bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Traditional Leaders in Conservation of Fishery Resources in Mandah District Indragiri Hilir Regency Indonesia
Authors: Deliana E , Febriani S , Ferawati F
Published: December 2021

Fishery resources in Mandah Subdistrict, Indragiri Hilir Regency in Riau Province, has considerable potential and are important resources for the community. However, the utilization of these fishery resources is sometimes carried out in ways that violate the provisions, both positive legal provisions and provisions in customary law that live in the Mandah community. For this reason, it is necessary to examine the role of traditional leaders in conserving fishery resources in Mandah District. The research method used is sociological legal research, with the main data source being primary legal materials, namely binding legal materials, both written and unwritten. The result of the research is that traditional leaders have an important role in conserving fishery resources. They act as institutions that disseminate customary provisions, receive reports on violations of the law that occur and become mediator or judges for violations of the law, especially in the field of fishery resources. Traditional leaders in Mandah play an important role in preserving fishery resources due to the geographical location of Mandah Subdistrict which is quite far from the Regency Capital, causing the government apparatus and legal apparatus on duty in Mandah to be limited in number. In addition, through sanctions against perpetrators of violations, traditional leaders contribute to the protection of fishery resources in Mandah District.
Application of Aeration Injection to Increase Dissolved Oxygen of Surface Water in The Floating Net Cage
Authors: Cahyadi A , Zulkarnain R
Published: December 2021

Cirata Reservoir is a place for fish cultivators who mostly cultivate tilapia using floating net cages. However, water quality conditions, especially dissolved oxygen levels, which play an important role in tilapia culture in floating net cages are always uncertain and affect the growth of tilapia. Therefore, artificial aeration is needed that is able to increase dissolved oxygen levels so that it is suitable for tilapia culture by using Aearator Dua Lapis (ADL) engine. This study aims to inject dissolved oxygen into the surface layer of the reservoir by applying the ADL engine with gasoline. ADL operated at 1800, 4500, and 5500 rpm with a torque of 3.5 N/m2 and the DO value is recorded every 10 minutes up to 1440 minutes, the results of DO value were recorded and analyzed by using descriptive statistic and statistically using ANOVA with a single factor showed that the rotation has a very significant effect on the resulting DO value (p<0.01). For ADL operation in floating net cages, 4500 rpm rotation was used at certain depth (0.4 m; 1 m; 1.5 m) and the DO value measured at 4.00 am to 2.00 am (22 hours) in aerated floating net cages and without aerated floating net cages.Aerated floating net cages have a higher DO value, especially at a depth of 0.4 m. ADL as an aerator in floating net cages has a very significant effect (p<0.01) in increasing the DO value in floating net cages at a depth of 40 cm to 1.5 m. This proved that the use of ADL is able to increase the DO value in floating net cages in the first layer with a depth of up to 4 m and ADL also can be used as emergency aeration or supplemental aeration for tilapia culture.
Capture Fishery Resources of Citanduy River, West Java
Authors: Sawestri S , Suryati N K , Muthmainnah D , Pamungkas Y P
Published: December 2021

Citanduy river is one of the priority watersheds in West Java. Information on capture fisheries resources in Citanduy, however, river is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the information of capture fisheries resources in that river. The method used in this study was a survey method, by collecting data in the field, and then analyzed it in the laboratory. This research was conducted in 2018. Samples of fish were collected through the active participation of fishers with various types of fishing gear. The identification of fish and fishing gear used some references. Some fish caught were preserved in formalin solution and identified. The dominant catch in Citanduy River isMystacoleucus marginatusandCyprinus carpio. Other economic fishes catch in Citanduy river areOreochromis niloticus, Osteochilus vittatus, O. mossambicus, Trichogaster trichopterus, Hemibragus nemurus, Hampala macrolepidota, Channa striata, Moolgarda seheli, andGlossogobius giurus. The fishing gears used by fishers are hooks and lines, cast nets, scope nets, traps, and gill nets. The inland capture fishery in Citanduy river is still a secondary sector for the interests of local government.The current condition of capture fisheries in Citanduy is not the main livelihood for fishers. The inland capture fisheries in Citanduy is still using a simple fishing gear and do not have more complex tools. Citanduy river has potential source of economic and protein food, particularly for local community. Regarding in these potential, management of environment could be the major domains in fisheries management. The policy of local government in handling non-selective fishing gear and restocking activity could be maintain the sustainable fish resources in Citanduy river.
Profile and Prospects of Fish Processing In Rokan Hilir Regency
Authors: Dahlia D , Effendi I , Elizal E , Listihana W D , Wiyati R , Arizal A , Zargustin D
Published: December 2021

