bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Modified with Steel Slag Powder and Waste Tire Rubber Compounds
Authors: Wang Zipeng , Zhao Zenggang , Yang Chao , Yang Xinkui , Chen Shuaichao , Zou Yingxue
Published: July 2022

As two kinds of solid wastes, waste tires and steel slag have caused serious threats to the environment. Both waste tire rubber (WTR) and steel slag powder (SSP) can improve the performance of asphalt, while the performance indexes and modification mechanism of modified asphalt are not clear. In this paper, asphalt modified with SSP and WTR was prepared, and its performance was evaluated. The physical properties of asphalt modified with SSP and WTR, including penetration, the softening point, and viscosity, were investigated. Furthermore, high-temperature performance, fatigue resistance, low-temperature performance, and blending mechanism of asphalt modified with SSP and WTR were tested with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rheometer (BBR), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The results showed that with the same content of WTR and SSP, WTR reveals a more significant modification effect on physical properties, fatigue, and low-temperature performance of base asphalt than SSP. The anti-rutting performance of SSP-modified asphalt is better than that of WTR-modified asphalt at 30~42 °C, and the anti-rutting performance of WTR-modified asphalt is better than that of SSP-modified asphalt at 42~80 °C. When the total content of WTR and SSP is the same, the physical properties, high-temperature resistance, fatigue resistance, and low-temperature performance of the asphalt modified with WTR and SSP decrease with the decrease in the ratio of WTR and SSP, and their performance is between WTR-modified asphalt and SSP-modified asphalt. Infrared spectrum results verified that the preparation of WTR- and SSP-modified asphalt is mainly a physical blending process. Overall, this research is conducive to promoting the application of modified asphalt with WTR and SSP in the construction of high-standard pavement.
The Need for Global Green Marketing for the Palm Oil Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Limaho Handoko , Sugiarto  , Pramono Rudy , Christiawan Rio
Published: July 2022

Continual scrutiny of and attacks on the palm oil industry in Indonesia have been ongoing for decades. The constant arguments against the palm oil industry have always touched on the issues of environmental sustainability, including deforestation and biodiversity loss, human rights issues, and various unsustainable practices. Even though many major palm oil players have voluntarily joined the RSPO, as well as the mandatory ISPO, with both certification bodies covering the environmental sustainability contexts of community development and human rights, constant attacks from stakeholders are mounting. This paper argues that besides fulfilling all of these requirements, there is a need for the industry as a whole to apply the right approach to green marketing or sustainable marketing as a means of strategy and business sustainability. Without a proper green marketing strategy and platform, the message of sustainability will not be delivered efficiently to the intended targets. There needs to be an understanding in regard to the market and also collaborative action between various stakeholders—including competitors and NGOs—to create and execute a fruitful green marketing strategy that can cross boundaries and be well received by the intended market.
A Novel Travel Time Estimation Model for Modeling a Green Time-Dependent Vehicle Routing Problem in Food Supply Chain
Authors: Asgharizadeh Ezzatollah , Jooybar Sobhan , Mahdiraji Hannan Amoozad , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: July 2022

In a green time-dependent vehicle routing optimisation problem, if the travel time is not well estimated, the values of the objective function (emissions) for different solutions will be obtained with less accuracy, which leads to wrong decision making. The purpose of this paper is to propose an accurate travel-time estimation model. The model was developed by considering the different multiple traffic modes through a continuous approach. Moreover, in this model, it was assumed that the route between two nodes was a combination of different segments (i.e., expressway, boulevard, main street, auxiliary street, alley, etc.), and the speed level varied along the route and depended on the segments of the route. Congestion is a key factor affecting the delivery time of food to customers. To assess the reliability of the model, data from the delivery and sales network of the oldest and biggest beverage manufacturer in Iran was used. A new congestion pattern was identified based on the analysis of 272 routes and several rules were described that proved the above assumption about congestion. The travel time estimated for 30 random vehicles with random departure times were compared with data from Google Maps through statistical analyses.
Dynamic Influence of Network Public Opinions on Price Fluctuation of Small Agricultural Products Based on NLP-TVP-VAR Model—Taking Garlic as an Example
Authors: Lv Xingchen , Meng Jun , Wu Qiufeng
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the price of small agricultural products has both plummeted and skyrocketed, which has a great impact on people’s lives. Studying the factors affecting the price fluctuation of small agricultural products is of great significance for stabilizing their price. With the development and application of social media, farmers and consumers are more greatly influenced by online public opinion, resulting in irrational planting behavior or purchasing behavior, which has a complex impact on the price of small agricultural products. Taking garlic as an example, we crawled through network public opinions about garlic price from January 2015 to December 2020 using web crawler technology. Then, the network public opinions were quantified using a natural language processing and time-varying parameter vector autoregression (NLP-TVP-VAR) model to empirically analyze their dynamic influence on garlic price fluctuation. It was found that both public attitude and public attention have a short-term influence on garlic price fluctuation, and the influences of each differ according to direction, intensity and timing. The influence of public attitude on garlic price fluctuation is positive, while the influence of public attention on garlic price fluctuation is largely negative. The influence intensity of public attitude is stronger than of public attention on garlic price fluctuation. The influence of public attitude on garlic price fluctuation shows a trend of intensifying, while that of public attention has been weaker than in previous years. In addition, based on the results of our study, we present some recommendations for improving the comprehensive information platform and price fluctuation early warning system for the whole industry chain of small agricultural products.
“The Three Evils”: Inflation, Poverty and Unemployment’s Shadow on Economic Progress—A Novel Exploration from the Asymmetric Technique
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Cismas Laura Mariana , Milin Ioana Anda
Published: July 2022

