bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic model predictive control for spacecraft rendezvous and docking via a distributionally robust optimization approach
Authors: Zuoxun Li , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2021

A stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) algorithm is developed to solve the problem of three-dimensional spacecraft rendezvous and docking with unbounded disturbance. In particular, we only assume that the mean and variance information of the disturbance is available. In other words, the probability density function of the disturbance distribution is not fully known. Obstacle avoidance is considered during the rendezvous phase. Line-of-sight cone, attitude control bandwidth, and thrust direction constraints are considered during the docking phase. A distributionally robust optimization based algorithm is then proposed by reformulating the SMPC problem into a convex optimization problem. Numerical examples show that the proposed method improves the existing model predictive control based strategy and the robust model predictive control based strategy in the presence of disturbance.
 
doi:10.1017/S1446181121000031
Potential effect of Imatinib on some sex hormones for male patients of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Baghdad province
Authors: Anwer Ahmed Abeer , J Khaleel Khaleed , Abbas Fadhel Alaa
Published: November 2021

Imatinib Mesylate is an oral chemotherapy drug that has been used to treat Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). It works as an inhibitor of oncogene tyrosine kinase BCR-ABLI as a target therapeutic agent. Despite the drug is well tolerated in most patients, impaired testosterone production and Gynecomastia after therapy might happen. The current study aims to evaluate the impact of Imatinib Mesylate on sex hormones of CML male patients in Baghdad province. Blood specimens were collected from (42) CML patients aged 23 to 68 years who used Imatinib drug for more than two years, and (45) normal persons aged 25 to 65 years as a control group. Exclusion criteria were performed for both control and CML patient's groups, including people with diabetes, hypertensive, and males complaining of infertility after taking medical history for every participant. The blood level of hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), platelet count, testosterone, LH, and FSH were evaluated and investigated. The obtained results showed a significantly lower level of testosterone (2.73+- 0.97) ng/mL than the control group (4.72 ±1.02) ng/mL with a p-value of 0.000. While LH (4.53±2.1) mIU/mL and FSH (5.12 ± 2.83) mIU/mL were significantly higher than the control group (3.77± 0.8) mIU/mL and (3.85±0.807) mIU/mL with p-value of 0.026 and 0.005 respectively. Moreover, the outcomes revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = +0.348) between LH hormone levels with a duration increasing time of using Imatinib, while platelet showed a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.321) with time-consuming using that drug. In conclusion, Imatinib might harm testis functions and some hematological parameters that could increase using this drug.
2B-Alert Web 2.0, an Open-Access Tool for Predicting Alertness and Optimizing the Benefits of Caffeine: Utility Study
Authors: Reifman Jaques , Kumar Kamal , Hartman Luke , Frock Andrew , Doty Tracy J , Balkin Thomas J , Ramakrishnan Sridhar , Vital-Lopez Francisco G
Published: November 2021

Background

One-third of the US population experiences sleep loss, with the potential to impair physical and cognitive performance, reduce productivity, and imperil safety during work and daily activities. Computer-based fatigue-management systems with the ability to predict the effects of sleep schedules on alertness and identify safe and effective caffeine interventions that maximize its stimulating benefits could help mitigate cognitive impairment due to limited sleep. To provide these capabilities to broad communities, we previously released 2B-Alert Web, a publicly available tool for predicting the average alertness level of a group of individuals as a function of time of day, sleep history, and caffeine consumption.

Objective

In this study, we aim to enhance the capability of the 2B-Alert Web tool by providing the means for it to automatically recommend safe and effective caffeine interventions (time and dose) that lead to optimal alertness levels at user-specified times under any sleep-loss condition.

Methods

We incorporated a recently developed caffeine-optimization algorithm into the predictive models of the original 2B-Alert Web tool, allowing the system to search for and identify viable caffeine interventions that result in user-specified alertness levels at desired times of the day. To assess the potential benefits of this new capability, we simulated four sleep-deprivation conditions (sustained operations, restricted sleep with morning or evening shift, and night shift with daytime sleep) and compared the alertness levels resulting from the algorithm’s recommendations with those based on the US Army caffeine-countermeasure guidelines. In addition, we enhanced the usability of the tool by adopting a drag-and-drop graphical interface for the creation of sleep and caffeine schedules.

Results

For the 4 simulated conditions, the 2B-Alert Web–proposed interventions increased mean alertness by 36% to 94% and decreased peak alertness impairment by 31% to 71% while using equivalent or smaller doses of caffeine as the corresponding US Army guidelines.

Conclusions

The enhanced capability of this evidence-based, publicly available tool increases the efficiency by which diverse communities of users can identify safe and effective caffeine interventions to mitigate the effects of sleep loss in the design of research studies and work and rest schedules.
Developing an mHealth Application to Coordinate Nurse-Provided Respite Care Services for Families Coping With Palliative-Stage Cancer: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study
Authors: Castro Aimee R , Arnaert Antonia , Moffatt Karyn , Kildea John , Bitzas Vasiliki , Tsimicalis Argerie
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients living with palliative-stage cancer frequently require intensive care from their family caregivers. Without adequate community support services, patients are at risk of receiving inadequate care, and family caregivers are at risk for depression and poor health. For such families, in-home respite care can be invaluable, particularly when the services are flexible and staffed by trusted care providers, such as nurses. Other industries are using mobile apps to make services more flexible. However, few apps have been developed to coordinate nurse-provided respite care services, and to our knowledge, none have been designed in conjunction with families affected by cancer.

