bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Vaccination and Public Health Countermeasures on Variants of Concern in Canada: Evidence From a Spatial Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Adeyinka Daniel A , Neudorf Cory , Camillo Cheryl A , Marks Wendie N , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

There is mounting evidence that the third wave of COVID-19 incidence is declining, yet variants of concern (VOCs) continue to present public health challenges in Canada. The emergence of VOCs has sparked debate on how to effectively control their impacts on the Canadian population.

OBJECTIVE

Provincial and territorial governments have implemented a wide range of policy measures to protect residents against community transmission of COVID-19, but research examining the specific impact of policy countermeasures on the VOCs in Canada is needed. Our study objective was to identify provinces with disproportionate prevalence of VOCs relative to COVID-19 mitigation efforts in provinces and territories in Canada.

METHODS

We analyzed publicly available provincial- and territorial-level data on the prevalence of VOCs in relation to mitigating factors, summarized in 3 measures: (1) strength of public health countermeasures (stringency index), (2) the extent to which people moved about outside their homes (mobility index), and (3) the proportion of the provincial or territorial population that was fully vaccinated (vaccine uptake). Using spatial agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis (unsupervised machine learning), provinces and territories were grouped into clusters by stringency index, mobility index, and full vaccine uptake. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the prevalence of VOCs (Alpha, or B.1.1.7; Beta, or B.1.351; Gamma, or P.1; and Delta, or B.1.617.2 variants) across the clusters.

RESULTS

We identified 3 clusters of vaccine uptake and countermeasures. Cluster 1 consisted of the 3 Canadian territories and was characterized by a higher degree of vaccine deployment and fewer countermeasures. Cluster 2 (located in Central Canada and the Atlantic region) was typified by lower levels of vaccine deployment and moderate countermeasures. The third cluster, which consisted of provinces in the Pacific region, Central Canada, and the Prairies, exhibited moderate vaccine deployment but stronger countermeasures. The overall and variant-specific prevalences were significantly different across the clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

This “up to the point” analysis found that implementation of COVID-19 public health measures, including the mass vaccination of populations, is key to controlling VOC prevalence rates in Canada. As of June 15, 2021, the third wave of COVID-19 in Canada is declining, and those provinces and territories that had implemented more comprehensive public health measures showed lower VOC prevalence. Public health authorities and governments need to continue to communicate the importance of sociobehavioural preventive measures, even as populations in Canada continue to receive their primary and booster doses of vaccines.
Gaps in the utilization of community health services for the elderly population in rural areas in mainland China: A systematic review based on cross-sectional investigations (Preprint)
Authors: deng shanshan , Zhang Chenchen , Guo Xing , Lv Hekai , Fan Yanyan , Wang Zhuoxin , Luo Dan , Duan Xiaoxia , Wang Fuzhi
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The community health service system was initially established in the rural areas of mainland China, but the utilization of community health service resources by the rural elderly population is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, evidence was combined to identify the factors that influence the use of health services, to reveal the gaps in community health services in rural China and the barriers that affect the usage of primary health services by the elderly population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional studies on the utilization of community health services by the rural elderly in mainland China published within the last ten years were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Medline and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The quality of the article was evaluated by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programmer (CASP), and obstacles to the utilization of community health services by the rural elderly population were analysed based on the Andersen model.

RESULTS

24 studies were analysed, including 20 high-quality articles and 4 medium-quality articles. Three gaps were found: (i) The cognition of rural elderly residents does not match the current health security system. (ii) There is a gap between the supply of health service resources in rural communities and the health needs of elderly residents. (iii) The health services provided by rural primary health service institutions are not targeted.

CONCLUSIONS

The current situation of the utilization of community health services by the rural elderly population in mainland China is not optimistic. Several factors from the individual to the system level lead to low access and low utilization. This finding means that under the leadership of the government, it is necessary to integrate the strength of multiple departments to cooperate in improving the welfare system, policy publicity, health education, financial support, system guarantees and resource exchange and sharing for the elderly population in rural areas and to jointly promote community health services for the elderly population in rural areas.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021226794
Social media use among an international group of spondyloarthritis experts: Results of an online survey conducted among members of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) (Preprint)
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Phang Jie Kie , Woon Ting Hui , Liew Jean , Dubreuil Maureen , Proft Fabian , Ramiro Sofia , Molto Anna , Navarro-Compan Victoria , De Hooge Manouk , Meghnathi Bhowmik , Ziade Nelly , Zhao Steven Sizheng , Llop Maria , Baraliakos Xenofon , Fong Warren
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The use of social media in healthcare may serve as a beneficial tool for education, information dissemination, telemedicine, research, networking and communications. To better leverage on the benefits of social media, it is imperative to understand the patterns of use and potential barriers to its implementation in healthcare. A previous study in 2016 which investigated social media use among young clinical rheumatologists (45 years and younger) and basic scientists showed that there was substantial use of social media among them for social and professional reasons9. However, there is limited inquiry on social media use amongst different areas in Rheumatology, such as spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

To explore motivations, barriers and patterns of social media use among an international group of clinicians and researchers with an interest in spondyloarthritis.

