bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Subtitusi Pasir Silika sebagai Agregat Halus pada Sifat Mekanik Beton Mutu Tinggi
Authors: Cakrawijaya Agung , Rukmana  , Hadi Abd Karim , Supardi Sudarman , Fadhil Arsyad
Published: June 2023

Pasir silika adalah salah satu dari jenis pasir alam yang dapat ditemukan di Indonesia, pasir silika adalah pasir yang mengandung lebih banyak silika (SiO2). Pasir silika biasa digunakan untuk bahan campuran semen, bahan pembuat keramik, dan bahan penjernih air. Saat ini pasir silika masih jarang digunakan sebagai bahan agregat halus dalam pembuatan beton, hal ini membuat pasir alam yang lain semakin tegerus akibat pesatnya pembangunan struktur beton. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini merupakan salah satu upaya dalam menanggulangi permasal ahan tersebut dengan menggunakan pasir silika sebagai substitusi agregat halus pada campuran beton. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh spasir silika sebagai substitusi agregat halus terhadap sifat mekanik beton yaitu kuat tekan dan kuat tarik belah. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Laboratorium dengan mutu rencana (F’c) 40 Mpa serta variasi pasir silika yang digunakan yaitu 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% dan 40%. Hasil pengujian kuat tekan beton tertinggi terjadi pada variasi pasir silika 10% sebesar 42,09 Mpa pada umur 28 hari, untuk hasil kuat tarik belah beton tertintti terjadi pada variasi 10% sebesar 4,48 MPa pada umur 28 hari. Berdasarkan penelitian ini, ketika penambahan pasir silika 20% akan menyebabkan penurunan baik pada kuat tekan maupun kuat tarik belah beton.
Usage of the New Modifier-curing Agent in Plywood Technology: The Influence to Urea-formaldehyde Resin Curing and Formaldehyde Emission
Authors: Ivanov Daniil , Ekaterincheva Mariya , Kalashnikov Aleksey , Baca Ksenya , Mazur Anton
Published: June 2023

One of the urgent scientific and technical objectives in the technologies of plywood and wood boards is the search for ways to reduce of hot pressing time without increasing the formaldehyde emission from finished products. To solve this problem was developed the new modifier-curing agent MC-4SF, is mainly a product of interaction of citric acid with urea and ammonia. Compared to traditional ammonium salts, the modifier-curing agent combines the properties of both direct and latent catalysts. Determination of the composition of residual methylol groups in the aqueous extracts obtained by treating the resin cured at 100 °C showed that the modifier-curing agent provides relatively high hydrolytic stability of the UF-polymer during extraction. Spectra of solid-state 13C NMR showed that in resins cured with MC-4SF increased the compound of methylene bridges compared to resins cured with standard catalysts. It is possible that the amino groups of urea (or its derivatives) included in the modifier-curing agent, react with the methylol groups of UF oligomers, fitting urea into the structure of the resulting polymer. Thus explains the increased hydrolytic stability and reduced toxicity of the cured resin. Manufacturing tests of nine-layer plywood made with a modifier-curing agent showed that replacing ammonium sulfate with MC-4SF allows a significant reduction in pressing time at 110 °C without loss of quality of the finished product. With the same pressing time, it was possible to increase the line shear strength by 14% and to reduce formaldehyde emission by 45%.
Numerical Modeling of Early-age Effects on the Mechanical Behavior of Concrete Gravity Dams
Authors: Taibi Abdelsemi , Rouissat Boucherit , Matallah Mohammed , Smail Nadia
Published: June 2023

The control of thermal cracks induced by the effect of early age are the main concerns in concrete dam during the construction stage. Despite its importance, detailed thermal analysis of concrete gravity dams during the construction period is relatively rarely in the literature, eventually because prediction the behavior of concrete gravity dam on early stage requires taking into account the several phenomena and interaction, demands a considerable computational effort. To overcome this drawback, the present paper proposes a numerical modeling strategy to predict the thermo-mechanical behavior of concrete gravity dams during construction periods considering the effect of early age and the construction schedule. The proposed strategy is also used to study the effect of pre-cooling methods on the thermal-mechanical fields on concrete gravity dam during construction process. For this purpose, a Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical model is developed for predicting the behavior of a gravity dam at early stages. Firstly, temperature field model was established and verified with the results reported in the literature. Furthermore, the thermo-mechanical behavior of a concrete gravity dam is performed for two configurations: Early age state with pre-cooling and early age without pre-cooling. Thermal stress analysis was also conducted and results showed that the greatest tensile stresses after construction are developed at the heel of dams and resumption of concreting interface due to the internal restraint imposed by the concrete. The numerical results showed that the pre-cooling methods is an effective way to reduce both the hydration temperature and tensile stress induced by the effect of early age.
Use of Ultrasonography in Regional Anaesthesia: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Banik Debasish
Published: June 2023

Abstract not available
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 1-2
A comparative study of caudal epidural bupivacaine with bupivacaine plus fentanyl and bupivacaine plus neostigmine for anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia in children undergoing sub-umbilical surgeries
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Rahmn Md Habibur , Kamrujjaman Md , Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: June 2023

