bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthy Workspaces:
Strategies for Increasing the Indoor
Environmental Quality at Call Centre Interiors
for Employee Wellbeing and Productivity
Authors: Ceylan Salih
Published: February 2021

Indoor environmental quality is
a requirement for good architectural and interior design. The definition of indoor environmental quality refers to the conditions of the interior space that provide health and wellbeing for its occupants. Elements of indoor environmental quality are thermal comfort, indoor air quality, ventilation, ergonomics, natural and artificial lighting, odor, and acoustic quality. Indoor environmental quality is required in every type of interior space including ones with residential, educational, and cultural functions and workspaces. It is also included as one of the factors of energy efficient and sustainable design in building energy certification and accreditation systems.
This study focuses on call center interiors as
a type of workspaces, where the employees
spend a long time in the interior space communicating
with customers on the phone. The
aim is to provide theoretical information and
practical application suggestions for higher
quality design in call center interiors.
The methodology of this paper consists firstly
of a literature review to study and analyze
the definition and elements of indoor environmental
quality, and its implementation into
call center interiors as workspaces. Analytical
studies lead to strategy proposals for
better designed call center interior spaces.
The results of the study indicate that better
designed interior spaces in call centers lead
to better health and wellbeing of the employees,
resulting with higher performance and
service quality.
City membrane training platforms.
Health-promoting Spatial Instalations
for Children and Teenagers
Authors: Pelczarski Michał
Published: February 2021

This article is inspired by the research on membrane training platforms, which has been conducted by the author for over two years. Currently, they are at the stage of building an experimental prototype in a real scale. These studies are the result of cooperation between the Wrocław University of Technology and the Center "Lunares Space - simulated space base" in Piła and the cooperation with the Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław regarding training devices.
The membrane training platform is a spatial membrane, mesh, rope or belt installation, stretched elastically on a light and economical, spatial rod structure.
A membrane is understood as a bi-curved surface, which is an unstable substrate, generating significant deformations under a load from a human walking on it - simulating walking "in deep snow" or in conditions of reduced gravity. The author's experience, gained in the course of this scientific work, gave him the idea of applying a similar idea to health-promoting urban installations intended for children and adolescents. The author presents this concept against the background of currently known devices with a similar function and character. At the same time, he shows arguments in favor of the implementation of this unconventional proposal, justifying in detail the need to develop this type of activity for children and adolescents, and even for the elderly. The presented proposals for new functional and spatial forms, intended for location in open space, are based on the use of low-cost, single-layer, octagonal and hexagonal bar systems, designed in such a way as to form closed systems, well absorbing forces from polypropylene nets, tapes or membranes stretched inside. According to the author, apart from their functional tasks, these objects could create intriguing, attractive architectural forms, enriching the city space.
Phytobiotics to improve health and production of broiler chickens: functions beyond the antioxidant activity
Authors: Kikusato Motoi
Published: February 2021

Phytobiotics, also known as phytochemicals or phytogenics, have a wide variety of biological activities and have recently emerged as alternatives to synthetic antibiotic growth promoters. Numerous studies have reported the growth-promoting effects of phytobiotics in chickens, but their precise mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. Phytobiotics are traditionally known for their antioxidant activity. However, extensive investigations have shown that these compounds also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and transcription-modulating effects. Phytobiotics are non-nutritive constituents, and their bioavailability is low. Nonetheless, their beneficial effects have been observed in several tissues or organs. The health benefits of the ingestion of phytobiotics are attributed to their antioxidant activity. However, several studies have revealed that not all these benefits could be explained by the antioxidant effects alone. In this review, I focused on the bioavailability of phytobiotics and the possible mechanisms underlying their overall effects on intestinal barrier functions, inflammatory status, gut microbiota, systemic inflammation, and metabolism, rather than the specific effects of each compound. I also discuss the possible mechanisms by which phytobiotics contribute to growth promotion in chickens.
REIC - Edição Especial - Artigos do CTIC 2019
Authors: Oliveira Marcel , Kawasaki Regiane
Published: February 2021

Esta edição especial da REIC reúne artigos que apresentam os trabalhos selecionados como os melhores trabalhos realizados por alunos de graduação submetidos ao XXXVIII Concurso de Trabalhos de Iniciação Científica (CTIC 2019) do XIX Congresso da Sociedade Brasileira de Computação (CSBC 2019).
Técnicas de redução de dados em redes de sensores sem fio tolerantes a atrasos
Authors: Vasconcelos Israel Loureiro Cavalcante , Aquino Andre Luiz Lins
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de rede de sensores tolerante a atraso para aplicações de monitoramento ambiental onde uma solução de amostragem sensível aos dados é utilizada para melhorar a cobertura do fenômeno. O modelo proposto compreende uma aplicação de monitoramento de temperatura em regiões florestais, a implementação consiste em i. Simular regiões de interesse; ii. Distribuição dos nós sensores; iii. Realizar amostragem e processamento dos dados; e iv. Reconstruir o fenômeno a partir das amostras. Os resultados obtidos apontaram que a abordagem sensível aos dados é capaz de reconstruir o fenômeno aproximadamente duas vezes mais próximo da realidade em relação às técnicas tradicionais, em todos os cenários avaliados.
Simulating Systems-of-Systems Dynamic Architectures
Authors: Manzano Wallace Alves Esteves , Graciano Neto Valdemar Vicente , Nakagawa Elisa Yumi
Published: February 2021

