bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS KERUSAKAN MESIN AHU MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN METODE FAILURE MODE AND EFFECT ANALYSIS
Authors: Ramadhan Muhamad Ikhsan , Sumarjo Jojo , Suci Farradina Choria , Santoso Deri Teguh
Published: April 2022

The manufacturing industry is currently experiencing rapid development from various aspects. This aspect develops, it is increasingly necessary to find solutions to get more effective and efficient results. The Air Handling Unit (AHU) machine is a heat exchanger between cold water and air. The method used to identify the damage is the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method. With this method, it is hoped that the point of damage that occurs can be known and can be planned for further maintenance. The results of the analysis of the FMEA method were obtained from related fields regarding the damage to the AHU engine components. Based on the results of the analysis of the Pareto diagram, it can be seen that there are several types of damage that dominant in the Air Handling Unit engine, namely; Motors & blowers; Pipe; Air Filter; Spray Nozzles. According to the principle of the Pareto diagram, which is 80/20, it means that 80% of damage to the machine is caused by 20% of the causes of damage. In this case damage the motor & blower, pipelines, air filters must be prioritized for maintenance so that the quality and efficiency of the engine is getting better.
PERANCANGAN BILAH INVERSE TAPER BERBAHAN STYROFOAM DENGAN AIRFOIL NACA 4412
Authors: Sidabutar Simon Petrus
Published: April 2022

In the manufacture of wind turbines, there are several parameters that are taken into account, namely the wind speed in the area to be installed. The wind speed in Indonesia ranges from 3m/s – 11m/s, so it is quite difficult to implement a macro-scale wind turbine and the facilities are still inadequate. So this design is a design to make a micro-scale wind turbine that adapts to the characteristics of wind speed in Indonesia. In this design, a blade with the Inverse Tapper type is made which is a blade type with an enlarged shape to the end to get a large sweep at the end of the blade and produce a lift force that is greater than the drag force on the blade so that it can rotate the blade. In the design of this blade, material changes are also made, generally the material used in the blade is made of wood, fiber, and aluminum. In this design, a material made of styrofoam is used, this is to make the mass of the blade lighter and make the blade able to rotate at the smallest wind speed. In this design, the maximum power obtained is 553 watts at 668 rounds of blade rotations

. Keywords : Airfoil, Inverse Blade, Cl/Cd, Styrofoam.
Política e gestão da educação superior, tecnologia e possibilidades em tempos de Covid-19
Authors: Franco Sérgio Roberto Kieling , Franco Maria Estela Dal Pai , Longhi Solange Maria
Published: April 2022

Neste trabalho objetiva-se analisar desafios que o presente cenário pandêmico decorrente do Covid-19, tem imposto às instituições do conhecimento (universidades), entendendo que os movimentos nelas gerados estão incorporados ao campo em mudança da Educação Superior, na força de sua diversidade de trajetórias e nas suas interligações, interesses e interlocuções. Discute-se políticas públicas com base nos documentos oficiais impregnados por contradições e questionamentos, face às necessidades contemporâneas, nas questões de tecnologia e sustentabilidade e o modo como as IES a elas respondem. As categorias de análise emergiram do conjunto de informações decorrentes de webinars promovidos pela RIES (Rede Sul Brasileira de Investigadores de Educação Superior) e do estudo de caso de uma universidade comunitária (UPF). A perspectiva de análise faz uso de produções acadêmicas ligadas a políticas públicas no enfrentamento de desafios incitados pela tecnologia e pela sustentabilidade e a reações institucionais tornadas públicas. O estudo evidencia a adoção de novas estratégias na gestão acadêmica. É o momento da Educação Superior se defrontar com a autonomia institucional. A visualização de possibilidades para viver num mundo melhor e sustentável pode ser fortalecida na condução da gestão, considerando necessidades, compromissos, experiências de diferentes IES e o papel da tecnologia nesses processos, em especial no contexto pandêmico vigente.
Capitalismo con características chinas. Conceptos y desarrollo en la tercera década del siglo XXI
Authors: Dussel Peters Enrique
Published: April 2022

El artículo propone tres conceptos a fin de comprender la socioeconomía china en la actualidad: la omnipresencia de su sector público, el proceso de globalización con características chinas y la competencia entre grandes poderes; la integración de estos conceptos busca sobrellevar las limitaciones de una crecientemente descriptiva bibliografía sobre China, también en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). Asimismo, se ejemplifican dos tendencias significativas de la socioeconomía china: el importante escalamiento de China para el caso del contenido tecnológico de su comercio exterior, y la significativa participación de las empresas públicas en la salida de inversión extranjera directa de China hacia ALC. El último apartado presenta algunas de las implicaciones de este análisis y vetas de investigación futuras.
Los límites a la acumulación ampliada y el fin del milagro del crecimiento chino
Authors: Pauls Robert
Published: April 2022