Background: Single-shot caudal anaesthesia with local anaesthetic has a limited duration of action.Therefore, many children undergoing sub-umbilical surgery with caudal analgesia require furtheranalgesia during the postoperative period. This study compared the effect of single-dose caudal epiduralbupivacaine, bupivacaine plus fentanyl and bupivacaine plus neostigmine for anaesthesia andpostoperative analgesia in children.
Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of bupivacaine with the addition of fentanyl or neostigmine forcaudal anaesthesia and analgesia in children undergoing sub-umbilical surgeries.
Methods: Total ninety (90) paediatric patients, aged 2-8 years with ASA(American society ofanesthesiologist) grades I & II who were scheduled for surgery in Sher-E-Bangla Medical college Hospital,Barisal were included in this study. Data were collected by using a pre-designed questionnaire. Thepatients were randomly allocated to one of the three groups. Group A was received caudal 1 ml/kg ofbupivacaine 0.25%, Group B 1 ml/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% with fentanyl 1 μg/kg and Group C 1 ml/kgof bupivacaine 0.25% with neostigmine 2 μg/kg. Heart rate (HR), Blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation(SpO2), Respiratory rate (RR) were recorded during operation and every five minutes thereafter. Theduration of analgesia was defined as the time from caudal injection to first dose of rescue analgesia.Rescue analgesia was given for an objective pain scale (greater than or equal to) 4 in the form of oralparacetamol (15mg/kg).
Results: Assessment of anaesthesia was significantly longer in the two groups of children who receivedadditives compared with local anaesthetics group alone (p<0.01). Mean time to first postoperativeanalgesic administration was 167.37±17.30 min, 280.57±14.40min, and 357.77±19.08 min in groupA, Group B, and group C respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.01) between thethree groups. In these cases duration of analgesia was considered from the placement of caudal to firstanalgesia.
Conclusion: Addition of fentanyl or neostigmine to bupivacaine prolonged the duration of surgicalanaesthesia and postoperative analgesia after a single shot caudal injection with minimal incidence ofside effects in children undergoing sub-umbilical surgeries. This could be a safe and cheap alternative toextradural catheter placement for surgical procedures of intermediate duration.
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 3-9
Efficacy and Safety of Dexamethasone versus Fentanyl as an adjuvant with Bupivacaine and Lignocaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block
Authors: Hasan Sanjida , Chowdhury Ahmed Abu Nasar , Khatoon Syeda Nafisa , Barua Kalyan , Alam AKM Shamsul
Published: June 2023

Background: Brachial plexus blockade is gaining popularity day by day for the upper extremity surgery.Increasing the duration of local anesthetic action by adding different adjuvant is often desirable toprolong the surgical anesthesia and analgesia. The aim of this study was to make a comparative evaluationof the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone and fentanyl as an adjuvant with bupivacaine-lignocaine insupraclavicular block.
Material and methods: This comparative study was carried out in the departmentof anesthesiology in Chittagong Medical College Hospital in collaboration with the department oforthopedic surgery over a period of 22months starting from July, 2012 to April, 2014. A total 130 adultpatients of either sex with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) health status I-II were selected forupper limb surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block was randomly allocated in to two groupsof 65 patients in each. Group- D was received dexamethasone 2ml (10mg) and Group-F was receivedfentanyl 2ml (100mg) in 38ml of bupivacaine and lignocaine with adrenaline (total volume of 40ml).
Result: The mean onset of sensory&motor block was 7.72±1.949min & 8.75±2.008min in group-D and7.60±3.711min & 9.23±5.114min in group-F. Both the results in two group was not statistically significant(p>0.05).The duration of analgesia in group-D was 11.40±0.844hrs and in group-F was 8.62±1.747hrs.Theresults was significantly higher in group-D than group-F (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There was significantlyprolonged duration of analgesia and better onset of sensory and motor block in dexamethasone groupthan in fentanyl group without any unwanted effects.
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 10-17
Effect of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Double Blind Control Study
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Begum Kawsar , Laila Rona , Sardar Kawsar , Uddin Raihan , Rahman Mushfiqur , Begum Muslema
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Dexmedetomidine as intrathecaladjuvant to Bupivacaine in spinal anaesthesia on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block inTotal Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH).
Materials and Method: Sixty patients of ASA status I and II posted for Total Abdominal Hysterectomywere randomly divided into three groups. Group C were administered Hyperbaric Bupivacaine 15mgplus 0.5 ml normal saline, Group D was administered Hyperbaric Bupivacaine 15mg + Dexmedetomidine10mg in 0.5 ml normal saline. Duration and quality of sensory and motor block were assessed.
Results: Sensory and motor block in group D patients were longer than group C patients.
Conclusion: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine when added to bupivacaine heavy (0.5%) provide better andprolonged analgesia.
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 18-23
Role of Fentanyl With Bupivacaine During Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section in Reducing Hypotension
Authors: Mamun Md Al , Alam Md Rabiul , Akter Suraya , Haque Mozibul
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: The hypotension following spinal anaesthesia is a common problem incaesarean section. The combination of reduced dose of local anaesthetics with intrathecal opioids makesit possible to achieve adequate spinal anaesthesia with minimum hypotension. We investigated whetherthis synergistic phenomenon could be used to provide less frequent hypotension while incurring adequatespinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Methods: Sixty women scheduled for caesarean delivery (thirty in each group) were divided into twogroups of patients who received a spinal injection of either 12.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine or 10 mgof hyperbaric bupivacaine with 25 mg fentanyl added. Each measurement of a systolic blood pressureless than 95 mmHg or a decrease in systolic pressure of greater than 25% from baseline was consideredas hypotension and treated with a bolus of 5 to 10 mg of intravenous ephedrine. The quality of surgicalanaesthesia was evaluated also.
Results: Spinal block provided excellent surgical anaesthesia in almost all patients. Peak sensory levelwas higher (D2-3 vs. D4-5) and motor block was more intense in the hyperbaric bupivacaine group; thepatients from bupivacaine group were more likely to require treatment for hypotension (75% vs. 15%)and had more persistent hypotension (4.6 vs. 1.0 hypotensive measurements per patient) than patients inthe reduced bupivacaine-fentanyl group. Mean ephedrine requirements were 15.0 mg and 3.5 mg,respectively. Patients in the bupivacaine group also complained of emetic effects more frequently thanpatients in the reduced dose bupivacaine-fentanyl group.
Conclusions: Bupivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 25 mg provided spinal anaesthesia for caesarean deliverywith less hypotension and vasopressor requirements while ensuring excellent perioperative surgical anaesthesia.
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 28-34
Anaesthetic Challenge of Craniopagus Twin: A Case Report
Authors: Talukdar Moumita , Sultana Rebeka , Hossain Md Mozaffar , Mondal Subrata Kumar , Alam SM Shafiqul
Published: June 2023

