bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Knowledge Level and Awareness of Parents About Avulsion and Crown Fracture
Authors: GÜLER Çiğdem , BELDÜZ KARA Nihal , TÜRKEN Didem
Published: December 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge levels and awareness of avulsions and crown fractures of the parents. The study is important to understand how to improve parents' knowledge level related to dental treatment of avulsion and crown fracture.Methods: The parents of pediatric patients who applied to Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry during April-June 2017 were the target group for this study. A questionnaire was formulated to evaluate the parents’ knowledge levels and awareness of avulsions and crown fractures. Five hundred and seventy-five parents answered the questionnaire. The participation rate was 68.3%. Data were analyzed statistically.Results: Approximately one-half of the parents in this study were in their thirties, and 61.9% of the parents were males. Only 29.9% of the parents were university graduates, and more than one-half had not attended a first aid course. The chi-squared test indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the correct answer percentage and the age, gender, and affected by dental trauma (P>0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was found between the correct answer percentage and the educational level, first aid course attendance, see a dental trauma, and preferred institution for emergency dental treatment (P<0.05). The parents’ level of knowledge and awareness of avulsions and crown fractures was 40.2% or “poor”.Conclusion: The parents’ knowledge levels and awareness of avulsions and crown fractures should be increased through educational programs.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Clinical Findings and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Patients with Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
Authors: KARAGÖZ Bekir , BOMBACI Hasan
Published: December 2021

Objective: In this study, the relationship between clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscus repair was investigated.Methods: Seventy patients with a mean age of 29.3 ± 9.2 (range; 18-54) were included in the study. The clinical evaluation of the meniscus repairs was made according to the criteria described by Barret. MRI results were evaluated according to the classification made by Crues et al. In addition, the clinical healing and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative the Lysholm functional scoring. Both clinical and MRI results were compared based on age, time to surgery, type of tear, localization of the ruptured meniscus, combination with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Results: While the results of 58 (83%) patients were successful in the clinical evaluation, the number of cases that recovered according to the MRI results was found to be 39 (55.7%). The mean Lysholm functional score, which was 62.64±19.73 preoperatively, increased to 90.93±9.58 at the final follow-up. Consistency between improvement in MRI according to Kappa analysis and success or failure according to clinical evaluation was found to be insignificant. In this analysis, the sensitivity coefficient was 52.86% and the Kappa value was calculated as 0.123.Conclusion: No correlation was found between clinical evaluation and MRI results in the statistical analysis. According to the results of this study, clinical evaluation and Lysholm functional scoring help the clinician more in case follow-up and the success of the surgery compared to the MRI results.
Granulomas Sarcóides Sobre Cicatriz: Além da Sarcoidose
Authors: Morgado Francisca , Batista Mariana , Cardoso José Carlos , Gonçalo Margarida
Published: December 2021

Os granulomas sarcóides podem ser encontrados num vasto leque de doenças, pelo que diferenciar a sarcoidose de uma reação tipo sarcóide constituiu um desafio. Apresentamos o caso de uma jovem com lesões papulonodulares eritematovioláceas localizadas nos pavilhões auriculares sobre os locais de aplicação de piercings. A biópsia cutânea mostrou um infiltrado constituído por granulomas sarcóides ou focalmente tuberculóides, não excluindo a hipótese de sarcoidose. O estudo complementar, apesar de uma discreta elevação da enzima conversora da angiotensina, excluiu envolvimento ocular ou pulmonar por sarcoidose. Perante a localização das lesões foram realizados testes epicutâneos que revelaram uma reação fortemente positiva ao paládio e ao níquel, apoiando o diagnóstico de dermatite de contacto granulomatosa. Estão descritos escassos casos de dermatite de contacto granulomatosa ao paládio tendo o metal dos piercings como fonte de sensibilização. A formação de granulomas sarcóides pode representar quer uma reação tipo sarcóide, quer uma forma de sarcoidose cutânea, e os testes epicutâneos adquirem um papel fundamental no diagnóstico correto.
Public organizational performance: Policy implementation in environmental management in Bandung City
Authors: Engkus Engkus , Syamsir Ahmad
Published: December 2021

This study is motivated by the performance of the Department of Environment and Hygiene Services of Bandung City which has not been optimal. This is partly due to the poor services in the underground water mining sector, thus it is a current synthesis. This study aims to explore and discuss organizational performance through policies that have been implemented. The research method used was a descriptive qualitative approach, using data collection techniques of observation, interviews, and literature study. The results of the study indicate that the performance of public organizations has not been optimal due to low responsibility, responsiveness, and accountability, as well as internal constraints that occur structurally, the competence of human resources and non-human resources that are not appropriate so that it affects performance in the underground water mining sector that does not comply rule. This study concludes that the organizational structure and human resources in public organizations have not been effective and efficient so that the completion of public services is hampered.
A review of advanced head and neck osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Mayland Erica J. , Sweeny Larissa
Published: December 2021

