TBS pada kriteria matang dengan jumlah berondolan 1-3 butir di piringan.
A língua de Odisseu e a boca de Polifemo: o selvagem-político no Ciclope de Eurípides
Authors: Dagios Mateus
Published: January 2021

O texto é uma análise da ideia de selvagem no Ciclope de Eurípides. O conceito de selvagem agrupa para o pensamento grego uma série de referências negativas que contrastam com o ideal grego de cidadão. O discurso do selvagem é compreendido como uma “ideologia do selvagem”, que organiza os referenciais identitários da pólis, sendo central na discussão da alteridade e das fronteiras. O artigo discute como o mito de Polifemo é reestruturado por Eurípides, mantendo o embate entre Ciclope e Odisseu, mas desenvolvendo elementos de barbárie e selvageria em um contexto político relativo à Atenas do século V a.C.
Low frequency operation and micro-controller implementation for multilevel quasi Z source inverter in photovoltaic application
Authors: Ahmad Salman , Uddin Rahim , Ganie Zahoor Ahmad
Published: January 2021

A microcontroller based pulse width modulation implementation for
multilevel quasi Z source inverter is proposed in this paper. The
component design of quasi z source inverter (qZSI) is first considered
with continuous and discontinuous mode of operations. The low switching
frequency operation of multilevel quasi Z source inverter is proposed in
this paper. The detailed modelling for qZSI is then established for
effective implementation of PIC microcontroller (PIC 16F877A) for
generating the switching signals. A prototype of five level quasi
z-source inverter have been developed and the control signal to the gate
drivers have been applied by properly adjusting the shoot through and
non shoot through switching states. The hardware result shows the
effective implementation of the proposed scheme.
Habitat fragmentation in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is associated with erosion of frog immunogenetic diversity and increased fungal infections
Authors: Belasen Anat , Amses Kevin , Clemons Rebecca , Becker Guilherme , Toledo Felipe , James Tim
Published: January 2021

Habitat fragmentation and infectious disease threaten amphibians
globally, but little is known about how these two threats interact. In
this study, we examined the effects of Brazilian Atlantic Forest habitat
fragmentation on frog genetic diversity at an immune locus known to
affect disease susceptibility in amphibians, the MHC IIB locus. We used
a custom high-throughput assay to sequence the MHC IIB locus across six
focal frog species in two regions of the Atlantic Forest. We also used a
molecular assay to quantify infections by the fungal pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We found that habitat fragmentation
is associated with genetic erosion at the MHC IIB locus, and that this
erosion is most severe in frog species restricted to intact forests.
Significant Bd infections were recovered only in one Atlantic Forest
region, potentially due to the relatively higher elevation. In this
region, forest specialists showed an increase in both Bd prevalence and
loads in fragmented habitats. We also found that reduced
population-level MHC IIB diversity was associated with increased Bd
infection risk. On the individual-level, MHC IIB heterozygotes (by
allelic genotype as well as supertype) exhibited a reduced risk of Bd
infection. Our results suggest that habitat fragmentation increases
infection susceptibility in amphibians, mediated at least in part
through loss of immunogenetic diversity. Our findings have implications
for the conservation of fragmented populations in the face of emerging
infectious diseases.
Commentary: Predictors of Postoperative Adverse Events after Cone Reconstruction for Ebstein’s Anomaly
Authors: Rotar Evan , Kron Irving
Published: January 2021

Prediction scores and metrics are being increasingly utilized throughout
the fields of cardiothoracic and congenital cardiac surgery to identify
areas for perioperative optimization or guide therapeutic intent. Here,
we review a novel submission by Yang and colleagues to the Journal of
Cardiac Surgery identifying preoperative factors which predict adverse
postoperative outcomes from cone reconstruction for Ebstein’s anomaly.
On linking mechanism to invasive species impact
Authors: Cadotte Marc
Published: January 2021

