bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical examination of Liu Kang’s Paris and Shanghai painting supports (1929–1937)
Authors: Lizun Damian , Kurkiewicz Teresa , Szczupak Bogusław
Published: March 2021

This article presents an overview of Liu Kang’s (1911–2004) canvas painting supports from his early artistic phases, Paris (1929–1932) and Shanghai (1932–1937). The research was conducted on 55 artworks from the collections of the National Gallery Singapore and Liu family. The technical examination of the paintings was supplemented with archival photographs of the artist at work to elucidate his practice of preparation of painting supports. The analyses conducted with light microscopy, SEM–EDS, and FTIR allowed us to characterise the structure of the canvases and identify the natural fibres and formulation of the grounds. In addition, references to contemporary colourmen catalogues, in relation to certain materials, were made. The obtained results suggest that, in both locations, Liu Kang employed commercially prepared canvases purchased by the roll or by the metre, together with bare strainers or stretchers of standard sizes. In Paris, the artist commonly used linen canvases, while in Shanghai he preferred cotton canvases, with linen used sporadically. The identified grounds from the Paris and Shanghai canvases are white and single-layered, but their formulations vary significantly between the two locations. Hence, grounds composed predominantly of lead white with extenders and drying oil as a binder are considered as exclusive to the Paris phase. However, semi-absorbent or absorbent grounds based on chalk are typical for Shanghai phase. This research contributes to the knowledge of Liu Kang’s painting materials and working practices during the pre-war period in Paris and Shanghai.
Treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears with superior capsular reconstruction
Authors: Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Itoi Eiji
Published: March 2021

The treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears with severe muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration remains a challenge, especially in young patients. Many surgical procedures for these tears have been reported. No one surgical treatment has proven to be an optimal solution. Recently, reconstruction of the superior capsule with an allograft or autograft has gained popularity. In this manuscript, we reviewed the biomechanical and clinical reports that have assessed superior capsular reconstruction and clarified the issues about the surgical techniques and indication which have been discussed recently. Reconstruction of the superior capsule has shown promising early results with good clinical outcomes. Biomechanical studies have suggested various mechanisms of this procedure. Although good clinical results and biomechanical data are available, more research is necessary to further define the surgical indications and improve the surgical outcomes of this procedure.

Level of evidence

Level V.
MAML1: a coregulator that alters endometrial epithelial cell adhesive capacity
Authors: Zafir Sadaf , Zhou Wei , Menkhorst Ellen , Santos Leilani , Dimitriadis Evdokia
Published: March 2021

Background

Abnormalities in endometrial receptivity has been identified as a major barrier to successful embryo implantation. Endometrial receptivity refers to the conformational and biochemical changes occurring in the endometrial epithelial layer which make it adhesive and receptive to blastocyst attachment. This takes place during the mid-secretory phase of woman’s menstrual cycle and is a result of a delicate interplay between numerous hormones, cytokines and other factors. Outside of this window, the endometrium is refractory to an implanting blastocyst. It has been shown that Notch ligands and receptors are dysregulated in the endometrium of infertile women. Mastermind Like Transcriptional Coactivator 1 (MAML1) is a known coactivator of the Notch signaling pathway. This study aimed to determine the role of MAML1 in regulating endometrial receptivity.

Methods

The expression and localization of MAML1 in the fertile human endometrium (non-receptive proliferative phase versus receptive mid-secretory phase) were determined by immunohistochemistry. Ishikawa cells were used as an endometrial epithelial model to investigate the functional consequences of MAML1 knockdown on endometrial adhesive capacity to HTR8/SVneo (trophoblast cell line) spheroids. After MAML1 knockdown in Ishikawa cells, the expression of endometrial receptivity markers and Notch dependent and independent pathway members were assessed by qPCR. Two-tailed unpaired or paired student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis with a significance threshold of P < 0.05.

Results

MAML1 was localized in the luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium and stroma of human endometrium and the increased expression identified in the mid-secretory phase was restricted only to the luminal epithelium (P < 0.05). Functional analysis using Ishikawa cells demonstrated that knockdown of MAML1 significantly reduced epithelial adhesive capacity (P < 0.01) to HTR8/SVneo (trophoblast cell line) spheroids compared to control. MAML1 knockdown significantly affected the expression of classical receptivity markers (SPP1, DPP4) and this response was not directly via hormone receptors. The expression level of Hippo pathway target Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 1 (ANKRD1) was also affected after MAML1 knockdown in Ishikawa cells.