The primary goal of this analysis was to determine the impact of inflation, poverty, unemployment, and population growth on economic growth in Pakistan using time series data from 1986 to 2020. The stationarity for the variables was tested through unit root testing, while the asymmetric (NARDL) technique was applied to expose the association amid the variables via short-run and long-run dynamics. The outcomes show that (1) variable inflation and poverty have adversative linkages to economic growth, (2) unemployment has a positive association with economic growth, and (3) variable population growth showed a negative association via short-run and long-run dynamics. Inflation, poverty and unemployment are now emerging issues in the Pakistan. The Pakistani economy has been determined to have a strong and negative link between inflation and economic growth. After a certain point, generalized inflation seems to be harmful to economic growth in the country. New governmental strategies and policies are required to tackle this issue in order to boost economic progress.
The Effects of Barriers and Freight Vehicle Restrictions on Logistics Costs: A Comparison before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Marcelo Werneck , de Sousa Paulo Renato , de Oliveira Leise Kelli
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the supply chains, in which the production, distribution, and transportation systems were disrupted, permanently or temporarily. Despite the enormous influences the pandemic had on transportation systems, no study has yet assessed the extent to which the freight restrictions and barriers influenced logistics costs after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, understanding them is necessary to guide and stimulate public policies that intend to optimize the effects of freight restrictions on logistics costs. Thus, this paper assesses and compares the effects that such barriers in urban freight transport, and the restrictions imposed on freight vehicles, had on logistics costs before and during the pandemic. We surveyed more than 120 logistics professionals in Brazil in both 2018 and 2020/2021, making comparisons using models that were assessed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings suggest that barriers and freight restrictions influenced the logistics costs positively, but such influences reduced during the pandemic. Being aware of the barriers and restrictions that influence logistics costs and of how the pandemic increased the effects of some restrictions is essential for managers to be able make timely and appropriate decisions and to plan and implement initiatives to prevent or reduce costs.
Digital Finance, Environmental Regulation, and Green Technology Innovation: An Empirical Study of 278 Cities in China
Authors: Hu Yiqun , Dai Xiong , Zhao Li
Published: July 2022

Digital finance provides a premises guarantee for green technology innovation, and effective environmental regulation helps to achieve green and sustainable development. This article selects Chinese urban panel data from 2011 to 2019 to explore the impact mechanism of the influence of digital finance and environmental regulation on the innovation capacity of green science and technology. It is found that extensive financing channels and the strong information-matching ability of digital finance have a significant promoting effect on local green science and technology innovation. Moreover, government environmental regulation not only facilitates the development of green technology innovation locally and in nearby regions, but also strengthens the utility of digital finance in driving green science and technology innovation. Further research found that the influence of digital finance and environmental regulation on the ability of green science and technology innovation has regional heterogeneity, and only digital finance in Central China can promote green science and technology innovation in both local and adjacent areas. Therefore, the government should continue to promote the development of digital finance, optimize environmental regulations by increasing environmental protection subsidies and creating a green innovation environment, and further stimulate willingness to innovate green technologies. At the same time, it is also important to note the coordinated development and governance with neighboring regional governments.
Study on the Mechanism of Mesaconitine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats Based on Metabonomics and Toxicology Network
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhang Kai , Jiao Mingjie , Jiao Jiakang , Chen Dongling , Yin Yihui , Zhang Jia , Li Fei
Published: July 2022

