bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thromboelastographic method for early decision on anticoagulant therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ferdiana Komang Ayu , Ramlan Andi Ade Wijaya , Soenarto Ratna Farida , Alatas Anas
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND Coagulopathy is a serious COVID-19 complication that requires rapid diagnosis and anticoagulation. This study aimed to determine the role of coagulation examination using thromboelastography (TEG) on the decision-making time of anticoagulant therapy in COVID-19 patients and its clinical outcomes.

METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia, from October 2020 to March 2021. We consecutively recruited moderate and severe COVID-19 patients in the high and intensive care units. Turnaround time, time to anticoagulant therapy decision, and clinical outcomes (length of stay and 30-day mortality) were compared between those who had a TEG examination in addition to the standard coagulation profile examination (thrombocyte count, PT, APTT, D-dimer, and fibrinogen) and those who had only a standard coagulation profile laboratory examination.

RESULTS Among 100 moderate to severe COVID-19 patients recruited, 50 patients had a TEG examination. The turnaround time of TEG was 45 (15–102) min versus 82 (19–164) min in the standard examination (p<0.001). The time to decision was significantly faster in the TEG group than the standard group (75 [42–133] min versus 184 [92–353] min, p<0.001). The turnaround time was positively correlated with time to decision (r = 0.760, p<0.001). However, TEG did not improve clinical outcomes such as length of stay (10.5 [3–20] versus 9 [2–39] days) and 30-day mortality (66% versus 64%).

CONCLUSIONS The TEG method significantly enables quicker decision-making time for moderate to severe coagulation disorder in COVID-19 patients.
Equivalent refractive-index structure constant of non-Kolmogorov turbulence: comment
Authors: Toselli Italo , Gladysz Szymon
Published: July 2022

The paper by Y. Li, W. Zhu, X. Wu, and R. Rao entitled “Equivalent refractive-index structure constant of non-Kolmogorov turbulence,” Opt. Express 23(18), 23004 (2015).10.1364/OE.23.023004 relates the non-Kolmogorov turbulence structure constant to the classical structure constant for Kolmogorov turbulence by imposing equality of their respective structure functions at large separation distances, higher than the outer scale. As opposed to previous attempts to relate the two structure constants, the approach of Li et al. is anchored on a measurable meteorological parameter, the outer scale. The error lies in the fact that the authors have used a default Kolmogorov structure function with an infinite outer scale. A subsequent assumption of a finite outer scale is not compatible with the initial assumption. In this paper we show the correct procedure to obtain the relationship between the non-Kolmogorov and Kolmogorov structure constants which is based on an explicitly finite outer scale used throughout all calculations.
Impact of rare earth doping on the luminescence of lanthanum aluminum silicate glasses for radiation sensing
Authors: Shaw Ruth E. , Kalnins Christopher A. G. , Whittaker Carly A. , Moffatt Jillian E. , Tsiminis Georgios , Klantsataya Elizaveta , Ottaway David , Spooner Nigel A. , Litzkendorf Doris , Matthes Anne , Schwuchow Anka , Wondraczek Katrin , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike
Published: July 2022

Large core soft glass fibers have been demonstrated to be promising candidates as intrinsic fiber sensors for radiation detection and dosimetry applications. Doping with rare earth ions enhanced their radiation sensitivity. SiO2-Al2O3-La2O3 (SAL) glasses offer easy fabrication of large core fibers with high rare earth concentration and higher mechanical strength than soft glasses. This paper evaluates the suitability of the SAL glass type for radiation dosimetry based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) via a comprehensive investigation of the spectroscopic and dosimetric properties of undoped and differently rare earth doped bulk SAL glass samples. Due to the low intensity of the rare earth luminescence peaks in the 250–400 nm OSL detection range, the OSL response for all the SAL glasses is not caused by the rare earth ions but by radiation-induced defects that act as intrinsic centers for the recombination of electrons and holes produced by the ionizing radiation, trapped in fabrication induced defect centers, and then released via stimulation with 470 nm light. The rare earth ions interfere with these processes involving intrinsic centers. This dosimetric behavior of highly rare earth doped SAL glasses suggests that enhancement of OSL response requires lower rare earth concentrations and/or longer wavelength OSL detection range.
High-speed thermo-optic micro ring resonator based digital half adder
Authors: Alipbayeva Nazym , Beissenkhanov Dauren , Nakarmi Bikash , Ukaegbu Ikechi A.
Published: July 2022

This work demonstrates the design of the digital half adder at the data rate of 1Mbit/s using micro-ring resonators (MRRs). In order to obtain the response of Sum and Carry ports, three micro-ring resonators are used, and a thermo-optic effect is achieved by placing micro heaters on top of each ring. All rings used in the design have identical parameters. Static and dynamic responses of the circuit are provided to show the ability of the device to work properly, and the obtained power level demonstrates that the circuit can transmit data at a specified speed without any additional active elements. The design achieved a compact size of about 658 × 486 µm2.
Population benefits of addressing programmatic and social determinants of gender disparities in tuberculosis in Viet Nam: A modelling study
Authors: Horton Katherine C. , White Richard G. , Hoa Nguyen Binh , Nguyen Hai Viet , Bakker Roel , Sumner Tom , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Houben Rein M. G. J.
Published: July 2022