Conclusion

Our data strongly suggest that MAML1 is involved in regulating the endometrial adhesive capacity and may facilitate embryo attachment, either directly or indirectly through the Notch signaling pathway.
Normalized vertical derivatives in the edge enhancement of maximum-edge-recognition methods in potential fields
Authors: Zhu Yingjie , Wang Wanyin , Farquharson Colin G. , Huang Jinming , Zhang Minghua , Yang Min , Wang Dingding
Published: March 2021

Gravity and magnetic data have unique advantages for studying the lateral extents of geologic bodies. There is a class of methods for edge recognition called maximum-edge-recognition methods (MERMs) that use their extreme values to locate the edges of geologic bodies. These methods include the total horizontal derivative (THDR), the analytic signal amplitude, the theta map, and the normalized standard deviation. These are all first-order derivative-based techniques. There are also higher-order derivative-based methods that are derived from the first-order filters, for example, the THDR of the tilt angle. We have developed an edge-recognition filter that is based on the idea of the normalized vertical derivatives (VDRs) of existing methods. For each MERM, we first calculate its nth-order VDR and then use thresholding to locate its peaks. The peak values are subsequently normalized by the values of the original MERM. Testing on synthetic and real data indicates that the normalized VDRs of the MERMs have higher accuracy and better lateral resolution and they are more interpretable than existing techniques; thus, they are a worthwhile addition to the set of edge-detection tools for potential-field data.
Promoting healthy lifestyles in Brazil: design and method of “VAMOS Program” in public health system
Authors: Tomicki Camila , Rech Cassiano Ricardo , Konrad Lisandra Maria , Maciel Elaine Cristina , Almeida Fabio Araújo , Benedetti Tânia Rosane Bertoldo
Published: March 2021

The “Programa Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde – VAMOS” (Active Life Improving Health) is a community intervention with a behavioral approach. It uses educational strategies to assist health professionals in guiding the population about the importance of adherence and maintenance of healthy lifestyles. This descriptive study presents the design and method of the VAMOS Program version 2.0. The intervention is for adults and older adults’ users of Brazilian public health and aims to motivate them to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle regarding physical activity and eating. The program follows an intervention design that considers the dimensions of the RE-AIM framework. The VAMOS Program version 2.0 has the potential to be offered as a health promotion tool in the Brazilian public health system by using available resources and accessible and healthy behavioral strategies.
A guide to airway management
Authors: Sampson Michael
Published: March 2021

A patent airway linking the nose and mouth with the lungs is essential to life. Critically ill people often experience airway difficulties for reasons including alterations in consciousness, the use of sedating medications, and inflammatory changes within the airway. Airway management is therefore a core skill for any clinician caring for critically ill people. This article briefly reviews the anatomy and physiology of the airway before moving on to consider causes of airway obstruction. A look-listen-feel approach to airway assessment is described, followed by a discussion of techniques used to clear, open and maintain the airway. Commonly used airway devices including oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal and supraglottic airways are evaluated, and their indications and insertion techniques discussed. The role of the endotracheal tube in the critically ill person is also considered.
The relationship between health literacy and self-care in patients with heart failure
Authors: Nesbitt Katie , Du Huiyun , Nolan Paul , Cartledge Susie , Wonggom Parichat , Clark Robyn A
Published: March 2021

Background/Aims

Research has shown that health literacy can influence an individual's ability to practise self-care, particularly for patients with heart failure. This study aimed to assess health literacy and its relationship with heart failure knowledge and self-care practices in this patient group.

Methods

An observational sub-study was conducted with the data from a large randomised control trial that evaluated the relationship between patients' health literacy, general literacy, knowledge of heart failure and self-care.

Results

A total of 36 participants were recruited, of which 33 (89.9%) had adequate levels of health literacy. Health literacy was positively associated with heart failure knowledge. However, 67.7% of participants with adequate health literacy were found to have inadequate levels of self-care management.

Conclusions

Health literacy may facilitate better heart failure knowledge, but it does not necessarily lead to improved self-care management in patients with heart failure. This suggest that clinicians need to put more emphasis on translating knowledge into behavioural changes for self-care in this patient group.
Implementing a stepped-care psychological pathway for cardiac patients with comorbid anxiety and depression in the UK: a service development project
Authors: Salt Heather , El-Salahi Shama , Schiza Angeliki , Dent June
Published: March 2021

Background/aims

This was a pilot study that was part of a Department of Health and Social Care initiative to improve access to cognitive behavioural therapies for patients with long-term health conditions. The service development work involved integrating an ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ service with a cardiac rehabilitation service, to treat patients with cardiac disease and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. The aim was to reduce levels of anxiety and depression, urgent care visits, inpatient stays and outpatient appointments, and secondary care service usage.

Methods

A repeated-measures design was implemented using clinical data collected as part of routine practice. A quasi-control group was used for the economic evaluation, comparing patients who entered into therapy with those who did not. Collaboration between an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and cardiac rehabilitation service identified 222 cardiac patients (142 males; 80 females) with comorbid anxiety and/or depression to access the pathway over 29 months. Patients accessed psychological therapy using the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies stepped-care model, where therapy intensity and durations varied according to patient need and complexity. Psychological outcomes were measured at three time points: assessment; end of contact; and 3-month follow up. Secondary care service usage was measured for 6 months before and after therapy.

