bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Treatment Regimens for Coronavirus Infection Coronavirus Disease-19
Authors: Krylova Olga , Krasheninnikov Anatoliy , Mamontova Elza , Tananakina Galina , Belyakova D.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection was assigned the status of a pandemic. As of the beginning of 2021, the Russian Federation ranks fourth in terms of the prevalence of coronavirus infection. Over the period from March 2020 to February 2021, more than 84,000 fatal cases of the disease were recorded in Russia.

AIM: However, at the moment, there are no medications with proven effectiveness and safety against the novel coronavirus infection. In this regard, the purpose of our study was to conduct a pharmacoeconomic analysis of medications for etiotropic therapy of all forms of COVID-19 recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (clinical guidelines, version 10 dated February 8, 2021) to identify the best treatment option.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the course of the study, the “cost of illness” was determined for all forms of the disease in an outpatient and inpatient setting. The authors took into account the direct medical costs of medication therapy and diagnostic and treatment procedures. In terms of direct non-medical costs, they calculated the cost of a bed-day excluding medication treatment, and indirect costs included payments for temporary disability sheets. Costs for medications were calculated based on the active ingredient (AI) and the packages for treatment on an outpatient basis and in the case of the hospital setting based on the AI only. The cost of medical and diagnostic procedures was determined based on the Tariff Agreement for 2020 dated December 30, 2019. Next, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Effectiveness criteria were selected based on published clinical trial results for the medications in question. Then, they performed a calculation of the cost-effectiveness coefficients and an incremental analysis.

RESULTS: Thus, in the course of the analysis of the cost of illness, the most economically profitable treatment regimens were the ones with hydroxychloroquine both for outpatient treatment (13,150.31 rubles: Mild form, 22,326.44 rubles: Moderate form excluding antibiotic therapy, and 21,513.76 rubles: Moderate form, taking into account antibacterial therapy) and for inpatient treatment (34,441.53 rubles).

CONCLUSION: As a result of the cost-effectiveness analysis, the use of favipiravir can be considered optimal (comparative effectiveness research = 17,607.14 rubles), and for the mild form, the optimal medication is umifenovir, since during the incremental analysis, it was found that for therapy with favipiravir, 100 people would need an additional allocation of 96.291 rubles, which, given the form of the disease, is not entirely appropriate.
Prospect of The Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) as Natural Product Used to an Herbal Medicine
Authors: Khan Ahasan Ullah , Talucder Mohammad Samiul Ahsan , Das Mitali , Noreen Sana , Pane Yunita Sari
Published: November 2021

Black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is a popular spice that is grown as tropical and subtropical plant throughout the world. The leaf, flower, fruit, and root are the most important elements of the plant. Asexual or vegetative propagation is becoming highly popular, although the sexual approach is still used for pepper vine cultivation. For mass production of the pepper plant, in vitro culture is also used. The bioactive components contained in them are extremely important because of their therapeutic potential against a number of diseases. They are usually classed as functional foods because, in addition to providing basic nutrition, provide physiological benefits and help to avoid chronic illness. The main component of black pepper is piperine. It has a complex phyto-chemistry includes: Volatile oil, alkaloids, and oleoresins. Because of its free-radical scavenging properties, black pepper and its active components can be prevention and control of tumor growth. Piperine, which can bind and inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the sickness, is present in black pepper and has antibacterial and antiviral effects. Piperine, a key alkaloid component of black pepper, it also helps to cognitive brain function, nutritional absorption, and gastrointestinal health. Black pepper is known as the “King of Spices” as well as the “King of Medicinal Agents,” since it includes a wide variety of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical and pharmacological applications. An overview of the most common applications for black pepper, along with a strong evidence is present in this review.
Transcriptional identification of genes light-interacting in the extraretinal photoreceptors of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Calderón-Rosete Gabina , González-Barrios Juan Antonio , Piña-Leyva Celia , Moreno-Sandoval Hayde Nallely , Lara-Lozano Manuel , Rodríguez-Sosa Leonardo
Published: November 2021

