bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitación de la Residencia Universitaria de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Espinoza Guevara Jimena
Published: December 2020

La expansión de Lima y el centralismo han generado el aumento de universidades, es por eso que muchos jóvenes deciden dejar sus provincias y buscar mejores oportunidades en la capital, sin embargo muchos estudiantes al no tener un lugar donde vivir, tienen la necesidad de buscar alojamientos que no cumplen con las necesidades básicas. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal desarrollar un proyecto de rehabilitación de la Residencia universitaria de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos con la finalidad de crear espacios de habitad y condiciones adecuadas para el buen desenvolvimiento del universitario. Por otro lado se buscará rediseñar las áreas comunes, proponiendo nuevos espacios como: salas de estudio, de visitas y de entretenimiento con el fin de fomentar la socialización entre estudiantes, así mismo se diseñarán las habitaciones con todas las comodidades logrando que estos espacios sean aptos para el descanso de los residentes. También se plateará espacios relación interior – exterior para romper con el lugar cerrado así los estudiantes logren tener contacto con la naturaleza. Para lograr el objetivo, se utilizaran estrategias de diseño como: aperturas y volúmenes por dentro y fuera de la edificación con el fin de generar una distribución dinámica y diferentes experiencias espaciales para los residentes. También se propone paneles con persianas corredizas en la fachada con el propósito de controlar el ingreso del calor y la luz solar a la residencia, igualmente brindar una estética arquitectónica a la fachada.
Determinación de las tasas de generación de viajes en los centros comerciales de Lima Norte aplicando los métodos de análisis de tasas y regresión lineal
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lara Vega Giorgio Bryand , Vicuña Huamaní Margie Martha
Published: December 2020

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal el determinar las tasas de generación de viajes para los centros comerciales de Lima Norte empleando los métodos de análisis de tasas y de regresión lineal. Esto con el fin de obtener indicadores de generación de viajes que permita calcular la demanda de viajes peatonal y vehicular particular. Así mismo, realizar una adecuada planificación del transporte urbano reduciendo los niveles de congestión y el número de accidentes en la ciudad. Para cumplir dicho objetivo, se ha delimitado la investigación a los cuatro centros comerciales de Lima Norte: Mega Plaza, Plaza Norte, Real Plaza Pro y Royal Plaza. En cada uno de ellos, se ha realizado un análisis a detalle de sus características, definiendo las variables más apropiadas para su análisis. Se ha realizado los aforos para cada centro comercial, tomando en consideración los viajes de modo peatonal y vehicular particular, para poder aplicar los métodos de análisis de tasas y regresión lineal. Con dicha información, se obtuvo tasas propias de generación de viajes y ecuaciones de regresión para Lima Norte, las cuales han sido comparadas con los índices del Instituto de Ingenieros de Transporte (ITE) y con las tasas de un caso venezolano para validar la información.
Incremento de la rentabilidad inmobiliaria de un proyecto de vivienda multifamiliar aplicando ingeniería de valor en proceso de diseño
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Matos Cuervo Eduardo Alfredo , Vargas Ferrer Jacinto Luis
Published: December 2020

Con el objetivo de mejorar la rentabilidad de un proyecto inmobiliario, a través de la aplicación de la ingeniería de valor en la etapa de diseño en proyectos de edificación de vivienda multifamiliar en Lima Metropolitana, se ha desarrollado una investigación no experimental, descriptiva y correlacional. La importancia del estudio radica en que el sector construcción ha atravesado desaceleración en los últimos años, lo que pone presión en el margen de rentabilidad y, por lo tanto, las empresas tienen que enfocarse en reducir sus costos sin perjudicar su desempeño. Se analizan tres casos, que corresponden a proyectos de construcción de viviendas multifamiliares, con un área promedio total de construcción 23,000 metros cuadrados lo cual permitió identificar los procesos que actualmente se siguen en la etapa de diseño, estimación de costos y definición final del proyecto. Utilizando la ingeniería de valor, que es el análisis de los costos versus el desempeño, para lograr aumentar el margen de rentabilidad a partir de un análisis de las funciones, considerando las entradas y salidas de los procesos, se crea un nuevo proceso para la optimización de costos. Esta propuesta se expone al juicio de expertos para su validación, con la guía de una encuesta. Sus respuestas se procesaron y en base a ello se conoce que es necesario la integración de un equipo multidisciplinario desde la etapa de diseño, así como trabajar con ratios históricos. Al culminar la investigación se concluye que la aplicación de ingeniería de valor en una empresa inmobiliaria sí lleva al incremento de la rentabilidad, desde 14.5% a 18% gracias a la reducción del costo de construcción por metro cuadrado, que se genera al introducir optimizaciones en la etapa previa al diseño y no post diseño. Lo cual se hará en base a una lista de criterios de diseño y de optimizaciones aplicadas en proyectos anteriores. Se recomienda aplicar ingeniería de valor en las empresas inmobiliarias, así como en otras industrias.
Propuesta de reforzamiento integral de un Edificio Comercial de 2 pisos con ampliación a 5 pisos en la ciudad de Lima- San Martin de Porres: comparando un recalce convencional de un no convencional
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Ascurra Cano Pamela , Muriel Ortiz Angel Juvenal
Published: December 2020