Systems-of-Systems (SoS) combine heterogeneous, independent systems to offer complex functionalities for highly dynamic smart applications. Due to their critical nature, SoS should be reliable and work without interruption that could cause serious losses. SoS architectural design can facilitate the prediction of the impact of failures due to SoS behavior. However, existing approaches do not support such evaluation. The main contribution of this paper is to present Dynamic-SoS, an approach to predict, at design time, the SoS architectural behavior at runtime to evaluate whether the SoS can sustain their operation. Results of our multiple case studies reveal Dynamic-SoS is a promising approach that could contribute to the quality of SoS by reliably enabling prior assessment of their dynamic architecture.
Linial’s Conjecture for Arc-spine Digraphs
Authors: Rigo Yoshimura Lucas , Sambinelli Maycon , Nunes da Silva Cândida , Lee Orlando
Published: February 2021

A path partition P of a digraph D is a collection of directed paths such that every vertex belongs to precisely one path. Given a positive integer k, the k-norm of a path partition P of D is defined as Sum (p in P) min{|p_i|, k}. A path partition of a minimum k-norm is called k-optimal and its k-norm is denoted by π_k(D). A stable set of a digraph D is a subset of pairwise non-adjacentvertices of V(D). Given a positive integer k, we denote by alpha_k(D) the largest set of vertices of D that can be decomposed into k disjoint stable sets of D. In 1981, Linial conjectured that pi_k(D) ≤ alpha_k(D) for every digraph. We say that a digraph D is arc-spine if V(D) can be partitioned into two sets X and Y where X is traceable and Y contains at most one arc in A(D). In this paper we show the validity of Linial’s Conjecture for arc-spine digraphs.
Estudo Comparativo entre a Implementação Sequencial e Paralela dos Métodos Gauss-Jacobi e Gauss-Seidel
Authors: Morais Erikosn , Silva Iara , Silva Felipe
Published: February 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar e comparar a diferença de tempo de resposta dos métodos numéricos conhecidos como Gauss-Seidel e Gauss-Jacobi, utilizando abordagens de programação sequencial e paralela em suas implementações. Além disso, será apresentado um método numérico híbrido como opção de paralelização do método Gauss-Seidel, proposto para a resolução de problemas de sistemas lineares que satisfazem o critério das linhas. Testes foram realizados para evidenciar que existem casos em que o método de Gauss-Seidel sequencial pode ser mais eficiente que a execução paralela do método de Gauss-Jacobi.
Estimação de idade em imagens digitais a partir de deep learning para apoiar análise pericial
Authors: Candido Junior Arnaldo , Paula Filho Pedro Luiz de , Salles Leandro
Published: February 2021

Com o decorrer da evolução tecnológica de redes sociais e comunidades online, a privacidade e segurança na Internet se tornaram questionáveis. O elevado número de informações compartilhadas pela rede sustenta a propagação de conteúdos ilícitos envolvendo pornografia infantil. A visão computacional, fazendo uso de redes neurais como técnica de aprendizado profundo, tem a capacidade de reconhecer características associadas à classificação de conteúdo pornográfico infantil. Aplicadas em imagens digitais e utilizando estruturas neurais pré-treinadas para identificação de rosto infantil e exposição de pele em bases de imagens pré-selecionadas, este trabalho teve o objetivo de fornecer subsídios capazes de agregar conhecimento aos métodos de análise pericial.
Uma Metodologia para Agrupamento e Extração de Informações de URLs de Phishing
Authors: Fazzion Elverton , Fonseca Osvaldo , Santos Welton
Published: February 2021

Apesar de avanços em mecanismos de prevenção e mitigação, o phishing continua uma ameaça. Uma das razões disso é que o agente responsável pelo envio dessas mensagens, o phisher, aprimora suas técnicas continuamente. Neste trabalho estudamos e caracterizamos um destes aprimoramentos: o uso pelos phishers de cadeias de redirecionamentos para ludibriar mecanismos de identificação e evitar bloqueio da infraestrutura de hospedagem do conteúdo malicioso. Propomos um método para agrupamento de mensagens e URLs em campanhas de phishing, e desenvolvemos um arcabouço identificação da infraestrutura de hospedagem. Nossos resultados mostram que a infraestrutura de hospedagem das campanhas identificadas se concentra em provedores de computação em nuvem, mas que algumas campanhas são hospedadas por dispositivos em provedores de rede, possivelmente em dispositivos infectados. Isso indica diferentes abordagens de phishers, sugerindo esforços em diferentes frentes de combate.
Uma Avaliação de Estratégias de Detecção de Conteúdo de Baixa Qualidade: Quais Atributos Ainda São Relevantes?
Authors: Rocha Leonardo , Moraes Igor , Resende Júlio
Published: February 2021