Species invasion represents one of the major drivers of biodiversity
change globally, yet there is widespread scientific and popular
confusion and controversy about the nature of non-indigenous species
(NIS) impact. This confusion stems from differing notions and
understanding of what constitutes invasive species ‘impact’ and the
scales at which it should be assessed. I argue that the proximate
mechanisms determining invasive species impact happen at smaller scales
where species interact, and by understanding these mechanisms, we can
scale up to a broader understanding of how invasive species impact
biodiversity. The mechanisms of NIS impact on potential competitors can
be classified into four scenarios: 1) minimal impact from NIS inhabiting
unique niche space; 2) neutral impact spread across the community and
proportional to NIS abundance; 3) targeted impact on a small number of
competitors with overlapping niches; and 4) pervasive impact that is
disproportionate to NIS abundance and ostensibly caused by ecosystem
modification that filters out other species. I develop a statistical
test to distinguish these four mechanisms based on community
rank-abundance curves. Using an example dataset from plant communities
invaded by the dominant invasive vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, I show
that in long-term plots that had high native plant diversity and where
V. rossicum increased, impact resulted in either targeted extirpations
(scenario 3) or widespread biodiversity loss (scenario 4). Regardless of
whether NIS impact is neutral, targeted or pervasive, the net outcome
will be the homogenization of ecosystems and reduced biodiversity at
larger scales, perhaps reducing ecosystem resilience.
Impianto di depurazione delle acque reflue: progettazione di impianti con bioreattori a membrane (MBR) e confronto con processi convenzionali
Authors: PASTORE FABIO
Published: January 2021

In considerazione della sempre minore disponibilità di acque di buona
qualità, un tema, oggetto di attenzione sia scientifica che legislativa,
è la possibilità di riutilizzo delle acque reflue. Obiettivo del
riutilizzo è la limitazione del prelievo delle acque superficiali e
sotterranee, e la riduzione degli scarichi sui corpi idrici recettori.
Il trattamento biologico rappresenta la fase più importante del ciclo
depurativo delle acque reflue. I naturali processi biologici sono
sfruttati all’interno degli impianti a fanghi attivi (CAS). Gli impianti
di depurazione MBR si sono affermati nel panorama nazionale e
internazionale come una consolidata alternativa ai convenzionali
impianti a fanghi attivi, in particolare laddove sia necessario
contenere l’ingombro planimetrico e/o garantire un effluente di qualità
elevata. L’attività di tirocinio, svolta presso il Laboratorio di
Ingegneria Sanitaria Ambientale (SEED) dell’Università degli Studi di
Salerno, è stata finalizzata in una prima fase allo studio approfondito
e al confronto tra le tipologie di trattamento convenzionali e
innovative e, nella seconda fase, alla progettazione di modelli virtuali
tridimensionali che rappresentano impianti innovativi, basati
sull’utilizzo della tecnologia MBR.
Successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in a patient under hemodialysis with arsenic trioxide.
Authors: hashimoto akiko , tanaka yasuhiro , shinzato isaku
Published: January 2021

