bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Assesment of Capital Flow and Technology Transfer in Asparagus Production
Authors: Aryaningsih Ni Nyoman , Irianto I Ketut
Published: February 2021

The industrial sector has marginalized the agribusiness sector. The tight competition in the industrial sector has led to efforts by businesses to develop the agribusiness sector. The agribusiness sector has a vital role as state revenue and food security of rural households. Asparagus is one of the agribusiness commodities. Management of investment capital flows and technology transfer is an obstacle in improving the quality and quantity of asparagus production. Asparagus as a food crop commodity is sought after by the world community as a counterweight to food needs. This study aims to identify and analyze the development of Asparagus cultivation, investment capital flows, and technology transfer in asparagus production. The analytical method used is the assessment of investment capital flows and comparative studies. The research findings show that asparagus production is influenced by integrated development, capital flows, investment value, and technology transfer. The results of the analysis and assessment of investment capital flows, technology transfer show net B/C 1.01-2.21, IRR 24-35.87%, payback period 3.7-4.0-month, maximum production life of 10 years. The maximum production value of 1 Ha of land is IDR 108,000,000 /year; costs are IDR 68,800,000/year. The research findings show that (1) the ability to supply asparagus and the fulfillment of market needs tend to be unbalanced; (2) asparagus producers have a comparative advantage due to production technology.
Color Analysis of Batik Fabric by Facile Smartphone Colorimetry
Authors: Sirisathitkul Yaowarat , Kaewareelap Suvita
Published: February 2021

The color of a textile material is the first attribute and key component considered by consumers while purchasing cloth. However, measurement of fabric color is a very challenging task in the textile fabrication process. Colorimeters aids this measurement by adding objective assessments to a generally subjective process. The colorimeter application in Android smartphones provides a simple alternative to dedicated colorimetric devices. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of the smartphone colorimetry application for a Batik fabric color measurement. The colors of various Batik fabric images in the International Commission on Illumination L*a*b* color space, which includes all the colors that are visible by the human eye, obtained by a spectrophotometer and the colorimeter application were compared. Data of Batik fabric images acquired at three different distances of 10, 20, and 30 cm were analyzed. The color differences between the colorimeter and spectrophotometer results are various depending on the distance from the target. The Î”E*ab and Î”E*ch metrics were used to evaluate the color differences between the reference and sample fabric colors. The lowest mean of Î”E*ab values was 12.11 ± 5.29 measured 20 cm away from each fabric. The mean values of Î”E*ab between pairs of color symbols from the Colorimeter application were comparable to those obtained by the spectrophotometer. The Î”E*ab values were more suitable for fabric color measurement than Î”E*ch. The results indicate that smartphone colorimetry provides reasonable accuracy, is simple to use for amateurs, suitable for fabric color matching, and can satisfy fabric market requirements.
High-Resolution Landslide Susceptibility Map Generation using Machine Learning (Case Study in Pacitan, Indonesia)
Authors: Darminto Mohammad Rohmaneo , Widodo Amien , Alfatinah Adillah , Chu Hone-Jay
Published: February 2021

Landslide, one of the most disastrous natural hazards, causes damage to infrastructure worldwide and local communities. Pacitan, Indonesia is one city with high susceptibility to landslides occurrence. The conditions of landslide occurrence are assumed to be the same in the future. This study’s objective is to produce a landslide susceptibility map by using machine learning methods based on topographical factors including elevation, slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), distance to the river, and geological map as independent variables, whereas the landslide inventory map derived from Sentinel-2A and Landsat 7 were used as the dependent variables in the model construction. This study's datasets were constructed in three different compositions where each composition was treated as input in Random Forest, Decision Tree, and Logistic regression model. The first dataset was composed of a 70:30 ratio for training and testing sample points, the second dataset with a 60:40 ratio, and the third with a 50:50 ratio. The performance of each model using each dataset composition was analyzed using various accuracy assessments. This study also considered each topographical factor's effect on model performance by excluding several factors in model construction. From the results, random forest with the first dataset appeared to give the best performance for mapping landslide susceptibility area, shown by the highest Area Under Curve (AUC) value, Coefficient Correlation (CC), and Cohen’s Kappa of 0.96, 0.92 (92%) and 0.84, respectively. Elevation and geological maps were considered as essential variables shown by significant drops in model accuracy assessment when these two factors were separately excluded, while profile curvature was the least essential variable based on the insignificant drop in the model accuracy assessment result.
Redesign Work Method Using Kaizen Engineering
Authors: Erliana Cut Ita , Syarifuddin - , Br Ginting Ira Monika , Abdullah Dahlan
Published: February 2021