Milhões de usuários passaram a contar com a ampla gama de serviços fornecidos pelas Redes Sociais. Entretanto, a facilidade em utilizar essas redes para comunicação tornaram as mesmas vulneráveis a usuários mal intencionados (spammers), que têm objetivo de proliferar diferentes tipos de dados maliciosos ou difundir conteúdos de baixa qualidade (spams). Um dos principais exemplos dessas aplicações é o Twitter, para o qual diversas estratégias de detecção de spams vêm sendo propostas. No presente trabalho, realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica dessas estratégias. Por meio de uma avaliação experimental identificamos quais delas ainda são aplicáveis no cenário atual, considerando que o Twitter vem passando por mudanças constantemente.
Comunicação Serial Para um Simulador de Imersão de Carrinho de Rolimã, Comparando JSON, XML e Texto
Authors: De Oliveira Andrade Kleber , Bassani Tiago
Published: February 2021

Para que o simulador de imersão do carrinho de rolimã possa interagir com seus controles, o uso da comunicação serial é indispensável. Esse trabalho visa atender a necessidade de estabelecer uma conexão através de formatos de mensagens existentes. Para isso foi utilizado de um Arduino em comunicação com um sistema de telemetria desenvolvido em Java a fim de entender qual formato é mais ágil e que não tenha atrasos perceptíveis aos usuários do simulador.
Plataforma de baixo custo como alternativa para o Cubetto
Authors: Torres Martha , Sousa Marcos , Cardoso Felipe , Prabhat Prabhat
Published: February 2021

Este artigo apresenta a construc ̧ ̃ao de um prot ́otipo de baixo custodo brinquedo Cubetto e a elaborac ̧ ̃ao de alguns experimentos para introduc ̧ ̃aona l ́ogica de programac ̧ ̃ao. O Cubetto ́e uma plataforma de rob ́otica educa-cional simples que visa ensinar l ́ogica de programac ̧ ̃ao para crianc ̧as entre 4 e8 anos. O prot ́otipo apresentado consiste de um carro motorizado, al ́em de umainterface de controle baseada no conceito de teclados anal ́ogicos, tanto o carroquanto a interface de controle utilizam Arduino UNO e protocolo Bluetoothpara comunicac ̧ ̃ao. Os materiais utilizados foram escolhidos sob a premissade economia, foi comprovado o seu correto funcionamento al ́em de possuir umprec ̧o m ́edio de 78% mais barato que o original.
Padrões linguísticos para detecção de ironia em múltiplos idiomas
Authors: Freitas Larissa , Dos Santos Leonardo , Deon Diulia
Published: February 2021

Grande parte dos estudos em Análise de Sentimento visam a classificar enunciados de acordo com sua polaridade. A ironia se apresenta como um desafio a essa área, visto que compreende a inversão do sentido no texto. Por outro lado, o grande volume de dados publicados nas Redes Sociais e as características do gênero micropost chamam a atenção dos estudiosos. Nesse artigo, propomos analisar padrões linguísticos identificados para detecção de ironia em microposts em Português, Inglês, Italiano e Espanhol.
Die Vorleistungspflicht im Leistungsstörungsrecht
Authors: Karadas Korla
Published: February 2021

The work examines the obligation to perform in advance in the mesh of the law of breach of contract and attempts to grasp its special features. In nine chapters, its effects on general principles, such as final non-performance or damages, are examined. Special attention is paid to the changes since the reform of the law of obligations and the regulation of contracts for work and services as a model. The author of the work is a judge at the Hildesheim District Court and worked for many years as a research assistant to Prof. Roland Schwarze at the Chair of Civil Law, Labour Law and Civil Procedure Law at Leibniz University Hanover.
The Association Between Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient Baseline and the Response Rate of Carvedilol on Portal Hypertension
Authors: Wang Lifen , Ding Qian , Wang Xueying , Tian Xiangguo , Wang Guangchuan , Zhang Chunqing
Published: February 2021

Objective: To assess the association between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) baseline and the response rate of cirrhotic in patients who received carvedilol treatment. Methods: In total 48 cirrhotic patients with a basic HVPG value greater than 12 mmHg were included (from July 2011 to October 2014). All patients received carvedilol treatment and underwent the second HVPG measurement 7 days later. In the following, all participants received an endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) treatment. Results: HVPG was significantly reduced from 16.04 ± 3.10 to 12.76 ± 5.26 mmHg following carvedilol treatment. The response rate was about 58.33% (28/48). The response rate of the HVPG < 16 mmHg group (71.4%) was significantly higher than that of the HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg group (40%) (P < 0.05). Patients were followed up for a median of 26 months, ranged from 6 to 33 months. During the follow-up period (two years), the rebleeding rate was 9.97% and 49.56% in HVPG < 16 and HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.004). Also, the mortality rate (at 2 years) was 5.26% and 21.05%, respectively, which was significant (P = 0.035). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the response rate of carvedilol on portal hypertension may be affected by the HVPG baseline, and the carvedilol was effective in reducing HVPG, especially for those with a HVPG < 16 mmHg.
Cost and Performance Optimisation in the Technological Phase of Parcel Delivery – A Literature Review
Authors: Muharemović Ermin , Čaušević Samir , Kosovac Amel , Baraković Husić Jasmina
Published: February 2021

