bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the Properties of ZnS1-x Nanoparticles by Controlling Reaction Conditions
Authors: Olumurewa Kayode
Published: July 2022

In this work, a modified synthesis method was deployed to obtain nanocrystalline zinc sulfide from zinc acetate. By utilizing the hydrothermal and sol gel method, the influence of; reaction time, solvent and temperature control was used to tune the properties of zinc sulfide. Our results showed that ZnS obtained by sol gel in water + hydrothermal (ZnS (A)) typified formation of increased sulfur vacancies while an increase in reaction time resulted in decreased sulfur vacancies. The introduction of chemical defects in sol gel in methanol + KOH obtained ZnS resulted in lower grain size. We observed that crystallinity improved with increased reaction time and the introduction of KOH and methanol as solvent could shorten the reaction time required for improved crystalline property. Our result showed that reaction time influenced the dislocation density of the material to a greater extent than type of solvent used. The crystallite size estimated by Scherer formula was between the range 2.50–4.91 nm while the band gap energy of the ZnS samples were calculated in the range 3.8 eV- 4.6 eV. Utilizing this novel synthesis method can stimulate new directions in synthesizing ZnS crystals with options of choosing appropriate method for specific applications depending on properties to be traded off.
Stress testing on credit supply
Authors: Sedai Akash , Medda Francesca
Published: July 2022

This study shows how post-crisis stress tests have affected the supplyof home equity business loans. Stress tested banks reduce their loan originationsbut in terms of purchased loans, this effect is much stronger among stress testedbanks that failed the exercise compared to other groups of banks. The magnitudeof these effects is inversely proportional to the size of the loans. Even thoughthe aggregate level of credit supply is relatively unchanged, within each sizecategory of loans adopted in this study, growth rates are directly proportionalto its origination size. The loan distributions significantly differ among stresstestedand non-stress-tested banks and there are significant geographical shiftsin loan originations both by categories of banks and size of loans.
THE ROLE OF CULMINATION IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE CYCLE OF
WEDDING RITE
Authors: KUKHARENKO OLEKSANDR О.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the study is to find the culminating episodes and determine their
significance for the created structure of the cycle of wedding rites. The structure of the cycle is a kind of scheme in which the large ritual cycle is divided into three small (pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding), each of them consists of separate rites (7+6+4), which should also be divided into episodes. And among these episodes it is necessary to determine the culmination and explore what role they play in each specific rite and in the whole structure. As a result of the research, it was found that the culminations of the rites of engagement, wedding and komora (rites of passage) change the statuses of the main characters from a young man/girl to a bride/groom, newlywed, a man/woman. In this case, the first and last pair contain profane statuses, and the second and third – sacred or ritual, which are temporary and necessary only to make the transition from the initial profane to the final profane. Also, in the culminating episodes of the said rites, the boundaries of division of the great wedding cycle into four stages are formed, which are characterized by the existing in them certain statuses of the characters.
The culminations of other rites do not contain transitions, but are aimed at the transition
to take place in the specified places, to enter the ritual actions, the sacralization is brought to the level necessary for the transitions and to prepare the exit from the rite.
Thus, two types of culmination are determined: after which there is a transition and changes in the statuses of the characters and the culmination of other rites that do not affect the change of social statuses. Prologues of the wedding and post-wedding cycles of rites, although considered fullfledged rites, do not contain culminating episodes.
PREDICTION OF CAVITATION ON SHIPS
Authors:   University of Duisburg-Essen, Perić Milovan ,   CoMeT Continuum Mechanics Technologies GmbH
Published: July 2022

The emphasis of this paper is on challenges in simulation of cavitating flows, especially flows around propeller and rudder. First the sources of errors in predictions based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are highlighted: the accuracy of geometry, grid quality and fineness, turbulence modeling and cavitation modeling. The interaction between errors from different sources is also discussed. The importance of turbulence in the flow upstream of propeller and the difficulty of accounting for it is described next. Special attention is paid to the prediction of tip-vortex cavitation and to scale effects. Results from simulations are compared to experimental data from SVA Potsdam, except for the full-scale analysis of flow around hull, propeller and rudder, for which no experimental data is available. It is concluded that cavitation can be predicted to a degree which makes simulation an indispensable tool for design and optimization of maritime vessels.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterisation and Phylogenetic Analysis of 52 Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter Genes
Authors:   Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia, Lim Leonard Whye Kit , Chung Hung Hui ,   Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia, Gan Han Ming ,   GeneSEQ Sdn Bhd, Bukit Beruntung, 48300 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia,   Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Published: July 2022

