bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hsa-miR-21-3p associates with breast cancer patient survival and targets genes in tumor suppressive pathways
Authors: Amirfallah Arsalan , Knutsdottir Hildur , Arason Adalgeir , Hilmarsdottir Bylgja , Johannsson Oskar T. , Agnarsson Bjarni A. , Barkardottir Rosa B. , Reynisdottir Inga
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer is the cancer most often diagnosed in women. MicroRNAs (MIRs) are short RNA molecules that bind mRNA resulting in their downregulation. MIR21 has been shown to be an oncomiR in most cancer types, including breast cancer. Most of the effects of miR-21 have been attributed to hsa-miR-21-5p that is transcribed from the leading strand of MIR21, but hsa-miR-21-3p (miR-21-3p), transcribed from the lagging strand, is much less studied. The aim of the study is to analyze whether expression of miR-21-3p is prognostic for breast cancer. MiR-21-3p association with survival, clinical and pathological characteristics was analyzed in a large breast cancer cohort and validated in three separate cohorts, including TCGA and METABRIC. Analytical tools were also used to infer miR-21-3p function and to identify potential target genes and functional pathways. The results showed that in the exploration cohort, high miR-21-3p levels associated with shorter survival and lymph node positivity. In the three validation cohorts, high miR-21-3p levels associated with pathological characteristics that predict worse prognosis. Specifically, in the largest validation cohort, METABRIC (n = 1174), high miR-21-3p levels associated with large tumors, a high grade, lymph node and HER2 positivity, and shorter breast-cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.38, CI 1.13–1.68). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. The genes with expression levels that correlated with miR-21-3p were enriched in particular pathways, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and proliferation. Among the most significantly downregulated targets were MAT2A and the tumor suppressive genes STARD13 and ZNF132. The results from this study emphasize that both 3p- and 5p-arms from a MIR warrant independent study. The data show that miR-21-3p overexpression in breast tumors is a marker of worse breast cancer progression and it affects genes in pathways that drive breast cancer by down-regulating tumor suppressor genes. The results suggest miR-21-3p as a potential biomarker.
Quantitative assessment of sitting time in ambulant adults with Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Jacques Matthew F. , Onambele-Pearson Gladys L. , Edwards Bryn , De Goede Christian G. , Morse Christopher I.
Published: November 2021

Background

Current investigations into physical behaviour in Muscular Dystrophy (MD) have focussed largely on physical activity (PA). Negative health behaviours such as sedentary behaviour (Physical Behaviour) and sitting time (Posture Classification) are widely recognised to negatively influence health, but by contrast are poorly reported, yet could be easier behaviours to modify.

Methods

14 ambulant men with MD and 12 healthy controls (CTRL) subjects completed 7-days of free-living with wrist-worn accelerometry, assessing physical behaviour (SB or PA) and Posture Classification (Sitting or Standing), presented at absolute (minutes) or relative (% Waking Hours). Participant body composition (Fat Mass and Fat Free Mass) were assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance, while functional status was assessed by 10 m walk test and a functional scale (Swinyard Scale).

Results

Absolute Sedentary Behaviour (2.2 Hours, p = 0.025) and Sitting Time (1.9 Hours, p = 0.030 was greater in adults with MD compared to CTRL and Absolute Physical Activity (3.4 Hours, p < 0.001) and Standing Time (3.2 Hours, p < 0.001) was lower in adults with MD compared to CTRL. Absolute hours of SB was associated with Fat Mass (Kg) (R = 0.643, p < 0.05) in ambulatory adults with MD,

Discussion

This study has demonstrated increased Sedentary Behaviour (2.2 hours) and Sitting time (1.9 Hours) in adults with MD compared to healthy controls. Extended waking hours in sitting and SB raises concerns with regards to progression of potential cardio-metabolic diseases and co-morbidities in MD.
Reconstructed and neo-slave narratives in French: Filling the gap through literature and archives
Authors: Collins Holly
Published: November 2021

This article examines Rebecca J. Scott and Jean M. Hébrard’s Freedom Papers and Marie-Célie Agnant’s novel Le livre d’Emma as two important contributions geared towards filling the lacunae that exist in the historical record given the lack of slave narratives in French. This study argues that these narratives are important because they approach slavery in the French empire from a fresh angle. Freedom Papers reconstructs the existence of a woman named Rosalie from her entry into the slave trade through her life in Haiti. Such a biographical approach allows researchers to put an individual face on what has mostly been studied as an abstract institution. Similarly, Agnant traces the family history of Emma back to her first ancestor to make the transatlantic journey. Although Agnant’s contribution is fictional, Emma’s story captures a perspective similar to the experience of many whose ancestors were enslaved. Both stories stress the importance of writing – veritable ink on paper. It was through writing that biased historical narrative was created by former empires. It is therefore through writing that Rosalie succeeded in injecting herself into the historical record, and through writing that Emma ensures her ancestors’ story is never forgotten.
The Mauritian Novel: Fictions of Belonging, Julia Waters (2018)
Authors: Arnold Markus
Published: November 2021