Mesaconitine (MA), one of the main diterpenoid alkaloids in Aconitum, has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as analgesia, anti-inflammation and relaxation of rat aorta. However, MA is a highly toxic ingredient. At present, studies on its toxicity are mainly focused on the heart and central nervous system, and there are few reports on the hepatotoxic mechanism of MA. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of MA administration on liver. SD rats were randomly divided into a normal saline (NS) group, a low-dose MA group (0.8 mg/kg/day) and a high-dose MA group (1.2 mg/kg/day). After 6 days of administration, the toxicity of MA on the liver was observed. Metabolomic and network toxicology methods were combined to explore the effect of MA on the liver of SD rats and the mechanism of hepatotoxicity in this study. Through metabonomics study, the differential metabolites of MA, such as L-phenylalanine, retinyl ester, L-proline and 5-hydroxyindole acetaldehyde, were obtained, which involved amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Based on network toxicological analysis, MA can affect HIF-1 signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, PI3K-Akt signal pathway and FoxO signal pathway by regulating ALB, AKT1, CASP3, IL2 and other targets. Western blot results showed that protein expression of HMOX1, IL2 and caspase-3 in liver significantly increased after MA administration (p < 0.05). Combined with the results of metabonomics and network toxicology, it is suggested that MA may induce hepatotoxicity by activating oxidative stress, initiating inflammatory reaction and inducing apoptosis.
Structure Prediction and Analysis of Hepatitis E Virus Non-Structural Proteins from the Replication and Transcription Machinery by AlphaFold2
Authors: Goulet Adeline , Cambillau Christian , Roussel Alain , Imbert Isabelle
Published: July 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans globally. Considered for a long while a public health issue only in developing countries, the HEV infection is now a global public health concern. Most human infections are caused by the HEV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 (HEV-1 to HEV-4). Although HEV-3 and HEV-4 can evolve to chronicity in immunocompromised patients, HEV-1 and HEV-2 lead to self-limited infections. HEV has a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of ~7.2 kb that is translated into a large pORF1 replicative polyprotein, essential for the viral RNA genome replication and transcription. Unfortunately, the composition and structure of these replicases are still unknown. The recent release of the powerful machine-learning protein structure prediction software AlphaFold2 (AF2) allows us to accurately predict the structure of proteins and their complexes. Here, we used AF2 with the replicase encoded by the polyprotein pORF1 of the human-infecting HEV-3. The boundaries and structures reveal five domains or nonstructural proteins (nsPs): the methyltransferase, Zn-binding domain, macro, helicase, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, reliably predicted. Their substrate-binding sites are similar to those observed experimentally for other related viral proteins. Precisely knowing enzyme boundaries and structures is highly valuable to recombinantly produce stable and active proteins and perform structural, functional and inhibition studies.
Galectin-9 and Interferon-Gamma Are Released by Natural Killer Cells upon Activation with Interferon-Alpha and Orchestrate the Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Carreca Anna Paola , Gaetani Massimiliano , Busà Rosalia , Francipane Maria Giovanna , Gulotta Maria Rita , Perricone Ugo , Iannolo Gioacchin , Russelli Giovanna , Carcione Claudia , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Badami Ester
Published: July 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells mount an immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and can be activated by several cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-15, and interferon-alpha (IFN-α). By exploiting the Huh7.5 hepatoma cell line infected with the HCV JFH1 genome, we provide novel insights into the antiviral effector functions of human primary NK cells after cytokine stimulation. NK cells activated with IFN-α (IFNα-NKs) had enhanced contact-dependent and -independent responses as compared with NK cells activated with IL-2/IL-15 (IL2/IL15-NKs) and could inhibit HCV replication both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, IFN-α, but not IL-2/IL-15, protected NK cells from the functional inhibition exerted by HCV. By performing flow cytometry, multiplex cytokine profiling, and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, we discovered that IFNα-NKs secreted high levels of galectin-9 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and by conducting neutralization assays, we confirmed the major role of these molecules in HCV suppression. We speculated that galectin-9 might act extracellularly to inhibit HCV binding to host cells and downstream infection. In silico approaches predicted the binding of HCV envelope protein E2 to galectin-9 carbohydrate-recognition domains, and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed physical interaction. IFN-γ, on the other hand, triggered the intracellular expressions of two antiviral gate-keepers in target cells, namely, myxovirus-1 (MX1) and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1). Collectively, our data add more complexity to the antiviral innate response mediated by NK cells and highlight galectin-9 as a key molecule that might be exploited to neutralize productive viral infection.
Examining How a Smart Rainwater Harvesting System Connected to a Green Roof Can Improve Urban Stormwater Management
Authors: Shetty Nandan , Wang Mark , Elliott Robert , Culligan Patricia
Published: July 2022

This study quantified how a smart rainwater harvesting cistern that collected stormwater runoff from a green roof reduced stormwater flow into a combined sewer system (CSS) during wet-weather flow. The studied smart rainwater harvesting cistern collected runoff from a green roof located in Bronx, New York City; it used the Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control (CMAC) smart sensor provided by OptiRTC, Inc., to regulate the water flow from the cistern. The cistern collected stormwater runoff from the roof, usually draining completely after 24 h of dry weather. However, the smart sensor used weather forecasting data, and if additional rainfall was predicted immediately following another storm, the cistern only drained a specific amount, calibrated to mitigate the CSO. Five years of data from the cistern system were used to understand the role of the cistern’s smart sensor in reducing stormwater flow into the CSS during storms. The study results demonstrate that connecting the smart cistern system to the green-roof maximized stormwater collection (compared with the green roof alone) for storm sizes between 2 mm and 25 mm and for antecedent dry-weather periods greater than 2 days. The total of 65.2% of rainfall retained over the monitoring period by the green roof alone increased to 75.6% when considering the total stormwater retained and detained together by the green roof and cistern, thus yielding a 10% improvement. The study results also demonstrate that the smart sensor’s use of weather forecasting data failed to improve system performance.
Flow-Type Landslides Analysis in Arid Zones: Application in La Chimba Basin in Antofagasta, Atacama Desert (Chile)
Authors: Roldán Francisca , Salazar Iván , González Gabriel , Roldán Walter , Toro Norman
Published: July 2022