Results

Significant improvements on all psychological outcomes were found when comparing scores between the three time points. Patients with coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction who received Improving Access to Psychological Therapies treatments had decreased use of secondary care hospital services.

Conclusions

An integrated Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and cardiac rehabilitation service can provide effective, adapted evidence-based psychological treatments for cardiac patients with comorbid anxiety and depression.
Septicaemia and thrombocytopenia caused by Salmonella gallinarum in a dog fed a raw meat-based diet
Authors: Albuquerque Carolina , Johnsen Camilla , Breheny Craig , Llewellyn Efa
Published: March 2021

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for pet owners to feed their dogs and cats raw meat as an alternative to processed, manufactured diets. Owners are often unaware of the potential risks this may pose for their animals and for themselves, despite the published literature. This article reports the case of a 5-month-old female French Bulldog referred for investigation of acute vomiting, diarrhoea and pyrexia. She was diagnosed with septicaemia, associated with Salmonella gallinarum (identified on blood culture), as well as a positive faecal culture for Campylobacter coli and severe thrombocytopenia (presumably secondary to infection). She received supportive treatment and marbofloxacin, going on to make a full recovery. Considering the Salmonella serovar identified (which is host-specific to poultry) and the animal's lifestyle, it is possible the septicaemia originated from her raw meat diet. Salmonella spp. is potentially zoonotic and can cause acute enteritis in humans. This is the first report of septicaemia with positive blood culture for Salmonella gallinarum, with secondary severe thrombocytopenia (presumably immune-mediated), in a dog that was fed a raw meat diet.
Changes to pet travel bring disruption and opportunity
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: March 2021

Changes to pet travel rules after the end of the Brexit transition period spell disruption for veterinarians and pet owners, but bring an opportunity for tightening Great Britain's biosecurity.
Small animal Review
Authors: Gough Alex
Published: March 2021

In this month's Small Animal Review, we summarise three recently published papers from other veterinary journals. The papers for this issue explore the impact of open registries on inbreeding, in the working Australian Kelpie population particularly, and the impact of vehicle trauma on the canine shock index, as well as the potential role for lung ultrasound in monitoring for cardiogenic pulmonary oedema in dogs being treated for left-sided congestive heart failure.
Building therapy in type 2 diabetes – metformin and beyond
Authors: Morris David
Published: March 2021

David Morris looks at the options available for managing this common condition
Active control of terahertz waves based on p-Si hybrid PIT metasurface device under avalanche breakdown
Authors: Wang Weijun , Du Lianghui , Li Jiang , Hu Mingzhe , Sun Changlin , Zhong Yajun , Zhao Gang , Li Zeren , Zhu Li-Guo , Yao Jianquan , Ling Furi
Published: March 2021

Active control of terahertz waves is a critical application for terahertz devices. Silicon is widely used in large-scale integrated circuit and optoelectronic devices, and also shows great potential in the terahertz field. In this paper, a p-Si hybrid metasurface device is proposed and its terahertz characteristics under avalanche breakdown effect is investigated. In the study, a plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) effect caused by the near-field coupling of the bright mode and the dark mode is observed in the transmission spectrum. Due to avalanche breakdown effect, the resonance of the PIT metamaterial disappears as the current increased. Carriers existed in the interface between the metasurface and substrate result to a dipole resonance suppression. When the current continues increasing, the maximal modulation depth can reach up to 99.9%, caused by the avalanche effect of p-Si. Experimental results demonstrate that the avalanche breakdown p-Si can achieve a performance modulation depth, bringing much more possibilities for terahertz devices.
The survival of the “weakest” among the fittest: A critical reading of Miss Julie (1889) in relation to social Darwinism
Authors: Şentürk Selçuk , Şentürk Zeynep
Published: March 2021

The play Miss Julie is about the portrayal of the new image of feminist woman in the Victorian period. The playwright August Strindberg is mainly considered to be a misogynist as evidenced in his preface to Miss Julie, in which he defines miss Julie as man-hating and half woman with a “degenerate brain”. This representation of Miss Julie by a male author is likely to promote the idea that Strindberg presents the new ‘feminist’ woman as inferior and weak with a downfall in the end. However, the paper will dwell into the play by employing reader-response criticism to interpret the play to discover its multiple meanings rather than following the mainstream readings that rely on characteristics of the Victorian period. By employing a critical reading method, the paper will attempt to problematize social Darwinism in relation to gender roles as represented in the play, and by doing so it will challenge if not transform the social constructions of “weak women” that ideologically pertains today.
Exploring the link between project management approach and project success dimensions: A structural model approach
Authors: Ciric D. , Delic M. , Lalic B. , Gracanin D. , Lolic T.
Published: March 2021

Aligning the project management approach to a particular project is considered to be essential for project success. Based on the literature review, in this research, the project management approach is analyzed through differentiation between agile and traditional approaches within the specific managerial aspects. This research aimed to contrast these two project management approaches and explore their impact on different project success dimensions. The research was conducted on a sample of 227 project management professionals worldwide, using the PLS-SEM method. Research results denounced that, in most cases, the traditional approach is applied in project initiation and planning. It has proven to provide higher-level od project success, while, within all other managerial aspects considered in this research, they gravitate more towards the agile approach. By combining agile and traditional approaches, organizations can take advantage of some benefits of agile development without abandoning the stability provided by a traditional approach. The study is relevant for project management practitioners tailoring down the success-oriented project management approach and developing project management contingency theory for academics.
Unsteady state diffusion-adsorption-reaction. Selectivity of consecutive reactions on porous catalyst particles
Authors: García Juan Rafael , Bidabehere Claudia María , Sedran Ulises
Published: March 2021

The simultaneous processes of diffusion, adsorption and chemical reaction, considering the transient nature of the concentration profiles in the porous catalyst particles as applied to the analysis of consecutive reactions A → B → C, where reactant and products are subjected to diffusion limitations, are analyzed. The concentrations of the desired intermediate product B, both the average in the catalytic particles and the observed in the fluid phase, initially increase as a function of time until reaching a maximum value and then decline due to the consumption in the secondary reaction. Due to the diffusion restrictions and the adsorption effect, the observed selectivities, calculated from the concentrations in the fluid phase, are always lower than the true selectivities, which also include the amounts accumulated in the particles. Besides depending on the rates of the primary and secondary reactions, the observed yield of product B also depends on the system adsorption capacity, i.e., the relationship between the capacities of the particles and the external fluid phase to accumulate the reactant species. For a given relationship between the intrinsic rates of the primary and secondary reactions, the higher the system adsorption capacity, the lower the observed yield of B as a function of conversion. The relationship between the observed yield of B and the observed conversion of A, calculated considering the transient state of the concentration profiles in the particles, is coincident with that predicted by classical models, which assume the steady state in the particles, when the system adsorption capacity is extremely small.
Experimental and theoretical study on the hydrogen bond interactions between ascorbic acid and glycine
Authors: Liu Xuejun , Fan Xingchen , Wu Yuxing , Ma Huiting , Zhai Cuiping
Published: March 2021

Cyclic voltammetry, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and quantum chemistry calculations were applied to explore the hydrogen bond interactions between ascorbic acid (AA) and glycine. The experimental results demonstrate the existence of hydrogen bonds in AA-glycine system, which has a significant effect on the oxidation peak potentials and currents of AA and the chemical shifts of glycine. The formation of hydrogen bonds between AA and glycine were further confirmed by the density functional theory, quantum theory of atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analyses.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Music Video Therapy and Music Therapy on Pain after Cardiothoracic Surgery in Preschool Children
Authors: Huang Ya-li , Lei Yu-qing , Liu Jian-feng , Cao Hua , Yu Xian-rong , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2021

Objective: To explore the effects of music video therapy on pain among preschool children after cardiothoracic surgery.
Methods: Patients in the music video therapy (MVT) group received a 30-min music video intervention, while patients in the music therapy (MT) group received a 30-min musical intervention. Both groups were given their respective therapy three times a day for three days. Patients in the control group did not receive MVT or MV. Measures, including pain scores, vital signs (heart rate, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation), and other postoperative indicators were recorded and analyzed.
Results: The MVT group showed a statistically significant decrease in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate at the first day after surgery and pain scores at the first and second day after surgery compared to the MT group, but no significant difference was identified in oxygen saturation. The postoperative indicators including cumulative capacity of sufentanil use, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and the length of hospital stay in the MVT group were significantly lower than those in the control group.
Conclusion: The findings provide further evidence to support the practice of music video therapy as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to reduce postoperative pain, reduce  the dosage of analgesics, shorten the length of ICU and hospital stay in preschool children after the cardiothoracic surgery.
Fixed point theorems for rational type $F$-contraction
Authors: Acar Ö.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider rational type $F$-contraction for multivalued integral type mapping on a complete metric space. Using Wardowski’s technique, we establish the existence of a fixed point of the multivalued integral type mapping, if this mapping or the $F$-contraction is continuous. In the end, we give an example which shows that our result is the best.
Comparação entre métodos de medição da camada semi-redutora em radiologia
Authors: Faria Denyel Jefferson Prado , Pohlmann Simões Rafael Figueiredo , Augusto Fernando Mecca , Travassos Leonardo Vieira , Gomes Beneth Costa
Published: March 2021