Abstract: The Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (striped or tra catfish) is a Pangasiidae family member famous for its high unsaturated fatty acid content flesh. This riverine catfish can breathe in the air unlike the channel catfish. One of the most well-known ecotoxicological protein superfamily, the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, has been characterised in channel catfish through a genome-wide approach. Therefore, it is interesting to unearth these proteins within the striped catfish genome for a comprehensive comparison across all catfishes available. A total of 52 ABC transporters were discovered from the striped catfish genome. The motif analysis has unconcealed various unshared characteristics of some catfishes. The phylogenetic analysis has evidenced its effectiveness in the successful annotations of these transporter proteins. Duplicated genes such as ABCA1, ABCB3, ABCB6, ABCC5, ABCD3, ABCE1, ABCF2 as well as ABCG2 were uncovered within the striped and channel catfish genomes. This entire set of ABC transporters yields precious genomic data for future ecotoxicological, biochemical and physiological research in striped catfish.
Reuterin Isolated from Lactobacillus reuteri Indonesian Strain Affected Interleukin-8 and Human Beta Defensin-2 on Pathogens Induced-HaCat Cells
Authors: Armelia Sari Widyarman  , Boy Muchlis Bachtiar  , Endang Winiati Bahctiar
Published: July 2022

Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri has positive effects on health through inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and the ability to reduce inflammation. This study investigates the ability of reuterin isolated from Lactobacillus reuteri Indonesian strain for increasing mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-8 and human beta-defensin (hBD)-2 gene by epithelial cells, after exposure to oral bacteria. L. reuteri isolated from Indonesian’s saliva, and species was confirmed by PCR, using 16S rRNA specific gene. To produce reuterin, the isolate was mixed in glycerol-containing MRS broth. Reuterin molecule’s weight was counted by SDS-PAGE. Streptococcus mutans ATCC-25175 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC-33277 were put in water (80°C) for 30 min, and each killed bacterial (107 CFU/mL) was inoculated into HaCat cell line (105 cell/mL). Reuterin was added in different concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%) and different incubation time at 37°C, 5% CO2. RNA was extracted, and a reverse transcription procedure was performed to obtain cDNA. Subsequently, a quantitative PCR method was performed to analyze the transcription level of IL-8 and HBD-2 mRNA expressed by inflamed HaCat cells. All results were statistically analyzed by ANOVA test. PCR assays showed that clinical isolates were L. reuteri. Quantitative PCR results showed reuterin decreased the expression of IL-8 and increased the expression of hBD-2 in all concentrations and time periods set in this study (p < 0.05). Reuterin isolated from L. reuteri Indonesian strain increased expression of human beta defensin-2 as antimicrobial peptide and may be useful in combating inflammation.
Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Oreochromis niloticus in Bukit Merah Lake, Malaysia
Authors:   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Che Abdullah Mohd Ilman , Md Shah Amir Shah Ruddin ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Haris Hazzeman ,   School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the level of nine trace elements – As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in liver, gill and muscle of Oreochromis niloticus in Bukit Merah Lake (BML). The concentration of trace elements was measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometers (ICP-OES). Cd and Ni were found below the detection level, while Cr was only detected in gill and muscle tissues. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) established were liver > gill > muscle. The ranking order of trace elements in the gills was Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > As > Cu > Cr. For the liver, the ranking order was Fe > Cu > Zn > As > Mn > Pb, while in the muscle, the ranking order was Fe > Zn > Pb > As > Cu > Mn > Cr. The estimated daily intake (EDI) for all the trace elements in this study was calculated based on 168 g.day–1 of Malaysians’ fish consumption, indicating no potential risk. From the human health point of view, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk of individual trace elements as evaluated by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). As indicated by the Hazardous Index (HI), the cumulative effect of all trace elements also suggested no potential of non-carcinogenic risk. The carcinogenic risks assessed from Pb and As were also neglectable and there was no likelihood of getting cancer during one’s life span.
DYNAMICAL EFFECTS OF A HOT DISK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATURAL CONVECTION FLOW BETWEEN CYLINDRICAL WALLS
Authors:   Department Of Physics, College Of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia., Yahya Z. , Abdulaziz Alharbi Nouf ,   Department Of Physics, College Of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.
Published: July 2022