High prevalence of infectious tuberculosis among men suggests potential population-wide benefits from addressing programmatic and social determinants of gender disparities. Utilising a sex-stratified compartmental transmission model calibrated to tuberculosis burden estimates for Viet Nam, we modelled interventions to increase active case finding, to reduce tobacco smoking, and to reduce alcohol consumption by 2025 in line with national and global targets. For each intervention, we examined scenarios differentially targeting men and women and evaluated impact on tuberculosis morbidity and mortality in men, women, and children in 2035. Active case finding interventions targeting men projected greater reductions in tuberculosis incidence in men, women, and children (16.2%, uncertainty interval, UI, 11.4–23.0%, 11.8%, UI 8.0–18.6%, and 21.5%, UI 16.9–28.5%, respectively) than those targeting women (5.2%, UI 3.8–7.1%, 5.4%, UI 3.9–7.3%, and 8.6%, UI 6.9–10.7%, respectively). Projected reductions in tuberculosis incidence for interventions to reduce male tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were greatest for men (17.4%, UI 11.8–24.7%, and 11.0%, UI 5.4–19.4%, respectively), but still substantial for women (6.9%, UI 3.8–12.5%, and 4.4%, UI 1.9–10.6%, respectively) and children (12.7%, UI 8.4–19.0%, and 8.0%, UI 3.9–15.0%, respectively). Comparable interventions targeting women projected limited impact, with declines of 0.3% (UI 0.2%-0.3%) and 0.1% (UI 0.0%-0.1%), respectively. Addressing programmatic and social determinants of men’s tuberculosis burden has population-wide benefits. Future interventions to increase active case finding, to reduce tobacco smoking, and to reduce harmful alcohol consumption, whilst not ignoring women, should focus on men to most effectively reduce tuberculosis morbidity and mortality in men, women, and children.
Identification of multiple raisins by feature fusion combined with NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Yang Yan , Ma Chong , Jiang Liping
Published: July 2022

Varieties of raisins are diverse, and different varieties have different nutritional properties and commercial value. In this paper, we propose a method to identify different varieties of raisins by combining near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms. The direct averaging of the spectra taken for each sample may reduce the experimental data and affect the extraction of spectral features, thus limiting the classification results, due to the different substances of grape skins and flesh. Therefore, this experiment proposes a method to fuse the spectral features of pulp and peel. In this experiment, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract baseline corrected features, and linear models of k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and nonlinear models of back propagation (BP), support vector machine with genetic algorithm (GA-SVM), grid search-support vector machine (GS-SVM) and particle swarm optimization with support vector machine (PSO- SVM) coupling were used to classify. This paper compared the results of four experiments using only skin spectrum, only flesh spectrum, average spectrum of skin and flesh, and their spectral feature fusion. The experimental results showed that the accuracy and Macro-F1 score after spectral feature fusion were higher than the other three experiments, and GS-SVM had the highest accuracy and Macro-F1 score of 94.44%. The results showed that feature fusion can improve the performance of both linear and nonlinear models. This may provide a new strategy for acquiring spectral data and improving model performance in the future. The code is available at https://github.com/L-ain/Source.
Efficacy and durability of bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) virus killed vaccine adjuvanted with monolaurin
Authors: Abd El Fadeel Maha Raafat , Soliman Eman M. , Allam Ahmad Mohammad , ElKersh Mohamed F. , Abd El-Baky Rehab Mahmoud , Mustafa Ahmad
Published: July 2022

The bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes reproductive, enteric, and respiratory diseases. Vaccination is essential in increasing herd resistance to BVDV spread. The selection of an adjuvant is an important factor in the success of the vaccination process. Monolaurin or glycerol monolaurate is a safe compound with an immunomodulatory effect. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of monolaurin as a novel adjuvant. This was examined through the preparation of an inactivated BVDV (NADL strain) vaccine adjuvanted with different concentrations of monolaurin and compared with the registered available locally prepared polyvalent vaccine (Pneumo-4) containing BVD (NADL strain), BoHV-1 (Abou Hammad strain), BPI3 (strain 45), and BRSV (strain 375L), and adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide gel. The inactivated BVDV vaccine was prepared using three concentrations, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, from monolaurin as adjuvants. A potency test was performed on five groups of animals. The first group, which did not receive vaccination, served as a control group while three other groups were vaccinated using the prepared vaccines. The fifth group received the Pneumo-4 vaccine. Vaccination response was monitored by measuring viral neutralizing antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was found that the BVD inactivated vaccine with 1% and 2% monolaurin elicited higher neutralizing antibodies that have longer-lasting effects (nine months) with no reaction at the injection site in comparison to the commercial vaccine adjuvanted by aluminum hydroxide gel.
Reaching and engaging people: Analyzing tweeting practices of large U.S. police departments pre- and post- the killing of George Floyd
Authors: Dong Beidi , Wu Xiaoyun
Published: July 2022