Review of: The Mauritian Novel: Fictions of Belonging, Julia Waters (2018)

Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 236 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78694-149-7, h/bk, £25
Garbage Citizenship: Vital Infrastructures of Labor in Dakar, Senegal, Rosalind Fredericks (2018)
Authors: Guitard Emilie
Published: November 2021

Review of: Garbage Citizenship: Vital Infrastructures of Labor in Dakar, Senegal, Rosalind Fredericks (2018)

Durham: Duke University Press, 216 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47800-141-6, p/bk, $23.95
A Study on Microalbuminuria in Non-Diabetic Hypertensive Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India
Authors: Salim Sunil Abdul , Christopher Sajan
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND Essential hypertension represents 90 – 95 % of all instances of hypertension. Microalbuminuria was observed to be related to increased chances of coronary artery disease even in patients already on treatment for hypertension. Microalbuminuria was identified with left ventricular hypertrophy recommending equal heart harm and albuminuria in hypertensive patients. However, the pervasiveness of hypertension is high in India, the connection between microalbuminuria and target organ damage in hypertension isn't well studied. This study intended to decide the extent of microalbuminuria in non-diabetic patients with essential hypertension and concentrate on the relationship of microalbuminuria with the worsening of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertensive retinopathy (HRP). METHODS This was a hospital-based cross-sectional analysis conducted in a hospital from January 2019 to September 2019. Information was gathered from 93 patients fulfilling the consideration standards utilizing a formerly planned semi-structured questionnaire. Urine microalbumin level, echocardiography, ECG and fundus assessment were done. The study variables were recorded and dissected utilizing SPSS software. RESULTS The mean age of the group populace was 55 + 8.89 years. Microalbuminuria was present in 68 %. There was a measurably critical relationship between the age group studied and the predominance of microalbuminuria. There was a huge factual affiliation between the presence of microalbuminuria and LVH in hypertensive patients (P < 0.0001), with microalbuminuria and HRP (P < 0.0001) and with microalbuminuria and long-standing hypertensives (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The larger part of microalbuminuria positives was found disseminated among higher ages. There was a positive relationship among patients with microalbuminuria and LVH, with retinopathy in hypertensive patients, with grade 2 hypertension and with long-standing hypertensives. KEY WORDS Hypertension, Microalbuminuria, LVH, Hypertensive Retinopathy
Assessment of Clinical Outcome Following Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty in Non-Healing Infective and Perforated Corneal Ulcer
Authors: C. Suria Rashmi , Naik Gajaraj Tulsidas , K. Satish , Neeralgi Meghana , Kayoom Mohamed Abdul , Zille Sheetal Vaijanath , C. N. Madhusudhana , H.M Amulya Padmini
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND Corneal blindness has been a significant visual disability in developing countries like India. Corneal ulcer contributes mainly as the leading cause for monocular blindness. Considering the common condition, the studies and literature have been surprisingly less when it comes to corneal ulcer and their management. But with the advent of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK), the scenario and prevalence of corneal blindness can be reduced. Hence this study was done to know the importance of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in case of non-healing infective and perforated corneal ulcers. The objectives were to assess the clinical outcome in a non-healing and perforated corneal ulcer, reduction in symptoms and signs of infection, anatomical or structural integrity of the globe and also evaluate the visual outcome following therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS Data were obtained from 30 patients operated at our institute for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Patients with less than one year of follow up, paediatric cases, PL negative cases were excluded. The outcome was assessed based on maintenance of structural integrity, reduction in infective load, improvement in visual acuity and graft survival and its correlation with corneal vascularisation, previously failed grafts, donor tissue quality, graft size and type of surgery. RESULTS Structural integrity was maintained in 93.3 % of the cases, reduction of infective load in 90 % of cases and optically clear grafts in 46.7 % of cases and vision was better than 6/60 in 30 % of cases. CONCLUSIONS The study proved that in the case of non-healing and perforated corneal ulcers, therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty had a good prognosis in reducing infective load, maintaining structural integrity without which eye could have been lost. KEYWORDS Therapeutic Penetrating keratoplasty, Perforated corneal ulcer, non-healing corneal ulcer, corneal blindness, TPK
Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty as Coxofemoral Bypass Technique in Treating Unstable Pertrochanteric Comminuted Fracture of Elderly Patients
Authors: Mahajan Neetin Pralhad , Bagimani Pramod K. , Pande Kartik Prashant , Dadhaniya Ravi Rameshbhai
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND Pertrochanteric fractures in the elderly are highly unstable and osteoporotic. Comminution of fragments and distraction fragments make union difficult owing to forces acting on the proximal hip joint. The internal fixation in these cases leads to prolonged bed rest and immobilization to prevent implant failure. The purpose of this study was to analyse the role of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in cases of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures as bypassing forces transmission through the proximal femur. METHODS 30 patients with pertrochanteric fractures were randomized and operated on as bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the indigenous bipolar prosthesis between July 2017 and July 2021. The inclusion criteria were patients more than 65 years of age, Type 4 intertrochanteric fracture (As per Evans classification) AO/ OTA type 31A2.3, 31A3.2, 31A3.3. Patients with polytrauma, compound injuries, pathological fractures and medically unfit patients were excluded from the study. RESULTS The mean age was 67 ± 5 years. The most common mechanism of injury was domestic fall comprising 80 %. The average duration of surgery from the time of injury was 3.5 ± 1.5 days. The average surgical duration was 85.5 mins. The average duration of stay in the hospital was 8.5 ± 1.5 days. Final results were calculated using the Harris Hip score with 33.3 % cases as excellent, 56.6 % cases as good and 10 % cases had fair results respectively. Follow-up was done at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Bipolar hemiarthroplasty in pertrochanteric femur fractures has the advantage of stable adequate fixation with early return to activities of daily living, thus preventing serious life-threatening complications. KEY WORDS Intertrochanteric Fractures, Hemiarthroplasty, Femur, Harris Hip Score
VITAMIN D AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Littlejohns T.J. , Kos K. , Henley W.E. , Kuma E. , Llewellyn D.J.
Published: November 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that low vitamin D concentrations are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of dementia. This is of particular interest when considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in elderly adults and the urgent need to identify modifiable risk factors for dementia. Studies have found that vitamin D is implicated in procognitive and neuroprotective functions, including the reduction of Alzheimer’s disease hallmarks such as amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau. Cross-sectional studies have consistently found that vitamin D concentrations are significantly lower in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal studies support an association between low vitamin D concentrations and an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Neuroimaging studies are beginning to uncover the potential neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular mechanisms that underlie these associations such as white matter hyperintensities and enlarged ventricular volume, although there is currently a lack of longitudinal studies. In contrast to observational studies, findings from interventional studies have produced mixed results on the benefits of vitamin D supplementation on dementia and cognitive outcomes. Interpretation of the findings from these studies is hampered by several major methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, inadequate doses and inclusion of participants unlikely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation. There is a need for large double-blind randomised-control trials investigating whether vitamin D supplementation can halt or delay the risk of dementia-related outcomes in individuals with low vitamin D concentrations.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE IN ASYMPTOMATIC ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Downing A.M. , Yaari R. , Ball D.E. , Selzler K.J.
Published: November 2021