The technique of work procedures is studying techniques and principles to get the best work system design. One of the approaches in Redesign Work is Kaizen Engineering. The main advantage of Kaizen Engineering is increasing productivity, efficiency, and performance through the process of eliminating waste through small and continuous process improvements. One of the redesigns works processes that can be done is in the field of drinking water packaging. This research will be conducted at XYZ Ltd. as a mineral bottled water (in Indonesia known as Bottled Drinking Water / AMDK) company which was established in 1987. According to the observation, it is found that the number of demands is greater than the number of productions. The study's objective is to find out the proposed work method of XYZ Ltd. using kaizen engineering. The purpose is to make the packaging processing time shorter so that the number of produced products increased. Improvement was made by eliminating effective movements, bringing the layer table position closer, and creating a raft table design proposal to make the operators easier in doing their job. The time standard measurement result using the current work method is 70.98 seconds per person per cardboard. The measurement of the proposed work method improvement in the packaging processing decreased standard time to 55.54 seconds. It is 15.44 seconds or 21.75% lesser. This study showed that the proposed standard time could increase the output, reaching18 boxes per person per hour.
Hydrolytic and Transglycolation Characteristics of Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium in Several Substrates
Authors: Herawati Heny , Kamsiati Elmi , Sunarmani - , Munarso S Joni , Supriyatna Ina , Aminingsih Tri
Published: February 2021

Some microbes can produce hydrolytic enzymes and have transglycosylation capacity at the same time, including Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium. The enzyme characteristics of the microbes can be observed from their activity by using several types of substrates. This research aimed to characterize the hydrolytic and transglycosylated CGTase enzyme activity from Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium on glucose, tapioca, and corn starch media at several concentrations. Stages of research included bacterial rejuvenation, growth on the substrate, and analysis (hydrolytic activity, carbohydrate concentration, and transglycosylation activity). The research design used was a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). The data from observations were then analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% level to determine the effect of treatment on all observational variables. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 program. The analysis results showed Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium with tapioca and cornstarch substrates of 2%, 4%, and 6%, respectively, had hydrolytic activity. CGTase enzymes produced from Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium with glucose, tapioca, and corn starch substrates 2%, 4%, and 6%, had intramolecular transglycosylation activity. The CGTase hydrolytic activity test's analysis showed that the CGTase hydrolytic test's significance value was significantly different between treatments with an incubation time of 24 to 120 hours. The substrate, a carbon source, greatly influences the rate of enzyme production produced by microorganisms.
Treatment of Produce Water with a Combination of Electrocoagulation with Iron (Fe) Electrodes and Adsorption Using Silica and Activated Carbon
Authors: Said Muhammad , Bahrain David , Fitri Rizza Fadillah
Published: February 2021

Production, the oil and gas industry, has a problem with an enormous volume of liquid waste, and 80% of the liquid waste produced is water, which is called produced water. This water differs from water because it contains dangerous chemicals and other elements in oil and gas. In this study, an adsorption process followed the electrocoagulation process using Iron electrodes with voltage variations of 3, 6, 9, and 12V using silica sand from bottom ash and active carbon from a coconut shell. It proposed the combination of these processes as an alternative method for treating produced water. It carries this combination method out in a continuous reactor series where sampling is done at the 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes. The results of the study show that the highest decrease in oil and grease (98.14%) from the initial content of 377 Mg/L becomes 7 Mg/L, COD (97.39%) from the initial content of 430.25 Mg/L to 11.24 Mg/L, TDS (91, 19%) from the initial content of 12670 Mg/L to 989 Mg/L, Ammonia (69.18%) from the initial content of 17.71 Mg/L to 5.46 Mg/L, Alkalinity (92.84%) of the initial content 317.86 Mg/L to 7 Mg/L, Total Hardness (93.74%) from the initial content of 201.84 Mg/L to 12.63. The best conditions are to get at 12V voltage for 150 minutes to reduce produced water to meet quality standards based on Minister of Environment Regulation no. 19 of 2010.
Physical Model Simulation: Influences the Shape of Breakwater Structures on the Coefficient of Transmission and Reflection
Authors: Nyoman Pujianiki Ni , Dayanti Riska
Published: February 2021

Breakwater is used to break the wave energy that travels towards the beach. Part of the wave energy will be destroyed, transmitted, or reflected. The shape of breakwater affects the ability to break the wave energy. There are no researchers who have compared the effect of the shape of the breakwater structure on wave energy transmitted and reflected. This study aims to simulate the transmission coefficient (Kt) and reflection coefficient (Kr) of the breakwater in various forms. Physical models with a 1:100 scale model is used. A flap-type wave generator in a wave flume is used to generate the wave. Waves regularly move in one direction passed the model. The results showed an effect of the shape of the breakwater structure on Kt and Kr. By increasing the wave steepness (Hi/L), Kt's value will increase in the upright structure and decrease in the sloping structure. At the same time, the value of Kr tends to decrease when the wave steepness increases. The value of Kt is relatively smaller in upright structures than in sloping structures. By adding porosity to the structure, the Kt value will increase, followed by Kr's reduction. By increasing the crest B's width, Kt appears to increase, but the crest width does not significantly affect Kr. Kt and Kr are significantly smaller if the breakwater structure is inclined towards the sea or inverted trapezium. This type of breakwater has never been encountered in the field before.
Remote Patient Health Monitoring System Using Mobile and Wireless Body Area Network in Yemen
Authors: Abdullah Hisham , Taa Azman , Mohammed Fathey
Published: February 2021