We describe the anaesthetic management of 2 years old Craniopagus twins for cerebral angiogram &embolization. Anesthetic management for Craniopagus twins is associated with unique concerns of crosscirculation, difficulty in mask ventilation, difficult access to airway and intubation due to angle betweenthe heads.Adequate preparation and teamwork is the keystone to the management of these patients.
JBSA 2019; 32(1): 35-37
Detection of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy through PHES Battery in Patients with Cirrhosis from the UMAE 14
Authors: Jiménez Beatriz González , Caldelas Leticia Díaz , Rosario Silva Cañetas Carmen Sofía del , Sánchez Stephanie Domínguez , López Balderas Nayali Alejandra , Torres Hernández Rosa María
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a neuropsychiatric complication in the patient with hepatic insufficiency, portal hypertension and/or portosystemic shunt, where there is cognitive damage, which includes alterations in attention, integrative function, delay in information processing, among others in the absence of manifest hepatic encephalopathy. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MHE by measuring cognitive damage in patients with hepatic cirrhosis through the PHES battery. Methodology: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out in patients with liver cirrhosis diagnosis, who came to the outpatient clinic of the gastroenterology department at the UMAE HE No. 14 Adolfo Ruiz Cortines National Medical Center. Patients with cirrhosis and no history of psychiatric illness or manifest encephalopathy were included, with previous authorization of informed consent and the research committee from the UV Medical School. The PHES battery was used as standardized test. Results: The sample size was calculated to be 66 patients. The PHES battery was performed in 34 of them, of which 35% (12) were diagnosed with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, 50% (6) women. The average age was 59 ± 10 years, minimum range 39, maximum range 80 (95% CI). Conclusion: The prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in 12 (35%), at UMAE HE No.14. The number and symbols test (DST) had a significant correlation regarding years of study, gender and age variables.
ANALYSIS OF GOODS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATICS DEPARTMENT OF SERDANG BEDAGAI DISTRICT
Authors: Utari Cut Try , Simanjuntak Richard Parlindungan , Styono Firman , Nababan Junerdi
Published: June 2023

The current problem is that the Serdang Bedagai district communication and informatics office is experiencing difficulties in managing incoming and outgoing goods. Management is currently carried out manually and cannot be viewed online so that many errors occur, one of which is a mismatch between the stock of goods recorded and the physical stock of existing goods. The goods management system that will be built in this study uses the waterfall model and PHP and HTML programming languages as well as CSS to design the web appearance. The system has 9 entities, namely: officer, user, sender, person in charge, goods, recipient, detail_recipient, expenditure and data_dinas. The results of the implementation of the proposed system are more optimal management of goods and help the performance of the warehouse admin in making real-time stock update reports and borrowing goods
Van iedereen en niemand
Authors:   , de Winter Rolf
Published: June 2023

Nowadays considered one of the most significant technological innovations of the 20th century, the helicopter provided modern armed forces with a multi-purpose tool. Its capability for deployment at the interface between land, water, and air made the helicopter a unique and versatile weapons system.