The Half Value Layer (HVL) is a parameter used in Quality Control (QC), to evaluate the X-ray beam quality. The HVL can be measured through the X-ray primary beam attenuation measurement using knew thickness slabs of 99% purity aluminum (M1) or by adjusting the best curve (M2) or by multipurpose dosimeter (solid state detector) (M3). The M1 wears out the X-ray tube more and requires a long time of data acquisition and processing, however, it is the standard recommended method for the Radiological Safety Manual. The last one method (M3) is practical, and is not influenced by the abrupt change in the X-ray transmission spectrum, as it does not require the use of aluminum plates. The equipment used to measure radiation was the NOMEX dosemeter, Cobia Smart, UNFORS XI and Radcal Ionization Chamber. The sources were mobile and fixed X-rays and mammography equipment. The results showed that the biggest difference was 15.6% between M1 and M3 for mammography equipment with a filter\target W\Rh. For conventional X-rays, that the target-filter combination is W\Al, the biggest difference was 3.3% between M1 and M3. Thus, the results show that the HVL estimate can be performed by any of the three methods or equipment, as long as the target\filter combination is W/Al. For filter\target combination other than W/Al the percentage differences increase considerably and we do not recommend the use of M1 for this type of measurement.
Implementação computacional de metodologia analítica de solução da equação de transporte de nêutrons em geometria planar utilizando o método P_N
Authors: Silva Alan Souza , Barros Ricardo Carvalho , Alves Filho Hermes
Published: March 2021

É apresentada neste artigo uma metodologia sintética analítica de solução da equação de transporte de nêutrons em geometria unidimensional utilizando a teoria .  A primeira parte da metodologia proposta neste trabalho consiste em obter uma solução analítica geral local para o sistema de equações  para um grau  ímpar arbitrário e grau de anisotropia de espalhamento .  Na segunda parte, a solução local analítica obtida para as equações  é utilizada como aproximante sintético nos termos integrais da fonte por espalhamento em uma versão simplificada da equação linear de transporte de Boltzmann [1]: estacionária, unidimensional, monoenergética, azimutalmente simétrica, em meios materiais não-multiplicativos e com fonte interior isotrópica.  A metodologia proposta foi implementada em um aplicativo computacional desenvolvido na plataforma  para Windows.  Além de gerar resultados numéricos para o fluxo escalar de nêutrons segundo o modelo , o aplicativo computacional gera resultados numéricos para os fluxos angulares de nêutrons em qualquer posição do domínio e para qualquer direção com projeção ortogonal sobre o segmento do domínio diferente de zero.  Para avaliar a aplicabilidade do método  e da proposta de solução sintética analítica da equação de transporte, são apresentados resultados numéricos para um problema-modelo característico.
Production of High Purity Samarium Acetate for Use in Nuclear Area
Authors: Pedreira Filho Walter dos Reis , Queiroz Carlos Alberto da Silva
Published: March 2021

Samarium is currently used in many applications, such as catalysts, lasers and metal alloys. Samarium is also employed to absorb neutrons in nuclear reactors. In medicine, samarium is used in the form of radioactive 153Sm to produce radiopharmaceuticals. A simple process for the preparation of pure samarium acetate was studied. The raw material, which was used in the form of rare earth carbonates was produced industrially from the chemical treatment of Brazilian monazite. Ion exchange chromatography was performed using a strong cationic resin to fractionate rare earth elements (REE). Under these conditions, 99.9% pure Sm2O3 and yield greater than or equal 60% was eluted by ammonium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution in controlled pH. The EDTA-samarium complex was transformed into samarium oxide, which was subsequently dissolved in acetic acid to obtain the samarium acetate. Molecular absorption spectrophotometry was used to monitor the samarium and sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to certify the purity of the samarium acetate. The solid salt was characterized by chemical analysis, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X ray diffraction. The analytical data collected allowed to conclude that stoichiometric formula for the samarium acetate obtained is Sm(CH3COO)3.4.H2O.Keywords: Samarium, Ion exchange, Rare Earth.
VARIATION IN RADON CONCENTRATION IN SOIL GASES TO DETECT THE NAPL PRESENCE
Authors: Bonfim Sarah Andresa , Rocha Zildete , Jonusan Raoni Adão Salviano , Franklin Mariza Ramalho , Ferreira Paulo Roberto Rocha , Santos Talita Oliveira , Oliveira Arno Heeren
Published: March 2021

Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPLs) compounds are complex mixtures of organic liquids derived from petroleum and/or industrial activity. Contamination of soils and groundwater by NAPLs can generate health and economics problems by compromising water resources; restrict soils use; and cause damage to the public and private patrimony, and the environment. Today there is an increase in areas contaminated by different types of NAPLs, cause of great concern worldwide, due to the difficulty of locating and quantifying contamination, which is a major obstacle that prevents the cleaning of soils and groundwater in affected locations. This work aims to use the concentrations of the Radon gas in the soil as a way to determine areas contaminated by NAPL, using/prove the high affinity of the Radon for NAPLs, which causes the concentration of Radon in the soil to have a deficit in relation to that naturally observed in the studied region. After understanding the affinity of the Radon by the NAPLs, a gas station was located (with the contribution of the city hall of Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais – Brazil), which went through a diesel oil leak from the storage tank making the area contaminated. Measurements of the Radon concentration were carried out with the AlphaGUARD® Radon monitor. These measurements confirmed the presence of a deficiency in the Radon concentration, which demonstrated its ability to be used as a marker for the presence of NAPL, contributing to future plans remediation and control of pollution, as well as studies of oil wells on-shore.
A Simulation Model for Capacity Planning of Nuclear Fuel Plants for Research Reactors
Authors: Negro Miguel , Durazzo Michelangelo , Mesquita Marco , Scuro Nikolas , Carvalho Elita , Andrade Delvonei
Published: March 2021

The demand for nuclear fuel for research reactors is increasing worldwide. However, some nuclear fuel factories have small production volumes. There is a gap in the literature regarding how to expand capacity of those facilities in a safe and reliable way. Thus, the purpose of this work is to propose and validate a conceptual model to increase the production capacity of these factories. We addressed factories that produce plate-type fuel elements loaded with LEU U3Si2-Al, which are typically used in nuclear research reactors. We collected data from a real nuclear fuel plant and applied the model to that data, i.e., we set up a case study. We developed two different strategies for the use of the model, thus generating several production scenarios. Each scenario is an experiment of the different possibilities to enlarge the capacity. We applied discrete events simulation in order to cover all production scenarios. Our tests indicated significant increases in productive capacity, thus showing that the model has fully achieved its proposed objective. One of the main conclusions that we point out is the model’s effectiveness. That effectiveness was demonstrated by using the model in two different strategies and obtaining increases in capacity with both of them.
Avaliação da luminância e da curva GSDF em monitores médicos primários e em modelos comercias
Authors: Jornada Tiago da Silva , Bandeira Briane Evellise da Silva
Published: March 2021

Todo sistema de exibição de imagens para fins de diagnóstico médico deve atender a critérios mínimos de qualidade. Há na literatura especializada recomendações para os testes de controle de qualidade que podem ser aplicados aos monitores médicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a qualidade das imagens em monitores próprios para diagnóstico (primário) e em monitores comercias. Os valores de luminância foram coletados em dezessete monitores a fim de se obter também a curva de calibração GSDF. O estudo mostrou que, independente da sua finalidade (primário ou comercial), nenhum monitor avaliado atendeu às recomendações de luminância mínima. Com relação à luminância máxima (Lmax), 4 dos 9 monitores convencionais avaliados não atingiram a recomendação de 170 cd/m² para essa categoria. Já na categoria dos monitores primários, o monitor da EIZO de 3 MP também não alcançou o valor de Lmax. A razão de luminância (LR) ficou acima do estipulado em todos os monitores. Na avaliação da curva característica GSDF, apenas os monitores da BARCO de 5 MP e da Beacon G52P+ obtiveram valores dentro da tolerância de 10%, com uma variação máxima de 4%.
Truncated Akash distribution: properties and applications
Authors: Shukla Kamlesh Kumar
Published: March 2021

In this paper, Truncated Akash distribution has been proposed. Its mean and variance have been derived. Nature of cumulative distribution and hazard rate functions have been derived and presented graphically. Its moments including Coefficient of Variation, Skenwness, Kurtosis and Index of dispersion have been derived. Maximum likelihood method of estimation has been used to estimate the parameter of proposed model. It has been applied on three data sets and compares its superiority over one parameter exponential, Lindley, Akash, Ishita and truncated Lindley distribution.
Comparative prevalence of COVID–19 in european countries: a time window at second wave
Authors: Tallon José M. , Gomes Paulo , Bacelar–Nicolau Leonor
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The pandemic generated by COVID–19 completely changed people's daily lives, their relationship with family and friends, unexpectedly disrupted their working conditions and enhanced the need for an enduring resilience to face yet a second wave of the disease. It is crucial to keep continuously updating our knowledge about COVID–19 prevalence and incidence evolutions over large connected territories, where the disease is striking in alarming proportions. Objective: The main objective of this research is to identify and describe COVID–19 prevalence, incidence and mortality profiles in EU and EEE/EFTA countries, seven months after the start of the pandemic in Europe, and more recent tendencies, probably associated to the beginning of a second wave. Methods: This COVID–19 study covers thirty–one European countries. Six epidemiological variables where analyzed per 100 000 inhabitants on October 25 2020, two of them evaluated over the seven previous days. A multivariate statistical exploratory analysis based on rank principal components and cluster analysis was applied. Results: A COVID–19 prevalence typology of six country clusters was identified regarding 31 countries (EU, UK and three EEE/EFTA countries). The five epidemiological variables and number of tests revealed a wider dispersion with outlier observations. The rank transformation of data and their multivariate statistical analysis allowed us to construct a rational to better discriminate and describe these clusters, identifying specific behaviours related to the global prevalence from March until the end of October or highlight recent evolutions of COVID–19 incidence in the context of a second wave of pandemic. In fact we pinpointed country clusters where COVID–19 reached alarming levels which persist, or have even worsen, at the beginning of the second wave. Additionally, two other clusters were identified: one with countries that seems to be evolving into a situation under control, and another cluster of countries very weakly struck on the first wave, but are now facing a very complex surge, that will test their health systems capacity and timely response regarding covid and non–covid patients. Finally, the worst and more dramatic situation occurred in countries where the number of deaths per 100 000 inhabitants attained an impressive cumulative score.
Forecasting homicides, rapes and counterfeiting currency: A case study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickrama Chathura B. , Nawarathna Ruwan D. , Nawarathna Lakshika S.
Published: March 2021