The present review paper provides a systematic insight into the studies published so far when it comes to the research on the cost and performance optimisation in the parcel delivery phase. Globalisation, as well as the new trends, such as selling online, directly influences the demands for the delivery of goods. Demand for the delivery of goods proportionally affects the transport prices. A great majority of deliveries is carried out in densely populated urban areas. In terms of costs, the greatest part in the courier organisations costs is observed in the technological phase of parcel delivery, which is at the same time the least efficient. For that reason, significant improvement of performance and cost optimisation in the very delivery phase is a rather challenging field for the researchers. New algorithm-based technologies, innovations in the logistics and outsourcing of individual technological phases are ways by means of which one strives to enhance the delivery efficiency, to improve performance and quality, but also - to optimise the costs in the last phase of delivery. The aim of the present paper is to offer a systematic review into the most recent research in the field of technology, innovations and outsourcing models with the aim of reducing the cost and enhancing the productivity and quality in parcel delivery.
Construction of Road Safety Composite Indicator Using Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Grdinić-Rakonjac Mirjana , Antić Boris , Pešić Dalibor , Pajković Vladimir
Published: February 2021

Aggregation of different variables into one road safety performance index is a popular concept in evaluating road safety and comparing the performance of territories/entities. This paper presents the development of a novel and innovative weighting methodology using grey relational analysis. Based on the proposed model, ten hierarchical road safety indicators were selected in terms of a two-layered model with three categories related to behaviour, safety and system. Grey weights are assigned to the categorized indicators in each layer, and the grey road safety composite indicator for each entity (21 selected territories) is calculated by the weighted sum approach. With relatively high weights, this systematic methodology can serve the policy makers in targeting the risk domains where improvements are needed. The results clearly illustrate effectiveness in addressing a large number of indicators with hierarchical structures.
Railway Capacity Enhancement with Modern Signalling Systems – A Literature Review
Authors: Mikulčić Matea , Mlinarić Tomislav Josip
Published: February 2021

In times of ever stronger awareness of environmental protection and potentiation of a beneficial modal split, the railway sector with efficient asset utilization and proper investment planning has the highest chance of meeting customer expectations and attracting new users more effectively. Continuous increase in railway demand leads to an increase in the utilization of railway infrastructure, and the inevitable lack of capacity, a burning problem that many national railways are continually facing. To address it more effectively, this paper reviews available methodologies for railway capacity determination and techniques for its enhancement in the recent scientific literature. Particular focus is given to the possibility of increasing railway capacity through signalling systems and installing the European Train Control System (ETCS). The most important relationships with segments of existing research have been identified, and in line with this, the directions for a potential continuation of research are suggested.
Flipperentiated Learning in Biology Class to Improve Cognitive Learning Outcomes, Problem-Solving Skill, and Motivation
Authors: Tung Khoe Yao , Alissa A.
Published: February 2021

The background of this research began with an apprehension of the need for students’ learning in accordance with their learning abilities relating to the application of a flipped classroom model in the Biology class of XYZ Senior High School. Preliminary research showed the different needs of individual students; thus, differentiated learning was required especially in the face-to-face meeting in class. Differentiated learning aims to facilitate the different needs of the students based on the level of readiness, learning style preference, and interest. This research aimed at improving the students’ learning and its impact on students’ cognitive learning outcomes, problem-solving skills development, and learning motivation through the differentiated flipped classroom. The method used in this research was Classroom Action Research. The data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and evaluation of assessment results based on rubrics and marking schemes. All three variables are measured using rubrics separated from each other. These data are analyzed qualitatively and given a score in quantitative values. In three cycles of action research, the students’ learning outcomes cognitively showed a significant increase from the first cycle to the second cycle. From the second cycle to the third cycle, there was a decrease but the decline was not significant. The problem-solving skills increase from the first cycle to the second cycle. In the third cycle, there was an increase until it reached the specified success indicator. In each cycle, the motivation did not increase significantly and tended to be stable but the Attention-Relevance-Confident-Satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model had reached the indicators of the success of the study. The conclusions of this research indicated improvements in the students’ problem-solving skills, a high average in motivation indicators, and a significant improvement in cognitive learning outcomes.
Metaphorical Conceptualizations of Language: Networks of Meanings and Meta-functions
Authors: Cortazzi Martin , Jin Lixian
Published: February 2021