Después de más de dos décadas de crecer a niveles récord, la economía china ha entrado en una “nueva normalidad”. A fin de explicar las raíces de tal transformación, este artículo se apoya en las teorías marxista y de la regulación, con el propósito de identificar las características principales del desarrollo socioeconómico de China en relación con las instituciones que gobiernan su economía, así como los patrones y las contradicciones observables en el proceso de acumulación entre 1995 y 2015. Con el objeto de observar esto último, se miden categorías económicas marxistas como la plusvalía, la composición del capital y las tasas de ganancia, mediante datos de cuentas nacionales y tablas de insumo-producto. Después de un rápido proceso de acumulación predominantemente extensiva, la economía china ahora se enfrenta a un problema doble de sobreproducción y sobreacumulación, y tiene al mismo tiempo dificultades para alejarse de los patrones establecidos de acumulación que han producido estas tendencias a la crisis.
Investigating the Influence of Financial Literacy, Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on Saving Behaviours of Nigerians
Authors: Sodipo John , Ikue Nenubari John , Magaji Lamin , Amabuike Ifeanyichukwu , OFURU BENJAMIN , Enegesi Linus , Musa Ahmadu Uba , Adamu Kabiru Umar , Nura Manir
Published: April 2022

Financial product awareness is an efficient remedy for poverty reduction as against lack of money. However, a holistic literature on financial product awareness in the six Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria is scarce. Using data from a quarterly survey of households in Nigeria, this paper investigated the influence of financial literacy, Socioeconomic and demographic factors on saving behaviors of Nigerians, age 15 to 70. With a pool of methods, our finding supported the observation from similar economies, but revealed some differences as well. We observed that financial literacy and proximity to financial products and services among others are the most significant determinants of savings behaviors of Nigerians. It is fair to say financial awareness and factors that influences it are necessary for the formulation of strategies to increase the inclusion of more members of the society into the formal financial stream.
KERRA, Mixed Medicinal Plant Extracts, Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Targets Enzymes and Feline Corona Virus
Authors: Seetaha Supaphorn , Khamplong Phatcharin , Wanaragthai Panatda , Aiebchun Thitinan , Ratanabunyong Siriluk , Krobthong Sucheewin , Yingchutrakul Yodying , Rattanasrisomporn Jatuporn , Choowongkomon Kiattawee
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic affects all parameters, especially health care professionals, drugs and medical supplies. The KERRA is a mixed medicinal plant capsule that is used for the treatment of patients with high fever with food and drug administration approved by FDA Thailand. Recently, KERRA showed quicker recovery for COVID-19 patients. Therefore, it is possible that some ingredients in KERRA could inhibit SARS-CoV-2. In this study, two important replication-related enzymes in SARS-CoV-2, a main protease and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), were used to study the effect of KERRA. The results showed that KERRA inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp with IC50 values of 49.91 ± 1.75 ng/mL and 36.23 ± 5.23 µg/mL, respectively. KERRA displayed no cytotoxic activity on macrophage cells at concentrations lower than 1 mg/mL and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, KERRA was against a feline coronavirus (feline infectious peritonitis [FIP]) infection with an EC50 value of 134.3 g/mL. This study supports the potential use of KERRA as a candidate drug for COVID-19.
Identifying Hotspots of Peoples Diagnosed with Tuberculosis and Drug Addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs through a Geospatial Intelligence Application on Communities from Southern Brazil
Authors: Scholze Alessandro Rolim , Delpino Felipe Mendes , Alves Luana Seles , Alves Josilene Dália , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Fuentealba-Torres Miguel , Fronteira Inês , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: tuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the leading causes of death by a single in-fectious agent worldwide. This study aimed to identify hotspots of people diagnosed with tu-berculosis and abusive use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in communities through a geo-spatial intelligence application; (2) Methods: ecological study with a spatio-temporal approach. We considered tuberculosis cases diagnosed and registered in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, which presented information on alcoholism, smoking, and other drugs. Spatial Variations in Temporal Trends (SVTT) and scan statistics were applied for the identification of Hotspots; (3) Results: of 29.499 cases of tuberculosis were identified. And when we applied the STTT for al-coholism, three Hotspots were detected, one of which was protective (RR: 0.08 – CI95%: 0.02 – 0.32) and two at risk (RR:1.42 – CI95%: 1.11 – 1.73; RR: 1.39 - CI95%: 1.28 – 1.50). Regarding smoking, two risk clusters were identified (RR: 1.15 - CI95%: 1.01 – 1.30; RR: 1.68 - CI95%: 1.54 – 1.83). For other drugs, a risk cluster was found (RR: 1.13 - CI95%: 0.99 – 1.29) and two protections (RR: 0.70 - CI95%: 0.63 – 0.77; RR: 0.76 – CI95%: 0.65 – 0.89); (4) Conclusions: it was evidenced in the communities a problem of TB and drug addiction. Use disorder perhaps in a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to continue their treatment, putting the community at risk for TB.
Desarrollo local y organización productiva en el noreste de Uruguay
Authors: Rodríguez Miranda Adrián
Published: April 2022