Crimes have been disturbing threats to all the Sri Lankans all over the country. Finding the main variables associated with crimes are very vital for policymakers. Our main goal in this study is to forecast of homicides, rapes and counterfeiting currency from 2013 to 2020 using auto-regressive conditional Poisson (ACP) and auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. All the predictions are made assuming that the prevailing conditions in the country affecting crime rates remain unchanged during the period. Moreover, multiple linear regression and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to identify the key variables associated with crimes. Profiling of districts as safe or unsafe was performed based on the overall total crime rate of Sri Lanka which is to compare with individual district’s crime rates. Data were collected from the Department of Police and Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. It is observed that there are 14 safe and 11 unsafe districts in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it is found that the total migrant population and percentage of urban population is positively correlated with total crime. Besides, total migrant population, unemployment rate, mean household income and percentage of the urban population are significant variables for total crimes, and total migrant population, Gini index, mean household income and percentage of the urban population are significant variables for homicides. Random K-nearest neighbour (RKNN) algorithm classified districts as safe and unsafe with 84% of prediction accuracy.
Postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive device utilization among mothers who delivered at debre tabor general hospital: cross sectional study design
Authors: Tiruneh Dawit
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Rapid population growth is a major concern of many states globally including our country Ethiopia. The intrauterine device (IUD) is a long term reversible contraceptive method that is suitable for women of all reproductive ages, and represents the most cost effective reversible method for preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, its utilization in Ethiopia is very low as compared to other contraceptive methods. Objective: To assess postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive device utilization among mothers who delivered and seek immunization service at DTGH, North Central Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted from November 17, 2017, to January 01, 2018. A total of 182 respondents were interviewed. Systematic random sampling procedure was used to select each eligible study unit as a participant. Data were collected by Midwifery professionals through face to face interview through structured questionnaires under supervision. The data collectors and supervisors were trained prior to data collection. Pretest was conducted on 5% of the study population to check for the accuracy of tools. Confidentiality was also protected by making the data collection procedure anonymous. The association between dependent and independent variables were determined by descriptive statistics of chi square test using SPSS version 20.0 software and p-values of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result: One hundred eighty two mothers were interviewed to assess IUCD utilization after giving birth at DTGH with a response rate of 97%. Only 6 respondents (3.3%) are currently using IUCD after giving birth to 9 months of their post partum period. Acceptances of IUCD with P of 0.004 and Reasons for refusal of IUCD with P value of 0.035 were some of statistically associated variables for utilization of PP IUCD. Conclusion: PP IUCD utilization in the study area is low as compared to other similar studies (3.3%). There are major discrepancy between acceptance level (37.91%) and PP IUCD utilization. Responsible bodies should address the reason for this major discrepancy to minimize the gap.
Mycotoxins in foods that cause damage to humans
Authors: Murcia Alarcon Diana Carolina , Urbano Caceres  Eliana Ximena , Becerra Astrid Maribel Aguilera
Published: March 2021

Background: Mycotoxins are toxic substances from the metabolism of RESULTING fungi Aspergillus flavus: such as, Aspergillus Penicillium, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penecillum expansum and Fusarium graminearum. There are four Important mycotoxins: aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, patulin and deoxynivalenol being responsible for the contamination of food for human consumption. Methods: The research was Carried out and selected based on inclusion criteria, articles and publications related to mycotoxins, food, toxicity, Mechanisms of action and analysis, published in Scielo, MEDLINE / PubMed, Google academic and Science Direct, to the total of 65 articles Were reviewed, but only 50 met the inclusion criteria above. Results: The presence of mycotoxins in food remains a public health problem; it is found because worldwide and causes serious pathology in humans and animals both. Conclusion: it is Necessary to continue advancing in the investigations related to the presence of mycotoxins in food for human consumption, especially regions tropical in, since the environmental conditions and the Characteristics of the food produced in These regions please At least theoretically, the development of These toxins, Which Represents a high risk to the health and food security of the Populations
The design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a locust bean boiler
Authors: Gana Yisa Mohammed , Mamman Jiya Mohammed
Published: March 2021