Post-harvest handling and processing of fishery products is an aspect of the development of the fisheries industry in an area. Rokan Hilir Regency is one of the main fish-producing areas in Riau. This study aims to describe the profile of processed fishery and its development prospects in the future. This research was conducted from July to September 2020. Primary data was obtained through direct field observations of fish processing objects and accompanied by interviews with the owners and workers of the fish processing businesses. Interviews were also conducted with community leaders, related industries, government officials and academics. Secondary data was collected from reports of government and other agencies. Includes SWOT analysis, situation analysis, participatory analysis, problem analysis, objective analysis, and development analysis. Processed fish products in Rokan Hilir are; dried prawns, salted fish, prawn powder, fish meal, dried trash fish, fish lamps, shrimp paste and smoked fish. The centers for producing fish are sub-districts; Bangko, Pasir Limau Kapas, Sinaboi, Babussalam and Rantau Kopar. The long distance to consumers, difficulty in accessing production centers and limited supporting infrastructure are problems in processing fishery products in this area. The types of processed fish products that are more prospective are shrimp flour, salted fish and smoked fish. The recommended development strategies include; human resource training in the field of business management, providing stimulants and ongoing guidance from the government and industry.
Recent Developments in Water Treatment by Cellulose Aerogels from Agricultural Waste
Authors: Nguyen Phuong X T , Ho Kim H , Nguyen Chi T X , Do Nga H N , Pham Anh P N , Do Tai C , Le Kien A , Le Phung K
Published: December 2021

Water pollution caused by inorganic and organic compounds affects seriously health risks and the destruction of the water balance of the ecosystem. Water remediation is one of the greatest challenges of the modern age, which is faced by several countries in over the world. Many advanced technologies have been developed in recent years to manage this alarming problem. One of the recent research directions is to utilize agricultural waste, which is an abundant, low-cost, eco-friendly source, to manufacture cellulose aerogels for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, and oils from contaminated water. This review paper focuses on the latest green fabrication of bio-aerogels from various cellulose-based plant waste and studies on the kinetics and influence of factors such as contact time, pH solution, initial concentration, and temperature on the adsorption process to better understand the mechanisms of water treatment by the cellulose aerogels. Based on the discussion and summary, the potential of agro-waste sources in their value-added chain by developing efficient water treatment cellulose aerogels is comprehensively overviewed.
Enhancing the photocatalytic activity of Ag-TiO2/SiO2 and its potential application in water treatment
Authors: Ho Thi-Ngoc-Suong , Ngo Manh-Thang , Le Minh-Vien
Published: December 2021

Ag-doped TiO2/SiO2 with visible light response was prepared by a simple sol-gel method using titanium w-butoxide (TNB), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as precursors, and silver nitrate (AgNO3). The synthesized Ag-TiO2/SiO2 were characterized by SEM, XRD, PL (photoluminescence) emission and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by treating aqueous solutions of phenol under simulated visible light illumination. The role of silver doped was investigated in the range 1% – 5% (molar ratio), resulting in the best bandgap value of 2.93 eV for Ag(3%)-TiO2/SiO2 compared to 3,18 eV for the un-doped TiO2/SiO2. Consequently, the best phenol treating yield – about 97% after 4 hours – was obtained using Ag(3%)-TiO2/SiO2. So the synthesized Ag(3%)-TiO2/SiO2 might serve as a potential photocatalyst for water treatment using visible lights.
High surface area MnO2 catalysts prepared by a metastable aqueous-aqueous interface method and their catalytic oxidation activity
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Thi Truc , Ngoc Tran Thi Hong , Tu Le Nguyen Quang , Long Nguyen Quang
Published: December 2021

In this work, the metastable aqueous-aqueous interfacial approach was used to prepare MnO2 with enhanced surface area, which helps to save energy, decrease cost and protect the environment. The material characteristic success was proven through using powder X-ray diffraction for the crystalline properties and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm for high surface area. The relationship between the calcination temperature and the crystallinity as well the specific material surface area was also interested. The catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide was investigated by the closed system measuring produced oxygen. After the H2O2 decomposition comparison between synthesized samples and commercial MnO2 in terms of both the efficiency and the speed, the M-200 sample was considered as a typical sample with outstanding performance to examine the reaction conditions (H2O2 solution concentration, catalyst amount and reaction temperature). The optimal reaction condition results are 0.9% H2O2 solution concentration, 0.2g/L catalyst, and room temperature. Besides, the leaching test and the catalytic regeneration were also conducted.
The impact of surfactants on nanosphere zinc phosphate synthesis
Authors: Nguyen Van-Tuan , Thi Ngoc Tram Nguyen , Thi Ha Nguyen , Ngo Thanh-An
Published: December 2021

Recently, biomaterials have attracted widespread concern because of their compatibilities with live bodies. Among advanced biomaterials, zinc phosphate nanospheres particles are potential candidates for delivering drug and dental restorations. However, their fabrication methods are complicated and non-eco-friendly. In this study, we report the impact of surfactant supplements on the wet chemical preparation of zinc phosphate. Experimentally, Di-propylene glycol (DPG) and Trimethylolpropane (TMP) were added to the solution in the preparation step to compare the morphology of synthesized particles with the non-surfactant process. The morphology was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The addition of surfactants changed particle shape to spherical with a diameter of less than 200 nm. Moreover, the synthesized particles with DPG had a solid form, while those with TMP had a hollow structure (a diameter of 50-70 nm and shell thickness of 5-7 nm). Furthermore, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared, and Thermogravimetric analyses analyzed properties of hollow particles.
Cerium-modified cryptomelane: an antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tran-Thuy Tuyet-Mai , Nguyen-Thi Ngoc-Thuy , Tran Trong-Phu , Tran-Le Ngoc-Hung , Dang Minh-An , Nguyen Quang-Vinh , Nguyen-Kim Minh-Tam
Published: December 2021

