bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Daya Saing Ekspor Kakao Olahan Indonesia di Pasar Jerman
Authors: Ramadhani Ersalia Shifa , Hendrati Ignatia Martha , Asmara Kiki
Published: November 2021

One of the commodities which play a role in the economy of Indonesia is Cocoa, as one of the largest cocoa producers in the world, every year Indonesia keeps giving its effort to fulfilling the demand of the market, including Germany. This article has the objective of analyzing the competitiveness of Indonesian processed cocoa in Germany and analyzing the export competitiveness of processed cocoa between Indonesia and Ivory Coast, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019. The data used are secondary data, obtained through various institutions such as the Indonesian National Agency for Statistics Center, International Trade Center (ITC), UN COMTRADE, and International Cocoa Organization (ICCO).  In order to analyze the competitiveness of all processed cocoa commodities, the methodology used is Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA). The result of the RCA calculation shows that all Indonesian processed cocoa commodities such as cocoa paste (HS 1803), cocoa butter (HS 1804), and cocoa powder (HS 1805) have a comparative advantage in the German market. The result of this analysis shows that cocoa powder commodity has a higher RCA score compared with the other processed cocoa products. The implication of the research is that the research was conducted as empirical support that cocoa processed commodities in Indonesia must be taken into account in order to compete in the German market. Indonesia must increase the export volume of its processed cocoa in order to increase the value of the domestic cocoa industry. This research is expected to provide input to the government so that it can provide assistance in the form of incentives to small cocoa entrepreneurs engaged in the export sector so that these entrepreneurs can reduce production costs and stabilize Indonesian cocoa prices.
PENGEMBANGAN UKBM DENGAN PENDEKATAN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS (EDP) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN LITERASI STEM SISWA SMA
Authors: Widiyanti Indri , Putra Pramudya Dwi Aristya , Anggraeni Firdha Kusuma Ayu
Published: November 2021

UKBM is a learning tool using the Semester Credit System (SKS) and is a small learning unit that is arranged sequentially by involving study time units. This research is focused on developing UKBM with the Engineering Design Process (EDP) approach in learning physics in high school. The purpose of this study was to produce a valid UKBM and determine the effectiveness of UKBM through increasing students' STEM literacy after using the EDP-based UKBM. This study uses a research and development (R&D) model with the ADDIE model consisting of five stages, namely: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation. The results of the validity of product development are declared valid by the three validators with an average percentage of 88%, so that product development can be implemented in schools. The results of the effectiveness obtained from analyzing the results of the pre-test and post-test N-gain with the acquisition of N-Gain of 76.96% so that it is in the high category. The development of UKBM with the Engineering Design Process (EDP) Approach to improve STEM literacy of high school students was declared valid and effective.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN REPRESENTASI GAMBAR DAN MATEMATIS MATERI GERAK LURUS PADA SISWA SMA DI BONDOWOSO
Authors: Asiska Adinda Della Widya , Mahardika I Ketut , Bektiarso Singgih
Published: November 2021

Multirepresentation is a learning approach that provides information in various forms to make it easier for students to understand learning materials in the form of diverse representasion. This study aims to analyze the ability of image representation and mathematical representation of students.Respondents to this study were 3 schools in Bondowoso district, namely SMAN 1 TENGGARANG, SMAN 1 TAPEN, and SMAN 3 BONDOWOSO.Purposive sampling area method is a method used to determine the place of research.The data collection method in this study uses tests, interviews, and documentation.The test instrument consists of 5 questions containing aspects of image and mathematical representation.The test results are data on the ability to represent images and mathematically as well as classification of student ability categories presented in percentage form.The multirepresentation capability category is divided into 4 categories, namely very good, good, enough, less, and very less.Based on the data obtained it is known that the highest ability is in the representation of images with the average score of students in 3 different schools of 95.2% in the category of excellent.The average score of mathematical representation capability is 87.3% with a very good category.

 

Keywords: Physics, Concepts, Multirepresentation Capabilities
Funkcje okładek dokumentów muzycznych w perspektywie okładkoznawstwa
Authors: Łubocki Jakub Maciej
Published: November 2021

Koncepcja okładkoznawstwa jako multidyscyplinarnego obszaru badawczego jest w Polsce stosunkowo młoda, mimo że badania z tego zakresu były już prowadzone. Artykuł jest rozwinięciem niektórych tez z wcześniejszych prac autora, a także pierwszą próbą opisu okładek dokumentów muzycznych w perspektywie bibliologicznej (rozpoznającej okładkę jako ochronę dokumentu, dostosowaną do jego formy, treści, przeznaczenia i pochodzenia, o swoistych funkcjach i konstrukcji) i okładkoznawczej (jako wytwór wydawniczy o specyficznych cechach edytorsko-estetycznych, historycznych, kulturowych, społecznych i semiotycznych nastawionych na wywołanie konkretnej reakcji u odbiorcy). Dokonany przegląd funkcji okładek dokumentów muzycznych przedstawia korzyści płynące z badań nad nimi oraz pozwala zadać pytanie, czy okładki dokumentów muzycznych przejawiają swoiste funkcje, nieznane wśród innych typów dokumentów.
„Design-oriented approach” w badaniach nad muzyką (I): projektowanie inscenizacji i zaangażowane słuchanie ambientowe
Authors: Kędziora Piotr
Published: November 2021