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop a mobile health (mHealth) app prototype for coordinating flexible and trusted in-home respite care services provided by nurses to families coping with palliative-stage cancer in Québec, Canada.

Methods

This user-centered design research comprises the core component of the iRespite Services iRépit research program. For this study, we are recruiting 20 nurses, 15 adults with palliative-stage cancer, and 20 of their family caregivers, from two palliative oncology hospital departments and one palliative home-care community partner. Overseen by an Expert Council, remote data collection will occur over three research phases guided by the iterative Information Systems Research Framework: Phase 1, brainstorming potential app solutions to challenging respite care scenarios, for better supporting the respite needs of both family caregivers and care recipients; Phase 2, evaluating low-fidelity proofs of concept for potential app designs; and Phase 3, usability testing of a high-fidelity interactive proof of concept that will then be programmed into an app prototype. Qualitative and quantitative data will be descriptively analyzed within each phase and triangulated to refine the app features.

Results

We anticipate that preliminary results will be available by Spring 2022.

Conclusions

An app prototype will be developed that has sufficient complimentary evidence to support future pilot testing in the community. Such an app could improve the delivery of community respite care services provided to families with palliative-stage cancer in Québec, supporting death at home, which is where most patients and their families wish to be.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/34652
Sleep Patterns and Affect Dynamics Among College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Mousavi Zahra , Lai Jocelyn , Simon Katharine , Rivera Alexander P. , Yunusova Asal , Hu Sirui , Labbaf Sina , Jafarlou Salar , Dutt Nikil D. , Jain Ramesh C. , Rahmani Amir M. , Borelli Jessica L.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is a transdiagnostic risk factor so prevalent among young adults it is considered a public health epidemic, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep may contribute to mental health via affect dynamics. Prior literature on contribution of sleep to affect is largely based on correlational studies or experiments that do not generalize to the daily lives of young adults. Furthermore, the literature examining the associations between sleep variability and affect dynamics remains scant.

OBJECTIVE

In an ecologically valid context, using an intensive longitudinal design, we aimed to assess the daily and long-term associations between sleep patterns and affect dynamics among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

College student participants (N=20, 65% female) wore an Oura ring continuously for 3-months to measure sleep patterns, such as average and variability in total sleep time (TST), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), and sleep onset latency (SOL), resulting in 1173 unique observations. We administered a daily ecological momentary assessment (EMA) using a mobile health app to evaluate positive (PA) and negative affect (NA), and COVID-worry once per day.

RESULTS

Participants with higher SOL and TST on the prior day had lower PA the next day. Further, higher average TST across the 3-month period predicted lower average PA. TST variability predicted higher affect variability across all affect domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluctuating sleep patterns are associated with affect dynamics at daily and long-term scales. Low PA and affect variability may be potential pathways through which sleep has implications for mental health.
Developing an mHealth Application to Coordinate Nurse-Provided Respite Care Services for Families Coping With Palliative-Stage Cancer: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study (Preprint)
Authors: Castro Aimee R , Arnaert Antonia , Moffatt Karyn , Kildea John , Bitzas Vasiliki , Tsimicalis Argerie
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients living with palliative-stage cancer frequently require intensive care from their family caregivers. Without adequate community support services, patients are at risk of receiving inadequate care, and family caregivers are at risk for depression and poor health. For such families, in-home respite care can be invaluable, particularly when the services are flexible and staffed by trusted care providers, such as nurses. Other industries are using mobile apps to make services more flexible. However, few apps have been developed to coordinate nurse-provided respite care services, and to our knowledge, none have been designed in conjunction with families affected by cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a mobile health (mHealth) app prototype for coordinating flexible and trusted in-home respite care services provided by nurses to families coping with palliative-stage cancer in Québec, Canada.

METHODS

This user-centered design research comprises the core component of the iRespite Services iRépit research program. For this study, we are recruiting 20 nurses, 15 adults with palliative-stage cancer, and 20 of their family caregivers, from two palliative oncology hospital departments and one palliative home-care community partner. Overseen by an Expert Council, remote data collection will occur over three research phases guided by the iterative Information Systems Research Framework: Phase 1, brainstorming potential app solutions to challenging respite care scenarios, for better supporting the respite needs of both family caregivers and care recipients; Phase 2, evaluating low-fidelity proofs of concept for potential app designs; and Phase 3, usability testing of a high-fidelity interactive proof of concept that will then be programmed into an app prototype. Qualitative and quantitative data will be descriptively analyzed within each phase and triangulated to refine the app features.