This paper employs the innovative method of Elicited Metaphor Analysis to present original research in Malaysia into students’ metaphors for ‘language’. We summarize reasons why language and first/ second language learning are centrally important in education, and show patterned features of language metaphors in proverbs and in teacher talk about literacy. These may be one strand of student socialization into language-literacy conceptions. We then report our study of 408 university students in Malaysia who gave 977 metaphors for ‘language’. Using a socio-cultural extension of conceptual metaphor theory from cognitive linguistics, we analyse these data into thematic clusters and metaphor networks of meanings. In student voices, this presents a surprisingly rich picture of language and shows evidence of linguistic meta-functions: student metaphors for language can be seen not only cognitively with affective and socio-cultural meta-functions, but also with moral-spiritual and aesthetic functions. These meta-functions accord with some educational theories. To show wider insider metaphor perspectives we cite our research with ‘teacher’ and ‘learning’ metaphors in Malaysia, and ‘language’ findings from China, Iran, Lebanon and the UK. The metaphor meanings and meta-functions broaden our conception of language as a medium of learning with strong implications for the teaching of languages and literacy.
The Effect of Employing Electronic Static Infographic Technology on Developing University Students’ Comprehension of Instructional Design Concepts and ICT Literacy
Authors: Alsaadoun Abdulmajid
Published: February 2021

The current study examined the effectiveness of the use of electronic static infographic (information graphic) technology to support university students’ learning, to develop their comprehension of instructional design concepts and to improve their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy. The researcher used an experimental design in which 64 students in an instructional design course in the second semester of the 2019-2020 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The students in the experimental group received treatment on instructional design concepts and ICT literacy with the aid of electronic static infographic technology while the students in the control group received instruction about the same topic using regular method of instruction without the aid of electronic static infographic technology. Pretest and post-tests were administrated for the students in the two groups. Analysis of the pretest and post-test scores revealed that the implementation of electronic static infographic to support students’ learning contributed considerably in developing comprehension of instructional design concepts. There was significant difference at the level (0.05) between the post-test scores of the control and experimental groups with the benefit going to the experimental group. Based on the findings, the current study recommends the use of electronic static infographic technology to support students’ learning in teaching instructional design courses.
Influence of Financial Literacy and Use of Financial Technology on Financial Satisfaction through Financial Behavior
Authors: Farida Mamik Nur , Soesatyo Yoyok , Aji Tony Seno
Published: February 2021

Financial behavior is a means by which a person treats, manages, and uses available financial resources. This research aims to determine the effect of financial literacy and the use of financial technology on financial satisfaction through financial behavior as an intervening factor. Data were collected from 112 economics teachers using purposive proportional random sampling technique. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS 26 software was used to analyze the data. The results of this research indicate that financial literacy has no effect on financial behavior, but the use of financial technology has an effect on financial behavior, financial literacy and the use of financial technology has an effect on satisfaction finance. It was also found that financial literacy and the use of financial technology were mediated by financial behavior. Finally, use of financial technology had no effect on financial satisfaction through financial behavior as an intervening variable. These results have useful practical and theoretical implications.
Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy, Depth of Penetration into Dentinal Tubules and Effect on Microhardness of Root Dentin by Sodium Hypochlorite, Neem Extract and Gau Ark as Root Canal Irrigants: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Khade Dhanshri Shashikant , Shashikiran ND , Gugawad Sachin , Gaonkar Namrata , Taur Swapnil , Hadakar Savita , Mapara Pooja N
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Disinfection of root canals can be done using intracanal irrigants. Sodium hypochlorite or NaOCL is amongst the most commonly used endodontic irrigants. Due to disadvantages of NaOCl, there is a need to identify a more biocompatible irrigant. Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy, depth of penetration into dentinal tubules and effect on microhardness of root dentin when NaOCl, Neem extract, Gau ark and Normal saline used as an irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Prepared Neem leaf extract, 3% NaOCl, Gau ark, Normal saline, Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and BHI Agar were used in the present in-vitro study conducted from August-October 2019. Antimicrobial efficacy was measured by agar well diffusion method on 10 petriplates. After access opening and biomechanical preparation, each tooth sample was irrigated with 5 mL of irrigant. Samples were decoronated and roots were split along the longitudinal axis to check penetration depth of irrigants under stereomicroscope for 40 teeth samples. After preparation of 40 teeth sample, 2 mm dentin discs prepared were embedded in acrylic resin. Microhardness was checked under Vickers Microhardness (VHN) tester after samples were irrigated. Statistical Analysis of Variance and Tukey post-hoc test were used. Results: Zones of inhibition were highest with NaOCl (7.66 mm). Irrigants penetration depth into dentinal tubules was significant with NaOCl with average value 0.35 mm. Microhardness of root dentin of saline was 145.90 VHN, followed by Neem 136.59 VHN which was then followed by Gau ark 123.05 VHN hence, Neem has lesser effect on microhardness value as compared to NaOCl and Gau ark. There was statistically significant difference among four groups regarding antimicrobial efficacy, depth of penetration into dentinal tubules and microhardness of root dentin. Conclusion: Neem extract showed significant antimicrobial property as compared to Gau ark and normal saline, good penetration depth and less effect on microhardness of root dentin. Herbal irrigant like Neem extract can be used as a root canal irrigant.
Oral Stings Caused by Sperm Bags of Squid
Authors: Iwai Toshinori , Sugiyama Satomi , Kitajima Hiroaki , Hirota Makoto , Mitsudo Kenji
Published: February 2021

