bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of an International Literary Festival in a Tourist Destination
Authors: Asero Vincenzo , Tomaselli Venera
Published: November 2020

Cultural events create a variety of impacts on the local economy and communities of hosting places. The impacts generated can be of short- or long-term, positive or negative. Literature distinguishes the term ‘impact' from ‘legacy'. While impacts are focused on the economy effects in the short-term, legacy is referred to benefits that remains longer than the event itself. If residents and local stakeholders perceive benefits from an event, thus they will be supportive of hosting in the future. This chapter investigates the issue of literary festivals as tourism opportunity for a destination. It highlights the important role that festivals play within the local communities of the hosting place, including the facilitation of social cohesion and place image. It is based on the perceptions expressed by the different categories of local stakeholders involved in an international literary festival. The study reveals that evaluating and understanding the legacy effects of hosting a cultural event can provide managerial insights for planning, over time, events in a tourism destination.
Cascaded Dilated Deep Residual Network for Volumetric Liver Segmentation From CT Image
Authors: Mourya Gajendra Kumar , Gogoi Manashjit , Talbar S. N. , Dutande Prasad Vilas , Baid Ujjwal
Published: November 2020

Volumetric liver segmentation is a prerequisite for liver transplantation and radiation therapy planning. In this paper, dilated deep residual network (DDRN) has been proposed for automatic segmentation of liver from CT images. The combination of three parallel DDRN is cascaded with fourth DDRN in order to get final result. The volumetric CT data of 40 subjects belongs to “Combined Healthy Abdominal Organ Segmentation” (CHAOS) challenge 2019 is utilized to evaluate the proposed method. Input image converted into three images using windowing ranges and fed to three DDRN. The output of three DDRN along with original image fed to the fourth DDRN as an input. The output of cascaded network is compared with the three parallel DDRN individually. Obtained results were quantitatively evaluated with various evaluation parameters. The results were submitted to online evaluation system, and achieved average dice coefficient is 0.93±0.02; average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) is 4.89±0.91. In conclusion, obtained results are prominent and consistent.
Modeling the Applicability of a Displacement Ventilation System
Authors: Ambos Edgar C. , Ambos Evan Neil V. , Ocampo Lanndon A.
Published: November 2020

Due to its significant role in improving indoor air quality, displacement ventilation system is widely adopted in current literature. This paper proposes a displacement ventilation system for room conditions with ceilings that are relatively low, internal heat load could be high, walls could be sunlit, and occupants doing the low physical activity. These conditions are prevalent in the Philippines, being a tropical country. Input parameters to the design process such as heat load, the height of the ceiling, comfort, and indoor air quality requirements were generated, and the main output parameters are the stratification height and ventilation airflow rate. To demonstrate the proposed displacement ventilation system, four cases were generated. Results show that the ventilation airflow rates obtained from the four cases were greater than the minimum outdoor air requirements for health in conference rooms and large assembly areas which are 17.5 and 3.5 liters/sec*person respectively, for smoking and no smoking rooms.
African Culture and Sustainability
Authors: Wuchu Cornelius W. , Ngwainbi Akoni Innocent
Published: November 2020

This article is aimed at discussing the relevance of African culture and its values to the contemporary society. The qualitative approach was used in this work. The results arrived at shows that African traditional practices in the Western Highlands of Cameroon has over time developed cultural values which are concomitant to the objectives of MDGs and SDGs. But, in most cases, these values have been neglected by national and international development agencies leading to continuous clashes between traditional African values and what the people consider as foreign to them. However, some aspects of the culture have remained inimical to human rights and local development. Therefore, for African culture to entirely play its role in achieving sustainable development, the paper holds that a cultural hybridisation is an ultimate solution to the problems faced by indigenous practices and external policies of development.
Study of Perception and Demand of Organic Vegetables vs. Conventional Ones
Authors: Racines Ligia Gómez , Acuña Isaías Tobasura , Varela Carlos Alberto Mina
Published: November 2020

Conventional agriculture produces negative impacts on the environment and human health. To reduce such impacts, other forms of agriculture such as organic agriculture have emerged. One way to encourage this type of agriculture is to increase the consumption of organic products. This article presents the perception of consumers of organic and conventional vegetables. In addition, the estimated demand for organic and conventional lettuce in the city of Cali Colombia. The perception was obtained with an interview and focus groups of consumers of said products, and the demand through an econometric study carried out with information from two supermarkets in the city. The results revealed that the demand for organic vegetables is influenced by the little information that exists of this kind of products and also due to the high prices in the market. Consumers of organic vegetables express their preferences for these products based on considerations such as healthcare, sensitivity to the farmers, and protection to the land. In the demand behavior of organic lettuce, prices have an influence of 40% of the units demanded.
Using Dynamic Time Warping to Detect Clones in Software Systems
Authors: Abdelkader Mostefai
Published: November 2020

Software clone detection is a widely researched area over the last two decades. Code clones are fragments of code judged similar by some metric of similarity. This paper proposes an approach for code clone detection using dynamic time warping technique (i.e., DTW). DTW is a well-known algorithm for aligning and measuring similarity of time series and it has been found effective in many domains where similarity plays an important role such as speech and gesture recognition. The proposed approach finds clones in three steps. First software modules are extracted. Then, the extracted modules are turned to time series. Finally, the time series are compared using the DTW algorithm to find clones. The results of the experiment conducted on a well-known Benchmark show that the approach can detect clones effectively in software systems.
Using Clustering for Forensics Analysis on Internet of Things
Authors: Salhi Dhai Eddine , Tari Abelkamel , Kechadi Mohand Tahar
Published: November 2020