Este trabajo busca explicar el proceso de desarrollo económico en el noreste Uruguay a partir de la organización de la producción en el territorio y la interacción entre el medio rural y el urbano. Para analizar las actividades económicas en el territorio se elabora un modelo de análisis que pone énfasis en tres dimensiones: la dinámica innovadora y competitiva, las interrelaciones económicas locales, y las relaciones rurales urbanas. La investigación implicó un trabajo de campo de 80 entrevistas a actores locales (empresas, gobierno, organizaciones). Los resultados indican que la región constituye un espacio de interrelaciones económicas donde lo urbano es soporte de lo rural y lo rural es fundamento de lo urbano. Sin embargo, la economía en su conjunto muestra un desarrollo fragmentado: una mayoría de sectores son poco competitivos y tienen poca capacidad de generar interrelaciones económicas locales, en tanto algunos sectores son competitivos pero funcionan desconectados del resto de la economía local. A partir de esta verificación, se reflexiona sobre una posible transformación para esta región.
Best Practices Pengelolaan Air Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit di Lahan Gambut
Authors: Purnamayani Rima , Dariah Ai , Syahbuddin Haris , Tarigan Suria Darma , Sudradjat Sudradjat
Published: April 2022

Alih fungsi hutan gambut menjadi perkebunan kelapa sawit seringkali menimbulkan isu lingkungan.  Budidaya kelapa sawit di lahan gambut membutuhkan drainase untuk menurunkan kedalaman muka air tanah sampai batas tertentu. Tulisan ini ditujukan untuk memberikan informasi dan menelaah best practices pengelolaan air pada perkebunan kelapa sawit di lahan gambut untuk mencapai pembangunan perkebunan kelapa sawit berkelanjutan.  Pengelolaan air merupakan salah satu kunci keberhasilan pengembangan lahan gambut sehingga diperoleh produktivitas lahan yang optimal, namun mampu mempertahankan kelestarian sumber daya lahan gambut.  Produktivitas kelapa sawit di lahan gambut bervariasi tergantung umur tanaman, kesuburan lahan, dan kedalaman muka air tanah. Best practices pengelolaan air berbasis kearifan lokal menjadi dasar pengelolaan air pada skala lebih luas.  Best practices pengelolaan air di perusahaan perkebunan besar sudah memperhitungkan rancangan drainase secara lebih presisi, menggunakan metode pembendungan menggunakan pagar kayu, tiang pancang, karung berisi pasir dan dinding batu.  Pengelolaan air yang harus diimplementasikan pada perkebunan kelapa sawit di lahan gambut adalah pengelolaan air yang berfungsi ganda, yaitu untuk membuang kelebihan air pada musim hujan dan konservasi air pada musim kemarau. Best practices pengelolaan air pada perkebunan kelapa sawit di lahan gambut harus memperhitungkan aspek berkelanjutan, yaitu dengan memperhatikan aspek ekologi, sosial dan ekonomi.  
(Re)avaliando papéis de gênero na guerra a partir do Legendarium de Tolkien: agência, escolha e recusa nas histórias de Arwen Undómiel e Éowyn de Rohan
Authors: Souza Robert Augusto de
Published: April 2022

Gender roles in J. R. R. Tolkien’s opus have been the object of intense debate through the last years, especially when it comes to the supposedly secondary space feminine figures hold in the Legendarium. In light of those discussions, this article aims to reassess the portrayal of Arwen Undómiel and Éowyn of Rohan during the War of the Ring, discussing whether their actions convey possibilities of theorizing feminine agency at war by refusing traditional gender roles. As specific objectives, I intend to: a) collect Tolkien’s perspectives on these two women throughout the Legendarium; and b) identify real-life feminine personalities who participated in war and civil rights conflicts during the twentieth century. In terms of methodology, I rely upon an exploratory literature review on the subject and apply documental analysis to revisit the Legendarium. The results suggest that, even though feminine figures (especially Arwen) might be said to occupy supporting and somewhat idealized roles in Tolkien’s works, their acts of refusal effectively contest gender paradigms, problematize traditional meanings of a woman’s place in the context of war and provide useful insights for the destabilization of the sexual dispositive in literature, in law and in society as a whole.
Human life as narrative and the research in Law and literature
Authors: Siqueira Gilmar , Leão Junior Teófilo Marcelo de Arêa
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to articulate the philosophical perspective of human life as narrative with the humanist project of law and literature research. For that, an approximation is made between the novel The House of the Dead and the writings about the APAC Method; then, the narrative perspective of human life in its relationship with literature is discussed. After that, possible objections to the humanist project are analyzed. The conclusion is the possibility of a dialogue between law and literature, as long as the autonomy of both areas is recognized.
A evolução dos estudos em Direito e literatura nos últimos anos é extraordinária
Authors: Ward Ian , Axt Dieter
Published: April 2022

INTERVIEW
Ulpiano vence o ódio: a vitória do estado de direito sobre o terrorismo à luz de "El mal de Corcira", de Lorenzo Silva
Authors: Alenza García José Francisco
Published: April 2022