This study numerically investigates the problem of natural convection flow ina vertical cylinder. The importance of this issue mainly stems from thermal systems (e.g. chimneys, hot air generators, solar collectors, and many others.). Despite the numerous studies on the modeling of free convection flow between two perpendicular plates, there are very few studies that have investigated regarding the convective flow between two cylindrical walls. Therefore, the study is limited to vertical cylinders with different heating modes.The first configuration includes heated walls of thermosiphon flow in a cylindrical channel.The second configuration introduces a circular heat source at the channel entrance, and the third configuration includes an ended vertical cylinder with a heat source centered in the cylinder (zs = 0.04). The flow comparison from the three configurations demonstrates how the hot disk affects the flow from a dynamic point of view.Furthermore, details about the flow and dynamical fields can be obtained from the solution equation of the conservation of momentum and energy, considering the differences between the boundary conditions of the studied configurations. The study covers Rayleigh numbers and focuses on the effect of the cylinders geometry on the characteristic of the flow as well as dynamical and thermal field characteristics and variations in Nusselt number. The studied flow is natural convection, laminar, steady, two-dimensional, and incompressible flow. Solutions were obtained using a numerical model based on the finite volume method and the Navierâ€“Stokes equations. The velocityâ€“pressure coupling was resolved using the SIMPLER algorithm. The temperature and vertical velocity profiles of the flow showed the existence of a boundary layer regime along the heated channel wall without a heat source. The layer continued along the cylindrical wall with the introduction of the heat source at the channel inlet. However, introducing the heat source caused a considerable change in the flow structure at the channels central part.Calculations were performed for the channel aspect ratio R* = 0.2 and different Rayleigh numbers (Ra = 105, 107, 108, 109 and 1010). Numerical results included velocity, temperature, and Nusselt number profiles.
Model and Parametric Optimization of Proactive Protection of the Email Service from Network Intelligence
Authors:   Krasnodar Higher Military University of name General of Army S.M. Shtemenko, Gorbachev Alexander
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the study: to increase the security of the e-mail service of information systems in the conditions of network intelligence. Methods used: methods of mathematical statistics, random processes research, mathematical programming, heuristic optimization algorithms were used to achieve the research goal. The result of the study: a semi-Markov model of proactive protection of the e-mail service from network intelligence has been developed, which allows determining the probabilistic and temporal characteristics of the process of transmitting e-mail messages. Based on traffic analysis, statistical hypotheses about the types of distributions of the time of occurrence of events, under the influence of which the system under study evolves in a discrete set of states, are verified, point and interval estimates of the values of the parameters of these distributions are performed. The solution of the system of linear integral Volterra equations with integral kernels of the difference type was carried out using numerical methods of the Laplace transform. The problem of vector optimization is solved to determine the optimal parameters for configuring e-mail messages, allowing to maximize the effectiveness of the protection of the e-mail service, the robustness of the simulated system and minimize overhead costs under appropriate restrictions. The extremum of the objective functions was found using a bioinspired particle swarm algorithm. Scalarization of Pareto-optimal estimates was carried out using the ideal point method. Scientific novelty: it consists in developing a model and solving the problem of optimizing the parameters of the e-mail service in the conditions of network intelligence using the mathematical apparatus of semi-Markov processes, numerical methods of Laplace transformation, parametric evaluation of statistical characteristics of the model, scalarization of a multi-criteria optimization problem by the ideal point method and search for the extremum of objective functions using the particle swarm algorithm.
Penetration Testing in Accordance with NIST SP 800-115 Standard
Authors:   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarenko Sergey
Published: July 2022

Relevance. Security issues of information systems in critical infrastructure objects become important now. However, current tasks of information security audit of critical infrastructure objects are mainly limited to checking them for compliance with requirements of standards and documents. With this approach to the audit, security of these objects from real attacks by hackers remains unclear. Therefore, objects are subjected to a testing procedure, namely, penetration testing, in order to objectively verify their security. For example, there are instructions of the Bank of Russia to carry out such testing when the information security of banking systems are checked. However, there is no formal national standard for conducting penetration testing in Russia. This is the deterrent factor to testing critical infrastructure objects. The goal of the paper is to analysis of the American testing standard – NIST SP 800-115 to estimate the possibility of its used for development of the Russian national penetration testing standard. Research methods. Methods of analysis and decomposition from the theory of system analysis are used in the paper to achieve the research goal. Results. In-depth analysis of the NIST SP 800-115 standard is provided in the paper. The following are considered: types of information security assessment measures; stages of information security assessment; methods of analysis and testing which used in the assessment of information security; types and sequence of penetration testing; tested vulnerabilities; recommended tools for analysis and testing, are presented in NIST SP 800-11. Conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of the NIST SP 800-115 standard are made. Recommendations about as NIST SP 800-115 is used in the development of the national Russian standard of penetration testing are presented.
Signature Algorithms on Finite Non-Commutative Algebras over Fields of Characteristic Two
Authors:   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moldovyan Alexander , Moldovyan Nikolay ,   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2022