In the world of the internet of things (IoT), many connected objects generate an enormous amount of data. This data is used to analyze and make decisions about specific phenomena. If an object generates wrong data, it will influence the analysis of this collected data and the decision later. A forensics analysis is necessary to detect IoT nodes that are failing. This paper deals with a problem: the detection of these nodes, which generate erroneous data. The study starts to collect in a cloud computing server temperature measurements (the case study); using temperature sensors, the communication of the nodes is based on the HIP (host identity protocol). The detection is made using a data mining classification technique, in order to group the connected objects according to the collected measurements. At the end of the study, very good results were found, which opens the door to further studies.
The Pedagogical Beliefs of Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers
Authors: McLaughlin Jeff
Published: November 2020

The Teacher Self Inventory is an instrument for measuring aspects of teachers' beliefs and self-perceptions. Using this instrument, the perceptions and beliefs of elementary classroom teachers and pre-service (undergraduate) teachers were assessed. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers from both the in-service and pre-service groups. The main goal of this mixed-methods study was to explore various dimensions of teachers' beliefs and also to compare practicing (in-service) elementary classroom teachers' responses and reflections to those of pre-service teachers. The results indicate several trends in teacher beliefs and several points of comparison between in-service teachers and pre-service teachers. A discussion concludes with implications for teaching and suggestions for further research.
Utilizing Collaborative Teacher Inquiry to Enhance Daily Teaching Practices in K-12 Classrooms
Authors: Kurtzworth-Keen Kristin A. , Harper Kelly A.
Published: November 2020

This article describes an inquiry-based research study focused on teacher professional development and utilizing evidence-based practices in everyday teaching to enhance learning opportunities for students in linguistically and culturally diverse classrooms. During a year-long professional development series entitled Embracing All Children: Addressing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Our Schools teachers were provided with an inquiry-based framework to apply evidence-based practices presented during professional development sessions into their daily teaching. Teachers gained knowledge of evidence-based practices during monthly sessions while simultaneously participating in collaborative teacher inquiry research groups. The teachers applied new instructional methods in their daily practices while utilizing an inquiry-based action research model to monitor and self-evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching. The findings suggest professional development paired with ongoing opportunities for collaborative teacher inquiry can move evidence-based practices into everyday teaching.
Advancing Equity-Based Mathematics Teaching in the Primary Grades
Authors: Polly Drew
Published: November 2020

Using the lens of Gutiérrez's framework for equity-based teaching, this study examines how two clinical practice experiences supported elementary education teacher candidates' development of mathematics pedagogies. Findings indicate that clinical experiences with teachers who demonstrate equity-based practices were associated with candidates' confidence to implement equity-based teaching. Further, in classrooms that did not promote equity-based teaching candidates were still able to implement equity-based practices when teaching small groups of students. Implications include the need for teacher educators with specific content expertise to form partnerships and clinical practice experiences with schools to ensure that equity-based practices are present.
A Critical Study on Translation of the Analects
Authors: Min Fan
Published: November 2020

“Ideology” shapes our discourse practices and is closely related to the translation activities. This paper attempts to explore how ideological factors influence the cultural transmission of Confucianism through a comparative analysis of the three versions of the great Chinese classical works the Analects that are translated by Raymond Dawson, Ames and Rosemont, and Edward Slingerland. In this comparative study, the paper focuses on the important role of the ideology in the process of translating the Analects through a discussion of the possible reasons behind the translation strategies. The paper concludes with a consideration of how ideology imposes on translation for cultural communication, negotiation, and transformation. It is hoped to demonstrate the ideological influences on the translated works, provide useful suggestions for the translation of Chinese classical works, and promote the international dialogue between China and the Western world.
Hybrid Structure of Organic-Inorganic Photovoltaic Fast Carrier Transport
Authors: Hussein Mohammed T. , Senaed Fouad A.
Published: November 2020

Hybrid organic Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) –inorganic Cadmium Sulfide (CdS), double layered structures were deposited on glass substrate at different thickness using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) with Q-Switching Nd: YAG laser with energy (240,500 mJ) at (25 Celsius) and within vacuum conditions of (10-3 torr). The photoluminescence (PL) is showing that the CdS quenches emissions from CuPc indicating the carrier transfer to the CdS. Also, the CuPc/CdS hybrid structures have the capability for various absorptions as can be seen in the ultraviolet-visible absorption researches and the charge carrier extractions from PL analysis have been adequate for the solar cell applications. FT-IR spectra have been specified for CdS and CuPc.
Investigation on Mechanical, Thermal and Bonding Properties of MWCNTs Reinforced Aramid/Epoxy Composite
Authors: Konada Naresh Kumar , Suman K.N.S. , Bammidi Roopsandeep , Kumar B.B.Ashok
Published: November 2020