With the increasing global popularity of Japanese delicacies made of raw seafood, such as sashimi and sushi, sufficient attention should be paid to the conditions caused by raw-food consumption. It is recognised that in ingesting raw squid, bacterial or planktonic toxin, and anisakid larva often cause food-poisoning and anisakiasis, respectively. Oral stings caused by sperm bag of squid are rare. A 21-year-old female had severe pain in her oral cavity immediately after eating a raw squid (Todarodes pacificus), and consulted the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Oral examination showed several small whitish, club-shaped foreign bodies stuck in the surface of the floor of mouth and left buccal mucosa. Because the removal with forceps was difficult due to the tight attachment to the mucosa, foreign bodies were removed completely using forceps with slight incisions under local anaesthesia. The stings were diagnosed as a sperm bag of squid.
Role of Serum Osteopontin as a Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Bansal Sanjiv Kumar , Suri Arpita , Singh Naveen Kumar
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. The amount of alcohol ingested is the most important risk factor for the development of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein that is markedly up-regulated in patients with ALD. Aim: To determine the best predictor of ALD among Serum Aspartate Transaminase (AST)/Alanine Transaminase (ALT) ratio, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) and serum OPN. Materials and Methods: Clinically diagnosed cases of ALD (N=60) with alcohol consumption ≥100 gm/day, for more than eight years and age and gender matched healthy controls (N=60) were recruited for the study. Estimation of AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were assayed by standard photometric methods in auto analyser ERBA-XL (EM-200) and plasma OPN was estimated by using commercial kit based on Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to establish the best predictor of ALD among the markers. Results: The parameters of the liver function tests such as AST, ALT, ALP were significantly increased in the cases (p<0.001) as compared to controls. In the study, there was a significant increase in the level of OPN and GGT in the patients with ALD (p<0.001) as compared to controls. OPN showed significant positive correlations with AST (r=0.76, p<0.001), ALT (r=0.64, p<0.001), ALP (r=0.68, p<0.001). Upon ROC analysis, OPN had the maximum area (0.998) under curve as compared to GGT and AST/ALT ratio. Conclusion: OPN is a better predictor of ALD as compared to GGT and AST/ALT ratio.
Microbiological Enumeration of Pathogens Associated with Urinary Tract Infection: Current Scenario and Its Medical Relevance
Authors: Singh Pooja , Chandola Jyoti , Shahi Manoj Singh , Sharma Narotam , Gupta Komal , Singh Sandeep
Published: February 2021

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common among community acquired infections worldwide affecting men as well as women, many reports suggested that uropathogens are becoming more resistant towards antibiotics, which can cause various problems during treatment.

Methods: In this study, 48 samples were collected from the suspected patients and these samples were subjected to various clinical evaluations.

Results: Among them 29 were females and 19 were males, in the studied cases E. coli (48.3%) was most frequently observed pathogens, S. aureus (29.03%).Among antibiotics, Tigecyclin (TGC) was the most effective antibiotic against all the three isolated bacteria, about 100% of bacteria showed the sensitivity towards it. E. coli was found to be the  most resistant bacteria against Tetracycline (TET) (66.6%) followed by Amoxiclav (AMC) (60%), Fosfomycin (Fo) (53.3%), Piperacilllin (PIP) (53.3%), Cefepime (CPM) (53.3%). Among K. pneumonia isolates had shown resistance against Tetracycline (TET) (57.1%), Fosfomycin (FO) (57.1%), Piperacillin (PI) (57.1%), Cephalexin (CZ) (57.1%) and Amikacin (AK) (57.1%). Staphylococcus aureus had shown maximum resistance against Tetracycline (TET) (66.5%), Co-amoxiclav (AMC) (66.5%) followed by Chloramphenicol (55.4%) and Cefepime (CPM) (55.4%).

Conclusion: In conclusion UTI infection rates are higher among females, E. coli was the most causative agents of UTI and the emergence of resistance in bacteria is probably due to the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotic Tigecyclin could be the drug of choice for the treatment of UTI.
Evaluation of Yield and Quality Attributes of Grafted Brinjal under Treated Paperboard Mill Effluent Irrigation and Sludge Application
Authors: Anushya M. , Balasubramanian G. , Thangavel P. , Saraswathi T. , Maheswari M. , Priyadharshini M.
Published: February 2021

Field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of paperboard mill sludge compost and treated paperboard mill effluent irrigation on growth and yield of grafted brinjal. Among the different treatment combinations, application of phosphorus enriched ETP sludge compost at 5 t ha-1 along with treated effluent through drip irrigation and recommended level of NPK (200:150:100 kg NPK ha-1) resulted the highest brinjal yield of 42.7 t ha-1. There were no adverse effects on soil properties due to sludge compost application and treated effluent irrigation. Quality attributes of the fruits which include anthocyanin content, total phenol content, ascorbic acid content, titrable acidity and protein content were not affected due to the composted sludge application along with treated effluent irrigation. Thus, the treated effluent and the composted sludge which complies with the state pollution control board norms can be used as a viable alternative source of irrigation and nutrients for grafted brinjal cultivation without adversely affecting on crop quality.
Overview of Human Capital Management Policies and Practices of the Textile Industry in Tirupur and Coimbatore Districts – A Study
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , S Dr. Akilandeswari
Published: February 2021