In the world, the hazards of intense rainfall are recurrent and increasing. In addition, they are one of the natural hazards that cause the most severe damage to infrastructure and even cause deaths every year. Flow-type landslides are capable of develop in areas with different geomorphological, geological and climatic characteristics. In hyper-arid zones such as the Atacama Desert, these hazards are capable of develop in a timely manner, causing catastrophes. This study analyzes the flow-type landslide in a hyper-arid mountainous area in La Chimba basin of Antofagasta city (Chile). For this, a hydrometeorological analysis is carried out through a pluviometric analysis, statistical analysis of frequencies through the Gumbel probabilistic method of extreme values and determination of maximum flows by obtaining IDF (intensity-duration-frequency) curves and design rainfall intensity as a function of concentration time. To obtain the maximum flows of liquid runoff and debris, for different return periods, the rational method was used with the method proposed by O’Brien. For the determination in the impact zone, the modeling software HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System) and RAMMS (Rapid Mass Movements). Hydrographs are used for a return period of about 200 years, considered the most unfavorable scenario with the Voellmy–Salm model. To validate the modeling, a morphometric, sedimentological and comparative analysis is carried out between real impact zones of 1991 event and those generated in this study. It is concluded that the sedimentological and morphometric characteristics indicate that the type of flow that it can originate would have a rapid response to rainfall events of great intensity or duration. The modeling provided by HEC-RAS represents a fluvial-type flow, while the RAMMS modeling is closer to the consistency of a flow-type landslide, which is estimated to be closer to reality. The results show that despite being in a hyper-arid zone, the rainfall factor is capable of landslides triggering in mountainous areas.
Fish Species Composition, Distribution and Community Structure in Relation to Environmental Variation in a Semi-Arid Mountainous River Basin, Iran
Authors: Zare-Shahraki Mojgan , Ebrahimi-Dorche Eisa , Bruder Andreas , Flotemersch Joseph , Blocksom Karen , Bănăduc Doru
Published: July 2022

We analyzed spatial variation in fish species richness and community composition in the Karun River basin, Iran. Knowledge about fish diversity in the basin is incomplete and varies widely along spatial and temporal scales: The Karun is the longest river in Iran (950 km) with the largest drainage area (about 67,000 km2). Fish samples were collected from 54 sites from July through August 2019 using a backpack electro-fisher. Physico-chemical and habitat parameter data collected at each site included pH, conductivity (μS/cm), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), water temperature (°C), turbidity (NTU), stream width (m), stream depth (m), water velocity (m/s) and elevation (m). In total, 37 species were collected (5241 individuals weighing 110.67 kg). The species collected represented 12 families and 27 genera. A total of 13 endemic species (35.14%), 16 native species (43.24%), and eight non-native species (21.62%) were recorded. Diversity indices were calculated and used to measure the spatial variation in community composition. Relationships between native and endemic species assemblage structure and environmental descriptors were assessed using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The first two axes of the canonical correspondence analysis explained 62.57% of the variation in the data. Of the nine environmental descriptors analyzed, eight significantly affected species distribution; however, electrical conductivity and elevation were most influential. Our study provides up-to-date status information on the distribution of freshwater fishes in the Karun River basin. This information is essential for developing conservation and management strategies to support the long-term sustainability of fish populations in the Karun River basin.
Applying the Nernst Equation to Control ORP in Denitrification Process for Uranium-Containing Nuclear Effluent with High Loads of Nitrogen and COD
Authors: Venturini Mariano , Rossen Ariana , Bucci Paula , Silva Paulo Patricia
Published: July 2022

Several reviews of denitrification have shown it to be an efficient process for treating high nitrate-loaded effluents from nuclear industries. However, stressful conditions adversely affect biological kinetic parameters and performance. Additionally, actual nuclear effluents contain multiple pollutants and radioactive emissions that could render implementation difficult. The objective of this study was to treat and recycle water from nuclear industries by using a mixture of blended real nuclear wastewater (BRNW). The process was carried out under physicochemical parameters control in a biological model to established a technical setup and to model the denitrification process in a real nuclear wastewater effluent. Denitrification processes were carried out in the wastewater sample under controlled ORP conditions by the Hill model to establish the kinetic model. The results show a complete elimination of nitrate by the bacteria. Indicators of biochemical reactions were used to obtain a model based on Monod and controlled ORP. The good fit of the proposed model was verified under empirical and simulated conditions. To establish optimal performance, it was necessary to add 3% v/v of methanol, as a carbon source, to remove the nitrate in BRNW. Isolation techniques confirmed that Pseudomonas spp. was the dominant bacteria. Gene expression demonstrated the lack of inhibition of the NosZ gene responsible for the reduction in nitric oxide, a “greenhouse gas”. Finally, COD and uranium were removed from the liquid by precipitation. At the end of the process, the treated effluent could potentially be reused in industrial processes, recycling most of the wastewater effluents.
NORMALIZED DEFORMATION MODELS FOR THE CALCULATION OF CRACKING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors:   Bryansk State Engineering Technological University, MORGUNOV M.V. , MASLOV D.A. ,   Bryansk State Engineering Technological University
Published: July 2022

