bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Image Fusion Techniques Using Worldview-3 Data
Authors: Farhadi Milad , Hoshyarmanesh Hossein
Published: October 2020

Image fusion is a useful tool for producing a high-resolution multispectral image to be used for land use and land cover mapping. In this study, we use nine pansharpening algorithms namely Color Normalized (CN), Gram-Schmidt (GS), Hyperspherical Color Space (HCS), High Pass Filter (HPF), Nearest-Neighbor Diffusion (NND), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Resolution Merge (RM), Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT), and Wavelet Resolution Merge (WRM) to fusion Worldview-3 multispectral Bands and panchromatic band. In spectral and spatial fidelity, several image quality metrics are used to evaluate the performance of pansharpening algorithms. The SWT and PCA algorithms showed better results compared to other pansharpening algorithms while GS and CN algorithms showed the worst results for the original image fusion. The effect of fusion on each band was separately investigated and according to the calculations, we found that the CoastalBlue band and the Blue band showed the best result and the NIR-1 band and NIR-2 band show the worst result for the original image fusion. In the end, we conclude that the choice of fusion method depends on the requirement of remote sensing application.
Prevalence and Correlates of Infrequent and Frequent Bullying Victimization among School Adolescents from Five Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and its correlates of infrequent and frequent bullying victimization (=BV) among school-going adolescents in five “Association of Southeast Asian Nations” (ASEAN) member states. The cross-sectional sample comprised 33,184 school adolescents (14.6 years mean age) from five ASEAN countries of the “Global School-based Student Health Survey” (GSHS) in 2015. Results indicate that 30.6% of participants reported any past-month BV, 33.9% in boys and 27.5 in girls, ranging from 11.8% in Laos to 48.7% in the Philippines. In the adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, students from the Philippines and Thailand, experience of hunger, sedentary behaviour, attending physical education classes, being underweight, being overweight or obese, ever amphetamine use, physically assaulted, school truancy, participation in a physical fight, injury, low peer support and psychological distress were associated with BV. Almost one in three adolescents were bullied and several associated variables were identified which can assist in targeting the strategies of intervention.
Risks of Simultaneous Co-Infection of Dengue and COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Rahman Md. Sahidur , Rahman Tazrina
Published: October 2020

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is compounding on populations susceptible to tropical illnesses like dengue in different developing countries like Bangladesh. The growing concern is that Bangladesh is a dengue-endemic zone and the peak transmission occurs in the monsoon season (June to October). In the most recent monsoon, a total of 354 dengue cases have been confirmed until 27th July 2020, data-driven from only 41 hospitals alone. A fifty-three-year-old male patient was found to be co-infected with COVID-19 and dengue fever. Concerns arise as hospitals are increasingly denying to admit the patients. Moreover, reports of the false-positive results in dengue screening tests recorded in different countries further exacerbate the issue. These conditions could postpone the early diagnosis of COVID-19 cases and aggravate the situation. In addition, the overwhelming wave of the dengue cases would be a challenge for the vulnerable health care system of the country which is already under strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Failure to establish and implement proper policies might lead to the dengue outbreak with the burdens of the concurrent COVID pandemic, resulting in the collapse of the health and social system, as well as the economic growth of the country.
Reduction of Salmonella Typhimurium Cecal Colonisation and Improvement of Intestinal Health in Broilers Supplemented with Fermented Defatted ‘Alperujo’, an Olive Oil By-Product
Authors: Rebollada-Merino Agustín , Ugarte-Ruiz María , Hernández Marta , Miguela-Villoldo Pedro , Abad David , Rodríguez-Lázaro David , de Juan Ferré Lucía , Domínguez Lucas , Rodríguez-Bertos Antonio
Published: October 2020

Salmonella spp. contaminates egg and poultry meat leading to foodborne infections in humans. The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains limit the use of antimicrobials. We aimed to determine the effects of the food supplement, fermented defatted ‘alperujo’, a modified olive-oil by-product, on Salmonella Typhimurium colonisation in broilers. One hundred and twenty 1-day-old broilers were divided into four experimental groups: 2 control groups and 2 treated groups, and challenged with S. Typhimurium at day 7 or 21. On days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of life, duodenum and caecum tissue samples were collected for histopathological and histomorphometric studies. Additionally, cecum content was collected for Salmonella spp. detection by culture and qPCR, and for metagenomic analysis. Our results showed a significant reduction of Salmonella spp. in the cecum of 42-day-old broilers, suggesting that fermented defatted ‘alperujo’ stimulates Salmonella Typhimurium clearance in that cecum and may contribute to diminishing the risk of carcass contamination at the time of slaughter. Additionally, the improvement of the mucosal integrity suggests that enhancing intestinal health helps to limit Salmonella spp. colonisation in the host, mitigating production losses. These results could provide evidence that FDA would contribute to prophylactic and therapeutic measures to reduce salmonellosis prevalence in poultry farms.
Novel Therapies for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Harris Leonard , Patel Kruti , Martin Michael
Published: October 2020