METHODS

We distributed an online survey via email from March 2021 to June 2021 to 198 members of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS). It contained 24 questions about demographic characteristics, patterns of current social media usage and perceptions of utility. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify characteristics associated with usage patterns.

RESULTS

The response rate was 78.8% (n=156). Of these, 146 (93.6%) used at least one social media platform. Apart from online shopping and entertainment, usage of social media for clinical updates (OR: 6.25, 95% CI: 2.43 – 16.03) and research updates (OR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.35 – 8.78) were associated with higher social media consumption. Among the respondents, 103 (66.0%) utilised it in a work-related manner. Usage of social media for new online resources (OR: 6.55, 95% CI: 2.01 – 21.37), interaction with international colleagues (OR: 4.66, 95% CI: 1.21 – 17.90) and establishing an online presence (OR: 4.05, 95% CI: 1.25 – 13.13) were associated with higher levels of consumption for work-related purposes. Time investment, confidentiality concerns and security concerns were the top 3 challenges to a wider adoption of social media.

CONCLUSIONS

Majority of respondents (66.0%) utilise social media in a work-related manner. Professional development, establishing an online presence and international collaboration were associated with higher usage. Challenges to social media adoption should be addressed to maximise its benefits.
Analyzing Discussions Around Rural Health on Twitter During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Network Analysis of Twitter Data (Preprint)
Authors: Ahmed Wasim , Vidal-Alaball Josep , Vilaseca Llobet Josep Maria
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Individuals from rural areas are increasingly using social media as a means of communication, receiving information, or actively complaining of inequalities and injustices.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to analyze conversations about rural health taking place on Twitter during a particular phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This study captured 57 days’ worth of Twitter data related to rural health from June to August 2021, using English-language keywords. The study used social network analysis and natural language processing to analyze the data.

RESULTS

It was found that Twitter served as a fruitful platform to raise awareness of problems faced by users living in rural areas. Overall, Twitter was used in rural areas to express complaints, debate, and share information.

CONCLUSIONS

Twitter could be leveraged as a powerful social listening tool for individuals and organizations that want to gain insight into popular narratives around rural health.
Pelatihan Pengasuhan Orang Tua ADA “Asah Diri, Asuh Anak” untuk Meningkatkan Keterlibatan Ibu dalam Pengasuhan Anak Prasekolah
Authors: Putri Dhea Ravea Eka , Utami Muhana Sofiati
Published: May 2022

Keterlibatan orang tua dalam pengasuhan anak prasekolah merupakan hal yang penting bagi perkembangan anak. Faktanya, keterlibatan orang tua khususnya ibu dalam pengasuhan di Indonesia belum cukup baik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui pengaruh Pelatihan Pengasuhan Orang Tua ADA “Asah Diri, Asuh Anak” untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan ibu dalam pengasuhan anak prasekolah. Partisipan penelitian ini adalah 38 ibu yang bekerja, berlatar belakang pendidikan SMA sederajat dan memiliki anak usia dini 3-5 tahun. Pengumpulan data menggunakan Skala Keterlibatan Orang Tua dalam Pengasuhan Anak Prasekolah yang diisi oleh ibu dan Tes Pengasuhan Anak Prasekolah. Analisis data penelitian menggunakan Anova Mixed Design. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pelatihan Pengasuhan Orang Tua ADA “Asah Diri, Asuh Anak” dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu dan keterlibatan ibu dalam pengasuhan anak prasekolah (F = 45,202; p<0,01). Pelatihan dapat memberikan kontribusi terhadap peningkatan keterlibatan ibu dalam pengasuhan anak sebesar 79%. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah dapat menambah wawasan dari ibu dengan latar tingkat pendidikan menengah ke atas terkait pengasuhan anak, sehingga dapat meningkatkan keterampilan dalam melakukan stimulasi perkembangan anak prasekolah.
Pelatihan Fathering untuk Meningkatkan Kualitas Pengasuhan pada Ayah yang Memiliki Anak Usia Prasekolah
Authors: Intani Zahra Frida
Published: May 2022

Ayah memiliki peran dalam pengasuhan sehingga memerlukan pengetahuan serta keterampilan tentang bagaimana mengasuh anak dengan baik. Ketika ayah memiliki kualitas pengasuhan yang baik dapat mengurangi faktor risiko munculnya permasalahan dalam perkembangan anak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji efektivitas Pelatihan Fathering dalam meningkatkan kualitas pengasuhan ayah yang memiliki anak usia prasekolah (3-5 tahun). Semakin ayah terlibat dalam pengasuhan, diharapkan ayah akan semakin memahami bagaimana pengasuhan yang tepat untuk anak sehingga kualitas pengasuhannya meningkat. Pengujian efektivitas pelatihan dilakukan dengan penelitian eksperimen dengan untreated control group design with dependent pretest-posttest samples. Partisipan penelitian adalah 11 orang ayah di mana 6 orang dimasukkan ke kelompok eksperimen dan 5 orang di kelompok kontrol. Instrumen pengukuran menggunakan Skala Kualitas Pengasuhan. Analisis statistik yang digunakan adalah Mann-Whitney’s U, dilengkapi dengan analisis deskriptif terhadap hasil observasi dan lembar kerja lima orang partisipan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pelatihan Fathering tidak dapat meningkatkan kualitas pengasuhan ayah yang memiliki anak usia prasekolah secara signifikan. Bagian diskusi mengelaborasi temuan ini.
The Relationship between Asia Pacific Markets during the Financial Crisis: VAR-Granger Causality Analysis
Authors: Kusumah Hayun , Asri Marwan , Setiawan Kusdhianto , Setiyono Bowo
Published: May 2022