W artykule rozwijam perspektywę podejścia projektowego (design-oriented approach), którą rekonstruuję na podstawie rozważań Victora Szabo. Stoi za nią koncepcja projektowania inscenizacji oraz zaangażowanego słuchania ambientowego, które odnoszę do źródeł gatunku ambientowego — ambientu Briana Eno oraz do wątku kankyō ongaku — muzyki środowiskowej rozwijanej w Japonii. W konkluzjach artykułu zarysowuję kierunki i wątki wymagające podjęcia w celu uzupełnienia perspektywy Szabo o zagadnienia związane z funkcjonalnością muzyki oraz estetyzacją rzeczywistości dokonującej się za pośrednictwem muzyki.
Conformance Checking of Dwelling Time Using a Token-based Method
Authors: Jokonowo Bambang , Siti Fatonah Nenden , Akhir Emelia Akashah Patah
Published: November 2021

Background: Standard operating procedure (SOP) is a series of business activities to achieve organisational goals, with each activity carried to be recorded and stored in the information system together with its location (e.g., SCM, ERP, LMS, CRM). The activity is known as event data and is stored in a database known as an event log.Objective: Based on the event log, we can calculate the fitness to determine whether the business process SOP is following the actual business process.Methods: This study obtains the event log from a terminal operating system (TOS), which records the dwelling time at the container port. The conformance checking using token-based replay method calculates fitness by comparing the event log with the process model.Results: The findings using the Alpha algorithm resulted in the most traversed traces (a, b, n, o, p). The fitness calculation returns 1.0 were produced, missing, and remaining tokens are replied to each of the other traces.Conclusion: Thus, if the process mining produces a fitness of more than 0.80, this shows that the process model is following the actual business process. Keywords: Conformance Checking, Dwelling time, Event log, Fitness, Process Discovery, Process Mining
Reinforcement Learning Approach for Efficient Inventory Policy in Multi-Echelon Supply Chain Under Various Assumptions and Constraints
Authors: Nurkasanah Ika
Published: November 2021

Background: Inventory policy highly influences Supply Chain Management (SCM) process. Evidence suggests that almost half of SCM costs are set off by stock-related expenses.Objective: This paper aims to minimise total inventory cost in SCM by applying a multi-agent-based machine learning called Reinforcement Learning (RL).Methods: The ability of RL in finding a hidden pattern of inventory policy is run under various constraints which have not been addressed together or simultaneously in previous research. These include capacitated manufacturer and warehouse, limitation of order to suppliers, stochastic demand, lead time uncertainty and multi-sourcing supply. RL was run through Q-Learning with four experiments and 1,000 iterations to examine its result consistency. Then, RL was contrasted to the previous mathematical method to check its efficiency in reducing inventory costs.Results: After 1,000 trial-error simulations, the most striking finding is that RL can perform more efficiently than the mathematical approach by placing optimum order quantities at the right time. In addition, this result was achieved under complex constraints and assumptions which have not been simultaneously simulated in previous studies.Conclusion: Results confirm that the RL approach will be invaluable when implemented to comparable supply network environments expressed in this project. Since RL still leads to higher shortages in this research, combining RL with other machine learning algorithms is suggested to have more robust end-to-end SCM analysis. Keywords: Inventory Policy, Multi-Echelon, Reinforcement Learning, Supply Chain Management, Q-Learning
Pengembangan Perangkat Pembelajaran IPA Terpadu Tipe Connected Materi Konsep Cahaya
Authors: Wibowo Sugeng , Hatibe Amiruddin , Werdhiana I Komang
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran IPA terpadu tipe connected materi konsep cahaya, serta mendeskripsikan kelayakannya yang ditinjau dari: 1) validitas perangkat pembelajaran materi konsep cahaya; 2) respons siswa terhadap perangkat; dan 3) hasil belajar siswa dalam pembelajaran. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode R&D model Kemp serta analisis fenomenologis. Hasil yang diperoleh berupa: 1) kelayakan perangkat pembelajaran yang dikembangkan berupa Buku Bacaan Siswa, Lembar Kerja Siswa, dan Tes hasil Belajar adalah berkategori baik; 2) respon siswa terhadap perangkat pembelajaran terpadu  tipe connected baik; 3) produk hasil pengembangan perangkat yang dikembangkan berdampak signifikan terhadap hasil belajar siswa di SMP Negeri 1 Poso. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa perangkat pembelajaran IPA terpadu tipe connected materi konsep cahaya layak untuk digunakan. Produk pengembangan ini dapat dimanfaatkan menjadi salah satu alternatif pada pembelajaran materi konsep cahaya.
SIMULAÇÃO EM VIDEOLAPAROSCOPIA: UMA INOVAÇÃO PARA ACADÊMICOS DE MEDICINA
Authors: Da Silva Soares Jarissa Mayara Ducarmo , Da Silva Soares Janderson , Mendes Ribeiro Marcelo
Published: November 2021

RESUMO

Objetivo: desenvolver modelo de treinamento em vídeo-cirurgia, como fonte geradora de imagem para um aperfeiçoamento do acadêmico de medicina. Metodologia: Utilizou-se de uma pesquisa experimental aberta, com 30 participantes ativos, comparando suas habilidades de grupo em tempo e destrezas com materiais. Resultados: Nestes exercícios de simulação encontramos, melhora das habilidades nos exercícios e melhora do tempo quanto a destreza dos participantes. Conclusão: Um bom cirurgião em vídeo-laparoscopia requer habilidade e uma visão bidimensional devido a limitação dos movimentos no emprego do método. Os alunos alcançaram habilidades mais cedo sem necessidade de muitas repetições nos exercícios.