The traditional approach for monitoring chronic diseases represents a major challenge for hospitals and the Ministry of Health in Yemen. This research aims to develop a Remote Patient Health Monitoring System (RPHMS) using Bluetooth enabled medical sensors and mobile phones. This research adopts the Rational Unified Process (RUP) is a software development process framework to develop the proposed system. The RPHMS provides real-time monitoring for the patients suffering from chronic diseases and manages the patients' medical record in which the diagnostic and prescriptive data are stored for further analysis. The RPHMS consists of two major subsystems: Mobile Patient System (MPS) to wirelessly measure the patient's medical and position data, and automatically send the data to the central hospital server; and Central Hospital System (CHS) to automatically store the diagnostic data in the hospital database and then forward the data in form of Short Message Service (SMS) to the doctor. In addition, the CHS enables the patient to get feedback from the doctor. Moreover, CHS stores the feedback and the prescriptions in the hospital database. These data can be accessed by the patient using a mobile application. The results show that RPHMS enables hospitals and doctors to obtain accurate and timely data regarding patients' chronic illnesses. This research concludes that the RPHMS improves the control of the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen percentage in the blood (SPO2), since it provides real-time monitoring of chronic patients.
Employment the State Space and Kalman Filter Using ARMA models
Authors: Ibrahim Najlaa Saad , Hayawi Heyam A.A.
Published: February 2021

The research is interested in studying a modern mathematical topic of great importance in contemporary applications known as the representation of the state space for mathematical models of time series represented by ARMA models and the discussion of a Kalman filter such as the one who has very general characteristics and of the utmost importance and depends on the representation of the state space. Raw data on electrical energy consumption in Mosul city have been used for the period from (15/6/2003 to 25/9/2003), and after examining these data as to whether they are stationary or not, it was found that there is no stationary for the series behavior in the arithmetic mean, variance and after conversion. The state-space model is characterized by being an efficient scale in all states that are not observed or controlled, and for this, the state-space model can be used to estimate states that cannot be observed. It can also express the state-space model simply for complex operations and is characterized by the flexible model. The series into a stationary time series with variance and mean. The autocorrelation function (ACF) and the partial autocorrelation function (PACF) have been calculated, and observation of the propagation behavior of these two functions shows that the best model for representing data is ARMA (2,1) model. And then, the parameters of the model were estimated using the matrix system for the state-space model and then taking advantage of the state-space model in estimating the observation equation for a Kalman filter such as the security and it was found that a Kalman filter such as security is very efficient in purifying the series from noise.
Physicochemical Properties of Nutmeg Oleoresin Obtained by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction from Different Raw Material Qualities and Drying Methods
Authors: Budiastra I Wayan , Zahra Aryanis Mutia , Sugiyono - , Sutrisno -
Published: February 2021

Oleoresin is one of the processed nutmeg products that become the potential agro-industrial export product for Indonesia. The main problems of oleoresin production are the quality diversities of nutmeg as the raw materials because of the improper and inadequate drying process. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has recently proposed to shorten the extraction time, increase recovery yield, and also improve oleoresin quality. This study aims to determine the effect of the raw material qualities and drying methods on the yield and physicochemical properties of the nutmeg oleoresin obtained by UAE. Nutmeg was dried with two drying methods (smoked drying and sun-drying) and graded into two kinds of nutmeg quality (grade 1 and 2), then ground into the particle size of 60 mesh. UAE was applied on nutmeg powders with ethanol solvent (1:4 w:v) at 20 kHz frequency, 700 W power, 90% amplitude, at 50oC maximum temperature, and 45 minutes of extraction time. Maceration was carried out as the control treatment by 7 hours of extraction time at room temperature. The raw material qualities and drying methods produced oleoresin obtained by UAE with yield, and physicochemical properties (specific gravity, refractive index, and non-volatile content) were statistically different among treatments. The nutmeg oleoresin obtained by UAE from grade 1 and smoked drying has the highest yield (23.63%) and the lowest non-volatile content (35.54%). The volatile compound as identified by GCMS with 35 total compounds by representing 93.18% of the volatiles where isocoumarin (20.30%), myristic acid (16.81%), myristicin (14.76%), dehydrodiisoeugenol (11.11%) dominated.
Mind the Gap! On the Discursive Construction of Collective Political Identities
Authors: Moreno Barreneche Sebastian
Published: February 2021