Introduction/Main Objectives: This study investigates the relationships between equity markets during the Asian financial crisis and the subprime mortgage crisis in Asia-Pacific. Background Problems: The advantages of market integration are under scrutiny in the midst of global financial crises, which have many implications for international asset pricing and regulators to develop strategies to protect economies. During the crises, the equity markets responded with different patterns, and it is important to understand in more detail the market relations during each crisis, especially for the less and more integrated markets. Novelty: We provide in-depth analysis to compare the market relationships during two extremely different financial crises originating from less integrated markets (i.e., emerging ones) and more integrated markets (i.e., developed ones), based on the prices which give a direct measurement and clear interpretation. This research provides a significant contribution by showing new findings in the form of a comparison of market relations during two extremely different crises in the Asia-Pacific region. Research Methods: This study employs time-series data from economic territories based on the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Asia-Pacific classification and the United States. We conducted analysis using the vector autoregressive, Granger causality test, and impulse response, to point out the market relationships during the crises or turmoil periods. Finding/Results: The results show that the Asian financial crisis affected the emerging markets more and this indicates the unidirectional causality relationships among them. Meanwhile, the subprime mortgage crisis affected all the markets, but more indicated the bidirectional relationships, especially the developed markets. Conclusion: Although these two financial crises were global in nature, the effects on the region were different. The origin of the shock and the level of market integration affected the market relationships differently during the crises.
Performance Analysis of a 3.2 kWp Photovoltaic System with Microinverter for Distributed Generation
Authors: Souto Raylla Silveira , Santos Lya Serpa Claudio dos , Sacramento Elissandro Monteiro do , Lima Lutero Carmo de
Published: May 2022

Faced with the increase in electricity consumption and in the tariffs of the kWh consumed, as well as the insertion of renewable sources in the world energy matrix, several countries seek to encourage industrial, commercial and residential consumers to invest in distributed generation systems. In Brazil, ANEEL Resolution No. 482 of 2012 and later updated by No. 687 of 2015, aims to establish distributed mini and microgeneration from renewable sources such as photovoltaic solar energy. Distributed generation is advantageous both for local utilities, as it provides a reduction in grid loading, minimization of losses and diversification of the national energy matrix, among others, and for the consumer who, through the provided compensation system, will be able to inject the surplus energy generated into the electricity grid of the local energy concessionaire and, with that, it will earn a bonus on your electricity bill at the end of the month. Considering that Brazil is mostly located in the intertropical region, for exemple, the Northeast region, where the sun is present most of the year. Thus, this study aims to present an evaluation of the local solar resource and the performance indexes related to a photovoltaic system connected to the 3.2 kWp grid with microinverter in a low voltage residence in Fortaleza-CE.
The Trauma of Separation: Understanding How Music Education Interrupted My Relationship with the More-Than-Human World
Authors: Smith Tawnya
Published: May 2022

I grew up immersed in the sounds of nature. However, throughout childhood, the ambient soundscape that once thrilled me was usurped by human-made sounds. I conducted an autoethnographic inquiry to seek the ways that my early and middle childhood music education diverted my attention from local soundscapes to a near-exclusive focus on anthropocentric sound. During early childhood, I shed my nature-centric musical identity to conform to a musical community that prioritized human-made sounds over the natural soundscape. In middle childhood, listening became an anxiety-ridden activity as hyper attention to human-made sounds became necessary to navigate childhood complexities and to function in my musical environments. Isolation and dissociation from the natural sounds that I valued as a young child resulted in my trauma of separation from the earth. Conclusions are contextualized so that music educators might draw connections between music and nature to avoid practices that perpetuate the trauma of separation with their students.
Lexical Analysis Using Corpus Linguistics: Comprehending How EFL Students Are Writing
Authors: Guzmán Arce Natin , Ramírez Acosta Jimmy , Rodríguez Salazar Sonia
Published: May 2022

