bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Review: The Handbook of Informal Language Learning Edited by Mark Dressman and Randall William Sadler, Wiley-Blackwell 2020
Authors: Rahman Abd , Suharmoko
Published: March 2022

The informal language learning environment has been noted as one of the requirements of foreign/ second language learning success. Based on the current theory and empirical studies addressed in this book, this review provides a brief history and position of informal language learning within the field of EFL/ ESL. The review also examines the strength and limitations of this volume.
Inhibitory Effect of N-Hexane Fraction of Cherry Parasite (Dendrophthoe pentandra L.) on Alpha Glucosidase
Authors: Sinulingga Sadakata , Safitri Putriana Fuji , Subandrate
Published: March 2022

Background. Cherry parasite (Dendrophthoe pentandra L.) is a semi-parasitic plant that takes food from host body, so that phytochemical same as host plant. These phytochemicals have effect to inhibiting the action of the enzyme alpha glucosidase, such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids/steroids. The aim of this study is to find out the effect of the cherry parasite to inhibiting the enzyme alpha glucosidase.

Methods. This is an in vitro experimental study. Cherry parasite was fractionated with n-hexane and reacted by enzyme. Acarbose used as a positive control. The inhibitory effect on the alpha glucosidase was determined from the IC50 value by measuring the absorbance of p-nitrophenol using spectrophotometry as a result of the reaction of the enzyme. Screening phytochemical to determine the phytochemical of n-hexane fraction. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang.

Results. The yield of n-hexane fraction was 7%. Phytochemical test showed that the sample contain flavonoids and terpenoids. IC50 value of  n-hexane fraction was 106,333 ppm and categorized not active.

Conclusion. The n-hexane fraction of cherry parasite contains flavonoids and terpenoids that considered not active to inhibiting the action of the enzyme alpha glucosidase.
An Undergraduate Biosciences Internship Program in a Low-Resource Setting: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Rutaro Karlmax , Mulindwa Julius , Ampeire Kariisa Henry , Ssegawa Faizo Mugerwa , Isanga Joel , Gumisiriza Robert , Kyambadde Joseph , Vuzi Peter C. , Baingana Rhona K.
Published: March 2022

Gender diversity is an essential aspect of both private and public organizations. The concept has continued to evolve because of the need to tap into different abilities possessed by different gender at the workplace. However, previous studies have not indicated to what extent workforce diversity is related to employee performance in various organizations. On this basis, the paper sought to investigate the relationship between gender diversity and employee performance in the County Government of Bomet, Kenya. The paper was guided by social identity theory. The study adopted a correlational research design, and the target population was 3,320 employees working in various departments within the County Government of Bomet. Fisher's formula was used to determine the sample size for the study, which was 91. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the research instrument was examined through the use of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, where an alpha coefficient of 0.850 was obtained. Content and construct validity of the instrument validity were ensured through extensive literature review and consultation with human resource management subject experts. Data analysis was done using correlation and regression analysis. Data were presented using frequency tables, means, and standard deviation. According to the study results, it was revealed gender diversity revealed a positive relationship (r=0.689; p<0.05) with employee performance. In general, gender diversity influenced employee performance by 72.3% (R2= 0. 723). According to the study findings, it was recommended that county governments ought to advocate for workforce diversity, explicitly focusing on gender diversity to increase employee performance.
Russia`s Total War
Authors: Semenenko Viacheslav , Ivashenko Andrii
Published: March 2022

The article
examines Russia's political goals
and military scenarios for Ukraine, as well as options for supporting Ukraine
that are available to the United States, its allies and partners in the event
of an invasion. New developments and information need further analysis to
better understand Russia's intentions and consequences.
Russia’s Ambitious Foreign And National Security Policy
Authors: Okropilashvili Tornike
Published: March 2022

One of the main challenges in modern international relations is the
Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is developing in two main directions: the energy
crisis and the migrant crisis. The world has entered the phase of a "New
Cold War". Russia is becoming more and more provocative and threatening world
security by destabilizing the region.
In the
eighteenth century, the German philosopher Immanuel Kant formulated the theory
of "Perpetual Peace", where the behavior of the main state is
determined by the regime. According to Kant, if the state is governed
democratically then starting a war and other negative actions will be much more
difficult than under other governments. In modern International Relations
“theory of Democratic peace” is an important achievement for the establishment
and maintenance of peace between the states. The stages of its formation and
ideological controversies, as already mentioned, lead to a regime where
Democrats do not fight each other since the regime determines all rules of
behavior and the distribution of power between different branches. Democracies
prioritize stability in any policy, but in today's world, we often see states
that negatively affect international relations and contribute to the formation
of mass instability. Such states often violate the principles of international
law, disregard sovereignty, interfere in the domestic politics of other states,
and reveal other destructive actions, which are expressed in various ways.
Recently the importance of the domino effect of global insecurity has been
raised. The creation of mass instability or such behavior has an impact on
other states. If any important player creates such a vulnerability, plays a
negative role, and breaks the rules of the overall game, he pushes other states
to behave similarly. According to Adam Kinzinger "Russia is playing a
negative role not only in terms of influence but also in terms of creating mass
instability.
Sweet Orange Agribusiness Development Potential in Banuroja Village, Randangan District, Pohuwato Regency
Authors: Haming Tahrayani Purnama Sari A.N , Suparwata Dewa Oka , Korompot Ishak
Published: March 2022