A man with chronic kidney disease (CKD) under hemodialysis was diagnosed
with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). He received arsenic trioxide as
a single agent and achieved complete molecular remission without severe
adverse events. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be used safely and
effectively for APL with CKD
4- hydroxy-3,5-di-tret-butyl cinnamic acid restores the activity of the hippocampal mitochondria in rats under permanent focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Pozdnyakov Dmitry
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke remains one of the leading
causes of death in the population. In addition, mitochondrial
dysfunction is an essential part of the pathogenesis of cerebral
ischemia and is a promising pharmacotherapeutic target. Experimental
Approach: the work was performed on male Wistar rats, which were
simulated cerebral ischemia by irreversible occlusion of the middle
cerebral artery. 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tret-butyl cinnamic acid (25 mg/kg, 50
mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days after
ischemia (daily). On the 4th day of the experiment, the changes of rat’s
cognitive functions in the Morris water maze test, cellular respiration
processes, the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes
and citrate synthase activity, the intensity of oxidative stress and
apoptosis reactions were assessed. Key Results: it was found that the
administration of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tret-butyl cinnamic acid at doses of
25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg practically equivalently promotes the restoration
of aerobic metabolism reactions and the activity of the mitochondrial
respiratory chain complexes, decrease of the intensity of oxidative
stress reactions and apoptosis, as well as an increase in the activity
of citrate synthase. As a result, the restoration of mitochondrial
function in the hippocampal cells contributed to the restoration of the
animal’s spatial memory. Conclusion and Implications: a study showed
that 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tret-butyl cinnamic acid at doses of 25 mg/kg and
50 mg/kg has a neuroprotective effect on hippocampal neurons under
conditions of permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery,
realized by restoration of mitochondrial function.
Accountability in Distance Learning: The Effect of Remote Proctoring on Performance in Online Accounting Courses
Authors: Akaaboune Ouadie , Blix Leslie H. , Carrington Linda G. , Henderson Cassy D.
Published: January 2021

Distance education allows educators, with the use of technology, to deliver curriculum to students who are separated from their instructors. As higher education evolves, enrollment in distance education continues to present challenges of academic dishonesty. Proctoring services can provide educators with a practical and cost effective approach to reduce academic dishonesty in accounting programs. This study examines the effects of online proctoring programs on students' exam performance in an online accounting course. Our findings show lower exam performance when proctoring services are used, consistent with a reduction in academic dishonesty. More importantly, we show that proctoring affects lower performing students' exam performance more than higher performing students. These results have implications for accounting faculty in designing accounting courses, which can be delivered through a distance learning approach while maintaining the academic integrity and rigor demanded by the accounting profession.
Interpretation of Noninvasive and Invasive Information
Authors: Farhang Borzoo , Anderson Erik P , Hamlin Mark P
Published: January 2021

Traditional, static measures of resuscitation, such as vital signs, central venous pressure, and pulmonary arterial pressure, provide momentary glimpses evolving hemodynamic states. In patients with shock, these measures of resuscitation are poor indicators of response to therapy. As a result, dynamic assessments of cardiovascular status are now used in critically ill patients to facilitate resuscitation. Some of these approaches focus on fluid responsiveness. These assessments allow care to be tailored to each patient’s response to interventions. An evolving aspect of hemodynamic monitoring is evaluation of the adequacy of tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. In this review, we consider the use of arterial, central venous, and pulmonary arterial blood pressure monitoring; echocardiography; transesophageal Doppler technology; pulse contour analysis; bioimpedance and bioreactance; and partial rebreathing monitoring modalities to assess hemodynamic status in critically ill patients. 
This review contains 22 figures, 5 tables, and 38 references.
Key words: echocardiography, esophageal Doppler technology, invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring, pulse contour analysis, shock
Central Nervous System Injury
Authors: Bruns Brandon R , Stein Deborah M
Published: January 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for 2.5 million hospital visits annually and is the leading cause of death and disability in patients age 1 to 44 years. Evaluation of patients with suspected TBI requires prompt physical examination with a focus on calculation of the Glasgow Coma Score and pupillary examination as early treatments can be initiated at this stage in patient management. Diagnostic studies include basic laboratory parameters and prompt evaluation with brain computed tomography to identify space-occupying lesions (blood) within the rigid calvarium. Distinction between the different types of traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage is imperative and enables prompt neurosurgical consultation, as well as initiation of appropriate medical therapies to treat elevated intracranial pressure and maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. Paramount in managing patients with suspected TBI is the avoidance of hypotension and hypoxia. Intracranial pressure monitoring remains controversial but is a cornerstone in TBI management. Patients with TBI may have lifelong complications and require careful follow-up. Many new prognostic tools are currently available.
This review contains 4 figures, 4 tables, and 47 references.
Key words: cerebral contusion, epidural hematoma, intracranial pressure monitoring, subdural hematoma, traumatic brain injury
Back Pain and Common Musculoskeletal Problems
Authors: Wise Christopher M. , Syed Huzaefah
Published: January 2021