This article shows one specific object of study using Corpus Linguistics: adjectives from a corpus of academic texts from EFL students collected between 2017 and 2018 revealing a dissimilar variety compared to native speakers’ corpus in similar types of texts. This nearly half a million corpus comprises students’ academic writings from two English Teaching majors and one English BA from the School of Literature and Language Sciences in Universidad Nacional in Heredia, Costa Rica. What the lexical unit of the study displays and what it reveals is surprisingly interesting because, as EFL teachers, we expected a more diverse and profound use of adjectives as they are an important device in academic prose. Written texts seem to reflect a fault in the teaching and learning of this skill, calling for immediate attention to the matter. The use of the concordancer AntConc© as the linguistic analysis software selected to manage the lexical categories that the researchers picked as a starting point was truly significant in the methodological process. A corpus-driven approach was followed in this initial attempt to illustrate word choice in academic writings developed in the composition courses during the time period: English Integrated I, English Integrated II, Composition, and Essay. This study was longitudinal as it involved the same students’ writings during the two years of the corpus collection. General findings also show that lexical complexity is deficient and suggest that more didactic efforts should be made to encourage the learning and acquisition of vocabulary, being the use of native speakers’ corpus one example of such strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 Non Responders - An Analysis of Non Responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines among Healthcare Workers in 2021
Authors: Venkatesan Balamurali , Vajravelu Leela Kakithakara , Ravi Sujith , Thulukanam Jayaprakash , Muthamilan Om Lokesh
Published: May 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) possess high mortality and morbidity across the globe. In India, BBV-152 (CovaxinTM) and ChAdOx1-nCOV (CovishieldTM) vaccines are now being used to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. A Cross sectional observational study was designed to analyze the Antibody immune response to SARS CoV-2 vaccine quantitatively among Health Care Workers and it was correlated with age, sex, other comorbidities and blood group. A total of 160 fully vaccinated HCWs, the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 level was estimated by using Chemiluminescence Immuno Assay. A protective immune response following the complete course of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine should be ≥ 1.00 S/C. A total of 160 HCWs (82 Male, 78 Female) who had completed both the doses of Covishield (n=128) and Covaxin (n=32). Both the vaccine recipient had mild to moderate symptoms and none of the HCWs had severe adverse events after administration of vaccine. Out of which, 143 (89.3%) HCWs showed seropositive and 17 (10.7%) HCWs showed seronegative. There was no notable variation in sex and other co-morbidities. Significantly, reduced antibody titers towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was noted among individuals aged ≤ 60 years and O+ve Blood group. Both the vaccines obtained successful immune response after their complete course, even though there was a significantly higher seropositivity rate in Covishield in spite of Covaxin recipients. Further, genomic correlative advanced studies can conclude the significance of non-responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among the HCWs.
Molecular Study to Detect Escherichia coli in Diarrheic Children and its Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Makhrmash Jasim Hussein , Qaddoori Ban H. , AL-Aidy S.R.
Published: May 2022

Diarrheal diseases can lead to infections and cause morbidity and mortality in children. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is an etiological agent, which is considered the major causative agent of diarrhea in children in some developing countries. The aims of this work were to estimate Escherichia coli (E. coli) causing diarrhea in children less than 5 years old, and to detect some biofilm virulence factors and the effect of some antibiotics. For the methodology, a total of 112 specimens were collected from children from two health centers, Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital and Public Health Laboratory (located in Al-Kut city/ and the Wasit province in Iraq). All specimens were grown on simple and rich media. A total of 43 (38.4%) E. coli isolates were identified using different traditional methods, such as biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was used to detect some virulence factor genes that play an important role in the pathogenesis of diarrheic E. coli e.g., 16S rRNA, bfpA, and eaeA. In this study, several antibiotics were used to estimate the sensitivity and resistivity of E. coli isolates. A total of 43 isolates were fully identified as E. coli. These samples were used to detect the virulence factor genes, and 31 (72.1%) and 29 (29.4%) isolates carried bfpA and eaeA, respectively. The preponderance of E. coli isolates were completely resistant to penicillin 43 (100%). Additionally, 33 (76.7%) and 27 (62.8%) isolates were resistant to cephalothin and amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, respectively. Furthermore, the isolates of E. coli isolates showed different levels of sensitivity to antibiotics, including polymyxin B 40 (93%), norfloxacin 38 (88.4%), gentamycin 26 (60.4%), and meropenem 22 (51.2%). In conclusion, diarrheagenic E. coli isolates were the prevalent among diarrheic children. Most isolates showed varying results for the presence of virulence factors. In addition, all isolates were resistant to penicillin and sensitive to polymyxin B.
Impact of Quorum Sensing System on Virulence Factors Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Sonbol Fatma , El-Banna Tarek , Elgaml Abdelaziz , Aboelsuod Khaled M.
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen that is frequently associated with nosocomial infections. The goal of this work was to determine the relationship between the quorum sensing system (QS) and the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. A number of 100 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from various clinical sources from different Mansoura university hospitals in the period from April 2018 till April 2019. PCR screening of QS genes in the isolates was carried out including lasI, lasR, rhlI and rhlR. Thereafter, assay of the production of different virulence factors in the isolates was established including biofilm formation, pyocyanin production, protease production, lipase production, hemolysin production as well as swimming motility. Finally, statistical analysis of the data was performed to confirm the relationship between the QS and the production of virulence factors. Out of the 100 P. aeruginosa isolates, 27 clinical isolates were QS deficient. PCR analysis revealed that 8 isolates lacked lasR gene, 15 isolates lacked lasR and rhlR genes, 1 isolate lacked lasR and lasI genes, 2 isolates lacked lasR, lasI and rhlR genes and 1 isolate lacked rhlR, rhlI and lasR genes. There was a significant decrease observed in the production of pyocyanin, protease, lipase, hemolysin and biofilm formation as well as swimming motility in P. aeruginosa QS deficient isolates in comparison to non-QS deficient ones. There was a clear association between QS and virulence factors production in P. aeruginosa. This could open the door for novel promising targets for developing new therapeutic strategies against infections caused by this pathogen.
Internet Controlled Drone
Authors: Kumar E Santosh
Published: May 2022