RESULTS

We anticipate that preliminary results will be available by Spring 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

An app prototype will be developed that has sufficient complimentary evidence to support future pilot testing in the community. Such an app could improve the delivery of community respite care services provided to families with palliative-stage cancer in Québec, supporting death at home, which is where most patients and their families wish to be.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/34652
The Brain and Early Experience Study: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mills-Koonce William Roger , Willoughby Michael T , Short Sarah J , Propper Cathi B
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Children raised in conditions of poverty (or near poverty) are at risk for nonoptimal mental health, educational, and occupational outcomes, many of which may be precipitated by individual differences in executive function (EF) skills that first emerge in early childhood.

OBJECTIVE

The Brain and Early Experience study considers prenatal and postnatal experiences that may mediate the association between poverty and EF skills, including neural substrates. This paper described the study rationale and aims; research design issues, including sample size determination, the recruitment strategy, and participant characteristics; and a summary of developmental assessment points, procedures, and measures used to test the study hypotheses.

METHODS

This is a prospective longitudinal study examining multiple pathways by which poverty influences normative variations in EF skills in early childhood. It is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and approved by the institutional review board.

RESULTS

Recruitment is complete with a sample of 203 participants, and data collection is expected to continue from September 2018 to February 2024. Of those recruited as low socioeconomic status (SES), 71% (55/78) reported income-to-needs (ITN) ratios of <2.0, and 35% (27/78) reported ITN ratios of <1.0. Among participants recruited into the not-low SES stratum, only 8.8% (11/125) reported ITN ratios of <2.0, and no participant reported ITN ratios of <1.0. The average ITN ratio for participants recruited into the low-income stratum was significantly lower than the average for the high-income recruitment cell (P<.001). Comparable recruitment outcomes were observed for both Black and non-Black families. Overall, the sample has adequate diversity for testing proposed hypotheses, with 13.3% (27/203) of participants reporting ITN ratios of <1 and >32.5% (66/203) reporting ratios of <2.0.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results indicate that the recruitment strategy for maximizing variation in family SES was successful, including variation within race. The findings of this study will help elucidate the complex interplay between prenatal and postnatal risk factors affecting critical neurocognitive developmental outcomes in early childhood.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/34854
EPICARDIAL CLIP CLOSURE OF THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE: REPLY
Authors: Rosati Fabrizio , Maat Gijs de , Valente Mattia A. E. , Mariani Massimo , Benussi Stefano
Published: November 2021

Epicardial surgical clip is showed to be a safe and effective tool in
order to achieve a complete left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion thus
reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Historically, other methods as surgical ligation, internal oversewing or
external stapling showed to be largely uneffective with an incidence of
LAA residual flow ranging from 25% to 35% thus, increasing per se 5-
to 10-fold the risk of stroke. Epicardial LAA exclusion by means of
external clip could be potentially released under transesophageal
echocardiographic guidance thus increasing the procedural success rate
of complete closure with no residual stump left.
The Effects of Nusinersen Treatment on Respiratuar Status of Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Hepkaya Evrim , Kilinc Ayse Ayzit , Ülkersoy İpek , Baskan Azer Kilic , Arslan Hüseyin , Meral Özge , Dilek Tugce Damla , Guler Serhat , Saltık Sema , Cokugras Haluk
Published: November 2021

Introduction : Pulmonary involvement is the main prognostic factor in
children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Nusinersen, a new treatment
modality, is being evaluated in recent studies, although the respiratory
part has not yet been clarified. We aimed to reveal the effects of
nusinersen on the respiratory functions of patients with spinal muscular
atrophy (SMA). Methods : In this single-center randomised study,
conducted between June 2020/July 2021, patients with SMA were evaluated
before and during nusinersen therapy. Data were collected on respiratory
status, nutritional support, motor involvement, and other comorbidities
that may affect the disease prognosis. Results : Patients with the
number of 43 (18 type1, 12 type2, 13 type3) with a mean age of diagnosis
of 10 months (range 1.5-192) and 24 months (3-219) at the start of
nusinersen therapy were included. An improvement in respiratory status
was noted in six patients between the second and third assessment. SMN2
copy numbers were significantly associated with better prognosis. Early
initiation of nusinersen was significantly correlated with reduced
hospital admissions. Nutritional support and weight gain were remarkable
in the ventilatory supported group. A significant improvement was
observed in motor functions, and chop-intend scores were statistically
significantly higher in non-tracheostomized group (p<0.005).
Conclusion : We think that nusinersen’s effect may be significant with
early initiation and continuation of treatment. Improvements in
respiratory functions noted in our study require to be supported with
future long-term studies considering the overall genetic and
environmental status, even the cost-effectiveness,to make a global
consensus on nusinersen therapy.
DARPA’s Explainable AI (XAI) program: A retrospective
Authors: Gunning David , Vorm Eric , Wang Yunyan , Turek Matt
Published: November 2021

DARPA formulated the Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) program
in 2015 with the goal to enable end users to better understand, trust,
and effectively manage artificially intelligent systems. In 2017, the
four-year XAI research program began. Now, as XAI comes to an end in
2021, it is time to reflect on what succeeded, what failed, and what was
learned. This article summarizes the goals, organization, and research
progress of the XAI Program.
Prevalence of occult nodal metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Borsetto Daniele , Vijendren Ananth , Franchin Gianni , Donnelly Neil , Axon Patrick , Masterson Liam , Bance Manohar , Saratziotis Athanasios , Polesel Jerry , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Tysome James
Published: November 2021

Objectives : Primary : To determine the rate of occult cervical
metastasis in primary temporal bone squamous cell carcinomas (TBSSC).
Secondary : to perform a subgroup meta-analysis of the risk of occult
metastasis based on the clinical stage of the tumour and its risk based
on corresponding levels of the neck Design : A systematic review and
meta-analysis of papers searched through Medline, Cochrane, Embase,
Scopus and Web of Science up to January 2021 to determine the pooled
rate of occult lymph node/parotid metastases. Quality assessment of the
included studies was assessed through the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Setting : Centres around the world that perform surgery for TBSCC
Participants : Patients with TBSCC Results : Overall, 9 out of 1034
screened studies met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 907 patients
of which 388 had TBSCC. Out of the 191 patients who underwent a neck
dissection, 21 had positive lymph nodes giving a pooled rate of occult
metastases of 11% (95% CI: 7%-17%). When analysed using the Modified
Pittsburg staging system, 21 pT2 cases had a pooled occult metastases
rate of 3% (95% CI: 0%-21%), 27 pT3 cases had a pooled occult
metastases rate of 12% (95% CI: 1%-60%), and 65 pT4 cases had a
pooled occult metastases rate of 14% (95% CI: 7%-25%). Data
available showed that most of the positive nodes were in Level II.
Conclusion: The rate of occult cervical metastases in TBSCC increases
based on the tumour (T) staging of the disease with majority of nodal
disease found in level 2 of the neck.
Diabetes-Specific Risk-Taking in Young Adulthood: A Closer Look
Authors: Wasserman Rachel M. , Houck Christopher D. , Gordon Lonna , Gurnurkar Shilpa
Published: November 2021

Risk-taking behaviors are not a new phenomenon for young adults (YAs) and are an important aspect of understanding decision-making for YAs with diabetes. This article builds on a previous model of diabetes-specific risk-taking by providing other examples of risky situations and behaviors that are specific to YAs with type 1 diabetes, reviewing models of risk-taking behavior, and discussing how these models might inform clinical care for YAs with diabetes.
Here for You: A Review of Social Support Research in Young Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Carreon Samantha A. , Duran Brenda , Tang Tricia S. , Streisand Randi , Anderson Barbara J. , Lyons Sarah K. , McKay Siripoom , Hilliard Marisa E.
Published: November 2021

Living with and managing diabetes is challenging during young adulthood, and social support may help relieve or minimize the burdens young adults with diabetes experience. This article reviews the types and sources of support young adults with diabetes receive and their associations with behavioral, psychosocial, and glycemic outcomes. Intervention research integrating social support and future directions for care are discussed.
Promoting High-Quality Health Communication Between Young Adults With Diabetes and Health Care Providers
Authors: Bryant Breana L. , Wang Christine H. , Zinn M. Elizabeth , Rooney KellyAnn , Henderson Celia , Monaghan Maureen
Published: November 2021

Young adults with diabetes assume increasing responsibility for communicating with their health care providers, and engaging in high-quality health communication is an integral component of overall diabetes self-management. This article provides an overview of the main features of health communication, factors that may influence communication quality, interventions to promote communication skills, and practical strategies for clinicians working with young adults with diabetes. The review concludes with a comprehensive summary of future directions for health communication research.
A Comparative Study on Wear and Machinability Behaviors of AM20, AJ21 and AS21 Magnesium Alloys
Authors: AKYÜZ Birol
Published: November 2021

This paper is a comparative study on mechanical properties, wear resistance and machinability behaviors of AM20, AJ21 and AS21 (Mg-2Al-X) cast magnesium alloys. The effects of the changing in third alloy component (x:0.5 Mn, 1 Sr and 1 Si, and constant 2 Al, wt.%) in these alloys on microstructure (intermetallic phases), mechanical and wear properties and machinability (cutting force, surface roughness, FBU and also chip formation) were comparatively analyzed. The highest mechanical properties and wear resistance were in AS21 (i.e. 49.2 hardness and 181.5 MPa UTS) alloy and the highest machinability were in AM20 (cutting force 35.6N) alloy. The machinability of the alloys were increase with increasing cutting speed.
Schleswig-Holsteinische Bibliographie - Band 8, 1966-1970
Authors:   Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesbibliothek
Published: November 2021