The most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults is diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL). There is a historical unmet need for more effective therapies in the 2nd and 3rd line setting. Emerging immunochemotherapies have shown activity in small studies of heavily pre-treated patients with prolonged remissions achieved in some patients. Anti-CD19 CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells are potentially curative in the 3rd line and beyond setting and are under investigation in earlier lines of therapy.1 Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC’s) such as polatuzumab vedotin targeting the pan-B-cell marker CD79b has proven effectiveness in multiply-relapsed DLBCL patients. Tafasitamab (MOR208) is an anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody producing prolonged remissions when combined with Lenalidomide in patients who were not candidates for salvage chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplant. Selinexor, an oral, small-molecule selective inhibitor of XPO1-mediated nuclear export (SINE), demonstrated prolonged activity against heavily-pretreated DLBCL without cumulative toxicity and is being investigated as part of an oral, chemotherapy-free regimen for relapsed aggressive lymphoma. This article reviews current strategies and novel therapies for relapsed/refractory DLBCL.
Artificial Intelligence Enabled Traffic Monitoring System
Authors: Mandal Vishal , Mussah Abdul Rashid , Jin Peng , Adu-Gyamfi Yaw
Published: October 2020

Manual traffic surveillance can be a daunting task as Traffic Management Centers operate a myriad of cameras installed over a network. Injecting some level of automation could help lighten the workload of human operators performing manual surveillance and facilitate making proactive decisions which would reduce the impact of incidents and recurring congestion on roadways. This article presents a novel approach to automatically monitor real time traffic footage using deep convolutional neural networks and a stand-alone graphical user interface. The authors describe the results of research received in the process of developing models that serve as an integrated framework for an artificial intelligence enabled traffic monitoring system. The proposed system deploys several state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms to automate different traffic monitoring needs. Taking advantage of a large database of annotated video surveillance data, deep learning-based models are trained to detect queues, track stationary vehicles, and tabulate vehicle counts. A pixel-level segmentation approach is applied to detect traffic queues and predict severity. Real-time object detection algorithms coupled with different tracking systems are deployed to automatically detect stranded vehicles as well as perform vehicular counts. At each stages of development, interesting experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed framework performs satisfactorily under varied conditions without being immensely impacted by environmental hazards such as blurry camera views, low illumination, rain, or snow.
A Statistical Model to Compute the Effect of Agile Teams’ Productivity
Authors: Mashmool Amir , Khosravi Samiyeh , Joloudari Javad Hassannataj , Inayat Irum , Mansor Zulkefli , Band Shahab S.
Published: October 2020

Agile methods promise to achieve high productivity and provide high-quality software. Agile software development is the most important model that has spread through the world of software development over the past decade. Software productivity measurement is essential in agile teams to increase the performance of Software development. Due to the increasing competition of software development companies, software team productivity has become one of the crucial challenges for software companies and teams. Awareness of the level of team productivity can help them to achieve more accurate estimation results on the time and cost of the projects. However, to measure software productivity, there is no definitive solution or approach whether in traditional and agile software development teams that lead to the occurrence of many problems in achieving a reliable definition of software productivity. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the productivity of the software in an up-to-date view of software development and to present a model for computing software team productivity. A survey was conducted with forty software development organizations located in Iran and measured the impact of six factors of the team on productivity in these companies. The results show that team effectiveness factors including inter-team relationship, quality conformance by the team, team vision, team leader, and requirements handled by the team had an impact on productivity. Moreover, the results also state that inter-team relations affect the most on software teams’ productivity. Finally, using the model fit test, it found that 80% of productivity changes based on team effectiveness factors.
Using PCM in two proposed residential buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Schmerse Erik , Ikutegbe Charles , Auckaili Amar , Farid Mohammed
Published: October 2020

A characteristic feature of lightweight constructions is their low thermal mass which causes high internal temperature fluctuations that require high heating and cooling demand throughout the year. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) is effective in providing thermal inertia to low thermal mass buildings. The aim of this paper is to analyse the thermal behaviour of two proposed lightweight buildings designed for homeless people and to investigate the potential benefit achievable through the use of different types of PCM in the temperate climatic conditions of Christchurch, New Zealand. For this purpose, over 300 numerical simulations have been conducted using the simulation software DesignBuilder®. The bulk of the simulations were carried out under the assumption that the whole opaque building envelope is equipped with PCM. The results showed significant energy saving and comfort enhancement through the application of PCMs. Thereby, annual energy saving of over 50 % was reached for some of the PCMs considered. Additionally, the effectiveness of single, PCM-equipped structure components was investigated and substantial benefits between 19 and 27 % annual energy saving were achieved. However, occupant behaviour in terms of ventilation habits, occupancy of zones etc. remains one of the biggest challenges in any simulation work due to insufficient data.
Translating Workflow Nets to Process Trees: An Algorithmic Approach
Authors: van Zelst Sebastiaan J. , Leemans Sander J.J.
Published: October 2020