After World War II however, the Dutch armed forces came to face the helicopter as a military phenomenon and their acceptance of it as a fully-fledged main weapons system seems to have been slow. For decades helicopter units stood in the shadow of weapons systems that the military leaders of the navy, army, and air force considered more essential for the strength and future development of their respective units. It was only during the last decade of the 20th century that the helicopter became a main weapons system frequently deployed on very diverse international missions.

In his thesis, De Winter argues that it was mainly the evolving task perception (taakopvatting) of the armed services and political and administrative decision-making both proved to have had a major impact on the acceptance of the helicopter as a main weapons system. First, navy, army and air force considered the survival of their own organization more important than jointly accepting an integral task for the armed forces as a whole. Only when the task perception changed during the early 1990s did a foundation for prioritization of the new weapon system emerge.

De Winter shows that gaining intellectual mastery of a complex and versatile weapon system is an arduous process that evokes resistance. The helicopter case study further shows the ambiguity of political influence in decision-making processes: decisiveness and tenacity of defense ministers manifested in both positive and unfavorable ways on helicopter issues.
PERFORMANCE OF ARMY PROFESSIONALS FROM A PHYSICAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: VANĚČEK FRANTIŠEK , ULLRICH DAVID , MILICHOVSKÝ FRANTIŠEK , SVOBODA IVO
Published: June 2023

The probability of soldier success in the military missions is closely connected to the technology and various equipment, that they can use. Except for technology factors, the soldiers must meet their psychophysical and physical parameters. Usually, both psychophysical and physical personal parameters are evaluated during the recruitment process. The main problem could be within evaluation during common duties of the enlistment. The problems with evaluation could be connected to soldiers’ gender. The objective of the paper is to find out the relationship between gender and soldiers’ physical results. The sample consisted of 3317 persons, who attended army training by 15 km march. We employed the Pearson chi-square test to evaluate the potential relationship.
Growth Parameters and Follow up of Low-Birth-Weight Healthy Newborn Discharged from Post Natal Ward of Dr. BRAMH Raipur till 4 Month of Age
Authors: Prabha Soni Harsh , Beck Pratima , Phuljhele Sharja
Published: June 2023

Introduction: LBW is known to be associated with subsequent health issues such as poor anthropometric growth in childhood. Late catch-up growth of preterm infants throughout childhood linked to an adverse health outcome. The aim of this study is to study the growth parameters of healthy low birth weight neonates discharged from post-natal ward. Material and methods: This was a hospital based prospective cross-sectional study conducted in year of 2022 in the department of pediatrics at Pt JNMCH, Raipur. Vitally stable LBW neonates were recruited in the study. The sample size calculated was 140. At the time of birth anthropometric measurement i.e. head circumference, length, weight was taken. Follow up was done again at 1.5 month, 2.5 month and 3.5 month. Informed consent was taken form care takers prior to inclusion in the study. Results: In present study 140 newborns were followed up for their growth. The mean difference between birth weight at birth and at 1.5 months was 1.150 kg (p<0.01), at 1.5 months and weight at 2.5 months was 1.129 kg (p<0.01) and at 2.5 months and weight at 3.5 months was 1.436 kg (p<0.01). Type of feed wise mean weight gain at 1.5 months was highest on those on formula feed, mother milk and those on mixed feed. Male had higher mean weight gain than female. Conclusion: The present study concluded that postnatal lactation counseling leads to higher weight gain in infants as compared to those on formula feed.
KEMAMPUAN PENYERAPAN TIMBAL (PB) PADA BEBERAPA KULTIVAR TANAMAN PURING (CODIAEUM VARIEGATUM)
Authors: Susi Sulistiana  , Ludivica Endang Setijorini
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the content of heavy metal lead (Pb) accumulated in shoots, leaves, and stems croton plant, as well as the effectiveness of 18 cultivars of the croton plant in accumulating Pb in the air of Housing Batan Indah, Serpong, South Tangerang. Sampling is purposive sampling point at 2 locations/stations on the street/block F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N (9 street/block). Each block consists of the first point, namely the location of the dense traffic (approximately 50 m from the highway) and the second point, namely the quiet location of traffic (approximately 250 m from the highway). There are 18 samples, each of which consists of shoots, leaves, and stems of plants croton. Pb concentrate is analyzed by X-Ray Fluorescence X-MET 510 methods. The results showed that croton plant Pb uptake in dense traffic locations higher (shoots: 18.78 Âµg/g; leaf: 26.89 Âµg/g, and rods: 102.15 Âµg/g) compared with the quiet location of traffic (shoots: 13.93 Âµg/g; leaves: 21.07 Âµg/g, and rods: 68.43 Âµg/g). Number of croton cultivars found is 13 cultivars. The best of Pb absorber is stems (220.67 Âµg/g), from Pictum Spot cultivar that have small leaves. The best Pb absorber to shoots (26 Âµg/g) and leaves (44.33 Âµg/g) is from Malang apple cultivar. Both cultivars are located in dense traffic location

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kandungan logam berat timbal (Pb) yang terakumulasi pada pucuk, daun, dan batang tanaman puring, dan kemampuan 18 kultivar tanaman jalan puring dalam mengakumulasi Pb dari udara di lingkungan Perumahan Batan Indah, Kecamatan Serpong, Tangerang Selatan. Pengambilan sampel bersifat purposive sampling pada 2 titik lokasi pada jalan F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, dan N (9 jalan). Masing-masing terdiri atas titik pertama, yaitu lokasi yang padat lalu lintas (sekitar 50 m dari jalan raya) dan titik ke-dua, yaitu lokasi yang relatif sepi lalu lintas (sekitar 250 m dari jalan raya). Sehingga terdapat 18 sampel yang masing-masing terdiri atas pucuk, daun, dan batang tanaman puring. Penetapan kadar Pb dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode spektrometri pendar Sinar-X, dan dilanjutkan penentuan kandungan Pb dengan teknik kurva kalibrasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan penyerapan Pb tanaman puring pada lokasi padat lalu lintas lebih tinggi (pucuk: 18.78 Âµg/gr; daun: 26.89 Âµg/gr; dan batang: 102.15 Âµg/gr) dibandingkan dengan lokasi yang sepi lalu lintas (pucuk: 13.93 Âµg/gr; daun: 21.07 Âµg/gr; dan batang: 68.43 Âµg/gr). Jumlah kultivar puring yang ditemukan berdasarkan identifikasi adalah13 kultivar. Bagian tanaman penyerap Pb paling baik adalah batang (220.67Âµg/gr), yaitu dari kultivar Pictum Spot yang berada di lokasi yang padat lalu lintas. Penyerap Pb yang terbaik pada pucuk (26 Âµg/gr) dan daun (44.33Âµg/gr) adalah dari kultivar Apel Malang.
THE FINANCIAL CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE CURRENT MODELS OF GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CULTURAL SECTOR IN EUROPE
Authors: Bonet Lluís , Donato Fabio
Published: June 2023

The objective of this paper is to promote a critical debate among scholars and professionals on the impact of the crisis on the European cultural sector. The world is living a structural crisis, a crisis that is based on the lack of reliability of the current social, economic and political systems. The majority of the cultural actors, as well as the majority of the other social stakeholders, are not entirely aware of the changes that the crisis will provoke on the future. However, deep crises offer a great opportunity for improvement when people and institutions are fully conscious of their potential for a change. Hence, the crisis could be a great opportunity for a structural change of the cultural sector, both at the policy and at the organizational level. This paper aims at analysing some strategies for an improvement of the governance and management models in the cultural sector. Some relevant modifications of the governance and management approaches are suggested.
Artistic Quality as leadership success-the conductor’s leadership role in the act of music making
Authors: Petricic Sanja
Published: June 2023

Art can be valued in many different ways. For example, it could be valued from an economic, social, cultural or any anthropological perspective, depending upon the desired outcomes of the research. This article elaborates on a concept of defying artistic quality of the orchestra as the conductor’s leadership success. To specify the artistic quality of the orchestra the researcher relies on the model introduced by Boerner (2002) that has been further developed in this paper. The objective of the researcher is to further develop a model for the evaluation of performance quality in the framework of the artistic quality as the leadership success of the conductor. Comparing the results of acquired data in the first set of interviews and the model presented in Boerner’s study (2002), the researcher proposed a new version of the model for the artistic quality of the orchestra. Also, in designing the model, the researcher relied on her artistic experience as well as music training in highly recognized institution such as The Juilliard School in New York. It is also pertinent to this research that she received her graduate degree in collaborative music that provided her with in depth understating of ensemble playing. The results of this research aim to offer syllabus suggestions for majors in conducting, music education and art management at undergraduate as well as graduate levels. Conclusions are drawn both for leadership theories and for the selection and training of orchestral conductors.
Content meets practice in Cultural Management Education
Authors: Kuoppala Eeva
Published: June 2023

The intent of this paper is to expose activity theoretical perspectives to work-based pedagogy through the pedagogical model of the Degree Programme of Cultural Management at Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences (MUAS) and the case study Mikkeli Meets Russia –event. The paper brings up the key differences between traditional learning and work-based pedagogy. It presents the strategic partnership between MUAS and Mikkeli Theatre as one form of collaboration in work-based pedagogy. As a conclusion it can be said that requirements of working-life and the main tasks of the University of Applied Sciences put a great deal of pressure onto professional education. In response to these demands new pedagogical models must be developed and researched. Compared to traditional classroom teaching, work-based pedagogy has changed the context of assignments, evaluation and the schedule of the studies. It has also laid more emphasis on the collaborational relationships between students, teachers and working-life.
Can Leisure Studies enlighten the development of cultural audiences?
Authors: Ortega Cristina
Published: June 2023