This article explores, from a theoretical perspective, the dynamics underlying the discursive construction of collective identities within the political domain. Specifically, it: (1) presents a general mapping of political sphere studies carried out from a semiotic perspective; (2) attempts to bridge different paradigms within the semiotic tradition; and (3) establishes a dialogue between political theory and semiotics through the analysis of certain ideas belonging to the former whose semiotic nature has not yet been adequately examined, even if they are of a discursive nature. The article pays particular attention to the role that the ‘political gap’ – i.e., the space of indetermination between the various collective political identities that compete against each other in the ‘contest over meaning’ of politics – plays in the discursive construction of those identities. Arguing from a constructivist premise, establishing relational differences is a constitutive feature of the meaning-making, dynamic, and gaps between collective identities, a necessary precondition for their discursive emergence and the political sphere’s existence.
O FIES no banco dos réus
Authors: Bertran Maria Paula , Catelli Neves Bruna
Published: February 2021

O presente artigo analisa os acórdãos que envolvem o Fies no Tribunal de Justiça de São Paulo e no Tribunal Regional Federal da 3ª Região. Uma das hipóteses que se esperava encontrar, a partir desta análise documental quantitativa e qualitativa, era o reflexo do endividamento estudantil na vida econômica dos universitários ou graduados. Todavia, o grande achado deste trabalho é mostrar que os problemas levados ao Poder Judiciário apenas tangenciam as questões imediatamente relacionadas à vida econômica, como o questionamento de taxa de juros dos contratos, do sistema de amortização ou o vencimento antecipado da dívida. Há, por outro lado, maior problematização e enaltecimento das lides relacionadas à propaganda enganosa, à má prestação de serviços por parte das Instituições de Ensino Superior e às falhas operacionais no sistema informatizado do Fies (SisFies).
Planes urbanísticos y asentamientos tradicionales en el medio rural: el tratamiento del suelo de Núcleo Rural en Asturias = Urban Planning and traditional settlements in the rural environment: using the Rural Nucleus concept in Asturias
Authors: Santiago Rodríguez Eduardo de , González García Isabel
Published: February 2021

ResumenEn este estudio se analiza el tratamiento de los asentamientos tradicionales en el medio rural de Asturias, región pionera en la introducción de la noción jurídica de Núcleo Rural en España. Se examina primero la evolución de este concepto en la normativa autonómica hasta llegar a la regulación actual, que se presenta de forma sistemática. A continuación, se recogen 5 casos de estudio en otros tantos concejos asturianos (Cabranes, Vegadeo, Castropol, Ribadesella y Siero), en los que se analiza el tratamiento de los Núcleos Rurales y la vivienda aislada en Suelo No Urbanizable en sus respectivos planes urbanísticos municipales. Finalmente, se concluye con el análisis comparado de los casos anteriores, identificando los problemas y carencias detectadas, para terminar con el enunciado de unas conclusiones, entre las que cabe destacar la conveniencia de definir una nueva clase de suelo para los Núcleos Rurales y la necesidad de unas herramientas de gestión urbanística específicas para ellos.AbstractThis study analyses the treatment of traditional settlements in Asturian rural environment, as this region was the first that introduced the idea of Rural Nucleus in Spain. The evolution of this concept in regional regulations is first examined, until the current regulation, which is presented systematically. Another chapter presents several case studies in 5 Asturian councils (Cabranes, Vegadeo, Castropol, Ribadesella and Siero), in which the treatment of Rural Nuclei and isolated housing on Non-Developable Land in their Urban Master Plans is analysed. Finally, the paper concludes with the comparative analysis of the previous case studies, identifying the problems and deficiencies detected, to end up with some conclusions, highlighting the need to define a new land class for Rural Nuclei and to develop some specific tools for their urban management.
PENGEMBANGAN E-MODULE PRAKTIK BATU BETON DI PROGRAM STUDI PENDIDIKAN TEKNIK BANGUNAN UNJ
Authors: Indra Mohamad Rizki Indra , Saleh Rosmawita
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian pengembangan (Research and Development) yang bertujuan untuk menghasilkan produk berupa modul elektronik pada mata kuliah Praktik Batu Beton. Penelitian pengembangan ini dilakukan menggunakan model ADDIE yang terdiri dari tahap Analysis, Development, Design, Implementation, and Evaluation. Penelitian ini dilakukan melalui tahap pengumpulan data analisa kebutuhan, uji kelayakan produk oleh ahli, serta uji coba terbatas untuk mengetahui tanggapan pengguna terhadap produk yang dikembangkan. Hasil kelayakan yang diberikan oleh validator materi terhadap modul elektronik menyatakan sangat layak dengan persentase 88% dan hasil kelayakan yang diberikan oleh validator media terhadap modul elektronik menyatakan sangat layak dengan persentase 81,15%. Sedangkan, hasil penilaian yang diberikan pengguna terhadap modul elektronik menyatakan 86% dengan kategori sangat baik. Berdasarkan hasil kelayakan dan uji coba terbatas, dapat disimpulkan bahwa modul elektronik mata kuliah Praktik Batu Beton dapat digunakan sebagai variasi bahan ajar dalam pembelajaran bagi dosen dan mahasiswa.
Endoscopic Transmural Drainage is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Disconnected Pancreatic Duct Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pandanaboyana Sanjay , Fu Eric Chong Jing , Ratnayake Chathura Bathiya , Saikia Samantha , Nayar Manu , Oppong Kofi , French Jeremy J , Windsor John A
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDisconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is a complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the neck and body of the pancreas often manifesting as persistent pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) or external pancreatic fistula (EPF). This systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis aim to review the definitions, clinical presentation, intervention, and outcomes for DPDS. MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched until February 2020 using the PRISMA framework. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the success rates of endoscopic and surgical interventions for the treatment of DPDS. Success of DPDS treatment was defined as long-term resolution of symptoms without recurrence of PFC, EPF, or pancreatic ascites.ResultsThirty studies were included in the quantitative analysis comprising 1355 patients. Acute pancreatitis was the most common etiology (95.2%, 918/964), followed by chronic pancreatitis (3.1%, 30/964). DPDS commonly presented with PFC (77.3%,728/942) and EPF (18.6%, 175/942). There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of DPDS in the literature. Weighted success rate of endoscopic transmural drainage (90.6%, 95%-CI: 81.0-95.6%) was significantly higher than transpapillary drainage (58.5%, 95%-CI 36.7-77.4). Pairwise meta-analysis showed comparable success rates between endoscopic and surgical intervention, which were 82% (weighted 95%-CI 68.6-90.5) and 87.4% (95%-CI 81.2-91.8), respectively (P=0.389). Conclusions Endoscopic transmural drainage was superior to transpapillary drainage for the management of DPDS. Endoscopic and surgical interventions had comparable success rates. The significant variability in the definitions and treatment strategies for DPDS warrant standardisation for further research.
INTEGRATED LINKAGES TO THE SUSTAINABILITY OF DINOYO CERAMIC VILLAGE, MALANG
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Efani Anthon , Manzilati Asfi , Sambah Abu
Published: February 2021