Since their introduction, process trees have been frequently used as a process modeling formalism in many process mining algorithms. A process tree is a (mathematical) tree-based model of a process, in which internal vertices represent behavioral control-flow relations and leaves represent process activities. Translation of a process tree into a sound Workflow net is trivial; however, the reverse is not the case. Simultaneously, an algorithm that translates a WF-net into a process tree is of great interest, e.g., the explicit knowledge of the control-flow hierarchy in a WF-net allows one to reason on its behavior more easily. Hence, in this paper, we present such an algorithm, i.e., it detects whether a WF-net corresponds to a process tree, and, if so, constructs it. We prove that, when the algorithm finds a process tree, the language of the process tree is equal to the language of the original WF-net. The experiments conducted show that the algorithm’s corresponding implementation has a quadratic time complexity in the size of the WF-net. Furthermore, the experiments show strong evidence of process tree re-discoverability.
Did Cavemen Boil Their Food? A Remote Sensing Based Evidence of Hydrothermal Landscape of Prehistoric Mongoloid Pawon Man 9.5 ka Occupancy at Pawon Cave of West Java
Authors: Wibowo Andri
Published: October 2020

Relationship between caveman prehistoric life in terms of heat induced food processing and its geological ecosystems have received many attentions. Previous studies have investigated the sources of heat included using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and biomarker approaches. Here this study proposes the use of remote sensing to identify the relationship of 9500 year old (9.5 ka) prehistoric mongoloid occupancy with hydrothermal manifestations at Pawon cave of West Java. The hydrothermal manifestations around Pawon cave were identified using Landsat 8 band combinations, land surface temperature, and sedimentary lithology. The results showed the hydrothermal manifestations surrounding Pawon cave were within a distance of 0.5-2 km. The results also showed bones representing 12 animal taxon groups with high abundance of rodents. To conclude this study sheds the light of proximity and preferences of mongoloid prehistoric occupancy towards hydrothermal landscape due to its advantage as heat sources for food processing purposes.
Uncertainty Relations in Hydrodynamics
Authors: Gonçalves de Matos Gyell , Kodama Takeshi , Koide Tomoi
Published: October 2020

Uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are numerically studied. We first give a review for the formulation of the generalized uncertainty relations in the stochastic variational method (SVM), following the work by two of the present authors [Phys.\ Lett.\ A\textbf{382}, 1472 (2018)]. In this approach, the origin of the finite minimum value of uncertainty is attributed to the non-differentiable (virtual) trajectory of a quantum particle and then both of the Kennard and Robertson-Schr\"{o}dinger inequalities in quantum mechanics are reproduced. The same non-differentiable trajectory is applied to the motion of fluid elements in the Navier-Stokes-Fourier equation or the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equation. By introducing the standard deviations of position and momentum for fluid elements, the uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are derived. These are applicable even to the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and then the field-theoretical uncertainty relation is reproduced. We further investigate numerically the derived relations and find that the behaviors of the uncertainty relations for liquid and gas are qualitatively different. This suggests that the uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are used as a criterion to classify liquid and gas in fluid.
Enterococcus faecalis Polymicrobial Interactions Facilitate Biofilm Formation, Antibiotic Recalcitrance, and Persistent Colonization of the Catheterized Urinary Tract
Authors: Gaston Jordan , Andersen Marissa , Johnson Alexandra , Bair Kirsten , Sullivan Christopher , Guterman L. Beryl , White Ashley , Brauer Aimee , Learman Brian , Flores-Mireles Ana , Armbruster Chelsie
Published: October 2020

Indwelling urinary catheters are common in healthcare settings and can lead to catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Long-term catheterization causes polymicrobial colonization of the catheter and urine, for which the clinical significance is poorly understood. Through prospective assessment of catheter urine colonization, we identified Enterococcus faecalis and Proteus mirabilis as the most prevalent and persistent co-colonizers. Clinical isolates of both species successfully co-colonized in a murine model of CAUTI, and they were observed to co-localize on catheter biofilms during infection. We further demonstrate that P. mirabilis preferentially adheres to E. faecalis during biofilm formation, and that contact-dependent interactions between E. faecalis and P. mirabilis facilitate establishment of a robust biofilm architecture that enhances antimicrobial resistance for both species. E. faecalis may therefore act as a pioneer species on urinary catheters, establishing an ideal surface for persistent colonization by more traditional pathogens such as P. mirabilis.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Zinc- and Aspartyl-binding Protease Profile of Individuals with Moderate/Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Valenzuela Fernando , Fernández Javier , Aroca Marcela , Jiménez Constanza , Albers Daniela , Hernández Marcela , Fernández Alejandra
Published: October 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a protease-modulated chronic disorder with heterogenous clinical manifestations which may lead to an imprecise diagnosis. So far, there are no diagnostic protease tests for AD. We explored the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) protease profile of periodontally-healthy individuals with moderate/severe AD compared to healthy controls. An exploratory case-control study was conducted. Matching AD patients (n=6) and controls (n=6) were enrolled at the International Center for Clinical Studies, Santiago, Chile. Complete dermatological and periodontal evaluations (involving the collection of GCF samples) were made. The levels of 35 proteases were analyzed using a human protease antibody array. The GCF levels of zinc-binding ADAM8, ADAM9, MMP8 and Neprilysin/CD10, aspartyl-binding Cathepsin E, and serin-binding Protein convertase9 and uPA/Urokinase proteases were lower in moderate/severe AD patients compared to controls (p<0.05). No inter-group differences in the levels of the other 28 proteases were found. MMP8, Cathepsin E and ADAM9 were the biomarkers with the highest sensitivity and specificity regarding the detection of AD (p < 0.05). The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for MMP-8+ADAMP-9 was 0.90. In conclusion, differences in the protease profile between AD and control patients associated with MMP8, Cathepsin E and ADAM9. MMP8, ADAM9 and Cathepsin E may be useful as combined diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of moderate/severe AD.
What Can Local Transfer Entropy Tell us About Phase-amplitude Coupling in Electrophysiological Signals?
Authors: Martínez-Cancino Ramón , Delorme Arnaud , Wagner Johanna , Kreutz-Delgado Kenneth , Sotero Roberto C. , Makeig Scott
Published: October 2020

Modulation of the amplitude of high-frequency cortical field activity locked to changes in phase of a slower brain rhythm is known as phase-amplitude coupling (PAC). The study of this phenomenon has been gaining traction in neuroscience because of several reports on its appearance in normal and pathological brain processes in humans as well as across different mammalian species. This has led to the suggestion that PAC may be an intrinsic brain process that facilitates brain inter-area communication across different spatiotemporal scales. Several methods have been proposed to measure the PAC process, but few of these enable detailed study of its time course. It appears that no studies have reported details of PAC dynamics including its possible directional delay characteristics. Here, we study and characterize the use of a novel information theoretic measure that may address this limitation: local transfer entropy. We use both simulated and actual intracranial electroencephalographic data, and in both cases we observe initial indications that local transfer entropy can be used to detect the onset and offset of modulation process periods revealed by mutual information phase-amplitude coupling (MIPAC). We review our results in the context of current theories about PAC in brain electrical activity, and discuss technical issues that must be addressed to see local transfer entropy more widely applied to PAC analysis.
Ethics of Biohybrid Robotic Jellyfish Modification and Invertebrate Research
Authors: Xu Nicole , Lenczewska Olga , Wieten Sarah , Federico Carole , Dabiri John
Published: October 2020

The ethics of invertebrate research have largely been ignored compared to the consideration of higher order animals, but more recent focus has questioned this trend. Using biohybrid robotic jellyfish as a case study, we examine the ethical considerations of invertebrate work and provide recommendations for future guidelines. This paper starts with an overview of philosophical views of animal ethics, the current state of knowledge for invertebrate pain and nociception, and current ethical guidelines. Next, we delve into the case study and analogous precedents. Specifically, in prior studies, we developed biohybrid robotic jellyfish, which modified live moon jellyfish with microelectronic swim controllers for future applications in ocean monitoring. Although jellyfish possess no central nervous system, pain receptors, or nociceptors, we closely monitored their stress responses, using the precautionary and minimization principles in consideration of the 4Rs: reduction, replacement, refinement, and reproducibility. We also discuss ethical considerations related to our studies and suggest that public opinion of invertebrate research relies heavily on repugnance, including fears of ‘playing God’ or limiting the ‘free will’ of animals. These issues are also examined for prior bioethics cases, such as the RoboRoach, cyborg beetle, ‘microslavery’ of microbes, biohybrid robots incorporating tissues from sea slugs (which are known to possess nociceptors), and other tissue cutting experiments involving soft-bodied invertebrates. However, biohybrid robotic jellyfish pose further ethical questions of potential ecological consequences as ocean monitoring tools, such as the impact of electronic waste in the ocean. To conclude these evaluations, we recommend that publishers require brief ethical statements for invertebrate research, which can include the following: a scientific justification for the research, discussion of the 4Rs, and cost-benefit analysis. We also delineate the need for more research on pain and nociception in invertebrates, which can then be used to revise or validate current research standards. These actions provide a stronger basis for the ethical study of invertebrate species, with implications for individual, species-wide, and ecological impacts on animals, as well as for interdisciplinary studies in science, engineering, and philosophy.
A Review on the Pathophysiology and Management of Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome
Authors: Rahman Masum , Rahman Sajedur , Siddik Abu Bakar , Carlstrom Lucas , Musa Juna , Hamjah Radzi , Salehin Salman , Alvi Mohmmad , Hossain Mohammad , Brown Desmond
Published: October 2020

As an uncommon cause of spinal cord infarction, anterior spinal cord syndrome can manifest with motor paralysis, loss of pain, and temperature sensation distal to the site of the lesion. The main pathogenesis of this syndrome is the disruption of blood flow in the anterior spinal artery. Mortality and morbidity differ with the etiology of the syndrome. So knowing the etiology of blood flow disruption is essential for patient management. This review article highlights the important clinical manifestation of Anterior spinal artery syndrome. Also describes etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, possible management, and complications.
Devices for Continuous Recording of "Integral ECG" for Determining Vital Physiological Indicators of a Person's State and Their use in Bio Cybernetic Complexes
Authors: Evgeniy Bogatyrev , Vladimir Kodkin
Published: October 2020

One of the rapidly developing research areas is the creation of systems. which are commonly referred to as cyberphysical complexes. In such systems, devices and complexes interact with a completely different physical nature. The role of a person in such systems usually consists in the formation of final tasks for “artificial intelligence” and executive mechanisms. The functioning of actuators is controlled by accurate information systems.
Variabilitas dan Korelasi Genotipik dan Fenotipik 10 Genotipe Tanaman Nilam (Pogostemon cablin Benth.)
Authors: Wahyu Resti , Tahir M , Wiwik Indrawati
Published: October 2020

Patchouli Aceh Lhokseumawe is a patchouli that has a high oil content.  However, the Lhokseumawe species have narrow plant genetic variation due to vegetative propagation. This study aims to analysis broad genetic variability and phenotypes, correlation between growth character and strong yield character to help selection in plant breeding.  The research was conducted at experimental field of the Politeknik Negeri Lampung in April until October 2018.  The research used Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 genotype and 3 replications.  Analysis of the data used is ANOVA, if significantly different followed by the LSI 5%, then using variability genotype and phenotype and t test. The result showed that NPL 1 had a better appearance than the Lhokseumawe (local) genotype in the LSI 5%.  Extensive genotype variability was found ini g/plant dry weight character and ton/ha dry terna production, broad phenotype variability was found in all observed characters.  High heritability is found in the characters of stem diameter, wet weight, dry weight, and production of dry ton/ha. Significantly positive phenotypic correlations that have high oil yield are characterized by the characteristics of dry weight, ton/ha dry cattle production, wet weight, and harvest index. Positive genotypic correlations were evident between growth and yield characters, namely the oil yield with leaf length, and leaf width.
Evaluation of Leadership Programs (PIM) Level III For Civil Servants In The Education and Training Center (Pusdiklat) of The Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) RI
Authors: Sudiharto  , Purwana Dedi , Tunas Billy
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation of Level III Education and Training Program (PIM III) for Civil Servants (PNS) in the Education and Training Center Institution of the Ministry of Manpower Republic of Indonesia (Pusdiklat Kemnaker RI), so that it can be used by policy makers to improve its implementation. The research method uses the program evaluation model CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) and Impact. Evaluation was carried out on the implementation of Program Diklat PIM III held in the 2015-2016 period by the Pusdiklat Kemnaker RI. In this study involved 57 informants from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PAN RB) as regulators, the State Administration Institute (LAN) as the implementing policy, National Board for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Overseas Workers (BNP2TKI ) as a place for alumni and the Pusdiklat Kemnaker RI as the organizer. Overall the results of evaluation research on the implementation of the Program Diklat PIM III by the Pusdiklat Kemnaker RI is considered to be Less or 57.69% of the evaluation criteria can be met. The Context Sub-focus (C) reaches a value of Very Less or 40.43%; The Input subfocus achieved a Good value or 77.92%; The Process sub-focus (P) achieves Very Good or 100%; The Product sub-focus (P) achieves less or 59% and The Impact (I) of  alumni on organizations reach Very Less or 11.1%. The recommendations of this study can be applied to the Program Diklat PIM III Cycle Model as part of the Echelon III Position Selection with the central point of the Echelon III Structural Position Competence set by the measured and traceable PANRB so as to produce superior and competitive human resources personnel.
Strategic Leadership For The Implementation of Three Values of Higher Education Performed by The Indonesian Defense University (IDU) In The 2015-2018 Period
Authors: Dohamid Ahmad Gafuri , Akbar Ma'ruf , Luddin Muchlis R.
Published: October 2020

This research will discuss about IDU’s management in strategic leadership to implement Three Values of Higher Education in the 2015-2018 period of time using qualitative method of research. The result obtained from the research show that in educational aspect, IDU has taken necessary strategic steps for IDU’s improvement. IDU manages the resources that are owned by IDU in academic aspect. IDU has done management processes according to the vision and mission during their time of leadership. In research department, the strategic leadership of IDU is not conducted optimally, especially when using and keeping the core competency.  In community service, IDU is not capable in creating an innovation for the community. It is also found in the research that the biggest challenge that IDU has is regarding human resources. Most of the lecturers teach in IDU do not have defense background in their previous education.
How Effective Has Global Entrepreneurship Been As A Tool For Economic Growth?
Authors: Egboga Ike , Zubairu Umaru
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to conduct a critical review of entrepreneurship in a global / international context and to determine, based on empirical literature reviews whether it has been an effective tool for economic growth. The study adopted the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique (SQAT) in identifying and reviewing peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers and book chapters published between the period 2009-2019 which had empirically examined the link between entrepreneurship on a global basis and economic growth. The study was categorized into three (3) geographical groups based on national income levels – low income, medium income and high income countries which also correspond with their respective levels of economic development. Based on the evidence and review thereon conducted by this study, it was concluded that global entrepreneurship has been an effective tool for economic growth and that the degree of effectiveness increases with national income levels or degree of economic development.
Content Themes and Influential Voices Within Vaccine Opposition on Twitter, 2019
Authors: Bonnevie Erika , Goldbarg Jaclyn , Gallegos-Jeffrey Allison K. , Rosenberg Sarah D. , Wartella Ellen , Smyser Joe
Published: October 2020

Objectives. To report on vaccine opposition and misinformation promoted on Twitter, highlighting Twitter accounts that drive conversation.

Methods. We used supervised machine learning to code all Twitter posts. We first identified codes and themes manually by using a grounded theoretical approach and then applied them to the full data set algorithmically. We identified the top 50 authors month-over-month to determine influential sources of information related to vaccine opposition.

Results. The data collection period was June 1 to December 1, 2019, resulting in 356 594 mentions of vaccine opposition. A total of 129 Twitter authors met the qualification of a top author in at least 1 month. Top authors were responsible for 59.5% of vaccine-opposition messages. We identified 10 conversation themes. Themes were similarly distributed across top authors and all other authors mentioning vaccine opposition. Top authors appeared to be highly coordinated in their promotion of misinformation within themes.

Conclusions. Public health has struggled to respond to vaccine misinformation. Results indicate that sources of vaccine misinformation are not as heterogeneous or distributed as it may first appear given the volume of messages. There are identifiable upstream sources of misinformation, which may aid in countermessaging and public health surveillance.
Некоторые особенности эпидемического распространения новой коронавирусной инфекции (COVID-19) в Ростовской области
Authors: Ковалев Евгений , Слись Сергей , Янович Евгения , Пичурина Наталья , Воловикова Софья , Гаевская Наталья , Чемисова Ольга , Карпущенко Гарри , Литовко Анна , Носков Алексей
Published: October 2020

Цель: проанализировать эпидемиологическую обстановку по новой коронавирусной инфекции (COVID-19), выявить некоторые региональные особенности Ростовской области, способствующие распространению инфекции. Материалы и методы: При оценке эпидемиологической обстановки по новой коронавирусной инфекции в Ростовской области использованы сведения, представленные Управлением Федеральной службы по надзору в сфере защиты прав потребителей и благополучия человека по Ростовской области. Статистическая обработка данных проведена общепринятым методом. Результаты: Распространение новой коронавирусной инфекции в Ростовской области носит неравномерный характер. При дифференциации территорий области выделены группы муниципальных районов с очень высоким, высоким, средним и низким числом больных. Разделение административных территорий Ростовской области на «Ростовскую городскую агломерацию» и кластер муниципальных образований области, в которых отсутствует ярко выраженные факторы и условия, обуславливающие «маятниковую» миграцию населения позволило проанализировать особенности, характерные для региона и выявить территории с наиболее высоким риском интенсификации эпидемического процесса новой коронавирусной инфекции. Выводы: Проведенная дифференциация муниципальных образований позволила выявить и проанализировать некоторые территориальные особенности Ростовской области, способствующие распространению новой коронавирусной инфекции. Полученные результаты могут быть использованы в разработке мероприятий, направленных на снижение интенсификации эпидемического процесса при COVID-19.
Баромембранный метод подготовки счётных образцов воды для измерения ультранизких концентраций радионуклидов
Authors: Васянович М. Е. , Екидин А. А. , Трапезников А. В. , Платаев А. П.
Published: October 2020

В работе показана возможность применения баромембранного метода для измерения ультранизких концентраций радионуклидов в воде пресноводных водоёмов. Актуальность задачи обусловлена необходимостью определения привноса радионуклидов в водные объекты, используемые предприятиями ядерно-топливного цикла. Радионуклиды естественного и техногенного происхождения, не связанные со сбросами предприятия, всегда присутствуют в таких водных объектах, формируя естественный или техногенно изменённый радиационный фон. Его наличие часто затрудняет идентификацию вклада сбросов предприятия в активность воды, так как штатные методы мониторинга характеризуются очень высоким порогом обнаружения радионуклидов. Традиционные способы определения фоновых концентраций радионуклидов требуют отбора минимум 500 л воды с последующим её выпариванием до образования сухого остатка, а на такую процедуру необходимо не менее пяти рабочих дней. Сократить затраты времени и энергии на выпаривание сотен литров воды можно путём предварительного концентрирования радионуклидов в меньшем объёме пробы баромембранным методом. Для его демонстрации применяли мобильную установку с осмотическими мембранами. Её начальная производительность составляет 6,0 л·мин−1. Осмотические мембраны позволяют разделить исходную пробу из водоёма на два компонента — деминерализованный пермеат и содержащий радиоактивные вещества концентрат. В зависимости от степени минерализации воды исследуемой пробы, установка позволяет проводить за 10–15 ч предварительное концентрирование 500 л до образца объёмом 20 л с минимальными потерями радионуклидов. Этот подход универсален и может быть применён для концентрирования растворённых солей любых тяжёлых металлов и прочих органических соединений. Он позволяет готовить счётные образцы водных проб в гораздо меньшие сроки, чем традиционный метод упаривания.
Оценка содержания 137Cs в поверхностных водах дальневосточных морей по результатам экспедиционных исследований 2018 года
Authors: Мирошниченко О. Н. , Параскив А. А.
Published: October 2020

По результатам экспедиционных исследований в 82-м рейсе НИС «Академик М. А. Лаврентьев» (01.06.2018–20.07.2018) выполнена оценка современных уровней объёмной активности техногенного радионуклида 137Cs в поверхностных водах морей Дальнего Востока. Исследования проводили в северо-западной части Японского моря, южной части Охотского моря, прибрежной акватории Тихого океана в районе полуострова Камчатка, а также в западной части Берингова моря. Концентрацию 137Cs в пробах морской воды определяли сорбционным методом с использованием двух последовательно соединённых адсорберов с последующим измерением содержания 137Cs по гамма-излучению дочернего радионуклида 137mBa. Эффективность сорбции оценивали по разнице активностей на первом и втором адсорберах. Проведён сравнительный анализ уровней загрязнения исследуемых акваторий. Установлено, что объёмная активность 137Cs в поверхностной воде Японского моря варьировала в пределах от (2,9 ± 0,1) до (5,1 ± 0,3) Бк·м−3, в Охотском море — от (1,8 ± 0,1) до (2,3 ± 0,1) Бк·м−3, в Беринговом море — от (1,7 ± 0,1) до (3,1 ± 0,1) Бк·м−3. Максимальные концентрации 137Cs отмечены в Японском море, что может быть связано с его изолированностью от других акваторий и с наличием вторичных источников поступления радионуклидов. В целом загрязнение прилегающих акваторий незначительно; флуктуации концентраций происходят в пределах глобального фона техногенных изотопов в окраинных морях Тихого океана.
INSTITUIÇÕES E DESEMPENHO SOCIOECONÔMICO NA DEMOCRACIA BRASILEIRA: Preferências Liberalizantes e Preferências Distributivas
Authors: Chieza Rosa Angela , De Queiroz-Stein Guilherme
Published: October 2020

Processos de criação e mudança institucional são dotados de intencionalidades que refletem as preferências políticas dos agentes que os propõem. Partindo desse pressuposto, apresenta-se um estudo a respeito das preferências políticas dos governos brasileiros. Para tanto, optou-se por estudar os governos que foram diretamente eleitos e terminaram seus mandatos no contexto pós-1988, observando processos de criação e reforma institucional. Argumenta-se que os governos do PSDB (1995-2002) propuseram reformas que identificam suas preferências como liberalizantes. Por sua vez, os governos petistas (2003-2014) estruturaram arranjos institucionais que se aproximam de um social-desenvolvimentismo com preferências por acelerar processos distributivos. Ainda, identifica-se que mudanças institucionais incrementais, realizadas sob a égide das regras do jogo democrático, foram fatores determinantes para se compreender a melhoria de indicadores sociais observada entre 1995 e 2014.
A fast impedance-based antimicrobial susceptibility test
Authors: Spencer Daniel C. , Paton Teagan , Inglis Timothy J.J. , Sutton J. Mark , Morgan Hywel
Published: October 2020

There is an urgent need to develop simple and fast antimicrobial susceptibility tests that allow informed prescribing of antibiotics. In this protocol we describe a method for a label-free AST that can deliver results within an hour, using an actively dividing culture as starting material.
Beneficial effects of walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid prevents a prooxidant status and hyperlipidemia in pregnant rats with diabetes
Authors: Sun Bingmei , Yan Hua , Li Chao , Yin Linlin , Li Fei , Zhou Lianxiang , Han Xiuqing
Published: October 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus has a long-term effect on pregnant women. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) possesses multifarious pharmacological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effects of walnut oil-derived PUFA on glucose metabolism, pregnancy outcomes, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: The GDM rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) on gestational day (GD) 6, GD7 and GD8. The differences between groups were estimated using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc analysis.Results: The results indicated that PUFA could mitigate GDM in pregnant diabetic rats, as embodied by the decrease of fasting blood glucose and the increase of plasma insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. Also, PUFA could suppress oxidative stress in pregnant diabetic rats, as reflected by the decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. PUFA could also mitigate the abnormal changes of lipid profiles in plasma and hepatic tissue. Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), was suppressed by PUFA in pregnant diabetic rats.Conclusions: These results suggested that PUFA supplementation during pregnancy is beneficial in preventing diabetic complications in pregnant rats.
Google analytics of a pilot study to characterize the visitor website statistics and implicate for enrollment strategies in Medical University
Authors: Chen Szu-Chieh , Tsao Thomas Chang-Yao , Lue Ko-Huang , Tsai Yafang
Published: October 2020