El presente caso de estudio tiene como beneficiario principal a la socios del centro comercial “Los Nísperos”- San Martin de Porres –Lima –Perú. Este proyecto presenta la necesidad de un reforzamiento estructural integral, debido a las alteraciones de la estructura que conlleva el incremento de plantas típicas. Frente a este nuevo escenario es necesario el reforzamiento de la edificación. Pues, las cimentaciones superficiales, conformadas en esta obra por zapatas aisladas y corridas, necesitan de reforzamiento para soportar los nuevos requerimientos y responder eficientemente a las cargas amplificadas. Por lo que se proponen alternativas de reforzamiento de cimentaciones superficiales: convencionales y no convencionales. Para ello, planteamos el reforzamiento estructural de un edificio de concreto armado destinado a centro comercial, formulando dos tipos de reforzamiento en la cimentación para un análisis comparativo de la capacidad estructural, tiempo de ejecución, costo del reforzamiento, la complejidad constructiva y calificación de mano de obra. Por un lado, consideramos a los micropilotes como una de las propuestas de reforzamientos de cimentaciones superficiales, son elementos estructurales que transfieren las acciones al terreno y pueden tener elementos importantes para transferir directa o indirectamente las cargas y limitar las deformaciones. Este sistema se puede aplicar como: micropilotes aislados, grupos de micropilotes, reticulados de micropilotes y pantallas de micropilotes. Por otro lado, el reforzamiento mediante ensanchamiento de zapatas, consiste en ensanchar o ampliar la zapata para aumentar la superficie de contacto con el terreno. Se considera también aumentar el canto por encima de la zapata, en relación con su altura.
Estudio comparativo estructural de una sección circular de concreto armado con barras de fibra de vidrio (GFRP) en lugar de barras de acero expuesto a la corrosión por cloruros en la costa peruana
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Pichardo Neyra Camila Ysabel , Tovar Párraga Willy
Published: December 2020

El presente estudio aborda el uso de barras de polímero reforzado con fibra de vidrio (GFRP) como reemplazo del acero en una sección circular de concreto armado, con el fin de evitar la corrosión de las barras de refuerzo y así mejorar su durabilidad. El caso de estudio es la sección de un pilote cuadrado convertida en una sección circular equivalente de concreto armado del puerto artesanal de Huacho, provincia de Huaura, departamento de Lima. Se realizó el análisis comparativo del desarrollo del diagrama de interacción para el diseño por flexocompresión y ratio de cuantía requerida de refuerzo transversal para ambos tipos de refuerzo. Asimismo, se desarrolló el diagrama Momento–Curvatura para calcular factores de ductilidad y deformabilidad de ambas secciones.
Propuesta de un manual instructivo como herramienta de gestión para mejorar la productividad de la grúa torre en la etapa de estructuras en edificaciones de vivienda de 15 pisos a más en Lima Metropolitana
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Manrique Palomino Arturo Alejandro , Saman Rosales Jean Paul
Published: December 2020

La grúa torre es un equipo electromecánico que se utiliza para el izaje de materiales en los sectores de trabajo de un proyecto de construcción. Uno de los problemas principales en la construcción de viviendas en edificios de 15 pisos a más en la etapa de estructuras es el déficit de la productividad del izaje de materiales con grúa torre, debido a que existen muchos tiempos no contributorios: tiempos muertos y esperas. La presente investigación tiene como enfoque proponer un manual instructivo mediante el uso de herramientas de gestión, tales como Pareto, Ishikawa, diagrama de flujo; con el objetivo de aumentar la productividad en el proceso de izaje reduciendo los tiempos no contributorios. Para tales fines, se registraron datos de la productividad de los involucrados en diversos proyectos de características similares y se utilizaron las herramientas de gestión para seleccionar los problemas principales identificados, posteriormente analizar cada uno de estos y finalmente plantear un rediseño del proceso en general. Los resultados determinaron que se pueden reducir los tiempos no contributorios si se tiene un proceso ordenado y continuo. Además, se hace mención a una serie de consideraciones para poder cumplir con la mejora del proceso.
Propuesta de mallas de fibras de maguey para mejorar la resistencia de muros de adobe en el distrito de Colcabamba - Huancavelica
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Aliaga Campos Susana , Gonzales Orihuela Eugenia María
Published: December 2020