Crayfish serve as a model for studying the effect of environmental lighting on locomotor activity and neuroendocrine functions. The effects of light on this organism are mediated differentially by retinal and extraretinal photoreceptors located in the cerebroid ganglion and the pleonal nerve cord. However, some molecular aspects of the phototransduction cascade in the pleonal extraretinal photoreceptors remain unknown. In this study, transcriptome data from the pleonal nerve cord of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard,1852) were analyzed to identify transcripts that potentially interact with phototransduction process. The Illumina MiSeq System and the pipeline Phylogenetically Informed Annotation (PIA) were employed, which places uncharacterized genes into pre-calculated phylogenies of gene families. Here, for the first time 62 transcripts identified from the pleonal nerve cord that are related to light-interacting pathways are reported; they can be classified into the following 11 sets: 1) retinoid pathway in vertebrates and invertebrates, 2) photoreceptor specification, 3) rhabdomeric phototransduction, 4) opsins 5) ciliary phototransduction, 6) melanin synthesis, 7) pterin synthesis, 8) ommochrome synthesis, 9) heme synthesis, 10) diurnal clock, and 11) crystallins. Moreover, this analysis comparing the sequences located on the pleonal nerve cord to eyestalk sequences reported in other studies reveals 94–100% similarity between the 55 common proteins identified. These results show that both retinal and pleonal non-visual photoreceptors in the crayfish equally expressed the transcripts involved in light detection. Moreover, they suggest that the genes related to ocular and extraocular light perception in the crayfish P. clarkii use biosynthesis pathways and phototransduction cascades commons.
Stressful Incidents of Physical Violence Against Emergency Nurses
Authors: Gillespie Gordon , Gates Donna , Berry Peggy
Published: November 2021

Physical violence against nurses has become an endemic problem affecting nurses in all settings. The purpose of this study was to describe acts of physical violence against emergency nurses perceived as stressful using a qualitative descriptive design with a national sample of emergency nurses. The guiding conceptual model for the study was the Ecological Occupational Health Model of Workplace Assault. Narrative accounts of physical violence were analyzed using a constant comparative analysis method. Key findings included risks related to employee, workplace, and aggressor factors, and descriptions of physical violence. Discussion of the study findings suggests that efforts to prevent violence and promote workplace safety need to focus on designing work environments that allow for the quick egress of employees, establishing and consistently enforcing policies aimed at violence prevention, and maintaining positive working relationships with security officers. While patients with mental health or substance use complaints are deemed most likely to commit physical violence, they are not the only patients to become violent. Risk reduction efforts should target all patients and visitors.
Nursing Control Over Practice and Teamwork
Authors: Castner Jessica , Ceravolo Diane , Foltz-Ramos Kelly , Wu Yow-Wu
Published: November 2021

Nurses’ control over practice is essential to nursing care quality and fosters teamwork at the point of care delivery. This article describes a study to measure the impact of nurses’ control over their practice from the perspective of teamwork. The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship of control over practice to the five following dimensions of teamwork: team structure, leadership, situation monitoring, mutual support, and communication. The study method was a secondary analysis of 456 surveys from registered nurses working in a five-hospital system. Study results demonstrated that the global measure of teamwork correlated with control over practice and nursing experience, but not with teamwork training. All five individual dimensions of teamwork were perceived as better for those who had a high level of control over practice compared to those who did not. In the discussion section, we consider situation monitoring since this dimension demonstrated an interaction effect between teamwork training and control over practice. Nursing control over practice demonstrates a positive relationship with teamwork and should be considered in future education, policy, and research efforts. Further study is needed to understand control over practice as a potential moderator or mediator of other predecessors of effective teamwork.
An Academic Practice Partnership: Helping New Registered Nurses to Advance Quality and Patient Safety
Authors: Flores Deborah , Hickenlooper Gale , Saxton Rebecca
Published: November 2021

Significant changes in the healthcare environment have occurred that offer challenges for quality improvement and nursing education programs, and thus impact both nursing practice and education. We formed an academic-practice partnership to actively engage students enrolled in an undergraduate nursing research course in quality processes with participation in a medical center’s performance improvement program. This article describes the development of the partnership; and projects, results, and implications for practice. Students worked collaboratively in groups with hospital staff performance improvement preceptors and a course faculty member. Using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model, students collected, analyzed, and disseminated data from existing projects, or those for which the organization had identified a need. Leaders involved in the inception of this partnership agreed that it achieved its goals of enabling the college to effectively teach recently mandated quality improvement methodologies to achieve competency and enhancing the medical center’s capabilities to obtain data for quality improvement purposes. The academic-practice partnership continues to evolve, and we offer discussion about lessons learned and partnership growth.
Electronic Health Record: Driving Evidence-Based Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Care Practices
Authors: Welden Lois
Published: November 2021

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) continue to account for most hospital-acquired infections; yet records for up to 50% of hospitalized patients who received an indwelling catheter lack documentation of evidence-based criterion for the insertion decision. Newer guidelines emphasize prevention of infection by limiting both catheter use and duration of use so as to decrease the number of hospital-acquired, urinary tract infections (UTIs). In this article, we review the literature and describe the method employed in our quality improvement (QI) project using the electronic health record (EHR) to assist in driving evidence-based care. We developed an infrastructure that provided clinical-decision support, drove evidence-based care delivery practices, and maintained sustainability. Next, we present the results of this QI project that demonstrated a significant decrease in positive urine cultures, improved catheter care practices, and documentation of evidence-based criterion for catheter utilization. We discuss the benefits of using the EHR to decrease urinary catheter usage and conclude by recommending the using the EHR to decrease UTIs by limiting urinary catheter usage.
Effectiveness of two probiotics in preventing necrotising enterocolitis in a cohort of very-low-birth-weight premature new-borns
Authors: Uberos J. , Campos-Martinez A. , Fernandez-Marín E. , Millan I. Cubero , Lopez A. Ruiz , Blanca-Jover E.
Published: November 2021