K-OMS-2 (non-modified sample) and Ce-modified OMS-2 with different Ce-loading amounts were prepared by the refluxed method. The cryptomelane structure and elemental composition of synthesized samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. ICP-MS analysis revealed ~0.06 – 0.11 of K/Mn molar ratio and the Ce-loading amounts increased from 0 to —11.27 wt.% under increasing Ce-precursor concentration. Antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. The antibacterial ability against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not recorded over K-OMS-2 (Ce0; 4.5 wt.% of K; 0 wt.% of Ce) and Ce3 (0.89 wt.% of K; 11.27 wt.% of Ce) samples while Ce2 sample (1.89 wt.% of K; 8.7 wt.% of Ce) showed a comparable antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with ~12 mm of inhibition-zone diameter. This suggested the potentiality of using metal-modified cryptomelane in acceleration of antimicrobial ability.
Studying on cytotoxic activity of ethyl acetate extracts and isolated substances from cultured Isaria cicadae F0004 in Vietnam against the MCF-7 cell lines and Jurkat cell lines
Authors: Dung Nguyen Chi , Ngoc Ha Thi , Ninh Pham Thi My , Phu Dang Hoang , Hiep Dinh Minh , Suong Ngo Ke
Published: December 2021

Isaria cicadae species of the Isaria genus have been isolated in many Asian countries, including China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Furthermore, Isaria cicadae content potential medicinal source in the prevention and treatment of cancer, strengthening the immune system. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Jurkat T cell lines of the extract and isolated potential compounds from Isaria cicadae in Vietnam. The results showed that ethyl acetate (EA) extract from the fruit body of the Isaria cicadae F0004 strain had high cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 and Jurkat cell lines at the concentration of 100 μg/mL with the IC50 value was reached 17.15 ± 1.68 and 10.37 ± 0.61 μg/mL respectively. The constituents of the EA extract from the fungus Isaria cicadae F0004 were isolated by column chromatography and preparative chromatography. Then, the structures were determined by spectroscopy 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR. It was obtained 5 compounds including uracil, 1-0-ethyl-ß-D-ribofuranose, ergosterol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid. Protocatechuic acid isolated from Isaria cicadae F0004 that showed cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 and Jurkat cell lines with IC50 values of 5.97 ± 0.36 and 3.15 ± 0.64 (mM) respectively. This study is the basis for further research on the cytotoxic activity of the fungus Isaria cicadae F0004 in vitro.
Investigation of the bioactivities of extracts from Vernonia Amygdalina Del
Authors: Thanh Nga Phan Thi , Tran Thanh Truc
Published: December 2021

The antibacterial, antioxidant activity, and anticancer of the extract from Vernonia Amygdalina Del leaves, was assessed towards 6 selected bacteria, in the DPPH test, as well as on hepatic (HepG2), blood (K562) cancer cell lines. The DPPH assay revealed that the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity with the warm ethanol extract (IC50 = 259,03 ± 5,42 μg/mL). And the ethyl acetate extract showed a high antibacterial effect expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 100 mg/mL) against Gram-positive bacteria. At the concentration of 250 mg/mL, this extract also demonstrated its ability to resist blood cancer cells K562 (with a survival rate of 25%) and liver cancer cells HepG2 (with a survival rate of 0%).
Effects of enzymatic treatment on the chemical composition, antioxidant and rheological properties of cactus cladode juice
Authors: Nguyen Anh L. , Le Ngoc Lieu
Published: December 2021

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), commonly referred as prickly pear or nopal cactus, belongs to the family Cactaceae. It has attracted domestic and international industries’ attention owing to its nutritional and health benefit potentials. In this project, the quality of the cactus cladode juice after treated with the enzymes Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Viscozyme was investigated in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. There were significant increases in the effectiveness of these enzymes as the concentration increased from 0.05 to 0.15% w/w. Among different concentrations, 0.15% w/w produced a higher yield and high-quality juice. Furthermore, the result indicates that prolonging the incubation duration could improve juice yield but this occurred only within the first hour of reaction, which the highest yield was obtained at 0.75 h. At these conditions, the combination of Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Viscozyme at ratio 1:1 (w/w) showed the most effective on juice yield improvement and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, while the highest total phenolic content was obtained when treating with Pectinex Ultra SP-L. Particularly as compared to the control sample, the juice yield increased from 53% to 76%, the TPC enhanced from 47 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL to 70 μg GAE/mL, and the DPPH free radical scavenging activity improved from 277 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/mL to 470 μg AAE/mL. Overall, the quality of cactus juice was better with enzymatic treatment than that of the untreated juice. The data also showed that the cactus juice behaved as shear – thickening fluids at room temperature.
Effects of cellulolytic treatment conditions on dietary fiber content of grape pomace and use of enzyme-treated pomace in cookie making
Authors: Hạnh Trần Thị Hồng , Phúc Lê Nguyên , Duy Hồ Hữu Bἀo , Xuyến Nguyễn Kim , Trà Trần Thị Thu , Nguyệt Tôn Nữ Minh , Mẫn Lê Văn Việt
Published: December 2021