Die Schleswig-Holsteinische Bibliographie ist eine Literaturdokumentation. Sie verzeichnet Bücher, Karten, Zeitschriften, Aufsätze aus Zeitschriften und (in Ausnahmefällen) aus Tageszeitungen sowie Einzelbeiträge aus Sammelwerken, die einen Bezug zu Schleswig-Holstein, einzelnen Regionen, Inseln oder Orten des Landes oder zu schleswig-holsteinischen Persönlichkeiten haben. Dabei sind ehemals schleswig-holsteinische Gebiete einbezogen, soweit die erfasste Literatur die Zeit der Zugehörigkeit zu Schleswig-Holstein oder grenzüberschreitende Fragen betrifft. Der inhaltliche Bezug wird weit ausgelegt und schließt alle Wissensgebiete und Lebensbereiche ein. Zwischen 1930 und 2006, für die Berichtsjahre 1928 bis 1998, sind 17 gedruckte Bände der Bibliographie erschienen. Nachdem im Jahre 2000 die bibliographischen Aufnahmen ab dem Berichtsjahr 1987 (Bd. 13) in eine Datenbank überführt worden waren und auch die weitere Erfassung der Titel dort stattfindet (https://bibliographie.schleswig-holstein.de), wurde die Druckausgabe eingestellt.
Schleswig-Holsteinische Bibliographie - Band 9, 1971-1975
Authors:   Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesbibliothek
Published: November 2021

Die Schleswig-Holsteinische Bibliographie ist eine Literaturdokumentation. Sie verzeichnet Bücher, Karten, Zeitschriften, Aufsätze aus Zeitschriften und (in Ausnahmefällen) aus Tageszeitungen sowie Einzelbeiträge aus Sammelwerken, die einen Bezug zu Schleswig-Holstein, einzelnen Regionen, Inseln oder Orten des Landes oder zu schleswig-holsteinischen Persönlichkeiten haben. Dabei sind ehemals schleswig-holsteinische Gebiete einbezogen, soweit die erfasste Literatur die Zeit der Zugehörigkeit zu Schleswig-Holstein oder grenzüberschreitende Fragen betrifft. Der inhaltliche Bezug wird weit ausgelegt und schließt alle Wissensgebiete und Lebensbereiche ein. Zwischen 1930 und 2006, für die Berichtsjahre 1928 bis 1998, sind 17 gedruckte Bände der Bibliographie erschienen. Nachdem im Jahre 2000 die bibliographischen Aufnahmen ab dem Berichtsjahr 1987 (Bd. 13) in eine Datenbank überführt worden waren und auch die weitere Erfassung der Titel dort stattfindet (https://bibliographie.schleswig-holstein.de), wurde die Druckausgabe eingestellt.
Entrevista
Authors:   Sociedade Portuguesa de Artroscopia e Traumatologia Desportiva., Vieira da Silva Manuel
Published: November 2021

…Esta direção está empenhada em estreitar as relações internacionais através da operacionalização de protocolos institucionais e/ou através do estreitamento de relações e contactos. Portugal tem reconhecidamente médicos e estruturas qualificados ao mesmo nível das instituições internacionais, pelo que esta exposição pode ajudar o nosso país a afirmar-se como um prestador de serviços em saúde e contribuir para as políticas de internacionalização do País … não há projetos desta direção. Há projetos da SPAT, a qual definiu desde a sua fundação um plano de continuidade estratégico. Garantimos, assim, a continuidade dos projetos, o que traz claramente uma série de benefícios para a Sociedade. Esta direção deu continuidade aos projetos da direção do Dr. Luís Amaral e a seguinte há-de dar continuidade aos desta direção. Esta disciplina serve de apoio e referência para um processo bem definido e que resulta num plano de continuidade. Para dar continuidade a esse plano esta direção pretende iniciar algumas ações: um programa educacional em cirúrgica artroscópica, um programa de fellowship nacional e internacional com a criação de SPAT Teaching Centre e SPAT Teacher e a criação de bolsas de estudo em parceria com a indústria …
FMUP - Nov 2021 (summary and comments of paper)
Authors:   USF Covelo, ACeS Porto Oriental. Porto, Pinto de Sousa Inês , Lopes Madureira Rui ,   Serviço de Medicina Física e Reabilitação no Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Algarve
Published: November 2021

Summary of: The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Elite Athlete Performance: A Critical and Systematic Review
The impact of leadership style on employee motivation in the automotive industry: A British perspective
Authors:   Bucks New University, UK, Vasileva Nadezhda Angelova , Datta Palto ,   Regent College, UK
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The effectiveness of leadership is critical at all levels of the organisation. Different organisations use a variety of leadership styles and methods to improve employee performance by inspiring them and providing them with adequate opportunities. The research purpose is to examine the impact of leadership styles on employee’s motivation in the automotive industry in the United Kingdom. Methodology: The researchers used a deductive approach in conjunction with the quantitative method to determine the study's outcomes. A sample of 100 people was used for primary data using a questionnaire-based survey. Subjects are from the automotive industry, and the survey was carried out online. Findings: According to the results, Democratic Leadership Style (DLS), Autocratic Leadership Style (ALS), Laissez-faire Leadership Style (LFLS), Situational Leadership Style (SLS), Transformational Leadership Style (TLS), and Charismatic Leadership Style (CLS) are among the six study variables that are highly significant in terms of employee motivation. Autocratic Leadership Style (ALS) and Charismatic Leadership Style (CLS) were determined to be the study's less significant variables (CLS). The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between leadership styles and employee motivation. Conclusion and study implications: The findings of this study can be used to develop strategies and achieve goals by developing and implementing a good leadership style. Transformational leadership is important, and leaders and managers should strive to demonstrate it in their daily activities. This study's findings have both academic and commercial implications. Leaders should use suitable styles and an inclusive and equitable incentive scheme to motivate employees by setting expectations.
An overview of canopy management in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)
Authors: Adiga D J , Veena G L , Thondaiman V , Babli M
Published: November 2021