This investigation was carried out in Banuroja Village, Randangan Sub-Area, and the Pohuwato district of Tanzania. Specifically, the goal of this research was to identify the potential for orange agribusiness development in Banuroja Village, Randangan Subdistrict, and Pohuwato District, as well as to choose methods for growing oranges in these locations. The research was carried out on 40 orange growers in the area. The findings revealed that the orange agribusiness has significant potential and development opportunities. Averaging Rp. 26,694,471.00 every harvest period, orange farmers earn an average of Rp. 26,694,471.00 per harvest season, with a revenue-to-cost ratio of 4.13. Following the identification and mapping of internal and external strategic elements, the findings indicate that rationalization or stability should be the top priority approach.
Drought Index Determination Using the Batulayar Watershed Hydrology Model
Authors: Ayuba Sri Rahayu , Mooduto Wilan , Jaya Risman , Tisen Tisen , Syamsurijal Ahmad , Nursaputra Munajat
Published: March 2022

The Batulayar sub-watershed, also known as the Bongomeme sub-watershed, is one of the most important sub-watersheds in the Limboto watershed. Because there are oil palm and other plants in the Batulayar Sub-upstream watershed's area that cause drought and natural harm. The goal of this study was to assess the severity of the drought and develop a hydrological model for calculating the drought index in the Batulayar sub-upstream watershed's area. The mix approach was utilized, which combines Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) modeling with field survey methodologies. The study's findings suggest that land conversion in the Batulayar Sub-upstream watershed's area may have an impact on the watershed's function. The Batulayar Sub-SMDI watershed's value in the SWAT Model results shows that it ranges from -0.50 to -2.99 in March, April, May, November, and December over a 10-year period, and is classified as "Slightly Dry" and "Slightly Dry." The Hydrological Model's role in determining the drought index can be seen in the results of calibration and validation using the NSE Model (Nash Sutcliffe Coeficient of Efficiency). An NSE value of 0.9 is obtained in calibration and validation, implying that the NSE value obtained belongs to the "good" class or that the discharge model and research observation discharge are similar.
Traité du management socio-économique
Authors: Gephart Robert
Published: March 2022

Le risque caché implique des menaces potentielles pour les organisations qui sont négligées ou tacitement acceptées. Ces risques créent des coûts cachés qui ne sont pas pris en compte dans les rapports comptables et les systèmes d’information officiels. Ils sapent les revenus, entravent les performances des organisations et engendrent des crises. La méthode socio-économique permet de récupérer certains de ces coûts. Mais lorsqu’ils ne sont pas traités, les coûts peuvent s’accumuler et se transformer en crises. Le présent chapitre traite de la nature du risque caché, de la manière dont il émerge dans les organisations, de la façon dont les coûts cachés produisent des dysfonctionnements qui rendent la société plus vulnérable aux risques, et de la manière dont les six nouveaux outils de gestion du management socio-économique, ainsi que l’Ethnostatistique, peuvent aider à gérer les risques cachés et à prévenir les crises organisationnelles.
Global solutions of semilinear parabolic equations with drift term on Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Punzo Fabio
Published: March 2022

We study existence and non-existence of global solutions to the semilinear heat equation with a drift term and a power-like source term \begin{document}$ u^p $\end{document}, on Cartan-Hadamard manifolds. Under suitable assumptions on Ricci and sectional curvatures, we show that, for any \begin{document}$ p>1 $\end{document}, global solutions cannot exists if the initial datum is large enough. Furthermore, under appropriate conditions on the drift term, global existence is obtained for any \begin{document}$ p>1 $\end{document}, if the initial datum is sufficiently small. We also deal with Riemannian manifolds whose Ricci curvature tends to zero at infinity sufficiently fast. We show that for any non trivial initial datum, for certain \begin{document}$ p $\end{document} depending on the Ricci curvature bound, global solutions cannot exist. On the other hand, for certain values of \begin{document}$ p $\end{document}, depending on the vector field \begin{document}$ b $\end{document}, global solutions exist, for sufficiently small initial data.
Telegraph systems on networks and port-Hamiltonians. Ⅲ. Explicit representation and long-term behaviour
Authors: Banasiak Jacek , Błoch Adam
Published: March 2022

In this paper we present an explicit formula for the semigroup governing the solution to hyperbolic systems on a metric graph, satisfying general linear Kirchhoff's type boundary conditions. Further, we use this representation to establish the long term behaviour of the solutions. The crucial role is played by the spectral decomposition of the boundary matrix.
Environmental stress level to model tumor cell growth and survival
Authors: Schönfeld Sabrina , Ozkan Alican , Scarabosio Laura , Rylander Marissa Nichole , Kuttler Christina
Published: March 2022