Abstract: A drone is an unmanned aircraft in the technical sense. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems are other terms for drones (UASes). The quadcopter may be commanded remotely or can fly autonomously thanks to software-controlled flight plans in embedded systems that function in conjunction with onboard sensors and GPS. Drones are often operated or controlled via radio frequency technology, which limits the drone's range to a certain distance. This paper proposes a novel method of controlling drones through the Internet that does not require the drone to be within a specific range. The drone may fly till it is linked to the Internet if the recommended solution is implemented. Keywords: Internet Drone, NodeMCU, IP Address, PID Tuning, Internet Controlled.
Meal Donation Application Using Flutter Technology
Authors: Rathod Pranjul Singh , Singh Gurpreet , Abhilash E , Tyagi Swati
Published: May 2022

Abstract: This mission is used to control the wastage of food in a purposeful way. people are throwing away lots of meals each day. So, we have to reduce that food wastage problem through online application. This app is basically a Food Donation App that includes Food Providers (Providers, Individuals and Restaurants etc.) and Recipients (NGOs, Individuals etc.). This app sets out the details of leftover food and pick up address and other relevant information that can be viewed by Recipients. Recipients with their consent can access the specified location to download the food package. Effective management and security of data is maintained while developing our product. User information is kept private because it maintains a separate account for each user. The potential for food redistribution for this project could be an effective social implementation initiative addressing food waste and food poverty. Keywords: Meal donation, Meal wastage, mobile application, flutter, firebase, mobile application
Diabetic Retinopathy Detection using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Joshi Vedant Narendra , Gujar Mehul Rajendra , Chaudhary Siddhant Rahul , Paranjape Sanat Pradeep , Wagh Jagruti
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Diabetic Retinopathy is a medical disorder in which diabetes mellitus causes damage to the retina. Diabetic Retinopathy is diagnosed using coloured fundus pictures, which requires trained clinicians to recognise the presence and importance of several tiny characteristics, making it a time-consuming task. We present a CNN-based technique to detect Diabetic Retinopathy in fundus pictures in this research. A new segmentation strategy using Gabor filters is employed to prepare the data used to train the model. Data augmentation is used to gather enough data to train the model due to the short dataset. Intricate characteristics in fundus images are detected by our segmentation model, which also detects the presence of DR. The model is efficiently trained using a high-end Graphics Processor Unit (GPU). Keywords: Augmentation, Segmentation, CNN
LIDAR Technology
Authors: K Mr. Pramod , M C Akshay
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Since the 1960s, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) technology has been in use. LiDAR has become a common sensor as technology has advanced. Automation, agriculture, archaeology, Information technology and the quantification of various atmosphericcomponents all use LiDARs. The present manuscripts cover the operation of LiDAR, its various varieties, history, and various applications. One may determine the distance between different objects in space and construct a 3D digital representation of the region in front of LiDAR using LiDAR readings. Lidar mapping is a wellknown technique for quickly generating precise georeferenced spatial data about the Earth's shape and surface features. Lidar mapping systems and their underlying technology have recently progressed, allowing scientists and mapping professionals to investigate natural and built environments at sizes never before feasible, with greater accuracy, precision, and cost effectively provide the best aspects of the culture of human civilization. Keywords: LiDAR, LASER, RADAR
Instant Messaging Application Based on Android
Authors: Singh Saiyyam , Bhatnagar Vedant , Gautam Sarthak , Satwaliya Deepanshu Singh
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Through communication, an individual can express his ideas, feelings, and various aspects to others. Communication via the internet is becoming increasingly important these days. Through online communication, users can communicate with others remotely quickly, and conveniently irrespective of their physical location. With this in mind, communication applications should be able to instantly transfer files and messages with no delay or with minimal delay, depending on the transmission medium. For such a system to work, it needs a database that is updated in real-time to keep track of all the data sent. Google Firebase is a service that provides a real-time database server and various other functions. Firebase makes it relatively easy to develop communication-based applications. The main purpose of this paper is to initiate real-time communication between users through a software application that works on android devices connected to the internet such that the communication gap between the users gets reduced. Google Firebase is used to handle the communication process of the backend and text translation and image optical character recognition are among the features included in this application. Keywords: Android, Firebase, Instant messaging, ML translate, Text recognition
Mechanical Properties of Light Weight Concrete using Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate
Authors: Singh Abhishek Kumar , Niveda R , Anand Ashish , Yadav Ajay , Kumar Diwakar , Verma Gaurav
Published: May 2022