Being a tree crop of commercial importance, the productive performance of cashew is greatly influenced by how best its canopy is architectured for harnessing maximum benefits in terms of yield. The initial training is crucial for the development of photosynthetically efficient canopy in cashew as in other perennial fruit trees. Pruning of dead wood and crisscross branches can alone increase the yield by 30-40 per cent. The dwarf rootstocks also play a role in manipulating the canopy in cashew, wherein, canopy containment and yield were influenced by such rootstocks. By resorting to soil application of growth retardants like paclobutrazol, cashew canopy could be successfully contained to suit high density planting system. The studies on planting geometry has indicated the advantage of high density planting in enhancing profitability of cashew orchards in the initial years of plantation. The advantages of rejuvenation as well as top working techniques are also discussed in this  aper.
Genetic analysis in mango (Mangifera indica L.) based on fruit characteristics of 400 genotypes
Authors: Sankaran M , Dinesh M R , Gowda D C S , Venugopalan R
Published: November 2021

The analysis of variance for 6 quantitative traits and 30 qualitative traits showed significant differences among the 400 genotypes of mango which indicates the existence of high heterozygosity. Among the 18 clusters formed, the highest fruit weight of 1404.27 g was recorded in cluster 10 followed by cluster 15 with 1280.67g whereas the lowest fruit weight was recorded in cluster 16 (30.94g). The highest fruit length (22.03 cm) was recorded in cluster 10 followed by 17.80 cm in cluster 14. Similarly, the fruit diameter was highest (12.18 cm) in cluster 10 followed by 12.03 cluster 4. The fruit thickness was highest (10.60 cm) in cluster 15 followed by cluster 4 with 9.96 cm. The pulp recovery was maximum (87.16%) in cluster-14 followed by clusters 4 and 18 with 79.28 and 78.41 %, respectively. Clusters 15 had the varieties meant for pickle making and possessed less TSS whereas the TSS of above 19°B was recorded in cluster 2. The maximum inter-cluster (D2) value was obtained between cluster 10 and cluster 11. These clusters may be used for hybridization programs due to wide variability and the possibility of transgressive sergeants. Estimates of phenotypic variance and genotypic variance had only a narrow difference for all six characters studied indicating that these characters are not much influenced by environmental factors and highly heritable which can be exploited by adopting clonal selection or selection of chance seedlings and selection as parents for breeding purpose.
Studies on bioavailability of iron from fe-fortified commercial edible mushroom Hypsizygusulmarius and standardization of its delivery system for human nutrition
Authors: Pandey Meera , Gowda N K S , Satisha G C , Azeez Shamina , Chandrashekara C , Zamil M , Roy T K
Published: November 2021

Iron is one of the most important micronutrients for human health. Iron deficient diet and defective iron absorption are among the major reasons for iron malnutrition. Mushrooms are edible fungi, which are a very good source of iron and can be easily grown on agricultural residues at-home scale, dehydrated, and stored in powder form, which can supplement the daily diet. Although mushrooms in general and oyster mushrooms, in particular, are a rich source of iron, yet, have not become a recommended diet by nutritionists due to lack of data pertaining to its bioavailability from mushrooms. Data has been generated in the present study on the in vitro bioavailability of iron from non-fortified and iron-fortified Hypsizygus ulmarius, which is a commercially grown species. This is the first report pertaining to the bioavailability of iron from iron-fortified mushrooms. A delivery system for human nutrition was also standardized in the form of Arka Mushroom Fortified Rasam Powder using iron-fortified and non-fortified mushrooms, which can be used to mitigate iron malnutrition. The data generated in this study will help in providing application techniques to use mushrooms as a dietary source of iron in everyday diet to mitigate iron deficiency.
A promising new tamarind selection-lakshamana : Linking biodiversity with livelihood
Authors: Kanupirya C , Karunakaran G , Singh P
Published: November 2021