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the head and neck can be a devastating complication following radiation therapy. ORN is associated with pain, chronic infection, and non-healing wounds. Radiation fibrosis, chronic infection, fistula formation, and necrotic tissues can make treatment challenging. The following review article is a narrative on the management of advanced head and ORN.
Novel standards and emerging therapies for systemically treatment-naïve clear cell renal cell carcinoma - a rapidly changing landscape
Authors: Kotecha Ritesh R. , Voss Martin H.
Published: December 2021

The last decade has brought about major advances in systemic therapy for patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The introduction of angiogenesis targeting agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and combinations thereof has resulted in a multitude of therapeutic standards for patients with newly diagnosed advanced disease. With the rapid adoption and increasing number of available options for patients, selection amongst treatment regimens has become complex. Further, a new balance is also being sought to optimize treatment outcomes and limit treatment-related toxicities. With a rising bar against which novel therapeutics are being measured, the field looks toward an evolved understanding of tumor biology to help pave new ways forward for individualized therapy. Here, we review pivotal studies that led to regulatory approvals and ongoing clinical trials conducted in patients with systemically untreated clear cell renal cell carcinoma and provide perspective on how newly emerging data can be integrated into this rapidly changing landscape.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients: a review from a clinical perspective
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Koskinas John
Published: December 2021

Survival in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemias (TDT) has increased, and complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are emerging. Risk factors include viral infection, mainly hepatitis C virus (HCV), iron overload, the presence of cirrhosis, and immune dysregulation. Median survival after HCC occurrence has been estimated at 12 months, while data regarding the incidence of HCC in this population are minimal. Implementing effective hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HCV antiviral treatment and universal HBV vaccination programs is expected to decrease the risk for hepatocarcinogenesis substantially. Significant hemosiderosis and hepatic fibrosis are common in patients with TDT despite chelation therapy and have been correlated with HCC development. Thus, iron overload should be monitored with liver iron concentration and ferritin levels, and effective chelation therapy should be applied. In addition, all TDT patients, particularly those with cirrhosis, should be under surveillance every six months with abdominal ultrasound ± alpha-fetoprotein levels, as this combination seems to provide better sensitivity for early HCC detection.
Evaluation of immunologic parameters in canine glioma patients treated with an oncolytic herpes virus
Authors: Chambers M. R. , Foote J. B. , Bentley R. T. , Botta D. , Crossman D. K. , Manna D. L. Della , Estevez-Ordonez D. , Koehler J. W. , Langford C. P. , Miller M. A. , Markert J. M. , Olivier A. K. , Omar N. B. , Platt S. R. , Rissi D. R. , Shores A. , Sorjonen D. C. , Yang E. S. , Yanke A. B. , Gillespie G. Y.
Published: December 2021

Aim: To molecularly characterize the tumor microenvironment and evaluate immunologic parameters in canine glioma patients before and after treatment with oncolytic human IL-12-expressing herpes simplex virus (M032) and in treatment naïve canine gliomas. Methods: We assessed pet dogs with sporadically occurring gliomas enrolled in Stage 1 of a veterinary clinical trial that was designed to establish the safety of intratumoral oncoviral therapy with M032, a genetically modified oncolytic herpes simplex virus. Specimens from dogs in the trial and dogs not enrolled in the trial were evaluated with immunohistochemistry, NanoString, Luminex cytokine profiling, and multi-parameter flow cytometry. Results: Treatment-naive canine glioma microenvironment had enrichment of Iba1 positive macrophages and minimal numbers of T and B cells, consistent with previous studies identifying these tumors as immunologically “cold”. NanoString mRNA profiling revealed enrichment for tumor intrinsic pathways consistent with suppression of tumor-specific immunity and support of tumor progression. Oncolytic viral treatment induced an intratumoral mRNA transcription signature of tumor-specific immune responses in 83% (5/6) of canine glioma patients. Changes included mRNA signatures corresponding with interferon signaling, lymphoid and myeloid cell activation, recruitment, and T and B cell immunity. Multiplexed protein analysis identified a subset of oligodendroglioma subjects with increased concentrations of IL-2, IL-7, IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, TNFα, GM-CSF between 14 and 28 days after treatment, with evidence of CD4+ T cell activation and modulation of IL-4 and IFNγ production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells isolated from peripheral blood. Conclusion: These findings indicate that M032 modulates the tumor-immune microenvironment in the canine glioma model.
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies after negative or inconclusive genetic testing: what is next?
Authors: Aledo-Serrano Angel , Sánchez-Alcudia Rocío , Toledano Rafael , García-Morales Irene , Beltrán-Corbellini Álvaro , del Pino Isabel , Gil-Nagel Antonio
Published: December 2021