Grape pomace is a rich source of dietary fibers and phenolic compounds; it has been added to bakery products to enhance their dietary fiber content and antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, the Insoluble Dietary Fiber (IDF) content of grape pomace is significantly higher than the Soluble Dietary Fiber (SDF) content, the IDF/SDF ratio of bakery products was much higher than the recommended value of 3:1 from the dietetic associations. In this research, grape pomace was treated with cellulase preparation to partially convert IDF to SDF. The appropriate conditions of the cellulolytic treatment were as follows: initial moisture content of grape pomace of 7.5 g water/g dry basis, cellulase concentration of 6 U/g dry basis and treatment time of 1 h. Under these conditions, the SDF content increased by 20% and the IDF/SDF ratio decreased by 23.2%. Then, the enzyme-treated grape pomace (ETGP) and untreated grape pomace (UGPM) were separately mixed with wheat flour for cookie formulation; the grape pomace ratio was 20% of the composite flour weight. The use of ETGP or UTGP significantly improved the content of total, insoluble and soluble dietary fiber, total phenolics, anthocyanin of cookies as well as their antioxidant activity measured by DPPH and FRAP assays. Cookies supplemented with ETGP or UTGP had increased hardness and reduced brightness. The enzymatic treatment of grape pomace did not affect the total dietary fiber and antioxidant activity of cookies; however, their IDF/SDF ratio decreased to 12% and the value of 3.7 was close to the recommended ratio from the dietetic associations. Furthermore, the preference scores of ETGP added cookies and UTGP added cookies were higher than that of the control cookies without grape pomace addition.
Limit theorems for prices of options written on semi-Markov processes
Authors: Scalas E. , Toaldo B.
Published: December 2021

We consider plain vanilla European options written on an underlying asset that follows a continuous time semi-Markov multiplicative process. We derive a formula and a renewal type equation for the martingale option price. In the case in which intertrade times follow the Mittag-Leffler distribution, under appropriate scaling, we prove that these option prices converge to the price of an option written on geometric Brownian motion time-changed with the inverse stable subordinator. For geometric Brownian motion time changed with an inverse subordinator, in the more general case when the subordinator’s Laplace exponent is a special Bernstein function, we derive a time-fractional generalization of the equation of Black and Scholes.
On the local time of a recurrent random walk on ℤ²
Authors: Bohun V. , Marynych A.
Published: December 2021

We prove a functional limit theorem for the number of visits by a planar random walk on

Z

2

\mathbb {Z}^2

with zero mean and finite second moment to the points of a fixed finite set

P
⊂

Z

2

P\subset \mathbb {Z}^2

. The proof is based on the analysis of an accompanying random process with immigration at renewal epochs in case when the inter-arrival distribution has a slowly varying tail.
Series representations and simulations of isotropic random fields in the Euclidean space
Authors: Ma Z. , Ma C.
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces the series expansion for homogeneous, isotropic and mean square continuous random fields in the Euclidean space, which involves the Bessel function and the ultraspherical polynomial, but differs from the spectral representation in terms of the ordinary spherical harmonics that has more terms at each level.The series representation provides a simple and efficient approach for simulation of isotropic (non-Gaussian) random fields.
Increasing frequency of gene copy number aberrations is associated with immunosuppression and predicts poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Silva Arnaldo N. S. , Saito Yuichi , Yoshikawa Takaki , Oshima Takashi , Hayden Jeremy D. , Oosting Jan , Earle Sophie , Hewitt Lindsay C. , Slaney Hayley L. , Wright Alex , Inam Imran , Langley Ruth E. , Allum William , Nankivell Matthew G. , Hutchins Gordon , Cunningham David , Grabsch Heike I.
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with Epstein–Barr virus-positive gastric cancers or those with microsatellite instability appear to have a favourable prognosis. However, the prognostic value of the chromosomal status (chromosome-stable (CS) versus chromosomal instable (CIN)) remains unclear in gastric cancer.

Methods

Gene copy number aberrations (CNAs) were determined in 16 CIN-associated genes in a retrospective study including test and validation cohorts of patients with gastric cancer. Patients were stratified into CS (no CNA), CINlow (1–2 CNAs) or CINhigh (3 or more CNAs). The relationship between chromosomal status, clinicopathological variables, and overall survival (OS) was analysed. The relationship between chromosomal status, p53 expression, and tumour infiltrating immune cells was also assessed and validated externally.

Results

The test and validation cohorts included 206 and 748 patients, respectively. CINlow and CINhigh were seen in 35.0 and 15.0 per cent of patients, respectively, in the test cohort, and 48.5 and 20.7 per cent in the validation cohort. Patients with CINhigh gastric cancer had the poorest OS in the test and validation cohorts. In multivariable analysis, CINlow, CINhigh and pTNM stage III–IV (P < 0.001) were independently associated with poor OS. CIN was associated with high p53 expression and low immune cell infiltration.