The poor ability of bonding performance of aramid fiber with epoxy resin limits its usage for wide range of applications. In this research work, an attempt was made to improve the bonding performance of aramid fiber with polymer matrix by performing nitric acid treatment on fiber. The role of functionalized multi walled carbon nano tubes (F-MWCNTs) reinforced in the base polymer matrix is also studied. Six composite sheets (AF0, AF1, AF2, AF3, AF4, and AF5) with varying content of F-MWCNTs from (0.1wt% to 0.5wt %) are fabricated using hand layup method having dimensions of 25cm x 25 cm x 0.8 cm . AF0 composite sheet is free from presence of F-MWCNTs. The remaining ingredients [80% epoxy resin, 0.2 % rubber powder, 0.2% graphite powder, and 0.2% BaSO4, 0.2% Zirconium Silicate powder and 1.5 % fiber] are kept constant for achieving desirable properties of friction materials. After undergoing, curing process in atmosphere for 72 hrs, the specimens are cut according to ASTM standards to evaluate mechanical, thermal and bonding properties of the composites. Scanning electron microscope images (SEM) are observed for the samples to observe the grain distribution present in the composite. It was observed from results that, AF4 (aramid fiber reinforced composite friction material with 0.4% F-MWCNTs inclusions ) along with remaining ingredients exhibited better mechanical ,thermal and bonding properties compared to remaining formulations of materials.
Medical research; ethical propriety and conformity
Authors: Goonesinghe Satish K. , Waidyarathne Eisha I.
Published: November 2020

No abstract available
Constipation in children: the bird’s eye view
Authors: Rajindrajith Shaman , Devanarayana Niranga M.
Published: November 2020

No abstract available
Clinical pattern, associated factors and impact of disease on quality of life among individuals with melasma visiting the dermatology clinic at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya
Authors: Wanniarachchi C. G. , Wijenayaka B. K. S.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Melasma is an acquired form of hypermelanosis that results in symmetrical, brownish pigmentation commonly on the face. This study was aimed to assess its clinical pattern, associated factors and impact of melasma on quality of life. Methods: A clinic-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting all individuals with melasma, attended to the dermatology clinic of Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for seven months. Both a selfreported questionnaire and an interviewer-administered data record sheet were used for data collection. Results: There were 172 individuals with melasma. Dominated by females (n=168, 97.7%) and 52.3% (n=90) were with Fitzpatrick type V skin. The mean age of onset was 47.2 years and the predominant pattern was malar pattern (58.1%). Most common associated factor was sun exposure (n=76, 44.7%), followed by, menstrual irregularities (20.5%), hormonal treatment (19.4%), family history (19.8%) and pregnancy (10.4%). Though 65.1% reported exposure to sun more than two hours in the midday, only 31.4% (n=54) used a sun protection method and sunscreens were used by only 4.65%, The mean MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index) score was 12.7, with a range of 1.5 to 30.9. There were statistically significant correlations with family history, duration of sun exposure and the use of facial cosmetics (p<0.05). Mean Melasma Quality of Life Score (MELASQOL) was 28.86, but there was no significant correlation between MASI score and MELASQOL (Pearson correlation = 0.548, p>0.05). Conclusions: Melasma starts at an older age in our study population. It causes a significant negative effect on psychosocial aspects of quality of life though not related to severity, suggesting that treatment decisions shouldnot depend on severity. Appropriate usage of cosmetics and sunscreens must be advised.
Association between bone mineral density and vertebral fractures among patients with diabetes attending Teaching Hospital Karapitiya
Authors: Liyanage P. L. G. C. , Lekamwasam S. , Weerarathna T. P. , Samarawickrama B. Y.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs bone strength resulting in an increased risk of fractures. This study was designed to determine the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures among a selected group of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with diabetes, selected from clinic attendees at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya. Serum creatinine, urine microalbumin to creatinine ratio and a lateral radiograph of the thoraco-lumbar spine were done in all patients. Those who were detected to have vertebral fracture/s underwent bone densitometry. BMD was also measured in a group of patients selected from the rest of the group who did not have vertebral fractures and another group of healthy individuals selected from the same community. They were matched for the age and gender. Results: In patients with diabetes (n=160, females 110), the mean (SD) age and the duration of the disease were 62 (10) years and 10 (3) years, respectively. Of patients with diabetes screened, 20 had vertebral fractures (12.5% prevalence). Compared to healthy controls, patients with diabetes without vertebral fractures had significantly low BMDs in the proximal femur but comparatively higher BMD in the total spine. BMDs measured in the total spine and proximal femur were not different between patients with DM vertebral fractures and without vertebral fractures. Conclusions: Our data indicate a 12.5% prevalence of vertebral fracture among patients with DM. Although patients with diabetes in general had lower BMDs in most of the regions examined, there was no significant difference in regional BMDs between those with fractures and without fractures.
Pulmonary embolism in Behcet’s disease: a case report
Authors: Moumtzi Despoina , Kakoura Marianna
Published: November 2020