Survival of living tumor cells underlies many influences such as nutrient saturation, oxygen level, drug concentrations or mechanical forces. Data-supported mathematical modeling can be a powerful tool to get a better understanding of cell behavior in different settings. However, under consideration of numerous environmental factors mathematical modeling can get challenging. We present an approach to model the separate influences of each environmental quantity on the cells in a collective manner by introducing the "environmental stress level". It is an immeasurable auxiliary variable, which quantifies to what extent viable cells would get in a stressed state, if exposed to certain conditions. A high stress level can inhibit cell growth, promote cell death and influence cell movement. As a proof of concept, we compare two systems of ordinary differential equations, which model tumor cell dynamics under various nutrient saturations respectively with and without considering an environmental stress level. Particle-based Bayesian inversion methods are used to quantify uncertainties and calibrate unknown model parameters with time resolved measurements of in vitro populations of liver cancer cells. The calibration results of both models are compared and the quality of fit is quantified. While predictions of both models show good agreement with the data, there is indication that the model considering the stress level yields a better fitting. The proposed modeling approach offers a flexible and extendable framework for considering systems with additional environmental factors affecting the cell dynamics.
Development of a Technology-Assisted Assessment for Sign Language Learning
Authors: Haug Tobias , Ebling Sarah , Tissi Katja , Sidler-Miserez Sandra , Boyes Braem Penny
Published: March 2022

The goal of a recently concluded project in Switzerland was to pioneer an assessment system for lexical signs of Swiss German Sign Language (Deutschschweizerische Gebärdensprache, DSGS) that relies on automatic sign language recognition. The assessment system gives adult L2 learners of DSGS feedback on the correctness of the manual parameters of signing (handshape, hand position, location, and movement) of isolated signs they produce. In its initial version, the system includes automatic feedback for a subset of a DSGS vocabulary size production test consisting of approximately 100 lexical items at CEFR level A1. The paper at hand reports on the process of selecting the items for the test, compiling training data for the SLR system, and linguistically analyzing errors in the resulting video recordings.
Recommendation of Micro Teaching Video Resources Based on Topic Mining and Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Liu Jie , Lv Haiping
Published: March 2022

Video learning resources are preferred by many students, owing to their intuitiveness and attractiveness. It is of practical significance to study the recommendation methods of video learning resources. Most of the existing research methods treat the scoring matrix as the main element, failing to consider video contents and learner interests. As a result, few of them can realize precise recommendation of videos. To solve the problem, this paper explores the recommendation of micro teaching video resources based on topic mining and sentiment analysis. Firstly, the dialog text features of English dialog videos and learner interest features were mined based on the deep word vector, and a topic mining model was established to achieve similarity-based resource recommendation. Next, the micro teaching videos with text information were subjected to sentiment analysis, improving the pushing accuracy of micro teaching videos. Finally, the scientific nature of our algorithm was demonstrated through experiments.
Letramentos críticos, gênero social e intersecções: uma análise discursiva de uma experiência de leitura de escritoras negras em uma escola
Authors: Oliveira Rechetnicou Amanda , Cristina Vieira Viviane
Published: March 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise discursiva crítica de uma experiência em uma escola com ênfase em possibilidades e potencialidades da leitura crítica de escritoras negras. A partir disso, buscamos discutir sobre uma prática de letramentos críticos voltada para a conscientização sobre questões de gênero e interseccionalidades, como raça e classe. Com base em perspectivas teórico-metodológicas dos estudos críticos do discurso, dos estudos sobre gênero e (de)colonialidade e da abordagem etnográfica e colaborativa de pesquisa3, este trabalho analisa representações de uma roda de leitura e debate realizada em 2017 em um Centro de Ensino Fundamental situado em Ceilândia-Distrito Federal (DF). A análise aqui apresentada indica como uma possível contribuição da leitura de literatura produzida por escritoras negras, no contexto escolar, a promoção de práticas de contestação frente a discursos hegemonizantes e coloniais de gênero e raça, com potencial de de-legitimação de ideologias racistas e sexistas. 
Palavras-chave: discurso; letramentos críticos; gênero social.
Study on PtNWs/c Catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Deng Han , Lu Lu , Zhao Zhi Peng , Xu Bing
Published: March 2022