Conclusion

CIN may be a potential new prognostic biomarker independent of pTNM stage in gastric cancer. Patients with gastric cancer demonstrating CIN appear to be immunosuppressed, which might represent one of the underlying mechanisms explaining the poor survival and may help guide future therapeutic decisions.
Subconcussive changes in youth football players: objective evidence using brain vital signs and instrumented accelerometers
Authors: Fickling Shaun D , Poel Daniel N , Dorman Jason C , D’Arcy Ryan C N , Munce Thayne A
Published: December 2021

Brain vital signs, measured by EEG, were used for portable, objective, neurophysiological evaluation of cognitive function in youth tackle football players. Specifically, we investigated whether previously reported pre- and post-season subconcussive changes detected in youth ice hockey players were comparably detected in football. The two objectives were to: (i) replicate previously published results showing subconcussive cognitive deficits; and (ii) the relationship between brain vital sign changes and head-impact exposure. Using a longitudinal design, 15 male football players (age 12.89 ± 0.35 years) were tested pre- and post-season, with none having a concussion diagnosis during the season. Peak latencies and amplitudes were quantified for Auditory sensation (N100), Basic attention (P300) and Cognitive processing (N400). Regression analyses tested the relationships between these brain vital signs and exposure to head impacts through both number of impacts sustained, and total sessions (practices and games) participated. The results demonstrated significant pre/post differences in N400 latencies, with ∼70 ms delay (P < 0.01), replicating prior findings. Regression analysis also showed significant linear relationships between brain vital signs changes and head impact exposure based on accelerometer data and games/practices played (highest R = 0.863, P < 0.001 for overall sessions). Number of head impacts in youth football (age 12–14 years) findings corresponded most closely with prior Junior-A ice hockey (age 16–21 years) findings, suggesting comparable contact levels at younger ages in football. The predictive relationship of brain vital signs provided a notable complement to instrumented accelerometers, with a direct physiological measure of potential individual exposure to subconcussive impacts.
Heat stress during development makes antlion larvae more responsive to vibrational cues
Authors: Miler Krzysztof , Czarnoleski Marcin
Published: December 2021

We investigated the effects of heat stress on the responsiveness to vibrational cues, our measure of perceptual ability, in Myrmeleon bore antlion larvae (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). We reared these trap-building predatory larvae under 2 heat stress regimes (mild, 30°C, and harsh, 36°C), and after they progressed from one instar stage to another, we tested their perceptual ability in common unchallenging conditions. We hypothesized that exposure to the harsh heat stress regime would impose costs resulting in handicapped vibration responsiveness. We found that the harsh heat stress regime generated more stressful conditions for the larvae, as evidenced by increased mortality and postponed molting, and the loss of body mass among larger larvae. Furthermore, among the individuals who remained alive, those originating from the harsh heat stress regime were characterized by higher vibration responsiveness. Our results suggest 2 not mutually exclusive scenarios. Costly heat stress conditions can sieve out individuals characterized by poor perceptual ability or surviving individuals can attempt to hunt more efficiently to compensate for the physiological imbalance caused by heat stress. Both of these mechanisms fit into the ongoing debate over how adaptation and plasticity contribute to shaping insect communities exposed to heat stress.
Potential applicability and limitations of radiation-corrected empirical Green's functions for point-source cases
Authors: Shibata Ritsuya , Aso Naofumi , Oikawa Genki , Nakajima Junichi , Ide Satoshi
Published: December 2021

Numerous efforts have been made to accurately estimate Green's functions, which link observed seismic waves to physical source processes. Detailed a priori information is required for the theoretical Green's function calculated from a given velocity structure. In contrast, the empirical Green's function (EGF) obtained from seismograms of nearby earthquakes with similar focal mechanisms requires the occurrence of such appropriate events. To partially release these constraints, we propose radiation-corrected EGF by correcting the radiation patterns of the EGF seismograms. In this study, we performed synthetic tests to quantify the applicability of radiation correction, together with its limitations. Such tests are a useful approach to test a benchmark of EGF applicability. We then applied the new method to real earthquakes to validate the concept for practical use. The synthetic test and real applications confirmed the superiority of the radiation-corrected EGF over the conventional EGF in specific, but realistic, cases.
Experimental Models for Controlled Burn Injuries in Rats: A Systematic Analysis of Original Methods and Burn Devices
Authors: Morarasu Stefan , Morarasu Bianca-Codrina , Ghețu Nicolae , Dimofte Mihail-Gabriel , Iliescu Radu , Pieptu Dragos
Published: December 2021

Despite a wide variety of models found in literature, choosing the right one can be difficult as many of them are lacking precise methodology. This study aims to analyze and compare original burn models in terms of burn device and technique, parameters, and wound depth assessment. A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on studies describing original experimental burn models in rats. The adapted PICO formula and ARRIVE checklist were followed for inclusion and assessment of quality of studies. Characteristics of animals, burn technique, burn parameters, and method of histological confirmation of burn depth were recorded. Twenty-seven studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies used direct contact with skin for burn infliction (n = 20). The rat’s dorsum was the most common site (n = 18). Ten studies used manually controlled burn devices, while 10 designed automatic burn devices with control over temperature (n = 10), exposure time (n = 5), and pressure (n = 5). Most studies (n = 7) used a single biopsy taken from the center of the wound to confirm burn depth immediately after burn infliction. From the wide variety of burn models in current literature, our study provides an overview of the most relevant experimental burn models in rats aiding researchers to understand what needs to be addressed when designing their burn protocol. Models cannot be compared as burn parameters variate significantly. Assessment of burn depth should be done in a standardized, sequential fashion in future burn studies to increase reproducibility.
Peer Effects and Recidivism: The Role of Race and Age
Authors: Tan Kegon Teng Kok , Zapryanova Mariyana
Published: December 2021