Knowledge of the common nonarticular regional rheumatic disorders is important because of their high prevalence in primary care practice, the dependence on clinical findings for diagnosis, and the high cost that can result from unnecessary laboratory evaluations. The ability to recognize important patterns of pain and associated physical signs is essential to making a correct diagnosis; in most cases, radiographic and laboratory studies are not needed. This review covers the common causes of pain in the neck, back, shoulder, chest wall, elbow, hand and wrist, hip girdle, knee and lower leg, and ankle and foot.
This review contains 5 figures, 11 tables, and 96 references.
Key words Acute back pain, Chronic back pain, Lumbar stenosis, Shoulder pain, Chest wall pain, Elbow pain, Hand and wrist pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hip girdle pain, Knee and lower leg pain, Ankle and foot pain
Approach to the Patient with a Breast Mass
Authors: Plitas George , Morrow Monica , Bruns Brandon R
Published: January 2021

A breast mass is the most common presenting symptom among patients in a breast clinic. The presence of a breast mass can cause a great deal of anxiety in women, as well as their physicians. The differential diagnosis of a palpable breast abnormality is broad, although the majority of breast masses are benign. The responsibility of the physician who is evaluating a breast mass is to exclude the presence of malignancy. Once cancer is ruled out, the physician should then attempt to provide an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and reassurance to the patient. This chapter discusses the assessment of normal breast physiology, identification of a breast mass, evaluation of the various classifications of breast mass (e.g., dominant mass with clinically benign features and dominant mass with suspicious features), differential diagnosis and management of common benign breast masses (e.g., cysts, fibroadenomas, phyllodes tumors, hamartomas, fat necrosis), and the risk of breast cancer associated with benign breast lesions. The chapter also discusses the diagnosis and management of a breast mass in male patients. Tables outline breast lesions that may present as a palpable abnormality, factors used for the assessment of breast cancer risk, physical characteristics of benign and malignant breast masses, the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration, and benign breast lesions by category. Figures illustrate diagnostic procedures, the anatomy of the human breast, visual inspection of the breasts, physical examination of the breasts, breast palpation technique, the evaluation and management of a new breast mass, and the identification of cysts.
This review contains 10 figures, 14 tables, and 64 references.
Keywords: breast mass, lobuloalveolar development, subareolar nodularity, parenchyma (glandular elements), stromal tissue, ovarian graafian follicles
Secondary Forms of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lingvay Ildiko , Raskin Philip
Published: January 2021

Secondary forms of diabetes mellitus are those cases of diabetes mellitus that have a specific identifiable cause and do not meet the diagnostic criteria for type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. This review discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, complications, and prognosis of these forms, which include diabetes mellitus occurring as a result of pancreatic disorders; endocrinopathies; drugs, chemical agents, or toxins; and genetic mutations or syndromes. Tables list the endocrinopathies; the drug, chemicals, and toxins; and the genetic disorders causing secondary forms of diabetes mellitus.

This review contains 3 tables and 15 references.
KeyWords: chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma, cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, malnutrition, diabetic ketoacidosis or symptomatic hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
Disorders of the Pleura, Mediastinum, and Hilum
Authors: Lerner Andrew D , Feller-Kopman David
Published: January 2021