According to previous research, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) decreases after supplementation with probiotics. However, few studies have considered the equivalence or otherwise of different strains of probiotics in this respect. Accordingly, this prospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of 245 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) new-borns to assess the prevalence of NEC after supplementation with the probiotic Inforan® (Berna Biotech, Madrid, Spain) 250 mg capsules containing 109 cfu of Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC 4356) and 109 cfu of Bifidobacterium bifidum (ATCC 15696); or with Bivos® (Ferring, Madrid, Spain) containing Lacticaseibacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) rhamnnosus (LGG) (ATCC 53103) (109 cfu); or with no probiotic supplementation. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariant regression for the duration of parenteral nutrition, length of neonatal intensive care unit stay, use of oxygen therapy and presence of chorioamnionitis. Of the VLBW new-borns in the study group, 65 received Infloran, 108 received Bivos and 72 received no probiotic. A significant association was observed between a reduced presence of NEC Stage ≥2 and probiotic supplementation. The odds risk (OR) obtained was 0.174 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.032-0.936) for Infloran and 0.196 (95%CI: 0.053-0.732) for Bivos. Therefore, both probiotics are associated with a lower prevalence of NEC in VLBW new-borns, with no significant differences.
Global optimality conditions and duality theorems for robust optimal solutions of optimization problems with data uncertainty, using underestimators
Authors: Kerdkaew Jutamas , Wangkeeree Rabian , Wangkeeree Rattanaporn
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a robust optimization problem, which features a maximum function of continuously differentiable functions as its objective function, is investigated. Some new conditions for a robust KKT point, which is a robust feasible solution that satisfies the robust KKT condition, to be a global robust optimal solution of the uncertain optimization problem, which may have many local robust optimal solutions that are not global, are established. The obtained conditions make use of underestimators, which were first introduced by Jayakumar and Srisatkunarajah [1,2] of the Lagrangian associated with the problem at the robust KKT point. Furthermore, we also investigate the Wolfe type robust duality between the smooth uncertain optimization problem and its uncertain dual problem by proving the sufficient conditions for a weak duality and a strong duality between the deterministic robust counterpart of the primal model and the optimistic counterpart of its dual problem. The results on robust duality theorems are established in terms of underestimators. Additionally, to illustrate or support this study, some examples are presented.
State-of-the-art Laser Ceramics for the Next-generation Solid-state Laser
Authors: MA Ho Jin , KIM Ha-Neul
Published: November 2021

Solid-state lasers have aroused many researchers’ interests for a variety of applications in military and industrial fields. Because of the preference for increased output power, Nd:YAG single crystals, which are the most widely used gain media, should be replaced by other more suitable candidates. Polycrystalline sesquioxide ceramics show great potential for use as gain media because their thermal and mechanical characteristics are suitable for use with high-energy laser systems. Recently, novel concepts of the gain media were also introduced. Herein, while briefly looking back on the progress of polycrystalline laser ceramics, we will discuss new interests in host materials and systems.
Investigaciones en el proyecto de restauración de la antigua sala capitular y panteón del monasterio de Santa Clara de la Columna de Belalcázar (Córdoba)
Authors: Millán-Millán Pablo Manuel
Published: November 2021

El estado de deterioro del espacio que fue panteón de los Zúñiga en el Monasterio de Santa Clara de la Columna en Belalcázar (Córdoba) obligó a plantear una intervención de restauración y consolidación para su puesta en valor. Con el objetivo de poder conocer en profundidad las diversas causas de las múltiples patologías que ha sufrido este edificio, se planificó una investigación que recogiera no solamente la naturaleza de estas lesiones, sino también la propia evolución que este espacio ha tenido a lo largo de la historia. Para ello, además de conocer con detenimiento su estado actual, se llevó a cabo un pormenorizado análisis de los restos materiales y de las fuentes documentales. Este estudio puso de manifiesto importantes incursiones, como la del arquitecto Hernán Ruiz II, así como toda la historia de la construcción y destrucción de este conjunto. Estos trabajos nos han permitido conocer su evolución arqueológico-arquitectónica, así como sus diferentes usos y etapas dentro de la lógica monacal del conjunto.
A Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Teaching Model using a Cloud-Based Constructivist Learning Environment to Enhance Thai Undergraduate Creative Thinking and Digital Media Skills
Authors: Srikan Parawee , Pimdee Paitoon , Leekitchwatana Punnee , Narabin Akan
Published: November 2021