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is often correlated with thrombophilic factors such as V Leiden. Pulmonary involvement is reported in 1-10% of patients. The most common manifestations are pulmonary aneurysms while pulmonary embolism is a rare complication. A 41-year old man with BD and V Leiden heterozygosity complained of pleurodynia and fever. Pleurodynia deteriorated in the following days and PE was confirmed by CT angiography, without the presence of aneurysms. After the exclusion of the antiphospholipid syndrome, a therapeutic dose of apixaban was initiated. Two weeks later, pleurodynia relapsed in combination with pleural effusion unilaterally. These findings were attributed to disease exacerbation. For this reason, we decided to enhance the immunosuppressive therapy. Six months later, CTPA showed complete remission of the clots. Vasculitis predisposes to thrombosis with or without coexisting thrombophilia. Clinicians should include them in their differential diagnosis and provide personalized treatment, based on immunosuppressants.
Health-related Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hwang Yu Min , Bang Kyung-Sook
Published: November 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to examine factors influencing HRQoL.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 85 participants aged 10 to 19 years who received treatment from 3 months to 5 years after HSCT. Symptom experiences, stress and coping, self-esteem, social support, and HRQoL were measured. Descriptive analysis, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression were used for data analysis.Results: The mean HRQoL score was 72.26 points out of 100. HRQoL showed statistically significant correlations with symptom experiences, stress, self-esteem, social support, satisfaction with peer relationships, and perceived attentiveness of the medical team. The most influential predictors of HRQoL were symptom experiences (β=-.51, p<.001) and satisfaction with peer relationships (β=.32, p<.001).Conclusion: The experiences of different symptoms by children and adolescents who receive HSCT must be considered. In addition, nursing interventions, such as self-help meetings with peer groups, should be provided to improve their HRQoL.
Development of a Violence Prevention Educational Program for Elementary School Children Using Empathy (VPEP-E)
Authors: Kang So Ra , Kim Shin-Jeong , Lee Jungmin
Published: November 2020

Purpose: This study describes the development of a violence prevention educational program for elementary school children using empathy (VPEP-E) that teachers can use during class.Methods: Hoffman's theory of empathy and Seels and Richey's (1994) ADDIE model were applied to develop this program.Results: The developed program consisted of eight sessions: "Orientation/definition of violence and empathy", "Types and boundaries of violence", "Look into my feelings", "Say it with a facial expression", "Preventing non-empathic violence due to social prejudice", "Preventing physical violence", "Verbal and online violence prevention: empathic conversation", and "I can do well: review of the whole curriculum". The program was evaluated by 15 elementary school teachers, who considered it to be easily accessible to elementary school students. The final VPEP-E, which will be provided in eight times for 40 minutes each for fifth-grade students, will provide a basis for preventing violence by fostering empathy.Conclusion: We expect the developed educational program to be effective in preventing violence among elementary school students. However, further research involving children from various age groups is needed.
Analysis of Characteristics of Peripheral Arterial Ischemia in Premature Babies and Effects of Nitroglycerin Patch Application
Authors: Kim Jeongeun , Lee Jin Won , Kim Dong Yeon
Published: November 2020

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the characteristics of peripheral arterial ischemia and tissue necrosis in premature babies, as well as the effects of nitroglycerin.Methods: In total, 513 newborns were enrolled who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a gestational age of 34 weeks or younger. Data were collected on general personal and clinical information, peripheral arterial ischemia, and nitroglycerin patch application in the premature infants. The collected data were analyzed using the x2 test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression.Results: Thirty-six (7.0%) infants had peripheral arterial ischemia, while 477 (93.0%) infants did not. Lower gestational age (x2=35.97, p<.001), lower birth weight (x2=29.40, p<.001), lower blood pressure (x2=23.10, p<.001), and insertion of an umbilical artery catheter (p<.001) were significantly associated with the occurrence of peripheral arterial ischemia. Among the preterm infants in whom nitroglycerin patches were applied, 30 (83.3%) premature infants without necrosis improved without complications, 4 (11.1%) showed hypotension, and 2 (5.6%) showed skin damage.Conclusion: Based on a review of our experiences with nitroglycerin patches, we recommend closely observing skin color and using nitroglycerin patches on the skin to help improve flow in premature infants with peripheral arterial ischemia.
Green tea extract as a cryoprotectant additive to preserve the motility and DNA integrity of human spermatozoa
Authors: Alqawasmeh Odai AM , Zhao Mingpeng , Chan Carol PS , Leung Maran BW , Chow Ki C , Agarwal Nikunj , Mak Jennifer SM , Wang Chi C , Pang Chi P , Li Tin C , Chu Wai K , Chan David YL
Published: November 2020

Cryopreservation impairs sperm quality and functions, including motility and DNA integrity. Antioxidant additives in sperm freezing media have previously brought improvements in postthawed sperm quality. Green tea extract (GTE) is widely considered as an excellent antioxidant, and its beneficial role has been proven in other human cells. This study aims to evaluate the GTE as a potential additive in cryopreservation media of human spermatozoa. In part one, the semen of 20 normozoospermic men was used to optimize the concentration of GTE that maintains sperm motility and DNA integrity against oxidative stress, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Spermatozoa were treated with GTE at different concentrations before incubation with H2O2. In part two, the semen of 45 patients was cryopreserved with or without 1.0 ng ml−1 GTE. After 2 weeks, the semen was thawed, and the effect on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation was observed. Our data showed that GTE significantly protected sperm motility and DNA integrity against oxidative stress induced by H2O2 when added at a final concentration of 1.0 ng ml−1. We found that the addition of 1.0 ng ml−1 GTE to cryopreservation media significantly increased sperm motility and DNA integrity (both P < 0.05). More interestingly, patients with high sperm DNA damage benefited similarly from the GTE supplementation. However, there was no significant change in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. In conclusion, supplementing sperm freezing media with GTE has a significant protective effect on human sperm motility and DNA integrity, which may be of clinical interest.
The prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma with oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Saalim Mohd , Sansare Kaustubh , Karjodkar Freny R. , Johaley Satyapal , Ali Ibrahim K. , Sharma Sneha R. , Mehra Archana , Rahman Bushra
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in patients with OSF.

Materials and Methods:

Of 48,757 patients, we found 300 OSF subjects. Three hundred patients of OSF were checked for OSCC. Both OSF and OSCC with OSF (OSCCwOSF) were diagnosed histopathologically. The prevalence of OSCCwOSF was calculated. Descriptive analysis was done. Chi-square test and t-test were calculated for proportions and mean, respectively, to check any difference among OSF and OSCCwOSF groups. Age-specific relative risk was calculated in OSF and OSCCwOSF groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done among odd ratios of the different variable between OSF and OSCCwOSF groups.

Results:

The prevalence of OSCCwOSF among OSF was 13.7% over a period of 1 year. The mean age of OSCCwOSF group was 43.95 ± 10.22 years in comparison to the OSF group that was 35.51 ± 11.26 years (P < 0.00). The mean habit duration was significantly less in the OSF group when compared to OSCCwOSFgroup for mishri (P = 0.002). Age-specific adjusted relative risk of OSCC in OSF patient increases from 0.33 (18–34 years) to 3.86 (≥65 years)

Conclusion:

It could be concluded that a 13.7% prevalence rate of OSCCwOSF in OSF patients should alert the clinician. Clinicians should, therefore, anticipate OSSC in OSF patients. This awareness could lead to the early diagnosis and management of such OSCC.
Extreme rainfall and IDF equations for Alagoas State, Brazil
Authors: Back Álvaro José , Cadorin Sabrina Baesso , Galatto Sérgio Luciano
Published: November 2020

Intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) equations have important applications in several engineering areas such as urban drainage designs, hydrological modeling, and soil conservation projects. This study analyzes the annual maximum series and fits IDF equations for 44 rainfall stations in Alagoas State, Brazil. We adjusted parameters of the Gumbel distribution (GD) and the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. The fitting of the observed data to the probability distributions, as well as the selection of the best distribution, were based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling tests at a 5% significance level. The GEV distribution with parameters obtained by the L-moments method was considered the best in 73% of rainfall stations. The estimated IDF equations showed a good fit, with determination coefficients above 0.991. The maximum rainfall intensities have spatial variation following the climatic zones of the state. The fitted equations allow estimating rainfall intensities from 5 minutes to 24 hours with a return period of 2 to 100 years, and standard error of less than 6.83 mm h-1.
Performance of slow sand filters in the after-treatment of effluent from Pernambuco state textile center
Authors: Bezerra Alanna Maria do Nascimento , Ribeiro Marcos Henrique Gomes , Coutinho Artur Paiva , Rabelo Ana Emília Carvalho de Gusmão da Cunha , Gonçalves Elizabeth Amaral Pastich
Published: November 2020

Jean laundering generates significant effluent flows with a high organic load, color, and other pollutants, making it difficult to adjust effluent releases within legal limits. Slow Sand Filters (SSF) with downflow were tested for seven days (bench scale), to propose an after-treatment of effluents from an Effluent Treatment Plant of a jean laundry. The research evaluated the removal of the following parameters: color, turbidity, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, conductivity, ammonia, total phosphorus and salinity of the textile effluent. The experimental apparatus had four SSF: the first filter was fed with distilled water, while the other three filters (triplicates) were fed with effluent. The filters had, on average, the following removal efficiencies: 91% for ammonia, 61.24% color, 89.43% turbidity, and 83.54% for phosphorus. Regarding the removal of organic matter, 98.11% for BOD and 81.17% for COD, demonstrating that SSFs were efficient in removing particulate, dissolved materials and organic matter.
Arcs on punctured disks intersecting at most twice with endpoints on the boundary
Authors: Bar-Natan Assaf
Published: November 2020

Let

D_n

be the

n

-punctured disk. We prove that a family of essential simple arcs starting and ending at the boundary and pairwise intersecting at most twice is of size at most

\binom{n+1}{3}

. On the way, we also show that any nontrivial square complex homeomorphic to a disk whose hyperplanes are simple arcs intersecting at most twice must have a corner or a spur.
Sublinear operators on mixed-norm Hardy spaces with variable exponents
Authors: Ho Kwok-Pun
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we define and study the mixed-norm Hardy spaces with variable exponents. We establish some general principles for the mapping properties of sublinear operators on the mixed-norm Hardy spaces with variable exponents. By using these principles, we obtain the mapping properties of the Calderón–Zygmund operators, the oscillatory singular integral operators, the multiplier operators, the Littlewood–Paley functions, the intrinsic square functions, the parametric Marcinkiewicz integrals and the maximal Bochner–Riesz means on the mixed-norm Hardy spaces with variable exponents.
On Cilleruelo’s conjecture for the least common multiple of polynomial sequences
Authors: Rudnick Zeév , Zehavi Sa'ar
Published: November 2020