Abstract: This research investigates the impact of partially substituting coarse aggregate with light weight coarse material (LECA). In numerous aspects, LECA mirrors the properties of coarse aggregate. Because self-weight accounts for a major amount of the total load applied to the structure, LECA is utilized in concrete to lower the need for coarse aggregate and in the design of concrete buildings. This is crucial in circumstances like poor soils and tall constructions. It also offers significant advantages in terms of lowering concrete density, which improves labour efficiency. Lightweight concrete has a lower density than standard concrete and provides better thermal insulation. The main purpose of this study is to examine the weight and strength characteristics of concrete, such as cube compressive strength, split tensile strength cylinders, and flexural strength of light weight concrete versus conventional concrete by substituting LECA for natural aggregates by 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. For far over two millennia, lightweight aggregate has been used successfully. Keywords: Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), Light-weight concrete, Flyash, Compressive Strength, Density.
Propiedades psicométricas de la Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) en estudiantes universitarios argentinos
Authors: Eidman Leandro , Rodriguez de Behrends Marisa , Seif Gustavo
Published: May 2022

La Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) es una escala que evalúa, de forma global, la capacidad en la disposición de una persona de estar atento y consciente de la experiencia del momento presente en la vida cotidiana. El objetivo del presente trabajo es estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la MAAS en estudiantes universitarios argentinos. Se diseñó un estudio no experimental, transversal, de tipo instrumental. La base epistemológica utilizada fue la psicometría clásica. La muestra no probabilística estuvo constituida por 895 adultos argentinos de población universitaria. La edad promedio fue de 26.32 (DE = 6.946, Mín = 18, Máx = 48). El 54 % (n = 483) eran mujeres y el 45.6 % (n = 408) eran varones. Los análisis psicométricos informaron que la escala posee una estructura unidimensional con validez y fiabilidad adecuada (α = .89). La escala cuenta con adecuada evidencia de validez de constructo y con excelentes puntuaciones de consistencia interna, lo que determina que es un instrumento válido y confiable para evaluar atención de conciencia plena en población de estudiantes universitarios argentinos.
Evaluando el amor compasivo en la pareja mexicana
Authors: Flórez Rodríguez Yanitza Nicole , Sánchez Aragón Rozzana
Published: May 2022

El amor compasivo es un sentimiento desinteresado que se centra en favor del bien del prójimo. Sin embargo, a pesar de la popularidad del término, aun no existe un instrumento para su medición en la población mexicana dentro del contexto romántico. Por dicha razón, el propósito de esta investigación fue diseñar y validar un instrumento que integre adecuadamente el constructo del amor compasivo dentro de las relaciones de pareja en una muestra de 900 participantes de la ciudad de México. Se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial exploratorio con el fin de examinar la conformación factorial del instrumento. La escala se conformó por 33 reactivos agrupados en dos factores que explicaron el 61.96 % de la varianza, un coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de .973, una confiabilidad Omega de .976. Los hallazgos coinciden con fundamentos de las perspectivas teóricas del constructo y en su conjunto representa una contribución conceptual, metodológica y cultural al estudio de la variable en el contexto romántico.
Methodological aspects of a new method for determining the mass of oil in bottom sediments of water bodies
Authors: Perminova Vladislava V. , Vorobiev Danil S. , Frank Yulia A.
Published: May 2022

A method is proposed for determining the mass of oil pollution per unit area of bottom sediments of water bodies, which makes it possible to associate pollution not only with the concentration of pollutants, but also with the area of the reservoir. The approach relates to the field of environmental protection, in particular to the analytical control of the content of oil pollution in mineral, organogenic and mixed bottom sediments. It can be used for environmental monitoring of polluted water bodies, for assessing the damage caused to a water body, and for planning treatment works. The method for determining the mass of oil pollution per unit area of bottom sediments of water bodies includes sampling, drying the sample to an air-dry state, extraction of oil products from bottom sediments, chromatographic separation of oil products from associated organic compounds of other classes, quantitative determination of oil products by absorption intensity in the infrared spectrum. A survey of 88 oil-contaminated reservoirs within the Samotlor oil field in the north of Russia was carried out, in which the proposed method was tested.
The Impact of Thyme, Rosemary, and Basil Extracts on the Chemical, Sensory and Microbiological Quality of Mackerel Balls Stored at -18oC
Authors: Balıkçı Esra , Özoğul Yeşim , Durmuş Mustafa , Uçar Yılmaz , Gökdoğan Tekin Saadet
Published: May 2022