With the development of PEMFC, the process of commercial fuel cell is also accelerating. As one of the key points of fuel cell, catalyst is facing the problem of how to improve its performance and life. In order to improve the durability of fuel cell catalyst, this paper will study the preparation of Pt nanowire catalyst, so as to improve the electrochemical performance and durability of the catalyst. PtNWs were prepared by soft template method. By TEM, we can clearly see that PtNWs with uniform length were obtained by soft template method. Because of the special structure, the ORR performance of the catalyst was better. The test results showed that the hydrogen peroxide desorption from PtNWs was easier, and the half wave potential of LSV curve shifted forward, which indicated that the NWs catalyst performed better ORR performance. The linear structure of PtNWs is not easy to dissolve and lose compared with Pt particles, and the linear structure is more conducive to the transfer of materials and electrons at the reaction interface, so it can show better performance and life.
Stress Analysis of Thin Film Thermocouple Sensor Based on Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Wang Jia Fei , Sun Yu Feng , Xi Yi Yun , Hu Ting Chun
Published: March 2022

As a new type of micro device, the reliability of thin film thermocouple sensor is very important in actual work. Aiming at a thin-film thermocouple sensor with NiCr as the functional layer, three main stresses of the thin-film sensor in actual work are analyzed: thermal stress, vibration stress and centrifugal stress. Various stress analyses have been verified through theoretical calculations or finite element simulations. The results show that thermal stress is the main influence stress, and the critical areas of reliability have been obtained. The prepared thin film sensor samples were tested through high temperature experiments, and the analysis results were verified. When a thermal load of 700 degrees Celsius is applied, the stress environment of the protective layer, the functional layer and the insulating layer of the structure is severe, and it is vulnerable to severe damage, and cracks are found in the insulating layer, which becomes a weak area of reliability.
Study on Bonding Properties of Polyester Fabric and Nitrile/Chlorinated Butyl Rubber
Authors: Chen Zong Wen , Li Peng Xiang , Liu Peng Zheng , Zhang Ling
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the composite material of polyester fabric and nitrile/chlorobutyl bonded with rubber is prepared by molding and hot vulcanization process. The influence of various polyester fabric treatment methods on the bonding ability is analyzed, and the change of peel strength when changing the blending ratio of rubber is explored. The results show that when the blending rubber is mainly NBR, the bonding ability with fabric is better. The adhesive properties of RFL impregnated polyester fabric and nitrile/chlorinated butyl rubber are higher than those of plasma treated and cotton fiber polyester blended fabric. The adhesion between rubber and polyester fabric can be improved by brushing kemlock adhesive on the fabric surface and adding RA /RS adhesive to the rubber formula.
Developing a conceptual model for studying various points of delays and underlying factors in the emergency healthcare system
Authors: Muraleedharan Manesh , Chandak Alaka Omprakash
Published: March 2022

To review various literature related to emergency healthcarerelated delays and synthesize a conceptual framework for future research. Critical Interpretative Synthesis is employed to analyze and develop themes from selected articles. A total of 25 articles were selected for analysis after the careful selection process. Diseases including acute heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, infections, and gastrointestinal disorders were included. During analysis, three major phases of delays emerged: pre-hospital delay, inhospital delay, and ambulance off-load delay. Various factors, including socioeconomic factors, health system factors, organizational level factors, etc., are related to delays in emergency care settings. The model evolved from this literature analysis is similar to the 3 delays model. This review identified three significant delay segments related to emergency health care management.
Necrotic lesions of the hands
Authors: Bastoni Davide , Poggiali Erika
Published: March 2022

An 82-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease due to glomerulonephritis requiring haemodialysis, hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis and hypertensive cardiomyopathy presented with painful and necrotic lesions of both his hands. He had no other symptoms. [...]
Determinants of emergency contraceptive pill use in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahfuzur Md Rahman , Alam Md Rashed , Billah Md Arif
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To examine the determinants of emergency contraceptive pill use in Bangladesh.

Methods:

Data for this cross-sectional study came from 2017-2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Characteristics of 906 reproductive age women who were potential candidates for using emergency contraceptive pill were analysed in this study. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Stepwise binary logistic regression was employed as multivariate analysis.

Results:

Only 10.9% candidates were found to ever use emergency contraceptive pill. The odds of using emergency contraceptive pill for women visited by family planning field worker was significantly higher than that for those who were not visited by family planning field worker [odds ratio (OR) 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–3.17; P=0.008], while the odds of using emergency contraceptive pill for women with high socioeconomic status was higher than that for those with low socioeconomic status (OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.61–5.97; P=0.001). Additionally, having some media access was linked to an increase in the odds of using emergency contraceptive pill (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.33–6.83; P=0.008). Women empowerment related factors did not show any significant effect on emergency contraceptive pill use.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that family planning programme has a great opportunity of playing an important role in increasing emergency contraceptive pill use in Bangladesh by increasing the knowledge and awareness of women about emergency contraceptive pill.
Quantitative assessment of the aging corpus cavernosum by shear wave elastography
Authors: Cheng Hao , Liu Guo-Xiong , Wang Fei , Wang Ke , Ruan Li-Tao , Yang Lin
Published: March 2022