The redefinition of classical electroclinical syndromes and the emergence of neurogenetics has led to a revolution in the field of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). In this context, advances in genetic techniques are leading to the final diagnosis of a large proportion of patients with DEE. However, up to 50% of patients with DEE remain undiagnosed. For patients with uncertain genetic etiology, there is a pressing need for the implementation of new targeted treatments and precision medicine. In some undiagnosed patients, genetic reanalysis with further in-depth or reverse phenotyping are valuable diagnostic tools to clarify new variants of uncertain significance. In other cases, the implementation of new bioinformatic algorithms is required for the update and reassessment of previously generated genetic data. Moreover, many other clinical tools have been developed for the management of patients of DEEs after a negative or inconclusive genetic testing. In this review, we highlight advances and limitations of new diagnostic strategies used in DEE patients without a known genetic etiology. Finally, we provide a wide perspective on aspects that will need further research, especially in non-Mendelian inheritance DEEs, such as those related to somatic mosaicism of the central nervous system or epigenetic and oligogenic mechanisms.
CONTRA A PERFEIÇÃO, O MELHORAMENTO HUMANO OU PELA DÁDIVA? UMA ANÁLISE DOS ARGUMENTOS DE MICHAEL SANDEL SOBRE A ENGENHARIA GENÉTICA
Authors: Vilaça Murilo Mariano
Published: December 2021

No presente artigo, apresento e analiso criticamente os argumentos de Michael Sandel contra os usos não terapêuticos (ou melhoradores) da engenharia genética. Parto de considerações sobre algumas tendências presentes no debate bioético (seção 1) e do delineamento da vertente bioconservadora/antimelhoramento (seção 2), à qual Sandel está associado. Após, destaco o modo como ele utiliza o conceito de dádiva para criticar a perfeição/o melhoramento, aplicando-o a dois casos específicos, melhoramento genético de atletas e da descendência, retórica sobre a qual faço algumas ponderações críticas (seção 3). Com base nestas, concluo que o conceito de dádiva não é adequado para sustentar uma proscrição moral do biomelhoramento humano em sociedades livres e pluralistas.
HISTÓRIA DO CONCEITO DE HUMANITAS: DA MITOPOÉTICA A ALLEGORESIS ESTOICA
Authors: De Almeida Cleber Ranieri Ribas
Published: December 2021

Neste artigo proponho-me reconstituir a trajetória etimológica, filológica e experiencial do conceito de humanitas desde sua origem estoica no Círculo Cipiônico até sua assimilação pela tradição imperial panegírica augustana. O propósito é compreender porque, desde a origem, tal conceito apresenta um núcleo semântico de significação inconstante, volátil e aberto. Tal indeterminação semântica, como tentarei provar, adveio do progressivo processo de degeneração das representações mitopoéticas do homem em favor de uma compreensão noética. Posteriormente, esta compreensão noética fora assimilada pelo gênio estoico-romano na forma de uma representação alegórica (allegoresis) cujo conteúdo semântico tornara-se meramente linguístico e autorreferente. Os símbolos da experiência foram assim reduzidos a meros jogos de linguagem. Nesta lógica, a compreensão do conceito de humanitas em sua origem depende menos de uma investigação acerca das evidências filológicas quanto ao uso da palavra nos textos canônicos e mais de uma investigação acerca das experiências que possibilitaram a formação de uma consciência da unidade simbólica da humanidade enquanto grandeza política de referência.
Sequence transformations in proofs of irrationality of some fundamental constants
Authors: Varin Victor Petrovich
Published: December 2021

Transformation of number sequences (convergence acceleration) is one of the classical chapters of numerical analysis. These algorithms are used both for solution of practical problems and for the development of more advanced numerical methods. At the same time, numerical methods have found numerous applications in the number theory. One of the classical problems of number theory is the proof of irrationality of some fundamental constants, where the high rate of convergence of sequences of rational numbers plays a crucial role. However, as far as we know, the applications of (classical) convergence acceleration algorithms to the proofs of irrationality do not exist. This study is an attempt to fill this gap and to draw attention to this direction of research.
The investigation of the k-NN graph statistics
Authors: Kislitsyn Alexey Alexeevich , Orlov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: December 2021

In this paper the investigation of the structure of k-NN graph is presented. The purpose of this analysis is to match the probability of implementation particular graph under assumption of a certain distribution of distances between vertices and depending on the number of vertices. Sample distributions of the graph by the number of disconnected fragments, fragments by the number of vertices, and vertices by the degrees of incoming edges are used as the main statistics. As an example, the problem of identifying the author of a text by the n-gram method is considered.
SYSTEMATICS OF COMPOSITIONS IN HISTORICAL GARDENS AS A DESIGN SUPPORT IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGN CONCEPTS
Authors:   Professor of Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Poland Bydgoszcz, Poland, Bardzinska-Bonenberg Teresa , Bonenberg Agata ,   Poznan University of Technology, Poland Faculty of Architecture
Published: December 2021