Dinoyo is a ceramic handicraft center in Malang City. The cultural potential of the Dinoyo people, especially ceramic craftsmen, which has survived to this day is one of the fulcrums for cultural preservation efforts. The purpose of this research is to create a marketing strategy, to improve the sustainability of the Dinoyo Ceramic Village both in terms of production and function of the village as a center for literacy and cultural preservation in Malang City and one of them is through the optimization of promotional media to increase sales and support promotional events in Dinoyo Ceramic Village. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative structured interviews. The results showed that the dinoyo ceramic village had not made good use of the marketing strategy so that it needed optimization of online media partnerships and the use of online social media. Thus this research contributes to increasing the competitiveness of dinoyo ceramics in order to improve community welfare.
Economic parameters of transportation by “Cold Express” trains on the example of the route Vladivostok—Moscow—St. Petersburg
Authors: Vakulenko S. P. , Romenskiy D. Yu. , Mekhedov M. I. , Gavrilenkov A. A. , Nasybullin A. M. , Solov'ev V. V.
Published: February 2021

Currently, a project for organizing the transportation of perishable freights by “Cold Express” trains is under development, which is a new transport product aimed at delivering food, agricultural raw materials and other highly profitable goods to cities where regular container trains are impractical. The article discusses the economic efficiency of the investment project for organizing the transportation of freights in regular refrigerated container trains on the example of the Vladivostok—Moscow—St. Petersburg route, taking into account the arrangement of at least 18 container sites capable of handling transit container trains. Transportation according to the “Cold Express” concept involves the delivery of freights on the Vladivostok— Moscow—St. Petersburg route to associated large cities by container train loaded with refrigerated and insulated containers, according to a developed schedule with a known arrival and departure time. Capacity of the freight transportation market on the pilot route of the “Cold Express” is 2.0 million tons with the development of transportation in both directions when reaching the design capacity. Freight traffic will be formed by 23 stops on the route, 2 port hubs, 2 border land crossings with a traffic size of 7 pairs of trains per week. As part of the project, an assessment was made of the need for the local reconstruction of passing stations and equipping them with new ones or refurbishing existing container terminals. At the same time, the commissioning of these terminals is supposed to be gradual within 7 years of the project, which also allows gradually increasing the freight base and improving the quality of transportation. The article presents the results of calculations of the commercial efficiency of the project for the Russian Railways as the owner of the infrastructure, carrier and operator of these container terminals, which show its high prospects. Even with an incomplete train load predicted due to uneven density of freight traffic, the net discounted payback period is 10 years.
How does a democratic government with limited intervention affect environmental quality? Fresh evidence with international panel data
Authors:   Department of Business Administration, Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur, Pakistan, et al. Sheraz
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the effect of democratic countries which encourage economic freedom on the environment, measured by Carbon Dioxide (〖CO〗_2) emission. For the empirical analysis, an annual panel data sample consisting of 179 countries from 1990 to 2018 is collected. Applying the Ordinary Least Squares and Two-Step Generalized Method of Moments estimation techniques, we find that the environmental quality is enhanced with a higher degree of democracy and economic freedom. The results firmly hold for high and middle-income countries when the sample is decomposed across income levels.
Challenges facing students to adopting the blackboard system: The case study of the University of Ha’il in Saudi Arabia
Authors:   Management Information Systems Department, Community College, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia, et al. Alkhaldi
Published: February 2021