Abstract Purpose of work is the increase in performance and decrease in the hardware implementation cost of the of post-quantum algebraic signature algorithms based on the computational difficulty of solving systems of many quadratic equations with many unknowns. Research method is i) the development of post-quantum signature algorithms on finite non-commutative associative algebras defined over finite fields of characteristic two, which have high performance and small sizes of signature and public and secret keys; ii) using the concept of constructing algebraic signature algorithms with a hidden commutative group, characterized by the use of a power-type vector verification equation with multiple occurrences of the signature S as a factor; iii) the choice of the degree of extension z of the field GF(2z) in which the order of the hidden group is divisible only by prime divisors of at least 24 bits. Results of the study are the formulated main provisions for the implementation of post-quantum signature algorithms with a hidden group, the security of which is based on the computational difficulty of solving systems of many quadratic equations with many unknowns, when using the finite non-commutative algebras given over the GF(2z) fields as algebraic support. The values of the extension degree z are established for which the order of the hidden commutative group is divisible only by prime divisors of a sufficiently large size. A new post-quantum signature algorithm with relatively high performance and small sizes of the signature and public and secret keys have been developed. Using an informal security index in the form of a product of the binary logarithm of the order of the field and the number of unknowns, the developed and known post-quantum algorithms for a given level of security are compared. Practical relevance. The main provisions for constructing signature algorithms with a hidden group are formulated for the case of using finite non-commutative algebras with computationally efficient operations of multiplication and exponentiation, providing prerequisites for improving performance and reducing the hardware implementation cost of post-quantum signature algorithms.
The Complex Relationship Between Diabetes and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Pathophysiology
and Mechanisms
Authors: Spartalis Michael , Pantelidis Panteleimon , Kontogiannis Christos , Paschou Stavroula A. , Spartalis Eleftherios , Iliopoulos Dimitrios C. , Siasos Gerasimos
Published: July 2022

Coronary artery disease, autonomic neuropathy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy are the most common
cardiovascular complications of diabetes. However, emerging evidence demonstrates that diabetes also affects
the heart’s electrical conduction system, culminating in lethal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Diabetes
and rhythm disturbances have a complex relationship, and arrhythmias cannot only be attributed to ischemia
and autonomic neuropathy. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glucose fluctuations can potentially induce arrhythmias
by activating various pathways. Structural remodeling can accelerate and exacerbate disease development.
Mitochondrial dysfunction can also alter the structure and metabolism of cardiomyocytes and contribute
to disease progression through oxidative stress and inflammation.
Galbanic Acid Improves Accumulation and Toxicity of Arsenic Trioxide in MT-2
Cells
Authors: Rassouli Fatemeh B. , Rafatpanah Houshang , Mahdifar Maryam , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Goudarzi Sajad , Golizadeh Marzieh
Published: July 2022

Background:

Galbanic acid (GBA) is a sesquiterpene coumarin with valuable pharmacological effects.
Adult T-cell lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive lymphoid malignancy with a low survival rate. Although arsenic trioxide
(ATO) is a standard therapeutic agent for ATL treatment, the efficacy of chemotherapy is limited due to the chemoresistance
of cells.

Objective:

The present study was carried out to investigate whether GBA in combination with ATO would improve
cytotoxicity against ATL cells.

Methods:

GBA was isolated from the roots of Ferula szowitsiana by column chromatography on silica gel. MT-2 cells
were treated with 20 μM GBA + 4 μM ATO, and viability was evaluated by alamarBlue assay. The cell cycle was
analyzed by PI staining, while the activity of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was evaluated by mitoxantrone efflux assay. To
understand the molecular mechanisms of GBA effects, the expression of NF-κB (RelA), P53, CDK4, c-MYC, c-FLIPL,
and c-FLIPS was evaluated using real-time PCR.

Results:

Combinatorial use of GBA + ATO significantly reduced the viability of MT-2 cells and induced cell cycle
arrest in the sub-G1 phase. GBA improved mitoxantrone accumulation in cells, indicating that this agent has inhibitory
effects on the functionality of the P-gp efflux pump. Moreover, real-time PCR analysis revealed that GBA + ATO
negatively regulated the expression of P53, CDK4, c-FLIPL, and c-FLIPS.

Conclusion:

Due to the interesting effects of GBA on the accumulation and toxicity of ATO, combinatorial use of
these agents could be considered a new therapeutic approach for ATL treatment.
Comparative Study of Phasor and Frequency Estimation Algorithms for
Distribution Networks
Authors: Shahed Md. Tanvir
Published: July 2022

Next-generation phasor measurement units (PMUs) are critical for proper distribution
network monitoring in future smart grids. In the highly dynamic environments of future distribution
systems, more advanced algorithms for detecting amplitude, phase, and frequency changes in
power waveforms will be required. In this context, the goal of this study is to discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of commonly used PMU algorithms. Many commonly used approaches
for power system phasors and frequency estimation algorithms for distribution networks are reviewed
and evaluated in this work from the perspective of phasor and frequency identification. According
to various performance criteria, e-IpDFT (Enhanced Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform)
and DDPE (Dictionary-based Dynamic Phasor Estimator) provided the best performance
among the algorithms. This study provides some insights into the shortcomings of current phasor
estimation algorithms and will be useful in the development of future estimation techniques.
Biodegradation of Plastic by Fungi
Authors: Lahiri Dibyajit , Nag Moupriya , Ghosh Sougata , Rani Ray Rina
Published: July 2022