People always valued nature around them so the gardens accompanied their houses and residences from the ancient times. Some features of garden compositions were recurring in historical periods differing only in some aspects. In contemporary gardens they are repeated again. To assess the coincidences, a short graphic analysis of the basic features of historical gardens was developed. A tool that has allowed to identify differences and similarities between old and contemporary is the tabulation of composition schemes of well-known historic gardens and comparing the results with the features of the recent developments. This allowed us to investigate whether the same elements of composition, despite 21st century changes, apply today. Key words: residential garden, historical establishments, garden layout, composition, contemporary gardens, repeated solutions.
PERANCANGAN TATA LETAK LAPANGAN PENUMPUKAN PETI KEMAS (STUDI KASUS PELABUHAN SORONG)
Authors: Kurnia Gita , Prasetiyono Adi Kurnia , Refiawan Andika Mochamad , Hibatullah Marlene , Zulvia Ferani Eva
Published: December 2021

Pelabuhan Sorong memegang peranan penting dalam kegiatan ekspor dan impor peti kemas khususnya di wilayah provinsi Papua Barat. Berdasarkan observasi di lapangan, kegiatan operasional di terminal peti kemas Pelabuhan Sorong belum berjalan dengan efisien karena tata letak lapangan penumpukannya belum dirancang dengan teratur. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan usulan tata letak lapangan penumpukan untuk Pelabuhan Sorong. Usulan tata letak dirancang berdasarkan hubungan antara aktivitas-aktivitas pergerakan peti kemas di terminal dan ramalan permintaan peti kemas. Penelitian ini menerapkan metode peramalan untuk meramalkan jumlah peti kemas impor dan ekspor serta mengidentifikasi jumlah kapasitas yang dibutuhkan lapangan penumpukan. Hasil rancangan dari usulan tata letak dievaluasi utilitasnya menggunakan rumus Yard Occupancy Ratio (YOR). Berdasarkan perhitungan, usulan rancangan tata letak lapangan penumpukan dapat mengakomodir jumlah permintaan peti kemas Pelabuhan Sorong dengan nilai YOR yang mendekati standar kinerja pelabuhan yaitu 71,03% pada tahun 2025.
TINGKAT KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP KUALITAS PELAYANAN BRT TRANS TANGERANG PADA KORIDOR 2
Authors: Suyadi Dadang , Hadi Winoto , Susanti Anita , Yasmin Amalia
Published: December 2021

This study aims to measure the level of customer satisfaction with the perception of reality or performance of service quality provided by BRT Trans Tangerang in corridor 2. This Final Project was created using the following method is descriptive quantitative. The sample used to prepare this Final Project is amounted to 100 respondents, namely passengers of BRT Trans Tangerang on corridor 2. The results showed that the reality of the service from BRT Trans Tangerang corridor 2 was in a good criteria with an average values of 3,96 while customer expectations of reality/performance of BRT Trans Tangerang corridor 2 service are at a very high criterion with a total average values of 4,51. The results of the overall suitability analysis obtained a level of conformity of 87,6%, the values is still below 100%. This means that the overall service performance of BRT Trans Tangerang corridor 2 too it’s customers in terms of tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy is very good but has not fully reached 100% in accordance with customer expectations or interests.
PERKEMBANGAN DAN SISTEM PENGANGKUTAN LIMBAH BAHAN BERBAHAYA DAN BERACUN (B3) DI INDONESIA
Authors: Mulyono Tri , Verawati Kencana
Published: December 2021

Industrial development besides having a positive impact on the economy, also has a negative impact such as the waste industry. Non-hazardous and non-toxic material waste no to be handled as strictly as hazardous and toxic material waste, although the waste industry. This issues (1) How is the development of hazardous and toxic waste transportation?; and (2) How is the hazardous and toxic waste transportation system? The response to the issues are the aims of this research. The method used is a literature study and analyzed descriptively. The results of the search for hazardous and toxic waste transportation data for the 2015–19 period and analysis shows: (1) The amount of hazardous and toxic waste in Indonesia decreasing, but the waste transportation companies increase by 40.98% (3650 waste transportation service companies) from 2589 in 2018; (2) the number of permits increased by an average of 23.58%/year; (3) the number of vehicles hazardous transporting is 8,984 vehicles or 4 times from 2015; and (5) the contributing sectors for hazardous are Mining, Energy and Oil and Gas; Manufacture; Infrastructure and Services; and Agro Industry.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI LOYALITAS KONSUMEN TOKO STARS MADIUN 2
Authors: Ridha Maisaroh  , Maulida Nurhidayati
Published: December 2021

Consumer loyalty is a positive attitude given by consumers to a product or company caused by consumer satisfaction with the product or company which is manifested by repeat purchase behavior to recommend it to anyone they know. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of price, promotion, and service quality on consumer loyalty at Stars Madiun 2 Store. This research is a field research with a quantitative approach. Stars Madiun 2 shop consumers are the population in this study with 97 consumers as samples. Sampling was done by incidental sampling method. Data were analyzed by Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The results showed that price and promotion had a positive effect on consumer loyalty. While the quality of service has no effect on consumer loyalty. The magnitude of the influence of price, promotion, and service quality on consumer loyalty has an effect of 66.5% and 33.5% is influenced by variables that are not included in the model. The price variable has the greatest contribution to loyalty. The Stars Madiun 2 store must consider prices more carefully, such as providing more competitive prices, and offering a variety of products accompanied by good quality. After that, promotion and service quality can be improved.

 

Loyalitas konsumen merupakan sikap positif yang diberikan oleh konsumen kepada suatu produk atau perusahaan yang disebabkan oleh kepuasan konsumen terhadap produk atau perusahaan tersebut yang diwujudkan dengan perilaku pembelian berulang hingga merekomendasikannya kepada siapapun yang mereka kenal. Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh harga, promosi, dan kualitas pelayanan terhadap loyalitas konsumen Toko Stars Madiun 2. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian lapangan dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Konsumen Toko Stars Madiun 2 merupakan populasi pada penelitian ini dengan 97 konsumen sebagai sampel. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan metode incidental sampling. Data dianalisis dengan metode Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa harga dan promosi berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalitas konsumen. Sedangkan kualitas pelayanan tidak berpengaruh terhadap loyalitas konsumen. Besarnya pengaruh harga, promosi, dan kualitas pelayanan terhadap loyalitas konsumen berpengaruh sebesar 66,5% dengan 33,5% dipengaruhi oleh variabel yang tidak masuk dalam model. Variabel harga memiliki kontribusi paling besar terhadap loyalitas. Toko Stars Madiun 2 harus lebih mempertimbangkan harga dengan matang, seperti memberikan harga yang lebih kompetitif, dan bermacam-macam dengan diiringi dengan kualitas produk yang baik. Setelah itu dapat dilakukan peningkatan promosi dan kualitas pelayanan.
SARS-CoV-2 air and surface contamination on a COVID-19 ward and at home
Authors: Oksanen Lotta-Maria A. H. , Virtanen Jenni , Sanmark Enni , Rantanen Noora , Venkat Vinaya , Sofieva Svetlana , Aaltonen Kirsi , Kivistö Ilkka , Svirskaite Julija , Pérez Aurora Díaz , Kuula Joel , Levanov Lev , Hyvärinen Antti-Pekka , Maunula Leena , Atanasova Nina , Laitinen Sirpa , Anttila Veli-Jukka , Lehtonen Lasse , Lappalainen Maija , Geneid Ahmed , Sironen Tarja
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has been detected both in air and on surfaces, but questions remain about the patient-specific and environmental factors affecting virus transmission to the environment. Additionally, more detailed information on viral findings in air is needed. This cross-sectional study presents results from 259 air and 252 surface samples from the surroundings of 23 hospitalized and eight home-treated COVID-19 patients between July 2020 and March 2021 and compares the results between the measured environments and patient factors. The proportions of PCR-positive air and surface samples showed statistical similarity in hospital and in the home. In four cases, positive environmental samples were detected even after the patients had developed a neutralizing IgG response. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the following particle sizes: 0.65–4.7 µm, >7 µm, >10 µm, and <100 µm. Appropriate infection control against airborne and surface transmission routes is needed in both environments, even after antibody production has begun.
A Social Network Analysis of Collaborative Rangelands Governance: the case of Borana rangelands, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tolera Teferi , Senbeta Feyera
Published: December 2021

Effective natural resources governance plays crucial roles in enhancing the resilience of the Socio-ecological systems (SES) in the face of prevailing environmental changes. It is recognized that the ability to adaptively respond to complex environmental change and manage SES resilience resides in the actors' networks. Network forms of governance facilitate both horizontal and vertical interconnection of actors, bring different perspectives and sources of knowledge, develop shared values and develop innovative solutions to the wicked rangeland problems. However, the structural pattern of the actors’ collaborative linkages highly influences how actors actually behave and, hence, impact the deliverance of effective governance. In view of this, by analyzing social networks (SNA), this study aims to identify the structural gaps that result in misfit in the Borana rangelands. As evident from the low level of network density obtained from quantitative SNA, there are very few horizontal and vertical interactions and linkages among actors in the Borana rangelands governance system which considerably blocks flows of knowledge, experiences and other resources indicating inability of the governance system in facilitating the solidification of shared values and joint action. The study further reveals that rangelands governance system in Borana is hampered by absence of adequate network heterogeneity and closure which in turn blocks the building of collaborative visioning and an efficient use of available resources to address complex problem. Thus, this study suggests that policy environment that can create conditions for more collaboration, strength of actors ties, development of trust and social capital and enabling the design of effective collective efforts should be put in place.
Rapid Adsorption Removal of Triclosan and p-chloro-m-xylenol In Water By Nitrogen Doped Magnetic Porous Carbon
Authors: Li Qiuxing , Huang Li , Zhu Paijin , Zhong Min , Xu Shuxia
Published: December 2021

Contamination of water resources with organic substances like phenolic fungicides is undesirable due to the improvement of living standards, huge production and consumption of daily chemicals, and an increase in the population. In this study, ZIF-67(Co) was synthesized using the “one pot method”, and the Co-magnetic porous carbon (Co-NPC) was prepared by ZIF-67 (Co) carbonization in an atmosphere of N2. The materials were tested using a X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption-desorption and magnetization analysis. These methods indicated that the Co-NPC was successfully prepared. With the original morphology of ZIF-67 (Co) crystal, the Co-NPC also has good porosity, magnetic properties and a large specific surface area. In water, Co-NPC-800 has a good adsorption capacity for triclosan (TCS) and p-chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), which are kinds of aromatic fungicides. The adsorption of Co-NPC-800 on both reached equilibrium within 3 min, which is in accordance with the quasi-second-order kinetic model. At 298 K, the maximum adsorption capacity of Co-NPC-800 for TCS and PCMX was 163 and 39 mg·g-1, respectively. The adsorption of TCS and PCMX by Co-NPC-800 is a spontaneous endothermic process with reduced entropy. The combination of Co-NPC-800 and phenols come from multiple action of electrostatic, π-π and hydrogen bond effects. Moreover, Co-NPC-800 can be regenerated through simple washing and can be reused several times. Therefore, Co-NPC-800 has great potential to be applied across sewage treatments and other environmental fields.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Custom Liquid Biopsy Markers in Sarcomas
Authors: de Flon Felix Haglund , Arthur Cecilia , Awier Hero Nikdin , Chen Yi , Eisfeldt Jesper , Skaftason Aron , Hesla Asle , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Stragliotto Christina Linder , Tham Emma
Published: December 2021

Background: Sarcomas are rare tumours with heterogeneous clinical behaviour including varying rates of metastasis. Clinical treatment and follow-up rely on crude grading systems with uncertain accuracy for individual patients. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) detects both structural variation and single nucleotide variants and may thus add important diagnostic/prognostic information. Liquid biopsies (LB) may potentially identify hematogenous spread and treatment response rate but further evaluation in sarcomas is needed. Methods: In this study we explore the performance of individualized LB in four patients with different types of sarcomas. Fresh frozen tumour tissue was sequenced using WGS and whole transcriptome sequencing. Three putative driver variants or one fusion gene were selected per case and custom digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assays were designed, evaluated on tumour DNA and used to assess levels of cell free tumour DNA in plasma taken prior to surgery. Results: In LB, ddPCR identified three variants in one patient with metastatic disease. The remaining three patients had negative LBs and were without disease at follow-up (>18 months after surgery). Conclusions: WGS is a powerful tool to detect all types of genetic changes in sarcoma and can facilitate clinical diagnosis/classification while custom LB may add prognostic information.
Glycine-Induced Synthesis of Vaterite via Direct Aqueous Mineral Carbonation of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum
Authors: Liu Xuemin , Pan Zhihe , Cheng Huaigang , Zhang Zhien , Cheng Fangqin , Wang Bo
Published: December 2021

Mineral carbonation of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) can not only sequester CO2 to mitigate the greenhouse effect, but also produce CaCO3 to generate economic benefit. A mixture of calcite and vaterite CaCO3 was produced by FGDG carbonation in our previous study. Nevertheless, the production of uniform crystalline CaCO3, especially for vaterite, still maintains a big challenge via carbonation of FGDG. Herein, nearly pure vaterite was synthesized via FGDG carbonation in the presence of glycine was reported firstly. The results show that the content of vaterite increased from 60% to 97% with increasing glycine concentration and then kept a constant value, indicating that glycine can promote the formation of vaterite and inhibit the growth of calcite. Additionally, the investigation of vaterite growth mechanism in the presence of glycine demonstrated that the formation of intermediate, glycinate calcium, played an important role to stimulate the growth of vaterite. This study provides a new insight to produce a high-valued vaterite CaCO3 during the direct mineral carbonation of FGDG.
Sorption of Uranium (VI) From Aqueous Solution Using Nanomagnetite Particles; Singly and Coated With Humic Acid
Authors: Ahmed Ismail Mohamed , Helal Aly A. , Gamal Rasha , aboEinien Salah , Helal Abdullah A.
Published: December 2021

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and humic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4/HA) were investigated for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution. Batch sorption experiments were studied as a function contact time, adsorbent mass, U(VI) concentration and pH. The sorption kinetic data follow the pseudo-second order while the isotherms are found to obey Langmuir model with maximum capacity (Qmax) of 230, 196 mg/g for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/HA, respectively. The study reveals that humic acid decreases the sorption capacity due to the formation of a polyanionic organic coating and thus altering the surface properties of the particles and reduces the magnetite aggregation and stabilizes the magnetite suspension.
Stochastic behaviour of an interface-based memristive device
Authors: Yarragolla Sahitya , Hemke Torben , Trieschmann Jan , Zahari Finn , Kohlstedt Hermann , Mussenbrock Thomas
Published: December 2021