El adobe es un material de construcción que ha sido empleado tanto en países desarrollados como no desarrollados. En el caso del Perú, el uso de este material es muy empleado en zonas altoandinas y de bajos recursos, pese al elevado índice de viviendas construidos con este material, los principales problemas se ven reflejados en la baja resistencia y la durabilidad. Según estudios de investigación, la adición de refuerzos mejora la resistencia a la tracción de los elementos de adobe disminuyendo la aparición de fisuras retardando los colapsos ante movimientos telúricos. Por este motivo, el presente trabajo tiene como finalidad presentar una propuesta sostenible y económica para el refuerzo a base de fibras naturales de maguey que mejore la resistencia de muros de viviendas de adobe haciendo uso de la norma E.080 (Diseño y Construcción con Tierra Reforzada). Para evaluar los parámetros mecánicos de la propuesta, se realizaron ensayos de tracción a diversos prototipos de mallas biaxiales con aberturas cuadradas espaciadas, de los cuales las características que variaron fueron espaciamientos y diámetros de cuerdas. Como resultado, el prototipo que resistió mayores cargas fue el de dimensiones de 2.00 m x 0.70 de ancho y largo respectivamente, y con aberturas cuadradas espaciadas cada 2 centímetros, con cuerdas de diámetro de 5 milímetros. Estos revestirán los muros de viviendas de adobe interna y externamente con el fin de asegurar la compatibilidad de ambos elementos para resistir los esfuerzos, donde las mallas tomarán las tracciones y los muros de adobe las compresiones. La resistencia a tracción es de 5.0KN/m.
Implementación de la metodología Virtual Design & Construction - VDC en las etapas de Diseño y Construcción para reducir el plazo en proyectos de edificaciones en el Perú
Authors:   ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Corrales Tamayo Jose Luis , Saravia Torres-Llosa Renzo Enrique
Published: December 2020