Palavras-chave:Videolaparoscopia, Modelos de laparoscopia, Inovação cientifica.
Model Komunikasi dan Informasi Terpadu dalam Pengelolaan Bencana di Kabupaten Karo Berbasis Web
Authors: Lestari Puji , Teguh Paripurno Eko , Surbakti Hikmat , Mahardika Pratama Dikau
Published: November 2021

The people of Karo Regency are suing the Karo Regional Government (Pemda) for not providing an integrated communication and information system in the management of the Mount Sinabung disaster. The purpose of this study was to find an integrated model of communication and information in disaster management in Karo Regency. This research uses a qualitative approach with a single instrumental case study method to solve the problem of demands in the Karo community by finding a new model of disaster communication through website implementation. The object of research is a model of integrated communication and information. The subjects of this study were the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the team, the Head of the Communications and Informatics Service and the team. Data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, observation, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data analysis techniques are carried out by displaying data, reducing relevant data, making interpretations, and concluding research results. The results of this study found an integrated model of communication and information in disaster management in Karo Regency. This research contributes in the form of recommendations for integrated communication and information models in disaster management in Karo Regency through the website. The new findings theoretically add critical thinking elements in the Source-Message-Channel-Receiver-Effective Theory to deal with disaster problems. Keywords: Critical Thinking, Disaster Communication, Integrated Communication Model, Mount Sinabung.
O ETNOCONHECIMENTO GEOMORFOLÓGICO APLICADO AO ORDENAMENTO TERRITORIAL NAS PEQUENAS COMUNIDADES TRADICIONAIS
Authors: Ribeiro Simone Cardoso , Sousa Sinara Gomes de
Published: November 2021

O presente trabalho debruça-se sobre dois conceitos, o de Etnogeomorfologia e o de ordenamento territorial. Primeiramente fizemos a caracterização geoambiental dos municípios para reconhecimento dos aspectos físico/naturais e sociais das áreas pesquisadas; aplicação de entrevistas roteirizadas utilizando a técnica ‘Bola de Neve’; e levantamento dos dados. No total foram entrevistados 77 produtores rurais. Destaca-se aqui, a importância da valorização do saber popular, pois os sertanejos como conhecedores das potencialidades e limitações do ecossistema, planejam e ordenam seu território na busca de uma melhor viabilização de suas atividades econômicas, tendo em vista a conservação do meio ambiente.GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ETHNO-KNOWLEDGE APPLIED TO TERRITORIAL PLANNING IN SMALL TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIESABSTRACTThe present work focuses on two concepts, that of ethno-geomorphology and that of territorial planning. At first a geoenvironmental characterization of the municipalities was conducted in order to recognize the physical/natural and social aspects of the surveyed areas; following controlled interviews were applied using the 'Snowball' technique and data evaluation. Altogether, 77 rural producers were interviewed, 54 in the municipality of Farias Brito and 23 in the municipality of Granjeiro, State of Ceará. The study highlighted the importance of the valorization of popular knowledge, as pointed out by the attitude of the drylands peasants, who apply their knowledge of the potentialities and limitations of the ecosystem in order to plan and organize their territory searching to improve the viability of their economic activities, coupled with the conservation of the environmental resources.Keywords: Ethnogeomorphology; Planning; Use and soil occupation.
METODOLOGIA PARA AVALIAÇÃO DO POTENCIAL ESTÉTICO DAS GEOFORMAS NA ÁREA DO PROJETO GEOPARQUE CARIRI PARAIBANO
Authors: Borba Carla Soares , Meneses Leonardo Figueiredo de
Published: November 2021

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de avaliação do potencial estético/turístico das geoformas por meio da percepção de sua semelhança com imagens cotidianas e de valores associados, a fim de divulgar a geodiversidade por meio do turismo. A área de estudo abrange os limites do Projeto Geoparque Cariri Paraibano, do qual fazem parte os municípios de Boa Vista, Boqueirão, Cabaceiras e São João do Cariri, todos localizados nos Cariris Velhos da Paraíba. A metodologia da pesquisa se baseou em uma revisão bibliográfica para verificar metodologias pré-existentes de avaliação do geopatrimônio e na criação de uma ficha de avaliação/quantificação para identificar o potencial estético, científico, o uso potencial e a necessidade de proteção das geoformas. Como resultado realizou-se a avaliação de 15 geoformas, definindo-se aquelas que apresentam maior potencial estético para comporem roteiros turísticos na área do geoparque.MEHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT THE AESTHETIC POTENTIAL OF GEOFORMS IN THE CARIRI PARAIBANO GEOPARK PROJECTABSTRACTThis work presents a proposal of evaluation of the aesthetic/touristic potential of the geoforms through the perception of their similarity when compared to daily images and associated values, with the purpose of fostering geodiversity through tourism. The area covered by this study includes the borders of the Cariri Paraibano Geopark Project, in the municipalities of Boa Vista, Boqueirão, Cabaceiras and São João do Cariri, all of which are located in the Cariris Velhos region of Paraíba State. This research was based on the review of specialized literature, in order to assess the available methodologies aimed at the evaluation of the geoheritage as well as on the creation of an evaluation/quantification record to identify the aesthetic, scientific and use potential, and need for protection of the geoforms. As a result, an evaluation of 15 geoforms was carried out, focusing on those that presented the highest aesthetic potential to elaborate the tourist routes in the geopark's area.Keywords: Geodiversity, Tourism, Inventory.
GEOSSISTEMAS DE CURAÇÁ, BAHIA
Authors: Cavalcanti Lucas Costa de Souza
Published: November 2021