El mal de Corcira is a novel by Lorenzo Silva, in which Bevilacqua (a member of the Civil Guard) is set to investigate the murder of a former ETA supporter, and recalls the years he had fought terrorism. When the terrorist group ceases to exist, Bevilacqua is able to reflect on the fight, in a mixture of personal experience memoirs from his youth with the knowledge he had gained with age. In his thoughts, Bevilacqua reveals the totalitarian ideology of ETA, highlighting the Law as the ideal form to fight terrorism, and pointing to the importance of not accepting hate ideologies that plan to threat freedom. The main lesson from the novel is to avoid the plague of Corcyra (which Thucydides wrote about when reporting the Peloponnesian War) in our days, and that the hatred that poses danger to social peace and freedom be overcome by the legal precepts of Ulpian.
A woman of thirty or so: the ages of the Constitution
Authors: Galuppo Marcelo
Published: April 2022

This paper analyzes a so-called inconsistency in the novel A Woman of Thirty, by Honoré de Balzac: the age of Julie, the supposed leading character, does not fit the chronological framework of the narrative. Even though this inconsistency has been pointed as a possible a flaw in the creative process of the novel, it is hard to believe that, after many editions, Balzac himself would not have noticed the problem. Thus, this paper proposes a new interpretation of this apparent inconsistency, based on a different concept of time, supported by contemporary Physics, which accepts a certain simultaneously of past, present, and future. This concept also allows us to see the Constitution as a significative coexistence of the past we had and the future we wish to have in the present of the legal practice.
“Eu, o Supremo”: entre a perpetuidade e a interpretação, ou a diferença entre ditadura e gramatocracia
Authors: Gil Maturana Diego Antonio
Published: April 2022

This article addresses one of the many traceable discussions within the polyphonic novel Yo El Supremo, by Augusto Roa Bastos: the intention of the Paraguayan dictator, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, to perpetuate himself in power through written language. Does the Perpetual Dictator achieve his goals? Can letters support a dictatorship? In what sense is interpretation a condition of freedom? Why would the Venezuelan Andrés Bello be the perfect antithesis of Doctor Francia?
The absurd of brazilian legal theory in pandemic times: thoughts from the novel "The plague", by Albert Camus
Authors: Bussinguer Elda Coelho de Azevedo , Souza Alberto Dias de
Published: April 2022

This paper is an analysis of the Legal Theory in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemics, in 2020, highlighting the normative science, based on the philosophical perspective of the absurd, as developed in the novel The Plague, by Albert Camus (1936-1960). Since the beginning of 2020, the Brazilian state has been dealing with the global challenge of facing the erratic and fast contagion of the virus SARS-COV-2. A vast number of texts has been issued, in every sphere of the federation, to justify the public state actions, in order to maintain the legal social control. The constant quarrels of power, together with the economic decrease caused by social isolation, brought elements of distrust and denial regarding state actions, even when supported by the Law. A comparable situation is seen in Camus’ novel, in which, in the face of an epidemic, the worst of individuals is exposed, as the social cohesion of solidarity is abandoned. The methodology used focuses on bibliographic research. The conclusion identifies the presence of the same denial present in the absurd, already proclaimed by the Algerian thinker in the mid-twentieth century, which represents, in the public sphere, a threat to the continuity of democratic health.
Physics Augmented Correlations and Machine Learning Methods to Accurately Calculate Dead Oil Viscosity Based on the Available Inputs
Authors: Sinha Utkarsh , Dindoruk Birol , Soliman Mohamed Y.
Published: April 2022

Viscosity is one of the key parameters that is necessary to describe the fluid flow and pressure propagation in porous media as well as flow in pipes and various types of conduits. In this study, we have developed two different approaches to be able to estimate the viscosity seamlessly from a fraction to a million centipoise range. Our first approach was based on a trainable explicit expression that uses a reference viscosity measured at any temperature. This is a very common situation as the viscosity may have already been measured at reservoir temperature. Using the reference viscosity concept for many data sets, we also demonstrated the validity and tuneability of the proposed approach to predict the viscosities for the entire temperature range of interest. Our second method is developed for the cases that we did not have any viscosity measurements or no valid viscosity measurements. For such circumstances, we have utilized the extreme gradient boost (XGB) method algorithm (XGB Method) (Friedman 2001; Chen et al. 2015) using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) (Shao 1993), to be able to estimate the viscosity for the entire range of viscosities that are encountered for crudes. Some of the details of hybrid methods and other regression/machine learning methods and the role of the asphaltenes are already discussed by Sinha et al. (2019, 2020). The current approach uses a richer data set than any of the published papers with very limited input parameters: reservoir temperature, API gravity, and molecular weight, and the tuneability of the models is constrained with the molecular weight of the crudes.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of Setting Materials for Well Integrity
Authors: Ogienagbon Adijat , Khalifeh Mahmoud
Published: April 2022

A fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties of zonal isolation materials is important for predicting well integrity during well operation conditions. Conventionally, the mechanical properties of zonal isolation materials are tested at ambient temperature using uniaxial testing. This study examined the mechanical properties of alternative zonal isolation materials such as rock-based geopolymer, thermosetting resin, and an industrial class expansive cement under realistic well conditions by triaxial testing. Mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, cohesive strength, friction angle, and compressive strength of these materials at 30 and 90°C were compared. The effect of confining pressure on the mechanical properties of the materials was also examined. The findings of this study show that all selected materials possess compressive strength at 30 and 90°C and that the compressive strength of all the selected materials is strongly impacted by temperature and confining pressure. The Young’s modulus of all the selected materials was unaffected by confining pressure, while only the Young’s modulus of thermosetting resin was sensitive to temperature. The influence of temperature on the Poisson’s ratio varied from one material to another. In addition, when the test temperature increased, the friction angle of neat Class G and geopolymer decreased.
Comparison of Intercept Methods for Correction of Steady-State Relative Permeability Experiments for Capillary End Effects
Authors: Andersen Pål Ø.
Published: April 2022

Steady-state relative permeability experiments are performed by coinjection of two fluids through core plug samples. The relative permeabilities can be calculated using Darcy’s law from the stabilized pressure drop and saturation of the core if capillary end effects and transient effects are negligible. In most cases, such conditions are difficult to obtain. Recent works have presented ways to extrapolate steady-state pressure drop and average saturation measurements affected by capillary end effects collected at different rates to obtain correct relative permeabilities at correct saturations. Both the considered methods are based on linear extrapolations to determine intercepts. Gupta and Maloney (2016) derived their method intuitively and validated it with numerical and experimental data. Andersen (2021a) derived a method from fundamental assumptions and presented an intercept method in a different form where the saturation and relative permeabilities are found directly and uniquely from straightline intercepts. All system parameters, including saturation functions and injection conditions, appear in the model.

In this work, the two methods are compared. It is proven theoretically that Gupta and Maloney’s method is correct in that it produces the correct saturation and pressure drops corrected for capillary end effects. Especially, a constant pressure drop was assumed and here proved to exist, as a result of capillary end effects in addition to the Darcy law pressure drop with no end effects. Their method assumes a well-defined end effect region with length xCEE, but this length can be defined almost arbitrarily. This choice has little impact on average saturation and pressure drop, however. They also assumed that for a defined end effect region, the average saturation was constant and equal to the slope in their saturation plot. It is shown that if the region is defined, the average saturation is indeed constant, but not given by the slope. The correct slope is predicted by the Andersen model.

We also comment on theoretical misinterpretations of the Gupta and Maloney method. A few works have correctly calculated that the pressure drop over the end effect region is independent of rate, but not accounted for that its length is rate dependent. We show that the combined pressure drop is equal to a constant plus the Darcy pressure drop over the full core.

Examples are presented to illustrate the model behaviors. Literature datasets are investigated showing that (a) apparently rate-dependent CO2-brine relative permeability endpoints can be explained by capillary end effects and (b) the intercept methods can be applied to correct shale relative permeabilities.
A Novel Construction Technique For Biliary Duct Exploration
Authors: Zhou Yong , Zha Wenzhang , Wu Xudong
Published: April 2022

Background With the development of lithotripsy and choledochoscopic skills, preventive establishment of convenient and efficient bile duct exploration channel could play an important role in complicated intrahepatic stones. Methods Following left hepatectomy, the permanent bile duct exploration channel was constructed between the left hepatic duct and subcutaneous abdominal wall. Results The novel construction technique could be easily achieved following left hepatectomy. Conclusions This technology provides a new re-operational strategy for the patients with complicated intrahepatic stones.
Strain-dependent motility defects and suppression by a flhO mutation for B. subtilis bactofilins
Authors: Holtrup Sven , Graumann Peter
Published: April 2022

Objective: Bactofilins can assemble into polymeric structures and play important roles in cell shape maintenance, chromosome segregation and motility. Bacillus subtilis bactofilins BacE and BacF were shown to be important for swimming motility in strain PY79, and single gene deletions were reported to be lethal, in contrast to a double bacEF deletion. Results: Extending this work, we show that motility defects vary between different B. subtilis strains, with strain 168 showing no defect in motility, and 3610 showing delayed induction of swimming. Generation of single gene deletions in PY79 was possible by transferring corresponding deletions from 168. In the natural isolate 3610, gene deletions also showed a negative effect on biofilm formation, revealing an additional function for BacE and BacF. A spontaneous arising suppressor mutation in PY79 was mapped to the flhO gene, a constituent of the flagellum, which obtained an 18 amino acid extension at its C-terminus. Our findings show that bactofilin gene deletions lead to different motility phenotypes dependent on the strain background, and affect biofilm formation in the natural isolate 3610. Our data reinforce the idea of a connection between bactofilins and motion via the flagellum, and suggest that they operate in a switch like manner.
Prognostic factors of patients with AFP-positive colorectal cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Lv Minyi , Chen Junguo , Lin Yanyun , Chen Zexian , Chen Yufeng , He Degao , Huang Tianze , Wang Kai , Chi Zengjie , Chen Xijie , Hu Jiancong , He Xiaosheng
Published: April 2022