Due to the growing global health impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), there is a greater need for interventions that prevent or delay the onset of clinical symptoms of this debilitating disease. Clinical trials for disease-modifying compounds in AD have shifted towards earlier stages in the spectrum of illness, including the stage prior to cognitive symptoms. A population of specific interest for clinical research includes individuals with evidence of Alzheimer’s disease pathology who are asymptomatic (ADPa). The challenges and barriers regarding medical treatment of ADPa must be identified and addressed prior to the completion of a positive clinical trial in order to accelerate the translation of research findings to clinical practice. This report applies an existing public health impact model from Spencer and colleagues (2013) to evaluate the readiness of the clinical practice environment to treat ADPa individuals if a disease-modifying agent achieves approval. We contrast the current clinical practice environment with a potential future state through investigating the effectiveness, reach, feasibility, sustainability, and transferability of the practice of treating ADPa individuals.
Questionando a Narrativa dos Museus da Escravatura
Authors: Ficarra Alessandra
Published: November 2021

Os museus comemorativos têm a possibilidade de representar e reescrever a história. Apesar de qualquer museu ter o poder de tornar uma história visível e de estabelecer a sua interpretação, o tratamento de histórias globais dentro de um sistema orientado pelo Ocidente está sempre a prevalecer. Actualmente, movimentos de reconhecimento da identidade das minorias sociais e étnicas estão a florescer em todo o mundo: comunidades outrora marginalizadas e silenciadas apelam agora a uma análise mais profunda da construção da identidade, questionando e reescrevendo a sua história. Como estudo de caso do meu doutoramento, trouxe o Museu Internacional da Escravatura de Liverpool para Angola, a fim de adquirir uma leitura alternativa da exposição mais premiada do mundo, e dar voz a uma audiência até agora não ouvida. Visitantes de Angola – de cujas costas milhões de africanos escravizados foram enviados para as América – viraram finalmente a perspectiva interpretativa expressando as suas opiniões.
Plasma IL-2 and Symptoms Response after Acute Gluten Exposure in Subjects With Celiac Disease or Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Cartee Amanda K. , Choung Rok Seon , King Katherine S. , Wang Suyue , Dzuris John L. , Anderson Robert P. , Van Dyke Carol T. , Hinson Chadrick A. , Marietta Eric , Katzka David A. , Nehra Vandana , Grover Madhusudan , Murray Joseph A.
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Treated patients with celiac disease (CeD) and nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) report acute, transient, incompletely understood symptoms after suspected gluten exposure. To determine whether (i) blinded gluten exposure induces symptoms, (ii) subjects accurately identify gluten exposure, and (iii) serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels distinguish CeD from NCGS subjects after gluten exposure.