The study provides a detailed analysis of the application of normalized deformation models in order to practically calculate such a design characteristic as crack resistance in reinforced concrete elements. For theoretical verification of the values of the moment of cracking, two calculation methods are used, based on the application of the elastic-plastic moment of cross-section resistance and a nonlinear deformation model. A comparative analysis of calculated values with experimental data is also used. In the course of theoretical studies of the moment of cracking using these techniques, the following conclusions were made and the analysis of experimental data was made. The calculated value during the application of the elastic-plastic moment and the two-line diagram of the state of concrete does not exceed the experimental ones and has a margin of 10%.
DEFORMATION OF ANNULAR ORTHOTROPIC PLATES OF MEDIUM THICKNESS MADE OF MATERIALS SENSITIVE TO THE TYPE OF STRESS STATE
Authors:   Tula State Univercity, TRESHCHEV A.A. , ZAVYALOVA YU.A. ,   Tula State Univercity
Published: July 2022

Discusses a model of a three-layer annular plate of medium thickness. It is assumed that the load on the plate is assumed to be uniformly distributed. The universal relations constructed in the normalized tensor stress space associated with the main axes of the anisotropy of the material are taken as the determining relations. The load was taken in such a way that the deflections of the middle surface of the plate were considered small in comparison with its thickness. The fixing of the plate is rigid along the external and internal contours. Since some orthotropic materials with different resistance exhibit a nonlinear dependence of deformations on stresses, the material characteristics are taken as functions of stress intensity. As a result of the formulation of the boundary value problem, a mathematical model was developed for the analyzed class of problems, implemented as a numerical algorithm integrated into the Mathcad software package. To solve the system of resolving differential equations of bending of annular orthotropic plates, the method of variable elasticity parameters with a finite-difference approximation of the second order of accuracy was used.
Second derivative General Linear Method in Nordsieck form
Authors: Okuonghae Robert I. , Ikhile Monday Ndidi Oziegbe
Published: July 2022

This paper considers the construction of second derivative general linear methods (SD-GLM) from hybrid LMM and their transformation to NordsieckGLM. How the Runge-Kutta starters for the methods can be derived are given. The representation of the methods in Nordsieck form has the advantage of easy implementation in variable stepsize.
Extending the radius of convergence for a class of Euler-Halley type methods
Authors: George Santhosh , Argyros Ioannis K
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to extend the  radius of convergence and improve the ratio of convergence for a certain class of Euler-Halley type methods with one parameter in a Banach space. These improvements over earlier works are obtained using the same functions as before but more precise information on the location of the iterates. Special cases and examples are also presented in this study.
Inequalities for the Finite Hilbert Transform of convex functions
Authors: Dragomir Sever Silvestru
Published: July 2022

In this paper we obtain some new inequalities for the finite Hilbert transform of convex functions.

Applications for some particular functions of interest are provided as well.
On the convergence rates of pairs of adjacent sequences
Authors: Duca Dorel I. , Vernescu Andrei
Published: July 2022

In this paper we give a suitable definition for the pairs of adjacent (convergent) sequences of real numbers, we present some two-sided estimations which caracterize the order of convergence to its limits of some of these sequences and we give certain general explanations for its similar orders of convergence.
Remarks on a Bernstein-type operator of Aldaz, Kounchev and Render
Authors: Acu Ana Maria , Gonska Heiner , Heilmann Margareta
Published: July 2022

The Bernstein-type operator of Aldaz, Kounchev and Render (2009) is discussed. New direct results in terms of the classical second order modulus as well as in a modification following Marsden and Schoenberg are given.
Extending the solvability of equations using secant-type methods in Banach space
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , George Santhosh
Published: July 2022

We extend the solvability of equations dened on a Banach space using numerically ecient secant-type methods. The convergence domain of these methods is enlarged using our new idea of restricted convergence region. By using this approach, we obtain a more precise location where the iterates lie than in earlier studies leading to tighter Lipschitz constants. This way the semi-local convergence produces weaker sucient convergence criteria and tighter error bounds than in earlier works. These improvements are also obtained under the same computational eort, since the new Lipschitz constants are special cases of the old ones.
Quantitative inheritance properties for simultaneous approximation by tensor product operators II: Applications
Authors: Beutel Laura , Gonska Heiner
Published: July 2022

We summarize several general results concerning quantitative inheritance properties for simultaneous approximation by tensor product operators and apply these to various situations.