Actualmente, los proyectos de edificaciones que se vienen ejecutando generalmente no cuentan con una ingeniería definida al inicio de la etapa de construcción. Esto genera que los proyectos tengan numerosas indefiniciones en su inicio. A consecuencia de ello, las consultas, las órdenes de cambio, y definiciones se dan en mayor cantidad en la etapa de ejecución aumentando el esfuerzo y por lo tanto incrementando el plazo contractual en la solución de cualquier retrabajo. Las metodologías tradicionales, no colaborativas, suelen tener como común denominador, la gran cantidad de solicitudes de información durante la construcción. Esta situación sumada a de un flujo lento de respuesta a las consultas realizadas en campo puede resultar perjudicial para la entrega oportuna del proyecto. Esta metodología VDC se basa en “construir” dos veces, es decir construir previamente la edificación en un modelo virtual con todas las especialidades consolidadas y compatibilizadas para una vez teniendo el modelo liberado y libre de indefiniciones, se proceda con la construcción real. Esta metodología, busca la reducción de los recursos innecesarios y la disminución de la variabilidad a través del trabajo colaborativo mediante las sesiones ICE en el uso conjunto de herramientas tecnológicas (BIM) y filosofías Lean. La presente tesis demuestra que, teniendo un modelo integrado en la etapa de diseño y acompañado de un equipo colaborativo en sesiones ICE, es posible trasladar los esfuerzos de la etapa de construcción a la etapa de diseño y de esta manera reducir el tiempo de ejecución de los proyectos.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SLOW BREATHING TRAINING ON DECREASING BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENT WITH HYPERTENSION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Riswanto Rischar Beni , Suryandari CH.R Yeni , Hidayatin Nur
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypertension is recognized as a major health problem throughout the world leading to various life-threatening heart diseases. The higher the level of blood pressure in the long run, the more likely there is a complication of hypertension. Slow breathing exercises are one of the non-pharmacological therapies that can be used to control or reduce blood pressure and strengthening breathing muscles. This systematic review is to analyze the effectiveness of slow breathing training in blood pressure in patients with hypertension.Methods: Literature search is through Scopus, Pubmed, Proquest, Science Direct, and EBSCO. with the last 5 years (2014-2019). Criteria for inclusion in this review are as follows: studies involving hypertension, ages 18 years and over, patients who have received or are still receiving slow breathing exercises. Keyword in this review was Slow Breathing, Blood Pressure, and Hypertension.Results: There are 10 journals chosen. Total respondents in this review were 1757 hypertensive patients who received slow respiratory therapy. Slow breathing training provides many benefits for hypertensive patients. Subjects with hypertension, pre-hypertension, and antihypertensive drugs, were given slow breathing intervention that is inhaling as much as ≤10 breaths/minute carried out for ≥5 minutes. This exercise is carried out at ≥3 days/week; total duration of intervention ≥4 weeks; Slow breathing training reduces blood pressure at rest, the average using this slow breathing exercise, blood pressure drops 10 -15 mmHg in systole and diastole. Overall, slow breathing exercises decreased SBP by -5.62 mmHg [-7.86, -3.38] and DBP by -2.97 mmHg [-4.28, -1.66].Conclusion: Slow breathing training provides many benefits for hypertensive patients. Especially for patients with isolated systolic hypertension. This non-pharmacological therapy can be carried out by individuals independently in controlling the breathing rate so that they can reach breathing speed both during inspiration and expiration. Slow breathing exercises can also help increase baroreflex sensitivity, then affect blood pressure reduction.
Improving the Learning of Self-driving Vehicles Based on Real Driving Behavior using Deep Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Zaghari Nayere , Fathy Mahmood , Jameii Seyed Mahdi , Sabokrou Mohammad , Shahverdy Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Considering the significant advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, research in this field is of interest to researchers. To drive vehicles autonomously, controlling steer angle, gas hatch, and brakes need to be learned. The behavioral cloning method is used to imitate humans’ driving behavior. We created a dataset of driving in different routes and conditions and using the designed model, the output used for controlling the vehicle is obtained. In this paper, the Learning of Self-driving Vehicles Based on Real Driving Behavior Using Deep Neural Network Techniques (LSV-DNN) is proposed. We designed a convolutional network which uses the real driving data obtained through the vehicle’s camera and computer. The response of the driver is during driving is recorded in different situations and by converting the real driver’s driving video to images and transferring the data to an excel file, obstacle detection is carried out with the best accuracy and speed using the Yolo algorithm version 3. This way, the network learns the response of the driver to obstacles in different locations and the network is trained with the Yolo algorithm version 3 and the output of obstacle detection. Then, it outputs the steer angle and amount of brake, gas, and vehicle acceleration. The LSV-DNN is evaluated here via extensive simulations carried out in Python and TensorFlow environment. We evaluated the network error using the loss function. By comparing other methods which were conducted on the simulator’s data, we obtained good performance results for the designed network on the data from KITTI benchmark, the data collected using a private vehicle, and the data we collected.
A Literature Review of GP Knowledge and Understanding of ME/CFS: A Report from the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE)
Authors: Pheby Derek , Araja Diana , Berkis Uldis , Brenna Elenka , Cullinan John , de Korwin Jean-Dominique , Gitto Lara , Hughes Dyfrig , Hunter Rachael , Trepel Dominic , Wang-Steverding Xia
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives The socioeconomics working group of the European ME/CFS Research Network (EUROMENE) has conducted a review of the literature pertaining to GPs’ knowledge and understanding of ME/CFS. Materials and Methods A MEDLINE search was carried out. The papers identified were reviewed following the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) methodology, and were classified according to the focus of the enquiry (patients, GPs, database and medical record studies, evaluation of a training programme, and overview papers), and whether they were quantitative or qualitative in nature. Results 33 papers were identified in the MEDLINE search. The quantitative surveys of GPs demonstrated that a third to a half of all GPs did not accept ME/CFS as a genuine clinical entity and, even when they did, they lacked confidence in diagnosing or managing it. Patient surveys indicated that a similar proportion of patients was dissatisfied with the primary medical care they had received. These findings were consistent with the findings of the qualitative studies that were examined, and have changed little over several decades. Conclusions Lack of knowledge and understanding of ME/CFS among GPs is widespread, and the resultant diagnostic delays constitute a risk factor for severe and prolonged disease. Failure to diagnose ME/CFS renders problematic attempts to determine its prevalence, and hence its economic impact.
Performance of age-adjusted D-dimer values for predicting DVT before the knee and hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wu Jian Xiang , Qing Jiang Hui , Yao Yao , Chen Dong Yang , Jiang Qing
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To compare the specificity and sensitivity of preoperative D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer value for predicting the incidence of the DVT preoperatively in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. Methods: We enrolled 406 patients finally above 50 years old. Everyone had done ultrasonography bedside, and D-dimer concentrations were collected before surgery. The D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off was calculated by multiple logistic regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses.Results: A total of 39 patients had found asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by ultrasonography. The age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.067; p=0.003) and D-dimer (OR:1.331; p=0.025) were related to the existence of DVT. For conventional D-dimer and age-adjusted D-dimer value, the area under the curves (AUCs) were 0.685 (0.499-0.696) and 0.795 (0.611-0.881), respectively.Conclusion: Compared to traditional D-dimer, age-adjusted D-dimer showed better performance in screening DVT, which was useful clinically.
COVID-19 effect on supply and demand of essential commodities using unsupervised learning method
Authors: Anitha P. , Patil Malini M. , Venkatapur Rekha B
Published: December 2020

The affliction caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic is diverse from other disasters seen so far. Supply chain industries are facing unique challenges in fulfilling the essential needs of the people. The objective of the paper is to analyse the supply and demand of essentials during pre-pandemic and post-pandemic lockdowns using machine learning algorithms. This helps for supply chain industries in forecasting and managing the supply and demand of essential stocks for the future. Data is analyzed using prediction algorithms to check the actual and predicted values. The clustering algorithm along with rolling mean is used for half-yearly data of 2019 and 2020 to identify the sales of different categories of essential commodities. This paper aims at applying intelligence in predicting various categories of sales by providing timely information for B2B Industries during the time of disasters.
Quantifying Covid19-Vaccine Location Strategies For Germany
Authors: Leithäuser Neele , Schneider Johanna , Johann Sebastian , Krumke Sven , Schmidt Eva , Streicher Manuel , Scholz Stefan
Published: December 2020

