bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble Consensus-based Representation Deep Reinforcement Learning for Hybrid FSO/RF Communication Systems
Authors: Henna Shagufta
Published: August 2021

Hybrid FSO/RF system requires an efficient FSO and RF link switching mechanism to improve the system capacity by realizing the complementary benefits of both the links. The dynamics of network conditions, such as fog, dust, and sand storms compound the link switching problem and control complexity. To address this problem, we initiate the study of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for link switching of hybrid FSO/RF systems. Specifically, in this work, we focus on actor-critic called Actor/Critic-FSO/RF and Deep-Q network (DQN) called DQN-FSO/RF for FSO/RF link switching under atmospheric turbulences. To formulate the problem, we define the state, action, and reward function of a hybrid FSO/RF system. DQN-FSO/RF frequently updates the deployed policy that interacts with the environment in a hybrid FSO/RF system, resulting in high switching costs. To overcome this, we lift this problem to ensemble consensus-based representation learning for deep reinforcement called DQNEnsemble-FSO/RF. The proposed novel DQNEnsemble-FSO/RF DRL approach uses consensus learned features representations based on an ensemble of asynchronous threads to update the deployed policy. Experimental results corroborate that the proposed DQNEnsemble-FSO/RF’s consensus learned features switching achieves better performance than Actor/Critic-FSO/RF, DQN-FSO/RF, and MyOpic for FSO/RF link switching while keeping the switching cost significantly low.
Oral administration of red rice (Oryza nivara) bran extract reduced weight, visceral fat and liver steatosis amount in obesity male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Puspitasari Dianika Putri , Pangkahila J. Alex , Dewi Ni Nyoman Ayu
Published: August 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity. Red rice (Oryza nivara) bran known to contain polyphenol and antioxidant that might be potential in reducing body weight and visceral fat in obese mice and preventing liver steatosis. This study was aimed to prove the effect of oral administration of red rice bran (Oryza nivara) extract on body weight, visceral fat, and liver steatosis amount in obese male Wistar rats.

Method

In this research, the subjects were 36 male obese (Lee index > 0.3) white rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain, 4-5 months old, divided into two groups. The control group received placebo and the treatment group received 460mg/200gram red rice bran extract for 5-weeks. Body weight, visceral fat, and the amount of liver steatosis were observed. Differences between groups in each variable were analyzed.

Results

The weight of the control group and the treatment group was 321.17 ± 19.04 grams and 305.72 ± 12.89 grams (p < 0.05). The visceral fat weight was 3.15 ± 0.34 grams in the control group and 2.99 ± 0.34 grams (p > 0.05) in the treatment group. Liver steatosis amount was 41 ± 18 cells per visual field in the control group, and 21 ± 12 (p < 0.05) in the treatment group.

Conclusion

Oral administration of red rice bran extract can reduce body weight and liver steatosis amount in obese Wistar rat. The extract of red rice bran was not have a significant effect in reducing visceral fat.
A Comprehensive Review on Power Efficient Fault Tolerance Models in High Performance Computation Systems
Authors: Shetty Nayana
Published: August 2021

For the purpose of high performance computation, several machines are developed at an exascale level. These machines can perform at least one exaflop calculations per second, which corresponds to a billion billon or 108. The universe and nature can be understood in a better manner while addressing certain challenging computational issues by using these machines. However, certain obstacles are faced by these machines. As huge quantity of components is encompassed in the exascale machines, frequent failure may be experienced and also the resilience may be challenging. High progress rate must be maintained for the applications by incorporating certain form of fault tolerance in the system. Power management has to be performed by incorporating the system in a parallel manner. All layers inclusive of fault tolerance layer must adhere to the power limitation in the system. Huge energy bills may be expected on installation of exascale machines due to the high power consumption. For various fault tolerance models, the energy profile must be analyzed. Parallel recovery, message-logging, and restart or checkpoint fault tolerance models for rollback recovery are evaluated in this paper. For execution with failure, the most energy efficient solution is provided by parallel recovery when programs with various programming models are used. The execution is performed faster with parallel recovery when compared to the other techniques. An analytical model is used for exploring these models and their behavior at extreme scales.
Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of Citron Seed Oil: Induction of Premature Telogen-To-Anagen Transition of Hair Follicle in C57BL/6 Mouse Models
Authors: Truong Van-Long , Jeong Woo-Sik
Published: August 2021

Citron (Citrus junos Sieb. Ex Tanaka), a citrus fruit native to Korea, Japan, and China, has been commonly used as a raw material for beverages and herbal medicines. Citron seeds, the by-product of processing industry, contain many bioactive compounds that exhibit several biological properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiobesity. However, potential of citron seed oil for hair growth promotion remains unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the hair growth-promoting effect of citron seed oil and its underlying mechanism(s) in a C57BL/6 mouse model. The results show that citron seed oil effectively promotes hair regrowth by early induction of telogen-to-anagen transition and by increasing hair follicle density and hair bulb diameter as well as skin thickness. Citron seed oil treatment increased β-catenin, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1, sonic hedgehog, cyclin D1 and cyclin E expressions, and alkaline phosphatase activity, compared to the vehicle-treated control mice. Topical administration of citron seed oil upregulated expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein but did not alter protein level for proapoptotic Bax in mouse skin tissues. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were also induced by citron seed oil treatment. These findings suggest the potential of citron seed oil in the prevention and/or treatment of hair loss by inducing hair cycling and regeneration.
Implementation of a Low Power Boost Converter in-line with a Rectifier for RF Energy Harvesting Application
Authors: Sarma Manash Pratim , Barman Pranjal, , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar
Published: August 2021

With the growing requirement of RF coverage, harvesting and management of the associated power along with the conversion of energy into appropriate form is essential. It makes the design of relevant rectifier systems an important aspect. Attainment of a high percentage conversion efficiency (PCE) at lower input power, may not be enough if it is not supported by a DC-DC converter. A boost converter plays a significant role for managing the harvested energy for further utilization. This paper presents a simple, low power, high frequency boost converter for specific target storages or applications. It achieves a peak efficiency of 93% at a very low input power of -12dBm with the use of only two MOSFETs and for smaller value of inductance making the design feasible. Moreover it achieves a very good transient settling time of 5.5μs
Using Affinity Analysis-Driven Adaptive Data Mining Life Cycle for the Development of a Student Retention DSS
Authors: Deng Pi-Sheng
Published: August 2021

Technological development has engaged educational institutions in fierce global competition. To be competitive in meeting the changing needs of today’s student population, educational institutions find it imperative to prioritize student retention efforts and to develop strategies that interact and serve students more effectively in providing them more value and service. In this research we proposed a three-phase-six-stage adaptive data mining development life cycle, and we applied the affinity analysis to this methodology in identifying more than 400 association relationships with student retention, refining iteratively the association rule set down to less than 30 rules, and developing useful strategic implications regarding how the important factors were associated with a student’s decision. This set of implications and factors could then be integrated into the development of strategies for student retention
Stability Analysis for Complex Rotational Flow
Authors: Kazachkov Ivan V.
Published: August 2021

Based on the earlier developed mathematical model of the complex flow due to the double rotations in two perpendicular directions, the stability analysis is performed in the paper. The Navier-Stokes equations are derived in the coordinate system rotating around the two perpendicular different axes, the vertical one of them is arranged on some distance from the other axis of rotation, the horizontal axis is directed along the tangential line to the circle of the vertical rotation. The two centrifugal and Coriolis forces create the unique features in high oscillating flow, with localities of the stretched liquid, due to their action varying by the circumferential cylindrical coordinate in the channel flow. Stability analysis for the complex rotational flow under double rotations creating strongly varying mass forces and stretching of the liquid is considered at first
„Slovník“ aneb Vídeňský učitel v roli pašeráka exilové literatury
Authors: Hanáková Jitka
Published: August 2021

The arrival of the occupying armies in August 1968 and the subsequent normalisation purges resulted in an unusually large wave of emigration. The regime responded to this by closing state borders in October 1969. The great number of refugees brought new stimuli to activities in exile, such as establishment of new exile periodicals and publishing houses, which contributed to preserving independent Czech literature. Some of the books produced by publishing houses in exile were always intended for readers in Czechoslovakia, where they were transported using various smuggling routes. A new smuggling channel was created in 1983 – the so-called Austrian route – by agreement between Jiří Pelikán and Vilém Prečan. They used the code word “dictionary” for this route when communicating with each other. The “dictionary” was a large passenger car, which Jiří Pelikán authorised Adolf Müller to purchase and which was modified by experts from the American secret service who created a secret compartment for transporting books and periodicals in the luggage space. Vilém Prečan and Josef Jelínek then came up with a way to fill the compartment. Young teacher Helmut Bachmann, took receipt of the car from V. Prečan in Vienna. He was talked into collaborating by Jana Stárková. Bachmann drove the car to Czechoslovakia as a tourist roughly once every three months and Jiřina Šiklová organised receipt of the consignments in Prague. The compartment was created so cleverly that the Czechoslovak border control forces were unable to find it, even after thoroughly inspecting the car for forty minutes, something that occurred in March 1984. This transport channel, financed by Jiří Pelikán, was used from the summer of 1983 until the end of 1987, when the car was taken out of operation.
Effect Of Position and Design Parameters of a Fan-Cooled Cold Side Heat Sink of a Thermoelectric Cooling-Module on The Performance of a Hybrid Refrigerator
Authors: Yasser Abdulrazak Alghanima  , Osama Mesalhy  , Ahmed Farouk Abdel Gawad
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a CFD and experimental study of the thermal behavior of the thermoelectric-compartment in a hybrid household-refrigerator that combines thermoelectric and vapor-compression technologies. The hybrid refrigerator has three compartments. One of them is driven by a thermoelectric cooling system, which was made of one Peltier module and two fan-cooled heat sinks mounted on the hot and cold sides. The simulation results were compared with experimental measurements and showed a good agreement. The performance of the thermoelectric refrigerator was tested with changing the pushing direction. Two pushing directions for the fan were examined. In the first one (direction-I), the fan was fixed such that it sucked the air beside the cold heat sink. While in the second direction (direction-II), the fan was assumed to be flipped to push the air over the cold-side heat sink. The results showed that the second fan direction (direction-II) is more effective for heat transfer mechanism between the cold-side heat sink and the inside air of the thermoelectric-compartment.
A Novel Renewable Energy Approach for Cairo International Airport “CIA” based on Building Information Modeling “BIM” with Cost Analysis
Authors: Mohamed S. Emeara  , Ahmed Farouk AbdelGawad  , Ahmed H. El Abagy
Published: August 2021

Renewable energy has become an increasingly cost-effective commerce preference for airports on account of technological advancement, market ripeness and public-sector investment. Airports have merits that promote the financial viability of on-site renewable energy, in particular for solar photovoltaics (PV). Solar energy systems can produce electricity in the day time when sun ray is available and it is cost efficacious. Solar system can be installed either fixed or adjustable to increase the amount of solar energy received via preservation the incident solar beam radiation normal to the system surface as possible. BIM has the ability to achieve a more energy-efficient building to improve the sustainability through energy analysis, solar analysis and wind analysis. PVsyst software was used to model the power generation and to design the whole PV system properly. Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Green Building Studio, during simulation, can give the annual wind Rose. This paper aims to apply analysis for PV system energy generation and its components to give initial cost, and annual cost as well as providing cost payback period which is an important indicator to define the amount of time it takes to recover the cost of an investment. Three cases of PV areas were considered, namely: building roofs, parking area, and PV land plant, in Cairo International Airport, by using the proposed selected PV cleaning methods. The system components were analyzed by PVsyst software. Wind Rose was obtained by Autodesk Revit and Green Building Studio. The results revealed that an annual energy generation of around 70 GWh/yr is expected, the initial cost is about 463 MEGP and the cost payback period is less than 6½ years.
O contrato de trabalho desportivo e a responsabilidade civil do empregador pela contaminação por coronavírus no contrato especial de trabalho desportivo
Authors: Mateo Priscilla Pereira , Manus Pedro Paulo Teixeira
Published: August 2021

O presente trabalho busca expor uma visão global dos efeitos do contrato de trabalho desportivo. Apesar de lhe ser aplicável as regras do direito do trabalho, o referido contrato possui especificidades que o diferenciam sendo tratado, pois, como relação sui generis. Assim, pretende-se abordar os princípios gerais das relações de trabalho desportivo e as regras que lhes são inerentes. Após, expor-se-á os direitos e deveres dos atletas e das entidades desportivas, com especial ênfase às suas hipóteses de extinção. Estabelecida essa visão global dos contratos desportivos, o texto trará reflexão a respeito da multiplicidade dos problemas que a COVID-19 faz surgir em sede de responsabilidade civil no contrato especial de trabalho desportivo.
Dano extrapatrimonial coletivo e difuso decorrente da deterioração ambiental
Authors: Rezende Élcio Nacur , Silva Victor Vartuli Cordeiro
Published: August 2021

Objetiva-se com este artigo demonstrar que a deterioração ambiental, mormente decorrente de grandes tragédias, acarretam danos extrapatrimoniais coletivos e difusos e, por consequência, a responsabilização civil do degradador. Os resultados obtidos na investigação apontam que é desnecessário a demonstração cabal de danos extrapatrimoniais para a imputação de responsabilidade, concluindo-se, pois, que constatada a existência de significativa degradação ambiental, o ilícito perpetrado e o nexo causal, ainda que atenuado, impõe-se ao degradador as medidas reparatórias e punitivas decorrentes de seu comportamento omissivo ou comissivo. Foi utilizada uma investigação jurídico-descritivo, utilizando-se do método dedutivo.
Responsabilidade civil e o exercício das liberdades comunicativas
Authors: Bentivegna Carlos Frederico Barbosa
Published: August 2021

O artigo trata da ponderação entre as liberdades comunicativas e a proteção aos direitos da personalidade, projetando as hipóteses de incidência da responsabilidade civil com a consideração da ilicitude do exercício da liberdade de manifestação do pensamento.
Consentimento no direito da saúde nos contextos de atendimento médico e de LGPD
Authors: Soares Flaviana Rampazzo
Published: August 2021

Este artigo pretende esboçar o conteúdo do consentimento do usuário dos serviços de saúde, na sua bifurcação: no âmbito do atendimento médico e no tratamento dos dados de paciente. A análise proposta enseja trajetória que necessariamente transpõe a exploração conceitual do consentimento nesses dois segmentos, para alcançar a investigação das suas funções, das diferenças do consentimento nos dois feixes antes indicados, os limites de cada um e a fronteira entre a licitude e a ilicitude na obtenção desses consentimentos, a verificar se existe diferenciação dos contornos do consentimento no atendimento médico, em comparação com o consentimento no uso e tratamento de dados sensíveis no âmbito da LGPD, aplicado no setor da saúde privada. Trata-se de tema atual e pertinente, evidenciado pela recente vigência da LGPD e da  importância da proteção de dados sensíveis que envolva a saúde do seu titular, diante da gravidade dos danos que podem ser causados por eventuais usos indevidos, cuja repercussão ainda poderá ser sentida nos Tribunais, em demandas indenizatórias que possam ser propostas por pacientes que tenham sofrido danos em razão de falhas no consentimento, tanto de atendimento, quanto o do uso e do tratamento de dados.
El daño moral bancario
Authors: Vivas Tesón Inmaculada
Published: August 2021

En estos últimos años se han dictado numerosas sentencias relacionadas con productos financieros que contenían cláusulas abusivas, no negociadas y no comunicadas a los clientes con suficiente transparencia. En tales casos se ha declarado la nulidad de las cláusulas y, conforme a su eficacia ex tunc, los bancos han tenido que devolver las cantidades indebidamente cobradas, pero nada más. ¿Es posible condenar a la banca a compensar económicamente los daños morales a sus clientes? El Informe de la Comisión europea de 29 de agosto de 2019 al Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea responde afirmativamente, abriendo la puerta a futuras reclamaciones de daños que afectan a la esfera anímica del consumidor.
Do consentimento informado ao processo de escolha esclarecida
Authors: Nogaroli Rafaella , Faleiros Júnior José Luiz Moura
Published: August 2021

O respeito ao consentimento do paciente é um processo que implica mais do que a mera faculdade de escolher um médico ou de recusar (dissentir sobre) um tratamento, representando-se como um processo que remete à esfera de liberdade de cada um para delimitar espaços de autorregramento no campo do livre desenvolvimento da personalidade, isto é, manifestação da liberdade como proteção contra invasões na esfera físico-psíquica do sujeito. Observa-se, assim, que a autodeterminação do paciente no tocante à disponibilidade de seu corpo para uma intervenção médica tangencia a eficácia positiva da dignidade da pessoa humana. Ainda, cabe destacar que, com o advento, nas últimas décadas, da telemedicina e de inúmeras ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas na prática médica, que impactam de modo relevante a forma de atendimento, têm surgido discussões sobre as peculiaridades do consentimento do paciente nas novas tecnologias. Diante desse cenário, chega em boa hora o livro “Consentimento do Paciente no Direito Médico”, de Flaviana Rampazzo Soares, que é um dos primeiros trabalhos e de maior excelência na doutrina brasileira, sobre os desdobramentos jurídicos do consentimento na dialética médico/paciente no séc. XXI, ao analisar com profundidade o conceito, a natureza, a formação, o conteúdo e a função do consentimento do paciente para o ato médico. Nas breves reflexões aqui apresentadas a respeito do conteúdo do livro, frisamos os seguintes pontos: 1) a configuração do consentimento ao ato médico como ato jurídico de natureza sui generis; 2) a principiologia que modela o consentimento; 3) a sua peculiar interpretação e integração do consentimento; 4) as fases do processo de escolha esclarecida do paciente e suas especificidades nas novas tecnologias no setor da saúde; 5) o conteúdo e extensão do consentimento à atuação médica, a partir do escalonamento dos riscos, dos níveis de complexidade do atendimento e das novas tecnologias; 6) danos decorrentes da violação da autodeterminação do paciente e a responsabilidade médica em diversos enfoques do consentimento.
UM DISCURSO SEM PALAVRAS: CONDICIONAMENTOS ATRAVÉS DOS ESPAÇOS ESCOLARES SUBLIMADOS EM DESENHOS SUBVERSIVOS
Authors: Carioca de Oliveira Jairo
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo central analisar dois desenhos realizados por alunos numa escola pública do Rio de Janeiro, num posicionamento frente ao Outro como possível caminho de sublimação aos condicionamentos efetuados pelo processo educativo. É no simbólico que esses desenhos ocupariam espaços escolares psíquicos discursivos. Eles querem dizer algo paraalém de meras representações sexuais. A Psicanálise aponta que há algo no modelo educacional, como representante da lei e das exigências sociais, que pode proporcionar uma inibição neurótica, uma das características presente nas neuroses. Concomitantemente, Freud indicou que as instituição(ões) e sociedade são conceitos indissociáveis, e que pode haver a possibilidade de exclusão do sujeito dentro de uma instituição regida por um saber, sendo assim, o discurso psicanalítico deve estar pronto a incluí-lo, mas sem palavras, como implicou Lacan, um discurso que coloca o saber no lugar da verdade, isto é, que trata do saber sobre a singularidade subjetiva em seu estado nascente, no próprio ato da palavra falada” (JORGE, 2005). Através da analise destes desenhos subversivos a psicanálise busca entender como esses aspectos são estabelecidos e como podem ser manejados pelo educador para potencializar o processo educativo.
Isolation and identification of low density polythene-degrading bacteria from soil of North West of Algeria
Authors: Zerhouni K. , Abbouni B. , Kanoun K. , Daouadji K. Larbi , Tifrit A. , Benahmed M. , Chaouche T. M.
Published: August 2021

Plas c bags (Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) belong to the polymers, which plays a very important role in our daily lives by their diversi ed applica on. However, the accumula on of the plas c bags in the environment cons - tutes a serious problem and a real source for visual nuisance, pollu on of soil and marine environments. Furthermore, their biodegradation was the safest method of breakdown that possibly leaves behind less toxic residues and showed poten al of bio-geo chemical cycling of the substrate. The aim of the present work was the characterization of the isolated bacterial strains from a municipal land ll area of Tlemcen, North West Algeria, which were implicated by the biodegrada on ability of the Low Density Polyethylene. The degradation of the Low Density Polyethylene was inves gated by studying the bacterial growth of the isolated, inoculated on a solid culture medium, which was composed of LDPE as the sole carbon source with and with- out a nitrogen source and the selec on was based by the determination of the produced diameter of hydrolysis clear zone on the surface. Furthermore, the isolated, selected degrading Low Density Polyethylene bacterial ML002 has been iden ed by the study of their morphological, biochemical charac- teris cs and the ampli ca on of the fragment, coding the region of ARN 16S. The use of the API system indicated their belonging to the genus Bacillus Cereus, which has reduced the weight of LDPE by 0.26, 1.28, 1.53% a er 30, 90, 120 days respec vely. Furthermore, the amplified of the fragment, coding the region of ARN 16S by the isolated, selected bacterial ML002 indicated a similarity of 99.394% with Bacillus wiedmannii and Bacillus proteolyticus and 99.293% homology with Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis.
En lisière de la plantation
Authors: Grajales Jacobo , Saiget Marie
Published: August 2021

Les investissements dans l’agro-industrie façonnent aujourd’hui de très diverses régions rurales. En Afrique, en Amérique latine et en Asie du Sud, mais aussi dans le monde postcommuniste, les entreprises de ce secteur sont décrites comme des « enclaves », face auxquelles se dresseraient des « communautés locales » opposées à « l’accaparement » de leurs terres. Tout en montrant les enjeux profonds de ces installations agro-industrielles, cet article propose de complexifier ce récit, mettant l’accent sur la façon dont l’implantation d’une entreprise reconfigure les rapports de force et les mobilisations à l’échelle locale. Il souligne alors l’existence d’un continuum entre les activités d’intermédiation, les formes les plus visibles de protestation et des modalités plus prosaïques d’adaptation, qui apparaissent notamment lorsqu’on s’intéresse de près aux rapports entre mobilisations locales et militantisme transnational. Ces diverses formes d’action contribuent in fine à arrimer la société agro-industrielle dans l’espace social et politique local. Cette proposition est mise en application dans l’étude d’un territoire marqué par la culture agro-industrielle du palmier à huile : la région ivoirienne du Sud-Comoé, et est documentée par plusieurs séjours de terrain répétés entre 2016 et 2019.
Comment devient-on « prisonnier politique » en Russie ?
Authors: Mustafina Renata
Published: August 2021

Qui décide de qui est un « prisonnier politique » et qui ne l’est pas ? Cet article se propose d’étudier l’évolution de l’expertise sur les prisonniers politiques de la fin de l’URSS à nos jours, en interrogeant la façon dont des institutions identificatrices – des dissidents soviétiques aux organisations des droits de l’homme professionnalisées – délivrent le statut à certains prisonniers et le refusent à d’autres. Fondé sur une recherche documentaire (archives, mémoires, articles de presse) et sur une enquête de terrain menée auprès des acteurs des droits de l’homme, cet article montre que deux tendances majeures – l’internationalisation et la juridicisation – marquent l’évolution de l’expertise russe sur les dossiers politiques. Cette expertise se tisse en effet à la jonction d’un héritage – celui de la dissidence – et d’emprunts à des pratiques internationales standardisées et adaptées au cas russe, ce qui montre que les « droits de l’homme » ne sont pas simplement un pur produit de l’importation symbolique mais qu’ils se définissent dans une tension continue entre des enjeux locaux et des processus d’internationalisation.
Responsive Calcium (Ca2+) Alginate-Chitosan Based Hydrogel: A Promising Biomaterial for Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: A'yunni Fulky , Widiyanti Prihartini , Hikmawati Dyah
Published: August 2021

Spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord which causes lesions in the spinal cord and leads to an increase in extracellular Ca2+. It results in additional neuronal loss which causes temporary/permanent disability or even death. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics and the best composition of alginate – chitosan hydrogel responsive to Calcium (Ca2+) for spinal cord injury. Hydrogel synthesis with its compositions, namely chitosan was dissolved in 0.4% acetic acid, neutralized in pH 7 with 0.5 M NaOH, added some 0.85% NaCl in it, and added 5 alginate variations which were dissolved in 0.85% NaCl, next will centrifugation method. Based on the FTIR test, hydrogel showed stretching vibrations of Chitosan’s O–H bonds appeared in 3415.93cm-1 wavenumber, while Na groups of alginate isomer appeared in 1413.82 cm-1 wavenumber. The results of the cytotoxicity test using the MTT Assay method showed live cell percentage from less than 50% to 52.61% in Sample B and 83.83% in Sample C. The results of the injectability test showed that all samples were injectable with the highest percentage of injectability at 98.283%. The results of the UV-Vis spectrophotometric test showed that all hydrogel samples were able to absorb Ca2+. Hydrogels can be degraded at more than 90% within 14 days. The results of the morphology test (SEM) obtained 84.7-99.6 μm pore sizes.
A Solar Assistant Dehumidifier Based on Porous Metal-Organic Framework
Authors: Wen Xiao Yu
Published: August 2021

As an important factor to measure environmental comfort, humidity control is very important. However, previous dehumidification methods have many defects, such as condensation and adsorbents, which often require a lot of energy. The growing requirements of an indoor environment can stem from the development of living levels and technology. Humidity, as an important factor to measure environmental comfort, affects living and production, and indoor humidity control is an indispensable part of modern architecture. However, there are many defects in the previous dehumidification methods, such as condensation dehumidification, which often requires a lot of energy. Traditional adsorbents (such as zeolite silica and activated alumina) have problems with fragile structures or high regeneration temperatures. In this paper, an indoor dehumidification device based on the porous metal-organic framework {MOF-801, Zr6O4(OH)4(Fumarate)6}, can realize the indoor dehumidification process only by using a small amount of solar energy (1 kilowatt per square meter). The device is expected to remove 0.2113 kg/h of moisture per square meter MOF-801, only needs a few additional energy inputs.
A Method for Calculating Cracking Moment of FRP Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Phan Duy Nguyen
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an analytical method for calculating the cracking moment of concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, which considers the non-linear behavior of concrete in the tension zone and the contribution of FRP reinforcement. Theoretical cracking moments obtained by the proposed method were verified with the experimental results and the theoretical results calculated according to ACI 440.1R-15. The comparison results show good agreement between theoretical and experimental data. A parametric study on the effect of longitudinal FRP reinforcement ratio and elastic modulus of FRP on the cracking moment of FRP reinforced concrete beams also were done by using the proposed method. The parametric study results show that both longitudinal reinforcement and modulus of elasticity of FRP significantly affect the cracking moment of FRP reinforced concrete beams. Moreover, parametric study results also clarify the weakness of ACI 440.1R-15 in determining the cracking moment of concrete beams reinforced with a large amount of FRP reinforcement ratio and with high modulus of elasticity of FRP.
Experimental Investigation of Transfer of PTFE on Bearing Steel
Authors: Chaihad Sid , Tuchinda Karuna
Published: August 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricant is commonly applied for dry contact due to its low friction properties. However, low strength properties can lead to short service-life due to high wear rate, especially under high contact load. The method to add PTFE into a solid contact during operation as a transfer layer has been one of the major attempts in this field. This study aims to investigate the influence of operating parameters, i.e., revolution cycle, sliding speed and applied load, on coverage area of transfer PTFE on the bearing steel (AISI 52100) disc. The experiments were performed on the modified pin-on-disc apparatus using a unidirectional ground disc. The areas with disc grinding direction parallel (parallel morphology) and perpendicular (perpendicular morphology) to the pin sliding direction were both examined. The ascending of transfer coverage area with an increasing revolution cycle within the first 1000 cycle was observed on the area with a sliding direction perpendicular to the disc grinding direction while the descending of transfer coverage area was found on the parallel case. The further increase in the revolution cycle led to only a small change in the transfer coverage area. With more revolution cycles, the pin wear rate increased as a decrease in transfer coverage area formed on the counter-face. Research suggested that the amount of transfer coverage area decreased with increasing sliding speed. However, it could be increased by increasing the applied load.
Comparative Studies on Monolayer and Bilayer Phosphorous as the Anodes of Li Ion Battery
Authors: Yuan Yuan
Published: August 2021

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) material developed rapidly and provided a wide application on the anode of the batteries, reducing the adverse effect of traditional ion batteries such as low capacity, short cycle life, slow charging and poor safety mainly coming from the use of graphite anode. The current report investigates the anode performances of phosphorus, a new 2D material in electrochemistry field, with monolayer and bilayer structure for Li ion batterys (LIBs) through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and gives a comparison on the Li ion valences, binding energies and open-circuit voltages between the two structures. The results indicate that bilayer phosphorus perform better as a novel anode due to the stronger adhesion to Li and lower barrier for ion diffusion. Furthermore, our research results illustrate a broad application prospect on the new anode inventions as well as reducing useless consumption on the batteries by the practice of bilayer phosphorus anode.
Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae and Celiac Plexus Block for Postoperative Analgesia Following Surgical Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Yadav Rupesh Kumar , Acharya Utsav , Malla Sadichhya Shah
Published: August 2021

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition in which a developmental defect in the diaphragm leads to protrusion of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. Its definitive management is by surgical repair. Postoperative analgesia is crucial following the surgery as inadequate analgesia is a major contributing factor for postoperative pulmonary complications in these patients. Systemic analgesics with or without regional techniques such as epidural analgesia have been the mainstay of postoperative pain management following surgical correction of the defect. We report the case of a child with right-sided Morgagni hernia who underwent surgical repair under general anesthesia. For postoperative analgesia, right erector spinae plane block (ESPB) along with right celiac plexus block (CPB) was performed under ultrasound guidance with excellent results. We observed that ESPB combined with CPB provides excellent analgesia following repair of CDH.
Possible Associations between Central Venous Pressure, D-Dimer, and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients
Authors: George Yohanes W. H. , Cindryani Marilaeta
Published: August 2021

Mortality rate in COVID-19 is mainly contributed to respiratory failure caused by intractable acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the direct cause could be caused by diffusion failure or probably pulmonary embolism. Increased central venous pressure (CVP) will ensue in higher pulmonary vascular resistance and in turn would increase pulmonary arterial pressure. Coagulopathy is a common feature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and an increase in D-dimer is the most common finding. These factors lead to thrombosis and finally embolism. We observed 14 intensive care unit-admitted COVID-19 patients suffered from CARDS from March to May 2020. We measured their CVP and D-dimer values and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) scores to search for possible associations. Only CVP and PESI scores were statistically significant between those three parameters (P < 0.005). Lack of regular D-dimer samples and measurements due to limited resources could be one of potential causes, which contributes to the insignificant value. Further investigations with larger samples should be advised.
Impact of Acquisition Protocols on Accuracy of Dose Calculation Based on XVI Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Souleyman Slimani , Maria Khalal Dorea , Cheikh Tyeb , Karima Khalal-Kouache
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The objective of this work is to study the impact of acquisition protocols on the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based dose calculation and to determinate its limits from image characteristics such as image quality, Hounsfield numbers consistency, and restrictive sizes of volume acquisition, compared to the CT imaging for the different anatomy localizations: head and neck (H&N), thorax, and pelvis.

Materials and Methods:

In this work, we used a routine on-board imaging CBCT of the XVI system (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). Dosimetric calculations performed on CT images require the knowledge of the Hounsfield unit-relative electron density (HU-ReD) calibration curve, which is determined for each imaging technology and must be adapted to the imaging acquisition parameters (filter/field of view). The accuracy of the dose calculation from CBCT images strongly depends on the quality of these images and also on the appropriate correspondence to the electronic densities, which will be used by the treatment planning system to simulate the dose distribution. In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of the dose calculation for each protocol, as already pointed in many studies.

Results:

As a result, the protocols that give better results in terms of dose calculation are F0S20 for the H&N region and F1M20 for the thoracic and pelvic regions, with an error <2% compared to results obtained with CT images. In addition, the dose distributions obtained with CT and CBCT imaging modalities were compared by two different methods. The first comparison was done by gamma index in three planes (sagittal, coronal, and transverse) with 2%; 2 mm criteria. The results showed good correspondence, with more than 95% of points passed the criteria. We also compared the target volume, the organs at risk (OARs), and the maximum and minimum doses for the three localizations (H&N, thorax, and pelvis) in CT and CBCT imaging modalities using a Rando phantom.

Conclusions:

The choice of the adequate CBCT acquisition protocol and the appropriate phantom to determine the HU-ReD calibration curve provides a better precision in the calculation of dose on CBCT images. This allows improving the results obtained when using the HU-ReD calibration method for dose calculation in adaptive radiotherapy.
Variation in Dosimeter Calibration Factor (NDW) Over a Period of 20 Years
Authors: Semwal Manoj Kumar , Gupta Harishchandra , Singhal Sakshi , Kumar Ashok , Kaushik Aruna
Published: August 2021

Long delays in renewal of calibration of secondary standards radiation dosimeters in radiation oncology centers due to the COVID19 pandemic have aroused concerns regarding accuracy in dose delivery to patients. The concerns are mainly due to the uncertainty in the absorbed dose to water calibration factor (NDW) over a period of time. In this study, the NDWfactor for two ion chambers, thimble type (Farmer) and parallel plate type (Markus), used in most of the radiotherapy centers, were retrospectively reviewed for 20 years. The calibration on all occasions except once was carried out at the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. The change in the NDWfactor over this period was < ±3%. We, therefore, believe that a dosimeter with no history of repairs showed reasonable stability in the NDWfactor over a long period.
Simultaneous Optimization of Radiation-Imaging Coincidence for a Multi-Energy Linac
Authors: Knill Cory , Sandhu Raminder , Halford Robert , Snyder Michael , Lack Danielle
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Medical physics guidelines stress the importance of radiation-imaging coincidence, especially for stereotactic treatments. However, multi-energy linear accelerators may only allow a single imaging isocenter. A procedure was developed to simultaneously optimize radiation-imaging isocenter coincidence for all linac photon energies on a Versa HD.

Materials and Methods:

First, the radiation beam center of each energy was adjusted to match the collimator rotation axis using a novel method that combined ion chamber measurements with a modified Winston-Lutz (WL) test using images only at gantry, couch, and collimator angles of 0°. With all energies properly steered, an 8-field WL test was performed to determine average linac isocenter position across all energies, gantry, and collimator angles. Lasers and the kV imaging isocenter were calibrated to the average linac isocenter of all photon energies. Finally, A 12-field WL test consisting of gantry, couch, and collimator rotations was used to adjust the couch rotation axis to the average linac isocenter, thereby minimizing overall radiation-imaging isocentricity of the system.

Results:

Using this method, the beam centers were calibrated within 0.10 mm of collimator rotation axis, and linac isocenter coincidence was within 0.20 mm for all energies. Couch isocenter coincidence was adjusted within 0.20 mm of average linac isocenter. Average radiation-imaging isocentricity for all energies was 0.89 mm (0.80–0.98 mm) for a single imaging isocenter.

Conclusion:

This work provides a method to adjust radiation-imaging coincidence within 1.0 mm for all energies on Elekta's Versa HD.
Wound Care Management and Documentation Non-Compliance in Prevention and Care of Wounds
Authors:   , Unaegbu Tobechukwu
Published: August 2021

The incidence of non-compliance and adherence to best practices wound care competence continues to be an issue among the clinical staff of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA). At the VA, there is a practice problem of non-compliance and adherence to best practices wound care competency as evidenced in the electronic medical record (EMR) documentation among the clinical staff. A PICOT question was developed to explore if the establishment of a staff best practices wound care policy focusing on EMR documentation will improve proper wound care management among the clinical staff. The clinical site is a hospital consisting of 40 acute care beds. A new policy adjusted documentation with the use of the Braden scale and the spinal cord impairment monitoring (SCI-PUMT) tools and documentation in the EMR at appropriate times was implemented. A pretest and posttest were conducted to determine the significance of the total documentation using the Braden or SCI-PUMT tools, total accurate documentation using the wound care tools, and the number of multidisciplinary team contacts using the EMR. The results showed no statistically significant improvement with t =1.66, p =.107, t =1.03, p = .310, and t = -0.31, p = .775, respectively. Although the above results did not show any statistical significance after two months of the project implementation, a re-implementation of the project is recommended with the elimination of the barriers encountered during the project implementation
Knowledge and self-reported confidence in antimicrobial stewardship programme among final year pharmacy undergraduate students in Malaysia and Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Usman , Sha’aban Abubakar , Mohammed Mustapha , Muhammad Haseeb Tariq , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Amir Omalhassan
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study evaluated the knowledge and self-reported confidence of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among pharmacy students in Malaysia and Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among final year undergraduate pharmacy students in a university from both Nigeria and Malaysia using a 59-item online questionnaire.

Results: A total of 150 final year undergraduate pharmacy students completed the questionnaire. Exposure to infectious diseases clerkship was higher among the Malaysian students (78.2% versus 25.4%; p < 0.001). Overall, the knowledge score for antibiotic resistance and AMS were comparable (6.2 ± 1.5 and 3.6 ± 1.2, respectively versus 5.9 ± 1.6 and 3.3 ± 1.3). The knowledge of antibiotic therapy was higher among the Malaysian students (5.4 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.8; p < 0.001) while self-reported confidence to participate in AMS was higher among the Nigerian students (median 48.0, IQR 26 – 75 versus median 36.5, IQR 15 – 75; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Pharmacy students in Malaysia and Nigeria have appreciable knowledge of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic therapy and AMS. More training on topics is recommended to improve the skills and competency of future pharmacists to participate in AMS.
A desjudicialização da execução civil no Brasil
Authors: Dourado Flávio Augusto Vilhena , Verbicaro Soares Douglas
Published: August 2021

O Poder Judiciário brasileiro enfrenta uma grave crise de eficiência que se concentra, sobretudo, na seara da execução. Dados estatísticos coletados pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça demonstram que o número de processos em pendência, bem como o tempo médio de tramitação destes, vem crescendo ano após ano. A morosidade que circunda os meios executórios afeta diretamente a prestação jurisdicional e sua capacidade de satisfazer as demandas dos exequentes, por isso, legisladores e estudiosos do Direito buscam uma saída apta a sanar estes vícios. Com eficácia já comprovada em países europeus, dentre os quais encontra-se Portugal, a desjudicialização da execução civil surge como alternativa palpável, afastando do Estado-juiz incapacitado a competência sobre os meios expropriatórios. Panorama esse que resultou na proposição do Projeto de Lei n° 6204, de 2019, que transforma o tabelião de protesto em agente de execução, tornando subsidiária a figura do magistrado. Dessa forma, é pertinente questionar: seria a desjudicialização da execução civil capaz de solucionar a crise judiciária no Brasil? O presente estudo científico, de natureza explicativa, tem como escopo desvendar, através de pesquisa bibliográfica, a sua aplicabilidade e efetividade, bem como se o PL n° 6204/19 é suficientemente apto a implementar esta reforma.
DESIGNING SELF-REGULATED LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGY INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM IN A BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS IN CHINA
Authors: Ping Aminah Ma , Hong Qiao
Published: August 2021

Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) is considered a useful framework for strategy instruction. Teachers play a key role in designing and implementing strategy instruction; however, strategy instruction in teacher preparation program has been given less concern. Factors such as curriculum constraints, transmissive style of teaching strategies in the classroom etc. put strategy instruction in teacher education in a rather difficult position. Thus, with theoretical basis of SRL, this study proposes an alternative approach of strategy instruction in a blended learning environment to offer some insights into a strategy instructional program for teacher training. It is expected to provide an experiential and active learning experience for pre-service teachers to promote their own use of strategies in language learning as well as their knowledge of learning strategy and strategy instruction. The current article presents the results of needs analysis and describes the program’s theoretical foundation, design guidelines and outlines the program structure.

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