We wanted to determine whether shear wave elastography (SWE) could be used to evaluate the aging degree of the corpus cavernosum (CC) and to identify the histological basis of changes in SWE measurements during the aging process. We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling healthy participants of different ages. We measured the Young’s modulus (YM) of the penile CCs by SWE and assessed erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Histological investigation was performed in surgically resected penile specimens from a separate group of patients to examine the smooth muscle and collagen content of the CCs. Furthermore, we measured the YM, erectile function, smooth muscle, and collagen content of the CCs in different age groups of rats. Finally, we enrolled 210 male volunteers in this study. The YM of the CC (CCYM) was positively correlated with age (r = 0.949, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with erectile function (r = −0.843, P < 0.01). Histological examinations showed that CCs had increased collagen content but decreased smooth muscle content with increased age. The same positive correlation between CCYM and age was also observed in the animal study. In addition, the animal study showed that older rats, with increased CCYM and decreased erectile function, had lower smooth muscle content and higher collagen content. SWE can noninvasively and quantitatively evaluate the aging degree of the CC. Increased collagen content and decreased smooth muscle content might be the histological basis for the effect of aging on the CC and the increase in its YM.
Predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy in male infertility treatment: critical assessment and systematization
Authors: Shomarufov Azizbek B , Bozhedomov Vladimir A , Sorokin Nikolay I , Matyukhov Igor P , Fozilov Abdukodir A , Abbosov Shukhrat A , Kamalov Armais A
Published: March 2022

In this review, we tried to systematize all the evidence (from PubMed [MEDLINE], Scopus, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, and Google Scholar) from 1993 to 2021 on the predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy in male infertility treatment. Regarding the outcomes of varicocele repair, we considered semen improvement and pregnancy and analyzed them separately. Based on the 2011 Oxford CEBM Levels of Evidence, we assigned a score to each trial that studied the role of the predictor. We systematized the studied predictors based on the total points, which were, in turn, calculated based on the number and quality of studies that confirmed or rejected the studied predictor as significant, into three levels of significance: predictors of high, moderate, and low clinical significance. Preoperative total motile sperm count (TMSC) coupled with sperm concentration can be a significant predictor of semen improvement and pregnancy after varicocelectomy. In addition, for semen improvement alone, scrotal Doppler ultrasound (DUS) parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and bilateral varicocelectomy are reliable predictors of microsurgical varicocelectomy efficacy.
Efficacy and acceptability of pomegranate effervescent granules in patients suffering from acid peptic disorders
Authors: Gupte Poonam Ashish , Mahajan Madhavi Prabhakar , Kole Minakshi Subhash Revadkar , Mandlecha Ajitkumar Harichand , Tatke Pratima Arun , Naharwar Vikram Andrew , Bhalerao Supriya Sudhakar
Published: March 2022

CONTEXT:

Acid peptic disorders.

AIMS:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and acceptability of pomegranate effervescent granules (PEGs) in dyspeptic patients.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

It was a single-arm, open-labeled prospective multicentric clinical study, done at 3 centers: Vishwanand Kendra, Pune; Bharati Ayurved Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and M. A. Podar Medical Ayurved Hospital, Mumbai. The co-ordinating site was Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The granules, prepared from peel extract of pomegranate, were made available in sachets of 2.5 g with dose of, 1 sachet dissolved in 200 ml (1 cup) of water, twice a day after meals for 28 days. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores to assess symptoms of acid peptic disorders at day 0, 15, and 29 along with the taste of formulation were the main study outcomes.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

Parametric data, presented as mean ± standard deviation, were analyzed using paired t-test, while nonparametric data presented as median (range) was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-square test.

RESULTS:

The median GSRS score reduced from 14 on day 0–10 and then 5 on day 15 and day 29, respectively, with statistical significance. The formulation was found to taste good by ~80% of patients, while ~20% reported it to be palatable and none found it to be bad in taste.

CONCLUSION:

PEGs proved to be palatable, patient-friendly, safe, and efficacious in resolving symptoms of dyspepsia in acid peptic disorders.

CTRI Registration:

The trial was registered retrospectively in the Clinical Registry of India [CTRI/2017/07/008999].
Update on omicron variant
Authors: Choudhary Gajendra , Prajapat Manisha , Kumaravel J , Prabha Praisy K , Sarma Phulen , Handa Vrishbhanu , Kaur Harminder , Patel Ajay Prakash , Medhi Bikash
Published: March 2022

The new omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in South Africa in November 2021 has been declared as a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization. This variant has been found to carry multifold mutations that have not been observed in any of the variants detected so far. The majority of these mutations are present in spike protein, contributing to its ability to escape the currently available neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, as well as increasing the chances of reinfection. This brief communication provides an insight into mutations detected in the omicron variant and their impact on currently available interventions against SARS-CoV-2 and the need for a booster dose. We also discuss the severity status of infection due to this variant. Additionally, we highlight the hypothesis supporting the association of high HIV prevalence and the appearance of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in immune-compromised individuals.
Socioepidemiological status and clinical outcome of MDR TB patients in a tertiary medical college in Southern Odisha
Authors: Dash Manoranjan , Behera Bibhu Prasad
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

India accounts for one-fourth of the global TB burden. The load of drug-resistant TB is of foremost attention and concern at international, regional, and national levels. As per estimates of TB burden in India in 2018, the MDR/RR-TB incidence was 1.30 lakhs.