This study seeks to identify the challenges facing students through the adoption of a blackboard system at the University of Ha’il in the KSA. Though the blackboard system has an effective role in the educational context, the adoption of the learning system in educational institutes is still in its infancy. However, students face various types of challenges that could affect their adoption and usage of the blackboard system. The previous researches on blackboard systems produced general rules, and studied a lot of common factors, did not consider the specific human factors. This study uses a quantitative research method. An online survey questionnaire was employed for data collection. For data analysis, SPSS was used for descriptive analysis; Structural equation modeling using AMOS software was applied. The results confirmed that the user’s LMS experience leaves a positive effect on the perception of the usefulness of the Blackboard system, but not computer anxiety. In addition, user’s LMS experience has a moderating effect on the relationship between self-efficacy and their perception of the usefulness of the Blackboard system. This moderating effect reflects that the more student’s LMS experience is the more affected their computer self-efficacy to perceive the Blackboard system more useful. This study produces theoretical and practical implications, and recommendations for the University of Ha’il should move forward with a learning platform.
Preservation of Person-Centered Care Through Videoconferencing for Patient Follow-up During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Multidisciplinary Care Team
Authors: Silsand Line , Severinsen Gro-Hilde , Berntsen Gro
Published: February 2021

Background

The Patient-Centered Team (PACT) focuses on the transitional phase between hospital and primary care for older patients in Northern Norway with complex and long-term needs. PACT emphasizes a person-centered care approach whereby the sharing of power and the patient’s response to “What matters to you?” drive care decisions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing was the only option for assessing, planning, coordinating, and performing treatment and care.

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the experience of the PACT multidisciplinary health care team in shifting rapidly from face-to-face care to using videoconferencing for clinical and collaborative services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how PACT managed to maintain person-centered care under these conditions.

Methods

This case study takes a qualitative approach based on four semistructured focus group interviews carried out in May and June 2020 with 19 PACT members and leaders.

Results

The case study illustrates that videoconferencing is a good solution for many persons with complex and long-term needs and generates new opportunities for interaction between patients and health care personnel. Persons with complex and long-term needs are a heterogeneous group, and for many patients with reduced cognitive capacity or hearing and vision impairment, the use of videoconferencing was challenging and required support from relatives or health care personnel. The study shows that using videoconferencing offered an opportunity to use health care personnel more efficiently, reduce travelling time for patients, and improve the information exchange between health care levels. This suggests that the integration of videoconferencing contributed to the preservation of the person-centered focus on care during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an overall agreement in PACT that face-to-face care needed to be at the core of the person-centered care approach; the main use of videoconferencing was to support follow-up and coordination.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid adoption of digital care have generated a unique opportunity to continue developing a health service to both preserve and improve the person-centered care approach for persons with complex and long-term needs. This creates demand for overall agreements, including guidelines and procedures for how and when to use videoconferencing to supplement face-to-face treatment and care. Implementing videoconferencing in clinical practice generates a need for systematic training and familiarization with the equipment and technology as well as for an extensive support organization. Videoconferencing can then contribute to better preparing health care services for future scenarios.
A Screening Method Using Anomaly Detection on a Smartphone for Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnostic Case-Control Study
Authors: Koyama Takafumi , Sato Shusuke , Toriumi Madoka , Watanabe Takuro , Nimura Akimoto , Okawa Atsushi , Sugiura Yuta , Fujita Koji
Published: February 2021

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel due to aging or overuse of the hand. The symptoms include numbness of the fingers and atrophy of the thenar muscle. Thenar atrophy recovers slowly postoperatively; therefore, early diagnosis and surgery are important. While physical examinations and nerve conduction studies are used to diagnose CTS, problems with the diagnostic ability and equipment, respectively, exist. Despite research on a CTS-screening app that uses a tablet and machine learning, problems with the usage rate of tablets and data collection for machine learning remain.

Objective

To make data collection for machine learning easier and more available, we developed a screening app for CTS using a smartphone and an anomaly detection algorithm, aiming to examine our system as a useful screening tool for CTS.

Methods

In total, 36 participants were recruited, comprising 36 hands with CTS and 27 hands without CTS. Participants controlled the character in our app using their thumbs. We recorded the position of the thumbs and time; generated screening models that classified CTS and non-CTS using anomaly detection and an autoencoder; and calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Participants with and without CTS were classified with 94% sensitivity, 67% specificity, and an AUC of 0.86. When dividing the data by direction, the model with data in the same direction as the thumb opposition had the highest AUC of 0.99, 92% sensitivity, and 100% specificity.