A large number of simulation models have been proposed over the years to mimic the electrical behaviour of memristive devices. The models are based either on sophisticated mathematical formulations that do not account for physical and chemical processes responsible for the actual switching dynamics or on multi-physical spatially resolved approaches that include the inherent stochastic behaviour of real-world memristive devices but are computationally very expensive. In contrast to the available models, we present a computationally inexpensive and robust spatially 1D model for simulating interface-type memristive devices. The model efficiently incorporates the stochastic behaviour observed in experiments and can be easily transferred to circuit simulation frameworks. The ion transport, responsible for the resistive switching behaviour, is modelled using the kinetic Cloud-In-a-Cell scheme. The calculated current-voltage characteristics obtained using the proposed model show excellent agreement with the experimental findings.
Cell-Fiber-Based 3D Tissue Array for Drug Response Assay
Authors: Kato-Negishi Midori , Sawayama Jun , Kawahara Masahiro , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: December 2021

For the establishment of a reproducible and sensitive assay system for three-dimensional (3D) tissue-based drug screening, it is essential to develop 3D tissue arrays with uniform shapes and high-cell numbers that prevent cell death in the center of the tissue. In recent years, 3D tissue arrays based on spheroids have attracted increased attention. However, they have only been used in specific tissues with hypoxic regions, such as cancer tissues, because nutrient deprivation and hypoxic regions are formed in the core as spheroids grow. Herein we propose a method to array cell-encapsulated tube-like tissue (cell fiber (CF)) with diameters <150 µm to prevent nutrient deprivation and hypoxia using a device that can fix the CFs, section them in uniform sizes and transfer them to a 96-well plate. We fabricated the arrays of CF fragments from cell lines (GT1-7), cancer cells (HeLa), mouse neural stem cells (mNSCs), and differentiated mNSCs, and performed drug response assays. The array of CF fragments assessed drug response differences among different cell types and drug responses specific to 3D tissues. The array of CF fragments may be used as a versatile drug screening system to detect drug sensitivities in various types of tissues.
Design and Analysis of a Graphene Based Slotted Bowtie Optical Plasmonic Nanoantenna
Authors: Biswas Richard Victor , Arifin Farhadur
Published: December 2021

A graphene-based modified bowtie plasmonic nanoantenna resonating in the optical frequency spectrum with the periodic directors created by the slots on top of the radiating structure has been proposed in this paper. In the field of nanophotonics, a few optical nanoantennas have been reported to construct multipath wireless nanolinks. At the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm (193.5 THz), the maximum directivity of 9.67 dBi has been reached due to the maximum absorption power of graphene sheet by selecting the chemical potential of 0.5 eV. Since graphene supports surface plasmon polariton waves and acts either as an absorptive or transparent medium for distinct chemical potentials, the proposed graphene-based slotted bowtie optical nanoantenna has been optimized to obtain a dynamically controlled triple-directional radiation beam. With this distinctive nature, a multipath intra or inter on-chip wireless nanolink for secure optical data transfer can be realized by integrating a set of our proposed optical plasmonic nanoantennas.
Shear Behavior of Single Cast-in Anchor Simulating Characteristics of Bridge Bearing Anchor
Authors: Choi Jin-Seok , Chin Won Jong , Yuan Tian-Feng , Yoon Young-Soo
Published: December 2021

A bridge bearing anchor transmits various loads of a superstructure to a substructure. However, most anchors are generally designed without consideration of characteristics such as concrete pedestal, grout bedding, and anchor socket. Therefore, this study investigated the shear behavior of anchors in accordance with the edge distance, embedment depth, compressive strength of concrete, and height of the concrete pedestal in order to simulate the practical characteristics of the bridge bearing anchors. The actual shear capacity of the anchor differs from the shear strength calculated by the ACI 318 Code; especially, the importance of the embedment depth is underestimated in the code. An increase in the height of the concrete pedestal has a negative effect on the shear capacity because of the stress concentration. The grout is fractured prior to the occurrence of local damages in concrete, resulting in a secondary moment. As a result, the effect of the level arm is observed. An equation, which can predict the relative cracking degree of concrete, is proposed by analyzing the displacement of grout and concrete. High strain occurs in the stirrups close to the anchor, and the behavior of the strain is more influenced by the embedment depth than the edge distance. Finally, the design equation of concrete breakout strength is modified to predict the more precise shear resistance of a bridge bearing anchor.
Rapid Evaluations of Innovations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Norman Gill , Mason Thomas , Dumville Jo , Bower Peter , Wilson Paul , Cullum Nicky
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThere is increasing demand for more rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care, to support timely decision-making about service redesign. These pressures have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Making evaluations more rapid raises challenges in terms of ensuring rigour and the effective use of resources, but assessment of rapid evaluation methodologies has been lacking. MethodsWe conducted a scoping review to map the developing field of methods of rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care, to describe the existing literature, categorise different approaches to rapid evaluation, and identify knowledge gaps. We searched multiple databases and websites of key organisations. We prioritised studies with relevance to the context of the NHS in England. We extracted information to enable us to classify and map existing studies on key characteristics. We undertook a narrative synthesis to identify the evidence and the gaps; focussing on the different approaches to conducting rapid evaluation in primary research. ResultsWe identified 14069 records from our searches of which 352 explored rapid evaluations of innovations, methods for rapid evaluation or rapid evaluation of implementation. Our scoping review identified four main approaches used for rapid evaluation: (1) Use of a methodology designed specifically for rapid evaluation;(2) Increasing rapidity by doing less or using a less time-intensive methodology;(3) Use of alternative technologies and/or data to increase the speed of an existing evaluation method; (4) Adaptation of part of a non-rapid evaluation DiscussionThis scoping review identified a lack of clarity about ‘rapid evaluation’ but identified some useful preliminary categories. There is very little comparative research on the impact of using rapid rather than standard evaluation. There is a need for clarity and consistency in terms of what constitutes rapid evaluation, the development of specific methodologies for making evaluation more rapid, and assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of rapid methodology in terms of rigour, cost and impact.
Layered Feature Representation for Differentiable Architecture Search
Authors: Hao Jie , Zhu William
Published: December 2021

Differentiable architecture search (DARTS) approach has made great progress in reducing the com- putational costs of neural architecture search. DARTS tries to discover an optimal architecture module called cell from a predefined super network. However, the obtained cell is then repeatedly and simply stacked to build a target network, failing to extract layered fea- tures hidden in different network depths. Therefore, this target network cannot meet the requirements of prac- tical applications. To address this problem, we propose an effective approach called Layered Feature Repre- sentation for Differentiable Architecture Search (LFR- DARTS). Specifically, we iteratively search for multiple cells with different architectures from shallow to deep layers of the super network. For each iteration, we optimize the architecture of a cell by gradient descent and prune out weak connections from this cell. After obtain- ing the optimal architecture of this cell, we deepen the super network by increasing the number of this cell, so as to create an adaptive network context to search for a deeper-adaptive cell in the next iteration. Thus, our LFR-DARTS can discover the architecture of each cell at a specific and adaptive network depth, which embeds the ability of layered feature representations into each cell to sufficiently extract layered features in different depths. Extensive experiments show that our algorithm achieves an advanced performance on the datasets of CIFAR10, fashionMNIST and ImageNet while at low search costs.
Effectiveness of Regdanvimab in Patients With Mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Choi Seong Jin , Park Sang-Won , Lee Eunyoung
Published: December 2021

BackgroundMonoclonal antibodies are a treatment option for patients with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We investigated the effectiveness of regdanvimab, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody approved in South Korea, in the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. MethodsMedical records of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients admitted to a COVID-19 designated hospital were reviewed to assess baseline characteristics (age, gender, BMI, and comorbidities) and clinical outcomes such as supplemental oxygen requirements, mortality, and length of hospitalization.ResultsFour hundred seventy-four COVID-19 patients were included in the study, and 66 of them were administered regdanvimab. The proportion of patients requiring supplemental oxygen was significantly lower in the regdanvimab group than in control group without statistical significance (6.1% vs. 22.8%, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in mortality (0% vs 1.2%, P > 0.999) and the length of hospitalization (median: 10.5 days vs. 7.5 days, P = 0.067) between both groups. Increasing age, male sex, chest X-ray abnormality, underlying chronic kidney disease and administration of regdanvimab were found to have a significant univariate association with oxygen requirement. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that increasing age (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, P < 0.001) and chest X-ray abnormality (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 2.49-8.21, P < 0.001) were independently associated with higher requirement of oxygen and administration of regdanvimab was independently associated with lower oxygen supplement (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.47, P < 0.002). ConclusionsRegdanvimab reduced the need for supplemental oxygen and fatalities in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients who matching the indications for administration of regdanvimab.
Variability and time series trend analysis of temperature over 1981-2018 in semi-arid Borana zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Mitiku Adisu , Feyisa Gudina Legese , Beketie Kassahun Ture
Published: December 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding the climate variability at local scale could help suggest local adaptation responses to manage climate driven impacts. This paper analyzed the variability and trends of temperature over the period 1981-2018 in semi-arid Borana zone of southern Ethiopia using Mann-Kendall (MK) test and inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique. Gridded (4 km * 4 km) daily temperature data was used to study variability at temporal and spatial scales. ResultsThe results revealed that monthly temperature shows a warming trend where February was the warmest month for both maximum and minimum temperature. Seasonally, the highest maximum and minimum temperatures were observed during Bega. Minimum temperature shows a warming trend during all seasons unlike maximum temperature. Both minimum and maximum temperature shows not significant warming trend at annual timescale. The later decades (20012018) have shown a warming trend compared to a period ahead especially for minimum temperature. The southwestern and southeastern areas across the zone were warmer than any other areas in the region during the studied period. ConclusionTemperature shows variability at shorter than longer timescales. There is a pronounced warming trend for minimum than maximum temperature. Warming condition advances from the northcentral parts towards the southwestern and southeastern areas. Internal variability was observed at temporal and spatial scales and therefore any adaptation responses to local climate variability should consider the microscale climate.