The objective of this research was to develop a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Model which used a cloud-based constructivist learning environment to enhance Thai undergraduate creative thinking and digital media skills. Initially using a mixed-methods approach, a five-step model was conceptualized. Thereafter, a panel of five academic experts gave input into the model’s design from which the model was expanded to include six related learning environments.  The instrument used in the research was a problem-based assessment form. Data collection was carried out utilizing group chats and analyzed using descriptive statistics including the mean and standard deviation. The results of the study revealed that the initial model contained five steps including (1) problem identification, (2), problem analysis, (3) research, (4) presentations, and (5) summary and evaluation, which is integrated into the model’s additional six learning environment elements. These six learning environments were (1) problem-based, (2) resources, (3) cognitive tools, (4) collaboration, (5) scaffolding, and finally, (6) coaching. When applying the proposed model and related environments, there was a consensus from the experts that the model had excellent suitability and can be used as a model for teaching and learning at the bachelor's degree level.
A Review of Virtual Reality Applications in an Educational Domain
Authors: Al Farsi Ghaliya , Yusof Azmi Bin Mohd. , Romli Awanis , Tawafak Ragad M , Malik Sohail Iqbal , Jabbar Jasiya , Rsuli Mohd Ezanee Bin
Published: November 2021

The use of virtual reality (VR) applications has grown tremendously in recent years. This paper focuses on the review of existing virtual reality applications in higher educational institutions. The VR applications are still not widely used although it helps students in their learning process and enhances their performance. Moreover, some factors which lead to the limited use of virtual reality are lack of communication, delay in technology development, and weak acquisition of knowledge etc. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of virtual reality applications in educational institutions. The reviewed articles are taken from databases such as Science Direct, Ebscohost, and Scopus. Furthermore, the reviewed eighteen articles are published between 2016 and 2021. The study analyzed the reviewed articles based on different factors such as fields, purpose, targets, methods, citations, factors and limitations. The findings revealed that virtual reality applications can play an important role in the education domain. The reviewed articles highlighted the significant contribution of virtual reality applications in the education domain and their impact on the students' performance. Moreover, the study revealed the important factors used in VR environments such as ease of use, efficiency, interactive environments, effectiveness, and learning environments.
Regards de documentaristes : le trésor des rushes
Authors: Rodrigo Jean-Michel , Paugam Marina
Published: November 2021

Cet article est le fruit de la réflexion de deux documentaristes face à la fabrication des rushes. De la conception de l’image et de la préparation des entretiens lors du tournage, au choix de l’image et de la sélection des extraits « d’ITV » lors du montage se joue l’existence même des rushes, leur exploitation et leur éventuel devenir au-delà de l’existence du film. À travers trois expériences de réalisation au Pérou, en Bolivie et au Chili, ils racontent leur manière de produire des rushes et leur souci de les conserver bien au-delà du montage final.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Sperm Swarm Optimization (HGASSO) for Multimodal Functions
Authors: Shehadeh Hisham A. , Mustafa Hossam M. J. , Tubishat Mohammad
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose a hybrid algorithm combining two different metaheuristic methods, “Genetic Algorithms (GA)” and “Sperm Swarm Optimization (SSO)”, for the global optimization of multimodal benchmarks functions. The proposed Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Sperm Swarm Optimization (HGASSO) operates based on incorporates concepts from GA and SSO in which generates individuals in a new iteration not only by crossover and mutation operations as proposed in GA, but also by techniques of local search of SSO. The main idea behind this hybridization is to reduce the probability of trapping in local optimum of multi modal problem. Our algorithm is compared against GA, and SSO metaheuristic optimization algorithms. The experimental results using a suite of multimodal benchmarks functions taken from the literature have evinced the superiority of the proposed HGASSO approach over the other approaches in terms of quality of results and convergence rates in which obtained good results in solving the multimodal benchmarks functions that include cosine, sine, and exponent in their formulation.
Distance-Based Knowledge Measure of Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Set With Its Application in Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Sharma Dinesh K. , Singh Surender , Ganie Abdul Haseeb
Published: November 2021

Motivated by the structural aspect of the probabilistic entropy, the concept of fuzzy entropy enabled the researchers to investigate the uncertainty due to vague information. Fuzzy entropy measures the ambiguity/vagueness entailed in a fuzzy set. Hesitant fuzzy entropy and hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set based entropy presents a more comprehensive evaluation of vague information. In the vague situations of multiple-criteria decision-making, entropy measure is utilized to compute the objective weights of attributes. The weights obtained due to entropy measures are not reasonable in all the situations. To model such situation, a knowledge measure is very significant, which is a structural dual to entropy. A fuzzy knowledge measure determines the level of precision in a fuzzy set. This article introduces the concept of a knowledge measure for hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets (HFLTS) and show how it may be derived from HFLTS distance measures. Authors also investigate its application in determining the weights of criteria in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM).
Bifurcation Analysis of Two-Dimensional Laminar Flow Through Sudden Expansion Channel
Authors: Saha Sandip , Biswas Pankaj , Nath Sujit , Das Apurba Narayan
Published: November 2021