Finding ways to improve police legitimacy and police-community relations has for long been an important social issue in the United States. It becomes particularly urgent following the murder of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. An emerging area that holds potential in remediating police-community relations pertains to the use of social media by police. Yet, this body of research stays highly exploratory (e.g., case studies based on a small sample of agencies) and different viewpoints exist regarding the objectives of police social media usage. The current study identified 115 large police departments in the U.S. and collected their tweets over a 4-month period between 4/1/2020 and 7/31/2020. We investigated how police agencies (both individually and as an aggregate) leveraged social media to respond to the nationwide protests directed at the police and community reactions to such responses. We found that police agencies tweeted more frequently in the immediate aftermath of the murder and posted an increased number of civil-unrest related tweets. The public showed a greater interest in engaging with law enforcement agencies (i.e., average favorite and retweet counts) following the murder. A great variability emerged across agencies in their responses on social media, suggesting that examining only a handful of agencies or a particular dimension of social media usage would limit our understanding of police behaviors and citizen interactions on social media. In conclusion, we suggested a few avenues for future research (and practices) on responsible and effective use of social media by police, while pointing out the challenges associated with such inquiries.
The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cancer-related fatigue in oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chayadi Ellentika , Baes Naomi , Kiropoulos Litza
Published: July 2022

Objective

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly being integrated into oncological treatment to mitigate psychological distress and promote emotional and physical well-being. This review aims to provide the most recent evaluation of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) treatments, in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and CRF in oncology populations.

Methods

A search using the following search terms was conducted: (mindful* OR mindfulness* OR mindfulness-based* OR MBI* OR MBCT OR MBSR OR MBCR) AND (Oncol* OR cancer OR neoplasm OR lymphoma OR carcinoma OR sarcoma) to obtain relevant publications from five databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE by EC, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global from January 2000 to February 2022. 36 independent studies (n = 1677) were evaluated for their overall effect sizes (using random-effects models), subgroup analyses, and quality appraisals. Evaluations were performed separately for non-randomized (K = 20, n = 784) and randomized controlled trials (K = 16, n = 893).

Results

The results showed that MBIs have significant medium effects in reducing symptoms of depression (Hedges’ g = 0.43), anxiety (Hedges’ g = 0.55) and CRF (Hedges’ g = 0.43), which were maintained at least three months post-intervention. MBIs were also superior in reducing symptoms of anxiety (Hedges’ g = 0.56), depression (Hedges’ g = 0.43), and CRF (Hedges’ g = 0.42) in oncology samples relative to control groups. The superiority of MBIs to control groups was also maintained at least three months post-intervention for anxiety and CRF symptoms, but not for depressive symptoms. The risk of bias of the included studies were low to moderate.

Conclusions

This review found that MBIs reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and CRF in oncology populations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42020143286.
Single vs replicate Real-Time PCR SARS-CoV-2 testing: Lessons learned for effective pandemic management
Authors: Webb William R. , Thapa Gauri , Tirnoveanu Alice , Kallu Sabrina , Loo Jin Yi Charlene , Shah Nirali , Macari Joseph , Mitchell Sadie , Fagg Graham J. , Jeremiah Rachael N. , Theminimulle Sandiya , Vuono Romina , Mylona Athina
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a global pandemic having a serious impact on national economies and healthcare infrastructure. Accurate infection detection protocols are key to policy guidance and decision making. In this pilot study, we compared single versus replicate PCR testing for effective and accurate SARS-CoV-2 infection detection. One-Step Real-Time RT-PCR was employed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA isolated from individual nasopharyngeal swabs. A total of 10,014 swabs, sampled from the general public (hospital admissions, A&E, elective surgeries, cancer patients, care home residents and healthcare staff), were tested using standard replicate testing. Our analysis demonstrates that approximately 19% of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals would have been reported as false negative if single sample Real-Time PCR testing was used. Therefore, two replicate tests can substantially decrease the risk of false negative reporting and reduce hospital and community infection rates. As the number of variants of concern increases, we believe that replicate testing is an essential consideration for effective SARS-CoV-2 infection detection and prevention of further outbreaks. A strategic approach limiting the number of missed infections is crucial in controlling the rise of new SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as the management of future pandemics.
Predicted Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection sites in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana using the species distribution model maxent
Authors: Rawien Jairam , Jairam-Doerga Sabitrie
Published: July 2022

The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) which causes that amphibian disease chytridiomycosis is expanding its worldwide range from an Asian origin, infecting amphibians in a growing number of countries. Modelling the potential range of this amphibian pathogen using environmental variables and presence data could advance our understanding of at-risk areas and species in locations with limited surveillance to date. We used a species distribution model to assess Bd habitat suitability in the three Guiana’s (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana) in South America. The model output showed that all three countries have substantial areas where Bd could grow and proliferate, and maximum temperature of the warmest month was the top predictor of suitable Bd habitat, inversely correlated with modeled Bd occurrence. Predicted Bd infection areas in Guyana and French Guiana were large and localized whereas possible sites in Suriname were more scattered throughout the country. The areas projected as potential suitable in Suriname were mostly high elevation regions. These results could help inform efficiencies for development of a proactive monitoring program that could alert managers of novel Bd outbreaks for focused mitigation actions to forestall the spread of this amphibian disease.
Biocidal action, characterization, and molecular docking of Mentha piperita (Lamiaceae) leaves extract against Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae
Authors: Iqbal Attiya , Qureshi Naveeda Akhtar , Alhewairini Saleh S. , Shaheen Nargis , Hamid Aneeqa , Qureshi Muhammad Zahid
Published: July 2022