Background: α-Fetoprotein-positive colorectal cancer (AFPP-CRC) is a rare type of colorectal cancer (CRC), and there have been no comprehensive investigations on prognostic factors of AFPP-CRC. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic factors of AFPP-CRC. Method: During the years of 2010 to 2020, 127 CRC patients with preoperative elevated serum AFP level were collected, after excluding the diagnosis of hepatitis, hepatocirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. The AFPP-CRC group was matched by 1:2 to the AFPN(α-Fetoprotein-negative)-CRC group after propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Prognostic factors were investigated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression model. Kaplan-Meier curves were performed among the concerned prognostic factors as well. Logistic regression was used in studying associated factors between good and poor prognosis groups of AFPP-CRC. Result: After adjusting for other confounding factors by PSM, AFP positivity and tumor stage were shown to be associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS). The median of overall survival (OS) was 26.4 months versus 30.3 months when comparing AFPP-CRC group versus AFPN-CRC group (P=0.09). The median of DFS was 23.3 months in the AFPP-CRC group, as compared to 26.0 months in the AFPNCRC group (HR:1.77, 95%CI:1.22-2.57, P=0.003). Among AFPP-CRC patients, those who also had poor prognosis were characterized by microsatellite stability even after considering other confounding factors (OR, 0.18; 95%CI, 0.04-0.63; P=0.01). Conclusion: We found higher serum AFP level before surgery was associated with worse DFS in patients with CRC, even adjusting for tumor stage. Besides, AFPP-CRC with microsatellite stability might had a worse prognosis.
Severe mental illness, common mental disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions amongst 9088 lower court attendees in London, UK
Authors: Chaplin Eddie , McCarthy Jane , Ali Salma , Marshall-Tate Karina , Xenitidis Kiriakos , Harvey Denise , Chids Jessica , Srivast Samir , McKinnon Iain , Robinson Louise , Allely Clare , Hardy Sally , Tolchard Barry , Forrester Andrew
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Court Mental Health Liaison and Diversion Services (CMHLDS) have developed in some countries as a response to the over-representation of mental illness and other vulnerabilities amongst defendants presenting to criminal justice (or correctional) systems. This study examined the characteristics and rates of mental disorder of 9088 defendants referred to court liaison and diversion services. Method: The study analysed service level data, obtained from the National Health Service’s mental health data set, to examine characteristics relating to gender, ethnicity and comorbidity of common mental and neurodevelopmental disorders at five CMHLDS across London between September 2015 and April 2017.Results: The sample included 7186 males (79.1%) and 1719 females (18.9%) , the gender of 183 (2%) was not recorded. Of those referred, 6616 (72.8%) presented with an identifiable mental disorder and 503 (5.5%) with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). Significantly higher rates of schizophrenia were reported amongst Black defendants (n=681;37.2%) and Asian defendants of (n=315; 29%),while higher rates of depression were found amongst White defendant (n=1007; 22.1%). Substance misuse was reported amongst 2813 defendants (31%), and alcohol misuse amongst 2111 (23.2%), with significantly high rates of substance and alcohol misuse amongst defendants presenting with schizophrenia or personality disorder.Conclusion: This is one of the largest studies to examine mental health needs and vulnerabilities amongst defendants presenting to CMHLDS. It will enable improved understanding of the required service designs and resources required to manage the healthcare pathways for people attending CMHLDS.
Convalescent Plasma to Treat Covid-19: a Randomized Double Blind 2 Centers Trial
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Verónica , Ventura-Enríquez Yanet , Cabello-Gutiérrez Carlos , Pérez-Calatayud Ángel Augusto , Rosa Evelyn Cortina-De la , Fareli-González Christian Javier , Castillo-Juárez Paola , Peña-Pérez Carlos Alberto , Zavaleta-Martínez Elí Omar , Diaz-Padilla Elizabeth , Murrieta Sandra , Álvarez-Jiménez Violeta Deyanira , Ponce-Medrano Juan Alberto Díaz , Casillas-Suárez Catalina , Ocampo-Ocampo María Angélica
Published: April 2022

In SARS-CoV-2, there is an overactivation of the immune system that triggers systemic hyperinflammation that causes lung damage; therefore, the use of convalescent plasma (CP) has been considered for its immunological mechanisms that could benefit patients in moderate and severe stages of the disease. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the use of convalescent donor plasma for COVID-19 to reduce mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 stage II (moderate) and stage III (severe) disease.Material and methodsA double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from May 20 to December 10, 2020. Thirty-nine participants with moderate (II) and severe (III) stage COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and tomography were included. The study randomization rate was set at 3:1. Convalescent plasmas were chosen for application with a neutralizing antibody titer of ≥ 1:32. Patient follow-up included assessment by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and use of the Oxygenation Index (PAO2/FIO2) index and monitoring of blood markers, such as C Reactive Protein (CRP), D-Dimer (DD), ferritin, IgG antibody titers against SARS-COV-2, and inflammatory cytokines at days three and seven post-treatment.ResultsWe observed a significantly lower 21-day post-transfusion mortality HR: 0.17 [95.0% CI 0.07-0.45, p<0.001] in the group receiving convalescent plasma compared to the control group; protective units (PU) in the group receiving convalescent plasma after seven days were significantly higher 512 (32-16384) vs 96 (32-256), p=0.01; the SOFA scale decreased to 3.7 ± 2.02 vs 7.1 ± 2.8, p<0.001 and the PAO2/FIO2 index showed a significant improvement in the group receiving convalescent plasma 251.01 ± 109.4 vs 109.2 ± 62.4, p<0.001, vs the control group. In terms of safety, no adverse events related to the transfusion of convalescent plasma were observed.ConclusionConvalescent plasma is safe and effective, as it decreases mortality in the convalescent plasma group compared to the control group.
(ISSI 2021) Path-dependent progressive failure analysis for 3D-printed continuous carbon fibre reinforced composites
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ye Lin
Published: April 2022