Background: Vaccines are an important tool to limit the health and economic damage of the Covid-19 pandemic. Several vaccine candidate already provided promising effectiveness data, but it is crucial for an effective vaccination campaign that people are willing and able to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Taking Germany as an example, we provide insights of using a mathematical approach for the planning and location of vaccination sites to optimally administer vaccines against Covid-19. Methods: We used mathematical programming for computing an optimal selection of vaccination sites out of a given set (i.e., university hospitals, health department related locations and general practices). Different patient-to-facility assignments and doctor-to-facility assignments and different constraints on the number of vaccinees per site or maximum travel time are used. Results: In order to minimize the barriers for people to get vaccinated, i.e., limit the one-way travel journey (airline distance) by around 35 km for 75% of the population (with a maximum of 70 km), around 80 well-positioned facilities can be enough. If only the 38 university hospitals are being used, the 75% distance increases to around 50 km (with a maximum of 145 km). Using all 400 health departments or all 56,000 general practices can decrease the journey length significantly, but comes at the price of more required staff and possibly wastage of only partially used vaccine containers. Conclusions: In the case of free assignments, the number of required physicians can in most scenarios be limited to 2 000, which is also the minimum with our assumptions. However, when travel distances for the patients are to be minimized, capacities of the facilities must be respected, or administrative assignments are prespecified, an increased number of physicians is unavoidable.
Transcriptome analysis identifies differentially expressed genes involved in the metabolic regulatory network of progenies from the cross of low phytic acid GmMIPS1 and GmIPK1 soybean mutants
Authors: Jin Hangxia , Yu Xiaomin , Yang Qinghua , Yuan Fengjie , Fu Xujun
Published: December 2020

Lowering the phytic acid (PA) content of crop seeds will be beneficial for improving their nutritional traits. Low phytic acid (lpa) crop lines carrying more than one independent mutated gene have been shown to exhibit more pronounced reductions of PA content than mutants with a single lpa mutated gene. But little is known about the link between PA pathway intermediates and downstream regulation following mutation of these genes in soybean. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis using an advanced-generation recombinant inbred line [2mlpa (mips1/ipk1)] with low PA and a sibling line with homozygous non-mutant alleles and normal PA [2MWT (MIPS1/IPK1)]. RNA sequencing revealed differential expression levels of numerous genes between seeds of 2mlpa and 2MWT at five developmental stages. A total of 7,945 differentially expressed genes were identified. 3316 DEGs were in 128 metabolic and signal transduction pathways and 4980 DEGs were classified into 345 function terms associated with biological processes. Genes associated with PA metabolism, photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and defense mechanisms were related to low PA in 2mlpa soybean line. Among these, 36 genes were up/down-regulated in PA metabolic processes, with 22 possibly contributing to the low PA phenotype of 2mlpa. Most of the genes (81 of 117) associated with photosynthesis were down-regulated in 2mlpa at the late seed stage. Three genes involved in sucrose metabolism were up-regulated at the late seed stage, which might explain the high sucrose content of 2mlpa soybeans. Additionally, 604 genes related to defense mechanisms were differentially expressed between 2mlpa and 2MWT. In this research, the soybean mutant 2mlpa was found to not only exhibit low PA but also have changes in multiple metabolites and secondary metabolites. The results delineate the regulation of these metabolic events by 2mlpa. Many genes associated with PA metabolism would contribute to the drastic reduction of PA and moderate accumulation of InsP3-InsP5 in 2mlpa mutant. And other regulated genes found in photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and defense mechanisms would give us more insight into the nutritional and agronomic performance of 2mlpa.
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Group A Rotavirus Circulating in Shanxi Province, China During 2015-2019
Authors: Zhao Lifeng , Shi Xiaohong , Meng Dequan , Guo Jiane , Li Yiping , Liang Lirong , Guo Xiaofang , Tao Ran , Zhang Xiaohua , Gao Ruihong , Gao Li , Wang Jitao
Published: December 2020

Background: Group A rotavirus (RVA), despite being a leading cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children, is less studied in Shanxi Province, China. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic characterization of RVA in hospitalized children under ten years old with the diagnosis of gastroenteritis in Shanxi Province, China. Methods: A hospital-based active surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis was conducted at Children’s Hospital of Shanxi from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2019. Rotavirus was detected in stool samples by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). G and P genotypes were determined by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing. Results：A total of 961 archived stool specimens was examined, 183 (19.0%) were positive for RVA. The highest RVA-infection frequency (23.7%) was found among children aged 12–23 months, and the seasonal peak was in December. G9P[8] was most prevalent (76.0%), followed by G3P[8] (7.1 %), G2P[4] (3.3 %), G1P[8] (0.5 %) and G9P[4] (0.5 %).Conclusions: These results reported for the first time that RVA was one of the main causes of severe infectious gastroenteritis in children, and a high proportion of G9P[8] strains circulating in most areas of Shanxi Province. While the protective efficacy of the rotavirus vaccines has been demonstrated against G9P[8] strains, our results highlight that the dominant strains have not been effectively controlled in China.
A concept mobility device with multi-positional configurations and child-kind restraint for safe perioperative transfer and induction of anaesthesia in children with autistic spectrum disorder – a cross sectional study
Authors: Hee Hwan Ing , Lim Ying Ching , Tan Tracy , Wan Sharon , Wijeweera Olivia , Lee Sumin , Raghavan Kavitha
Published: December 2020