Background: Due to decreasing fertility rates in Taiwan, colleges and universities face significant difficulties in maintaining student attendance. This study aims to investigate students in the higher education market and explore their online behavior patterns in relation to university departmental websites to provide response strategies with the aim of potentially increasing enrollment. Methods: We used Google Analytics (GA) tools to analyze two departmental websites from a medical university between February 1 and July 30, 2018. We also observed website patterns during relevant periods for three college admission routes (Stars Program, Personal Application, and Admission by Examination and Placement). Results: Visitors were mostly between 18 and 24 years of age during the three visiting date ranges for the two departments analyzed. The visitor groups were mainly freshmen at the university, and secondarily their parents. The majority of visitors visited “Homepage,” “Subject Credits,” “Course Planning,” “Teacher Lineup,” and “Certificate of Subjects.” The overall timing of daily page views varied depending on academic events. Conclusions: Results suggest that the department should consider enhancing the presentation of its featured courses on the webpage or distinguish their course characteristics from those of competing departments in the curriculum to ensure clear market segmentation. It is recommended that each department consider the obtainable data online and identify suitable high schools to visit to attract potential students and improve student willingness to choose this university.
CT, US and MRI of Xanthine Urinary Stones: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Analyses
Authors: Shamir Stephanie , Peng Qi , Schoenfeld Alan , Drzewiecki Beth , Liszewski Mark
Published: October 2020

Background: Xanthine urinary stones are a rare entity that may occur in patients with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome receiving allopurinol. There is little literature describing imaging characteristics of these stones, and the most appropriate approach to imaging these stones is therefore unclear. We performed in-vitro and in-vivo analyses of xanthine stones using computed tomography (CT) at different energy levels, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Five pure xanthine stones from a child with Lesch-Nyhan were imaged in-vitro and in-vivo. CT of the stones was performed at 80kVp, 100kVp, 120kVp and 140kVp and CT numbers of the stones were recorded in Hounsfield units (HU). US of the stones was performed and echogenicity, acoustic shadowing and twinkle artifact were assessed. MRI of the stones was performed and included T2-weighted, ultrashort echo-time (UTE)-weighted and T2/T1-weighted 3D bFFE sequences and signal was assessed. Results: In-vitro analysis on CT demonstrated that xanthine stones were radiodense and the average attenuation coefficient did not differ with varying kVp, measuring 331.0+/-51.7HU at 80kVp, 321.4+/-63.4HU at 100kVp, 329.7+/-54.2HU at 120kVp and 328.4+/-61.1HU at 140kVp. In-vivo analysis on CT resulted in an average attenuation of 354+/-35HU. On US, xanthine stones where echogenic with acoustic shadowing and twinkle artifact. On MRI, stones lacked signal on all tested sequences. Conclusion: Xanthine stone analyses, both in-vitro and in-vivo, demonstrate imaging characteristics typical of most urinary stones: dense on CT, echogenic on US, and lacking signal on MRI. Therefore, the approach to imaging xanthine stones should be comparable to that of other urinary stones.
Comparative investigation of different telemetric methods for measuring intracranial pressure: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rot Sergej , Dweek Mamon , Gutowski Pawel , Goelz Leonie , Meier Ullrich , Lemcke Johannes
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) plays an important role in long-term monitoring and neuro-intensive treatment of patients with a cerebral shunt. Currently, only two complete telemetric implants with different technical features are available worldwide. This prospective pilot study aims to examine patients who had both probes implanted at overlapping times for clinical reasons and represents the first in vivo comparison of both measurement methods.

Materials and methods: Patients with a primary subarachnoid hemorrhage or a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage who had received a telemetric ICP probe (Raumedic ® NEUROVENT ® -P-tel) were included in the study. Conventional external ventricular drainages (EVD) and ventriculoperitoneal shunts with a telemetric ICP probe (Miethke Sensor Reservoir) were implanted in patients with hydrocephalus who required CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) drainage. Absolute ICP values from all systems were obtained. Due to the overlapping implantation time, parallel ICP measurements were performed via two devices simultaneously. ICP measurements via the sensor reservoir were repeated after three and nine months. Differences between the absolute ICP values measured via the NEUROVENT ® -P-tel probe, the Miethke sensor reservoir ® , and the EVD were analyzed.

Results: Eighteen patients were included in the present study between 2016 and 2018. 63% of all patients were male. In 11 patients the ICP measurements were followed up with both devices for 3 months. ICP measurements of the sensor reservoirs showed corresponding trends in 9 cases compared to ICP measurement via the telemetry probe or EVD. Difference in absolute ICP values ranged between 14.5 mmHg and 0.0 mmHg. The average difference of the absolute ICP values in 8 cases was ≤ 3.5 mmHg.

Conclusion: ICP measurements with both systems continuously showed synchronous absolute ICP values, however absolute values of ICP measurement with the different systems did not match.