In this study, a novel path-dependent progressive failure (PDPF) numerical approach is developed to predict the damage behaviours of 3D-printed continuous carbon fibre (CCF) reinforced composites when additional short carbon fibre (SCF) composite components are employed for continuous printing or special functionality. First, a progressive failure model using Hashin failure criteria with continuum damage mechanics to account for the damage initiation and evaluation of 3D-printed CCF reinforced polyamide (PA) composites is developed, and an elastic-plastic model is employed to predict the plastic damage behaviours of SCF/PA parts, based on actual fibre placement trajectories with physical measurements of 3D-printed CCF/PA constituents. Then, the accuracy of the PDPF model was validated and utilised to study 3D-printed CCF/PA composites with either negative Poisson’s ratio or high stiffness. The results demonstrate that the proposed PDPF model can achieve higher prediction accuracies in mechanical properties of these 3D-printed CCF/PA composites. Mechanism analyses show that the stress distribution is generally aggregated in the CCF areas along the fibre placement paths, and the shear damage and matrix tensile/compressive damage are the key damage modes. This study provides a new approach with valuable information for characterising complex 3D-printed continuous fibre-matrix composites with variable mechanical properties and multiple constituents.
Estimation of Maximum Achievable Datarate and BER in Spatial Modulation Scheme using Artificial Neural Network based Regression Model
Authors: M Neema , Gopi E S , Viswas Reddy , Gandhi Mukesh
Published: April 2022

Adopting multiple antenna schemes is an effective means to ensure signal reliability, as it decreases the number of drop-outs and lost connections. These schemes present a trade-off between higher data rates and superior error performance for increased system complexity and cost. Spatial modulation (SM) is a low complexity multiple antenna scheme that can offer higher performance in terms of data rate and Bit Error Rate (BER). Here, from the given total number of available antennas (nt) and the chosen M-ary QAM transmission(M), the maximum achievable data rate happens by properly choosing the number of active antennas (na) for simultaneous transmission. But determining n a as a function of n t and M and then, BER as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR), is a computationally complex and time-consuming process. Hence, the paper demonstrates the usage of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based regression models in obtaining the closed-form expressions to estimate the number of active antennas and then the BER. Two models were proposed and experimental results promise the usage of this technique in real-time scenario.
Devising and validating a pen-side hematological formula for hemoglobin estimation in Cholistani cattle
Authors: Ahmad Shahbaz , Lashari Mushtaq Hussain , Farooq Umer , Idris Musadiq , Rehman Zia Ur , Khan Nasrullah
Published: April 2022

The present study has been designed to devise a pen-side hematological formula for estimation of hemoglobin (Hb) from Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in Cholistani breed of cattle being reared under pastoralism in Cholistan desert, Pakistan. It also aims to validate the soundness of rule of calculating Hb concentration as one-third of PCV and vice versa as being used in human medicine. Cholistani cattle (n = 364) were bled for PCV determination through microhematocrit method and Hb estimation through validated human hematology analyzer (HbD) as well as through calculation being one-third of PCV (HbC). Means (± SE) and 95% CI were computed using prescribed formulae. Difference between HbC and HbD and between HbD and corrected Hb (CHb) for all groups was computed through independent t-test. Polynomial regression analyses were carried out, scatter-plots were drawn and regression prediction equations were accordingly computed. Attaining a highest adjusted r-square value from these equations, corrected Hb (CHb) was calculated. Significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher positive correlation coefficient was noticed for female adult stock (r = 0.893; adjusted r-square = 0.79) between HbD and PCV, and between HbD and HbC. The regression equation hence attained i.e. Hb = 0.27 (PCV) + 1.9 is considered valid for deducing Hb from PCV in female adult stock. For other groups, regression prediction equation [− 0.673 + 0.6433 (PCV) − 0.008136 (PCV2) + 0.00031 (PCV3)] attained from the cubic regression having highest adjusted r-square value (0.59) is recommended for computing Hb concentration from PCV. The present study may assist to give information that can be applicable for the fieldwork for the clinical diagnosis of anemia in livestock in general, and in Cholistani cattle in specific.
WSNs Node localization algorithm based on Multi-Hop Distance Vector and Error Correction
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Guang , Yu Xiuwu , Hu Shaohua , Yuan Youcui
Published: April 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have broad application prospects in various industries, and node localization technology is the foundation of WSN applications. Recently, many range-free node localization algorithms have been proposed, but most of them suffer from low accuracy. In order to improve the localization accuracy, in this paper we proposed the node localization algorithm based on multi-hop distance vector and error correction(MDV-EC). In terms of distance estimation, firstly the MDV-EC algorithm calculates the neighbor distance according to node neighbor relationship, then estimates the distance between unknown node and anchor node in multi-hop manner, and finally calibrates the distance refer to distance correction coefficient. In view of similarity of localization errors of nodes in similar regions, an error correction scheme is also investigated, which corrects the node initial estimated locations of nodes refer to the localization error vector of nearby anchor node. Simulation results show that our proposed MDV-EC has better performance than the other two algorithms in terms of node localization accuracy, and the error correction scheme can effectively reduce the localization errors.
Native and exotic plants play different roles in urban pollination networks across seasons
Authors: Zaninotto Vincent , Thébault Elisa , Dajoz Isabelle
Published: April 2022