Resume: The aim of the article is to enlighten cultural policies for audience development by introducing an innovative approach from leisure studies that focus the attention on the leisure cultural experience of the citizen The article begins with an approach to culture as valuable leisure experience and overviews the main features of the cultural experience from the point of view of Leisure Studies. Next, it approaches the reality of audience development, trying to apply in that certain area of management the theoretical concepts identified before. Finally, it concludes with a series of reflections oriented to the implementation of this new approach.
Democratization or vulgarization of cultural capital? The role of social networks in theater’s audience behavior
Authors: Milano Carmela
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the participation in social networks of theater’s audiences. Our purpose is to observe and understand the role of social networks in the consumption behavior of the theater field. We put the accent on the concept of cultural capital with its social dimension. We realize an exploratory study that consists in a dozen of qualitative semi-structured interviews with theater’s audiences that participate in social networks. We provide an analytical framework based on uses, influences and perceptions of changing in social stratification in theaters. We reveal two kinds of perception: a positive one and a negative one that we denominate democratization effect and vulgarization effect. Our findings help cultural institutions to have a better understanding of who are the theater audiences and how they act. On an operational level, our study offers information to art’s managers interested about the strategic use of Web 2.0 tools.
Promoting digital competences for the enjoyment of culture: new literacy challenges
Authors: Blanco Ana Viñals , Martín Fernando Bayón , Nuere Cristina Ortega
Published: June 2023

Digital technologies and the Internet have become an integral part of our everyday lives and have meant that we find ourselves immersed in a digital culture where knowledge is online. This article examines the impact of the development of the digital age on culture and education, two directly related social spheres that have seen the emergence of several social and digital divisions. Not everybody is able to access and enjoy online culture, so promoting appropriate training in the use of the tools needed in a digital society is indispensable. On the basis of a review of literature on the subject by leading researchers in the areas of culture and education, we conclude that the enjoyment of digital culture entails a radical change of perspective, which doubtless involves adapting the current education system.
Bilateral cultural diplomacy: 50 years of Philippine experience (1959-2009)
Authors: Salazar Lawrence Charles
Published: June 2023

This article focuses its inquiry on bilateral cultural diplomacy by examining the bilateral cultural agreements of the Philippines. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the examination reveals how culture became a domestic consideration in the formulation of Philippine foreign policy as well as a resource for achieving foreign policy objectives. Additionally, this article underscores the need for developing an assessment mechanism to measure the impact of bilateral cultural diplomacy.
Understanding the role of cultural networks within a creative ecosystem: a Canadian case-study
Authors: Blackstone Mary , Hage Sam , McWilliams Ian
Published: June 2023

Despite prevailing theories which presume the importance of networks linking artists and others in their communities, we lack sufficient systematic, artist-centred, primary research for a good understanding of how cultural networks function. To address this lacuna, a project fostered by the three major arts organisations in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan has engaged artists and the public in quantitative and qualitative research to understand their involvement in local and more extended networks. With the first publicly funded agency for arts support in North America, a recently buoyant economy, and a diversifying and increasingly indigenous population, established formal and informal cross-disciplinary networks which created a vibrant cultural ecology in Saskatchewan are in transition. Emerging insights into the current dynamics of these cultural networks and the health of the province’s creative ecosystem demonstrate the importance of such primary research as a foundation for cultural policy making in Canada and elsewhere.
AI-enabled case detection model for infectious disease outbreaks in resource-limited settings
Authors: Sisimayi Chenjerai , Harley Charis , Nyabadza Farai , Visaya Maria Vivien
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The utility of non-contact technologies for screening infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can be enhanced by improving the underlying Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and integrating them into data visualization frameworks. AI models that are a fusion of different Machine Learning (ML) models where one has leveraged the different positive attributes of these models have the potential to perform better in detecting infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Furthermore, integrating other patient data such as clinical, socio-demographic, economic and environmental variables with the image data (e.g., chest X-rays) can enhance the detection capacity of these models.

Methods

In this study, we explore the use of chest X-ray data in training an optimized hybrid AI model based on a real-world dataset with limited sample size to screen patients with COVID-19. We develop a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Random Forest (RF) model based on image features extracted through a CNN and EfficientNet B0 Transfer Learning Model and applied to an RF classifier. Our approach includes an intermediate step of using the RF's wrapper function, the Boruta Algorithm, to select important variable features and further reduce the number of features prior to using the RF model.

Results and discussion

The new model obtained an accuracy and recall of 96% for both and outperformed the base CNN model and four other experimental models that combined transfer learning and alternative options for dimensionality reduction. The performance of the model fares closely to relatively similar models previously developed, which were trained on large datasets drawn from different country contexts. The performance of the model is very close to that of the “gold standard” PCR tests, which demonstrates the potential for use of this approach to efficiently scale-up surveillance and screening capacities in resource limited settings.
Municipal street maintenance challenges and management practices in Sweden
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Amjad , Erlingsson Sigurdur , Sjögren Leif
Published: June 2023