Recidivism rates are a growing concern due to the high cost of imprisonment and the high rate of ex-prisoners returning back to prison. One policy-relevant and potentially important determinant of recidivism is the composition of peer inmates. In this paper, we study the role of peer effects within a correctional facility using data on almost 80,000 individuals serving time in Georgia. We exploit randomness in peer-composition over time within prisons to identify effects of peers on recidivism rates. We find no evidence of peer effects for property or drug-related crimes in the general prison population. However, we find strong peer effects when we define peer groups by race and age. Our findings indicate that homophily plays a large part in determining the strength of peer exposure among prisoners in the same facility. These results suggest that prison assignments can be used to reduce recidivism for particular groups of prisoners. (JEL K14, K40).
Carnegie Supernova Project: kinky i-band light curves of Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Pessi P J , Hsiao E Y , Folatelli G , Anderson J P , Burns C R , Uddin S , Galbany L , Phillips M M , Morrell N , Ashall C , Baron E , Contreras C , Hamuy M , Hoeflich P , Krisciunas K , Kumar S , Lu J , Martinez L , Piro A L , Shahbandeh M , Stritzinger M D , Suntzeff N B
Published: December 2021

We present detailed investigation of a specific i-band light-curve feature in Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) using the rapid cadence and high signal-to-noise ratio light curves obtained by the Carnegie Supernova Project. The feature is present in most SNe Ia and emerges a few days after the i-band maximum. It is an abrupt change in curvature in the light curve over a few days and appears as a flattening in mild cases and a strong downward concave shape, or a ‘kink’, in the most extreme cases. We computed the second derivatives of Gaussian Process interpolations to study 54 rapid-cadence light curves. From the second derivatives we measure: (1) the timing of the feature in days relative to i-band maximum; tdm2(i) and (2) the strength and direction of the concavity in mag d−2; dm2(i). 76 per cent of the SNe Ia show a negative dm2(i), representing a downward concavity – either a mild flattening or a strong ‘kink’. The tdm2(i) parameter is shown to correlate with the colour-stretch parameter sBV, a SN Ia primary parameter. The dm2(i) parameter shows no correlation with sBV and therefore provides independent information. It is also largely independent of the spectroscopic and environmental properties. Dividing the sample based on the strength of the light-curve feature as measured by dm2(i), SNe Ia with strong features have a Hubble diagram dispersion of 0.107 mag, 0.075 mag smaller than the group with weak features. Although larger samples should be obtained to test this result, it potentially offers a new method for improving SN Ia distance determinations without shifting to more costly near-infrared or spectroscopic observations.
H i constraints from the cross-correlation of eBOSS galaxies and Green Bank Telescope intensity maps
Authors: Wolz Laura , Pourtsidou Alkistis , Masui Kiyoshi W , Chang Tzu-Ching , Bautista Julian E , Müller Eva-Maria , Avila Santiago , Bacon David , Percival Will J , Cunnington Steven , Anderson Chris , Chen Xuelei , Kneib Jean-Paul , Li Yi-Chao , Liao Yu-Wei , Pen Ue-Li , Peterson Jeffrey B , Rossi Graziano , Schneider Donald P , Yadav Jaswant , Zhao Gong-Bo
Published: December 2021