Urban areas often host exotic plant species, whether managed or spontaneous. These plants are suspected of affecting pollinator diversity and the structure of pollination networks. However, in dense cityscapes, exotic plants also provide additional flower resources during periods of scarcity, and the consequences for the seasonal dynamics of networks still need to be investigated. For two consecutive years, we monitored monthly plant-pollinator networks in twelve greenspaces of Paris, France. We focused on seasonal variations in the availability and attractiveness of flower resources, comparing native and exotic plants at both the species and community levels. We also considered their respective contributions to networks properties over time (specialization and nestedness). Exotic plants provided more abundant and diverse flower resources than native plants, especially late in the season. However, native plants received more visits and attracted more pollinator species, both at the community and species levels. Exotic plants were involved in more generalist interactions, and this became more so as the season progressed. In addition, they contributed more to network nestedness than native plants. These results show that exotic plants are major components of plant-pollinator interactions in a dense urban landscape, even though they are less attractive to diverse pollinators. They constitute a core of generalist interactions that increase nestedness and can participate in the overall stability of the network. However, most exotic species were seldom visited by insects. Pollinator communities may benefit from including more native species, as well as entomophilous varieties of exotic plants, when managing urban greenspaces.
Theoretical prediction of two-dimensional BC2 X (X=N, P, As) monolayers: Ab initio investigations
Authors: Bafekry A. , Naseri N. , Faraji F. , Fadlallah M. M. , Hoat D. M. , Jappor H. R. , Ghergherehchi M. , Gogova D.
Published: April 2022

In this work, novel two-dimensional BC2 X (X=N, P, As) monolayers with X atoms out of the B-C plane, are predicted by means of the density functional theory. The structural, electronic, optical, photocatalytic and thermoelectric properties of the BC2 X monolayers have been investigated. Stability evaluation of the BC 2 X single-layers is carried out by phonon dispersion, ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation, elastic stability, and cohesive energies study. The mechanical properties reveal all monolayers considered are stable and have brittle nature. The band structure calculations using the HSE06 functional reveal that the BC2 N, BC 2 P and BC 2 As are semiconducting monolayers with indirect bandgaps of 2.68 eV, 1.77 eV and 1.21 eV, respectively. The absorption spectra demonstrate large absorption coefficients of the BC 2 X monolayers in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, we disclose the BC 2 N and BC 2 P monolayers are potentially good candidates for photocatalytic water splitting. The electrical conductivity of BC 2 X is very small and slightly increases by raising the temperature. Electron doping may yield greater electric productivity of the studied monolayers than hole doping, as indicated by the larger power factor in the n-doped region compared to the p-type region. These results suggest that BC 2 X (X=N, P, As)monolayers represent a new promising class of 2DMs for electronic, optical and energy conversion systems.
Total Hip Arthroplasty After Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: NEGAYAMA TAKAHIRO , Iwata Ken , Shimamura Masashi , Senda Teppei , Mashiba Tasuku , Kaji Yoshio , Yamamoto Tetsuji
Published: April 2022

Background: Total hip arthroplasty after osteotomy is more technically challenging than primary total hip arthroplasty, especially with regards to cup placement. This is due to bone morphological abnormalities caused by acetabular bone loss and osteophyte formation. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy compared with primary total hip arthroplasty, focusing mainly on acetabular deformity and cup position. Methods: The study included 22 hips that had undergone rotational acetabular osteotomy and 22 hips in an age and sex-matched control group in total hip arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2020. We analyzed cup abduction and anteversion angle, lateral, anterior, and posterior cup center-edge angle, hip joint center position, femoral anteversion angle, and presence of acetabular defect using postoperative radiography and computed tomography. Operative results and clinical evaluations were also analyzed.Results: The clinical evaluation showed that the postoperative range of motion was lower in total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy than in primary total hip arthroplasty. The lateral cup center-edge angle was significantly higher and the posterior cup center-edge angle was significantly lower in the total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy, suggesting a posterior bone defect existed in the acetablum. In total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy, the hip joint center was located significantly superior and lateral to the primary total hip arthroplasty.Conclusions: In total hip arthroplasty after rotational acetabular osteotomy, the cup tended to be placed in the superior and lateral positions, where there was more bone volume. The deformity of the acetabulum and the high hip center should be considered for treatment success because they may cause cup instability, limited range of motion, and impingement.