The municipal street network acts as a multifunctional asset by providing people, vehicles and public services with a well-functioning infrastructure. To keep it in good condition, optimal maintenance measures are required which would result in an efficient use of taxpayers’ money. This paper investigates the street network deterioration processes and the management practices that the municipal administrations have applied in Sweden. The study is based on a survey with Swedish municipalities using questionnaires and complementary interviews. The answers provide insight into a wide range of common pavement distresses and deterioration factors, along with pavement management practices. The study identifies that potholes, surface unevenness and alligator cracking are the most cited challenges, while pavement ageing, heavy traffic and patches are the most noted causes. Similarly, the cold climate and population density are influential factors in pavement deterioration. Allocation of the maintenance and rehabilitation and reconstruction budget is higher in the northern part of the country as well as in densely populated municipalities. Condition data collection and use of commercial Pavement Management Systems (PMS) are limited. Addressing the challenges effectively may be possible through the enhancement of the budget, feasible/clear guidelines from municipal councils/politicians, and reducing the gap between street network administrations and utility service providers.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Hold Lower Heterogeneity and Great Promise in Biological Research and Clinical Applications
Authors: Zhang Juan , Chen Mingzhuang , Liao Jinqi , Chang Chongfei , Liu Yuqing , Padhiar Arshad Ahmed , Zhou Yan , Zhou Guangqian
Published: June 2023

Graphical Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSC) and primary MSC comparison: to show the advantages and applications of iMSC.
In silico identification and characterization of the SNPs in the human ASTL gene and their probable role in female infertility
Authors: Suri Kapali , Rajput Neha , Sharma Priya , Omble Aishwarya D. , Kulkarni Kiran , Gahlay Gagandeep K.
Published: June 2023

Ovastacin (ASTL), a zinc metalloprotease, is released from a fertilized egg during exocytosis of cortical granules which occurs minutes after the sperm and egg fuse. ASTL cleaves ZP2, one of the four primary glycoproteins of human zona pellucida, and this cleavage prevents polyspermy, causes zona pellucida hardening, and also protects the pre-implantation embryo. Any perturbation in the activity of ASTL can thus disturb this process and may lead to infertility without changing the gross morphology of the oocyte. A small amount of ASTL is also released by unfertilized oocytes but its catalytic activity is absent as it is bound by its inhibitor, Fetuin-B (FETUB). Pre-mature release of ASTL when FETUB is absent also causes infertility. To identify and understand the structural and functional effects of deleterious SNPs of ASTL on its interaction with ZP2 and FETUB and hence on fertility, a total of 4,748 SNPs from the dbSNP database were evaluated using a variety of in silico tools. All of the 40 shortlisted nsSNPs were present in the catalytic domain of the protein. Comparison of the wild type with mutants using MutPred2 suggests an alteration in the catalytic activity/zinc binding site in many SNPs. Docking studies show the involvement of hydrophobic interactions and H bonding between ASTL and ZP2 and also between ASTL and FETUB. Four positions in ASTL involved in the hydrophobic interactions (P105 and D200 between ASTL and ZP2; D198 and L278 between ASTL and FETUB) and 5 in H bonding (E75 and R159 between ASTL and ZP2; and K93, R159, and C281 between ASTL and FETUB) have SNP’s associated with them validating their importance. Interestingly, a cluster of multiple SNPs was found in the motif 198DRD200, which is also a well-conserved region among several species. Statistical Coupling Analysis (SCA) suggested that the deleterious SNPs were present in the functionally important amino acid positions of ASTL and are evolutionarily coupled. Thus, these results attempt to identify the regions in ASTL, mutations in which can affect its binding with ZP2 or FETUB and cause female infertility.
Role of Wnt signaling pathway in joint development and cartilage degeneration
Authors: Li Xinyan , Han Yuanyuan , Li Guimiao , Zhang Yingze , Wang Juan , Feng Chen
Published: June 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease that affects approximately 500 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment available to stop or delay the degenerative progression of joint disease. Wnt signaling pathways play fundamental roles in the regulation of growth, development, and homeostasis of articular cartilage. This review aims to summarize the role of Wnt pathways in joint development during embryonic stages and in cartilage maintenance throughout adult life. Specifically, we focus on aberrant mechanical loading and inflammation as major players in OA progression. Excessive mechanical load activates Wnt pathway in chondrocytes, resulting in chondrocyte apoptosis, matrix destruction and other osteoarthritis-related changes. Additionally, we discuss emerging Wnt-related modulators and present an overview of emerging treatments of OA targeting Wnt signaling. Ultimately, this review provides valuable insights towards discovering new drugs or gene therapies targeting Wnt signaling pathway for diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.
Evolution and function of calponin and transgelin
Authors: Hsieh Tzu-Bou , Jin J.-P.
Published: June 2023