METHODS:

Sixty subjects (n = 20 treated, healed CeD; n = 20 treated NCGS; n = 20 controls) were block randomized to a single, double-blind sham (rice flour) or 3-g gluten challenge with 72-hours follow-up. Twelve serial questionnaires (100 mm visual analog scale; pain, bloating, nausea, and fatigue) and 10 serial plasma samples were collected. Mucosal permeability was assessed using both urinary lactulose-13C mannitol ratios and endoscopic mucosal impedance.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five of 40 (83%) subjects with CeD and NCGS reported symptoms with gluten (8 CeD, 9 NCGS) and sham (9 CeD, 9 NCGS) compared with 9 of 20 (45%) controls after gluten (n = 6) and sham (n = 3). There was no significant difference in symptoms among groups. Only 2 of 10 subjects with CeD and 4 of 10 NCGS identified gluten, whereas 8 of 10 subjects with CeD and 5 of 10 NCGS identified sham. A significant plasma IL-2 increase occurred only in subjects with CeD after gluten, peaking at 3 hours and normalizing within 24 hours postchallenge despite no significant intestinal permeability change from baseline.

DISCUSSION:

Symptoms do not reliably indicate gluten exposure in either subjects with CeD or NCGS. IL-2 production indicates a rapid-onset gluten-induced T-cell activation in CeD despite long-standing treatment. The effector site is unknown, given no increased intestinal permeability after gluten.
Audit Expectation GAP in The Public Sector of The Gambia
Authors: Conteh Saikou , Hamidah Hamidah
Published: November 2021

In the private sector, the audit expectations deficit is a big concern. The audit expectations divide, on the other hand, is a new problem in the public sector that has received little attention from researchers. Just a few studies on the audit expectations deficit in the public sector have been conducted so far in the sense of financial audit. In the background of the above, this study centered on the audit expectations difference. The study was motivated by the importance of the financial audit feature in the Gambian public sector, as well as recent developments related to this type of audit in the country (such as rising expectations among users and associated problems in practice). As a result, the study aims to assess whether or not there is a difference in audit expectations in the Gambian public sector. According to the results of this report, there is an audit expectations deficit in the Gambian public sector when it comes to performance auditing. Interviews indicate that there is a broad gap in audit standards on several auditing topics. These include fraud detection exercises, management, executive and other parties' impact on auditors, audit report format, and widening the audit mandate to include policy merits.
PERBAIKAN SISTEM KERJA BERDASARKAN ANALISIS PAJANAN XYLENE PEKERJA KILANG MINYAK XYZ
Authors: Attaqwa Yusita , Mahachandra Manik , Prastawa Heru
Published: November 2021

Perusahaan Pertambangan Minyak dan Gas Bumi Negara (Pertamina) mengoperasikan beberapa kilang minyak di dalam negeri. Operasi dan proses di kilang minyak terdapat bahan kimia dalam bensin, maka penting untuk mengukur konsentrasi xylena, melihat mana yang mempengaruhi dan memberikan perbaikan desain untuk tindakan kesehatan dan keselamatan kerja yang tepat. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan pada 16 pekerja yang memiliki risiko terpapar xylene lebih tinggi. Tata cara pengambilan dan analisis sampel mengacu pada Gastec 122DL. Pengujian yang digunakan untuk menganalisis fakta menggunakan uji beda dan uji pembeda. Pekerja pada pekerja kilang minyak yang terpengaruh signifikan terhadap konsentrasi paparan xylene adalah usia (U = 13,329), praktik K3 (U = 26,124), penggunaan APD (U = 9,042), kebiasaan merokok (U = 85), jumlah bensin yang tersedia (U = 0,891) dan instalasi (U = 18,032). Rancangan perbaikan yang dapat diwujudkan dalam jangka pendek adalah penggunaan APD dan berdiri berlawanan arah angin.Abstract[Improvement on Working System Based on Xylene Exposure Analysis on Employee of  Oil Refinery XYZ] The State Oil and Gas Mining Company (Pertamina) operates several oil refineries in the country. Operations and processes at oil refinery contain chemicals in gasoline. So, it is important to measure the concentration of xylene concentration, see which affects and provide design improvements for appropriate occupational health and safety measures. Sampling was carried out on 16 workers who had a higher risk of xylene exposure. The procedure for taking and analyzing samples refers to Gastec 122DL. The test used to analyze the facts uses the difference test and display test. Workers at oil refinery. Workers who have a significant effect on the concentration of xylene exposure are age (U = 13,329), K3 practice (U = 26,124), use of PPE (U = 9,042), smoking habits (U = 85), the amount of gasoline available (U = 0.891) and installation (U = 18.032). The design of improvements that can be realized in the short term is the use of PPE and standing in opposite directions the wind.Keywords: exposure analysis; repair work system; Xylene.
Using the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) algorithm for a train delay prediction model considering the delay propagation feature
Authors: Zhang Y.D. , Liao L. , Yu Q. , Ma W.G. , Li K.H.
Published: November 2021

Accurate prediction of train delay is an important basis for the intelligent adjustment of train operation plans. This paper proposes a train delay prediction model that considers the delay propagation feature. The model consists of two parts. The first part is the extraction of delay propagation feature. The best delay classification scheme is determined through the clustering method of delay types for historical data based on the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm (DBSCAN), and combining the best delay classification scheme and the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm to design the classification method of delay type for online data. The delay propagation factor is used to quantify the delay propagation relationship, and on this basis, the horizontal and vertical delay propagation feature are constructed. The second part is the delay prediction, which takes the train operation status feature and delay propagation feature as input feature, and use the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) algorithm to complete the prediction. The model was tested and simulated using the actual train operation data, and compared with random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP). The results show that considering the delay propagation feature in the train delay prediction model can further improve the accuracy of train delay prediction. The delay prediction model proposed in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for the intelligentization of railway dispatching, enabling dispatchers to control delays more reasonably, and improve the quality of railway transportation services.
Increasing Sigma levels in productivity improvement and industrial sustainability with Six Sigma methods in manufacturing industry: A systematic literature review
Authors: Purba H.H. , Nindiani A. , Trimarjoko A. , Jaqin C. , Hasibuan S. , Tampubolon S.
Published: November 2021

Industrial sustainability is an important attribute and becomes a parameter of the business success. Quality improvement with an indicator of increasing process capability will affect productivity improvements and lead to industrial competitiveness and maintain industrial sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a relationship between the consistency of the DMAIC phase to increase the sigma level in productivity improvement and industrial sustainability. This paper applied for a systematic literature review from various sources of trusted articles from 2006 to 2019 using the keywords “Six Sigma, Productivity, and Industrial Sustainability.” A matrix was developed to provide synthesis and summary of the literature. Six Sigma approach has been successful in reducing product variation, defects, cycle time, production costs, as well as increasing customer satisfaction, cost savings, profits, and competitiveness to maintain industrial sustainability. Extraction and synthesis in this study managed to obtain seven objectives value that found a consistent relationship between the DMAIC phase of increasing sigma levels, productivity, and industrial sustainability. The broad scope of Six Sigma literature is very beneficial for organizations to understand the critical variables and key success factors in Six Sigma implementation, which leads to substantial long-term continuous improvement, the value of money, and business.
Recharging and transportation scheduling for electric vehicle battery under the swapping mode
Authors: Huang A.Q. , Zhang Y.Q. , He Z.F. , Hua G.W. , Shi X.L.
Published: November 2021

Electric vehicle battery recharging on the swapping mode has grown up as an important option other than the plug-in recharging mode in China, given that several auto giants have been dedicated in constructing their battery swapping systems. However, the lack of effective operational methods on battery recharging and transportation scheduling has aroused a big challenge on the practical application of the swapping mode, which enables the necessity of our work. This study proposes a joint optimization model of recharging and scheduling of electric vehicle batteries with a dynamic electricity price system which is able to identify the optimal charging arrangement (the recharging time and the quantity of recharging batteries) as well as the optimal transportation arrangement (the transportation time and the quantity of transporting batteries). For the validation purpose, a numerical study is implemented based on dynamic electricity prices in Beijing. A sensitivity analysis of parameters is carried out to increase the robustness and provide more managerial insights of the model.
Targeted profiling of 24 sulfated and non-sulfated bile acids in urine using two-dimensional isotope dilution UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Habler Katharina , Koeppl Bernhard , Bracher Franz , Vogeser Michael
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Bile acids serve as biomarkers for liver function and are indicators for cholestatic and hepatobiliary diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Sulfation and renal excretion of bile acids are important elimination steps. The power of ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) allows specific profiling of primary and secondary bile acids as well as their sulfated counterparts.

Methods

Twenty-four sulfated and non-sulfated primary and secondary bile acids were quantified in urine with 15 corresponding stable isotope labeled internal standards by using two-dimensional UHPLC-MS/MS. The sample preparation was based on a simple dilution with a methanolic zinc sulfate solution followed by an automated online solid phase extraction clean up.

Results

The validation results of the method fulfilled the criteria of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) “Guideline on bioanalytical method validation”. To verify fitness for purpose, 40 urine samples were analyzed which showed an average of 86% sulfation, 9.1% taurine-conjugation, 14% non-conjugation, and 77% glycine-conjugation rates.

Conclusions

Lossless one-pot sample preparation, automated sample purification, and high number of internal standards are major innovations of the presented profiling method, which may allow diagnostic application of BA profiling in the future.
Aerobic sequential batch reactor for domestic sewage treatment: parametric optimization and kinetics studies
Authors: Acharya Neela , Kumar Vijay , Gupta Vandana , Thakur Chandrakant , Parmesh Kumar Chaudhari
Published: November 2021

Domestic sewage (DS) was first treated in aerobic sequential batch reactor (SBR). In order to increase the treated water quality, DS from SBR was further treated using electrocoagulation (EC) and Ion exchange (IE) process. In the SBR study, process parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT) and reactor fill time (t

f
) was optimized at various volume exchange ratio (VER) of 0.534, 0.4, 0.266, and 0.133. The best HRT and t

f
were observed to be 0.78 day (d) and 2 h, respectively, providing 72.37% chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction (initial value of COD = 270 mg/dm3). Kinetics of biodegradation in SBR was also studied. The second stage treatment was performed in EC reactor at 1 ampere (A) current for 30 min electrolysis time (t
R). EC reactor, further reduced COD and biological oxygen demand (BOD) up to 72 and 21 mg/dm3 from its average initial COD and BOD of 94 and 23 mg/dm3, respectively. Second stage treatment in IE process reduced hardness, sulphate, and phosphate up to 15, 0.05, and 0.13 mg/dm3 from its initial value 350, 5.48 and 1.16 mg/dm3, respectively. The treated water can be used as potable water after disinfection as its water quality is near to river water.
Application of new turbulent method for determining vertical refraction
Authors: Younes S. A.
Published: November 2021

This paper is concerned with the study of new turbulent method technique for the determining of vertical refraction when total stations are used. Required measurement accuracy of vertical refraction by conventional methods is extremely difficult due to rapid random changes in the angle of refraction. Geodetic observations are recommended to performing only during periods of indifferent temperature stratification, while the refraction is close to zero and practically unvaried. However, this period is extremely short and its boundaries are not defined, so the inefficiency of all known methods for determining refraction must be attention. The complete liberation of geodetic observations from the influence of turbulent and fluctuation processes in the atmosphere is possible only by directly measuring the angle of refraction at the time of observation. The creation of electronic total stations with automatic guidance to the target allows to successfully solving the problem of determining refraction by a turbulent method. The aim of this work is to study the new method for determining refraction in a turbulent atmosphere. The measurements are performed with a Trimble total station. The obtained results confirm that the accuracy for determining refraction is ~2″, which almost corresponds to the instrumental accuracy of the device used.
Frequency-Following Responses to Speech Sounds Are Highly Conserved across Species and Contain Cortical Contributions
Authors: Gnanateja G. Nike , Rupp Kyle , Llanos Fernando , Remick Madison , Pernia Marianny , Sadagopan Srivatsun , Teichert Tobias , Abel Taylor J. , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: November 2021

Time-varying pitch is a vital cue for human speech perception. Neural processing of time-varying pitch has been extensively assayed using scalp-recorded frequency-following responses (FFRs), an electrophysiological signal thought to reflect integrated phase-locked neural ensemble activity from subcortical auditory areas. Emerging evidence increasingly points to a putative contribution of auditory cortical ensembles to the scalp-recorded FFRs. However, the properties of cortical FFRs and precise characterization of laminar sources are still unclear. Here we used direct human intracortical recordings as well as extracranial and intracranial recordings from macaques and guinea pigs to characterize the properties of cortical sources of FFRs to time-varying pitch patterns. We found robust FFRs in the auditory cortex across all species. We leveraged representational similarity analysis as a translational bridge to characterize similarities between the human and animal models. Laminar recordings in animal models showed FFRs emerging primarily from the thalamorecipient layers of the auditory cortex. FFRs arising from these cortical sources significantly contributed to the scalp-recorded FFRs via volume conduction. Our research paves the way for a wide array of studies to investigate the role of cortical FFRs in auditory perception and plasticity.
Duo property for rings by the quasinilpotent perspective
Authors: Harmanci A. , Kurtulmaz Y. , Ungor B.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we focus on the duo ring property via quasinilpotent elements, which gives a new kind of generalizations of commutativity. We call this kind of rings qnil-duo. Firstly, some properties of quasinilpotents in a ring are provided. Then the set of quasinilpotents is applied to the duo property of rings, in this perspective, we introduce and study right (resp., left) qnil-duo rings. We show that this concept is not left-right symmetric. Among others, it is proved that if the Hurwitz series ring $H(R; \alpha)$ is right qnil-duo, then $R$ is right qnil-duo. Every right qnil-duo ring is abelian. A right qnil-duo exchange ring has stable range 1.
Photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye using Fe-doped TiO2 nanocatalysts
Authors: Mironyuk Ivan , Danyliuk Nazarii , Tatarchuk Tetiana , Mykytyn Ihor , Kotsyubynsky Volodymyr
Published: November 2021

Fe-doped TiO2 (2, 5, 10, 15 and 20% wt. of Fe) photocatalysts have been synthesized by sol-gel method using titanium aquacomplex precursor. The structure and morphology have been characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, and EDS analyses, Mossbauer and IR spectroscopies. XRD analysis confirmed the anatase structure. The introduction of ferric ions into the titania structure causes its amorphization. The crystallite sizes of obtained samples are around 3 nm. Fe-doped TiO2 samples possess mesoporous structure and high specific surface area (from 274 m2g-1 for 5Fe-TiO2 to 416.4 m2g-1 for 20Fe-TiO2). Mossbauer spectroscopy data confirms the incorporation of Fe3+ ions in the anatase structure. Photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye using Fe-doped TiO2 photocatalysts was studied under the UV-A light. Optimized conditions for photocatalytic degradation of CR in the presence of hydrogen peroxide are obtained. It was found that the 2Fe-TiO2 sample in the presence of 20 mM H2O2 solution showed highest efficiency in dye photodegradation (99.4%) under UV-A light. The photodegradation kinetics was analyzed using a smartphone and fits well with first-order kinetics model.
Raising a Child in the Era of Smartphones
Authors: Murti Rhea Savannah
Published: November 2021

In light of an increasing technological dependence for millenials, and the fact that members of this generation are starting to become parents, this paper examines a crucial area of technology use: how smartphone use impacts a parent's relationship with their child. Rather than looking at the issue of technology and parenting in the purely psychological context of affects on a child's brain development, as is most often the case, this paper takes a sociological perspective to focus on the bond between parent and child. This issue is only very recently starting to become of interest to researchers, so this paper consolidates existing work in the field to bring attention to the ways in which a parent's dependence on, and distraction with, their smartphone, is changing how they interact with their child. For future and current parents to learn to juggle technology use and sustainable practices of caring for their child, it is important that they are cognizant of the patterns of disengagement and dissatisfaction that are produced by the common habits of smartphone use.
Starbucks and Aristotle
Authors: Buhrmann Anna
Published: November 2021

Aristotle argued that democratic participation in decision-making rests on informal encounters between citizens, because these interactions help to build civic friendships. In modern-day North America, the Starbucks corporation has posited itself as a “third place”, a space other than work and home that acts as a theatre for the development of civic friendships. In this essay, I investigate whether visiting Starbucks allows customers to connect to their larger community by providing the opportunity for meaningful social interaction. While Starbucks’ marketing strategies capitalize on the human desire for belonging, its expensive brand succeeds in differentiating citizens by their socioeconomic status, thereby undermining social unity. Furthermore, the environment in Starbucks stores emphasize experiences of personal pleasure rather than the enjoyment of community, as evidenced by the lack of authentic civic dialogue occurring within these spaces. As it encourages customers to settle for less than the formation of civic virtue, Starbucks’ commodification of community may challenge the flourishing of contemporary democracy.
Prediction of elastic modulus and mid-span deflection of bamboo-wood composite laminates
Authors: Chen Aonan , Liang Yi , Jiang Zhilin , Sun Jianping
Published: November 2021

To better guide the manufacturing of bamboo-wood composite laminates, classical theory, first-order shear theory, and finite element method were used to predict the elastic modulus and deflection of bamboo-wood composite laminates. The influence of the adhesive layer on the elastic modulus and deflection of composite materials was considered. The effect of transverse shear on the mechanical properties of materials became smaller and smaller with an increasing span-to-height ratio. The effects of the adhesive layer on the elastic modulus and deflection were ± 0.5% and -0.1% to 0.3%, respectively. The transverse elastic modulus and mid-span deflection predicted by the three methods were quite different from the experimental results. When the span-to-height ratio was equal to 20, the prediction error of longitudinal elastic modulus by the three methods was less than 6%, which can be used to predict the elastic modulus of composite materials. The results provide a novel method to predict the properties of bamboo-wood composite laminates.
The effect of carbonization on the wood anatomy of Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel
Authors: Baraúna Edy Eime Pereira , Stallbaun Patricia Hellenn , Monteiro Thiago Campos , Silva Thiago Cardoso , Baldin Talita , Colen Fernando , Arantes Marina Donária Chaves
Published: November 2021

Considering the extraordinary diversity of the Brazilian Cerrado and the difficulties related to the inspection of environmental crimes, knowing the wood and charcoal anatomy of widely exploited species is important. Thus, this study aimed to verify the anatomical characteristics of the wood and charcoal of Sclerolobium paniculatum. Therefore, anatomical characterizations of the wood and the charcoal produced were performed in order to compare the characteristics of both materials and observe any possible changes in the anatomical properties after carbonization. The results exposed that the qualitative anatomical characteristics of S. paniculatum wood can be maintained after the carbonization process. However, quantitatively, the carbonization increased the vessel frequency value and height and width of rays, despite reducing the frequency of rays. The diameter of the vessels was not altered by carbonization. This characterization of the species can then serve as a database for future identification of charcoal produced with this wood. In addition, it can encourage increasing the quality of inspection and consequently reducing the illegal exploitation of the species in natural environments.
Wood-based boards mechanical properties and their effects on the cutting process during shredding
Authors: Kukla M. , Warguła Ł.
Published: November 2021

In order to design effective shredding machines dedicated to shredding wood-based waste, information about the mechanical properties of materials subjected to shredding is necessary. A number of mechanical properties of particleboard, oriented strand boards, and medium-density fibreboards in the aspect of shredding process have been experimentally determined in the article. The influence of material type, blade geometries, and cutting depth on cutting force and elasticity coefficient were analysed. Blade geometries reflect different phases of rotation of the cylindrical wood chipper’s knife. It has been shown that a knife with the most favourable geometry is characterized by the lowest values of the stiffness coefficient for each of the materials. This is the geometry of the cylindrical wood chipper’s knife exactly halfway into the cutting process. By contrast, the least favourable geometry is characterized by a knife corresponding to the beginning of the cutting process. Among the tested materials, the medium density board requires the most energy to change its structure, and the laminated particleboard requires the least. The presented results can be a set of input data necessary to model the work required to implement the cutting process, but also enable validation of existing cutting models.
Coating activated carbon from coconut shells with Co3O4/CeO2 for high-performance supercapacitor applications: An experimental study
Authors: Chopngam Krittiya , Luengchavanon Montri , Khangkhamano Matthana , Chetpattananondh Kanadit , Limbut Warakorn
Published: November 2021