Tamarind is a well-known commodity of Indian cuisine having medicinal and industrial uses. It is a nutritious tree crop of widespread occurrence growing on marginal lands in semi-arid and sub-humid tropical climates of India, making it highly valuable in ensuring food security for rural poor. Given the great potential of this neglected and underutilized species to address global challenges such as hunger, poverty and climate change adaptation, there is a need to revisit research and development priorities in its favor and to develop strategies together with stakeholders to increase its utilization. In the present study, a survey was undertaken in Tumkur district of Karnataka to characterize the variability available in tamarind for pod and tree characters and identify superior trees using horticultural traits. A farmer’s tamarind selection “Lakshamana” emerged from participatory breeding having significantly better traits compared to local tamarind.
Morpho-physiological parameters associated with chlorosis resistance to iron deficiency and their effect on yield and related attributes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Challam Clarissa , Dutt S , Sharma J , Raveendran M , Sudhakar D
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study was to assess genotypical differences over different stages for morphophysiological parameters associated with iron (Fe) deficiency and their effect on yield. The factorial pot experiment was comprised of two major factors, i) soil-Fe status of natural vertisol [Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient soils], and ii) genotypes [CP-3443, CP- 4105, CP-3486 and CP-4069] with differential iron-induced deficiency chlorosis (IDC) response. Data were recorded and associations between different traits were estimated. Under Fe-deficient soil, tolerant genotype (CP-3443) recorded significantly higher chlorophyll content, peroxidase activity in leaves, and better yield compared to susceptible genotypes which verified usefulness as IDC tolerant potato genotypes characteristics.
Effect of fungicide and essential oils amended wax coating on quality and shelf life 77-90 of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)
Authors: Bhandari M , Bhandari N , Dhital M
Published: November 2021

Laboratory research was conducted to study the effect of wax amended coating on the shelf life of Citrus sinensis Osbeck during 2017-18 at Rampur, Chitwan. The experiment was conducted in single factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of carbendazim and three essential oils viz. lemongrass, mentha and eucalyptus oil at two different concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%, all of them infused with 10% wax emulsion. The wax treatment devoid of fungicide and essential oils served as control. The application of essential oils with wax improved shelf life and enhanced juice retention, firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C and disease reduction. But total soluble solid was found higher in fruits treated with wax emulsion only. The highest shelf life and disease control was obtained with wax with 0.5% carbendazim but waxing with 0.5% eucalyptus oil and 0.5% lemongrass oil can be better alternatives considering their superior performance in environmental aspects, consumer preferences and quality parameters like juice retention, firmness, titratable acidity and vitamin C.
Post-harvest quality and quantification of betalains, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in fruits of three cultivars of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill)
Authors: Gonzalez F P H , Saucedo V C , Guerra R D , Suarez E J , Soto H R M , Lopez J A , Garcia C E , Hernández R G
Published: November 2021

Postharvest quality, quantification of betalains, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of peel, pulp, and juice of fruits of three prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) cultivars of Colegio de Postgraduados in México, were measured. The red and orange cultivars showed outstanding features of postharvest quality (size, texture, TSS and pulp and juice content) highest content of betalains and phenolic compounds. Therefore, highest antioxidant activity. In general, the highest content of bioactive compounds was detected in the peel, besides the content in pulp and juice did not show statistically significant differences. Phenolic content is very high in comparison with other fruits. Antioxidant activity was measured by three assays:FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH. Three cultivars showed a high correlation between antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds. The methodologies used in this work are a very useful tool for the quantification of bioactive compounds in O. ficus-indica fruit tissues.
An assessment of physical properties and water holding capacity of soil under different fertilizer applications
Authors: RODIYA Adeniyi Afolabi , OKODUGHA Dauda Aluyah , ADOGA Emmanuel Aleonolu , OLAIYA Samuel , OKAFOR Michael
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti to evaluate the water holding capacities of soil under different fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block de-sign (RCBD). The treatments: control, poultry waste, biochar and urea fertilizer replicated four times were incorporated into the soil and maize seed planted. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Soil samples were analyzed for moisture contents, bulk densities, particle densities and water holding capacities. Maize yield was also analyzed. The result obtained showed a significant (p< 0.05) changes in maize yield for the different fertilizers. It also shows a non-significant (p<0.05) effect on water holding capacities of the soils incorporated with different fertilizers. The study concluded that fertilizers has no effect on the water holding capacity of the soil and that poultry waste amended soil will produce higher yield.
The design and execution of a laboratory micro hydroelectric power plant
Authors: SPUNEI Elisabeta , TURCU Ionel , VIȘAN Alina
Published: November 2021

The paper presents a laboratory micro hydroelectric power plant destined to applicative activities. The hydraulic turbine is a Pelton turbine, rebuilt by fast prototyping in Geomagic Design X and printed on a 3 D printer. The turbine casing and the afferent elements are made in-house. The hydrogenator is synchronous being an alternator from a Dacia vehicle. The hydrogenerator load is constituted by 3 groups of light bulbs. We analysed the working of the micro-hydroelectric power plant in idle run and for different loads. As a result of the analysis we found out that it stably works for different loads and by its open construction it is useful for developing students’ ability to understand the phenomena. The installation designed and executed is useful for the engineering students as the pandemic forbids the thematical visits in hydroenergetic facilities.
The Beginnings of the Greek-Catholic Diocese of Oradea in the Eighteenth Century. The Beiuş Estate Conscription of 1778
Authors: CIORBA Tiberiu Alexandru
Published: November 2021

The Beiuş estate conscription of 1778 holds valuable information regarding the fiscal state of the local population. The Greek-Catholic Diocese had just been created and it needed a source of income to sustain itself and at the same time to grow. This estate was one of the richest in the whole county, formed from 72 villages with Beiuş at its center. From buildings such as mills, inns and taverns, to farms and homes, they are all presented inside the document. Moise Dragoşi, the first Greek-catholic bishop of Oradea struggled to get this estate and it took four years. The conscription in this case represents not just an official piece of paper, but a window into the life of an eighteenth-century peasant.
Rezumat: Conscripţia moşiei Beiuş din 1778 deţine informaţii preţioase privind starea fiscală a populaţiei locale. Episcopia Greco-Catolică tocmai fusese creată şi avea nevoie de o sursă de venit pentru a se susţine şi în acelaşi timp să se dezvolte. Această moşie a fost una dintre cele mai bogate din întreg judeţul, formată din 72 de sate cu Beiuşul în centru. De la clădiri precum mori, hanuri şi taverne, până la ferme şi case, toate sunt prezentate în document. Moise Dragoşi, primul episcop greco-catolic de Oradea, s-a chinuit să obţină această moşie şi a durat patru ani. Conscripţia în acest caz reprezintă nu doar o bucată de hârtie oficială, ci o fereastră către viaţa unui ţăran din secolul al XVIII-lea.
Cuvinte cheie: Conscripţie, Beiuş, moşie, greco-catolic, Oradea, venit, impozit.
The Power and The Truth. A Film. A National Project
Authors: INDOLEAN Ion
Published: November 2021

This article tries to understand what type of film is approved by the Nicolae Ceauşescu regime and how it is promoted, through various propaganda channels. In this sense, we choose to discuss the film made by the artistic couple Manole Marcus - Titus Popovici, The Power and The Truth (1972), and we resort to a content analysis to understand the way it was made. We are also interested in the echoes of the film in the press of the time and how with the help of newspaper articles the authorities inoculate the idea that this film is the most important cinematographic achievement of the moment, a benchmark for political productions to be made from that point on.
Rezumat: Articolul de faţă încearcă să înţeleagă ce tip de film este agreat de către regimul Nicolae Ceauşescu şi în ce fel se promovează acesta, prin diversele canale de propagandă. În acest sens, alegem să discutăm filmul realizat de cuplul artistic Manole Marcus – Titus Popovici, Puterea şi Adevărul (1972), şi recurgem la o analiză de conţinut pentru a înţelege felul în care este realizat. De asemenea, ne interesează ecourile filmului în presa vremii şi cum cu ajutorul unor articole comandate de autorităţi se inoculează ideea că acest film reprezintă cea mai importantă realizare cinematografică a momentului, un etalon pentru producţiile politice care trebuie făcute din acest moment încolo.
Cuvinte cheie: cinematografie, film politic, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Manole Marcus, Titus Popovici, propagandă.
PENERAPAN VALUE ENGINEERING PADA PROYEK PEMBANGUNAN RSUD SANJIWANI GIANYAR DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Putra Aditya Permana , Agung Yana Anak Agung Gde , Astana I Nyoman Yudha
Published: November 2021

Dalam pembangunan proyek konstruksi, biaya merupakan salah satu faktor penting yang menentukan keberlangsungan proyek. Pada studi kasus proyek pembangunan RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar terdapat permasalahan bahwa terjadinya perubahan desain awal pada ruang isolasi terkait protokol COVID-19 yang menyebabkan kurangnya anggaran biaya rencana awal, sehingga perlu dilakukan penghematan biaya. Salah satu metode yang dapat digunakan untuk melakukan penghematan biaya yaitu metode Value Engineering (VE). VE adalah suatu metode pendekatan yang kreatif dan terencana dengan tujuan untuk mengefisienkan biaya-biaya yang tidak diperlukan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis item-item pekerjaan yang berpotensi dihemat, menganalisis alternatif terbaik pengganti desain awal, dan menghitung besar penghematan biaya setelah dilakukan penerapan VE tersebut. Pada penelitian ini digunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Analisis VE dilakukan dalam enam tahapan yaitu: tahap informasi, tahap analisis fungsi, tahap kreatif, tahap evaluasi, tahap pengembangan, dan tahap presentasi. Hasil analisis VE menunjukkan bahwa penghematan dapat dilakukan pada pekerjaan struktur beton dengan mengganti balok dan pelat konvensional menjadi balok precast dan pelat metal deck yang menghasilkan penghematan sebesar Rp1.046.477.531,18 atau 4,47%, pada pekerjaan penutup lantai digunakan alternatif lantai keramik sebagai pengganti lantai granite tile didapat penghematan sebesar Rp1.058.532.387,51 atau 34,64%, dan pada pekerjaan kusen, pintu, jendela digunakan alternatif daun pintu aluminium sebagai pengganti daun pintu plywood lapis HPL yang menghasilkan penghematan sebesar Rp117.598.489,53 atau 4,41%. Total penghematan biaya setelah dilakukan analisis VE adalah sebesar Rp2.043.035.163,40 atau 1,50% dari anggaran biaya awal.