The effect of adding 0.05% natural herb extracts obtained from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymbra spicata), and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) on mackerel balls during 10 months of frozen storage (-18oC) were investigated concerning sensory (raw and cooked), biochemical (PV- peroxide value, FFA- free fatty acids, TVB-N -total volatile basic nitrogen, TBA- thiobarbituric acid and pH) and microbiological analyses (TVC- total viable count). The results indicated that the total phenolic compounds of plant extracts were determined as 38.13 mg GAE/g, 81.85 mg GAE/g, and 21.08 mg GAE/g for thyme, rosemary, and basil, respectively. The shelf life of raw fish balls was found as eight months for the control and basil groups and ten months for rosemary and thyme groups. 0.05% basil extract gave the fishball an intense taste and odor and a bitter taste. TVB-N, TBA, FFA, PV, and pH values remained lower than the acceptability limits during the storage period in all groups. The plant extracts, especially rosemary and thyme, were effective for inhibiting bacterial growth and the values of biochemical parameters. Therefore, it was concluded that natural extracts could be added to fish products as an antioxidant to prolong the shelf life of fish.
Implementasi Peraturan Daerah Kota Sungai Penuh Nomor 2 Tahun 2019 tentang Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah
Authors: Hasimi Sriningsih , Budhiartie Arrie , Fauzani Raharja Ivan
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis bagaimana pelaksanaan Peraturan Daerah Kota Sungai Penuh Nomor 2 Tahun 2019 tentang Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah Kota Sungai Penuh; untuk mengetahui bagaimana kewenangan Pemerintah Kota Sungai Penuh dalam upaya pemberdayaan usaha Mikro, Kecil dan menengah dan bagaimana mekanisme perizinan terhadap Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis empiris dan adapun tata cara penarikan sampel dilakukan dengan Purposive Sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan melalui studi lapangan, data yang diperoleh langsung dari lapangan melalui responden. Analisis data pada penelitian ini menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif. Penulis merumuskan rumusan permasalahan bagaimana kewenangan Pemerintah Kota Sungai Penuh dalam upaya Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah dan bagaimana Mekanisme Perizinan terhardap Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah berdasarkan Peraturan Daerah Kota Sungai Penuh. Hasil penelitian yang penulis dapatkan Kewenangan Pemerintah Daerah Kota Sungai Penuh dalam Pelaksanaan Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah dilihat dari kriteria dan pelaksanaan pemberdayaan tidak berjalan sebagaimana mestinya. Hal tersebut dikarenakan kriteria usaha yang tertera pada Peraturan Daerah menyebutkan bahwa kriteria yang masuk kedalam Usaha Kecil adalah yang mempunyai penghasilan bersih senyak lima puluh juta rupiah. Pada kenyataannya, pelaku Usaha Kecil yang terdaftar di Kota Sungai Penuh memiliki penghasilan bersih sebesar dua puluh juta rupiah. Mekanisme perizinan juga belum berjalan secara maksimal dikarenakan masih banyak pelaku Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah yang tidak mendaftarkan izin usaha.

Kata Kunci: Pemberdayaan, Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah, Kewenangan, Perizinan.
Un análisis desde el marco de coaliciones promotoras para el caso de la acreditación de la calidad académica de programas de ingeniería en Costa Rica
Authors: Gallardo-Allen Eugenia , Jiménez-Picado María Marta
Published: May 2022

El propósito de este artículo es examinar las relaciones entre el CFIA-AAPIA y el SINAES con respecto a la acreditación de la calidad de programas de ingeniería en Costa Rica. El estudio se realizó con los elementos presentes en el marco de coaliciones promotoras desarrollado por Jenkins y Sabatier (1988) para el análisis de políticas públicas, con el propósito de determinar cómo las creencias de los distintos actores y las coaliciones que se forman pueden afectar el contenido o cambio de una política. El principal resultado trata sobre cómo los recursos y las creencias de las coaliciones, que se configuran en la implementación de la política de calidad en la educación superior, puede influir en el cambio y convertirse en una limitante en los resultados de esta.

ante en los resultados de esta.
Contemporary review of corruption risk studies
Authors: Marzuki Hafizah , Hasnan Suhaily , Ali Mazurina Mohd
Published: May 2022

This study presents a review of the studies on corruption risk in corporations. It highlights the antecedents of corruption risk, contributes additional knowledge on anti-corruption, and offers some suggestions for future research. Following Tranfield, Denyer, and Smart (2003), a literature search was done on corporate corruption risk and its related terminologies, theories, causes, and effects. In conducting the literature search, top-ranked journals of Science Direct, Springer Link, and Emerald, were used in the Scopus and Google Scholar search engines to find quality papers. The selected online published materials covered the period from 2013 to 2021. The review shows that prior studies have discussed the issue of corruption risk using different measurements and various theories. Also, this study reveals the causes and effects of corruption risk in corporations. This paper suggests a need for future research that will focus on corporate corruption risk, especially in the Malaysian context (Muhamad & Gani, 2020) due to minimal empirical research on corruption issues from a risk perspective. The aspects of corruption risk can become the foundation for effective and proactive community fraud prevention measures that can be implemented by policymakers, regulators, industry players, governments, and non-governmental agencies
Impact of COVID-19 on outcomes of a cohort of children and adolescents with cancer admitted to a cancer center in Northeastern-Brazil
Authors: Aguiar João Eduardo , Carvalho Marcos Antonio , Viana Simone , Cipolotti Rosana
Published: May 2022