We present the joint analysis of Neutral Hydrogen (H i) Intensity Mapping observations with three galaxy samples: the Luminous Red Galaxy (LRG) and Emission Line Galaxy (ELG) samples from the eBOSS survey, and the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey sample. The H i intensity maps are Green Bank Telescope observations of the redshifted $21\rm cm$ emission on $100 \, {\rm deg}^2$ covering the redshift range 0.6 < z < 1.0. We process the data by separating and removing the foregrounds present in the radio frequencies with FastI ICA. We verify the quality of the foreground separation with mock realizations, and construct a transfer function to correct for the effects of foreground removal on the H i signal. We cross-correlate the cleaned H i data with the galaxy samples and study the overall amplitude as well as the scale dependence of the power spectrum. We also qualitatively compare our findings with the predictions by a semianalytical galaxy evolution simulation. The cross-correlations constrain the quantity $\Omega _{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} b_{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} r_{\rm {H\,\small {I}},{\rm opt}}$ at an effective scale keff, where $\Omega _\rm {H\,\small {I}}$ is the H  i density fraction, $b_\rm {H\,\small {I}}$ is the H i bias, and $r_{\rm {H\,\small {I}},{\rm opt}}$ the galaxy–hydrogen correlation coefficient, which is dependent on the H  i content of the optical galaxy sample. At $k_{\rm eff}=0.31 \, h\,{\rm Mpc^{-1}}$ we find $\Omega _{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} b_{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} r_{\rm {H\,\small {I}},{\rm Wig}} = [0.58 \pm 0.09 \, {\rm (stat) \pm 0.05 \, {\rm (sys)}}] \times 10^{-3}$ for GBT-WiggleZ, $\Omega _{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} b_{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} r_{\rm {H\,\small {I}},{\rm ELG}} = [0.40 \pm 0.09 \, {\rm (stat) \pm 0.04 \, {\rm (sys)}}] \times 10^{-3}$ for GBT-ELG, and $\Omega _{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} b_{\rm {H\,\small {I}}} r_{\rm {H\,\small {I}},{\rm LRG}} = [0.35 \pm 0.08 \, {\rm (stat) \pm 0.03 \, {\rm (sys)}}] \times 10^{-3}$ for GBT-LRG, at z ≃ 0.8. We also report results at $k_{\rm eff}=0.24$ and $k_{\rm eff}=0.48 \, h\,{\rm Mpc^{-1}}$. With little information on H i parameters beyond our local Universe, these are amongst the most precise constraints on neutral hydrogen density fluctuations in an underexplored redshift range.
Obstructive sleep apnea and risk of suicide and self-harm: a Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Udholm Nichlas , Fuglsang Milos , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Bille Jesper , Udholm Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Study Objectives

In this nationwide study, we used the unique Danish registries to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

We identified all Danish citizens receiving a diagnosis of OSA between 1995 and 2015. As a reference cohort, we randomly selected 10 citizens for each patient, matched by sex and birth year. Using the Fine and Gray competing risk regression, we estimated the cumulative incidences of suicide, and Cox proportional regression analysis was used to compare the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with OSA with the reference cohort.

Results

We identified 48 168 patients with OSA. A total of 135 patients had died by suicide, compared with 999 suicides in the reference cohort. Patients with OSA had an increased risk of dying by suicide when compared with the reference cohort (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% CI = 1.07% to 1.55%; and subhazard ratio, 1.23; 95% CI = 1.10% to 1.45%). We identified 1004 events of self-harm among patients with OSA, and 5270 events in the reference group. The overall risk of self-harm was increased in patients with OSA when compared with the reference group (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI = 1.19% to 1.37%).

Conclusions

This is the first study to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with OSA. We found that patients with OSA have an increased risk of both suicide and deliberate self-harm when compared with a large reference cohort, thereby highlighting the importance of a mental health screening in these patients.
Innovative strategies for managing swine welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iowa
Authors: Johnson Anna K , Rademacher Chris J , Eggers Jamee , Gabler Nicholas K , Greiner Laura L , Kaisand Jeff , Karriker Locke A , Millman Suzanne T , Patience John F , Ramirez Brett C , Schulz Lee L , Webb Sherrie R , Ross Jason W
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization and its impact on animal agriculture in the United States was undeniable. By April, COVID-19 resulted in the simultaneous closure or reduced operations of many meat processing plants in the upper Midwest, leading to supply chain disruptions. In Iowa, the leading pork production and processing state, these disruptions caused producer uncertainty, confusion, and stress, including time-sensitive challenges for maintaining animal care. The Iowa Resource Coordination Center (IRCC) was quickly created and launched by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The IRCC included public representation from the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC), and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and private partners including producers, veterinarians, and technical specialists. Supporting swine welfare, the IRCC provided information on management strategies, dietary alterations to slow pig growth, alternative markets, on-farm euthanasia, and mass depopulation under veterinary oversight. In a crisis, Iowa created a model that reacted to producers’ pragmatic, mental and emotional needs. This model could be quickly replicated with an introduction of foreign animal disease.
Schwannoma of the breast presenting as a painful lump
Authors: Lee Han Shin , Jung Eun Jung , Kim Jae Myung , Kim Ju Yeon , Kim In Kyeong , Kim Jae Ri , Kim Tae Han , Jang Jae Yool , Woo Jung Woo , Lee JinKwon , Park Taejin , Jeong Sang Ho , Cho Eun , Song Dae Hyun
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Schwannoma in the breast parenchyma is very unusual. It usually develops on the head, neck, and extensor surfaces of the upper and lower extremities.

Patient concerns:

We report a case of a 60-year-old woman with a palpable and painful mass. Clinically, she experienced neuropathic pain at the mass site.

Diagnoses:

The tumor was a 1 cm, well-circumscribed mass, and revealed schwannoma on core needle biopsy

Interventions:

The patient underwent wide excision.

Outcomes:

No postoperative complications were observed. A six-month follow-up revealed no recurrence

Lessons subsections:

Although breast schwannoma is a very rare tumor, it is a very important consideration in case of a Breast Imaging-Report and Data System 4A lesion with a painful and palpable mass.
Hepatitis B virus infection does not affect the clinical outcome of anti-programmed death receptor-1 therapy in advanced solid malignancies
Authors: Zhong Liting , Zhong PinShun , Liu Huafeng , Li Zelei , Nie Qihong , Peng Weiwei
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the outcome of patients with advanced solid malignancies treated with programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors.