In this work, bifurcation characteristics of unsteady, viscous, Newtonian laminar flow in two-dimensional sudden expansion and sudden contraction-expansion channels have been studied for different values of expansion ratio. The governing equations have been solved using finite volume method and FLUENT software has been employed to visualize the simulation results. Three different mesh studies have been performed to calculate critical Reynolds number (Recr) for different types of bifurcation phenomena. It is found that Recr decreases with the increase in expansion ratio (ER).
How to Manage the Value of Drinking Water by Using Extension on the Contingent Valuation Method
Authors: Bouchrika Ali , Issaoui Fakhri , Slimani Slah
Published: November 2021

This paper examines an explanatory policy in the management of drinking water in Tunisia. Indeed, the price variable, while is considered, in general way, as a confident indicator in the regulation of drinking water consumption, it seems to be insufficient since the management of drinking water is influenced by other set of variables such as: the revenue level of households, the consumption of bottled water, the alternative sources, the household size and, above all, the quality variable, which presents an enormous variability inter- and intra-regions. Through our study, we have shown, that the variation in willingness to pay (WTP) is essentially due to psychological and subjective consideration (the degree of importance of these variables in the scale of preferences of consumers).
Do Community Engagement and Fairness Matter in Local Acceptance of Wind Turbines in Tunisia?
Authors: Ben Cheikh Amal , Driss Fatma Ezzahra Bakini
Published: November 2021

Environmental concern is considered as a significant interest for companies, government and communities. These stakeholders are conscious about the energy situation but this consciousness is not always reflected in actions of acceptance. Accordingly, this research paper sheds light on the impact of the main key factors influencing the community acceptance of wind energy projects in Tunisia. An extensive literature review about community acceptance, community engagement, fairness and perceived risks is presented. Based on previous studies, authors identify the relationships between these variables. A quantitative approach is used to test the hypotheses using responses from a sample of 265 survey respondents in Tunisia. The research results and implications are discussed. Recommendations to be considered by interest stakeholders are drawn.
Study on Level of Vegetation Land Fragmentation in Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranaweera M. N. N. , Jayasinghe A. B. , Abenayake C.
Published: November 2021

Muthurajawela Marsh and Negombo Lagoon have lost their marshland and mangroves from 41% and 21% accordingly from 1997 to 2017.  Vegetation land fragmentation (VLF) is the foremost reason that accelerates the vegetation cover change. However, Sri Lanka has not been given sufficient attention to investigate VLF with case studies. Further, fragmentation patterns like dissecting, shrinking, and disappearing are still essential to investigate with empirical studies to comprehend the phases of VLF.  Therefore, this study attempts to quantify the level of vegetation land fragmentation (LVLF) in the Western Province’s Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) from 2000 to 2020 by applying the Landscape Division Index (FRAGSTATS). It further analyses the patterns of VLF by using 200 fragmented locations. The key findings demonstrate that 54% of GNDs have more than 60% of the LVLF in the Gampaha District from 2000 to 2010. Although it has reduced up to 49% from 2010-2020, the Gampaha District remains in the highest position. It additionally discloses the significant increment in LVLF along the expressways from 2010 to 2020.  46% of fragmented patches indicate the mixed of dissecting, shrinking, and disappearing patterns. Therefore, the study provides methodological application and quantitative insights for planners to investigate VLF and its patterns.
Vegetation Cover Effects on Outdoor Thermal Comfort Around High-rise Developments; A Case Study of Havelock City, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerakoon L. R. T. , Perera N. G. R.
Published: November 2021

Colombo, with its rapid development, is experiencing an influx of high-rise developments. These developments create a significant influence on the microclimate of the area around them, and therefore impact outdoor thermal comfort. With the intension of mitigating outdoor thermal comfort concerns, the enhancement of the vegetation cover is an often-proposed strategy. This is a research initiative to ascertain the optimum vegetation cover percentage to achieve outdoor thermal comfort around high-rise developments, utilising Havelock City, Colombo, Sri Lanka as a case study. A computer simulation process is adopted, using the software ENVI-met, to explore the optimum form and coverage of vegetation for outdoor thermal comfort. Results show, overall thermal comfort levels diminish, with the increased infusion of vegetation. Vegetation cover had a little or no impact in the daytime, while the strategy had distinct negative impacts in the night-time. The nature of the built morphology of the development together with the vegetation cover increase is shown to have significant impact on wind movement and nocturnal heat loss, therefore outdoor thermal comfort levels. Conclusions highlight the need for the extensive exploration of morphological studies, while encompassing key amelioration strategies, particularly for the high-rise development typology.
Significant Factors Affecting the Life Cycle Cost Elements of a Building
Authors: Samaranayake J. , Ramachandra T. , Madushika U. G. D.
Published: November 2021

Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is a vital decision-making tool for realization of investments. However, it is often challenging to forecast the LCC of a building as it comprises of several elements which are influenced by a range of factors. Hence, this study was carried out to identify the significant factors affecting LCC elements of buildings. Twenty-four (24) factors and ten (10) significant LCC elements identified through a comprehensive literature review were presented to thirty-four (34) experts reached through a purposive sampling method. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect their views on the significance of those factors while a weighted mean was used to determine the relative significance and thereby identify the level of influence of each factor on the respective LCC elements of buildings. The study concluded that the (6) six most significant factors include: plan shape of the building, size of the building, number of occupants, quality of materials and equipment used, the function of the building, and technology used. Further delving into analysis indicates that all 24 factors influence the construction and maintenance management cost elements at different significant levels. Further, the highest number of elements (8 out of 10), such as construction, utility, administration, services management, cleaning, external work, repair and replacement, and maintenance management are highly influenced by the function of the building.  Next to the function, lifetime of the building highly influences the six LCC elements such as construction, utility, administration, services management, repair and replacement, and maintenance management. Similarly, every LCC element is influenced by each factor in different levels and further discussed in this study. Hence, the study recommends that cost practitioners should give due consideration to highly influencing factors to optimise the LCC of a building during its early life cycle phase.
Genomic Sequencing for Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Kim Ryul , Hong Jung Yong , Lee Jeeyun , Kwon Ghee Young , Jeong Byong Chang , Park Se Hoon
Published: November 2021

Purpose This study aimed to explore the genomic and transcriptomic landscape of bladder cancer (BC) and its implication for treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI).Materials and Methods We analyzed whole-exome and -transcriptome sequences of tumor samples from 64 BC patients who underwent surgical resection with either transurethral resection or radical cystectomy. For exploratory purposes, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was evaluated in a subset of patients (n=57) including those treated with ICI (n=8).Results We identified frequent molecular dysregulations in chromatin regulatory genes (KDM6A, ARID1A, MLL2, and STAG2) and recurrent copy number alterations. Thirty-five samples (54.7%) were PD-L1–positive (PD-L1 combined positive score ≥ 1) with a significantly higher exonic tumor mutational burden (TMB) compared to PD-L1–negative BC samples (p=0.010). We observed that various immune-responsive pathways, including the PD-L1 signaling pathway, were enriched significantly in PD-L1–positive BCs. Interestingly, genes in the CTLA4 pathway were enriched significantly in PD-L1–positive BC as well. Among eight patients who received ICI, progressive disease was confirmed in one patient, whose tumor had low exonic TMB, negative PD-L1 status, and a relatively colder microenvironment.Conclusion Gaining new insights into the molecular landscape of BC will improve treatment strategies. Our analysis suggests a rationale for studying dual checkpoint inhibition against BC.
Long range order in atomistic models for solids
Authors: Giuliani Alessandro , Theil Florian
Published: November 2021

The emergence of long range order at low temperatures in atomistic systems with continuous symmetry is a fundamental, yet poorly understood phenomenon in physics. To address this challenge we study a discrete microscopic model for an elastic crystal with dislocations in three dimensions, previously introduced by Ariza and Ortiz. The model is rich enough to support some realistic features of three-dimensional dislocation theory, most notably grains and the Read– Shockley law for grain boundaries, which we rigorously derive in a simple, explicit geometry. We analyze the model at positive temperatures, in terms of a Gibbs distribution with energy function given by the Ariza–Ortiz Hamiltonian plus a contribution from the dislocation cores. Our main result is that the model exhibits long range positional order at low temperatures. The proof is based on the tools of discrete exterior calculus, together with cluster expansion techniques.
A PERCEPÇÃO DOS BOLSISTAS DO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO “A INSERÇÃO DA UNIVERSIDADE NO FUTEBOL” A RESPEITO DA RELAÇÃO TEORIA E PRÁTICA
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil., Balzano Otávio Nogueira , Rodrigues Abraham Lincoln de Paula ,   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil., Silva Gilberto Ferreira da ,   Universidade La Salle, Canoas, RS, Brasil., Branco Leandro Veras Castelo ,   Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
Published: November 2021

Na Educação Física há uma discussão sobre a dicotomia teoria e prática, e quanto uma dá subsídios para a outra obter legitimidade. Isso leva a pensar sobre a formação de novos profissionais na área. No ambiente de formação, há disciplinas teóricas que parecem estar longe da realidade externa à universidade. Isso faz com que haja uma distorção da situação real de ensino, ocasionando uma falta de contextualização com a realidade e, consequentemente, afetando o desenvolvimento integral do profissional. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a percepção dos bolsistas sobre o projeto de extensão “A inserção da Universidade no Futebol” em relação à dimensão teoria e prática na formação em Educação Física. Foi uma pesquisa descritiva exploratória, e com abordagem qualitativa, cuja amostra foi composta por 5 bolsistas do projeto de extensão referido. Os dados foram colhidos através de um questionário aberto, aplicado com os bolsistas, e analisados juntamente com o referencial teórico em busca dos resultados. Os resultados mostraram que ainda existe uma separação entre teoria e prática na formação dos estudantes, tendo em vista que, em suas respostas, é explicitado esse distanciamento. Os investigados compreendem a importância da extensão universitária para sua formação e, também, como contribuinte para conhecimento da realidade profissional e aplicação das teorias vistas na universidade. Todos entrevistados pretendem seguir carreira no futebol e futsal, seja em clubes ou escolas. Conclui-se que apesar da existência do afastamento entre teoria e prática, o projeto de extensão auxilia os universitários a minimizarem esta questão problemática.
Komunikasi Pembangunan Partisipatif dalam Pengembangan Desa Wisata Sajen Edu Adventure melalui Pemberdayaan Masyarakat
Authors: Rakhmadani Riky
Published: November 2021

Pariwisata merupakan sebuah industri hiburan karena di dalamnya terdapat berbagai aktivitas yang menghasilkan produk berupa barang dan jasa yang memiliki daya tarik tersendiri bagi sebuah negara. Pariwisata sangat berperan penting saat ini terutama untuk pertumbuhan dalam bidang ekonomi. Saat ini telah banyak berkembang wisata-wisata yang banyak diminati oleh semua masyarakat salah satunya adalah desa wisata. Desa Sajen, Kecamatan Pacet merupakan salah satu desa yang memiliki potensi wisata air, yang bisa dikembangkan untuk dijadikan wisata water tubing. Desa Sajen diapit oleh beberapa kawasan wisata namun, kemampuan masyarakat dalam mengembangkan potensi wisata masih kurang sehingga pemanfaatan daerah potensial belum dimaksimalkan Untuk mengembangkan wisata desa juga tidak lepas dari partisipasi dari masyarakat dalam  memberdayakan masyarakat yang dilakukan di Desa. Pelaksanaan program ini menggunakan metode Participatory Rural Appraisal (RPA) atau metode pemahaman partisipatif masyarakat desa, yang mana prinsip dari metode RPA adalah masyarakat dianggap sebagai subjek, bukan objek dari program dan pihak luar diposisikan sebagai fasilitator serta dalam penelitian ini menggunakan komunikasi pembangunan partipatisif sebagai salah satu pendekatan dalam proses pelaksanaan. Hasil yang tercapai berupa berdirinya pembangunan fisik wisata mulai dari gerbang pintu masuk hingga spot foto kemudian terlaksananya pelatihan dan pendampingan terkait manajemen kepariwisataan
Introducción a la codificación de textos en TEI (parte 2)
Authors: Vaughan Nicolás
Published: November 2021

Esta lección (la segunda de dos partes) te enseña los rudimentos de TEI-XML para codificar textos.
The effect of generic medicines e-learning course via Web 2.0 tools on knowledge of pharmacists and pharmacy students
Authors: Alkoudmani Ramez M. , Elkalmi Ramadan M. , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Apolinário-Hagen Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Background: Research scoping on e-learning and novel web 2.0 tools in pharmacy education in Arabic Language Speaking Countries (ALSCs) is scarce.     Aim and methods: Therefore, this study aimed to develop an online educational course on generic medicines to reveal the views of Arab pharmacists and pharmacy students about emerging technologies in transferring pharmaceutical knowledge and assess the differences in knowledge scores before and after the online educational intervention and the differences in knowledge scores among study subgroups.     Results: The total mean knowledge score after attending the online educational intervention significantly increased, from 4.9±1.68 to 7.75±1.75 (t(86) = 4.6, p<0.001). Providing an online course using web 2.0 tools to transfer pharmaceutical knowledge was viewed as highly positive (mean score = 62.23±6.08, range 45-75 points). Significant sex and status differences were identified post-assessment. Female participants and pharmacists had higher knowledge scores compared with males and students, respectively.     Conclusion: The online course development was successfully implemented using Schoology as an online learning management system (LMS) and Facebook as a social network site (SNS). Arab pharmacists and pharmacy students found e-learning and web 2.0 tools to be effective novel technologies in transferring pharmaceutical knowledge.
Efficient Implementations of Rainbow and UOV using AVX2
Authors: Shim Kyung-Ah , Lee Sangyub , Koo Namhun
Published: November 2021

A signature scheme based on multivariate quadratic equations, Rainbow, was selected as one of digital signature finalists for NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization Round 3. In this paper, we provide efficient implementations of Rainbow and UOV using the AVX2 instruction set. These efficient implementations include several optimizations for signing to accelerate solving linear systems and the Vinegar value substitution. We propose a new block matrix inversion (BMI) method using the Lower-Diagonal-Upper decomposition of blocks matrices based on the Schur complement that accelerates solving linear systems. Compared to UOV implemented with Gaussian elimination, our implementations with the BMI result in speedups of 12.36%, 24.3%, and 34% for signing at security categories I, III, and V, respectively. Compared to Rainbow implemented with Gaussian elimination, our implementations with the BMI result in speedups of 16.13% and 20.73% at the security categories III and V, respectively. We show that precomputation for the Vinegar value substitution and solving linear systems dramatically improve their signing. UOV with precomputation is 16.9 times, 35.5 times, and 62.8 times faster than UOV without precomputation at the three security categories, respectively. Rainbow with precomputation is 2.1 times, 2.2 times, and 2.8 times faster than Rainbow without precomputation at the three security categories, respectively. We then investigate resilience against leakage or reuse of the precomputed values in UOV and Rainbow to use the precomputation securely: leakage or reuse of the precomputed values leads to their full secret key recoveries in polynomial-time.
Bypassing Isolated Execution on RISC-V using Side-Channel-Assisted Fault-Injection and Its Countermeasure
Authors: Nashimoto Shoei , Suzuki Daisuke , Ueno Rei , Homma Naofumi
Published: November 2021

RISC-V is equipped with physical memory protection (PMP) to prevent malicious software from accessing protected memory regions. PMP provides a trusted execution environment (TEE) that isolates secure and insecure applications. In this study, we propose a side-channel-assisted fault-injection attack to bypass isolation based on PMP. The proposed attack scheme involves extracting successful glitch parameters for fault injection from side-channel information under crossdevice conditions. A proof-of-concept TEE compatible with PMP in RISC-V was implemented, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed attack scheme was validated through experiments in TEEs. The results indicate that an attacker can bypass the isolation of the TEE and read data from the protected memory region In addition, we experimentally demonstrate that the proposed attack applies to a real-world TEE, Keystone. Furthermore, we propose a software-based countermeasure that prevents the proposed attack.
Media Convergence, AVT and Translation Criticism in the Digital Era
Authors:   Boğaziçi University, Translation and Interpreting Studies, Istanbul, Turkey, Öztürk Sare R.
Published: November 2021

With the increased integration in the 21st century of the internet and digital technologies into our daily interactions and ways of engagement with life, new audience profiles emerged for mass media consumerism. Viewers are becoming more involved in the process of media dissemination with a hands-on attitude that creates a plethora of possibilities for the “afterlife”- as Walter Benjamin might have called it- of media products. Research on contemporary reception trends refers in this vein to such concepts as media convergence, participatory culture and civic engagement. Participation on the part of the audience, which can be traced back to fandom activities that had been emerging in the media consumption trends of the late 1980s and early 1990s, has increased to become a feature of today’s digital culture (Jenkins, 2006; Orrego-Carmona, 2018). The ability to determine, to some degree, the afterlife of a media product has endowed the audience with a certain power (albeit a relative one) that signalled “uneasy convergences of the market and non-market modes of cultural production” (Burgess & Green, 2009, p. 75). The appropriation of mass media products using amateur skills and the incorporation therefore of “folk culture practices” (Jenkins, 2006, p. 246) into the experience of media consumerism indicated a bottom-up, grassroots involvement with what previously had been accessible only to the central authorities and the corporate production machinery. Beyond fandom activity, such participation has the potential to empower media users in the realm of civic engagement and political activism through “exercis[ing] the civic imagination” (Jenkins & Shresthova, 2016, p. 258) towards, hopefully, more democratic futures. In this chapter, I will discuss audio-visual translation (AVT) within the framework of digital culture and civic engagement and how it can be used as bottom-up new media resistance to top-down mass media production strategies. Regarding such engagement as a form of translation criticism, I will offer a case study through which I observe how Arab consumers of translated (dubbed) Turkish TV drama, particularly the Kurtlar Vadisi [valley of wolves] series, react to strategies of dubbing and censorship that are politically motivated and express their criticism via new media outlets using creative methods that involve translation. I will explain my theoretical framework and methodology in the second part, before moving in the third part to the discussion of my case study. I will conclude with some remarks on audience participation and the role of digital culture in facilitating new expressions of translation criticism.