Conclusions

Our app could reveal the difficulty of thumb opposition for patients with CTS and screen for CTS with high sensitivity and specificity. The app is highly accessible because of the use of smartphones and can be easily enhanced by anomaly detection.
Phytochemical Constituents and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb Methanolic Extract
Authors: Jadeja Ravirajsinh , Thounaojam Menaka , Ansarullah  , Ramachandran A V , Devkar Ranjitsinh
Published: February 2021

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb.Methods: - Methanolic extract of C.glandulosum.Coleb (MECG) was studied for its qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents and free radical scavenging potential using different in vitro assays for hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl, superoxide, DPPH, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid radicals scavenging assays. Its lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity, metal chelating activity and reducing power were also assayed.Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening of MECG showed presence of polyphenols, steroids, flavanoids and saponins. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed 34.3±0.89 mg/ml gallic acid equivalent-polyphenols, 46.1±1.00 mg/ml quercetin equivalent-flavanoids and 53.36±0.93 mg/ml ascorbic acid per 100 mg MECG. The MECG scavenges hydrogen peroxide (IC50 120.23± 1.53 ?g/ml), hydroxyl (IC50 70.23±1.36 ?g/ml) superoxide (IC50 80.36±1.36 ?g/ml), DPPH (IC50 50.11±1.36 ?g/ml) and nitric oxide (IC50 90.11±1.55 ?g/ml) radicals in a dose dependent manner. The IC50 values for peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid were 48.41±1.72, 62.15±1.69 and 136.69±2.01?g/ml, respectively. MECG also inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC50 150.56±3.02 ?g/ml) and promoted metal chelation (IC50 50.29±2.00 ?g/ml) in a dose-dependent manner. Assay of reducing capacity of MECG showed a dose-dependent response.Conclusion: The results suggest that a methanolic extract of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb possesses a strong antioxidant activity against all known radicals and can be considered as a natural antioxidant.
Patients’ and Family Members’ Views on Pacemaker Reuse: an International Survey
Authors: Hughey Andrew , Muthappan Palaniappan , Badin Auroa , Baman Timir , Baig-Ansari Naila , Jawed Fayez , Khan Abdul , Jiang Qingmei , Hughey Katherine , Toruño Rolando , Machado Christian , Refaat Marwan , Zakka Patrick , Hotait Mostafa , Eagle Kim , Crawford Thomas
Published: February 2021

Introduction The reuse of cardiac implantable electronic devices may
help increase access to these therapies in low- and middle-income
countries (LMICs). No published data exist regarding the views of
patients and family members in LMICs regarding this practice. Methods
and Results A paper questionnaire eliciting attitudes regarding
pacemaker reuse was administered to ambulatory adult patients and
patients’ family members at outpatient clinics at Centro Nacional
Cardiologia in Managua, Nicaragua, Indus Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan,
Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín and Hospital Eugenio Espejo in Quito,
Ecuador, and American University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut,
Lebanon. There were 945 responses (Nicaragua – 100; Pakistan – 493;
Ecuador – 252; Lebanon – 100). A majority of respondents agreed or
strongly agreed that they would be willing to accept a reused pacemaker
if risks were similar to a new device (707, 75%), if there were a
higher risk of device failure compared to a new device (584, 70%), or
if there were a higher risk of infection compared to a new device (458,
56%). A large majority would be willing to donate their own pacemaker
at the time of their death (884, 96%) or the device of a family member
(805, 93%). Respondents who were unable to afford a new device were
more likely to be willing to accept a reused device (79% vs. 63%,
P<0.001). Conclusions Patients and their family members
support the concept of pacemaker reuse for patients who cannot afford
new devices.
Study of emulsifying properties of soluble proteins obtained from defatted rice bran concentrate
Authors: Bonifacino Carla , Palazolo Gonzalo , Panizzolo Luis , Abirached Cecilia
Published: February 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most frequently produced cereals in
the world. Rice bran (RB) is obtained as a by-product in the rice
milling process. A part of the RB is used for oil extraction, obtaining
defatted rice bran (DRB) as a second by-product. The aim of this work
was to analyze the emulsifying properties of soluble proteins fraction
present in defatted rice bran concentrate (DRBC) in acidic and neutral
conditions. Fine emulsions (prepared by high-speed and ultrasound
homogenization) stabilized with soluble proteins obtained from DRBC
showed a mean particle size lower than coarse emulsions (prepared by
only high-speed homogenization) and a significantly lower degree of
overall destabilization. Coarse emulsions showed sigmoidal
destabilization profiles at pH 4.5 and 7.0, related to the existence of
two populations with different particle sizes. In fine emulsions, both
pH provided lower particle sizes and greater stability. After 24 h of
quiescent storage, the coarse emulsions showed an increase of particle
size that was not observed in fine emulsions. Both types of emulsions
showed a Newtonian-type behavior. Fine emulsions showed higher viscosity
values and higher lightness than coarse emulsions, consistent with the
reduction of particle size and increase in the number of particles. The
soluble proteins obtained from a waste of the rice industry can be used
to obtain stable fine oil-in-water emulsions in acidic and neutral
conditions. This result is of interest since it could be used as a food
ingredient, increasing the added value of this important by-product.
Flexible material formulations for 3D printing of porous beds with applications in bioprocess engineering
Authors: Dimartino Simone , Rodriguez Giuseppe Galindo , Simon Ursula , Conti Mariachiara , Sarwar Sulaiman , Narayanan Selva Athi , Jiang Qihao , Christofi Nick
Published: February 2021