Plastic is considered to be one of the most used polymers in industries, agriculture, packaging, and household matters. The indiscriminate use and extensive accumulation of plastic wastes in our environment due to the unidirectional use of synthetic polymers without their proper degradation has posed a potent global threat to the environment. The environmental contamination has resulted in urgency for developing new strategies for degrading plastics. In recent years, reports on the biodegradation of synthetic plastics by microorganisms or microbial enzymes have sprung up, and these offer a possibility to develop biological treatment technology for plastic wastes. The unique ability of fungi to invade the polymer substrates with the help of enzymes has attracted the attention of researchers. Moreover, fungi produce a chemical substance termed hydrophobin, which helps in the fungal adhesion to the hydrophobic surface, followed by the penetration of the hyphae into the surface of the substrate. Various fungal species comprising Aspergillusniger, Aspergillusflavus, Fusariumlini, Pycnoporuscinnabarinus, and Mucorrouxiiare are predominantly used for the process of plastic degradation. This chapter will focus on the contribution of various fungal strains in the degradation of macro and microplastics, including synthetic, biodegradable, and oxo-biodegradable plastics, with a special reference to the analytical techniques used for their assessment.
Segregatie in Gent en Antwerpen
Authors: Koelemaij Jorn , Dewinter Maite
Published: July 2022

Sociaaleconomische ongelijkheden nemen de laatste jaren in veel Europese landen toe, en hetzelfde geldt in zekere mate voor immigratiecijfers. Heeft dit geleid tot een toename van segregatie in Vlaamse steden? Op basis van onderzoek in Gent en Antwerpen blijkt dit voor zowel sociaaleconomische als etnische segregatie mee te vallen.
Gated communities in Nederland: de nabije toekomst?
Authors: Zopfi Laura , Wesseldijk Youri
Published: July 2022

Steeds vaker verhuizen Nederlanders naar wijken die op een of andere manier deels van de buitenwereld zijn afgesloten. Wat verklaart de opkomst van gated communities in Nederland? Wat is de rol van beleidsvoering? En wat zijn de sociale gevolgen van dergelijke gemeenschappen?
Perceptions and Discussions of Snus on Twitter: Observational Study
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Xue Siyu , Xie Zidian , Li Dongmei
Published: July 2022

Background

With the increasing popularity of snus, it is essential to understand the public perception of this oral tobacco product. Twitter—a popular social media platform that is being used to share personal experiences and opinions—provides an ideal data source for studying the public perception of snus.

Objective

This study aims to examine public perceptions and discussions of snus on Twitter.

Methods

Twitter posts (tweets) about snus were collected through the Twitter streaming application programming interface from March 11, 2021, to February 26, 2022. A temporal analysis was conducted to examine the change in number of snus-related tweets over time. A sentiment analysis was conducted to examine the sentiments of snus-related tweets. Topic modeling was applied to tweets to determine popular topics. Finally, a keyword search and hand-coding were used to understand the health symptoms mentioned in snus-related tweets.

Results

The sentiment analysis showed that the proportion of snus-related tweets with a positive sentiment was significantly higher than the proportion of negative sentiment tweets (4341/11,631, 37.32% vs 3094/11,631, 26.60%; P<.001). The topic modeling analysis revealed that positive tweets focused on snus’s harm reduction and snus use being an alternative to smoking, while negative tweets focused on health concerns related to snus. Mouth and respiratory symptoms were the most mentioned health symptoms in snus-related tweets.

Conclusions

This study examined the public perception of snus and popular snus-related topics discussed on Twitter, thus providing a guide for policy makers with regard to the future formulation and adjustment of tobacco regulation policies.
Comparison of Accelerometry-Based Measures of Physical Activity: Retrospective Observational Data Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Karas Marta , Muschelli John , Leroux Andrew , Urbanek Jacek K , Wanigatunga Amal A , Bai Jiawei , Crainiceanu Ciprian M , Schrack Jennifer A
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Given the evolution of processing and analysis methods for accelerometry data over the past decade, it is important to understand how newer summary measures of physical activity compare with established measures.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare objective measures of physical activity to increase the generalizability and translation of findings of studies that use accelerometry-based data.

METHODS

High-resolution accelerometry data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging were retrospectively analyzed. Data from 655 participants who used a wrist-worn ActiGraph GT9X device continuously for a week were summarized at the minute level as ActiGraph activity count, monitor-independent movement summary, Euclidean norm minus one, mean amplitude deviation, and activity intensity. We calculated these measures using open-source packages in R. Pearson correlations between activity count and each measure were quantified both marginally and conditionally on age, sex, and BMI. Each measures pair was harmonized using nonparametric regression of minute-level data.