Objectives:

Socioepidemiological status and clinical outcome of MDR TB patients in a teaching hospital in tribal area of southern Odisha from 2012-2020.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective observational study accepted by the Institutional Ethics Committee of this tertiary medical college & hospital to which the DRTB centre is attached with the agreement of the program administrators.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with >15 years of age, those patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis with normal liver enzymes.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients having abnormal liver enzymes before treatment, pregnant ladies and children <15 years of age.

Results:

A total of 40 MDR TB patients were included. The patients’ mean age was 36.65 ± 11.75 years. 65% of the patients had BMI below 18.5 kg/m2. 17.5% of patients had comorbidities. Approximately 45% had successful treatment outcomes. Poor treatment outcome includes loss to follow-up in 22.5% and mortality in 12.5%. We did not find any treatment failure.

Conclusion:

Treatment success outcomes occurred in less than half of the cases. The main predictors of mortality among MDR-TB patients were the presence of comorbidities like anaemia, baseline leucocytosis or lymphopenia, hypoproteinaemia, HIV sero-positivity and smaller baseline BMI.
Operating room nurses’ experience about patient cares for laparotomy surgeries: A phenomenological study
Authors: Bastami Maryam , Imani Behzad , Koosha Moghadari
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

The primary purpose of the present study was to explain the lived experiences of operating room nurses in the field of patient care undergoing laparotomy surgeries.

Methods:

The analytical phenomenological method was used. Ten operating room nurses employed in the operating rooms were selected using purposeful sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Data analysis was also applied using van Manen’s six-step test.

Results:

In this study, 749 initial codes were extracted, classified into three main themes and six sub-themes following the elimination of similar codes. The main themes included a positive view of patient care, preservation of the physical safety of patients, and consideration of patient vulnerability in the operating room. Moreover, responsibility, holistic care, readiness standards of the surgical environment, physical care provision, medical team malpractice, and lack of care context were considered as sub-themes.

Conclusion:

The operating room nurses’ experiences of patient care in operating rooms included a positive view of patient care, preservation of the patient’s physical safety, and consideration of patient vulnerability in the operating room.
Twinning rates in Chennai, India – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kuppan Anuradha J , Samuel Victor , Mahesh R , Jaganath P M , Anil Sukumaran
Published: March 2022

Context:

The city of Chennai is one of the largest metropolitan cities in India where apart from a large traditional population, there has been a continuous migration from rural areas and growing sophistication in lifestyle. Twinning rates trend in the present world would be interesting to study.

Aims:

The aim of the present study was to analyse the twinning rate in the city of Chennai, the distribution amongst various city zones and the present trends in the co-relation between the maternal age of the twins with the zygosity.

Settings and Design:

A population-based study was conducted on twin births in various corporation Zones in the Chennai Metropolitan, between 2010 and 2012. As per the Chennai corporation and Health Department register, there were a total of 2,32,884 births registered in the city of which 4,500 were twin births over the 3 years. Only 1371 pairs were found residing in Chennai at the time of study, and hence, a study was conducted on this population only.

Satistical Analysis Used:

The data were analysed with Epiinfo software.

Results:

A twining rate of 19.3 per 1000 births was observed as per Corporation records. In the present study, the sample of 150 pairs, 34 pairs (22.6%) comprised of monozygotic (MZ) twins and 116 pairs (77.3%) comprised of dizygotic twins giving a ratio of 1:3. The maternal age groups 25–30 and 30–35 years comprised of the maximum twinning rates. Most twin births were of the first order. An analysis of Weinberg’s Differential Rule method to determine zygosity showed a significant difference compared to the Questionnaire method.

Conclusions:

The twinning rate observed in Chennai in the present study is interestingly very high, compared to the overall twinning rate reported in the past in the state of Tamilnadu. The Wienberg’s Differential method for zygosity determination is again found to be questionable. The zygosity proportion, maternal age and parity relations are not very different from previously available data.
Post-COVID-19 pulmonary cavitation and tension pneumothorax in a non-ventilated patient
Authors: Vardhan Bhagya , Biswas Payel , Chatterjee Subhankar , Mishra Sudhanshu , Baskey Surendra , Ojha Umesh K.
Published: March 2022

Cavitation and pneumothorax are independently associated with high morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). While spontaneous (non-traumatic) pneumothorax formation has commonly been observed among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, there are few rare reports of COVID-19 associated pneumothorax without any history of barotrauma and other conventional risk factors. Here, we report a unique case of post-COVID-19 cavitation and tension pneumothorax which was further complicated by hydropneumothorax formation in a young patient who suffered severe COVID-19 pneumonia 4 weeks back. As the patient was devoid of any conventional risk factors, we believe that persistent inflammatory alveolar damage even after clinical recovery from COVID-19 played a key role in pulmonary cavitation followed by pneumothorax formation. With prompt clinical and radiological recognition of these fatal, yet treatable complications of COVID-19 pneumonia, the patient was saved and had an uneventful recovery.
Association between serum uric acid with diabetes and other biochemical markers
Authors: Alqahtani Saif Aboud M. , Awan Zuhier A. , Alasmary Mohammed Yahia , Al Amoudi Saeed M.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to decipher the association between serum uric acid (UA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the population from the southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Method:

In this retrospective cross-sectional investigation, clinical data obtained from the different commercial laboratories in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia were screened over 2 years. Data were analyzed using standard statistical methods.