Background : Transfer into operating room, onto operating table and mask induction of anaesthesia are major challenge faced by children with Autistic Spectrum Disease (ASD). In a pilot study, parents observed that perioperative transfer becomes unsafe and difficult when children with ASD becomes uncooperative. Method : A CHILD-KIND CONCEPT mobility system comprising of multi-positioning seat configurations and restraining module was developed with inputs from multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals and parents with children with ASD. To appeal to children and motivate child-machine interaction, the seat configurations and restraining module are designed to take the form of child-friendly, non-threatening, fun and familiar items. The sitting configuration, sitting to supine transformation, the restraint modules resemble racing-car seat, reclining motion of a home massage chair, safety restraints found in airplanes and amusement rides respectively. Healthcare professionals (HCP) involved in the perioperative patient care, parents of ASD children and children (neurotypical and ASD) experience the use of the system in a non-clinical environment and participated in a survey study. The acceptance of its functionality (HCP, parents) for perioperative transfer and induction of anaesthesia, rating of the user experience and likes and dislikes of (parents and children) were obtained. Results: Thirty-two HCP, 30 parents and 23 children participated. Majority of parents and HCP opined the use of the system enables improvement in the management of perioperative movement (90.0% parents, 100% HCP), safe perioperative movement (86.7% parents, 96.9% HCP) and promotes ease of anaesthesia induction (76.7% parents, 90.6% HCP) for uncooperative combative ASD children. Overall, 90.6% HCP and 76.7% of parents would recommend its frequent use in their own practice and their ASD children respectively; 93.8% HCP and 86.7% parents would recommend it to other HCP and parents for use in other ASD children. Attractiveness and multi-functionality are attributes endorsed by parents and children. Children endorse its use for induction of anaesthesia (73.9%), dental chair (82.6%), intra-hospital transfer (95.7%). Conclusion : A child-kind mobility device that integrates appeal with functionality of restraint and multi-positional transformation has a potential to promote safe perioperative movement and ease of induction of anaesthesia in anxious uncooperative ASD children. Trial registration : None
Native and Invasive Ants Affect Floral Visits of Pollinating Honey Bees in Pumpkin Flowers (Cucurbita Maxima)
Authors: Unni Anjana , Mir Sajad , Rajesh T P , Ballullaya U Prashanth , Jose Thomas , Sinu Palatty Allesh
Published: December 2020

Global pollinator decline is a major concern. Several factors – climate change, land-use change, the decline of flowers, pesticide use, invasive species – have been suggested as the reasons. The effect of ants on flowers, despite being a potential reason, received less attention. The consequences of ants being attracted to nectar sources in plants vary depending upon factors like the position of the nectar source, the identity of ants, and other mutualists interacting with the plants. We studied the interaction between floral ants and pollinators in Cucurbita maxima and compared the competition exerted by native and invasive ants on the pollinator with the hypothesis that the invasive ants exacerbate more interference competition for pollinators than native ants. The pollinator’s choice, visitation rate and time spent/visit were assessed. Regardless of species and nativity ants negatively influenced all the pollinator visitation traits, such as visitation rate and duration spent on flowers. The invasive ants exerted a higher interference competition on the pollinators than native ants did. Ants despite performing pollination in flowers with generalist pollination syndrome, can be a threat for plant-pollinator mutualism in specialists like monoecious plants. A better understanding of factors influencing pollination will help in implementing better management practices.
Production, Purification, and Radiolabeling of the 203Pb/212Pb Theranostic Pair
Authors: McNeil Brooke L , Robertson Andrew K. H. , Fu Winnie , Yang Hua , Hoehr Cornelia , Ramogida Caterina Fortunata , Schaffer Paul
Published: December 2020

Background: Lead-212 (212Pb, t1/2 = 10.6 h) and lead-203 (203Pb, t1/2 = 51.9 h) are an element-equivalent, or a matched theranostic radioisotope pair that show great potential for application in targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), respectively. At TRIUMF we have produced both 203Pb and 212Pb using TRIUMF’s TR13 (13 MeV) and 500 MeV cyclotrons, and subsequently purified and evaluated both radioisotopes using a series of pyridine-modified DOTA analogues in comparison to the commercially available chelates DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) and TCMC (1,4,7,10-tetraaza-1,4,7,10-tetra(2-carbomoylmethyl)cyclododecane).Results: Proton irradiation (12.8 MeV) of natural and enriched thalium-203 (203Tl) targets gave 203Pb saturation yields of 134 ± 25 and 483 ± 3 MBq/μA, respectively. Thorium-228 (228Th, t1/2 = 1.9 y), a by-product of 232Th proton spallation on TRIUMF’s main 500 MeV beamline (beamline 1A, BL1A), was recovered to build a 228Th/212Pb generator with the ability to deliver up to 9-10 MBq of 212Pb daily. Both lead isotopes were purified via solid phase extraction chromatography (Pb resin), and isolated in an acetate form ([203/212Pb]Pb(OAc)2) suitable for direct radiolabeling of chelators and bioconjugates. A series of cyclen-based chelators (herein referred to as DOTA-1Py, -2Py, and -3Py) along with established chelates DOTA and TCMC were evaluated for their ability to complex both 203Pb and 212Pb. All chelates incorporated 212Pb/203Pb efficiently, with higher radiolabeling yields observed for the 212Pb-complexes. Conclusion: The production of 203Pb and 212Pb was established using TRIUMF 13 MeV and 500 MeV cyclotrons, respectively. Both production methods provided radiometals suitable for subsequent radiolabeling reactions using known and novel chelates. Furthermore, the novel chelate DOTA-3Py may be a good candidate for biomolecule conjugation and further theranostic 212Pb/203Pb studies.
Role of Gender Participation in Household Energy Technology to Achieve Sustainability: A case of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Bindu , Tiwari Sudarshan , Bajracharya Sushil , keitsch Martina
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Sustainability has become a global topic for quality of life on energy efficiency consideration. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability level of household energy consumption from the gender lens.Material and Methods: 623 households above the age of 18 years were surveyed on energy use behavior in terms of economic, social, and environmental aspects to evaluate sustainability level. The study was based on interviews, observation, and air quality tests. CO2 of the urban kitchen was tested in 12 households measured in ppm.Results: The study revealed that the lower-income group uses a larger share of their monthly income for household energy needs having unclean cooking fuel. The use of electrical appliances and income has a moderate correlation (r=.48). Social indicators demonstrate that female participation in energy decisions is higher only in female-headed and nuclear families. Environmental indicators exhibit that Kathmandu urban households are eager to use electric cooking, but they have insufficient knowledge, information, and less affordability for new technology. It resulted that the city's sustainability level is still low (56 scores) from a gender perspective.Conclusion: The study concluded that innovative technical interventions are essential to combine with the subsidy policy to reduce inequality between low and high energy household shares. The increased women’s participation in energy technology supports getting a clean environment reducing the nation's financial burden of importing fuel.
Molecular Engineering Improves Antigen Quality and Enables Integrated Manufacturing of A Trivalent Subunit Vaccine Candidate for Rotavirus
Authors: Dalvie Neil , Brady Joseph , Crowell Laura , Tracey Mary Kate , Biedermann Andrew , Kaur Kawalijt , Hickey John M. , Kristensen Duane Lee , Bonnyman Alexandra , Rodriguez-Aponte Sergio , Whittaker Charles , Bok Marina , Vega Celina , Mukhopadhyay Tarit , Joshi Sangeeta , Volkin David , Parreno Viviana , Love Kerry R. , Love J. Christopher
Published: December 2020

BackgroundVaccines comprising recombinant subunit proteins are well-suited to low-cost and high-volume production for global use. The design of manufacturing processes to produce subunit vaccines depends, however, on the inherent biophysical traits presented by an individual antigen of interest. New candidate antigens typically require developing custom processes for each one and may require unique steps to ensure sufficient yields without product-related variants. ResultsWe describe a holistic approach for the molecular design of recombinant protein antigens—considering both their manufacturability and antigenicity—informed by bioinformatic analyses such as RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, and sequence-based prediction tools. We demonstrate this approach by engineering the product sequences of a trivalent non-replicating rotavirus vaccine (NRRV) candidate to improve titers and mitigate product variants caused by N-terminal truncation, hypermannosylation, and aggregation. The three engineered NRRV antigens retained their original antigenicity and immunogenicity, while their improved manufacturability enabled concomitant production and purification of all three serotypes in a single, end-to-end perfusion-based process using the biotechnical yeast Komagataella phaffii. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that molecular engineering of subunit antigens using advanced genomic methods can facilitate their manufacturing in continuous production. Such capabilities have potential to lower the cost and volumetric requirements in manufacturing vaccines based on recombinant protein subunits.
Efficient Bioconversion of Raspberry Ketone in Escherichia Coli Using Fatty Acids Feedstocks
Authors: Chang Chen , Liu Bo , Bao Yihong , Tao Yong , Liu Weifeng
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPhenylpropanoid including raspberry ketone, is a kind of important natural plant product and widely used in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cosmetics, and healthcare products. Bioproduction of phenylpropanoid in Escherichia coli and other microbial cell factories is an attractable approach considering the low phenylpropanoid contents in plants. However, it is usually difficult to produce high titer phenylpropanoid production when fermentation using glucose as carbon source. Developing novel bioprocess using alternative sources might provide a solution to this problem. In this study, typical phenylpropanoid raspberry ketone was used as the target product to develop a biosynthesis pathway for phenylpropanoid production from fatty acids, a promising alternative low-cost feedstock. ResultsA raspberry ketone biosynthesis module was developed and optimized by introducing 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), benzalacetone synthase (BAS), and raspberry ketone reductase (RZS) in Escherichia coli strains CR1-CR4. Then strain CR5 was developed by introducing raspberry ketone biosynthesis module into a fatty acids-utilization chassis FA09 to achieve production of raspberry ketone from fatty acids feedstock. However, the production of raspberry ketone was still limited by the low biomass and unable to substantiate whole-cell bioconversion process. Thus, a process by coordinately using fatty-acids and glycerol was developed. In addition, we systematically screened and optimized fatty acids-response promoters. The optimized promoter Pfrd3 was then successfully used for the efficient expression of key enzymes of raspberry ketone biosynthesis module during bioconversion from fatty acids. The final engineered strain CR8 could efficiently produce raspberry ketone repeatedly using bioconversion from fatty acids feedstock strategy, and about 291.3 mg/L raspberry ketone was produced.ConclusionMetabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains were successfully developed for raspberry ketone production from fatty acids using several strategies, including optimization of bioconversion process and fine-tuning key enzyme expression. This study provides an essential reference to establish the low-cost biological manufacture of phenylpropanoids compounds.
Within-Household Clustering of Genetically Related Plasmodium Falciparum Infections In A Moderate Transmission Area of Uganda
Authors: Briggs Jessica , Kuchta Alison , Murphy Max , Tessema Sofonias , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Rek John , Chen Anna , Nankabirwa Joaniter I , Drakeley Chris , Smith David , Bousema Teun , Kamya Moses , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Staedke Sarah , Dorsey Grant , Rosenthal Philip J , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: December 2020