The commitment of Human capital of cooperative Textile units should be fixed at the maximum level. The role of industrial relation and bargaining moments in private sector textile units have been increased. The presence of the same should be ensured in order to make a good representation of the human capital on before top management and government. The job rotation and transfers of public sector employees strongly affect the work life balance of human capital. The process of transfer and job rotation should consider the personnel issues with the respect of the same. The Human capital outsourcing contract should be abolished in the study area. The Human capital Management strategies should be revised by the government, cooperative privates sector textile units to increase the Human Development Index (HDI) in the study area.
Transforming a Fluorochrome to an Efficient Photocatalyst for Oxidative Hydroxylation: A Supramolecular Dimerization Strategy Based on Host‐Enhanced Charge Transfer
Authors: Tang Bohan , Xu Weiquan , Xu Jiang‐Fei , Zhang Xi
Published: February 2021

The development of non‐covalent synthetic strategy to fabricate efficient photocatalysts is of great importance in theranostic and organic materials. Herein, a fluorochrome N,N′‐dimethyl 2,5‐bis(4‐pyridinium)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazolediiodide (MPT) was transformed into an efficient photocatalyst through supramolecular dimerization in the cavity of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). The host‐enhanced charge transfer interaction within the supramolecular dimer 2MPT‐CB[8] dramatically promoted intersystem crossing to produce triplet. In addition, the staggered conformation of 2MPT‐CB[8] facilitated the energy transfer and electron transfer of the triplet. As a result, 2MPT‐CB[8] could serve as a high‐efficiency photocatalyst for the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids. This supramolecular dimerization strategy enriches the supramolecular engineering of functional π‐systems. It is anticipated that this strategy can be extended to fabricate various π‐systems with tailor‐made functions.
Crown Ether Functionalized Potassium‐Responsive Anionocages for Cascaded Guest Delivery
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Huang Zhe , Li Anyang , Zhao Yanxia , Zuo Wei , Li Yawen , Miao Haohao , Ma Jiacheng , Sun Wei , Wang Xiaoqing , Cao Liping , Wu Biao , Jia Chuandong
Published: February 2021

In many critical biological processes, host–guest chemistry of protein receptors is regulated by effector molecules to realize cascaded delivery of messenger molecules between different targets. Mimicking these natural processes with artificial receptors remains a challenge. Herein, we report a cascaded guest delivery between two anionocages (anion‐coordination‐driven cages), in a reversible manner, wherein binding of K+ ions by a crown ether functionalized, heteroleptic A2L3 (A=anion, L=ligand) anionocage triggers the release and delivery of a TEA+ (tetraethylammonium) guest to another A2L3 anionocage that is a weaker and less K+‐sensitive receptor. Elimination of the K+ with [2,2,2]‐cryptand enables recapture of the TEA+ by the crown ether functionalized anionocage and thus realizes a reversed guest delivery. Moreover, integrative self‐sorting of anionocages is firstly reported, leading to heteroleptic cages with enhanced guest binding affinities.
Pilot RNA‐seq data from 24 species of vascular plants at Harvard Forest
Authors: Marx Hannah E. , Jorgensen Stacy A. , Wisely Eldridge , Li Zheng , Dlugosch Katrina M. , Barker Michael S.
Published: February 2021

Premise

Large‐scale projects such as the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) collect ecological data on entire biomes to track climate change. NEON provides an opportunity to launch community transcriptomic projects that ask integrative questions in ecology and evolution. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the challenges of collecting RNA‐seq data from diverse plant communities.

Methods

We generated >650 Gbp of RNA‐seq for 24 vascular plant species representing 12 genera and nine families at the Harvard Forest NEON site. Each species was sampled twice in 2016 (July and August). We assessed transcriptome quality and content with TransRate, BUSCO, and Gene Ontology annotations.

Results

Only modest differences in assembly quality were observed across multiple k‐mers. On average, transcriptomes contained hits to >70% of loci in the BUSCO database. We found no significant difference in the number of assembled and annotated transcripts between diploid and polyploid transcriptomes.

Discussion

We provide new RNA‐seq data sets for 24 species of vascular plants in Harvard Forest. Challenges associated with this type of study included recovery of high‐quality RNA from diverse species and access to NEON sites for genomic sampling. Overcoming these challenges offers opportunities for large‐scale studies at the intersection of ecology and genomics.
Equation of state of strange stars with admissible dark matter: Derivation from galactic rotational curves
Authors: Razeira Moisés , Köpp Fabio , Volkmer Guilherme , Machado Magno , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: February 2021

Compact stars consisting of strange quark matter and strange matter with admissible dark matter are studied by solving the Tolman‐Oppenheimer‐Volkoff equations for two fluids interacting only by gravity, with the dark‐matter EoS obtained by means of galaxy rotation curves. The properties of these stars are explored by means of the modeling of their mass‐radius relations and gravitational redshifts.
Symmetry energy and neutron pressure of finite nuclei using the relativistic mean‐field formalism
Authors: Biswal Nibedita , El Sheikh M. K Abu , Behera Deepanjali , Biswal Subrat Kumar , Patra Suresh Kumar , Yusof Norhliza , Kassim Hassan Abu , Carlson Brett Vern , Bhuyan Mrutunjaya
Published: February 2021

The present study investigates the isospin and Z‐dependency of the effective symmetry energy and its co‐efficient, namely, neutron pressure for the isotonic chain of neutron magic N = 40, and 82. The relativistic mean‐field model with the non‐linear NL3* parameter and Relativistic‐Hartree‐Bogoliubov approach with density‐dependent DD‐ME2 parameter sets are used for the analysis. The coherent density fluctuation model and Liquid‐Drop‐Approximation are adopted to formulate the nuclear matter observables such as symmetry energy, neutron pressure of finite nuclei at local density. We found a notable sign of the shell/sub‐shell closure following the proton magic over the isotonic chain. Further, a comparative analysis shows that the coherent density fluctuation model is a better approximation to include the surface effect of finite nuclei as compared to the Liquid‐Drop‐Approximation, which plays a significant role to determine the shell/sub‐shell closure over an isotopic and/or isotonic chain.
Sustainable Electricity Generation from Continuous Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Chinnaraj Ganesh , Priya Ponnaiah Gomathi
Published: February 2021

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device for wastewater treatment with simultaneous power generation. As batch‐mode MFCs are common, the present research work reports on two trials of continuous mode operation of MFCs using domestic wastewater as substrate and sludge as bacterial source. Trial‐2 was carried out with low substrate flow rate. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction during substrate treatment in trial‐1 and 2 was determined. Though the average power output was high in trial‐1, it had a drastically changing trend. Trial‐2 provided better water treatment and non‐fluctuating power output. Thus, it is favorable considering sustainable electricity generation.
A surrogate model for plaque modeling in carotids based on Robin conditions calibrated by cine MRI data
Authors: Pozzi Silvia , Domanin Maurizio , Forzenigo Laura , Votta Emiliano , Zunino Paolo , Redaelli Alberto , Vergara Christian
Published: February 2021

We propose a surrogate model for the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problem for the study of blood dynamics in carotid arteries in presence of plaque. This is based on the integration of a numerical model with subject‐specific data and clinical imaging. We propose to model the plaque as part of the tissues surrounding the vessel wall through the application of an elastic support boundary condition. In order to characterize the plaque and other surrounding tissues, such as the close‐by jugular vein, the elastic parameters of the boundary condition were spatially differentiated and their values were estimated by minimizing the discrepancies between computed vessel displacements and reference values obtained from CINE Magnetic Resonance Imaging data. We applied the model to three subjects with a degree of stenosis greater than 70%. We found that accounting for both plaque and jugular vein in the estimation of the elastic parameters increases the accuracy. In particular, in all patients, mismatches between computed and in vivo measured wall displacements were one to two orders of magnitude lower than the spatial resolution of the original MRI data. These results confirmed the validity of the proposed surrogate plaque model. We also compared fluid‐dynamics results with those obtained in a fixed wall setting and in a full FSI model, used as gold standard, highlighting the better accordance of our results in comparison to the rigid ones.
Efficient Direct Reverse Intersystem Crossing between Charge Transfer‐Type Singlet and Triplet States in a Purely Organic Molecule
Authors: Wada Yoshimasa , Wakisaka Yasuaki , Kaji Hironori
Published: February 2021

In the field of organic light‐emitting diodes, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have achieved great performance. The key factor for this performance is the small energy gap (ΔEST) between the lowest triplet (T1) and singlet excited (S1) states, which can be realized in a well‐separated donor‐acceptor system. Such systems are likely to possess similar charge transfer (CT)‐type T1 and S1 states. Recent investigations have suggested that the intervention of other type‐states, such as locally excited triplet state(s), is necessary for efficient reverse intersystem crossing (RISC). Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that our blue TADF material exhibits efficient RISC even between singlet CT and triplet CT states without any additional states. The key factor is dynamic flexibility of the torsion angle between the donor and acceptor, which enhances spin‐orbit coupling even between the charge transfer‐type T1 and S1 states, without sacrificing the small ΔEST. This results in excellent photoluminescence and electroluminescence performances in all the host materials we investigate, with sky‐blue to deep‐blue emissions. Among the hosts investigated, the deepest blue emission with CIE coordinates of (0.15, 0.16) and the highest EQEMAX of 23.9 % are achieved simultaneously.
DNA‐Guided Programmable Protein Assemblies for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Xu Xuemei , Han Da
Published: February 2021

While the protein assemblies have been found widely existing and playing significant roles in biological systems, their imitation and re‐construction is further boosting more applications in biomedical research, such as enzymatic reaction regulation, sensing, and biomedicine. DNA nanotechnology provides a programmable strategy for the fabrication of nanostructures with unprecedented accuracy on the nanoscale. By linking the DNA nanotechnology with proteins of different functions, the precise construction of DNA‐guided protein assemblies can be achieved for various biomedical applications. This minireview summarizes the recent advances in the programmable protein assemblies on DNA nanoplatforms and discusses the outlook of DNA‐guided protein assemblies in the biomedical research.