3D printing is revolutionizing many industrial sectors and has the
potential to enhance also the biotechnology and bioprocessing fields.
Here, we propose a new flexible material formulation to 3D print support
matrices with complex, perfectly ordered morphology and with tuneable
properties to suit a range of applications in bioprocess engineering.
Supports for packed-bed operations were fabricated using functional
monomers as the key ingredients, enabling matrices with bespoke
chemistry such as charged groups, chemical moieties for further
functionalization, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic groups. Other
ingredients, e.g. crosslinkers and porogens, provide the opportunity to
further tune the mechanical properties of the supports and the
morphology of their porous network. Through this approach, we fabricated
and demonstrated the operation of Schoen gyroid columns with I) positive
and negative charges for ion-exchange chromatography, II) enzyme
bioreactors with immobilized trypsin to catalyse hydrolysis, and III)
bacterial biofilms bioreactors for fuel desulfurization. We expect this
approach will enable simple, cost-effective and flexible fabrication of
customized supports in biotechnology and bioengineering.
Optimized Tip-Sonication Temperature and Mixing using Finite Element Modeling for High-Yield Bacterial Cell-Free Extract
Authors: Ferdous Sakib , Dopp Jared , Reuel Nigel
Published: February 2021

Optimal tip sonication settings, namely tip position, input power, and
pulse durations, are necessary to ensure proper mixing and maintain
solution temperature below a critical temperature. This is significant
for temperature sensitive procedures like preparation of viable cell
extract for in vitro protein synthesis. In this paper, the optimum tip
immersion depth is estimated which ensures maximum mixing thereby
enhancing thermal dissipation of local cavitation hotspots inside the
sonication tube; from modeled velocity field streamlines this is found
at immersion depths between 20-30% height below the liquid surface. A
simplified finite element (FE) heat transfer model is presented and
validated experimentally with (R2 > 97%) which can predict
the temperature rise over time in a tip-sonicated vessel. This model is
used to observe the effect of temperature rise on cell extract
performance of E. coli BL21 DE3 star strain and estimate the temperature
threshold. From the combined heat map of yield and temperature it is
observed that yield is correlated with final steady state temperature.
Relative yields in the top 10% are observed for solution temperatures
maintained below 32°C; this reduces below 50% relative yield at
temperatures above 47°C. To extend utility of these finite element
models to other temperature sensitive sonication processes, we also
present a generalized workflow for direct simulation using the FE code
as well as master plots for estimation of sonication parameters (power
input and pulse settings) without need of running the code.
Codominance of two symbiont genera within the same coral host is associated with elevated symbiont productivity and lower host susceptibility to thermal stress
Authors: Abbott Evelyn , Dixon Groves , Matz Mikhail
Published: February 2021

As sea surface temperature increases, many coral species that used to
harbor symbionts of the genus Cladocopium have become colonized with the
thermally tolerant genus, Durusdinium. Here, we asked how symbionts of
one genus react to the presence of another symbiont genus within the
same coral host, and what effect this has on the host. We used
previously published data from Acropora hyacinthus corals hosting
Cladocopium and/or Durusdinium symbionts and looked at gene expression
in all three symbiotic partners depending on the relative proportions of
symbiont genera within the host. We find that both Cladocopium and
Durusdinium change their expression most when their proportions are
nearly equal (the state that we call “codominance”): both genera
elevate expression of photosynthesis and ribosomal genes, suggesting
increase in photosynthesis and growth (i.e. higher productivity). At the
same time, the coral host also elevates production of ribosomes
suggesting faster cellular growth, and, when heated, shows less
pronounced stress response. These results can be explained in two ways.
One explanation is that increased competition between symbionts
heightens their productivity, which benefits the host, making it more
resilient to stress. Alternatively, the symbionts’ elevated productivity
might be the consequence of the host being particularly healthy. Under
this explanation, rapid growth of the healthy host creates new space,
lowering the symbionts’ competition and allowing for codominance. The
latter explanation is supported by the fact that codominance is
associated with lower symbiont densities. Irrespective of the causation,
the presence of mixed symbiont communities could potentially be used as
an instant indicator of coral well-being, which would be a useful tool
for coral conservation and restoration.