Results:

A total of 1984 laboratory investigations with 1215 females (61.2%) and 769 males (38.6%) were included in the data analysis. In our investigation, the prevalence of hyperuricemia in the study population was 53.5% (41.2% females and 12.3% males) and in the diabetic population was 12.7% (9.47% females and 3.23% males), in prediabetics was 12.65% (9.8% females and 2.85% males), respectively. Prediabetic subjects had higher UA levels than people with diabetes or healthy people. Higher UA quartiles were associated with a high level of urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) creatinine, HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and total cholesterol (TC) (P < 0.05). High UA (OR = 1.33 for diabetes; OR = 2.676 for prediabetes), high BUN (OR = 3.05 for diabetes; OR = 2.293 for prediabetes), high TC (OR = 3.75 for diabetes; OR = 1.098 for prediabetes), and high TG (OR = 2.67 for diabetes; OR = 1.943 for prediabetes) parameters are the most influential risk factor in diabetic and prediabetic patients than the people who have normal UA, BUN, TC, and TG value.

Conclusion:

High UA levels are significantly associated with prediabetes as defined by HbA1c criteria, indicating that UA has a significant role in the disturbance of glucose metabolism. A significant positive association was observed between dyslipidemia and serum UA in the study population.
Heatable Vehicle Glazing with Antennas
Authors: Dai David
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a vehicle antenna system on a conductive heat reflecting window. A slot antenna in a heatable vehicle glazing established between the heating bus bar, bus bar extension and the peripheral edge of an electrically conductive IR reflective coating. The antenna slot may be fed directly by a voltage source, a current source, or a coupled coplanar line at a position to excite both fundamental and higher order modes for multiband antenna applications. The slot antenna can be also established between split heating bus bars or heating bus bar extension to reduces heat loss and improve antenna efficiency. Multiple antennas can be integrated into the heatable glazing for multiband applications and/or diversity antenna systems. Results from simulation on the vehicle are compared with measurements.
True Fracture Strain Measurement and Derivation for Advanced High-Strength Steel Sheets
Authors: Hu Jun , Thomas Grant , Campbell Cynthia
Published: March 2022

The importance of true fracture strain was initially highlighted in the context of local versus global formability considerations used in material selection among advanced high strength steels (AHSSs) of similar tensile strength. Inspired by the relative studies, a precedent work compared the fracture strain results via either digital image correlation (DIC) based method or optical fracture surface measurement on different AHSS samples. It concluded that the DIC-based testing results generally underestimated the fracture strain. As a continued study, the present work further analyzed the DIC-based testing procedure and attributed such an underestimation mainly to the volume constancy assumption. Furthermore, this work pointed out that also because of the same assumption, the optical fracture surface measurement to some extent overestimated the fracture strain. Nevertheless, it was also observed that different AHSS grades were affected discrepantly by the two methods. Therefore, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied to inspect the morphology of various micro-voids and dimples on different fracture surfaces to explain the discrepancy. To bypass the volume constancy assumption, this work also proposed two alternative methods, including a DIC-based thinning measurement method and a hybrid method, and discussed their limitations. In addition, the effects of DIC measurement frame rate and anisotropic plasticity based on the Hill-1948 yield function were also studied in this work. Last but not the least, by substituting the different fracture strain results based on all the introduced methods into an early stage of calibration of the Generalized Incremental Stress State dependent damage Model (GISSMO) for forming and crash simulations, the importance of the fracture strain accuracy was further highlighted.
Effect of Decoration on Windshield Impact Resistance and Novel Decoration Solution Compatible with Chemical Strengthening
Authors: Cleary Thomas , Lehuede Philippe , Joubaud Laurent , Friske Mark , Huten Timothy
Published: March 2022

Vehicle windshields typically include a black decorative pattern around their periphery and other regions. Examination of field failed parts has shown that windshields often break from impacts in these decoration zones; often with the fracture initiating from the decoration material itself.

In this work, the effect of different glazing decoration materials on glass strength and laminate impact resistance was evaluated. The decoration materials investigated included traditional inorganic enamel frit, an organic ink, and a new enamel frit that is compatible with glass chemical strengthening.