African locust bean is a leguminous plant that is rich in nutrients and is used as food condiment. The traditional method of processing this food condiment is mostly unhygienic; consume a lot of fire wood, human energy and time. Using traditional methods for boiling 33.7Kg of locust bean would take about 12 hours. This study attempts to mechanize the existing traditional methods of boiling locust bean by designing, constructing, and evaluating electrically powered locust bean boiler. The boiler consists of three composite drums, each with a cylindrical upper part and conical lower part. The boiling chamber is made of 304 austenitic stainless steel which contains the heating elements. Fibre glass is lodged between the steel materials as an insulator. As power is supplied to the boiler, the elements convert the electrical energy to heat energy attaining the temperature of 200.7°C in 5 minutes. The machine has the capacity of boiling 33.7Kg of locust bean in 1 hour at 90°C. The cost of producing a unit is ₦20,207.5.
Purification and characterization of versatile peroxidase from Lentinus squarrosulus and its application in biodegradation of lignocellulosics
Authors: Ravichandran Aarthi , G Rao Ramya , Gopinath Maheswarappa , Sridhar Manpal
Published: March 2021

Versatile Peroxidases are high redox potential peroxidases capable of degrading lignin of lignocellulosic crop residues. Hence Versatile Peroxidases are prominent biocatalysts in upgrading lignocellulosic biomass for biotechnological applications. In the interest of exploiting the potential of Versatile Peroxidase in improving the digestibility of crop residues through delignification, a novel Versatile Peroxidase was purified and characterized from the immobilized cultures of native isolate Lentinus squarrosulus. The enzyme was purified with a specific activity of 62 U/mg through ion exchange and gel filtration chromatographic procedures. The enzyme possessed high affinity towards RB5 and manganese with a Km value of 6.84 µM for RB5 and 0.15 mM for manganese. The optimum temperature for oxidation was identified to be 30°C and optimum pH for manganese and RB5 oxidation was 5 and 3 respectively. Reactivity of the enzyme towards diverse substrates was investigated besides studying the effect of metal ions and inhibitors on RB5 oxidation. The enhanced potential of this purified Versatile Peroxidase in biodegradation of crop residues was demonstrated through augmentation of digestibility of finger millet and paddy straws by 20%.The results demonstrated that Versatile Peroxidase from Lentinus squarrosulus is capable of enhancing the nutritive value of crop residues through delignification
Effects of seed rates and row spacing on yield and yield components of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L) at Dabat district of North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Daniel , Ousman Yenus , Teshome Mequanint
Published: March 2021

The area coverage and productivity of linseed decreased from time to time; even there is no crop package and recommended row spacing and seed rate at regional level due to lack of attention by researchers and also by farmers. In Ethiopia, linseed has been cultivated for two primary purposes, seed and oil use. Its production in Ethiopia country is characterized by low input, low yield and poor product quality mainly due to attitude and poor management practices such as lack of proper weed management system, poor seed and field hygiene, poor seed bed preparation, inadequate plant nutrition, inappropriate seeding rate and spacing (mostly broad casting), improper threshing ground and improper cleaning. Field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of seed rate and row spacing on the yield and yield components of linseed, during 2017/2018 cropping season at Dabat district, North Western Ethiopia. KULUMSA1 (CHILALO) was used as test crop. Factorial combinations of three row spacing, (20, 25, and 30 cm) and three seed rates, (40, 45 and 50kgs) were laid out in RCBD with three replications.  Data regarding different parameters were recorded from days to sowing up to different stages. Statistical analysis of data showed that most of the parameters were affected by the main effects of Seed Rates and Row spacing. The main effect of seed rate was highly significant for days maturity, thousand seed weight and harvest index of linseed. More over it was significant for days to flower and number of capsule per plant, but it was not significant to plant height and bio mass yield. The main effect of row spacing was significant for days to maturity. The interaction of seed rate and row spacing was highly significance (p<0.05) for number of primarily branch per plant and seed yield. It was not significant on number of seeds per capsule, number of capsule per plant and thousand seed weight. The main finding of this research is highest seed yield (1771 kg ha-1 ) was obtained at 40kg ha-1 x 25 cm of row spacing while the lowest seed yield (752kg ha-1) was recorded at 50 kg ha-1 x 30 cm. 40kg ha-1 and 25cm is recommended to increase yield of linseed and its components. In conclusion the effect of seed rate and row spacing affects the important yield components of linseed.