RESULTS

Data were from a sample (N=655; male: n=298, 45.5%; female: n=357, 54.5%) with a mean age of 69.8 years (SD 14.2) and mean BMI of 27.3 kg/m2 (SD 5.0). The mean marginal participant-specific correlations between activity count and monitor-independent movement summary, Euclidean norm minus one, mean amplitude deviation, and activity were r=0.988 (SE 0.0002324), r=0.867 (SE 0.001841), r=0.913 (SE 0.00132), and r=0.970 (SE 0.0006868), respectively. After harmonization, mean absolute percentage errors of predicting total activity count from monitor-independent movement summary, Euclidean norm minus one, mean amplitude deviation, and activity intensity were 2.5, 14.3, 11.3, and 6.3, respectively. The accuracies for predicting sedentary minutes for an activity count cut-off of 1853 using monitor-independent movement summary, Euclidean norm minus one, mean amplitude deviation, and activity intensity were 0.981, 0.928, 0.904, and 0.960, respectively. An R software package called SummarizedActigraphy, with a unified interface for computation of the measures from raw accelerometry data, was developed and published.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this comparison of accelerometry-based measures of physical activity can be used by researchers and facilitate the extension of knowledge from existing literature by demonstrating the high correlation between activity count and monitor-independent movement summary (and other measures) and by providing harmonization mapping.

CLINICALTRIAL
Genomic Insights Into the Evolution and Demographic History of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: Population Genomics Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Garg Kritika M , Lamba Vinita , Chattopadhyay Balaji
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

A thorough understanding of the patterns of genetic subdivision in a pathogen can provide crucial information that is necessary to prevent disease spread. For SARS-CoV-2, the availability of millions of genomes makes this task analytically challenging, and traditional methods for understanding genetic subdivision often fail.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to use population genomics methods to identify the subtle subdivisions and demographic history of the Omicron variant, in addition to those captured by the Pango lineage.

METHODS

We used a combination of an evolutionary network approach and multivariate statistical protocols to understand the subdivision and spread of the Omicron variant. We identified subdivisions within the BA.1 and BA.2 lineages and further identified the mutations associated with each cluster. We further characterized the overall genomic diversity of the Omicron variant and assessed the selection pressure for each of the genetic clusters identified.

RESULTS

We observed concordant results, using two different methods to understand genetic subdivision. The overall pattern of subdivision in the Omicron variant was in broad agreement with the Pango lineage definition. Further, 1 cluster of the BA.1 lineage and 3 clusters of the BA.2 lineage revealed statistically significant signatures of selection or demographic expansion (Tajima’s D<−2), suggesting the role of microevolutionary processes in the spread of the virus.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide an easy framework for assessing the genetic structure and demographic history of SARS-CoV-2, which can be particularly useful for understanding the local history of the virus. We identified important mutations that are advantageous to some lineages of Omicron and aid in the transmission of the virus. This is crucial information for policy makers, as preventive measures can be designed to mitigate further spread based on a holistic understanding of the variability of the virus and the evolutionary processes aiding its spread.
Usability of a Community-Based Dementia Resource Website: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Thomas Missy , Henderson Dean , Trudel Chantal , Thomas Neil
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Many individuals living with dementia want to live in their own homes for as long as possible. To do so, they frequently require assistance with activities of daily living, which is often provided by friends and relatives acting as informal care partners. In Canada, many informal care partners are currently overworked and overwhelmed. Although community-based dementia-inclusive resources are available to support them, care partners often struggle to find them. Dementia613.ca was created to make the process of finding community dementia-inclusive resources simpler and more straightforward by bringing them together in one eHealth website.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to determine if dementia613.ca is meeting the goal of connecting care partners and persons living with dementia to dementia-inclusive resources in their community.

METHODS

A review and assessment of the website was conducted using 3 evaluation methods: web analytics, questionnaires, and task analysis. Google Analytics was used to collect data related to website use over a 9-month period. Data on site content and user characteristics were collected. Furthermore, 2 web-based self-administered questionnaires were developed: one intended for care partners and persons living with dementia, and the other intended for businesses and organizations interested in serving persons living with dementia. Both gathered data on user characteristics and included standard questions used in website evaluations. Responses were collected over a 6-month period. Scenarios, tasks, and questions were developed for the moderated, remote, and task-analysis sessions. These tasks and questions determined how effectively persons living with dementia and their care partners can use dementia613.ca. Overall, 5 sessions were held with persons experiencing moderate cognitive decline and with care partners of persons living with dementia.