Ring-on-Ring strength tests were conducted and showed that inorganic enamel frit reduces strength of glass by over 50% compared to undecorated glass, while organic inks do not adversely affect strength. Tests of a newly developed decoration frit material, compatible for chemical strengthening processes, showed strength levels that were on par with undecorated, unstrengthened glass.

Ball bearing impact tests were performed on conventional laminates (comprising two plies of annealed soda-lime glass (ASLG) bonded together with a resin inter-layer, typically of 0.8 mm poly-vinyl butyral (PVB)) incorporating the different decoration materials to quantify the effect of these materials and their relative location in the laminate stack on impact resistance. Results showed that laminates made with inorganic enamel decoration frit experienced a local decrease in impact performance when compared to undecorated laminates. Additionally, it was found that the surface on which the enamel frit was deposited, significantly affected impact durability. Laminates with enamel frit on Surface 3, significantly outperformed laminates that had enamel on Surfaces 2 or 4; with the Surface 2 location being the lowest performer with a degradation in impact resistance of ~50% relative to undecorated parts. Furthermore, it was found that laminates made with an organic ink decoration, do not suffer a reduction in impact performance relative to undecorated laminates.

Lastly, thin, light weight hybrid laminates (comprising of a standard annealed outer-ply with a thin, chemically strengthened inner-ply) that incorporate the newly developed decoration frit material, compatible with chemical strengthening processes, resulted in local impact resistance levels that exceeded the performance of the undecorated regions of standard laminates. Notably, these hybrid laminates exhibited local impact durability of more than double that of conventional laminates with inorganic enamel frits on surface 2.
Fast Air-Path Modeling for Stiff Components
Authors: Brewbaker Thomas , Vigild Christian
Published: March 2022

Development of propulsion control systems frequently involves large-scale transient simulations, e.g. Monte Carlo simulations or drive-cycle optimizations, which require fast dynamic plant models. Models of the air-path—for internal combustion engines or fuel cells—can exhibit stiff behavior, though, causing slow numerical simulations due to either using an implicit solver or sampling much faster than the bandwidth of interest to maintain stability. This paper proposes a method to reduce air-path model stiffness by adding an impedance in series with potentially stiff components, e.g. throttles, valves, compressors, and turbines, thereby allowing the use of a fast-explicit solver. An impedance, by electrical analogy, is a frequency-dependent resistance to flow, which is shaped to suppress the high-frequency dynamics causing air-path stiffness, while maintaining model accuracy in the bandwidth of interest. The proposed impedance method is demonstrated for a simple two-state incompressible-flow throttle model, then generalized for other stiff air-path components. A simple impedance calibration method is further presented. When applying the impedance method and forward-Euler discretization to a diesel mean-value engine model, transient simulations ran roughly five-times faster compared to more computationally-expensive solvers, including an implicit solver for stiff systems, without degrading the root-mean-square model accuracy.
Fuel Injector Selection in Diesel Engine for BS6 Upgradation
Authors: Vinaya Murthy Vijayendra , Dharan R Bharani , Boita Dhananjayarao , Amara Rajesh
Published: March 2022

For meeting the stringent BS VI emissions in a 3-cylinder diesel engine the Exhaust after treatment system (EATS) was upgraded from a single brick DOC (diesel oxidation catalyst) to 2 brick DOC+sDPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) configuration. To meet the demands of emission regulation and sDPF requirements, changes were also required in the Fuel injection system. Major changes were done to the fuel injector and fuel pump.

This paper primarily discusses the Fuel injector change from 1.1 to 2.2 family with changes in nozzle geometry, Nozzle tip protrusion (NTP), and injector cone angle and the effects on the emission and performance parameters. The various design values of NTP, cone angle, and Sac values are tested in an actual engine to meet the required power, torque and verified to meet NOx, HC, PM values as required by the new BS (Bharat Stage) VI regulation. Other boundary conditions are also checked - BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption), temperature, etc. The design change that was needed for the injector up-gradation - Cylinder head interface and injector clamp are also described in detail.

The paper also discusses the durability tests done for validating the new injector on parameters like nozzle coking, nozzle tip temperature, and various endurance tests reports are discussed. The finalized design has been validated on both engine testbed and vehicle successfully.
A Study on the Improvement of EV One-Pedal Driving System Interface and Cost Reduction
Authors: Won Myung Won
Published: March 2022

In this study it will show, big data analysis and user survey of driving records were conducted to investigate frequency of use and ease of operation of the regen paddle to control one-pedal driving system in electric vehicle. According to 3.8 million driving record big data analysis result, it was found that the driver manipulates 3.31 times on average during a single trip, mainly during the early stages of driving. According to user observation research result in 41.8% of participants did not used or used less than 5 time of regen paddle during one single trip. Also 336 participants, which occupy 83%, responded that the regen paddle manipulation for one-pedal driving was inconvenient. In conclusion, because of the use frequency of the regen paddle is low and the operation of regen paddle is inconvenient. It seems necessary to change the design of the regen paddle.