Visando representar a diversidade da organização natural das paisagens, a cartografia de geossistemas pode auxiliar a compreensão de sítios de ocupação pré-histórica. Este trabalho teve como objetivo mapear os geossistemas do município de Curaçá, localizado no Estado da Bahia, à margem direita do Rio São Francisco. O mapa foi elaborado a partir da identificação de grupos de fácies. É apresentado um fragmento do mapa de geossistemas com destaque para a parte central do município.GEOSYSTEMS OF CURAÇÁ, BAHIA ABSTRACTAiming to represent diversity of natural landscapes, geosystems mapping can help with the understanding of prehistoric sites. This work aimed at mapping the geosystems of the municipality of Curaçá, located in the north of the State of Bahia, on the right bank of the São Francisco River. The map was elaborated based on groups of landscape facies. A fragment of the geosystems map is presented in this article, highlighting the central area of the municipality.Keywords: Prehistoric sites, Geosystems Mapping, Brazilian semi-arid.
Pasting Properties of Various Waxy Rice Flours: Effect of α-Amylase Activity, Protein, and Amylopectin
Authors: Wang Yuehui , Sun Kuijie , Zhu Wenchang , Ding Wenping , Lyu Qingyun , Chen Lei , Wang Guozhen , Zhuang Kun , Chen Xi
Published: November 2021

Waxy rice is one of the most popular traditional crops served as a staple food in China. In this study, the effect of different factors including α-amylase activity, protein, and amylopectin structure on the pasting properties of four waxy rice varieties were investigated. Rice flours treated with AgNO3 solution, DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) or protease, suggested that both α-amylase activity and protein significantly decrease the pasting viscosity of waxy rice flours. Chain length distribution of amylopectin as measured by high performance ion exchange chromatography (HPAEC-PAD) showed that starch with higher ratio of short chain leading to a higher pasting viscosity. X-Ray diffractograms showed that the crystal type of all the four varieties of rice starches were characteristic A-type. Relative crystallinity of each rice starch was further calculated, and a higher crystallization resulted in a higher viscosity. Our study would provide a fundamental knowledge of the relationship between different factors and waxy starch pasting properties, as well as be a reference for controlling the quality of waxy rice starch-based food.
Genetic Polymorphism of beta1-adrenergic Receptors and the Effect on the Clinical Efficacy of beta-adrenoblockers
Authors: Larina V. N. , Leonova M. V.
Published: November 2021

Beta-adrenergic blockers are a valuable class of cardiovascular drugs and are widely used in the treatment of arterial hypertension (AH), coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure (CHF), cardiac arrhythmias, significantly improving the prognosis of patients. However, the clinical efficacy of betablockers is largely dependent on the genetic polymorphism of beta1-adrenergic receptors (ADRB1). The aim of the review was a systematic analysis of scientific data from pharmacogenetic studies on the role of beta1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism in the clinical efficacy of beta-blockers in the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The results of clinical trials and meta-analyzes were used. Of greatest importance is the genetic polymorphism of beta1-adrenergic receptors of two loci – Arg389Gly and Ser49Gly; the frequency of occurrence of variant and less functionally active alleles Gly389 and Gly49 in Europeans reaches 27% and 15%. The variant Gly389 allele has reduced functional activity and carriers have a weak response to the use of beta-blockers. In carriers of variant alleles Gly389 and Gly49 a reduced hypotensive effect on the use of beta-blockers was observed, and in studies of long-term efficacy, carriage of variant alleles was accompanied by an increase in the frequency and risk of unfavorable outcomes of hypertension. In pharmacogenetic studies, a reduced effect of the effect on myocardial remodeling in patients with CHF for beta-blockers in carriers of the variant Gly389 allele were confirmed. According to two meta-analyzes of trials on use of beta-blockers in patients with CHF, the frequency of increased left ventricle ejection fraction was significantly higher in carriers of the wild Arg389Arg gene type (risk ratio=1.83, p=0,001). In contrast, in atrial fibrillation, the frequency of rhythm control with beta-blockers was achieved better in the presence of the variant allele Gly389 with “loss of function”. Another polymorphic Gly49 allele plays a role in desensitization and down-regulation of beta1-receptor activity, although clinically this effect has been less obvious and contradictory. However, in studies, a more pronounced clinical effect of beta-blockers was observed in carriers of the wild genotype Ser49Ser, as well as in carriers of the haplotype Ser49Ser/Arg389Arg. Thus, genetic polymorphism ADRB1 may be another important predictor of the effectiveness of beta-blockers in clinical practice, which must be taken into account in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Director of the Faculty Therapeutic Clinic Nikolay Fedorovich Golubov: Scientific Activity, Last Years of Life and Finding of the Lost Grave (by the 165th Anniversary from Birthday)
Authors: Lutokhina Y. A. , Blagova O. V. , Zaitseva A. I. , Nedostup A. V.
Published: November 2021