Background: Cancer patients were considered to be at high risk for
COVID-19 because they are more likely to develop serious infections.
Children and adolescents with cancer are also more vulnerable to
COVID-19. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on
clinical outcomes in a cohort of children and adolescents with cancer in
NE-Brazil. Methods: This is a survey of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort
of cancer patients hospitalized between April 2020 and September 2021 at
the public pediatric oncology service of Sergipe. All children and
adolescents underwent detection of SARS-CoV-2 through RT-PCR. Results:
One hundred fifteen patients were hospitalized but three were
transferred to other services and they were excluded from this study.
The final sample consisted of 112 children. Had at least one COVID-19
positive test 54.46% and 40.18% among these patients died. There was
difference between death and positive test (p=0.03; odds ratio [OR],
2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.09), observing higher
mortality rate among patients with coronavirus positive test, having
them or not COVID-19 symptoms. There was also difference between outcome
and patients’ oncological diagnosis (p=0.02; OR, 3.65; 95% CI,
1.16-11.44). Conclusion: COVID-19 infection and fatality rates among
pediatric oncology patients were significantly higher than those found
in previous studies. There was also a higher number of deaths in the
group with a positive test and with solid tumors, with the predominant
cause of death being the progression of the oncological disease.
Identifying bottleneck reactions and developing a systemic fed-batch feeding strategy of Pichia pastoris through fine-tuning of methanol utilization pathway
Authors: Boojari Mohammad Amin , Ghaledari Fatemeh Rajabi , Motamedian Ehsan , Soleimani Mehdi , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas
Published: May 2022

Pichia pastoris as an efficient host for the production of recombinant
proteins is mostly cultivated in fed-batch mode in which the cell’s
environment is continuously changing. Therefore, to fine-tune bioreactor
performance in respect to the associated metabolic changes of the
microorganism, it is crucial to understand the influence of feeding
strategy parameters on the intracellular reaction network. In this
study, dynamic flux balance analysis (DFBA) integrated with
transcriptomics data was used to simulate the recombinant P.pastoris
(Muts) growth during induction phase for 3 fed-batch µ-stat strategies.
The induction phase was divided into equal time intervals and the
correlated reactions with protein yield were identified in the 3
fed-batch strategies using the Pearson correlation coefficient.
Subsequently, Principal Component Analysis was applied to cluster
induction phase time intervals and identify the role of correlated
reactions on metabolic differentiation of time intervals. It was found
that increasing fluxes through the methanol dissimilation pathway
increased protein yield. By adding a methanol assimilation pathway
inhibitor (HgCl2) to the shake flask medium containing 10% (v/v)
glycerol, the protein titer increased by 60%. Using the DFBA revealed
that the higher the dimensionless flux of methanol, the higher amounts
of protein yield. Finally, a novel feeding strategy was developed so
that the dimensionless methanol flux increased compared to the performed
cultivations. Protein titer increased by 16% compared to the optimally
performed cultivation, while production yield increased by 85%.
Additive value of the right parasternal window for the assessment of aortic stenosis
Authors: Izumo Masaki , Shimamura Toshio , Yukio Sato , Shiokawa Noriko , Uenomachi Niina , Miyauchi Motoki , Miyamoto Junko , Kikuchi Hidekazu , Shinoda Junko , Okamura Takanori , Akashi Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Background: Although Doppler evaluation using a multiplanar
method is recommended to assess the severity of aortic stenosis (AS)
with transthoracic echocardiography, evidence on the diagnostic
significance of a non-apical method is limited. This study aimed to
compare the use of the apical window (AW) with use of the right
parasternal window (RW) method to evaluate AS severity and to examine
the diagnostic significance of performing the RW method in addition to
the AW method during the evaluation. Methods: This
retrospective observational study included 287 consecutive patients
(mean age: 79 ± 10 years; women, 56%) with severe AS (aortic valve area
[AVA] ≤1.0cm ). The severity of AS according to
the AW method and that according to the RW for all subjects were
compared, and the significance of performing the RW method in addition
to the AW method was examined. Furthermore, we compared the concordance
group, in which the AW and RW methods indicated matching in severity,
and the discordant group, in which the AW and RW methods did not
indicate matching severity. Results: Peak velocity (PV), mean
pressure gradient (PG), and AVA were not significantly different between
the AW and RW methods. Performing the RW method in addition to the AW
method significantly decreased the number of low PG AS cases (mean PG
<40 mmHg) from 71.1% to 65.0% and it increased the number of
very severe AS cases (PV ≥5m/s) from 8.7% to 14.5%. Although, there
was no significant difference in the Doppler angle (DA) observed using
the AW method for the discordant group and the concordant group, the DA
observed using the RW method was significantly smaller in the discordant
group (8.8±8.2, 16.3±12.3 °, p<0.01). In the
receiver-operating characteristic analysis, with the RW method, a DA of
8° was the cutoff value for discrepancies between the two groups.
Conclusions: By performing the RW method in addition to the AW
method to determine AS severity, different severity is observed in
approximately 10% of cases. These results suggest that AS severity may
be underestimated by using the AW method alone.