All inequalities are given in terms of moduli of continuity of higher order.
Entornos virtuales durante la pandemia en los Centros De Educación Técnica – Productiva (CETPRO)
Authors: Torres Romero Juan Carlos
Published: July 2022

Este articulo tuvo como objetivo analizar los entornos virtuales durante la pandemia en relación a la enseñanza y aprendizaje en las instituciones de Educación Técnica Productiva, en las clases a distancia que se realizaron en los años 2020 y 2021 a consecuencia del COVID 19. Para poder hacer posible este estudio se empleó el método analítico a partir de la revisión de artículos, libros digitales, informes, tesis y resoluciones ministeriales utilizando criterios de indagación y de inclusión vinculadas al desarrollo educativo indexadas en Scielo, EBSCO, Scopus, Google Académico y Redalyc. Los resultados de la revisión sistemática demostraron que en la enseñanza a distancia se implementaron estrategias utilizando los medios virtuales, generando implementación de uso de las actuales tecnologías y sus diversas aplicaciones, Por consiguiente, se concluye que la importancia del uso de entornos virtuales durante la pandemia influyo en la educación de los estudiante y docentes en los Centros de Educación Técnica Productiva.
Motivasi Mahasiswa dalam Mengikuti Program Internship di Jepang
Authors: Muthiarawaty Muthiarawaty , Setiana Soni Mulyawan
Published: July 2022

Abstract

 

This study aims to determine the motivation or interest of students in participating in the internship program in Japan. This research was conducted using a quantitative descriptive method. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires to active students of the Japanese language/literature study program from four universities in the city of Bandung. The results showed that most of the students had high motivation and interest in participating in the internship program in Japan. Internship programs that students want to participate in themselves, exist in various fields of work such as golf, restaurants, or hospitality. However, there are several factors that need to be considered by students when they want to join the internship program. So that students can take part in the internship program well, students need to be equipped with Japanese language skills that are equivalent to N3, so that later language will not be an obstacle and students can communicate and carry out their internship program smoothly and well. Therefore, the Study Program should hold special classes for students who are interested in participating in an internship program according to their field.

 

Keywords: Japanese department; motivation; student internship

 

Abstrak

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui motivasi atau minat mahasiswa dalam mengikuti program internship di negara Jepang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara menyebarkan angket kepada mahasiswa aktif  program studi bahasa/sastra Jepang dari empat Universitas di kota Bandung. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar mahasiswa memiliki motivasi dan minat yang tinggi untuk mengikuti program internship di Jepang. Program internship yang ingin diikuti oleh mahasiswa sendiri, ada dalam berbagai bidang pekerjaan seperti golf, restoran, ataupun perhotelan. Hanya saja, ada beberapa factor yang perlu diperhatikan oleh mahasiswa ketika ingin mengikuti program internship. Agar mahasiswa dapat mengikuti program internship dengan baik, mahasiswa perlu dibekali dengan kemampuan Bahasa Jepang yang setara dengan N3, sehingga nantinya Bahasa tidak menjadi kendala dan mahasiswa dapat berkomunikasi serta menjalani program internshipnya dengan lancar dan baik.. Oleh karena itu Program Studi sebaiknya mengadakan kelas khusus bagi mahasiswa yang tertarik mengikuti program internship sesuai bidangnya.

 

Kata Kunci: Departemen bahasa Jepang; magang mahasiswa; motivasi
Monomethoxy Isomers of Psoralen - DFT Treatment
Authors: Türker Lemi
Published: July 2022

The present study considers psoralen isomers having a methoxy substituent at different positions of the psoralen backbone. Density functional approach has been adopted at the level of B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) to obtain various geometrical, physicochemical, spectral and quantum chemical properties of the isomers of concern including bergapten and xanthotoxin. Also local aromaticities of the benzenoid and furanoid rings have been obtained by calculating the nucleolus independent chemical shift values.
Teachers’ perceptions of school violence patterns and responses following the spread of COVID-19
Authors: Han You-Kyoung , Song Aeri , Park Ju Hyoung , Kim Ji Eon , Oh Eun Hye
Published: July 2022

You-Kyoung Han, Aeri Song, Ju Hyoung Park, Ji Eon Kim, Eun Hye Oh
Feminist Thoughts in the Works of Manikkodi B.S Ramiah
Authors: D Palraj
Published: July 2022