RESULTS

This evaluation showed that the idea behind dementia613.ca is strong and appeals to persons living with dementia, their care partners, and the businesses and organizations serving this market. Participants indicated that it is a useful community resource that meets a previously unfulfilled need in the area, and highlighted the benefits of bringing community resources together on 1 website. In our questionnaire, >60% (19/29, 66%) of people living with dementia and their care partners and 70% (7/10) of businesses and organizations agreed that the website made it easier to find relevant dementia-inclusive resources. There is room for improvement; participants indicated that the navigation and search features could be further developed.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the dementia613.ca model could be used to inspire and guide the creation of dementia resource websites in other regions in Ontario and beyond. The framework behind it is generalizable and could be replicated to help care partners and persons living with dementia find local resources more easily.
Analysis of Logistics Cost on Smallholder and Middleman to Foster Tea Supply Chain: A Case Study in Central Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Tanuputri Megita Ryanjani , Bai Hu
Published: July 2022

The competitiveness of Indonesian tea in the global market is diminishing due to the oversupply and inability to provide agile logistics and market-oriented quality. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the current tea supply chain and analyze the logistics cost based on the activity-based costing (ABC) method in the smallholder and middleman tier to foster the sustainability of tea agribusiness. It was conducted in three main areas in Central Java Province, Indonesia, namely Batang, Pekalongan, and Banjarnegara regency. The method used was an in-depth interview and a semi-structured questionnaire to gain holistic information from 181 respondents. The results showed that material handling activity and transportation have the highest portion of the smallholder’s and middleman logistics costs, respectively. The total logistics cost of smallholders varied from case to case, ranging from IDR 821.7 to IDR 1,075.0 per kg of fresh tea leaves. Transportation activity and administration costs make up 30.8% of the total smallholder’s logistics cost. Meanwhile, the current development of the global tea market promotes policy adaptation on the commercial plantation tier and increases the cost of labor for plucking activity up to 2.5 times. Additionally, this study discovered the profit range of smallholders and middlemen. Therefore, the collaborative work of all parties is necessary to succeed in sustainable tea agribusiness.
Low Budget Respirometer Chamber Design Based on Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Muvianto Cahyo Mustiko Okta , Yuniarto Kurniawan , Lastriyanto Anang , Setiadi Lalu Arioki
Published: July 2022

Fresh fruit respiration information is essential optimizing food storage systems. Meanwhile, respiration is defined as the process of oxygen production and carbon dioxide release during storage in a closed respiratory chamber. Therefore, this study aims to design a low-budget computerized respiratory chamber for enhancing fruit packaging and storage system. Real-time fruit respiration can be measured by applying wireless gas sensors network. The respirometer consisted of 3,600 mL glass jar with a screw stainless lid, while the electrochemical and non-dispersive infrared sensors were mounted on the cover of the glass jar for collecting data on the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature during mangoes’ respiration. Arduino USB port was used to record all measured parameters consisting of oxygen (%) and carbon dioxide concentrations (ppm, as well as temperature in the respiration chamber. Additionally, a controlled cooling chamber was applied to maintain the temperature during storage, while data communication was supported by Xbee S2C based on radio frequency. According to the respirometer real-time reading, there was a decrease in oxygen concentration caused by increasing carbon dioxide release with temperature. The low-budget respirometer was used to measure the respiration rate and record the data through a wireless sensor network system. The data plot shows that the respiration rate increased as the storage temperature and the respiratory quotient ranged from 0.32-0.44.
Técnicas para el aprendizaje grupal. Grupos numerosos
Authors: Chehaybar y Kuri Edith
Published: July 2022

La cuarta edición de esta obra es producto de varios años de experiencia de su autora. A través de variadas técnicas –probadas por ella misma– pretende propiciar que los estudiantes se conozcan a sí mismos y a sus compañeros, que compartan sus conocimientos con otros y que, a su vez, aprendan de ellos. Además, busca que los profesores, a partir de la reflexión de su práctica docente, asuman la necesidad de continuar su formación para que por medio de ellos los estudiantes se responsabilicen de su propio aprendizaje.
CUK-SEPIC Hybrid Converter
Authors: V Sreesha
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Electricity derived from renewable energy sources are unpredictable and intermittent in nature. Continuous power supply is a challenging task, obtained by maximum utilization of two or more resources resulting in a hybrid system. This work proposes a fused converter topology for a hybrid solar/wind system extracting maximum power. The hybrid configuration permits the sources to feed the load individually or simultaneously based on its availability. The proposed converter is the integration of Cuk and SEPIC converter. The characteristic feature of Cuk-SEPIC Hybrid converter is that it provides uninterrupted and constant voltage to dc micro grid applications. The suitability of proposed system at practical operation condition is demonstrated through simulation result using MATLAB/Simulink followed by an experimental validation
Assessment of the Health Impacts of Pm2.5 on the Lungs (COPD, LC)
Authors: Srivastava Ankeshit
Published: July 2022

Abstract: This study involves the human health risk due to exposure to PM2.5 in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Portal was used for the values of Burden of Disease for the respective years and location. AIR Q+ Software is used for the calculation of the Relative Risk from which Population Attributable Fraction was estimated. By using the values of Attributable Burden of Disease we got the Mortality. From which we came the results that the values of relative risk (central) for Lung Cancer for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019 are 1.575,1.565, and 1.470 respectively, and the relative risk for COPD is 1.705, 1.696, and 1.601 for the year 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Design and Analysis of Barrel Vault Space Frame Structure
Authors: AJ Naveen
Published: July 2022