Activated carbon from coconut shells is a low-cost, environmentally friendly material that is available for fabricating the electrodes for electric double-layer capacitance supercapacitors. As such, activated carbon derived from coconut shells was coated with Co3O4/CeO2, and its electrical and ionic conductivity were evaluated. The ternary technique for selecting materials was systematically investigated with an economical process. The Co3O4/CeO2 coating that was formed on the activated carbon coconut shells was deemed AC-Co3O4-CeO2. The 90-05-05 composite was the best electrode for electric double-layer capacitance supercapacitors, resulting in high conductivity (0.62 x 103 S·cm2), low series resistance and internal resistance (based on the Nyquist plot), and the charge-discharge was able to reach 0.56 V for 90 seconds (1A/g). Therefore, activated carbon coconut shells coated in Co3O4/CeO2 can promote the necessary characteristics of electrodes needed for electric double-layer capacitance supercapacitors.
PENGUATAN MEMBACA KITAB KUNING MENGGUNAKAN METODE BITHAQATIL JUMAL PADA PESANTREN MU’ALLIMIN MUHAMMADIYYAH SAWAH DANGKA KAB. AGAM, SUMATERA BARAT
Authors: Tarihoran Adlan Sanur , Rezi Muhamad
Published: November 2021

One of the great traditions in Islamic education institutions in Indonesia is teaching by transmitting Islamic values as found in classical books written centuries ago. The majority in Indonesia, the classic book is better known as the Kitab Kuning. Teaching with the Kitab Kuning is usually done in Islamic Boarding Schools. Examining Kitab Kuning requires qualified Arabic language skills at least passively. Unfortunately, not all Islamic boarding schools that have a variety of superior programs in certain fields, are weak in the field of studying Kitab Kuning. One of them is the Islamic Boarding School Mu'allimin Muhammadiyyah Sawah Dangka which has the flagship Tahfizh Alquran program but is weak in the study of Kitab Kuning. One of the main factors is the lack of adequate quality of human resources. For this reason, this community service activity aims to provide training while introducing new, lightweight methods in learning Arabic, namely the Bihaqatil Jumal method. This method emphasizes learning Arabic using the right brain. After a series of community service activities, teachers and Islamic boarding schools felt helped and gained new experiences in learning Arabic methods to study Kitab Kuning. In addition, both the assisted object and the resource person requested that this kind of community service be continued.
Technical aspects of the reconstruction of historic gardens
Authors: Fekete Albert , Sárospataki Máté , Vajda Szabolcs
Published: November 2021

Built elements and structures are a prominent component of our historic gardens, both in terms of function and artistic composition and garden scenery. The surveys of historic garden structures are important research tasks, which also underpins and validates restoration work.

In most cases, the neglected state of historic gardens and sites and the unavailable archival materials do not allow an authentic restoration of historic gardens to their original state. Nevertheless, there is a real need to reconstruct our historic gardens, based not only on historical authenticity but also on a systematic reinterpretation of the relationship between society and landscape.

The objective of this article is to present a general methodology for renewal of historic gardens through examples of specific garden reconstructions. The case studies are the authors' own design works, which demonstrate the application of different design approaches, highlighting details of the reconstruction of specific built garden elements.
social media strategies of punk and metal bands on Instagram during the COVID-19 closures of live music venues in Melbourne
Authors: Marsden Al
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the closures of live music venues in Melbourne, Australia between March and November 2020. During this period, punk band Clowns and metal band Ocean Grove used the social media platform Instagram to engage their audiences and maintain their standing within their scene despite not being able to engage in regular activities such as live performance. This article analyses the strategies used by the bands, including fan engagement and dialogue, nostalgia for pre-pandemic times, and promotion and fundraising. When used in combination, these categories enabled the bands to solicit conversation from their fans, foster unity by reminiscing about previous successes, and promote merchandise and support organizations which mitigated the loss of income across the industry.
Prawidłowe prowadzenie dokumentacji medycznej jako warunek bezpieczeństwa pacjenta w procesie leczniczym
Authors:   Instytut Prawa Cywilnego, Katedra Prawa Cywilnego, Uniwersytet Warszawski, Polska, Gąska Magdalena
Published: November 2021

This article discusses the impact of the proper medical record keeping on ensuring patient safety in the process of providing healthcare services. The study presents the principles of keeping, processing, storing and ensuring the access to the medical records resulting from the applicable law and established jurisprudence views, as well as the way in which these guarantees affect the protection of such sensitive patient interests as health, life and privacy. The article also indicates the areas in which the patient's right to medical records is the most frequently violated and the trends in this regard, as well as it formulates postulates aimed at increasing patient safety in the treatment process.