September, 2021 marks the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Faculty Therapeutic Clinic (FTC) of the Imperial Moscow University, which is a successor of the First (1805) and Second (1820) Clinical Institutes with their therapeutic beds and chairs, and thus is the oldest therapeutic clinic in Russia. From 1930 the Clinic became part of the newly formed I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical Institute (now Sechenov University) and retains continuity to the present day. This publication is one of three research articles prepared by the staff of the Clinic for the anniversary and devoted to little-known pages of biography and scientific activities of the three heads of the FTC at the crucial stages of its history – A.I. Over, G.A. Zakharyin and the last prerevolutionary director – N.F. Golubov.
Long-term Results of Drug and Interventional Treatment in Patients with Morphologically Verified Idiopathic Arrhythmias
Authors: Blagova O. V. , Nedostup A. V. , Kogan E. A.
Published: November 2021

Aim. To study the late results of medical and interventional treatment in patients with morphologically verified nature of idiopathic arrhythmias.

Methods. The prospective study included 20 patients (mean age 43.1±11.3 years, 10 female) with atrial fibrillation (AF), supraventricular and ventricular extrasystole, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, conduction disturbance without structural heart changes. In addition to the standard examination, the level of anti-heart antibodies was initially determined; endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) of the right ventricle with PCR study for the viral genome; DNA diagnostics (n=4), coronary angioraphy (n=6), skin biopsy (n=1) were performed. The median follow-up was 134 [128; 138] months.

Results. By EMB in the initial examination were diagnosed: active (n=8)/borderline (n=3) infectious immune myocarditis; parvovirus-positive endomyocarditis (n=1); undifferentiated vasculitis (n=2); myocardial vasculitis (n=1); Fabry disease (n=1); arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (n=1); unspecified cardiomyopathy (n=2). Anti-heart antibodies were the most important in myocarditis diagnosis and monitoring. All patients with myocarditis/vasculitis (n=15) received its basic therapy: acyclovir (n=10); immunoglobulin G 10-12.5 g (n=2); hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day (n=15); glucocorticoids (n=14); azathioprine 150 mg/day (n=2). The late results were evaluated in all patients with myocarditis. Initially, in 62.5% of patients a resistance of AF to all antiarrhythmic drugs was noted. After treatment the average frequency of AF paroxysms decreased (from 8 [5; 8] to 3 [1,25; 7,75] points). By the end of the follow-up, six patients underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for AF, the full effect was achieved once. All patients without RFA have AF partially or completely resistant to drugs. Two patients (without RFA) died from ischemic stroke/ pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion. Using EMB the causes of idiopathic arrhythmias (mainly AF) were diagnosed: immune inflammatory diseases in 75% and genetic in 25% of patients. As a result of complex treatment, the general burden of arrhythmias has decreased. But the presence of myocarditis and primary cardiomyopathy, without reducing the cardiac contractility and dilatation, does not allow achieving a stable antiarrhythmic effect. Lethality for 11 years was 10%. The causes of death were thromboembolic complications.
Combined Arthroscopic Superior and Anterior Capsular Reconstruction of the Glenohumeral Joint
Authors: Rakowski Dylan R. , Zarkadis Nicholas J. , Ernat Justin J.
Published: November 2021

Case:

A 57-year-old male automobile mechanic presented with 1 year of atraumatic, bilateral shoulder pain and progressive loss of motion. Three months of physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications did not offer pain relief or increase his motion. He opted for right-sided dermal allograft superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and anterior capsular reconstruction (ACR) with subsequent left-sided SCR and subscapularis repair 3 months later.

Conclusion:

At the 18 months follow-up, combined SCR/ACR was effective in restoring motion and relieving pain. Although promising, additional studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this combined procedure.
Toxicology of Ngirimbo: Analysis to Determine the Levels of Trace and Heavy Metals, Moisture, Nicotine, pH and Microbial Assessment.
Authors: Mithi Vita , Mhango Happy Matchabani , Phiri Getrude Boti , Dewey Rebecca S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Tobacco and other similar/related products represent a substantial proportion of recreationally-used substances in Malawi. Ngirimbo is a smokeless substance taken orally to reduce tobacco smoking. This study aimed to determine the toxicological characteristics of Ngirimbo in terms of pesticide residues, microbial, trace and heavy metal contaminants, herbal compounds, and nicotine, moisture, and pH levels. Methods: Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, titration, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible Spectrophotometer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, pH and gravimetric analysis, ISO4833, ISO21527, ISO16654, and ISO6579. Results: From a total of 12 samples, 5 samples contained nicotine ranging from 0.08–0.84%, while the remaining 7 samples showed no trace of nicotine. Sample pH ranged from 6.68 to 8.32, and moisture content from 12.87–47.11%. Samples had no detectable contamination with chlorine or pesticide residue. Heavy metals tested: Cadmium, Nickel, Lead, and Copper were found to be below the detection limit of 0.01mg/kg. On the other hand, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of Nickel, Bromine, Rubidium, Strontium, Zirconium, Molybdenum, Rhodium, Cadmium, Chromium, and Tellurium. Samples had good levels of Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc ranging from 23mg/kg to 57,800mg/kg. Samples contained phytocompounds and herbal material of medicinal relevance. In terms of the microbiological content, Escherichia coli and Salmonella were absent, while Moulds and Yeast were present at a level of <1cfu/g, with the total plate count varying across all samples between 1,400cfu/g and 640,000cfu/g. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the current state of Ngirimbo available in Malawi is toxic and a hazard to human health. Implications: Prolonged use of Ngirimbo may lead to users developing mouth cancers or thermal burns to the oral mucosal membrane. Further, Ngirimbo consumers are at risk of developing dental caries, known to harbour microorganisms and development of infectious diseases. The control and regulation of Ngirimbo is highly recommended to maximise its capacity for use as a treatment/medication for tobacco replacement while minimising the negative impact on public health. Further work needs to be done to quantify the contents of Ngirimbo, and develop tolerance limits so that it may be used as a nicotine and tobacco replacement product.
Dynamic tax competition between symmetric countries with multiple strategic investors
Authors: Kishore Kaushal
Published: November 2021

Two symmetric countries compete over two-period under a non-preferential taxation regime to attract multiple investors where investors are strategic and investments are sunk once invested. Contrary to the existing results, we find that tax holidays do not arise during the initial period. Equilibria in mixed strategies arise in both periods where competing countries set strictly positive tax rates during the initial period. Strategic interaction between large investors reduces competition and increases tax rates during the initial period. We provide full characterization and uniqueness of equilibria in mixed strategies.JEL classification: F21, H21, H25, H87
Tax Competition between Symmetric Countries for Large Asymmetric Investors
Authors: Kishore Kaushal
Published: November 2021

In a dynamic two-period game between two symmetric countries, we show that a unique subgame-perfect equilibrium arises during the initial stage of the game. A mixed taxation regime arises in the equilibrium where one country adopts a non-preferential taxation regime while its competitor adopts a preferential taxation regime. The country with a non-preferential taxation regime earns a higher tax revenue compared to the country with a preferential taxation regime. A tax holiday does not arise during the initial stage of the game when the size of the mobile capital base that enters during the later stage is considerably larger than the size of the mobile capital base that enters the economy during the initial stage. We provide the complete characterization and proof of the uniqueness of the mixed strategy Nash equilibrium.JEL classification: F21, H21, H25, H87
Energy/Exergy Conversion Factors of Low Enthalpy Geothermal Heat Plants
Authors: Francke Henning
Published: November 2021

From the system perspective, a geothermal heat plant is not only a source of heat, but, in case of liquid producing wells producing liquid brine, also a sink for relevant amounts of electricity, consumed mainly by the pump(s). This electricity demand is usually not given much attention, although being decisive for operation costs and offering chances for demand side management as a variable consumer. From the perspective of an integrated energy system, geothermal installations basically move energy from the electricity sector into the heat sector. So do electrical compression heat pumps, whose performance is rated by the COP, the ratio between useful heat and invested energy and useful heat, the COP. This study transfers the COP concept to geothermal sites, by defining and determining the energy conversion factor quantity (i.e. relative auxiliary energy or operating cost of heat provision expressed in electricity) for a selection of mostly German geothermal sites. Based on heterogenous data consisting of operational values for some sites and theoretical estimations for others, the calculated ε range from 12 to 116. In analogy, the concept is extended to the exergy conversion factor ζ, which is calculated to range from 1 to 36. A comparison with alternative heat provision technologies, such as heat pumps (COP ≤ 6) or simple electric heating (ε ≈ 1), quantifies the potential service geothermal plants can render to the grid by converting electrical energy into useful heat. This study aims at quantifying the potential benefit of geothermal plants on for the electric grid.
Pattern of Medical Device Adverse Events in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Northern India: An Ambispective Study
Authors: PK Saifuddin , Prakash Ajay , Samujh Ram , Gupta SK , Suri Vanita , Kumar Rohit Manoj , Sharma Siddhartha , Sarma Phulen , Medhi Bikash
Published: November 2021

Background: This is the first study to evaluate the pattern of adverse events related to medical devices in India. We aimed to evaluate medical device adverse events (MDAEs) reported at a tertiary level teaching hospital in northern India.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted ambispectively at PGIMER, Chandigarh. We used the medical device risk classification given by the Indian regulatory authority which was framed in line with the recommendation of the Global Harmonization Task Force. The prospective study (PS) was done from January 2020 to December 2020 with a concurrent retrospective study (RS) proceeding to three years so as to learn more about the reporting culture, demographics, risk class of devices and the type of adverse events.Result. We obtained 224 MDAE in the prospective study and identified 413 MDAE in retrospective study. Reporting culture of retrospective adverse events to the national materiovigilance programme of India (MvPI) was negligible. Marginally increased incidence of MDAE reported among male patients (PS; 52%, RS; 57%) and age group between 21-30 years (PS; 19.1%, RS; 23.2%) in both studies. Fewer number of MDAEs were also reported from infants (7.5%) and the elderly (6.9%) population. Regarding risk class, MDAEs were frequent in low to moderate risk devices (Class B: 66%) in the prospective study, while it was documented only for high-risk devices (Class C: 51% & Class D: 49%) in the retrospective study. However, serious adverse events (SAEs) were equally prevalent among moderate to high-risk devices (Class B: 33%, C: 34% &D: 33%). An increased frequency of SAE was observed among non-notified medical devices (60.4%). Concerning reporting culture, nurses reported the majority of MDAEs (65%). Overall 14% of the incidents were documented as near-miss events.Conclusion: Medical devices elicit adverse events irrespective of their risk class, notification status and patient demographic factors. Escalated reporting of MDAEs by surgeons and biomedical engineers is recommended at India.
Molecular characterization of Fasciola isolates collected from sheep, goats and cattle in Kisumu, Baringo and Narok Counties, Kenya
Authors: Kipyegen Cornelius Kibet , Muleke Charles I. , Otachi Elick O.
Published: November 2021

Fasciolosis is a neglected trematode infection of public health and veterinary importance caused by Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica. Molecular analysis using the internal transcribed spacers’ ITS-1 and ITS-2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA is useful in distinguishing Fasciola species. This study aimed to characterize liver flukes from sheep, goats and cattle using these genetic markers. Fifty nine adult Fasciola specimens were collected from livers of naturally infected sheep, goats and cattle at selected abattoirs in Kisumu, Baringo and Narok Counties. Sequence comparison of ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences of Fasciola isolates from this study and sequences in Genbank was carried out. A maximum likelihood tree was constructed for phylogenetic analysis. Analysis of ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA sequences revealed that F. hepatica and F. gigantica caused infection in both cattle and sheep and in goats only F. gigantica caused infection. The sequenced PCR amplicons showed a close relationship between Fasciola species in this study with Fasciola isolates from other regions in the world. Phylogenetic analysis showed that sequences of F. hepatica are similar to the sequence from Spain, China and Tunisia obtained from GenBank. The sequences of F. gigantica in this study have similarity to the sequence from Iran and Burkina Faso. Data from this study provides information that serves as basis for further studies on the distribution of F. gigantica and F. hepatica in other localities in Kenya, and is also important in designing epidemiological and control programmes for zoonotic fascioliasis.
Outcome of ECMO and CRRT, experience of Hospital University MED VI, Oujda, Morocco.
Authors: oujidi younes , Essad ounci , haddad; Inass Arhoun El , Bensaid amine , Melhaoui imane , Kherroubi layla , Bkiyar houssam , Bentata yassamine , Brahim Housni
Published: November 2021

Background: Although acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and the CRRT impact is widely studied. The incidence of simultaneous use of ECMO and CRRT remain unclear. Objective: We conducted this retrospective study to define the incidence of concomitant CRRT with ECMO therapy and to determine the overall impact of this strategy on patient outcomes such as mortality and renal recovery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of patients of all ages, genders and ethnicities, admitted in the intensive care unit of Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco, on a cumulative period of 2 years (January 2019 – December 2020). Were enrolled in the study patients who benefited from ECMO, and presented an acute kidney injury afterwards, using ‘Microsoft Excel’ as a software to utilize the information collected from the computerized patient database. 30 patients were included in the final study. Results: 30 patients with ECMO were enrolled. The mean age was 59.8 ± 12.7 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio (M/F) of 3.28). Over one third of the patients had comorbidities, Diabetes mellitus was the most common (30%), followed by hypertension (17%). 83.3% of our patients benefitted from a veno-venous type of ECMO; and ARDS was the most frequent cause for using ECMO comparing to cardiac failure (90% vs 16.6%). 63.3% of our ECMO-using patients developed an AKI, with a mean creatinine peak of 28.74mg/L. 36.6% of our ECMO-using patients required the use of a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Unfortunately, all our ECMO-using patients complicated with AKI died, with a mortality rate of 100%. Conclusion: Among patients receiving ECMO, the incidence rates of AKI and severe AKI requiring CRRT are high, regardless of their prior medical conditions and the technique used to connect ECMO and CRRT.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus Device or Surgical Closure: the Role of Charity Missions Where the Resources Are Limited
Authors: Elsheikh Abdallah Elamin , M.E.HASSAN Salah Eldin , Siddig Abdal Mahmoud El , Ahmed Mohamed Elamin , Hussein Sabir Taha , ELjack Mohammed Mahmmoud Fadel Allah
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To compare the different methods of treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and evaluate the role of charity missions in availing the expensive devices for needy patients where the resources are limited.Background: The role of surgery is gradually being taken over by catheter intervention, however the cost in not affordable to most of our patients. Charity organizations are helping limited resource countries by availing the devices.Methods: All paediatrics patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) patients presenting to Medani Heart Centre (MHC) in a 6-year period were included in this study. The study included 337 patients. 283 were treated by catheter intervention group (A) and 54 were treated surgically group (B), 22 patients were referred for surgery from the catheterization laboratory, and 32 were treated when there was no visiting teams.Results: A total of 337 patients were included in this study, 32 were treated surgically by the local surgical teams. Out of remaining 305 patients 283 were found suitable for catheterization intervention, and were treated successfully, 22(%7) were having other congenital anomalies or PDA not suitable for intervention and were referred to surgery. 54 patients were treated by surgical ligation, 22 were referred from the intervention group and 32 were treated surgically when there were no visiting delegates and patients’ condition dictate urgent intervention, with good results. Devices were provided by charity organizations and delivered by the visiting teams, the choice of device depends on the availability.Conclusions: Surgery remains a good modality of treatment were the resources are scares, however a number of charity organizations are offering these expensive devices for countries of low and middle income making it possible for the poor patients to have such treatment. The results of both treatments are excellent
Accounting for Inequality Aversion Can Justify the 2◦ C Goal
Authors: Rogna Marco , Vogt Carla
Published: November 2021

Impact assessment models are a tool largely used to investigate the benefit of reducing polluting emissions and limiting the anthropogenic mean temperature rise. However, they have been often criticised for suggesting low levels of abatement. Countries and regions, that are generally the actors in these models, are usually depicted as having standard concave utility functions in consumption. This, however, disregards a potentially important aspect of environmental negotiations, namely its distributive implications. The present paper tries to fill this gap assuming that countries\regions have Fehr and Schmidt (1999) (F&S) utility functions, specifically tailored for including inequality aversion. Thereby, we propose a new method for the empirical estimation of the inequality aversion parameters by establishing a link between the well known concept of elasticity of marginal utility of consumption and the F&S utility functions, accounting for heterogeneity of countries/regions. By adopting the RICE model, we compare its standard results with the ones obtained introducing F&S utility functions, showing that, under optimal cooperation, the level of temperature rise is significantly lower in the last scenario. In particular, in the last year of the simulation, the optimal temperature rise is 2.1 ◦ C. Furthermore, it is shown that stable coalitions are easier to be achieved when F&S preferences are assumed, even if the advantageous inequality aversion parameter (altruism) is assumed to have a very low value. However, self–sustaining coalitions are far from reaching the environmental target of limiting the mean temperature rise below 2 ◦ C despite the adoption of F&S utility functions.
Operative Training in a General Surgery Program: Residents’ perspective and analysis of a web-based log-book - Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Arango Felipe Girón , Rodriguez Lina , Rey Carlos , Vanegas Marco , Venegas David , Londoño German , Nassar Ricardo , Conde Danny
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSurgical education evolves through time, and it's related to the number and type of procedures that residents are exposed to. Hour regulations in resident training affect learning curves, and recording surgical exposure remains to be an effective method to assess and keep track of surgical training. Web-based logbooks have proven to be useful to monitor and follow surgical training in general surgery residents. This study aims to evaluate surgical proficiency in general surgery residents by quantifying their operative exposure and experience by using data collected in a web-based logbook.MethodsA retrospective study from a prospectively collected data base between September 2018 to September 2019 was performed. All surgery residents were surveyed.ResultsA total of 13160 surgical procedures were performed by residents. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the most frequent procedure performed 7404 times (52,6%), followed by open appendectomy in 34,6%. Trauma context procedures represent 4.9% of surgical training in our program. Complex procedures such as whipple or distal pancreatectomy represent less than 1% of the training. 70% of residents are confident to perform the surgical procedures proposed for their year of residency, 90% agree that logbooks have a positive impact in their formation.ConclusionWeb based logbooks are a feasible method to follow operative experience in general surgery residents, with adequate record of procedures, its complexity, and trauma context. General surgery residents in our program are confident to perform surgical procedures based on the year of residency. Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the best way to measure resident experience and meanwhile we keep relying on proxies.
BIOAVAILABILITY ENHANCEMENT AND LIPID NANOCARRIER BASED DELIVERY OF PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS
Authors:   Department  of  Pharmaceutical  Sciences,  School  of  Pharmacy,  University  of  Puerto  Rico,  Medical  Sciences Campus,  PR-00936,  USA, Dahiya Sunita , Dahiya Rajiv ,   School  of  Pharmacy,  Faculty  of  Medical  Sciences,  The  University  of  the  West  Indies,  St.  Augustine, Trinidad  &  Tobago,  West  Indies
Published: November 2021

Peptides and proteins are vital biomacromolecules that perform several bodily functions in various physiological and biological processes. Being biocompatible and biodegradable, these macromolecules are considered promising platforms for delivery of drugs and genes. However, peptides and proteins suffer from major limitations including enzymatic degradation, short circulation half-lives, and poor membrane permeability that leads to poor bioavailability, challenging their effective delivery. This article briefly discusses the inherent challenges in peptide and protein delivery along with strategies for bioavailability enhancement and lipid nanocarriers as prospective systems for peptide and protein drug delivery.
Comparative analysis of methods to detect radio controlled commercial UAVs
Authors: P M Stoica
Published: November 2021

In the last few years we have witnessed an increase in adoption of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in many fields. Although they have useful applications, they can also pose a security threat for both the civilian and military domains. This paper presents a comparative multiple-criteria analysis of existing detection methods and possible countermeasures against commercially available UAVs, with a focus on the radio communications. Based on an objective function, a hierarchy between the studied methods will be made, in order to establish the optimal solution.
Playback with a robotic system
Authors: Marian Ionescu
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a way to perform playback (speech simulation). The robot will imitate a person speaking. Taking the sounds from the speaker is done using a microphone or from a player device who has a recorded speech. A microcontroller circuit will analyze the sound level and command, through an amplifier circuit, the motor that acts on the robot's mouth.