Background: Evaluation of genetic relatedness of malaria parasites is a useful tool for understanding transmission patterns, but patterns are not easily detectable in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission. To evaluate the feasibility of detecting genetic relatedness in a moderate malaria transmission setting, we measured relatedness of Plasmodium falciparum infections in cohort participants from randomly selected households in the Kihihi sub-county of Uganda (annual entomological inoculation rate of 27 infectious bites per person). Methods: All infections detected via microscopy or Plasmodium-specific loop mediated isothermal amplification from passive and active case detection during August 2011-March 2012 were genotyped at 26 microsatellite loci, providing data for 349 samples from 230 participants living in 80 households. Pairwise genetic relatedness was calculated using identity by state (IBS).Results: As expected, genetic diversity was high (mean heterozygosity [He]=0.73), and the majority (76.5%) of samples were polyclonal. Despite the high genetic diversity, fine-scale population structure was detectable, with significant spatiotemporal clustering of highly related infections. Although the difference in malaria incidence between households at higher (mean 1127 meters) vs. lower elevation (mean 1015 meters) was modest (1.4 malaria cases per person-year versus 1.9 per person-year, respectively), we found a significant difference in multiplicity of infection (2.2 versus 2.6, p = 0.008) and, more strikingly, a higher proportion of highly related infections within households (6.3% vs 0.9%, p = 0.0005) at higher elevation compared to lower elevation. Conclusions: Genetic data from a relatively small number of diverse, multiallelic loci reflected fine scale patterns of malaria transmission. Given the increasing interest in applying genetic data to augment malaria surveillance, our study provides evidence that genetic data can be used to inform transmission patterns at local spatial scales even in moderate transmission areas.
Laboratory and Field Studies on the Use of Artificial Mussels as a Monitoring Tool of Platinum Exposure in the Freshwater Environment.
Authors: Labuschagne Marelize , Zimmermann Sonja , Smit Nico J. , Erasmus Johannes H. , Nachev Milen , Sures Bernd , Wepener Victor
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe artificial mussel (AM) is a passive sampling device that was originally developed for monitoring metal concentrations in the marine environment but is also increasingly used in freshwater environments. The AM consists of a non-permeable Perspex tube, which contains Chelex-100 resin, water diffuses through the semi-permeable membranes where the metals bind to the Chelex-100. The AM allows for the determination of the dissolved, bioaccessible metal fraction in water bodies without killing organisms, as well as environments with unfavorable conditions for living bioindicators. In the present study, the use of the AM was adapted for the monitoring of platinum (Pt) in a freshwater ecosystem. ResultsTherefore, the elution of Pt from the Chelex-100 beads was optimized. Two modifications to the original method for the use of AMs are recommended, i.e. washing and separation of the beads through centrifugation and elution with a mixture of 4.5 mL HNO3 and 0.5 mL HCl for approximately 2-3 hours to ensure the release of all Pt bound to the beads. Additionally, the uptake kinetics of the AM were determined under laboratory conditions over a wide exposure concentration range (0.1-1000 µg/L) showing highly correlated Pt accumulation in the AMs with the aqueous exposure concentration. For the tested Pt exposure concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L, the Pt concentrations in the AMs increased during the exposure period of 6 weeks. At the highest exposure concentration of 1000 µg/L, the increase stagnated after 3 weeks. To validate the AM in the field, the Pt accumulation of the AM was assessed together with that of freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminalis africana), muscle and liver tissue of three fish species sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), as well as water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) at two sampling sites in the Pt mining area of South Africa. ConclusionResults from the present study showed that the AM is a promising tool to monitor Pt concentrations in the freshwater environment at contaminated sites.