Mosquitoes are found in tropical and subtropical areas and are the carriers of a variety of diseases that are harmful to people’s health.e.g., malaria, filariasis, chikungunya, dengue fever, etc. Although several insecticides are available, however, due to insect resistance and environmental hazards, more eco-friendly chemicals are needed for insect control. So, the current research was planned to explore the prospective ofMentha piperitato be used for the formulation of larvicides against mosquitoCulex quinquefasciatus. The ethanolic and water extracts ofM.piperitaleaves were prepared using the soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were dried and subjected to prepare five concentrations multiple of 80 ppm. Each concentration was applied for its larvicidal efficacy setting an experiment (in triplicate) in plastic containers of 1000 ml with extracts, 30 larvae of all four instars separately, and fed with dog biscuits along with controls. Observations were taken after each 12 hrs. till 72 hrs. The antioxidant perspective ofM.piperitawas determined by DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing power assays. Using brine shrimp lethality bioactivity, the cytotoxic study was perceived. Standard techniques were used to classify theM.piperitaextract using preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and GC-MS analysis.M.piperitaethanolic leaves extract after 24 hrs. of exposure in 400 ppm showed 93% (LC50= 208.976 ppm) mortality in ethanolic extract and 80% (LC90= 246.900 ppm) in the water extract. In treated larvae, biochemical examination revealed a substantial (P<0.05) decrease in proteins, carbohydrates, and fat contents. The ethanol extract ofM.piperitawas the most efficient, killing brine shrimp nauplii in 50% to 90% of cases. TAC (125.4 3.5gAAE/mg DW) and FRP (378.1 1.0gAAE/mg DW) were highest in the ethanolic extract ofM.piperita. The presence of medicinally active components such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and others inM.piperitaleaves extract in ethanol was discovered. The UV-Vis spectrum showed two peaks at 209.509 and 282.814 nm with the absorption of 2.338 and 0.796 respectively. The FT-IR consequences exhibited the occurrence of alcohols, alkanes, aldehyde, aromatic rings, ether linkage, ester, and halo- compounds. The GC-MS analysis according to peak (%) area and retention time showed ten phytochemicals consisting of six major and four minor compounds. Among all the compounds, 1, 2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, and 3-ethyl-5, 5-dimethyl -6-phenyl bound well to the NS3 protease domain with PDB ID: 2FOM. Hence, for the prevention of health hazards and mosquito control,M.Piperitais a potential source of chemicals for insecticide formulation.
Molecular and clinical profiling in a large cohort of Asian Indians with glycogen storage disorders
Authors: Kumar Tejashwini Vittal , Bhat Meenakshi , Narayanachar Sanjeeva Ghanti , Narayan Vinu , Srikanth Ambika K. , Anikar Swathi , Shetty Swathi
Published: July 2022

Glycogen storage disorders occur due to enzyme deficiencies in the glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis pathway, encoded by 26 genes. GSD’s present with overlapping phenotypes with variable severity. In this series, 57 individuals were molecularly confirmed for 7 GSD subtypes and their demographic data, clinical profiles and genotype-phenotype co-relations are studied. Genomic DNA from venous blood samples was isolated from clinically affected individuals. Targeted gene panel sequencing covering 23 genes and Sanger sequencing were employed. Various bioinformatic tools were used to predict pathogenicity for new variations. Close parental consanguinity was seen in 76%. Forty-nine pathogenic variations were detected of which 27 were novel. Variations were spread across GSDIa, Ib, III, VI, IXa, b and c. The largest subgroup was GSDIII in 28 individuals with 24 variations (12 novel) in AGL. The 1620+1G>C intronic variation was observed in 5 with GSDVI (PYGL). A total of eleven GSDIX are described with the first Indian report of type IXb. This is the largest study of GSDs from India. High levels of consanguinity in the local population and employment of targeted sequencing panels accounted for the range of GSDs reported here.
Acetate and hypertonic stress stimulate vacuole membrane fission using distinct mechanisms
Authors: Gokbayrak Zeynep Derin , Patel Dipti , Brett Christopher Leonard
Published: July 2022

Vacuoles in plants and fungi play critical roles in cell metabolism and osmoregulation. To support these functions, vacuoles change their morphology, e.g. they fragment when these organisms are challenged with draught, high salinity or metabolic stress (e.g. acetate accumulation). In turn, morphology reflects an equilibrium between membrane fusion and fission that determines size, shape and copy number. By studyingSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand its vacuole as models, conserved molecular mechanisms responsible for fusion have been revealed. However, a detailed understanding of vacuole fission and how these opposing processes respond to metabolism or osmoregulation remain elusive. Herein we describe a new fluorometric assay to measure yeast vacuole fission in vitro. For proof–of–concept, we use this assay to confirm that acetate, a metabolic stressor, triggers vacuole fission and show it blocks homotypic vacuole fusion in vitro. Similarly, hypertonic stress induced by sorbitol or glucose caused robust vacuole fission in vitro whilst inhibiting fusion. Using wortmannin to inhibit phosphatidylinositol (PI) -kinases or rGyp1-46 to inactivate Rab–GTPases, we show that acetate stress likely targets PI signaling, whereas osmotic stress affects Rab signaling on vacuole membranes to stimulate fission. This study sets the stage for further investigation into the mechanisms that change vacuole morphology to support cell metabolism and osmoregulation.
The Poetics and Politics of the Veil in Iran: An Archival and Photographic Adventure, Azadeh Fatehrad (2020)
Authors: Stwodah Hawa
Published: July 2022

Review of: The Poetics and Politics of the Veil in Iran: An Archival and Photographic Adventure, Azadeh Fatehrad (2020)

Bristol: Intellect Ltd, 116 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-126-9, p/bk, $45.00
First study on response of astrocytes in alevines of red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) to subchronic exposure to chlorpyrifos and trichlorfon
Authors: Holguín-Céspedes Gisella Karina , Céspedes-Rubio Ángel Enrique , Rondón-Barragán Iang S.
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) used in agricultural production pose environmental and public health risks whenever non-target organisms are exposed to them. Oxon-type OPs, such as trichlorfon (TCF) and chlorpyrifos (CPF), are frequently used in Colombia and have been detected in water bodies in the vicinity of croplands; however, their effect on aquatic organisms, especially fish, is largely unknown. The neurotoxicity of OPs includes inhibition of esterase enzymes, neuronal damage, and increased glial reactivity. This study aimed to assess the astrocytic response in the brain tissue of juvenile red-bellied pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) exposed to TCF and CPF.

Materials and Methods: A 25-day subchronic assay was conducted in which juvenile red-bellied pacu were exposed to CPF and TCF. After 25 days of exposure, the fish were killed and brain samples were collected and processed for immunohistochemistry to assess the morphology and reactivity of astrocytes; glial acidic fibrillary protein was used as a biomarker.

Results: The brain samples from animals under subchronic exposure to OPs for 25 days showed higher cellular density as well as changes in astrocyte phenotype characterized by shortening of cytoplasmic projections, hypertrophy, and ameboid morphology compared to those from nonexposed animals. Similarly, astrocyte hyperreactivity was detected in the optic tectum and medial longitudinal fasciculus of the exposed group.

Conclusion: Immunoreactivity of brain glial cells under subchronic exposure to OPs measured through immunohistochemical tests as well as OPs-induced neuropathology may be useful as a biomarker for monitoring environmental pollution. The results also indicate that P. brachypomus is a suitable biomonitoring model for studying neurotoxicological and neurodegenerative diseases.
Pensar la dependencia latinoamericana: repaso histórico de Theotonio Dos Santos y el capitalismo periférico latinoamericano
Authors: Rossi Ignacio
Published: July 2022

Resenha do livro: Dos Santos Theotonio. Construir soberanía. Una interpretación económica de y para América Latina. Vol. I. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: Clacso, 2020, 798 p.
Caiophora vallegrandensis (Loasaceae, Loasoideae, Loaseae): Una nueva especie de Argentina
Authors: Slanis Alberto C. , Bulacio Eva
Published: July 2022

Caiophora vallegrandensis, a new species endemic to a small area of the Sierras de Calilegua (Jujuy, Argentina) and closely related to the informal group Caiophora lateritia, is described and illustrated. The new taxon is characterized by its broadly triangular, pinnatisect to bipinnatisect sepals and green dorsal appendages of nectar scales. A key to differentiate Argentine, Bolivian, and Peruvian related species is provided, as well as information on geographic distribution, habitat and conservation status.
Revisión taxonómica del género Cortesia (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales), un género endémico de la Argentina
Authors: Mirra Fabiana , Gottschling Marc , Moroni Pablo
Published: July 2022

Cortesia is a halophytic and monotypic genus endemic to Argentina that belongs to Ehretiaceae (Boraginales). It is morphologically distinct from the other members of the family in having cuneate leaves with a 3-dentate apex, an involucrum of fused bracts, spatulate calyx lobes, and white drupes with a two-parted endocarp. Its single species, Cortesia cuneifolia, is here treated and illustrated based on the study of numerous herbarium collections. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for the name to assure its reliable application. Furthermore, the species is recorded for the first time in Tucumán province.
DIFFERENCES IN PLAQUE INDEX AND NUMBER OF BACTERIAL COLONIES OF ORAL CAVITY BEFORE AND AFTER BEING EDUCATED WITH MODEL STUDY AND VIDEO
Authors: Noor Alfi Dian Uly , Hapsari Rebriarina , Kusuma Ira Anggar
Published: July 2022

Background: Based on the results of Riskesdas in 2018, the 10-14 years old group had a prevalence of daily brushing behavior of 96.5%. However, only 2,1% brush their teeth correctly. The ability of brushing teeth can be improved by providing an oral health education.Aim: Was determined the differences of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity before and after being educated using study model and video.Methods: This study was a true-experimental research with pre-test and post-test study design with a subject of 20 students. The students devided into 2 groups, 10 students with study model and 10 students with video. The results of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies were taken before and after the students being educated. This study use the Paired T Test and Wilxocon statistical tests.Results: There were significant differences of plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity before and after being educated using study model and video. (p < 0,05).Conclusion: An oral health education using study model and video were able to decrease plaque index scores and the number of bacterial colonies growing in oral cavity. The video method was more effective than the study model.
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CURCUMA DOMESTICA EXTRACT AND CURCUMA XANTHORRIZA EXTRACT AGAINST LIVER FUNCTION AND HEPATIC CELL INFLAMMATION ON STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS MICE
Authors: Naufal Amira , Trimahendra Alfin Ihza , Utomo Astika Widy , Karlowee Vega , Prasetyo Awal , Sobirin Mochamad Ali
Published: July 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus can cause complications including liver damage, which has an impact on increasing levels of SGOT and SGPT in the blood, as well as inflamation and hepatic steatosis. Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorizza) are known to have high levels of curcumin and xanthorizzol as an antioxidant and proven to improve liver function. Antioxidant therapy in patients with NAFLD is known to improve liver function and histopathological features. The effects of turmeric and java turmeric extract on liver function in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus mice are still unknown. Objective: Comparing effects of administered turmeric and java turmeric extract on liver function and histopathologic features of  streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus mice. Method: Research design Post Test Only Control Group Design are used. Male swiss mice around 25-30 gram are used. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus mice with a total samples (n = 20) divided into 4 groups, Control+PBS, Control+STZ, STZ+Turmeric, and STZ+Java Turmeric (an = 5). Blood glucose, weight, SGOT, SGPT levels and histopathologic features including percentage of inflamation and hepatic steatosis were examined at day 21. All the research data were analyzed using statistics program. Result: Turmeric and java turmeric extract cannot significantly reduce blood glucose level. Administration of java turmeric extract significantly reduce SGPT level against control+STZ group (84,12±17,53 vs. 36,3±27,4 u/L, p=0,018). Administration of turmeric extract significantly reduce hepatic cell inflamation against control+STZ group (30(26-68) vs. 20(15-30)%, p=0,035). Conclusion: Each turmeric and java turmeric extract can improve liver fuction and decreasing hepatic cell inflamation on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus mice, but may not mediated by decreasing blood glucose level.
Fouling Analysis on Polysulfone/Peg400/ZnO Membrane during Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Aryanti Putu Teta Prihartini , Nugroho Febrianto Adi , Winiarti Gatra Buana , Pratiwi Ghina Shofi , Widiasa I Nyoman
Published: July 2022

Fouling has become the main problem in long-term application of ultrafiltration (UF) membrane for water and wastewater treatment, significantly reducing membrane productivity. In this paper, fouling on polysulfone-based membrane was analyzed using Hermia’s model during textile wastewater treatment. The UF membrane has been prepared by blending polysulfone (PSf), acetone, and PEG400 in DMAc, with ZnO nanoparticles at a concentration of 1% by weight of polymers (PSf and PEG400). The influence of polysulfone concentration (18 and 20 wt.%) and PEG400 (0 - 25 wt.%) on fouling mechanisms was investigated. It was found that the increase of polysulfone from 18 to 20 wt.% reduced permeate flux from 54 to 25 L.m-2.h-1. Vise versa, the increase of PEG400 concentration enhanced the permeate flux. More stable flux was achieved when 18 wt.% of polysulfone was used to prepare the UF membrane. The fouling type in the UF membrane depends on the characteristics of the membrane. A significant flux decline occurred when used 20 wt.% of polysulfone without the addition of PEG400. Smaller membrane pore and higher hydrophobicity due to high polysulfone concentration induced cake layer of fouling on the membrane surface at the first 40 minutes of ultrafiltration. Further increase of operating time, internal fouling was formed due to the movement of pollutants to the permeate side caused by different concentrations. The highest color rejection (86%) was achieved when 25 wt.% of PEG400 was added in 20 wt.% of polysulfone solution.Keywords: fouling, hermia model, ultrafiltration, wastewater treatment.
The Release of Fertilizer on Corncob Cellulose – Based Acid-Acrylamide Hydrogel Prepared by Chemical Cross-Binding Method
Authors: Anggraini Renda Amalia , Kurniati Mersi , Winarti Christina , Irmansyah Irmansyah
Published: July 2022

Farmers' knowledge of the amount and dosage of fertilizers recommended for a practical fertilization system is low. As the result, the plant does not fully absorb the given fertilizer. Some fertilizers are leached by the flowing water and wasted into the soil layer. In long term basis, this practice can cause environmental pollution, especially on the land, water and air. Due to this fertilization problem in agriculture practice, a material with a high-water absorption capacity, which further releases it together with the fertilizer over a desirable period of time, is needed. One way to effectively provide water and nutrients to the plants and improve the physical and chemical properties of the fertilizzer is by the application of hydrogel. In this work, the release of urea fertilizer in a hydrogel-based on corncob cellulose was prepared using N, N'-Methylene Bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker was studied. This research aims to produce a hydrogel with good physical and mechanical properties using acrylamide based on corn cobs cellulose and can be applied as a fertilizer carrier matrix whose structure can regulate fertilizer release. The treatments tested were MBA concentrations of 0%, 1%, and 2%, while the ratio of cellulose: solvent was 1: 2 and the addition of urea fertilizer with a concentration of 5%. The results showed that the swelling value increased with increasing acrylamide in the treatment ratio of the concentration of cellulose: acrylamide-acrylamide (NS: AAm). Fertilizer factors also gave a good swelling value. This shows that the addition of fertilizers gives maximum results. The hydrogel with the best treatment, namely the concentration ratio of 1% MBA, produced a swelling value of 7633.3%, a gel fraction of 76.51%, 1.73 miligram fertilizer loading, fertilizer release by 2.9%, a hardness of 7,865 N, with the morphology showing urea crystals in the form of white spots and showing the results of a slow but optimum release rate of fertilizer so that it can be applied for agriculture that requires a lot of nutrients at the beginning of growth.Keywords: corncorb; cellulose; hydrogel; N’,N’-Methylene Bis-acrylamide (MBA), slow released fertilizer
Encapsulation of Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon citratus) Coated Alginate/Chitosan Using Gelation Method
Authors: Prasetyaningrum Aji , Arrois Sadam , Lafifa Fitri , Mubarok Aat Zaki , Fani Fadlillah , Handayani Noer Abyor , Ratnawati Ratnawati , Jos Bakti
Published: July 2022

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a medicinal plant with various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. This study aimed to encapsulate lemongrass bioactive in alginate/chitosan complex by enhancing the properties of CaCl2 crosslinked incorporated with tween 80 by ionic gelation method. The hydrogel was prepared by mixing alginate solution (2% w/v) and chitosan solution (1% w/v) with a ratio (1:1 v/v). Tween 80 (2% v/v) was added as a dissolution enhancer and CaCl2 as a crosslinker agent. The formulation varying by concentration of CaCl2 (0.1M to 0.3M) and lemongrass extract (2% to 12%). Encapsulation lemongrass with alginate-chitosan beads is characterized to determine encapsulation efficiency, swelling study, morphology, functional groups, and release study. The results showed that encapsulation efficiency ranged from 74.81% to 83.07%. Encapsulation efficiency increased with the addition of CaCl2 and lemongrass extract concentration. The swelling ratio ranged from 27.29 to 37.81, it will decrease with the addition of CaCl2 and lemongrass extract concentration. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of hydrogel beads shows a polyhedral shape, porous, and rough surface which indicates bioactive of lemongrass trapped on the beads. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results show new peaks at 1734 cm-1 as carbonyl stretch vibrations in ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids, indicating the addition of lemongrass extract. Bioactive of lemongrass extract loaded alginate-chitosan beads was successfully released as much as 87.12% at pH 6.8. This study suggested the strong potential alginate-chitosan beads as an encapsulating agent for lemongrass extract using the ionic gelation method, and it has potential as a drug delivery system.Keywords: encapsulation; lemongrass; alginate; chitosan; CaCl2
Non-Catalytic Biodiesel Synthesis from Kemiri Sunan (Reutealis trisperma) in Semi-Batch Bubble Column Reactor
Authors: Joelianingsih J. , Nur Faisal Ramadhan , Saputri Melani Eka , Purwaningsih Is Sulistyati
Published: July 2022

The Bubble Column Reactor (BCR) is intensive equipment used as a multiphase contactor and reactor in the chemical, biochemical, and petrochemical industries. BCR has some advantages include high mass and heat transfer rates, compactness, and low operating and maintenance costs. In this research, BCR was applied to produce biodiesel from Kemiri Sunan (Reutealis trisperma) Oil through non-catalytic and simultaneous esterification and transesterification reactions. Kemiri Sunan Oil was fed in the reactor and heated to a specific temperature. During the heating process, nitrogen gas was flowed to prevent oxidation. Liquid methanol flowed at some various flow rates through a vaporizer and superheater so that it has flowed into the reactor in the form of saturated steam (1 atm, 240 ºC). Experiments with variations in the methanol flow rate were carried out at a reaction temperature of 250 ºC, while experiments with various temperatures were carried out at a methanol flow rate of 2.5 mL/min. The best conditions were obtained at a flow rate of 2.5 mL min with a reaction temperature of 290 ºC. The production rate was 3.47 g/min with an acid number of 0.69 mg KOH/gr sample, and FAME content was 78.2% wt. These results indicate the simultaneous esterification and transesterification reaction in one reactor.
Production of Activated Carbon from High-Grade Bituminous Coal to Removal Cr (VI)
Authors: Kusdarini Esthi , Pradana Denis Rocky , Budianto Agus
Published: July 2022

Activated carbon was produced from high-grade bituminous coal, potentially removing Cr metal in textile industrial waste. The purposes of this study were 1) getting activated carbon characteristics, 2) studying the impact of reagent concentration and activation temperature on the activated carbon characteristics, and 3) getting the isotherm adsorption equation for activated carbon developed by Freundlich and Langmuir on Cr metal. This research used an experimental method with a laboratory scale, which means the manufacture of activated carbon and a test of adsorbs power of activated carbon to the Cr metal were conducted in the laboratory. Activated carbon manufacture through carbonization process of chemical activation used reagent (NH4)3PO4, neutralization, filtration, physical activation, and cooling. At the same time, it tested the adsorption power of the activated carbon to Cr metal through activated carbon contact with a solution containing some Cr6+ ion. The update in this research was using reagent (NH4)3PO4 and the test of adsorption power of activated carbon to Cr6+ ion contained in the artificial waste. This research showed activated carbon that has been activated using reagent (NH4)3PO4 0.5 – 2 M at physical activation temperature of 825oC and has met the standard of SNI number 06-3730-1995. The best-activated carbon was produced from chemical activation using (NH4)3PO4 1 M solution and physical activation at 825oC. The best-activated carbon characteristics contained 1.27% water; 17.17% content of volatile matter, 9.39% was ash content; 73.17% contained fixed carbon, and the iodine value was 1248.30 mg/g. The best Equation of Langmuir isotherm adsorption of activated carbon to the Cr6+ produced Constant Ar = -90.0901 and Kc = -0.0075.
The Effect of Flowrate on Dye Removal of Jumputan Wastewater in a Fixed-Bed Column by Using Adsorption Model: Experimental and Breakthrough Curves Analysis
Authors: Cundari Lia , Afrah Bazlina Dawami , Jannah Asyeni Miftahul , Meizakh Patrick Rudy , Aziz Muhammad Alik , Larasati Wulan Ayum
Published: July 2022

One of the traditional arts in Indonesia is Jumputan fabric which produced by using tie and dye technic. The Jumputan wastewater contains organic compounds which can decrease the oxygen content in water. An economic and applicable process to handle the Jumputan wastewater is adsorption. The research was conducted to find out the effect of flowrate to the adsorption performance of the dye onto activated carbon in a continuous fixed-bed column based on the breakthrough curve parameter. The activated carbon made from betel nuts (Cyrtostachys lakka) with size particle of 60 mesh. The column dimension was 2 inches of inside diameter and 60 cm of height column. The bed height was 10 cm. The feed pumped from the top of column with variation of flowrate of 10, 20 and 30 ml/min. The absorbance of the dye was analyzed by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The adsorption column models were analyzed using Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Adam-Bohart. The result of this research was the dye removal efficiency decreased with the increase in flowrate, which was 61.4%; 56.9%; and 47.6% for 10, 20, and 30 ml/min respectively. Feed flowrate showed a negative effect on the saturation time, the higher the flowrate, the faster it reaches the saturation point of the adsorbent. The breakpoints were 180, 260, and 420 minutes at 30, 20, 10 ml/min flowrate. The model data indicated that Thomas and Yoon-Nelson are fitted well with the experimental results. The models show the largest regression and the smallest error with the value of each 0.99 and 0.0035 at flowrate of 10 ml/min.
Eine Sprache für das Neue finden
Authors: Kaiser Ursula Ulrike
Published: July 2022

Metaphern können helfen, eine Sprache für das Neue zu finden. In neutestamentlichen Texten wird die Erfahrung des Christusgläubig-Werdens häufig metaphorisch beschrieben, zum Beispiel anhand geburts- und zeugungsmetaphorischer Aussagen. Als »Wiedergeburt« ist diese Metapher zur Katachrese geworden, weist im gegenwärtigen Gebrauch aber auch Bedeutungsverschiebungen auf und stellt keine geeignete Kategorie dar, um die ursprünglich lebendige Metaphorik der neutestamentlichen Texte zu erfassen.
Classroom assessment and learning motivation: insights from secondary school EFL classrooms
Authors: Bui Hung Phu , Nguyen Thuy Thi Thu
Published: July 2022

This study compares L2 classroom assessment practices related to learning motivation in a high-performing grammar school and middle-range regular school to find the characteristics of L2 classroom assessment that promote learning motivation. First, we observed how four L2 teachers assessed eight seventh-grade classes at the two schools (four classes per school). Then, we administered questionnaires to the students in these eight classes to investigate the correlation between classroom assessment and learning motivation. Finally, we conducted semi-structured interviews with the four teachers (each teacher in charge of two classes) and 10 randomly stratified students to interpret such a relationship. Quantitative data were projected into SPSS 25 for analysis, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The results showed that it was not the frequency but the characteristics of assessment that fostered learning motivation. The results suggest including assessment techniques to enhance learning motivation in Vietnamese L2 teacher education programs.
A note on efficient minimum cost adjustment sets in causal graphical models
Authors: Smucler Ezequiel , Rotnitzky Andrea
Published: July 2022

We study the selection of adjustment sets for estimating the interventional mean under an individualized treatment rule. We assume a non-parametric causal graphical model with, possibly, hidden variables and at least one adjustment set composed of observable variables. Moreover, we assume that observable variables have positive costs associated with them. We define the cost of an observable adjustment set as the sum of the costs of the variables that comprise it. We show that in this setting there exist adjustment sets that are minimum cost optimal, in the sense that they yield non-parametric estimators of the interventional mean with the smallest asymptotic variance among those that control for observable adjustment sets that have minimum cost. Our results are based on the construction of a special flow network associated with the original causal graph. We show that a minimum cost optimal adjustment set can be found by computing a maximum flow on the network, and then finding the set of vertices that are reachable from the source by augmenting paths. TheoptimaladjPython package implements the algorithms introduced in this article.