A conjecture due to Cilleruelo states that for an irreducible polynomial

f

with integer coefficients of degree

d\geq 2

, the least common multiple

L_f(N)

of the sequence

f(1), f(2), \dots, f(N)

has asymptotic growth

\log L_f(N)\sim (d-1)N\log N

as

N\to \infty

. We establish a version of this conjecture for almost all shifts of a fixed polynomial, the range of

N

depending on the range of shifts.
Продолжение функций из изотропных пространств
Никольского-Бесова и их приближение вместе с производными
Authors: Kudryavtsev Sergey Nikolaevich
Published: November 2020

В статье рассмотрены изотропные пространства Никольского и Бесова
с нормами, в определении которых вместо модуля непрерывности
известного порядка частных производных
функций фиксированного порядка используется
"$L_p$-усредненный" модуль непрерывности функций
соответствующего порядка. Для таких пространств функций,
заданных в ограниченных областях $(1,…,1)$-типа
(в широком смысле), построены непрерывные линейные отображения их
в обычные изотропные пространства Никольского и Бесова
в $\mathbb{R}^d$, являющиеся операторами продолжения функций,
что влечет совпадение тех и других пространств
в упомянутых областях. Установлено,
что всякая ограниченная область в $\mathbb{R}^d$
с липшицевой границей является областью $(1,…,1)$-типа
(в широком смысле). В работе также найдена слабая асимптотика
аппроксимационных характеристик, относящихся к задаче
восстановления функций вместе с их производными по значениям функций
в заданном числе точек, задаче С. Б. Стечкина
для оператора дифференцирования, задаче описания асимптотики
поперечников для изотропных классов Никольского и Бесова
в этих областях.
Библиография: 12 названий.
Persistence of Markers of Chloroquine Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in Bangladesh
Authors: Johora Fatema Tuj , Elahi Rubayet , Nima Maisha Khair , Hossain Mohammad Sharif , Rashid Humaira , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Mohon Abu Naser , Khan Wasif A. , Haque Rashidul , Alam Mohammad Shafiul
Published: November 2020

The control of malaria, in terms of drug resistance, remains a significant global challenge, with Bangladesh, a malaria-endemic country, being no exception. The aim of this study was to explore antimalarial resistance in Bangladesh by molecular analysis of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance transporter 1 (pfmdr1) genetic markers of P. falciparum. Samples were obtained from uncomplicated malaria patients between 2009 and 2014 from six malaria-endemic districts. Based on parasite transmission intensity, the endemic districts were divided into high-transmission (Chittagong Hill Tracts [CHT]) and low-transmission (non-CHT) regions. Falciparum malaria-positive isolates were genotyped for K76T of the pfcrt gene, and N86Y and Y184F of the pfmdr1 gene: in total, 262 P. falciparum clinical isolates were analyzed. In CHT areas, the prevalence of polymorphisms was 70.6% for 76T, 14.4% for 86Y, and 7.8% for 184F. In non-CHT areas, 76T and 86Y mutations were found in 78.0% and 19.5% of the samples, respectively, whereas no 184F mutations were observed. We compared our data with previous similar molecular observations, which shows a significant decrease in pfcrt 76T mutation prevalence. No pfmdr1 amplification was observed in any of the samples suggesting an unaltered susceptibility to amino alcohol drugs such as mefloquine and lumefantrine. This study provides an updated assessment of the current status of pfcrt and pfmdr1 gene mutations in Bangladesh, and suggests there is persistent high prevalence of markers of resistance to aminoquinoline drugs.
Performance of Dried Blood Spots Compared with Serum Samples for Measuring Dengue Seroprevalence in a Cohort of Children in Cebu, Philippines
Authors: Daag Jedas Veronica , Ylade Michelle , Jadi Ramesh , Adams Cameron , Cuachin Anna Maureen , Alpay Riacarl , Aportadera Emma Teresa Carmela , Yoon In-Kyu , de Silva Aravinda M. , Lopez Anna Lena , Deen Jacqueline
Published: November 2020

Dengue seroprevalence data are useful for understanding epidemiologic trends and transmission dynamics, and for making decisions about implementation of dengue control programs. A logistical challenge to seroprevalence surveys is the collection and transport of serum samples. For conducting large and repeated dengue serosurveys, dried blood spots (DBS) would allow easier sample collection, shipment, transport, and storage than standard serum collection methods. Further evidence is needed to understand how well DBS performs compared with standard serum collection methods in laboratory assays. We evaluated the detection of anti-dengue antibodies by IgG indirect ELISA when using DBS compared with sera. Specimens were collected from healthy children in Cebu, Philippines, who would be 9–14 years of age at the time of a mass dengue vaccination program. Using an ELISA index value cutoff of 0.9, 1,285/1,488 (86.4%) of the DBS were seropositive and 203 (13.6%) were seronegative, compared with 1,292/1,488 (86.8%) seropositive and 196 (13.2%) seronegative serum samples. Compared with sera, the DBS method had a 98.3% sensitivity, 92.4% specificity, 98.9% positive predictive value, and 89.2% negative predictive value. Considering the advantages in terms of sample collection, shipment, and storage, DBS sampling may be appropriate for dengue population serosurveys.
Evropska »večjezičnost« in klasična jezika
Authors: Marinčič Marko
Published: November 2020

Kljub podpori, ki jo v Sloveniji uživa ideja o večjezičnosti, je bil projekt uvajanja drugega tujega jezika v osnovno šolo leta 2013 prekinjen, preveč poenoteni maturitetni sistem pa dijake po novem odvrača celo od tega, da bi drugi tuji jezik izbirali na višji ravni, ki vključuje književnost. Tudi s širšega stališča se zdi, da je »pragmatični« vzorec jezikovnega pouka, ukleščen v zamisel o enotnem trgu dela, nezdružljiv z idejo o večjezičnosti, saj globalna angleščina v tem pogledu zadostuje. Kljub temu se v novejših prizadevanjih Sveta Evrope nakazuje koncept večjezičnosti, ki bi vključeval več metalingvistične in zgodovinske zavesti in bi priznaval koristi klasičnih jezikov. Zdi se, da so se moderni tuji jeziki znašli pred dilemo, ki jih zbližuje s klasičnima jezikoma: ob angleščini kot univerzalnem jeziku sporazumevanja je njihova aktualnost čedalje bolj odvisna od tega, koliko se posvečajo tudi kulturni in splošnoizobrazbeni razsežnosti jezikovnega pouka. To vključuje tudi pouk književnosti.
Motiv Polifemove oslepitve med Homerjem in Kalimahom
Authors: Isak Kres Jelena
Published: November 2020

Prispevek obravnava metapoetični motiv pesmi kot magične inkantacije, in sicer kot ponavljajoč se motiv Polifemove teme pri različnih avtorjih po Homerju. Polifemova tema je bila zaradi motiva velikanove oslepitve zelo primerna za vključitev vzporednega motiva pesmi kot magičnega sredstva, ki pomaga k doseganju (tudi politično motiviranega) cilja v spopadu z nasprotnikom, saj magična inkantacija na »žrtev« učinkuje podobno slepilno kot fizična oslepitev. Pozneje, ko je bila v Polifemovo temo vključena še velikanova ljubezen do nereide Galateje, pa se je motivu fizične in metaforične oslepitve pridružil še motiv pesniške samoslepitve, in sicer kot prametafora za pesniško kreiranje poetične iluzije.
Upodobitve letnih časov na nagrobnih spomenikih Norika in Zgornje Panonije in njihovo prepletanje z dionizičnim svetom
Authors: Šmid Katarina
Published: November 2020

Na nagrobnih spomenikih Norika in Zgornje Panonije so relativno pogosto upodobljene personifikacije letnih časov, ki nastopajo tako v podobi Erotov, Hor, bust, posebej pa izstopajo upodobitve Letnih časov kot mladeničev, saj ti kažejo nemalo likovnih sorodnosti z upodobitvami satirov, prav tako dobro zastopanih v obeh provincah. Slednji si delijo tako določene atribute kot še toliko bolj držo. Številni reliefi so bili najdeni na sekundarnih mestih, zaradi česar je nemalokrat domala nemogoče presoditi, v kolikor lik predstavlja satira ali genija letnih časov. Edinstvenega pomena je tako cikel letnih časov na grobnici Spektatijev v Šempetru v Savinjski dolini, kjer se personifikacije še posebej izrazito prepletajo z bakhičnim svetom (drža, pedum, panterjeva koža). Prav povezave z bakhično ikonografijo kažejo na časovno umestitev v seversko dobo, ko so upodobitve v prenesenem pomenu predstavljale apoteozo umrlega in upanje na brezskrbno posmrtno življenje.
Anti-Snake Venom, Anti-Arthritic and Cytotoxic Activities of Tectona grandis L. f. Stem Bark (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Gbolade Adebayo , Adedokun Oluwasegun , Ume Ogochukwu , Onyechege Johnkennedy , Mkparu Cynthia
Published: November 2020

Tectona grandis L. f. (Lamiaceae) is famous for timber production and has been used in traditional medicine for treating bronchitis, liver-related  roubles, urinary discharge amongst other diseases. Methanol extract of  the stem bark was investigated for in vivo antiophidian assay against Bitis arietans and Naja nigricollis. Also, the extract and chromatographic fractions were subjected to cytotoxicity tests using tadpole model and  antiarthritic assay by proteinase inhibition. Chromatography of crude methanol extract afforded three highly polar vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) fractions (BVLC-1, BVLC-2 and BVLC-3). BVLC-2 further gave four semi-pure uncharacterized isolates (I, II, III, IV). Only BVLC-2 and BVLC-3 were cytotoxic at 10 - 80 mg/ml, with BVLC-3 being most potent (100% mortality, LC50 40 mg/ml). Concentration-dependent proteinase enzyme inhibition (24 - 71%) at 200 - 1000 μg/ml of BVLC-2 was observed, and this was less (IC50 659.24 μg/ml) than the activity of the standard drug, acetyl salicylic acid. However, neutralization of B. arietans and N. nigricollis snake venoms using methanol extract was not dose-dependent, but the extract atthe least dose, 50 mg/kg offered better protection (75%) on Naja nigricollis envenomed-mice in 48 h. Its activity was comparable to that of the positive antivenin tested at 0.2 mg/kg. These findings justify the folkloric use of T. grandis in the treatment of snake bites, arthritic conditions, and oxidative stress-induced diseases.