Abstract: The point of this paper is to concentrate on the plan and investigation of extraordinary kind barrel vault space outline 3d bracket type structure. Furthermore, here investigated and intended for angle proportion with thought of burdens like dead burden, live burden, wind load, administrations, seismic, temperature loads and burden mixes. Space outline is planned by the IS codes alluded to in the plan by a limited component based PC program. the heaps are depicted in the stacking segment have been applied on the design as per IS875 section 1, 2,3 and 5 for dead loads, wind loads and burden mixes. IS1893 section 1 and 4 for seismic burden. this work prompts the correlation on range greatest avoidance, self-weight and cost measures
A Study of Anxiety Disorders among Young Children and Adolescents aged 15-25 years of Ajmer City, Rajasthan (India)
Authors: Mathur Ruchi
Published: July 2022

Abstract: Anxiety disorders are becoming a serious issue and global health problem in India as well as other countries in young children and adolescents because of the changing life style and changing socio cultural factors. Anxiety is considered to be an emotion and is characterized by uncomfortable state and a negative feeling which may turn causes many health problems in young children and adolescents. Even though anxiety disorders are curable, but only 36.9 % of such patients approach experts and receive good treatment. The present study aims to study the prevalence of anxiety disorders in young children and adolescents.
Developing a Sustainable Concrete using Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA) with partial replacement of Fine Aggregate and Cement
Authors: Suryawanshi Suraj
Published: July 2022

Abstract: There are lots of environmental impacts of cement on our ecology. Cement industry creating environmental problem by emission of CO2 during manufacturing of cement. Present time many researchers are more focusing towards the environment issue globally. Portland cement is the conventional building material that actually is responsible for about 5%-8% of global CO2 emissions. On the other side Sugarcane Bagasse ash (SBA) generated in sugar mill creating environment issue as most of the part is used as a land fill. In this research work the suitability of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) in concrete used as partial replacement with fine aggregate and cement as well. The cement and fine aggregate was partially replaced by SBA at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, by weight in normal strength concrete. Sugarcane bagasse ash which is taken from one of the sugar mill of Madhya Pradesh used in M 25 grade of concrete by replacing cement and fine aggregate in percentage by weight and compare with conventional concrete and to check the feasibility of sugarcane bagasse ash in concrete. Fresh concrete tests like compaction factor test and slump cone test must examined as well as hardened concrete tests like compressive strength at the age of 7, 14 and 28 days , and flexural strength at the age of 7 and 28 days is to be obtained.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI UTANG LUAR NEGERI DI INDONESIA
Authors: Saputro Yogie Dahlly , Soelistyo Aris
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the research is to describe how the influence of budget deficit, foreign exchange reserves, net exports and foreign debt of the previous year against foreign debt in Indonesia. Instrument analysis used is the method linear regression multiple with the methods ols with the data time series.With the methods testing the assumption classical and by test statistics like a test t and F test. The results of the analysis what have been done by researchers the results that on partial foreign exchange reserves (CDV) have had a positive impact and foreign debt of the previous year (ULNt-1) have had a positive impact and influential but not significant is namely the budget deficit (DA) and net exports (NX).Simultaneously of the four variable influential in significant impact on foreign debt.With the coefficients R2 of 99.91. Conclusions from research has been done that the variable that influence the foreign debt in Indonesia is foreign exchange reserves and foreign debt year earlier, and influential but not significant variables to external debt are the budget defisit and net exsport.Keywords: foreign debt , the budget deficit , foreign exchange reserves , net exports
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Asap Cair Terhadap Mutu Pengawetan Ikan Kembung Lelaki
Authors: Monthanus Darisman Daba  , I Gede Suryana Pandit  , Ni Made Darmadi
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of liquid smoke concentration on the chemical and organoleptic composition of male mackerel with 1 day immersion. This research was conducted in August 2021 at the Processing Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Warmadewa University. The research method used is an experimental method and the design used is a completely randomized design (CRD) with a single factor in the form of adding liquid smoke preservatives, adding liquid smoke preservatives which consists of 4 treatments and 3 replications, namely 25% liquid smoke soaking 1 day, 30% liquid smoke soaking for 1 day, and 35% liquid smoke soaking for 1 day. Observations were in the form of chemical analysis and microbial analysis, namely, protein, water content, and total PLATE count. The best analysis results were obtained with liquid smoke preservative at a concentration of 35%, water content 78.69%, total PLATE count 2.5x102 coloni/g, protein content 15.12, appearance 8.55, odor 8.33, taste 8.33 and texture 8.11