Literature is a reflection of human life. Sangam literature embodies all aspects of human life, from contemporary to modern literature. Modern literature such as novels, short stories, poetry, and drama evoke contemporary creators' ideas of family, individual human life, feminism, class, and society through their works. The golden age of short story literature is manikkodi period. Manikkodi magazine started by ku. Srinivasan was transformed into a women's short story magazine run by B.S Ramiah. Innovator, La.Sa.Ra., Va. Ra, Mauni, B.S Ramiah, etc. continued to write short stories in Manikkodi magazine. Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan and Puthumaipittan took feminist ideas with a sense of liberation through their works. Socially concerned B.S Ramiah realistically records the life and social problems of the middle class. The oppression of men on feminist issues, the emancipation of women and the means by which this society can break the restrictions imposed on them and claim their rights. Women become widows at a young age because they get married at a young age. Through his short stories, B.S Ramiah has highlighted the progressive thinking that widows can be remarried at a young age, highlighting the denial of remarriage to widows and the stigma attached to widows by this society.
Paediatric endophthalmitis: a 10-year retrospective study at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for incidence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Dorairaja Tanusha , Wan Ab Kadir Azida Juana , Rahmat Jamalia
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Paediatric infectious endophthalmitis is a serious sightthreatening disease for children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, aetiology, microbiological spectrum, management, and visual outcomes of infectious endophthalmitis in children referred to the Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Study design: Retrospective study.Methods: The medical records of all patients under 18 years of age with histories of endophthalmitis treated at Hospital Kuala Lumpur from January 2009 to December 2018 were reviewed. The clinical characteristics, aetiology, microbiological spectrum, management, as well as the visual outcomes were analysed.Results: A total of 23 children were identified, with a mean age of 3.15 (ranging from 20 days to 8 years of age). Previous ocular surgery (47.8%) and ocular trauma (30.4%) were the most common causes of endophthalmitis. Overall, eight (38.1%) cases with positive cultures were identified. The most commonly identified organism was Staphylococcus sp. comprising 50% of the isolates. Moreover, five isolates (62.5%) were gram-positive organisms and three isolates (37.5%) were gram-negative organisms. The final visual outcome was 20/200 or better in one eye (4.3 %), hand movement in two eyes (8.7%), light perception in five eyes (21.7%), and no light perception in 13 eyes (56.5%). The visual outcome was not available for two patients (8.7%).Conclusions: Previous ocular surgery and penetrating ocular trauma are the most frequent causes of paediatric endophthalmitis in our centre. Staphylococcus sp. was the most commonly identified organism in paediatric endophthalmitis. In this study, despite aggressive management with intravitreal antibiotics and vitrectomy, the visual prognosis was found to be generally poor.
Effect of a patient educational video on visual field test reliability
Authors: Lee Hsin Yi , Ramli Norlina , Saharuddin Nurul Akma , Siti Faeza Hanim Syed Yaziz , Ong Poh Yan
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Standard automated perimetry (SAP) is the gold standard for detecting and monitoring visual field (VF) defects in glaucoma, but frequent re-testing due to unreliable results increase the burden on this frequently used service. This study aims to assess the reliability of the Humphrey visual field (HVF) test in glaucoma-suspect patients with no previous SAP experience and to determine the effect of a VF test educational video on reliability.Study design: The study was conducted as a full cycle audit.Methods: The audit cycle was carried out in four phases: pre-intervention audit, intervention, monitoring, and post-intervention audit. The pre-intervention audit was carried out from January 2020 to May 2020 and the post-intervention audit was carried out from September 2020 to December 2020. The intervention was in the form of a VF test educational video. A post-video assessment pertaining to the contents of the video was given to patients in the intervention group to complete after they watched the video. The results were then tabulated and analysed.Results: The pre-intervention audit showed that only 66.7% of glaucoma-suspect patients with no previous SAP experience had reliable HVF tests. Post-intervention, HVF reliability improved to 87.5% of patients. Based on the reliability parameters, the main reason for the HVF test being classified as unreliable in both the pre- and post-intervention was fixation loss greater than 20% in 36 (90%) and 11 (73.3%) patients, respectively. There were 76.9% of patients with unreliable fields who had < 4 correct answers on the post-video assessment; all patients who had > 4 correct answers had reliable HVF results.Conclusion: HVF reliability performance in glaucoma-suspect patients improved with the introduction of a pre-test educational video. It is a simple and inexpensive method which may reduce the need for repeat HVF tests for those with unreliable tests.
Ab-externo XEN gel stent implantation in primary open-angle glaucoma: 6-month follow-up
Authors: Mustafa Mohd Hasif , Md Din Norshamsiah , Tang Seng Fai
Published: July 2022

Purpose: XEN gel stent (XGS) is one of the minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures offering substantial intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of XGS implantation via an ab externo approach in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We present 13 cases of successful XEN implantation via an ab externo approach in these patients.Study design: Retrospective case series.Methods: This was a retrospective case series involving patients diagnosed with POAG at a tertiary referral centre who underwent XGS implantation between February 2019 and June 2020 for uncontrolled IOP despite maximum topical medications. All patients underwent XGS implantation via an ab externo approach placed at the superotemporal quadrant. The main outcome measure was IOP reduction and number of antiglaucoma medications after XGS implantation, postoperative procedures, and surgical complications.Results: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were included in the analysis. At the 6-month follow-up, mean IOP reduction was 2.73 ± 3.66 mmHg and mean IOP was 13.8 ± 1.99 mmHg on an average of 1.6 antiglaucoma medications. Complications included transient hypotony and transient IOP spikes requiring needling. Two patients required stent removal due to recurrent conjunctival erosion and stent migration into the anterior chamber.Conclusion: XGS implantation is able to achieve good IOP control with reduced need for antiglaucoma medications after a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Longer follow-up is needed to assess its long-term outcome.
Autologous blood injection: alternative treatment for bleb leak
Authors: Mohamad Rusli Nur Hafeela , Mohd Khialdin Safinaz , Che-Hamzah Jemaima
Published: July 2022

Background: To report a case of post-glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery with multiple small conjunctival defects treated with autologous blood injection.Case presentation: A 28-year-old female with a history of juvenile open-angle glaucoma who had undergone multiple glaucoma surgeries with antimetabolite injections for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) of the left eye since 2006 underwent Baerveldt glaucoma implantation in 2017. One year postoperatively, she experienced persistent hypotony, which could not be resolved with a scleral bandage contact lens. Ocular examination revealed visual acuity of 6/9 and IOP of 8 mmHg. Multiple leakage points were identified with fluorescein at the junction between the plate and the tube. Subconjunctival injection of 1 ml autologous blood was administered near the conjunctival defects. Five months postoperatively, the leakage was sealed with IOP of 12 mmHg.Conclusion: Autologous blood injection can be used as an alternative procedure for treating leaking blebs after a GDD surgery.
Allah sebagai Sumber Pengharapan dalam Pengalaman Petugas Medis Mendampingi Pasien Covid-19
Authors: Sumaryanto Thomas Onggo
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat proses pengenalan akan Allah sebagai sumber pengharapan di masa pandemi. Allah adalah sumber pengharapan di tengah penderitaan manusia. Rumusan masalah yang ingin dijawab dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana pengenalan akan Allah sebagai harapan di dalam pengalaman responden (dokter dan perawat) mendampingi pasien Covid-19? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologis. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan metode wawancara dengan bantuan Zoom Meeting. Responden berjumlah 2 orang yaitu seorang dokter dan seorang perawat. Kedua responden bekerja di salah satu rumah sakit Katolik di Surabaya. Hasil penelitian dianalisis dengan menggunakan pendekatan IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis). Analisis ini dibantu dengan gagasan teologis Thomas Aquinas dalam Summa Theologica mengenai harapan dan gagasan teologis pengenalan akan Allah menurut Teresia Avila dalam The Interior Castle. Temuan penelitian ini adalah pengenalan Allah sebagai sumber pengharapan dalam pengalaman petugas medis mendampingi pasien Covid-19 bermula dari ketakutan mereka akan kematian. Ketakutan akan kematian mendorong manusia mengenal diri sendiri di hadapan Allah. Orang yang berpengharapan akan terus berjuang meskipun mengalami jatuh bangun dan menguatkan orang lain untuk terus memiliki pengharapan bersama Allah.
The Antibacterial Activity Test Comparison of Green and Black Tea Ethanol Extract (Camellia sinensis) Against Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Fahmi Aliyah , Sumaryati Syukur  , Zulkarnain Chaidir  , Sri Melia
Published: July 2022

A study was conducted in connection with the comparison of antibacterial activity tests between ethanol extracts from green tea leaves and black tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) against Propionibacterium acnes. There were obtained by a softening technique that was softened for 24 hours. The filtrate was then concentrated to give a concentrated extract and evaporated ethanol content. The concentrated extract was then diluted with distilled water to extract   5%, 10%, and 15% concentration variations. The test method for inhibitory activity was the disc method using distilled water as a negative blank. The results obtained with blank, 5%, 10% and 15% green tea were 0. 5.25; 7.05 and 7.95 mm and black tea ethanol extract were 0; 2.50; 3.20 and 5.30 mm. The conclusion of this study is that the concentration of the extract is directly proportional to its inhibitory power, and the green tea ethanol extract is more potent than the black tea ethanol extract, so both can be used as antibacterial agents against P. acnes.
Chest X-Ray Description Of Vaccinated And Unvaccinated Covid-19 Patients: Case Study
Authors: Fatimah Mustika , Widiarti Erna , Hastuti Tri , Putri Utami Muslimah , Ernia Rima , E. Sitindaon Rina , Susanti Devi , Muliani Rizka
Published: July 2022

As Covid-19 cases increase and transmission accelerates, it is more likely that new more contagious variants emerge, may spread more easily. Chest X-Rays examination performed during the Covid-19 pandemic is highly suggestive for severe infection and could be used to determine the diagnosis. The chest X-ray image of unvaccinated Covid-19 patients, at the initial onset appeared normal and could find infiltrates paracardial bilaterally. While chest X-ray image of 5-6 months vaccinated Covid-19 patients, in the first days paracardial and bilateral infiltrates were found as well as bilateral parahillar ground-glass opacity, but in late onset, the infiltrates and ground glass opacity became more widespread and bilateral consolidation was also found.