Calponin and transgelin (originally named SM22) are homologous cytoskeleton proteins that regulate actin-activated myosin motor functions in smooth muscle contraction and non-muscle cell motility during adhesion, migration, proliferation, phagocytosis, wound healing, and inflammatory responses. They are abundant cytoskeleton proteins present in multiple cell types whereas their physiological functions remain to be fully established. This focused review summarizes the evolution of genes encoding calponin and transgelin and their isoforms and discusses the structural similarity and divergence in vertebrate and invertebrate species in the context of functions in regulating cell motility. As the first literature review focusing on the evolution of the calponin-transgelin family of proteins in relevance to their structure-function relationship, the goal is to outline a foundation of current knowledge for continued investigations to understand the biological functions of calponin and transgelin in various cell types during physiological and pathological processes.
Mitochondria-targeted organic sonodynamic therapy agents: concept, benefits, and future directions
Authors: Hwang Eunbin , Yun Minjae , Jung Hyo Sung
Published: June 2023

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an emerging and potentially less invasive therapeutic approach for cancer that employs ultrasound (US)-sensitive agents combined with US irradiation to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in deep tumor regions. Among various cellular organelles, the mitochondria are particularly susceptible to ROS, making them an attractive target for SDT. Organic-based SDT agents with mitochondria-targeting affinity have gained considerable interest as potential alternatives to conventional SDT agents, offering significant advantages in the field of SDT. However, to date, a comprehensive review focusing on mitochondria-targeted SDT agents has not yet been published. In this review, we provide an overview of the general concept, importance, benefits, and limitations of mitochondria-targeted organic SDT agents in comparison to conventional SDT methods. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions for the design and development of efficient SDT agents. By addressing these issues, we aim to stimulate further research and advancements in the field of mitochondria-targeted SDT, ultimately facilitating the translation of these agents into clinical applications.
First description of Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. infecting zoo animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau area, China
Authors: Qi Tongsheng , Zheng Wangli , Guo Liangting , Sun Yali , Li Jixu , Kang Ming
Published: June 2023

Protozoan parasites are a well-known threat to human health, particularly for people working at or visiting zoos, and potentially cause zoonotic diseases in humans. Captive wildlife may be potential reservoirs for human infection with protozoan parasites. Therefore, focusing on zoonotic protozoan infections in zoo animals is critical. However, there is no report on this topic in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region. In this study, a total of 167 and 103 fecal samples were collected from 12 animal species from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park in winter and summer, respectively, to detection the prevalence of infections and subtype distribution with Entamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Giardia duodenalis, Enteromicrosporidia bieneusi sp., Blastocystis sp. by PCR assay. The results showed that a total of 21 fecal samples collected in winter, including from 2 white-lipped deer, 8 Sika deer, 6 blue sheep, 2 wolves and 3 bears, were positive for Entamoeba, with a 12.6% (21/167) positive rate. However, 4.9% (5/103) of animals in summer were positive for Entamoeba, including 1 snow leopard, 1 tiger, 1 Tibetan argali and 2 mouflon. Moreover, 1 white-lipped deer and 1 bear were found to be positive for Blastocystis sp., one zoonotic STs (ST10) was identified and found in white-lipped deer. We found no effect on season on Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. colonization. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first description of Blastocystis sp. and Entamoeba sp. infecting zoo animals in the plateau area. The findings provide the latest data on Entamoeba sp. and Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in China.
HIF and MYC signaling in adrenal neoplasms of the neural crest: implications for pediatrics
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Westermann Frank , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: June 2023

Pediatric neural crest-derived adrenal neoplasms include neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. Both entities are associated with a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, varying from spontaneous regression to malignant disease with poor outcome. Increased expression and stabilization of HIF2α appears to contribute to a more aggressive and undifferentiated phenotype in both adrenal neoplasms, whereas MYCN amplification is a valuable prognostic marker in neuroblastoma. The present review focuses on HIF- and MYC signaling in both neoplasms and discusses the interaction of associated pathways during neural crest and adrenal development as well as potential consequences on tumorigenesis. Emerging single-cell methods together with epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses provide further insights into the importance of a tight regulation of HIF and MYC signaling pathways during adrenal development and tumorigenesis. In this context, increased attention to HIF-MYC/MAX interactions may also provide new therapeutic options for these pediatric adrenal neoplasms.
What matters for sustainability and climate change actions in developing countries: A stimulus–organism–behavior– consequence (SOBC) perspective
Authors: Tan Fuqiang , Luqman Rabia , Asmi Fahad , Zhou Rongting , Anwar Muhammad Azfar
Published: June 2023

Sustainable behaviors demand wielding communication strategies in social and political spheres for public understanding of scientific issues like climate change and the severe consequences of deteriorating environmental quality. Reliable information can improve public understanding of science and enhance public support for climate change actions at social and political levels. This study strives to examine the socio-political and psychological factors that affect climate change actions based on the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequences paradigm. This study further categorizes sustainable behavior into mitigation and adaptation strategies to capture behavioral consequences with the moderating effects of information literacy and a regulative environment. Empirical findings demonstrate interesting associations between socio-political and psychological factors. Significant effects were observed for environmental quality and belief in climate change in explaining pro-environmental behavior. This study reveals that people are more prone to mitigation than adaptation strategies to ensure sustainability and recommends better communication strategies to empower those already engaged in mitigating climate change and encourage those still struggling to adapt to climate change actions.