The pleura are a composition of two serous membranes: the visceral pleura lining the lungs and the parietal pleura lining the inner chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum. The pulmonary hilum is composed of blood vessels, airways, nerves, and lymph nodes and denotes the meeting point between the mediastinum and the pleural cavities. This review covers disorders of the pleura, mediastinum, and hilum. Figures show a schematic diagram of normal filtration/resorption of fluid in the pleural space; comparison of a simultaneously obtained chest x-ray (CXR) and a chest computed tomographic (CT) scan of the same patient; an algorithm for evaluation of patients with pleural effusion (PE); a three-compartment model of mediastinal anatomy; photographs of a resected, well-encapsulated thymoma and a benign, multiloculated thymic cyst that were completely removed by sternotomy, a resected esophageal duplication cyst, and an esophageal leiomyoma being removed by means of a right thoracotomy; CT scans demonstrating the characteristic appearance of an invasive thymoma, an extragonadal germ cell tumor, a primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma, a goiter with extension behind the trachea, right paratracheal adenopathy in the middle mediastinal compartment, a middle mediastinal cystic mass, a large subcarinal bronchogenic cyst, a tracheal chondrosarcoma, gas in the mediastinum due to esophageal perforation, and mediastinal fibrosis; coronal imaging showing a large, smooth muscle tumor associated with the distal esophagus; a barium swallow showing a large esophageal perforation that resulted in soilage of the middle mediastinum; and posteroanterior and lateral CXRs of a posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumor accompanied by a CT scan showing the posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumor visualized in the posteroanterior radiograph. 
This review contains 19 figures, 51 tables, and 83 references.
Keywords:  Mediastinum, mediastinitis, pleural effusion, empyema, congestive heart failure, adenopathy, thymoma, esophageal perforation
Cervical Cancer Prevention And Screening
Authors: Quinn Andrew , Runowicz Carolyn D
Published: January 2021

With the advent of HPV DNA testing and the availability of HPV vaccinations, the recommendations and rationale for screening and prevention of cervical cancer and its precursors have undergone revision, reflecting this new knowledge and understanding of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and the role of HPV. This review incorporates the new guidelines and rationale for current screening guidelines for cervical cancer and in the management of patients with atypical or unsatisfactory cervical cytology.
This review contains 4 tables and 64 references
Key words: Cervical cancer, Gynecological cancer, HPV, HPV testing, HPV vaccine, Pap smear, HPV DNA, Human papillomavirus
Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
Authors: Goldberg Marcia B , Paras Molly
Published: January 2021

Gastrointestinal infections, which present with acute diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, are an extremely common medical complaint, with an annual incidence of 0.6 illnesses per person. Transmission can occur from animals to person, from person to person, or by the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. In the United States, more than 90% of cases are caused by viruses, with norovirus being by far the most common. Common among bacterial causes of acute gastrointestinal infection are Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Yersinia, and Clostridium difficile. These infections are typically self-limited, but depending on the etiologic agent and characteristics of the host, antibiotic therapy may be indicated. Certain gastrointestinal infections are associated with significant complications, including reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or septicemia.
This review contains 4 figures, 7 tables, and 60 references.
Key words: Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Guillain-Barré syndrome, reactive arthritis, Shiga toxin, Shigella, Vibrio, Yersinia
Diseases of the Vulva
Authors: Farid Huma , Nosal Catherine
Published: January 2021

Vulvar symptoms are a common reason for a gynecologic visit. A variety of conditions impact the vulva, including dermatologic conditions, hormonal changes, vulvar pain, and sexually transmitted or other infections. History and physical exam, focused on the symptoms and the vulvovaginal area, are crucial to identifying the etiology of the symptoms. A full evaluation may include vulvar biopsies and testing for infections. The treatment of the symptoms depends on the etiology; therefore, an accurate and thorough determination of the cause of the patient’s symptoms is of primary importance. Treatment can include antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, antidepressants, hormones, and pelvic floor physical therapy. In this chapter, we summarize common conditions affecting the vulvar, their evaluation, and their treatment.

This review contains 7 figures, 10 tables, and 40 references.
Key Words: Bartholin gland, candidiasis, dermatitis, eczema, hidradenitis suppurativa, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, sexually transmitted infections, vulva, vulvodynia, vulvovaginal atrophy