Keywords: Tectona grandis, methanol extract, anti-snake venom activity, tadpole cytotoxicity, anti-arthritic activity
Foraminiferal biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental analysis of the sediments penetrated by Sahaiawei-1 well in the Northern Delta Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin
Authors: Itiowe K , Lucas F.A. , Olise C.O.
Published: November 2020

Foraminifera biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental analysis of the sediments penetrated by Sahaiawei-1 Well in the Northern Delta Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin was carried out in order to determine the foraminifera biozonation, age, paleobathymetry, depositional environment and paleo-oxygen condition of the well. The total foraminifera population recovered was two thousand, three hundred and sixty five (2365), with planktic foraminifera constituting one hundred and fifty four (154) forms, while calcareous benthic and agglutinated benthic foraminifera recovered accounted for two thousand, one hundred and sixty two (2162) and fourty nine (49) of the total foraminifera population respectively. The total foraminifera species recovered was fifty nine (59); planktic accounted for twenty (20) foraminifera species, while calcareous and agglutinated benthic foraminifera accounted for thirty one (31) and eight (8) foraminifera species respectively. Five benthic foramineferabiozones were identified: lumped P7-P13, P5-P6/P7, lumped P3-P4, lumped P1-P2 and M18 Zones of Blow (1969, 1979). The result of the analysis indicates that the entire analysed interval (1800ft – 10680ft) was deposited during the Late Maastrichtian to Late Eocene epoch. The depositional environments of the Well varied from littoral, marginal, shallow and deep marine environments.

Keywords: Biozonation, Calcareous, Arenaceous, Agglutinated, Hyposaline Marshes, Hyposaline Shelf Sea
Assessment of pedestrian mobility on road networks in the City Of Kigali
Authors: Nkurunziza David , Tafahomi Rahman
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzed and assessed the pedestrians’ mobility issues that are affecting their free movement and safety in the City of Kigali by outlining  the major challenges in the City and providing alternative solutions and measures for improving the mobility and safety of pedestrians. The  methodology of the paper was designed based on qualitative method with application of structured and unobtrusive. Referring to the paper  findings about the mobility challenges of pedestrians within the City of Kigali, it is noted that the mobility of the pedestrians and their safety is still  low and typical problems including road crossing viewed as the second challenges about pedestrians mobility, walking along very close to the road networks due to insufficient footpaths, lacking of enough road signs, lacking of information about pedestrian behavior on road networks, and  improper functioning of existing traffic signals as the first challenge. The paper found that the majority of road networks in the City of Kigali did not provide walkways, traffics signals designs and availability is very poor and some of them not functioning, zebra crossing facilities were not provided adequately, pedestrians shelter on bus stop are almost absent and ignored, vehicles travelling speed is still high and does not allow pedestrians to move freely, and the mobility of physically challenged people has been forgotten and there is a need of introducing the pedestrian overpass bridges in clouded zones of the city center, Nyabugogo, Kicukiro and Remera-Giporoso areas of the City of Kigali.

Keywords: Mobility, Pedestrian Safety, Road Networks, Traffic Signals, Pedestrians.
Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater of Igboora Area, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Akanbi O.A. , Sanni W. , Oshin O. , Olatunde A.G.
Published: November 2020

The people of Igboora rely on groundwater for their domestic water supply. A hydrogeochemical study was carried out on twenty-seven  groundwater samples collected from various boreholes across the study area to determine the suitability of the groundwater for drinking purpose. The total dissolve solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH of the water were measured in the field directly, while the concentrations of major ions were done in the laboratory using flame photometry and spectrophotometry methods. The hydrogeochemical facies classes was done with piper plot and the likely enrichment source(s) of the chemical facies were interpreted with Gibbs plot in conjunction with correlation analysis. The results showed that the pH was between 5.0 and 6.7 at an average (av.) of 5.8; TDS ranged from 50 – 280 (av. 183) mg/L and EC was 110 – 560 (av. 373) μS/cm. The concentrations of the major cations in mg/L were: 5 – 105.5 Ca2+, 1 – 11.9 Mg2+, 0 - 95 Na+, 0 – 112 K+, while for anions the ranges were, 9 - 58 HCO3 - , 6.8 – 28.8 CO3 2-, 1.1 – 29.4 SO4 2-, 2.9 – 26 Cl- and 16 – 90.5 for NO3 -. From the mean values, the order of the cationic dominance was Ca2+ > K+ > Na+ > Mg2+ while that of anionic was NO3 -> HCO3 - > CO3 2- > CI- > SO4 2- . The hydrogeochemical facies in the groundwater was  mainly Ca-HCO3 type with minor occurrences of Na-HCO3 and Ca- Na-HCO3 types. Enrichment source of the cationic chemical facies was mainly rock dominated, while that of the anionic were from meteoric and biogenic sources. From the results of correlation analyses, the TDS has direct and positive relationships with most chemical constituents, indicating that the analysed ionic constituents dominated the dissolved solids in the groundwater. The groundwater can be said to be potable except that the water in the boreholes is slightly acidic and nitrate concentration exceeded recommended limit of 50 mg/L in many of the samples.