We retrospectively included patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors between August 2018 and April 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to match the characteristics of the HBV and non-HBV groups. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were compared between HBV and non-HBV groups using χ
2 or Fisher exact tests. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to analyze overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

A total of 120 patients, including 43 (35.8%) with HBV and 77 (64.2%) without HBV, were enrolled. Cases of HBV reactivation were not observed. In the entire study population, ORR and DCR did not significantly differ between both groups. After PSM, the study population comprised 39 patients, 15 with and 24 without HBV. The HBV group had an ORR of 55.6%, whereas the ORR in the non-HBV group was 36.8% (P = .35). Similarly, the DCR was 77.8% in the HBV group, as compared to 68.4% in the non-HBV group (P 
= .61). Additionally, HBV infection did not significantly affect OS (P 
= .54) and PFS (P 
= .64) in the unmatched cohort. Moreover, statistically significant differences regarding OS (P 
= .15) and PFS (P 
= .23) were also not detected after PSM.

In conclusion, the HBV infection status did not impact the therapy response or prognosis of patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors. Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Posterior epidural migration of lumbar disc fragment
Authors: Oh Youngmin , Eun Jongpil
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Posterior epidural migration of lumbar disc fragment (PEMLDF) is a very rare condition that may lead to a serious neurological deficit such as cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings can often result in cases of PEMLDF being misdiagnosed as extradural masses of other origin or epidural hematomas. In this study, we reported four additional cases of PEMLDF and reviewed the relevant literature.

Patient concerns:

We present four patients with PEMLDF. The mean age of the patients was 53.5 years. Two patients suffered from cauda equine syndrome, and the other two patients complained of radiculopathy.

Diagnosis:

The MRI findings in each case showed masses with slightly high signal intensity in T2-weighted images, as well as heterogenous and peripheral rim enhancement after contrast enhancement. In some patients there was a tract-like enhancement extending from the outer aspect of the disc to the posterolateral epidural space. A definitive diagnosis was made intraoperatively.

Interventions:

We performed laminectomy and discectomy in all patients.

Outcomes:

The PEMLDF patients with radiculopathy had no complaints of weakness or pain after surgery. Both patients with cauda equine syndrome showed a total recovery post-surgery.

Conclusions:

Early diagnosis and treatment via laminectomy and discectomy is critical to achieving the best postoperative outcomes. Understanding the patient's history, recognizing the similar signal intensity of the mass and intervertebral disc on MRI scans, and looking for peripheral rim enhancement, are the keys to the correct diagnosis of PEMLDF.
Utilization of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of obesity and hypercholesterolemia among primary healthcare physicians in southwest of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gosadi Ibrahim M.
Published: December 2021

To evaluate knowledge and use of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of obesity and hypercholesterolemia among primary healthcare physicians in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study targeted 170 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Jazan. Measurement of study's variables was completed during personal interviews. The content of the study instrument was based on The Saudi Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Obesity and The Cholesterol Management Guide for Healthcare Practitioners.

A total of 234 physicians participated in this study. The age of the physicians varied between 25 and 65 years and 51.7% of them were females. Knowledge of the physicians about the eat-well plate recommendations was very low, with none of the physicians reporting the recommended daily portions of fruits and vegetables. Less than 20% of the physicians knew the cutoff points for considering central obesity among male and female individuals. Only 21% of the physicians reported adherence concerning screening for obesity and 42% reported adherence to the guidelines concerning screening for hypercholesterolemia. Only 9% of the physicians were adherent to the guidelines concerning reducing the risk of obesity and only 13% reported adherence to the guidelines related to the reduction of hypercholesterolemia risk.

The current investigation detected a low level of knowledge and adherence concerning the evidence-based practice related to prevention of the obesity and hypercholesterolemia and therefore limited role of PHC physicians in the prevention of obesity or hypercholesterolemia.
The efficacy of kinesio taping as an adjunct to physical therapy for chronic low back pain for at least two weeks
Authors: Sun Guangchen , Lou Qiliang
Published: December 2021

Astract

Background:

Kinesio taping (KT) is a relatively new treatment method for chronic low back pain (CLBP). The effectiveness of KT as an adjunct to physical therapy (PT) for CLBP remains controversial.

Objective:

The aim of this updated meta-analysis was to critically examine and evaluate the evidence of recent randomized controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of KT as an adjunct to PT for CLBP for at least 2 weeks.

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. Seven electronic databases including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library were searched in September 2020 by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Data analysis was performed with Review Manager Software.

Results:

Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total of 676 patients were included in our study. Mean improvements were significantly higher in the KT+PT group than the PT group for pain score (SMD, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.37–1.08], P < .00001) and disability (SMD, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.42–1.59], P = .0007). Of 12 studies based on the pain score, 7 reported KT+PT patients to have significantly less pain at latest follow-up when compared with PA patients (P < .05). Of 11 studies based on the disability, 8 reported KT+PT patients to have significantly better improvements at latest follow-up when compared with PA patients (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Kinesio taping combined with physical therapy provided better therapeutic effects regarding pain reduction and disability improvement compared with physical therapy alone in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Limitation: